Maroc Telecom : 2015 Consolidated results


 


2015 CONSOLIDATED RESULTS

Results exceeding announced objectives:

  • Group consolidated revenues increased by 17% to more than MAD 34 billion due to the consolidation of the new African subsidiaries and the revenues' stabilization in Morocco ;
  • Sharp increase in the Group's customer base to nearly 51 million customers ;
  • Revenues and EBITDA, up 1.6% and 0.7% on a like-for-like basis, exceeded announced objectives ;
  • Excluding frequencies and licenses, the Group's Operating Cash Flow up 4.6%, despite an increase of 29% of capital expenditures ;
  • Steady profitable growth in subsidiaries' activities thanks to the successful relaunch of new subsidiaries whose revenues and EBITDA rose by 12.5% and 13.5% in the fourth quarter ;
  • The surge in the Very High Speed Mobile and Fixed-line broadband in Morocco continues, supported by the successful launch of the 4G+;
  • Renewal of licenses in Mauritania, Niger and Ivory Coast.

         

Proposed distribution of a total amount of MAD 5.6 billion which corresponds to 100% of the Net Profit from 2015, implying a dividend of  MAD 6.36 per share, representing a yield of 5.5%.*

Outlook for 2016, at constant scope and exchange rates

  • stable revenues; 
  • slight decrease in EBITDA; 
  • CAPEX amounting to around 20% of revenues, excluding frequencies and licenses.

On the occasion of the publication of this press release, Mr. Abdeslam Ahizoune, Chairman of the Management Board, said:


"Maroc Telecom Group is finishing fiscal 2015 with results that exceed its objectives and which confirm the Group's growth profile. The major capital investments in Very High Speed Mobile and Fixed-line broadband consolidate our leadership in Morocco. The successful integration of the new African subsidiaries strengthens the success of the Group's International expansion.
Maroc Telecom Group is tackling fiscal 2016 with confidence, despite the still uncertain regulatory, economic and competitive environments backed by the quality of its teams and its continuing policy based on innovation and investment."


* Based on the share price on February 12, 2016 (MAD 116.25).

Group Consolidated results

IFRS in MAD million 2014 2015 Change Change
like-for-like (1)
Revenues 29,144 34,134 +17.1% +1.6%
EBITDA 15,691 16,742 +6.7% +0.7%
Margin (%) 53.8% 49.0% -4.8 pts -0.4 pt
EBITA 10,266 10,340 +0.7% +0.6%
Margin (%) 35.2% 30.3% -4.9 pts -0.3 pt
Net result Group share 5,850 5,595 -4.3%  
Margin (%) 20.1% 16.4% -3.7 pts  
CAPEX (2) 4,901 8,835 +80.3%  
o/w licenses & frequencies 94 2,622    
CAPEX/Revenues, excluding licenses & frequencies 16.5% 18.2% +1.7 pt  
CFFO 11,541 9,362 -18.9%  
Net debt 5,366 12,555    
Net debt / EBITDA 0.3x 0.7x    
  •   Customer base

The Group's customer base was nearly 51 million customers at the end of 2015, up 26% year-on-year following the consolidation on January 26, 2015 of six new subsidiaries into the Group's scope.

  •    Revenues

As of December-end, in 2015 Maroc Telecom Group had generated consolidated(3) revenues of MAD 34,134 million, up 17.1% on the year 2014 due to its extended scope. On a like-for-like basis(1), the increase was 1.6% reflecting strong growth in international business (+6.9% like-for-like) and business resilience in Morocco (-0.5%).

  •  Earnings from operations before depreciation and amortization

At 2015-end, Maroc Telecom Group earnings from operations before depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) amounted to MAD 16,742 million, up 6.7% from the previous year (+0.7% like-for-like). The increase in like-for-like growth was mainly due to the significant increase in EBITDA internationally (+10.8%), offsetting the 3.8% decline in EBITDA in Morocco.

Despite the dilutive effect of the consolidation of the new subsidiaries, the Group's EBITDA margin remained high at 49.0% (nearly stable on a like-for-like basis). Continuing efforts to control direct costs and minimize operating costs explain this good performance.

