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SPARK NEW ZEALAND LIMITED H1 FY17 RESULTS

Half Year Results15 February 2017SPKCommunication Services

1
Spark New Zealand Limited

Results for announcement to the market


Basis of Report: Unaudited financial statements

Reporting Period: Six months to 31 December 2016

Previous Reporting Period: Six months to 31 December 2015


Six months

ended

31 December

2016

(NZ$000)

Percentage

change

Operating revenues


1,793,000 Up 4.1%

Earnings before interest, income tax, depreciation and

amortisation


471,000 Up 3.5%

Net earnings for the period attributable to security

holders


178,000 Up 12.7%


Dividends

Amount per security

(NZ$)

Imputed amount per

security

Interim dividend

Interim first half-year ordinary dividend 11.0cps 4.2778cps

1


Interim first half-year special dividend 1.5cps 0.4375cps

2


Total dividend 12.5cps 4.7153cps


Record date 17 March 2017

Payment date 31 March 2017

1

A supplementary dividend of 1.9412 cents per security will be payable to shareholders who are not resident

in New Zealand.

2

A supplementary dividend of 0.1985 cents per security will be payable to shareholders who are not resident

in New Zealand.


Net tangible assets per security

31 December 2016 31 December 2015

Net tangible assets per security NZ$0.26 NZ$0.31


HALF YEAR REPORT 2017
Ac tive.

Contents
Performance snapshot 4

Chairman and Managing Director report 6

Group result overview 11

Spark Home, Mobile & Business 18

Spark Digital 19

Spark Connect & Platforms 20

Spark Ventures & Wholesale 21

Interim financial statements 22

Key dates

Half-year results announcement

16 February 2017

Financial year-end

30 June 2017

This report is dated 16 February 2017

and is signed on behalf of the Board

of Spark New Zealand Limited by

Mark Verbiest, Chairman, and

Simon Moutter, Managing Director.

Mark Verbiest Simon Moutter

Chairman Managing Director

Spark New Zealand Limited

ARBN 050 611 277

In today’s volatile world, one constant is the
ever growing influence of technology. And

increasingly, technology offers possibilities

to help build a better New Zealand.

We want to be active in helping

New Zealanders harness the unbelievable

power of technology to spur innovation,

solve problems, overcome barriers and

foster creativity – to help people do amazing

things and lead amazing lives.

Every little victory we help our customers

claim is another step towards realising

our ambition to unleash the potential in all

New Zealanders. That’s a privilege and an

inspiration that always keeps us going.

Always.

Page 1

Always
Active

Investing in

the future

Growing

our people

Investing more in

New Zealand’s future

by growing as a business.

Making more of a difference

to customers by growing

our people.

Determined to make a difference,

we’re taking a lead on the things

we believe truly matter to our

customers and to our country.

We’re actively investing in our

people, our communities, our

technology, our customer

services and our environment

– we’re investing in a better

future. The reason is simple –

if more New Zealanders unleash

their potential, so do we.

Page 2

Spark New Zealand Half Year Report 2017

Helping our
community

Secure

approach

Effective

leadership

Helping

to sustain

Helping communities

do amazing things

with technology.

Protecting the things that

enable success for Spark

customers and New Zealand.

Showing leadership

on the things

that matter.

Playing our part in

protecting New Zealand’s

environment.

Page 3

Operating revenues $
1,793M


4 .1%

Net earnings $

178 M


12 .7%

Capital expenditure $

224M


3.7%

IT services revenue $

384M


19. 3%

Mobile revenue $

588M


4.4%

Broadband revenue $

344M


1.5%

Dividends

12 . 5 cents per share

No change

EBITDA $

471M


3.5%

Performance snapshot

Mobile connections

2.353M


6.4%

Page 4

Spark New Zealand Half Year Report 2017Performance snapshot

Launched ‘Upgrade
New Zealand’ programme

programme to accelerate

the moving of customers off

copper connections onto

newer and less fault prone

fibre or wireless broadband

technologies

Introduced new broadband

plans: Fibre Max ‘gigabit’

technology speed inputs,

Skinny $40 broadband over

wireless, Skinny Unlimited

Strong industry collaboration

and major investment by

Spark to help communities

and businesses recover from

Kaikoura earthquakes

Discounted broadband social

initiative Spark Jump launched

to help bridge the digital divide

Made material improvements

in key customer service metrics

including call wait times

Telecommunications-as-a-

Service offering launched

to Government with strong

deal flows

Page 5

The financial results for the six months to
31 December 2016 are in line with our plan

and reflect the ongoing execution of Spark’s

long-term strategy. Customer service levels

have recovered markedly and several new

market-leading offers have been launched.

However, some of the key indicators in the

results also highlight the challenging market

and  operating environment and the need for

us to maintain a fast pace of change and keep

delivering for our customers.

Despite vigorous price competition, top-line

operating revenue growth has been pleasing,

with total operating revenues up 4.1% on the

prior half-year to $1.793 billion. Mobile revenue

was up 4.4%, broadband revenue up 1.5%,

and IT services revenue up 19.3%.

While the operating revenue performance

across mobile, broadband and IT services

was good, it is clear the intense ongoing price

competition, particularly at the lower end of

the market, is driving margin pressure and

reinforcing the need for us to increase our

focus on this market via our flanking brand

Skinny, as well as continuing to tightly manage

operating and capital expenditure.

Mark Verbiest

Chairman

Simon Moutter

Managing Director

It’s been another six month period

of dynamic change and progress

at Spark New Zealand.

SPARK – ALWAYS

FOR NEW ZEALAND

Page 6

Spark New Zealand Half Year Report 2017Chairman and Managing Director report

Operating expenses were up 4.3% to
$1.320 billion. Much of this was attributable to

an increase in the cost of supporting IT services

growth and bringing on new big business

customers, as well as the additional resources

deployed to improve the service experience

for our customers and reduce call centre wait

times. Much of the service related cost uplift is

expected to fall away as short-term customer

pain points are progressively addressed through

simplification and digitisation initiatives.

Earnings before interest, income tax, depreciation

and amortisation (EBITDA) lifted by $16 million,

or 3.5%, to $471 million in H1 FY17. This increase

was driven by the inclusion of a full six months’

earnings from the CCL Group (acquired in

December 2015) and the timing of Southern

Cross dividends, with $9 million of dividends

originally expected in H2 FY17 being recognised

in H1 FY17.

We are confident Spark is well positioned,

however the operating environment around us

is rapidly evolving. Globally, a digital revolution

is helping fuel rapid social, environmental,

economic and even political change. This is

inevitably impacting businesses and industries

as consumer behaviours and preferences

change and product lifecycles shorten.

In New Zealand, near ubiquitous data

connectivity and world-class digital

technologies have driven competition and

opportunity for businesses, and provided

consumers with significantly more choice

and value. Increasingly, customer experience

is the new source of market power.

Across many areas of the economy, these

forces are accelerating the commoditisation

of products and services, and driving

market convergence and consolidation.

As a consequence we expect to see continued

industry change and market disruption in

the years ahead.

In markets susceptible to commoditisation,

Spark is making the most of its brand assets.

For example, the hyper-competitive broadband

market has more than 90 providers driving

prices down. This reinforces the merits of having

a diverse portfolio of Spark, Bigpipe, and Skinny

broadband deals to offer choices that meet all

preferences. The half-year saw Skinny playing a

bigger role as a brand, expanding its Wireless

Broadband offer, moving into Unlimited fixed

broadband and launching Skinny Direct, a pure

online model for sales and service offering even

sharper pricing to pre-paid mobile customers.

Lightbox has also continued to prove its value

as a vehicle to enhance customer loyalty and

reduce churn, with more than a third of Spark’s

broadband customers now watching the service.

Upgrades to the Lightbox ‘engine’ are underway

to add functionality and flexibility, which will

underpin our media strategy.

Gains were made by Spark Digital with our

business, enterprise and Government

customers, with revenue growth fuelled by

a series of successful customer wins and the

CCL Group acquisition, which helped to offset

much of the decline in legacy telco revenues

and the ongoing mobile pricing pressures.

Operationally, there was a noticeably growing

demand for Telecommunications-as-a-Service

by eligible government agencies, as well as

improvements in the delivery model for

on-boarding large customers onto new

platform IT services.

Over the half-year we have invested further

to extend our existing network leadership

and develop the future network pathway to

ensure we can meet the growing demands of

customers. The investment in additional capacity

and resiliency at holiday hotspots ensured that

Spark customers had arguably their best ever

Christmas and New Year experience in terms

of service continuity and coverage.

Page 7

The earthquakes centred near Kaikoura on the
South Island’s east coast in November 2016

saw Spark contribute significant resources

to disaster response efforts. Hundreds of

Spark people worked around the clock and

collaborated with industry partners including

Chorus and Vodafone to help impacted

customers and businesses get back online

as quickly as possible and restore network

diversity to the South Island. In these sorts

of times, the industry puts aside competitive

differences to work together in New Zealand’s

best interests – and Spark was proud to be

part of that joint effort.

There has also been a big focus on a programme

we are calling ‘Upgrade New Zealand’, designed

to move as many of our customers as possible

off older copper broadband onto newer less

fault prone fibre or wireless technologies. As we

acknowledged in our annual report six months

ago, weather-related faults on copper connections

were a key driver of the service challenges we

faced in our call centres during winter 2016, as

the volume of faults caused unacceptable delays

for our customers. To that end, Spark is working

proactively with local fibre companies (LFC’s)

to accelerate take-up of fibre through trialling

initiatives such as ‘street-in-a-week’. The scheme

makes it easier and quicker for homeowners, as

all homes in a given street that want Spark fibre

broadband are connected in just one week –

with customers having the certainty of being

able to select a specific day for their fibre

installation. Trials to date have been very

successful, with fibre orders well ahead of those

achieved via more traditional marketing. As at

31 December 2016, Spark had 138,000 fibre

customers. Outside the trials, we continue to

work with the fibre network companies to

improve the fibre provisioning process and

eliminate pain points for our customers. We are

also looking at ways to improve the end-to-end

service experience for business fibre customers

in CBD areas, with a number of options being

actively explored.

There has also been a big focus

on a programme we are calling

‘Upgrade New Zealand’,

designed to move as many of

our customers as possible off

older copper broadband onto

newer less fault prone fibre or

wireless technologies.

Page 8

Spark New Zealand Half Year Report 2017Chairman and Managing Director report

While fibre is the preferred broadband
technology for customers who use large

amounts of data, as part of Upgrade

New Zealand we have also ramped up the

rollout of Wireless Broadband for customers

with low to medium data usage. Wireless

Broadband uses Spark’s high quality, super-fast

4G mobile network to provide home broadband

(with the option of a phone line), without the

need for a copper line connection. There were

over 40,000 Wireless Broadband connections

on our network as at 31 December 2016, well

ahead of plan. The intention is to maintain this

momentum by installing additional 4G network

capacity in the areas where Wireless Broadband

has the most potential to benefit customers.

On Spark’s customer service, there is much work

still to be done but the investment in call centre

resources and processes has led to reduced call

wait times and significant improvements on

customer service measures. Digitisation will be

pivotal to future service measures as customer

preference continues to shift to online and

mobile self-service channels.

The new Platforms business unit is well

established. It aims to unlock the benefits

of the completed re-engineering of Spark’s

IT systems to drive a digitisation, simplification

and improved customer experience agenda

throughout Spark. A new Spark app is

launching imminently which will provide

customers with significantly enhanced mobile

self-service capability.

Alongside this investment in customer service

there has also been significant ongoing

investment in developing Spark talent, and

in the ability to attract and retain smart,

diverse and talented people within the

business. This has been reflected in the

number of senior leadership appointments

from within over the last six months, as well as

in our greater diversity across the organisation.

There has also been a smooth transition to a

new Spark Leadership Team and refreshed

Board with two new Directors.

Mark Verbiest

Chairman

Simon Moutter

Managing Director

16 February 2017

Innovation is more important to Spark than

ever. The Spark Ventures team remains

focused on creating long-term value through

new opportunities, and has evolved its thinking

to focus on a more balanced approach to build,

buy or partner. Increasingly, more agile and

innovative ways of working are becoming

embedded across Spark.

