UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

Form 6-K

 

Report of Foreign Private Issuer

 

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

 

Dated February 4 2009

 

Commission File Number: 001-10086

 

VODAFONE GROUP
PUBLIC LIMITED COMPANY
(Translation of registrant’s name into English)

 

 

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 if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1):              

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7):              

 

 

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): 82-            .

 


 

This Report on Form 6-K contains a news release issued by Vodafone Group Plc on, February 3 2009, entitled
INTERIM MANAGEMENT STATEMENT FOR THE QUARTER ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2008”               .

 


 

OPERATING REVIEW

 

 

3 February 2009

 

INTERIM MANAGEMENT STATEMENT FOR THE QUARTER ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2008

 

 

Key highlights:

 

·     Group: Revenue of £10,470 million, up 14.3%

 

–    Pro forma service revenue growth including India of 1.4%

 

–    Group data revenue of £786 million, up 25.3% on an organic basis

 

–    Proportionate mobile customer base of 289.0 million at 31 December 2008, up 9.5 million in the quarter

 

·     Europe: Service revenue up 15.0%, driven by strong foreign exchange

 

–    Organic service revenue down 1.4%; trends broadly similar to second quarter in a weaker market environment

 

    Solid results in Germany and Italy and stabilised results in the UK offset continuing weakness in Spain

 

·     Africa & Central Europe: Service revenue up 6.1%

 

–    Continued good growth in Vodacom offset by Turkey

 

·     Asia Pacific & Middle East: Service revenue up 27.9%

 

–    Record customer growth in India; service revenue growth of 29.6% at constant exchange rates

 

·     Verizon Wireless: Service revenue up 12.2%; data revenue up 49.4%, both in local currency

 

    Alltel acquisition completed on 9 January 2009

 

·     Strategy: Good early progress on all objectives, including £1 billion cost saving programme

 

·     Outlook: Underlying ranges confirmed. Increased guidance to reflect foreign exchange environment

 

–    Adjusted operating profit in the range of £11.5 billion to £12.0 billion, an increase of £0.5 billion

 

–    Free cash flow in the range of £5.5 billion to £6.0 billion, an increase of £0.3 billion

 

 

Vittorio Colao, Chief Executive, commented:

 

Our underlying performance showed similar trends to the previous quarter, with pro forma service revenue up 1.4% including India and at constant exchange rates. In the context of the current economic environment, we have continued to implement our strategy, with an emphasis on customer value, mobile data, Enterprise and fixed broadband. This has driven increased usage, 25% organic growth in data revenue and over 280,000 fixed broadband additions in Europe. We have also made progress on our plans to reduce costs by £1 billion by March 2011. Underlying guidance is confirmed.

 


 

OPERATING REVIEW

 

 

Group(1)(2)

 

 

 

Quarter ended 31 December

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2008(3)

 

2007

 

 

                               % change

 

 

 

£m

 

£m

 

 

£

 

Organic

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Europe

 

7,013

 

6,099

 

15.0

 

(1.4

)

Africa & Central Europe

 

1,290

 

1,216

 

6.1

 

2.3

 

Asia Pacific & Middle East

 

1,402

 

1,096

 

27.9

 

8.4

 

Eliminations

 

(34)

 

(21

)

 

 

 

 

 

Service revenue

 

9,671

 

8,390

 

 

15.3

 

(0.3

)

Other revenue

 

799

 

773

 

 

3.4

 

(8.6

)

Revenue

 

10,470

 

9,163

 

 

14.3

 

(1.0

)

 

Notes:

(1)

The Group changed its presentation of revenue during the financial year. See “Change in presentation” on page 12.

(2)

The Group revised its regional and segment structure during the period. See “Change in segments” on page 12.

(3)

Reflects average exchange rates of £1:€1.19 and £1:$1.57.

 

Group revenue increased by 14.3%, including favourable exchange rate movements of 12.8 percentage points and a 2.5 percentage point benefit from merger and acquisition activity, primarily in India. On an organic basis, revenue and service revenue declined by 1.0% and 0.3%, respectively, with Europe’s decline partially offset by Asia Pacific & Middle East and Africa & Central Europe. Pro forma service revenue growth was 1.4% including India and assuming constant exchange rates.

 

Whilst the current economic environment is challenging, pro forma growth remains positive albeit slower than the previous quarter reflecting the benefit of the Group’s breadth of customer base and geographic diversity. The Group has focused on implementing the strategy outlined in November 2008, with an emphasis on customer value offers, mobile data, Enterprise and fixed broadband. The actions taken have helped generate a 10.3% organic increase in minutes, organic data revenue growth of 25.3%, positive revenue growth in Enterprise revenue and over 280,000 fixed broadband additions in Europe.

 

The Group also announced in November 2008 that it had established a cost saving programme which targeted a £1 billion reduction in operating costs by the 2011 financial year. This programme is expected to offset the pressures from cost inflation and the competitive environment and enable investment in revenue growth opportunities thereby enabling the Group to deliver its operating and capital expenditure targets. Good progress has been made and cost savings of approximately £500 million are expected to be generated by the end of the 2010 financial year, with the full £1 billion expected to be generated by the 2011 financial year.

 

Since 30 September 2008, the Group has further strengthened its liquidity position through the issuance of £2.9 billion of bonds and the refinancing of over $3.3 billion of commercial paper that was outstanding at that date. The Group’s $9.1 billion committed credit facilities remain undrawn. Group net debt has increased since 30 September 2008, primarily due to the effect of exchange rate movements on non-sterling denominated debt, the mix of which continues to be broadly aligned with the values of the Group’s primary businesses. Applying 30 January 2009 exchange rates of £1:€1.13 and £1:$1.45 to the Group’s net debt as of 30 September 2008 would have increased the £27.8 billion net debt previously reported by £5.7 billion. These rate changes also result in an increase in the Group’s free cash flow generation, described below.

 

Although underlying guidance is unchanged, the Group has revised its outlook ranges for the year ended 31 March 2009 to reflect the changed foreign exchange environment. The ranges set out in the Group’s Half-Year Financial Report for the six months ended 30 September 2008 reflected full year foreign exchange assumptions of £1:€1.26 and £1:$1.80. The Group has revised its assumptions for the full year average rates to £1:€1.20 (fourth quarter £1:€1.09) and £1:$1.72 (fourth quarter £1:$1.45), and has revised its outlook ranges accordingly.

