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CommentaryOperational overview Robust mobile subscriber growth, together with a high investment in infrastructure and improved distribution, enabled the MTN Group to deliver a solid performance for the financial year ended 31 December 2008. Demand for mobile services continued to impress on the upside in key markets amidst the global economic slowdown which negatively impacted many other sectors in 2008. The Group recorded 90,7 million subscribers at 31 December 2008, compared with 61,4 million at the end of December 2007. The 48% increase was driven largely by MTN Irancell and MTN Nigeria, which added 10 million and 6,6 million subscribers respectively. A strong focus on operational performance as well as continued improvements in the rollout of infrastructure has enabled the Company to sustain or improve its market position in increasingly competitive environments. MTN Group incurred expenditure of R28,3 billion on capex in 2008, an 84% increase over 2007 and in line with US$ denominated guidance. MTN continued to focus on evolving its networks and actively seeking infrastructure, transmission and site sharing opportunities across its operations. MTN also invested approximately R250 million in 2008 to gain access to significant submarine cable capacity through the SAT-3, WASC, EASSy and EIG initiatives. An important aspect of the Company’s strategy is to be an integrated service provider. In line with this, MTN has acquired ISPs in various markets. Basic headline earnings per share (“HEPS”) increased by 43% to 836,5 cents for the period ended 31 December 2008, while adjusted headline earnings per share increased by 33% to 904,4 cents. In addition to sound operational performance, the depreciation of the Rand against the US$ resulted in the effective appreciation of many African and Middle Eastern currencies against the Rand for a major portion of the year, positively affecting the net trading results of MTN Group by approximately 15%. The Group reports its performance by region, namely South and East Africa (“SEA”), West and Central Africa (“WECA”) and the Middle East and North Africa (“MENA”). MTN consolidates 49% of MTN Irancell’s financials, thereby diluting the positive impact of revenue and EBITDA growth of MTN Irancell on the Group’s financials. Income statement analysis MTN Group recorded a 40% increase in revenue to R102,5 billion (31 December 2007: R73,1 billion) driven by the strong growth in subscribers. It was also enhanced by the relative appreciation of operating currencies to the Rand. The WECA region continues to be the largest contributor to Group revenue making up 47% of total revenue, compared with 42% in the prior financial year, while SEA and MENA contributed 37% and 17% respectively. Average revenue per user per month (“ARPU”) declined marginally in most operations in 2008, which is consistent with increased penetration into lower usage segments. As a result of strong revenue growth, the Group’s earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”) increased by 36% to R43,2 billion. The WECA region is the largest contributor to Group EBITDA and increased its contribution by 7 percentage points to 59% at 31 December 2008. The SEA region contributed 30% to Group EBITDA and MENA contributed 11% of Group EBITDA, increasing its contribution by 3 percentage points from December 2007. MTN Group’s EBITDA margin declined by 1,4 percentage points to 42,1%. The decline in EBITDA margin was due to a number of factors. Increased network maintenance costs, higher fuel costs and regulatory levies were the main drivers. The increased contribution from the MENA region with lower EBITDA margins also lowered the Group’s EBITDA margin. However, its pleasing that MTN Irancell’s EBITDA margin turned positive to 30,2% from negative 13,4% as the business picked up critical mass. The South Africa EBITDA margin dropped 2 percentage points to 32,8%, as a result of management’s strategic decision to invest in distribution. The higher year on year costs in opex related to increased capital expenditure and the increase in handset costs related to foreign exchange also contributed to the margin decline. The EBITDA margins in Sudan, Ghana and Syria were lower compared to 2007. MTN Group depreciation increased by R3,2 billion to R9,9 billion for the period ended 31 December 2008. This was as a result of an increase in the Group’s depreciable assets, mainly infrastructure, to support growth opportunities Net finance costs for the Group decreased by 40% to R1,9 billion in 2008. This was mainly due to the substantial unrealised foreign exchange gain at a holding company level on loans to operating companies and the R1 billion increase in finance income on cash invested across the Group. These gains were offset to an extent by foreign exchange losses on foreign loans in both holding and operating companies. Finance cost increases were not substantial despite increases in interest-bearing liabilities at the operating company level, to improve capacity, due to the high capital expenditure rollout. The difference between the statutory tax rate of 28% and the Group effective tax rate is mainly attributable to the following: the effect of the Nigerian commencement provisions (4,26%), which resulted in double taxation on the first three months’ profits of MTN Nigeria for the year; STC and other withholding taxes on dividends and management fees (3,35%) the provision for the Nigerian put option (1,24%); and other items (1,84%). The Group continues to report adjusted headline EPS in addition to basic headline EPS. The adjustments are in respect of:
