Wrap Text
Quarterly update for the nine-month period ended 30 September 2013
MTN Group Limited
Quarterly update for the nine-month period ended 30 September 2013
MTN Group Limited
(MTN, the Group)
Registration number: 1994/009584/06
ISIN: ZAE000042164
Share code: MTN
MTN Group records 203,8 million subscribers
MTN is a leading emerging market mobile operator, connecting approximately 204 million people in 22
countries across Africa and the Middle East. MTN is at the forefront of global technological changes,
delivering a bold, new Digital World to our customers.
* Subscriber growth impacted by price competition and registration regulations
* Nigeria reported strong local currency revenue growth for the quarter up 10,4% (3Q13 vs 3Q12)
* Continued strong momentum in group data for nine months, up 34,7% YoY
* Encouraging progress in mobile money with total registered subscribers now 13,4 million
* Capital expenditure on track in key markets supporting overall growth
* The South African market remains challenging given regulatory and competitive actions
MTN Group President and CEO, Sifiso Dabengwa comments:
The third quarter has been characterised by lower than anticipated subscriber growth following ongoing
price competition and subscriber registration requirements across a number of markets. Subscriber growth
was limited to 1,1% quarter on quarter (QoQ) mainly impacted by disconnections in Nigeria related to
registration requirements, slower than expected subscriber growth in South Africa, as well as slower
subscriber growth in Iran.
During the quarter the Group continued to focus on segmented competitive voice and data tariffs and
improving network quality to cater for increased traffic. Data and mobile money remain a key focus for
the Group with traditional voice revenue under pressure. Data revenue for the Group increased by 34,7%
year on year (YoY), contributing 14,1% to total revenue while mobile money subscribers increased 10,7%
QoQ to 13,4 million across 13 operations.
Operational review
MTN Group
This commentary includes an analysis of the performance of MTN South Africa, MTN Nigeria and the Groups
Large Opco Cluster. A detailed schedule of subscriber numbers and quarterly average revenue per user
(ARPU) data for all 21 operations (excluding South Sudan) is also included. ARPU is based on actual
quarterly ARPU and is disclosed in both US dollars and local currency.
MTN South Africa showed some progress after a challenging first half but we expect conditions to remain
challenging for the balance of 2013. The operation added 233 000 subscribers bringing the total of
subscribers to 25,2 million at the end of the quarter. This was attributable to more competitive product
offerings and focused marketing campaigns. The prepaid segment grew its subscriber base marginally,
gaining some traction through its revised MTN Zone offering and the launch of a competitive international
calling campaign. The postpaid segment delivered a satisfactory performance driven by segmented marketing
campaigns and attractive classic and hybrid packages. Revenue growth declined, (YoY) mainly due to lower
effective voice tariffs and slower subscriber growth. Data remains the largest contributor to revenue growth
with an increase of 16,6% (YoY). Data users increased to 13,9 million as a result of attractive data packages.
MTN South Africa continues to engage with the regulator on the proposed draft interconnect regulations.
MTN Nigeria delivered a satisfactory performance, maintaining market share, in a highly competitive market.
Subscribers grew marginally to 55,6 million. This was impacted by the mandatory SIM registration deadline in
July 2013, the disconnections in the Borneo state following the shut down of services as well as lower gross
connections in the GSM market. These factors will continue to impact net additions for the balance of the year.
The key focus during the quarter was on improving network quality and introducing more value added services to
customers. There has been a significant improvement in network quality with 812 2G and 497 3G sites added in
the quarter. The quality and capacity of the network now meet regulatory KPIs allowing MTN to implement
promotional products and services. Segmented product offerings remain a focus as price competition persists.
Local currency revenue showed encouraging growth, ahead of guidance, increasing 10,4% for the quarter over
the comparable prior year quarter. Local currency data revenue continues to grow strongly and 3G coverage and
effective data pricing remains a priority. Local currency ARPU remained relatively stable.
Other Operations: Large Opco Cluster
MTN Irancells subscriber base declined by 1,7% to 41,3 million (QoQ). The slow down in gross connections
was due to the weakening economy in a fully penetrated market and increased promotional activities by the
competitor. The withdrawal of the 2in1 offering also impacted subscriber growth. New promotional offers have
subsequently been implemented to address acquisition and retention. Encouragingly notwithstanding the decline
in subscriber numbers the positive revenue trend evidenced at the interim period continued in the third quarter.
Local currency data revenue increased 54,8% (YoY) and now contributes 9,6% of total revenue. This was mainly
driven by improved network quality and attractive data packages. Local currency ARPU increased by 4,3% assisted
by the increase in data revenue.
