Form 6-K

 

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

 

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

Report of Foreign Private Issuer

 

Pursuant to Rules 13a-16 or 15d-16 of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

Dated November 14, 2007

 

VODAFONE GROUP

PUBLIC LIMITED COMPANY

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

VODAFONE HOUSE, THE CONNECTION, NEWBURY, BERKSHIRE, RG14 2FN, ENGLAND

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover Form 20-F or Form 40-F.

 

Form 20-F

ü

Form 40-F

 

 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant by furnishing the information contained in this Form is also thereby furnishing the information to the Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

 

 

Yes

 

 

No

ü

 

 

If “Yes” is marked, indicate below the file number assigned to the registrant in connection with Rule 12g3-2(b):

 


 

This Report on Form 6-K contains a news release issued by Vodafone Group Plc on, November 13 2007, entitled “HALF-YEARLY FINANCIAL REPORT FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2007”.

 


 

VODAFONE GROUP PLC

 

Embargo:

 

 

Not for publication

HALF-YEARLY FINANCIAL REPORT FOR

 

before 07:00 hours

THE SIX MONTHS ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2007

 

13 November 2007

 

Key highlights(1):

 

                                     Group revenue of £17.0 billion, an increase of 9.0%, with organic growth of 4.4%

 

                 Europe: 2.0% revenue growth with outgoing usage up 24.0%, messaging revenue up 8.6% and data revenue up 40.8%, all on an organic basis

 

                 EMAPA: revenue growth of 39.9%, reflecting acquisitions in India and Turkey. Organic growth of 16.0%

 

                 Group data revenue up 48.8% to £1.0 billion, with organic growth of 45.1%

 

                                     Group adjusted operating profit increased 1.6% to £5.2 billion, with organic growth of 6.1%

 

                                     Free cash flow from continuing operations of £2.7 billion, reflecting 8.1% mobile capital intensity for Europe(2)

 

                                     Adjusted basic earnings per share increased by 7.4% to 6.42 pence. Basic earnings per share of 6.22 pence

 

                                     Proportionate mobile customer base of 241 million at 30 September

 

                                     Results reflect rigorous execution against the Group’s five strategic objectives

 

Increasing returns to shareholders:

 

                                     Interim dividend per share increased by 6.0% to 2.49 pence, giving a payout of over £1.3 billion

 

Improved outlook:

 

                                     Increased outlook for revenue, adjusted operating profit and free cash flow for the 2008 financial year

 

(1)           See page 4 for Group financial and operational highlights, page 35 for definition of terms and page 37 for use of non-GAAP financial information. See page 5 for the Outlook for the 2008 financial year

(2)           Includes common functions

 

Arun Sarin, Chief Executive, commented:

 

“These results reflect our continuing focus on the execution of our strategy. In Europe, we have performed well in competitive markets by driving strong growth in voice usage and data revenue, whilst improving cost efficiency. In EMAPA, we are capturing the revenue growth opportunities within emerging markets and benefiting from continuing momentum at Verizon Wireless. The increased interim dividend reflects the Board’s confidence in how the business is progressing.”

 


 

CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S STATEMENT

 

Rigorous execution against our strategic objectives has been key to our performance in the first half of the year. We have improved our outlook expectations for the full year and the Board has increased the interim dividend by 6.0% to 2.49 pence per share, enhancing returns to our shareholders.

 

Group revenue increased by 9.0% to £17.0 billion, or 4.4% on an organic basis. In Europe, where competitive and regulatory pressures remain significant, organic revenue growth was 2.0%. Good revenue growth in Spain and the UK was offset by declines in Germany and Italy, where specific competitive and regulatory events have detracted from an otherwise solid business performance. EMAPA delivered another period of continued growth. Revenue grew by 39.9%, or 16.0% on an organic basis, with strong performances across the region. Group adjusted operating profit increased by 1.6% to £5.2 billion, or 6.1% on an organic basis, including an increased contribution from Verizon Wireless which grew by 26.0% on a constant currency basis.

 

Adjusted earnings per share increased by 7.4% to 6.42 pence due to the year on year benefit from the share consolidation in July last year.

 

Our customer franchise increased by 35 million in the period to 241 million proportionate mobile customers, including 20 million net additions.

 

Capital expenditure in the first half was £2.0 billion, including £0.4 billion in India since its acquisition in May. Free cash flow generation remains strong at £2.7 billion, after £0.2 billion payments in respect of long standing tax issues.

 

Revenue stimulation and cost reduction in Europe

 

In Europe, our focus is to drive additional usage and revenue from core voice and messaging services and to reduce our cost base.

 

Central to stimulating revenue have been our initiatives to drive mobile usage through offering innovative tariffs, larger minute bundles and targeted promotions. There has also been a specific focus on migrating prepaid customers to contract, thereby improving customer lifetime value. Overall growth in outgoing voice usage remained strong at 24.0% for the first half, but continued pricing pressure resulted in stable outgoing voice revenue. Notwithstanding our efforts in revenue stimulation, elasticity remains below one. In the business segment, which represents approximately 28% of European service revenue and delivered 5.9% growth in the first half, we are leveraging our market leading position. Earlier this year, we established Vodafone Global Enterprise which is responsible for ensuring that we deliver enhanced service and our total communications offering to our largest multinational customers.

 

16 million customers now enjoy lower roaming pricing through Vodafone Passport. All of our European customers are now benefiting from our commitment to reduce roaming prices and the recently introduced roaming regulation.

 

Messaging revenue remains robust with 8.6% organic growth, including strong performances in Italy and the UK, driven primarily by targeted promotions and tariffs.

 

Cost reduction remains central to our Group and a number of core cost reduction programmes are now well established. They are delivering savings across the Group and have helped to mitigate pressure on EBITDA margins and reduce our European mobile and common functions capital expenditure to revenue ratio to 8.1% in the first half, below our full year target which remains at 10%. Data centre consolidation and network supply chain management centralisation are delivering savings earlier than originally expected.

 

Innovate and deliver on our customers’ total communications needs

 

Our focus is on four key areas which together are expected to represent around 20% of Group revenue by the 2010 financial year. In the first half, these areas contributed about 12% of revenue, up from around 10% in the prior year.

 

Data revenue increased by 45.1% on an organic basis, principally enabled by the rapid growth in 3G devices, which nearly doubled year on year to over 21 million devices. We have also refreshed our consumer mobile internet offering in eight markets, supported by partnerships with leading internet players, and are continuing to develop products and services to integrate the mobile and PC environments.