 

2


 

OPERATING REVIEW

 

The following table shows the impact of these changes on the Group’s outlook.

 

 

 

Previous

 

Foreign

 

Updated

 

 

 

outlook(1)

 

exchange

 

outlook(2)

 

 

 

£ billion

 

£ billion

 

£ billion

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenue

 

38.8 to 39.7

 

1.8

 

40.6 to 41.5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjusted operating profit

 

11.0 to 11.5

 

0.5

 

11.5 to 12.0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Capitalised fixed asset additions

 

5.2 to 5.7

 

0.3

 

5.5 to 6.0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Free cash flow

 

5.2 to 5.7

 

0.3

 

5.5 to 6.0

 

 

Notes:

(1)

Previous outlook as published in the Group’s Half-Year Financial Report on 11 November 2008.

(2)

For further information on the basis of the Group’s outlook for the 2009 financial year, please see page 5 in the Group’s Half-Year Financial Report published on 11 November 2008.

 

Europe(1)

 

 

Quarter ended 31 December

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenue

 

2008

 

2007

 

 

                          % change

 

 

 

£m

 

£m

 

 

£

 

Organic

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Germany(2)

 

1,909

 

1,636

 

 

16.7

 

(1.4)

 

Italy

 

1,363

 

1,072

 

 

27.1

 

1.9

 

Spain

 

1,328

 

1,155

 

 

15.0

 

(5.8)

 

UK

 

1,226

 

1,235

 

 

(0.7

)

(0.7)

 

Other Europe

 

1,253

 

1,059

 

 

18.3

 

(0.9)

 

Eliminations

 

(66

)

(58

)

 

 

 

 

 

Service revenue

 

7,013

 

6,099

 

 

15.0

 

(1.4)

 

Other revenue

 

534

 

553

 

 

(3.4

)

(17.3)

 

Revenue

 

7,547

 

6,652

 

 

13.5

 

(2.8)

 

 

Notes:

(1)

The Group changed its presentation of revenue during the financial year. See “Change in presentation” on page 12.

(2)

The Group revised its regional and segment structure during the period. See “Change in segments” on page 12.

 

Revenue increased 13.5%, with favourable euro exchange rate movements contributing 14.8 percentage points of growth and a 1.5 percentage point benefit from business acquisitions, primarily Tele2. The organic decline in revenue was higher than the previous quarter, primarily due to lower equipment revenue caused by lower average revenue per device and overall volumes and a further fall in revenue in Spain which was impacted by a worsening market environment.

 

Service revenue declined 1.4% on an organic basis, in line with the underlying trend seen in the previous quarter as the benefit from increased usage as a result of new tariffs and promotions was offset by the impact of the deteriorating economy in Europe, ongoing competitive pricing pressures and lower termination rates. Germany, Italy and the UK reported improvements in their quarterly organic service revenue growth performance compared to the previous quarter.

 

Germany

 

The organic decline in service revenue improved compared to the previous quarter following higher penetration of the Superflat tariff portfolio and infotainment and connectivity services together with increased messaging usage. Revenue also benefited from lower service provider rebates and a lower impact of changes in termination rates, which were partially offset by declining revenue from continued migration of customers to new, lower priced tariffs. During the quarter, the fixed broadband customer base increased by 0.1 million to 3.0 million at 31 December 2008. The integration of the mobile business and the fixed operations of Arcor commenced in the quarter and is progressing well.

 

Italy

 

Organic service revenue growth improved compared with the previous quarter, reflecting the contribution of commercial initiatives enhancing revenue per user and reducing churn. A continued focus on acquiring contract customers led to increases in both the consumer and enterprise customer base. Data revenue growth remained strong due to increased penetration of mobile PC connectivity and email enabled devices. Net additions of fixed

 

3


 

OPERATING REVIEW

 

broadband customers increased during the quarter following the strong take up of Vodafone Station, launched during the summer of 2008, as well as continued good performance of Tele 2.

 

Spain

 

Organic service revenue declined 5.8%, a faster rate than in the previous quarter. Whilst new tariffs and promotions increased customer usage, they resulted in a lower price per minute which led to lower outgoing voice revenue. The deteriorating market environment put pressure on usage in some customer segments and led to increased involuntary churn. A termination rate reduction in the quarter contributed further to the decline in service revenue. Data revenue growth improved in the quarter, in part due to the launch of the flat mobile browsing fee. In fixed broadband, Vodafone Spain launched Vodafone Station, which helped achieve an increase in fixed broadband customers.

 

UK

 

Excluding the impact of a VAT refund in July 2007, service revenue declined at a lower rate than in the previous quarter, driven by increased wholesale revenue due to the growth in the MVNO business and continued growth from data services. Data revenue growth of 30.9% remained strong in the quarter, driven primarily by increased penetration of mobile PC connectivity and mobile internet services. These positive trends were partially offset by an incremental voice revenue decline resulting from lower voice usage in the prepaid segment.

 

Other Europe

 

Service revenue decreased by 0.9% on an organic basis, a slightly higher rate than the previous quarter as continued strong growth in the Netherlands was more than offset by shortfalls in Ireland and Portugal. Both Ireland and Portugal were impacted by deteriorating market environments during the quarter whilst Portugal was also highly impacted by a termination rate cut in August 2008 and Ireland by substantial price reductions in prepaid tariffs.

 

Africa & Central Europe(1)(2)

 

 

Quarter ended 31 December

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenue

 

2008

 

2007

 

 

 

 

% change

 

 

 

£m

 

£m

 

 

£

 

Organic

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vodacom

 

391

 

381

 

 

2.6

 

15.3

 

Other Africa & Central Europe

 

899

 

835

 

 

7.7

 

(2.7

)

Service revenue

 

1,290

 

1,216

 

 

6.1

 

2.3

 

Other revenue

 

103

 

87

 

 

18.4

 

22.4

 

Revenue

 

1,393

 

1,303

 

 

6.9

 

3.5

 

 

Notes:

(1)

 

The Group changed its presentation of revenue during the financial year. See “Change in presentation” on page 12.

(2)

 

The Group revised its regional and segment structure during the period. See “Change in segments” on page 12.

 

Africa & Central Europe revenue increased by 6.9%, with favourable exchange rate movements contributing 4.5 percentage points of growth and a 1.1 percentage point negative impact primarily from a change in the consolidation status of Safaricom. Organic revenue growth of 3.5% was recorded as sustained growth in Vodacom was offset by weakening trends in Turkey and Romania. Service revenue grew by 2.3% on an organic basis, driven by a 10.1% organic increase in the average customer base, partially offset by a 3.4 percentage point impact from termination rate cuts.

