MTN - MTN Group Limited - Audited results for the7 Mar 2012
MTN
MTN                                                                             
MTN - MTN Group Limited - Audited results for the year ended 31 December        
2011                                                                            
MTN Group Limited                                                               
(Incorporated in the Republic of South Africa)                                  
(Registration number 1994/009584/06)                                            
Share code: MTN                                                                 
ISIN ZAE000042164                                                               
("MTN")                                                                         
Audited results for the year ended 31 December 2011                             
Highlights                                                                      
Group subscribers up 16,2% to 164,5 million                                     
*Revenue up 9,7% to R121 884 million                                            
# EBITDA margin up 3,4% to 44,9%                                                
Adjusted HEPS up 43,2% to 1 070,0 cents                                         
Final dividend per share 476 cents                                              
Dividend payout ratio increased to 70%                                          
Buyback of R927,3 million completed                                             
Overview                                                                        
MTN Group Limited ("MTN" or "the Group") delivered a satisfactory               
performance for the year growing its subscriber base by 16,2% and continuing    
to hold a strong market position despite increasing competition and a slower    
economic backdrop. Revenue was 9,7% higher on a *constant currency basis        
while earnings before tax, depreciation and amortization ("EBITDA") margin      
expanded 3,4 percentage points to 44,9%. The Group EBITDA margin includes       
the profit from the sale of the Ghana passive infrastructure, which if          
excluded, reduces the group EBITDA margin to 43,9%. This is approximately       
the same level achieved in the prior year excluding the one time Zakhele        
charge of R2 973 million.                                                       
More details of the performance of MTN`s larger operations is provided later    
in the commentary. However for the other operations it is worth mentioning      
the improved performance of MTN Sudan, which added 2,5 million subscribers      
in the year, and MTN Cote d`Ivoire, which made a strong recovery in the         
second half of the year. MTN Uganda also performed well in a competitive        
market increasing its subscriber base by 18,0% to 7,6 million. Political        
unrest in the Middle East remains a concern.  There has been an impact on       
the business environments in Yemen and Syria and MTN will continue to           
monitor both situations closely.  Business in Iran remains buoyant, but MTN     
continues to be sensitive to the international issues relating to Iran          
whilst retaining its firm commitment to its operations there.  In               
partnership with its legal advisors, MTN continues to ensure that it remains    
compliant with the various sanctions regimes in place.  Following the SENS      
announcement on the                                                             
2 February 2012 of a potential claim by Turkcell and allegations made           
against MTN, the MTN Group Board has proactively responded by setting up the    
independent Hoffmann Committee. This has already started its work.  Until it    
has concluded its deliberations, MTN will not comment further.                  
On the 14 February 2012, Moody`s upgraded MTN`s global local currency senior    
unsecured rating to Baa2 from Baa3 and its national scale issuer rating to      
A1.za from A2.za. The outlook on all ratings is positive.                       
The Group continued to prioritise various initiatives in line with its          
strategy to improve returns to shareholders, enhance new and existing           
revenue streams and focus on optimising cost.                                   
During the last quarter of 2011 MTN Holdings (Pty) Ltd acquired 6 764 412       
MTN shares for a cost of R927,3 million, excluding securities transfer taxes    
and other costs. This is in line with MTN`s stated strategy of returning        
cash to shareholders. Buybacks will continue to be implemented as and when      
appropriate.                                                                    
Provide competitive voice offerings aimed at maintaining market share as        
lower tariffs and Mobile Termination Rates ("MTR"), mainly in South Africa      
and Nigeria impact revenue growth.                                              
Continued efforts on data and ICT offerings across the group. South Africa      
contributes 57,4% and 35,2% to group data and sms revenue respectively and      
remains the largest driver of growth in data services.                          
Key infrastructure investments to support voice quality, capacity and data      
growth. Infrastructure spend was lower in the first half of the year due to     
operational and supplier difficulties. However measures were put in place to    
address this issue and capital investments of R12 009 million or 67,8% of       
the year`s total capital spend were completed in the second half of the         
year. This momentum is expected to continue in 2012.                            
MTN`s mobile transfer service, Mobile Money, is now live in 12 countries        
with more than 6 million registered subscribers. This technology and user       
experience is to be enhanced in the future.                                     
The South and East Africa IT hub became operational and is now servicing MTN    
Uganda and MTN Zambia. Rwanda and Swaziland are to be integrated during the     
first half of 2012.                                                             
The procurement transformation project, using a more centralised operating      
model, continued to gain traction with good progress on the reduction of        
equipment prices. The project has evolved considerably to include the           
centralisation of other support functions.                                      
Further progress has been achieved in infrastructure sharing following the      
establishment of a new joint venture tower company with American Tower          
Corporation in Uganda. The tower company, in which MTN will hold 49%, will      
acquire all of the approximately 1 000 existing tower sites from MTN Uganda     
for an agreed upon purchase price of approximately $175 million. The sale of    
1 856 towers in Ghana was concluded during the year.                            
*The constant currency reported numbers are those restated at the same          
average exchange rates that were applicable for the year ended 31 December      
2010.                                                                           
#2011 margin includes the profit from the sale of the Ghana towers of R1 185    
million and 2010 margin excludes the MTN Zakhele charge of R2 973 million.      
Group financial review                                                          
Revenue                                                                         
Group revenue increased by 6,3% to R 121 884 million due to sound growth in     
Nigeria, South Africa and Iran of 4,1%, 7,7% and 20,1% respectively. On a       
*constant currency basis, group revenue increased 9,7%. This is meaningfully    
higher and more reflective of the group`s operating performance. Local          
currency revenue growth in Nigeria, Ghana and Iran increased a healthy 9,6%,    
15,1% and 26,5% respectively. An increase in handset sales in South Africa      
resulted in a 36,7% increase in handset revenue year on year. Revenue growth    
excluding handset sales would have been 5,3%. The contribution of airtime       
and subscription revenue reduced to 65,5% from 68,4% for the prior year.        
Notwithstanding lower termination rates in some countries, total group          
interconnect revenue increased by 8,9%.  Data revenue (excluding sms) across    
the group remained strong, albeit off a low base, increasing 30,5%. SMS also    
continued to grow strongly increasing 14,2% when compared to the prior year.    
Operating costs                                                                 
Group operating costs remained relatively flat and meaningfully below the       
revenue growth rate. Total operating costs were R68 592 million, a 2,1%         
increase over the prior year. An 11,7% increase in direct operating costs       
and a 19,7% increase in handset costs were offset by a 34,4% reduction in       
other expenditure and a 0,4% increase in the overall cost of selling,           
distribution and marketing. The increase in direct costs was a result of the    
impact of the larger number of installed sites, higher diesel costs as well     