 

Following completion of the acquisition of Tele2’s fixed broadband businesses in Italy and Spain we will have established our preferred route for delivering fixed broadband services in each of our major European markets through a selective approach of wholesale agreements and owned infrastructure. Including Tele2, fixed broadband services will be provided to 3.1 million customers in 13 markets. Revenue from fixed line services increased by 9.9% on an organic basis, primarily due to 9.6% constant currency growth in Arcor.

 

We continue to drive substitution of fixed line usage for mobile through fixed location pricing plans offering customers fixed prices when they call from within or around their home or office. We now have 3.7 million Vodafone At Home customers and 2.6 million Vodafone Office customers.

 

2


 

We believe mobile advertising is a significant future opportunity for the mobile industry. We have commercial agreements for mobile advertising in eight markets and are trialling numerous forms of banner and content based advertising. Vodafone is in a leading position to benefit from future trends in this market.

 

Deliver strong growth in emerging markets

 

Our focus is to build on our track record of creating value in emerging markets. We have delivered further good performances in our existing operations with revenue growth of 33.1% in Egypt, 24.0% in Romania and 19.6% in Vodacom on a constant currency basis. Turkey continues to perform well with year on year revenue growth of around 28% on the same basis.

 

Our Indian business is delivering very strong growth. Average net customer additions are running at 1.6 million per month, with a customer base of over 35 million at the end of September. Year on year revenue growth was around 53% on a constant currency basis. In September, we successfully rebranded the business to Vodafone, an important integration milestone, ahead of plan.

 

As well as driving customer growth, we are differentiating Vodafone in emerging markets through a number of initiatives. Our ultra low cost handset, which retails for as little as $25, enables us to address a wider population in developing economies. In October, our first month of sales, we sold 400,000 units in India. M-PESA, our innovative money transfer solution was launched in February 2007 and is already benefiting over one million people in Kenya. Efficiency is also vital to success in emerging markets, where low market prices require the lowest possible costs.

 

Actively manage our portfolio to maximise returns

 

We completed the acquisition of Vodafone Essar in India in May 2007 for a cash consideration of £5.5 billion. In July, we received £0.7 billion from the sale of a 4.99% stake in Bharti Airtel and have agreed the sale of a further 0.61% by November 2008. The acquisitions of Tele2 Italy and Tele2 Spain for £0.5 billion will strengthen our total communications offerings in those markets.

 

Align capital structure and shareholder returns policy to strategy

 

We continue to target a low single A rating, consistent with our policy.

 

The Board remains committed to its policy of distributing 60% of adjusted earnings per share by way of dividend. However, as a result of the earnings dilution arising from the India acquisition, the payout ratio is expected to rise above 60% in the near term to better reflect the underlying trends of the business.

 

In growing dividends at 6.0%, ahead of its guidance for modest growth issued in May, the Board has taken into account the Group’s current financial performance and its confidence in the prospects for the business.

 

Prospects for the remainder of the year

 

Notwithstanding 40.8% organic growth in data revenue and our success in stimulating voice usage, we expect market conditions and the pricing environment to remain competitive in Europe. Growth prospects for the EMAPA region remain strong as we actively pursue customer growth in markets where penetration is still increasing.

 

Our success in the first half and continued rigorous execution of our strategy has allowed us to improve our outlook for the current financial year. Group revenue is now expected to be in the increased range of £34.5 billion to £35.1 billion, primarily due to improved operational performance. Adjusted operating profit is also expected to be higher at £9.5 billion to £9.9 billion, reflecting better revenue generation. Capital expenditure on fixed assets is still expected to be in the range of £4.7 billion to £5.1 billion, including in excess of £1.0 billion in India. Free cash flow is now expected to be £4.4 billion to £4.9 billion, better than previously expected due to better business performance and lower payments this year related to long standing tax issues.

 

Summary

 

We are delivering tangible results from our strategy which positions us well to deliver total communications to our customers and to generate attractive returns for our shareholders.

 

Arun Sarin

 

3


 

GROUP FINANCIAL AND OPERATING HIGHLIGHTS

 

 

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

Change %

Continuing operations(1)(2)(3)

 

Page

 

£m

 

£m

 

Reported

 

Organic

 

Financial information

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenue

 

21

 

16,994

 

15,594

 

9.0

 

4.4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating loss

 

21

 

5,208

 

(2,952

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Profit/(loss) before taxation

 

21

 

4,560

 

(3,330

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Profit/(loss) for the period

 

21

 

3,327

 

(4,548

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic earnings/(loss) per share (pence)

 

21

 

6.22p

 

(8.02)p

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Capitalised fixed asset additions

 

 

 

1,982

 

1,824

 

8.7

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash flow from operating activities

 

17

 

4,860

 

4,840

 

0.4

 

 

 

 

Performance reporting(1)(2)(3)(4)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Group EBITDA

 

6

 

6,565

 

6,242

 

5.2

 

2.4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjusted operating profit

 

6, 40

 

5,223

 

5,141

 

1.6

 

6.1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjusted profit before tax

 

8, 40

 

4,701

 

4,724

 

(0.5

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjusted effective tax rate

 

8

 

30.1%

 

29.2%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjusted profit for the period attributable to equity shareholders

 

8, 40

 

3,397

 

3,441

 

(1.3

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjusted basic earnings per share (pence)

 

40

 

6.42p

 

5.98p

 

7.4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Free cash flow

 

17

 

2,661

 

2,955

 

(9.9

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net debt

 

17

 

23,253

 

20,229

 

14.9

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

Change %

Continuing operations(1)(2)(3)

 

Page

 

Million

 

Million

 

Reported

 

Organic

 

Operational

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Data revenue (£)

 

6

 

967

 

650

 

48.8

 

45.1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3G registered devices

 

43

 

21.4

 

11.1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mobile voice usage (minutes)

 

44

 

198,252

 

115,143

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Proportionate mobile customer net additions

 

42

 

20.5

 

11.5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Proportionate mobile customers

 

42

 

241.5

 

191.6

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This half-yearly financial report contains certain information on the Group’s results and cash flows that have been derived from amounts calculated in accordance with IFRS but are not themselves IFRS measures. They should not be viewed in isolation as alternatives to the equivalent IFRS measure and should be read in conjunction with the equivalent IFRS measure. Further disclosures are provided under “Use of non-GAAP financial information” on page 37.