  •    Earnings from operations

At 2015-end, Maroc Telecom Group earnings from operations (EBITA)(4) amounted to MAD 10,340 million, up 0,7% from the previous year (+0.6% like-for-like). This like-for-like increase reflects mainly the improvement in EBITDA.

  •  Net income - Share of the Group 

The Group's share of net income amounted to MAD 5,595 million, 4.3% down over the year mainly due to the losses generated by the new subsidiaries.

During the fourth quarter, the Group's share of net earnings rose by 2.6% mainly due to the significant decrease in the new subsidiaries' losses resulting from revenues' growth  and benefits from costs' optimization plans.

  •    Cash flow from operations

Despite the 6.7% increase in Group EBITDA and improved working capital requirements, cash flow from operations (CFFO(5)) was MAD 9,362 million, down 19% from 2014. This change reflects the 80% growth in capital investment including the price of the 4G license in Morocco and the renewal/acquisition of the 2G/3G licenses in Mauritania and Niger as well as the 50% down-payment for the granting of a global license in Ivory Coast. Excluding frequencies and licenses, Group CFFO was up 4.6%.

As at December 31, 2015, Maroc Telecom Group's consolidated net debt(6) had increased to MAD 12.6 billion, mainly due to the acquisition of the six new subsidiaries completed during the period and the USD 200 million loan granted to Maroc Telecom by the Etisalat Group for a four years period to finance investments in the newly acquired  subsidiaries. The Consolidated net debt of the Group represents only 0.7 times the Group's annual EBITDA.

  • Dividend

The Supervisory Board of Maroc Telecom will propose to the general shareholder's meeting of April 26, 2016, the payment of an ordinary dividend of MAD 6.36 per share, representing a total amount of MAD 5.6 billion. This dividend, which corresponds to 100% of the Net Profit from 2015, will be made available for payment from June 2, 2016.

  • Maroc Telecom Group outlook for 2016

On the basis of the recent changes in the market, to the extent that no new major exceptional event impacts the Group's business, Maroc Telecom is projecting for 2016:

  • Stable revenues at constant scope and exchange rates; 
  • Slight decrease in EBITDA at constant scope and exchange rates; 
  • CAPEX amounting to around 20% of revenues, excluding frequencies and licenses.

review of group activities

  • Morocco
IFRS in MAD million 2014 2015 Change
Revenues 21,133 21,033 -0.5%
Mobile 15,214 14,276 -6.2%
 Services 14,781 14,058 -4.9%
 Equipment 433 219 -49.4%
Fixed-line 8,041 8,728

 
+8.6%
 o/w fixed-line data* 2,058 2,263 +10.0%
Eliminations & other revenues -2,122 -1,971  
EBITDA 11,578 11,144 -3.8%
 Margin (%) 54.8% 53.0% -1.8 pt
EBITA 7,734 7,386

 
-4.5%

 
 Margin (%) 36.6% 35.1%

%
-1.5 pt
CAPEX 3,359 4,792

 
+42.7%
 o/w licenses & frequencies   926  
CAPEX/Revenues (excluding licenses and frequencies) 15.9% 18.4% +2.5 pts
CFFO 8,781 6,576

 
-25.1%

 
Net debt 4,742 11,741  
 Net debt / EBITDA 0.4x 1.0x  

 *Fixed-line data includes Internet, ADSL TV and data services to businesses

During fiscal 2015, activities in Morocco generated revenues of MAD 21,033 million, slightly down by 0.5%, thanks to Fixed-line and Internet business which continued to surge (+8.6% year-on-year) offsetting the decline in the Mobile segment (-6.2% year-on-year) in a still-fiercely competitive environment.

Earnings before depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) were MAD 11,144 million, down 3.8% from 2014. This change reflects the increase in the cost of interconnection to other operators and in operating costs which rose 2.5%. The EBITDA margin remained high at 53.0%, down by 1.8 point.

