Wrap Text
Vodacom Group Limited Interim Results for the six months ended 30 September 2018
Vodacom Group Limited
(Incorporated in the Republic of South Africa)
Registration number: 1993/005461/06
(ISIN: ZAE000132577 Share Code: VOD)
(ISIN: US92858D2009 ADR code: VDMCY)
(Vodacom)
Vodacom Group Limited Interim Results
for the six months ended 30 September 2018
12 November 2018
Highlights
- Group service revenue up 6.1% (5.8%*) to R36.8 billion#; and Group revenue increased 5.6% (5.4%*) to R44.4 billion#.
- We added 4.8 million customers in the six months, up 10.7%, comprising 2.5 million in South Africa and 2.3 million in our International operations.
- Safaricom added 373 000 customers. In combination, we now serve over 109 million customers across the Group.
- South Africa service revenue increased 4.6% to R27.9 billion#, supported by strong customer growth. International operations service revenue growth accelerated to 12.8%
(11.4%*), boosted by strong growth in data and M-Pesa.
- Group EBIT improved 3.4% (2.8%*) to R11.2 billion#, with strong improvement in our International operations.
- Significant capital investment of R5.3 billion to expand our coverage and improve the quality of our networks.
- Vodacom Lesotho, the first operator to launch a commercial 5G network in Africa.
- Concluded our new Broad-based black economic empowerment (BEE) ownership deal, the largest deal of its kind in the ICT sector.
- Safaricom contributed R1.4 billion profit, after deducting the amortisation of fair valued assets and before minority interest.
- Interim dividend per share of 395 cents, improved, despite issue of 114.5 million new shares for new BEE structure.
Shameel Joosub Vodacom Group CEO commented:
Following on from last year's extraordinary year for Vodacom, we delivered two strategic milestones during the first half of this year. In September, we concluded our second BEE
transaction under the YeboYethu umbrella to replace the highly successful R7.5 billion deal launched in 2008.
Valued at R16.4 billion, the new scheme is the biggest ever in the Telecommunications industry in South Africa and makes YeboYethu our third largest shareholder. As expected,
the costs associated with this transaction had a once-off impact on headline earnings per share. Excluding the charges relating to the BEE transaction and contribution from
Safaricom, HEPS rose 6.0%~. To facilitate the new BEE structure, we issued an additional 114.5 million shares yet increased our interim dividend to 395cps.
In September, Vodacom Lesotho became the first company to commercially launch 5G on the African continent. This makes Vodacom Lesotho amongst the first in the world to lay
claim to this innovation, paving the way for our other operations to follow suit once we secure the requisite spectrum.
Over 5 million customers joined the Vodacom and Safaricom networks, increasing the combined customer base to 109 million. This shows that our strategy of sustained and
targeted investment in customer and network experience across our operations is delivering strong results, contributing to the 5.8%* growth in service revenue across the Group.
In South Africa, underlying growth has weakened as the country's economic slowdown increasingly weighs on consumer spending in the market. Still, service revenue rose 4.6% as
anticipatory measures driven by the use of Big Data machine learning in more areas of the business has contributed to countering some of these pressures. The 2.5 million increase
in customers in South Africa since March, shows that our sustained effort to deliver greater value is working across prepaid and contract and is evidence that our personalisation
through Big Data is delivering results.
We invested R4 billion in South Africa alone in the past six months and at the same time we reduced effective voice and data prices by 8.5% and 16.4% respectively. We continue to
accelerate our rural coverage expansion programme to bridge the digital divide and will prioritise an additional 200 villages this year to add to the 101 communities that we
connected during the first quarter of this year.
Mozambique produced an excellent performance while the momentum from our commercial actions in Tanzania and DRC last year continues to gather pace. This contributed to
the strong performance in our International portfolio where normalised service revenue grew 11.4%*, led by rising customer numbers, accelerating demand for data and improved
growth in M-Pesa.
The contribution to the Group by our mobile money platform continues to improve. The combined customer base, including Safaricom, grew 13.7% to 34.2 million. In our
International operations, we processed M-Pesa transactions worth USD14 billion, supporting a 25.2% increase in revenue to R1.4 billion. M-Pesa now supports 21 million Safaricom
customers, an increase of 8.8%, and M-Pesa now constitutes nearly one-third of its service revenues.
Our strategic investment in Safaricom, concluded in the previous financial year, is exceeding our expectations having contributed R1.4 billion to the Vodacom Group's operating
profit. Safaricom reported a 7.7% increase in service revenue and an 18.7% rise in EBIT.
Looking ahead, the relative economic and currency stability in most of our International markets is pleasing and we will continue to invest heavily in our networks, artificial
intelligence and Big Data analytics to drive financial inclusion, further enhance customer experience and progress Vodacom's digital telco strategy. I am pleased that Telkom has
selected Vodacom as its new roaming partner, and we look forward to delivery on this long-term mutually beneficial agreement. Apart from the commercial benefit, this
partnership will also result in cost savings for Vodacom. Efforts to reduce the cost to communicate are contingent on having access to the right spectrum at reasonable market-
related prices. While we are encouraged by the significant progress in recent times regarding the licensing of 4G spectrum in South Africa, there are still a number of areas of
concern with the current draft Electronic Communications Act as well as inconsistencies in the proposed policy and policy directions to ICASA on licensing unassigned high
demand spectrum. We remain committed to engaging with relevant stakeholders to find a suitable outcome to move South Africa forward.
Six months ended 30 September % change
2018 2018 2017 IAS 18
Rm IFRS 15 IAS 18# IAS 18 IAS 18 Normalised*
Revenue 42 707 44 364 41 995 5.6 5.4
Service revenue 34 552 36 765 34 654 6.1 5.8
EBITDA 16 534 16 468 15 731 4.7 4.1
EBIT 11 263 11 197 10 830 3.4 2.8
Net profit from associate and joint venture^ 1 345 1 361 349 >200.0
Net profit 6 789 6 756 6 712 0.7
Capital expenditure 5 334 5 334 5 378 (0.8)
Operating free cash flow 7 074 7 074 6 311 12.1
Interim dividend per share (cents) 395 n/a 390 1.3
Following the prospective adoption of IFRS 15: Revenue from Contracts with Customers on 1 April 2018, the Group's results for the six months ended 30 September 2018 are on an
IFRS 15 basis, whereas the results for the six months ended 30 September 2017 are (as previously reported) on an IAS 18 basis. Comparisons between the two bases of reporting
are not meaningful and to ensure appropriate disclosure during the period of transition onto IFRS 15, results for the six months ended 30 September 2018 has been disclosed on
both an IFRS 15 and IAS 18 basis. Our commentary describing our operating performance in the Operating Review has been provided solely on an IAS 18 basis. The accounting
standard applied is clearly marked in the heading of relevant columns in the news release. To aid in the understanding of the transition from IAS 18 to IFRS 15, we have provided
commentary on the main differences between the two standards below. Further disclosure is also included in Note 2: Change in accounting policies and in Note 3:
Segment analysis of the condensed consolidated interim financial statements for the six months ended 30 September 2018.
Notes:
Certain financial information presented in this results announcement constitutes pro-forma financial information in terms of the JSE Listings Requirements. The applicable criteria
on the basis of which this pro-forma financial information has been prepared is set out in the supplementary information below. The pro-forma financial information includes:
- Financial information, on a comparable IAS 18 basis, for the six months ended 30 September 2018, marked as '#' in this document. The IAS 18 financial information is based on
the condensed consolidated interim financial statements of Vodacom Group Limited for the six months ended 30 September 2018.
- Amounts marked with an * in this document, represent normalised growth which presents performance on a comparable
IAS 18 basis. This excludes merger and acquisition activity where applicable and adjusting for trading foreign exchange and
foreign currency fluctuation on a constant currency basis (using the current six months as base).
- Amounts marked with '~' in this document represents HEPS growth adjusted for the BEE and Safaricom transaction,
disclosed in a reconciliation in the pro-forma information below.
The pro-forma financial information has not been reviewed or audited or otherwise reported on by external auditors.
All growth rates quoted are year-on-year and refer to the six months ended 30 September 2018 compared to the six months ended 30 September 2017, which are based on IAS 18
accounting principles, unless stated otherwise.
^ On 7 August 2017, the Group acquired an effective interest of 34.94% in Safaricom Limited which is accounted for as an
investment in associate. Net profit from associate and joint venture includes attributable net profits and related
amortisation of fair valued assets. Prior year results reflect two months of attributable net profit.
Operating review
South Africa (IAS 18 commentary)
Service revenue grew 4.6%, which includes a once-off benefit of R292 million relating to a change in our revenue deferral methodology. Growth was
driven by continued customer gains in all segments, although affected by the weak economic environment negatively impacting consumer spending. Revenue growth was
somewhat lower at 4.3% as a result of slowed growth in equipment revenue. Device sales were negatively impacted by a weaker rand against the US dollar.
Mobile customer revenue grew 3.0%, sustaining a strong trend in the first six months, which was driven by a strong growth in customers, both contract and prepaid, slightly offset
by lower ARPU reflecting lower spending customer inflows.
Our pricing transformation in contract is progressing well. We gained 177 thousand customers in the first six months, with good progress in both the Consumer and Enterprise
segments. Following the introduction of our new 'plus' plans with more inclusive value, representing 50% of the contract base, we gained sufficient information to predict the
changing usage behaviour on these packages. Consequently we have adjusted our revenue deferral methodology, in line with the customer usage insights. This has resulted in
acceleration of the recognition of revenue of R292 million in the period. Contract ARPU was down by 2.0%, with customers opting for plans with lower tariffs, but higher device
financing component.
We added 2.3 million prepaid customers during the first six months resulting in strong customer growth of 10.9%. This has been partly offset by lower prepaid ARPU, down 6.9%, as
we attract new customers with lower spend levels than the current base and also as a result of customers opting for shorter validity periods for data bundles at a lower price.
Customers continue to respond well to our bundle offers and we recently launched 'RedHotDealz' to further improve our value offerings. Our strategic focus on providing
customers with easier access to airtime through Airtime Advance and using Big Data analytics to further enhance this proposition, has resulted in R2.9 billion of airtime generated
through this platform. Revenue earned from this service more than doubled, with 8.4 million customers now using this convenient way to purchase airtime.
Overall data usage drivers were encouraging. Data traffic grew strongly at 28.6%, slightly impacted by our efforts to improve monetisation by re-balancing the promotional data
offered to customers to encourage usage; billed traffic was up 36.7%. Active smart devices on the network were up 10.5% to 19.1 million, of which 9 million are 4G devices with
overall data customers up 3.2% to 20.5 million. We have seen strong growth in the number of bundles sold, up 26.0% or 437 million data bundles, driven by our 'Just 4 You'
personalised offers, as we continue to migrate customers to more in-bundle usage. The optimisation of customers' spend towards shorter validity bundles with lower effective rates
and reduction in out-of-bundle revenue has resulted in a slightly lower data revenue growth of 7.5%. Our digital services is making good progress in enabling new data platforms
such as our recently launched video play platform. Our initial focus has been on ensuring a rich customer experience. Take up of the service is encouraging with more than 272 000
active users on the platform.
The Enterprise segment is performing particularly well with good growth in mobile customer revenue, up 7.7%, resulting from good customer growth of 9.7%. In addition, fixed line
service revenue grew at 29.2% to R1.3 billion, with IPVPN services such as IP connect Fibre and Broadband connect showing good growth. Cloud and hosting revenue grew 14.2%
with strong growth both in 'infrastructure as a service' and 'platform as a service' offerings.
We continue to drive our 'Own the home' strategy resulting in good traction on fibre to the home/business, more than doubling the connections in the period.
EBITDA grew 2.8% to R13.8 billion#, while the EBITDA margin of 38.9% reduced by 0.6ppts as a result of the roaming agreement with Rain. This affected margins by 0.7ppts, as we
continue to scale up on the roaming agreement, and moving cost of capacity from depreciation to direct expenses. The remainder of costs continue to be well maintained, in line
with revenue growth.
During the period, we invested over R4 billion into our network, to give customers the best network experience; improving voice quality and data speeds. We have the widest data
network reaching 99.5% of the population on 3G and 83% on 4G. We consistently rank best on data performance metrics across various independent surveys. During the period, we
continued to drive modernisation and improvements in the network, including extending high speed transmission to 93% of our sites and enabling carrier aggregation on more
than five thousand sites in the six months, to further improve the customer experience.
International (IAS 18 commentary)
Our International operations performed well, with strong focus on delivering on key strategic priorities, supported by improving macroeconomic trends. Tanzania continues to
benefit from strong commercial momentum and robust customer growth despite the intensified pricing pressure from competitors. The DRC and Mozambique both delivered
strong results.
Service revenue increased by 12.8% (11.4%*) to R9.4 billion#, with strong growth in our strategic focus areas of data and M-Pesa. We added 2.3 million customers in the first half,
reaching 34.7 million, up 11.4%. Tanzania and the DRC together added 2.1 million customers, while customers in Mozambique increased 18.2%.
Data revenue growth was robust at 26.6% (24.1%*), with all markets growing above 20%. Through our segmented marketing approach and targeted data bundle offers, from our Big
Data enabled 'Just for You' propositions, we were able to monetise the demand for data. We continue to invest considerably into our data networks to widen coverage and improve
experience. In September, we launched 4G services in Mozambique. We now have 4G services across all of our operations. We added 1.4 million data customers this half, to reach
18.0 million, up 21.7%.
M-Pesa revenue grew strongly by 25.2% (24.2%*) to R1.4 billion#, contributing 15.1% of International service revenue. We added 1.4 million customers in the half, reaching
13.2 million. We continue to add new services to the platform to expand customers' payment options and make transacting more accessible by increasing our agent network. Following
the success of our merchant payment solution in Tanzania, we have rolled out the solution in Mozambique and Lesotho, giving our customers the convenience to transact with
M-Pesa at more points of sale. In Mozambique we connected this merchant payment platform to one of the banks' point of sale devices in stores, making it easier for customers to
pay using M-Pesa. During the first half of the year, on average, R32 billion was processed monthly through the M-Pesa system.
EBITDA increased 20.7% (18.7%*) to R2.9 billion#, while the EBITDA margin expanded by 2.1ppts to 30.1%, supported by good revenue growth and a continued focus on cost
efficiencies through our 'Fit for growth' savings programme. Improved revenue growth, savings on commissions from airtime purchases through M-Pesa, continued savings in
network operating expenses, and savings from lower interconnect costs, are key drivers for margin growth.
Capital expenditure of R1.3 billion enabled us to continue investing in all our markets to support the growing demand for data and wider voice coverage, while enhancing our IT
systems to support our personalised pricing offers and to deliver on our segmentation strategy. We continue to seek opportunities through spectrum acquisition and the roll out of
new technologies to increase our ability to provide a differentiated data experience for our customers. In August, we became the first operator in Africa to launch a standards-based,
commercial 5G network in Lesotho. We were awarded a 4G licence in the DRC, in Mozambique we unified and renewed our licences for 20 years and participated in the spectrum auction held
during November (the outcome of which will be communicated in due course), and in Tanzania we acquired additional 4G spectrum which will enable us to progress further in delivering
on our strategic data ambitions.
Safaricom (IAS 18 commentary)
For the six months ended 30 September 2018, Safaricom has contributed a profit of R1.4 billion which represents the net amount of earnings from Safaricom of R1.7 billion and an
amortisation charge of R304 million in relation to fair valued assets and before minority interest and withholding tax.
Safaricom continues to report solid growth, with service revenue increasing 7.7% and EBIT increasing 18.7%, supported by strong growth in data and M-Pesa revenue. M-Pesa
revenue increased 18.2% and contributes 30.0% to service revenue, supported by M-Pesa customers increasing 8.8% to 21.0 million. Mobile data revenue increased 10.8% and now
contributes 15.4% to service revenue. Customers increased 1.5% to 29.9 million and ARPU grew 5.4%. Investment in capital expenditure of KES17 billion, resulted in 3G sites
increasing 21.1%, 4G sites increasing 61.8% and the number of homes passed with fibre more than doubling to 200 thousand.
These results are available on www.safaricom.co.ke/investor-relation/financials/reports/financial-results.
Broad-based black economic empowerment (BEE) ownership transaction
We concluded our new BEE ownership transaction on 14 September 2018. At a deal value of R16.4 billion the transaction was the largest deal of its kind in the ICT sector. The key
features of the deal are:
- Transaction size of R16.4 billion;
- Equity swap ratio(1) of Vodacom South Africa to Vodacom Group of 73.0%;
- Subscription price discount from Vodacom Group;
- R3.9 billion equity reinvested by the Vodacom South Africa BEE shareholders;
- R3.3 billion paid out to YeboYethu shareholders as a special dividend (once-off cash settlement);
- Continued listing of YeboYethu on the BEE Segment of the JSE;
- R1.05 billion subscription for YeboYethu ordinary shares by the Group's new employee empowerment trust (Siyanda); and
- 60% gearing of YeboYethu (third party financing and vendor funding from Vodacom Group).
