Wrap Text
Quarterly update for the period ended 31 March 2015
MTN Group Limited
(Incorporated in the Republic of South Africa)
Registration number: 1994/009584/06
ISIN: ZAE000042164
Share code: MTN
(“MTN” or “the Group”)
Quarterly update for the period ended 31 March 2015
MTN is a leading emerging market mobile operator, connecting approximately 228 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.
MTN Group records 227,5 million subscribers
Highlights
- Satisfactory subscriber growth of 1,8% quarter-on-quarter (QoQ), adding 4,1 million subscribers
- Muted subscriber growth in South Africa due to delays in engaging a replacement distributor and reduced handset
sales
- Satisfactory subscriber growth in Nigeria of 2,1%, despite a weakening macro-economic environment
- Registered Mobile Money subscribers across the Group of 27,4 million, up 23,2% QoQ across 14 operations
- Reported data revenue increased by 16,7% year-on-year (YoY), now contributing 20,8% to total revenue, organic data
revenues increased 24,0% YoY.
YoY growth - refers to Quarter 1, 2015 vs Quarter 1, 2014
QoQ growth - refers to Quarter 1, 2015 vs Quarter 4, 2014
MTN Group president and CEO, Sifiso Dabengwa comments:
“MTN’s results for the quarter were impacted by a weaker macro-economic environment following the reduction in the
price of oil in 2014 and continued price competition. MTN Nigeria is improved subscriber growth trends although
revenue and minutes growth remains a challenge. While South African operation's subscriber growth was impacted by
seasonality and some operational challenges, revenue growth was encouraging.
"We continue to focus on our non-voice services which remain the key driver of the Group’s revenue growth. In the
quarter, we bolstered our management team to facilitate growth in these areas. We appointed a Group chief consumer
officer and have made provision for the appointment of an executive for our digital business. Data revenue increased
by 16,7% as we expanded our 3G and LTE networks and stimulated the adoption of data-enabled devices and smartphones."
Operational review
This commentary includes an analysis of the quarterly performance of MTN South Africa, MTN Nigeria and the Group’s
large opco cluster. A detailed schedule of subscriber numbers and quarterly average revenue per user (ARPU) data for
all 22 operations is also included as an appendix. The reported ARPU is based on actual quarterly ARPU and is
disclosed in both US dollars and local currency.
MTN South Africa recorded muted subscriber growth, ending the quarter with 28,0 million subscribers. The post-paid and
pre-paid subscriber base declined marginally recording 5,4 million and 22,6 million subscribers respectively. This was
impacted by seasonality, some short-term challenges in the distribution channel and lower handset sales. Despite this,
the operation remained competitive increasing total minutes by more than 100% YoY. Total minutes declined 6.1% QoQ,
impacted by seasonality.
Data revenue showed strong growth of 21,8% YoY and now contributes 27,7% to total revenue. This was supported by
attractive data promotions including data bundles and segmented e-journey communications. Data usage increased 62,6%
YoY while data users increased 18,1% YoY to 17,2 million. MTN South Africa continues to focus on cost containment
initiatives and optimising its operating model. Blended ARPU decreased by 4,8% to R87.
MTN Nigeria increased its subscriber base by 2,1% to 61,1 million and maintained subscriber market share during the
quarter. This was supported by competitive value propositions including promotions focused on family and friends,
which stimulated on-net traffic. Total minutes on the network declined by 2,0% QoQ impacted largely by seasonality,
and declined 2,4% YoY mainly due to increasing inflation and reduced consumer spend.
Local currency data revenue continued to grow strongly increasing by 17,0% YoY and now contributes 19,7% to total
revenue. This was achieved despite the significant YoY decline in data tariffs and was driven by data subscriber
growth of 17,6% YoY as well as strong growth in digital services. Diamond Yellow, our Mobile Money offering, has
continued to gain traction with a key focus on stimulating subscriber activity, bank partnerships and expansion of
the distribution footprint.
While voice revenue growth remains challenging and is below expectations, the trend over the past six months is
positive with improvements in average daily revenues. Local currency ARPU declined by 1,4% as a result
of lower voice revenue.
Other operations: Large opco cluster
MTN Irancell delivered a sound performance despite strong competition, increasing its subscriber base by 1,1% to
44,4 million in a highly penetrated market. Total minutes declined by 1,8% QoQ and 7,7% YoY, mainly impacted by the
substitution of voice with data services following the sharp decline in data tariffs in line with a data tariff cap
introduced by the regulator in January 2015. Local currency data revenue increased by 101,5% YoY and now contributes
24,5% to total revenue.
The operation remains strongly focused on the expansion of 3G and 4G networks as well as providing attractive
bundled data packages. At the end of the quarter MTN Irancell business had 2,959 3G sites on air and 993 LTE sites
on air.
MTN Ghana continued to perform well despite a weak macro-economic environment. The operation grew its subscriber base
2,6% to 14,2 million, largely attributable to attractive “win a prize” promotions encouraging customers to talk, text
and browse. Total minutes increased 35,5% YoY while QoQ minutes declined 3,7%, largely impacted by seasonality. Local
currency data revenue increased by 38,9% YoY and now contributes 20,4% to total revenue.