Earnings from operations were MAD 7,386 million, down 4.5% due to the decline in EBITDA. The EBITA margin was 35.1%, down by 1.5 point.

Cash flow from operations in Morocco was down 25% at MAD 6,576 million following the payment of MAD 926 million for the 4G license and the development of the associated spectrum. Excluding these items, CFFO in Morocco was down 14.6% due to the decline in EBITDA and the 15% increase in capital investment in networks, mainly 4G.

Mobile

 

 
Unit 2014 2015 Change
Mobile        
Customer base(7) (000) 18,230 18,298 +0.4%
Prepaid (000) 16,734 16,649 -0.5%
Postpaid (000) 1,496 1,649 +10.2%
 o/w Internet 3G/4G+(11) (000) 4,771 6,502 +36.3%
ARPU(8) (MAD/month) 65.6 62.5 -4.7%
Data as % of ARPU(9) (10) (%) 16.0% 20.7% +4.7pts

As of December 31, 2015, the Mobile customer base(7) was 18.3 million customers, up 0.4% year-on-year. The 10.2% growth in postpaid customers, driven by the enhancement of call-time and data in packages, more than offset the 0.5% decline in prepaid customer numbers. The Mobile Internet customer base continued its strong growth and surged by 36% year-on-year, driven by customer appetite for 3G and 4G Data services.

In a market marked by fierce competition that shows no sign of weakening, Mobile revenues were MAD 14,276 million, down 6.2% from 2014. With the continuing fall in prices and the reduction in incoming international traffic, revenues from Mobile services amounted to MAD 14,058 million, down 4.9% from 2014.

Blended ARPU(8) for 2015 was MAD 62.5, down 4.7% from 2014, the increase in voice and data usage not offsetting the fall in prices.

The Mobile Internet customer base(11) which was 6.5 million customers at December-end, brought the Data component of ARPU to more than 20%, a substantial 4.7 points higher than the previous year.

  

Fixed-line and Internet

 

 
Unit 2014 2015 Change
Fixed-line        
Fixed lines (000) 1,483 1,583 +6.8%
Broadband access(12) (000) 984 1,136 +15.4%

The Fixed-line customer base was nearly 1.6 million lines at December-end 2015, up 6.8%, driven by the Residential segment which increased its customer numbers by 10%.

The ADSL customer base increased by 15% to 1.1 million subscribers, thanks to the appetite for Double play packages and despite the new offers introduced onto the market by competitors.

The surge in Fixed-line and Internet business continued with revenues rising to MAD 8,728 million, up 8.6% from 2014, mainly due to growth in Fixed-line, Broadband and IP VPN activities which contributed to the 10% increase in Fixed-line Data revenues.

                   

  • International

Financial indicators
Since January 26, 2015, the acquisition completion date, international activities include the new subsidiaries in Ivory Coast, Benin, Togo, Gabon, Niger and Central African Republic, as well as Prestige Telecom which provides IT services to those entities.

IFRS in MAD million 2014 2015 Change Change
like-for-like(1)
Revenues 8,630 14,010 +62.3% +6.9%
o/w mobile services 7,132 12,589 76.5% +9.6%
EBITDA 4,113 5,599

 
+36.1% +10.8%
 Margin (%) 47.7% 40.0% -7.7 pts +1.4 pt
EBITA 2,532 2,954 +16.7% +15.8%
 Margin (%) 29.3% 21.1% -8.3 pts +1.6 pt
CAPEX 1,542 4,043 -  
 o/w licenses & frequencies 94 1,696    
CAPEX/Revenues (excluding licenses and frequencies) 16.8% 16.8% 0.0 pt  
CFFO 2,760 2,785 +0.9%  
Net Debt 624 4,679    
 Net debt / EBITDA 0.1x 0.8x    

At the end of 2015, the Group's International activities reported revenues of MAD  14,010  million, up more than 62% (+6.9% like-for-like), under the combined effect of the sustained growth of its historical subsidiaries (+7.2% at constant exchange rates) and of the newly acquired subsidiaries (+6.8% at constant exchange rates).
During the fourth quarter alone, the Group's International revenues grew by 8.1% at constant scope and exchange rates and benefited from the acceleration in the growth of the new subsidiaries (+12.5%), especially in Ivory Coast and Niger.

