Subscription numbers for a South Africa-based pay-television businesses have grown by 1.3 million to reach more than eight million homes across 50 countries in Africa.
Naspers’ pay-TV services take the form of MultiChoice’s satellite offering DStv and digital terrestrial television (DTT) service GOtv. Other units included in Naspers’ pay-TV division are the likes of M-Net and SuperSport.
And according to the company’s year-end financial results for March 31, 2014, Naspers’ South African pay-TV subscriber home numbers grew from 4.451 million in 2013 to more than five million in 2014 while its sub-Saharan African pay-TV subscriber home numbers grew from 2.228 million to 3.051 million.
“Revenues grew by 20% to ZAR36.3 billion. Investments in DTT services resulted in trading profits creeping up at a slower 13% to ZAR8.5 billion. DTT coverage has been expanded and now covers eight countries and 92 cities,” says Naspers in a trading statement. “We continue to invest in our online offering, expanding our services on mobile phones, tablets and computers, and launched an improved personal video recorder.”
Overall, pay-TV makes up 35% of Naspers’ revenues for the financial year ending March 31, 2014.
Internet makes up 54% of revenues while print encompasses just 11%. Naspers also has stakes in Chinese internet giant Tencent and the Mail.ru Group in Russia.
Consolidated revenue for the group grew 26% to ZAR62,7 billlion thanks to a weak South African rand.
Regarding profits by business segment, television generates the most in this regard for Naspers with 54%. Internet generates 42% of Naspers’ profits, while print makes up just 4%.
Adjusted net income for Naspers increased by 1% to ZAR8.6 billion.
An itwebafrica.com article by Gareth van Zyl.
