9310000002013000000070000000020.9524300000000000.40P12MP3YP3Y

Exhibit 99.1

Table of contents

Reports of independent registered public accounting firm (PCAOB ID 01438)

    

Consolidated income statement

Consolidated statement of comprehensive income

Consolidated statement of financial position

Consolidated statement of changes in equity

Consolidated statement of cash flows

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

The reports of the independent registered public accounting firm and the consolidated financial statements have been extracted, without adjustment, from pages 131 to 226 of the Annual Report on Form 20-F.

F-1

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of Vodafone Group Plc

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of financial position of Vodafone Group Plc (the Company) as of 31 March 2024 and 2023, the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income/(expense), changes in equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended 31 March 2024, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company at 31 March 2024 and 2023, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended 31 March 2024, in conformity with International Financial Reporting Standards, as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of 31 March 2024, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organisations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) and our report dated 14 June 2024 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

Basis for Opinion

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

Critical Audit Matters

The critical audit matters communicated below are matters arising from the current period audit of the financial statements that were communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relate to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matters below, providing separate opinions on the critical audit matters or on the accounts or disclosures to which they relate.

Carrying value of cash generating units, including goodwill

Description of the matter

As more fully described in Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements, in accordance with IAS 36 Impairment of Assets, the Company calculates the value in use (‘VIU’) for cash generating units (‘CGUs’) to determine whether an adjustment to the carrying value of the CGU, and therefore, goodwill, is required. As of 31 March 2024, the Company has recorded €24,956 million of goodwill, including €20,335 million in respect of Germany.

The Company’s assessment of the VIU of its CGUs involves estimation about the future performance of the local market businesses. In particular, the determination of the VIU for Germany was sensitive to the significant assumptions of projected adjusted EBITDAaL growth, projected capital expenditure, the long-term growth rate and the discount rate.

F-2

Auditing the Company’s annual impairment test for the Germany CGU was complex and involved significant auditor judgement, given the estimation uncertainty related to the significant assumptions described above and the sensitivity to fluctuations in those assumptions.

How we addressed the matter in our audit

We obtained an understanding, evaluated the design and tested the operating effectiveness of controls over the Company’s goodwill impairment review process, including, for example, management’s controls over the significant assumptions described above.

We evaluated, with the help of EY valuation specialists, the methodology applied in the VIU model, as compared to the requirements of IAS 36, including the mathematical accuracy of management’s model.

We assessed management’s projected adjusted EBITDAaL growth assumption, by, among other procedures, comparing to external data, such as economic and industry forecasts for the German and European telco markets, supporting evidence provided by management and for consistency with evidence obtained from other areas of our audit, including, for example, the results of our procedures described in ‘Recognition and recoverability of deferred tax assets on tax losses in Luxembourg’ below. Our procedures also included evaluating the historical accuracy of management’s business plans, which underpin the VIU model, by comparing the prior years forecast to actual results. To assess management’s projected capital expenditure assumption, our procedures included, among others, comparing forecast capital expenditure to actual historical spend, industry analysis and competitor data, where available.

With the support of EY valuation specialists, we compared management’s long-term growth rate and discount rate assumptions to EY independently determined ranges.

Recognition and recoverability of deferred tax assets in Luxembourg

Description of the matter

As more fully described in Note 6 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company recognises deferred tax assets in accordance with IAS 12 Income Taxes, based on whether management judges that it is probable that there will be sufficient taxable profits in the relevant legal entity or tax group to allow the recognised asset to be recovered.

A deferred tax asset in Luxembourg of €16,714 million, has been recognised in respect of losses, as management concluded it is probable that the Luxembourg entities will continue to generate taxable profits in the future against which the deferred tax asset will be recovered. Management estimates that the losses will be utilised, and the related deferred tax asset recovered, over a period of 52 to 57 years.

The Luxembourg companies’ income is derived from the Company’s internal financing, procurement and roaming activities. The forecast future finance income can vary based on forecast interest rates and intercompany debt levels, in particular with Vodafone Germany, which in turn impacts the timeframe over which the deferred tax asset is forecast to be recovered.

Auditing the Company’s recognition and recoverability of deferred tax assets in Luxembourg requires complex auditor judgment, because it involves material amounts, and the judgements and estimates in relation to future taxable profits and the period of time over which it is expected to utilise these assets, results in increased estimation uncertainty.

How we addressed the matter in our audit

We obtained an understanding, evaluated the design and tested the operating effectiveness of management’s controls around the recognition of deferred tax assets in Luxembourg, including, for example, management’s controls over the preparation of the prospective financial information used to determine the Luxembourg entities’ future taxable income.

To test the recognition and recoverability of the deferred tax assets in Luxembourg, with the support of tax professionals and tax specialists, our audit procedures included, among others, assessing the existence of available losses and evaluating management’s position on the recoverability of the losses with respect to local tax law and tax planning strategies adopted.

To evaluate the forecast finance income, our procedures included, on a sample basis, recalculating income with reference to underlying agreements, comparing future interest rates utilised in the forecasts to relevant external benchmarks and assessing the assumed projections in intergroup debt levels for consistency with our understanding of relevant guidance in respect of transfer pricing of financial transactions. To assess the likelihood of intercompany debt levels for Vodafone Germany reducing to the extent it would result in

F-3

the Luxembourg DTA not being fully recoverable, we considered the commercial rationale of the arrangement and obtained written representations from management regarding their intentions to retain the debt levels sufficient to recover the Luxembourg DTA.

We assessed the reasonability of forecasted procurement and roaming taxable profits utilised in management’s assessment, by considering historical forecasting accuracy, changes in pricing models and with evidence obtained from other areas of our audit. We performed sensitivities to understand the impact of changes in key assumptions of intra-group financing levels and forecast interest rates, on the utilisation timeframe, given the Company does not currently recognise deferred tax assets which are forecast to be used 60 years beyond the balance sheet date.

We evaluated the adequacy of the disclosures in respect of the recognition of the deferred tax asset against the requirements of IAS 12.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2019.

London, United Kingdom

14 June 2024

F-4

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of Vodafone Group Plc

Opinion on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

We have audited Vodafone Group Plc’s internal control over financial reporting as of 31 March 2024, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) (the COSO criteria). In our opinion, Vodafone Group Plc (the Company) maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of 31 March 2024, based on the COSO criteria.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated statements of financial position of the Company as of 31 March 2024 and 2023, the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income/(expense), changes in equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended 31 March 2024, and the related notes and our report dated 14 June 2024 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

Basis for Opinion

The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management’s report on Internal control over financial reporting on page 124. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.

Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorisations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorised acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

London, United Kingdom

14 June 2024

F-5

    

Consolidated income statement

for the years ended 31 March

    

    

    

    

    

Re-presented1

    

Re-presented1

    

2024

2023

2022

Note

€m

€m

€m

Revenue

 

2

 

36,717

 

37,672

37,010

Cost of sales

 

  

 

(24,459)

 

(24,359)

(23,948)

Gross profit

 

  

 

12,258

 

13,313

13,062

Selling and distribution expenses

 

  

 

(2,674)

 

(2,777)

(2,754)

Administrative expenses

 

  

 

(5,768)

 

(5,351)

(4,797)

Net credit losses on financial assets

22

(491)

(505)

(404)

Share of results of equity accounted associates and joint ventures

 

12

 

(96)

 

433

389

Impairment reversal/(loss)

 

4

 

64

 

(64)

Other income

 

3

 

372

 

9,402

244

Operating profit

 

3

 

3,665

 

14,451

5,740

Investment income

 

5

 

581

 

232

251

Financing costs

 

5

 

(2,626)

 

(1,609)

(1,842)

Profit before taxation

 

  

 

1,620

 

13,074

4,149

Income tax expense

 

6

 

(50)

 

(492)

(1,561)

Profit for the financial year - Continuing operations

 

  

 

1,570

 

12,582

2,588

(Loss)/profit for the financial year - Discontinued operations

 

7

 

(65)

 

(247)

185

Profit for the financial year

 

  

 

1,505

 

12,335

2,773

Attributable to:

 

  

 

 

– Owners of the parent

 

  

 

1,140

 

11,838

2,237

– Non-controlling interests2

 

  

 

365

 

497

536

Profit for the financial year

 

  

 

1,505

 

12,335

2,773

 

  

 

 

Earnings per share - Continuing operations

 

  

 

 

– Basic

 

8

 

4.45

c

 

43.66

c

7.07

c

– Diluted

 

8

 

4.44

c

 

43.51

c

7.05

c

Earnings per share - Total Group

 

  

 

 

– Basic

 

8

 

4.21

c

 

42.77

c

7.71

c

– Diluted

 

8

 

4.20

c

 

42.62

c

7.68

c

Consolidated statement of comprehensive income/(expense)

for the years ended 31 March

    

    

    

    

Re-presented1

    

Re-presented1

2024

2023

2022

Note

€m

€m

€m

Profit for the financial year

 

  

 

1,505

 

12,335

 

2,773

Other comprehensive income/(expense):

 

  

 

 

 

Items that may be reclassified to the income statement in subsequent years:

 

  

 

 

 

Foreign exchange translation differences, net of tax

 

  

 

(440)

 

(1,236)

 

(30)

Foreign exchange translation differences transferred to the income statement

 

  

 

23

 

(334)

 

19

Other, net of tax3

 

  

 

(1,748)

 

963

 

1,863

Total items that may be reclassified to the income statement in subsequent years

 

  

 

(2,165)

 

(607)

 

1,852

Items that will not be reclassified to the income statement in subsequent years:

 

  

 

 

 

Net actuarial (losses)/gains on defined benefit pension schemes, net of tax

 

25

 

(58)

 

(160)

 

483

Total items that will not be reclassified to the income statement in subsequent years

 

  

 

(58)

 

(160)

 

483

Other comprehensive (expense)/income

 

  

 

(2,223)

 

(767)

 

2,335

Total comprehensive (expense)/income for the financial year

 

  

 

(718)

 

11,568

 

5,108

Attributable to:

 

  

 

 

 

– Owners of the parent

 

  

 

(920)

 

11,267

 

4,546

– Non-controlling interests

 

  

 

202

 

301

 

562

Total comprehensive (expense)/income for the financial year

 

  

 

(718)

 

11,568

 

5,108

Notes:

1The results for the years ended 31 March 2023 and 31 March 2022 have been re-presented to reflect that the results of Vodafone Spain and Vodafone Italy are now reported as discontinued operations. See note 7 ‘Discontinued operations and assets held for sale’ for more information.
2Profit attributable to non-controlling interests derives solely from continuing operations.
3Principally includes the impact of the Group’s cash flow hedges deferred to other comprehensive income during the year.

Further details on items in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income/(expense) can be found in the consolidated statement of changes in equity on page 137.

Consolidated statement of financial position

at 31 March

31 March 2024

31 March 2023

    

Note

    

€m

    

€m

Non-current assets

 

  

 

  

 

  

Goodwill

 

10

 

24,956

 

27,615

Other intangible assets

 

10

 

13,896

 

19,592

Property, plant and equipment

 

11

 

28,499

 

37,992

Investments in associates and joint ventures

 

12

 

10,032

 

11,079

Other investments

 

13

 

1,006

 

1,093

Deferred tax assets

 

6

 

20,177

 

19,316

Post employment benefits

 

25

 

257

 

329

Trade and other receivables

 

14

 

5,967

 

7,843

 

  

 

104,790

 

124,859

Current assets

 

  

 

 

Inventory

 

 

568

 

956

Taxation recoverable

 

  

 

76

 

279

Trade and other receivables

 

14

 

8,594

 

10,705

Other investments

 

13

 

5,092

 

7,017

Cash and cash equivalents

 

19

 

6,183

 

11,705

 

  

 

20,513

 

30,662

Assets held for sale

 

7

 

19,047

 

Total assets

 

  

 

144,350

 

155,521

Equity

 

  

 

 

Called up share capital

 

17

 

4,797

 

4,797

Additional paid-in capital

 

  

 

149,253

 

149,145

Treasury shares

 

  

 

(7,645)

 

(7,719)

Accumulated losses

 

  

 

(114,641)

 

(113,086)

Accumulated other comprehensive income

 

  

 

28,202

 

30,262

Total attributable to owners of the parent

 

  

 

59,966

 

63,399

Non-controlling interests

 

  

 

1,032

 

1,084

Total equity

 

  

 

60,998

 

64,483

 

Non-current liabilities

 

  

 

 

Borrowings

 

21

 

48,328

 

51,669

Deferred tax liabilities

 

6

 

699

 

771

Post employment benefits

 

25

 

181

 

258

Provisions

 

16

 

1,615

 

1,572

Trade and other payables

 

15

 

2,328

 

2,184

 

  

 

53,151

 

56,454

Current liabilities

 

  

 

 

Borrowings

 

21

 

8,659

 

14,721

Financial liabilities under put option arrangements

22

485

Taxation liabilities

 

  

 

393

 

457

Provisions

 

16

 

833

 

674

Trade and other payables

 

15

 

13,398

 

18,247

 

  

 

23,283

 

34,584

Liabilities held for sale

7

6,918

Total equity and liabilities

 

 

144,350

 

155,521

The consolidated financial statements on pages 135 to 226 were approved by the Board of Directors and authorised for issue on 14 June 2024 and were signed on its behalf by:

/s/ Margherita Della Valle

/s/ Luka Mucic

Margherita Della Valle

Luka Mucic

Group Chief Executive

Group Chief Financial Officer

Consolidated statement of changes in equity

for the years ended 31 March

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

Additional

Accumulated other comprehensive income

Equity

Non-

Share

paid-in

Treasury

Accumulated

Currency

Pensions

Revaluation

attributable

controlling

Total

capital1

capital2

shares

losses

reserve3

reserve

surplus4

Other5

to owners

interests

equity

€m

€m

€m

€m

€m

€m

€m

€m

€m

€m

€m

1 April 2021

 

4,797

 

150,812

 

(6,172)

 

(121,640)

 

28,430

 

(1,234)

 

1,227

 

(464)

 

55,756

 

2,012

 

57,768

Issue or reissue of shares6

 

 

(1,902)

 

2,000

 

(98)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Share-based payments

 

 

108

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

108

 

11

 

119

Transactions with NCI in subsidiaries7

 

 

 

 

(38)

 

 

 

 

 

(38)

 

237

 

199

Dividends

 

 

 

 

(2,483)

 

 

 

 

 

(2,483)

 

(532)

 

(3,015)

Comprehensive income/(expense)

 

 

 

 

2,237

 

(37)

483

 

 

1,863

 

4,546

 

562

 

5,108

Profit

 

 

 

 

2,237

 

 

 

 

 

2,237

 

536

 

2,773

OCI - before tax

(56)

627

2,368

2,939

26

2,965

OCI – taxes

 

 

 

 

 

 

(144)

 

 

(505)

 

(649)

 

 

(649)

Transfer to the income statement ('IS')

 

 

 

 

 

19

 

 

 

 

19

 

 

19

Purchase of treasury shares('TS')8

 

 

 

(3,106)

 

 

 

 

 

 

(3,106)

 

 

(3,106)

31 March 2022

 

4,797

 

149,018

 

(7,278)

 

(122,022)

 

28,393

 

(751)

 

1,227

 

1,399

54,783

 

2,290

 

57,073

Adoption of IAS 29

565

565

565

1 April 2022 - b/forward

4,797

149,018

(7,278)

(122,022)

28,958

(751)

1,227

1,399

55,348

2,290

57,638

Issue or reissue of shares

 

 

1

 

122

 

(113)

 

 

 

 

 

10

 

 

10

Share-based payments

 

 

126

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

126

 

9

 

135

Transactions with NCI in subsidiaries

 

 

 

 

(287)

 

 

 

 

 

(287)

 

(1,118)

 

(1,405)

Dividends

 

 

 

 

(2,502)

 

 

 

 

 

(2,502)

 

(398)

 

(2,900)

Comprehensive income/(expense)

 

 

 

 

11,838

 

(1,374)

 

(160)

 

 

963

 

11,267

 

301

 

11,568

Profit9

 

 

 

 

11,838

 

 

 

 

 

11,838

 

497

 

12,335

OCI – before tax

 

 

 

 

 

(1,469)

 

(213)

 

 

1,314

 

(368)

 

(230)

 

(598)

OCI – taxes

 

 

 

 

 

(3)

 

53

 

 

(351)

 

(301)

 

(3)

 

(304)

Transfer to the IS

 

 

 

 

 

(334)

 

 

 

 

(334)

 

 

(334)

Translation of hyperinflationary results

432

432

37

469

Purchase of TS8

 

 

 

(563)

(563)

(563)

31 March 2023

 

4,797

 

149,145

 

(7,719)

 

(113,086)

 

27,584

 

(911)

 

1,227

 

2,362

 

63,399

 

1,084

 

64,483

Issue or reissue of shares

 

 

 

74

 

(72)

 

 

 

 

 

2

 

 

2

Share-based payments

 

 

108

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

108

 

7

 

115

Transactions with NCI in subsidiaries

 

 

 

 

(26)

 

 

 

 

 

(26)

 

(5)

 

(31)

Share of equity accounted entities change in equity

(164)

(164)

(164)

Dividends

(2,433)

(2,433)

(256)

(2,689)

Comprehensive (expense)/income

 

 

 

 

1,140

 

(254)

 

(58)

 

 

(1,748)

 

(920)

 

202

 

(718)

Profit

1,140

 

 

 

 

1,140

365

1,505

OCI - before tax

 

 

 

 

 

(826)

 

(77)

 

 

(2,331)

 

(3,234)

 

(192)

 

(3,426)

OCI - taxes

 

 

 

 

 

 

19

 

 

583

 

602

 

 

602

Transfer to the IS

 

 

 

 

 

23

 

 

 

 

23

 

 

23

Translation of hyperinflationary results

 

 

549

549

29

578

31 March 2024

 

4,797

 

149,253

 

(7,645)

 

(114,641)

 

27,330

 

(969)

 

1,227

 

614

 

59,966

 

1,032

 

60,998

Notes:

1See note 17 ‘Called up share capital’.
2Includes share premium, capital reserve, capital redemption reserve, merger reserve and share-based payment reserve. The merger reserve was derived from acquisitions made prior to 31 March 2004 and subsequently allocated to additional paid-in capital on adoption of IFRS.
3The currency reserve is used to record cumulative translation differences on the assets and liabilities of foreign operations. These differences are recycled to the income statement on disposal of the foreign operation.
4The revaluation surplus derives from acquisitions of subsidiaries made before the Group’s adoption of IFRS 3 (Revised) on 1 April 2010 and comprises the amounts arising from recognising the Group’s pre-existing equity interest in the acquired subsidiary at fair value.
5Principally includes the impact of the Group’s cash flow hedges with 2,037 million net loss deferred to other comprehensive income/(expense) during the year (2023: 2,322 million net gain; 2022: 3,704 million net gain) and 254 million net gain (2023: 896 million net gain; 2022: 1,422 million net gain) recycled to the consolidated income statement. These hedges primarily relate to foreign exchange exposure on fixed borrowings, with any foreign exchange on nominal balances directly impacting income statement in each period but interest cash flows unwinding to the consolidated income statement over the life of the hedges, up to 2063. See note 22 ‘Capital and financial risk management’.
6Movements include the re-issue of 1,519 million shares (€1,903 million) in March 2022 to satisfy the second tranche of the Mandatory Convertible Bond issued in March 2019.
7Principally relates to transactions in relation to Vantage Towers A.G. See note 27 ‘Acquisitions and disposals’ for details.
8Represents the irrevocable and non-discretionary share buyback programmes which completed on 15 March 2023.
9Includes a gain on disposal of Vantage Towers A.G. of 8,607 million and a gain on disposal of Vodafone Ghana of 689 million, offset by a loss on disposal of Vodafone Hungary of 69 million.

Consolidated statement of cash flows

for the years ended 31 March

Re-presented1

Re-presented1

2024

2023

2022

    

Note

    

€m

    

€m

    

€m

Inflow from operating activities

 

18

 

16,557

 

18,054

 

18,081

Cash flows from investing activities

 

  

 

 

 

Purchase of interests in associates and joint ventures

 

12

 

(75)

 

(78)

 

(445)

Purchase of intangible assets

 

 

(2,641)

 

(2,799)

 

(2,375)

Purchase of property, plant and equipment

 

 

(4,219)

 

(4,957)

 

(4,547)

Purchase of investments

 

 

(1,233)

 

(766)

 

(2,007)

Disposal of interests in subsidiaries, net of cash disposed

 

27

 

(67)

 

6,976

 

Disposal of interests in associates and joint ventures

 

  

 

500

 

 

446

Disposal of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets

 

 

15

 

90

 

15

Disposal of investments

 

  

 

1,931

 

1,647

 

3,280

Dividends received from associates and joint ventures

 

  

 

442

 

617

 

638

Interest received

 

  

 

542

 

321

 

246

Cash outflows from discontinued operations

 

  

 

(1,317)

 

(1,430)

 

(2,119)

Outflow from investing activities

 

  

 

(6,122)

 

(379)

 

(6,868)

Cash flows from financing activities

 

  

 

 

 

Proceeds from issue of long-term borrowings

 

  

 

1,533

 

4,071

 

2,548

Repayment of borrowings

 

  

 

(8,970)

 

(10,501)

 

(6,933)

Net movement in short-term borrowings

 

  

 

(1,636)

 

3,171

 

3,002

Net movement in derivatives

144

261

(293)

Interest paid2

(2,227)

(1,815)

(1,726)

Payments for settlement of written put options

(493)

(12)

Purchase of treasury shares

(1,867)

(2,087)

Issue of ordinary share capital and reissue of treasury shares

 

17

 

3

 

10

 

Equity dividends paid

 

9

 

(2,430)

 

(2,484)

 

(2,474)

Dividends paid to non-controlling shareholders in subsidiaries

 

  

 

(260)

 

(400)

 

(539)

Other transactions with non-controlling shareholders in subsidiaries

 

27

 

(16)

 

(692)

 

189

Cash outflows from discontinued operations

 

  

 

(1,503)

 

(3,172)

 

(1,393)

Outflow from financing activities

 

  

 

(15,855)

 

(13,430)

 

(9,706)

Net cash (outflow)/inflow

 

  

 

(5,420)

 

4,245

 

1,507

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the financial year

 

19

 

11,628

 

7,371

 

5,790

Exchange (loss)/gain on cash and cash equivalents

 

  

 

(94)

 

12

 

74

Cash and cash equivalents at end of the financial year

 

19

 

6,114

 

11,628

 

7,371

Notes:

1The results for the years ended 31 March 2023 and 31 March 2022 have been re-presented to reflect that the results of Vodafone Spain and Vodafone Italy are now reported as discontinued operations. See note 7 ‘Discontinued operations and assets held for sale’ for more information.
2Amount for 2024 includes €nil (2023: 26 million cash outflow; 2022: 58 million cash inflow) on derivative financial instruments for the share buyback related to maturing tranches of mandatory convertible bonds.

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

1. Basis of preparation

This section describes the critical accounting judgements and estimates that management has identified as having a potentially material impact on the Group’s consolidated financial statements and sets out our significant accounting policies that relate to the financial statements as a whole. Where an accounting policy is generally applicable to a specific note to the financial statements, the policy is described within that note. We have also detailed below the new accounting pronouncements that we will adopt in future years and our current view of the impact they will have on our financial reporting.

The consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with UK-adopted International Accounting Standards (‘IAS’), with International Financial Reporting Standards (‘IFRS’) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (‘IASB’) and with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 (the ‘Act’). The consolidated financial statements are prepared on a going concern basis (see page 124).

Vodafone Group Plc is incorporated and domiciled in England and Wales (registration number 1833679). The registered address of the Company is Vodafone House, The Connection, Newbury, Berkshire, RG14 2FN, England.

IFRS requires the Directors to adopt accounting policies that are the most appropriate to the Group’s circumstances. These have been applied consistently to all the years presented, unless otherwise stated. In determining and applying accounting policies, Directors and management are required to make judgements and estimates in respect of items where the choice of specific policy, accounting judgement, estimate or assumption to be followed could materially affect the Group’s reported financial position, results or cash flows and disclosure of contingent assets or liabilities during the reporting period; it may later be determined that a different choice may have been more appropriate.

The Group’s critical accounting judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty are detailed below. Actual outcomes could differ from those estimates. The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised if the revision affects only that period; they are recognised in the period of the revision and future periods if the revision affects both current and future periods.

Management regularly reviews, and revises as necessary, the accounting judgements that significantly impact the amounts recognised in the financial statements and the estimates that are considered to be ‘critical estimates’ due to their potential to give rise to material adjustments in the Group’s financial statements in the year to 31 March 2025. As at 31 March 2024, management has identified critical judgements in respect of revenue recognition, lease accounting, the recognition of deferred tax assets, the accounting for tax disputes, valuing assets and liabilities acquired in business combinations, the classification of joint arrangements, whether to recognise provisions or to disclose contingent liabilities, held for sale accounting and the impacts of climate change. In addition, management has identified critical accounting estimates in relation to the recovery of deferred tax assets, post employment benefits and impairment reviews; estimates have also been identified that are not considered to be critical in respect of the allocation of revenue to goods and services, the useful economic lives of finite lived intangible assets and property, plant and equipment.

The majority of the Group’s provisions are either long-term in nature (such as asset retirement obligations) or relate to shorter-term liabilities (such as those relating to restructuring and property) where there is not considered to be a significant risk of material adjustment in the next financial year. Critical judgements exercised in respect of tax disputes include cases in India and a tax dispute related to financing costs in the Netherlands.

These critical accounting judgements, estimates and related disclosures have been discussed with the Group’s Audit and Risk Committee.

Critical accounting judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty

Revenue recognition

Revenue recognition under IFRS 15 necessitates the collation and processing of very large amounts of data and the use of management judgements and estimates to produce financial information. The most significant accounting judgements and source of estimation uncertainty are disclosed below.

Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)

1. Basis of preparation (continued)

Gross versus net presentation

If the Group has control of goods or services when they are delivered to a customer, then the Group is the principal in the sale to the customer; otherwise the Group is acting as an agent. Whether the Group is considered to be the principal or an agent in the transaction depends on analysis by management of both the legal form and substance of the agreement between the Group and its business partners; such judgements impact the amount of reported revenue and operating expenses (see note 2 ‘Revenue disaggregation and segmental analysis’) but do not impact reported assets, liabilities or cash flows. Scenarios requiring judgement to determine whether the Group is a principal or an agent include, for example, those where the Group delivers third-party branded software or services (such as premium music, TV content or cloud-based services) to customers and those where goods or services are delivered to customers in partnership with a third-party.

Allocation of revenue to goods and services provided to customers

Revenue is recognised when goods and services are delivered to customers (see note 2 ‘Revenue disaggregation and segmental analysis’). Goods and services may be delivered to a customer at different times under the same contract, hence it is necessary to allocate the amount payable by the customer between goods and services on a ‘relative standalone selling price basis’; this requires the identification of performance obligations (‘obligations’) and the determination of standalone selling prices for the identified obligations. The determination of obligations is, for the primary goods and services sold by the Group, not considered to be a critical accounting judgement; the Group’s policy on identifying obligations is disclosed in note 2 ‘Revenue disaggregation and segmental analysis’. The determination of standalone selling prices for identified obligations is discussed below.

It is necessary to estimate the standalone price when the Group does not sell equivalent goods or services in similar circumstances on a standalone basis. When estimating the standalone price the Group maximises the use of external inputs; methods for estimating standalone prices include determining the standalone price of similar goods and services sold by the Group, observing the standalone prices for similar goods and services when sold by third parties or using a cost-plus reasonable margin approach (which is sometimes the case for devices and other equipment). Where it is not possible to reliably estimate standalone prices due to a lack of observable standalone sales or highly variable pricing, which is sometimes the case for services, the standalone price of an obligation may be determined as the transaction price less the standalone prices of other obligations in the contract. The standalone price determined for obligations materially impacts the allocation of revenue between obligations and impacts the timing of revenue when obligations are provided to customers at different times – for example, the allocation of revenue between devices, which are usually delivered up-front, and services which are typically delivered over the contract period. However, there is not considered to be a significant risk of material adjustment to the carrying value of contract-related assets or liabilities in the 12 months after the balance sheet date if these estimates were revised.

Lease accounting

Lease accounting under IFRS 16 is complex and necessitates the collation and processing of very large amounts of data and the increased use of management judgements and estimates to produce financial information. The most significant accounting judgements are disclosed below.

Lease identification

Whether the arrangement is considered a lease or a service contract depends on the analysis by management of both the legal form and substance of the arrangement between the Group and the counter-party to determine if control of an identified asset has been passed between the parties; if not, the arrangement is a service arrangement. Control exists if the Group obtains substantially all of the economic benefit from the use of the asset, and has the ability to direct its use, for a period of time. An identified asset exists where an agreement explicitly or implicitly identifies an asset or a physically distinct portion of an asset which the lessor has no substantive right to substitute.

The scenarios requiring the greatest judgement include those where the arrangement is for the use of fibre or other fixed telecommunication lines. Generally, where the Group has exclusive use of a physical line it is determined that the Group can also direct the use of the line and therefore leases will be recognised. Where the Group provides access to fibre or other fixed telecommunication lines to another operator on a wholesale basis the arrangement will generally be identified as a lease, whereas when the Group provides fixed line services to an end-user, generally control over such lines is not passed to the end-user and a lease is not identified.

Where the Group contracts with tower companies to utilise space on a tower for the placement of transmission equipment for a period of time, the arrangement will generally be identified as a lease.

Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)

1. Basis of preparation (continued)

The impact of determining whether an agreement is a lease or a service depends on whether the Group is a potential lessee or lessor in the arrangement and, where the Group is a lessor, whether the arrangement is classified as an operating or finance lease. The impacts for each scenario are described below where the Group is potentially:

-

A lessee. The judgement impacts the nature and timing of both costs and reported assets and liabilities. A lease results in an asset and a liability being reported and depreciation and interest being recognised; the interest charge will decrease over the life of the lease. A service contract results in operating expenses being recognised evenly over the life of the contract and no assets or liabilities being recorded (other than trade payables, prepayments and accruals).

-

An operating lessor. The judgement impacts the nature of income recognised. An operating lease results in lease income being recognised whilst a service contract results in service revenue. Both are recognised evenly over the life of the contract.

-

A finance lessor. The judgement impacts the nature and timing of both income and reported assets. A finance lease results in the lease income being recognised at commencement of the lease and an asset (the net investment in the lease) being recorded.

Lease term

Where leases include additional optional periods after an initial lease term, significant judgement is required in determining whether these optional periods should be included when determining the lease term. The impact of this judgement is significantly greater where the Group is a lessee. As a lessee, optional periods are included in the lease term if the Group is reasonably certain it will exercise an extension option or will not exercise a termination option; this depends on an analysis by management of all relevant facts and circumstances including the leased asset’s nature and purpose, the economic and practical potential for replacing the asset and any plans that the Group has in place for the future use of the asset. Where a leased asset is highly customised (either when initially provided or as a result of leasehold improvements) or it is impractical or uneconomic to replace then the Group is more likely to judge that lease extension options are reasonably certain to be exercised. The value of the right-of-use asset and lease liability will be greater when extension options are included in the lease term. The normal approach adopted for lease term by asset class is described below.

The lease terms can vary significantly by type and use of asset and geography. In addition, the exact lease term is subject to the non-cancellable period and rights and options in each contract. Generally, lease terms are judged to be the longer of the non-cancellable term and:

-

Between 5 and 10 years for land and buildings (excluding retail), with terms at the top end of this range if the lease relates to assets that are considered to be difficult to exit sooner for economic, practical or reputational reasons;

-

The period to the next contractual lease break date for retail premises (excluding breaks within the next 12 months);

-

The lease term, or useful economic life, of the assets connected for leases that are used to provide internal connectivity;

-

The customer service agreement length for leases of local loop connections or other assets required to provide fixed line or other services to individual customers; and

-

5 years where the Group has leases for the use of space on towers for the placement of transmission equipment.

In most instances the Group has options to renew or extend leases for additional periods after the end of the lease term which are assessed using the criteria above.

Lease terms are reassessed if a significant event or change in circumstances occurs relating to the leased assets that is within the control of the Group; such changes usually relate to commercial agreements entered into by the Group, or business decisions made by the Group. Where such changes change the Group’s assessment of whether it is reasonably certain to exercise options to extend, or not terminate leases, then the lease term is reassessed and the lease liability is remeasured, which in most cases will increase the lease liability.

Taxation

The Group’s tax charge on ordinary activities is the sum of the total current and deferred tax charges. The calculation of the Group’s total tax charge involves estimation and judgement in respect of certain matters, being principally:

Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)

1. Basis of preparation (continued)

Recognition of deferred tax assets

Significant items on which the Group has exercised accounting estimation and judgement include the recognition of deferred tax assets in respect of losses in Luxembourg, Germany, Italy1 and Spain1 as well as capital allowances in the United Kingdom. The recognition of deferred tax assets, particularly in respect of tax losses, is based upon whether management judge that it is probable that there will be sufficient and suitable taxable profits in the relevant legal entity or tax group against which to utilise the assets in the future. The Group assesses the availability of future taxable profits using the same undiscounted five year forecasts for the Group’s operations as are used in the Group’s value in use calculations (see note 4 ‘Impairment losses’). In the case of Luxembourg, this includes forecasts of future income from the Group’s internal financing, centralised procurement and roaming activities.

Where tax losses are forecast to be recovered beyond the five year period, the availability of taxable profits is assessed using the cash flows and long-term growth rates used for the value in use calculations.

The estimated cash flows inherent in these forecasts include the unsystematic risks of operating in the telecommunications business including the potential impacts of changes in the market structure, trends in customer pricing, the costs associated with the acquisition and retention of customers, future technological evolutions and potential regulatory changes, such as our ability to acquire and/or renew spectrum licences.

Changes in the estimates which underpin the Group’s forecasts could have an impact on the amount of future taxable profits and could have a significant impact on the period over which the deferred tax asset would be recovered.

The Group only considers substantively enacted tax laws when assessing the amount and availability of tax losses to offset against the future taxable profits. See note 6 ‘Taxation’ to the consolidated financial statements.

See additional commentary relating to climate change below.

Uncertain tax positions

The tax impact of a transaction or item can be uncertain until a conclusion is reached with the relevant tax authority or through a legal process. The Group uses in-house tax experts when assessing uncertain tax positions and seeks the advice of external professional advisors where appropriate. The most significant judgements in this area relate to the Group’s tax disputes in India and a tax dispute related to financing costs in the Netherlands. Further details of tax disputes are included in note 29 ‘Contingent liabilities and legal proceedings’ to the consolidated financial statements.

Business combinations and goodwill

When the Group completes a business combination, the fair values of the identifiable assets and liabilities acquired, including intangible assets, are recognised. The determination of the fair values of acquired assets and liabilities is based, to a considerable extent, on management’s judgement. If the purchase consideration exceeds the fair value of the net assets acquired then the incremental amount paid is recognised as goodwill. If the purchase price consideration is lower than the fair value of the assets acquired then the difference is recorded as a gain in the income statement.

Allocation of the purchase price between finite lived assets (discussed below) and indefinite lived assets such as goodwill affects the subsequent results of the Group as finite lived intangible assets are amortised, whereas indefinite lived intangible assets, including goodwill, are not amortised.

See note 27 ‘Acquisitions and disposals’ to the consolidated financial statements for further details.

Joint arrangements

The Group participates in a number of joint arrangements where control of the arrangement is shared with one or more other parties. Judgement is required to classify joint arrangements in a separate legal entity as either a joint operation or as a joint venture, which depends on management’s assessment of the legal form and substance of the arrangement taking into account relevant facts and circumstances such as whether the owners have rights to substantially all the economic outputs and, in substance, settle the liabilities of the entity.

Note:

1

Deferred tax assets in respect of losses in Vodafone Italy and Vodafone Spain are reported with Assets held for sale. See note 7 ‘Discontinued operations and assets held for sale’ for more information.

Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)

1. Basis of preparation (continued)

The classification can have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements. The Group’s share of assets, liabilities, revenue, expenses and cash flows of joint operations are included in the consolidated financial statements on a line-by-line basis, whereas the Group’s investment and share of results of joint ventures are shown within single line items in the consolidated statement of financial position and consolidated income statement respectively. See note 12 ‘Investments in associates and joint arrangements’ to the consolidated financial statements.

Finite lived intangible assets

Other intangible assets include amounts spent by the Group acquiring licences and spectrum, customer bases and the costs of purchasing and developing computer software.

Where intangible assets are acquired through business combinations and no active market for the assets exists, the fair value of these assets is determined by discounting estimated future net cash flows generated by the asset. Estimates relating to the future cash flows and discount rates used may have a material effect on the reported amounts of finite lived intangible assets.

Estimation of useful life

The useful life over which intangible assets are amortised depends on management’s estimate of the period over which economic benefit will be derived from the asset. Useful lives are periodically reviewed to ensure that they remain appropriate. Management’s estimates of useful life have a material impact on the amount of amortisation recorded in the year, but there is not considered to be a significant risk of material adjustment to the carrying values of intangible assets in the year to 31 March 2025 if these estimates were revised. The basis for determining the useful life for the most significant categories of intangible assets are discussed below.

Customer bases

The estimated useful life principally reflects management’s view of the average economic life of the customer base and is assessed by reference to customer churn rates. An increase in churn rates may lead to a reduction in the estimated useful life and an increase in the amortisation charge.

Capitalised software

For computer software, the estimated useful life is based on management’s view, considering historical experience with similar products as well as anticipation of future events which may impact their life such as changes in technology. The useful life will not exceed the duration of a licence.

Property, plant and equipment

Property, plant and equipment represents 19.7% of the Group’s total assets (2023: 24.4)%. Estimates and assumptions made may have a material impact on their carrying value and related depreciation charge. See note 11 ‘Property, plant and equipment’ to the consolidated financial statements for further details.