At the end of December 2015, earnings from operations before depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) amounted to MAD 5,599 million, up 36%. The 10.8% like-for-like growth in EBITDA reflects the increased revenues and improved margins reported by the historical subsidiaries (+1.5 point) as well as the new subsidiaries (+1.0 point) thanks to the major efforts to control operating costs, more than offsetting the impact of the new taxes in Mali, Togo, Benin, Niger and Mauritania. The consolidation of the new African subsidiaries had a dilutive impact on EBITDA margin which reached 40.0%, up 1.4 point on a like-for-like basis.

During the fourth quarter alone, EBITDA amounted to MAD 1,560 million, up 16.9% like-for-like, thanks to the acceleration in revenue growth and the sharp improvement in EBITDA margin which rose 3.1 points.

Earnings from operations (EBITA) amounted to MAD 2,954 million, up 16.7% (+15.8% like-for-like). The 5.2% like-for-like increase in depreciation charges was largely offset by the increased EBITDA. The operating margin was 21.1%, under the dilutive effect of the consolidation of the new African assets. On a like-for-like basis, this margin improved by 1.6 point.

Cash flow from operations (CFFO) internationally up 0.9% from 2014, driven by the increase in EBITDA and tight control over Working Capital requirements (WCR), which more than offset the increase in investments (including the payment of MAD 872 million to renew the licenses in Mauritania and Niger and a MAD 824 million down-payment to renew the license in Ivory Coast). Excluding licenses, CFFO from international activities grew sharply by 66% to MAD 4,572 million, representing nearly 82% of EBITDA, thanks to major efforts to manage working capital requirements.

Operating indicators

  Unit 2014 2015 Change at constant exchange rates(13)
Mobile        
 Customer base(7) (000)      
 Mauritania   1,922 2,121 +10.3%
 Burkina Faso   5,468 6,760 +23.6%
 Gabon Telecom   1,183 1,157 -2.2%
 Mali   10,673 7,431 -30.4%
 Ivory Coast   3,946 5,151 +30.5%
 Benin   2,866 3,266 +13.9%
 Togo   1,920 2,141 +11.5%
 Moov Gabon   405 440 +8.8%
 Niger   605 810 +33.8%
 Central African Republic   128 149 +16.2%
 ARPU8 (MAD/month)      
 Mauritania   66.5 66.6 +0.1%
 Burkina Faso   29.5 27.6 -6.5%
 Gabon Telecom   92.3 97.4 +5.5%
 Mali   21.3 23.4 +10.3%
 Ivory Coast   34.4 39.8 +15.7%
 Benin   41.6 42.1 +1.2%
 Togo   40.4 36.5 -9.7%
 Moov Gabon   79.9 79.0 -1.1%
 Niger   49.4 55.6 +12.6%
 Central African Republic   39.0 33.6 -13.8%
Fixed-line        
Customer base (000)      
 Mauritania   43 45 +3.9%
 Burkina Faso   81 75 -7.0%
 Gabon Telecom   18 19 +1.4%
 Mali   130 138 +5.9%
Broadband access        
Customer base(12) (000)      
 Mauritania   8 10 +21.5%
 Burkina Faso   16 15 -8.8%
 Gabon Telecom   11 11 +3.2%
 Mali   64 58 -9.4%

Notes:

(1) The like-for-like basis figures show the effects of the consolidation of the 6 new African operators if it they had been consolidated on 26 January, 2014, and the figures maintained at a constant MAD/Ouguiya/CFA Franc exchange rates.
(2) CAPEX corresponds to acquisitions of tangible and intangible assets recorded over the period.
(3) Maroc Telecom consolidates the following companies in its financial statements, Mauritel, Onatel, Gabon Telecom, Sotelma and Casanet as well as the new African subsidiaries (Ivory Coast, Benin, Togo, Gabon, Niger, Central African Republic and Prestige Telecom which provides IT services to them) since their acquisition on January 26, 2015.
(4) EBITA corresponds to operating income before amortization of intangible assets related to the business combinations, depreciations of goodwill and other intangible assets related to business combinations and other products and charges related to financial investment operations and transactions with shareholders (except when they are directly recognized in equity).
(5) CFFO includes net cash flow from operating activities before tax, as presented in the cash flow statement, as well as dividends received from equity affiliates and non-consolidated equity investments. It also includes net industrial investments, which correspond to the net cash outflows related to the acquisitions and disposals of tangible and intangible assets.
(6) Borrowings and other current and noncurrent liabilities less cash and cash equivalents, including cash held in escrow for bank loans.
(7) The active customer base consists of prepaid customers who have made or received a voice call (excluding  calls from the operators or its customer service centers) or have made an SMS/MMS or used Data services (excluding technical data exchanges with the operators network) during the past three months, and postpaid customers who have not terminated their agreements.
(8) ARPU is defined as revenue, (generated by incoming and outgoing calls and data services) net promotions, excluding roaming and equipment sales, divided by the average customer base over the period. It corresponds to the blended ARPU of the prepaid and postpaid segments.
(9) Mobile Data revenues include revenue from all non-voice services (SMS, MMS, mobile Internet, etc.) including the promotion of Mobile and SMS included in all postpaid packages and Maroc Telecom's Jawal Pass.
(10) 2014 figures were restated in Q1 2015 following a change in the method of measuring the prepaid coupled offers, now based on consumed traffic instead of the allowed traffic.
(11) The active Mobile 3G et 4G+ Internet customer base includes holders of a postpaid subscription contract (coupled or not with a voice offer) and holders of a Prepaid Internet service subscription who made at least one top-up during the last three months or whose credit is valid and who used the service during that period.
(12)  The Broadband customer base includes ADSL access and leased connections in Morocco and also includes the CDMA customer base for the historical subsidiaries.
(13)  Maintenance of a constant MAD/Ouguiya/CFA Franc exchange rate.

 

Important disclaimer:
Forward-looking statements. This press release contains forward-looking statements and information relating to Maroc Telecom's financial position, operating results, strategy and outlook as well as the impacts of certain operations. Although Maroc Telecom believes that these forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, they are not guarantees of the company's future performance. Actual results may be vary significantly from the forward-looking statements due known and unknown risks and uncertainties , many of which are beyond our control, including the risks described in public documents filed by Maroc Telecom with Moroccan securities regulator (www.cdvm.gov.ma) and the Financial Markets Authority (www.amf-france.org), also available in French on our site (www.iam.ma). This press release contains forward-looking information that cannot be assessed on the day of its broadcast. Maroc Telecom makes no commitment to complete, update or modify such forward-looking statements as a result of new information, future event or for any other reason, subject to applicable regulations including articles III.2.31 et seq. of the circular of the Moroccan securities regulator and 223-1 et seq. of the general regulations of the Financial Markets Authority.

Maroc Telecom is a global telecommunications operator in Morocco, leader in all its business segments including Fixed, Mobile and Internet. It has grown internationally and is now operates in ten countries in Africa. Maroc Telecom is listed simultaneously in Casablanca and in Paris and its shareholders are the Société de Participation dans les Télécommunications (SPT) * (53%) and the Kingdom of Morocco (30%).

* SPT is a Moroccan law corporation controlled by Etisalat.