as increased transmission costs in South Africa. A rise in handset costs was    
driven by higher prepaid handset volumes and higher value handsets sold by      
MTN South Africa.                                                               
Other income                                                                    
Other income includes the Group`s profit on the sale of the Ghana towers of     
R1 185 million as well as a deferred gain of R273 million.                      
EBITDA margin                                                                   
Group EBITDA, including the impact of the sale of the Ghana towers,             
increased by 15,2% to R54 750 million from R47 537 million in December 2010.    
Excluding the profit on the sale of the Ghana tower sale in 2011 and            
excluding the MTN Zakhele charge in 2010, EBITDA increased by 6,0% to R53       
566 million. This adjusted EBITDA grew by 9,0% on a *constant currency          
basis. The growth in EBITDA is mainly due to strong organic growth in           
Nigeria, South Africa, and Iran. The EBITDA margin increased 3,4 percentage     
points to 44,9%. Excluding the Ghana tower sale profit, the EBITDA margin       
was 43,9%. EBITDA margins in Iran and South Africa increased to 42,5%, and      
35,2%, respectively.MTN Nigeria EBITDA margin decreased marginally to 61,7%     
due to pricing pressure.                                                        
Depreciation and amortisation                                                   
The Group`s depreciation and amortisation charge increased by 0,6% to R15       
459 million as a result of continued investment in network infrastructure by    
the Group`s operations and the unwinding of some of the intangible assets       
recognised on the Investcom acquisition in 2006.                                
Net finance costs                                                               
Net finance costs decreased by 61,4% to R1 582 million. Functional currency     
gains of R778 million were recorded, compared with a loss in the previous       
year of R1 223 million. Much of the functional currency gain of R778 million    
was attributable to the conversion of cash balances held in Mauritius (a        
functional currency rand entity).                                               
Realised gains amounted to R418 million compared to prior realised losses of    
R1 440 million reported for 2010. Unrealised losses decreased 45,7% to R384     
million in 2011. The realised gains were mainly due to the conversion of        
foreign denominated cash in Mauritius into rands.                               
Taxation                                                                        
The Group`s taxation charge increased by 22,9% to R13 853 million and the       
effective tax rate to 36,8%. The high effective tax rate is mainly due to       
increased secondary tax on companies ("STC") on the higher Group dividend       
payout ratio as well as withholding taxes related to increased upstreaming      
of cash, specifically the dividend declared by MTN Ghana and MTN Nigeria.       
Earnings                                                                        
Headline earnings per share ("HEPS") increased by 40,5% to 1 068,6 cents and    
adjusted HEPS by 43,2% to 1 070,0 cents. The increase in the current year`s     
adjusted HEPS is positively impacted by charges associated with the             
implementation of the MTN Zakhele scheme in the prior year.  If these           
charges are excluded, prior year adjusted HEPS would have been 909,1 cents,     
reducing the current year`s growth in adjusted HEPS to 17,7%.                   
Cashflow                                                                        
The combination of higher EBITDA and lower than planned capital expenditure     
("capex") spend resulted in an increase in approximate free cashflow by         
15,5% to R35 849 million, excluding the profit on the sale of the Ghana         
towers. Cash generated by operations remained relatively unchanged while        
cash inflows from operating activities decreased by 19,7% principally due to    
an 85,7% increase in dividends paid. Expenditure on property, plant and         
equipment (excluding software) of R14 035 million was 8,5% lower than the       
previous year.                                                                  
The result is a net outflow in cash and cash equivalents of                     
R4 775 million and slightly lower cash and cash equivalents balance of R35      
213 million. Investments in treasury bills, foreign currency deposits and       
bonds of R9 480 million in certain subsidiaries is not included in the year-    
end cash balance.                                                               
Capex                                                                           
Capex reduced by 9,0% to R17 717 million due to delays in projects and open     
orders in the first half of the year. Second half capex spend picked up         
meaningfully following corrective action. A significant portion of the          
outstanding capex has been committed to the projects which are expected to      
be completed during the first half of 2012. The relatively strong rand had      
the effect of reducing the expenditure of the Group by R315 million. Had        
there been no change in currency rates during the year, capex would have        
been R18 032 million, compared to the approved budget for the period of R22     
165 million.                                                                    
Assets and liabilities                                                          
Assets and liabilities at 31 December 2011 were impacted by the movement in     
year-end foreign currency exchange rates, and in particular the weakening of    
the rand against the US dollar to a closing rate at the end of December 2011    
of 8,07 versus 6,61 for the prior year.                                         
Property, plant and equipment increased by 13,0% from December 2010 due to      
the impact of the translation of foreign currencies as well as capex            
additions of R17 717 million.                                                   
Net cash increased meaningfully from R905 million to R11 890 million as cash    
balances in Nigeria and Syria increased meaningfully while gross interest       
bearing liabilities remained largely the same.                                  
Changes in ownership                                                            
*    In February 2011, MTN Rwanda divested its 70% investment in Supercell.     
*    In April 2011, MTN reduced its shareholding in MTN Zambia from 90,0% to    
    86,0%. For IFRS consolidation purposes the step down in equity              
    shareholding has not impacted the proportionate consolidation at 97,8%      
as risks and rewards are not deemed to have passed fully to the             
    purchaser.                                                                  
*    In August 2011, MTN settled the Nigeria put option through the             
    acquisition of the IFC interest and thereby increased its shareholding      
in the company from 76,08% to 78,83%.                                       
*    In October 2011, MTN increased its shareholding in MTN Rwanda from         
    55,0% to 80%.                                                               
MTN South Africa                                                                
MTN South Africa performed well for the year increasing its subscriber base     
by 16,9% to 22,0 million. This was mainly due to growth of 17,6% in the         
prepaid segment to 18,2 million subscriber`s. The postpaid segment showed       
growth mainly in the second half of the year, increasing subscribers for the    
year by 14,0% to 3,8 million. Hybrid packages were the primary contributor      
to growth in this segment together with telemetry sims. SIM market share        
declined marginally in the first half of the year but recovered in H2, with     
signs of an upward trend.                                                       
Total revenue increased 7,7% due to strong growth in data revenue, which was    
up 27,7% (excluding sms), as well as growth in total airtime and                
subscriptions of 4,2%. Prepaid airtime and subscription revenue increased       
14,0%. The strong growth in handset revenue of 45,3% was as a result of         
robust demand for both entry level handsets and demand for smartphones. Data    
revenue (excluding sms) now contributes 12,0% of total revenue. At the end      
of the year there were 5,5 million 3G devices on the network which included     
3,6 million smartphones and 1,4 million dongles and other data devices.         
Interconnect revenue declined 9,8% following the reduction in mobile            
termination rates to 73 cents from 89 cents in March 2011. Average revenue      
per user per month ("ARPU") reduced 12% primarily due to lower interconnect     
revenue.                                                                        
MTN South Africa recorded a 1,1 percentage point increase in EBITDA margin      