Estimation of useful life

The depreciation charge for an asset is derived using estimates of its expected useful life and expected residual value, which are reviewed annually. Management’s estimates of useful life have a material impact on the amount of depreciation recorded in the year, but there is not considered to be a significant risk of material adjustment to the carrying values of property, plant and equipment in the year to 31 March 2025 if these estimates were revised.

Management determines the useful lives and residual values for assets when they are acquired, based on experience with similar assets and taking into account other relevant factors such as any expected changes in technology.

See additional commentary relating to climate change, below.

Post employment benefits

Management uses estimates when determining the Group’s liabilities and expenses arising for defined benefit pension schemes. Management is required to estimate the future rates of inflation, salary increases, discount rates and longevity of members, each of which may have a material impact on the defined benefit obligations that are recorded. Further details, including a sensitivity analysis, are included in note 25 ‘Post employment benefits’ to the consolidated financial statements.

In addition, plan assets are recognised at fair value at the reporting date in accordance with IFRS 13 ‘Fair Value Measurement’. Where assets do not have observable prices, estimation is necessary to determine fair values. In estimating fair value, market-observable data is used to the extent it is available.

Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)

1. Basis of preparation (continued)

Contingent liabilities

The Group exercises judgement to determine whether to recognise provisions and the exposures to contingent liabilities related to pending litigations or other outstanding claims subject to negotiated settlement, mediation, arbitration or government regulation, as well as other contingent liabilities (see note 29 ‘Contingent liabilities and legal proceedings’ to the consolidated financial statements). Judgement is necessary to assess the likelihood that a pending claim will succeed, or a liability will arise.

Impairment reviews

IFRS requires management to perform impairment tests annually for indefinite lived assets, for finite lived assets and for equity accounted investments if events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amounts may not be recoverable.

Management is required to make significant judgements concerning the identification of impairment indicators and the determination of recoverable amounts for its assets which are based on the higher of their fair value less costs to sell and their value in use. Observable market data on fair values for equivalent assets is often limited and, for a number of reasons, transaction values agreed as part of any business acquisition or disposal may be higher than the assessed value in use.

The Group performs an annual impairment test which focuses on determining the recoverable amounts for its assets based on value in use, being the present value of the future cash flows it expects to generate from the continuing use of its assets or cash-generating units.

Calculating the net present value of the future cash flows requires estimates to be made in respect of highly uncertain matters including management’s expectations of:

Growth in Adjusted EBITDAaL, (see note 2 ‘Revenue disaggregation and segmental analysis’ for a reconciliation to the consolidated income statement);
Timing and amount of future capital expenditure, licence and spectrum payments;
Long-term growth rates; and
Discount rates that reflect the future cash flows.

Changing the assumptions selected by management, in particular projected Adjusted EBITDAaL, long-term growth rate and discount rate assumptions, could significantly affect the Group’s impairment evaluation and hence reported assets and profit or loss. Further details, including a sensitivity analysis, are included in note 4 ‘Impairment losses’ to the consolidated financial statements.

Where the Group has interests in listed entities, market data, such as share price, is used to assess the fair value of those interests. If the market capitalisation indicates that their carrying amounts may not be recoverable, possible adjustments to the share price are reviewed and, where information is available, a value in use calculation is performed to support a conclusion on impairment.

For operations that are classified as held for sale, management is required to determine whether the carrying value of the discontinued operation can be supported by the fair value less costs to sell. Where not observable in a quoted market, management has determined fair value less costs to sell by reference to the outcomes from the application of a number of potential valuation techniques, determined from inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly.

See additional commentary relating to climate change, below.

Held for sale accounting

When the value of a non-current asset or a group of assets in a disposal group will be primarily recovered through a sale transaction and there is an active plan for the disposal such that it is highly probable that the disposal will be completed within 12 months (subject to certain matters outside of the Group’s control) then the related assets will be classified as held for sale and, where appropriate, as a discontinued operation.

Judgement is applied by management in determining if assets meet the requirements to be classified as held for sale and, where appropriate, as discontinued operations. Further detail is provided in note 7 ‘Discontinued operations and assets held for sale’.

Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)

1. Basis of preparation (continued)

Climate change

The potential climate change-related risks and opportunities to which the Group is exposed, as identified by management, are disclosed in the Group’s Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (‘TCFD’) on pages 64 to 69. Management has assessed the potential financial impacts relating to the identified risks, primarily considering the useful lives of, and retirement obligations for, property, plant and equipment, the possibility of impairment of goodwill and other long-lived assets and the recoverability of the Group’s deferred tax assets. Management has exercised judgement in concluding that there are no further material financial impacts of the Group’s climate-related risks and opportunities on the consolidated financial statements. These judgements will be kept under review by management as the future impacts of climate change depend on environmental, regulatory and other factors outside of the Group’s control which are not all currently known.

Significant accounting policies applied in the current reporting period that relate to the financial statements as a whole

Accounting convention

The consolidated financial statements are prepared on a historical cost basis except for certain financial and equity instruments that have been measured at fair value and for the application of IAS 29 ‘Financial Reporting in Hyperinflationary Economies’ for the Group’s entities reporting in Turkish lira and its associate’s reporting in Ethiopian birr (see below).

Basis of consolidation

The consolidated financial statements incorporate the financial statements of the Company, subsidiaries controlled by the Company (see note 31 ‘Related undertakings’ to the consolidated financial statements), joint operations that are subject to joint control and the results of joint ventures and associates (see note 12 ‘Investments in associates and joint arrangements’ to the consolidated financial statements).

Hyperinflationary economies

The Turkish and Ethiopian economies were designated as hyperinflationary from 30 June 2022 and 31 December 2022, respectively. The Group has applied IAS 29 ‘Financial Reporting in Hyperinflationary Economies’ to its Turkish and Ethiopian operations whose functional currencies are Turkish lira and Ethiopian birr from 1 April 2022.

In applying IAS 29, the Turkish lira and Ethiopian birr results and non-monetary asset and liability balances for relevant financial years have been revalued to their present value equivalent local currency amounts at the reporting date, based on the consumer price indexes issued by the Turkish Statistical Institute and the Central Statistics Agency of Ethiopia respectively. Comparative periods are not restated per IAS 21 ‘The Effects of Changes in Foreign Exchange rates’. The respective indices have risen by 68.5% and 26.2% (2023: 50.5% and 31.3)% during this financial year. The revalued balances are translated to euros at the reporting date exchange rate of €1: 34.94 TRL and €1: 61.43 ETB (2023: €1: 20.85 TRL and €1:58.59 ETB) respectively applying IAS 21.

For the Group’s operations in Turkey:

The gain or loss on the revaluation of net monetary assets resulting from IAS 29 application is recognised in the consolidated income statement within Other income.
The Group also presents the gain or loss on cash and cash equivalents as monetary items together with the effect of inflation on operating, investing and financing cash flows as one number in the consolidated statement of cash flows.
The Group has presented the equity revaluation effects and the impact of currency movements within other comprehensive income as such amounts are judged to meet the definition of ‘exchange differences’.

For Safaricom’s operations in Ethiopia, the impacts are reflected as an increase to Investments in associates and joint ventures in the Consolidated statement of financial position and an increase to Share of results of equity accounted associates and joint ventures recognised in the Consolidated income statement.

Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)

1. Basis of preparation (continued)

The main impacts of the aforementioned adjustments for the Group’s Turkish and Ethiopian operations on the consolidated financial statements are shown below.

Increase/(decrease)

Increase/(decrease)

2024

2023

    

€m

    

€m

Impact on the consolidated income statement for the years ended 31 March

Revenue

 

111

 

85

Operating profit1

 

66

 

(87)

Profit for the financial year1

 

(169)

 

(123)

Increase/(decrease)

Increase/(decrease)

31 March 2024

31 March 2023

    

€m

    

€m

Impact on the consolidated statement of financial position at 31 March

Net assets

 

981

 

814

Equity attributable to owners of the parent

 

913

 

777

Non-controlling interests

 

68

 

37

Note:

1Includes €360 million gain on the net monetary assets/liabilities (2023: €198 million gain).

In addition, it is expected that Egypt will meet the requirements to be designated as a hyperinflationary economy under IAS 29 before 31 December 2024. If the Egyptian economy is designed as hyperinflationary, the Group’s financial reporting relating to its operations in Egypt during the year ending 31 March 2025 will be in accordance with IAS 29 applying the Group’s policy detailed above.

Foreign currencies

The consolidated financial statements are presented in euro, which is also the Company’s functional currency. Each entity in the Group determines its own functional currency and items included in the financial statements of each entity are measured using that functional currency.

With the exception of the Group’s Turkish lira operations and Safaricom’s Ethiopian birr operations, which are subject to hyperinflation accounting (see above), transactions in foreign currencies are initially recorded at the functional currency rate prevailing at the date of the transaction. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are retranslated into the respective functional currency of the entity at the rates prevailing on the reporting period date. Non-monetary items carried at fair value that are denominated in foreign currencies are retranslated at the rates prevailing on the initial transaction dates. Non-monetary items measured in terms of historical cost in a foreign currency are not retranslated.

Share capital, share premium and other capital reserves are initially recorded at the functional currency rate prevailing at the date of the transaction and are not retranslated.

For the purpose of presenting consolidated financial statements, the assets and liabilities of entities with a functional currency other than euro are expressed in euro using exchange rates prevailing at the reporting period date.

Income and expense items and cash flows are translated at the average exchange rates for each month and exchange differences arising are recognised directly in other comprehensive income. On disposal of a foreign entity, the cumulative amount previously recognised in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income relating to that particular foreign operation is recognised in profit or loss in the consolidated income statement.

Goodwill and fair value adjustments arising on the acquisition of a foreign operation are treated as assets and liabilities of the foreign operation and translated accordingly.

The net foreign exchange loss recognised in the consolidated income statement for the year ended 31 March 2024 is €272 million (31 March 2023: €111 million gain; 2022: €309 million loss). The net gains and net losses are recorded within operating profit (2024: €110 million charge; 2023: €247 million credit; 2022: €24 million charge), financing costs (2024: €173 million charge; 2023: €135 million charge; 2022: €284 million charge) and income tax expense (2024: €11 million credit; 2023: €1 million charge; 2022: €1 million charge). The foreign exchange gains and losses included within other income arise on the disposal of subsidiaries, interests in joint ventures, associates and investments from the recycling of foreign exchange gains and losses previously recognised in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income.

Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)

1. Basis of preparation (continued)

Current or non-current classification

Assets are classified as current in the consolidated statement of financial position where recovery is expected within 12 months of the reporting date. All assets where recovery is expected more than 12 months from the reporting date and all deferred tax assets, goodwill and intangible assets, property, plant and equipment and investments in associates and joint ventures are reported as non-current.

Liabilities are classified as current unless the Group has an unconditional right to defer settlement of the liability for at least 12 months after the reporting date. For provisions, where the timing of settlement is uncertain, amounts are classified as non-current where settlement is expected more than 12 months from the reporting date. In addition, deferred tax liabilities and post-employment benefits are reported as non-current.

Inventory

Inventory is stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Cost is determined on the basis of weighted average costs and comprises direct materials and, where applicable, direct labour costs and those overheads that have been incurred in bringing the inventories to their present location and condition.

New accounting pronouncements adopted on 1 April 2023

The Group adopted the following new accounting policies on 1 April 2023 to comply with new standards issued and amendments to IFRS:

IFRS 17 ‘Insurance Contracts’;
Amendments to IAS 1 ‘Disclosure of Accounting Policies’;
Amendment to IAS 8 ‘Definition of Accounting Estimates’;
Amendment to IAS 12 ‘Deferred Tax related to Assets and Liabilities arising from a Single Transaction’; and
Amendment to IAS 12 ‘International Tax Reform - Pillar Two Model Rules’.

The amendments to IAS 1, IAS 8 and IAS 12 do not have a material impact on the Group’s financial reporting on adoption. The impact of the adoption of IFRS 17 and of the IAS 12 Pillar Two Model Rules is addressed below.

IFRS 17 ‘Insurance Contracts’

IFRS 17 ‘Insurance Contracts’ was adopted by the Group on 1 April 2023. The Standard sets out revised principles for the recognition, measurement, presentation, and disclosure of obligations relating to insurance contracts issued by preparers in order to provide a single accounting model for all types of insurance.

The Group issues certain short and long-term contracts, primarily being (i) the reinsurance of handset and other device insurance issued by a fronting insurer to the Group’s customers; and (ii) the reinsurance of a third-party annuity policy issued to the Vodafone and Cable & Wireless (‘CWW’) sections of the Vodafone UK Group Pension Scheme (refer to note 25 ‘Post employment benefits’). The adoption of IFRS 17 did not have a material impact on prior period equity.

The adoption of IFRS 17 results in separate insurance and reinsurance liability line items being presented within the Trade and other payables disclosure note to the consolidated financial statements, with corresponding reductions in the Trade payables and Other payables line items (see note 15 ‘Trade and other payables’). The reclassification as at 31 March 2023 amounts to €257 million and €63 million within the Non-current and Current Trade and other payables notes, respectively. The Non-current and Current Insurance and reinsurance liability amounts included within Trade and other payables at 31 March 2024 are €254 million and €48 million, respectively. The adoption has not resulted in any material adjustments to any other balances or primary statements including equity or to the consolidated income statement.

Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)

1. Basis of preparation (continued)

Amendments to IAS 12 ‘International Tax Reform - Pillar Two Model Rules’

On 23 May 2023, the IASB issued amendments to IAS 12 ‘Income Taxes’ to provide a mandatory temporary exception to the accounting for deferred taxes arising in relation to International Tax Reform (the ‘Pillar Two’ rules) and to require additional disclosures regarding the impact of the Pillar Two regulations. The amendments to IAS 12 have been adopted by the Group for the purposes of reporting at 31 March 2024, with additional disclosure also required in the year commencing 1 April 2024.

The Group has applied the mandatory temporary exception and therefore has not recognised or disclosed deferred tax assets or liabilities relating to Pillar Two regulations within the consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024. The introduction of Pillar Two regulations is not expected to result in any material future impact on the Group’s current tax expense.

See note 6 ‘Taxation’ for further details.

New accounting pronouncements to be adopted on or after 1 April 2024

The following amendments have been issued by the IASB and are effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2024. These amendments have been endorsed by the UK Endorsement Board.

Amendments to IAS 1 ‘Classification of Liabilities as Current or Non-current’ and ‘Non-current Liabilities with Covenants’;

Amendments to IFRS 16 ‘Lease Liability in a Sale and Leaseback’; and

Amendments to IAS 7 and IFRS 7 ‘Supplier Finance Arrangements’.

The impact of adopting the above two amendments to IAS 1 ‘Presentation of Financial Statements’ is discussed below. No impact is expected from the adoption of the amendments to IFRS 16. The Group will provide additional disclosures in future Annual Reports in respect of supplier arrangements as a result of the option of the amendments to IAS 7 and IFRS 7.

Amendments to IAS 1 ‘Presentation of Financial Statements’

The Group classifies balances relating to certain bonds as current liabilities if it is the Group’s intention to exercise options to redeem them within 12 months of the reporting date. Following the adoption of the IAS 1 amendments on 1 April 2024, bonds that are repayable in more than 12 months will be classified as Non-current liabilities regardless of any intention to redeem the bonds early. The impact of adopting the amendments on the consolidated statement of financial position at 31 March 2024 is a 931 million (31 March 2023: 2,013 million; 1 April 2022: €nil) reduction to the value of bonds presented within Current borrowings which will be re-presented as bonds within Non-current borrowings.

The Group’s financial reporting will be presented in accordance with these standards from 1 April 2024 as applicable.

New accounting pronouncements to be adopted on or after 1 April 2025

The following new standards and amendments have been issued by the IASB but have not yet been endorsed by the UK Endorsement Board.

IFRS 18 ‘Presentation and Disclosure in Financial Statements’; and

Amendments to IAS 21‘Lack of Exchangeability’.

IFRS 18 is effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2027 whilst the amendments to IAS 21 is effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2025.

The Group is assessing the impact of these new standards and amendments and the Group’s financial reporting will be presented in accordance with these standards from 1 April 2025 or subsequently as applicable.

Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)

2. Revenue disaggregation and segmental analysis

The Group’s businesses are managed on a geographical basis. Selected financial data is presented on this basis below.

Accounting policies

Revenue

When the Group enters into an agreement with a customer, goods and services deliverable under the contract are identified as separate performance obligations (‘obligations’) to the extent that the customer can benefit from the goods or services on their own and that the separate goods and services are considered distinct from other goods and services in the agreement. Where individual goods and services do not meet the criteria to be identified as separate obligations they are aggregated with other goods and/or services in the agreement until a separate obligation is identified. The obligations identified will depend on the nature of individual customer contracts, but might typically be separately identified for mobile handsets, other equipment such as set-top boxes and routers provided to customers and services provided to customers such as mobile and fixed line communication services. The Group’s digital services and Internet of Things (‘IoT’) customer offers typically include separate obligations for communications services, as well as equipment and software or software as a service (‘SaaS’). Where goods and services have a functional dependency (for example, a fixed line router can only be used with the Group’s services) this does not, in isolation, prevent those goods or services from being assessed as separate obligations. Activities relating to connecting customers to the Group’s network for the future provision of services are not considered to meet the criteria to be recognised as obligations except to the extent that the control of related equipment passes to customers.

The Group determines the transaction price to which it expects to be entitled in return for providing the promised obligations to the customer based on the committed contractual amounts, net of sales taxes and discounts. Where indirect channel dealers, such as retailers, acquire customer contracts on behalf of the Group and receive commission, any commissions that the dealer is compelled to use to fund discounts or other incentives to the customer are treated as payments to the customer when determining the transaction price and consequently are not included in contract acquisition costs.

The transaction price is allocated between the identified obligations according to the relative standalone selling prices of the obligations. The standalone selling price of each obligation deliverable in the contract is determined according to the prices that the Group would achieve by selling the same goods and/or services included in the obligation to a similar customer on a standalone basis; where standalone selling prices are not directly observable, estimation techniques are used maximising the use of external inputs. See ‘Critical accounting judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty’ in note 1 for details. Revenue is recognised when the respective obligations in the contract are delivered to the customer and cash collection is considered probable. Revenue for the provision of services, such as mobile airtime, fixed line broadband, other communications services and SaaS, is recognised when the Group provides the related service during the agreed service period.

Revenue for device sales to end customers is generally recognised when the device is delivered to the end customer. For device sales made to intermediaries such as indirect channel dealers, revenue is recognised if control of the device has transferred to the intermediary and the intermediary has no right to return the device to receive a refund; otherwise revenue recognition is deferred until sale of the device to an end customer by the intermediary or the expiry of any right of return.

Where refunds are issued to customers they are deducted from revenue in the relevant service period.

When the Group has control of goods or services prior to delivery to a customer, then the Group is the principal in the sale to the customer. As a principal, receipts from, and payments to, suppliers are reported on a gross basis in revenue and operating costs. If another party has control of goods or services prior to transfer to a customer, then the Group is acting as an agent for the other party and revenue in respect of the relevant obligations is recognised net of any related payments to the supplier and recognised revenue represents the margin earned by the Group. See ‘Critical accounting judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty’ in note 1 for details.

Customers typically pay in advance for prepay mobile services and monthly for other communication services. Customers typically pay for handsets and other equipment either up-front at the time of sale or over the term of the related service agreement.

Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)

2. Revenue disaggregation and segmental analysis (continued)

When revenue recognised in respect of a customer contract exceeds amounts received or receivable from a customer at that time a contract asset is recognised; contract assets will typically be recognised for handsets or other equipment provided to customers where payment is recovered by the Group via future service fees. Once the amount receivable becomes conditional only on the passage of time, the contract asset becomes a trade receivable (see note 14 ‘Trade and other receivables’). If amounts received or receivable from a customer exceed revenue recognised for a contract, for example if the Group receives an advance payment from a customer, a contract liability is recognised.

When contract assets or liabilities are recognised, a financing component may exist in the contract; this is typically the case when a handset or other equipment is provided to a customer up-front but payment is received over the term of the related service agreement, in which case the customer is deemed to have received financing. If a significant financing component is provided to the customer, the transaction price is reduced and interest revenue is recognised over the customer’s payment period using an interest rate reflecting the relevant central bank rates and customer credit risk.

Contract-related costs

When costs directly relating to a specific contract are incurred prior to recognising revenue for a related obligation, and those costs enhance the ability of the Group to deliver an obligation and are expected to be recovered, then those costs are recognised in the consolidated statement of financial position as fulfilment costs and are recognised as expenses in line with the recognition of revenue when the related obligation is delivered.

The direct and incremental costs of acquiring a contract including, for example, certain commissions payable to staff or agents for acquiring customers on behalf of the Group, are recognised as contract acquisition cost assets in the consolidated statement of financial position when the related payment obligation is recorded. Costs are recognised as an expense in line with the recognition of the related revenue that is expected to be earned by the Group; typically this is over the customer contract period as new commissions are payable on contract renewal. Certain amounts payable to agents are deducted from revenue recognised (see above).

Segmental analysis

The Group’s operating segments are established on the basis of those components of the Group that are evaluated regularly by the chief operating decision maker in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing performance. The Group has determined the chief operating decision maker to be its Chief Executive. The Group has a single group of similar services and products, being the supply of communications services and related products.

On 1 April 2023, the Group revised its segments by moving Vodafone Egypt from the Other Markets segment to the Vodacom segment, following the transfer of Vodafone Egypt to the Vodacom group in December 2022. Consequently, the Vodacom segment has been re-named to ‘Africa’ and the Other Markets segment has been re-named to ‘Turkey’ because this segment comprised only Vodafone Turkey during the year ended 31 March 2024.

In October 2023 and March 2024, the Group announced the planned disposals of Vodafone Spain and Vodafone Italy, respectively. Consequently, Vodafone Spain and Vodafone Italy have been classified as discontinued operations and are therefore no longer reporting segments of the Group.

On 31 May 2024, the Group announced it had completed the sale of Vodafone Spain. See note 33 ‘Subsequent events’.

Revenue is attributed to a country based on the location of the Group company reporting the revenue. Transactions between operating segments are charged at arm’s-length prices.

Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)

2. Revenue disaggregation and segmental analysis (continued)

The operating segments for Germany, UK and Africa are individually material for the Group and are each reporting segments for which certain financial information is provided. In addition, the Vantage Towers operating segment was a separately listed part of the Group until its disposal into a joint venture on 22 March 2023 (see note 27 ‘Acquisitions and disposals’) and is presented as a reporting segment until the date of its disposal as it is considered to provide useful information to users of the financial statements. The aggregation of smaller operating segments into the Other Europe and Turkey reporting segments reflects, in the opinion of management, the similar local market economic characteristics and regulatory environments for each of those operating segments as well as the similar products and services sold and comparable classes of customers. In the case of the Other Europe region (comprising Albania, Czech Republic, Greece, Hungary (until its disposal on 31 January 2023), Ireland, Portugal and Romania), this largely reflects membership or a close association with the European Union, whilst the Turkey segment (comprising Turkey and Ghana until its disposal on 21 February 2023) sits outside the European Union and has different economic and regulatory environment characteristics. Common Functions is a separate reporting segment and comprises activities which are undertaken primarily in central Group entities that do not meet the criteria for aggregation with other reporting segments.

A reconciliation of adjusted EBITDAaL, the Group’s measure of segment profit, to the Group’s profit or loss before taxation for the financial year is shown below.

Re-presented1

Re-presented1

2024

2023

2022

€m

€m

€m

Adjusted EBITDAaL

 

11,019

 

12,424

 

12,693

Restructuring costs

(703)

(538)

(213)

Interest on lease liabilities

 

440

 

355

 

320

Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets

 

(34)

 

(41)

 

(37)

Depreciation and amortisation on owned assets

 

(7,397)

 

(7,520)

 

(7,656)

Share of results of equity accounted associates and joint ventures

 

(96)

 

433

 

389

Impairment reversal/(loss)2

 

64

 

(64)

 

Other income

 

372

 

9,402

 

244

Operating profit

 

3,665

 

14,451

 

5,740

Investment income

581

232

251

Finance costs

(2,626)

(1,609)

(1,842)

Profit before taxation

1,620

13,074

4,149

Notes:

1The results for the years ended 31 March 2023 and 31 March 2022 have been re-presented to reflect that the results of Vodafone Spain and Vodafone Italy are now reported as discontinued operations. See note 7 ‘Discontinued operations and assets held for sale’ for more information.
2The impairment reversal/(loss) for the years ended 31 March 2024 and 31 March 2023 relates to Indus Towers. See overleaf and note 4 ‘Impairment losses’.

Revenue disaggregation and segmental income statement analysis

Revenue reported for the year includes revenue from contracts with customers, comprising service and equipment revenue, as well as other revenue items including revenue from leases and interest revenue arising from transactions with a significant financing component.

Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)

2. Revenue disaggregation and segmental analysis (continued)

The tables below present Revenue and Adjusted EBITDAaL for the year ended 31 March 2024 and for the comparative years ended 31 March 2023 and 31 March 2022.

    

    

    

Revenue from

    

    

    

Total

 

Service

Equipment

contracts with

Other

Interest

segment

 

Adjusted

31 March 2024

revenue
€m

revenue
€m

customers
€m

revenue1
€m

revenue
€m

revenue
€m

 

EBITDAaL
€m

Germany

 

11,453

 

1,132

 

12,585

 

357

 

15

 

12,957

5,017

UK

 

5,631

 

1,111

 

6,742

 

54

 

41

 

6,837

1,408

Other Europe

 

4,722

 

665

 

5,387

 

102

 

15

 

5,504

1,516

Africa

 

5,951

 

1,030

 

6,981

 

409

 

30

 

7,420

2,539

Turkey

 

1,746

 

609

 

2,355

 

7

 

 

2,362

510

Common Functions2

 

559

 

49

 

608

 

1,256

 

 

1,864

29

Eliminations

 

(150)

 

(1)

 

(151)

 

(76)

 

 

(227)

Group

 

29,912

 

4,595

 

34,507

 

2,109

 

101

 

36,717

11,019

    

    

    

    

    

Revenue from

    

    

    

    

    

Total

    

Service

Equipment

contracts with

Other

Interest

segment

Adjusted

31 March 2023 Re-presented3

revenue
€m

revenue
€m

customers
€m

revenue1
€m

revenue
€m

revenue
€m

 

EBITDAaL
€m

Germany

 

11,433

 

1,313

 

12,746

 

350

 

17

 

13,113

5,323

UK

 

5,358

 

1,375

 

6,733

 

58

 

33

 

6,824

1,350

Other Europe4

 

5,005

 

602

 

5,607

 

117

 

20

 

5,744

1,632

Africa5

 

6,556

 

1,089

 

7,645

 

403

 

28

 

8,076

2,880

Turkey6

 

1,593

 

475

 

2,068

 

4

 

 

2,072

424

Vantage Towers

1,338

1,338

795

Common Functions2

 

530

 

47

 

577

 

1,191

 

 

1,768

20

Eliminations

 

(157)

 

(1)

 

(158)

 

(1,105)

 

 

(1,263)

Group

 

30,318

 

4,900

 

35,218

 

2,356

 

98

 

37,672

12,424

    

    

    

Revenue from

    

    

    

Total

 

Service

Equipment

contracts with

Other

Interest

segment

 

Adjusted

31 March 2022 Re-presented3

revenue
€m

revenue
€m

customers
€m

revenue1
€m

revenue
€m

revenue
€m

 

EBITDAaL
€m

Germany

 

11,616

 

1,126

 

12,742

 

365

 

21

 

13,128

5,669

UK

 

5,154

 

1,333

 

6,487

 

69

 

33

 

6,589

1,395

Other Europe4

 

5,001

 

528

 

5,529

 

105

 

19

 

5,653

1,606

Africa5

 

6,386

 

1,013

 

7,399

 

384

 

24

 

7,807

2,929

Turkey6

 

1,669

 

341

 

2,010

 

6

 

 

2,016

531

Vantage Towers

 

 

 

 

1,252

 

 

1,252

619

Common Functions2

 

522

 

53

 

575

 

1,190

 

1

 

1,766

(56)

Eliminations

 

(141)

 

(1)

 

(142)

 

(1,059)

 

 

(1,201)

Group

 

30,207

 

4,393

 

34,600

 

2,312

 

98

 

37,010

12,693

Notes:

1

Other revenue includes lease revenue recognised under IFRS 16 ‘Leases’ (see note 20 ‘Leases’).

2

Comprises central teams and business functions.

3

The results for the years ended 31 March 2023 and 31 March 2022 have been re-presented to reflect that the results of Vodafone Spain and Vodafone Italy are now reported as discontinued operations and are therefore excluded. See note 7 ‘Discontinued operations and assets held for sale’ for more information.

4

The comparative years also include the results of Vodafone Hungary which, as previously reported, was sold in January 2023.

5

From 1 April 2023, the Group revised its segmental reporting by moving Vodafone Egypt to the Africa segment. The comparatives have been re-presented on the new basis of segmental reporting. There is no impact on previously reported Group metrics.

6

The Turkey segment comprises only Vodafone Turkey in the year ended 31 March 2024. The comparative years also include the results of Vodafone Ghana which, as previously reported, was sold in February 2023.

Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)

2. Revenue disaggregation and segmental analysis (continued)

The total future revenue from the remaining term of Group’s contracts with customers for performance obligations not yet delivered to those customers at 31 March 2024 is 16,577 million (re-presented7 2023: 16,354 million; 2022: 17,902 million); of which 10,488 million (re-presented7 2023: 10,324 million; 2022: 11,353 million) is expected to be recognised within the next year and the majority of the remaining amount in the following 12 months.

Notes:

7

The results for the years ended 31 March 2023 and 31 March 2022 have been re-presented to reflect that the results of Vodafone Spain and Vodafone Italy are now reported as discontinued operations, decreasing the previously disclosed amount of total future revenue by 2,167 million and 2,111 million respectively as well as future revenue expected to be recognised within the next year by 1,617 million and 1,560 million respectively. See note 7 ‘Discontinued operations and assets held for sale’ for more information.

Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)

2. Revenue disaggregation and segmental analysis (continued)

Segmental assets

The tables below present the segmental assets for the year ended 31 March 2024 and for the comparative years ended 31 March 2023 and 31 March 2022.

    

    

    

    

    

    

Other

    

Depreciation

    

    

Non-current

Capital

Right-of-use

additions to

and

Impairment 

31 March 2024

assets1
€m

additions2
€m

asset additions
€m

intangible assets3
€m

amortisation
€m

reversal6
€m

Germany

42,931

2,565

1,045

4,543

UK

6,863

878

957

1,733

Other Europe

7,564

862

442

1,447

Africa

6,377

1,005

296

163

1,184

Turkey

1,644

320

160

120

537

(64)

Common Functions

1,972

782

203

970

Group

67,351

6,412

3,103

283

10,414

(64)

Other

Depreciation

    

Non-current

    

Capital

    

Right-of-use

    

additions to

    

and

    

  

31 March 2023 Re-presented4

assets1
€m

additions2
€m

asset additions
€m

intangible assets3
€m

amortisation
€m

Impairment loss
€m

Germany

43,878

2,701

2,145

2

4,154

Italy

 

10,235

 

833

 

916

 

5

 

 

UK

 

6,629

 

892

 

1,639

 

 

1,562

 

Spain

 

6,331

 

565

 

742

 

8

 

 

Other Europe

 

7,815

 

927

 

1,104

 

151

 

1,363

 

Africa5

 

6,796

 

1,122

 

246

 

264

 

1,311

 

Turkey6

 

1,502

 

235

 

150

 

9

 

546

 

64

Vantage Towers

551

318

326

Common Functions

 

2,013

 

839

 

127

 

 

993

 

Group

 

85,199

 

8,665

 

7,387

 

439

 

10,255

 

64

    

    

    

    

    

Depreciation

    

    

    

Non-current

    

Capital

    

Right-of-use

    

Other additions to

    

and

    

    

31 March 2022 Re-presented4

    

assets1
€m

    

additions2
€m

    

asset additions
€m

    

intangible assets3
€m

    

amortisation
€m

    

Impairment loss
€m

Germany

43,190

2,670

795

3,981

Italy

 

10,519

 

840

 

670

 

255

 

 

UK

 

6,226

 

832

 

580

 

229

 

1,905

 

Spain

 

6,433

 

676

 

422

 

291

 

 

Other Europe

 

8,548

 

1,009

 

502

 

126

 

1,511

 

Africa5

 

7,991

 

1,136

 

216

 

 

1,219

 

Turkey6

 

859

 

247

 

200

 

 

299

 

Vantage Towers

8,179

366

320

523

Common Functions

 

2,103

 

844

 

123

 

 

979

 

Group

 

94,048

 

8,620

 

3,828

 

901

 

10,417

 

Notes:

1

Comprises goodwill, other intangible assets and property, plant and equipment.

2

Includes additions to: (i) property, plant and equipment (excluding right-of-use assets) and (ii) computer software, development costs and in relation to identifiable wavelengths, reported within Intangible assets.

3

Includes additions to licences and spectrum and customer base acquisitions.

4

The results for the years ended 31 March 2023 and 31 March 2022 have been re-presented to reflect that the results of Vodafone Spain and Vodafone Italy are now reported as discontinued operations. See note 7 ‘Discontinued operations and assets held for sale’ for more information.

5

From 1 April 2023, the Group revised its segmental reporting by moving Vodafone Egypt to the Africa segment. The comparatives have been re-presented on the new basis of segmental reporting. There is no impact on previously reported Group metrics.

6

The Turkey segment comprises only Vodafone Turkey in the year ended 31 March 2024. In the comparative years, the segment was named Other markets and also included the results of Vodafone Ghana which, as previously reported, was sold in February 2023 and an impairment charge in respect of the Group’s carrying value of Indus Towers Limited during the year ended 31 March 2023 and reversed during the year ended 31 March 2024. See note 4 ‘Impairment losses’ for more information.

Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)

3. Operating profit

Detailed below are the key amounts recognised in arriving at our operating profit

    

    

    

Re-presented1

    

Re-presented1

2024

2023

2022

€m

€m

€m

Amortisation of intangible assets (Note 10)

 

3,515

 

3,380

 

3,425

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment (Note 11):

 

 

 

Owned assets

 

3,882

 

4,142

 

4,274

Leased assets

 

3,017

 

2,733

 

2,718

Impairment (reversal)/loss (Note 4)

 

(64)

 

64

 

Staff costs (Note 24)

 

5,498

 

5,192

 

4,620

Amounts related to inventory included in cost of sales

4,659

5,035

4,580

Own costs capitalised attributable to the construction or acquisition of property, plant and equipment

 

(1,188)

 

(1,099)

 

(944)

Gain on the revaluation of net monetary assets resulting from IAS 29 application2 (Note 1)

(360)

(198)

Loss on disposal of Vodafone Hungary2 (Note 27)

69

Gain on disposal of Vodafone Ghana2 (Note 27)

(689)

Gain on disposal of Vantage Towers2 (Note 27)

(8,729)

Gain on disposal of Indus Towers Limited2

81

Pledge arrangements in respect of Indus Towers Limited (Note 29)

(15)

Notes:

1

The results for the years ended 31 March 2023 and 31 March 2022 have been re-presented to reflect that the results of Vodafone Spain and Vodafone Italy are now reported as discontinued operations. See note 7 ‘Discontinued operations and assets held for sale’ for more information.

2

Included in Other income in the consolidated income statement.

The total remuneration of the Group’s auditor, Ernst & Young LLP and other member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, for services provided to the Group during the year ended 31 March is analysed below.

Re-presented1

2024

2023

2022

€m

€m

€m

Parent company

 

7

 

6

 

4

Subsidiaries

 

19

 

22

 

19

Audit fees2

 

26

 

28

 

23

Audit-related3

10

3

2

Non-audit fees

 

10

 

3

 

2

Total fees

 

36

 

31

 

25

Notes:

1Audit fees of the parent company for the year ended 31 March 2023 have increased by 1 million compared to the amount previously reported. This is to include fees agreed during the year ended 31 March 2024 relating to the year ended 31 March 2023.
2Includes fees in connection with the interim review, preliminary announcement and controls audit required under Section 404 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act. In total this amounted to 1 million in each of the years presented.
3Fees for special purpose audits and statutory and regulatory filings during the year. Fees for the year ended 31 March 2024 are higher than fees for the comparative years, primarily due to Reporting Accountant and audit services required in connection with the proposed merger of Vodafone UK and Three UK and the disposal of Vodafone Spain.

Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)

4. Impairment losses

Impairment occurs when the carrying value of assets is greater than the present value of the net cash flows they are expected to generate. We review the carrying value of assets for each country in which we operate at least annually. For further details of our impairment review process see ‘Critical accounting judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty’ in note 1 ‘Basis of preparation’ to the consolidated financial statements.

Accounting policies

Goodwill

Goodwill is not subject to amortisation but is tested for impairment annually or whenever there is an indication that the asset may be impaired.

For the purpose of impairment testing, assets are grouped at the lowest levels for which there are separately identifiable cash flows, known as cash-generating units. The determination of the Group’s cash-generating units is primarily based on the geographic area where the Group supplies communications services and products. If cash flows from assets within one jurisdiction are largely independent of the cash flows from other assets in that same jurisdiction and management monitors performance separately, multiple cash-generating units are identified within that geographic area.

If the recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit is less than the carrying amount of the unit, the impairment loss is allocated first to reduce the carrying amount of any goodwill allocated to the unit and then to the other assets of the unit pro-rata on the basis of the carrying amount of each asset in the unit. Impairment losses recognised for goodwill are not reversible in subsequent periods.

The recoverable amount is the higher of fair value less costs to sell and value in use. In assessing value in use, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset for which the estimates of future cash flows have not been adjusted.

Management prepares formal five year plans for the Group’s cash-generating units, which are the basis for the value in use calculations.