- A once-off IFRS 2 charge of R1 404 million(2), transaction costs of R105 million and a staff component of R1 176 million that will be spread over the vesting period. Vesting is in three
equal tranches at the end of years 3, 4 and 5 respectively.
The structure of the deal created significant value for current holders, through a major liquidity event of a special dividend, as well as the opportunity to remain invested in
Vodacom Group, through a mutually beneficial structured deal. This secures Vodacom's Level 3 BEE status, and an effective black ownership of c20%, a key consideration for
spectrum allocation, government contracts and corporate business.
Regulatory matters
Electronic Communications Amendment Bill (ECA Bill)
On 17 November 2017, the Ministry published an invitation to provide comments on the ECA bill, having its origins in the Integrated information and communication technology
ICT Policy White Paper of 2 October 2016. Stakeholders made representations to the Ministry at public hearings held on 6 and 7 March 2018. After considering comments
submitted and presentations at hearings, the ECA has since been approved by Cabinet and has been tabled in Parliament. The Ministry has also issued a draft policy direction, for
public comment, which purpose is to enable the licensing of high demand spectrum under the existing ECA legislative framework - prior to Parliament considering and passing into
law the proposed amendments to the ECA Bill. Both of these processes are undergoing a consultation process. The Ministry and the Regulator have both indicated their intention
for a spectrum auction under the existing regulation during the first half of next year and giving more certainty with regard to policy. These processes give progress to the Hybrid
model which will include both the creation of the wireless open-access network (WOAN) and exclusive use for spectrum to the industry. Stakeholders will submit written comments
during November 2018.
Amendment to End-User and Subscriber Service Charter Regulations
On 30 April 2018, the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) published final amendments to the End-User and Subscriber Service Charter Regulations
with the objective of addressing consumer concerns on out-of-bundle charges and data bundle expiry rules.
These final amendments followed a consultation process between ICASA and industry stakeholders. The regulations require the following:
- Voice, SMS and data bundle depletion notices are to be sent to customers at 50%, 80% and 100% depletion thresholds;
- Operators are not allowed to default customers to out-of-bundle charges on depletion of data bundles, unless specific opt-in instructions have been received from the customer;
and
- Operators should allow customers the option to roll over unused data before expiry and also provide customers with an option to transfer data to other customers on the same
network.
The implementation date has been suspended pending the outcome of the review application launched by Cell C in the North Gauteng High Court, Pretoria.
1. This is the ratio in which the Vodacom South Africa shares held by Vodacom South Africa BEE shareholders were exchanged for shares in Vodacom Group Limited.
2. Refer to Note 8 of the condensed consolidated interim financial statements for the six months ended 30 September 2018 for the split between the cash and equity settled IFRS
2 charge.
Competition Commission data market review
The Competition Commission (CompCom) initiated an enquiry into data costs on 18 August 2017. The main objectives of the market inquiry are to obtain a clear understanding of
the data services value chain, including the interaction and commercial relationships between different levels of the value chain and the relationship with other parts of the ICT
sector as well as the broader economy; and to assess the state of competition in the market at every stage of the value chain for the provision of data services, to identify areas of
market power that may influence competition or pricing. Vodacom made submissions to the CompCom and participated in the hearings held on 17 - 19 October 2018.
The hearings covered the following key questions posed by the commission:
1. Are data prices in South Africa (whether mobile, fixed or other) higher than they ought to be?
2. To the extent that data prices in South Africa are higher than they ought to be, what are the factors that drive these outcomes?
3. How can these factors be effectively remedied?
4. What is the impact of data prices and access to data more broadly on lower-income customers, rural customers, small businesses and the unemployed? How important are
affordable data prices for these customers?
Vodacom's submission was focussed on the importance of lowering the cost to provision data, which will also lead to the lowering of retail tariffs. The date for completion of the
data market review has been extended to 31 March 2019.
ICASA priority market review
In June 2017, ICASA gave notice of its intention to conduct an inquiry to identify priority markets in the Electronic Communications Sector (ECS). The purpose of the enquiry is to
identify relevant wholesale and retail markets or market segments in the ECS that are generally prone to ex ante regulation, and to determine from these markets and market
segments those that the Authority intends to prioritise for market reviews and potential regulation.
On 17 August 2018 ICASA communicated the following broad markets which will be the subject of this review:
- Wholesale fixed access, which includes wholesale supply of asymmetric broadband origination, fixed access services and relevant facilities;
- Upstream infrastructure markets incorporating national transmission services, metropolitan connectivity and relevant facilities; and
- Mobile services, which includes the retail market for mobile services and the wholesale supply of mobile network services, including relevant facilities.
The final phase of the inquiry would be the publication of a findings document, which is expected in the second half of FY2019.
Competition Commission investigation into complaint on the National Treasury government transversal contract for mobile communication services
On 14 March 2016, National Treasury issued a tender for the supply and delivery of mobile communication services to national and provincial government departments for the
period 15 September 2016 to 31 August 2020. Vodacom was selected as the preferred supplier on a non-exclusive basis after the other bidders were eliminated at different phases
of the competitive bidding process. The Competition Commission has initiated an investigation against Vodacom Group for alleged abuse of dominance in terms of section 8 of the
Competition Act. The tender process was initiated and controlled by National Treasury, who awarded the tender to Vodacom in a fiercely contested and transparent bidding process.
Outlook
We are encouraged by the relative economic and currency stability in most of our International markets. We have seen strong customer growth and accelerating growth in key
initiatives, such as M-Pesa and data revenue. Prioritising financial inclusion through our mobile money platform, M-Pesa, while enabling a digital society through connectivity is
proving to be a success. We continue to invest and expand in the eco systems of these platforms and expect this will remain a strong driver for growth in the future. The trend of
accelerated top line growth and continued focus on cost efficiencies through our 'Fit for growth' and digitalisation programmes, will also help to improve profitability in these
markets.
In South Africa, we continue to deliver steady growth despite sluggish consumer spending, given a tough economic environment. Our strategy to drive greater value at various price
points combined with providing customers with the ability to select offers most suited to their needs continues to resonate with customers. This is evidenced by the increase in
customers in South Africa and shows that our investment in personalised offers through Big Data and machine learning continues to differentiate us amongst our peers. Our new
product offers such as video in consumer, and ongoing emphasis on our Enterprise business is also set to deliver further growth. Our FinTech services continue to make significant
inroads into new verticals with an expanding array of new product offers. Customer and revenue growth in these areas are particularly encouraging.
We are progressing on our digital telco strategy. The aim of this strategy is to increasingly utilise digital processes to both enhance the customer experience, and contribute to cost
efficiencies in the business. This will be made possible through key enablers such as Robotic Process Automation, Artificial Intelligence and Big Data analytics. As part of this
journey, we have introduced chatbots, increased focus on our online direct channel and improved our Express recharge offering to drive uptake of this direct sales channel. In future,
scaling of these efforts will address commission cost and other operating costs to both offset inflation related increases and reducing overall costs. Expanding our platform
ecosystems to enable partnerships and digital content will enable future revenue growth opportunities. We are aiming to add to our platform strategy by adding to our video and
financial services platforms in the future.
In South Africa, we will continue to prioritise our participation in the numerous processes established by Government and the regulator to increase competition in the industry,
address the cost to communicate and drive inclusive growth. While we are encouraged by progress made in the regulatory environment in recent times, including a clearer
time-line on the allocation of 4G and 5G spectrum, a number of concerns and inconsistencies remain following the publication of a revised Electronic Communications Act and
policy direction to ICASA regarding unassigned high demand spectrum. Commitments by ICASA and the Department of Telecommunications and Postal Services to license 4G
spectrum by March 2019 are crucial in accelerating reductions in the cost to deliver data services.
Greater certainty is required to sustain the high level of investment that the industry commands. We remain hopeful of finding an amicable solution to the finalisation of the new
ECA, the process to allocate unassigned high demand spectrum and the market review by the regulator.
The outcome of the court challenge, by competitors, to the implementation of ICASA's End-User and Subscriber Service Charter Regulations, could potentially have a modest short
term impact on growth, once impacted. We are also mindful of the weaker economic environment in South Africa and the impact this could have on consumer spending.
It is with this in mind that we maintain our medium term targets(1) of mid-single digit service revenue growth, mid-to-high single digit EBIT growth (excluding IFRS 2 charges,
relating to the staff component of the BEE deal) and 12% - 14% of capital investment as % of revenue of the next three years.
1. These targets are on average, over the next three years and are on a normalised basis in constant currency, excluding spectrum purchases and any merger and acquisition
activity. This assumes broadly stable currencies in each of our markets and stable macro and regulatory environments. Excluding effects from the IFRS 15 and IFRS 16
implementation.
Financial review
Summary financial information
Six months ended 30 September % change
2018 2018 2017 IAS 18
Rm IFRS 15 IAS 18# IAS 18 IAS 18 Normalised*
Revenue 42 707 44 364 41 995 5.6 5.4
Service revenue 34 552 36 765 34 654 6.1 5.8
EBITDA 16 534 16 468 15 731 4.7 4.1
EBIT 11 263 11 197 10 830 3.4 2.8
Net profit from associate and joint venture^ 1 345 1 361 349 >200.0
Operating profit 11 106 11 056 10 964 0.8 0.5
Net profit 6 789 6 756 6 712 0.7
Capital expenditure 5 334 5 334 5 378 (0.8)
Operating free cash flow 7 074 7 074 6 311 12.1
Free cash flow 2 486 2 486 2 028 22.5
Net debt 28 621 28 621 24 964 14.6
Basic earnings per share (cents) 386 384 445 (13.7)
Headline earnings per share (cents) 387 385 445 (13.5)
Contribution margin (%) 64.1 61.5 60.8 0.7 ppts
EBITDA margin (%) 38.7 37.1 37.5 (0.4) ppts
EBIT margin (%) 26.4 25.2 25.8 (0.6) ppts
Operating profit margin (%) 26.0 24.9 26.1 (1.2) ppts
Effective tax rate (%) 33.1 33.1 30.5 2.6 ppts
Net profit margin (%) 15.9 15.2 16.0 (0.8) ppts
Capital intensity (%) 12.5 12.0 12.8 (0.8) ppts
Net debt/EBITDA (times) 0.9 0.9 0.8 0.1 times
Service revenue
% change
Six months ended 30 September IAS 18
2018 2018 2017
Rm IFRS 15 IAS 18# IAS 18 17/18
South Africa 25 721 27 898 26 670 4.6
International 9 332 9 368 8 308 12.8
Corporate and eliminations (501) (501) (324) (54.6)
Group service revenue 34 552 36 765 34 654 6.1
Safaricom(1) 15 680 15 697 4 712 n/a
Understanding the impacts of IFRS 15:
The difference between IFRS 15 and IAS 18 are mainly noticeable in the contract segment where goods and services delivered under a contract are identified as separate
performance obligations. Revenue is recognised at the point in time the Group delivers the goods or renders the service to the customer.
One of the key changes is the recognition of equipment revenue when control of the device has either transferred to the customer or the intermediary. Previously, equipment
revenue on transfer of a device to a customer was limited to the cash received on inception of the contract. Going forward a device revenue contract asset will be recognised on
inception, which will be recovered over the term of the contract. In the first half of the year, R416 million (of which R400 million relates to South Africa) was reclassified from
service revenue to equipment revenue, with total revenue remaining largely unchanged with regards to this element.
1. The Group's effective interest of 34.94% in Safaricom Limited (Safaricom) is accounted for as an investment in associate. Results represent 100% of Safaricom and is for
information purposes only. Prior year results represents two months of performance from the date of acquisition.
In addition, qualifying incremental costs of obtaining and fulfilling a contract, previously expensed on payment, is now capitalised as deferred customer acquisition cost and
amortised over the life time of the contract (typically 24 months). Amortisation charges of R1.8 billion (relating to South Africa) was netted against service revenue during the
current period, as they are considered to be customer discounts under IFRS 15.
Commentary based on IAS 18:
Group service revenue increased 6.1% (5.8%*) to R36.8 billion#, with strong growth in both South Africa and in the International operations.
In South Africa, service revenue increased 4.6% to R27.9 billion# benefitting from strong net customer additions and strong growth in Enterprise, both in mobile and fixed service
revenue.
During the period, we adjusted our revenue deferral methodology in line with the usage insights from our customers and updated our rules with regard to the rollover of unused
minutes and megabytes, resulting in acceleration of revenue recognition of R292 million in the period.
In our International operations, service revenue increased 12.8% (up 11.4%*) to R9.4 billion#. Growth came from strategic growth areas such as data and M-Pesa revenue as well as
an increase in customer net additions.
Service revenue grew by 7.7% in Safaricom during the six month period, driven by growth in data and M-Pesa.
Total expenses(1)
% change
Six months ended 30 September IAS 18
2018 2018 2017
Rm IFRS 15 IAS 18# IAS 18 17/18
South Africa 19 886 21 608 20 527 5.3
International 6 751 6 753 6 211 8.7
Corporate and eliminations (411) (412) (418) 1.4
Group total expenses 26 226 27 949 26 320 6.2
Understanding the impacts of IFRS 15:
Incremental costs of obtaining and fulfilling a contract, previously expensed at inception of the contract under IAS 18, are now capitalised as deferred customer acquisition costs.
Cost amounting R1.8 billion for the first half of this year was recognised as a contract asset and will be amortised to the income statement over the contract period (typically 24
months). Certain types of these customer acquisition costs are considered to be customer discounts under IFRS 15, and netted against service revenue when amortised to the
income statement.
Commentary based on IAS 18:
Group total expenses increased 6.2% to R27.9 billion#, which includes a net trading foreign exchange loss of R45 million (2017: loss of R76 million).
In South Africa, expenses increased 5.3%, driven by costs relating to our roaming agreement with Rain, slightly offset by an accelerated phasing of cost to acquire and retain
customers in the prior year, as well as higher network operating costs, relating to higher input costs such as fuel price increases.
In our International operations, total expenses increased by 8.7% (7.5%*) below revenue growth of 12.4% (11.0%*). This was enabled by continued focus on cost containment
through initiatives such as 'Fit for growth' and the increase of airtime purchases through our M-Pesa platform, which results in a reduction of distribution costs.
1. Excluding depreciation, amortisation, impairments and share based payment charges.
EBIT
% change
Six months ended 30 September IAS 18
2018 2018 2017
Rm IFRS 15 IAS 18# IAS 18 17/18
South Africa 10 069 10 009 9 882 1.3
International 1 383 1 377 988 39.4
Corporate and eliminations (189) (189) (40) <(200.0)
Group EBIT 11 263 11 197 10 830 3.4
Safaricom(1) 5 867 5 906 1 610 n/a
Group EBIT increased 3.4% (up 2.8%*) with the Group EBIT margin decreasing by 0.6ppts to 25.2%. This includes the BEE transaction costs of R105 million, negatively impacting
EBIT growth by 1.0ppts. Group EBITDA growth of 4.7% was slightly offset by depreciation and amortisation which grew at 6.7%. South Africa EBIT increased by 1.3% with margins
contracting 0.9ppts to 28.3%. EBITDA growth was stronger at 2.8%, with EBITDA margin contracting primarily driven by our roaming agreement with Rain. In our International
operations, EBIT increased 39.4% (36.5%*) with the EBIT margin expanding by 2.8ppts to 14.3% and EBITDA margins by 2.1ppts to 30.1%. Margins were supported by strong
revenue growth and continued execution on cost containment.
In Safaricom, EBIT increased 18.7% for the financial year as a result of the higher service revenue contribution and commission savings as a result of direct voucher sales through
M-Pesa.
Operating profit
% change
Six months ended 30 September IAS 18
2018 2018 2017
Rm IFRS 15 IAS 18# IAS 18 17/18
South Africa 8 821 8 761 9 757 (10.2)
International 1 383 1 376 899 53.1
Safaricom^ 1 345 1 361 349 >200.0
Corporate and eliminations (443) (442) (41) <(200.0)
Group operating profit 11 106 11 056 10 964 0.8
Group operating profit increased 0.8% to R11.1 billion#. This includes a R1.4 billion non-cash, non-recurring charge arising from our new BEE deal (IFRS 2 charge) and net profit
from our associate Safaricom. In South Africa, operating profit decreased by 10.2% to R8.8 billion# mainly due to the allocation of R1.2 billion of the IFRS 2 charge to our South
African operation. Excluding this impact operating profit increased 1.0%*, similar to EBIT growth. International operations' operating profit increased 53.1% to R1.4 billion#, higher
than EBIT growth as a result of prior year restructuring costs in the DRC and costs relating to the listing of Vodacom Tanzania.
Safaricom contributed R1.4 billion# in net profit for the six months. This represents our share of the net profit in the associate of R1.7 billion and the related amortisation of fair
valued assets recognised on acquisition of R304 million, before minority interest.
1. The Group's effective interest of 34.94% in Safaricom Limited (Safaricom) is accounted for as an investment in associate. Results represent 100% of Safaricom and is for
information purpose`s only. Prior year results represents two months of performance from the date of acquisition.