to 35,2% for the year. This was mainly the result of cost savings in general    
expenses, professional and consulting fees as well as lower marketing and       
advertising costs.                                                              
Capital expenditure for the period was marginally ahead of the Group`s          
guidance at R4 105 million as MTN South Africa continued to modernise the       
network by introducing IP technology to improve network quality. There were     
313 2G and 598 3G base transceiver stations (BTS`s) added during the year       
bringing the total BTS`s to 9 785. Fibre rollout remains a priority with the    
national long distance fibre project still underway. At the end of December,    
89% of the Johannesburg to Durban route was trenched, as was 86% of the         
Johannesburg to Bloemfontein route and 58% of the Bloemfontein to Cape Town     
route. MTN South Africa has embarked on a pilot of 103 long term evolution      
(LTE) base stations in line with its future LTE deployment strategy. MTN has    
submitted comments to an invitation from ICASA for 2.6GHz and 800MHz            
frequency spectrum band needed to offer LTE services. The frequency decision    
has been delayed by ICASA.                                                      
MTN Nigeria                                                                     
MTN Nigeria faced a challenging year as the entire market was negatively        
affected by the process of SIM registration. Aggressive price competition       
had a negative impact on gross connections and network quality again became     
a focus area for the regulator as higher elasticity from lower pricing          
impacted traffic demand across almost all of the major networks.                
Notwithstanding these challenges the company increased its subscriber base      
by 7,7% to 41,6 million and ended the year with a more stabilised market        
share of 50%. There is no clarity on the deadline for SIM registration          
although the regulator has initiated a process to form a central database of    
registration records. At the end of the year MTN Nigeria had registered 83%     
of the subscriber base.                                                         
Total naira revenue increased 9,6% mainly driven by a 54,5% increase in         
interconnect revenue. This was a result of continued changes in traffic         
patterns during the year as cheaper off network prices were offered             
tactically by the competition. More competitive tariffs by MTN in the second    
half of the year have partially stabilised the traffic mix. Data revenue        
(excluding sms) grew 105% as more data packages were introduced to the          
market. MTN Nigeria has 1,7 million smartphones and 330 000 dongles on the      
network. Airtime and subscription revenue increased only 3,7% due to a          
reduction in effective tariffs which was not fully compensated by a             
proportionate increase in minutes of use. ARPU declined by 8,1% to $9,7 and     
by 5,3% in local currency terms.                                                
MTN Nigeria`s EBITDA margin declined by 1,2 percentage points to 61,7% when     
compared to the prior year. Higher operating costs were mainly the result of    
a 25% increase in the average diesel price as well as increased site rental     
costs and professional fees.                                                    
The marginally weaker naira against the rand, negatively impacted rand          
reported revenue growth for the year resulting in only a 4,1% increase in       
revenue to R34 879 million. Reported EBITDA increased 2,2% to R21 536           
million.                                                                        
Network rollout improved in the second half of the year, with the company       
adding 529 2G and 453 3G BTS`s in the year bringing the total number of         
BTS`s to 9 131. Capital expenditure amounted to R6 331 million compared to      
R4 700 million at the end of 31 December 2010. Corrective action and            
measures have been put into place to ensure that capital expenditure            
programs moving forward are delivered more effectively. MTN Nigeria rolled      
out an additional 1 312km of fibre in the year and connected fibre to 90        
sites to support its data strategy.                                             
MTN Irancell                                                                    
MTN Irancell delivered a sound performance increasing its subscriber base by    
16,6% in a market where penetration is above 100%. The growth was mainly        
attributable to lower denomination vouchers and seasonal promotions,            
increasing market share to 45%. The improved distribution of airtime through    
ATM`s has also contributed to higher spend by subscribers.                      
Total rial revenue grew 26,5% for the year. Airtime and subscription revenue    
increased 22,8% while interconnect revenue increased 11,4% as the quality of    
the network improved. Data revenue (excluding sms) gained momentum              
increasing 66,5% off a low base. Sms revenue growth remained robust at          
47,0%. ARPU increased by 2,0% to $7,9 and by 5,6% in local currency terms.      
EBITDA margin showed a healthy expansion of 1,2 points to 42,5% as MTN          
Irancell continues to maintain a low operating cost base. Distribution and      
commission costs also reduced as physical recharge vouchers were replaced by    
logical airtime distribution. These savings were partially reduced by a         
large increase in rent and utilities following the removal of government        
subsidies and the increase in fuel prices.                                      
A weaker rial resulted in lower rand reported revenue growth of 20,1% to R11    
050 million and EBITDA growth of 24,1% to R4 697 million.                       
MTN Irancell continued to invest in its network improving quality and           
capacity although rollout of some projects have been slower than anticipated    
because of delayed equipment delivery. Capital expenditure amounted to R1       
168 million, lower than that guided at the interim results. Population and      
geographic coverage increased to 77% and 23%. 781 2G BTS`s were added in the    
year bringing the total to 7 640.                                               
MTN Ghana                                                                       
MTN Ghana delivered a solid performance as subscribers increased by 16,5% to    
10,2 million.  This was mainly attributable to attractive promotions            
including bonus on recharge offers which included "weekend super saver" and     
a "10 million subscriber promo". Market share declined marginally to 52%        
from 53% but is considered highly satisfactory given the very competitive       
nature of the market.                                                           
Total cedi revenue increased 15,1% for the year. This was mainly due to a       
13,9% increase in airtime and subscription revenue and a 35,1% increase in      
interconnect revenue. Data revenue (excluding sms) continued to gain            
traction, albeit off a low base, increasing 79,7%, while sms revenue            
decreased 43,4% due to regulatory requirements to change sms promotions.        
ARPU declined 2,8% to $7,0 while in local currency ARPU increased 3,5%.         
MTN Ghana`s EBITDA margin, excluding the profit from the sale of the towers,    
decreased 6,2 percentage points to 38,1% as interconnect costs rose more        
than interconnect revenue due to competitive off network tariffs. EBITDA        
margin was also negatively impacted by an increase in transmission and          
utility costs. Although there was an increase in lease costs, the full          
impact of the new tower arrangements will only be incurred in 2012.             
A weaker cedi against the dollar resulted in a lower rand reported revenue      
growth of 5,1% to R5 941 million while EBITDA decreased  13,2% to R2 172,       
excluding the sale of the towers.                                               
Capital expenditure for the period amounted to R851 million. The lower spend    
is mainly due to the change in structure following the establishment of the     
tower company. 430 2G and 125 3G BTS`s where rolled out for the period. The     
company continued to prioritise capacity and quality on the network as          
traffic increased, although quality of service remains a challenge.             
MTN Syria                                                                       
MTN Syria`s performance was dampened by the unrest in the country. The          
company increased its subscriber base by 16,7% to 5,7 million marginally        
decreasing market share to 45%.                                                 
Revenue in Syrian pounds remained flat as airtime and subscription revenue      
declined 1,2% as a result of the challenges of providing continuous network     
service. Data revenue (excluding sms) increased 17,0% while sms revenue         
increased 11,8%.                                                                