Property, plant and equipment, finite lived intangible assets and equity accounted investments

At each reporting period date, the Group reviews the carrying amounts of its property, plant and equipment, finite lived intangible assets and equity- accounted investments to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent, if any, of the impairment loss. Where it is not possible to estimate the recoverable amount of an individual asset, the Group estimates the recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit to which the asset belongs.

If the recoverable amount of an asset or cash-generating unit is estimated to be less than its carrying amount, the carrying amount of the asset or cash-generating unit is reduced to its recoverable amount and an impairment loss is recognised immediately in the Consolidated income statement.

Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)

4. Impairment losses (continued)

Where there has been a change in the estimates used to determine recoverable amount and an impairment loss subsequently reverses, the carrying amount of the asset or cash-generating unit is increased to the revised estimate of its recoverable amount, not to exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined had no impairment loss been recognised for the asset or cash-generating unit in prior years and an impairment loss reversal is recognised immediately in the consolidated income statement.

Impairment review

Following our annual impairment review, no impairments were recognised for any cash-generating units within the Group’s continuing operations in the current year. Refer to note 7 for cash-generating units recognised as 'Discontinued operations and assets held for sale' in the current year.

The Group recognised a reversal of the prior year impairment of €64 million in the consolidated income statement within operating profit relating to our investment in Indus Towers. Further detail on events that led to the recognition of this reversal is included on page 155.

Goodwill

The remaining carrying value of goodwill at 31 March was as follows:

2024

2023

€m

€m

Germany

 

20,335

 

20,335

Italy

 

 

2,481

Other

 

4,621

 

4,799

 

24,956

 

27,615

Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)

4. Impairment losses (continued)

Key assumptions used in the value in use calculations

The key assumptions used in determining the value in use are:

Assumption

    

How determined

Projected adjusted EBITDAaL

Projected adjusted EBITDAaL has been based on past experience adjusted for the following:

 In Europe, mobile revenue is expected to benefit from increased usage as customers transition to higher data bundles, and new consumer and business products and services are introduced. Fixed revenue is forecast to grow as penetration is increased and more products and services are sold to customers;

 Outside of Europe, revenue is expected to continue to grow as the penetration of faster data-enabled devices rises along with higher data bundle attachment rates, and new products and services are introduced; and

 Margins are expected to be impacted by negative factors such as the cost of acquiring and retaining customers in increasingly competitive markets and by positive factors such as the efficiencies expected from the implementation of Group initiatives.

Projected capital expenditure

The cash flow forecasts for capital expenditure are based on past experience and include the ongoing capital expenditure required to maintain our networks, provide products and services in line with customer expectations, including of higher data volumes and speeds, and to meet the population coverage requirements of certain of the Group’s licences. In Europe, capital expenditure is required to roll out capacity-building next generation 5G and gigabit networks. Outside of Europe, capital expenditure will be required for the continued rollout of current and next generation mobile networks in emerging markets. Capital expenditure includes cash outflows for the purchase of owned property, plant and equipment and computer software.

Projected licence and spectrum payments

To enable the continued provision of products and services, the cash flow forecasts for licence and spectrum payments for each relevant cash-generating unit include amounts for expected renewals and newly available spectrum. Beyond the five year forecast period, a long-run cost of spectrum is assumed.

Long-term growth rate

For the purposes of the Group’s value in use calculations, a longterm growth rate into perpetuity is applied immediately at the end of the five year forecast period and is based on the lower of:

 the nominal GDP growth rate forecasts for the country of operation; and

 the long-term compound annual growth rate in adjusted EBITDAaL as estimated by management.

Long-term compound annual growth rates determined by management may be lower than forecast nominal GDP growth rates due to the following market-specific factors: competitive intensity levels, maturity of business, regulatory environment or sector-specific inflation expectations.

Pre-tax discount rate

The pre-tax discount rate for each cash-generating unit is derived such that when applied to pre-tax cash flows it gives the same result as when the observable post-tax weighted average cost of capital is applied to post-tax cash flows.

The assumptions used to develop discount rates for each cash-generating unit are benchmarked to externally available data.

– The risk free rate is derived from an average yield of a ten year bond issued by the government in each cash-generating unit’s respective country of operations;

– The forward-looking equity market risk premium (an investor’s required rate of return over and above a risk free rate) is based on studies by independent economists, the long-term average equity market risk premium and the market risk premiums typically used by valuation practitioners;

– The asset beta reflecting the systematic risk of the telecommunications segment relative to the market as a whole is determined from betas observed for comparable listed telecommunications companies; and

– The region-specific leverage ratios are estimated from ratios observed for comparable listed telecommunications companies.

Each cash-generating unit’s discount rate is determined in nominal terms in order to match their nominal estimates of future cash flows.

Higher risk free interest rates and lower asset betas have, respectively, increased and decreased the cash-generating unit discount rates in the current year.

Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)

4. Impairment losses (continued)

Year ended 31 March 2024

The Group performs its annual impairment test for goodwill and indefinite lived intangible assets at 31 March and when there is an indicator of impairment of an asset. At each reporting period date, judgement is exercised by management in determining whether any internal or external sources of information observed are indicative that the carrying amount of any of the Group’s cash generating units is not recoverable. Refer to note 7 for cash-generating units recognised as 'Discontinued operations and assets held for sale' in the current year.

Climate change

As a large owner of infrastructure and consumer of energy, the Group has exposure to climate change related risks such as energy cost increases, asset damage and service disruption. The long range plans used in the Group’s impairment testing include forecast energy costs and other costs that are embedded in the planning process to deliver the Group’s zero carbon targets. The long range plans also include capital expenditure in relation to the Group’s use of durable and energy efficient infrastructure and the costs of the Group’s extensive and ongoing network maintenance programme. Climate change has not had a material impact on the outcome of the Group’s impairment testing.

Indus Towers Limited

Management determines the recoverable amount of the Group’s investment in Indus Towers on a fair value less costs to sell basis. Indus Towers’ share price is observable in a quoted market and is considered a level 1 input under the IFRS 13 fair value hierarchy. The share price of INR 291.15 per share implied a recoverable amount of INR 165 billion (1.8 billion), which exceeds the carrying value of the Group’s investment at the same date. The increase in recoverable amount supports the reversal of the prior year impairment of 64 million.

Value in use assumptions

The table below shows key assumptions used in the value in use calculation for Germany as its carrying amount of goodwill is significant in comparison with the Group’s total carrying amount of goodwill:

    

Assumptions used in value in use calculations

Germany

%

Pre-tax discount rate

    

8.3

Long-term growth rate

 

1.0

Projected adjusted EBITDAaL CAGR1

 

2.4

Projected capital expenditure2

 

17.4-19.9

Sensitivity analysis

The estimated recoverable amounts of the Group’s operations in Germany and the UK exceed their carrying values by €2.3 billion and €1.6 billion respectively. If the assumptions used in the impairment review were changed to a greater extent than as presented in the following table, the changes would, in isolation, lead to an impairment loss being recognised for the year ended 31 March 2024.

Change required for carrying value to equal recoverable amount

 Germany

UK

    

pps

    

pps

Pre-tax discount rate

    

0.5

    

2.2

Long-term growth rate

 

(0.4)

 

(2.1)

Projected adjusted EBITDAaL CAGR1

 

(1.2)

 

(2.9)

Projected capital expenditure2

 

3.9

 

4.9

Notes:

1

Projected adjusted EBITDAaL CAGR is expressed as the compound annual growth rates in the initial five years for all cash-generating units of the plans used for impairment testing.

2

Projected capital expenditure, which excludes licences and spectrum, is expressed as capital expenditure as a percentage of revenue in the initial five years for all cash-generating units of the plans used for impairment testing.

Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)

4. Impairment losses (continued)

Year ended 31 March 2023

The disclosures below for the year ended 31 March 2023 are as previously disclosed in the 31 March 2023 Annual Report.

The Group performs its annual impairment test for goodwill and indefinite lived intangible assets at 31 March and when there is an indicator of impairment of an asset. At each reporting period date judgement is exercised by management in determining whether any internal or external sources of information observed are indicative that the carrying amount of any of the Group’s cash generating units is not recoverable.

Climate change

As a large owner of infrastructure and consumer of energy, the Group has exposure to climate change related risks such as energy cost increases, asset damage and service disruption. The long range plans used in the Group’s impairment testing include forecast energy costs and other costs that are embedded in the planning process to deliver the Group’s zero carbon targets. The long range plans also include capital expenditure in relation to the Group’s use of durable and energy efficient infrastructure and the costs of the Group’s extensive and ongoing network maintenance programme. Climate change has not had a material impact on the outcome of the Group’s impairment testing.

Indus Towers Limited

The Group’s investment in Indus Towers was tested for impairment at 31 March 2023 following a decline in Indus Towers’ quoted share price in the current year. Management concluded that fair value less costs to sell is the appropriate basis to determine the recoverable amount of the Group’s investment. Indus Towers’ share price is observable in a quoted market and is considered a level 1 input under the IFRS 13 fair value hierarchy. The share price of INR 143.00 per share implied a recoverable amount of INR 81 billion (€0.9 billion) which was lower than the carrying value of the investment at the same date. An impairment charge of €64 million was recognised to reduce the carrying value of the Group’s investment to the recoverable amount in the Group’s consolidated statement of financial position.

Value in use assumptions

The table below shows key assumptions used in the value in use calculations, and separately presented cash-generating units for which the carrying amount of goodwill is significant in comparison with the Group’s total carrying amount of goodwill:

Assumptions used in value in use calculations

    

Germany

    

Italy

%

  

%

Pre-tax discount rate

7.8

 

8.9

Long-term growth rate

0.6

 

1.5

Projected adjusted EBITDAaL CAGR1

1.8

 

1.0

Projected capital expenditure2

19.4-19.8

 

16.5-17.9

Sensitivity analysis

The estimated recoverable amounts of the Group’s operations in Germany, Italy, the UK, and Spain exceed their carrying values by €3.2 billion, €0.2 billion, €1.3 billion, and €0.4 billion respectively. If the assumptions used in the impairment review were changed to a greater extent than as presented in the following table, the changes would, in isolation, lead to an impairment loss being recognised for the year ended 31 March 2023.

    

Change required for carrying value to equal recoverable amount

    

Germany

    

Italy

    

UK

    

Spain

pps

pps

pps

pps

Pre-tax discount rate

0.6

 

0.2

 

1.6

 

0.5

Long-term growth rate

(0.6)

 

(0.2)

 

(1.9)

 

(0.6)

Projected adjusted EBITDAaL CAGR1

(1.8)

 

(0.5)

 

(4.1)

 

(1.5)

Projected capital expenditure2

5.5

 

0.9

 

4.2

 

2.2

Notes:

1

Projected adjusted EBITDAaL CAGR is expressed as the compound annual growth rates in the initial five years for all cash-generating units of the plans used for impairment testing.

2

Projected capital expenditure, which excludes licences and spectrum, is expressed as capital expenditure as a percentage of revenue in the initial five years for all cash-generating units of the plans used for impairment testing.

Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)

4. Impairment losses (continued)

For the Group’s operations in Italy and Spain management has prepared the following sensitivity analysis for changes in pre-tax discount rate and projected adjusted EBITDAaL CAGR1 assumptions. The associated impact of the change in each key assumption does not consider any consequential impact on other assumptions used in the impairment review.

Recoverable amount less carrying value

Italy

Spain

    

€bn

    

€bn

Base case as at 31 March 2023

0.2

0.4

Change in pre-tax discount rate

Decrease by 1pps

1.4

1.3

Increase by 1pps

(0.8)

(0.3)

Change in projected adjusted EBITDAaL CAGR1

Decrease by 5pps

(1.6)

(0.8)

Increase by 5pps

2.3

1.8

Note:

1

Projected adjusted EBITDAaL CAGR is expressed as the compound annual growth rates in the initial five years for all cash-generating units of the plans used for impairment testing.

Year ended 31 March 2022

The disclosures below for the year ended 31 March 2022 are as previously disclosed in the 31 March 2022 Annual Report.

The Group performs its annual impairment test for goodwill and indefinite lived intangible assets at 31 March and when there is an indicator of impairment of an asset. At each reporting period date judgement is exercised by management in determining whether any internal or external sources of information observed are indicative that the carrying amount of any of the Group’s cash-generating units is not recoverable.

As a large owner of infrastructure and consumer of energy, the Group has exposure to climate change related risks such as energy cost increases, asset damage and service disruption. The long range plans used in the Group’s impairment testing include forecast energy costs and other costs that are embedded in the planning process to deliver the Group’s zero carbon targets. The long range plans also include capital expenditure in relation to the Group’s use of durable and energy efficient infrastructure and the costs of the Group’s extensive and ongoing network maintenance programme. Furthermore, the Group will continue to develop strong reactive initiatives to manage the unpredictable impacts of future climate-related risks. Climate change, therefore, has not had a material impact on the outcome of the Group’s impairment testing and the Group will continue to refine its approach to modelling climate-related risks and opportunities in the value in use calculations.

As the war in Ukraine continues, it is challenging to predict the full extent and duration of its impact on the economy and the Group’s businesses. However, to assess a potential impact of this on the Group’s impairment testing, management prepared scenario analysis based on adjustments to the long range plans for high level estimates of market risks impacted by the war. This analysis did not indicate a risk of impairment at 31 March 2022. Management will update the cash flows and assumptions used in the Group’s impairment testing at future reporting dates with latest best estimates.

No impairments were recognised for the Group’s cash-generating units during the year to 31 March 2022.

Value in use assumptions

The table below shows key assumptions used in the value in use calculations, and separately presented cash-generating units for which the carrying amount of goodwill is significant in comparison with the Group’s total carrying amount of goodwill:

Assumptions used in value in use calculations

Vantage Towers

Germany

Italy

 Germany

Other

%

%

%

%

Pre-tax discount rate

    

7.4

    

9.3

    

6.1

    

6.2-22.5

Long-term growth rate

 

0.5

 

1.5

 

1.5

 

1.0-8.9

Projected adjusted EBITDAaL CAGR1

 

(0.1)

 

(0.2)

 

11.0

 

(5.4)-13.0

Projected capital expenditure2

 

19.6-21.8

 

15.0-16.3

 

32.0-62.1

 

10.0-51.4

Notes:

1Projected adjusted EBITDAaL CAGR is expressed as the compound annual growth rates in the initial five years for all cash-generating units of the plans used for impairment testing. For the purposes of this disclosure, Italy’s adjusted EBITDAaL for the year ended 31 March 2022 excludes the TIM settlement.
2Projected capital expenditure, which excludes licences and spectrum, is expressed as capital expenditure as a percentage of revenue in the initial five years for all cash-generating units of the plans used for impairment testing.

Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)

4. Impairment losses (continued)

Sensitivity analysis

The estimated recoverable amounts of the Group’s operations in Germany, Italy, the UK and Spain exceed their carrying values by €7.3 billion, €0.4 billion, €1.3 billion and €0.1 billion respectively. However, if the assumptions used in the impairment review were changed to a greater extent than as presented in the following table, the changes would, in isolation, lead to an impairment loss being recognised for the year ended 31 March 2022.

Change required for carrying value to equal recoverable amount

Germany

Italy

UK

Spain

    

pps

    

pps

    

pps

    

pps

Pre-tax discount rate

1.4

    

0.3

    

1.3

    

0.1

Long-term growth rate

(1.4)

 

(0.3)

(1.5)

(0.1)

Projected adjusted EBITDAaL CAGR1

(4.1)

 

(0.9)

(3.1)

(0.4)

Projected capital expenditure2

12.6

 

1.8

4.3

0.5

For the Group’s operations in Germany, Italy, the UK and Spain management has considered the following reasonably possible changes in pre-tax discount rate, long-term growth rate and projected adjusted EBITDAaL CAGR1 assumptions, leaving all other assumptions unchanged. The sensitivity analysis presented is prepared on the basis that the reasonably possible change in each key assumption would not have a consequential impact on other assumptions used in the impairment review. The associated impact on the impairment assessment is presented in the table below.

Management has concluded that no reasonably possible or foreseeable change in projected capital expenditure2 would cause the difference between the carrying value and recoverable amount for any cash generating unit to be materially different to the base case disclosed below.

Recoverable amount less carrying value

Germany

Italy

UK

Spain

    

€bn

    

€bn

    

€bn

    

€bn

Base case as at 31 March 2022

 

7.3

 

0.4

 

1.3

 

0.1

Change in pre-tax discount rate

Decrease by 1pps

14.9

1.7

2.8

1.0

Increase by 1pps

1.7

(0.7)

0.3

(0.6)

Change in long-term growth rate

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Decrease by 1pps

 

1.6

 

(0.6)

 

0.4

 

(0.5)

Increase by 1pps

 

15.6

 

1.7

 

2.8

 

0.9

Change in projected adjusted EBITDAaL CAGR1

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Decrease by 5pps

 

(1.4)

 

(1.6)

 

(0.7)

 

(1.1)

Increase by 5pps

 

17.9

 

2.8

 

3.8

 

1.5

Notes:

1

Projected adjusted EBITDAaL CAGR is expressed as the compound annual growth rates in the initial five years for all cash-generating units of the plans used for impairment testing. For the purposes of this disclosure, Italy’s adjusted EBITDAaL for the year ended 31 March 2022 excludes the TIM settlement.

2

Projected capital expenditure, which excludes licences and spectrum, is expressed as capital expenditure as a percentage of revenue in the initial five years for all cash-generating units of the plans used for impairment testing.

Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)

5. Investment income and financing costs

Investment income comprises interest received from short-term investments and other receivables. Financing costs mainly arise from interest due on bonds and commercial paper issued, bank loans and the results of hedging transactions used to manage foreign exchange and interest rate movements.

Re-presented1

Re-presented1

2024

2023

2022

€m

€m

€m

Investment income

 

  

 

  

 

  

Financial assets measured at amortised cost

 

327

 

196

 

246

Financial assets measured at fair value through profit and loss

 

254

 

36

 

5

 

581

 

232

 

251

Financing costs

 

  

 

  

 

  

Financial liabilities measured at amortised cost

 

 

 

  

Bonds

1,596

1,711

1,546

Lease liabilities

440

355

320

Bank loans and other liabilities2

 

712

 

392

 

425

Interest on derivatives

 

(395)

 

(561)

 

(428)

Mark-to-market on derivatives

 

100

 

(423)

 

(341)

Financial assets measured at fair value through profit and loss

36

Foreign exchange

 

173

 

135

 

284

 

2,626

 

1,609

 

1,842

Net financing costs

 

2,045

 

1,377

 

1,591

Notes:

1

The results for the years ended 31 March 2023 and 31 March 2022 have been re-presented to reflect that the results of Vodafone Spain and Vodafone Italy are now reported as discontinued operations. See note 7 ‘Discontinued operations and assets held for sale’ for more information.

2

Interest capitalised for the year ended 31 March 2024 was €nil (2023: 5 million, 2022: 17 million).

6. Taxation

This note explains how our Group tax charge arises. The deferred tax section of the note also provides information on our expected future tax charges and sets out the tax assets held across the Group together with our view on whether or not we expect to be able to make use of these in the future.

Accounting policies

Income tax expense represents the sum of current and deferred taxes.

Current tax payable or recoverable is based on taxable profit for the year. Taxable profit differs from profit as reported in the consolidated income statement because some items of income or expense are taxable or deductible in different years or may never be taxable or deductible. The Group’s liability for current tax is calculated using tax rates and laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the reporting period date.

The Group recognises provisions for uncertain tax positions when the Group has a present obligation as a result of a past event and management judge that it is probable that there will be a future outflow of economic benefits from the Group to settle the obligation. Uncertain tax positions are assessed and measured on an issue by issue basis within the jurisdictions that we operate either using management’s estimate of the most likely outcome where the issues are binary, or the expected value approach where the issues have a range of possible outcomes. The Group recognises interest on late paid taxes as part of financing costs, and, if applicable, classifies tax penalties as part of the income tax expense if the penalties are based on profits.

Deferred tax is the tax expected to be payable or recoverable in the future arising from temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities in the financial statements and the corresponding tax bases used in the computation of taxable profit. It is accounted for using the statement of financial position liability method. Deferred tax liabilities are generally recognised for all taxable temporary differences and deferred tax assets are recognised to the extent that it is probable that temporary differences or taxable profits will be available against which deductible temporary differences can be utilised.

Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)

6. Taxation (continued)

Such assets and liabilities are not recognised if the temporary difference, or net temporary difference in a transaction that gives rise to both taxable and deductible temporary differences, arising from the initial recognition (other than in a business combination) of assets and liabilities in a transaction that affects neither the taxable profit nor the accounting profit. Deferred tax liabilities are not recognised to the extent they arise from the initial recognition of non-tax deductible goodwill.

Deferred tax liabilities are recognised for taxable temporary differences arising on investments in subsidiaries and associates, and interests in joint arrangements, except where the Group is able to control the reversal of the temporary difference and it is probable that the temporary difference will not reverse in the foreseeable future.

The carrying amount of deferred tax assets is reviewed at each reporting period date and adjusted to reflect changes in the Group’s assessment that sufficient taxable profits will be available to allow all of the recognised asset to be recovered.

Deferred tax is calculated at the tax rates that are expected to apply in the periods when the liability is settled or the asset realised, based on tax rates that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the reporting period date.

Tax assets and liabilities are offset when there is a legally enforceable right to set off current tax assets against current tax liabilities and when they either relate to income taxes levied by the same taxation authority on either the same taxable entity or on different taxable entities which intend to settle the current tax assets and liabilities on a net basis.

Tax is charged or credited to the income statement, except when it relates to items charged or credited to other comprehensive income or directly to equity, in which case the tax is recognised in other comprehensive income or in equity.

Re-presented1

Re-presented1

Income tax expense

2024
€m

2023
€m

2022
€m

United Kingdom corporation tax expense:

 

  

 

  

 

  

Current year

 

70

 

4

 

22

Adjustments in respect of prior years

 

1

 

4

 

17

 

71

 

8

 

39

Overseas current tax expense/(credit):

 

 

 

Current year

 

670

 

924

 

975

Adjustments in respect of prior years

 

25

 

(26)

 

78

 

695

 

898

 

1,053

Total current tax expense

 

766

 

906

 

1,092

Deferred tax on origination and reversal of temporary differences:

 

 

 

United Kingdom deferred tax

 

(36)

 

(71)

 

(791)

Overseas deferred tax

 

(680)

 

(343)

 

1,260

Total deferred tax (credit)/expense

 

(716)

 

(414)

 

469

Total income tax expense

 

50

 

492

 

1,561

Note:

1

The results for the years ended 31 March 2023 and 31 March 2022 have been re-presented to reflect that the results of Vodafone Spain and Vodafone Italy are now reported as discontinued operations. See note 7 ‘Discontinued operations and assets held for sale’ for more information.

Tax (credited)/charged directly to other comprehensive income

Re-presented1

Re-presented1

2024

2023

2022

€m

€m

€m

Current tax

 

2

 

3

 

Deferred tax

 

(579)

 

305

 

638

Total tax (credited)/charged directly to other comprehensive income

 

(577)

 

308

 

638

Tax charged directly to equity

Re-presented1

Re-presented1

2024

2023

2022

€m

€m

€m

Deferred tax

 

4

 

7

 

Total tax charged directly to equity

 

4

 

7

 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)

6. Taxation (continued)

Factors affecting the tax expense for the year

The table below explains the differences between the expected tax expense, being the aggregate of the Group’s geographical split of profits multiplied by the relevant local tax rates and the Group’s total tax expense for each year.

Re-presented1

Re-presented1

2024

2023

2022

€m

€m

€m

Continuing profit before tax as shown in the consolidated income statement

 

1,620

 

13,074

 

4,149

Profit at weighted average statutory tax rate

 

363

 

2,787

 

1,298

Impairment loss with no tax effect

 

 

18

 

Disposal of Group investments2

 

174

 

(1,718)

 

(8)

Effect of taxation of associates and joint ventures, reported within profit before tax

 

23

 

(125)

 

(111)

Deferred tax (credit)/charge following revaluation of investments in Luxembourg

 

 

(393)

1,455

Previously unrecognised temporary differences and losses we expect to use in the future3

 

(1,021)

 

(16)

 

(708)

Previously recognised temporary differences and losses we no longer expect to use in the future

 

 

74

Current year temporary differences (including losses) that we currently do not expect to use

 

84

 

81

 

28

Adjustments in respect of prior year tax liabilities

 

89

 

(29)

 

10

Impact of tax credits and irrecoverable taxes

 

147

 

80

 

73

Deferred tax on overseas earnings

 

1

 

(6)

 

2

Effect of current year changes in statutory tax rates on deferred tax balances4

 

(19)

 

35

 

(667)

Financing costs and similar not deductible/(taxable) for tax purposes

214

(27)

46

Revaluation of assets for tax purposes in Turkey and Italy5

(65)

(338)

(84)

Expenses not deductible for tax purposes

 

60

 

143

 

153

Income tax expense

 

50

 

492

 

1,561

Notes:

1

The results for the years ended 31 March 2023 and 31 March 2022 have been re-presented to reflect that the results of Vodafone Spain and Vodafone Italy are now reported as discontinued operations. See note 7 ‘Discontinued operations and assets held for sale’ for more information.

2

The amount for 2024 includes 110 million of tax relating to income of the continuing Group presented in Discontinued Operations, €37 million in relation to the disposal of M-Pesa Holding Company Limited and €30 million in relation to the Vantage Towers disposal. The amount for 2023 relates to the disposal of Vantage Towers into a joint venture and the tax exempt disposals of Vodafone Hungary and Vodafone Ghana. See note 27 ‘Acquisitions and disposals’.

3

The amount in 2024 includes €1,019 million of additional losses recognised in Luxembourg (see below).

4

The amount for 2022 includes the increase in future UK tax rate to 25%.

5

The amounts for 2024 and 2023 relate to inflation adjustments in Turkey. The amount for 2022 relates to step up of assets for tax purposes in Italy and Turkey.

Deferred tax

Analysis of movements in the net deferred tax asset balance during the year:

2024

2023

    

€m

€m

1 April

 

18,545

18,569

Adjustment relating to assets Held for Sale

(422)

Foreign exchange movements

 

(32)

(59)

Credited to the income statement1

 

716

425

Charged directly to OCI

 

579

(304)

Charged directly to equity

 

(4)

(6)

Indexation of the opening balance in respect of hyperinflation accounting in Turkey

 

96

(191)

Arising on acquisitions and disposals

 

111

31 March

 

19,478

18,545

Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)

6. Taxation (continued)

Deferred tax assets and liabilities, before offset of balances within countries, are as follows:

    

Amount

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

Net

credited/

recognised

(expensed)

Gross

Gross

Less

deferred tax

in income

deferred

deferred tax

amounts

asset/

statement

tax asset

liability

unrecognised

(liability)

€m

€m

€m

€m

€m

Tangible assets

 

(176)

 

2,656

 

(1,174)

 

10

 

1,492

Intangible assets

 

354

 

367

 

(1,177)

 

11

 

(799)

Tax losses

 

455

 

32,830

 

 

(14,051)

 

18,779

Treasury related items

 

19

 

594

 

(138)

 

(569)

 

(113)

Temporary differences relating to revenue recognition

(61)

2

(677)

(675)

Temporary differences relating to leases

 

(16)

 

1,576

 

(1,354)

 

 

222

Other temporary differences

141

892

(306)

(14)

572

31 March 20242

 

716

 

38,917

 

(4,826)

 

(14,613)

 

19,478

Analysed in the balance sheet, after offset of balances within countries, as:

    

€m

Deferred tax asset

 

20,177

Deferred tax liability

 

(699)

31 March 20242

 

19,478

At 31 March 2023, deferred tax assets and liabilities, before offset of balances within countries, were as follows:

    

Amount

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

Net

credited/

recognised

(expensed)

Gross

Gross

Less 

deferred tax

in income

deferred

deferred tax

amounts

asset/

statement

tax asset

liability

unrecognised

(liability)

€m

€m

€m

€m

€m

Tangible assets

 

136

 

2,761

 

(1,426)

 

(47)

 

1,288

Intangible assets

 

324

 

630

 

(1,495)

 

15

 

(850)

Tax losses

 

(78)

 

28,035

 

 

(9,540)

 

18,495

Treasury related items

 

2

 

623

 

(717)

 

(588)

 

(682)

Temporary differences relating to revenue recognition

(40)

19

(705)

(686)

Temporary differences relating to leases

 

216

 

1,482

 

(1,054)

 

(30)

 

398

Other temporary differences

(135)

938

(296)

(60)

582

31 March 20232

 

425

 

34,488

 

(5,693)

 

(10,250)

 

18,545

At 31 March 2023, analysed in the balance sheet, after offset of balances within countries, as:

    

€m

Deferred tax asset

 

19,316

Deferred tax liability

 

(771)

31 March 20232

 

18,545

Notes:

111 million in the year ended 31 March 2023 is in relation to discontinued operations
2The Group does not discount deferred tax assets. This is in accordance with IAS 12.

Factors affecting the tax charge in future years

The Group’s future tax charge, and effective tax rate, could be affected by several factors including tax reform in countries around the world, including any arising from the OECD’s or European Commission’s work on the taxation of the digital economy and European Commission initiatives such as the Minimum Tax directive, Business in Europe: Framework for Income Taxation ‘BEFIT’ or as a consequence of state aid investigations, future corporate acquisitions and disposals, any restructuring of our businesses and the resolution of open tax issues (see below).

Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)

6. Taxation (continued)

The Group is routinely subject to audit by tax authorities in the territories in which it operates. The Group considers each issue on its merits and, where appropriate, holds provisions in respect of the potential tax liability that may arise. As at 31 March 2024, the Group holds provisions for such potential liabilities of 445 million (2023: €412 million). These provisions relate to multiple issues across the jurisdictions in which the Group operates.

As the tax impact of a transaction can be uncertain until a conclusion is reached with the relevant tax authority or through a legal process, the amount ultimately paid may differ materially from the amount accrued and could therefore affect the Group's overall profitability and cash flows in future periods. See note 29 ‘Contingent liabilities and legal proceedings’ to the consolidated financial statements.

The tables below present the gross amount and expiry dates of losses available for carry forward for the year ended 31 March 2024 and the comparative year ended 31 March 2023.

    

Expiring

    

Expiring

    

    

    

    

within

beyond

31 March 2024

5 years
€m

6 years
€m

Unlimited
€m

Total
€m

Losses for which a deferred tax asset is recognised

 

20

80,224

80,244

Losses for which no deferred tax is recognised

 

313

15,653

40,378

56,344

 

333

15,653

120,602

136,588

    

Expiring

    

Expiring

    

    

    

    

within

beyond

31 March 2023

5 years
€m

6 years
€m

Unlimited
€m

Total
€m

Losses for which a deferred tax asset is recognised

 

15

59

78,967

79,041

Losses for which no deferred tax is recognised

 

306

15,649

18,321

34,276

 

321

15,708

97,288

113,317

Deferred tax assets on losses in Luxembourg

Included in the table above are losses of €67,016 million (2023: €65,232 million) that have arisen in Luxembourg companies. A deferred tax asset of €16,714 million (2023: €16,269 million) has been recognised in respect of these losses, as we conclude it is probable that the Luxembourg entities will continue to generate taxable profits in the future against which we can utilise these losses. These tax losses principally arose from historical impairments, primarily following the acquisition of the Mannesmann Group in 2000. These losses also arose prior to the 2017 tax reform in Luxembourg and are available to carry forward indefinitely.

Losses incurred after the 2017 tax reform in Luxembourg, expire after 17 years and can only be used after any pre-existing losses on a first-in-first-out basis. The Luxembourg companies have €15,933 million (2023; €15,925 million) of post-2017 losses, which will fully expire in 16 years. No deferred tax asset is recognised for these post-2017 losses on the basis that they are not forecast to be used prior to the expiry of their 17 year life.

We also have €9,136 million (2023: €9,136 million) of Luxembourg losses in a former Cable & Wireless Worldwide Group company, for which no deferred tax asset has been recognised as it is uncertain whether these losses will be utilised.

In the year ended 31 March 2024, the Luxembourg companies recognised an additional €1,019 million deferred tax asset relating to losses arising pre-2017, as a result of favourable case law during the year. The Luxembourg companies utilised €2,393 million of their pre-2017 losses in the current year, representing €598 million of the deferred tax asset and 3.6% of the recognised deferred tax asset. The recognition of the €1,019 million additional deferred tax asset has a significant impact on reducing our total tax charge and effective tax rate for the year but is a deferred tax impact and has no immediate cash-tax impact.

Following restructuring in December 2022, which saw the Luxembourg companies dispose of their investments in the Group’s non-Luxembourg operating companies, the profits and losses in Luxembourg are no longer expected to be significantly impacted by changes in the value of the Luxembourg companies’ investments. The recovery of the deferred tax asset is expected to be driven by the recurring profits of the Luxembourg companies.

Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)

6. Taxation (continued)

These recurring profits are derived from the Group’s internal financing, centralised procurement, and international roaming activities. These activities have consistently generated taxable profits of over €1 billion per annum throughout their existence. The Group has reviewed the latest five-year forecasts for the Luxembourg companies, including their ability and the Group’s intention to continue to generate income beyond this period. The forecasts consider the impact of the current market conditions on the existing financing activities, including the current view of future interest rates, levels of intragroup financing, as well as the future profits generated from the procurement and roaming activities.

This assessment also included a review of the commercial structures supporting the profits generated from these activities and considered the factors, under the Group’s control, which could impact the ability of these activities to generate taxable profits. We have assessed that the current structure continues to be sustainable under the tax laws substantively enacted at the reporting period date and the Group’s intentions to keep these activities in Luxembourg remains unchanged.

Based on the current forecasts, €3,306 million (20%) (2023: €4,518 million) of the deferred tax asset is forecast to be used within the next 10 years, and €6,344 million (38%) (2023: €8,742 million) used within 20 years. The losses are projected to be fully utilised over the next 52 to 57 years (2023: 35 to 39 years).

The increase in the recovery period over the prior year is principally a result of lower forecast interest rates, driving margins down on existing financing activities, and lower internal financing income as the Group right-sizes its portfolio which includes the Group’s announcement of agreements to sell Vodafone Spain and Vodafone Italy (see note 7 ‘Discontinued operations and assets held for sale’). An increase or decrease in the forecast income in Luxembourg in each year of 5%-10% would change the period over which the losses will be fully utilised by 3 to 6 years either way. The Group uses different scenarios to forecast income to understand the impact that a change in interest rates or level of debt advanced by the Luxembourg companies could have on the recovery period of the losses.

The Group does not currently recognise deferred tax assets which are forecast to be used 60 years beyond the reporting period date.

Any future changes in tax law or the structure of the Group could have a significant effect on the use of the Luxembourg losses, including the period over which these losses can be utilised. On the basis that future changes in tax laws are unknown, the profit forecasts assume that existing tax laws continue.

Based on the above factors the Group concludes that it is probable that the Luxembourg companies will continue to generate taxable profits in the future against which it will use these losses.

Deferred tax assets in the UK

The Group has a recognised deferred tax asset in the UK totalling €2,485 million (2023: €1,809 million) which consists primarily of excess capital allowances, which can be claimed on a reducing balance basis. The net deferred tax asset has increased in 2024, primarily due to a 574 million reduction in an offsetting deferred tax liability in relation to mark-to-market movements on cash-flow hedging in Vodafone Group Plc. The UK tax group consists of the UK operating company along with Common Functions and Group Treasury. The Group has reviewed the latest forecasts for the UK business which incorporate the inherent risks of operating in the telecommunications business. In the period beyond the 5-year forecast we have reviewed the profits inherent in the terminal period and based on these and our expectations for the UK business we believe there should be sufficient taxable profits to utilise 90% of the deferred tax asset balance within 18 years, and 99% within 27 years.

The Group has losses amounting to €29,713 million (2023: €2,377 million) in respect of UK subsidiaries which are only available for offset against future capital gains and, due to the UK Substantial Shareholding Exemption rules, we do not believe it is probable we will utilise these losses such that no deferred tax asset has been recognised, as in the prior year.

The amount of capital losses grew significantly in 2024 as a result of the strike-off of a number of entities. The entities struck-off consisted of certain holding companies involved in historical M&A activities, such as Vodafone’s acquisition of the Mannesmann Group in 2000. The remaining losses relate to a number of other jurisdictions across the Group. There are also 2,941 million (2023: €2,443 million) of unrecognised temporary differences relating to treasury and other items.

Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)

6. Taxation (continued)

Deferred tax assets on losses in Germany

The Group has a recognised deferred tax assets of €2,029 million (2023: €2,021 million) in Germany in respect of losses arising primarily on the write down of investments in Germany in 2000. The losses relate to German corporate tax and trade tax liabilities and they do not expire. The Group concluded it is probable that the German business will generate sufficient taxable profits in the future against which we can utilise these losses. The Group has reviewed the latest five -year forecasts for the German business, and the inherent risks of operating in the telecommunications business. In the period beyond the 5-year forecast, the Group has also specifically taken into consideration the implications of the Growth Opportunities Act, substantively enacted in March 2024, which introduces new interest restriction rules applying to both corporate and trade tax, but also an increase in permitted loss utilisation against corporate tax. In combination, these two changes will increase taxable profits against accounting profits and increase loss utilisation. We expect to fully utilise the trade tax losses within 5-6 years, and corporate tax losses within 12-13 years.

Deferred tax assets in Italy

The Group has a deferred tax asset of €462 million (2023: €425 million), including €295 million (2023: €152 million) relating to tax losses in Italy, which is recognised as part of the held for sale assets and the value at the completion date will transfer with the business.

In assessing the recognition position for Italy, the Group has reviewed the latest forecasts for the Italian business which incorporate the unsystematic risks of operating in the telecommunications business. In the period beyond the 5-year forecast we have reviewed the profits inherent in the terminal period and based on these and our expectations for the Italian business we believe it is probable the Italian losses will be fully utilised.