Net finance charges
% change
Six months ended 30 September IAS 18
2018 2018 2017
Rm IFRS 15 IAS 18# IAS 18 17/18
Finance income 325 325 317 2.5
Finance costs (1 440) (1 440) (1 405) (2.5)
Net finance costs (1 115) (1 115) (1 088) (2.5)
Net gain/(loss) on remeasurement
and disposal of financial instruments 163 163 (212) 176.9
Net finance charges (952) (952) (1 300) 26.8
Net finance costs of R1.1 billion# has remained relatively consistent as weighted average gross debt was relatively unchanged and cost of debt was slightly down to 8.2% from
8.3%. The change in the net gain on remeasurement and disposal of financial instruments of R375 million is mainly attributable to gains on the revaluation of foreign denominated
cash balances in the Group, offset by the remeasurement of a derivative relating to the acquisition of shares in our Tanzania subsidiary from our local partner(1), an increase in a net
loss of from the remeasurement of foreign exchange contracts in South Africa and the remeasurement of foreign denominated loans.
Taxation
The tax expense of R3.3 billion was 13.4% higher than the prior year (2017: R3.0 billion). The Group's effective tax rate increased from 30.5% in the prior year to 33.1% mainly due
to the non-cash, non-recurring IFRS 2 charge of R1.4 billion and non-tax deductible transaction costs of R105 million relating to the BEE transaction (+4.3ppts). This was partially
offset by the inclusion of six months of after tax profits from our associate Safaricom included in profit before tax, compared to two months in the prior year (-1.9ppts).
Earnings
% change
Six months ended 30 September IAS 18
2018 2018 2017
Rm IFRS 15 IAS 18# IAS 18 17/18
Earnings per share (EPS) 386 384 445 (13.7)
Headline earnings per share (HEPS) 387 385 445 (13.5)
Weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding for
the purpose of calculating EPS and HEPS 1 699 1 699 1 541 10.3
Headline earnings per share for the year was down 13.5%, impacted by the new BEE deal in the current financial year, partially offset by contributions from Safaricom, acquired in
the prior year. Excluding these transactions headline earnings per share increased 6.0%^. The prior year's results included two month's contribution of Safaricom's net profit. The
issue of 233.5 million shares as purchase consideration for Safaricom had a -42cps drag on HEPS, which was fully compensated by the year on year increase in our share of
Safaricom's earnings contributing 56cps, while the amortisation of the resultant intangible assets negatively impacted HEPS by 10cps. The BEE deal, which was concluded on
14 September 2018, resulted in an IFRS 2 charge, in relation to the non-cash, non-recurring share based payment charge, of R1.4 billion and transactions costs of R105 million, the
combination of which resulted in an 89cps dilution.
1. Vodacom Group (the Group) has entered into an agreement with its local Tanzanian partner, Mirambo Limited (Mirambo), and certain of Mirambo's shareholders, under the terms
of which the Group will acquire all of Mirambo's 588 million shares in Vodacom Tanzania. This will result in the Group increasing its total interest in Vodacom Tanzania from 61.6%
(direct and indirect) to 75% (direct). The transaction close is subject to conditions precedent, including requisite regulatory approvals in Tanzania.
Dividend
% change
Six months ended 30 September
2018 2017
Rm IFRS 15 IAS 18 17/18
Headline earnings 6 573 6 856
Adjusted for
Net profit from associate and joint venture (1 345) (349)
Attributable profits from Safaricom (1 649) (446)
Amortisation on assets, net of tax 304 97
With-holding tax 115 31
Minority interest and other 172 44
Add back:
Non-cash non-recurring IFRS 2 charge 1 404 -
Headline earnings available for dividend distribution, excluding
Safaricom dividend 6 919 6 582
Interim dividend declared 395 390 1.3
Capital expenditure
% change
Six months ended 30 September IAS 18
2018 2018 2017
Rm IFRS 15 IAS 18# IAS 18 17/18
South Africa 4 043 4 043 3 917 3.2
International 1 290 1 290 1 460 (11.6)
Corporate and eliminations 1 1 1 -
Group capital expenditure 5 334 5 334 5 378 (0.8)
Group capital intensity(1) (%) 12.5 12.0 12.8 (0.8)
Safaricom(2) 2 290 2 290 558 n/a
Safaricom capital intensity (%) 14.0 14.0 11.4 n/a
The Group's capital expenditure was R5.3 billion, representing 12.0% of revenue. In South Africa, capital expenditure was directed at accelerating our 3G capacity and extending 4G
coverage to 82.5% of the population. In our International operations, the focus remained on increasing both coverage and capacity thereby adding 297 4G sites, 255 3G sites and
178 2G sites since March 2018. In Safaricom, capital expenditure was focused on increasing 3G and 4G sites by 21.1% and 61.8% respectively.
1. Capital expenditure as a percentage of revenue.
2. The Group's effective interest of 34.94% in Safaricom Limited (Safaricom) is accounted for as an investment in associate. Results represent 100% of Safaricom and is for
information purposes only. Prior year results represents two months of performance from the date of acquisition.
Statement of financial position
Property, plant and equipment increased 4.2% to R42.6 billion and intangible assets increased 11.5% to R10.1 billion compared to 31 March 2018. The combined increase is mainly
as a result of net additions of R6.3 billion and net foreign currency translation gains of R2.2 billion, offset by depreciation and amortisation of R5.3 billion.
Net debt increased by R8.7 billion to R28.6 billion. Total borrowings increased by R4.1 billion to R36.4 billion, mainly due to R4.7 billion preference shares issued to fund the BEE
transaction, slightly offset by a R756 million early repayment on one of the Group's Vodafone Luxembourg facilities. Bank and cash balances decreased by R4.4 billion mainly due
to dividends paid subsequent to year end, partially offset by surplus cash retained from the BEE transaction and on increase in operational cash flow.
As at As at As at
30 September 31 March Movement 30 September
2018
IFRS 15/ 2018 March/ 2017
Rm IAS 18# IAS 18# September IAS 18
Bank and cash balances 8 135 12 538 (4 403) 6 874
Bank overdrafts (300) - (300) (379)
Current borrowings (4 052) (8 220) 4 168 (8 366)
Non-current borrowings (32 304) (24 071) (8 233) (23 139)
Other financial instruments (100) (139) 39 46
Net debt(1) (28 621) (19 892) (8 729) (24 964)
Net debt/EBITDA (times) 0.9 0.6 0.3 0.8
Cash flow
Free cash flow
% change
Six months ended 30 September IAS 18
2018 2018 2017
Rm IFRS 15 IAS 18# IAS 18 17/18
EBITDA 16 534 16 468 15 731 4.7
Working capital (4 251) (4 185) (4 289) 2.4
Capital expenditure(2) (5 334) (5 334) (5 378) 0.8
Disposal of property, plant and equipment 13 13 149 (91.3)
Other 112 112 98 14.3
Operating free cash flow 7 074 7 074 6 311 12.1
Tax paid (3 350) (3 350) (3 107) (7.8)
Finance income received 1 513 1 513 381 >200.0
Finance costs paid (2 704) (2 704) (1 509) (79.2)
Net dividends paid (47) (47) (48) 2.1
Free cash flow 2 486 2 486 2 028 22.5
Operating free cash flow was up 12.1%, contributed by improved trading performance during this year evidences, by EBITDA increasing 4.7%. Free cash flow increased 22.5% mainly
due to good growth in operating cash flow and boosted by stable net finance costs, with realised gains and losses on the close out of foreign exchange contracts largely offsetting
each other.
1. Debt includes interest bearing debt, non-interest bearing debt and bank overdrafts.
2. Capital expenditure comprises the purchase of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets, other than license and spectrum payments. Purchases of customer bases
are excluded from capital expenditure.
Declaration of final dividend number 19 - payable from income reserves
Dividend
Declaration of interim dividend No. 19 - payable from income reserves
Notice is hereby given that a gross interim dividend number 19 of 395 cents per ordinary share in respect of the six months ended 30 September 2018 has been declared payable on
Monday 3 December 2018 to shareholders recorded in the register at the close of business on Friday 30 November 2018. The number of ordinary shares in issue at the date of this
declaration is 1 835 864 961. The dividend will be subject to a local dividend withholding tax rate of 20% which will result in a net dividend to those shareholders not exempt
from paying dividend withholding tax of 316.00000 cents per ordinary share.
Last day to trade shares cum dividend Tuesday 27 November 2018
Shares commence trading ex-dividend Wednesday 28 November 2018
Record date Friday 30 November 2018
Payment date Monday 3 December 2018
Share certificates may not be dematerialised or rematerialised between Wednesday 28 November 2018 and Friday 30 November 2018, both days inclusive.
On Monday 3 December 2018, the dividend will be electronically transferred into the bank accounts of all certificated shareholders where this facility is available. Shareholders who
hold dematerialised shares will have their accounts at their CSDP or broker credited on Monday 3 December 2018.
Vodacom Group Limited tax reference number is 9316/041/71/5.
Dividend policy
The Board maintains its dividend policy of paying at least 90% of adjusted headline earnings which excludes the contribution of the attributable net profit or loss from Safaricom
and any associated intangible amortisation. In addition, the Group intends to distribute any dividend it receives from Safaricom, up to a maximum amount of the dividend received,
net of withholding tax.
The Group intends to pay as much of its after tax profits as will be available after retaining such sums and repaying such borrowings owing to third parties as shall be necessary to
meet the requirements reflected in the budget and business plan, taking into account monies required for investment opportunities. There is no fixed date on which entitlement to
dividends arises and the date of payment will be determined by the Board or shareholders at the time of declaration, subject to the JSE Listings Requirements.
For and on behalf of the Board
Jabu Moleketi Shameel Aziz Joosub Till Streichert
Chairman Chief Executive Officer Chief Financial Officer
Midrand
9 November 2018
Condensed consolidated income statement
for the six months ended 30 September
Year ended
Six months ended 30 September 31 March
2018(1) 2017 2018
Rm Notes Reviewed Reviewed Audited
Revenue 2, 3 42 707 41 995 86 370
Direct expenses 2 (15 331) (16 465) (33 669)
Staff expenses 2 (3 083) (2 839) (5 509)
Publicity expenses (925) (990) (1 913)
Other operating expenses (6 887) (6 026) (12 441)
Share-based payment charges 8 (1 404) (79) (130)
Depreciation and amortisation (5 316) (4 981) (9 959)
Impairment losses - - (4)
Net profit from associate and joint venture 2 1 345 349 1 507
Operating profit 11 106 10 964 24 252
Profit on sale of associate - - 734
Finance income 325 317 703
Finance costs (1 440) (1 405) (2 811)
Net gain/(loss) on remeasurement and disposal of financial instruments 163 (212) (785)
Profit before tax 10 154 9 664 22 093
Taxation 2 (3 365) (2 952) (6 531)
Net profit 6 789 6 712 15 562
Attributable to:
Equity shareholders 6 564 6 850 15 344
Non-controlling interests 225 (138) 218
6 789 6 712 15 562
Year ended
Six months ended 30 September 31 March
2018 2017 2018
Cents Reviewed Reviewed Audited
Basic earnings per share 4 386 445 947
Diluted earnings per share 4 379 431 919
1. The reported figures for the six months ended 30 September 2018 have been significantly impacted by the adoption of IFRS 15 on 1 April 2018. Refer to Note 2 for a detailed
analysis of the impact.
Condensed consolidated statement of comprehensive income
for the six months ended 30 September
Year ended
Six months ended 30 September 31 March
2018 2017 2018
Rm Reviewed Reviewed Audited
Net profit 6 789 6 712 15 562
Other comprehensive income(1)
Foreign currency translation differences, net of tax 11 018 881 (5 867)
Total comprehensive income 17 807 7 593 9 695
Attributable to:
Equity shareholders 16 628 7 608 9 943
Non-controlling interests 1 179 (15) (248)
17 807 7 593 9 695
1. Other comprehensive income can subsequently be recognised in profit or loss on the disposal of foreign operations.
Condensed consolidated statement of financial position
as at 30 September
As at
As at 30 September 31 March
2018(1) 2017 2018
Rm Notes Reviewed Reviewed Audited
Assets
Non-current assets 109 279 100 941 96 543
Property, plant and equipment 42 577 40 878 40 529
Intangible assets 10 123 9 081 9 073
Financial assets 508 446 430
Investment in associate 51 895 48 071 44 076
Investment in joint venture 7 6 6
Trade and other receivables 2 2 146 735 724
Finance receivables 1 578 1 382 1 320
Tax receivable 183 134 106
Deferred tax 262 208 279
Current assets 40 921 33 469 34 822
Financial assets 6 470 4 347 4 532
Inventory 1 720 1 153 1 243
Trade and other receivables 2, 5.1 22 193 18 563 14 819
Non-current assets held for sale 14 118 14
Finance receivables 2 040 1 891 1 463
Tax receivable 349 523 213
Bank and cash balances 8 135 6 874 12 538
Total assets 150 200 134 410 131 365
Equity and liabilities
Fully paid share capital 8 57 073 42 618 42 618
Treasury shares 8 (16 434) (1 833) (1 792)
Retained earnings 31 177 26 873 28 731
Other reserves 3 395 1 038 (5 089)
Equity attributable to owners of the parent 75 211 68 696 64 468
Non-controlling interests 7 339 6 772 6 184
Total equity 82 550 75 468 70 652
Non-current liabilities 38 729 27 243 28 130
Borrowings 9 32 304 23 139 24 071
Trade and other payables 8 1 497 893 978
Provisions 419 375 388
Deferred tax 4 509 2 836 2 693
Current liabilities 28 921 31 699 32 583
Borrowings 9 4 052 8 366 8 220
Trade and other payables 24 150 22 692 23 958
Provisions 189 179 161
Tax payable 208 61 221
Dividends payable 22 22 23
Bank overdrafts 300 379 -
Total equity and liabilities 150 200 134 410 131 365
1. The reported figures for the six months ended 30 September 2018 have been significantly impacted by the adoption of IFRS 15 on 1 April 2018. Refer to Note 2 for a detailed
analysis of the impact.
Condensed consolidated statement of changes in equity
for the six months ended 30 September
Equity
attributable Non-
to owners controlling Total
Rm Notes of the parent interests equity
31 March 2018 - Audited 64 468 6 184 70 652
Adoption of IFRS 15 and IFRS 9 3 187 (57) 3 130
1 April 2018 67 655 6 127 73 782
Total comprehensive income 16 628 1 179 17 807
Dividends (7 216) (47) (7 263)
Repurchase, vesting and sale of shares (189) - (189)
Share-based payments 1 040 - 1 040
Broad-based black economic empowerment transaction 8 1 119 - 1 119
Share-based payments - other (79) - (79)
Changes in subsidiary holdings 8 (2 707) 80 (2 627)
30 September 2018 - Reviewed 75 211 7 339 82 550
1 April 2017 24 063 (1 067) 22 996
Total comprehensive income 7 608 (15) 7 593
Dividends (6 374) (48) (6 422)
Shares issued on acquisition of subsidiary and associate net of share issue cost 42 618 - 42 618
Repurchase, vesting and sale of shares (279) - (279)
Share-based payments 76 - 76
Changes in subsidiary holdings 984 1 798 2 782
Acquisition of subsidiary and associate - 6 104 6 104
30 September 2017 - Reviewed 68 696 6 772 75 468
1 April 2017 24 063 (1 067) 22 996
Total comprehensive income 9 943 (248) 9 695
Dividends (13 009) (393) (13 402)
Shares issued on acquisition of subsidiary and associate net of share issue cost 42 618 - 42 618
Repurchase, vesting and sale of shares (269) - (269)
Share-based payments 138 - 138
Changes in subsidiary holdings 984 1 788 2 772
Acquisition of subsidiary and associate - 6 104 6 104
31 March 2018 - Audited 64 468 6 184 70 652
Condensed consolidated statement of cash flows
for the six months ended 30 September
Year ended
Six months ended 30 September 31 March
2018 2017 2018
Rm Notes Reviewed Reviewed Audited
Cash generated from operations 13 889 12 157 32 299
Tax paid (3 350) (3 107) (6 194)
Net cash flows from operating activities 10 539 9 050 26 105
Cash flows from investing activities
Additions to property, plant and equipment and intangible assets (7 070) (5 665) (10 825)
Proceeds from disposal of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets 13 149 187
Acquisition of subsidiary and associate (net of cash and cash equivalents acquired) - (330) (410)
Proceeds from disposal of associate - - 797
Dividends received from associate - - 1 988
Finance income received 1 513 381 859
Other investing activities(1) (1 078) (360) (1 122)
Net cash flows utilised in investing activities (6 622) (5 825) (8 526)
Cash flows from financing activities
Borrowings incurred 9 4 624 60 1 124
Borrowings repaid 9 (846) (56) (107)
Finance costs paid (2 704) (1 509) (3 182)
Dividends paid - equity shareholders (7 217) (6 374) (13 010)
Dividends paid - non-controlling interests (47) (48) (393)
Repurchase and sale of shares (353) (279) (269)
Changes in subsidiary holdings 8 (3 167) 2 770 2 770
Net cash flows utilised in financing activities (9 710) (5 436) (13 067)
Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents (5 793) (2 211) 4 512
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period 12 538 8 873 8 873
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes 1 090 (167) (847)
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period 7 835 6 495 12 538
1. Consists mainly of the movement in restricted cash deposits of R780 million (30 September 2017: R357 million; 31 March 2018: R821 million) as a result of M-Pesa
related activities.