Mobile Money showed strong growth, recording 3,5 million registered subscribers at the end of the quarter and Mobile
Money revenues increased more than 250% YoY and now account for approximately 5% of total revenue. MTN Ghana continues
to focus on cost optimisation, however, the weaker cedi against the US dollar has resulted in pressure on US dollar
denominated expenses. Local currency ARPU declined 2,2% for the quarter.
MTN Cameroon increased its subscriber base by 4,5% to 10,1 million despite aggressive price competition. Total
minutes increased 15,5% YoY and 23,4% QoQ driven by competitive promotions such as Sunday campaigns, international
bundles and reward offers. Local currency data revenue increased by 28,1% YoY.
The operation launched 3G services in March 2015 and has rolled out 253 3G sites during the quarter and this is
expected to be a key driver of data revenues for the balance of the year. MTN Cameroon recorded 1,6 million Mobile
Money subscribers, although the revenue contribution from financial services remains low. Local currency ARPU
increased by 2,7% QoQ supported by relatively stable tariffs and higher minutes.
MTN Ivory Coast delivered a satisfactory performance in a competitive market, increasing its subscriber base by 3,5%
to 8,3 million. Total minutes declined by 0,8% YoY largely due to the discontinuation of MTN call boxes.
Attractive usage offerings such as MTN Zone discounts and on-net bonuses upon recharge were introduced to stimulate
usage on the network. The operation continued to advance its Mobile Money offering, recording 2,6 million Mobile Money
subscribers at the end of the quarter.
Local currency data revenue increased by 56,1% YoY and now contributes 14,0% to total revenue. This was attributable
to attractive data bonus offers. Local currency ARPU declined by 6,0% mainly due to lower minutes, which
impacted voice revenue.
MTN Uganda increased its subscriber base by 3,8% to 10,8 million. Revised MTN Zone and bonus offerings helped to
stimulate minutes on the network, which were up 17,6% YoY. Local currency data revenue increased by 18,3% YoY and now
contributes 26,1% to total revenue. This was supported by improved data bundles and Mobile Money subscriber activity.
Mobile Money continued to show solid growth, recording 7,9 million subscribers. Local currency ARPU decreased 9,9% as
a result of a 10,6% decline in the effective rate per minute (ERM) impacting voice revenue.
MTN Sudan reported a net reduction of 355 000 subscribers largely as a result of a weak economy and security
challenges in key cities impacting gross subscriber additions. There was also a marked reduction in multi-simming
impacting net connections. The operation continues to focus on churn management initiatives and the rollout of its
Mobile Money distribution footprint. Local currency data revenue increased by 84,2% YoY, driven by attractive data
bundles and now contributes 17,5% to total revenue. Local currency ARPU increased by 6,5%.
MTN Syria continues to operate in extremely challenging conditions reporting a decline in its subscriber base by
1,9% to 5,7 million. Security, power restrictions, staff retention and diesel availability remain some of the key
challenges. Local currency data revenue continued to show positive growth and increased by 22,2% YoY, while local
currency ARPU declined by 8,0%.
Subscriber net addition guidance for FY2015
December 2014 March 2015
‘000 ‘000
South Africa 2 400 2 400
Nigeria 4 750 4 750
Large opco 7 100 6 850
Iran 1 750 1 750
Ghana 1 100 1 100
Cameroon 1 500 1 500
Ivory Coast 800 800
Sudan 750 500
Syria 0 0
Uganda 1 200 1 200
Small opco 3 250 3 500
Total 17 500 17 500
Subscribers
(‘000)
Country 1Q14 2Q14 3Q14 4Q14 1Q15 QoQ %