While there will inevitably be more challenges to

come and the market remains very competitive,

Spark is confidently looking forward to the rest

of the financial year, and to delivering on our

ambitions for our customers, our shareholders

and for New Zealand.

We note that due to unplanned work following

the earthquakes centred near Kaikoura, we

are now guiding capital expenditure of

$415 million for FY17 (still within 11-12% of

operating revenues).

That said, the results for the first half reaffirm the

Board’s view on full-year EBITDA guidance of

0-2% growth and support an interim dividend

of 11 cents per share and a special dividend

of 1.5 cents per share.

Page 9

Page 10
Spark New Zealand Half Year Report 2017Spark New Zealand performance

GROUP RESULT OVERVIEW
Key performance indicators

SIX MONTHS ENDED 31 DECEMBER

20162015% CHANGE

Operating revenues

$M

1,7931,7234.1%

Operating expenses

$M

(1,320)(1,266)4.3%

Share of associates’ and joint ventures’

net (losses)

$M

(2)(2)–

Earnings before interest, income tax,

depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA)

1

$M

4714553.5%

Net earnings

$M

17815812.7%

Capital expenditure

1

$M

2242163.7%

Mobile connections

2,3

(000)s

2,3532,2126.4%

Broadband connections

2,3

(000)s

675675–

Employee numbers

4

5,9435,32411.6%

1 EBITDA and capital expenditure are non-Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (GAAP) measures and are not comparable to the New Zealand

Equivalents to International Financial Reporting Standards (NZ IFRS) measures. These measures have been defined and reconciled on page 17.

2 Measure as at 31 December.

3 Measure relates to connections in the Spark Home, Mobile & Business and Spark Digital business units.

4 FTEs are full-time equivalents, including contractors, and are measured as at 31 December.

Page

11

Spark’s net earnings after tax for H1 FY17
were $178 million, an increase from H1 FY16

of $20 million, or 12.7%. EBITDA increased

$16 million, or 3.5%, in H1 FY17 to

$471 million.

Mobile connections grew 6.4% from

31 December 2015 to 2.353 million.


Operating revenues

1,600

1,700

1,800

1,900

1,7231,793

$m

H1 FY16

IT SERVICES

MOBILE

BROADBAND

SX DIVIDEND

OTHER

MANAGED DATA

VOICE

H1 FY17

Total operating revenues increased by

$70 million, or 4.1%, in H1 FY17 to

$1,793 million. The key drivers of this

increase in revenue were:

yIT services revenue grew by $62 million, or

19.3%, with targeted business acquisitions

such as the CCL Group and continued

transition to Cloud services driving growth

across platform IT services (25.8% increase),

traditional IT services (13.0% increase) and

procurement revenues (19.0% increase).

The CCL Group acquisition contributed an

additional $29 million in IT services revenue

compared to H1 FY16;

yMobile revenues grew by $25 million,

or 4.4%, with a net increase of 141,000

connections since December 2015 driven

by value inclusions, taking the total mobile

base to 2.353 million connections at

31 December 2016. The revenue growth

was largely driven by sales of more high-end

mobile devices, with service revenues

increasing by $4 million, or 1.0%;

yBroadband revenues grew by $5 million,

or 1.5%, while connections remained flat,

as customers shift to higher value plans; and

yOther operating revenue increased by

$15 million, or 22.7%, primarily due to the

timing of Southern Cross dividends which

were $9 million higher in H1 FY17 (but

full-year dividends are expected to be lower

across FY17 compared with FY16) and

progress of the Ventures’ businesses.

These increases were partly offset by:

xx

Voice revenues declined $26 million, or 7.7%,

in line with previous trends as customers

move away from landline based calling; and

xx

Managed data revenues declined by

$11 million, or 11.5%, as business and

wholesale customers continue to migrate

off traditional data products.

Page 12

Spark New Zealand Half Year Report 2017Spark New Zealand performance

Operating expenses
1,100

1,200

1,300

1,400

1,2661,320

$m

H1 FY16

IT SERVICES

COST OF SALES

PAYMENTS TO

TELECOMMUNICATION

OPERATORS

LABOUR COSTS

MOBILE COST

OF SALES

OTHER OPERATING

EXPENSES

H1 FY17

Total operating expenses increased by $54 million,

or 4.3%, in H1 FY17 to $1,320 million. This increase

was driven by:

xy

IT services costs increased $31 million, or

16.8%, in line with the growth in IT services

revenues, including $13 million in relation

to the CCL Group;

xy

Higher labour costs, increasing $26 million,

or 10.3%, driven by investment into more

staff in our call centres to improve service

experience and to support IT services revenue

growth, including $9 million in relation to the

CCL Group; and

xy

Payments to telecommunications operators

increased by $17 million, or 5.1%, due to higher

input costs resulting from regulated price

increases in December 2015 and penetration

of higher speed UFB inputs, partially offset

by Wireless Broadband adoption.

These increases were partly offset by:

xMobile costs decreased by $7 million,

or 3.1%, reflecting improved customer

retention; and

xOther operating expenses decreased by

$13 million, or 4.9%, because of continued

tight cost control and $7 million of benefit

from new customer acquisition costs being

recognised over customer contract periods.

EBITDA

EBITDA takes operating revenues and subtracts

operating expenses and Spark’s share of

associates’ and joint ventures’ net losses. In H1

FY17 the share of associates’ and joint ventures’

net losses was $2 million, consistent with H1 FY16.

EBITDA lifted by 3.5% in H1 FY17 to $471 million

as growth in operating revenues outpaced

operating expenses, boosted by the timing of

Southern Cross dividends, the benefit of a full

period’s earnings from the CCL Group and the

impact of new customer acquisition costs being

recognised over customer contract periods, offset

to some extent by increased call-centre costs.

Net earnings

Net earnings after tax for H1 FY17 were

$178 million, an increase of $20 million,

or 12.7%. Movements in items that are

included in net earnings but excluded from

EBITDA were as follows:

xDepreciation and amortisation expense

decreased by $9 million, or 4.0%, to

$215 million reflecting the decrease in capital

expenditure in the past two financial years;

xNet finance expense remained unchanged at

$13 million, with finance income and expense

both decreasing by $1 million. This reflects

lower interest rates despite an increase in

average debt; and

xy

The income tax expense increased by

$5 million, or 8.3%, due to the increase

in net earnings in H1 FY17.

A summary of the results of Spark’s key business

units are outlined in the following section.

Further details of the H1 FY17 and historical

performance are available in a separate financials

file on the investor section of our website at:

investors.sparknz.co.nz/investor-centre.

Page 13

Capital expenditure
Total capital expenditure for H1 FY17 was $224 million, an increase of $8 million, or 3.7%, on H1 FY16.

SIX MONTHS ENDED 31 DECEMBER

2016

$M

2015

$MCHANGE %

Major programmes   

Mobile network695819.0%

Optical transport network (OTN) and Carrier Ethernet1121(47.6%)

Re-engineering of IT systems–42NM

Total major programmes80121(33.9%)

Operating capital expenditure

Customer growth and retention1318652.3%

Southern Cross capacity13944.4%

Total operating capital expenditure1449551.6%

Total capital expenditure2242163.7%

NM = not meaningful

Operating capital expenditure

x>

Customer retention and growth capital

expenditure increased in H1 FY17 to

$131 million from $86 million in H1 FY16,

driven by a combination of investment in

Telecommunications-as-a-Service platforms

and email platform migration.

x>

While the Re-engineering programme was

formally completed in FY16, regular and

interactive developments continue across

our products and IT systems to enhance the

customer experience. This spend is now

represented within the wider customer

growth and retention category.

x>

Spark continued to invest in Southern Cross

international cable capacity, with four further

tranches purchased for a total of $13 million

in H1 FY17. Additional capacity will be

purchased as and when required to meet

upward trends in customer demand for data.

Major programmes

x>

In H1 FY17 $69 million was invested in Spark’s

mobile network. This investment continued

the deployment of single radio access

network (SRAN) and LTE sites, as well as

catering for capacity and coverage for

Wireless Broadband. Investment in Wireless

Broadband has several key benefits, including

improved customer experience, operating

cost reduction, and simplification.

x>

Investment in the OTN and Carrier Ethernet

programme decreased in H1 FY17 to

$11 million from $21 million in H1 FY16,

with investment focussed on meeting

customer demand for services and traffic

growth across the network as well as

coverage expansion. H1 FY16 included

additional investment in improved switching

technology that was largely completed

during FY16.

Page 14

Spark New Zealand Half Year Report 2017Spark New Zealand performance

Cash flows
The full statement of cash flows is provided

on page 26 in the interim financial statements.

The following describes the main cash flow

movements in H1 FY17 compared to H1 FY16.

Net cash flows from operating activities

The net cash inflow from operating activities was

$300 million in H1 FY17, a $52 million, or 14.8%,

decrease compared to H1 FY16. The major

drivers of this change were:

x>

A net decrease in cash received from

customers and payments to suppliers and

employees of $13 million despite an increase

in EBITDA due to the impact of changes

in working capital. This is driven by the

continued up-take in customers purchasing

mobile handsets on deferred payment terms

together with the strong growth in IT services

contracts, where costs incurred to fulfil such

contracts are deferred and recognised in

operating expenses over the life of the

contract. Inventories also increased during

the period due to increasingly higher value

mobile handsets and modems and the timing

of Lightbox content rights renewals;

x>

A $22 million increase in tax payments with

the comparative H1 FY16 period impacted by

the timing of provisional tax payments; and

x>

A $19 million decrease in Southern Cross

dividend receipts due to the timing of

cash receipts.

Net cash flows from investing activities

The net cash outflow from investing activities

was $217 million in H1 FY17, a $75 million, or

25.7%, decrease compared to H1 FY16. The

major drivers of this change were:

x>

A $48 million decrease in payments for the

purchase of businesses with the acquisition of

the CCL Group for $50 million in H1 FY16; and

x>

A reduction in payments for capital expenditure

by $18 million, and payments for long-term

investments by $8 million with investment in

NOW New Zealand and additional investment

in Semble, Vigil Monitoring, App La Carte and

Lightbox Sport during H1 FY16 compared

with lower investment in H1 FY17.

Net cash flows from financing activities

The net cash outflow from financing activities

was $79 million in H1 FY17, a $2 million, or 2.5%

decrease from H1 FY16. The major drivers of this

change were:

x>

A net increase in short and long-term debt

of $153 million in H1 FY7, driven by the

$125 million retail bond issue in September

2016, a $99 million increase in short-term

borrowings, partially off-set by a $70 million

decrease in bank funding;

x>

An increase in dividend payments of

$27 million in H1 FY17 to $229 million,

reflecting the increase in dividends per

share paid during the period; and

x>

No cash payments for share buybacks in H1

FY17, compared to $11 million in H1 FY16.

Liquidity and capital resources

Spark’s principal sources of liquidity are

operating cash flows and external borrowing

from established debt programmes and

bank facilities.

Spark is committed to maintaining an ‘A Band’

credit rating and our capital management

policies are designed to ensure this objective

is met. As part of this commitment, Spark

manages its debt levels to ensure that the

ratio of net interest-bearing debt (inclusive of

associated derivatives) to EBITDA does not

materially exceed 1.1 times on a long-run basis,

which for credit rating agency purposes equates

approximately to net debt to EBITDA of 1.5 times.

The difference between these two ratios is

primarily due to the capitalisation of operating

leases by credit rating agencies.

As at 31 December 2016 Spark had been

assigned a long-term credit rating of A-/Stable

by Standard & Poor’s.

Page 15

Dividends
Spark pays dividends on a semi-annual basis.

A fully imputed ordinary dividend of 11 cents

per share has been declared for H1 FY17,

together with a 75% imputed special dividend

of 1.5 cents per share, bringing the total

dividends for H1 FY17 to 12.5 cents per share.

For FY17, subject to there being no material

adverse changes in operating outlook, Spark

anticipates paying an annual ordinary dividend

of 22 cents per share and a special dividend

of 3 cents per share. It is currently anticipated

that the H2 FY17 ordinary dividend will be

fully imputed and the special dividend at least

75% imputed.