 

Vodacom

 

The strong growth in the average customer base of 13.5% on an organic basis, which represented the highest number of net additions for six quarters, took Vodacom’s closing customer base to 37.8 million on a 100% basis. Usage per customer in the prepaid market, which represented a majority of the customer base, remained broadly stable as the increased usage driven by revised tariffs in South Africa was offset by the dilutive effect of the increased customer base in both Tanzania and Mozambique. Data revenue growth continued albeit at a lower rate, driven by the increased penetration of mobile PC connectivity devices, as the absence of affordable fixed line alternatives makes mobile data a more attractive offering.

 

4


 

OPERATING REVIEW

 

Other Africa & Central Europe

 

The organic decline in service revenue was primarily due to the performance in Turkey. Service revenue in Turkey decreased by 14.5% at constant exchange rates, representing a significant deterioration from the previous quarter. The continued impact of termination rate cuts, which reduced service revenue by 7.1%, coupled with higher churn and weaker activity in the customer base led to the revenue decline in Turkey. To improve performance, a new management team led by a new chief executive, who joined on 1 January 2009, is driving a turnaround plan, which is focused on improving the network, IT, distribution and brand. Romania reported slowing growth compared to the previous quarter, with revenue reflecting intense competition which led to price reductions across the market, lower termination rates and customers optimising usage offset by good data revenue growth. Revenue for the quarter also benefited from the acquisition of Ghana Telecom, which was the main driver of the increase in fixed line revenue.

 

Asia Pacific & Middle East(1)(2)

 

 

Quarter ended 31 December

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenue

 

2008

 

2007

 

 

 

 

% change

 

 

 

£m

 

£m

 

 

£

 

Organic

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

India

 

674

 

491

 

 

37.3

 

n/a

 

Other Asia Pacific & Middle East

 

728

 

605

 

 

20.3

 

8.4

 

Service revenue

 

1,402

 

1,096

 

 

27.9

 

8.4

 

Other revenue

 

112

 

97

 

 

15.5

 

16.7

 

Revenue

 

1,514

 

1,193

 

 

26.9

 

9.2

 

 

Notes:

(1)

 

The Group changed its presentation of revenue during the financial year. See “Change in presentation” on page 12.

(2)

 

The Group revised its regional and segment structure during the period. See “Change in segments” on page 12.

 

Asia, Pacific & Middle East revenue grew by 26.9%, including a 9.7 percentage point benefit from favourable exchange rate movements and an 8.0 percentage point benefit from business acquisitions, mainly in India. On an organic basis, revenue grew by 9.2%, driven by strong growth in Egypt, Australia and New Zealand. Service revenue grew by 8.4% on an organic basis, as the average customer base continued to grow, increasing by 25.2% on an organic basis. Although this is a strong result, revenue grew at a lower rate than the previous quarter, reflecting a mix of strong competition and weaker economic conditions.

 

India

 

Service revenue in India grew by 37.3%, or by 29.6% at constant exchange rates, with the rate of growth lower than the previous quarter due to the increasingly competitive market and an increased revenue base, although the current quarter showed a larger absolute increase in service revenue measured in local currency than the previous quarter. Visitor revenue was impacted by the terrorist attacks in Mumbai and economic pressures as customers travelled less. Higher usage was more than offset by decreases in the effective rate per minute as the market continued to move towards Lifetime Validity prepaid offerings, which have helped reduce customer churn. Net customer additions averaged 2.1 million per month, the highest since the business was acquired, bringing the closing customer base to 60.9 million. Net customer additions benefited from the launch of services in six new circles during the quarter. Customer penetration in the Indian mobile market reached 30% at 31 December 2008.

 

Other Asia Pacific & Middle East

 

Service revenue growth was driven by the performances in Egypt and Australia. Egypt’s organic service revenue growth was at a lower rate than the previous quarter, as a result of the migration of a majority of customers to competitive offers and lower termination rates, both introduced in the previous quarter, not being fully offset by increased usage. Australia’s service revenue increased by 7.3% on an organic basis, primarily due to growth from data services and a higher number of average customers, partially offset by lower effective pricing. In New Zealand, good data and fixed broadband revenue growth was offset by weaker overall trends.

 

Verizon Wireless

 

In the US, Verizon Wireless reported 1.4 million net customer additions during the quarter, bringing the closing proportionate customer base to 32.4 million, up 9.7% year on year. Service revenue growth of 12.2% in local currency was driven by robust ARPU, with strong growth in messaging and data revenue, and included a benefit from the acquisition of Rural Cellular Corporation. On 9 January 2009, Verizon Wireless completed its acquisition of Alltel Corp., adding 12.9 million customers, after conforming adjustments, before required divestitures and based on Alltel

 

5


 

OPERATING REVIEW

 

Corp.’s results for the third calendar quarter. Verizon Wireless expects to realise synergies with a net present value, after integration costs, of more than $9 billion, driven by aggregate capital and operating expense savings.

 

Significant Transactions

 

Since 30 September 2008, the Group has completed or announced the transactions listed below. Sterling equivalents are based on exchange rates on the date of announcement or completion.

 

On 6 November 2008, the Group agreed to acquire an additional 15% stake in Vodacom Group (Proprietary) Limited (‘Vodacom Group’) from Telkom SA Limited (‘Telkom’) for cash consideration of ZAR22.5 billion (£1.4 billion) less the pro rata consolidated attributable net debt of Vodacom Group of approximately ZAR1.55 billion (£0.1 billion). The transaction will increase Vodafone’s shareholding in Vodacom Group from 50% to 65%. The transaction is expected to complete during the first half of the 2009 calendar year, following which Vodacom Group will be accounted for as a subsidiary undertaking.

 

The acquisition is subject to, among other conditions, approval by 75% of Telkom’s shareholders and is interconditional upon Vodacom Group being listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange and Telkom demerging the remaining 35% of Vodacom Group to Telkom’s shareholders. Telkom’s two largest shareholders, the Government of South Africa and the Public Investment Corporation Limited, owning a combined 58%, have irrevocably committed to vote in favour of the transaction and will become significant shareholders in Vodacom Group following the completion of the transaction. The transaction is also subject to customary competition authority and regulatory approvals.

 

Vodacom Group is the leading mobile network operator in South Africa and holds a portfolio of growing operations in Tanzania, Lesotho, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Mozambique.