EBITDA margin increased 2,7 percentage points to 26,2%. This was mainly due     
to lower distribution and commission costs associated with reduced sales and    
tighter cost management.                                                        
Rand reported revenues showed a decline of 5,2% to R6 463 million while         
EBITDA grew 5,3% to R1 690 million. These results were also negatively          
impacted by a weaker Syrian pound against the rand. Capital expenditure for     
the period amounted to R442 million.                                            
Prospects                                                                       
MTN remains cautiously optimistic about the year ahead with macroeconomic       
conditions in key markets not expected to change significantly. The key         
focus areas over the year are to maintain and improve our market position       
and improve customer experience. There will be continued effort to              
strengthen our position in non-voice services in all markets. Increased         
efficiency in rolling out investments in infrastructure and cost                
optimisation initiatives are a priority in support of this strategy. Value      
accretive opportunities which fit within the parameters of MTN`s M&A            
strategy will still be considered. We will continue to manage the challenges    
brought about by sanctions and political instability in some of our markets.    
The MTN Group Board remains committed to improving shareholder returns.         
Subscriber net additions guidance for 2012 is detailed below.                   
`000                                            
South Africa                     2 900                                          
Nigeria                          4 000                                          
Ghana                            950                                            
Iran                             4 000                                          
Syria                            450                                            
Rest                             8 000                                          
Total                            20 300                                         
Total capital expenditure guidance for the year is R24 401 million.             
Declaration of final ordinary dividend                                          
Shareholders are advised that a final dividend of 476 cents per ordinary        
share in respect of the period to 31 December 2011 has been declared and is     
payable to shareholders recorded in the register of the MTN Group at the        
close of business on Friday, 30 March 2012.                                     
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:                                  
Last day to trade cum dividend          Friday, 23 March 2012                   
Shares commence trading ex dividend     Monday, 26 March 2012                   
Record date                             Friday, 30 March 2012                   
Payment of dividend                     Monday, 2 April 2012                    
Share certificates may not be dematerialised or rematerialised between          
Monday, 26 March 2012 and Friday, 30 March 2012, both days inclusive.           
On Monday, 2 April 2012, the dividend will be transferred electronically 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, 2       
April 2012 will be posted on or about that date. Shareholders who hold          
dematerialised shares will have their accounts held by the Central              
Securities Depository Participant or broker credited on Monday, 2 April         
2012.                                                                           
For and behalf of the Board                                                     
MC Ramaphosa                                                                    
(Chairman)                                                                      
RS Dabengwa                                                                     
(Group President and CEO)                                                       
Fairland                                                                        
7 March 2012                                                                    
Condensed consolidated income                                                   
statement                                                                       
for the year ended 31 December                                                  
                                               2011    2010                     
                                        Note   Rm      Rm                       
Revenue                                         121 884 114 684                 
Other income                                    1 458   -                       
Direct network operating costs                  (18     (16                     
                                               782)    818)                     
Cost of handsets and other accessories          (8 160) (6 819)                 
Interconnect and roaming                        (13     (12                     
                                               395)    593)                     
Employee benefits                               (6 754) (5 961)                 
Selling, distribution and marketing             (14     (14                     
expenses                                        805)    741)                    
Other operating expenses                        (6 696) (10                     
                                                       215)                     
Depreciation of property, plant and             (13     (13                     
equipment                                       296)    248)                    
Amortisation of intangible assets               (2 163) (2 120)                 
Impairment of goodwill                          (31)    (32)                    
Net finance costs                               (1 582) (4 094)                 
Share of results of associates                  (38)    52                      
Profit before tax                               37 640  28 095                  
Income tax expense                              (13     (11                     
                                               853)    268)                     
Profit after tax                                23 787  16 827                  
Attributable to:                                23 787  16 827                  
Equity holders of the Company                   20 754  14 300                  
Non-controlling interests                       3 033   2 527                   
Basic earnings per share (cents)         6      1 119,5 776,2                   
Diluted earnings per share (cents)       6      1 110,8 764,5                   
Condensed consolidated statement of comprehensive income                        
for the year ended 31 December                                                  
2011     2010                     
                                              Rm       Rm                       
Profit after tax                               23 787   16 827                  
Other comprehensive income:                                                     
Exchange differences on translating foreign    10 796   (9 811)                 
operations                                                                      
Cash flow hedges                               -        77                      
Total comprehensive income for the year        34 583   7 093                   
Attributable to:                                                                
Equity holders of the Company                  31 169   5 059                   
Non-controlling interests                      3 414    2 034                   
                                              34 583   7 093                    
Condensed consolidated statement of                                             
financial position                                                              
at 31 December                                                                  
                                              2011    2010                      
Note  Rm      Rm                        
Non-current assets                             113 787 99 727                   
Property, plant and equipment                  71 610  63 361                   
Intangible assets                              34 540  30 266                   
Investment in associates                       2 681   1 302                    
Deferred tax and other non-current             4 956   4 798                    
assets                                                                          
Current assets                                 66 801  54 234                   
Other current assets*                          30 449  18 002                   
Restricted cash                                546     285                      
Cash and cash equivalents                      35 806  35 947                   
Non-current assets held for sale               820     825                      