H1 FY17

ORDINARY

DIVIDENDS

H1 FY17

SPECIAL

DIVIDENDS

Dividends declared

Ordinary shares11.0 cents1.5 cents

American Depositary Shares39.58 US cents

1

5.40 US cents

1

Imputation

Percentage imputed100%75%

Imputation credits per share4.2778 cents0.4375 cents

Supplementary dividend per share

2

1.9412 cents0.1985 cents

‘Ex’ dividend dates

New Zealand Stock Exchange16 Mar 201716 Mar 2017

Australian Securities Exchange16 Mar 201716 Mar 2017

American Depositary Shares 15 Mar 201715 Mar 2017

Record dates

New Zealand Stock Exchange17 Mar 201717 Mar 2017

Australian Securities Exchange17 Mar 201717 Mar 2017

American Depositary Shares 17 Mar 201717 Mar 2017

Payment dates

New Zealand and Australia 31 Mar 201731 Mar 2017

American Depositary Shares 7 Apr 20177 Apr 2017

1 Based on the exchange rate at 13 February 2017 of NZ$1 to US$0.7197 and a ratio of five ordinary shares per one

American Depositary Share. The actual exchange rate used for conversion is determined in the week prior to payment

when the Bank of New York performs the physical currency conversion.

2 Supplementary dividends are paid to non-resident shareholders.

Page 16

Spark New Zealand Half Year Report 2017Spark New Zealand performance

Non-GAAP measures
This half-year report includes non-GAAP financial

measures that are not prepared in accordance

with New Zealand Equivalents to International

Financial Reporting Standards (‘NZ IFRS’).

These are defined and reconciled below.

Earnings before interest, income tax,

depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA)

Spark calculates EBITDA by adding back

depreciation, amortisation, finance expense

and income tax expense to net earnings less

finance income. EBITDA includes Spark’s share

of its associates’ and joint ventures’ net losses.

The calculation of Spark’s EBITDA is provided

below and based on amounts taken from,

and consistent with, those presented in the

interim financial statements.

20162015

SIX MONTHS ENDED 31 DECEMBER $M$M

Net earnings for the period

reported under NZ IFRS178158

Add back: depreciation and

amortisation215224

Add back: net finance

expense1313

Add back: income tax

expense6560

EBITDA471455

Adjusted EBITDA, where applicable, is the

segment result reported, plus the net result of

corporate revenue and expenses, in the interim

financial statements. It excludes significant

one-off gains, expenses and impairments

individually greater than $25 million that are

also excluded from the segmental result to

provide an indication of the underlying earnings

of that segment. There were no adjusting items

in H1 FY16 or H1 FY17. Segment results are

reconciled to net earnings before income tax

in note 3 of the interim financial statements.

Capital expenditure

Capital expenditure is the additions to property,

plant and equipment and intangible assets,

excluding goodwill, acquisitions and other

non-cash additions that may be required by

NZ IFRS, such as decommissioning costs.

Use of non-GAAP measures

Spark believes that these non-GAAP financial

measures provide useful information to readers

to assist in the understanding of the financial

performance, financial position or returns of

Spark. These measures are also used internally

to evaluate performance of business units, to

analyse trends in cash-based expenses, to

establish operational goals and allocate

resources. However, they should not be viewed

in isolation, nor considered as a substitute for

measures reported in accordance with NZ IFRS.

Non-GAAP financial measures reported by

Spark are not uniformly defined or utilised

by all companies in New Zealand or the

telecommunications industry. Accordingly, these

measures may not be comparable with similarly

titled measures used by other companies.

Page 17

Spark Home,
Mobile &

Business

20162015

SIX MONTHS ENDED 31 DECEMBER$M$MCHANGE %

Operating revenues9859711.4%

Operating expenses(594)(575)3.3%

EBITDA391396(1.3)%

EBITDA margin39.7%40.8%

Spark Home, Mobile & Business provides

more than two million New Zealand consumers

and SME’s with the access and technology

and digital services they need to succeed and

thrive in today’s dynamic world. It provides a

full range of services and content, data and

voice services across fibre and copper

broadband, 3G and 4G mobile, online video

entertainment and nationwide Wi-Fi zones.

H1 FY17 Operational highlights

>Continued momentum in mobile performance

resulting in an increase in customers;

>A significant improvement in service levels in

our customer call centres through investment

in staff and improved systems and processes;

>Successful full launch of Wireless Broadband

delivering clear service benefits for

our customers, with over 40,000 now

connected; and

>Successful integration of Lightbox into

Spark Home Mobile & Business with

additional marketing push helping

growth of subscribers towards 250,000.

Increase in mobile revenue

4 .1%

Financial performance

Operating revenues increased by $14 million,

or 1.4% in H1 FY17. This was primarily driven

by a $19 million, or 4.1%, increase in mobile

revenues and a $6 million, or 1.9% increase

in broadband revenue. Growth in mobile

revenue was through a combination of increased

customers and sales of more high-end mobile

devices. Broadband revenues increased despite

connections remaining flat as customers

continue to migrate to higher-value plans.

These increases were partly offset by a $14 million,

or 8.2%, decrease in voice revenues through an

increase in customers with a broadband only

service to their home or business.

Operating expenses increased by $19 million, or

3.3%, in H1 FY17 primarily driven by a $13 million

increase in labour costs as we invest into more

staff in our call centres. This is expected to drop

as customer pain points are addressed through

simplification and digitisation initiatives. Other

operating expenses increased $7 million,

primarily due to the December 2015 regulated

price increases to the cost of copper voice and

broadband connections from Chorus.

This resulted in an overall decrease in EBITDA

of $5 million, or 1.3%, in H1 FY17.

Financial result

Page 18

Spark New Zealand Half Year Report 2017Spark New Zealand performance

Spark
Digital

20162015

SIX MONTHS ENDED 31 DECEMBER$M$MCHANGE %

Operating revenues6586078.4%

Operating expenses(467)(414)12.8%

EBITDA191193(1.0)%

EBITDA margin29.0%31.8%

Spark Digital provides solutions for the rapidly

evolving needs of business, enterprise and

Government customers to meet the demands

of an increasingly globalised and mobile

customer base. Spark Digital has unique

experience and capability to deliver

customers some of the best Information and

Communications Technologies (ICT) solutions

in New Zealand and is committed to helping

customers gain the competitive advantage

that digital solutions can deliver.

H1 FY17 Operational highlights

x>

Revenue in growth, reflecting customer wins

and the CCL Group acquisition, offsetting the

declines in legacy telco revenues;

x>

Customer demand for new ways of doing

business evidenced through the substantial

adoption of Telecommunications-as-a-Service

by eligible Government Agencies;

x>

Completed the on-boarding of several large

customers onto new platform IT services; and

x>

Supported NZ businesses to maintain

connectivity and business continuity

following the November earthquakes

centred near Kaikoura.

Financial result

Financial performance

Operating revenues increased by $51 million,

or 8.4%, in H1 FY17. This was driven by strong

IT services revenue growth, with targeted

business acquisitions such as the CCL Group

and continued transition to Cloud services

increasing IT services revenue by $61 million,

or 18.9%. This includes $29 million of higher

IT services revenue following the acquisition

of the CCL Group in December 2015. Platform

IT services grew $23 million, or 24.7%,

procurement revenues grew $26 million, or 19.0%,

and traditional IT services grew $12 million, or

13.0%. Mobile revenues increased $3 million,

or 3.2%, with a move towards high-end devices

as businesses realise the benefits of mobility,

offsetting the impact of lower average usage

revenues per customer. Voice, broadband and

managed data revenues declined a total of

$11 million, broadly in line with previous trends.

Operating expenses increased by $53 million,

or  12.8%, in H1 FY17. This includes higher

operating expenses following the acquisition

of the CCL Group in December 2015. Labour

grew $16 million, or 15.1%, to support the

growth in IT services including $9 million in

relation to the CCL Group. Other operating

expenses increased $37 million, or 12.2%,

driven by increased mobile costs in line with

higher device revenue and higher IT costs to

support IT services revenue growth including

$14 million in relation to the CCL Group.

Overall Spark Digital EBITDA declined $2 million,

or 1.0%, in H1 FY17 due to underlying

telecommunications decline and competitive

mobile pricing pressure offsetting lower margin

IT services growth.

Page 19

Spark
Connect &

Platforms

Spark Connect is responsible for Spark’s

ongoing network performance and technology

roadmap, core connectivity, physical

infrastructure and shared services functions,

with the objective of lowering our cost per

gigabyte of data across our networks.

Spark Platforms was established on 1 July

2016 and is responsible for leveraging

previous investments in our IT re-engineering

programme to re-invent customer experience

through digital and service transformation.

H1 FY17 Operational highlights

>Ongoing investment in our 4G mobile

network and Wireless Broadband, including

Single Radio Access Network (SRAN),

mobile core and the deployment of

2300 MHz spectrum;

>Continued expansion of the Optical

Transport Network (OTN) to support

exponential data growth;

>Rapid coordinated response to Kaikoura

earthquakes, including increased network

resilience for the South Island;

>Commenced decommissioning of the

PSTN network, with removal of equipment

from six Chorus exchanges;

>Implemented new Platforms operating model

to deliver ongoing IT system enhancements

and capital efficiency improvements;

>Customer experience “car washes”

established to improve end-to-end customer

journeys, including for Wireless Broadband

and fibre, to drive NPS improvements; and

>Delivered improvements in operational

KPI’s, including provisioning times and

interaction NPS.

20162015

SIX MONTHS ENDED 31 DECEMBER$M$MCHANGE %

Operating revenues221915.8%

Operating expenses(188)(201)(6.5)%

Share of associates’ and

joint ventures’ net profits–1NM

EBITDA(166)(181)8.3%

Financial result

Financial performance

Operating revenues increased by $3 million,

or 15.8%, in H1 FY17 and includes revenues

from Chorus, Telegistics Repair Limited,

Connect 8 Limited (following its acquisition in

December 2016) and partnering arrangements.

Operating expenses reduced by $13 million, or

6.5%, in H1 FY17. This reflects a continued focus

on cost reduction and efficiency savings across

all cost categories, including third party supplier

costs and labour costs.

Overall Spark Connect & Platforms EBITDA

improved by $15 million, or 8.3%, in H1 FY17

principally due to reductions in other

operating expenses.

4G mobile coverage to over

93%

of the population

Page 20

Spark New Zealand Half Year Report 2017Spark New Zealand performance

Spark
Ventures &

Wholesale

Spark Ventures & Wholesale is responsible for

the stewardship of Spark’s Wholesale products

and services along with the development of a

portfolio of new businesses and services that

will create long-term value for Spark. Through

a balanced portfolio of build, buy and partner

activity, Spark Ventures & Wholesale will

identify and unleash new markets, revenue,

business models and capabilities through three

growth engines: differentiation, adjacencies

and disruptive new wholesale services.

H1 FY17 Operational highlights

>Transition to the next evolution of Ventures is

now underway which will implement a more

equal weighting between acquire, partner

and build activities;

>Continued earnings growth from new

Wholesale services with associated revenues

up 18% on prior year;

>Accelerated growth in Qrious big data

analytics revenues and earnings underpinned

by targeted business acquisition and launch

of new data powered marketing and

as-a-service products;

>Ongoing validation of market entry points

for Internet of Things (IOT) and the next

wave of Ventures; and

>Good progress is being made in our

investments in early stage businesses,

Putti and Vigil Monitoring.

20162015

SIX MONTHS ENDED 31 DECEMBER$M$MCHANGE %

Operating revenues112121(7.4)%

Operating expenses(54)(55)(1.8)%

Share of associates’ and

joint ventures’ net losses(1)(3)(66.7)%

EBITDA5763(9.5)%

EBITDA margin50.9%52.1%

Financial result

Financial performance

Operating revenues decreased by $9 million, or

7.4%, in H1 FY17. This was primarily because of

changes in regulated wholesale pricing and

ongoing rationalisation of wholesale legacy

copper based voice and data services. This has

been partially offset by revenue growth across

Qrious, Morepork and new wholesale data and

mobile services.

Operating expenses decreased by $1 million,

or $1.8%, in H1 FY17. This was due to Morepork

launch costs in H1 FY16 and recovery of

doubtful debts partially offset by increased

expenses to support Qrious revenue growth.

