Announcement of the interim financial results for the half year ended 30 November 2014.

18 February 2015

“We are pleased to report further growth in our financial performance” said Joint CEO’s Brett and Mark Levy of Blue Label Telecoms Limited, on the announcement of the interim financial results for the half year ended 30 November 2014.

Highlights for the half year included the following:

Increase in revenue of 14% to R10.3 billion Increase in EBITDA of 20% to R516 million
Increase in gross profit of 11% to R788 million Increase in headline earnings per share of 15% to 42.73 cents
Increase in gross profit margins from 7.48% to 7.62%* Increase in core earnings per share of 17% to 44.47 cents

*Excluding imputed IFRS interest adjustments.

The South African distribution segment continues to be the predominant contributor to Group profitability, through the expansion of its offerings into its multitude of distribution channels. It is a reliable aggregator for several suppliers, supported by a responsive service. Its reputation continues to be one of trust and reliability. On the international front, Blue Label Mexico incurred losses as it continues to expand its distribution footprint, and Oxigen Services India turned a trading profit. The recently acquired Retail Mobile Credit Specialists (RMCS) and Viamedia both performed according to expectations in enhancing Group profitability.

The Group said Prospects for the remainder of the financial year include:  

Oxigen Services India is poised to address the next stage of its growth cycle by increasing its share of domestic and international remittances. It is able to facilitate banking, money transfer transactions, and instant payments within the convenient reach of people, via secure proprietary technologies.

TicketPros, a ticketing provider and proud partner of premium sporting events in South Africa, has expanded its existing service channels of ticketing for concerts, music festivals hospitality and transport. Proprietary technology facilitates the provision of a myriad of added benefits to ticket purchasers, which afford it a competitive edge in the market place.

Acquiring, which is the ability to process credit and debit card payments for products and services on behalf of merchants, is set to gain momentum as a result of the establishment of successful alliances with various financial institutions.

The prevalence of prepaid water meters is following in the footsteps of the prepaid electricity model. Installation of meters by third parties, supported by state-of-the-art software, has enabled us to enter into the prepaid water arena.

Blue Label Mexico will continue to grow its points of presence network in pursuit of its strategy of enhancing its products and service offerings, including transactional revenue. As opposed to being confined to one network, it has taken the initiative of becoming a multi-carrier which should have appositive impact.