TOTAL ASSETS                                   181 408 154 786                  
Total equity                                   92 699  74 074                   
Equity holders of the Company                  88 897  71 855                   
Non-controlling interests                      3 802   2 219                    
Non-current liabilities                        33 392  33 995                   
Interest bearing liabilities             10    23 554  24 857                   
Deferred tax and other non-current             9 838   9 138                    
liabilities                                                                     
Current liabilities                            55 317  46 717                   
Interest bearing liabilities             10    10 462  10 471                   
Non-interest bearing liabilities                44 855  36 246                  
TOTAL EQUITY AND LIABILITIES                   181 408 154 786                  
**Included in other current assets are treasury bills and                       
foreign currency bills of R8 567 million and bonds of R913                      
million.                                                                        
Condensed consolidated statement of changes in equity                           
for the year ended 31 December                                                  
                                              2011    2010                      
                                              Rm      Rm                        

Opening balance                                71 855  70 011                   
Share buy-back*                                (930)   -                        
Shares issued during the year                  6       11                       
MTN Zakhele transaction                        -       2 676                    
Employee share option plan                     -       171                      
Settlement of put option                       (1      -                        
                                              662)                              
Transactions with non-controlling interests    (30)    60                       
Share-based payment reserve                    74      87                       
Total comprehensive income                     31 169  5 059                    
Dividends paid                                 (11     (6 313)                  
722)                              
Other movements                                137     93                       
Attributable to the equity holders of the      88 897  71 855                   
Company                                                                         
Non-controlling interests                      3 802   2 219                    
Closing balance                                92 699  74 074                   
*Dividends per share (cents)                   622     349                      
*During 2011 MTN Holdings Proprietary Limited bought 6 764 412                  
MTN Group Limited shares for the value of R930 million.                         
Condensed consolidated statement of cash flows                                  
for the year ended 31 December                                                  
                                             2011     2010                      
Rm       Rm                        
                                                                                