 

 

Notes:

(1)          See page 35 for definition of terms.

(2)          The results for the six months ended 30 September 2006 exclude the results of the discontinued operations in Japan and include the results of the Group’s associated undertaking in Belgium and Switzerland until the announcement of their respective disposal in August 2006 and December 2006.

(3)          Amounts presented as at 30 September or for the six months then ended.

(4)          Where applicable, these measures are stated excluding non-operating income of associates, impairment losses and other income and expense, changes in the fair value of equity put rights and similar arrangements (see note 2 in investing income and financial costs on page 7) and certain foreign exchange differences. See page 37 for use of non-GAAP financial information.

 

4


 

OUTLOOK FOR THE 2008 FINANCIAL YEAR

 

Please see page 35 for definition of terms, page 36 for forward-looking statements and page 37 for use of non-GAAP financial information.

 

 

 

Original
outlook(1)

 

Foreign exchange(2)

 

Acquisitions(3)

 

Upgrade

 

Updated outlook

 

 

£ billion

 

£ billion

 

£ billion

 

£ billion

 

£ billion

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenue

 

33.3 to 34.1

 

0.3

 

0.2

 

0.6

 

34.5 to 35.1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjusted operating profit

 

9.3 to 9.8

 

 

(0.1

)

0.2

 

9.5 to 9.9

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Capitalised fixed asset additions

 

4.7 to 5.1

 

 

 

 

4.7 to 5.1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Free cash flow

 

4.0 to 4.5

 

0.1

 

 

0.3

 

4.4 to 4.9

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Notes:

(1)               As originally stated on 29 May 2007.

(2)               The Group’s outlook update reflects current expectations for average foreign exchange rates for the 2008 financial year of approximately Euro 1.45:£1 (originally 1.47) and US$2.04:£1 (originally 1.98). A substantial majority of the Group’s revenue, adjusted operating profit, capitalised fixed asset additions and free cash flow is denominated in currencies other than sterling, the Group’s reporting currency.

(3)               Assumes the financial results of Tele2 Italy and Tele2 Spain will be included with effect from 1 December  2007.

 

Operating conditions are expected to continue to be competitive in Europe with ongoing pricing and regulatory pressures but continued positive trends in data revenue and voice usage. Increasing market penetration continues to result in overall strong growth for the EMAPA region.

 

Group revenue is now expected to be in the range of £34.5 billion to £35.1 billion, higher than previously anticipated primarily due to improvements in operational performance but also due to net beneficial movements in foreign exchange rates and revenue for Tele2 Italy and Tele2 Spain from the expected date of acquisition.

 

Adjusted operating profit is now expected to be in the range of £9.5 billion to £9.9 billion, which is greater than previous expectations, driven substantially by better revenue generation. Whilst Group EBITDA margin is still expected to be lower year on year, the Group continues to expect mobile operating expenses to be broadly stable for the total of the Europe region and common functions when compared with the 2006 financial year on an organic basis, excluding the potential impact from developing and delivering new services and from any business restructuring costs.

 

Total depreciation and amortisation charges are now anticipated to be slightly higher at around £5.9 billion to £6.0 billion, including the impact from the Tele2 acquisitions.

 

The outlook range for capitalised fixed asset additions remains unchanged at £4.7 billion to £5.1 billion and continues to include in excess of £1.0 billion in India. Capitalised mobile fixed asset additions for the total of the Europe region and common functions are still expected to be 10% of mobile revenue for the year.

 

Free cash flow is expected to be in the range of £4.4 billion to £4.9 billion, higher than originally expected principally due to improvements in operational performance and lower anticipated tax payments and associated interest this year in respect of the potential settlement of a number of long standing tax issues, which are now expected to be £0.3 billion. The outlook for free cash flow is stated including the impact of known spectrum or licence payments only.

 

The Group still expects that further significant cash payments for tax and associated interest may be made in respect of long standing tax issues. Whilst the timing of such payments remains uncertain, the Group now expects resolution of the most significant issues, principally the application of the UK Controlled Foreign Company legislation to the Group, to be later than previously anticipated.

 

The adjusted effective tax rate percentage is expected to be similar to the 2007 financial year rate of 30.5%, which is slightly lower than previously anticipated. The Group’s longer term expectation for the adjusted tax rate remains in the low 30s.

 

5


 

CONTENTS

 

 

Page

 

Financial results

6

 

Liquidity and capital resources

17

 

Significant transactions

19

 

Risk factors

19

 

Subsequent events

20

 

Responsibility statement

20

 

Condensed consolidated financial statements

21

 

Other information

35

 

Use of non-GAAP financial information

37

 

Additional investor information and key performance indicators

38

 

 

 

 

 

FINANCIAL RESULTS

 

GROUP RESULTS

 

The following results are presented for continuing operations. Europe includes the results of the Group’s operations in Western Europe, while EMAPA includes the results of the Group’s operations in Eastern Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia and the Pacific area and the Group’s associate in the US, Verizon Wireless. During the six months ended 30 September 2007, the Group changed its organisation structure and the Group’s associated undertaking in France, SFR, is now managed within the Europe region and reported within Other Europe. The results for all periods are presented in accordance with the new structure.

 

 

 

Europe

 

EMAPA

 

Common  Functions(2)

 

Eliminations

 

2007

 

2006

 

% change

 

 

 

£m

 

£m

 

£m

 

£m

 

£m

 

£m

 

£

 

Organic

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Voice revenue(1)

 

8,704

 

3,499

 

 

 

(43

)

12,160

 

11,317

 

 

 

 

 

Messaging revenue

 

1,575

 

377

 

 

 

(4

)

1,948

 

1,786

 

 

 

 

 

Data revenue

 

843

 

127

 

 

 

(3

)

967

 

650

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed line revenue(1)

 

780

 

22

 

 

 

 

802

 

770

 

 

 

 

 

Other service revenue

 

11

 

 

 

 

(1

)

10

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total service revenue

 

11,913

 

4,025

 

 

 

(51

)

15,887

 

14,523

 

9.4

 

4.6

 

Acquisition revenue

 

463

 

211

 

 

 

 

674

 

642

 

 

 

 

 

Retention revenue

 

165

 

14

 

 

 

 

179

 

182

 

 

 

 

 

Other revenue

 

128

 