Overall Spark Ventures & Wholesale EBITDA

declined by $6 million, or 9.5%, in H1 FY17 due

to the rationalisation of legacy based services

by Wholesale customers, partially offset by

earnings growth across Qrious and Morepork

and reduced share of associates’ and joint

ventures’ losses following decisions taken in

H2 FY16 to cease operations in Lightbox

Sport and shut down the payment service

within Semble.

NB: Ventures and Wholesale includes Wholesale, Qrious and

Morepork operations, share of gains or losses associated

with investments in Vigil Monitoring, Putti, Lightbox Sport

and Semble and costs associated with various early stage

proof of concepts and pilots.

Page 21

INTERIM
FINANCIAL

STATEMENTS

Interim financial statements23

Notes to the interim financial statements28

Independent review report35

These interim financial statements do not

include all the notes and information normally

included in the annual financial statements.

Accordingly, they should be read in conjunction

with the annual financial statements for the year

ended 30 June 2016.

Page 22

Spark New Zealand Half Year Report 2017Interim financial statements

20162015
UNAUDITEDUNAUDITED

NOTES$M$M

Operating revenues41,7931,723

Operating expenses5(1,320)(1,266)

Share of associates' and joint ventures' net losses(2)(2)

Earnings before interest, income tax, depreciation and amortisation471455

Depreciation and amortisation(215)(224)

Net finance expense(13)(13)

Net earnings before income tax243218

Income tax expense(65)(60)

Net earnings for the period178158

Earnings per share

Basic and diluted earnings per share (cents)9.78.6

Weighted average ordinary shares (millions)1,8311,830

Weighted average ordinary shares and options (millions)1,8341,834

See accompanying notes to the interim financial statements.

20162015

UNAUDITEDUNAUDITED

$M$M

Net earnings for the period178158

Other comprehensive income

Items that may be reclassified to profit or loss:

Translation of foreign operations–2

Cash flow hedges net of tax19(9)

Other comprehensive income/(loss) for the period19(7)

Total comprehensive income for the period197151

Statement of profit or loss

FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED 31 DECEMBER

Statement of comprehensive income

FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED 31 DECEMBER

Page 23

AS AT
31 DECEMBER

AS AT

30 JUNE

20162016

UNAUDITEDAUDITED

NOTES$M$M

Current assets

Cash5652

Short-term receivables and prepayments578513

Short-term derivative assets2–

Inventories9781

Taxation recoverable13

Total current assets734649

Non-current assets

Long-term receivables and prepayments224210

Long-term derivative assets712

Long-term investments7125131

Property, plant and equipment1,0741,104

Intangible assets1,1751,131

Total non-current assets2,6052,588

Total assets3,3393,237

Current liabilities

Short-term payables, accruals and provisions465450

Short-term derivative liabilities15

Debt due within one year6199190

Taxation payable28

Total current liabilities667653

Non-current liabilities

Long-term payables, accruals and provisions1921

Long-term derivative liabilities6869

Long-term debt6807685

Deferred tax liabilities123125

Total non-current liabilities1,017900

Total liabilities1,6841,553

Equity

Share capital931923

Reserves(387)(401)

Retained earnings1,1111,162

Total equity1,6551,684

Total liabilities and equity3,3393,237

See accompanying notes to the interim financial statements.

Statement of financial position

On behalf of the Board


Mark Verbiest, Chairman Simon Moutter, Managing Director

Authorised for issue on 16 February 2017

Page 24

Spark New Zealand Half Year Report 2017Interim financial statements

Statement of changes in equity
SIX MONTHS ENDED

31 DECEMBER 2016

SHARE CAPITALRETAINED EARNINGSHEDGE RESERVESHARE-BASED COMPENSATION RESERVEREVALUATION RESERVEFOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION RESERVETOTAL

UNAUDITED

$M$M$M$M$M$M$M

Balance at 1 July 20169231,162(31)9(357)(22)1,684

Net earnings for the period–178––––178

Other comprehensive income––19–––19

Total comprehensive income for

the period–17819–––197

Contributions by, and distributions to,

owners:

Dividends–(229)––––(229)

Supplementary dividends–(30)––––(30)

Tax credit on supplementary dividends–30––––30

Issuance of shares under share schemes8––(5)––3

Total transactions with owners8(229)–(5)––(226)

Balance at 31 December 20169311,111(12)4(357)(22)1,655

SIX MONTHS ENDED

31 DECEMBER 2015

UNAUDITED$M$M$M$M$M$M$M

Balance at 1 July 20159241,222(4)10(350)(24)1,778

Net earnings for the period–158––––158

Other comprehensive income/(loss)––(9)––2(7)

Total comprehensive income/(loss) for

the period–158(9)––2151

Contributions by, and distributions to,

owners:

Dividends–(201)––––(201)

Supplementary dividends–(26)––––(26)

Tax credit on supplementary dividends–26––––26

Issuance of shares under share schemes2–––––2

Shares repurchased(4)–––––(4)

Total transactions with owners(2)(201)––––(203)

Balance at 31 December 20159221,179(13)10(350)(22)1,726

Page 25

Statement of cash flows
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED 31 DECEMBER

20162015

UNAUDITEDUNAUDITED

$M$M

Cash flows from operating activities

Cash received from customers 1,731 1,675

Interest receipts 7 8

Dividend receipts 22 41

Payments to suppliers and employees (1,363)(1,294)

Income tax paid (79)(57)

Interest payments (18)(21)

Net cash flows from operating activities 300 352

Cash flows from investing activities

Purchase of business (2)(50)

Payments for long–term investments (2)(10)

Purchase of property, plant and equipment and intangibles (211)(229)

Capitalised interest paid (2)(3)

Net cash flows from investing activities (217)(292)

Cash flows from financing activities

Proceeds from long–term debt 595 400

Repayment of long–term debt (540)(300)

Proceeds from short–term debt 495 184

Repayment of short–term debt (397)(152)

Dividend payments (229)(202)

Payments for share repurchases–(11)

Payments on finance leases (4)–

Receipts on finance leases 1 –

Net cash flows from financing activities (79)(81)

Net cash flow 4 (21)

Opening cash position 52 80

Foreign exchange movements–1

Closing cash position 56 60

Page 26

Spark New Zealand Half Year Report 2017Interim financial statements

Reconciliation of net earnings to net cash flows from operating activities
SIX MONTHS ENDED 31 DECEMBER20162015

UNAUDITED

$M$M

Net earnings for the period 178 158

Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash flows from

operating activities

Depreciation and amortisation 215 224

Bad and doubtful accounts 11 13

Deferred income tax (7) (11)

Share of associates' and joint ventures' net losses 2 2

Impairments 2 –

Other (13) (1)

Changes in assets and liabilities net of effects of non-cash and

investing and financing activities

Movement in accounts receivable and related items (80) (28)

Movement in inventories (16) (11)

Movement in current taxation (4) 13

Movement in payables and related items 12 (7)

Net cash flows from operating activities 300 352

Page 27

NOTE 1 About this report
Reporting entity

These unaudited interim financial statements are

for Spark New Zealand Limited (the ‘Company’)

and its subsidiaries (together the ‘Group’) for

the six months ended 31 December 2016.

The Company is incorporated and domiciled in

New Zealand, registered under the Companies

Act 1993 and is an FMC reporting entity under

the Financial Markets Conduct Act 2013. The

Company is listed on the New Zealand Main

Board equity security market and the Australian

Securities Exchange.

Basis of preparation

The interim financial statements have been

prepared in accordance with the New Zealand

equivalent to International Accounting

Standard 34: Interim Financial Reporting and

International Accounting Standard 34: Interim

Financial Reporting.

The accounting policies adopted in the

preparation of the interim financial statements

are consistent with those followed in the

preparation of the Group’s annual financial

statements for the year ended 30 June 2016.

The preparation of the interim financial

statements also requires management to

make judgements, estimates and assumptions.

The Group has been consistent in applying

the judgements, estimates and assumptions

adopted in the annual financial statements

for the year ended 30 June 2016. Critical

accounting policies are the same as those set

out in the annual financial statements for the

year ended 30 June 2016.

Financial instruments are either carried at

amortised cost, less any provision for impairment,

or fair value. The only significant variances

between instruments held at amortised cost

and their fair value relates to long-term debt.

There were no changes in valuation techniques

during the period. The Group’s derivatives are

classified as being within level 2 of the fair value

hierarchy. The fair value of interest rate swaps is

calculated as the present value of the estimated

future cash flows based on observable yield

curves. The fair value of forward foreign

exchange contracts is determined using

forward exchange rates at the period end date,

with the resulting value discounted back to

present value.

At 31 December 2016, capital expenditure

amounting to $142 million (31 December 2015:

$147 million) had been committed under

contractual arrangements.

Page 28

Spark New Zealand Half Year Report 2017Interim financial statements

Notes to the interim financial statements

NOTE 2 Significant transactions and events for the current period
The following significant transactions and events

affected the financial performance and financial

position of the Group for the six month period

to 31 December 2016:

Segment changes

• From 1 July 2016, the Group’s operating

segments have changed to reflect changes

in the structure of the Group’s business units

and ensure they continue to reflect how the

Group analyses its business results. The Group

has restated the comparative segment results

as outlined in Note 3 and there was no change

to the overall Group reported result because

of these changes.

Debt programme

• On 7 September 2016, the Group issued

$125 million of unsecured, unsubordinated

fixed rate bonds with a coupon rate of 3.94%,

maturing on 7 September 2026.

• On 30 November 2016 the Group established

a $125 million committed revolving facility

with Westpac New Zealand Limited, to mature

on 30 November 2020. This replaced the

$100 million committed revolving facility

with Westpac New Zealand Limited which

matured on 30 November 2016.

Capital expenditure

• The Group’s additions to property, plant

and equipment and intangible assets were

$224 million, details of which are provided

on page 14 of this half-year report.

Dividends

• Dividends paid during the six month period

ended 31 December 2016 in relation to the

H2 FY16 second-half dividend (ordinary

dividend of 11 cents per share and special

dividend of 1.5 cents per share) totalled

$229 million or 12.5 cents per share.

Dividends paid during the prior six month

period ended 31 December 2015 totalled

$201 million or 11 cents per share.

Acquisitions and long-term investments

• The Group acquired the remaining 50%

of Connect 8 Limited, a fibre construction

business, from its joint venture partner Vocus

(New Zealand) Limited on 1 December 2016

and it was fully consolidated from this date.

The joint venture was originally formed in

February 2015, to provide additional fibre

construction and delivery capability to meet

the rapidly growing demand from businesses

and consumers in New Zealand for digital

services. Connect 8 Limited will continue

to construct fibre and telecommunications

assets for telecommunication providers

in New Zealand.

• The Group acquired 100% of Clarity

Information Management Limited on

1 August 2016 which was subsequently

amalgamated into Qrious Limited on

31 October 2016.

• The Group recognised a $2 million

impairment expense to fully write down

its investment in TSM NZ Limited as its

operations have ceased.

Page 29

Notes to the interim financial statements

NOTE 3 Segment information
From 1 July 2016, the Group’s operating

segments changed, including the formation of a

separate Spark Ventures & Wholesale business

unit. Following these changes, the Group’s

operating segments at 31 December 2016 are:

• Spark Home, Mobile & Business - provides

products, services and support to consumer

and small business customers. It provides

a full range of services and content, data

and voice services across fibre and copper

broadband, 3G and 4G mobile, online video

entertainment and nationwide Wi-Fi zones;

• Spark Digital – integrates IT and

telecommunications services to provide

converged ICT solutions for clients;

• Spark Connect & Platforms – responsible for

all the Group’s network and IT operations,

shared business operations and digital and

service transformation; and

• Spark Ventures & Wholesale – responsible

for the stewardship of the Group’s wholesale

products and services along with the

development of a portfolio of new businesses

and services.

In addition to the Group’s operating segments,

a Corporate Centre contains income and

expenses not associated with the operating

segments, such as dividends from investments

and costs of providing corporate services,

such as communications, legal, finance and

human resources.

The segment results disclosed are based on

those reported to the Managing Director and

are how the Group analyses its business results.

Segment results are an adjusted EBITDA and

measured based on net earnings before

depreciation, amortisation, finance income and

expenses and income tax expense and other

gains and expenses not allocated to segments.

None of these excluded items are assessed on

a segment basis by the Managing Director.