 

On 18 December 2008, the Group announced it had completed the acquisition of an additional 4.8% stake in Polkomtel S.A. (‘Polkomtel’) for a total consideration of €177 million (£161 million). The acquisition increased Vodafone’s stake in Polkomtel from 19.6% to 24.4%.

 

On 9 January 2009, Verizon Wireless completed its acquisition of Alltel Corp., adding 12.9 million customers, after conforming adjustments, before required divestitures and based on Alltel Corp.’s results for the third calendar quarter. Consistent with the terms of the transaction announced on 5 June 2008, Verizon Wireless paid approximately $5.9 billion (£3.9 billion) for the equity of Alltel Corp.. Immediately prior to the closing, the Alltel Corp. debt associated with the transaction, net of cash, was approximately $22.2 billion (£14.6 billion). Verizon Wireless expects to realise synergies with a net present value, after integration costs, of more than $9 billion (£5.9 billion), driven by aggregate capital and operating expense savings.

 

In January 2009, the Group completed the acquisition of 98.47% of Wayfinder Systems AB (publ) (‘Wayfinder’) for cash consideration of SEK 234 million (£19 million). Wayfinder is a leading provider of innovative location based services, which focuses on combining best practice of technology and ease-of-use. The Group intends to initiate compulsory acquisition proceedings under the Swedish Companies Act, in order to acquire the remaining shares in Wayfinder.

 

Vodafone Essar Limited (‘VEL’) and Vodafone International Holdings B.V. (‘VIHBV’) each received notices in August 2007 and September 2007, respectively, from the Indian tax authorities, which alleged potential liability arising in connection with the alleged failure by VIHBV to deduct withholding tax from consideration paid to the Hutchison Telecommunications International Limited group (‘HTIL’) in respect of HTIL’s gain on its disposal to VIHBV of its interests in a wholly-owned subsidiary that indirectly holds interests in VEL. Following the receipt of such notices, VEL and VIHBV each filed writs seeking orders that their respective notices be quashed. Hearings subsequently took place before both the Bombay High Court and Delhi Supreme Court in the case of the VIHBV writ, and as a result the matter has been referred back to the Indian tax authorities who have been directed to establish from the facts whether they consider they have any jurisdiction to seek tax from VIHBV on the transaction. VIHBV has been given a right of appeal to the Indian Courts should the tax authorities consider they have such jurisdiction. VEL’s case is due to be heard next by the Bombay High Court on 3 March 2009.

 

VIHBV believes that neither it nor any other member of the Group is liable for such withholding tax and is defending this position vigorously.

 

6


 

ADDITIONAL INVESTOR INFORMATION AND KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

 

 

Quarter ended 31 December

 

 

Group(1)

 

Europe(1)

 

Africa &
Central Europe
(1)(2)

 

Asia Pacific &
Middle East
(1)(2)

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

2008

 

2007

 

2008

 

2007

 

2008

 

2007

 

 

 

£m

 

£m

 

£m

 

£m

 

£m

 

£m

 

£m

 

£m

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Voice revenue

 

6,779

 

6,128

 

4,609

 

4,221

 

1,039

 

1,021

 

1,130

 

886

 

Messaging revenue

 

1,149

 

1,021

 

918

 

808

 

121

 

115

 

110

 

98

 

Data revenue

 

786

 

540

 

642

 

458

 

67

 

45

 

77

 

37

 

Fixed line revenue

 

695

 

474

 

656

 

462

 

26

 

4

 

14

 

8

 

Other service revenue

 

262

 

227

 

188

 

150

 

37

 

31

 

71

 

67

 

Service revenue

 

9,671

 

8,390

 

7,013

 

6,099

 

1,290

 

1,216

 

1,402

 

1,096

 

 

Quarter ended 31 December
% Change

 

Group(1)

 

Europe(1)

 

Africa &
Central Europe
(1)(2)

 

Asia Pacific &
Middle East
(1)(2)

 

 

 

£

 

Organic

 

£

 

Organic

 

£

 

Organic

 

£

 

Organic

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Voice revenue

 

10.6

 

(3.1)

 

9.2

 

(4.9)

 

1.8

 

(0.1)

 

27.5

 

6.7

 

Messaging revenue

 

12.5

 

0.3

 

13.6

 

(0.2)

 

5.2

 

0.8

 

12.2

 

4.9

 

Data revenue

 

45.6

 

25.3

 

40.2

 

21.8

 

48.9

 

54.5

 

108.1

 

44.4

 

Fixed line revenue

 

46.6

 

0.6

 

42.0

 

 

550.0

 

 

75.0

 

55.6

 

Other service revenue

 

15.4

 

8.4

 

25.3

 

11.2

 

19.4

 

12.1

 

6.0

 

2.1

 

Service revenue

 

15.3

 

(0.3)

 

15.0

 

(1.4)

 

6.1

 

2.3

 

27.9

 

8.4

 

 

 

 

 

Quarter ended 31 December

 

 

Germany(1)(2)

 

Italy(1)

 

Spain(1)

 

UK(1)

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

2008

 

2007

 

2008

 

2007

 

2008

 

2007

 

 

 

£m

 

£m

 

£m

 

£m

 

£m

 

£m

 

£m

 

£m

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Voice revenue

 

1,017

 

892

 

909

 

770

 

994

 

906

 

787

 

851

 

Messaging revenue

 

191

 

174

 

214

 

173

 

114

 

99

 

239

 

230

 

Data revenue

 

209

 

142

 

105

 

71

 

102

 

80

 

123

 

94

 

Fixed line revenue

 

445

 

392

 

107

 

35

 

68

 

19

 

8

 

6

 

Other service revenue

 

47

 

36

 

28

 

23

 

50

 

51

 

69

 

54

 

Service revenue

 

1,909

 

1,636

 

1,363

 

1,072

 

1,328

 

1,155

 

1,226

 

1,235

 

 

Quarter ended 31 December
% Change

 

 

Germany(2)

 

Italy

 

Spain

 

UK

 

 

 

£

 

Organic

 

£

 

Organic

 

£

 

Organic

 

£

 

Organic

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Service revenue

 

16.7

 

(1.4)

 

27.1

 

1.9

 

15.0

 

(5.8)

 

(0.7)

 

(0.7)

 

 

Notes:

(1)

 

The Group changed its presentation of revenue during the financial year. See “Change in presentation” on page 12.