Notes to the condensed consolidated interim financial statements
for the six months ended 30 September
1. Basis of preparation
These condensed consolidated interim financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the framework concepts, the recognition and measurement criteria of
International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and in accordance with and containing the information required by IAS 34: Interim Financial Reporting (IAS 34) as issued
by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB), the Financial Reporting Guides as issued by the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants' (SAICA)
Accounting Practices Committee, Financial Pronouncements as issued by the Financial Reporting Standards Council, the JSE Limited (JSE) Listings Requirements and the
requirements of the Companies Act of 2008, as amended. They have been prepared on the historical cost basis, except for certain financial instruments which are measured
at fair value or at amortised cost, and are presented in South African rand, which is the parent Company's functional and presentation currency.
The significant accounting policies and methods of computation are consistent in all material respects with those applied in the previous year, except as disclosed in Note
2. The significant accounting policies are available for inspection at the Group's registered office.
The preparation of these condensed consolidated interim financial statements was supervised by the Chief Financial Officer, Dr. phil. T Streichert.
These condensed consolidated interim financial statements have been reviewed by PricewaterhouseCoopers Inc. who expressed an unmodified review conclusion. A copy of the
auditor's review report is available for inspection at the Group's registered office, together with the financial statements identified in the auditor's report.
2. Changes in accounting policies
The Group adopted the new, revised or amended accounting pronouncements as issued by the IASB, which were effective and applicable to the Group from 1 April 2018.
The accounting pronouncements considered by the Group as significant on adoption are IFRS 15 "Revenue from Contracts with Customers" and IFRS 9 "Financial
Instruments" as set out below.
Other IFRS changes adopted on 1 April 2018 have no material impact on the consolidated results, financial position or cash flows of the Group. Full details on changes in
accounting policies will be disclosed in the Group's consolidated annual financial statements for the year ending 31 March 2019, which will be available online.
IFRS 15 Revenue from contracts with customers (IFRS 15)
IFRS 15 "Revenue from Contracts with Customers" was adopted by the Group on 1 April 2018 with the cumulative retrospective impact reflected as an adjustment to equity
on the date of adoption. The Group's IAS 18 accounting policy, and the key differences between the Group's IAS 18 and IFRS 15 accounting policies, are disclosed in the
Group's annual financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2018.
IFRS 15 Accounting policy
When the Group enters into an agreement with a customer, goods and services deliverable under the contract are identified as separate performance obligations
(obligations) to the extent that the customer can benefit from the goods or services on their own and that the separate goods and services are considered distinct from
other goods and services in the agreement. Where individual goods and services don't meet the criteria to be identified as separate obligations they are aggregated with
other goods and/or services in the agreement until a separate obligation is identified. The obligations identified will depend on the nature of individual customer contracts,
but might typically be separately identified for mobile handsets, other equipment provided to customers and for services provided to customers such as mobile and fixed
line communication services.
The Group determines the transaction price to which it expects to be entitled to in return for providing the promised obligations to the customer based on the committed
contractual amounts, net of sales taxes and discounts. Where indirect channel dealers, such as retailers, acquire customer contracts on behalf of the Group and receive
commission, any commissions that the dealer is compelled to use to fund discounts or other incentives to the customer are treated as payments to the customer when
determining the transaction price and consequently are not included in contract acquisition costs. The transaction price is allocated between the identified obligations
according to the relative standalone selling prices of the obligations. The standalone selling price of each obligation deliverable in the contract is determined according to
the prices that the Group would achieve by selling the same goods and/or services included in the obligation to a similar customer on a standalone basis; where standalone
selling prices are not directly observable, estimation techniques are used maximising the use of external inputs.
Revenue is recognised when the respective obligations in the contract are delivered to the customer and payment remains probable.
- Revenue for the provision of services, such as mobile airtime and fixed line broadband, is recognised when or as the Group performs the related service during the agreed
service period.
- Revenue for device sales to end customers is generally recognised when the device is delivered to the end customer. For device sales made to intermediaries such as
indirect channel dealers, revenue is recognised if control of the device has transferred to the intermediary and the intermediary has no right to return the device to receive
a refund; otherwise revenue recognition is deferred until sale of the device to an end customer by the intermediary or the expiry of any right of return.
When revenue recognised in respect of a customer contract exceeds amounts received or receivable from the customer a contract asset is recognised; contract assets will
typically be recognised for devices or other equipment provided to customers where payment is recovered by the Group via future service fees. If amounts received or
receivable from the customer exceed revenue recognised for a contract, for example if the Group receives an advance payment from a customer, a contract liability is
recognised.
When contract assets or liabilities are recognised, a financing component may exist in the contract; this is typically the case when a handset or other equipment is provided
to a customer up-front but payment is received over the term of the related service agreement, in which case the customer is deemed to have received financing. If a
significant financing component is provided to the customer, the transaction price is reduced and interest is recognised in revenue over the customer's payment period
using an interest rate reflecting the relevant central bank rates and customer credit risk.
Contract related costs
When costs directly relating to a specific contract are incurred prior to recognising revenue for a related obligation, and those costs enhance the ability of the Group to
deliver an obligation and are expected to be recovered, then those costs are recognised on the statement of financial position as fulfilment costs and are recognised as
expenses in line with the recognition of revenue when the related obligation is delivered.
The direct and incremental costs of acquiring a contract including, for example, certain commissions payable to staff or agents for acquiring customers on behalf of the
Group, are recognised as contract acquisition cost assets in the statement of financial position when the related payment obligation is recorded. Costs are recognised as an
expense in line with the recognition of the related revenue that is expected to be earned by the Group. Typically this is over the contract period as new commissions are
payable on contract renewal. Certain amounts payable to agents are deducted from revenue recognised.
Critical accounting judgements and key sources of estimation relating to IFRS 15
Revenue recognition under IFRS 15 is significantly more complex than under previous reporting requirements and necessitates the collation and processing of very large
amounts of data and the increased use of management judgements and estimates to produce financial information. The most significant critical accounting judgements
and key sources of estimation uncertainty are disclosed below. Other accounting judgements and estimations made by management are not considered to be individually
critical or material, but cumulatively have a material impact on reported costs and revenues particularly as the Group offers a large variety of bundled goods and services.
Where the Group doesn't sell equivalent goods or services in similar circumstances on a standalone basis it is necessary to estimate the standalone price. When estimating
the standalone price the Group maximises the use of external inputs; methods for estimating standalone prices include determining the standalone price of similar goods
and services sold by the Group, observing the standalone prices for similar goods and services when sold by third parties or using a cost-plus reasonable margin approach
(which is sometimes the case for handsets and other equipment). Where it is not possible to reliably estimate standalone prices due to lack of observable standalone sales
or highly variable pricing, which is sometimes the case for services, the standalone price of an obligation may be determined as the transaction price less the standalone
prices of other obligations in the contract. The standalone price determined for obligations materially impacts the allocation of revenue between obligations and impacts
the timing of revenue when obligations are provided to customers at different times - for example, the allocation of revenue between handsets, which are usually delivered
up-front, and services which are typically delivered over the contract period. However, there is not considered to be a significant risk of material adjustment to the carrying
value of contract-related assets or liabilities in the 12 months after the balance sheet date if these estimates were revised.
When the Group has control of goods or services prior to delivery to a customer, then the Group is the principal in the sale to customer. As a principal, receipts from and
payments to suppliers are reported on a gross basis in revenue and operating costs. If another party has control of goods or services prior to transfer to a customer then the
Group is acting as an agent for the other party and revenue in respect of the relevant obligations is recognised net of any related payments to the supplier and recognised
revenue represents the margin earned by the Group. Whether the Group is considered to be the principal or an agent in the transaction depends on analysis by
management of both the legal form and substance of the agreement between the Group and its business partners; such judgements impact the amount of reported
revenue and operating expenses but do not impact reported assets, liabilities or cash flows.
Scenarios requiring judgement to determine whether the Group is a principal or an agent include, for example, those where the Group delivers third-party branded services
(such as premium music or TV content) to customers.
The impact on the consolidated income statement at 30 September 2018 and the consolidated statement of financial position at 30 September 2018 is set out below.
Condensed consolidated income statement
Six months ended 30 September 2018
IFRS 15 basis Adjustments IAS 18 basis
Rm Notes Reviewed Reviewed Reviewed
Revenue 2.1 42 707 (1 657) 44 364
Direct expenses 2.1 - 2.3 (15 331) 1 750 (17 081)
Staff expenses 2.2 (3 083) (27) (3 056)
Publicity expenses (925) - (925)
Other operating expenses (6 887) - (6 887)
Share-based payment charges (1 404) - (1 404)
Depreciation and amortisation (5 316) - (5 316)
Net profit from associate and joint venture 2.1 - 2.3 1 345 (16) 1 361
Operating profit 11 106 50 11 056
Finance income 325 - 325
Finance costs (1 440) - (1 440)
Net loss on remeasurement and disposal of financial
instruments 163 - 163
Profit before tax 10 154 50 10 104
Taxation 2.4 (3 365) (17) (3 348)
Net profit 6 789 33 6 756
Attributable to:
Equity shareholders 6 564 33 6 531
Non-controlling interests 225 - 225
6 789 33 6 756
Six months ended 30 September 2018
IFRS 15 basis Adjustments IAS 18 basis
Cents Notes Reviewed Reviewed Reviewed
Basic earnings per share 386 2 384
Diluted earnings per share 379 2 377
Condensed consolidated statement of financial position
30 September 2018
IFRS 15 basis Adjustments IAS 18 basis
Rm Notes Reviewed Reviewed Reviewed
Assets
Non-current assets 109 279 1 363 107 916
Property, plant and equipment 42 577 - 42 577
Intangible assets 10 123 - 10 123
Financial assets 508 - 508
Investment in associate 51 895 94 51 801
Investment in joint venture 7 - 7
Trade and other receivables 2 146 1 269 877
Of which:
Contract assets 2.1 1 103
Deferred customer acquisition costs 2.2 166
Finance receivables 1 578 - 1 578
Tax receivable 183 - 183
Deferred tax 262 - 262
Current assets 40 921 3 536 37 385
Financial assets 6 470 - 6 470
Inventory 1 720 - 1 720
Trade and other receivables 22 193 3 536 18 657
Of which:
Contract assets 2.1 3 022
Deferred customer acquisition costs 2.2 514
Non-current assets held for sale 14 - 14
Finance receivables 2 040 - 2 040
Tax receivable 349 - 349
Bank and cash balances 8 135 - 8 135
Total assets 150 200 4 899 145 301
Equity and liabilities
Fully paid share capital 57 073 - 57 073
Treasury shares (16 434) - (16 434)
Retained earnings 31 177 3 307 27 870
Other reserves 3 395 13 3 382
Equity attributable to owners of the parent 75 211 3 320 71 891
Non-controlling interests 7 339 18 7 321
Total equity 82 550 3 338 79 212
Non-current liabilities 38 729 1 450 37 279
Borrowings 32 304 - 32 304
Trade and other payables 1 497 23 1 474
Of which:
Contract liabilities 2.1 23
Provisions 419 - 419
Deferred tax 2.4 4 509 1 427 3 082
Current liabilities 28 921 111 28 810
Borrowings 4 052 - 4 052
Trade and other payables 24 150 111 24 039
Of which:
Contract liabilities 2.1 151
Reduction in revenue deferral 2.5 (40)
Provisions 189 - 189
Tax payable 208 - 208
Dividends payable 22 - 22
Bank overdrafts 300 - 300
Total equity and liabilities 150 200 4 899 145 301
2.1 Mobile device revenue acceleration and deferred customer acquisition costs amortised to revenue
The main impact of IFRS 15 on the Group's revenue results from service agreements entered into with customers which contain both devices and services as deliverables.
Under IAS 18, revenue allocated to devices on inception of a customer contract was limited to the amount received. IFRS 15 requires revenue to be recognised for devices
on inception of the contract, irrespective of the amount received, with a corresponding contract asset representing the unbilled portion, or a contract liability in cases where
revenue recognised under IFRS 15 is less than the actual invoiced amount for any obligations as a result of an advanced payment received. The remainder of the
subscription fee is recognised over the contract term as services are delivered.
Contract assets are also raised for the impact of capitalising customer incentive bonuses (CIB). Under IAS 18, incremental costs such as CIB were expensed in the income
statement as incurred. Under IFRS 15, CIB costs incurred in acquiring a contract customer are deferred and recognised as an asset at inception and amortised against
revenue over the term of the contract.
2.2 Deferred customer acquisition costs amortised to direct costs
Under IAS 18, incremental costs were expensed in the income statement as incurred. Under IFRS 15, incremental costs incurred in acquiring a contract customer are
deferred and recognised as an asset at inception. Certain of these costs are subsequently amortised against direct costs over the term of the contract.
2.3 Impairment of contract assets
IFRS 9 requires expected credit losses to be recorded in respect of amounts due from customers. On initial recognition, the upfront recognition of contract assets under
IFRS 15 resulted in an increase in credit loss charges recorded in future periods."
2.4 Deferred tax
A deferred tax liability has been recognised for device revenue contract assets and deferred customer acquisition costs recognised under IFRS 15 where applicable, at the
enacted statutory tax rate in each jurisdiction in accordance with the recognition criteria of IAS12.
2.5 Reduction in revenue deferrals
The reduced subscription fee recognised over the contract term under IFRS 15 (see 2.1 above) leads to a reduction in revenue deferrals.
IFRS 9 Financial Instruments (IFRS 9)
IFRS 9 impacts the classification and measurement of the Group's financial instruments, revises the requirements for when hedge accounting can be applied and requires
certain additional disclosures. Whilst hedge accounting requirements are revised under IFRS 9, no material changes to the Group were identified. The Group has adopted
IFRS 9 with the cumulative retrospective impact on the classification and measurement of financial instruments reflected as an adjustment to equity on the date of
adoption. The key impacts were as follows:
- The carrying values of trade receivables, contract assets and finance lease receivables are reduced by the lifetime estimated future credit losses at the date of initial
recognition, where previously credit losses were not recognised on such assets until there was an indicator of impairment, such as a payment default;
- Customer receivables that are received in instalments, which are currently recorded at amortised cost, will be recorded at fair value through other comprehensive income
for receivable portfolios that the Group sells from time to time to third parties.
The impact on the consolidated statement of financial position at 1 April 2018 is set out below.
Classification and measurement of financial assets
The following table and the accompanying notes below explain the original measurement categories under IAS 39 Financial instruments: Recognition and measurement
(IAS 39) and the new measurement categories under IFRS 9 for each class of the Group's financial assets at 1 April 2018.
Original New
Original New classification carrying carrying
classification and measurement amount amount(1)
IAS 39 IFRS 9
Rm IAS 39 IFRS 9 Audited Reviewed
Financial assets
Fair value through
Unlisted equity investments Available-for-sale profit or loss 83 83
Public debt and bonds Loans & receivables Amortised cost 637 637
Fair value through Fair value through
Unit trust investments profit or loss profit or loss 328 328
Cash held in restricted deposits Loans & receivables Amortised cost 3 567 3 567
Loans receivable Loans & receivables Amortised cost 347 347
Trade and other receivables Loans & receivables Amortised cost 25 179 25 179
Fair value through
other comprehensive
Finance receivables(2) Loans & receivables income 2 718 2 814
Total financial assets 32 859 32 955
1 Before adjusting for the impact of applying the expected credit loss model.
2. The Group provides financing to customers to acquire devices at an additional contractual charge which is included in finance receivables. The
business model under IFRS 9 for finance receivables has been determined to be "hold to collect and sell". As a result, the Group has
reclassified finance receivables relating to device financing from loans and receivables to fair value through other comprehensive income.
The full change in the carrying amount arises from a change in measurement attribute on transition to IFRS 9.