Comparative segment results

The Group has restated the comparative

segment results to reflect changes in business

unit structures. There was no change to the

overall Group reported result because of

these changes.

Restated segment results for each half-year

period of FY15 and FY16 are available in

a separate detailed financials file on the

investor section of our website at:

investors.sparknz.co.nz/investor-centre.

Page 30

Spark New Zealand Half Year Report 2017Interim financial statements

Notes to the interim financial statements

SIX MONTHS ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2016
SPARK HOME,

MOBILE &

BUSINESSSPARK DIGITAL

SPARK

CONNECT &

PLATFORMS

SPARK

VENTURES &

WHOLESALETOTAL

UNAUDITED$M$M$M$M$M

Voice 157 94 1 59 311

Broadband 326 18 – – 344

Managed data – 64 – 21 85

Mobile 478 98 3 9 588

IT services 1 383 – – 384

Other operating revenue 23 – 18 5 46

Internal revenue – 1 – 18 19

Total operating revenue 985 658 22 112 1,777

Segment result 391 191 (166) 57 473

SIX MONTHS ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2015

SPARK HOME,

MOBILE &

BUSINESSSPARK DIGITAL

SPARK

CONNECT &

PLATFORMS

SPARK

VENTURES &

WHOLESALETOTAL

UNAUDITED$M$M$M$M$M

Voice 171 99 1 66 337

Broadband 320 19 – – 339

Managed data – 69 – 27 96

Mobile 459 95 2 7 563

IT services – 322 – – 322

Other operating revenue 21 – 16 3 40

Internal revenue – 3 – 18 21

Total operating revenue 971 607 19 121 1,718

Segment result 396 193 (181) 63 471

Reconciliation from segment result to consolidated net earnings before income tax

SIX MONTHS ENDED 31 DECEMBER20162015

UNAUDITED$M$M

Segment result 473 471

Net result of corporate revenue and expenses(2)(16)

Depreciation and amortisation (215) (224)

Net finance expense (13) (13)

Net earnings before income tax243218

Page 31

Notes to the interim financial statements

Notes to the interim financial statements
NOTE 4 Operating revenues

SIX MONTHS ENDED 31 DECEMBER20162015

UNAUDITED$M$M

Voice 311 337

Broadband 344 339

Managed data 85 96

Mobile 588 563

IT services 384 322

Dividend income 35 26

Other operating revenue 46 40

Total operating revenues 1,793 1,723

Dividend income includes dividends received from associate companies Pacific Carriage Holdings

Limited and Southern Cross Cables Holdings Limited.

NOTE 5 Operating expenses

SIX MONTHS ENDED 31 DECEMBER20162015

UNAUDITED$M$M

Payments to telecommunications operators 351 334

Mobile acquisition, procurement and IT services 437 413

Labour 278 252

Other operating expenses

Direct network costs 31 38

Computer costs 40 38

Accommodation costs 50 47

Advertising, promotions and communication 41 45

Bad debts 9 11

Impairments 2 –

Other 81 88

254 267

Total operating expenses 1,320 1,266

Page 32

Spark New Zealand Half Year Report 2017Interim financial statements

Notes to the interim financial statements
NOTE 6 Debt

AS AT

31 DECEMBER

AS AT

30 JUNE

20162016

COUPON

RATE

UNAUDITEDAUDITED

FACE VALUEFACILITYMATURITY$M$M

Short-term debt

Commercial paperVariable< 4 months 149 100

Short-term borrowingsVariable< 1 month 50 –

199 100

Bank funding

Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ100 million NZDVariable13/03/2018 100 100

Westpac New Zealand

Limited100 million NZDVariable30/11/2016– 90

Bank of New Zealand100 million NZDVariable31/10/2018 70 50

170 240

Domestic notes

250 million NZD5.25%25/10/2019 250 250

100 million NZD4.50%25/03/2022 102 103

100 million NZD4.51%10/03/2023 101 106

125 million NZD3.94%07/09/2026 113 –

566 459

Euro Medium Term Notes

22 million GBP5.63%14/05/2018 40 42

18 million GBP5.75%06/04/2020 31 34

71 76

1,006 875

Debt due within one year 199 190

Long-term debt 807 685

On 30 November 2016 the Group established a $125 million committed revolving facility with

Westpac New Zealand Limited, to mature on 30 November 2020. As at 31 December 2016 this

was undrawn. There have been no other changes in the Group’s short-term financing programmes

or stand-by facilities since 30 June 2016.

NOTE 7 Long-term investments

AS AT

31 DECEMBER

AS AT

30 JUNE

20162016

UNAUDITEDAUDITED

$M$M

Shares in Hutchison 107 107

Investment in associates and joint ventures 14 23

Other long-term investments 4 1

125 131

Page 33

NOTE 7 Long-term investments (continued)
The Group holds a 10% interest in Hutchison Telecommunications Australia Limited (Hutchison)

which is quoted on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) and measures its fair value using its

observable market share price as quoted on the ASX, classified as being within level 1 of the fair

value hierarchy. As at 31 December 2016 the quoted price of Hutchison’s shares on the ASX was

A$0.076 (30 June 2016: A$0.075).

Investment in associates and joint ventures

The Group’s investment in associates and joint ventures at 31 December 2016 consists of the following:

TYPECOUNTRYOWNERSHIPPRINCIPAL ACTIVITY

App La Carte Limited (Putti)AssociateNew Zealand44%Mobile applications

Feenix Communications LimitedAssociateNew Zealand30%

Supplier of network

services

NOW New Zealand LimitedAssociateNew Zealand37%Internet service provider

Pacific Carriage Holdings LimitedAssociateBermuda50%A holding company

Southern Cross Cables Holdings

LimitedAssociateBermuda50%A holding company

TSM NZ Limited (Semble)AssociateNew Zealand33%Mobile wallet platform

Vigil Monitoring Limited (Jupl)AssociateNew Zealand30%Healthcare technology

Lightbox Sport General Partner

LimitedJoint VentureNew Zealand50%Sports content streaming

TNAS LimitedJoint VentureNew Zealand50%

Telecommunications

development

NOTE 8 Significant events after balance date

TeamTalk notice of intention to make a full takeover offer

On 7 February 2017, the Group filed a notice of intention to make a full takeover offer for 100% of

the fully paid ordinary shares in TeamTalk Limited (TeamTalk) at an offer price of 80 cents per share.

To assist the Group in determining whether to proceed with the proposed offer, it requested

that TeamTalk permit the Group to complete due diligence.

On 8 February 2017, TeamTalk directors recommended that shareholders do not sell their shares

pending further communication from its board, however confirmed it will allow the Group to

undertake limited due diligence.

Dividends

On 16 February 2017 the Board approved the payment of a first half ordinary dividend of 11 cents

per share or approximately $202 million and a special dividend of 1.5 cents per share or approximately

$27 million. The ordinary dividend will be fully imputed and the special dividend 75% imputed in

line with the corporate income tax rate. In addition, supplementary dividends totalling approximately

$29 million will be payable to shareholders who are not resident in New Zealand. In accordance with

the Income Tax Act 2007, the Group will receive a tax credit from Inland Revenue equivalent to the

amount of supplementary dividends paid.

Page 34

Spark New Zealand Half Year Report 2017Interim financial statements

Notes to the interim financial statements

Independent review report
To the shareholders of Spark New Zealand Limited

We have completed a review of the interim financial statements of Spark New Zealand Limited and

its subsidiaries (“the group”) on pages 23 to 34 which comprise the statement of financial position

as at 31 December 2016, and the statement of comprehensive income, statement of changes in

equity and statement of cash flows for the six month period ended on that date, and a summary

of significant accounting policies and other explanatory information.

This report is made solely to the Shareholders as a body. Our review work has been undertaken so

that we might state to the company’s shareholders those matters we are required to state to them in

the independent review report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we

do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the company’s shareholders as a body,

for our review work, this report or any of the conclusions we have formed.

Directors’ responsibilities

The directors of Spark New Zealand Limited are responsible for the preparation of interim financial

statements in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Practice in New Zealand and for

such internal control as the directors determine is necessary to enable the preparation of the interim

financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

Our responsibilities

Our responsibility is to express a conclusion on the interim financial statements based on our review.

We conducted our review in accordance with NZ SRE 2410 Review of Financial Statements Performed

by the Independent Auditor of the Entity. NZ SRE 2410 requires us to conclude whether anything

has come to our attention that causes us to believe that the financial statements are not prepared,

in all material respects, in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Practice in New Zealand.

As the auditor of Spark New Zealand Limited, NZ SRE 2410 requires that we comply with the ethical

requirements relevant to the audit of the annual financial statements.

A review of interim financial statements in accordance with NZ SRE 2410 is a limited assurance

engagement. The auditor performs procedures, primarily consisting of making enquiries, primarily

of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters, and applying analytical and other

review procedures.

The procedures performed in a review are substantially less than those performed in an audit

conducted in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (New Zealand). Accordingly

we do not express an audit opinion on those financial statements.

Our firm has also provided other services to the group in relation to other assurance services.

Subject to certain restrictions, partners and employees of our firm may also deal with the group

on normal terms within the ordinary course of trading activities of the business of the group.

These matters have not impaired our independence as auditors of the group. The firm has no

other relationship with, or interest in, the group.

Conclusion

Based on our review, nothing has come to our attention that causes us to believe that these interim

financial statements of the Group do not present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position

of the company as at 31 December 2016, and of its financial performance and its cash flows for the

6 month period ended on that date, in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Practice

in New Zealand.

16 February 2017

Auckland

Page 35

Contact details
Registered office

Level 2

Spark City

167 Victoria Street West

Auckland 1010

New Zealand

Ph +64 4 471 1638 or 0800 108 010

Principal administrative office in Australia

Level 8

61 Market Street

Sydney NSW 2000

Australia

Ph 1800 124 248

Company secretary

Silvana Roest

New Zealand registry

Link Market Services Limited

Level 11 Deloitte House

PO Box 91976

80 Queen Street

Auckland 1142

Ph +64 9 375 5998 (investor enquiries) or

+64 9 375 5999

Fax +64 9 375 5990

enquiries@linkmarketservices.com

linkmarketservices.co.nz

Australian registry

Link Market Services Limited

Level 12

680 George Street

Sydney NSW 2000

Australia

Locked Bag A14

Sydney South NSW 1235

Australia

Ph +61 2 8280 7111 (investor enquiries)

Fax +61 2 9287 0303

registrars@linkmarketservices.com.au

linkmarketservices.com.au

United States registry

BNY Mellon Depositary Receipts

PO Box 43006

Providence, RI 02940-3006

United States

Ph +1 888 BNY ADRS (+1 888 269 2377) or

+1 201 680 6825 (from outside the

United States)

shrrelations@bnymellon.com

www.mybnymdr.com

For more information

For inquiries about transactions, changes of

address or dividend payments contact the

above share registries. For inquiries about

Spark New Zealand’s operating and financial

performance contact:

investor-info@spark.co.nz

Investor Relations

Spark New Zealand Limited

Private Bag 92028

Auckland 1142

New Zealand

investors.sparknz.co.nz

Page 36

Spark New Zealand Half Year Report 2017Contact details

insight
creative.co.nz

SPARK020 02/17

Page 37

investors.sparknz.co.nz
ARBN 050 611 277

APPENDIX 7 – NZSX Listing Rules
Number of pages including this one

(Please provide any other relevant

NZSX Listing Rule 7.12.2. For rights, NZSX Listing Rules 7.10.9 and 7.10.10. details on additional pages)

For change to allotment, NZSX Listing Rule 7.12.1, a separate advice is required.

Full name

of Issuer

Name of officer authorised to

Authority for event,

make this notice

e.g. Directors' resolution

Contact phone

Contact fax

numbernumber

Date

Nature of event

BonusIf ticked,

Rights Issue

Tick as appropriate

Issue

state whether:Taxable

/ Non TaxableConversionInterestRenouncable

Rights IssueCapitalCallDividend

If ticked, stateFull

non-renouncable

change

X

whether:

Interim

X

YearSpecialDRP Applies

EXISTING securities affected by this

If more than one security is affected by the event, use a separate form.

Description of theISIN

class of securities

If unknown, contact NZX

Details of securities issued pursuant to this eventIf more than one class of security is to be issued, use a separate form for each class.