(2)

 

The Group revised its regional and segment structure during the period. See “Change in segments” on page 12.

 

7


 

ADDITIONAL INVESTOR INFORMATION AND KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

MOBILE CUSTOMERS(1) – 1 APRIL 2008 TO 31 DECEMBER 2008

 

 

 

SIX MONTHS ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2008

 

QUARTER ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2008

 

COUNTRY (in thousands)

 

AT 1 APR

 

NET

 

OTHER

 

AT 30 SEP

 

NET

 

OTHER

 

AT 31 DEC

 

PREPAID

 

 

 

2008

 

ADDITIONS

 

MOVEMENTS(2)

 

2008

 

ADDITIONS

 

MOVEMENTS(2)

 

2008

 

 

 

Europe

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Germany(3)

 

34,412

 

1,779

 

 

36,191

 

(22)

 

 

36,169

 

56.0

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Italy

 

23,068

 

131

 

 

23,199

 

(108)

 

 

23,091

 

88.6

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Spain

 

16,039

 

347

 

 

16,386

 

152

 

 

16,538

 

40.6

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

UK

 

18,537

 

180

 

 

18,717

 

449

 

 

19,166

 

58.8

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

92,056

 

2,437

 

 

94,493

 

471

 

 

94,964

 

63.6

%

Other Europe

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Greece

 

5,460

 

161

 

 

5,621

 

139

 

 

5,760

 

69.1

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Netherlands

 

4,252

 

211

 

 

4,463

 

80

 

 

4,543

 

41.5

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Portugal

 

5,209

 

241

 

 

5,450

 

134

 

 

5,584

 

78.5

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other

 

3,594

 

58

 

 

3,652

 

97

 

 

3,749

 

79.3

%

 

 

18,515

 

671

 

 

19,186

 

450

 

 

19,636

 

67.3

%

 

 

110,571

 

3,108

 

 

113,679

 

921

 

 

114,600

 

64.2

%

Africa & Central Europe(3)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vodacom(4)

 

16,998

 

846

 

 

17,844

 

1,041

 

 

18,885

 

88.7

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Romania

 

8,921

 

595

 

 

9,516

 

134

 

 

9,650

 

62.1

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Turkey

 

16,935

 

428

 

 

17,363

 

(643)

 

 

16,720

 

88.5

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other

 

11,783

 

617

 

(2,704)

 

9,696

 

584

 

316

 

10,596

 

72.7

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

54,637

 

2,486

 

(2,704)

 

54,419

 

1,116

 

316

 

55,851

 

80.5

%

Asia Pacific & Middle East(3)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

India

 

44,126

 

10,499

 

 

54,625

 

6,308

 

 

60,933

 

92.1

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Egypt

 

14,073

 

2,318

 

 

16,391

 

1,220

 

 

17,611

 

96.0

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other

 

6,279

 

218

 

 

6,497

 

170

 

76

 

6,743

 

72.2

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

64,478

 

13,035

 

 

77,513

 

7,698

 

76

 

85,287

 

91.2

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Group

 

229,686

 

18,629

 

(2,704)

 

245,611

 

9,735

 

392

 

255,738

 

77.0

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reconciliation to proportionate

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Group

 

229,686

 

18,629

 

(2,704)

 

245,611

 

9,735

 

392

 

255,738

 

77.0

%

Minority interests in above(5)

 

(23,050)

 

(4,805)

 

45

 

(27,810)

 

(2,871)

 

110

 

(30,571)

 

 

 

Associates and investments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Verizon Wireless

 

30,230

 

1,321

 

313

 

31,864

 

616

 

(55)

 

32,425

 

5.4

%

Other

 

23,620

 

2,443

 

3,791

 

29,854

 

1,544

 

 

31,398

 

96.8

%

 

 

53,850

 

3,764

 

4,104

 

61,718

 

2,160

 

(55)

 

63,823

 

 

 

Proportionate(5)

 

260,486

 

17,588

 

1,445

 

279,519

 

9,024

 

447

 

288,990

 

83.4

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Europe

 

118,843

 

3,096

 

 

121,939

 

1,116

 

 

123,055

 

61.3

%

Africa & Central Europe(3)

 

52,496

 

2,558

 

1,170

 

56,224

 

1,182

 

426

 

57,832

 

80.5

%

Asia Pacific & Middle East(3)

 

58,917

 

10,613

 

(38)

 

69,492

 

6,110

 

76

 

75,678

 

97.7

%

Verizon Wireless

 

30,230

 

1,321

 

313

 

31,864

 

616

 

(55)

 

32,425

 

5.4

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Notes:

(1)

 

Group customers are presented on a controlled (fully consolidated) and jointly controlled (proportionately consolidated) basis in accordance with the Group’s current segments.

(2)

 

Other movements relate to Kenya being accounted for as an associate from 28 May 2008 following the allocation of shares in its public offering, the acquisition of Ghana Telecom on 15 August 2008 and subsequent revision of customer numbers in the quarter to December 2008 and acquisitions in Poland and Australia.

(3)

 

The Group revised its regional and segment structure during the period. See “Change in segments” on page 12.

(4)

 

Vodacom refers to the Group’s interests in Vodacom Group (Proprietary) Limited and its subsidiaries, including those located outside of South Africa.

(5)

 

Proportionate customers are based on equity interests as at 31 December 2008. The calculation of proportionate customers for Vodafone Essar also assumes the exercise of call options that could increase the Group’s equity interest from 51.58% to 66.98%. These call options can only be exercised in accordance with Indian law prevailing at the time of exercise.