Impairment
For assets in the scope of the IFRS 9 impairment model, impairment losses are generally expected to increase. The Group has determined that
the application of IFRS 9's impairment requirements, and the adoption of IFRS 15 at 1 April 2018 results in an additional impairment allowance as
follows:
Rm Reviewed
Loss allowance 31 March 2018 826
Recognition of additional allowance on trade and other receivables at 31 March 2018 237
Additional loss allowance on device revenue contract assets recognised on adoption of IFRS 15 318
Loss allowance at 1 April 2018 1 381
Opening condensed consolidated statement of financial position as at 1 April 2018
Impact of Impact of
adoption adoption
31 March 2018 of IFRS 15 of IFRS 9 1 April 2018
Rm Notes Audited Reviewed Reviewed Reviewed
Assets
Non-current assets 96 543 1 412 - 97 955
Property, plant and equipment 40 529 - - 40 529
Intangible assets 9 073 - - 9 073
Financial assets 430 - - 430
Investment in associate 44 076 94 - 44 170
Investment in joint venture 6 - - 6
Trade and other receivables 724 1 318 - 2 042
Of which:
Contract assets 2.1 1 114 -
Deferred customer acquisition costs 2.2 204 -
Finance receivables 1 320 - - 1 320
Tax receivable 106 - - 106
Deferred tax 279 - - 279
Current assets 34 822 3 316 (140) 37 998
Financial assets 4 532 - - 4 532
Inventory 1 243 - - 1 243
Trade and other receivables 14 819 3 316 (237) 17 898
Of which:
Contract assets 2.1 2 782 -
Deferred customer acquisition costs 2.2 527 -
Trade receivables - (237)
Other 7 -
Non-current assets held for sale 14 - - 14
Finance receivables 1 463 - 97 1 560
Tax receivable 213 - - 213
Bank and cash balances 12 538 - - 12 538
Total assets 131 365 4 728 (140) 135 953
Equity and liabilities
Fully paid share capital 42 618 - - 42 618
Treasury shares (1 792) - - (1 792)
Retained earnings 28 731 3 273 (174) 31 830
Other reserves (5 089) (7) 95 (5 001)
Equity attributable to owners of the parent 64 468 3 266 (79) 67 655
Non-controlling interests 6 184 17 (74) 6 127
Total equity 70 652 3 283 (153) 73 782
Non-current liabilities 28 130 1 457 13 29 600
Borrowings 24 071 - - 24 071
Trade and other payables 978 48 - 1 026
Of which:
Contract liabilities 2.1 48 -
Provisions 388 - - 388
Deferred tax 2.4 2 693 1 409 13 4 115
Current liabilities 32 583 (12) - 32 571
Borrowings 8 220 - - 8 220
Trade and other payables 23 958 (12) - 23 946
Of which:
Contract liabilities 2.1 47 -
Reduction in revenue deferral 2.5 (59) -
Provisions 161 - - 161
Tax payable 221 - - 221
Dividends payable 23 - - 23
Total equity and liabilities 131 365 4 728 (140) 135 953
Year ended
Six months ended 30 September 31 March
2018 2018 2018 2017 2018
IFRS 15 Adjustment IAS 18 IAS 18 IAS 18
basis basis basis basis
Rm Reviewed Reviewed Reviewed Reviewed Audited
3. Segment analysis
External customer segment revenue 42 707 (1 657) 44 364 41 995 86 370
South Africa 33 449 (1 662) 35 111 33 686 69 541
International 9 258 5 9 253 8 309 16 829
Corporate and eliminations - - - - -
Safaricom(1) 16 304 (20) 16 324 4 901 19 768
Inter-segment revenue - - - - -
South Africa (213) - (213) (195) (426)
International (384) - (384) (265) (631)
Corporate and eliminations 597 - 597 460 1 057
Revenue on an IFRS 15 basis is further disaggregated into product type below.
Corporate
South Inter- and elimi-
Rm Africa national nations Total Safaricom
30 September 2018 - reviewed
Mobile contract revenue 10 080 534 (2) 10 612 2 110
Mobile prepaid revenue 11 799 7 272 (1) 19 070 12 047
Customer service revenue 21 879 7 806 (3) 29 682 14 157
Mobile interconnect 991 641 (314) 1 317 561
Fixed service revenue 1 307 804 (173) 1 938 511
Other service revenue 1 544 81 (10) 1 615 451
Service revenue 25 721 9 332 (500) 34 552 15 680
Equipment revenue 6 592 189 (5) 6 774 469
Non-service revenue 1 349 121 (92) 1 381 155
Revenue 33 662 9 642 (597) 42 707 16 304
1 The Group's effective interest of 34.94% in Safaricom Limited (Safaricom) is accounted for as an investment in associate. Due to the
significance of this investment, and the information available for review by the chief operating decision maker, Safaricom is presented as a
separate segment. The above results represent 100% of the results of Safaricom, including the impact of net fair value adjustments on
tangible and intangible assets and goodwill.
Year ended
Six months ended 30 September 31 March
2018 2018 2018 2017 2018
IFRS 15 Adjustment IAS 18 IAS 18 IAS 18
basis basis basis basis
Rm Reviewed Reviewed Reviewed Reviewed Audited
EBITDA 16 534 66 16 468 15 731 32 898
South Africa 13 810 60 13 750 13 370 28 088
International 2 910 6 2 904 2 405 4 930
Corporate and eliminations (186) - (186) (44) (120)
Safaricom(1) 8 183 (39) 8 222 2 346 9 620
EBIT 11 263 66 11 197 10 830 23 109
South Africa 10 069 60 10 009 9 882 21 124
International 1 383 6 1 377 988 2 096
Corporate and eliminations (189) - (189) (40) (111)
Safaricom(1) 5 867 (39) 5 906 1 610 6 799
1. The Group's effective interest of 34.94% in Safaricom Limited (Safaricom) is accounted for as an investment in associate. Due to the
significance of this investment, and the information available for review by the chief operating decision maker, Safaricom is presented as a
separate segment. The above results represent 100% of the results of Safaricom, including the impact of net fair value adjustments on
tangible and intangible assets and goodwill.
Year ended
Six months ended 30 September 31 March
2018 2018 2018 2017 2018
IFRS 15 Adjustment IAS 18 IAS 18 IAS 18
basis basis basis basis
Rm Reviewed Reviewed Reviewed Reviewed Audited
Reconciliation of segment results
EBITDA 16 534 66 16 468 15 731 32 898
Depreciation and amortisation excluding acquired brands and
customer bases (5 246) - (5 246) (4 896) (9 798)
Net profit/(loss) on disposal of property,
plant and equipment and intangible assets (25) - (25) (5) 9
EBIT 11 263 66 11 197 10 830 23 109
Acquired brand and customer base amortisation (70) - (70) (85) (161)
Impairment losses - - - - (4)
Share-based payment charges (1 404) - (1 404) (79) (130)
Net profit from associate and joint venture 1 345 (16) 1 361 349 1 507
Other (28) - (28) (51) (69)
Operating profit(1) 11 106 50 11 056 10 964 24 252
Total assets 150 200 4 899 145 301 134 410 131 365
South Africa 63 671 4 745 58 926 58 452 60 426
International 32 108 60 32 048 29 419 24 756
Corporate and eliminations 54 421 94 54 327 46 539 46 183
Safaricom(2) 64 768 381 64 387 61 782 51 000
Total liabilities (67 649) (1 560) (66 089) (58 942) (60 713)
South Africa (51 885) (1 537) (50 348) (51 839) (51 068)
International (17 875) (19) (17 856) (17 319) (15 169)
Corporate and eliminations 2 111 (4) 2 115 10 216 5 524
Safaricom(2) (21 806) (144) (21 662) (21 343) (13 179)
1 For a reconciliation of operating profit to net profit for the year, refer to the Condensed consolidated income statement.
2. The Group's effective interest of 34.94% in Safaricom Limited (Safaricom) is accounted for as an investment in associate. Due to the
significance of this investment, and the information available for review by the chief operating decision maker, Safaricom is presented as a
separate segment. The above results represent 100% of the results of Safaricom, including the impact of net fair value adjustments on
tangible and intangible assets and goodwill.
Year ended
Six months ended 30 September 31 March
2018 2017 2018
Cents Reviewed Reviewed Audited
4. Per share calculations
4.1 Earnings and dividends per share
Basic earnings per share 386 445 947
Diluted earnings per share 379 431 919
Headline earnings per share 387 445 923
Diluted headline earnings per share 379 432 895
Dividends per share 425 435 825
Year ended
Six months ended 30 September 31 March
2018 2017 2018
Million Reviewed Reviewed Audited
4.2 Weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding for
the purpose of calculating:
Basic and headline earnings per share 1 699 1 541 1 620
Diluted earnings and diluted headline earnings
per share 1 734 1 542 1 622
4.3 Ordinary shares for the purpose of calculating dividends per
share:
435 cents per share declared on 12 May 2017 - 1 488 1 488
390 cents per share declared on 10 November 2017 - - 1 721
425 cents per share declared on 11 May 2018 1 721 - -
Vodacom Group Limited acquired 2 158 460 shares in the market during the period at an average price of R152.41
per share. Share repurchases did not exceed 1% of Vodacom Group Limited's issued share capital.
Dividend per share calculations are based on a dividend paid of R7 316 million (30 September 2017: R6 473 million;
31 March 2018: R13 186 million) of which R30 million (30 September 2017: R28 million; 31 March 2018:
R44 million) was offset against the forfeitable share plan reserve, R4 million (30 September 2017: R4 million;
31 March 2018: R6 million) expensed as staff expenses and R66 million (30 September 2017: R67 million; 31 March 2018:
R127 million) paid to Wheatfields Investments 276 (Pty) Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary holding treasury shares
on behalf of the Group. The Group declared an interim dividend in respect of the six months ending 30 September 2018
after the reporting period (Note 12).
Year ended
Six months ended 30 September 31 March
2018 2017 2018
Rm Reviewed Reviewed Audited
4.4 Headline earnings reconciliation
Earnings attributable to equity shareholders
for basic earnings per share 6 564 6 850 15 344
Adjusted for:
Net loss/(profit) on disposal of property,
plant and equipment and intangible assets(1) 21 5 (10)
Impairment losses - - 4
Profit on sale of associate - - (734)
6 585 6 855 14 604
Tax impact of adjustments (7) (8) 86
Non-controlling interests' share in adjustments (5) 9 256
Headline earnings for headline earnings per share(2) 6 573 6 856 14 946
Dilutive effect of potential ordinary shares in subsidiary - (201) (432)
Headline earnings for diluted headline earnings per share 6 573 6 655 14 514
1. Includes attributable share of profit on disposal of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets of
associate and joint ventures of R4 million (30 September 2017: Rnil; 31 March 2018: R1 million).
2. This disclosure is a requirement of the JSE Limited. It has been calculated in accordance with Circular 4/2018 as
issued by SAICA.
5. Related parties
The amounts disclosed in Notes 5.1 and 5.2 include significant balances and transactions with the Group's
associates, joint venture and parent, including entities in its group.
Year ended
Six months ended 30 September 31 March
2018 2017 2018
Rm Reviewed Reviewed Audited
5.1 Balances with related parties
Borrowings 27 106 26 867 27 862
Dividend received from associate included
in trade and other receivables 2 466 1 988 -
5.2 Transactions with related parties
Dividends declared (4 720) (4 207) (8 539)
Finance costs (1 007) (1 158) (2 325)
5.3 Directors' and key management personnel remuneration
Compensation paid to the Group's Board and key management personnel will be disclosed in the Group's
consolidated annual financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2019, which will be available online.
M Pieters stepped down from the Board with effect from 18 July 2018 and is succeeded by S Sood, who was
appointed to the Board as a non-executive director on the same day.
Year ended
Six months ended 30 September 31 March
2018 2017 2018
Rm Reviewed Reviewed Audited
6. Capital commitments
Capital expenditure contracted for but not yet incurred(1) 5 177 4 714 2 692
1. The Group entered into facilities leasing, services and roaming agreements with Rain Networks (Pty) Limited
(previously Wireless Business Solutions (Pty) Limited) which will result in R1 325 million (30 September 2017:
R1 225 million; 31 March 2018: R1 225 million) future capital expenditure for the Group. The majority of this
expenditure is non-current. Capital commitments do not include the aforementioned.
Year ended
Six months ended 30 September 31 March
2018 2017 2018
Rm Reviewed Reviewed Audited
7. Capital expenditure incurred
Capital expenditure additions including software 5 334 5 378 11 594
8. Broad-based black economic empowerment (BEE) transaction
The existing Vodacom (Pty) Limited (Vodacom SA) BEE transaction (the previous BEE transaction) was replaced with a new BEE transaction designed to provide liquidity to
participants through YeboYethu (RF) Limited (YeboYethu) declaring a special dividend, and the opportunity for Vodacom SA BEE shareholders, and the Vodacom Employee
Share Ownership Trust (ESOP) to participate in an attractive growth opportunity by holding their listed YeboYethu shares. The notional vendor funding of the existing
Vodacom SA BEE transaction was settled, after which YeboYethu exchanged their remaining shares in Vodacom SA for shares in Vodacom Group Limited (Vodacom Group),
which are treated as treasury shares on a consolidated level, and are encumbered (Note 9).
The key features of the BEE transaction include, inter alia:
- transaction size of R16.4 billion;
- equity swap ratio of Vodacom SA to Vodacom Group of 73.0%;
- subscription price discount from Vodacom Group;
- R3.9 billion equity reinvested by the Vodacom SA BEE shareholders;
- R3.3 billion paid out to YeboYethu shareholders as a special dividend;
- continued listing of YeboYethu on the BEE Segment of the JSE;
- R1.05 billion subscription for YeboYethu ordinary shares by the Group's new employee empowerment trust (Siyanda); and
- 60% gearing of YeboYethu (third party financing and vendor funding from Vodacom Group).
Where equity instruments are issued to a BEE partner at less than fair value, the transaction is accounted for as a share-based payment transaction in terms of IFRS 2:
Share-based payment (IFRS 2).
The new BEE transaction was approved by Vodacom Group shareholders on 16 August 2018, and by YeboYethu shareholders on 17 August 2018. This approval date marks
the grant date of the share-based payment transaction, the value of which has been determined as R2 580 million, being a non-cash, non-recurring BEE expense of
R1 404 million and a staff component of R1 176 million that will be spread over the vesting period. Vesting is in three equal tranches at the end of years 3, 4 and 5 respectively.
The above-mentioned share-based payment charges have been calculated using a Monte Carlo simulation based option pricing model. The economic substance of the BEE
transaction mimics that of a call option, with the value of the outstanding debt at the maturity date of the transaction as the strike price of the option. The assumptions
used in this model include:
- 114 451 180 new Vodacom Group shares;
- Vodacom Group share price of R125.60, being the Vodacom Group share price at the grant date of 17 August 2018;
- Volatility of 22.72% in the Vodacom Group share price, calculated using historical share price information since Vodacom Group's listing on the JSE;
- Expected costs to escalate at 6% per annum;
- Expected dividend yields of between 6.68% to 7.75%;
- The risk free rate used was based on an independently constructed zero coupon South African Rand interest rate swap curve ranging from 6.35% to 8.58%; and
- Fair value of equity contribution from non-staff shareholders of R3 074 million.
The Group facilitated the establishment of the Innovator Trust in 2014 with a loan facility of R750 million, an independent entity whose primary purpose is to develop and
support black owned small, micro and medium enterprises (SMMEs) in the information and communication technology sector. The Innovator Trust used a portion of the
facility to purchase shares in YeboYethu, and uses the income from interest and dividends to develop black owned SMME's in the information and communication
technology sector and advancement of black owned suppliers in the Group's supply chain.
The Group currently has no intention to settle the BEE transaction in cash. The Innovator Trust and a portion of the Vodacom ESOP will however be accounted for as
cash-settled due to the accounting substance thereof. Of the total IFRS 2 charge of R2 580 million, R755 million relates to these cash-settled share-based payment
arrangements. Subsequent to initial recognition, the liability relating to the non-recurring charge for Siyanda (R471 million, not yet included in the income statement as it
will accrue over the vesting period) and the Innovator Trust (R284 million, included in the total charge in the income statement and in non-current trade and other
payables) will be re-measured to fair value using the Monte Carlo simulation based option pricing model. Of the R1 404 million charge, R1 119 million was therefore
credited to the reserve, and R284 million to an IFRS 2 liability. The value of the liability will be re-measured at each reporting period based on changes to the various
valuation inputs.
The unwind of the previous BEE transaction results in the special purpose vehicles created by Vodacom SA BEE shareholders being de-consolidated, and is accounted for
within equity as changes in subsidiary holdings, as follows:
Six months
ended
30 September
2018
Rm Reviewed
De-consolidation of special purpose vehicles (21)
Reversal of YeboYethu ESOP IFRS 2 liability 234
Reversal of non-controlling interest 247
Special dividend paid to YeboYethu shareholders, net of dividend received by the Innovator Trust (3 167)
Changes in subsidiary holdings (2 707)
YeboYethu raised a combination of vendor funding and third party financing in order to subscribe for the additional shares in Vodacom Group. External funding for an
amount of R4 654 million was obtained (Note 9), and vendor funding of R5 252 million was raised in the form of preference shares with a dividend rate of 70% of prime
issued by YeboYethu to Vodacom Group. The latter eliminates on consolidation.
9. Borrowings
YeboYethu issued preference shares to the value of R4 654 million to ABSA Bank Limited, Depfin Investments (Pty) Limited and Firstrand Bank Limited in order to finance
the Group's new BEE transaction (refer to note 8). These preference shares have a dividend rate of 68% of First National Bank Limited's prime overdraft lending rate, and
have a maturity date of 14 September 2023. The borrowing is secured by the shares that YeboYethu Investment Company (RF) (Pty) Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of
YeboYethu, holds in Vodacom Group, with a target share cover ratio of above three times the debt.
During the current year, the Group refinanced three of its loan facilities received from Vodafone Investments Luxembourg s.a.r.l. as listed below:
- On 16 July 2018, a R2 000 million loan facility was renewed for a further 3 years at a rate of 3 months Jibar + 1.35%. The loan is repayable on the 16 July 2021.