Contacts
Investor relations
relations.investisseurs@iam.ma
Press Relations
relations.presse@iam.ma

Consolidated financial statements

ASSETS (in MAD million)     

12.31.2014
   

12.31.2015
       
Goodwill   6,796   8,319
Other intangible assets   2,958   7,123
Property, plant, and equipment   25,135   29,339
Non-current financial assets   293   329
Deferred tax assets   104   429
Non-current assets   35,286   45,540
Inventories   400   375
Trade receivables and other   8,713   11,192
Short-term financial assets   112   126
Cash and cash equivalents   1,259   3,082
Assets held for sale   55   113
Current assets   10,539   14,889
TOTAL ASSETS    45,824   60,428
         
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY AND LIABILITIES (in MAD million)    

12.31.2014
   

12.31.2015
       
Share capital   5,275   5,275
Retained earnings   4,760   4,474
Consolidated income for the financial year   5,850   5,595
Equity attributable to equity holders of the parent   15,884   15,344
Non-controlling interest   4,278   4,360
Total shareholders' equity   20,163   19,704
Non-current provisions   366   535
Borrowings and other long-term financial liabilities   325   6,039
Deferred tax liabilities   203   282
Other non-current liabilities   0   0
Non-current liabilities   893   6,855
Trade payables   17,429   22,706
Current tax liabilities   461   714
Current provisions   572   834
Borrowings and other short-term financial liabilities   6,307   9,615
Current liabilities   24,768   33,869
TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY AND LIABILITIES    45,824   60,428


Comprehensive Income Statement

 

(In MAD million)    

2014
   

2015
   
Revenues   29,144   34,134
Cost of sales   -4,654   -6,046
Payroll costs   -2,818   -3,245
Taxes and duties   -1,782   -2,377
Other operating income and expense   -3,865   -5,323
Net depreciation, amortization, and provisions   -5,759   -6,804
Earnings from operations   10,266   10,340
Other income and expense from ordinary activities   -37   -46
Earnings from continuing operations   10,229   10,294
Income from cash and cash equivalents   6   14
Gross borrowing costs   -323   -454
Net borrowing costs   -317   -439
Other financial income and expense   -29   -126
Net financial income and expense   -345   -565
Income tax   -3,246   -3,152
Net income   6,638   6,577
Translation gain or loss from foreign activities   -106   -78
Other income and expenses   12   1
Total comprehensive income for the period   6,544   6,499
Net income   6,638   6,577
Attributable to equity holders of the parent   5,850   5,595
Non-controlling interests   788   982
Earnings per share    

2014
   

2015
   
Net income - Share of the Group (in MAD million)   5,850   5,595
Number of shares as at December 31   879,095,340   879,095,340
Earnings per share (in MAD)   6.7   6,4
Diluted earnings per share (in MAD)   6.7   6,4

Consolidated Cash Flow Statement

 

(In MAD million)   2014    

2015
Earnings from operations   10,266   10,340
Depreciation, amortization and other non-cash movements   5,759   6,804
Gross cash from operating activities   16,026   17,143
Other components in the net change in working capital   238   444
Net cash flow from operating activities before tax   16,264   17,587
Income tax paid   -3,303   -3,018
Net cash from operating activities (a)   12,960   14,569
Purchases of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets   -4,727   -8,352
Purchases of consolidated companies , after acquired cash   0   -51
Increase in financial investments   -108   -467
Disposals of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets   3   2
Decrease in financial investments   5   30
Dividend income received from non-consolidated investments   3   9
Net cash used in investing activities (b)   -4,825   -8,828
Dividends paid to shareholders   -5,274   -6,065
Dividends paid to minority shareholders by subsidiaries   -1,062   -996
Changes in equity   -6,336   -7,061
Proceeds from borrowings and increase in other long-term financial liabilities   153   2,800
Proceeds from borrowings and increase in other short-term financial liabilities   865   2,813
Payments on borrowings and decrease in other short-term financial liabilities   -2,331   -2,012
Net interest paid (cash only)   -316   -446
Other cash income or expense used in financing activities   -21   -103
Changes in borrowings and other financial liabilities   -1,651   3,053
         
Net cash used in financing activities (d)   -7,987   -4,008
         
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes and other non-cash items (g)   26   91
Total cash flows (a)+(b)+(d)+(g)   175   1,823
Cash and cash equivalents -  Beginning of the period   1,084   1,259
Cash and cash equivalents - End of the period   1,259   3,082

Pièces jointes

Maroc Telecom : 2015 Consolidated Results