Net cash from operating activities            27 874   34 728                   
Net cash used in investing activities         (20      (15 701)                 
616)                               
Net cash used in financing activities         (12      (2 055)                  
                                             033)                               
Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash      (4 775)  16 972                   
equivalents                                                                     
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of     35 907   22 646                   
year                                                                            
Exchange gains/(losses) on cash and cash      4 081    (3 711)                  
equivalents                                                                     
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year      35 213   35 907                   
Notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements                        
for the year ended 31 December                                                  
1.  INDEPENDENT AUDIT                                                           
   These condensed consolidated results have been audited by                    
   our joint auditors PricewaterhouseCoopers Inc. and                           
   SizweNtsalubaGobodo Inc., who have performed their audit in                  
accordance with International Standards on Auditing. A copy                  
   of their unqualified audit report is available for                           
   inspection at the registered office of the Group.                            
2.  GENERAL INFORMATION                                                         
MTN Group Limited (the Company) carries on the business of                   
   investing in the telecommunications industry through its                     
   subsidiary companies, joint ventures and associate                           
   companies.                                                                   
3.  BASIS OF PREPARATION                                                        
   These audited condensed consolidated results are a summary                   
   of the audited consolidated financial statements and are                     
   prepared in accordance with the recognition and measurement                  
criteria of International Financial Reporting Standards                      
   (IFRS) as issued by the International Accounting Standards                   
   Board (IASB), the preparation and disclosure requirements of                 
   IAS 34 Interim Financial Reporting, the AC 500 Standards as                  
issued by the Accounting Practices Board, the Listings                       
   Requirements of the JSE Limited and the requirements of the                  
   South African Companies Act No. 71, 2008.                                    
4.  PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES                                               
The principal accounting policies and methods of computation                 
   applied are consistent in all material respects with those                   
   applied in the previous period and are available for                         
   inspection at the Group`s registered office. The Group has                   
adopted all the new, revised or amended accounting                           
   pronouncements as issued by the IASB which were effective                    
   for the Group from 1 January 2011. None of the adopted                       
   pronouncements had a material impact on the Group`s results                  
for the year ended 31 December 2011.                                         
                                             2011     2010                      
                                             Rm       Rm                        
5.  OPERATING SEGMENTS                                                          
Revenue                                                                      
   South and East Africa                     45 106   42 502                    
   West and Central Africa                   52 579   49 887                    
   Middle East and North Africa              24 009   22 008                    
Head office companies and eliminations    190      287                       
                                             121 884  114 684                   
   EBITDA                                                                       
   South and East Africa                     15 637   14 556                    
West and Central Africa                   29 716   27 683                    
   Middle East and North Africa              8 220    7 393                     
   Head office companies and eliminations    1 177    (2 095)                   
                                             54 750   47 537                    
Profit after tax                                                             
   South and East Africa                     7 208    7 511                     
   West and Central Africa                   13 645   12 003                    
   Middle East and North Africa              3 609    3 740                     
Head office companies and eliminations    (675)    (6 427)                   
                                             23 787   16 827                    
                                     2011          2011                         
                                     Gross         Weighted                     
number        number                       
                                     of shares     of shares                    
                                                                                