Description of theISIN

class of securities

If unknown, contact NZX

Number of Securities toMinimum

Ratio, e.g

be issued following eventEntitlement

1 for 2 for

Conversion, Maturity, Call

Treatment of Fractions

Payable or Exercise Date

Tick if

provide an

pari passu

ORexplanation

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of the

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ranking

Monies Associated with Event

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Source of

Amount per securityPayment

(does not include any excluded income)

Excluded income per security

(only applicable to listed PIEs)

SupplementaryAmount per security

Currencydividendin dollars and cents

details -

NZSX Listing Rule 7.12.7

Total monies

TaxationAmount per Security in Dollars and cents to six decimal places

In the case of a taxable bonusResident

Imputation Credits

issue state strike priceWithholding Tax(Give details)

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FWP Credits

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Timing

(Refer Appendix 8 in the NZSX Listing Rules)

Record Date 5pmApplication Date

For calculation of entitlements -Also, Call Payable, Dividend /

Interest Payable, Exercise Date,

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of applications this must be the

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Notice DateAllotment Date

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conversion notices mailedMust be within 5 business days

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OFFICE USE ONLY

Ex Date:

Commence Quoting Rights:

Security Code:

Cease Quoting Rights 5pm:

Commence Quoting New Securities:

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Cease Quoting Old Security 5pm:

EMAIL: announce@nzx.com

Notice of event affecting securities

1

SPARK NEW ZEALAND LIMITED

DAVID CHALMERSDIRECTORS' RESOLUTION

(09) 359 6413(09) 303 34301622017

ORDINARY SHARESNZ TELE0001S4

In dollars and cents

RETAINED EARNINGS

$0.110

Enter N/A if not

applicable

NZD$0.019412

$201,583,133

Date Payable

31 March, 2017

17/03/17 AUST, NZ & USA

31/03/2017 AUST & NZ; 07/04/17 USA

$$0.007639$0.042778

$

APPENDIX 7 – NZSX Listing Rules
Number of pages including this one

(Please provide any other relevant

NZSX Listing Rule 7.12.2. For rights, NZSX Listing Rules 7.10.9 and 7.10.10. details on additional pages)

For change to allotment, NZSX Listing Rule 7.12.1, a separate advice is required.

Full name

of Issuer

Name of officer authorised to

Authority for event,

make this notice

e.g. Directors' resolution

Contact phone

Contact fax

numbernumber

Date

Nature of event

BonusIf ticked,

Rights Issue

Tick as appropriate

Issue

state whether:Taxable

/ Non TaxableConversionInterestRenouncable

Rights IssueCapitalCallDividend

If ticked, stateFull

non-renouncable

change

X

whether:

InterimYearSpecial

X

DRP Applies

EXISTING securities affected by this

If more than one security is affected by the event, use a separate form.

Description of theISIN

class of securities

If unknown, contact NZX

Details of securities issued pursuant to this eventIf more than one class of security is to be issued, use a separate form for each class.

Description of theISIN

class of securities

If unknown, contact NZX

Number of Securities toMinimum

Ratio, e.g

be issued following eventEntitlement

1 for 2 for

Conversion, Maturity, Call

Treatment of Fractions

Payable or Exercise Date

Tick if

provide an

pari passu

ORexplanation

Strike price per security for any issue in lieu or date

of the

Strike Price available.

ranking

Monies Associated with Event

Dividend payable, Call payable, Exercise price, Conversion price, Redemption price, Application money.

Source of

Amount per securityPayment

(does not include any excluded income)

Excluded income per security

(only applicable to listed PIEs)

SupplementaryAmount per security

Currencydividendin dollars and cents

details -

NZSX Listing Rule 7.12.7

Total monies

TaxationAmount per Security in Dollars and cents to six decimal places

In the case of a taxable bonusResident

Imputation Credits

issue state strike priceWithholding Tax(Give details)

Foreign

FWP Credits

Withholding Tax(Give details)

Timing

(Refer Appendix 8 in the NZSX Listing Rules)

Record Date 5pmApplication Date

For calculation of entitlements -Also, Call Payable, Dividend /

Interest Payable, Exercise Date,

Conversion Date. In the case

of applications this must be the

last business day of the week.

Notice DateAllotment Date

Entitlement letters, call notices,For the issue of new securities.

conversion notices mailedMust be within 5 business days

of application closing date.

OFFICE USE ONLY

Ex Date:

Commence Quoting Rights:

Security Code:

Cease Quoting Rights 5pm:

Commence Quoting New Securities:

Security Code:

Cease Quoting Old Security 5pm:

17/03/17 AUST, NZ & USA

31/03/2017 AUST & NZ; 07/04/17 USA

$$0.002019$0.004375

$

NZD$0.001985

$27,488,609

Date Payable

31 March, 2017

In dollars and cents

RETAINED EARNINGS

$0.015

Enter N/A if not

applicable

ORDINARY SHARESNZ TELE0001S4

(09) 359 6413(09) 303 34301622017

EMAIL: announce@nzx.com

Notice of event affecting securities

1

SPARK NEW ZEALAND LIMITED

DAVID CHALMERSDIRECTORS' RESOLUTION

---

Spark New Zealand Limited
ARBN 050 611 277 Spark City, 167 Victoria Street West, Private Bag 92028, Auckland, New Zealand



MARKET RELEASE

16 February 2017


SPARK NEW ZEALAND H1 FY17 RESULTS


 Financial results demonstrate another six-month

period of dynamic change and ongoing progress


 Customer service experience improving


 Competing hard in a challenging market and

operating environment


Spark New Zealand Chairman Mark Verbiest said today the financial results for the half-

year ended 31 December 2016 demonstrate it’s been another six month period of

dynamic change and ongoing progress.

“The financial results for the six months to 31 December 2016 are in line with our plan

and reflect the continuing execution of Spark’s long-term strategy.

“Customer service levels have recovered markedly and several new market-leading

offers have been launched. However, some of the key indicators in the results also

highlight the challenging market and operating environment and the need for us to

maintain a fast pace of change and keep delivering for our customers.

“Despite vigorous price competition, top-line revenue growth has been pleasing, with

total operating revenues up 4.1% on the prior half-year to $1.793 billion. Mobile revenue

was up 4.4%, broadband revenue up 1.5%, and IT services revenue up 19.3%.

“While the revenue performance across mobile, broadband and IT services was good, it

is clear the intense ongoing price competition, particularly at the lower end of the

market, is driving margin pressure and reinforcing the need to increase our focus on our

brand assets, as well as continuing to tightly manage operating and capital expenditure.


Spark New Zealand Limited

ARBN 050 611 277 Spark City, 167 Victoria Street West, Private Bag 92028, Auckland, New Zealand



“Operating expenses were up 4.3% to $1.320 billion. Much of this was attributable to an

increase in the cost of supporting IT services growth and bringing on new big business

customers, as well as the additional resources deployed to improve the service

experience for our customers and reduce call centre wait times.”

Earnings before interest, income tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) lifted by

$16 million, or 3.5% to $471 million in H1 FY17. This increase was driven by the

inclusion of a full six months earnings from the CCL Group (acquired in December 2015)

and the timing of Southern Cross dividends, with $9 million of dividends originally

expected in H2 FY17 being recognised in H1 FY17.

Spark Managing Director Simon Moutter said, “The six months saw a big focus on a

programme we are calling ‘Upgrade New Zealand’, designed to move as many of our

customers as possible off older copper broadband onto newer and less fault-prone fibre

or wireless broadband technologies.

“Spark is working proactively with local fibre companies (LFC’s) to accelerate take-up of

fibre through trialling initiatives such as ‘street-in-a-week’. Trials to date have been very

successful, with fibre orders well ahead of those achieved via more traditional

marketing. Outside the trials, we continue to work with the fibre network companies to

improve the fibre provisioning process and eliminate pain points for our customers. As at

31 December 2016 Spark had 138,000 UFB fibre broadband connections.

“While fibre is the preferred broadband technology for customers who use large

amounts of data, as part of Upgrade New Zealand we have also ramped up the rollout of

Wireless Broadband for customers with low to medium data usage, with over 40,000

Wireless Broadband connections on our network as at 31 December 2016.

“On Spark’s customer service, there is much work still to be done but the investment in

call centre resources and processes has led to reduced call wait times and significant

improvements on customer service measures. Digitisation will be pivotal to future

service measures as customer preference continues to shift to online and mobile self-

service channels. A new Spark app is launching imminently which will provide

customers with significantly enhanced self-service capability.”

“Gains were made by Spark Digital with our business, enterprise and Government

customers, with revenue growth fuelled by a series of successful customer wins and the


Spark New Zealand Limited

ARBN 050 611 277 Spark City, 167 Victoria Street West, Private Bag 92028, Auckland, New Zealand



CCL Group acquisition, which helped to offset much of the decline in legacy telco

revenues and the ongoing mobile pricing pressures.

“Over the half-year we have invested further to extend our existing network leadership

and develop the future network pathway to ensure we can meet the growing demands of

customers. The investment in additional capacity and resiliency at holiday hotspots

ensured that Spark customers had arguably their best ever Christmas and New Year

experience in terms of service continuity and coverage.

Mr Verbiest added, “While there will inevitably be more challenges to come and the

market remains very competitive, Spark is confidently looking forward to the rest of the

financial year, and to delivering on our ambitions for our customers, our shareholders

and for New Zealand.

“We note that due to unplanned work following the earthquakes centred near Kaikoura,

we are now guiding to capital expenditure of $415 million for FY17 (still within 11-12% of

revenue). That said, the results for the first half reaffirm the Board’s view on full-year

EBITDA guidance of 0 – 2% growth and support an interim dividend of 11 cents per

share and a special dividend of 1.5 cents per share.”


- ENDS –



For media queries, please contact:


Richard Llewellyn

Head of Corporate Communications

+64 (0) 27 523 2362


For investor relations queries, please contact:

Dean Werder

General Manager Finance & Performance

+64 (0) 27 259 7176

1
Spark New Zealand

H1 FY17 Results

Simon Moutter, Managing Director

David Chalmers, Chief Financial Officer

•Mobile connections growth of 141k (6.4%) driven by multi-brand offerings and
digital service inclusions Spotify and Lightbox

•Upgrade of customers to Fibreand Wireless Broadband progressing well;

securing Fibregrowth ahead of overall share and already over 40,000 Wireless

Broadband connections

•Sustained revenue growth in Platform and Cloud IT services; up 25.8%

reflecting good enterprise and government customer wins and bolt-on business

acquisitions

•Investment in digital self service and additional call-centreresource driving

material improvements in customer experience

•Expansion of Spark brand digital inclusions and entry of Skinny brand into Fixed

and Wireless Broadband will strengthen share of revenue in future

•Price pressure continuing across Mobile, Broadband and IT services requires

ongoing tight management of costs and capex to drive sustained shareholder

returns and profit growth

H1 FY17 Highlights

2

EBITDA result underpinned by ongoing momentum across IT

Services and Mobile

Mobile Share
(1)

(ServiceRevenue)

Mobile CustomersBroadband Share

(1) (2)

(Connection)

Broadband

Customers

(2)

IT Services Share

(1)

(Revenue)

38.3%

-1.0pp

vs December 2015

2,353k

+6.4%

vs December 2015

42.3%

-2.0pp

vs December 2015

675k

-

vs December 2015

#1

Results Scorecard

3

Market Share & Connections

Key Group FinancialsProduct Revenue

H1FY17H1FY17

Total Revenue Growth4.1%Mobile RevenueGrowth4.4%

EBITDA Growth 3.5%

Broadband Revenue

Growth

1.5%

Dividendper Share (ord+

special)

11.0cps +

1.5 cps

IT Services Revenue

Growth

19.3%

(1)

Market share estimate

(2)

Includes Wireless Broadband connections

H1 FY17
$M

H1 FY16

$M

CHANGE

%

Revenues1,7931,7234.1%

Operating expenses

(1)

(1,322)(1,268)(4.3%)

EBITDA4714553.5%

Depreciation & amortisation(215)(224)4.0%

Net finance expenses(13)(13)-

Net earnings before income tax24321811.5%

Income tax expense(65)(60)(8.3%)

Net earnings after income tax17815812.7%

Capital expenditure

(2)

2242163.7%

Notional free cash flow

(3)