Adjusted headline EPS of 904,4 cents for the period compares favourably with adjusted headline EPS of 681,9 cents for the year ended 31 December 2007. Balance sheet and cash flow analysis MTN Group’s assets, excluding cash, increased by 44% to R141,4 billion in 2008. This is mainly as a result of increases in property, plant and equipment of R24,7 billion including the impact of R6,7 billion as a result of the weakening of the Rand. Goodwill and other intangible assets of R45,8 billion at December 2008 showed an increase of R7 billion from 31 December 2007. The increase was due mainly to the weakening of the Rand of R7,6 billion which was partially offset by amortisation of R2,8 billion. Current assets for the Group, excluding cash, increased by R10,1 billion to R26,0 billion at 31 December 2008. The increase in trade receivables of R3,4 billion was in line with organic growth of the various operations. Inventory increased by R1,2 billion of which R700 million was in South Africa in respect of handsets to improve service into both the pre and postpaid market. Sundry debtors and advances increased by R2,6 billion due to xx and prepayments on site BTS’s and other property leases increased by R1 billion. Net debt of the Group decreased by R3,2 billion to R12,9 billion, comprising of gross interest bearing liabilities of R41,6 billion and cash balances of R28,7 billion. This reflects a significant improvement in the net debt to EBITDA from 0,5 times to 0,3 times and places the Group in a strong financial position. Cashflow Cash generated from operations increased to R44 billion from R34,3 billion as a result of the strong operational performance as well as the impact of a weaker Rand. The Group paid a dividend of R2,5 billion in April 2008, following a reduction in the dividend cover to 5 times adjusted headline earnings per share. The successful capital expenditure rollout programme utilised R26,9 billion of cash during the year. Nevertheless, net cash flow for the year was R7,4 billion. Foreign exchange before translation gains of R2,7 billion and movements in restricted cash balances. Other MTN’s people are the Company’s key competitive resource and advantage. Recognising this, we continue to invest in skills development to attract and retain talent. In the last quarter, we launched the MTN Academy to develop skill and capacity, pertinent to our business across all operating units. We recognise that diversity, within a common culture and value framework is a key strength of the Group. During the year, we achieved an appropriate degree of mobility of staff between our various operations. Apart from the benefits of increased learnings across the business, this also provides our staff with attractive and meaningful opportunities for growth within emerging markets and should, over time, further bolster MTN’s ability to attract and retain the best skill and capability across its footprint. MTN, which has a long history of had strong empowerment credentials, had planned to implement a new BEE transaction during the first half of 2009 following the anticipated unwinding of the Alpine Trust (“Alpine”) and Newshelf 664 (Pty) (“Newshelf”) empowerment scheme, which was announced on 15 December 2008. However, after careful assessment of the prevailing financial market conditions the board has determined that it is not in the best interests of the Company, its shareholders and the potential BEEinvestors to implement the proposed BEE transaction at this time. The Board of Directors (“the Board”) remains fully committed to implementing a BEE transaction as soon as conditions become condusive. Changes in shareholding for the year ended 31 December 2008 included: The Group’s disposal of a 5,96% interest in MTN Nigeria through a private placement to Nigerian individuals and institutions for a consideration of $594,5 million. The purpose of the transaction, which reduces the Group’s interest in MTN Nigeria to 76,08%, was to broaden the ownership of MTN Nigeria and enable wider participation. Prominent Cypriot trading company Amaracos acquired 49% of MTN Cyprus. At the same time MTN Cyprus acquired Infotel, a retail chain, and OTEnet Ltd, as mentioned earlier. Through these transactions, MTN has improved local representation in its Cyprus business and is better positioned to provide a more holistic and competitive service. MTN also increased its shareholding in MTN Cote d’ lvoire to 65% from 60% as part of a prior arrangement with its local partners. Operational review South Africa MTN South Africa performed well in challenging conditions. Overall subscribers increased by 16% to 17,2 million, while MTN’s market share remained relatively consistent at 36% in 2008. Postpaid subscribers grew by 10% to 2,8 million despite a slowdown in economic growth, stronger inflation, interest rate hikes and high fuel prices. Growth within the postpaid segment was mainly driven by the launch of the MTN Anytime value proposition in September 2008, which attracted more than 259,000 subscribers. Prepaid subscribers increased by 17% to 14,4 million thanks to the success of MTN Zone, which became the most successful MTN pay-as-you-go price plan ever launched, attracting 6,6 million subscribers in the 11 months after launch in February 2008. ARPU in the prepaid market segment increased by 5% to R97 a month, positively influenced by the success of MTN Zone as lower-denomination vouchers stimulated usage. Postpaid ARPU increased by 2%. The blended ARPU was negatively impacted by the mix between postpaid and prepaid subscribers. Capital expenditure on infrastructure and distribution was a major focus of the year, with nearly R4,9 billion invested in the period, from R2,8 billion the previous year. The key objectives as regards the network were to improve capacity, quality and coverage; modernise the network and make it more efficient; and stimulate and support the development and launch of new products. There were 483 new 2G base transceiver station (BTS’s) and 419 new 3G BTS’s rolled out, bringing the total to more than 7,000. Considerable progress was also made in providing additional capacity to both the circuit switch (voice) and packet switch (data) core network. The roll out of the fibre optic metropolitan network in the high-traffic zone of Gauteng commenced during the year. Infrastructure sharing remains a focus, and during the year, an agreement was concluded to build, along with two other operators, a 5,000 km