51

 

80

 

(5

)

254

 

247

 

 

 

 

 

Total revenue

 

12,669

 

4,301

 

80

 

(56

)

16,994

 

15,594

 

9.0

 

4.4

 

Interconnect costs

 

(1,958

)

(650

)

 

 

51

 

(2,557

)

(2,354

)

 

 

 

 

Other direct costs

 

(975

)

(610

)

58

 

 

(1,527

)

(1,247

)

 

 

 

 

Acquisition costs

 

(1,314

)

(443

)

 

 

 

(1,757

)

(1,556

)

 

 

 

 

Retention costs

 

(824

)

(120

)

 

 

 

(944

)

(854

)

 

 

 

 

Operating expenses

 

(2,764

)

(1,050

)

165

 

5

 

(3,644

)

(3,341

)

 

 

 

 

EBITDA

 

4,834

 

1,428

 

303

 

 

6,565

 

6,242

 

5.2

 

2.4

 

Acquired intangibles amortisation

 

(15

)

(312

)

 

 

 

(327

)

(197

)

 

 

 

 

Purchased licence amortisation

 

(413

)

(36

)

 

 

 

(449

)

(467

)

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and other amortisation

 

(1,398

)

(517

)

(94)

 

 

(2,009

)

(1,844

)

 

 

 

 

Share of result in associates

 

261

 

1,181

 

1

 

 

1,443

 

1,407

 

 

 

 

 

Adjusted operating profit

 

3,269

 

1,744

 

210

 

 

5,223

 

5,141

 

1.6

 

6.1

 

Adjustments for:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Impairment losses

 

 

 

 

 

 

(8,100

)

 

 

 

 

Other

 

 

(15

)

 

 

(15

)

1

 

 

 

 

 

Non-operating income of associates

 

 

 

 

 

 

6

 

 

 

 

 

Operating profit/(loss)

 

3,269

 

1,729

 

210

 

 

5,208

 

(2,952

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Notes:

(1)   Revenue relating to fixed line activities provided by mobile operators, previously classified within voice revenue, is now presented as fixed line revenue, together with revenue from fixed line operators and DSL. All prior periods have been adjusted accordingly.

(2)   Common functions represents the results of Partner Markets and the net result of unallocated central Group costs and recharges to the Group’s operations, including royalty fees for use of the Vodafone brand.

 

Revenue

 

Revenue increased by 9.0% to £16,994 million for the six months ended 30 September 2007, comprising organic growth of 4.4% and the impact of acquisitions and disposals of 5.4%, primarily from acquisitions of subsidiaries in India in May 2007 and Turkey in May 2006, partially offset by the impact of unfavourable movements in exchange rates of 0.8%.

 

Both the Europe and EMAPA regions increased total revenue on an organic basis, achieving growth of 2.0% and 16.0%, respectively. On a reported basis, Europe achieved growth of 1.5%, while EMAPA achieved growth of 39.9%, of which

 

6


 

26.5% was contributed by the impact of acquisitions and disposals, including the acquisition of subsidiaries in India and Turkey.

 

The organic growth in revenue was driven by a continued increase in the customer base and successful usage stimulation initiatives, despite persisting price pressures. The organic growth in data revenue of 45.1% was particularly strong and can be attributed in part to increasing penetration of Vodafone Mobile Connect 3G/GPRS data cards and handheld business devices.

 

Operating result

 

Operating profit increased to £5,208 million from a loss of £2,952 million in the prior year, mainly as a result of impairment charges not being incurred in the current year. Adjusted operating profit increased by 1.6% to £5,223 million, or by 6.1% on an organic basis. Foreign exchange rate movements, particularly in relation to Verizon Wireless and Vodacom, the Group’s 50% owned joint venture with principal operations in South Africa, and the net impact of acquisitions and disposals reduced reported growth by 2.6% and 1.9% respectively, with the latter primarily being due to the increase in amortisation of acquired intangible assets. Adjusted operating profit is stated after £327 million of acquired intangible asset amortisation, an increase of £130 million from the same period last year.

 

The EMAPA region’s strong growth was partly offset by a slight decline in profitability in the Europe region resulting from the continuing challenges of highly penetrated markets, termination rate cuts and a high level of competition.

 

The EBITDA margin in Europe was 38.2% compared to 39.5% in the same period last year, reflecting higher costs, in particular increased interconnect costs, other direct costs and acquisition costs resulting from the competitive environment in the region.

 

In the EMAPA region, the EBITDA margin declined to 33.2% from 35.8% for the same period last year, in part due to higher growth in the region through investment in customer base growth, and in part due to the inclusion for the whole of the current period of Turkey, which has a lower EBITDA margin than the region’s average. In addition, the EBITDA margin in Turkey decreased due to investment in the rebranding of the business to Vodafone, improving network quality and growing the customer base.

 

The Group’s share of results from associates grew by 2.6%, or by 18.2% on an organic basis, with the impact of the disposals of the Group’s interests in Belgacom Mobile SA and Swisscom Mobile AG during the prior financial year, and unfavourable foreign exchange movements, reducing reported growth by 9.0% and 6.6% respectively. The organic growth was driven by strong growth in Verizon Wireless.

 

Investment income and financing costs

 

 

 

Six months to
30 September
2007
£m

 

 

Six months to
30 September
2006
£m

 

Investment income

 

382

 

 

425

 

Financing costs

 

(1,280

)

 

(813

)

 

 

(898

)

 

(388

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Analysed as:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net financing costs before dividends from investments

 

(394

)

 

(272

)

Potential interest charges arising on settlement of outstanding tax issues

 

(200

)

 

(202

)

Dividends from investments

 

72

 

 

57

 

 

 

(522

)

 

(417

)

Foreign exchange(1)

 

(90

)

 

8

 

Changes in fair value of equity put rights and similar arrangements(2)

 

(286

)

 

21

 

 

 

(898

)

 

(388

)

 

Notes:

(1)   Comprises foreign exchange differences reflected in the income statement in relation to certain intercompany balances, and the foreign exchange differences on financial instruments received as consideration in the disposal of Vodafone Japan to SoftBank, which completed in April 2006.

(2)   Includes a charge of £333 million representing the initial fair value of the put options granted over the Essar group’s interest in Vodafone Essar, which has been recorded as an expense. Further details of these options are provided on page 19.