- The Group also refinanced a R3 000 million facility on 27 September 2018. The loan facility bears interest at 3 month JIBAR + 1.30% and is repayable on
27 September 2021.
- An existing fixed rate facility of R1 000 million was refinanced with a floating rate facility of R1 000 million at a rate of 3 month Jibar + 1.30% with a repayment date of
28 September 2021.
On 25 July 2018, the Group made an early capital repayment of R757 million against the R2 576 million loan facility. The loan attracts interest at 3 months JIBAR + 1.20%
and is repayable on 25 April 2019.
10. Contingent liabilities
10.1 Guarantees
The Group has various guarantees in issue, relating to external financial obligations of its subsidiaries, which amounted to R125 million (30 September 2017: R112 million;
31 March 2018: R116 million).
Foreign denominated guarantees amounting to R1 063 million (30 September 2017: R1 015 million; 31 March 2018: R889 million) are in issue in support of Vodacom
Congo (RDC) SA relating to liabilities included in the consolidated statement of financial position.
10.2 Tax matters
The Group is regularly subject to an evaluation by tax authorities of its direct and indirect tax filings. The consequence of such reviews is that disputes can arise with tax
authorities over the interpretation or application of certain tax rules to the Group's business. These disputes may not necessarily be resolved in a manner that is favourable
to the Group. In addition, the resolution of the disputes could result in obligations to the Group. The Group has made sufficient provision for any losses arising from potential
tax exposures that are more likely to occur than not.
10.3 Legal contingencies
The Group is currently involved in various legal proceedings and has, in consultation with its legal counsel, assessed the outcome of these proceedings. Following this
assessment, the Group's management has determined, that adequate provision has been made in respect of these legal proceedings as at 30 September 2018.
10.4 Kenneth Makate (Mr Makate) vs Vodacom (Pty) Limited
Negotiations in accordance with the Constitutional Court order to determine a reasonable compensation for Mr Makate for a business idea that led to a product known as
'Please Call Me' have deadlocked and the matter has been referred to the Group's Chief Executive Officer to determine reasonable compensation in accordance with the
Constitutional Court order. The Vodacom Group chief executive officer has received written submission from both parties and oral hearings have been held, and a
determination on reasonable compensation is expected to be made in due course.
11. Other matters
11.1 Competition Commission investigations
11.1.1 Competition Commission data market review
The Competition Commission initiated an enquiry into data costs with the objective to obtain a clear understanding of the data services value chain, including the
interaction and commercial relationships between different levels of the value chain and the relationship with other parts of the information and communication
technology sector as well as the broader economy; and to assess the state of competition in the market at every stage of the value chain for the provision of data services,
to identify areas of market power that may influence competition or pricing. The Group participated in the hearings held on 17-19 October 2018. The date for the
completion of the data market review process has been extended to 31 March 2019.
11.1.2 Competition complaint on the National Treasury government transversal contract for mobile communications services
On 14 March 2016, National Treasury issued a tender for the supply and delivery of mobile communication services to national and provincial government departments in
South Africa. The tender was awarded to the Group, for the period 15 September 2016 to 31 August 2020, after an open and transparent process. The Competition
Commission has initiated an investigation against the Group for alleged abuse of dominance, under sections 8(c) and 8(d)(i) of the Competition Act, which is ongoing.
11.1.3 Facilities leasing and roaming agreements between Vodacom (Pty) Limited (the Company) and Rain Networks (Pty) Limited (Rain) (previously Wireless Business Solutions
(Pty) Limited)
A number of the Group's competitors lodged complaints with the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) and the Competition Commission relating
to the facilities leasing and roaming arrangements with Rain. Both the Competition Commission and ICASA have concluded their investigations and have ruled that these
arrangements were not in breach of the relevant laws.
11.2 Customer registration
The Group has made considerable strides in complying with customer registration requirements in all its markets in line with applicable laws. The Group will maintain full
compliance with customer registration requirements in markets where it has already been achieved.
11.3 Radio frequency spectrum licences
On 30 September 2016 the Pretoria High Court granted an application by the Ministry of Telecommunications and Postal Services (the Ministry) interdicting ICASA from
implementing the spectrum licensing process contemplated in the Invitation to Apply (ITA) for the licensing of spectrum in the 700MHz, 800MHz and 2 600MHz bands,
pending the outcome of a judicial review on the lawfulness of the ICASA ITA. The Ministry and the counsel of ICASA have agreed to settle the dispute over spectrum policy
and ICASA's ITA (issued in July 2016) for licencing high demand spectrum, and to initiate the process for licencing the same spectrum under the existing legislative
framework.
11.4 Electronic Communications Amendment Bill (ECA bill)
On 17 November 2017, the Ministry published an invitation to provide comments on the ECA bill, having its origins in the Integrated information and communication
technology ICT Policy White Paper of 2 October 2016. Stakeholders made representations to the Ministry at public hearings held on 6 and 7 March 2018. After considering
comments submitted and presentations at hearings, the ECA has since been approved by Cabinet and has been tabled in Parliament.
11.5 ICASA priority market review
In June 2017, ICASA published a notice of intention to conduct an inquiry to identify priority markets in terms of section 4B of the ICASA Act. The purpose of the study is to
identify markets to be prioritised for a potential market review. The final phase of the inquiry would be the publication of a findings document, which is expected in the
second half of 2019.
11.6 Amendment to End-user and Subscriber Service Charter Regulations
On 30 April 2018, ICASA published final amendments to the End-user and Subscriber Service Charter Regulations, with the objective to address consumer concerns with
regard to out-of-bundle charges and expiry rules. The implementation date of the regulations was suspended pending the outcome of the review application initiated in the
high court against ICASA by Cell C (Pty) Limited.
11.7 Mobile termination rates (MTR)
Regulators in Tanzania and Mozambique reduced termination rates. Industry submissions and a new cost study in Mozambique leading to a positive outcome where the
regulator revised MTRs upward with retrospective effect, and set a revised glide path to 2020. In Tanzania, the Group has filed an appeal against the regulator's new five year
glide path with the Fair Competition Commission on the grounds that new MTRs were modelled using data that was not representative of actual costs incurred by operators
and the glide path sets MTRs below cost. In South Africa, ICASA has made a determination on MTRs, setting the glide path to reach a rate of R0.09 (and a-symmetrical rate
of R0.13) by October 2020.
11.8 Vodacom Congo
Vodacom Congo is not in compliance with the minimum capital requirements as set out under the Organisation for the Harmonisation of Business Law in Africa (OHADA).
Vodacom Congo has to increase its share capital to meet the minimum OHADA requirements. The Board and shareholders of Vodacom Congo are in negotiations to address
the recapitalisation of the company.
11.9 Vodacom Tanzania Public Company Limited (Vodacom Tanzania)
The Group has entered into an agreement with its local Tanzanian partner, Mirambo Limited (Mirambo), and certain of Mirambo's shareholders, under the terms of which the
Group will acquire all of Mirambo's 588 million shares in Vodacom Tanzania. This will result in the Group increasing its total interest in Vodacom Tanzania from 61.6% (direct
and indirect) to 75% (direct). The transaction close is subject to conditions precedent, including requisite regulatory approvals in Tanzania.
12. Events after the reporting period
The Board is not aware of any matter or circumstance arising since the end of the reporting period, not otherwise dealt with herein, which significantly affects the financial
position of the Group or the results of its operations or cash flows for the period, other than the following:
12.1 Telkom SA SOC Limited (Telkom) agreement
Vodacom (Pty) Limited (Vodacom) and Telkom have concluded long-term agreements whereby Telkom will obtain national roaming from December 2018 and facilities leasing services
from Vodacom once the initial site roll out has been agreed. The terms will allow Telkom customers to roam on Vodacom's 2G, 3G and 4G networks and give Telkom access to 2 500 sites.
The financial effects of the agreements will be dependent on the level of usage for roaming and number of sites shared.
12.2 Dividend declared after the reporting date and not recognised as a liability
An interim dividend of R7 252 million (395 cents per ordinary share) for the year ending 31 March 2019, was declared on 9 November 2018, payable on 3 December 2018 to
shareholders recorded in the register at the close of business on 30 November 2018. The net dividend after taking into account dividend withholding tax for those
shareholders not exempt from dividend withholding tax is 316.00000 cents per share.
13. Fair value hierarchy
The table below sets out the valuation basis of financial instruments measured at fair value:
Year ended
Six months ended 30 September 31 March
2018 2017 2018
Rm Reviewed Reviewed Audited
Level one(1)
Financial assets and liabilities at fair value through profit or
loss, classified as held for trading
Unit trust investments 280 255 328
Level two(2)
Derivative financial assets 177 110 67
Derivative financial liabilities (276) (64) (207)
181 301 188
1. Level one classification is used when the valuation is determined using quoted prices in an active market.
2. Level two classification is used when valuation inputs used to determine fair value are observable for the asset/
(liability), either directly as prices or indirectly when derived from prices.
Supplementary information
Operating results for the six months ended 30 September 2018
% % %
South Inter- Corporate/
Rm Africa 17/18 national 17/18 Eliminations Group 17/18 Safaricom(1)
IFRS 15
Service revenue 25 721 9 332 (501) 34 552 15 680
Revenue 33 662 9 642 (597) 42 707 16 304
Direct expenses (12 946) (2 906) 521 (15 331) (4 690)
EBITDA 13 810 2 910 (186) 16 534 8 183
EBITDA margin (%) 41.0 30.2 38.7 50.2
EBIT 10 069 1 383 (189) 11 263 5 867
EBIT margin (%) 29.9 14.3 26.4 36.0
IAS 18#
Mobile contract revenue 12 000 1.8 570 8.4 (2) 12 568 2.1 2 034
Mobile prepaid revenue 11 799 4.1 7 272 15.5 (1) 19 070 8.2 12 132
Customer service revenue 23 799 3.0 7 842 14.9 (3) 31 638 5.7 14 166
Mobile interconnect 990 28.7 641 1.4 (314) 1 317 9.8 561
Fixed service revenue 1 370 32.8 804 4.0 (174) 2 000 18.0 520
Other service revenue 1 739 (0.7) 81 2.5 (10) 1 810 (0.7) 450
Service revenue 27 898 4.6 9 368 12.8 (501) 36 765 6.1 15 697
Equipment revenue 6 109 (4.2) 147 (13.5) (5) 6 251 (3.7) 363
Non-service revenue 1 317 57.3 122 27.1 (91) 1 348 59.1 264
Revenue 35 324 4.3 9 637 12.4 (597) 44 364 5.6 16 324
Direct expenses (14 695) (4.4) (2 908) (5.2) 522 (17 081) (3.7) (4 671)
Staff expenses (2 005) (8.6) (813) (3.2) (238) (3 056) (7.6) (946)
Publicity expenses (621) 12.3 (298) (7.2) (6) (925) 6.6 (394)
Other operating expenses (4 287) (10.2) (2 734) (14.8) 134 (6 887) (14.3) (2 080)
Share based payment charges (1 150) <(200.0) - - (254) (1 404) <(200.0) -
Depreciation and amortisation (3 805) (6.9) (1 508) (5.8) (3) (5 316) (6.7) (3 421)
Net profit from associate and joint venture - - - - 1 361 1 361 >200.0 (1)
Operating profit 8 761 (10.2) 1 376 53.1 919 11 056 0.8 4 811
EBITDA 13 750 2.8 2 904 20.7 (186) 16 468 4.7 8 222
EBITDA margin (%) 38.9 30.1 37.1 50.4
EBIT 10 009 1.3 1 377 39.4 (189) 11 197 3.4 5 906
EBIT margin (%) 28.3 14.3 25.2 36.2
Included in service revenue:
(IAS 18#)
Mobile voice 10 915 (1.3) 4 750 8.8 (2) 15 663 1.6 n/a
Mobile data 12 207 7.5 1 436 26.6 - 13 643 9.2 n/a
Mobile messaging 1 018 (11.0) 268 26.4 - 1 286 (5.2) n/a
M-Pesa revenue - - 1 410 25.2 - 1 410 25.2 n/a
1. The Group's effective interest of 34.94% in Safaricom Limited (Safaricom) is accounted for as an investment in associate. Results represent 100% of
Safaricom and is for information purposes only, including the impact of net fair value adjustments on tangible, intangible assets and goodwill of
R304 million (2017: R97 million). Prior year results represents two months of performance from the date of acquisition.
Operating results for the for the six months ended 30 September 2017
IAS 18 Corporate/
Rm South Africa International Eliminations Group Safaricom(1)
Mobile contract revenue 11 785 526 (3) 12 308 583
Mobile prepaid revenue 11 332 6 298 - 17 630 3 698
Customer service revenue 23 117 6 824 (3) 29 938 4 281
Mobile interconnect 769 632 (202) 1 199 138
Fixed service revenue 1 032 773 (110) 1 695 142
Other service revenue 1 752 79 (9) 1 822 151
Service revenue 26 670 8 308 (324) 34 654 4 712
Equipment revenue 6 374 170 (50) 6 494 122
Non-service revenue 837 96 (86) 847 67
Revenue 33 881 8 574 (460) 41 995 4 901
Direct expenses (14 082) (2 763) 380 (16 465) (1 474)
Staff expenses (1 846) (788) (205) (2 839) (282)
Publicity expenses (708) (278) (4) (990) (104)
Other operating expenses (3 891) (2 382) 247 (6 026) (696)
Share based payment charge (40) (39) - (79) 1
Depreciation and amortisation (3 558) (1 425) 2 (4 981) (738)
Net profit from associate and joint venture 1 - 348 349 1
Operating profit 9 757 899 308 10 964 1 609
EBITDA 13 370 2 405 (44) 15 731 2 346
EBITDA margin (%) 39.5 28.0 37.5 47.9
EBIT 9 882 988 (40) 10 830 1 610
EBIT margin (%) 29.2 11.5 25.8 32.8
Included in service revenue:
Mobile voice 11 061 4 365 (3) 15 423 n/a
Mobile data 11 360 1 134 - 12 494 n/a
Mobile messaging 1 144 212 - 1 356 n/a
M-Pesa revenue - 1 126 - 1 126 n/a
1. The Group's effective interest of 34.94% in Safaricom Limited (Safaricom) is accounted for as an investment in associate. Results represent
100% of Safaricom and is for information purposes only, including the impact of net fair value adjustments on tangible, intangible assets and
goodwill of R304 million (2017: R97 million). Prior year results represents two months of performance from the date of acquisition.
South Africa key indicators
Six months ended 30 September % change
2018 2017 17/18
Customers(1) (thousand) 44 089 40 000 10.2
Prepaid 38 552 34 762 10.9
Contract 5 537 5 238 5.7
Data customers(2) (thousand) 20 538 19 905 3.2
Internet of Things connections(3) (thousand) 4 004 3 271 22.4
Traffic(4) (millions of minutes) 31 756 29 757 6.7
Outgoing 27 101 25 085 8.0
Incoming 4 655 4 672 (0.4)
MOU per month(5) 123 127 (3.1)
Prepaid 112 117 (4.3)
Contract 201 194 3.6
Total ARPU(6) (IFRS 15) (rand per month) 88
Prepaid 54
Contract 325
Total ARPU(6) (IAS 18#) (rand per month) 96 102 (5.9)
Prepaid 54 58 (6.9)
Contract 384 392 (2.0)
Messaging (million) 4 425 3 419 29.4
Number of employees 5 163 4 945 4.4
Notes:
1. Customers are based on the total number of mobile customers using any service during the last three months. This includes customers paying a monthly fee that entitles them
to use the service even if they do not actually use the service and those customers who are active whilst roaming.
2. Data customers are based on the number of unique users generating billable data traffic during the month. Also included are users on integrated tariff plans, or who have access
to corporate APNs, and users who have been allocated a revenue generating data bundle during the month. A user is defined as being active if they are paying a contractual
monthly fee for this service or have used the service during the reported month.
3. Internet of Things connections (IoT), is the remote wireless interchange between two or more predefined devices or a central station without direct relationship with an end
customer, in order to support a specific business process or product.
4. Traffic comprises total traffic registered on Vodacom's mobile network, including bundled minutes, promotional minutes and outgoing international roaming calls, but excluding
national roaming calls, incoming international roaming calls and calls to free services.
5. Minutes of use (MOU) per month is calculated by dividing the average monthly minutes (traffic) during the period by the average monthly customers during the period.
6. Total ARPU is calculated by dividing the average monthly service revenue by the average monthly customers during the period. Prepaid and contract ARPU only include service
revenue generated from Vodacom mobile customers.