Deferred tax assets in Spain

The Group recognises deferred tax assets in Spain up to the extent of deferred tax liabilities, with gross unrecognised losses of €5,504 million (2023: €5,130 million). The net €3 million deferred tax liability is recognised as part of the held for sale assets relating to Vodafone Spain and transferred out of the Group, along with the unrecognised tax losses, on completion of the sale of Vodafone Spain on 31 May 2024.

Impact of climate risks

The recovery of the Group’s deferred tax assets is dependent on its forecasts of future profitability and the climate related risks have been considered in the Group’s assessment of the recovery of those assets (see note 4 ‘Impairment losses’). The Group does not expect the climate related risks to have an impact on the ability of Luxembourg to continue to provide the internal financing, procurement, and roaming activities to other members of the Group.

Unremitted earnings

No deferred tax liability has been recognised in respect of a further €38,380 million (2023: €26,371 million) of unremitted earnings of subsidiaries because the Group is able to control the timing of the reversal of the temporary difference, and it is probable that such differences will not reverse in the foreseeable future. It is not practicable to estimate the amount of unrecognised deferred tax liabilities in respect of these unremitted earnings.

Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)

6. Taxation (continued)

Pillar Two - Global Minimum Tax

On 20 June 2023, the UK substantively enacted the Pillar Two global minimum tax model rules (the “Pillar Two” rules) of the OECD’s Inclusive Framework on Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (’BEPS’). The legislation took effect for financial years commencing on or after 1 January 2024, making it effective for the Vodafone Group from 1 April 2024. Under these rules, a top-up tax will arise where the effective tax rate of the Group’s operations in any individual jurisdiction, calculated using principles set out in the Pillar Two legislation, is below 15%. Any resulting tax would be payable by Vodafone Group Plc to the UK tax authority (HMRC) being the Group’s ultimate parent.

As a consequence of the Pillar Two rules, many national governments have enacted (or announced the imminent introduction of) domestic minimum tax rules that are closely aligned to the OECD’s Pillar Two model rules. Where such domestic minimum tax rules are in place, they should raise local tax obligations to the 15% minimum rate, thereby eliminating the top-up tax liability otherwise payable by Vodafone Group Plc under the UK’s Pillar Two rules. Vodafone monitors the implementation of such domestic minimum tax rules to ensure compliance with all filing obligations.

We have performed an assessment of the Group’s potential exposure to Pillar Two rules based on financial information for the years ended 31 March 2023 and 31 March 2024 and simulated the transitional Safe harbour tests set out by the OECD based on our Country-by-Country reporting data and our consolidated financial statements for 2021, 2022, 2023.

According to this assessment, Vodafone should meet one or more Safe harbour tests in the majority of the jurisdictions in which we operate. The Pillar Two effective tax rates in most of the jurisdictions in which the Group operates are above 15%. We estimate that the combined impact of countries implementing qualified domestic minimum top-up taxes and the income inclusion rule in the UK will result in an estimated €9-14 million additional tax per annum, which will not have a significant impact on the Group's Adjusted Effective Tax Rate (‘AETR’).

Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)

7. Discontinued operations and assets held for sale

The Group classifies certain of its assets that it expects to dispose as either discontinued operations or as held for sale.

The Group classifies non-current assets and assets and liabilities within disposal groups (‘assets’) as held for sale if the assets are available immediately for sale in their present condition, management is committed to a plan to sell the assets under usual terms, it is highly probable that their carrying amounts will be recovered principally through a sale transaction rather than through continuing use and the sale is expected to be completed within one year from the date of the initial classification.

Assets and liabilities classified as held for sale are presented separately as current items in the consolidated statement of financial position and are measured at the lower of their carrying amount and fair value less costs to sell. Property, plant and equipment and intangible assets are not depreciated or amortised once classified as held for sale. Similarly, equity accounting ceases for associates and joint ventures held for sale.

Where operations constitute a separately reportable segment (see note 2 ‘Revenue disaggregation and segmental analysis’) and have been disposed of, or are classified as held for sale, the Group classifies such operations as discontinued.

Discontinued operations are excluded from the results of continuing operations and are presented as a single amount as profit or loss after tax from discontinued operations in the Consolidated income statement. Discontinued operations are also excluded from segment reporting. All other notes to the Consolidated financial statements include amounts for continuing operations, unless indicated otherwise.

Transactions between the Group's continuing and discontinued operations are eliminated in full in the Consolidated income statement. To the extent that the Group considers that the commercial relationships with discontinued operations will continue post-disposal, transactions are reflected within continuing operations with an opposite charge or credit reflected within the results of discontinued operations resulting in a net nil impact on the Group’s Profit for the financial year for the years presented.

Discontinued operations

On 31 October 2023, the Group announced that it had entered into binding agreements with Zegona Communications plc (’Zegona’) in relation to the sale of 100% of Vodafone Holdings Europe, S.L.U. (‘Vodafone Spain’).

On 15 March 2024, the Group announced that it had entered into a binding agreement with Swisscom AG (‘Swisscom’) in relation to the sale of 100% of Vodafone Italia S.p.A. (’Vodafone Italy’). The expected completion of the disposal is in the first half of 2025.

Consequently, the results of Vodafone Spain and Vodafone Italy are reported as discontinued operations and the assets and liabilities of both are presented as held for sale in the consolidated statement of financial position.

On 31 May 2024, the Group announced it had completed the sale of Vodafone Spain. See note 33 ‘Subsequent events’.

A summary of the results of these discontinued operations is below.

2024

2023

2022

    

€m

€m

€m

(Loss)/profit for the financial year - Discontinued operations

 

Vodafone Spain

(5)

(340)

(352)

Vodafone Italy

 

(60)

93

537

Total

 

(65)

(247)

185

 

(Loss)/earnings per share - Discontinued operations

 

Basic

 

(0.24)

c

(0.89)

c

0.64

c

Diluted

 

(0.24)

c

(0.89)

c

0.63

c

Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)

7. Discontinued operations and assets held for sale (continued)

Segment analysis of discontinued operations

Vodafone Spain

The results of discontinued operations in Spain are detailed below.

2024

2023

2022

    

€m

€m

€m

Revenue

 

3,773

3,675

3,960

Cost of sales

(2,593)

(2,959)

(3,105)

Gross profit

 

1,180

716

855

Selling and distribution expenses

 

(259)

(314)

(328)

Administrative expenses

 

(435)

(575)

(772)

Net credit losses on financial assets

(120)

(35)

(115)

Other expense

(122)

Operating profit/(loss)

366

(330)

(360)

Investment income

29

16

2

Financing costs

(56)

(26)

(23)

Profit/(loss) before taxation

339

(340)

(381)

Income tax credit

1

29

Profit/(loss) after tax of discontinued operations

340

(340)

(352)

After tax loss on the re-measurement of disposal group

(345)

Loss for the financial year from discontinued operations

(5)

(340)

(352)

Total comprehensive expense for the financial year from discontinued operations

Attributable to owners of the parent

 

(5)

(340)

(352)

Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)

7. Discontinued operations and assets held for sale (continued)

On 31 May 2024, the Group announced it had completed the sale of Vodafone Holdings Europe, S.L.U. (‘Vodafone Spain’) to Zegona Communications plc (‘Zegona’) for €4.1 billion in cash (subject to closing accounts adjustments) and €0.9 billion in the form of Redeemable Preference Shares (‘RPS’). The RPS will be issued to Vodafone by a newly created entity, which will subscribe for new ordinary shares in Zegona for an amount, based on the issue price for Zegona's equity raise, that is equivalent to the amount of RPS being subscribed for by Vodafone. The RPS will be redeemed 6 years after completion, or earlier following a material liquidity event or exit for Zegona that releases funds to its shareholders. A proportion of the consideration is related to future services to be provided by the Group to Zegona. For the year ended 31 March 2024, the Group recorded a non-cash charge of 345 million (pre and post-tax), included in discontinued operations, as a result of the re-measurement of Vodafone Spain to its fair value less costs to sell. The charge mostly results from the non-recognition of 538 million (pre and post-tax) depreciation and amortisation of non-current assets from the date Vodafone Spain was classified as held for sale.

The fair value of the Group’s equity interest at 31 March 2024 was determined with reference to the consideration expected from the agreed sale to Zegona less adjustments for estimated completion adjustments, consideration for future services to be received by Zegona from the Group and the elimination of intercompany debt. This approach was considered to result in a level 2 valuation in accordance with IFRS 13 as certain estimated completion adjustments and the fair value of the non-cash consideration, are not observable.

Vodafone Italy

The results of discontinued operations in Italy are detailed below.

2024

2023

2022

    

€m

€m

€m

Revenue

 

4,579

4,722

4,944

Cost of sales

(3,438)

(3,532)

(3,521)

Gross profit

 

1,141

1,190

1,423

Selling and distribution expenses

 

(244)

(238)

(276)

Administrative expenses

 

(760)

(710)

(671)

Net credit losses on financial assets

(51)

(66)

(42)

Other expense

(1)

(1)

Operating profit

86

175

433

Investment income

1

Financing costs

(86)

(93)

(99)

Profit before taxation

82

335

Income tax credit

23

11

202

Profit after tax of discontinued operations

23

93

537

After tax loss on the re-measurement of disposal group

(83)

(Loss)/profit for the financial year from discontinued operations

(60)

93

537

Total comprehensive (expense)/income for the financial year from discontinued operations

Attributable to owners of the parent

 

(71)

80

537

The consideration for Vodafone Italy is comprised of €8 billion cash to be paid on completion. A proportion of the consideration is related to future services to be provided by the Group to Swisscom. For the year ended 31 March 2024, the Group recorded a non-cash charge of €83 million (pre and post-tax), included in discontinued operations, as a result of the re-measurement of Vodafone Italy to its fair value less costs to sell. The charge mostly results from the non-recognition of 93 million (€67 million net of tax) depreciation and amortisation of non-current assets from the date Vodafone Italy was classified as held for sale.

The fair value of the Group’s equity interest at 31 March 2024 was determined with reference to the consideration expected to be received from the agreed sale to Swisscom, less adjustments for estimated completion adjustments, consideration for future services to be received by Swisscom from the Group and the elimination of intercompany debt. This approach was considered to result in a level 2 valuation in accordance with IFRS 13 as, certain completion related adjustments and estimates of the value of the future services to be provided, are not observable.

Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)

7. Discontinued operations and assets held for sale (continued)

Assets held for sale

Assets and liabilities relating to Vodafone Spain and Vodafone Italy have been classified as held for sale in the consolidated statement of financial position at 31 March 2024. The relevant assets and liabilities are detailed in the table below.

Vodafone Spain

Vodafone Italy

Total

    

€m

    

€m

    

€m

Non-current assets

 

  

 

  

 

  

Goodwill

 

 

2,398

 

2,398

Other intangible assets

 

987

 

3,331

 

4,318

Property, plant and equipment

 

4,957

 

4,307

 

9,264

Other investments

2

2

Deferred tax assets

 

 

461

 

461

Trade and other receivables

 

223

 

167

 

390

 

6,169

 

10,664

 

16,833

Current assets

 

 

 

Inventory

 

39

 

134

 

173

Taxation recoverable

 

 

77

 

77

Trade and other receivables

 

805

 

1,117

 

1,922

Cash and cash equivalents

 

13

 

29

 

42

 

857

 

1,357

 

2,214

Assets held for sale

 

7,026

 

12,021

 

19,047

Non-current liabilities

 

 

 

Borrowings

878

1,509

2,387

Deferred tax liabilities

3

3

Post employment benefits

 

 

45

 

45

Provisions

 

158

 

115

 

273

Trade and other payables

 

43

 

120

 

163

 

1,082

 

1,789

 

2,871

Current liabilities

 

 

 

Borrowings

 

346

 

673

 

1,019

Taxation liabilities

12

12

Provisions

 

23

 

67

 

90

Trade and other payables

 

1,203

 

1,723

 

2,926

1,572

2,475

4,047

Liabilities held for sale

 

2,654

 

4,264

 

6,918

Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)

8. Earnings per share

Basic earnings per share is the amount of profit generated for the financial year attributable to equity shareholders divided by the weighted average number of shares in issue during the year.

    

2024
 Millions

    

2023
 Millions

    

2022
Millions

Weighted average number of shares for basic earnings per share

 

27,056

 

27,680

 

29,012

Effect of dilutive potential shares: restricted shares and share options

 

95

95

 

97

Weighted average number of shares for diluted earnings per share

 

27,151

 

27,775

 

29,109

    

    

Re-presented1

Re-presented1

2024

2023

2022

€m

€m

€m

Profit for earnings per share from continuing operations attributable to owners

 

1,205

 

12,085

 

2,052

(Loss)/profit for earnings per share from discontinued operations attributable to owners

 

(65)

 

(247)

 

185

Profit for basic and diluted earnings per share

 

1,140

 

11,838

 

2,237

Re-presented1

Re-presented1

2024

2023

2022

 

eurocents

 

eurocents

 

eurocents

Basic earnings per share from continuing operations

 

4.45

c

43.66

c

7.07

c

Basic (loss)/earnings per share from discontinued operations

 

(0.24)

c

(0.89)

c

0.64

c

Basic earnings per share

4.21

c

42.77

c

7.71

c

Re-presented1

Re-presented1

2024

2023

2022

eurocents

eurocents

eurocents

Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations

4.44

c

43.51

c

7.05

c

Diluted (loss)/earnings per share from discontinued operations

(0.24)

c

(0.89)

c

0.63

c

Diluted earnings per share

4.20

c

42.62

c

7.68

c

Note:

1The results for the years ended 31 March 2023 and 31 March 2022 have been re-presented to reflect that the results of Vodafone Spain and Vodafone Italy are now reported as discontinued operations. See note 7 ‘Discontinued operations and assets held for sale’ for more information.

9. Equity dividends

Dividends are one type of shareholder return, historically paid to our shareholders in February and August.

2024

2023

2022

€m

€m

€m

Declared during the financial year

 

  

 

  

 

  

Final dividend for the year ended 31 March 2023: 4.50 eurocents per share (2022: 4.50 eurocents per share, 2021: 4.50 eurocents per share)

 

1,215

 

1,265

 

1,254

Interim dividend for the year ended 31 March 2024: 4.50 eurocents per share (2023: 4.50 eurocents per share, 2022: 4.50 eurocents per share)

1,218

1,237

1,229

2,433

2,502

2,483

Proposed after the end of the year and not recognised as a liability

Final dividend for the year ended 31 March 2024: 4.50 eurocents per share (2023: 4.50 eurocents per share, 2022: 4.50 eurocents per share)

1,219

1,215

1,265

Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)

10. Intangible assets

The consolidated statement of financial position contains significant intangible assets, mainly in relation to goodwill and licences and spectrum. Goodwill, which arises when we acquire a business and pay a higher amount than the fair value of its net assets primarily due to the synergies we expect to create, is not amortised but is subject to annual impairment reviews. Licences and spectrum are amortised over the life of the licence. For further details see ‘Critical accounting judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty’ in note 1 ‘Basis of preparation ‘ to the consolidated financial statements.

Accounting policies

Identifiable intangible assets are recognised when the Group controls the asset, it is probable that future economic benefits attributed to the asset will flow to the Group and the cost of the asset can be reliably measured. Identifiable intangible assets are recognised at fair value when the Group completes a business combination. The determination of the fair values of the separately identified intangibles, is based, to a considerable extent, on management’s judgement.

Goodwill

Goodwill arising on the acquisition of an entity represents the excess of the cost of acquisition over the Group’s interest in the net fair value of the identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities of the entity recognised at the date of acquisition.

Goodwill is initially recognised as an asset at cost and is subsequently measured at cost less any accumulated impairment losses. Goodwill is not subject to amortisation but is tested for impairment annually or whenever there is evidence that it may be impaired. Goodwill is denominated in the currency of the acquired entity and revalued to the closing exchange rate at each reporting period date.

Negative goodwill arising on an acquisition is recognised directly in the consolidated income statement.

On disposal of a subsidiary or a joint arrangement, the attributable amount of goodwill is included in the determination of the profit or loss recognised in the consolidated income statement on disposal.

Finite lived intangible assets

Intangible assets with finite lives are stated at acquisition or development cost, less accumulated amortisation. The amortisation period and method is reviewed at least annually. Changes in the expected useful life or the expected pattern of consumption of future economic benefits embodied in the asset are accounted for by changing the amortisation period or method, as appropriate, and are treated as changes in accounting estimates.

Licence and spectrum fees

Amortisation periods for licence and spectrum fees are determined primarily by reference to the unexpired licence period, the conditions for licence renewal and whether licences are dependent on specific technologies. Amortisation is charged to the consolidated income statement on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives from the commencement of related network services.

Software

Computer software comprises software purchased from third parties as well as the cost of internally developed software. Computer software licences are capitalised on the basis of the costs incurred to acquire and bring into use the specific software. Costs that are directly associated with the production of identifiable and unique software products controlled by the Group, and are probable of producing future economic benefits, are recognised as intangible assets. Direct costs of software development include employee costs and directly attributable overheads.

Software integral to an item of hardware equipment is classified as property, plant and equipment.

Costs associated with maintaining software programs are recognised as an expense when they are incurred.

Amortisation is charged to the consolidated income statement on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life from the date the software is available for use.

Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)

10. Intangible assets (continued)

Other intangible assets

Other intangible assets, including brands and customer bases, are recorded at fair value at the date of acquisition. Amortisation is charged to the consolidated income statement, over the estimated useful lives of intangible assets from the date they are available for use, on a straight-line basis. The amortisation basis adopted for each class of intangible asset reflects the Group’s consumption of the economic benefit from that asset.

Estimated useful lives

The estimated useful lives of finite lived intangible assets are as follows:

Licence and spectrum fees

  

340 years

Software

310 years

Brands

130 years

Customer bases

237 years

    

    

Licence and

    

Computer

    

Customer

    

    

Goodwill

spectrum fees

software

bases

Other

Total

€m

€m

€m

€m

€m

€m

Cost

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

1 April 2022

 

100,897

 

35,025

 

18,121

12,552

 

550

 

167,145

Exchange movements

 

(783)

 

(1,270)

 

(504)

(240)

 

(53)

 

(2,850)

Disposal of subsidiaries

(3,939)

(443)

(348)

(458)

(4)

(5,192)

Additions

 

 

439

 

2,804

 

7

 

3,250

Disposals

 

 

(2)

 

(1,831)

 

(1)

 

(1,834)

Hyperinflation impacts

 

729

 

557

 

232

51

 

40

 

1,609

31 March 2023

 

96,904

 

34,306

 

18,474

11,905

 

539

 

162,128

Exchange movements

(1,042)

(435)

(414)

(130)

(60)

(2,081)

Additions

283

2,615

17

2,915

Disposals

(986)

(989)

(2)

(1,977)

Transfer of assets held for resale

(19,498)

(6,258)

(2,600)

(2,517)

(57)

(30,930)

Hyperinflation impacts

888

382

348

62

49

1,729

31 March 2024

77,252

27,292

17,434

9,320

486

131,784

Accumulated impairment losses and amortisation

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

  

1 April 2022

 

69,013

 

23,792

 

12,257

8,013

 

538

 

113,613

Exchange movements

(414)

(846)

(351)

(231)

(50)

(1,892)

Disposal of subsidiaries

 

(39)

 

(147)

(180)

(80)

(2)

(448)

Charge for the year1

1,133

2,343

554

1

4,031

Disposals

 

 

(2)

(1,814)

(1)

(1,817)

Hyperinflation impacts

 

729

 

407

207

51

40

1,434

31 March 2023

 

69,289

 

24,337

12,462

8,307

526

114,921

Exchange movements

(897)

(144)

(324)

(120)

(56)

(1,541)

Charge for the year1

1,031

2,484

606

1

4,122

Disposals

(985)

(951)

(1,936)

Transfer of assets held for resale

(16,984)

(2,704)

(1,871)

(2,517)

(57)

(24,133)

Hyperinflation impacts

888

196

304

62

49

1,499

31 March 2024

52,296

21,731

12,104

6,338

463

92,932

Net book value

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

31 March 2023

 

27,615

 

9,969

 

6,012

3,598

 

13

 

47,207

31 March 2024

24,956

5,561

5,330

2,982

23

38,852

Note:

1

Included in the charge for the year ended 31 March 2024 is 607 million (2023: 651 million) in respect of Vodafone Italy and Vodafone Spain, which are now reported as discontinued operations. See note 7 ‘Discontinued operations and assets held for sale’ for more information.

For licences and spectrum fees and other intangible assets, amortisation is included within the cost of sales line within the consolidated income statement. Included in the net book value of computer software are assets in the course of construction, which are not depreciated, with a cost of €1,200 million (2023: €1,451 million).

Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)

10. Intangible assets (continued)

The net book value and expiry dates of the most significant licences are as follows:

    

    

2024

    

2023

Expiry dates

€m

€m

Germany

 

2025-2040

 

2,686

 

2,979

UK

 

2033-2041

 

989

 

1,055

Vodacom

 

2024-2042

 

687

 

774

Italy

 

2029-2037

 

 

3,123

Spain

2028-2061

758

The remaining amortisation period for each of the licences in the table above corresponds to the expiry date of the respective licence. A summary of the Group’s most significant spectrum licences can be found on page 260.

11. Property, plant and equipment

The Group makes significant investments in network equipment and infrastructure – the base stations and technology required to operate our networks – that form the majority of our tangible assets. All assets are depreciated over their useful economic lives. For further details on the estimation of useful economic lives, see ‘Critical accounting judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty’ in note 1 ‘Basis of preparation ‘to the consolidated financial statements.

Accounting policies

Land and buildings held for use are stated in the consolidated statement of financial position at their cost, less any accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses.

Amounts for equipment, fixtures and fittings, which includes network infrastructure assets are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses.

Assets in the course of construction are carried at cost, less any recognised impairment losses. Depreciation of these assets commences when the assets are ready for their intended use.

The cost of property, plant and equipment includes directly attributable incremental costs incurred in their acquisition and installation. Depreciation is charged so as to write off the cost of assets, other than land, using the straight-line method, over their estimated useful lives, as follows:

Land and buildings

Freehold buildings

  

25 - 50 years

Leasehold premises

the term of the lease

Equipment, fixtures and fittings

Network infrastructure and other

  

1 - 35 years

Depreciation is not provided on freehold land.

Right-of-use assets arising from the Group’s lease arrangements are depreciated over their reasonably certain lease term, as determined under the Group’s leases policy (see note 20 ‘Leases’ and ‘Critical accounting judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty’ in note 1 'Basis of preparation' for details).

Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)

11. Property, plant and equipment (continued)

The gain or loss arising on the disposal, retirement or granting of a finance lease on an item of property, plant and equipment is determined as the difference between any proceeds from sale or receivables arising on a lease and the carrying amount of the asset and is recognised in the consolidated income statement.

    

    

Equipment,

    

Land and

fixtures

buildings

and fittings

Total

€m

€m

€m

Cost

 

  

 

  

 

  

1 April 2022

 

2,361

 

81,096

 

83,457

Exchange movements

 

(81)

(2,648)

(2,729)

Disposal of subsidiaries

 

(69)

(7,210)

(7,279)

Additions

 

49

5,805

5,854

Disposals

 

(253)

(3,724)

(3,977)

Hyperinflation impacts

 

7

1,040

1,047

Other

 

(17)

101

84

31 March 2023

 

1,997

74,460

76,457

Exchange movements

(31)

(1,878)

(1,909)

Additions

34

4,753

4,787

Disposals

(15)

(2,070)

(2,085)

Transfer of assets held for resale

(439)

(18,530)

(18,969)

Hyperinflation impacts

9

1,376

1,385

Other

2

90

92

31 March 2024

1,557

58,201

59,758

Accumulated depreciation and impairment

 

  

 

  

 

1 April 2022

 

1,372

 

52,941

 

54,313

Exchange movements

 

(28)

 

(1,694)

 

(1,722)

Disposal of subsidiaries

 

(18)

 

(4,543)

 

(4,561)

Charge for the year1

 

83

 

5,544

 

5,627

Disposals

(170)

(3,672)

(3,842)

Hyperinflation impacts

 

1

 

747

 

748

31 March 2023

 

1,240

 

49,323

 

50,563

Exchange movements

(7)

(1,258)

(1,265)

Charge for the year1

56

4,814

4,870

Disposals

(15)

(2,039)

(2,054)

Transfer of assets held for resale

(287)

(12,507)

(12,794)

Hyperinflation impacts

2

1,037

1,039

31 March 2024

989

39,370

40,359

Net book value

 

  

 

  

 

  

31 March 2023

 

757

 

25,137

 

25,894

31 March 2024

568

18,831

19,399

Note:

1

Included in the charge for the year ended 31 March 2024 was 988 million (2023: 1,485 million) in respect of Vodafone Italy and Vodafone Spain, which are now reported as discontinued operations. See note 7 ‘Discontinued operations and assets held for sale’ for more information.

Included in the net book value of land and buildings and equipment, fixtures and fittings are assets in the course of construction, which are not depreciated, with a cost of €4 million (2023: €10 million) and €1,401 million (2023: €1,988 million) respectively. Also included in the book value of equipment, fixtures and fittings are assets leased out by the Group under operating leases, with a cost of €1,623 million (2023: €2,170 million), accumulated depreciation of €1,040 million (2023: €1,393 million) and net book value of €583 million (2023: €777 million).

Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)

11. Property, plant and equipment (continued)

Right-of-use assets arising from the Group’s lease arrangements are recorded within property, plant and equipment:

    

2024

    

2023

€m

€m

Property, plant and equipment (owned assets)

 

19,399

 

25,894

Right-of-use assets

 

9,100

 

12,098

31 March

 

28,499

 

37,992

Additions of €4,173 million (2023: €7,387 million) and a depreciation charge of €4,108 million (2023: €3,960 million) were recorded in respect of right-of-use assets during the year ended 31 March 2024. Included in the depreciation charge for the year ended 31 March 2024 was €1,091 million (2023: €1,227 million) in respect of Vodafone Italy and Vodafone Spain, which are now reported as discontinued operations. See note 7 ‘Discontinued operations and assets held for sale’.

12. Investments in associates and joint arrangements

The Group holds interests in associates in Kenya and in India, where we have significant influence, as well as in a number of joint arrangements, notably in the Netherlands, India, Australia and Oak Holdings 1 GmbH and its markets, where we share control with one or more third parties. For further details see ‘Critical accounting judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty’ in note 1 ‘Basis of preparation’ to the consolidated financial statements.

Accounting policies

Interests in joint arrangements

A joint arrangement is a contractual arrangement whereby the Group and other parties undertake an economic activity that is subject to joint control; that is, when the relevant activities that significantly affect the investee’s returns require the unanimous consent of the parties sharing control. Joint arrangements are either joint operations or joint ventures.

Gains or losses resulting from the contribution or sale of a subsidiary as part of the formation of a joint arrangement are recognised in respect of the Group’s entire equity holding in the subsidiary.

Joint operations

A joint operation is a joint arrangement whereby the parties that have joint control have the rights to the assets, and obligations for the liabilities, relating to the arrangement or that other facts and circumstances indicate that this is the case. The Group’s share of assets, liabilities, revenue, expenses and cash flows are combined with the equivalent items in the consolidated financial statements on a line-by-line basis.

Any goodwill arising on the acquisition of the Group’s interest in a joint operation is accounted for in accordance with the Group’s accounting policy for goodwill arising on the acquisition of a subsidiary.

Joint ventures

A joint venture is a joint arrangement whereby the parties that have joint control have the rights to the net assets of the arrangement.

At the date of acquisition, any excess of the cost of acquisition over the Group’s share of the net fair value of the identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities of the joint venture is recognised as goodwill. The goodwill is included within the carrying amount of the investment.

The results and assets and liabilities of joint ventures, other than those joint ventures or part thereof that are held for sale (see note 7 ‘Discontinued operations and assets held for sale’), are incorporated in the consolidated financial statements using the equity method of accounting. Under the equity method, investments in joint ventures are carried in the consolidated statement of financial position at cost adjusted for post-acquisition changes in the Group’s share of the net assets of the joint venture, less any impairment in the value of the investment. The Group’s share of post-tax profits or losses are recognised in the consolidated income statement. Losses of a joint venture in excess of the Group’s interest in that joint venture are recognised only to the extent that the Group has incurred legal or constructive obligations or made payments on behalf of the joint venture.

Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)

12. Investments in associates and joint arrangements (continued)

Associates

An associate is an entity over which the Group has significant influence and that is neither a subsidiary nor an interest in a joint arrangement.

Significant influence is the power to participate in the financial and operating policy decisions of the investee but where the Group does not have control or joint control over those policies.

At the date of acquisition, any excess of the cost of acquisition over the Group’s share of the net fair value of the identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities of the associate is recognised as goodwill. The goodwill is included within the carrying amount of the investment.

The results and assets and liabilities of associates are incorporated in the consolidated financial statements using the same equity method of accounting used for joint ventures, described above.

Joint operations

In the prior year, on 22 March 2023, the Group completed the disposal of its principal joint operation (Cornerstone Telecommunications Infrastructure Limited) as part of the transaction with Oak Holdings 1 GmbH.

Joint ventures and associates

2024

2023

€m

€m

Investments in joint ventures

 

8,203

 

9,578

Investments in associates

 

1,829

 

1,501

31 March

 

10,032

 

11,079

Joint ventures

The financial and operating activities of the Group’s joint ventures are jointly controlled by the participating shareholders. The participating shareholders have rights to the net assets of the joint ventures through their equity shareholdings. Unless otherwise stated, the Group's principal joint ventures all have share capital consisting solely of ordinary shares and are all indirectly held. The country of incorporation or registration of all joint ventures is also their principal place of operation.

    

    

Country of

    

Percentage

    

Percentage

incorporation or

shareholdings1

shareholdings1

Name of joint venture

Principal activity

registration

2024

2023

Oak Holdings 1 GmbH

Network infrastructure

Germany

60.3

64.2

VodafoneZiggo Group Holding B.V.

 

Network operator

 

Netherlands

50.0

 

50.0

OXG Glasfaser Beteiligungs GmbH

Fibre infrastructure

Germany

50.0

50.0

Vodafone Idea Limited2

Network operator

India

31.4

32.3

TPG Telecom Limited3

Network operator

Australia

25.1

25.1

Notes:

1Effective ownership percentages of Vodafone Group Plc rounded to the nearest tenth of one percent.
2At 31 March 2024 the fair value of the Group’s interest in Vodafone Idea Limited was INR 208 billion (2,313 million) (2023: INR 91 billion (1,021 million)) based on the quoted share price on the National Stock Exchange of India.
3At 31 March 2024 the fair value of the Group’s interest in TPG Telecom Limited was AUD 2,101 million (1,269 million) (2023: AUD 2,273 million (1,401 million)) based on the quoted share price on ASX.

Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)

12. Investments in associates and joint arrangements (continued)

Oak Holdings 1 GmbH

In March 2023, the Group completed the disposal of its interest in Vantage Towers A.G. to Oak Holdings 1 GmbH, the co-controlled partnership of Vodafone, GIP and KKR. Vodafone retained an interest of 64.2% in Oak Holdings 1 GmbH. On 18 July 2023, the Group completed the sale of 3.9% of Oak Holdings 1 GmbH for cash consideration of €500 million, reducing its interest to 60.3%.

OXG Glasfaser Beteiligungs GmbH

In March 2023, the Group entered into an agreement with Altice Luxembourg S.A. to create a joint venture, OXG Glasfaser Beteiligungs GmbH (‘OXG’), with 50.0% shareholding held by each shareholder. Each shareholder is committed to contribute funding of up to €950 million to OXG for the deployment of fibre-to-the-home in Germany. During the year ended 31 March 2024, the Group provided 32 million of capital contributions to OXG. The remaining funding commitment of €918 million is expected to be contributed between 2024 and 2029. The amount and timing of the funding depends on the speed and size of the fibre deployment. The contribution can be in the form of free capital reserves, shareholder loan, loan notes or similar instruments as agreed by the shareholders.

Vodafone Idea Limited

The Group’s carrying value in Vodafone Idea Limited (‘VIL’) reduced to €nil at 30 September 2019. The Group’s share of VIL’s losses not recognised at 31 March 2024 is €4,540 million (2023: €3,717 million).

The value of the Group’s 21.0% shareholding in Indus Towers Limited is, in part, dependent on the income generated by Indus Towers Limited from tower rentals to major customers, including VIL. Any inability of these major customers to pay such amounts in the future may impact the carrying value of €1,104 million at 31 March 2024 (2023: €908 million) of the Group’s investment in Indus Towers Limited.

VIL has undertaken equity fund - raisings totalling €2.2 billion since 31 March 2024, reducing the Group's shareholding to 23.2%.

TPG Telecom Limited

TPG Telecom Limited is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (‘ASX’). Vodafone and Hutchison Telecommunications (Australia) Limited each own an economic interest of 25.05%, with the remaining 49.9% listed as free float on the ASX. The financial information presented in the tables below includes debt held within the structure that holds the Group’s interest in TPG.

Dividends received from joint ventures

During the year ended 31 March 2024, the Group received dividends included in the consolidated statement of cash flows from VodafoneZiggo Group Holding B.V. of €100 million (2023: €165 million, 2022: €350 million), TPG Telecom Limited of €23 million (2023: €24 million, 2022: €22 million) and Oak Holdings 1 GmbH of €196 million (2023: €nil, 2022: €nil).

Aggregated financial information

The table below provides aggregated financial information for the Group’s joint ventures as it relates to the amounts recognised in the consolidated income statement and consolidated statement of financial position.

Investment in joint ventures

(Loss)/profit for the financial year1

2024

2023

2024

2023

2022

    

€m

    

€m

    

€m

    

€m

    

€m

Oak Holdings 1 GmbH

 

7,620

 

8,634

 

(85)

 

 

VodafoneZiggo Group Holding B.V.

516

793

(177)

137

(19)

TPG Telecom Limited

(2)

108

(74)

48

(5)

INWIT S.p.A.

 

 

 

 

30

 

27

Other

 

69

 

43

 

(43)

 

(15)

 

(14)

Total

 

8,203

 

9,578

 

(379)

 

200

 

(11)

Note:

1

Total Other comprehensive (expense)/income is not materially different to (loss)/profit for the financial year.

Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)

12. Investments in associates and joint arrangements (continued)

Summarised financial information

Summarised financial information for each of the Group’s material joint ventures on a 100% ownership basis is set out below and overleaf.

As disclosed above, the Group’s investment in VIL was reduced to €nil in the year ended 31 March 2020 and the Group has not recorded any profit or loss in respect of its share of VIL’s results since that date.

Financial information is presented for TPG Telecom Limited (‘TPG’) for the year to, and as at 31 December 2023 on the basis that full-year information in relation to TPG has not been released at the date of approval of these consolidated financial statements and as such is market sensitive for TPG.

Financial information presented for INWIT S.p.A. for the years to 31 March 2023 and 31 March 2022 is based on the financial results and financial position as at 31 December 2022 and 31 December 2021, respectively, being the latest financial information available to the Group when completing the consolidated financial statements for each year.

Oak Holdings 1 GmbH

    

VodafoneZiggo Group Holding B.V.

2024

2023

2022

2024

2023

2022

€m

€m

€m

€m

€m

€m

Income statement

Revenue

 

1,166

 

4,128

 

4,063

 

4,056

Operating expenses

(130)

(2,195)

(2,124)

(2,104)

Depreciation and amortisation

 

(868)

 

(1,555)

 

(1,527)

 

(1,592)

Other income

5

Operating profit

173

378

412

360

Interest income

 

5

 

 

 

Interest expense

 

(455)

 

(809)

 

11

 

(276)

Loss/(profit) before tax

(277)

(431)

423

84

Income tax credit/(expense)

 

132

 

77

 

(150)

 

(121)

(Loss)/profit for the financial year1

 

(145)

 

(354)

 

273

 

(37)

Vodafone Idea Limited

TPG Telecom Limited

    

2024

2023

2022

    

2024

    

2023

2022

€m

€m

€m

€m

€m

€m

Income statement

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Revenue

 

4,749

5,046

4,450

 

3,371

 

3,027

 

3,375

Operating expenses

 

(3,066)

(3,280)

(2,802)

 

(2,238)

 

(1,870)

 

(2,292)

Depreciation and amortisation

 

(2,178)

(2,396)

(2,390)

 

(891)

 

(700)

 

(914)

Other expense

 

83

(34)

 

 

 

Operating profit

 

(412)

(630)

(776)

 

242

 

457

 

169

Interest income

 

7

9

14

 

 

 

Interest expense

 

(2,718)

(2,567)

(2,297)

 

(368)

 

(172)

 

(122)

(Loss)/profit before tax

 

(3,123)

(3,188)

(3,059)

 

(126)

 

285

 

47

Income tax (expense)/credit

(95)

2

(8)

(25)

(27)

(Loss)/profit for the financial year1

 

(3,218)

(3,188)

(3,057)

 

(134)

 

260

20

Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)

12. Investments in associates and joint arrangements (continued)

INWIT S.p.A.

    

2024

    

2023

2022

€m

€m

€m

Income statement

 

  

 

  

 

  

Revenue

 

 

853

 

785

Operating expenses

 

 

(73)

 

(70)

Depreciation and amortisation

 

 

(508)

 

(513)

Operating profit

 

 

272

 

202

Interest expense

 

 

(81)

 

(90)

Profit before tax

 

 

191

 

112

Income tax expense

 

 

(1)

 

(30)

Profit for the financial year1

 

 

190

82

Note:

1Total Other comprehensive income/(expense) is not materially different to profit/(loss) for the financial year.

    

Oak Holdings 1 GmbH

    

VodafoneZiggo Group Holding B.V.