 

Net financing costs before dividends from investments increased by 44.9% to £394 million following an increase in average net debt of 28.7%, a change in the currency mix and higher interest rates. At 30 September 2007, the provision for potential interest charges arising on settlement of outstanding tax issues was £1,409 million (30 September 2006: £1,047 million).

 

7


 

Taxation

 

 

 

Six months to
30 September
2007
£m

 

 

Six months to
30 September
2006
£m

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income tax expense

 

1,233

 

 

1,218

 

Recognition of pre-acquisition deferred tax asset

 

15

 

 

-

 

Tax on adjustments to derive adjusted profit before tax

 

19

 

 

2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjusted income tax expense

 

1,267

 

 

1,220

 

Share of associated undertakings’ tax

 

222

 

 

240

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjusted income tax expense for purposes of calculating adjusted tax rate

 

1,489

 

 

1,460

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Profit /(loss) before tax

 

4,560

 

 

(3,330

)

Adjustments to derive adjusted profit before tax(1)

 

141

 

 

8,054

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjusted profit before tax

 

4,701

 

 

4,724

 

Add: Share of associated undertakings’ tax and minority interest

 

250

 

 

271

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjusted profit before tax for the purpose of calculating adjusted effective tax rate

 

4,951

 

 

4,995

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjusted effective tax rate

 

30.1%

 

 

29.2%

 

 

Note:

(1)          See earnings/(loss) per share below.

 

The adjusted effective tax rate for the six months ended 30 September 2007 was 30.1% compared to 29.2% for the same period last year. The effective rate, excluding impairment losses and other adjustments, for the year ending 31 March 2008 is expected to be similar to the effective rate for the year ended 31 March 2007 of 30.5%.

 

Earnings/(loss) per share

 

Adjusted earnings per share increased by 7.4% from 5.98 pence to 6.42 pence for the six months ended 30 September 2007, with the increase being primarily due to the lower weighted average number of shares following the share consolidation which occurred in July 2006 and which therefore, will not benefit the second half of the financial year. Basic earnings per share from continuing operations was 6.22 pence compared to a basic loss per share from continuing operations of 8.02 pence for the same period last year.

 

 

 

Six months to
30 September
2007
£m

 

 

Six months to
30 September
2006
£m

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Profit/(loss) from continuing operations attributable to equity shareholders

 

3,290

 

 

(4,611

)

Adjustments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Impairment losses

 

-

 

 

8,100

 

Other income and expense

 

15

 

 

(1

)

Share of associated undertakings’ non-operating income

 

-

 

 

(6

)

Non-operating income and expense(1)

 

(250

)

 

(10

)

Foreign exchange(2)

 

90

 

 

(8

)

Changes in fair value of equity put rights and similar arrangements(3)

 

286

 

 

(21

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

141

 

 

8,054

 

Tax on the above items

 

(19

)

 

(2

)

Recognition of pre-acquisition deferred tax asset

 

(15

)

 

-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjusted profit from continuing operations attributable to equity shareholders

 

3,397

 

 

3,441

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average number of shares outstanding – basic

 

52,935

 

 

57,515

 

Weighted average number of shares outstanding – diluted(4)

 

53,116

 

 

57,515

 

 

Notes:

(1)          The £250 million adjustment for the six months ended 30 September 2007 represents the profit on disposal of the Group’s 5.60% stake in Bharti Airtel.

(2)          See note 1 in investment income and financing costs on page 7.

(3)          See note 2 in investment income and financing costs on page 7.

(4)          In the six months ended 30 September 2006, 140 million shares have been excluded from the calculation of diluted loss per share as they are not dilutive.

 

8


 

EUROPE RESULTS

 

 

Germany

 

Italy

 

Spain

 

UK

 

Arcor

 

Other

 

 

Eliminations

 

Europe

 

 

% change

 

 

 

£m

 

£m

 

£m

 

£m

 

£m

 

£m

 

 

£m

 

£m

 

 

£

 

Organic

 

Six months to 30 September 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Voice revenue(1)

 

1,888

 

1,570

 

1,867

 

1,855

 

 

1,690

 

 

(166

)

8,704

 

 

 

 

 

 

Messaging revenue

 

354

 

324

 

205

 

444

 

 

265

 

 

(17

)

1,575

 

 

 

 

 

 

Data revenue

 

265

 

119

 

170

 

184

 

 

133

 

 

(28

)

843

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed line revenue(1)

 

7

 

10

 

9

 

12

 

758

 

16

 

 

(32

)

780

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other service revenue

 

1

 

2

 

 

8

 

 

 

 

 

11

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total service revenue

 

2,515

 

2,025

 

2,251

 

2,503

 

758

 

2,104

 

 

(243

)

11,913

 

 

1.7

 

2.3

 

Acquisition revenue

 

83

 

58

 

120

 

127

 

10

 

67

 

 

(2

)

463

 

 

 

 

 

 

Retention revenue

 

21

 

12

 

64

 

21

 

 

47

 

 

 

165

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other revenue

 

31

 

2

 

4

 

66

 

 

25

 

 

 

128

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total revenue

 

2,650

 

2,097

 

2,439

 

2,717

 

768

 

2,243

 

 

(245

)

12,669

 

 

1.5

 

2.0

 

Interconnect costs

 

(319

)

(343

)

(350

)

(579

)

(182

)

(428

)

 

243

 

(1,958

)

 

 

 

 

 

Other direct costs

 

(145

)

(99

)

(186

)

(243

)

(164

)

(138

)

 

 

(975

)

 

 

 

 

 

Acquisition costs

 

(290

)

(134

)

(278

)

(368

)

(78

)

(168

)

 

2

 

(1,314

)

 

 

 

 

 

Retention costs

 

(202

)

(52

)

(238

)

(177

)

 

(155

)

 

 

(824

)

 

 

 

 

 

Operating expenses

 

(544

)

(433

)

(438

)

(616

)

(206

)

(527

)

 

 

(2,764

)

 

 

 

 

 

EBITDA

 

1,150

 

1,036

 

949

 

734

 

138

 

827

 

 

 

4,834

 

 

(2.0

)

(1.5

)

Acquired intangibles amortisation

 

 

 

 

(11

)

 

(4

)

 

 

(15

)

 

 

 

 

 

Purchased licence amortisation

 

(170

)

(39

)

(3

)

(166

)

 

(35

)

 

 

(413

)

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and other amortisation

 

(336

)

(221

)

(231

)

(314

)