6.  EARNINGS PER ORDINARY SHARE                                                 
Balance at beginning of year      1 854 515     1 854 515                    
   (excluding Zakhele)               165           165                          
   Share options exercised           301 452       111 781                      
                                     1 854 816     1 854 626                    
617           946                          
   Less treasury shares              (6 764 412)   (704 965)                    
   Shares for earnings per share     1 848 052     1 853 921                    
                                     205           981                          
Add dilutive shares                                                          
   MTN Zakhele                                     12 327 694                   
   Share schemes                                   2 073 167                    
   Shares for diluted earnings per                 1 868 322                    
share                                           842                          
                                               2011    2010                     
                                               Rm      Rm                       
                                                Net     Net                     

6.  EARNINGS PER ORDINARY SHARE (continued)                                     
   Reconciliation between profit                                                
   attributable to the equity holders of the                                    
Company and headline earnings                                                
   Profit after tax                            20 754  14 300                   
   Adjusted for:                                                                
   Net profit on disposal of non-current       (900)   (132)                    
assets                                                                       
   Net reversal of impairment of property,     (43)    (157)                    
   plant and equipment and other non-current                                    
   assets                                                                       
Headline earnings*                          19 811  14 011                   
   Adjustment:                                                                  
   Reversal of put options in respect of       25      (250)                    
   subsidiaries                                                                 
Adjusted headline earnings                  19 836  13 761                   
   Earnings per share (cents):                                                  
   - Basic                                     1 119,5 776,2                    
   - Headline                                  1 068,6 760,6                    
- Adjusted headline                         1 070,0 747,0                    
   Diluted earnings per share (cents):                                          
   - Basic                                     1 110,8 764,5                    
   - Headline                                  1 060,4 748,9                    
- Adjusted headline                         1 061,7 735,4                    
   Amounts are presented after taking into account non-                         
   controlling interests and tax.                                               
   *Headline earnings is calculated in accordance with                          
Circular 3/2009 Headline Earnings issued by the South                        
   African Institute of Chartered Accountants at the request                    
   of the JSE Limited.                                                          
6.  EARNINGS PER ORDINARY SHARE (continued)                                     
Adjusted headline earnings adjustments                                       
   Put options in respect of subsidiary                                         
   IFRS requires the Group to account for a written put option                  
   held by a non-controlling shareholder of the Group`s                         
subsidiaries, which provides them with the right to require                  
   the subsidiary to acquire its shareholdings at fair value.                   
   Prior to the implementation of IFRS the shareholding was                     
   treated as a non-controlling shareholder in the subsidiary                   
as all risks and rewards associated with these shares,                       
   including dividends, accrued to the non-controlling                          
   shareholder.                                                                 
   IAS 32 requires that in the circumstances described above:                   
(a) the present value of the future redemption amount be                     
   reclassified from equity to financial liabilities and that                   
   the financial liability so reclassified subsequently be                      
   measured in accordance with IAS 39;                                          
(b) in accordance with IAS 39, all subsequent changes in                     
   the fair value of the liability together with the related                    
   interest charges arising from present valuing the future                     
   liability, be recognised in the profit or loss; and                          