South Africa 24 875 25 269 26 701 27 993 27 958 (0,1)
Postpaid 5 192 5 458 5 477 5 419 5 402 (0,3)
Prepaid 19 683 19 811 21 224 22 574 22 555 (0,1)
Nigeria 57 224 58 446 58 363 59 893 61 149 2,1
Large opco cluster 95 540 98 519 100 358 100 675 102 156 1,5
Iran 41 783 42 697 43 533 43 940 44 421 1,1
Ghana 13 055 13 439 13 547 13 852 14 208 2,6
Syria 5 723 5 653 5 676 5 861 5 747 (1,9)
Ivory Coast 7 521 7 742 7 723 8 016 8 295 3,5
Cameroon 9 236 10 233 11 223 9 658 10 097 4,5
Uganda 9 549 9 920 10 181 10 396 10 791 3,8
Sudan 8 672 8 836 8 474 8 951 8 595 (4,0)
Small opco cluster 32 426 32 726 33 770 34 835 36 240 4,0
Yemen 5 185 5 268 5 300 5 355 5 595 4,5
Afghanistan 6 058 6 182 6 339 6 435 6 390 (0,7)
Benin 3 259 3 337 3 455 3 533 3 782 7,0
Congo B 1 865 1 911 1 972 2 012 2 038 1,3
Zambia 4 161 4 010 4 447 4 932 5 386 9,2
Conakry 2 885 2 929 2 890 3 035 3 272 7,8
Rwanda 3 525 3 621 3 743 3 820 3 889 1,8
Cyprus 399 336 339 337 331 (2,0)
Liberia 1 355 1 308 1 299 1 294 1 319 1,9
Botswana 1 700 1 702 1 696 1 758 1 783 1,4
Bissau 490 550 575 596 636 6,7
Swaziland 813 868 928 889 915 2,9
South Sudan 732 704 787 839 904 7,8
Total subscribers 210 065 214 961 219 191 223 396 227 503 1,8
ARPU (Local currency)
1Q14 2Q14 3Q14 4Q14 1Q15 QoQ %
South Africa 95,21 93,58 89,26 91,55 87,16 (4,8)
Postpaid 189,30 166,37 159,76 170,00 159,52 (6,2)
Prepaid 71,98 74,16 70,40 72,06 69,75 (3,2)
Nigeria 1 177,82 1 124,34 1 123,29 1 118,11 1 102,59 (1,4)
Large opco
Iran 102 834,76 108 478,89 109 683,56 110 005,75 110 351,87 0,3
Ghana 11,73 11,97 12,02 12,59 12,32 (2,2)
Syria 718,37 797,17 778,42 767,15 706,14 (8,0)
Ivory Coast 3 095,89 2 883,62 2 830,00 3 133,92 2 946,57 (6,0)
Cameroon 2 469,15 2 193,14 2 274,49 2 166,95 2 225,90 2,7
Uganda 8 974,72 8 688,11 8 801,30 8 687,07 7 998,46 (7,9)
Sudan 12,36 13,21 13,07 13,88 14,77 6,5
Small opco
Yemen 1 182,54 1 171,57 1 159,58 1 087,12 970,24 (10,8)
Afghanistan 180,62 195,43 190,33 179,85 159,27 (11,4)
Benin 3 764,70 3 613,43 3 689,51 3 796,19 3 512,75 (7,5)
Congo B 5 494,05 5 350,72 5 985,40 5 554,26 5 312,87 (4,3)
Zambia 28,58 32,57 38,33 33,70 28,61 (15,1)
Conakry 29 163,91 22 552,64 18 718,42 20 334,09 19 190,61 (5,6)
Rwanda 1 655,75 1 684,02 1 763,68 1 545,17 1 538,99 (0,4)
Cyprus 18,20 19,90 19,12 17,67 17,15 (3,0)
Liberia 6,98 6,34 3,93 5,22 5,07 (2,9)
Botswana 65,00 66,00 72,00 73,56 61,04 (17,0)
Bissau 2 315,70 2 619,19 2 323,20 2 229,73 2 201,47 (1,3)
Swaziland 100,88 100,03 98,17 102,10 94,26 (7,7)
South Sudan 24,82 26,14 29,08 24,69 26,13 5,8
ARPU (US dollar)
1Q14 2Q14 3Q14 4Q14 1Q15 QoQ %
South Africa 9,31 8,86 8,34 8,21 7,45 (9,2)
Nigeria 7,21 6,92 6,91 6,47 5,68 (12,3)
Large opco
Iran 4,13 4,26 4,18 4,11 4,01 (2,5)
Ghana 4,70 4,04 3,35 3,93 3,57 (9,1)
Syria 4,81 4,88 4,60 4,06 3,31 (18,5)
Ivory Coast 6,46 6,04 5,70 5,95 5,07 (14,7)
Cameroon 5,15 4,60 4,58 4,11 3,83 (6,8)
Uganda 3,58 3,45 3,36 3,19 2,79 (12,6)
Sudan 2,17 2,32 2,29 2,38 2,47 3,8
Small opco
Yemen 5,50 5,45 5,39 5,06 4,51 (10,8)
Afghanistan 3,16 3,39 3,34 3,12 2,76 (11,4)
Benin 7,86 7,57 7,43 7,20 6,05 (16,1)
Congo B 11,46 11,21 12,06 10,54 9,14 (13,2)
Zambia 4,97 5,05 6,26 5,35 4,23 (20,9)
Conakry 4,23 3,28 2,72 2,91 2,69 (7,7)
Rwanda 2,46 2,49 2,58 2,26 2,27 0,8
Cyprus 24,91 27,35 25,39 21,99 19,35 (12,0)
Liberia 6,98 6,34 3,93 5,22 5,07 (2,9)
Botswana 7,28 7,52 8,10 8,29 6,27 (24,4)
Bissau 4,83 5,49 4,68 4,23 3,79 (10,4)
Swaziland 9,35 9,47 9,12 9,15 8,06 (12,0)
South Sudan 7,85 8,27 9,20 7,81 8,26 5,8
The financial information on which this quarterly update is based has not been reviewed or reported
on by MTN’s external auditors.
Fairland
23 April 2015
Sponsor
Deutsche Securities (SA) Proprietary Limited
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