 

8


 

ADDITIONAL INVESTOR INFORMATION AND KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

MOBILE CUSTOMER CHURN

 

 

 

 

 

 

ANNUALISED CHURN INFORMATION IN THE QUARTER TO

COUNTRY

 

 

 

 

31 MAR
2007

 

 

30 JUN
2007

 

 

30 SEP
2007

 

 

31 DEC
2007

 

 

31 MAR
2008

 

 

30 JUN
2008

 

 

30 SEP
2008

 

 

31 DEC
2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Germany(1)

 

Total

 

 

24.2%

 

 

20.7%

 

 

20.8%

 

 

20.1%

 

 

22.6%

 

 

21.0%

 

 

18.9%

 

 

28.8%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Contract

 

 

14.9%

 

 

14.0%

 

 

14.7%

 

 

14.5%

 

 

15.1%

 

 

16.0%

 

 

15.6%

 

 

15.2%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prepaid

 

 

31.9%

 

 

26.4%

 

 

26.0%

 

 

24.7%

 

 

28.5%

 

 

24.9%

 

 

21.5%

 

 

39.4%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Italy

 

Total

 

 

20.6%

 

 

18.1%

 

 

25.0%

 

 

24.1%

 

 

27.5%

 

 

27.1%

 

 

30.3%

 

 

27.2%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Contract

 

 

14.1%

 

 

15.9%

 

 

14.7%

 

 

17.5%

 

 

18.1%

 

 

17.6%

 

 

15.8%

 

 

17.3%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prepaid

 

 

21.2%

 

 

18.3%

 

 

25.9%

 

 

24.8%

 

 

28.4%

 

 

28.2%

 

 

32.0%

 

 

28.5%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Spain

 

Total

 

 

24.7%

 

 

22.4%

 

 

24.5%

 

 

23.6%

 

 

24.1%

 

 

23.6%

 

 

24.3%

 

 

25.3%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Contract

 

 

16.6%

 

 

14.8%

 

 

14.6%

 

 

15.2%

 

 

16.6%

 

 

16.4%

 

 

16.1%

 

 

18.3%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prepaid

 

 

34.5%

 

 

31.7%

 

 

37.2%

 

 

34.6%

 

 

34.3%

 

 

33.6%

 

 

36.0%

 

 

35.6%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

UK

 

Total

 

 

29.8%

 

 

34.1%

 

 

35.5%

 

 

34.7%

 

 

35.7%

 

 

39.3%

 

 

38.5%

 

 

34.6%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Contract

 

 

17.4%

 

 

15.9%

 

 

15.3%

 

 

15.6%

 

 

17.3%

 

 

18.0%

 

 

17.5%

 

 

17.3%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prepaid

 

 

37.9%

 

 

46.0%

 

 

48.8%

 

 

47.4%

 

 

47.8%

 

 

53.7%

 

 

52.9%

 

 

46.8%

 

 

3G DEVICES(2)

 

 

 

QUARTER TO 30 SEPTEMBER 2008

 

QUARTER TO 31 DECEMBER 2008

COUNTRY (in thousands)

 

AT 1 JLY

 

NET

 

AT 30 SEP

 

NET

 

AT 31 DEC

 

 

2008

 

ADDITIONS

 

2008

 

ADDITIONS

 

2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Germany(1)

 

6,383

 

585

 

6,968

 

718

 

7,686

Italy

 

6,231

 

484

 

6,715

 

602

 

7,317

Spain

 

5,810

 

691

 

6,501

 

330

 

6,831

UK

 

4,105

 

546

 

4,651

 

489

 

5,140

Other Europe

 

3,889

 

312

 

4,201

 

197

 

4,398

Europe

 

26,418

 

2,618

 

29,036

 

2,336

 

31,372

Africa & Central Europe(1)

 

1,954

 

402

 

2,356

 

384

 

2,740

Asia Pacific & Middle East(1)

 

1,486

 

176

 

1,662

 

159

 

1,821

Group

 

29,858

 

3,196

 

33,054

 

2,879

 

35,933

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consumer devices

 

25,549

 

2,403

 

27,952

 

2,076

 

30,028

Business devices

 

4,309

 

793

 

5,102

 

803

 

5,905

Group

 

29,858

 

3,196

 

33,054

 

2,879

 

35,933

 

Notes:

(1)

 

The Group revised its regional and segment structure during the period. See “Change in segments” on page 12.

(2)

 

3G devices only include those in the Group’s subsidiary and joint venture undertakings.

 

9


 

ADDITIONAL INVESTOR INFORMATION AND KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

MOBILE VOICE USAGE VOLUMES

 

 

 

TOTAL VOICE MINUTES(1) IN THE QUARTER ENDED

COUNTRY (in millions)

 

31 MAR
2007

 

30 JUN
2007

 

30 SEP
2007

 

31 DEC
2007

 

31 MAR
2008

 

30 JUNE
2008

 

30 SEP
2008

 

31 DEC
2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Europe

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Germany(2)

 

9,230

 

9,897

 

10,263

 

10,827

 

11,023

 

11,507

 

11,522

 

11,847

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Italy

 

8,439

 

8,932

 

9,051

 

9,651

 

9,813

 

10,094

 

10,010

 

10,622

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Spain

 

8,248

 

8,530

 

8,886

 

8,800

 

8,815

 

9,226

 

9,059

 

8,827

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

UK

 

8,790

 

8,963

 

9,112

 

9,434

 

9,508

 

9,650

 

9,597

 

9,762

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Greece

 

1,985

 

2,168

 

2,282

 

2,244

 

2,262

 

2,395

 

2,443

 

2,370

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Netherlands

 

1,900

 

2,006

 

1,899

 

2,036

 

2,077

 

2,260

 

2,108

 

2,313

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Portugal

 

1,612

 

1,657

 

1,836

 

1,764

 

1,763

 

1,839

 

2,049

 

2,075

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other

 

1,635

 

1,741

 

1,796

 

1,790

 

1,787

 

1,970

 

1,911

 

1,994

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

41,839

 

43,894

 

45,125

 

46,546

 

47,048

 

48,941

 

48,699

 

49,810

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Africa & Central Europe(2)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vodacom(3)

 

2,545

 

2,608

 

4,363

 

4,030

 

4,080

 

4,102

 

3,430

 

4,056

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Romania

 

2,339

 

2,540

 

2,726

 

2,778

 

2,754

 

2,910

 

2,976

 

3,036

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Turkey

 

6,224

 

6,583

 

6,551

 

6,157

 

6,155

 

6,876

 

7,028

 

7,122

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other(4)(5)

 

2,989

 

3,272

 

3,457

 

3,719

 

3,793

 

3,757

 

3,880

 

4,039

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

14,097

 

15,003

 

17,097

 

16,684

 

16,782

 

17,645

 

17,314

 

18,253

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Asia Pacific & Middle East(2)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

India(6)

 

 

21,532

 

36,011

 

39,913

 

46,734

 

52,349

 

56,745

 

61,606

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Egypt

 

4,156

 

4,794

 

5,591

 

5,878

 

6,398

 

7,112

 

7,810

 

7,975

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other

 

5,899

 

3,010

 

3,128

 

3,357

 

3,350

 

3,397

 

3,445

 

3,657

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10,055

 

29,336

 

44,730

 

49,148

 

56,482

 

62,858

 

68,000

 

73,238

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Group

 

65,991

 

88,233

 

106,952

 

112,378

 

120,312

 

129,444

 

134,013

 

141,301

 

Notes:

(1)

 

The total voice minute information presented in the table above represents network minutes, or the volume of minutes handled by each local network, and includes incoming, outgoing and visitor calls. The voice minute information in respect of Germany and New Zealand reflects billed minutes, under which calls are rounded up to the nearest minute under certain tariffs.