(46

)

(250

)

 

 

(1,398

)

 

 

 

 

 

Share of result in associates

 

 

 

 

 

 

261

 

 

 

261

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjusted operating profit

 

644

 

776

 

715

 

243

 

92

 

799

 

 

 

3,269

 

 

(2.7

)

(2.3

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EBITDA margin

 

43.4%

 

49.4%

 

38.9%

 

27.0%

 

18.0%

 

36.9%

 

 

 

 

38.2%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Six months to 30 September 2006

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Voice revenue(1)

 

2,106

 

1,721

 

1,729

 

1,838

 

 

1,731

 

 

(205

)

8,920

 

 

 

 

 

 

Messaging revenue

 

386

 

275

 

190

 

365

 

 

256

 

 

(14

)

1,458

 

 

 

 

 

 

Data revenue

 

190

 

89

 

122

 

134

 

 

91

 

 

(23

)

603

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed line revenue(1)

 

8

 

11

 

9

 

8

 

697

 

12

 

 

(14

)

731

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total service revenue

 

2,690

 

2,096

 

2,050

 

2,345

 

697

 

2,090

 

 

(256

)

11,712

 

 

 

 

 

 

Acquisition revenue

 

71

 

57

 

153

 

120

 

9

 

56

 

 

 

466

 

 

 

 

 

 

Retention revenue

 

17

 

20

 

62

 

29

 

 

46

 

 

 

174

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other revenue

 

49

 

1

 

3

 

55

 

 

24

 

 

 

132

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total revenue

 

2,827

 

2,174

 

2,268

 

2,549

 

706

 

2,216

 

 

(256

)

12,484

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interconnect costs

 

(363

)

(326

)

(349

)

(489

)

(172

)

(437

)

 

256

 

(1,880

)

 

 

 

 

 

Other direct costs

 

(167

)

(111

)

(174

)

(209

)

(119

)

(119

)

 

 

(899

)

 

 

 

 

 

Acquisition costs

 

(274

)

(114

)

(323

)

(292

)

(85

)

(155

)

 

 

(1,243

)

 

 

 

 

 

Retention costs

 

(182

)

(62

)

(183

)

(186

)

 

(150

)

 

 

(763

)

 

 

 

 

 

Operating expenses

 

(578

)

(433

)

(426

)

(588

)

(204

)

(536

)

 

 

(2,765

)

 

 

 

 

 

EBITDA

 

1,263

 

1,128

 

813

 

785

 

126

 

819

 

 

 

4,934

 

 

 

 

 

 

Acquired intangibles amortisation

 

 

 

 

(4

)

 

(4

)

 

 

(8

)

 

 

 

 

 

Purchased licence amortisation

 

(172

)

(37

)

(34

)

(166

)

 

(34

)

 

 

(443

)

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and other amortisation

 

(367

)

(252

)

(194

)

(297

)

(43

)

(255

)

 

 

(1,408

)

 

 

 

 

 

Share of result in associates

 

 

 

 

 

 

286

 

 

 

286

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjusted operating profit

 

724

 

839

 

585

 

318

 

83

 

812

 

 

 

3,361

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EBITDA margin

 

44.7%

 

51.9%

 

35.8%

 

30.8%

 

17.8%

 

37.0%

 

 

 

 

39.5%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

%

 

%

 

%

 

%

 

%

 

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Change at constant exchange rates

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Voice revenue(1)

 

(9.8

)

(8.1

)

8.7

 

0.9

 

 

(1.8

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Messaging revenue

 

(7.7

)

18.4

 

9.0

 

21.6

 

 

4.4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Data revenue

 

40.1

 

35.7

 

41.2

 

37.3

 

 

49.2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed line revenue(1)

 

(2.6

)

(5.5

)

(2.2

)

50.0

 

9.6

 

34.5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total service revenue

 

(5.9

)

(2.7

)

10.6

 

6.7

 

9.6

 

1.4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Acquisition revenue

 

18.3

 

3.3

 

(21.4

)

5.8

 

10.0

 

24.4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Retention revenue

 

23.5

 

(42.8

)

4.6

 

(27.6

)

 

1.8

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other revenue

 

(36.6

)

171.4

 

25.8

 

20.0

 

 

4.9

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total revenue

 

(5.7

)

(2.9

)

8.3

 

6.6

 

9.6

 

2.0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interconnect costs

 

(11.5

)

5.7

 

1.0

 

18.4

 

5.8

 

(1.0

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other direct costs

 

(12.8

)

(10.1

)

8.3

 

16.3

 

37.0

 

16.6

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Acquisition costs

 

6.5

 

18.5

 

(13.1

)

26.0

 

(5.6

)

9.5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Retention costs

 

11.6

 

(15.4

)

30.6

 

(4.8

)

 

4.0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating expenses

 

(5.3

)

0.9

 

3.6

 

4.8

 

1.8

 

(1.3

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EBITDA

 

(8.4

)

(7.5

)

17.5

 

(6.5

)

11.0

 

1.8

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Acquired intangibles amortisation

 

 

 

 

175.0

 

 

100.0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Purchased licence amortisation

 

 

5.4

 

(91.2

)

 

 

6.1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and other amortisation

 

(8.2

)

(11.6

)

19.7

 

5.7

 

9.5

 

(1.6

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Share of result in associates

 

 

 

 

 

 

(8.4

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjusted operating profit

 

(10.5

)

(6.9

)

23.0

 

(23.6

)

12.1

 

(1.2

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EBITDA margin movement

 

(1.3

)

(2.5

)

3.0

 

(3.8

)

0.3

 

(0.1

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Note:

(1)          Revenue relating to fixed line activities provided by mobile operators, previously classified within voice revenue, is now presented as fixed line revenue, together with revenue from fixed line operators and DSL. All prior periods have been adjusted accordingly.

 

9


 

 

 

30 September

 

Germany

 

Italy

 

Spain

 

UK

 

Other

 

Europe

 

Mobile telecommunications KPIs

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Closing customers (‘000)

 

- 2007

 

32,541

 

22,407

 

15,473

 

17,959

 

17,684

 

106,064

 

 

 

- 2006

 

29,622

 

19,337

 

14,024

 

16,287

 

16,267

 

95,537

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Closing 3G devices (‘000)

 

- 2007

 

4,745

 

4,700

 

4,328

 

3,095

 

2,873

 

19,741

 

 

 

- 2006

 

2,724

 

2,830

 

1,739

 

1,348

 

1,726

 

10,367

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Voice usage (millions of minutes)

 

- 2007

 

20,160

 

17,983

 

17,416

 

18,075

 

15,385

 

89,019

 

 

 

- 2006

 

15,593

 

15,737

 

14,511

 

14,786

 

14,120

 

74,747

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

See page 35 for definition of terms

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenue

 

Revenue growth of 1.5% in the six months ended 30 September 2007 was achieved despite a 0.5% impact from adverse exchange rate movements.