2472393.3%

Reported Financials

4

(1)

Includes share of Joint Ventures

(2)

Includes $2.0m in relation to Kaikouraearthquakes

(3)

Notional free cash flow = EBITDA less Capital expenditure

•IT services growth driven by
bolt-on business acquisitions

and continued shift to Cloud

services

•Ongoing Mobile growth

through upsell, value

inclusions and shift away

from handset subsidies

•Other revenue reflects

progress of Spark Ventures

businesses

•Rate of decline across legacy

Voice and Data in line with

prior period continuing

operations at (8-10%)

Revenue Waterfall

5

4.1%

Revenue growth driven by continued IT Services, Mobile and

Broadband performance

(1)includes $29m increase in revenue from CCL Group (acquired in December 2015)

(2)Other revenue increase predominantly driven by Lightbox, Qrious and Morepork

(1)

(2)

•IT Services Cost of Sale (CoS)
consistent with strong revenue

growth

•Temporary labour cost increase

in support of service experience

and IT service revenue growth

•Higher access input costs due to

regulated price increases and

penetration of higher speed UFB

inputs, partially offset by

Wireless Broadband adoption

•Mobile CoSdecline reflecting

improved customer retention

•Other expenses improved on

tight cost control and recognition

of new customer acquisition

costs over customer contract

periods

Operating Expenses

(1)

Waterfall

6

4.3%

Cost growth in support of IT Services revenue and improved mass

market service experience

(1)Includes share of Joint Ventures

(2)Expenses increase in relation to CCL Group (acquired in December 2015) is $13m IT services CoS, $9m labour

and $1m other

(3)Other operating expenses includes selling and support costs such as advertising, accommodation, computer costs,

consulting and bad debt

(2)

(3)

EBITDA Waterfall
7

•Revenue uplift driven by

continued IT services and

Mobile growth, including

revenue from CCL Group

(acquired December 2015)

•Expenses increased in

support of revenue growth

and service experience

improvement; partially offset

by benefits of improved

mobile retention and

recognition of new customer

acquisition costs over

customer contract periods

•Timing uplift in Southern

Cross (SX) dividend due to

portion of expected H2

dividends being declared in

H1

Continued EBITDA growth built on revenue uplift

3.5%

Spark Home, Mobile & Business
8

•Continued growth in Mobile revenue through

increased customer base

•Broadband revenue growth fueled by migrations to

higher value plans

•Fixed Voice revenue decline of (8%) in line with

prior period; due to increasing penetration of Naked

Broadband and ongoing Mobile adoption

•Cost uplift includes impact of regulated price

increases for Copper Voice and Broadband services

and investment in call-centreresource to address

service experience

•Service related cost uplift now abating as customer

pain points are resolved through simplification and

digitisation; market NPS up 5 points during H1

•Successful full launch of Wireless Broadband

delivering service experience and margin benefit

•Skinny playing bigger role, expanding its Wireless

Broadband offer, moving into unlimited Fixed

Broadband and launching Skinny Direct

NB: Includes Skinny, Lightbox and Bigpipe

H1 FY17

$M

H1 FY16

$M

CHANGE

%

Revenues9859711.4%

Mobile

4784594.1%

Broadband

3263201.9%

Voice

157171(8.2%)

Other

242114.3%

Costs (594)(575)(3.3%)

EBITDA391396(1.3%)

Revenue growth continues with investments in systems,

processes and staff driving improvements in service experience

Spark Digital
9

•Platform IT and Cloud revenue growth reflects

CCL acquisition and new customer wins

•Telecommunications-as-a-service seeing strong

adoption by eligible government agencies and

high win rate by Spark

•Mobile revenue remains in growth on move

towards high-end devices, offsetting impact of

price pressure on average usage revenues per

customer.

•Rate of decline in legacy Voice stable at (5%)

•Cost-base higher in support of Platform IT,

Mobile and Procurement revenue growth

•EBITDA to increase in H2 on completion of

major customer transitions and improving

efficiency in IT service delivery

H1 FY17

$M

H1 FY16

$M

CHANGE

%

Revenues6586078.4%

Traditional IT Services

1049213.0%

Platform IT Services

1169324.7%

Procurement

16313719.0%

Voice

9499(5.1%)

Data

(1)

8288(6.8%)

Mobile

98953.2%

Other

13(66.7%)

Costs(467)(414)(12.8%)

EBITDA191193(1.0%)

(1)

Data includes Broadband and Managed Data

Platform IT revenue growth continues to outperform the market,

however margin pressure remains a challenge across the portfolio

IT Services

•Investment in call-centre resource has delivered
results. Resource is now reducing as underlying

pain points are addressed and resolved.

•Ongoing upgrade from Copper improving

customer experience and reducing fault volumes;

more than 25% of base now on Fibre or Wireless

Broadband

•Fibre provisioning experience improving via

initiatives such as our ‘street in a week’

programme

•Digitisation enabling pro-active assurance and

effortless self-service,with launch of new Spark

app imminent

•Migration from Yahoo to new mail platform

underway

Customer Experience

10

Sustained improvement being driven by migration off Copper inputs

and investments in digitisation and service resource

33pp

increase in calls

answered in 180 seconds

since June 2016

5pt

improvement in Market

NPS since June 2016

•Continued price competition, particularly at lower end of the
market

•Reinforces value of multi-brand strategy to meet all

preferences

-Skinny for low priced ‘basic’ broadband

-Bigpipe for the tech-savvy

-Spark for value-packed bundles

•‘Upgrade New Zealand’ programme focused on moving

customers off legacy Copper Broadband onto better, newer

and less fault prone Fibreand Wireless Broadband

•Fibreremains preferred technology for customers using larger

amounts of data; secured 43% of market growth in H1

•Wireless Broadband targeted to customers with low to medium

data usage; delivering clear service and margin benefits

•Digital inclusions with Spark broadband driving clear retention

benefits with churn down to 15%

•Lightbox progressing well towards 250k subscribers;

upgrading platform in support of media strategy

Broadband

11

43%

share of Fibregrowth

during H1 FY17

178k

Fibreand Wireless

Broadband connections

at 31 Dec 2016

Performing well in core segments but struggling to maintain

overall share in a commoditisingmarket

•Migration away from subsidisedcontracts
continues to deliver margin upside; more

than 80% of HMB pay-monthly now on

open term plans

•Lightbox and Spotify pay-monthly

inclusions driving clear churn benefit;

HMB churn at lowest level in three years

•Ongoing proactive re-signing to drive

churn reduction across business customer

base

•Skinny Direct proving that digital sales

and service model can deliver market

leading service experience andimproved

margins

•Investment in network leadership

continues with 4.5G overlay commenced

Mobile

12

Revenue and base growth continues despite increased pricing pressure

10pp

increase in HMB pay-

monthly customers on

open term since

December 2015

22%

growth in total Mobile

gross margin since H1

FY15

•Revenue growth continues to
outpace the market with a number

of substantial customer wins

•Acquisition of CCL has

successfully complemented

existing services

•Some margin pressure emerging

as expected, with installed base

maturing

•Focused on driving efficiency in IT

service deliveryvia leveraged

support model and more efficient

vendor spend

Platform IT

13

30%

Platform IT share of total

IT Services revenue

26%

Platform IT 2 year

revenue CAGR

Focus on Platform IT delivering very strong returns and differentiation

•Strategic intent to ‘own’ CBD fibreprogressing
towards improving:

•Customer experience

•Network economics

•Speed to market

•Connect 8 acquired to expand in-house fibre

skill set

•Notice of Intention filed for proposed acquisition

of TeamTalk

•Digitisation of service experiences enabled by

completion of IT stack re-engineering

programme;

•Active app users up 39%YoY

•More than 5,000fault events already

benefited from pro-active faults

management

•Several online buy and change

journeys upgraded

•Improved network economics to be unlocked by

4.5G, ongoing core network augmentation and

replacement of PSTN

Investing In Our Future

14

5x

increase in data

throughput per cell site

after migration from 4G to

4.5G

39%

increase in unique app

users per month since

December 2015

Capex Update
15

•FY17 Capex guidance increased by approximately $15m in support of Kaikoura

earthquake remediation and resiliency enhancements including:

•remedying the damaged South Island eastern fibre route and adding a third

South Island fibre route

•increasing backhaul resilience, capacity and routing in Wellington and the

South Island

•Wireless Broadband delivering strong return on investment via improved customer

outcomes and input cost savings

•Mobile capex supporting data growth requirements and expanding 4G coverage.

4.5G overlays commenced with SRAN deployments progressing to plan

•New trans-Tasman submarine cable (TGA) build ongoing and on track to deliver

improved resilience for international connectivity between NZ, Australia and USA

from April 2017

•Ratio of capex to revenue of 11-12% will continue to allow for investment in

strategic programmes which are prioritised based on returns

Capex remains within 11-12% of revenue in support of network

superiority, digitisation and ongoing operational improvements

Capital Structure and Shareholder Returns
16

Principles

•Remain committed to conservative capital structure and S&P single ‘A Band’ Credit Rating

•Preferred method of shareholder distribution is to sustainably grow ordinary dividends over time in

line with earnings growth as articulated in our long-term growth framework outlined in Appendix 1

•Special dividends used as appropriate to reset capital structure

Total Debt increasing in support of:

•capital structure reset; and

•movements in working capital reflective of

changing shape of margin recognition,

particularly in respect of deferred handset

payments and strong growth in IT services

customer contracts

H1 FY17 Dividend

•H1 FY17 dividend 11 cps, fully imputed

•Special dividend of 1.5 cps, 75% imputed

•DRP remains suspended

H2 FY17 Dividend

(1)

•Anticipate H2 FY17 ordinary dividend of 11

cps and special dividend of 1.5 cps

•Anticipate ordinary dividend to be fully

imputed. Special dividend anticipated to be

at least 75% imputed

(1) Guidance subject to no adverse change in operating outlook

$m

at 31 Dec 2016at 31Dec 2015

Debt due within one

year

199182

plus Long-termdebt807636

less Cash5660

Net Debt950758

FY17 Guidance
(1)

17

FY16 ActualsFY17 GuidanceChange to Previous

FY17 Guidance

Total

Revenues

$3,497m0-3% growth-

Reported

EBITDA

(2)

$986m0-2% growth-

Capex $390m~$415m+$15m

EPS20c21c-

DPS

Ordinary Div22 cps

+Special Div3 cps fully

imputed

Ordinary Div 22 cps fully

imputed

+Special Div 3 cps at

least 75% imputed

-

(1)Guidance subject to no adverse change in operating outlook

(2)EBITDA guidance is relative to FY16 reported EBITDA and excludes potential net gains on sale of Mayoral

Drive Carpark estimated at $17m-$19m. This transaction is expected to complete by 30 June 2017.

FY17 Indicators of Success
18

OutcomeProposed MeasuresTarget 30 June 2017Status

Restorecall centre

service levels to world

class

Answer Time90% in 180 secondsTracking up to Target

First call resolution75%Improvement Needed

Advance toward

amazing customer

experiencesthrough

digital sales and

service

Market NPS5 point liftOn Track

Reduction in call volumes7.5% reductionImprovement Needed

Launch a new, more feature rich Spark AppQ3 FY17On Track

Introduce proactive faults management for mass

market

Q3 FY17Delivered

Adoptand scale dev-ops model

Adopt H1 FY17; Scale H2

FY17

Adoption: Delivered

Scaling:On Track

Average daily log-ins to Spark App20% increaseImprovement Needed

Proportion of Skinny sales via Digital Channels 10%Ahead

Expand margins and

improve service

experience through

reduced reliance on

third party access

Uptake of Wireless Broadband50,000connections

Ahead

now aiming for 70,000

Implement ‘owned’ CBD fibre modelAKL and WLG CBDs ‘owned’In progress

Expand coverage of 4G95% populationOn Track

Maintain revenue

growth momentum to

deliver long-term

sustainable growth

Marketshare of UFB orders45%Slightly behind

Mobile total revenue growth5%SlightlyBehind

Platform IT revenue growth20%Ahead

Proportion of BB and Mobilecusts. using inclusions20%Ahead

Enter adjacent high-growth market

Significantentry into one

additional market

Considering options

Working on Refreshed Strategic Plan
19

•Solid results but market changes and learnings from last three years of

execution require a strategic response

•Customers strongly preferring wireless connectivity and digital self service

•Growing portion of the market is buying primarily on price

•If approved, merger of Vodafone and SkyTVwill change the industry structure

and competitive playing field; decision expected February 2017

•New leadership team now working on next evolution of market strategy to

respond to current trends and future risks; expanding the Skinny brand into

broadband is our first significant move

•Will share a refreshed strategic plan at an investor day before the end of this

financial year

Appendix 1: Focused on sustainable long-term growth
20

21
Disclaimer

This announcement may include forward-looking statements regarding

future events and the future financial performance of Spark New Zealand.