national fibre optic network to enhance network coverage and quality. Construction starts in the first half of 2009. MTN South Africa also increased its branded distribution presence, purchasing the remaining 49% of retailer Cell Place (which was finalised on 1 August 2008) and concluding the purchase on 12 January 2009 of the remaining 51% stake in I-Talk (Pty) Ltd. MTN has reached agreement with New Clicks to buy up to 17 Musica retail outlets and release space in six other Musica stores. The transaction is subject to certain conditions precedent and forms part of MTN’s strategy to grow its branded retail footprint in key locations in a timely and cost effective manner. Verizon Business South Africa currently has a market share of 18% of the data market which together with MTN South Africa’s existing, ISP brings the new combined companies market share to approximately 23% and jump starts MTN South Africa’s business segment to the market. Nigeria MTN Nigeria’s subscriber base grew by 40% from 16,5 million at 31 December 2007 to 23,1 million at 31 December 2008 in an increasingly competitive market. Market share rose from 43% to 44% at the end of December 2008. The growth was driven by continued demand supported by the Happy Hour value proposition, and the restructuring of the distribution channel. ARPU remained strong and dropped by only $1 to $16 as lower-usage customers continued to join the network. Aggressive network rollout continued throughout 2008, gaining strong momentum during the second half of the year and significantly improving network quality and enabling increased net connections in the last quarter. Capital expenditure for the year was substantially higher at R9,6 billion compared with R4,8 billion in 2007. MTN Nigeria rolled out 1 560 BTS’s bringing the total to 4 776. To further improve the network 1 170km of new metro and national fibre was implemented on key routes. Following quality improvements the promotional activities ban was lifted in the third quarter. Sustained high network quality remains a priority for both our current and future subscribers. Ghana MTN Ghana’s subscribers increased by 60% to 6,4 million, lifting market share from 52% to 55%. This was attributable to MTN Zone, launched in June 2008. The operation also benefited from network coverage expansion and an increased distribution. ARPU for the reporting period was $12, down from $14 at the end of 2007, and included the impact of newly introduced airtime taxes. MTN Ghana spent R1,9 billion on capital expenditure, 50% more than last year. 702 BTS’s were rolled out during the year, significantly improving the network quality. An additional mobile switching centre and a base station controller were commissioned to cater for traffic demands in Accra and Kumasi. Iran MTN Irancell lifted subscriber numbers to 16,0 million from 6,0 million at the end of 2007. This sharp increase is largely attributable to the strong brand image and successful seasonal promotional campaigns. New products and segmented tariff plans were well received by the market. MTN Irancell’s market share increased to 37% from 23% at 31 December 2007. ARPU dropped $1 to $9 notwithstanding the significant growth in net additions during the year. The operation added 1 529 BTS’s to its network, bringing the total to date to 3 532. MTN Irancell now covers 699 cities with an additional 465 added during the reporting period. A WiMax licence and spectrum were awarded to the company and service provision will commence during 2009. Network coverage of the population increased from 48% at the beginning of the year to 62% at December 2008. Sudan MTN Sudan subscribers increased by 27% to 2,6 million in 2008. This was accomplished despite increased competition and the regulatory requirement to disconnect all prepaid subscribers who had not registered their personal information. The operation connected 68% of its 557,000 net additions for the year during the last quarter through promotional activities as it recovered from the impact of the disconnections. At year-end, MTN Sudan’s market share was back at 28%, the same as December 2007. Network coverage of the population increased to 45% at the end of 2008 from 42% a year earlier. Some 424 new BTS’s were added to the network, bringing the total to 1 621. During the year rollout commenced in South Sudan, introducing services in major cities Syria MTN Syria’s subscriber base grew by 14% in the year to 3,5 million. Market share increased slightly to 46%. Subscriber ARPU declined marginally to $19. The operation introduced new tariff plans and enriched data offerings during the year. The network rollout gained momentum during the second half of 2008 and 125 3G and 471 2G BTS’s were added. Prospects The Group remains cautiously optimistic about its prospects for 2009, in challenging trading conditions. Strategic priorities include:
Dividend declaration Shareholders are advised that a cash dividend of 181 cents per ordinary share in respect of the period 31 December 2008, has been declared and is payable to ordinary shareholders recorded in the register of the MTN Group at the close of business on Friday 3 April. In compliance with the requirements of Strate, the electronic settlement and custody system used by the JSE, the MTN Group has determined the following salient dates for the payment of the dividend:
Share certificates may not be dematerialised or rematerialised between Monday, 30 March 2009 and Friday, 3 April 2009, both days inclusive. On Monday, 6 April 2009, the dividend will be electronically transferred to the bank accounts of certificated shareholders who make use of this facility. In respect of those who do not use this facility, cheques dated Monday, 6 April 2009 will be posted on or about that date. Shareholders who have dematerialised their shares will have their accounts held by their Central Securities Depository Participant or broker credited on Monday, 6 April 2009. For and on behalf of the Board M C Ramaphosa P F Nhleko Fairland
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