International key indicators
Six months ended 30 September % change
2018 2017 17/18
Customers(1) (thousand) 34 715 31 170 11.4
Tanzania 13 991 12 857 8.8
DRC 12 801 11 453 11.8
Mozambique 6 405 5 421 18.2
Lesotho 1 518 1 439 5.5
Data customers(2) (thousand) 17 964 14 755 21.7
Tanzania 8 064 7 072 14.0
DRC 5 042 4 175 20.8
Mozambique 4 161 2 904 43.3
Lesotho 697 604 15.4
30-day active M-Pesa customers(3) (thousand) 13 181 10 755 22.6
Tanzania 6 818 6 189 10.2
DRC 2 324 1 613 44.1
Mozambique 3 579 2 625 36.3
Lesotho 461 328 40.5
MOU per month(4)
Tanzania 181 160 13.1
DRC 38 43 (11.6)
Mozambique 132 138 (4.3)
Lesotho 70 80 (12.5)
Total ARPU(5) (IFRS 15) (rand per month)
Tanzania 36
DRC 37
Mozambique 51
Lesotho 63
Total ARPU(6) (IAS 18#) (rand per month)
Tanzania 36 36 -
DRC 40 40 -
Mozambique 55 50 10.0
Lesotho 63 64 (1.6)
Total ARPU(5) (IFRS 15) (local currency per month)
Tanzania (TZS) 6 045
DRC (USD) 3.0
Mozambique (MZN) 243
Total ARPU(5) (IAS 18#) (local currency per month)
Tanzania (TZS) 6 060 6 122 (1.0)
DRC (USD) 3.0 3.0 -
Mozambique (MZN) 246 236 4.2
Number of employees 2 388 2 339 2.1
Notes:
1. Customers are based on the total number of mobile customers using any service during the last three months. This includes customers paying a monthly fee that entitles them
to use the service even if they do not actually use the service and those customers who are active whilst roaming.
2. Data customers are based on the number of unique users generating billable data traffic during the month. Also included are users on integrated tariff plans, or who have access
to corporate APNs, and users who have been allocated a revenue generating data bundle during the month. A user is defined as being active if they are paying a contractual
monthly fee for this service or have used the service during the reported month. Three month active.
3. M-Pesa customers are based on the number of unique customers who have generated revenue related to M-Pesa during the last month.
4. Minutes of use (MOU) per month is calculated by dividing the average monthly minutes (traffic) during the period by the average monthly customers during the period.
5. Total ARPU is calculated by dividing the average monthly service revenue by the average monthly customers during the period.
Safaricom key indicators
Six months ended 30 September % change
2018 2017 17/18
Customers(1) (thousand) 29 944 29 490 1.5
Data customers(2) (thousand) 17 594 16 946 3.8
M-Pesa customers(3) 21 012 19 307 8.8
ARPU(4) (local currency per month) 662.5 628.4 5.4
Notes:
1. A customer is defined as a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM), or in territories where SIMs do not exist, a unique mobile telephone number, which has access to the network for any
purpose (including data only usage) except telemetric applications.
2. Data customers are based on the number of unique users generating billable data traffic during the month. Also included are users on integrated tariff plans, or who have access
to corporate APNs, and users who have been allocated a revenue generating data bundle during the month. A user is defined as being active if they are paying a contractual
monthly fee for this service or have used the service during the month reported.
3. Number of unique customers who have generated revenue related to M-Pesa in the past 30 days.
4. ARPU is calculated by dividing the average total service revenue by the average monthly customers during the period.
International financial review per country
% change
Six months ended 30 September IAS 18
2018 2018 2017 17/18
IFRS 15 IAS 18# IAS 18
Revenue (local currency)
Tanzania (TZSm) 502 014 501 103 485 820 3.1
DRC (USD000)(1) 237 606 237 442 206 769 14.8
Mozambique (MZNm) 10 131 10 141 8 226 23.3
Lesotho (LSLm) 637 637 598 6.5
EBIT (local currency)
Tanzania (TZSm) 50 135 49 326 49 419 (0.2)
DRC (USD000) 14 213 14 069 5 721 145.9
Mozambique (MZNm) 2 869 2 868 1 855 54.6
Lesotho (LSLm) 238 238 228 4.4
Note:
1. During the 2nd quarter of the prior year, we reclassified the foreign exchange difference between USD and CDF sales to be netted off on the corresponding revenue line.
The adjustment was USD11.4 million for Q1 2018 and USD4.4 million for Q2 2018. Q1 2018 has not been restated for this change. This was partially offset by a refund of
DRC sales tax (ICA) of USD9.9 million, in Q2 2018.
Historical financial review
Revenue for the quarter ended
30 September 30 June
IFRS 15
Rm 2018 2018
South Africa 17 147 16 515
International 5 218 4 424
Corporate and eliminations (311) (286)
Group revenue 22 054 20 653
30 September 30 June 31 March 31 December 30 September 30 June 31 March
IAS 18
Rm 2018 2018 2018 2017 2017 2017 2017
South Africa 17 909 17 415 17 875 18 211 17 227 16 654 16 141
International 5 213 4 424 4 167 4 719 4 334 4 240 3 985
Corporate and eliminations (311) (286) (314) (283) (251) (209) (221)
Group revenue 22 811 21 553 21 728 22 647 21 310 20 685 19 905
Revenue yoy % change for the quarter ended
% change IAS 18 Normalised*
30 September 30 June 31 March 31 December 30 September
IAS 18
% 2018 2018 2018 2017 2018
South Africa 4.0 4.6 10.7 6.2 4.0
International 20.3 4.3 4.6 9.3 13.4
Corporate and eliminations (23.9) (36.8) (42.1) (19.9) n/a
Group revenue 7.0 4.2 9.2 6.7 5.7
Service revenue for the quarter ended
30 September 30 June
IFRS 15
Rm 2018 2018
South Africa 12 985 12 736
International 5 057 4 275
Corporate and eliminations (263) (238)
Group service revenue 17 779 16 773
30 September 30 June 31 March 31 December 30 September 30 June 31 March
IAS 18
Rm 2018 2018 2018 2017 2017 2017 2017
South Africa 14 138 13 760 13 891 14 061 13 547 13 123 13 198
International 5 076 4 292 3 946 4 574 4 186 4 122 3 844
Corporate and eliminations (262) (239) (261) (233) (177) (147) (167)
Group service revenue 18 952 17 813 17 576 18 402 17 556 17 098 16 875
Service revenue yoy % change for the quarter ended
% change IAS 18 Normalised*
30 September 30 June 31 March 31 December 30 September
IAS 18
% 2018 2018 2018 2017 2018
South Africa 4.4 4.9 5.3 4.9 4.4
International 21.3 4.1 2.7 8.7 14.4
Corporate and eliminations (48.0) (62.6) (56.3) (34.7) n/a
Group revenue 8.0 4.2 4.2 5.5 6.3
Exchange rates
Average YTD Closing
30 September % change 30 September % change
2018 2017 17/18 2018 2017 17/18
USD/ZAR 13.37 13.20 1.3 14.17 13.54 4.7
ZAR/MZN 4.48 4.68 (4.3) 4.26 4.52 (5.8)
ZAR/TZS 170.80 169.54 0.7 161.23 165.77 (2.7)
EUR/ZAR 15.73 15.01 4.8 16.46 15.98 3.0
ZAR/KES 7.57 7.84 (3.4) 7.11 7.62 (6.7)
Average QTD Closing
30 September 30 June 31 March 31 December 30 September 30 June 31 March 31 December
2018 2018 2018 2017 2018 2018 2018 2017
USD/ZAR 14.08 12.65 11.95 13.61 14.17 13.76 11.85 12.39
ZAR/MZN 4.22 4.74 5.10 4.45 4.26 4.30 5.24 4.76
ZAR/TZS 162.00 179.60 187.90 164.71 161.23 164.87 190.38 179.99
EUR/ZAR 16.38 15.08 14.69 16.04 16.46 16.07 14.57 14.89
ZAR/KES 7.16 7.98 8.52 7.60 7.11 7.33 8.52 8.33
Historical key indicators
South Africa for the quarter ended
30 September 30 June 31 March 31 December 30 September 30 June 31 March
2018 2018 2018 2017 2017 2017 2017
Customers(1) (thousand) 44 089 43 107 41 635 41 602 40 000 39 381 37 131
Prepaid 38 552 37 671 36 275 36 283 34 762 34 248 32 000
Contract 5 537 5 436 5 360 5 319 5 238 5 133 5 131
Data customers(2) (thousand) 20 538 20 434 20 347 20 503 19 905 19 167 19 549
Internet of Things connections(3) (thousand) 4 004 3 881 3 628 3 495 3 271 3 100 2 979
Traffic(4) (millions of minutes) 16 128 15 628 15 385 16 013 15 331 14 426 14 462
Outgoing 13 768 13 333 13 101 13 612 12 976 12 109 12 105
Incoming 2 360 2 295 2 284 2 401 2 355 2 317 2 357
MOU per month(5) 123 123 124 131 128 125 131
Prepaid 112 111 111 120 118 115 122
Contract 201 201 199 202 199 190 190
Total ARPU(6) (IFRS 15) (rand per month) 88 89
Prepaid 54 55
Contract 325 326
Total ARPU(6) (IAS 18#) (rand per month) 95 96 99 102 101 103 109
Prepaid 54 55 57 59 58 58 61
Contract 385 384 381 393 391 393 401
Notes:
1. Customers are based on the total number of mobile customers using any service during the last three months. This includes customers paying a monthly fee that entitles them
to use the service even if they do not actually use the service and those customers who are active whilst roaming.
2. Data customers are based on the number of unique users generating billable data traffic during the month. Also included are users on integrated tariff plans, or who have access
to corporate APNs, and users who have been allocated a revenue generating data bundle during the month. A user is defined as being active if they are paying a contractual
monthly fee for this service or have used the service during the reported month.
3. Internet of Things connections (IoT), is the remote wireless interchange between two or more predefined devices or a central station without direct relationship with an end
customer, in order to support a specific business process or product.
4. Traffic comprises total traffic registered on Vodacom's mobile network, including bundled minutes, promotional minutes and outgoing international roaming calls, but excluding
national roaming calls, incoming international roaming calls and calls to free services.
5. Minutes of use (MOU) per month is calculated by dividing the average monthly minutes (traffic) during the period by the average monthly customers during the period.
6. Total ARPU is calculated by dividing the average monthly service revenue by the average monthly customers during the period. Prepaid and contract ARPU only include service
revenue generated from Vodacom mobile customers.
International for the quarter ended
30 September 30 June 31 March 31 December 30 September 30 June 31 March
2018 2018 2018 2017 2017 2017 2017
Customers(1) (thousand) 34 715 33 401 32 415 32 184 31 170 29 986 29 688
Tanzania 13 991 13 277 12 899 12 901 12 857 12 611 12 653
DRC 12 801 12 279 11 821 11 982 11 453 10 792 10 388
Mozambique 6 405 6 255 6 108 5 712 5 421 5 147 5 146
Lesotho 1 518 1 590 1 587 1 589 1 439 1 436 1 501
Data customers(2) (thousand) 17 964 17 472 16 573 16 013 14 755 13 807 12 997
Tanzania 8 064 7 682 7 345 7 317 7 072 6 767 6 463
DRC 5 042 5 150 4 825 4 470 4 175 3 982 3 705
Mozambique 4 161 3 952 3 730 3 501 2 904 2 470 2 280
Lesotho 697 688 673 725 604 588 549
MOU per month(3)
Tanzania 186 177 161 171 167 153 146
DRC 39 38 36 36 42 44 44
Mozambique 134 129 144 152 144 130 130
Lesotho 73 68 71 85 82 79 78
30-day active M-Pesa customers(4) (thousand) 13 182 12 711 11 757 11 117 10 755 10 089 9 963
Tanzania 6 818 6 805 6 369 6 266 6 189 5 934 6 198
DRC 2 324 2 127 1 891 1 600 1 613 1 494 1 423
Mozambique 3 579 3 367 3 109 2 908 2 625 2 343 2 029
Lesotho 461 412 388 343 328 318 313
Total ARPU(5) (IFRS 15) (rand per month)
Tanzania 38 33
DRC 43 37
Mozambique 59 51
Lesotho 64 61
Total ARPU(5) (IAS 18#) (rand per month)
Tanzania 38 33 31 39 37 35 34
DRC 43 37 34 39 37 42 37
Mozambique 59 51 47 57 53 48 40
Lesotho 65 63 61 71 66 62 53
Total ARPUc (IFRS 15) (local currency per month)
Tanzania (TZS) 6 116 5 969
DRC (USD) 3.0 3.0
Mozambique (MZN) 248 239
Total ARPU(6) (IAS 18#) (local currency per month)
Tanzania (TZS) 6 132 5 984 5 734 6 369 6 295 5 946 5 674
DRC (USD) 3.0 3.0 2.9 2.9 2.8 3.2 2.8
Mozambique (MZN) 250 242 238 253 244 228 209
Notes:
1. Customers are based on the total number of mobile customers using any service during the last three months. This includes customers paying a monthly fee that entitles them
to use the service even if they do not actually use the service and those customers who are active whilst roaming.
2. Data customers are based on the number of unique users generating billable data traffic during the month. Also included are users on integrated tariff plans, or who have access
to corporate APNs, and users who have been allocated a revenue generating data bundle during the month. A user is defined as being active if they are paying a contractual
monthly fee for this service or have used the service during the reported month.
3. Minutes of use (MOU) per month is calculated by dividing the average monthly minutes (traffic) during the period by the average monthly customers during the period.
4. M-Pesa customers are based on the number of unique customers who have generated revenue related to M-Pesa during the last month.
5. Total ARPU is calculated by dividing the average monthly service revenue by the average monthly active customers during the period. Prepaid and contract ARPU only include
service revenue generated from Vodacom mobile customers.
Pro-forma financial information
The presentation of the pro-forma financial information and related reconciliations as detailed below, is the responsibility of the directors of Vodacom Group
Limited. The purpose of presenting financial information on a comparable IAS 18 basis and normalised growth on an IAS 18 constant currency basis is to assist the user in
understanding the underlying growth trends on a comparable basis, while the presentation of operating free cash flow and free cash flow is to provide users with relevant
information and measures used by the Group to assess performance. Headline earnings per share has been adjusted for significant merger and acquisition events, the BEE
transaction and Safaricom acquisition to illustrate underlying growth trends. It has been prepared for illustrative purposes only and may not fairly present the financial position,
changes in equity, and results of operations or cash flows of Vodacom Group Limited. This pro-forma information has not been reviewed and reported on by the Group auditors.
Reconciliation of normalised growth for the six months ended 30 September 2018
IFRS 15 Adoption of Trading Merger and
Rm Reported(1) IFRS 15(2) IAS 18#(1) FX(3) Acquisition(5) Normalised*
Revenue
Group 42 707 1 657 44 364 - - 44 364
International 9 642 (5) 9 637 - - 9 637
Service revenue
Group 34 552 2 213 36 765 - - 36 765
International 9 332 36 9 368 - - 9 368
Data revenue
International 1 436 - 1 436 - - 1 436
M-Pesa revenue
International 1 410 - 1 410 - - 1 410
Total expenses
International 6 751 2 6 753 (8) - 6 745
South Africa 19 886 1 722 21 608 (22) - 21 586
EBITDA
International 2 910 (6) 2 904 8 - 2 912
EBIT
Group 11 263 (66) 11 197 45 - 11 242
International 1 383 (6) 1 377 8 - 1 385
Operating profit
Group 11 106 (50) 11 056 45 42 11 143
South Africa 8 821 (60) 8 761 22 1 150 9 933
Reconciliation of normalised growth for the six months ended 30 September 2017
Foreign exchange
IAS 18 Merger and
Rm Reported(1) Trading FX(3) Translation FX(4) Acquisition(5) Normalised*
Revenue
Group 41 995 - 110 - 42 105
International 8 574 - 110 - 8 684
Service revenue
Group 34 654 - 103 - 34 757
International 8 308 - 103 - 8 411
Data revenue
International 1 134 - 23 - 1 157
M-Pesa revenue
International 1 126 - 9 - 1 135
Total expenses
International 6 211 3 62 - 6 276
South Africa 20 527 (73) - - 20 454
EBITDA
International 2 405 (3) 52 - 2 454
EBIT
Group 10 830 76 29 - 10 935
International 988 (3) 29 - 1 014
Operating profit
Group 10 964 76 27 (329) 10 738
South Africa 9 757 73 - - 9 830
Reconciliation of normalised growth for the six months ended 30 September 2018
The reconciliation presents normalised growth adjusting for trading foreign exchange gains/losses, merger and acquisition and at a constant currency (using current period as base)
from on-going operations.
