MTN cheers SA data growth
MTN Group (MTN) has reported a 7.7% rise in revenue for its South African operation, for the year ended December 2011, to R38.6 billion rand – due to strong growth in data revenue, which was up 27.7% (excluding SMSes).
The group also pointed to growth in total airtime and subscriptions, of 4.2%, for its flagship operation.
Data, including SMS, now accounts for 21.4% of revenue in SA – up from 19% in 2010, and 14.8% in 2009. Data excluding SMS accounts for 12% of revenue.
The group pointed to a 28% rise in smartphones to 3.6 million, with 10.9 million data users on its network; this while its overall SA subscriber base grew by 16.9%, to 22 million.
Handsets improved 45.3%, driven by volume and smartphones, MTN said.
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.
MTN Group announced a 9.7% rise in revenue to R121.88 billion, due to sound growth in Nigeria, South Africa and Iran – of 4.1%, 7.7% and 20.1%, respectively.
Group data revenue improved 30.5%, to R8.09 billion, and accounts for 6.6% of overall revenue – with SMS revenue up 14.2%, to R7.5 billion, or 4.1% of total revenue.
Adjusted headline earnings per share (HEPS) increased by 43.2%, to R10.70.
The group declared a final dividend of 476 cents.
MTN said its mobile transfer service, Mobile Money, is now live in 12 countries – with more than 6 million registered subscribers.
Looking ahead, the group says it is “cautiously optimistic” about the year ahead, with macro-economic 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,” the group stated.
By noon, MTN’s shares were trading 1,83% higher – up R2.47 to R137.60 per share.
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