2024

2023

2024

2023

€m

€m

€m

€m

Statement of financial position

 

  

 

 

  

 

  

Non-current assets

 

24,015

 

23,878

 

15,753

 

16,570

Current assets

 

746

 

749

 

884

 

719

Total assets

 

24,761

 

24,627

 

16,637

 

17,289

Equity shareholders’ funds

 

12,630

 

13,450

 

1,033

 

1,586

Non-controlling interests

1,262

Non-current liabilities

 

9,386

 

6,709

 

13,145

 

13,299

Current liabilities

 

2,745

 

3,206

 

2,459

 

2,404

Cash and cash equivalents within current assets

 

267

 

224

 

61

 

20

Non-current liabilities excluding trade and other payables and provisions

 

8,751

 

6,215

 

12,995

 

13,138

Current liabilities excluding trade and other payables and provisions

 

502

 

2,409

 

1,171

 

1,247

    

Vodafone Idea Limited1

    

TPG Telecom Limited

2024

2023

2024

2023

€m

€m

€m

€m

Statement of financial position

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Non-current assets

 

16,251

 

18,162

 

9,663

 

9,823

Current assets

 

1,654

 

2,174

 

900

 

1,009

Total assets

 

17,905

 

20,336

 

10,563

 

10,832

Equity shareholders’ (deficit)/funds

 

(13,710)

 

(10,760)

 

2,606

 

3,019

Non-current liabilities

 

25,855

 

24,730

 

6,789

 

6,702

Current liabilities

 

5,760

 

6,366

 

1,168

 

1,111

Cash and cash equivalents within current assets

 

60

 

96

 

192

 

290

Non-current liabilities excluding trade and other payables and provisions

 

25,837

 

24,707

 

6,704

 

6,595

Current liabilities excluding trade and other payables and provisions

 

2,044

 

2,699

 

102

 

86

Note:

1Includes certain amounts subject to an adjustment mechanism agreed as part of the formation of Vodafone Idea Limited. See note 29 ‘Contingent liabilities and legal proceedings’.

Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)

12. Investments in associates and joint arrangements (continued)

The reconciliation of summarised financial information presented to the carrying amount of our interest in joint ventures is set out below.

Oak Holdings 1 GmbH

VodafoneZiggo Group Holding B.V.

    

2024

    

2023

    

2024

    

2023

    

2022

€m

€m

€m

€m

€m

Equity shareholders’ funds

 

12,630

 

13,450

 

1,033

 

1,586

 

Interest in joint ventures1

 

7,620

 

8,634

 

516

 

793

 

Carrying value

7,620

8,634

516

793

(Loss)/profit for the financial year

(145)

(354)

273

(37)

Share of (loss)/profit1

 

(85)

 

 

(177)

 

137

 

(19)

Vodafone Idea Limited

TPG Telecom Limited

2024

2023

2022

2024

2023

2022

    

€m

    

€m

    

€m

    

€m

    

€m

    

€m

Equity shareholders’ (deficit)/funds

 

(13,710)

 

(10,760)

 

 

2,606

 

3,019

 

Interest in joint ventures1

 

(4,300)

(3,475)

 

(53)

56

Impairment

 

(240)

(242)

 

Goodwill

 

 

51

52

Investment proportion not recognised

 

4,540

3,717

 

Carrying value

 

 

 

 

(2)

 

108

 

(Loss)/profit for the financial year

 

(3,218)

(3,188)

(3,057)

 

(134)

260

20

Share of (loss)/profit1

(1,009)

(1,030)

(1,357)

(74)

48

(5)

Share of loss not recognised

 

1,009

1,030

1,357

 

Share of (loss)/profit1

 

 

(74)

48

(5)

INWIT S.p.A.

2024

2023

2022

€m

€m

€m

Equity shareholders’ funds

    

    

    

Interest in joint ventures

 

 

 

Carrying value

 

 

 

Profit for the financial year

 

 

190

 

82

Share of profit

 

 

63

 

27

Share of profit not recognised as held for sale

 

 

(33)

 

Share of profit

 

 

30

 

27

Note:

1The Group’s effective ownership percentages of Oak Holdings 1 GmbH, VodafoneZiggo Group Holding B.V., Vodafone Idea Limited and TPG Telecom Limited are 60.3%, 50.0%, 31.4% and 25.1%, respectively, rounded to the nearest tenth of one percent.

Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)

12. Investments in associates and joint arrangements (continued)

Associates

Unless otherwise stated, the Group's principal associates all have share capital consisting solely of ordinary shares and are all indirectly held. The country of incorporation or registration of all associates is also their principal place of operation.

    

    

Country of

    

Percentage

 

Percentage

incorporation or

shareholding1

 

shareholding1

Name of associate

Principal activity

registration

2024

 

2023

Safaricom PLC2

Network operator

Kenya

39.9

39.9

Indus Towers Limited3

 

Network infrastructure

 

India

 

21.0

21.0

Notes:

1Effective ownership percentages of Vodafone Group Plc rounded to the nearest tenth of one percent.
2At 31 March 2024, the fair value of the Group’s interest in Safaricom PLC was KES 284 billion (1,996 million) (2023: KES 290 billion (2,012 million)) based on the closing quoted share price on the Nairobi Stock Exchange.
3At 31 March 2024, the fair value of the Group’s interest in Indus Towers Limited was INR 165 billion (1,833 million) (2023: INR 81 billion (908 million)) based on the closing quoted share price on the National Stock Exchange of India.

Aggregated financial information

The table below provides aggregated financial information for the Group’s associates as it relates to the amounts recognised in the consolidated income statement and consolidated statement of financial position.

Investment in associates

Profit/(loss) for the financial year

2024

2023

2024

2023

2022

€m

€m

€m

€m

€m

Safaricom PLC1

627

509

159

195

217

Indus Towers Limited

1,104

908

140

50

178

Other

98

84

(16)

(12)

5

Total

 

1,829

 

1,501

 

283

233

400

Note:

1

Other comprehensive income includes profit for the financial year, together with 76 million (2023: 127 million) in respect of the application of IAS 29 to Safaricom’s operations in Ethiopia.

Dividends from associates

During the year ended 31 March 2024, the Group received dividends included in the consolidated statement of cash flows from Safaricom PLC of €122 million (2023: €250 million, 2022: €170 million) and from Indus Towers Limited of €nil (2023: €75 million, 2022: €nil).

Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)

12. Investments in associates and joint arrangements (continued)

Summarised financial information

Summarised financial information for each of the Group’s material associates on a 100% ownership basis is set out below.

Safaricom PLC

Indus Towers Limited

2024

2023

2022

2024

2023

2022

€m

€m

€m

€m

€m

€m

Income statement

Revenue

    

2,210

    

2,468

    

2,318

    

3,185

    

3,343

    

3,122

Operating expenses

 

(1,189)

 

(1,353)

 

(1,164)

 

(1,598)

 

(2,240)

 

(1,480)

Depreciation and amortisation

 

(523)

 

(432)

 

(309)

 

(637)

 

(588)

 

(598)

Other income

 

142

 

68

 

 

 

 

Operating profit

 

640

 

751

 

845

 

950

 

515

 

1,044

Interest income

 

16

 

13

 

9

 

126

 

26

 

Interest expense

 

(121)

 

(69)

 

(59)

 

(218)

 

(200)

 

(140)

Profit before tax

 

535

 

695

 

795

 

858

 

341

 

904

Income tax expense

 

(266)

 

(285)

 

(270)

 

(192)

 

(102)

 

(272)

Profit for the financial year and total comprehensive income

269

410

525

666

239

632

Attributable to:

- Owners of the parent

399

489

542

666

239

632

- Non-controlling interests

 

(130)

 

(79)

 

(17)

 

 

 

Statement of financial position

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Non-current assets

 

3,901

 

3,007

 

  

 

6,082

 

5,243

 

  

Current assets

 

578

 

436

 

  

 

1,230

 

1,081

 

  

Total assets

 

4,479

 

3,443

 

  

 

7,312

 

6,324

 

  

Equity shareholders' funds

 

1,566

 

1,269

 

  

 

4,086

 

3,453

 

  

Non-controlling interests

767

532

Non-current liabilities

 

968

 

753

 

  

 

2,098

 

1,954

 

  

Current liabilities

 

1,178

 

889

 

  

 

1,128

 

917

 

  

Cash and cash equivalents within current assets

 

163

 

127

 

  

 

7

 

3

 

  

Non-current liabilities excluding trade and other payables and provisions

 

784

 

500

 

  

 

1,716

 

1,665

 

  

Current liabilities excluding trade and other payables and provisions

 

349

 

322

 

  

 

583

 

491

 

  

The reconciliation of summarised financial information presented to the carrying amount of our interest in the associate is set out below.

Safaricom PLC

Indus Towers Limited

2024

2023

2022

2024

2023

2022

€m

€m

€m

€m

€m

€m

Equity shareholders' funds

    

1,566

    

1,269

    

  

    

4,086

    

3,453

    

  

Interest in associates1

 

625

 

507

 

  

 

860

 

727

 

  

Goodwill

 

2

 

2

 

  

 

244

 

181

 

  

Carrying value

 

627

 

509

 

  

 

1,104

 

908

 

  

Profit for the financial year

 

399

 

489

 

542

 

666

 

239

 

632

Share of profit

 

159

 

195

 

217

 

140

 

50

 

178

Note:

1The Group’s effective ownership percentages of Safaricom PLC and Indus Towers Limited are 39.9% and 21.0%, respectively, rounded to the nearest tenth of one percent.

Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)

13. Other investments

The Group holds a number of other listed and unlisted investments, mainly comprising managed funds, deposits and government bonds.

Accounting policies

Other investments comprising debt and equity instruments are recognised and derecognised on settlement date and are initially measured at fair value, including transaction costs.

Debt securities that are held for collection of contractual cash flows where those cash flows represent solely payments of principal and interest are measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method, less any impairment. Debt securities that do not meet the criteria for amortised cost are measured at fair value through profit and loss.

Equity securities are classified and measured at fair value through other comprehensive income, there is no subsequent reclassification of fair value gains and losses to profit or loss following derecognition of the investment.

2024

2023

€m

€m

Included within non-current assets

 

  

 

  

Equity securities1

 

65

 

94

Debt securities2

 

941

 

999

 

1,006

 

1,093

Included within current assets

 

  

 

  

Short-term investments:

 

  

 

  

Bonds and debt securities3

 

1,201

 

1,338

Managed investment funds1

 

2,024

 

2,967

3,225

4,305

Collateral assets4

741

239

Other investments5

 

1,126

 

2,473

 

5,092

 

7,017

Notes:

1

Items measured at a fair value, €27 million (2023: €47 million) of equity securities have a valuation basis of level 1 classification, which comprises financial instruments where fair value is determined by unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities. The remaining items are measured at fair value and the basis is level 2 classification, which comprises items where fair value is determined from inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly.

2

Items are measured at amortised cost and have a fair value of €810 million (2023: €803 million) with a valuation basis of level 2 classification.

3

Items are measured at fair value and the valuation basis is level 1 classification.

4

Items are measured at amortised cost and the carrying amount approximates fair value.

5

Includes investments measured at a fair value of €459 million (2023: 1,409 million). The valuation basis is level 1. The remaining items are measured at amortised cost and the carrying amount approximates fair value.

Non-current debt securities within non-current assets include €830 million (2023: €885 million) of loan notes issued by VodafoneZiggo Holding B.V.

The Group invests surplus cash positions across a portfolio of short-term investments to manage liquidity and credit risk whilst achieving suitable returns. Collateral arrangements on derivative financial instruments result in cash being paid/(held), repayable when the derivatives are settled. These assets do not meet the definition of cash and cash equivalents but are included in the Group’s net debt based on their liquidity.

Bonds and debt securities includes €587 million(2023: €nil) of highly liquid French; €308 million (2023: €290 million) Dutch; €306 million (2023: €899 million) Japanese and €nil (2023: €150 million) German government securities.

Managed investment funds of €2,024 million (2023: €2,967 million) are in funds with liquidity of up to 90 days.

Collateral assets of €741 million (2023: €239 million) represents collateral paid on derivative financial instruments.

Other investments are excluded from net debt based on their liquidity and primarily consist of restricted debt securities including amounts held in qualifying assets by Group insurance companies to meet regulatory requirements.

Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)

14. Trade and other receivables

Trade and other receivables mainly consist of amounts owed to us by customers and amounts that we pay to our suppliers in advance. Derivative financial instruments with a positive market value are reported within this note as are contract assets, which represent an asset for accrued revenue in respect of goods or services delivered to customers for which a trade receivable does not yet exist, and finance lease receivables recognised where the Group acts as a lessor. See note 20 ‘Leases’ for more information on the Group’s leasing activities.

Accounting policies

Trade receivables represent amounts owed by customers where the right to receive payment is conditional only on the passage of time. Trade receivables that are recovered in instalments from customers over an extended period are discounted at market rates and interest revenue is accreted over the expected repayment period. Other trade receivables do not carry any interest and are stated at their nominal value. When the Group establishes a practice of selling portfolios of receivables from time to time these portfolios are recorded at fair value through other comprehensive income; all other trade receivables are recorded at amortised cost.

The carrying value of all trade receivables, contract assets and finance lease receivables recorded at amortised cost is reduced by allowances for lifetime estimated credit losses. Estimated future credit losses are first recorded on the initial recognition of a receivable and are based on the ageing of the receivable balances, historical experience and forward looking considerations. Individual balances are written off when management deems them not to be collectible.

2024

2023

€m

€m

Included within non-current assets

 

  

 

  

Trade receivables

 

8

 

51

Trade receivables held at fair value through other comprehensive income

 

294

 

337

Net investment in leases

211

267

Contract assets

450

494

Contract-related costs

676

690

Other receivables

 

78

 

66

Prepayments

 

239

 

296

Derivative financial instruments1

 

4,011

 

5,642

 

5,967

 

7,843

Included within current assets

 

 

Trade receivables

2,841

3,277

Trade receivables held at fair value through other comprehensive income

 

441

 

566

Net investment in leases

99

106

Contract assets

 

2,413

 

3,063

Contract-related costs

 

1,169

 

1,471

Amounts owed by associates and joint ventures

130

175

Other receivables

 

686

 

730

Prepayments

 

600

 

835

Derivative financial instruments1

 

215

 

482

 

8,594

 

10,705

Note:

1

Includes 22 million (2023: 198 million) of embedded derivative option for which fair value is based on level 3 of the fair value hierarchy (see section on fair value carrying value information within note 22 ‘Capital and Risk Management’). All other items are measured at fair value and the valuation basis is level 2 classification, which comprises items where fair value is determined from inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly.

The Group’s trade receivables and contract assets are classified at amortised cost unless stated otherwise and are measured after allowances for future expected credit losses, see note 22 ‘Capital and financial risk management’ for more information on credit risk.

The carrying amounts of trade and other receivables, which are measured at amortised cost, approximate their fair value and are predominantly non-interest bearing.

Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)

14. Trade and other receivables (continued)

The Group’s contract-related costs comprise €1,814 million (2023: €2,078 million) relating to costs incurred to obtain customer contracts and €31 million (2023: €83 million) relating to costs incurred to fulfil customer contracts; an amortisation and impairment expense, excluding discontinued operations in Spain and Italy, of €853 million (2023: €824 million) was recognised in operating profit during the year.

Other than for the embedded derivative option described above, the fair values of the derivative financial instruments are calculated by discounting the future cash flows to net present values using appropriate market interest rates and foreign currency rates prevailing at 31 March.

15. Trade and other payables

Trade and other payables mainly consist of amounts owed to suppliers that have been invoiced or are accrued and contract liabilities relating to consideration received from customers in advance. They also include taxes and social security amounts due in relation to the Group’s role as an employer. Derivative financial instruments with a negative market value are reported within this note.

Accounting policies

Trade payables are not interest-bearing and are stated at their nominal value.

    

    

Re-presented1

2024

2023

€m

€m

Included within non-current liabilities

 

  

 

  

Other payables

 

222

 

263

Insurance liabilities

254

257

Accruals

 

41

 

48

Contract liabilities

 

343

 

500

Derivative financial instruments2

 

1,468

 

1,116

 

2,328

 

2,184

Included within current liabilities

Trade payables

 

5,613

 

7,599

Amounts owed to associates and joint ventures

 

346

 

329

Other taxes and social security payable

 

887

 

1,013

Other payables

 

846

 

2,080

Insurance liabilities

48

63

Accruals

 

4,037

 

4,814

Contract liabilities

 

1,565

 

2,043

Derivative financial instruments2

 

56

 

306

 

13,398

 

18,247

Notes:

1.

The insurance liabilities comparatives for the year-end 31 March 2023 have been re-presented for the adoption of IFRS 17 ‘Insurance Contracts’ although there is no impact on the total amounts. See note 1 ‘Basis of preparation’ for more information.

2.

Items are measured at fair value and the valuation basis is level 2 classification, which comprises items where fair value is determined from inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly.

The carrying amounts of trade and other payables approximate their fair value.

Materially all of the 2,043 million recorded as current contract liabilities at 1 April 2023 was recognised as revenue during the year with the exception of Vodacom Italy and Vodafone Spain whose revenue of 299 million will be reported as part of the discontinued operation. See note 7 'Discontinued operations and assets held for sale' for more information.

Insurance liabilities included within non-current liabilities include 254 million (2023: 257 million) in respect of the re-insurance of a third party annuity policy related to the Vodafone and CWW Sections of the Vodafone UK Group Pension Scheme.

The fair values of the derivative financial instruments are calculated by discounting the future cash flows to net present values using appropriate market interest rates and foreign currency rates prevailing at 31 March.

Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)

16. Provisions

A provision is a liability recorded in the Consolidated statement of financial position, where there is uncertainty over the timing or amount that will be paid, and is therefore often estimated. The main provisions we hold are in relation to asset retirement obligations, which include the cost of returning network infrastructure sites to their original condition at the end of the lease and claims for legal and regulatory matters.

Accounting policies

Provisions are recognised when the Group has a present obligation (legal or constructive) as a result of a past event, it is probable that the Group will be required to settle that obligation and a reliable estimate can be made of the amount of the obligation. Provisions are measured at the Directors’ best estimate of the expenditure required to settle the obligation at the reporting date and are discounted to present value where the effect is material. Where the timing of settlement is uncertain amounts are classified as non-current where settlement is expected more than 12 months from the reporting date.

Asset retirement obligations

In the course of the Group’s activities, a number of sites and other assets are utilised which are expected to have costs associated with decommissioning. The associated cash outflows are substantially expected to occur at the dates of decommissioning of the assets to which they relate, and are long term in nature.

Legal and regulatory

The Group is involved in a number of legal and other disputes, including where the Group has received notifications of possible claims. The Directors of the Company, after taking legal advice, have established provisions considering the facts of each case. For a discussion of certain legal issues potentially affecting the Group see note 29 ‘Contingent liabilities and legal proceedings’ to the consolidated financial statements.

Restructuring

The Group undertakes periodic reviews of its operations and recognises provisions as required based on the outcomes of these reviews. The associated cash outflows for restructuring costs are primarily less than one year.

Other

Comprises various items that do not fall within the Group’s other categories of provisions.

    

Asset

    

    

    

    

retirement

Legal and

obligations

regulatory

Restructuring

Other

Total

€m

€m

€m

€m

€m

1 April 2022

 

1,470

 

449

 

302

 

327

 

2,548

Exchange movements

 

(22)

(28)

(2)

(52)

Disposal of subsidiaries

 

(578)

(8)

(2)

(2)

(590)

Amounts capitalised in the year

 

185

 

 

 

 

185

Amounts charged to the income statement

 

 

138

 

425

 

126

 

689

Utilised in the year - payments

(59)

 

(44)

 

(181)

 

(123)

 

(407)

Amounts released to the income statement

(1)

 

(77)

 

(36)

 

(48)

 

(162)

Other

 

35

 

 

 

 

35

31 March 2023

 

1,030

 

430

 

508

 

278

 

2,246

Exchange movements

(7)

(24)

3

(3)

(31)

Amounts capitalised in the year

146

146

Amounts charged to the income statement

 

 

162

 

774

 

206

 

1,142

Utilised in the year - payments

 

(54)

 

(72)

 

(290)

 

(116)

 

(532)

Amounts released to the income statement

 

(5)

 

(131)

 

(7)

 

(43)

 

(186)

Transfer to liabilities held for sale

 

(177)

 

(96)

 

(46)

 

(31)

 

(350)

Other

 

 

 

 

13

 

13

31 March 2024

 

933

 

269

 

942

 

304

 

2,448

Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)

16. Provisions (continued)

Provisions have been analysed between current and non-current as follows:

    

Asset

    

    

    

    

retirement

Legal and

obligations

regulatory

Restructuring

Other

Total

€m

€m

€m

€m

€m

Current liabilities

 

59

 

232

 

361

 

181

 

833

Non-current liabilities

 

874

 

37

 

581

 

123

 

1,615

31 March 2024

 

933

 

269

 

942

 

304

 

2,448

    

Asset

    

    

    

    

retirement

Legal and

obligations

regulatory

Restructuring

Other

Total

€m

€m

€m

€m

€m

Current liabilities

 

61

 

193

 

298

 

122

 

674

Non-current liabilities

 

969

 

237

 

210

 

156

 

1,572

31 March 2023

 

1,030

 

430

 

508

 

278

 

2,246

17. Called up share capital

Called up share capital is the number of shares in issue at their par value. A number of shares were allotted during the year in relation to employee share schemes.

Accounting policies

Equity instruments issued by the Group are recorded at the amount of the proceeds received, net of direct issuance costs.

2024

2023

Number

€m

Number

€m

Ordinary shares of 20 20 21 US cents each allotted, issued and fully paid:1,2

    

  

    

  

    

  

    

  

1 April

 

28,818,256,058

 

4,797

 

28,817,627,868

 

4,797

Allotted during the year

 

427,750

 

 

628,190

 

31 March

 

28,818,683,808

 

4,797

 

28,818,256,058

 

4,797

Notes:

1At 31 March 2024, there were 50,000 (2023: 50,000) 7% cumulative fixed rate shares of £1 each in issue.
2At 31 March 2024, the Group held 1,738,561,954 (2023: 1,825,691,429) treasury shares with a nominal value of 289 million (2023: 304 million). The market value of shares held was 1,434 million (2023: 1,855 million). During the year, 87,129,475 (2023: 85,844,124) treasury shares were reissued under Group share schemes and no (2023: 1,463,959,031) shares were repurchased under the 2022 scheme which completed on 15 March 2023.

On 14 May 2024, the Group announced that it would commence an initial 500 million share buyback programme, starting on 15 May 2024, as part of plans to return 2.0 billion over 12 months.

Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)

18. Reconciliation of net cash flow from operating activities

The table below shows how our profit for the year from continuing operations translates into cash flows generated from our operating activities.

Re-presented1

Re-presented1

2024

2023

2022

Notes

€m

€m

€m

Profit for the financial year

 

  

 

1,505

 

12,335

 

2,773

Loss/(Profit) for the financial year from discontinued operations

 

 

65

 

247

 

(185)

Profit for the financial year from continuing operations

 

  

 

1,570

 

12,582

 

2,588

Investment income

 

5

 

(581)

 

(232)

 

(251)

Financing costs

 

5

 

2,626

 

1,609

 

1,842

Income tax expense

 

6

 

50

 

492

 

1,561

Operating profit

 

 

3,665

 

14,451

 

5,740

Adjustments for:

 

 

 

 

Share-based payments and other non-cash charges

 

 

98

 

58

 

165

Depreciation and amortisation

 

10, 11

 

10,414

 

10,255

 

10,417

Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets

 

 

34

 

33

 

40

Share of result of equity accounted associates and joint ventures

 

12

 

96

 

(433)

 

(389)

Impairment (reversal)/loss

 

4

 

(64)

 

64

 

Other income

 

3

 

(372)

 

(9,402)

 

(244)

Decrease / (increase) in inventory

 

 

177

 

(168)

 

(171)

(Increase)/decrease in trade and other receivables

 

14

 

(597)

 

(486)

 

(629)

Increase/(decrease) in trade and other payables

 

15

 

534

 

1,446

 

581

Cash generated by operations

 

  

 

13,985

 

15,818

 

15,510

Net tax paid

 

  

 

(724)

 

(1,228)

 

(916)

Cashflows from discontinued operations

 

  

 

3,296

 

3,464

 

3,487

Net cash flow from operating activities

 

  

 

16,557

 

18,054

 

18,081

Note:

1

The results for the years ended 31 March 2023 and 31 March 2022 have been re-presented to reflect that the results of Vodafone Spain and Vodafone Italy are now reported as discontinued operations. See note 7 ‘Discontinued operations and assets held for sale’ for more information.

Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)

19. Cash and cash equivalents

The majority of the Group’s cash is held in bank deposits or money market funds which have a maturity of three months or less from acquisition to enable us to meet our short-term liquidity requirements.

Accounting policies

Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash and bank deposits, and other short-term highly liquid investments that are readily convertible to a known amount of cash and are subject to an insignificant risk of changes in value. Assets in money market funds, whose contractual cash flows do not represent solely payments of interest and principal, are measured at fair value with gains and losses arising from changes in fair value included in net profit or loss for the period. All other cash and cash equivalents are measured at amortised cost.

2024

2023

€m

€m

Cash and bank deposits1

 

4,168

 

3,924

Money market funds2

 

2,015

 

7,781

Cash and cash equivalents as presented in the consolidated statement of financial position

 

6,183

 

11,705

Bank overdrafts

 

(111)

 

(77)

Cash and cash equivalents of discontinued operations

 

42

 

Cash and cash equivalents as presented in the consolidated statement of cash flows

 

6,114

 

11,628

Note:

1Includes bank deposits under repurchase agreements of 2,034 million (2023: €1,750 million).
2Items are measured at fair value and the valuation basis is level 1 classification, which comprises financial instruments where fair value is determined by unadjusted quoted prices in active markets.

The carrying amount of balances at amortised cost approximates their fair value.

Cash and cash equivalents of €1,629 million (2023: €1,572 million) are held in countries with restrictions on remittances but where the balances could be used to repay subsidiaries’ third party liabilities. In addition, those balances could also be used to repay €790 million (2023: €722 million) of intercompany liabilities as at 31 March 2024.

20. Leases

The Group leases assets from other parties (the Group is a lessee) and also leases assets to other parties (the Group is a lessor). This note describes how the Group accounts for leases and provides details about its lease arrangements.

Accounting policies

As a lessee

When the Group leases an asset, a ‘right-of-use asset’ is recognised for the leased item and a lease liability is recognised for any lease payments to be paid over the lease term at the lease commencement date. The right-of-use asset is initially measured at cost, being the present value of the lease payments paid or payable, plus any initial direct costs incurred in entering the lease and less any lease incentives received.

Right-of-use assets are depreciated on a straight-line basis from the commencement date to the earlier of the end of the asset’s useful life or the end of the lease term. The lease term is the non-cancellable period of the lease plus any periods for which the Group is ‘reasonably certain’ to exercise any extension options (see below). The useful life of the asset is determined in a manner consistent to that for owned property, plant and equipment (as described in note 11 ‘Property, plant and equipment’). If right-of-use assets are considered to be impaired, the carrying value is reduced accordingly.

Lease liabilities are initially measured at the value of the lease payments over the lease term that are not paid at the commencement date and are usually discounted using the incremental borrowing rates of the applicable Group entity (the rate implicit in the lease is used if it is readily determinable). Lease payments included in the lease liability include both fixed payments and in-substance fixed payments during the term of the lease.

Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)

20. Leases (continued)

After initial recognition, the lease liability is recorded at amortised cost using the effective interest method. It is remeasured when there is a change in future lease payments arising from a change in an index or rate (e.g. an inflation related increase) or if the Group’s assessment of the lease term changes; any changes in the lease liability as a result of these changes also results in a corresponding change in the recorded right-of-use asset unless the right-of-use asset is reduced to zero in which case the remaining amount of the remeasurement is recognised in profit or loss.

Lease modifications that increase the scope of a lease by adding the right to use one or more underlying assets in return for consideration commensurate with the stand-alone price for the additional lease components are treated as separate leases. If a lease modification decreases the scope of the lease, the Group remeasures both the right-of-use asset and the lease liability and recognises any gain or loss in profit or loss. Other lease modifications result in a remeasurement of the lease liability with an adjustment to the right-of-use asset. Remeasured lease liabilities are discounted at the modification date using a current discount rate.

As a lessor

Where the Group is a lessor, it determines at inception whether the lease is a finance or an operating lease. When a lease transfers substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership of the underlying asset then the lease is a finance lease; otherwise the lease is an operating lease.

Where the Group is an intermediate lessor, the interests in the head lease and the sublease are accounted for separately and the lease classification of a sublease is determined by reference to the right-of-use asset arising from the head lease.

Income from operating leases is recognised on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Income from finance leases is recognised at lease commencement with any interest income recognised over the lease term.

Lease income is recognised as revenue for transactions that are part of the Group’s ordinary activities (i.e. primarily leases of handsets or other equipment to customers, leases of wholesale access to the Group’s fibre and cable networks and leases of tower infrastructure assets). The Group uses IFRS 15 principles to allocate the consideration in contracts between any lease and non-lease components.

The Group’s leasing activities as a lessee

The Group leases buildings for its retail stores, offices and data centres, land on which to construct mobile base stations, space on mobile base stations to place active RAN equipment and network space (primarily rack space or duct space). In addition, the Group leases fibre and other fixed connectivity to provide internal connectivity for the Group’s operations and on a wholesale basis from other operators to provide fixed connectivity services to the Group’s customers.

The Group’s general approach to determining lease term by class of asset is described in note 1 ‘Basis of preparation’ under ‘Critical accounting judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty’.

Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)

20. Leases (continued)

Most of the Group’s leases include future price increases through fixed percentage increases, indexation to inflation measures on a periodic basis or rent review clauses. Other than fixed percentage increases the lease liability does not reflect the impact of these future increases unless the measurement date has passed. The Group’s leases contain no material variable payments clauses other than those related to the number of operators sharing space on third party mobile base stations.

Optional lease periods

Where practicable the Group seeks to include extension or break options in leases to provide operational flexibility, therefore many of the Group’s lease contracts contain optional periods. The Group’s policy on assessing and reassessing whether it is reasonably certain that the optional period will be included in the lease term is described in note 1 ‘Basis of preparation’ under ‘Critical accounting judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty’.

After initial recognition of a lease, the Group only reassesses the lease term when there is a significant event or a significant change in circumstances, which was not anticipated at the time of the previous assessment. Significant events or significant changes in circumstances could include merger and acquisition or similar activity, significant expenditure on the leased asset not anticipated in the previous assessment, or detailed management plans indicating a different conclusion on optional periods to the previous assessment. Where a significant event or significant change in circumstances does not occur, the lease term and therefore lease liability and right-of-use asset value, will decline over time.

Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)

20. Leases (continued)

The Group’s cash outflow for leases in the year ended 31 March 2024 was €3,567 million (2023 re-presented1: €3,067 million, 2022 re-presented1: €3,018 million) and absent significant future changes in the volume of the Group’s activities or other strategic or structural changes to the Group resulting in the use of more or fewer owned assets, this level of cash outflow from leases would be expected to continue for future periods, subject to contractual price increases. The future cash outflows included within lease liabilities are shown in the maturity analysis below. The maturity analysis only includes the reasonably certain payments to be made; cash outflows in these future periods will likely exceed these amounts as payments will be made on optional periods not considered reasonably certain at present and on new leases entered into in future periods.

The Group’s leases for customer connectivity are normally either under regulated access or network sharing or similar preferential access arrangements and as a result the Group normally has significant flexibility over the term it can lease such connections for; generally the notice period required to cancel the lease is less than the notice period included in the service contract with the end customer. As a result, the Group does not have any significant cash exposure to optional periods on customer connectivity as the Group can cancel the lease when the service agreement ends. In some circumstances the Group is committed to minimum spend amounts for connectivity leases, which are included within reported lease liabilities.

Sale and leaseback

In the year ended 31 March 2023, the Group disposed of its interest in Vantage Towers A.G. (‘Vantage Towers’) into a new joint venture, Oak Holdings 1 GmbH (‘Oak’); Vodafone retained an interest of 64.2% in Oak, which owns 89.3% of Vantage Towers (see note 27 ‘Acquisitions and disposals’ for additional details). The Group has agreements with Vantage Towers to lease back spaces on its towers (see note 30 ‘Related party transactions’). The Group de-recognised assets related to the mobile base stations with a net book value of €4,793 million. A total net gain on disposal of €9,287 million was realised in the year ended 31 March 2023 as a result of the disposal of Vantage Towers; €680 million of this gain, reflecting the gain on the proportion of sold towers retained through the leaseback, was recorded in the year ended 31 March 2023 as a reduction in the value of the right-of-use asset recognised for the leaseback of tower space and will be realised as a reduction in depreciation over the term of the leaseback until November 2028. Other sale and leaseback transactions entered into by the Group were not material, individually or in aggregate.

Amounts recognised in the primary financial statements in relation to lessee transactions

Right-of-use assets

The carrying value of the Group’s right-of-use assets, depreciation charge for the year and additions during the year are disclosed in note 11 ‘Property, plant and equipment’.

Lease liabilities

The Group’s lease liabilities are disclosed in note 21 ‘Borrowings’. The maturity profile of the Group’s lease liabilities is as follows:

2024

    

2023

€m

€m

Within one year

2,603

 

3,452

In more than one year but less than two years

1,984

 

2,574

In more than two years but less than three years

1,599

 

2,200

In more than three years but less than four years

1,461

 

1,981

In more than four years but less than five years

1,129

 

1,810

In more than five years

2,366

 

3,240

11,142

 

15,257

Effect of discounting

(1,470)

 

(1,893)

Lease liability - as disclosed in note 21 ‘Borrowings’

9,672

 

13,364

At 31 March 2024 the Group has committed to enter into future lease contracts with future undiscounted lease payments of €1,339 million (31 March 2023 restated2: €1,491 million) which includes €1,031 million (31 March 2023: 1,171 million) of commitments to Vantage Towers A.G. for tower leases which are due to commence over the period until March 2026 and which will be payable during the eight year lease term following the commencement of respective individual leases.

Notes:

1

The cash outflows for the years ended 31 March 2023 and 31 March 2022 have been re-presented to reflect that the results of Vodafone Spain and Vodafone Italy are now reported as discontinued operations, decreasing the previously disclosed amounts by 1,412 million (2022: 1,320 million). See note 7 ‘Discontinued operations and assets held for sale’ for more information.

2

The prior year comparative amount has been restated to reflect the commitments to Vantage Towers A.G. that were not previously reported.

Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)

20. Leases (continued)

Interest expense on lease liabilities for the year is disclosed in note 5 ‘Investment income and financing costs’.

The Group has no material liabilities under residual value guarantees and makes no material variable payments not included in the lease liability. The Group does not apply either the short term or low value expedient options in IFRS 16 'Leases'.

The Group’s leasing activities as a lessor

The Group has a wide range of lessor activities with consumer and enterprise customers, other telecommunication companies and other companies. With consumer and enterprise customers, the Group generates lease income from the provision of handsets, routers and other communications equipment. The Group provides wholesale access to the Group’s fibre and cable networks, leases out space on the Group’s owned mobile base stations to other telecommunication companies and subleases certain retained mobile base station sites to telecommunication tower companies. In addition, the Group subleases retail stores to franchise partners in certain markets and leases out surplus assets (e.g. vacant offices and retail stores) to other companies.

Lessor transactions are classified as operating or finance leases based on whether the lease transfers substantially all of the risks and rewards incidental to ownership of the asset. Leases are individually assessed, but generally, the Group’s lessor transactions in the year are classified as:

Operating leases where the Group provides wholesale access to its fibre and cable networks, provides routers or similar equipment to fixed customers or is lessor of space on owned mobile base stations; and
Finance leases where the Group is sub-lessor of handsets or similar items in back-to-back arrangements or where surplus assets or certain retained mobile base stations sites are sublet out for all or substantially all of the remaining head lease term.

The Group’s income as a lessor in the year is as follows:

    

Re-presented1

Re-presented1

2024

2023

2022

€m

 

€m

€m

Operating leases

 

  

Lease revenue (note 2 'Revenue disaggregation and segmental analysis')

463

 

673

673

Income from leases not recognised as revenue

38

 

37

36

Substantially all of the Group’s income as a lessor is operating lease income.

Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)

20. Leases (continued)

The committed amounts to be received from the Group’s operating leases are as follows:

Maturity

    

Within one

    

In one to two

    

In two to

    

In three to four

    

In four to five

    

In more than

    

    

year

years

three years

years

years

five years

Total

€m

€m

€m

€m

€m

€m

€m

Committed operating lease payments due to the Group as a lessor

 

 

 

 

 

 

31 March 2024

296

121

29

16

9

20

491

31 March 2023 Re-presented2

275

114

30

14

7

4

444

31 March 2022 Re-presented2

487

234

153

126

113

342

1,455

The Group recognises a net investment in leases (receivables) as a result of providing finance leases as a lessor, which are disclosed in note 14 ‘Trade and other receivables’. The maturity profile of the Group’s net investment in leases is as follows:

    

2024

    

2023

€m

€m

Within one year

 

106

 

111

In more than one year but less than two years

 

80

 

88

In more than two years but less than three years

 

56

 

67

In more than three years but less than four years

 

49

 

54

In more than four years but less than five years

 

35

 

47

In more than five years

 

17

 

39

 

343

 

406

Unearned finance income

 

(33)

 

(33)

Net investment in leases - as disclosed in note 14 ‘Trade and other receivables’

 

310

 

373

The Group has no material lease income arising from variable lease payments.

Notes:

1

The results for the years ended 31 March 2023 and 31 March 2022 have been re-presented to reflect that the results of Vodafone Spain and Vodafone Italy are now reported as discontinued operations, decreasing the previously disclosed amounts of lease revenue and income from leases not recognised as revenue by 78 million (2022: 85 million) and 10 million (2022: 9 million), respectively. See note 7 ‘Discontinued operations and assets held for sale’ for more information.

2

The committed operating lease payments as of 31 March 2023 and 31 March 2022 have been re-presented to reflect that the results of Vodafone Spain and Vodafone Italy are now reported as discontinued operations, decreasing the previously disclosed total amounts by 51 million (2022: 54 million). See note 7 ‘Discontinued operations and assets held for sale’ for more information.