 

Service revenue growth was 1.7% in the six months ended 30 September 2007, with organic growth more than offsetting the adverse exchange rate movements. This growth was achieved predominantly by strong performance in data revenue, following improved service offerings and a significant increase in the number of 3G devices, and also from growth in the total registered mobile customer base which increased by 11.0% and reached 106.1 million at 30 September 2007. The positive impact of these factors on service revenue growth more than offset the negative effects of termination rate cuts, the cancellation of top up fees in Italy resulting from new regulation and the Group’s ongoing reduction of European roaming rates.

 

Voice revenue declined by 2.4%, or by 1.9% on an organic basis, driven by the effect of the termination rate cuts, roaming regulation and pricing reductions, which were mostly offset by total voice usage growth of 19.1%.

 

               Outgoing voice revenue remained broadly stable, with 0.3% organic growth during the period. Strong growth of 24.0% in outgoing call minutes, driven by the increased customer base and a 12.9% increase in outgoing usage per customer, was broadly matched by a reduction in the effective rate per minute, resulting from the cancellation of top up fees in Italy and price competition.

 

               Incoming voice revenue continued to decline, with a 4.4% fall on an organic basis, principally due to the impact of termination rate reductions in Germany, despite a 9.2% increase in incoming mobile voice minutes in the region.

 

               Roaming and international visitor revenue declined 7.4% on an organic basis, as expected, principally from the impact of the Group’s initiatives on retail and wholesale roaming. The overall reduction in revenue was mitigated by an increase of 12.4% in the respective volume of voice minutes used during the period.

 

The region recorded 8.0% growth in messaging revenue, or 8.6% on an organic basis compared with the same period last year, principally as a result of strong growth in messaging usage, particularly in Italy and the UK.

 

Data revenue growth remained strong, increasing by 39.8%, or by 40.8% on an organic basis. Data revenue continues to benefit from growth in connectivity services, demonstrated by the increasing penetration of 3G devices, which have nearly doubled since September 2006 to 19.7 million. Handheld business devices increased by 112.6% since September last year and Vodafone Mobile Connect 3G/GPRS data cards grew by 78.9%.

 

Fixed line revenue increased by 6.7%, or by 7.6% on an organic basis, mainly due to a 9.6% increase in Arcor’s service revenue at constant exchange rates.

 

Germany

 

At constant exchange rates, service revenue declined by 5.9%, mainly resulting from a 9.8% fall in voice revenue. This decline was driven by the impact of termination rate reductions, prior year tariff cuts and wholesale roaming rates. Although the prior year tariff changes resulted in a 30.9% fall in the effective outbound rate per minute, the impact of these changes was partially offset by a strong 38.1% increase in outgoing voice minutes. Messaging revenue also fell 7.7% at constant exchange rates, primarily as a result of higher take up of bundled offers on contract and reductions in messaging per user in the prepaid customer base. Partly offsetting these impacts was strong data revenue growth of 40.1% at constant exchange rates which has been achieved through continued growth in business services and the associated increasing penetration of 3G devices.

 

Italy

 

At constant exchange rates, service revenue declined by 2.7%, including an 8.1% decline in voice revenue primarily resulting from the negative impact of the cancellation of top up fees in March 2007 and termination rate cuts. The decrease in voice revenue was partially mitigated by a 14.3% increase in total voice usage, including a 17.8% increase in outgoing voice usage. Growth was driven by successful commercial initiatives which also resulted in a 23.3% increase in closing contract customers, predominantly within the business customer base. Despite the retail price decline, voice roaming revenue grew by 7.7% at constant exchange rates driven by a 15.7% increase in roaming minutes. Continued

 

10


 

momentum from successful messaging propositions launched earlier in the calendar year helped achieve messaging growth of 18.4% at constant exchange rates. Strong growth in Vodafone Connect USB Modems, Vodafone Mobile Connect Cards with 3G broadband and an increase in handheld business devices drove data revenue growth of 35.7% at constant exchange rates.

 

Spain

 

Service revenue growth in Spain was 10.6% at constant exchange rates.  The rate of service revenue growth slowed during the quarter ended 30 September 2007, compared with the previous quarter, due to a strong summer promotion in the prior year, a more intensified competitive market and a lower growth in the average customer base.  An 8.7% increase in voice revenue at constant exchange rates was achieved, predominantly due to a 10.3% increase in the customer base, although this was partially impacted by a termination rate cut in the period.  3G devices grew by 148.9% to 4.3 million devices, helping to drive data revenue growth of 41.2% at constant exchange rates compared with the same period last year.

 

UK

 

Service revenue in the UK increased by 6.7%, benefiting from a 10.3% increase in the customer base, reflecting an increase in contract customer market share, and from a £30 million VAT refund.  Voice revenue increased by 0.9% with increases in voice usage, partly prompted by the increase in the customer base following the success of the refreshed voice tariffs launched in the previous year, more than offsetting falls in price per minute and reductions in roaming rates.  Messaging and data revenue growth have remained strong at 21.6% and 37.3%, respectively.  Messaging revenue growth reflects the continued success of propositions launched last year.  Similarly, increasing penetration of Vodafone Mobile Connect 3G/GPRS data cards and handheld business devices combined with enhanced connectivity service offerings helped drive strong data revenue growth.

 

Arcor

 

Arcor generated a 9.6% increase in service revenue at constant exchange rates.  In a very competitive market, growth was principally driven by a 39.6% increase in DSL customers to 2.3 million.

 

Other Europe

 

Service revenue in Other Europe remained broadly stable compared with the same period last year, after a 0.7% adverse impact from foreign exchange movements.  At constant exchange rates, service revenue increased by 6.4% and 5.8% in Portugal and the Netherlands respectively, although these increases were mostly offset by a 6.1% decline in Greece.  The decline in Greece arose from the impact of termination rate cuts in January and June of this year and the cessation in April of a national roaming agreement.