(2)

 

The Group revised its regional and segment structure during the period. See “Change in segments” on page 12.

(3)

 

Vodacom refers to the Group’s interests in Vodacom Group (Proprietary) Limited and its subsidiaries, including those located outside of South Africa.

(4)

 

Ghana Telecom is included from 15 August 2008 following the completion of its acquisition.

(5)

 

With effect from 28 May 2008, joint venture minutes within the Africa & Central Europe area exclude the Group’s share of minutes for Safaricom as it is accounted for as an associate following the allocation of shares in its public offering.

(6)

 

Vodafone Essar is included from 8 May 2007 and during the quarter ended 31 December 2008, historical mobile voice usage volumes were restated to eliminate inter-circle minutes.

 

10


 

ADDITIONAL INVESTOR INFORMATION AND KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

AVERAGE MONTHLY MOBILE REVENUE PER USER IN THE QUARTER

 

COUNTRY

 

 

 

 

31 MAR

 

 

30 JUN

 

 

30 SEP

 

 

31 DEC

 

 

31 MAR

 

 

30 JUN

 

 

30 SEP

 

 

31 DEC

 

 

 

 

 

 

2007

 

 

2007

 

 

2007

 

 

2007

 

 

2008

 

 

2008

 

 

2008

 

 

2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Europe:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Germany(1)

 

Total

 

 

19.3

 

 

19.4

 

 

19.4

 

 

17.9

 

 

16.9

 

 

17.0

 

 

16.8

 

 

16.2

 

(EUR)

 

Contract

 

 

34.7

 

 

34.9

 

 

35.3

 

 

33.1

 

 

32.0

 

 

32.4

 

 

32.4

 

 

31.2

 

 

 

Prepaid

 

 

6.1

 

 

6.2

 

 

6.1

 

 

5.5

 

 

5.0

 

 

4.8

 

 

4.6

 

 

4.4

 

Italy

 

Total

 

 

23.3

 

 

23.1

 

 

22.6

 

 

21.6

 

 

20.8

 

 

21.3

 

 

21.7

 

 

21.5

 

(EUR)

 

Contract

 

 

69.5

 

 

69.8

 

 

65.2

 

 

65.4

 

 

62.1

 

 

60.6

 

 

56.5

 

 

56.0

 

 

 

Prepaid

 

 

19.1

 

 

18.8

 

 

18.6

 

 

17.2

 

 

16.4

 

 

16.8

 

 

17.4

 

 

17.0

 

Spain

 

Total

 

 

33.6

 

 

36.1

 

 

36.4

 

 

34.1

 

 

32.6

 

 

32.6

 

 

33.3

 

 

30.3

 

(EUR)

 

Contract

 

 

48.9

 

 

52.0

 

 

51.7

 

 

48.0

 

 

45.4

 

 

45.4

 

 

45.9

 

 

41.7

 

 

 

Prepaid

 

 

15.0

 

 

16.4

 

 

16.5

 

 

15.5

 

 

14.9

 

 

14.4

 

 

14.6

 

 

13.2

 

UK

 

Total

 

 

22.5

 

 

22.9

 

 

23.9

 

 

22.5

 

 

21.6

 

 

22.0

 

 

22.0

 

 

21.5

 

(GBP)

 

Contract

 

 

43.4

 

 

43.5

 

 

45.8

 

 

42.2

 

 

41.2

 

 

41.2

 

 

40.5

 

 

39.2

 

 

 

Prepaid

 

 

8.6

 

 

8.9

 

 

9.0

 

 

9.0

 

 

8.4

 

 

8.6

 

 

8.8

 

 

8.5

 

Greece

 

Total

 

 

24.6

 

 

25.4

 

 

26.1

 

 

22.7

 

 

21.5

 

 

22.0

 

 

22.7

 

 

19.8

 

(EUR)

 

Contract

 

 

56.5

 

 

60.0

 

 

62.0

 

 

53.4

 

 

49.7

 

 

51.2

 

 

52.9

 

 

47.3

 

 

 

Prepaid

 

 

10.1

 

 

10.2

 

 

10.4

 

 

8.9

 

 

8.4

 

 

8.4

 

 

8.6

 

 

7.3

 

Netherlands

 

Total

 

 

36.1

 

 

37.6

 

 

38.5

 

 

35.9

 

 

35.4

 

 

36.9

 

 

35.6

 

 

35.3

 

(EUR)

 

Contract

 

 

57.8

 

 

59.7

 

 

59.6

 

 

55.8

 

 

55.0

 

 

57.3

 

 

55.1

 

 

54.4

 

 

 

Prepaid

 

 

9.8

 

 

10.6

 

 

10.8

 

 

9.4

 

 

9.4

 

 

9.4

 

 

9.3

 

 

8.7

 

Portugal

 

Total

 

 

21.7

 

 

22.0

 

 

23.4

 

 

22.1

 

 

21.2

 

 

21.4

 

 

21.6

 

 

18.8

 

(EUR)

 

Contract

 

 

54.2

 

 

54.9

 

 

59.0

 

 

54.2

 

 

50.9

 

 

51.5

 

 

51.4

 

 

45.7

 

 

 

Prepaid

 

 

13.2

 

 

13.2

 

 

14.0

 

 

13.4

 

 

13.0

 

 

12.9

 

 

13.2

 

 

11.3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Africa & Central Europe(1):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Romania(2)

 

Total

 

 

9.5

 

 

10.8

 

 

10.9

 

 

10.8

 

 

9.7

 

 

10.3

 

 

10.4

 

 

9.9

 

(EUR)

 

Contract

 

 

19.1

 

 

21.9

 

 

22.4

 

 

22.3

 

 

19.6

 

 

21.2

 

 

21.2

 

 

20.1

 

 

 

Prepaid

 

 

4.3

 

 

4.7

 

 

4.6

 

 

4.5

 

 

4.0

 

 

3.8

 

 

3.9

 

 

3.5

 

Turkey

 

Total

 

 

14.4

 

 

15.7

 

 

16.3

 

 

14.6

 