Such forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs of management

as well as on assumptions made by and information currently available at

the time such statements were made.

These forward-looking statements may be identified by words such as

‘guidance’, ‘anticipate’, ‘believe’, ‘estimate’, ‘expect’, ‘intend’, ‘will’, ‘plan’,

‘may’, ‘could’, ‘ambition’ and similar expressions. Any statements in this

announcement that are not historical facts are forward-looking

statements. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees or

predictions of future performance, and involve known and unknown risks,

uncertainties and other factors, many of which are beyond Spark New

Zealand’s control, and which may cause actual results to differ materially

from those projected in the forward-looking statements contained in this

announcement.

Factors that could cause actual results or performance to differ materially

from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements are

discussed herein and also include Spark New Zealand's anticipated

growth strategies, Spark New Zealand's future results of operations and

financial condition, economic conditions and the regulatory environment in

New Zealand; competition in the markets in which Spark New Zealand

operates; risks related to the sharing arrangements with Chorus, other

factors or trends affecting the telecommunications industry generally and

Spark New Zealand’s financial condition in particular and risks detailed in

Spark New Zealand's filings with NZX and ASX. Except as required by

law or the listing rules of the stock exchanges on which Spark New

Zealand is listed, Spark New Zealand undertakes no obligation to update

any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information,

future events or otherwise.

Spark New Zealand
Group result

H1 FY15H2 FY15H1 FY16H2 FY16H1 FY17

$m$m$m$m$m

Operating revenues and other gains1,7971,7341,7231,7741,793

Operating expenses1,3611,2051,2661,2401,320

Share of associates' and joint ventures' net losses-(3)(2)(3)(2)

EBITDA436526455531471

Depreciation and amortisation expense224229224222215

Net finance expense1215131513

Net earnings before income tax200282218294243

Tax expense5354608265

Net earnings for the period147228158212178

EBITDA by business unit

H1 FY15H2 FY15H1 FY16H2 FY16H1 FY17

EBITDA$m$m$m$m$m

Spark Home, Mobile & Business352416396406391

Spark Digital192204193218191

Spark Connect & Platforms(189)(174)(181)(159)(166)

Spark Ventures & Wholesale9884636857

Corporate(17)(4)(16)(2)(2)

436526455531471

Connections

H1 FY15H2 FY15H1 FY16H2 FY16H1 FY17

000's000's000's000's000's

Mobile connections2,1142,1782,2122,2932,353

Local service connections1,3501,3231,2811,2511,222

Broadband connections674680675675675

Dividends

H1 FY15H2 FY15H1 FY16H2 FY16H1 FY17

Cents per

share

Cents per

share

Cents per

share

Cents per

share

Cents per

share

Ordinary dividends9.0011.0011.0011.0011.00

Special dividends--1.501.501.50

9.0011.0012.5012.5012.50

Spark New Zealand
Operating revenues and other gains by business unit

H1 FY15H2 FY15H1 FY16H2 FY16H1 FY17

Operating revenues and other gains$m$m$m$m$m

Spark Home, Mobile & Business910932971992985

Spark Digital625599607619658

Spark Connect & Platforms2219192022

Spark Ventures & Wholesale248174121126112

Corporate4765264135

Eliminations(55)(55)(21)(24)(19)

1,7971,7341,7231,7741,793

Group operating revenues and other gains

H1 FY15H2 FY15H1 FY16H2 FY16H1 FY17

$m$m$m$m$m

Operating revenues

Voice479401337344311

Broadband324326339346344

Managed data11098969285

Mobile

Service revenue367376390396394

Other mobile revenue137139173175194

504515563571588

IT services

Traditional IT services1011039297104

Platform IT services738693106117

Procurement121108137133163

295297322336384

Other operating revenue8565668581

Total operating revenues1,7971,7021,7231,7741,793

Other gains-32---

Total operating revenues and other gains1,7971,7341,7231,7741,793

Wireless Broadband revenues and connections are included in broadband revenues and connections.

H1 FY15H2 FY15H1 FY16H2 FY16H1 FY17

Voice revenue by type$m$m$m$m$m

Landline only221177169166155

Calling241209153164142

Other voice revenue1715151414

479401337344311

Spark New Zealand
Financial breakdown by business unit - Spark Home, Mobile & Business

H1 FY15H2 FY15H1 FY16H2 FY16H1 FY17

$m$m$m$m$m

Operating revenues

Voice199190171176157

Broadband302307320327326

Mobile389414459464478

IT services1--11

Other operating revenue1720212423

Internal revenue21---

910932971992985

Operating expenses

Labour5551565869

Other operating expenses484446504510511

Internal expenses1919151814

558516575586594

EBITDA352416396406391

EBITDA margin38.7%44.6%40.8%40.9%39.7%

Analysis & KPI's - Spark Home, Mobile & Business

H1 FY15H2 FY15H1 FY16H2 FY16H1 FY17

Voice revenue by type$m$m$m$m$m

Landline only8885827574

Calling10397819274

Other voice revenue88899

199190171176157

Local serviceH1 FY15H2 FY15H1 FY16H2 FY16H1 FY17

Broadband connections (000)'s653659654654654

Landline only connections (000)'s232215200194191

Total connections (000)'s885874854848845

Spark New Zealand
Financial breakdown by business unit - Spark Digital

H1 FY15H2 FY15H1 FY16H2 FY16H1 FY17

$m$m$m$m$m

Operating revenues

Voice112103999894

Broadband2219191918

Managed data7767696864

Mobile10793959798

IT services290294322334383

Other operating revenue32---

Internal revenue1421331

625599607619658

Operating expenses

Labour121106106104122

Other operating expenses291274304292341

Internal expenses2115454

433395414401467

EBITDA192204193218191

EBITDA margin30.7%34.1%31.8%35.2%29.0%

Analysis & KPI's - Spark Digital

H1 FY15H2 FY15H1 FY16H2 FY16H1 FY17

Voice revenue by type$m$m$m$m$m

Landline only4541394037

Calling6460585756

Other voice revenue32211

112103999894

IT services revenue by type

Traditional IT services971009296104

Platform IT services728693105116

Procurement121108137133163

290294322334383

Local serviceH1 FY15H2 FY15H1 FY16H2 FY16H1 FY17

Broadband connections (000)'s2121212121

Total connections (000)'s6967656258

Spark New Zealand
Financial breakdown by business unit - Spark Connect & Platforms

H1 FY15H2 FY15H1 FY16H2 FY16H1 FY17

$m$m$m$m$m

Operating revenues

Voice11111

Mobile22223

Other operating revenue1916161718

2219192022

Operating expenses

Labour6864686365

Other operating expenses141128132116123

Internal expenses221--

211194201179188

Share of associates' and joint ventures' net profits-11--

EBITDA(189)(174)(181)(159)(166)

Analysis & KPI's - Spark Connect & Platforms

H1 FY15H2 FY15H1 FY16H2 FY16H1 FY17

Voice revenue by type$m$m$m$m$m

Calling11111

Spark New Zealand
Financial breakdown by business unit - Spark Ventures & Wholesale

H1 FY15H2 FY15H1 FY16H2 FY16H1 FY17

$m$m$m$m$m

Operating revenues

Voice167107666959

Managed data3331272421

Mobile66789

IT services31-1-

Other operating revenue156335

Internal revenue2423182118

248174121126112

Operating expenses

Labour96668

Other operating expenses13878484946

Internal expenses3211-

15086555654

Share of associates' and joint ventures' net losses-(4)(3)(2)(1)

EBITDA9884636857

EBITDA margin39.5%48.3%52.1%54.0%50.9%

Analysis & KPI's - Spark Ventures & Wholesale

H1 FY15H2 FY15H1 FY16H2 FY16H1 FY17

Voice revenue by type$m$m$m$m$m

Landline only8851485144

Calling7351131411

Other voice revenue65544

167107666959

Local serviceH1 FY15H2 FY15H1 FY16H2 FY16H1 FY17

Total connections (000)'s396382362341319

Landline only connections (000)'s

1

898276

1

Comparative information for periods prior to H1 FY16 is not available.

Spark New Zealand
Financial breakdown by business unit - Corporate

H1 FY15H2 FY15H1 FY16H2 FY16H1 FY17

$m$m$m$m$m

Operating revenues and other gains

IT services12---

Other operating revenue3121264135

Other gains-32---

Internal revenue1510---

4765264135

Operating expenses

Labour1820161414

Other operating expenses3632262821

Internal expenses1017--1

6469424236

Share of associates' and joint ventures' net losses---(1)(1)

EBITDA(17)(4)(16)(2)(2)

Analysis & KPI's - Corporate

H1 FY15H2 FY15H1 FY16H2 FY16H1 FY17

$m$m$m$m$m

Southern cross dividends3122264035

Spark New Zealand
Analysis & KPI's - Mobile (Spark Home, Mobile & Business and Spark Digital)

H1 FY15H2 FY15H1 FY16H2 FY16H1 FY17

Mobile revenue

Service revenue - $m 361371384390387

Other mobile revenue - $m

1

135136170171189

496507554561576

Average revenue per user (ARPU) - 6 month active

ARPU - $ per month29.7728.6129.4728.7428.17

Pay-monthly - $ per month48.5646.9448.1747.1946.00

Prepaid - $ per month11.5711.3911.7211.8711.65

Number of mobile connections at period end - 6 month active

Pay-monthly (000)'s1,0181,0451,0691,0911,118

Prepaid (000)'s1,0921,1291,1391,1981,231

Internal connections (000)'s44444

Total mobile connections (000)'s

2

2,1142,1782,2122,2932,353

1

Other mobile revenue includes handset sales and mobile interconnect

2

Mobile connections exclude MVNO connections

Spark New Zealand
Group expenses

H1 FY15H2 FY15H1 FY16H2 FY16H1 FY17

$m$m$m$m$m

Payments to telecommunications operators

Baseband and access charges205169162184170

Other intercarrier costs9773434847

Broadband cost of sales140114119120127

Field services1181087

453364334360351

Mobile acquisition, procurement and IT services

Mobile cost of sales204194229219222

IT services cost of sales164160184177215

368354413396437

Labour271247252245278

Other operating expenses

Direct network costs3118383131

Computer costs3739383640

Accommodation costs4844474550

Advertising, promotions and communication4632453241

Bad debts7611119

Impairment expense---92

Other100101887581

269240267239254

Total operating expenses1,3611,2051,2661,2401,320

Depreciation and amortisation expense

Depreciation126130126122122

Amortisation98999810093

224229224222215

Net finance expense

Finance income(14)(13)(9)(9)(8)

Finance expense2628222421

1215131513

Group FTE's

H1 FY15H2 FY15H1 FY16H2 FY16H1 FY17

FTE permanent5,2974,7925,0235,2415,664

FTE contractors 321300301328279

Total FTE5,6185,0925,3245,5695,943

Spark New Zealand
Group capital expenditure

H1 FY15H2 FY15H1 FY16H2 FY16H1 FY17

$m$m$m$m$m

Major programmes

Optical transport network (OTN) and Carrier Ethernet61021211

Re-engineering of IT systems29434224-

Mobile network5735581969

Takanini data centre61----

153881214580

Operating capital expenditure

Southern Cross capacity5-9413

Customer growth and retention918186116131

968195120144

Total major programmes and operating capital expenditure249169216165224

Mobile spectrum158--9-

Total capital expenditure407169216174224

Capital expenditure is presented on an accruals basis.

Data sourced from publicly available filings. Our datasets may not be complete. Automated analysis can produce errors. If you believe any data on this page is incorrect, please contact us at hello@nzxplorer.co.nz. For informational purposes only. Not investment advice.