MTN Ghana performed well in a competitive environment maintaining market share. QoQ subscribers increased by
1,4% to 12,8 million subscribers. Net additions in the quarter were impacted by a clean-up of the subscriber
base. During the quarter the operation focused on internet and mobile money awareness and educating customers
on the values and benefits of related products. Local currency data revenue increased 67,3% (YoY) and
contributed 8,3% of total revenue and supported the continued double-digit growth in reported revenues. Mobile
money continued to gain traction with 2 million mobile money subscribers reported at the end of September.
MTN Cameroon delivered a particularly encouraging performance, increasing its subscriber base 7,0% to 8,2
million subscribers (QoQ) and maintaining market share. This was attributable to a wide range of bonus offers
and effective dormancy management. An improved distribution channel also contributed to the operations
performance. Local currency revenue showed improved growth over the interim period and the business made further
gains in value share. Local currency data revenue increased by 31,8% (YoY), contributing 4,8% to total revenue.
Local currency ARPU increased by 2,8% largely driven by effective tariff management. Mobile money subscribers
showed good growth, increasing 30,9% (QoQ) to 1,2 million subscribers.
MTN Ivory Coast increased its subscribers by 1,7% to 6,7 million (QoQ). This was mainly due to attractive
bonus top up and data promotions. Local currency data revenue increased by 31,9% (YoY) while mobile money
gained momentum, increasing 12,1% to 1,3 million subscribers. Local currency ARPU declined 4,2%. The operation
has introduced new offerings to the market in October and these are expected to stimulate improved revenue
trends for the balance of the year.
MTN Uganda reported strong results, increasing its subscriber base by 4,3% to 8,4 million (QoQ). Revenue
trends in the quarter continued with the same momentum as reported at the interim period. This was mainly
attributable to attractive bundled offers aimed at both acquisition and retention. Enhanced sales and
distribution campaigns also assisted in this performance. Local currency data revenue increased by 52,7% (YoY)
and now contributes 18,9% to total revenue. Local currency ARPU declined 6,4% for the quarter. Mobile money
continued to show a strong performance with subscribers increasing by 7,0% (QoQ) to 4,7 million.
MTN Sudans subscriber base decreased marginally in the quarter. This was mainly due to the recently
introduced subscriber registration programme, increased competition and a delay in site rollout also impacted
subscriber numbers. Subscriber retention and segmentation initiatives remain a key focus. Despite negative net
additions for the quarter, local currency revenue and earnings before interest, taxation, depreciation and
amortisation (EBITDA) growth remained strong. Local currency ARPU decreased by 3,6%. Data revenue increased
by more than 200%, despite slow 3G rollout, contributing 7,2% to revenue.
MTN Syria continues to operate in an extremely challenging environment. Subscribers increased by 5,1% to 5,8
million and encouragingly, the negative revenue trends appear to have stabalised and the business recorded a
10,3% growth in revenues (QoQ) supported by an increase in tariffs. Security, power outages and insufficient
fuel supply remain some of the key challenges. Data revenue increased by 39,0% (YoY) while local currency
ARPU increased by 4,8% (QoQ).
Subscriber net additions guidance
June 2013 September 2013
000 000
South Africa 800 500
Nigeria 9 000 9 000
Large Opco 8 150 6 450
Iran 3 600 1 400
Ghana 1 450 1 400
Cameroon 850 1 050
Ivory Coast 850 850
Sudan 1 350 1 150
Syria (750) (250)
Uganda 800 850
Small Opco 3 150 3 150
Total 21 100 19 100