21. Borrowings

The Group’s sources of borrowing for funding and liquidity purposes come from a range of committed bank facilities and through short-term and long-term issuances in the capital markets including bond and commercial paper issues and bank loans. Liabilities arising from the Group’s lease arrangements are also reported in borrowings; see note 20 ‘Leases’. We manage the basis on which we incur interest on debt between fixed interest rates and floating interest rates depending on market conditions using interest rate derivatives. The Group enters into foreign exchange contracts to mitigate the impact of exchange rate movements on certain monetary items.

Accounting policies

Interest-bearing loans and overdrafts are initially measured at fair value (which is equal to cost at inception), and are subsequently measured at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method. Where they are identified as a hedged item in a designated fair value hedge relationship, fair value adjustments are recognised in accordance with our policy (see note 22 ‘Capital and financial risk management’). Any difference between the proceeds net of transaction costs and the amount due on settlement or redemption of borrowings is recognised over the term of the borrowing.

Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)

21. Borrowings (continued)

Borrowings

2024

2023

€m

€m

Non-current borrowings

 

Bonds

39,451

 

39,512

Bank loans

 

402

487

Lease liabilities (note 20)

7,416

 

10,318

Other borrowings1

1,059

1,352

48,328

51,669

Current borrowings

Bonds

 

1,292

 

4,604

Bank loans

 

365

 

308

Lease liabilities (note 20)

 

2,256

 

3,046

Collateral liabilities

2,628

4,886

Bank borrowings secured against Indian assets

1,720

 

1,485

Other borrowings1

 

398

 

392

 

8,659

14,721

Borrowings

56,987

 

66,390

Note:

1

Includes €862 million (2023: €1,140 million) and €158 million (2023: €196 million) of licence and spectrum fees payable in non-current and current borrowings respectively.

The fair value of the Group’s financial liabilities held at amortised cost approximate to fair value with the exception of long-term bonds with a carrying value of €39,451 million (2023: €39,512 million) which have a fair value of €35,885 million (2023: €35,044 million). Fair value is based on level 1 of the fair value hierarchy using quoted market prices.

The Group’s current borrowings also include €1,720 million (2023: €1,485 million) of bank borrowings that are secured against the Group’s shareholdings in Indus Towers and Vodafone Idea (see note 12 ‘Investments in Associates and Joint Ventures’ for further details of these assets) and will be repaid through the realisation of proceeds from those assets. This arrangement contains an embedded derivative option which has been separately fair valued and is presented within derivative assets in current assets (see note 14 ‘Trade and other receivables’).

The Group’s borrowings, which include certain bonds that have been designated in hedge relationships, are carried at €1,229 million higher (2023: €1,282 million higher) than their euro equivalent redemption value. In addition, where bonds are issued in currencies other than euros, the Group has entered into foreign currency swaps to fix the euro cash outflows on redemption. The impact of these swaps is not reflected in borrowings and would decrease the euro equivalent redemption value of the bonds by €1,559 million (2023: €1,440 million).

Commercial paper programmes

The Group currently have US and euro commercial paper programmes of US$15 billion (€13.9 billion) and €10 billion respectively which are available to be used to meet short-term liquidity requirements. At 31 March 2024 both programmes remained undrawn.

The commercial paper facilities were supported by US$4.0 billion (€3.7 billion) and €4.1 billion of syndicated committed bank facilities. No amounts had been drawn under these facilities.

Bonds

We have two30 billion euro medium-term note programmes and a US shelf programme which are used to meet medium to long-term funding requirements. At 31 March 2024 the total amounts in issue under these programmes split by currency were US$19.7 billion, €15.0 billion, £4.1 billion, AUS$0.5 billion, HKD$2.1 billion, NOK2.2 billion, CHF0.7 billion and JPY10.0 billion.

At 31 March 2024 the Group had bonds outstanding with a nominal value equivalent to €39.5 billion. During the year ended 31 March 2024, bonds with a nominal value of €0.8 billion and £0.5 billion (€0.6 billion) were issued utilising the euro medium-term note programme. During the year bonds with nominal value €1.6 billion and US$0.3 billion (€0.3 billion) were re-purchased and bonds with a nominal value €1.8 billion and US$ 1.3 billion (€1.2 billion) matured.

Bonds mature between 2024 and 2063 (2023: 2023 and 2063) and have interest rates between 0.375% and 8% (2023: 0.375% and 7.875%).

Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)

21. Borrowings (continued)

Mandatory convertible bonds

In March 2023 the Group concluded the last remaining share buybacks related to its mandatory convertible bonds (‘MCBs’) issuances, for which the last outstanding tranche had matured during 2022. As at 31 March 2024, no further MCBs or related instruments remain outstanding.

Treasury shares

The Group held a maximum of 1,825,624,610 (2023: 1,825,691,429) of its own shares during the year which represented 6.3% (2023: 6.3%) of issued share capital at that time.

22. Capital and financial risk management

This note details the treasury management and financial risk management objectives and policies, as well as the exposure and sensitivity of the Group to credit, liquidity, interest and foreign exchange risk, and the policies in place to monitor and manage these risks.

Accounting policies

Financial instruments

Financial assets and financial liabilities, in respect of financial instruments, are recognised on the Group’s consolidated statement of financial position when the Group becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.

Financial liabilities and equity instruments

Financial liabilities and equity instruments issued by the Group are classified according to the substance of the contractual arrangements entered into and the definitions of a financial liability and an equity instrument. An equity instrument is any contract that provides a residual interest in the assets of the Group after deducting all of its liabilities and includes no obligation to deliver cash or other financial assets. The accounting policies adopted for specific financial liabilities and equity instruments are set out below.

Derivative financial instruments and hedge accounting

The Group’s activities expose it to the financial risks of changes in foreign exchange rates and interest rates which it manages using derivative financial instruments. The use of financial derivatives is governed by the Group’s policies approved by the Board of Directors, which provide written principles on the use of financial derivatives consistent with the Group’s risk management strategy. The Group does not use derivative financial instruments for speculative purposes.

The Group designates certain derivatives as:

hedges of the change in fair value of recognised assets and liabilities (‘fair value hedges’);
hedges of highly probable forecast transactions or hedges of foreign currency or interest rate risks of firm commitments (‘cash flow hedges’); or
hedges of net investments in foreign operations.

Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)

22. Capital and financial risk management (continued)

Derivative financial instruments are initially measured at fair value on the contract date and are subsequently re-measured to fair value at each reporting date. Changes in values of all derivatives of a financing nature are included within investment income and financing costs in the income statement unless designated in an effective cash flow hedge relationship or a hedge of a net investment in foreign operations when the effective portion of changes in value are deferred to other comprehensive income. Hedge effectiveness is determined at the inception of the hedge relationship, and through periodic prospective effectiveness assessments to ensure that an economic relationship exists between the hedged item and hedging instrument. For fair value hedges, the carrying value of the hedged item is also adjusted for changes in fair value for the hedged risk, with gains and losses recognised in the income statement.

Hedge accounting is discontinued when the hedging instrument expires or is sold, terminated, exercised or no longer qualifies for hedge accounting. When hedge accounting is discontinued, any gain or loss recognised in other comprehensive income at that time remains in equity and is recognised in the income statement when the hedged transaction is ultimately recognised in the income statement.

For cash flow hedges, when the hedged item is recognised in the income statement, amounts previously recognised in other comprehensive income and accumulated in equity for the hedging instrument are reclassified to the income statement. However, when the hedged transaction results in the recognition of a non-financial asset or a non-financial liability, the gains and losses previously recognised in other comprehensive income and accumulated in equity are transferred from equity and included in the initial measurement of the cost of the non-financial asset or non-financial liability. If a forecast transaction is no longer expected to occur, the gain or loss accumulated in equity is recognised immediately in the income statement.

For net investment hedges, gains and losses accumulated in other comprehensive income are included in the income statement when the foreign operation is disposed of.

Capital management

The following table summarises the capital of the Group at 31 March:

2024

2023

    

€m

    

€m

Borrowings (note 21)

 

56,987

 

66,390

Cash and cash equivalents (note 19)

 

(6,183)

 

(11,705)

Derivative financial instruments included in trade and other receivables (note 14)

 

(4,226)

 

(6,124)

Derivative financial instruments included in trade and other payables (note 15)

 

1,524

 

1,422

Short-term investments (note 13)

 

(3,225)

 

(4,305)

Collateral assets (note 13)

(741)

(239)

Financial liabilities under put option arrangements

485

Equity

 

60,998

 

64,483

Capital

 

105,134

 

110,407

The Group’s policy is to borrow centrally using a mixture of long-term and short-term capital market issues and borrowing facilities to meet anticipated funding requirements. These borrowings, together with cash generated from operations, are loaned internally or contributed as equity to certain subsidiaries.

Dividends from joint ventures and associates and to non-controlling shareholders

Dividend policies within shareholder agreements for certain of the Group’s associates and joint ventures give the Group certain rights to receive dividends but are generally paid at the discretion of the Board of Directors or shareholders. We do not have existing obligations to pay dividends to non-controlling interest partners of our subsidiaries. The amount of dividends received and paid in the year are disclosed in the consolidated statement of cash flows.

Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)

22. Capital and financial risk management (continued)

Sale of trade receivables

During the year, the Group sold certain trade receivables to a number of financial institutions. Whilst there are no repurchase obligations in respect of these receivables, the Group provided credit guarantees which would only become payable if default rates were significantly higher than historical rates. The credit guarantee is not considered substantive and substantially all risks and rewards associated with the receivables passed to the purchaser at the date of sale, therefore the receivables were derecognised. The maximum payable under the guarantees at 31 March 2024 was €1,929 million (2023: €1,927 million). No provision has been made in respect of these guarantees as the likelihood of a cash outflow has been assessed as remote.

Supplier financing arrangements

The Group offers suppliers the opportunity to use supply chain financing (‘SCF’). SCF allows suppliers that decide to use it to receive funding earlier than the invoice due date. At 31 March 2024, the financial institutions that run the SCF programmes had purchased €2.2 billion (2023: €2.4 billion) of outstanding supplier invoices, principally from larger suppliers. The Group does not provide any financial guarantees to the financial institutions under this programme and continues to cash settle supplier payables in accordance with their contractual terms. As such, the programme does not change the Group’s net debt, trade payable balances or cash flows.

The Group evaluates supplier arrangements against a number of indicators to assess if the payable continues to hold the characteristics of a trade payable or should be classified as borrowings; these indicators include whether the payment terms exceed the shorter of customary payment terms in the industry or 180 days. At 31 March 2024, none of the payables subject to supplier financing arrangements met the criteria to be reclassified as borrowings.

Financial risk management

The Group’s treasury function centrally manages the Group’s funding requirement, net foreign exchange exposure, interest rate management exposures and counterparty risk arising from investments and derivatives. Treasury operations are conducted within a framework of policies and guidelines authorised and reviewed by the Board, most recently in March 2024. A treasury risk committee comprising of the Group’s Chief Financial Officer, Group General Counsel and Company Secretary, Group Corporate Finance Director, Group Treasury Director and Group Director of Financial Controlling and Operations meets three times a year to review treasury activities and its members receive management information relating to treasury activities on a quarterly basis. The Group’s Internal Auditor reviews the internal control environment regularly.

No bonds issued by the Group or the Revolving Credit Facilities are subject to financial covenant ratios. Approximately €32 billion (2023: €35 billion) of issued bonds have a change of control clause. The Group uses derivative instruments for currency and interest rate risk management purposes that are transacted by specialist treasury personnel. The Group mitigates banking sector credit risk by the use of collateral support agreements.

The Group’s financial risk management policies seek to reduce the Group’s exposure to any future disruption to financial markets, including any future impacts from global economic and political uncertainty and other macro economic events.

The Group has combined cash and cash equivalent and short-term investments of €9.4 billion, providing significant headroom over short-term liquidity requirements. Additionally the Group maintains undrawn revolving credit facilities of €7.8 billion euro equivalent. As at 31 March 2024 and after hedging, substantially all the Group’s borrowings are held on a fixed interest basis, mitigating exposure to interest rate risk. The Group has no significant currency exposures other than positions in economic hedging relationships. The Group’s credit risk under financing activities is spread across a portfolio of highly rated institutions to reduce counterparty exposures and derivative balances are substantially all collateralised. The Group’s operating activities result in customer credit risk, for which provisions for expected credit losses are recognised.

Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)

22. Capital and financial risk management (continued)

Credit risk

Credit risk is the risk that a counterparty will not meet its obligations under a financial asset leading to a financial loss for the Group. The Group is exposed to credit risk from its operating activities and from its financing activities, the Group considers its maximum exposure to credit risk at 31 March to be:

2024

2023

€m

€m

Cash and bank deposits (note 19)

 

4,168

 

3,924

Money market funds (note 19)

2,015

7,781

Managed investment funds (note 13)

 

2,024

 

2,967

Bonds and debt securities (note 13)

 

2,142

 

2,337

Collateral assets (note 13)

741

239

Other investments (note 13)

1,126

2,473

Derivative financial instruments (note 14)

 

4,226

 

6,124

Trade receivables (note 14)1

 

5,513

 

6,158

Contract assets and other receivables (note 14)

 

4,067

 

4,353

Financial Guarantees2

 

2,038

 

3,381

 

28,060

 

39,737

Note:

1Includes amounts guaranteed under sales of trade receivables 1,929 million (2023: 1,927 million).
2Principally comprises Vodafone Group Plc’s guarantee of the Group’s share in a multicurrency loan facility, amounting to US$1 billion and 0.6 billion (2023: US$1.75 billion), which forms part of its overall joint venture investment in TPG Telecom Ltd. The Group’s share of these loan balances is included in the net investment in joint venture (see note 12 'Investments in associates and joint arrangements'). Financial guarantees also includes INR42.5 billion (2023: INR42.5 billion) in relation to the secondary pledge over shares owned by Vodafone Group in Indus Towers (see note 29 'Contingent liabilities and legal proceedings').

Expected credit loss

The Group has financial assets classified and measured at amortised cost and fair value through other comprehensive income that are subject to the expected credit loss model requirements of IFRS 9. Cash and bank deposits and certain other investments are both classified and measured at amortised cost and subject to impairment requirements. However, the identified expected credit loss is considered to be immaterial.

Information about expected credit losses for trade receivables and contract assets can be found under ‘Operating activities’ on page 195.

Financing activities

The Group invests in government securities on the basis they generate a fixed rate of return and are amongst the most creditworthy of investments available.

Investments are made in accordance with established internal treasury policies which dictate the scaled maximum exposure permissible in relation to an investment’s long-term credit rating. The Group invests in AAA unsecured money market mutual funds, where the investment is limited to 10% of each fund; A to AAA government securities, both directly and through money market mutual funds; and has two managed investment funds that hold securities with an average credit quality of AA.

In respect of financial instruments used by the Group’s treasury function, the aggregate credit risk the Group may have with one counterparty is limited by reference to the long-term credit ratings assigned for that counterparty by Moody’s, Fitch Ratings and Standard & Poor’s. Furthermore, collateral support agreements reduce the Group’s exposure to counterparties who must post collateral when there is value due to the Group under outstanding derivative contracts that exceeds a contractually agreed threshold amount. When value is due to the counterparty the Group is required to post collateral on identical terms. Such cash collateral is adjusted daily as necessary.

Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)

22. Capital and financial risk management (continued)

In the event of any default, ownership of the collateral would revert to the respective holder at that point. Detailed below is the value of the cash collateral, which is reported within current borrowings, held by the Group at 31 March:

2024

2023

€m

€m

Collateral liabilities

 

2,628

 

4,886

In addition, as discussed in note 29 ‘Contingent liabilities and legal proceedings’, the Group has covenanted to provide security in favour of the trustee of the Vodafone Group UK Pension Scheme in respect of the funding deficit in the scheme and pledged security in relation to the Indus Towers merger. The Group has also pledged cash as collateral against derivative financial instruments as disclosed in note 13 ‘Other investments’.

Operating activities

Customer credit risk is managed by the Group’s business units which each have policies, procedures and controls relating to customer credit risk management. Outstanding trade receivables and contract assets are regularly reviewed to monitor any changes in credit risk with concentrations of credit risk considered to be limited given that the Group’s customer base is large and unrelated. The Group applies the simplified approach and records lifetime expected credit losses for trade receivables and contract assets. Expected credit losses are measured using historical cash collection data for periods of at least 24 months wherever possible and grouped into various customer segments based on product or customer type. The historical loss rates are adjusted where macroeconomic factors, for example changes in interest rates or unemployment rates, or other commercial factors are expected to have a significant impact when determining future expected credit loss rates. For trade receivables the expected credit loss provision is calculated using a provision matrix, in which the provision increases as balances age, and for receivables paid in instalments and contract assets a weighted loss rate is calculated to reflect the period over which the amounts become due for payment by the customer. Trade receivables and contract assets are written off when each business unit determines there to be no reasonable expectation of recovery and enforcement activity has ceased.

Movements in the allowance for expected credit losses during the year were as follows:

Trade receivables held

Trade receivables held 

at fair value through

Contract assets

at amortised cost

other comprehensive income

    

Re-presented1

Re-presented1

Re-presented1

2024

    

2023

    

2024

    

2023

    

2024

    

2023

€m

€m

€m

€m

€m

€m

1 April

 

78

 

83

 

1,149

 

1,342

 

71

 

108

Exchange movements

 

(1)

 

(3)

 

(41)

 

(72)

 

1

 

1

Amounts charged to credit losses on financial assets

 

96

 

128

 

419

 

360

 

82

 

17

Transfer of assets held for sale

(31)

6

(324)

256

(16)

2

Other2

 

(122)

 

(136)

 

(438)

 

(737)

 

(60)

 

(57)

31 March

 

20

 

78

 

765

 

1,149

 

78

 

71

Notes:

1The results for the year ended 31 March 2023 have been re-presented to reflect that the results of Vodafone Spain and Vodafone Italy are now reported as discontinued operations. See note 7 ‘Discontinued operations and assets held for sale’ for more information.
2Primarily utilisation of the provision by way of write-off.

Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)

22. Capital and financial risk management (continued)

Expected credit losses are presented as net credit losses on financial assets within operating profit and subsequent recoveries of amounts previously written off are credited against the same line item.

The majority of the Group’s trade receivables are due for maturity within 90 days and largely comprise amounts receivable from consumers and business customers. The table below presents information on trade receivables past due¹ and their associated expected credit losses:

Trade receivables at amortised cost past due

30 days

31-60

61-180

180

31 March 2024

    

Due
€m

or less
€m

    

days
€m

    

days
€m

    

days+
€m

    

Total
€m

Gross carrying amount

 

2,199

347

 

122

 

308

 

638

 

3,614

Expected credit loss allowance

 

(52)

(56)

 

(26)

 

(111)

 

(520)

 

(765)

Net carrying amount

 

2,147

291

 

96

 

197

 

118

 

2,849

Trade receivables at amortised cost past due

30 days

31–60

61–180

180

31 March 2023

    

Due
€m

or less
€m

    

days
€m

    

days
€m

    

days+
€m

    

Total
€m

Gross carrying amount

 

2,465

599

 

163

 

329

 

957

 

4,513

Expected credit loss allowance

 

(67)

(64)

 

(50)

 

(173)

 

(831)

 

(1,185)

Net carrying amount

 

2,398

535

 

113

 

156

 

126

 

3,328

Note:

1Contract assets relate to amounts not yet due from customers. These amounts will be reclassified as trade receivables before they become due. Trade receivables at fair value through other comprehensive income are not materially past due.

Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)

22. Capital and financial risk management (continued)

Liquidity risk

Liquidity is reviewed daily on at least a 12 month rolling basis and stress tested on the assumption that any commercial paper outstanding matures and is not reissued. The Group maintains substantial cash and cash equivalents which at 31 March 2024 amounted to cash €6.2 billion (2023: €11.7 billion) and undrawn committed facilities of €8.0 billion (2023: €8.0 billion), principally US dollar and euro revolving credit facilities of US$4.0 billion (€3.7 billion) and €4.1 billion and which mature in 2028 and 2029 respectively. The Group manages liquidity risk on non-current borrowings by maintaining a varied maturity profile with a cap on the level of debt maturity in any one calendar year, therefore minimising refinancing risk. Non-current borrowings mature between 1 and 39 years.

The maturity profile of the anticipated future cash flows including interest in relation to the Group’s non-derivative financial liabilities on an undiscounted basis which, therefore, differs from both the carrying value and fair value, is as follows:

Trade payables and

Maturity profile1

Bank loans
€m

Bonds
€m

Lease liabilities
€m

Other2
€m

Total borrowings
€m

other financial liabilities3
€m

Total
€m

Within one year

 

365

 

2,871

 

2,603

 

4,747

 

10,586

 

10,891

21,477

In one to two years

 

140

 

5,860

 

1,984

 

247

 

8,231

 

128

8,359

In two to three years

 

27

 

5,608

 

1,599

 

245

 

7,479

 

7,479

In three to four years

 

91

 

2,310

 

1,461

 

226

 

4,088

 

4,088

In four to five years

 

161

 

3,437

 

1,129

 

422

 

5,149

 

5,149

In more than five years

 

72

 

40,826

 

2,366

 

277

 

43,541

 

43,541

 

856

 

60,912

 

11,142

 

6,164

 

79,074

 

11,019

90,093

Effect of discount/financing rates

 

(89)

 

(20,169)

 

(1,470)

 

(359)

 

(22,087)

 

(7)

(22,094)

31 March 2024

 

767

 

40,743

 

9,672

 

5,805

 

56,987

 

11,012

67,999

Within one year

 

308

 

6,234

 

3,452

 

6,764

 

16,758

 

15,370

32,128

In one to two years

 

235

 

3,070

 

2,574

 

423

 

6,302

 

51

6,353

In two to three years

 

110

 

5,725

 

2,200

 

259

 

8,294

 

8,294

In three to four years

 

18

 

5,500

 

1,981

 

258

 

7,757

 

7,757

In four to five years

 

70

 

2,212

 

1,810

 

233

 

4,325

 

4,325

In more than five years

 

128

 

42,325

 

3,240

 

599

 

46,292

 

46,292

 

869

 

65,066

 

15,257

 

8,536

 

89,728

 

15,421

105,149

Effect of discount/financing rates

 

(74)

 

(20,950)

 

(1,893)

 

(421)

 

(23,338)

 

(3)

(23,341)

31 March 2023

 

795

 

44,116

 

13,364

 

8,115

 

66,390

 

15,418

81,808

Notes:

1

Maturities reflect contractual cash flows applicable except in the event of a change of control or event of default, upon which lenders have the right, but not the obligation, to request payment within 30 days. This also applies to undrawn committed facilities. There is no debt that is subject to a material adverse change clause. Where there is a choice of contractual cash flow dates, principally on 'hybrid bonds', the expected settlement date is used.

2

Includes spectrum licence payables with maturity profile 153 million (2023: 196 million) within one year, 187 million (2023: 170 million) in one to two years, 187 million (2023: 199 million) in two to three years, 187 million (2023: 199 million) in three to four years, 187 million (2023: 199 million) in four to five years and 276 million (2023: 587 million) in more than five years. Also includes 2,628 million (2023: 4,886 million) in relation to cash received under collateral support agreements shown within 1 year.

3

Includes financial liabilities under put option arrangements and non-derivative financial liabilities presented within trade and other payables.

Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)

22. Capital and financial risk management (continued)

The maturity profile of the Group’s financial derivatives (which include interest rate swaps, cross-currency interest rate swaps and foreign exchange swaps) using undiscounted cash flows, is as follows:

2024

2023

Payable1

Receivable1

Total

Payable1

Receivable1

Total

    

€m

    

€m

    

€m

    

€m

    

€m

    

€m

Within one year

(7,181)

7,886

705

(17,845)

18,527

682

In one to two years

(4,984)

5,466

482

(3,534)

4,055

521

In two to three years

(5,496)

5,910

414

(4,028)

4,441

413

In three to four years

(2,457)

2,909

452

(2,186)

2,567

381

In four to five years

(3,451)

4,020

569

(2,265)

2,681

416

In more than five years

(40,415)

46,561

6,146

(38,494)

44,586

6,092

(63,984)

72,752

8,768

(68,352)

76,857

8,505

Effect of discount/financing rates

  

  

(6,066)

  

  

(3,803)

Financial derivative net receivable

  

  

2,702

  

  

4,702

Note:

1

Payables and receivables are stated separately in the table above where cash settlement is on a gross basis.

Market risk

Interest rate management

Under the Group’s interest rate management policy, interest rates on long-term monetary assets and liabilities are principally maintained on a fixed rate basis.

At 31 March 2024 and after hedging, substantially all of our outstanding liabilities are held on a fixed interest rate basis in accordance with treasury policy.

For each one hundred basis point rise in market interest rates for all currencies in which the Group had borrowings at 31 March 2024 there would be an increase in profit before tax by €13 million (2023: €27 million) including mark to market revaluations of interest rate and other derivatives and the potential interest on cash and short-term investments. There would be no material impact on equity.

At 31 March 2024, the Group had limited exposure through interest rate derivatives and floating rate bonds referencing LIBOR and other interbank offered rates (IBORs).

Foreign exchange management

As Vodafone’s primary listing is on the London Stock Exchange its share price is quoted in sterling. Since the sterling share price represents the value of its future multi-currency cash flows, principally in euro, South African rand and sterling, the Group maintains the currency of debt and interest charges in proportion to its expected future principal cash flows and has a policy to hedge external foreign exchange risks on transactions denominated in other currencies above a certain de minimis level.

At 31 March 2024 6% of net debt was denominated in currencies other than euro (4% South African rand and 2% other). This allows South African rand to be serviced in proportion to expected future cash flows and therefore provides a partial economic hedge against income statement translation exposure.

Under the Group’s foreign exchange management policy, foreign exchange transaction exposure in Group companies is generally maintained at the lower of €5 million per currency per month or €15 million per currency over a six month period.

The Group recognises foreign exchange movements in equity for the translation of net investment hedging instruments and balances treated as investments in foreign operations. However, there is no net impact on equity for exchange rate movements on net investment hedging instruments as there would be an offset in the currency translation of the foreign operation. At 31 March 2024 the Group held financial liabilities in a net investment hedge against the Group’s South African rand operations. Sensitivity to foreign exchange movements on the hedging liabilities, analysed against a strengthening of the South African rand by 10% (2023: 12%) would result in a decrease in equity of €154 million (2023: €267million) which would be fully offset by foreign exchange movements on the hedged net assets. In addition, cash flow hedges of principally US dollar borrowings would result in an increase in equity of €73 million (2023: €204 million) against a strengthening of US dollar by 3% (2023: 5%).

Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)

22. Capital and financial risk management (continued)

The Group income statement is exposed to foreign exchange risk from both the generation of profits and losses in currencies other than euro and from the translation of balance sheet items not held in functional currency.

The following table details the Group’s sensitivity to foreign exchange risk. The percentage movement applied to the currency is based on the average movements in the previous three annual reporting periods.

2024

2023

    

€m

    

€m

Increase/ (decrease) in Profit before taxation

EGP 43% change (2023: 27%)

 

191

 

116

TRY 54% change (2023: 43%)

104

33

ZAR 10% change (2023: 12%)

60

87

GBP 2% change (2023: 3%)

 

(50)

 

(46)

Equity risk

As noted on page 201, the Group has an embedded derivative option with valuation inputs that include the quoted share prices for Indus Towers and Vodafone Idea. The Group’s sensitivity to a 40% increase / decrease in the combined share price input to the option valuation model would result in a decrease / increase in profit before tax of €19 million / €137 million (2023: €116m / €445 million). The percentage sensitivity applied is based on the 12month volatility of the combined share prices.

There is no material equity risk relating to the Group’s equity investments which are detailed in note 13 ‘Other investments’.

Risk management strategy of hedge relationships

The risk strategies of the designated cash flow, fair value, and net investment hedges reflect the above market risk strategies.

The objective of the cash flow hedges is principally to convert foreign currency denominated fixed rate borrowings in US dollar, pound sterling, Australian dollar, Swiss franc, Hong Kong dollar, Japanese yen, Norwegian krona and US dollar floating rate borrowings into euro fixed rate borrowings and hedge the foreign exchange spot rate and interest rate risk. There are also cash flow hedges of certain subsidiary expenditure not denominated in functional currency of the entity, to hedge foreign exchange spot risk. Derivative financial instruments designated in cash flow hedges are cross-currency interest rate swaps and foreign exchange swaps and forwards. The swap maturity dates and liquidity profiles of the nominal cash flows match those of the underlying borrowings and exposures.

The objective of the net investment hedges is to hedge foreign exchange risk in foreign operations. Derivative financial instruments designated in net investment hedges are cross-currency interest rate swaps and foreign exchange swaps. The hedging instruments are rolled on an ongoing basis as determined by the nature of the business.

Hedge effectiveness is determined at the inception of the hedge relationship and through periodic prospective effectiveness assessments to ensure that an economic relationship exists between the hedged item and hedging instrument.

For hedges of foreign currency denominated borrowings and investments, the Group uses a combination of cross-currency and foreign exchange swaps to hedge its exposure to foreign exchange risk and interest rate risk and enters into hedge relationships where the critical terms of the hedging instrument match with the terms of the hedged item. Therefore the Group expects a highly effective hedging relationship with the swap contracts and the value of the corresponding hedged items to change systematically in the opposite direction in response to movements in the underlying exchange rates and interest rates. The Group therefore performs a qualitative assessment of effectiveness. If changes in circumstances affect the terms of the hedged item such that the critical terms no longer match with the critical terms of the hedging instrument, the Group uses the hypothetical derivative method to assess effectiveness.

Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)

22. Capital and financial risk management (continued)

Hedge ineffectiveness may occur due to:

a) The fair value of the hedging instrument on the hedge relationship designation date if the fair value is not nil;

b) Changes in the contractual terms or timing of the payments on the hedged item; and

c) A change in the credit risk of the Group or the counterparty with the hedging instrument.

The hedge ratio for each designation will be established by comparing the quantity of the hedging instrument and the quantity of the hedged item to determine their relative weighting; for all of the Group’s existing hedge relationships the hedge ratio has been determined as 1:1.

The fair values of the derivative financial instruments are calculated by discounting the future cash flows to net present values using appropriate market rates and foreign currency rates prevailing at 31 March. The valuation basis is level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. This classification comprises items where fair value is determined from inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset and liability, either directly or indirectly. Derivative financial assets and liabilities are included within trade and other receivables and trade and other payables in the statement of financial position.

The following table represents the carrying values and nominal amounts of derivatives in a continued hedge relationship as at 31 March.

Other comprehensive income

Weighted average

Opening

(Gain)/

Gain/(Loss)

Closing

Carrying

Carrying

balance

Loss

recycled to

balance

Euro

Nominal

value

value

1 April

deferred to

financing

31 March

interest

At 31 March 2024

    

amounts
€m

    

assets
€m

    

liabilities
€m

    

2023
€m

    

OCI
€m

    

costs
€m

    

20241
€m

    

Maturity
year

    

FX rate

    

rate
%

Cash flow hedges - foreign currency risk2

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Cross-currency and foreign exchange swaps:

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

- US dollar bonds

 

16,756

 

2,689

 

188

 

(2,709)

 

1,775

 

124

 

(810)

 

2039

 

1.18

 

3.29

- Australian dollar bonds

 

288

 

 

2

 

(21)

 

14

 

(6)

 

(13)

 

2027

 

1.56

 

1.57

- Swiss franc bonds

 

624

 

80

 

 

(3)

 

(22)

 

15

 

(10)

 

2026

 

1.08

 

1.57

- Pound sterling bonds

 

4,771

 

45

 

362

 

(37)

 

244

 

126

 

333

 

2043

 

0.86

 

4.05

- Hong Kong dollar bonds

 

233

 

20

 

 

(5)

 

2

 

3

 

 

2028

 

9.08

 

1.92

- Japanese yen bonds

 

78

 

 

11

 

(12)

 

15

 

(9)

 

(6)

 

2037

 

128.53

 

2.47

- Norwegian krona bonds

 

241

 

 

47

 

(12)

 

13

 

(6)

 

(5)

 

2026

 

9.15

 

1.12

- Foreign exchange forwards3

287

42

(34)

(15)

7

(42)

2024

29.88

Cash flow hedges - foreign currency and interest rate risk2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cross currency swaps - US dollar bonds

 

 

 

 

(11)

 

11

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment hedge - foreign exchange risk4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cross currency and foreign exchange swaps - South African rand investment

 

1,505

 

176

 

 

952

 

(54)

 

898

 

2026

 

17.81

 

2.19

 

24,783

 

3,010

 

652

 

(1,892)

 

1,983

 

254

 

345

Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)

22. Capital and financial risk management (continued)

Other comprehensive income

Weighted average

Opening

Gain/(Loss)

Closing

Carrying

Carrying

balance

(Gain)/Loss

recycled to

balance

Euro

Nominal

value

value

1 April

deferred to

financing

31 March

interest

At 31 March 2023

    

amounts
€m

    

assets
€m

    

liabilities
€m

    

2022
€m

    

OCI
€m

    

costs
€m

    

20231
€m

    

Maturity
year

    

FX rate

    

rate
%

Cash flow hedges – foreign currency risk2

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Cross-currency and foreign exchange swaps hedging:

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

- US dollar bonds

 

17,690

 

4,456

 

 

(1,484)

 

(2,321)

 

1,096

 

(2,709)

 

2038

 

1.18

 

3.14

- Australian dollar bonds

 

288

 

13

 

 

(5)

 

31

 

(47)

 

(21)

 

2027

 

1.56

 

1.57

- Swiss franc bonds

 

624

 

58

 

 

20

 

(43)

 

20

 

(3)

 

2026

 

1.08

 

1.26

- Pound sterling bonds

 

4,195

 

61

 

152

 

109

 

6

 

(152)

 

(37)

 

2044

 

0.86

 

3.15

- Hong Kong dollar bonds

 

233

 

22

 

 

7

 

(17)

 

5

 

(5)

 

2028

 

9.08

 

1.48

- Japanese yen bonds

 

78

 

3

 

 

2

 

(9)

 

(5)

 

(12)

 

2037

 

128.53

 

2.47

- Norwegian krona bonds

 

241

 

 

34

 

3

 

17

 

(32)

 

(12)

 

2026

 

9.15

 

1.12

- Foreign exchange forwards3

383

34

(69)

34

1

(34)

2023

18.92

Cash flow hedges – foreign currency and interest rate risk2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cross currency swaps - US dollar bonds

 

417

 

49

 

 

(1)

 

(20)

 

10

 

(11)

 

2023

 

1.17

 

1.07

Net investment hedge - foreign exchange risk4

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Cross currency and foreign exchange swaps - South African rand investment

 

2,004

 

96

 

 

1,133

 

(181)

 

952

 

2025

 

18.23

 

1.83

 

26,153

 

4,758

 

220

 

(285)

 

(2,503)

 

896

 

(1,892)

Notes:

1Fair value movement deferred into other comprehensive income includes 251 million loss (2023: 383 million loss) and 10 million gain (2023: 17 million gain) of foreign currency basis outside the cash flow and net investment hedge relationships respectively.
2For cash flow hedges, the movement in the hypothetical derivative (hedged item) mirrors that of the hedging instrument. Hedge ineffectiveness of the swaps designated in a cash flow hedge during the period was €67 million (2023: nil).
3Includes euro and US dollar forward contracts against Turkish lira to hedge foreign currency forecast expenditures in local markets. Notional amounts of 166 million (2023: 259 million) and $130 million or 121 million equivalent (2023: $134 million or 124 million equivalent) with weighted average exchange rates of 29.68 (2023: 18.36) and 30.15 (2023: 20.07) respectively to Turkish lira.
4Hedge ineffectiveness of swaps designated in a net investment hedge during the period was €nil (2023: nil).

The carrying value of bonds includes an additional 710 million loss (2023: 776 million loss) in relation to fair value of other bonds previously designated in fair value hedge relationships.

Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)

22. Capital and financial risk management (continued)

Changes in assets and liabilities arising from financing activities

Assets and liabilities

Derivative assets

Financial liabilities

arising from

Borrowings

and liabilities

under put options

Other liabilities

financing activities

    

€m

    

€m

    

€m

    

€m

    

€m

31 March 2023

66,390

(4,702)

485

103

62,276

Cash movements

Proceeds from issuance of long-term borrowings

1,533

1,533

Repayment of borrowings1

(10,106)

(10,106)

Net movement in short-term borrowings

(1,636)

(1,636)

Net movement in derivatives

144

144

Interest paid1

(2,531)

272

(17)

(54)

(2,330)

Purchase of treasury shares

Other

(493)

(493)

Non-cash movements

Fair value movements

2,233

2,233

Foreign exchange

61

(231)

1

(169)

Interest costs2

2,766

(395)

13

56

2,440

Lease additions

3,915

3,915

Transfer of assets and liabilities held for sale

(3,455)

(23)

(1)

(3,479)

Other

50

12

62

31 March 2024

56,987

(2,702)

105

54,390

Assets and liabilities

Derivative assets

Financial liabilities

arising from

Borrowings

and liabilities

under put options

Other liabilities

financing activities

    

€m

    

€m

    

€m

    

€m

    

€m

1 April 2022

70,092

(2,954)

494

1,498

69,130

Cash movements

Proceeds from issuance of long-term borrowings

4,071

4,071

Repayment of borrowings1

(13,538)

(13,538)

Net movement in short-term borrowings

3,172

3,172

Net movement in derivatives

261

261

Interest paid1

(2,444)

590

(18)

(79)

(1,951)

Purchase of treasury shares

(1,867)

(1,867)

Other

(12)

(12)

Non-cash movements

Fair value movements

(1,688)

(1,688)

Foreign exchange

(44)

(350)

(20)

(414)

Interest costs2

2,657

(561)

21

(113)

2,004

Lease additions

7,652

7,652

Acquisition and disposal of subsidiaries

(5,243)

(5,243)

Other3

15

684

699

31 March 2023

66,390

(4,702)

485

103

62,276

Note:

1

Includes 1,136 million (2023: 3,037 million) in Repayment of borrowings and 103 million (2023: 136 million) in Interest paid that are presented within Cash outflows from discontinued operations in the Consolidated statement of cash flows.