 

Adjusted operating profit

 

Adjusted operating profit fell by 2.7%, or by 2.3% on an organic basis, while the EBITDA margin decreased by 1.3%.  Growth in interconnect costs, other direct costs and acquisition costs was the largest driver behind this decline.

 

Interconnect costs increased by 4.1% compared with the same period in the prior year, with the increased call volumes in the region partly offset by the benefit obtained from termination rate cuts.  The main increases in interconnect costs were recorded in the UK and Italy, partially offset by reductions in Germany.

 

Other direct costs rose by 8.5%, mostly resulting from Arcor and the UK.  Within Arcor, an increase in direct access charges resulted from achieving a higher customer base.  The increase in other direct costs in the UK was mainly due to investment in content based data services and, in part, to a portion of commissions being recorded in other direct costs to reflect their ongoing nature following changes to the commercial model.

 

Acquisition costs increased by 5.7% compared with the same period last year, primarily reflecting increases in the UK, as well as smaller increases in Germany and Italy, partly offset by lower costs in Spain.  Acquisition costs in the UK reflected higher contract customer additions and higher costs per addition in a competitive market.

 

Retention costs increased by 8.0%, predominantly an effect of the increased volume of upgrades in Spain resulting from the recent large customer growth and more proactive churn management.  Across the region, costs per upgrade remained similar year on year, except in Italy following increased focus on the retention of high value prepaid customers that began in the summer of the last financial year.

 

Operating expenses were broadly stable as a result of various initiatives implemented to achieve the broadly stable operating expenses target.  Specific actions undertaken included restructuring in Germany, Ireland and in common functions, continued migration from leased lines to owned transmission and further renegotiation of contracts relating to various network operating expenses.  This has been achieved despite increasing call volumes carried on the Group’s networks and customer care from a growing customer base and an increasingly competitive market place.

 

11


 

Germany

 

Adjusted operating profit fell by 10.5% at constant exchange rates as a result of the reduction in voice revenue.  Costs within Germany also fell overall, with the largest reductions experienced in interconnect costs, which fell by 11.5% at constant exchange rates, as a result of the termination rate cut.  Operating expenses fell by 5.3% at constant exchange rates resulting from targeted cost reduction programmes.  Increases in acquisition and retention costs of 6.5% and 11.6% at constant exchange rates arose as a result of higher gross additions and upgrades.  Acquisition costs per customer fell, while retention costs increased 3.2% on a per customer basis.  Depreciation and other amortisation charges fell by 8.2% on a constant currency basis due to the centralisation of the service platform operations that was completed in the last financial year and the ongoing progress on centralisation of data centres.

 

Italy

 

Adjusted operating profit fell by 6.9% at constant exchange rates, driven primarily by the reduction in service revenue.  The main movements in the cost base in Italy were in relation to interconnect costs, which increased by 5.7% at constant exchange rates due to the increased number of outgoing minutes, particularly to other mobile networks, and acquisition costs which increased by 18.5% at constant exchange rates reflecting an increase in volumes, mainly higher value contract customers.  Operating expenses remained flat compared to the prior year due to cost saving initiatives.  Reduced depreciation and other amortisation of 11.6% at constant exchange rates resulted from lower capital expenditure, including the centralisation of data centre operations.

 

Spain

 

Adjusted operating profit increased by 23.0% at constant exchange rates as interconnect costs remained stable, due to the reduction in termination rates and an increase in volume of calls made to other Vodafone customers which do not incur interconnect costs, as well as overall cost control producing a reduction in expenses as a percentage of overall revenue.  Retention costs increased by 30.6% at constant exchange rates resulting from an increased volume of upgrades compared to the prior year, which was largely offset by a decrease in acquisition costs of 13.1% at constant exchange rates reflecting lower additions in the current period.

 

UK

 

Although service revenue grew by 6.7%, adjusted operating profit decreased by 23.6% mainly due to investment in new customers driving a 26.0% increase in acquisition costs.  The higher customer base and new tariffs generated a 27.6% increase in outgoing mobile minutes which in turn increased interconnect costs by 18.4%.  Additionally, other direct costs rose by 16.3% due in part to investment in content based data services and an incentive based commission structure for indirect partners, which has led to improved customer retention.

 

Arcor

 

Adjusted operating profit increased by 12.1% at constant exchange rates, as the 9.6% increase in service revenue outpaced the 9.3% growth in the cost base at constant exchange rates.  The increase in the cost base was primarily driven by other direct costs, which increased by 37.0% at constant exchange rates, as a result of higher direct access charges incurred due to the larger customer base, while other components of the cost base remained relatively stable.

 

Other Europe

 

Adjusted operating profit decreased by 1.6%.  Portugal and the Netherlands contributed adjusted operating profit growth at constant exchange rates of 15.4% and 39.1% respectively, resulting from strong cost control and a fall in costs as a percentage of service revenue.  Growth in these countries was offset by a fall in the share of results in associates, which fell 8.5% at constant exchange rates, and by a decrease in adjusted operating profit at constant exchange rates of 22.3% in Greece, where results were affected by a decline in service revenue, increased retention and marketing costs and a regulatory fine.

 

12


 

EMAPA RESULTS

 

 

Eastern
Europe

 

Middle East
Africa
& Asia

 

Pacific

 

Associates
US

 

Associates
Other

 

EMAPA

 

 

% change

 

 

 

£m

 

£m

 

£m

 

£m

 

£m

 

£m

 

 

£

 

Organic

 

Six months to 30 September 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Voice revenue(1)

 

1,260

 

1,735

 

504

 

 

 

 

 

3,499

 

 

 

 

 

 

Messaging revenue

 

156

 

92

 

129

 

 

 

 

 

377

 

 

 

 

 

 

Data revenue

 

49

 

50

 

28

 

 

 

 

 

127

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed line revenue(1)

 

8

 

4

 

10

 

 

 

 

 

22

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total service revenue

 

1,473

 

1,881

 

671

 

 

 

 

 

4,025

 

 

40.9

 

15.6

 

Acquisition revenue

 

26

 

124

 

61

 

 

 

 

 

211

 

 

 

 

 

 

Retention revenue

 

11

 

 

3

 

 

 

 

 

14

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other revenue

 

14

 

14

 

23

 

 

 

 

 

51

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total revenue

 

1,524

 

2,019

 

758