 

13.2

 

 

13.6

 

 

14.2

 

 

11.6

 

(TRY)

 

Contract

 

 

28.7

 

 

29.2

 

 

29.8

 

 

28.7

 

 

27.4

 

 

27.3

 

 

28.6

 

 

26.1

 

 

 

Prepaid

 

 

12.9

 

 

14.1

 

 

14.7

 

 

12.9

 

 

11.4

 

 

11.8

 

 

12.3

 

 

9.8

 

Vodacom

 

Total

 

 

103.9

 

 

98.5

 

 

99.4

 

 

109.2

 

 

102.9

 

 

103.5

 

 

106.4

 

 

111.0

 

(ZAR)

 

Contract

 

 

627.4

 

 

595.1

 

 

319.7

 

 

451.2

 

 

452.9

 

 

445.2

 

 

446.7

 

 

440.4

 

 

 

Prepaid

 

 

41.4

 

 

39.7

 

 

66.0

 

 

60.3

 

 

56.8

 

 

56.7

 

 

59.1

 

 

65.1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Asia Pacific & Middle East(1):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

India(3)

 

Total

 

 

N/A

 

 

N/A

 

 

361

 

 

349

 

 

350

 

 

332

 

 

305

 

 

297

 

(INR)

 

Contract

 

 

N/A

 

 

N/A

 

 

886

 

 

899

 

 

910

 

 

904

 

 

871

 

 

850

 

 

 

Prepaid

 

 

N/A

 

 

N/A

 

 

291

 

 

283

 

 

287

 

 

272

 

 

250

 

 

245

 

Egypt

 

Total

 

 

75.0

 

 

75.0

 

 

71.0

 

 

66.2

 

 

63.2

 

 

62.1

 

 

61.5

 

 

55.7

 

(EGP)

 

Contract

 

 

295.8

 

 

308.8

 

 

304.5

 

 

281.2

 

 

286.7

 

 

293.5

 

 

292.9

 

 

254.3

 

 

 

Prepaid

 

 

59.1

 

 

60.4

 

 

58.2

 

 

55.6

 

 

52.6

 

 

51.4

 

 

51.3

 

 

47.2

 

 

Notes:

(1)

 

The Group revised its regional and segment structure during the period. See “Change in segments” on page 12.

(2)

 

On 1 October 2007, Romania rebased all of its tariffs and changed its functional currency from US dollars to euros. Historical ARPU numbers have been translated at the 1 October 2007 US$/euro exchange rate.

(3)

 

ARPU for India includes Indus Towers.

 

-ends-

 

11


 

For further information:

 

Vodafone Group

Investor Relations

 

Media Relations

Tel: +44 (0) 1635 664447

 

Tel: +44 (0) 1635 664444

 

Notes:

 

1.

 

Vodafone, the Vodafone logos, Vodafone Station and Vodacom are trade marks of the Vodafone Group. Other product and company names mentioned herein may be the trade marks of their respective owners.

2.

 

All growth rates reflect a comparison to the quarter ended 31 December 2007, unless otherwise stated. References to the “previous quarter” are to the quarter ended 30 September 2008 unless otherwise stated.

3.

 

Eliminations within the Europe region revenue table represent intercompany revenue between the segments within the region.

4.

 

The calculation of organic growth excludes India from all periods, but includes the in-country acquisitions from Tele2 in Italy and Spain on a pro forma basis. Pro forma growth represents organic growth adjusted to include India in all periods.

5.

 

Definitions of terms are included on page 155 of the Group’s 2008 Annual Report, as updated on page 41 of the Group’s Half-Year Financial Report for the six months ended 30 September 2008.

6.

 

The Group’s outlook for the year ending 31 March 2009 is contained on page 5 of Vodafone’s Half-Year Financial Report for the six months ended 30 September 2008.

 

Change in presentation

 

During the current financial year, the Group changed its presentation of revenue. All periods are presented on the current basis.

 

Visitor revenue and revenue from MVNOs are now reported in the line ‘other service revenue’. This revenue was previously reported within each of the lines for voice, messaging and data revenue. Visitor revenue represents the amounts received by a Vodafone operating company when customers of another operator, including those of other Vodafone companies, roam onto its network. Visitor revenue previously reported within data revenue will continue to be included in the measurement of total communications initiatives.

 

Change in segments

 

During the current period, the Group revised its regions and segments. All periods are presented on the current basis.

 

On 9 September 2008, the Group announced that the EMAPA region would be reorganised to provide greater focus on the Group’s higher growth markets. As a result, two new regions were created, Africa & Central Europe and Asia Pacific & Middle East. The Africa & Central Europe region includes the Group’s interests in the Czech Republic, Ghana, Hungary, Kenya, Poland, Romania, Turkey and Vodacom. Vodacom refers to Vodacom Group (Proprietary) and its subsidiaries, including those located outside of South Africa. The Asia Pacific & Middle East region includes Australia, China, Egypt, Fiji, India, New Zealand and Qatar. Verizon Wireless is reported as a separate segment.

 

Germany and Arcor are now presented as one segment following the acquisition of the remaining 26.4% of Arcor in May 2008, taking the Group’s ownership to 100%, and the alignment of the internal management structure.

 

Forward-looking statements

 

This press release contains forward-looking statements which are subject to risks and uncertainties because they relate to future events. In particular, such forward-looking statements include but are not limited to statements with respect to Vodafone’s expectations as to savings from the cost saving programme; expectations as to levels of capital expenditure and operating expenditure; the anticipated impact of exchange rate movements on the Group’s results for the current fiscal year; and the Group’s expectations for revenue, adjusted operating profit, capitalised fixed asset additions and free cash flow for the 2009 financial year. Some of the factors which may cause actual results to differ from these forward-looking statements can be found by referring to the information under the heading “Other Information – Forward-Looking Statements” in the Half-Year Financial Report for the six months ended 30 September 2008 and “Principal Risk Factors and Uncertainties” in Vodafone Group Plc’s Annual Report for the year ended 31 March 2008. The Half-Year Financial Report and the Annual Report can be found on the Group’s website (www.vodafone.com).

 

12


 

SIGNATURES

 

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorised.

 

 

 

VODAFONE GROUP

 

PUBLIC LIMITED COMPANY

 

(Registrant)

 

 

 

 

Dated: February 4 2009

By:

/s/ S R SCOTT

 

Name: Stephen R. Scott

 

Title: Group General Counsel and Company

 

Secretary