Foreign exchange
Merger and
IAS 18(6) Trading FX(3) Translation FX(4) Acquisition(5) Normalised*
% % change ppts ppts ppts % change
Revenue
Group 5.6 - (0.2) - 5.4
International 12.4 - (1.4) - 11.0
Service revenue
Group 6.1 - (0.3) - 5.8
International 12.8 - (1.4) - 11.4
Data revenue
International 26.6 - (2.5) - 24.1
M-Pesa revenue
International 25.2 - (1.0) - 24.2
Total expenses
International 8.7 (0.2) (1.0) - 7.5
South Africa 5.3 0.2 - - 5.5
EBITDA
International 20.7 0.5 (2.5) - 18.7
EBIT
Group 3.4 (0.3) (0.3) - 2.8
International 39.4 1.2 (4.1) - 36.5
Operating profit
Group 0.8 (0.2) (0.3) 3.5 3.8
South Africa (10.2) (0.4) - 11.6 1.0
Reconciliation of normalised growth for the quarter ended
30 September 2018 IFRS 15 Adoption of
Rm Reported IFRS 15(2) IAS 18 Translation FX(8) Normalised*
Revenue
Group 22 054 757 22 811 - 22 811
International 5 218 (5) 5 213 - 5 213
Service revenue
Group 17 779 1 173 18 952 - 18 952
International 5 057 19 5 076 - 5 076
30 September 2017 IAS 18 Translation FX(8)
Rm Reported Normalised*
Revenue
Group 21 310 261 21 571
International 4 334 261 4 595
Service revenue
Group 17 555 250 17 805
International 4 186 250 4 436
30 September 2018 IAS 18(7) Translation FX(8) Normalised*
% % change ppts % change
Revenue
Group 7.0 (1.3) 5.7
International 20.3 (6.9) 13.4
Service revenue
Group 8.0 (1.7) 6.3
International 21.3 (6.9) 14.4
Notes:
1. The financial information relating to revenue, service revenue, EBITDA, EBIT and operating profit are derived from the condensed consolidated interim financial statements for
the six months ended 30 September 2018.
2. This column and related adjustment represents the reconciliation of IFRS 15 to IAS 18. For a more detailed explanation of the impact of the application of IFRS 15 on the Group
refer to the applicable criteria set out in IFRS 15 "Revenue from Contracts with Customers" as set out on page 29.
3. Trading foreign exchange (FX) are foreign exchange gains/losses on foreign denominated monetary assets and liabilities resulting from trading activities of entities within the
Group, which is included with other operating expenses as per the condensed consolidated income statement.
4. The Group's presentation currency is the South African rand. Our International operations utilise a number of functional currencies, for example the United States dollar,
Tanzanian shilling, Mozambican metical, Nigerian naira and Zambian kwacha. The prevailing exchange rates for the current and comparative periods are disclosed on page 23.
Translation foreign exchange (FX) arises from the translation of the results, at average rates, of subsidiaries' functional currencies to Vodacom's presentation currency, being rand.
The exchange variances are eliminated by applying the average rate for the six months ended 30 September 2018 (which is derived by dividing the individual subsidiary's
translated rand value with the functional currency for the period) to 30 September 2017 numbers, thereby giving a user a view of the performance which excludes exchange
variances.
5. Merger and Acquisition relates to the net profit from associate and joint venture relating to Safaricom as disclosed in the condensed consolidated income statement and the
IFRS 2 charge as disclosed in Note 3 in the condensed consolidated interim financial statements.
6. The percentage change relates to the year-on-year percentage growth on a comparable IAS 18 basis calculated as the percentage change between the year-to-date
30 September 2018 and year-to-date 30 September 2017 IAS 18 values.
7. The percentage change relates to the quarter to date year-on-year percentage growth on a comparable IAS 18 basis calculated as the percentage change between the
quarter-to-date 30 September 2018 and the quarter-to-date 30 September 2017 IAS 18 values.
8. The Group's presentation currency is the South African rand. Our International operations utilise a number of functional currencies, for example the United States dollar,
Tanzanian shilling, Mozambican metical, Nigerian naira and Zambian kwacha. The prevailing exchange rates for the current and comparative periods are disclosed on page 23.
Translation foreign exchange (FX) arises from the translation of the results, at average rates, of subsidiaries' functional currencies to Vodacom's presentation currency, being rand.
The exchange variances are eliminated by applying the average rate for the quarter ended 30 September 2018 (which is derived by dividing the individual subsidiary's translated
rand value with the functional currency for the period to the quarter ended 30 September 2018) numbers, thereby giving a user a view of the performance which excludes
exchange variances.
Reconciliation of operating free cash flow and free cash flow
Six months ended 30 September
2018
IFRS 15/ 2017
Rm IAS 18# IAS 18
Cash generated from operations(1) 13 889 12 157
Cash capital expenditure(2) (6 283) (5 505)
Movement in amounts due to M-Pesa account holders(3) (532) (341)
Operating free cash flow 7 074 6 311
Tax paid(1) (3 350) (3 107)
Finance income received(1) 1 513 381
Finance costs paid(1) (2 704) (1 509)
Net dividends paid(1) (47) (48)
Free cash flow 2 486 2 028
The reconciliation presents the reconciliation of cash generated from operators to free cash flow. Free cash flow excludes the movement in amounts due to M-Pesa account
holders, and held on their behalf. Management excludes these balances to present a view of the true commercial cash conversion in the operation.
Notes:
1. As per the condensed consolidated statement of cash flows.
2. Cash capital expenditure as per the condensed consolidated statement of cash flows, excluding capital expenditure of license and spectrum fee of (R46 million)
(2017: R91 million).
3. Movements included in cash generated from operations relate to money held on behalf of M-Pesa customers.
Reconciliation of composition headline earnings per share
% change
Six months ended 30 September IAS 18
2018 2017
Cents IAS 18# IAS 18 17/18
HEPS excluding BEE and Safaricom transactions 453 427 6.0
Contribution from Safaricom and amortisation of intangible
assets, net of withholding tax and minority interest(1) 63 18 >200.0
Impact of new shares(2) (42) - n/a
HEPS excluding BEE transaction 474 445 6.5
BEE transaction(3) (89) - n/a
Reported HEPS 385 445 (13.5)
The reconciliation represents the composition of headline earnings per share and the effects of the BEE and Safaricom transactions on HEPS.
Notes:
1. This impact relates to the net profit from associate and joint venture of R1 345 million as per the condensed consolidated income statement.
2. Impact of new shares relates to the issue of 223 459 781 shares as consideration for Vodacom stake in Safaricom.
3. BEE transaction relates to the once-off, non-cash, non-recurring IFRS 2 charge of R1 404 million and transactions costs of R105 million.
IFRS 15 "Revenue from Contracts with Customers"
IFRS 15 "Revenue from Contracts with Customers" was adopted by the Group on 1 April 2018 with the cumulative retrospective impact reflected as an adjustment to equity on the
date of adoption. The Group's IAS 18 accounting policy, and the key differences between the Group's IAS 18 and IFRS 15 accounting policies, are disclosed in the Group's annual
financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2018.
IFRS 15 Accounting policy
When the Group enters into an agreement with a customer, goods and services deliverable under the contract are identified as separate performance obligations (obligations) to
the extent that the customer can benefit from the goods or services on their own and that the separate goods and services are considered distinct from other goods and services in
the agreement. Where individual goods and services don't meet the criteria to be identified as separate obligations, they are aggregated with other goods and/or services in the
agreement until a separate obligation is identified. The obligations identified will depend on the nature of individual customer contracts, but might typically be separately identified
for mobile handsets, other equipment provided to customers and for services provided to customers such as mobile and fixed line communication services.
The Group determines the transaction price to which it expects to be entitled to in return for providing the promised obligations to the customer based on the committed
contractual amounts, net of sales taxes and discounts. Where indirect channel dealers, such as retailers, acquire customer contracts on behalf of the Group and receive commission,
any commissions that the dealer is compelled to use to fund discounts or other incentives to the customer are treated as payments to the customer when determining the
transaction price and consequently are not included in contract acquisition costs. The transaction price is allocated between the identified obligations according to the relative
standalone selling prices of the obligations. The standalone selling price of each obligation deliverable in the contract is determined according to the prices that the Group would
achieve by selling the same goods and/or services included in the obligation to a similar customer on a standalone basis; where standalone selling prices are not directly
observable, estimation techniques are used maximising the use of external inputs.
Revenue is recognised when the respective obligations in the contract are delivered to the customer and payment remains probable.
- Revenue for the provision of services, such as mobile airtime and fixed line broadband, is recognised when or as the Group performs the related service during the agreed
service period.
- Revenue for device sales to end customers is generally recognised when the device is delivered to the end customer. For device sales made to intermediaries such as indirect
channel dealers, revenue is recognised if control of the device has transferred to the intermediary and the intermediary has no right to return the device to receive a refund;
otherwise revenue recognition is deferred until sale of the device to an end customer by the intermediary or the expiry of any right of return.
When revenue recognised in respect of a customer contract exceeds amounts received or receivable from a customer a contract asset is recognised; contract assets will typically be
recognised for handsets or other equipment provided to customers where payment is recovered by the Group via future service fees. If amounts received or receivable from a
customer exceed revenue recognised for a contract, for example if the Group receives an advance payment from a customer, a contract liability is recognised.
When contract assets or liabilities are recognised, a financing component may exist in the contract; this is typically the case when a handset or other equipment is provided to a
customer up-front but payment is received over the term of the related service agreement, in which case the customer is deemed to have received financing. If a significant
financing component is provided to the customer, the transaction price is reduced and interest is recognised in revenue over the customer's payment period using an interest rate
reflecting the relevant central bank rates and customer credit risk.
Contract related costs
When costs directly relating to a specific contract are incurred prior to recognising revenue for a related obligation, and those costs enhance the ability of the Group to deliver an
obligation and are expected to be recovered, then those costs are recognised on the statement of financial position as fulfilment costs and are recognised as expenses in line with the
recognition of revenue when the related obligation is delivered.
The direct and incremental costs of acquiring a contract including, for example, certain commissions payable to staff or agents for acquiring customers on behalf of the Group, are
recognised as contract acquisition cost assets in the statement of financial position when the related payment obligation is recorded. Costs are recognised as an expense in line with
the recognition of the related revenue that is expected to be earned by the Group. Typically this is over the contract period as new commissions are payable on contract renewal.
Certain amounts payable to agents are deducted from revenue recognised.
Critical accounting judgements and key sources of estimation relating to IFRS 15
Revenue recognition under IFRS 15 is significantly more complex than under previous reporting requirements and necessitates the collation and processing of very large amounts of data
and the increased use of management judgements and estimates to produce financial information. The most significant critical accounting judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty
are disclosed below. Other accounting judgements and estimations made by management are not considered to be individually critical or material, but cumulatively have a material impact on
reported costs and revenues particularly as the Group offers a large variety of bundled goods and services.
Where the Group doesn’t sell equivalent goods or services in similar circumstances on a standalone basis it is necessary to estimate the standalone price. When estimating the standalone
price the Group maximises the use of external inputs; methods for estimating standalone prices include determining the standalone price of similar goods and services sold by the Group,
observing the standalone prices for similar goods and services when sold by third parties or using a cost-plus reasonable margin approach (which is sometimes the case for handsets and other
equipment). Where it is not possible to reliably estimate standalone prices due to lack of observable standalone sales or highly variable pricing, which is sometimes the case for services,
the standalone price of an obligation may be determined as the transaction price less the standalone prices of other obligations in the contract. The standalone price determined for
obligations materially impacts the allocation of revenue between obligations and impacts the timing of revenue when obligations are provided to customers at different times - for example,
the allocation of revenue between handsets, which are usually delivered up-front, and services which are typically delivered over the contract period. However, there is not considered to
be a significant risk of material adjustment to the carrying value of contract-related assets or liabilities in the 12 months after the balance sheet date if these estimates were revised.
When the Group has control of goods or services prior to delivery to a customer, then the Group is the principal in the sale to customer. As a principal, receipts from, and payments to
suppliers are reported on a gross basis in revenue and operating costs. If another party has control of goods or services prior to transfer to a customer then the Group is acting as an
agent for the other party and revenue in respect of the relevant obligations is recognised net of any related payments to the supplier and recognised revenue represents the margin earned
by the Group. Whether the Group is considered to be the principal or an agent in the transaction depends on analysis by management of both the legal form and substance of the agreement
between the Group and its business partners; such judgements impact the amount of reported revenue and operating expenses but do not impact reported assets, liabilities or cash flows.
Scenarios requiring judgement to determine whether the Group is a principal or an agent include, for example, those where the Group delivers third-party branded services (such as premium
music or TV content) to customers.
Corporate information
Additional financial and operational measures
This announcement contains certain financial (i.e. service revenue, enterprise service revenue, EBITDA and EBIT) and operational (i.e. customers, ARPUs and number of employees)
measures which are presented in addition to the financial information disclosed in the condensed consolidated interim financial statements for the year ended 30 September 2018
which have been prepared in terms of IFRS. The Group's management believes these measures provide valuable additional information in understanding the performance of the
Group or the Group's businesses because they provide measures used by the Group to assess performance. However, this additional information presented is not uniformly defined
by all companies, including those in the Group's industry. Accordingly, it may not be comparable with similarly titled measures and disclosures by other companies. Additionally,
although these measures are important in the management of the business, they should not be viewed in isolation or as replacements for or alternatives to, but rather as
complementary to, the condensed consolidated interim financial statements for the six months ended 30 September 2018. The financial measures have been extracted from the
management accounts upon which the condensed consolidated interim financial statements for the six months ended 30 September 2018 are based. Refer above for
details relating to service revenue, EBIT and headline earnings per share and the supplementary information above for a reconciliation thereof to the reported results
included in this announcement.
Trademarks
Vodafone, the Vodafone logo, M-Pesa, Connected Farmer, Vodafone Supernet, Vodafone Mobile Broadband, Vodafone WebBox, Vodafone Passport, Vodafone live!, Power to You,
Vodacom, Vodacom 4 Less and Vodacom Change the World are trademarks of Vodafone Group Plc (or have applications pending). Other product and company names mentioned
herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.
Forward-looking statements
This announcement which sets out the interim results for Vodacom Group Limited for the six months ended 30 September 2018 contains 'forward-looking statements', which have
not been reviewed or reported on by the Group's auditors, with respect to the Group's financial condition, results of operations and businesses and certain of the Group's plans and
objectives. In particular, such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to: expectations regarding the Group's financial condition or
results of operations including the confirmation of the Group's targets, expectations for the Group's future performance generally; expectations regarding the operating
environment and market conditions and trends; intentions and expectations regarding the development, launch and expansion of products, services and technologies; growth in
customers and usage; expectations regarding spectrum licence acquisitions; expectations regarding adjusted EBITDA, capital additions, free cash flow, and foreign exchange rate
movements; and expectations regarding the integration or performance of current and future investments, associates, joint ventures, non-controlled interests and newly acquired
businesses.
Forward-looking statements are sometimes, but not always, identified by their use of a date in the future or such words as "will", "anticipates", "aims", "could", "may", "should",
"expects", "believes", "intends", "plans" or "targets" (including in their negative form). By their nature, forward-looking statements are inherently predictive, speculative and involve
risk and uncertainty because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that may or may not occur in the future. There are a number of factors that could cause actual
results and developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. These factors include, but are not limited to, the following:
changes in economic or political conditions in markets served by operations of the Group; greater than anticipated competitive activity; higher than expected costs or capital
expenditures; slower than expected customer growth and reduced customer retention; changes in the spending patterns of new and existing customers; the Group's ability to
expand its spectrum position or renew or obtain necessary licences; the Group's ability to achieve cost savings; the Group's ability to execute its strategy in fibre deployment,
network expansion, new product and service roll-outs, mobile data, Enterprise and broadband; changes in foreign exchange rates, as well as changes in interest rates; the Group's
ability to realise benefits from entering into partnerships or joint ventures and entering into service franchising and brand licensing; unfavourable consequences to the Group of
making and integrating acquisitions or disposals; changes to the regulatory framework in which the Group operates; the impact of legal or other proceedings; loss of suppliers or
disruption of supply chains; developments in the Group's financial condition, earnings and distributable funds and other factors that the Board takes into account when determining
levels of dividends; the Group's ability to satisfy working capital and other requirements; changes in statutory tax rates or profit mix; and/or changes in tax legislation or final
resolution of open tax issues.
All subsequent written or oral forward-looking statements attributable to the Company, to any member of the Group or to any persons acting on their behalf are expressly qualified
in their entirety by the factors referred to above. No assurances can be given that the forward-looking statements in this document will be realised. Subject to compliance with
applicable law and regulations, Vodacom does not intend to update these forward-looking statements and does not undertake any obligation to do so.
Directors
PJ Moleketi (Chairman), MS Aziz Joosub (CEO),
T Streichert (CFO)1, V Badrinath2, DH Brown, M Joseph3,
BP Mabelane, SJ Macozoma, TM Mokgosi-Mwantembe, JWL Otty4, S Sood5, RAW Schellekens6
1. German 2. French 3. American 4. British 5. Indian 6. Dutch
Registered office
Vodacom Corporate Park,
082 Vodacom Boulevard,
Midrand 1685
(Private Bag X9904, Sandton 2146)
Transfer secretary
Computershare Investor Services (Proprietary) Limited
(Registration number 2004/003647/07)
Rosebank Towers
15 Biermann Avenue
Rosebank 2196
South Africa
(PO Box 61051, Marshalltown 2107, South Africa)
Sponsor
UBS South Africa (Pty) Limited
ADR depository bank
Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas
Company secretary
SF Linford
Investor relations
Shaun van Biljon
Media relations
Byron Kennedy
Date: 12/11/2018 07:11:00 Produced by the JSE SENS Department. The SENS service is an information dissemination service administered by the JSE Limited ('JSE').
The JSE does not, whether expressly, tacitly or implicitly, represent, warrant or in any way guarantee the truth, accuracy or completeness of
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