   (c) the non-controlling shareholder holding the put option                   
   no longer be regarded as a non-controlling shareholder, but                  
   rather as a creditor from the date of receiving the put                      
option.                                                                      
                                                                                
   Although the Group has complied with the requirements of                     
   IAS 32 and IAS 39 as outlined above, the Board of directors                  
has reservations about the appropriateness of this                           
   treatment in view of the fact that:                                          
                                                                                
   (a) the recording of a liability for the present value of                    
the future strike price of the written put option results                    
   in the recording of a liability that is inconsistent with                    
   the framework, as there is no present obligation for the                     
   future strike price;                                                         

   (b) the shares considered to be subject to the contract                      
   that is outstanding, have the same rights as any other                       
   shares and should therefore be accounted for as a                            
derivative rather than creating an exception to the                          
   accounting required under IAS 39.                                            
                                                                                
                                             2011     2010                      
Rm       Rm                        
7.  CAPITAL EXPENDITURE INCURRED              17 717   19 466                   
8.  CONTINGENT LIABILITIES AND COMMITMENTS                                      
   Contingent liabilities - upgrade          838      941                       
incentives                                                                   
   Operating leases - non-cancellable        668      349                       
   Finance leases                            279      303                       
   Other commitments                         752      491                       
9.  COMMITMENTS FOR PROPERTY, PLANT AND       24 400   22 131                   
   EQUIPMENT AND SOFTWARE                                                       
10  INTEREST BEARING LIABILITIES                                                
.                                                                               
Bank overdrafts                           593      40                        
   Short-term borrowings                     9 869    10 431                    
   Current liabilities                       10 462   10 471                    
   Long-term liabilities                     23 554   24 857                    
34 016   35 328                    
11.  NON-CURRENT ASSETS HELD FOR SALE                                           
    MTN Uganda Limited entered into a transaction with American                 
    Tower Company (ATC) which involves the sale of 997 of MTN                   
Uganda`s existing base transceiver stations (BTS) sites to                  
    TowerCo Uganda for an agreed purchase price of USD175                       
    million. ATC will hold a 51% stake in TowerCo Uganda`s                      
    holding company, with the remaining 49% stake held by MTN                   
(Dubai) Limited. MTN Uganda will be the anchor tenant, on                   
    commercial terms, on each of the towers being sold. The                     
    transaction is expected to close in 2012, subject to                        
    customary closing conditions.                                               

    In 2011 Scancom Limited (MTN Ghana) concluded a transaction                 
    with ATC which involves the sale of MTN Ghana`s existing BTS                
    sites to TowerCo Ghana. This resulted in a profit on sale of                
R1 185 million being recognised in profit and loss.                         
                                                                                
12.  EVENTS AFTER THE REPORTING PERIOD                                          
                                                                                
Potential litigation by Turkcell Hetism Hizmetiera AS                       
    (Turkcell)                                                                  
                                                                                
    On 2 February 2012, Turkcell, the largest mobile phone                      
operator in Turkey, indicated its intention to bring a legal                
    claim against the Group and its Iranian joint venture,                      
    Irancell Telecommunications Service Company (Proprietary)                   
    Limited, of which the Group holds 49%. The claim, which                     
Turkcell intends to bring before a United States (US) court,                
    is based on allegations that the Group violated certain US                  
    laws in its efforts to obtain Iran`s second GSM licence.                    
                                                                                
The Group`s Board, on legal advice, believes that the                       
    Turkcell claim lacks legal merit and that a US court would                  
    not have jurisdiction to hear the claim.                                    
                                                                                
Administration                                                                  
Directorate: MC Ramaphosa (Chairman), RS Dabengwa* (Group President and         
CEO), NI Patel*, KP Kalyan, AT Mikati1, MJN Njeke, JHN Strydom,                 
AF van Biljon, J van Rooyen, MLD Marole, NP Mageza, A Harper2                   
Group secretary: SB Mtshali, 216 - 14th Avenue, Fairland, 2195 
 Private Bag    
X9955, Cresta, 2118                                                             
Registered office: 216 - 14th Avenue, Fairland, 2195                            
American Depository Receipt (ADR) programme: Cusip No. 62474M108 ADR to         
ordinary share 1:1                                                              
Depository: The Bank of New York, 101 Barclay Street, New York NY 10286, USA    
Office of the South African registrars: Computershare Investor Services         
(Proprietary) Limited                                                           
(Registration number: 2004/003647/07) 
 70 Marshall Street, Marshalltown,       
Johannesburg, 2001 
 PO Box 61051, Marshalltown, 2107                           
Joint auditors: PricewaterhouseCoopers Inc., 2 Eglin Road, Sunninghill, 2157    

 Private Bag X36, Sunninghill, 2157 and                                        
SizweNtsalubaGobodo Inc., 20 Morris Street East, Woodmead, 2191 
 PO Box        
2939, Saxonwold, 2132                                                           
E-mail: investor_relations@mtn.co.za                                            
*Executive?1Lebanese?2British                                                   
Fairland                                                                        
7 March 2012                                                                    
Sponsor: Deutsche Securities (SA) (Proprietary) Limited                         
Date: 07/03/2012 08:30:01 Produced by the JSE SENS Department.                  
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