2

Includes 111 million (2023: 103 million) of Interest costs presented within Discontinued operations in the Consolidated income statement.

3

Movement in Other liabilities primarily relate to share buyback programmes.

Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)

22. Capital and financial risk management (continued)

Fair value and carrying value information

The carrying value and valuation basis of the Group’s financial assets are set out in notes 13 ‘Other investments’, 14 ‘Trade and other receivables’ and 19 ‘Cash and cash equivalents’. For all financial assets held at amortised cost the carrying values approximate fair value except as disclosed in note 13 ‘Other investments’.

The carrying value and valuation basis of the Group’s financial liabilities are set out in notes 15 ‘Trade and other payables’ and 21 ‘Borrowings’. The carrying values approximate fair value for the Group’s trade payables and other payables categories. For other financial liabilities a comparison of fair value and carrying value is disclosed in note 21 ‘Borrowings’.

Level 3 financial instruments

The Group’s borrowings include €1,720 million (2023: €1,485 million) of bank borrowings that are secured against the Group’s shareholdings in Indus Towers and Vodafone Idea (see note 12 ‘Investments in Associates and Joint Ventures’ for further details of these assets) and will be repaid through the realisation of proceeds from those assets. This arrangement contains an embedded derivative option which has been separately fair valued. The 31 March 2024 valuation of the embedded derivative asset of €22 million (2023: €198 million) is presented within derivative assets in current assets (see note 14 ‘Trade and other receivables’).

A Black Scholes model for European put options has been used as a valuation model and primarily uses market inputs (quoted share prices and volatilities for Indus Towers and Vodafone Idea) along with a strike price equal to the amount payable under the loan. The valuation includes an unobservable adjustment to reflect the potential timeframe to settle the loan and has been modelled using a range of potential durations up to 30 September 2025 (2023: September 2024). As a result of this unobservable adjustment, the option is classified as a level 3 instrument under the fair value hierarchy. An increase/(decrease) in durations applied of 6 months would increase/(decrease) the derivative asset by €31 million/(€7 million) (2023: €141million/(€115 million)).

Net financial instruments

The table below shows the Group’s financial assets and liabilities that are subject to offset in the balance sheet and the impact of enforceable master netting or similar agreements.

Related amounts not set off in the balance sheet

Amounts

Right of set off

presented in

with derivative

Collateral

At 31 March 2024

    

Gross amount
€m

    

Amount set off
€m

    

balance sheet
€m

    

counterparties
€m

    

(liabilities)/assets1
€m

    

Net amount
€m

Derivative financial assets

 

4,226

 

 

4,226

 

(899)

 

(2,628)

 

699

Derivative financial liabilities

 

(1,524)

 

 

(1,524)

 

899

 

741

 

116

Total

 

2,702

 

 

2,702

 

 

(1,887)

 

815

Related amounts not set off in the balance sheet

Amounts

Right of set off

presented in

with derivative

Collateral

At 31 March 2023

    

Gross amount
€m

    

Amount set off
€m

    

balance sheet
€m

    

counterparties
€m

    

(liabilities)/assets1
€m

    

Net amount
€m

Derivative financial assets

 

6,124

 

 

6,124

 

(910)

 

(4,886)

 

328

Derivative financial liabilities

 

(1,422)

 

 

(1,422)

 

910

 

239

 

(273)

Total

 

4,702

 

 

4,702

 

 

(4,647)

 

55

Note:

1

Excludes non-cash collateral of €370 million (2023: €nil) which is not recognised on balance sheet but which would become payable to the Group in the event of a counterparty default on the related derivative financial assets.

Financial assets and liabilities are offset and the net amount reported in the consolidated balance sheet when there is a legally enforceable right to offset the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously. Derivative financial instruments that do not meet the criteria for offset could be settled net in certain circumstances under ISDA (‘International Swaps and Derivatives Association’) agreements where each party has the option to settle amounts on a net basis in the event of default from the other. Collateral may be offset and net settled against derivative financial instruments in the event of default by either party. The aforementioned collateral balances are recorded in notes 13 ‘Other investments’ or 21 ‘Borrowings’ respectively.

Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)

23. Directors and key management compensation

This note details the total amounts earned by the Company’s Directors and members of the Executive Committee.

Directors

Aggregate emoluments of the Directors of the Company were as follows:

2024

2023

2022

€m

€m

€m

Short-term remuneration

 

8

 

6

 

7

Long-term incentive schemes1

 

1

 

3

 

2

 

9

 

9

 

9

Note:

1Relates to share-based payments.

No Directors serving during the year exercised share options in the year ended 31 March 2024 (2023: None; 2022: None).

Key management compensation

Aggregate compensation for key management, being the Directors and members of the Executive Committee, was as follows:

2024

2023

2022

€m

€m

€m

Short-term employee benefits

 

27

 

25

 

28

Share-based payments

 

7

 

12

 

8

 

34

 

37

 

36

Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)

24. Employees

This note shows the average number of people employed by the Group during the year, in which areas of our business our employees work and where they are based. It also shows total employment costs.

    

    

Re-presented1

    

Re-presented1

2024

    

2023

    

2022

Employees

Employees

Employees

By activity

 

  

 

  

 

  

Operations

 

15,707

 

15,808

 

15,404

Selling and distribution

 

22,928

 

24,676

 

25,499

Customer care and administration

 

57,647

 

57,619

 

56,038

 

96,282

 

98,103

 

96,941

By segment

 

 

 

Germany

 

15,115

 

15,242

 

15,256

UK

 

9,640

 

9,312

 

9,198

Other Europe

 

11,441

 

14,189

 

15,106

Africa

 

13,578

 

13,633

 

13,556

Turkey2

 

3,126

 

3,688

 

3,753

Vantage Towers

 

 

753

 

502

Common Functions

 

34,273

 

31,561

 

29,611

87,173

88,378

86,982

Discontinued operations

 

9,109

 

9,725

 

9,959

Total

 

96,282

 

98,103

 

96,941

The cost incurred in respect of these employees (including Directors) was:

Re-presented1

Re-presented1

2024

2023

2022

€m

€m

€m

Wages and salaries

 

4,674

 

4,384

 

3,923

Social security costs

 

497

 

468

 

449

Other pension costs (note 25 'Post employment benefits')

 

217

 

212

 

138

Share-based payments (note 26 'Shared-based payments')

 

110

 

128

 

110

 

5,498

 

5,192

 

4,620

Discontinued operations

 

748

 

650

 

714

Total

 

6,246

 

5,842

 

5,334

Notes:

1The results for the years ended 31 March 2023 and 31 March 2022 have been re-presented to reflect that the results of Vodafone Spain and Vodafone Italy are now reported as discontinued operations. See note 7 ‘Discontinued operations and assets held for sale’ for more information.
2This segment was previously named Other Markets and the comparative period includes the results of Vodafone Ghana which, as previously reported, was sold in February 2023. Other Markets has been re-named to Turkey because this segment comprised only Vodafone Turkey in the year ended 31 March 2024.

Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)

25. Post employment benefits

The Group operates a number of Defined Benefit and Defined Contribution retirement plans for our employees. The Group’s largest defined benefit plan is in the UK. For further details see ‘Critical accounting judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty’ in note 1 ‘Basis of preparation’.

Accounting policies

For defined benefit retirement plans, the difference between the fair value of the plan assets and the present value of the plan liabilities is recognised as an asset or a liability on the consolidated statement of financial position. Defined benefit plan liabilities are assessed using the projected unit funding method and applying the principal actuarial assumptions at the reporting period date. Assets are valued at market value.

Actuarial gains and losses are taken to the consolidated statement of comprehensive income for defined benefit plans or consolidated income statement for cash leaver plans as incurred. For this purpose, actuarial gains and losses comprise both the effects of changes in actuarial assumptions and experience adjustments arising from differences between the previous actuarial assumptions and what has actually occurred. The return on plan assets, in excess of interest income, and costs incurred for the management of plan assets are also taken to other comprehensive income.

Other movements in the net surplus or deficit are recognised in the consolidated income statement, including the current service cost, any past service cost and the effect of any settlements. The interest cost less the expected interest income on assets is also charged to the consolidated income statement. The amount charged to the consolidated income statement in respect of these plans is included within operating costs or in the Group’s share of the results of equity accounted operations, as appropriate.

The Group’s contributions to defined contribution pension plans are charged to the consolidated income statement as they fall due.

Background

At 31 March 2024 the Group operated a number of retirement plans for the benefit of its employees throughout the world, with varying rights and obligations depending on the conditions and practices in the countries concerned. The Group’s philosophy is to provide access to defined contribution retirement plans where feasible and to manage legacy defined benefit retirement arrangements. Defined benefit plans provide benefits based on the employees’ length of pensionable service and their final pensionable salary or other criteria. Defined contribution plans offer employees individual funds that are converted into benefits at the time of retirement.

The Group operates defined benefit plans in Germany, India, Ireland, Italy1, the UK, the United States and defined benefit indemnity plans in Greece and Turkey. Defined contribution plans are currently provided in Egypt, Germany, Greece, India, Ireland, Italy1, Portugal, South Africa, Spain1 and the UK.

Income statement expense/(income)

Re-presented1

Re-presented1

2024

2023

2022

€m

€m

€m

Defined contribution plans

 

183

 

175

 

167

Defined benefit plans

 

34

 

37

 

(29)

Total amount charged to income statement (note 24)

 

217

 

212

 

138

Note:

1

The defined contribution plan results for the years ended 31 March 2023 and 31 March 2022 have been re-presented to reflect that the results of Vodafone Spain and Vodafone Italy are now reported as discontinued operations, decreasing both the previously disclosed defined contribution plans’ expense and the total amount charged to the income statement by 32 million and 30 million respectively. The results of the defined benefit plans have not been re-presented as such impacts are immaterial. See note 7 ‘Discontinued operations and assets held for sale’ for more information.

Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)

25. Post employment benefits (continued)

Defined benefit plans

The Group’s retirement policy is to provide competitive pension provision, in each operating country, in line with the market median for that location. The Group’s preferred retirement provision is focused on Defined Contribution arrangements and/or State provision for future service.

The Group’s main defined benefit funding liability is the Vodafone UK Group Pension Scheme (‘Vodafone UK plan’). Since June 2014 the Vodafone UK plan has consisted of two segregated sections: the Vodafone Section and the Cable & Wireless Section (‘CWW Section’). Both sections are closed to new entrants and to future accrual. The Group also operates smaller funded and unfunded plans in the UK, funded and unfunded plans in Germany and a funded plan in Ireland. Defined benefit pension provision exposes the Group to actuarial risks such as longer than expected longevity of participants, lower than expected return on investments and higher than expected inflation, which may increase the liabilities or reduce the value of assets of the plans.

The main defined benefit plans are administered by trustee boards which are legally separate from the Group and consist of representatives who are employees, former employees or are independent from the Group. The trustee boards of the pension plans are required by legislation to act in the best interest of the participants, set the investment strategy and contribution rates and are subject to statutory funding regimes.

The Vodafone UK plan is registered as an occupational pension plan with HM Revenue and Customs (‘HMRC’) and is subject to UK legislation and operates within the framework outlined by the Pensions Regulator. UK legislation requires that pension plans are funded prudently and that valuations are undertaken at least every three years. Separate valuations are required for the Vodafone Section and CWW Section.

The trustees obtain regular actuarial valuations to check whether the statutory funding objective is met and whether a recovery plan is required to restore funding to the level of the agreed technical provisions. The 31 March 2022 triennial actuarial valuation for the Vodafone Section and CWW Section of the Vodafone UK plan showed a net surplus of £248 million (€290 million) on the funding basis, comprising of a £97 million (€113 million) surplus for the Vodafone Section and a £151 million (€177 million) surplus for the CWW Section. No further contributions are due in respect of the Vodafone UK plan at this time. The next actuarial valuation has an effective date of 31 March 2025.

These plan- specific actuarial valuations differ to the IAS 19 'Employee Benefits' accounting basis, which is used to measure pension assets and liabilities presented in the Group’s consolidated statement of financial position.

Funding plans are individually agreed for each of the Group’s other defined benefit plans with the respective trustees or governing board, taking into account local regulatory requirements. It is expected that ordinary contributions of €29 million will be paid into the Group’s defined benefit plans during the year ending 31 March 2025. The Group has also provided certain guarantees in respect of the Vodafone UK plan; further details are provided in note 29 ‘Contingent liabilities and legal proceedings’ to the consolidated financial statements.

The investment strategy for the UK plans is controlled by the trustees in consultation with the Group and the plans have no direct investments in the Group’s equity securities or in property or other assets currently used by the Group. The allocation of assets between different classes of investment is reviewed regularly and is a key factor in the trustee investment policy. The trustees aim to achieve the plan’s investment objectives through investing partly in a diversified mix of growth assets which, over the long term, are expected to grow in value by more than the low-risk assets. The low-risk assets include cash and gilts, inflation and interest rate hedging and in-substance insured pensioner annuity policies in both the Vodafone Section and CWW Sections of the Vodafone UK plan and an insured pensioner annuity policy in the Vodafone Ireland Pension Plan. A number of investment managers are appointed to promote diversification by assets, organisation and investment style and current market conditions and trends are regularly assessed, which may lead to adjustments in the asset allocation.

Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)

25. Post employment benefits (continued)

The key risks in relation to the Vodafone UK plan are set out below, alongside a summary of the steps taken to mitigate each risk.

Risk description

Mitigation

Investment strategy risk

Underperformance of the investment strategy relative to the changes in the Vodafone UK Plan's liabilities, which are sensitive to interest rates and inflation, potentially leading to shortfalls in meeting pension obligations.

The plan adopts a liability driven investment framework, by investing in assets that aim to match the characteristics of the Vodafone UK Plan's liabilities. This can help to hedge the risk of future changes in interest rate and inflation and also reduce balance sheet volatility.

Longevity risk

Pensions paid by the Vodafone UK Plan are guaranteed for life, and, therefore, if members are expected to live longer, the liabilities increase.

The Vodafone UK Plan's funding targets include a margin for prudence to reflect uncertainty in future life expectancy. Both sections of the Vodafone UK Plan have pensioner annuity policies which help reduce exposure to changes in longevity. Longevity risk is also monitored by the trustees on a regular basis through its risk management framework.

Regulatory risk

Changes in pension regulations and accounting standards can impact the Group's pension obligations and reporting requirements.

There is open communication with the trustees and advisors of the Vodafone UK Plan to understand the impact of any changes in regulation and to proactively address potential resulting risks.

Actuarial assumptions

The Group’s plan liabilities are measured using the projected unit credit method using the principal actuarial assumptions set out below:

    

2024

    

2023

    

2022

%

%

%

Weighted average actuarial assumptions used at 31 March1

 

  

 

  

 

  

Rate of inflation2

 

2.9

 

3.0

 

3.3

Rate of increase in salaries3

 

3.0

 

3.0

 

3.1

Discount rate

 

4.5

 

4.5

 

2.5

Notes:

1Figures shown represent a weighted average assumption of the individual plans. The current year weighted averages do not include Vodafone Italy’s defined benefit plan assumptions. See note 7 ‘Discontinued operations and assets held for sale’ for more information.
2The rate of increase in pensions in payment and deferred revaluation are dependent on the rate of inflation.
3Relates only to schemes open to future accrual primarily in Germany, Ireland and India.

Mortality assumptions used are based on recommendations from the individual local actuaries which include adjustments for the experience of the Group where appropriate. The Group’s largest plan is the Vodafone UK plan. Life expectancies assumed for the UK plans are 22.6/24.3 years (2023: 22.8/24.7 years) for a male/female pensioner currently aged 65 years and 23.6/25.4 years (2023: 23.7/25.5 years) from age 65 for a male/female non-pensioner member currently aged 40.

Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)

25. Post employment benefits (continued)

Charges made to the consolidated income statement and consolidated statement of comprehensive income (‘SOCI’) on the basis of the assumptions stated above are shown in the table below.

2024

2023

2022

€m

€m

€m

Current service cost

 

42

 

44

 

38

Net past service credit1

 

 

 

(71)

Net interest (income)/charge

 

(8)

 

(7)

 

4

Total net cost/(credit) included within staff costs

 

34

 

37

 

(29)

Actuarial losses/(gains) recognised in the SOCI

 

77

 

213

 

(627)

Notes:

1

In the year ended 31 March 2022, a change in Germany relating to the provision of death and disability benefits effective from 1 April 2021 resulted in a past service credit of 49 million and further net past service credits were recognised for the Vodafone UK plan relating to the offer of a pension increase exchange to all members at retirement and benefit clarifications.

Duration of the benefit obligations

The weighted average duration of the defined benefit obligation at 31 March 2024 is 15 years (2023: 16 years).

Fair value of the assets and present value of the liabilities of the plans

The amount included in the consolidated statement of financial position arising from the Group’s obligations in respect of its defined benefit plans is as follows:

    

Assets

    

Liabilities

    

Net surplus

€m

€m

€m

1 April 2022

 

7,715

 

(7,441)

 

274

Service cost

 

 

(44)

 

(44)

Interest income/(cost)

185

 

(178)

 

7

Return on plan assets excluding interest income

 

(2,475)

 

 

(2,475)

Actuarial gains arising from changes in demographic assumptions

 

186

186

Actuarial gains arising from changes in financial assumptions

 

2,293

2,293

Actuarial losses arising from experience adjustments

 

 

(217)

 

(217)

Employer cash contributions

 

42

 

 

42

Member cash contributions

 

15

 

(15)

 

Benefits paid

 

(216)

 

216

 

Exchange rate movements

 

(211)

 

224

 

13

Other movements

 

(8)

 

 

(8)

31 March 2023

 

5,047

 

(4,976)

 

71

Service cost

 

 

(42)

 

(42)

Interest income/(cost)

223

(215)

8

Return on plan assets excluding interest income

 

(102)

 

 

(102)

Actuarial gains arising from changes in demographic assumptions

 

 

72

 

72

Actuarial gains arising from changes in financial assumptions

30

30

Actuarial losses arising from experience adjustments

 

 

(77)

 

(77)

Employer cash contributions

41

41

Member cash contributions

 

15

 

(15)

 

Benefits paid

 

(173)

 

173

 

Exchange rate movements

 

104

 

(73)

 

31

Liabilities held for sale

 

 

51

 

51

Other movements

 

(7)

 

 

(7)

31 March 2024

 

5,148

 

(5,072)

 

76

Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)

25. Post employment benefits (continued)

The table below provides an analysis of the net surplus for the Group as a whole.

2024

2023

€m

€m

Analysis of net surplus:

 

  

 

  

Total fair value of plan assets

 

5,148

 

5,047

Present value of funded plan liabilities

 

(5,017)

 

(4,875)

Net surplus for funded plans

 

131

 

172

Present value of unfunded plan liabilities

 

(55)

 

(101)

Net surplus

 

76

 

71

Net surplus is analysed as:

 

 

Assets1

 

257

 

329

Liabilities

 

(181)

 

(258)

Note:

1Pension assets are deemed to be recoverable and there are no adjustments in respect of minimum funding requirements as economic benefits are available to the Group either in the form of future refunds or, for plans still open to benefit accrual, in the form of possible reductions in future contributions.

An analysis of net surplus is provided below for the Vodafone UK plan, which is a funded plan. As part of the merger of the Vodafone UK plan and the Cable and Wireless Worldwide Retirement Plan (‘CWWRP’) plan on 6 June 2014 the assets and liabilities of the CWW Section are segregated from the Vodafone Section and hence are reported separately below.

CWW Section

Vodafone Section

2024

2023

2024

2023

€m

€m

€m

€m

Analysis of net surplus:

 

  

 

 

  

 

  

Total fair value of plan assets

 

1,781

1,845

 

 

1,983

 

1,958

Present value of plan liabilities

 

(1,676)

(1,657)

 

 

(1,924)

 

(1,900)

Net surplus1

 

105

188

 

 

59

 

58

Note:

1

All net surpluses are reported as non-current assets in the consolidated statement of financial position.

Fair value of plan assets

2024

2023

€m

€m

Cash and cash equivalents

 

52

 

27

Equity investments:

 

 

With quoted prices in an active market

 

261

 

140

Without quoted prices in an active market

 

293

 

322

Debt instruments:

 

 

With quoted prices in an active market

 

928

 

588

Without quoted prices in an active market

 

944

 

288

Property:

 

 

With quoted prices in an active market

 

16

 

17

Without quoted prices in an active market

 

374

 

438

Derivatives:1

 

 

Without quoted prices in an active market

 

1,040

 

1,791

Investment fund

 

580

 

782

Annuity policies

With quoted prices in an active market

 

 

25

Without quoted prices

660

629

Total

 

5,148

 

5,047

Note:

1

Derivatives include collateral held in the form of cash. Assets are valued using ‘level 2’ inputs under IFRS 13 ‘Fair Value Measurement’ principles and classified as unquoted accordingly.

Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)

25. Post employment benefits (continued)

The fair value of plan assets, which have been measured in accordance with IFRS 13 ‘Fair Value Measurement’, are analysed by asset category above and are subdivided by assets that have a quoted market price in an active market and those that do not, such as investment funds. Where available, the fair values are quoted prices (e.g. listed equity, sovereign debt and corporate bonds). Unlisted investments without quoted prices in an active market (e.g. private equity) are included at values provided by the fund manager in accordance with relevant guidance. Other significant assets are valued based on observable inputs such as yield curves. The Vodafone UK plan annuity policies fully match the pension obligations of those pensioners insured and therefore are set equal to the present value of the related obligations. Investment funds of €580 million at 31 March 2024 (2023: €782 million) include investments in diversified alternative beta funds held in the Vodafone Section of the Vodafone UK plan.

The actual return on plan assets over the year to 31 March 2024 was a gain of €121 million (2023: €2,290 million loss).

Sensitivity analysis

Measurement of the Group’s defined benefit retirement obligation is sensitive to changes in certain key assumptions. The sensitivity analysis below shows how a reasonably possible increase or decrease in a particular assumption would, in isolation, result in an increase or decrease in the present value of the defined benefit obligation as at 31 March 2024.

    

Rate of inflation

    

Rate of increase in salaries

    

Discount rate

    

Life expectancy

Decrease by 0.5%

Increase by 0.5%

Decrease by 0.5%

Increase by 0.5%

Decrease by 0.5%

Increase by 0.5%

Decrease by 1 year

Increase by 1 year

€m

€m

€m

€m

€m

€m

€m

€m

(Decrease)/increase in present value of defined benefit obligation1

 

(232)

 

250

 

(2)

 

3

 

362

 

(321)

 

(122)

 

122

Note:

1The sensitivity analysis may not be representative of an actual change in the defined benefit obligation as it is unlikely that changes in assumptions would occur in isolation of one another. In presenting this sensitivity analysis, the change in the present value of the defined benefit obligation has been calculated on the same basis as prior years using the projected unit credit method at the end of the year, which is the same as that applied in calculating the defined benefit obligation liability recognised in the statement of financial position. The rate of inflation assumption sensitivity factors in the impact of changes to all assumptions relating to inflation including the rate of increase in salaries, pension increases and deferred revaluations.

Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)

26. Share-based payments

The Group has a number of share plans used to award shares to Executive Directors and employees as part of their remuneration package. A charge is recognised over the vesting period in the consolidated income statement to record the cost of these, based on the fair value of the award on the grant date.

Accounting policies

The Group issues equity-settled share-based awards to certain employees. Equity-settled share-based awards are measured at fair value (excluding the effect of non-market-based vesting conditions) at the date of grant. The fair value determined at the grant date of the equity-settled share-based award is expensed on a straight-line basis over the vesting period, based on the Group’s estimate of the shares that will eventually vest and adjusted for the effect of non-market-based vesting conditions. A corresponding increase in additional paid-in capital is also recognised.

Some share awards have an attached market condition, based on total shareholder return (‘TSR’), which is taken into account when calculating the fair value of the share awards. The valuation for the TSR is based on Vodafone’s ranking within the same group of companies, where possible, over the past five years.

The fair value of awards of non-vested shares is a calculation of the closing price of the Company’s shares on the day prior to the grant date, adjusted for the present value of the delay in receiving dividends where appropriate.

The maximum aggregate number of ordinary shares which may be issued in respect of share options or share plans will not (without shareholder approval) exceed:

– 10% of the ordinary share capital of the Company in issue immediately prior to the date of grant, when aggregated with the total number of ordinary shares which have been allocated in the preceding ten year period under all plans; and

– 5% of the ordinary share capital of the Company in issue immediately prior to the date of grant, when aggregated with the total number of ordinary shares which have been allocated in the preceding ten year period under all plans, other than any plans which are operated on an all-employee basis.

Share options

Vodafone Sharesave Plan

Under the Vodafone Sharesave Plan UK staff may acquire shares in the Company through monthly savings of up to £375 over a three and/or five year period. The savings may then be used to purchase shares at the option price, which is set at the beginning of the invitation period at a discount of up to 20% to the then prevailing market price of the Company’s shares.

Share plans

Vodafone Group executive plans

Under the Vodafone Global Incentive Plan awards of shares are granted to Directors and certain employees. The release of these shares is conditional upon continued employment and for some awards achievement of certain performance targets measured over a three year period.

Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)

26. Share-based payments (continued)

Movements in outstanding ordinary share options

    Ordinary share options

2024

2023

2022

Millions

Millions

Millions

1 April

 

62

 

61

 

62

Granted during the year

 

63

 

50

 

20

Forfeited during the year

 

(1)

 

(2)

 

(2)

Exercised during the year

 

 

(8)

 

(1)

Expired during the year

 

(54)

 

(39)

 

(18)

31 March

 

70

 

62

 

61

Weighted average exercise price:

 

 

 

  

1 April

£0.87

£1.02

£1.07

Granted during the year

£0.58

£0.83

£0.95

Forfeited during the year

£0.81

£1.02

£1.06

Exercised during the year

£1.06

£1.05

£1.17

Expired during the year

£0.82

£1.01

£1.10

31 March

£0.66

£0.87

£1.02

Summary of options outstanding

    

31 March 2024

    

31 March 2023

Weighted

Weighted

remaining

remaining

Weighted

average

Weighted

average

Outstanding

average

contractual

Outstanding

average

contractual

shares

exercise

life

shares

exercise

life

Millions

price

Months

Millions

price

Months

Vodafone Group Sharesave Plan:

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

£0.58 – £1.57

70

£0.66

 

31

 

62

 

£0.87

 

33

Share awards

Movements in non-vested shares are as follows:

2024

    

2023

    

2022

Weighted

Weighted

Weighted

average fair

average fair

average fair

value at

value at

value at 

Millions

grant date

Millions

grant date

Millions

grant date

1 April

 

261

£1.14

 

270

£1.07

 

267

£1.20

Granted

 

177

£0.72

 

120

£1.17

 

113

£1.17

Vested

 

(76)

£1.17

 

(70)

£1.15

 

(68)

£1.44

Forfeited

 

(45)

£0.99

 

(59)

£0.89

 

(42)

£1.52

31 March

 

317

£0.92

 

261

£1.14

 

270

£1.07

Other information

The total fair value of shares vested during the year ended 31 March 2024 was £89 million (2023: £81 million; 2022: £98 million).

The compensation cost included in the consolidated income statement in respect of share options and share plans was €125 million (2023: €141 million; 2022: €119 million) which is comprised principally of equity-settled transactions.

The average share price for the year ended 31 March 2024 was 74.7 pence (2023: 108.2 pence; 2022: 122.1 pence).

Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)

27. Acquisitions and disposals

The note below provides details of acquisition and disposal transactions for the current year as well as those completed in the prior year. For further details see ‘Critical accounting judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty’ in note 1 ‘Basis of preparation’ to the consolidated financial statements.

Accounting policies

Business combinations

Acquisitions of subsidiaries are accounted for using the acquisition method. The cost of the acquisition is measured at the aggregate of the fair values at the date of exchange of assets given, liabilities incurred or assumed and equity instruments issued by the Group. Acquisition-related costs are recognised in the consolidated income statement as incurred. The acquiree’s identifiable assets and liabilities are recognised at their fair values at the acquisition date, which is the date on which control is transferred to the Group. Goodwill is measured as the excess of the sum of the consideration transferred, the amount of any non-controlling interests in the acquiree and the fair value of the Group’s previously held equity interest in the acquiree, if any, over the net amounts of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date. The interest of the non-controlling shareholders in the acquiree may initially be measured either at fair value or at the non-controlling shareholders’ proportion of the net fair value of the identifiable assets acquired, liabilities and contingent liabilities assumed. The choice of measurement basis is made on an acquisition-by-acquisition basis.

Acquisition of interests from non-controlling shareholders

In transactions with non-controlling parties that do not result in a change in control, the difference between the fair value of the consideration paid or received and the amount by which the non-controlling interest is adjusted is recognised in equity.

Disposals

The difference between the carrying value of the net assets disposed of and the fair value of consideration received is recorded as a gain or loss on disposal. Foreign exchange translation gains or losses relating to subsidiaries, joint arrangements and associates that the Group has disposed of, and that have previously been recorded in other comprehensive income or expense, are also recognised as part of the gain or loss on disposal.

Other transactions with non-controlling shareholders in subsidiaries

The aggregate cash consideration in respect of other transactions with non-controlling shareholders in subsidiaries, net of cash acquired, is as follows:

    

2024

    

2023

    

€m

    

€m

Cash consideration (paid)

 

  

 

  

Vantage Towers

(667)

Other

 

(16)

 

(25)

 

(16)

 

(692)

Vantage Towers

In the comparative period on 13 November 2022, the Group completed the purchase of 4.2% of Vantage Towers A.G. for cash consideration of 667 million which took its shareholding to 85.8%.

Disposals

The aggregate cash consideration in respect of the disposal of subsidiaries, net of cash disposed, is as follows:

2024

2023

€m

€m

Cash consideration (paid)/received

Vodafone Hungary

(4)

1,606

Vantage Towers

5,592

Other disposals during the period

2

Net cash disposed

(63)

(224)

(67)

6,976

Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)

27. Acquisitions and disposals (continued)

M-Pesa Holdings

On 28 September 2023 the Group sold M-Pesa Holding Company Limited (‘MPHCL’), which holds funds on trust for M-Pesa customers, to Safaricom Plc for US$1. Balances included in the Group’s consolidated statement of financial position at the date of disposal included cash of €63 million, together with short-term investments of €1,195 million and €1,156 million due to M-Pesa customers recorded within Other investments and Trade and other payables, respectively.

Vodafone Hungary

In the comparative period on 31 January 2023, the Group completed the sale of Vodafone Magyarország Zrt (‘Vodafone Hungary’) to 4iG Public Limited Company and Corvinus Zrt. The table below summarises the net assets disposed and the resulting loss on disposal of €69 million.

€m

Goodwill

(441)

Other intangible assets

(521)

Property, plant and equipment

(516)

Inventory

(17)

Trade and other receivables

(206)

Cash and cash equivalents

(3)

Current and deferred taxation

13

Borrowings

106

Trade and other payables

163

Provisions

31

Net assets disposed

(1,391)

Cash proceeds

1,606

Foreign exchange recycled from Currency reserve on disposal

(284)

Net loss on disposal1

(69)

Notes:

1Included in other income in the consolidated income statement in the year ended 31 March 2023.

Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)

27. Acquisitions and disposals (continued)

Vantage Towers

In the comparative period on 22 March 2023, the Group completed the disposal of its interest in Vantage Towers A.G. to Oak Holdings 1 GmbH, the co-control partnership of Vodafone, GIP and KKR. Vodafone initially retained an interest of 64.2% in Oak Holdings 1 GmbH, which owns 89.3% of Vantage Towers A.G. The table below summarises the net assets disposed and the net gain on disposal as €8,607 million.

    

€m

Goodwill

 

(3,448)

Other intangible assets

 

(294)

Property, plant and equipment

 

(4,882)

Investments in associates and joint ventures

 

(2,778)

Trade and other receivables

 

(292)

Cash and cash equivalants

 

(207)

Current and deferred taxation

 

61

Borrowings

 

4,916

Trade and other payables

 

658

Provisions

 

556

Net assets disposed

 

(5,710)

Non-controlling interests derecognised

 

807

Cash proceeds

 

5,592

Fair value of Investment in Oak Holdings 1 GmbH

 

8,634

Restriction of gain (note 20)1

 

(680)

Foreign exchange recycled from Currency reserve on disposal

 

(36)

Net gain on disposal2

 

8,607

Notes:

1Related tax of 154 million is included in Income tax expense in the consolidated income statement in the year ended 31 March 2023.
28,729 million included in other income and 122 million included in discontinued operations in the consolidated income statement in the year ended 31 March 2023 .

Vodafone Ghana

In the comparative period on 21 February 2023, the Group completed the sale of its 70% shareholding in Vodafone Telecommunications Company Limited (‘Vodafone Ghana’) to Telecel Group for consideration of €Nil. A net gain on disposal of €689 million was recorded within other income and expense in the consolidated income statement.

Other matters

Vodafone Egypt

In the comparative period on 13 December 2022, the Group announced it had completed the transfer of its 55% shareholding in Vodafone Egypt to its subsidiary, Vodacom Group Limited (‘Vodacom’).

Vodafone was issued with 242 million shares in Vodacom and received cash proceeds of €577 million in exchange for its 55% shareholding in Vodafone Egypt. Following completion, Vodafone’s shareholding in Vodacom has increased from 60.5% to 65.1%.

Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)

28. Commitments

A commitment is a contractual obligation to make a payment in the future, mainly in relation to agreements to buy assets such as mobile devices, network infrastructure and IT systems and leases that have not commenced. These amounts are not recorded in the consolidated statement of financial position since we have not yet received the goods or services from the supplier.

Capital commitments

The amounts below are the minimum amounts that we are committed to pay.

    

Group

2024

2023

€m

€m

Contracts placed for future capital expenditure not provided in the financial statements1,2

 

2,442

 

3,507

Note:

1Commitment includes contracts placed for property, plant and equipment and intangible assets.
2Includes 423 million (2023: 469 million) in respect of Vodafone Italy and Vodafone Spain, which are now reported as discontinued operations. See note 7 ‘Discontinued operations and assets held for sale’ for more information.

Leases entered into by the Group but not commenced at 31 March 2024 are disclosed in note 20 ‘Leases’. Included in capital commitments is an amount of €nil (2023: €114 million) relating to spectrum acquisition commitments in Vodacom.

In March 2023, the Group entered into an agreement with Altice Luxembourg S.A. to create a joint venture, OXG Glasfaser Beteiligungs GmbH (‘OXG’), with 50.0% shareholding held by each shareholder. Each shareholder is committed to contribute funding of up to 950 million to OXG for the deployment of fibre-to-the-home in Germany. During the year ended 31 March 2024, the Group provided 32 million of capital contributions to OXG. The remaining funding commitment of 918 million is expected to be contributed between 2024 and 2029. The amount and timing of the funding depends on the speed and size of the fibre deployment. The contribution can be in the form of free capital reserves, shareholder loan, loan notes or similar instruments as agreed by the shareholders.

29. Contingent liabilities and legal proceedings

Contingent liabilities are potential future cash outflows, where the likelihood of payment is considered more than remote, but is not considered probable or cannot be measured reliably.

2024

2023

 

€m

 

€m

Performance and payment bonds1

 

1,399

 

1,307

Notes:

1Performance bonds require the Group to make payments to third parties in the event that the Group does not perform what is expected of it under the terms of any related contracts or commercial arrangements.

UK pension schemes

The Group’s main defined benefit plan is the Vodafone UK Group Pension Scheme (‘Vodafone UK plan’) which has two segregated sections, the Vodafone Section and the CWW Section, as detailed in note 25 ‘Post employment benefits’.

The Group has covenanted to provide security in favour of both the Vodafone Section and CWW Section when they are in a deficit position. The deficit is measured on a prescribed basis agreed between the Group and Trustee, which differs from the IAS 19 accounting basis or the funding basis per the triennial actuarial valuation reported in note 25 ‘Post employment benefits’. The Group provides surety bonds as the security.

The level of the security has varied since inception in line with the movement in the Vodafone UK plan deficit. As at 31 March 2024 the Vodafone UK plan retains security over €117 million (notional value) for the Vodafone Section and no security is currently required for the CWW Section. The security may be substituted either on a voluntary or mandatory basis. The Company has also provided two guarantees to the Vodafone Section of the Vodafone UK plan for a combined value up to €1.46 billion to provide security over the deficit under certain defined circumstances, including insolvency of the employers. The Company has also agreed a similar guarantee of up to €1.46 billion for the CWW Section.

Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)

29. Contingent liabilities and legal proceedings (continued)

An additional smaller UK defined benefit plan, the THUS Plc Group Scheme, has a guarantee from the Company for up to €117 million.

Vodafone Idea

As part of the agreement to merge Vodafone India and Idea Cellular in 2017, the parties agreed a mechanism for payments between the Group and Vodafone Idea Limited (‘VIL’) pursuant to the difference between the crystallisation of certain identified contingent liabilities in relation to legal, regulatory, tax and other matters, and refunds relating to Vodafone India and Idea Cellular. Cash payments or cash receipts relating to these matters must have been made or received by VIL before any amount becomes due from or owed to the Group. Any future payments by the Group to VIL as a result of this agreement would only be made after satisfaction of this and other contractual conditions. The Group’s maximum potential exposure under this mechanism is capped at INR 64 billion (€713 million).

The final liability calculation date under the CLAM is 30 June 2025 and no further cash payments are considered probable from the Group as at 31 March 2024.

The carrying value of the Group’s investment in VIL is €nil and the Group is recording no further share of losses in respect of VIL. The Group’s potential exposure to liabilities within VIL is capped by the mechanism described above; consequently, contingent liabilities arising from litigation in India concerning the operations of Vodafone India are not reported.