Subscribers
(000)
Quarter-
on-quarter
change
Country 3Q12 4Q12 1Q13 2Q13 3Q13 %
South Africa 24 498 25 421 24 950 25 001 25 235 0,9
Post-paid 4 346 4 498 4 636 4 759 4 875 2,4
Pre-paid 20 152 20 923 20 314 20 242 20 360 0,6
Nigeria 45 640 47 441 51 295 55 238 55 596 0,6
Other 112 043 115 824 118 557 120 680 122 277 1,3
Large Opco Cluster 84 451 87 236 89 318 90 805 91 499 0,8
Iran 39 382 40 502 41 542 42 025 41 295 (1,7)
Ghana 11 270 11 735 12 024 12 588 12 765 1,4
Syria 6 021 6 028 5 665 5 507 5 787 5,1
Ivory Coast 6 489 6 079 6 433 6 572 6 683 1,7
Cameroon 7 067 7 307 7 499 7 623 8 160 7,0
Uganda 7 239 7 702 7 950 8 041 8 386 4,3
Sudan 6 982 7 883 8 206 8 448 8 423 (0,3)
Small Opco Cluster 27 591 29 168* 29 239 29 876 30 778 3,0
Yemen 4 445 4 576 4 691 4 789 5 010 4,6
Afghanistan 5 326 5 224 5 376 5 460 5 650 3,5
Benin 2 602 2 672 2 739 2 838 2 976 4,9
Congo - Brazzaville 1 748 1 740 1 720 1 731 1 757 1,5
Zambia 3 470 4 074 4 200 4 234 4 471 5,6
Guinea-Conakry 2 340 2 276 2 353 2 450 2 524 3,0
Rwanda 3 229 3 432 3 451 3 600 3 637 1,0
Cyprus 316 313 312 324 328 1,3
Liberia 1 102 1 189 1 231 1 258 1 278 1,6
Botswana 1 600 1 632 1 623 1 636 1 691 3,3
Guinea-Bissau 622 656 727 727 603 (17,0)
Swaziland 791 806 817 829 852 2,7
Total subscribers* 182 704 189 266 195 388 201 534 203 762 1,1
* Includes South Sudan
ARPU
(Local currency)
Quarter-
on-quarter
change
3Q12 4Q12 1Q13 2Q13 3Q13 %
South Africa 121,25 120,36 110,62 105,40 106,06 0,6
Post-paid 241,62 237,35 222,34 220,90 215,55 (2,4)
Pre-paid 95,18 95,16 86,05 78,64 80,17 1,9
Nigeria 1 326,12 1 269,01 1 245,64 1 150,39 1 148,78 (0,1)
Large OpCo Cluster
Iran 91 196,47 89 432,79 92 298,84 96 426,65 100 548,63 4,3
Ghana 11,63 11,49 11,32 11,45 11,16 (2,5)
Syria 605,12 544,47 504,88 610,52 639,84 4,8
Ivory Coast 2 870,24 3 248,90 3 183,33 3 251,97 3 115,99 (4,2)
Cameroon 2 602,40 2 817,53 2 685,36 2 641,64 2 715,32 2,8
Uganda 9 653,43 9 660,26 9 368,65 10 425,73 9 761,85 (6,4)
Sudan 11,57 11,93 11,19 11,50 11,09 (3,6)
Small OpCo Cluster
Yemen 1 303,46 1 321,90 1 294,57 1 296,52 1 302,91 0,5
Afghanistan 234,09 205,14 206,21 220,89 204,79 (7,3)
Benin 4 086,18 4 017,78 3 862,85 3 772,26 3 678,13 (2,5)
Congo B 5 808,30 5 375,20 5 252,34 5 192,13 5 979,58 15,2
Zambia 25,45 24,90 22,51 23,18 27,22 17,4
Conakry 35 867,40 37 715,56 37 914,82 36 603,70 33 273,31 (9,1)
Rwanda 2 374,07 2 288,04 1 888,47 1 790,45 1 728,22 (3,5)
Cyprus 20,46 19,43 18,30 19,86 18,58 (6,5)
Liberia 9,45 7,84 8,63 8,61 7,92 (8,1)
Botswana 67,01 72,49 61,84 67,60 67,25 (0,5)
Bissau 2 170,03 2 005,40 1 968,81 1 769,86 1 540,66 (13,0)
Swaziland 89,12 94,17 92,10 87,95 96,00 9,1
ARPU
(US dollar)
Quarter-
on-quarter
change
3Q12 4Q12 1Q13 2Q13 3Q13 %
South Africa 14,62 13,92 12,38 11,06 10,55 (4,6)
Nigeria 8,30 8,08 7,89 7,23 7,11 (1,8)
Large OpCo Cluster
Iran 7,44 3,91 3,76 3,90 4,06 4,1
Ghana 6,02 6,06 5,92 5,78 5,40 (6,5)
Syria 8,85 7,09 5,54 5,45 3,70 (32,0)
Ivory Coast 5,51 6,44 6,42 6,46 6,30 (2,5)
Cameroon 5,00 5,58 5,41 5,25 5,49 4,6
Uganda 3,86 3,69 3,56 4,03 3,79 (6,0)
Sudan 2,51 2,71 2,54 2,61 2,40 (8,0)
Small OpCo Cluster
Yemen 6,06 6,15 6,02 6,03 6,06 0,6
Afghanistan 4,52 3,91 3,92 4,00 3,64 (9,1)
Benin 7,81 7,96 7,79 7,49 7,43 (0,8)
Congo B 11,15 10,65 10,59 10,31 12,08 17,2
Zambia 5,07 4,79 4,22 4,34 5,03 16,0
Conakry 5,24 5,49 5,56 5,43 4,93 (9,1)
Rwanda 3,89 3,67 3,01 2,83 2,66 (5,9)
Cyprus 25,05 25,25 24,18 25,87 24,62 (4,8)
Liberia 9,45 7,84 8,63 8,61 7,92 (8,1)
Botswana 8,69 9,20 7,68 8,05 7,80 (3,1)
Bissau 4,15 3,97 3,97 3,51 3,11 (11,4)
Swaziland 10,76 10,89 10,32 9,23 9,55 3,5
The financial information on which this quarterly update is based has not been reviewed or reported on by MTNs
external auditors.
Fairland
23 October 2013
Sponsor
Deutsche Securities (SA) Proprietary Limited
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