Indus Towers

Under the terms of the Indus and Bharti Infratel merger in November 2020, a security package was agreed for the benefit of the newly created merged entity, Indus Towers, which could be invoked in the event that VIL was unable to make MSA payments. The remaining element of the security package is a secondary pledge over shares owned by Vodafone Group in Indus Towers, ranking behind Vodafone’s existing lenders for the outstanding bank borrowings of €1.7 billion as at 31 March 2024 secured against Indian assets (‘the bank borrowings’), with a maximum liability cap of INR 42.5 billion (€472 million). In the event of non-payment of relevant MSA obligations by VIL, Indus Towers would have recourse to any secondary pledged shares, after repayment of the bank borrowings in full, up to the value of the liability cap.

Legal Proceedings

The Group is currently involved in a number of legal proceedings, including inquiries from, or discussions with, government authorities that are incidental to its operations.

Legal proceedings where the Group considers that the likelihood of material future outflows of cash or other resources is more than remote are disclosed below. Where the Group assesses that it is probable that the outcome of legal proceedings will result in a financial outflow, and a reliable estimate can be made of the amount of that obligation, a provision is recognised for these amounts.

In all cases, determining the probability of successfully defending a claim against the Group involves the application of judgement as the outcome is inherently uncertain. The determination of the value of any future outflows of cash or other resources, and the timing of such outflows, involves the use of estimates. The costs incurred in complex legal proceedings, regardless of outcome, can be significant.

The Group is not involved in any material proceedings in which any of the Group’s Directors, members of senior management or affiliates are either a party adverse to the Group or have a material interest adverse to the Group.

Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)

29. Contingent liabilities and legal proceedings (continued)

Tax cases

VISPL tax claims

Vodafone India Services Private Limited (‘VISPL’) is involved in a number of tax cases. The total value of the claims is approximately €468 million plus interest, and penalties of up to 300% of the principal.

Of the individual tax claims, the most significant is for approximately €238 million (plus interest of €672 million), which VISPL has been assessed as owing in respect of: (i) the sale of an international call centre by VISPL to Hutchison Telecommunications International Limited group (‘HTIL’); and (ii) the acquisition of and/or the alleged transfer of options held by VISPL in Vodafone India Limited. Item (i) is subject to an indemnity by HTIL. Item (ii), which forms the largest part of the potential claim, is not subject to any indemnity. A stay of the tax demand was obtained following a deposit of INR 2,000 million (€22 million) being paid, and a corporate guarantee being provided by Vodafone International Holdings BV (‘VIHBV’) for the balance of tax assessed. On 8 October 2015, the Bombay High Court ruled in favour of Vodafone in relation to the options and the call centre sale. The Indian Tax Authority has appealed to the Supreme Court of India. The appeal hearing has been adjourned indefinitely. A claim in respect of the transfer pricing margin charged for the international call centre of HTIL prior to the 2007 transaction with Vodafone for HTIL assets in India has now been settled.

While there is some uncertainty as to the outcome of the remaining tax cases involving VISPL, the Group believes it has valid defences and does not consider it probable that a financial outflow will be required to settle these cases.

Netherlands tax case

Vodafone Europe BV (‘VEBV’) received assessments totalling €267 million of tax and interest from the Dutch tax authorities, who challenged the application of the arm’s length principle in relation to various intra-group financing transactions. The Group entered into a guarantee for the full value of the assessments issued. VEBV appealed against these assessments to the District Court of the Hague where a hearing was held in March 2023. The District Court issued its judgement in July 2023, upholding VEBV’s appeal in relation to the majority of issues and requiring the Dutch tax authorities to significantly reduce its assessments. VEBV and the Dutch tax authorities have since appealed the judgement. The appeal hearing date is not yet known but is expected to be before the end of 2024.

The Group continues to believe it has robust defences but has recorded a provision of €24 million for tax and interest, reflecting the Group’s current view of the probable financial outflow required to fully resolve the issue and has reduced the guarantee to the same value.

Other cases in the Group

Germany: Kabel Deutschland takeover - class actions

The German courts have been determining the adequacy of the mandatory cash offer made to minority shareholders in Vodafone’s takeover of Kabel Deutschland in 2013. Hearings took place in May 2019 and a decision was delivered in November 2019 in Vodafone’s favour, rejecting all claims by minority shareholders. A number of shareholders appealed which was rejected by the court in December 2021. Several minority shareholders filed a further appeal before the Federal Court of Justice which was dismissed in April 2024.

Germany: price increase class action

In November 2023, the Verbraucherzentrale Bundesverband (Federation of German Consumer Organisations) initiated a class action against Vodafone Germany in the Hamm Higher Regional Court. Vodafone Germany implemented price increases of €5 per month for fixed lines services in 2023 in response to higher costs. The claim alleges that terms regarding price increases in the consumer contracts entered into by Vodafone Germany’s customers up until August 2023 are invalid under German civil law and seeks reimbursement of the additional charges plus interest. Customers must enter their details onto the register of collective actions on the Federal Office of Justice website in order to participate in the claim. The register opened on 23 April 2024.

Whilst the Group intends to defend the claim, it is not able to determine the likelihood or estimate the amount of any possible financial loss at this early stage of the proceedings.

Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)

29. Contingent liabilities and legal proceedings (continued)

Germany: claims regarding transfer of data to credit agencies

Individual consumers are bringing claims against Vodafone Germany and/or the other national network operators alleging that information was passed to credit agencies up to February 2024 about contracts for mobile services without consumer consent. The claims seek damages of up to €5,000 per contract for GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) infringement. As at 31 March 2024, Vodafone Germany had been notified of 316 claims filed in various regional courts. The other national network operators are facing similar claims.

The Group’s position is that the transfer of data about the existence of a consumer contract (and not about payments in relation to the contract) to credit agencies is standard practice and justified for the purposes of fraud prevention. However, given the increasing volume of claims, Vodafone Germany has stopped this activity.

Although the outcome of these claims is uncertain and consequently it is not possible to estimate a potential financial loss, if any, at this stage, the Group believes it has valid defences and that no present obligation exists based on all available evidence.

Germany: investigation by federal data protection authority

In 2021, the BfDI (Federal Commissioner for Data Protection and Freedom of Information) started an investigation into potential breaches of the GDPR in relation to the systems used by Vodafone Germany’s sales partners to manage customer data.

Vodafone Germany is working cooperatively with the authority to discuss the circumstances giving rise to these issues and is currently conducting settlement talks with the aim of reaching a constructive resolution of the proceedings. Under the GDPR the authority has the power to impose fines of up to 2% of the Group’s annual revenue from the preceding financial year.

A provision immaterial to the financial statements has been recorded.

Italy: Iliad v Vodafone Italy

In July 2019, Iliad filed a claim for €500 million against Vodafone Italy in the Civil Court of Milan. The claim alleges anti-competitive behaviour in relation to customer portability and certain advertising campaigns by Vodafone Italy. The main hearing on the merits of the claim took place on 8 June 2021. On 17 April 2023, the Civil Court issued a judgement in Vodafone Italy's favour and rejected Iliad's claim for damages in full. Iliad filed an appeal before the Court of Appeal of Milan in June 2023. The appeal process is ongoing.

The Group is currently unable to estimate any possible loss in this claim in the event of an adverse judgement on appeal but, while the outcome is uncertain, the Group believes it has valid defences and that it is probable that no present obligation exists.

Greece: Papistas Holdings SA, Mobile Trade Stores (formerly Papistas SA) and Athanasios and Loukia Papistas v Vodafone Greece

In October 2019, Mr. and Mrs. Papistas, and companies owned or controlled by them, filed several claims against Vodafone Greece with a total value of approximately €330 million for purported damage caused by the alleged abuse of dominance and wrongful termination of a franchise arrangement with a Papistas company. Lawsuits which the Papistas claimants had previously brought against Vodafone Greece, including one also citing Vodafone Group Plc and certain Directors and officers of Vodafone as defendants, were either withdrawn or left dormant. Vodafone Greece filed a counter claim and all claims were heard in February 2020. All of the Papistas claims were rejected by the Athens Court of First Instance because the stamp duty payments required to have the merits of the case considered had not been made. Vodafone Greece’s counter claim was also rejected. The Papistas claimants and Vodafone Greece each filed appeals. The appeal hearings took place on 23 February and 11 May 2023. Judgement has been received and the Court dismissed both of the appeals because the stamp duty payments had again not been made, except for one aspect of the proceedings which will be dealt with at a further hearing in February 2025. Whether the Papistas claimants will appeal the judgement is unknown as at the date of this report.

Vodafone is continuing vigorously to defend the claims and based on the progress of the litigation so far the Group believes that it is highly unlikely that there will be an adverse ruling for the Group. On this basis, the Group does not expect the outcome of these claims to have a material financial impact.

Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)

29. Contingent liabilities and legal proceedings (continued)

UK: Phones 4U in Administration v Vodafone Limited,Vodafone Group Plc and Others

In December 2018, the administrators of former UK indirect seller, Phones 4U, sued the three main UK mobile network operators (‘MNOs’), including Vodafone, and their parent companies in the English High Court. The administrators alleged collusion between the MNOs to withdraw their business from Phones 4U thereby causing its collapse. The judge ordered that there should be a split trial between liability and damages. The first trial on liability took place from May to July 2022. On 10 November 2023, the High Court issued a judgement in Vodafone’s favour and rejected Phones 4U’s allegations that the defendants were in breach of competition law, consistent with Vodafone’s previously stated position that a present obligation does not exist. Phones 4U has been granted permission to appeal the judgement from the Court of Appeal. The appeal hearing will take place in May 2025.

The Group intends to vigorously defend the appeal and is not able to estimate any possible loss in the event of an adverse judgement on appeal.

South Africa: Kenneth Makate v Vodacom (Pty) Limited

Mr Kenneth Makate, a former employee of Vodacom Pty Limited (‘Vodacom South Africa’), started legal proceedings in 2008 claiming compensation for a business idea that led to the development of a service known as ‘Please Call Me’ (‘PCM’). In July 2014, the Gauteng High Court (‘the High Court’) ruled that Mr Makate had proven the existence of a contract, but that Vodacom South Africa was not bound by that contract because the responsible director did not have authority to enter into such an agreement on Vodacom South Africa’s behalf. The High Court and Supreme Court of Appeal (‘the SCA’) turned down Mr Makate’s application for leave to appeal in December 2014 and March 2015, respectively.

In April 2016, the Constitutional Court of South Africa (‘the Constitutional Court’) granted leave to appeal and upheld Mr Makate’s appeal. It found that Vodacom South Africa is bound by an agreement and ordered the parties to negotiate, in good faith, and agree a reasonable compensation amount payable to Mr Makate or, in the event of a deadlock, for the matter to be referred to Vodacom Group’s Chief Executive Officer (‘the CEO’) for determination. Mr Makate’s application for the aforementioned order to be varied from the determination of an amount to a compensation model based on a share of revenue, was dismissed by the Constitutional Court. In accordance with the Constitutional Court order, and after negotiations failed, the CEO issued his determination on 9 January 2019. However, the CEO’s award of R47 million (€2 million) was rejected by Mr Makate, who subsequently brought an application in the High Court for judicial review against the CEO’s determination and award.

The High Court, in a judgement delivered on 8 February 2022, set aside the CEO’s determination and ordered him to reassess the amount employing a set of criteria which would have resulted in the payment of a higher compensation amount, for the benefit of Mr Makate, than that determined by the CEO. Vodacom South Africa appealed against the judgement and the order of the High Court to the SCA. The SCA heard the appeal on 9 May 2023 and its judgement was handed down on 6 February 2024. A majority of three judges, with a minority of two judges dissenting, dismissed the appeal and ruled that Mr Makate is entitled to be paid 5% - 7.5% of the total revenue of the PCM product from March 2001 to the date of the judgement, plus interest.

On 27 February 2024, Vodacom South Africa applied for leave to appeal the judgement and order of the SCA to the Constitutional Court, resulting in the suspension of the operation of the judgement and order of the SCA. Mr Makate is opposing Vodacom South Africa’s application for leave to appeal. Vodacom South Africa is challenging the SCA’s judgement and order on various grounds including, but not limited to the SCA ignoring the evidence placed before it on the computation of the quantum of compensation payable to Mr Makate, and the SCA issuing orders that are legally unenforceable.

The CEO’s determination in 2019 amounted to R47 million (€2 million). The minority judgement of the SCA raised Mr Makate’s compensation to approximately R186 million (€9 million), while the SCA majority judgement would entitle Mr Makate to a minimum compensation amount of R29 billion (€1.4 billion). Consequently, the range of the possible compensation outcomes in this matter is very wide.

The amount ultimately payable to Mr Makate is uncertain and will depend on the determination of the Constitutional Court to grant Vodacom South Africa’s application for leave to appeal and, if granted, on the success of Vodacom South Africa’s appeal against the judgement and order of the SCA, on the merits of the case. The Group is continuing to challenge the level of compensation payable to Mr Makate and a provision immaterial to the financial statements has been recorded.

Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)

29. Contingent liabilities and legal proceedings (continued)

UK: Mr Justin Gutmann v Vodafone Limited and Vodafone Group Plc

In November 2023, Mr Gutmann issued claims in the Competition Appeal Tribunal seeking permission, as a proposed class representative, to bring collective proceedings against the four UK MNOs and their respective parent companies. Vodafone Group Plc and Vodafone Limited are named defendants to one of the claims with an alleged value of £1.4 billion (approximately €1.6 billion), including interest. It is alleged that Vodafone and the other MNOs used their alleged market dominance to overcharge customers after the expiry of the minimum terms of certain mobile contracts (referred to as a ‘loyalty penalty’).

Taking into account all available evidence at this stage, the Group’s assessment is that the allegations are without merit and it intends to defend the claim. The Group is currently unable to estimate any possible loss in regards to this issue but, while the outcome is uncertain, the Group believes it is probable that no present obligation exists.

30. Related party transactions

The Group has a number of related parties including joint arrangements and associates, pension schemes and Directors and Executive Committee members (see note 12 ‘Investments in associates and joint arrangements’, note 25 ‘Post employment benefits’ and note 23 ‘Directors and key management compensation’).

Transactions with joint arrangements and associates

Related party transactions with the Group’s joint arrangements and associates primarily comprise fees for the use of products and services including network airtime and access charges, fees for the provision of network infrastructure and cash pooling arrangements. No related party transactions have been entered into during the year which might reasonably affect any decisions made by the users of these consolidated financial statements except as disclosed below.

2024

2023

2022

€m

€m

€m

Sales of goods and services to associates

 

25

 

20

 

20

Purchase of goods and services from associates

 

6

 

8

 

10

Sales of goods and services to joint arrangements

 

267

 

220

 

221

Purchase of goods and services from joint arrangements

 

932

 

263

 

298

Interest income receivable from joint arrangements1

52

52

48

Interest expense payable to joint arrangements1

 

239

 

33

 

52

Trade balances owed:

 

 

 

by associates

 

19

 

7

 

to associates

 

1

 

1

 

by joint arrangements

 

190

 

170

 

to joint arrangements

 

379

 

329

 

Other balances owed by joint arrangements1

 

1,105

 

980

 

Other balances owed to joint arrangements2

 

4,940

 

5,628

 

Notes:

1Amounts arise primarily through VodafoneZiggo and Oak Holdings 1 GmbH. Interest is paid/received in line with market rates.
2Amounts are primarily in relation to leases of tower space from Oak Holdings 1 GmbH.

Dividends received from associates and joint ventures are disclosed in the consolidated statement of cash flows.

Transactions with Directors other than compensation

During the three years ended 31 March 2024 and as of 14 June 2024, no Director nor any other executive officer, nor any associate of any Director or any other executive officer, was indebted to the Group. During the three years ended 31 March 2024 and as of 14 June 2024, the Group has not been a party to any other material transaction, or proposed transactions, in which any member of the key management personnel (including Directors, any other executive officer, senior manager, any spouse or relative of any of the foregoing or any relative of such spouse) had or was to have a direct or indirect material interest.

Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)

31. Related undertakings

A full list of all of our subsidiaries, joint arrangements and associated undertakings is detailed below.

A full list of subsidiaries, joint arrangements and associated undertakings (as defined in the Large and Medium-sized Companies and Groups (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008) as at 31 March 2024 is detailed below. No subsidiaries are excluded from the Group consolidation. Unless otherwise stated the Company’s subsidiaries all have share capital consisting solely of ordinary shares and are indirectly held. The percentage held by Group companies reflect both the proportion of nominal capital and voting rights unless otherwise stated. Summarised financial information is provided in respect of the Group’s most significant joint arrangements and associates in note 12 ‘Investments in associates and joint arrangements’.

Subsidiaries

A subsidiary is an entity directly or indirectly controlled by the Company. Control is achieved where the Company has existing rights that give it the current ability to direct the activities that affect the Company’s returns and exposure or rights to variable returns from the entity. The results of subsidiaries acquired or disposed of during the year are included in the consolidated income statement from the effective date of acquisition or up to the effective date of disposal, as appropriate. Where necessary, adjustments are made to the financial statements of subsidiaries to bring their accounting policies into line with those used by the Group. All intra-group transactions, balances, income and expenses are eliminated on consolidation. Non-controlling interests in the net assets of consolidated subsidiaries are identified separately from the Group’s equity therein. Non-controlling interests consist of the amount of those interests at the date of the original business combination and the non-controlling shareholder’s share of changes in equity since the date of the combination. Total comprehensive income is attributed to non-controlling interests even if this results in the non-controlling interests having a deficit balance.

Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)

31. Related undertakings (continued)

Company name

% of share class held
by Group
Companies

Share Class

Albania

Autostrada Tirane-Durres, Rruga: “Pavaresia”, Nr 61, Kashar, Tirana, Albania

Vodafone Albania Sh.A

100.00

Ordinary shares

Rruga "Ibrahim Rugova", Sky Tower, Kati i 5, Hyrja 2, Tiranë, 1000, Albania

_VOIS Albania Shpk.

100.00

Ordinary shares

Australia

Mills Oakley , Level 7, 151 Clarence Street, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia

Vodafone Enterprise Australia Pty Limited

100.00

Ordinary shares

Austria

c/vo EvVodaersheds Sutherland Rechtsanwälte GmbH, Kärntner Ring 12, 3. Stock, 1010, Wien, Austria

Vodafone Enterprise Austria GmbH

100.00

Quotas shares

Bahrain

RSM Bahrain, 3rd floor Falcon Tower, Diplomatic Area, Manama, PO BOX 11816, Bahrain

Vodafone Enterprise Bahrain W.L.L.

100.00

Ordinary shares

Belgium

Malta House, rue Archimède 25, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium

Vodafone Belgium SA/NV

100.00

Ordinary shares

Brazil

Av. Paulista, 37 - 4º andar, Sala 427, Bela Vista, CEP, 01311-902, São Paulo, Brazil

Vodafone Empresa Brasil Telecomunicações Ltda

100.00

Ordinary shares

Rua Boa Vista, No. 254, room 1304 (parte), Centro, São Paulo, 01014907, Brazil

Vodafone Serviços Empresariais Brasil Ltda.

100.00

Ordinary shares

Bulgaria

10 Tsar Osvoboditel Blvd., 3rd Floor, Spredets Region, Sofia, 1000, Bulgaria

Vodafone Enterprise Bulgaria EOOD

100.00

Ordinary shares

Canada

c/o ARC Information Services Inc., 3-84 Castlebury Crescent, Toronto ON M2H 1W8, Canada

Vodafone Canada Inc.

100.00

Common shares

Cayman Islands

One Nexus Way, Camana Bay, Grand Cayman, KY1-9005, Cayman Islands

CGP Investments (Holdings) Limited

100.00

Ordinary shares

China

Building 21, 11, Kangdin5g St., BDA, Beijing, 100176 - China

Vodafone Automotive Technologies (Beijing) Co, Ltd

100.00

Ordinary shares

Level 9, Tower 2, China Central Place, Room 941, No.79 Jianguo Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100025, China

Vodafone Enterprise Communications Technical Service (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. Beijing Branch2

100.00

Branch

Room 1603, 16th Floor, 1200 Pudong Avenue, Free Trade Zone, Shanghai, China

Vodafone Enterprise Communications Technical Service (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.

100.00

Ordinary shares

Congo, The Democratic Republic of the

292 Avenue de La Justice, Commune de la Gombe, Kinshasa, The Democratic Republic of the Congo

Vodacom Congo (RDC) SA5

33.20

Ordinary shares

Building Commimo II Ground Floor Right, 3157 Boulevard du 30 Juin, Commune de la Gombe, Kinshasa, DRC Congo, The Democratic Republic of the Congo

Vodacash S.A5

33.20

Ordinary shares

Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)

31. Related undertakings (continued)

Company name

% of share class held
by Group
Companies

Share Class

Cyprus

Ali Rıza Efendi Caddesi No:33/A Ortaköy, Lefkoşa, Cyprus

Vodafone Evde Operations Ltd

100.00

Ordinary shares

Vodafone Mobile Operations Limited

100.00

Ordinary shares

Czech Republic

náměstí Junkových 2, Prague 5, 15500, Czech Republic

Nadace Vodafone Česká Republika

100.00

Trustee

Oskar Mobil s.r.o.

100.00

Ordinary shares

Vodafone Czech Republic A.S.

100.00

Ordinary shares

Vodafone Enterprise Europe (UK) Limited - Czech Branch2

100.00

Branch

Praha 4, Závišova 502/5, 14000, Nusle, Czech Republic

Závišova Real Estate, s.r.o.

100.00

Ordinary shares

Denmark

c/o Lundgrens Advokatpartnerselskab, Tuborg Boulevard 12, 2900, Hellerup, Denmark

Vodafone Enterprise Denmark A/S

100.00

Ordinary shares

Egypt

37 Kasr El Nil St, 4th. Floor, Cairo, Egypt

Starnet5

35.81

Ordinary shares

54 El Batal Ahmed Abed El Aziz, Mohandseen, Giza, Egypt

Sarmady Communications5

35.81

Ordinary shares

Building no. 2109 “VHUB1”, Smart Village, Cairo Alexandria, Egypt

Vodafone International Services LLC5

100.00

Ordinary shares

Site No 15/3C, Central Axis, 6th October City, Egypt

Vodafone Egypt Telecommunications S.A.E.5

35.82

Ordinary shares

Smart Village C3 Vodafone Building, Egypt

Vodafone Data5

35.81

Ordinary shares

Vodafone Building Zahraa EL Maadi, Building A, Service Area D, Maadi, Cairo, Egypt

Vodafone For Trading5

35.78

Ordinary shares

Finland

c/o Eversheds Asianajotoimisto Oy, Fabianinkatu 29 B, Helsinki, 00100, Finland

Vodafone Enterprise Finland Oy

100.00

Ordinary shares

France

1300 route de Cretes, Le WTC, Bat I1, 06560, Valbonne Soph, France

Vodafone Automotive Telematics Development S.A.S

100.00

Ordinary shares

Le Belvédère, 1 - 7 cours Valmy, 92800, Puteaux, France

Vodafone Automotive France S.A.S

100.00

Ordinary shares

Vodafone Enterprise France SAS

100.00

New euro shares

Rue Champollion, 22300, Lannion, France

Apollo Submarine Cable System Ltd – French Branch2

100.00

Branch

Germany

Altes Forsthaus 2, 67661, Kaiserslautern, Germany

TKS Telepost Kabel-Service Kaiserslautern GmbH3

100.00

Ordinary shares

Betastraße 6-8, 85774 Unterföhring, Germany

Vodafone Customer Care GmbH3

99.99

Ordinary shares

Vodafone Deutschland GmbH

99.99

Ordinary shares

Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)

31. Related undertakings (continued)

Company name

% of share class held
by Group
Companies

Share Class

Buschurweg 4, 76870 Kandel, Germany

Vodafone Automotive Deutschland GmbH

100.00

Ordinary shares

Ferdinand-Braun-Platz 1, 40549, Düsseldorf, Germany

Vodafone Enterprise Germany GmbH

100.00

Ordinary A, shares, Ordinary B shares

Vodafone GmbH

100.00

Ordinary A shares, Ordinary B shares

Vodafone Group Services GmbH

100.00

Ordinary shares

Vodafone IoT Germany GmbH

100.00

Ordinary shares

Vodafone Institut für Gesellschaft und Kommunikation GmbH

100.00

Ordinary shares

Vodafone Stiftung Deutschland Gemeinnützige GmbH

100.00

Ordinary shares

Vodafone West GmbH

100.00

Ordinary shares

Friedrich-Wilhelm-Strasse 2, 38100, Braunschweig, Germany

KABELCOM Braunschweig Gesellschaft Für Breitbandkabel-Kommunikation Mit Beschränkter Haftung3

99.99

Ordinary shares

Holzmarkt 1, 50676, Köln, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany

Grandcentrix GmbH

100.00

Ordinary shares

Nobelstrasse 55, 18059, Rostock, Germany

"Urbana Teleunion" Rostock GmbH & Co.KG3

69.99

Ordinary shares

Seilerstrasse 18, 38440, Wolfsburg, Germany

KABELCOM Wolfsburg Gesellschaft für Breitbandkabel-Kommunikation mit beschränkter Haftung3

99.99

Ordinary shares

Greece

12,5 km National Road Athens – Lamia, Metamorfosi / Athens, 14452, Greece

Vodafone Innovus S.A

99.87

Ordinary shares

1-3 Tzavella str, 152 31 Halandri, Athens, Greece

Fiber2All S.A.

99.87

Ordinary shares

Vodafone-Panafon Hellenic Telecommunications Company S.A.

99.87

Ordinary shares

Pireos 163 & Ehelidon, Athens, 11854, Greece

360 Connect S.A.

99.87

Ordinary shares

Guernsey

Martello Court, Admiral Park, St. Peter Port, GY1 3HB, Guernsey

FB Holdings Limited

100.00

Ordinary shares

Le Bunt Holdings Limited

100.00

Ordinary shares

Silver Stream Investments Limited

100.00

Ordinary shares

Roseneath, The Grange, St Peter Port, GY1 2QJ, Guernsey

VBA Holdings Limited5

65.10

Ordinary shares, Non-voting irredeemable non-cumulative preference shares

VBA International Limited5

65.10

Ordinary shares, Non-voting irredeemable non-cumulative preference shares

Hong Kong

Level 24, Dorset House, Taikoo Place, 979 King’s Road, Quarry Bay, Hong Kong

Vodafone Enterprise Hong Kong Ltd

100.00

Ordinary shares

Hungary

40-44 Hungaria Krt., Budapest, H-1087, Hungary

VSSB Vodafone Szolgáltató Központ Budapest Zártkörűen Működő Részvénytársaság

100.00

Registered ordinary shares

Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)

31. Related undertakings (continued)

Company name

% of share class held
by Group
Companies

Share Class

India

10th Floor, Tower A&B, Global Technology Park, (Maple Tree Building), Marathahalli Outer Ring Road, Devarabeesanahalli Village, Varthur Hobli, Bengaluru, Karnataka, 560103, India

Cable & Wireless Networks India Private Limited

100.00

Equity shares

Cable and Wireless (India) Limited - Branch2

100.00

Branch

Cable and Wireless Global (India) Private Limited

100.00

Equity shares

201 - 206, Shiv Smriti Chambers, 49/A, Dr. Annie Besant Road, Mumbai, Maharashtra, Worli, 400018, India

Omega Telecom Holdings Private Limited

100.00

Equity shares

Vodafone India Services Private Limited

100.00

Equity shares

Business@Mantri, Tower B, Wing no - B1 & B2, 3rd Floor, S. No. - 197, Near Hotel Four Points, Lohegaon, Pune, Maharashtra, 411014, India

Vodafone Global Services Private Limited

100.00

Equity shares

E-47, Bankra Super Market, Bankra, Howrah, West Bengal, 711403, India

Usha Martin Telematics Limited

100.00

Equity shares

Ireland

2nd Floor, Palmerston House, Fenian Street, DUBLIN 2, Ireland

Vodafone International Financing Designated Activity Company

100.00

Ordinary shares

38/39 Fitzwilliam Square West, Dublin 2, D02 NX53, Ireland

Vodafone Enterprise Global Limited

100.00

Ordinary shares

Vodafone Global Network Limited

100.00

Ordinary shares

Mountainview, Leopardstown, Dublin 18, Ireland

VF Ireland Property Holdings Limited

100.00

Ordinary euro shares

Vodafone Group Services Ireland Limited

100.00

Ordinary shares

Vodafone Ireland Limited

100.00

Ordinary shares

Vodafone Ireland Marketing Limited

100.00

Ordinary shares

Vodafone Ireland Retail Limited

100.00

Ordinary shares

Italy

Piazzale Luigi Cadorna, 4, 20123, Milano, Italy

Vodafone Global Enterprise (Italy) S.R.L.

100.00

Ordinary shares

SS 33 del Sempione KM 35, 212, 21052 Busto Arsizio (VA), Italy

Vodafone Automotive Italia S.p.A

100.00

Ordinary shares

Via Astico 41, 21100 Varese, Italy

Vodafone Automotive Electronic Systems S.r.L

100.00

Ordinary shares

Vodafone Automotive SpA

100.00

Ordinary shares

Vodafone Automotive Telematics Srl

100.00

Ordinary shares

Via Jervis 13, 10015, Ivrea (TO), Italy

VEI S.r.l.

100.00

Partnership interest shares

Vodafone Italia S.p.A.

100.00

Ordinary shares

Via Lorenteggio 240, 20147, Milan, Italy

Vodafone Enterprise Italy S.r.L

100.00

Euro shares

Vodafone Gestioni S.p.A.

100.00

Ordinary shares

Vodafone IoT Italy, S.R.L.

100.00

Quotas shares

Vodafone Servizi E Tecnologie S.R.L.

100.00

Equity shares

Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)

31. Related undertakings (continued)

Company name

% of share class held
by Group
Companies

Share Class

IVia per Carpi 26/B, 42015, Correggio (RE), Italy

VND S.p.A.

100.00

Ordinary shares

Japan

KAKiYa building, 9F, 2-7-17 Shin-Yokohama, Kohoku-ku, Yokoha- City, Kanagawa, 222-0033, Japan

Vodafone Automotive Japan KK

100.00

Ordinary shares

The Executive Centre, Level 20, Shin Marunouchi Center Building, 1-6-2 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 100-0005, Japan

Vodafone Enterprise U.K. – Japanese Branch2

100.00

Branch

Vodafone Global Enterprise (Japan) K.K.

100.00

Ordinary shares

Jersey

44 Esplanade, St Helier, JE4 9WG, Jersey

Vodafone International 2 Limited

100.00

Ordinary shares

Kenya

6th Floor, ABC Towers, ABC Place, Waiyaki Way, Nairobi, 00100, Kenya

Vodafone Kenya Limited5

69.46

Ordinary voting shares

The Riverfront, 4th floor, Prof. David Wasawo Drive, Off Riverside Drive, Nairobi, Kenya

Vodacom Business (Kenya) Limited5

52.08

Ordinary shares

Korea, Republic of

ASEM Tower level 37, 517 Yeongdong-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, 135-798, Korea, Republic of

Vodafone Enterprise Korea Limited

100.00

Ordinary shares

Lesotho

585 Mabile Road, Vodacom Park, Maseru, Lesotho

Vodacom Lesotho (Pty) Limited5

52.08

Ordinary shares

VCL Financial Services (Pty) Ltd5

52.08

Ordinary shares

Luxembourg

15 rue Edward Steichen, Luxembourg, 2540, Luxembourg

Tomorrow Street GP S.à r.l.

100.00

Ordinary shares

Vodafone Enterprise Luxembourg S.A.

100.00

Ordinary euro shares

Vodafone International 1 S.à r.l.

100.00

Ordinary shares

Vodafone International M S.à r.l.

100.00

Ordinary shares

Vodafone Luxembourg S.à r.l.

100.00

Ordinary shares

Vodafone Procurement Company S.à r.l.

100.00

Ordinary shares

Vodafone Roaming Services S.à r.l.

100.00

Ordinary shares

Vodafone Services Company S.à r.l.

100.00

Ordinary shares

Malaysia

Suite 13.03, 13th Floor, Menara Tan & Tan, 207 Jalan Tun Razak, 50400 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Vodafone Global Enterprise (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd

100.00

Ordinary shares

Malta

Portomaso Business Tower, Level 15B, St Julians, STJ 4011, Malta

Vodafone Holdings Limited

100.00

‘A’ Ordinary shares, ‘B’ Ordinary shares

Vodafone Insurance Limited

100.00

‘A’ Ordinary shares, ‘B’ Ordinary shares

Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)

31. Related undertakings (continued)

Company name

% of share class held
by Group
Companies

Share Class

Mauritius

10th Floor, Standard Chartered Towers, 19 Cybercity, Ebene, Mauritius, Mauritius

Mobile Wallet VM15

65.10

Ordinary shares

Mobile Wallet VM25

65.10

Ordinary shares

VBA (Mauritius) Limited5

65.10

Ordinary shares, Redeemable preference shares

Vodacom International Limited5

65.10

Ordinary shares, Non-Cumulative preference shares

Fifth Floor, Ebene Esplanade, 24 Bank Street, Cybercity, Ebene, Mauritius

Al-Amin Investments Limited

100.00

Ordinary shares

Array Holdings Limited

100.00

Ordinary shares

Asian Telecommunication Investments (Mauritius) Limited

100.00

Ordinary shares

CCII (Mauritius), Inc.

100.00

Ordinary shares

CGP India Investments Ltd.

100.00

Ordinary shares

Euro Pacific Securities Ltd.

100.00

Ordinary shares

Mobilvest

100.00

Ordinary shares

Prime Metals Ltd.

100.00

Ordinary shares

Trans Crystal Ltd.

100.00

Ordinary shares

Vodafone Mauritius Ltd.

100.00

Ordinary shares

Vodafone Telecommunications (India) Limited

100.00

Ordinary shares

Vodafone Tele-Services (India) Holdings Limited

100.00

Ordinary shares

Mexico

Avenida Insurgentes Sur No. 1647, Piso 12, despacho 1202, Colonia San José Insurgentes, Alcaldía Benito Juárez, C.P. 03900, Ciudad de México, Mexico

Vodafone Empresa México S.de R.L. de C.V.

100.00

Corporate certificate series A shares, Corporate certificate series B shares

Mozambique

Rua dos Desportistas, Numero 649, Cidade de Maputo, Mozambique

Vodacom Moçambique, SA5

55.33

Ordinary shares

Vodafone M-Pesa, S.A5

55.33

Ordinary shares

Netherlands

Rivium Quadrant 173, 15th Floor, 2909 LC, Capelle aan den IJssel, Netherlands

Vodafone Enterprise Netherlands B.V.

100.00

Ordinary shares

Vodafone Europe B.V.

100.00

Ordinary shares

Vodafone International Holdings B.V.

100.00

Ordinary shares

Zuid-hollanden 7, Rode Olifant, Spaces, 2596AL, den Haag, Netherlands

IoT.nxt USA BV5

42.31

Ordinary shares

IOT.NXT B.V.5

42.31

Ordinary shares

IoT.nxt EMENA B.V

42.31

Ordinary shares

IoT.nxt Europe BV5

42.31

Ordinary shares

New Zealand

74 Taharoto Road, Takapuna, Auckland, 0622, New Zealand

Vodafone Enterprise Hong Kong Limited - New Zealand Branch2

100.00

Branch

Norway

c/o EconPartner AS, Dronning Mauds gate 15, Oslo, 0250, Norway

Vodafone Enterprise Norway AS

100.00

Ordinary shares

Oman

Knowledge Oasis Muscat, Al-seeb, Muscat, Governorate P.O Box 104 135, Oman

Vodafone Services LLC

100.00

Shares

Poland

ul. Towarowa 28, 00-839, Warsaw, Poland

Vodafone Business Poland sp. z o.o.

100.00

Ordinary shares

Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)

31. Related undertakings (continued)

% of share class

held by Group

Company name

Companies

Share Class

Portugal

Av. D. João II, nº 36 – 8º Piso, 1998 – 017, Parque das Nações, Lisboa, Portugal

DABCO Portugal, Lda

80.20

Ordinary shares

Oni Way - Infocomunicacoes, S.A

100.00

Ordinary shares

Vodafone Enterprise Spain, S.L.U. – Portugal Branch2

100.00

Branch

Vodafone Portugal – Comunicacoes Pessoais, S.A.

100.00

Ordinary shares

Vodafone Solutions, Unipessoal LDA

100.00

Quotas shares

Vodafone IoT Portugal, Unipessoal Lda.

100.00

Ordinary shares

Romania

1 A Constantin Ghercu Street, 10th Floor, 6th District, Bucharest, Romania

UPC Services S.R.L. (in liquidation)

100.00

Ordinary shares

18 Diligenței Steet, 1st floor, Building C1, Ploiesti, Prahova County, Romania

Evotracking SRL

100.00

Ordinary shares

201 Barbu Vacarescu Street, 5th floor, 2nd District, Bucharest, Romania

Vodafone External Services SRL

100.00

Ordinary shares

Vodafone Foundation

100.00

Sole member

201 Barbu Vacarescu, 4th floor, 2nd District, Bucharest, Romania

Vodafone Romania S.A

100.00

Ordinary shares

62 D Nordului Street, District 1, Bucharest, Romania

UPC Foundation

100.00

Sole member

Oltenitei Street no. 2, City Offices Building, 3rd Floor, Bucharest 4th District, Romania

Vodafone România Technologies SRL

100.00

Ordinary shares

Sectorul 2, Strada Barbu Văcărescu, Nr. 201, Etaj 1, Bucharest, Romania

Vodafone România M – Payments SRL

100.00

Ordinary shares

Russian Federation

Build. 2, 14/10, Chayanova str., 125047, Moscow, Russian Federation

Cable & Wireless CIS Svyaz LLC

100.00

Charter capital shares

Serbia

Vladimira Popovića 38-40, New Belgrade, 11070, Serbia

Vodafone Enterprise Equipment Limited Ogranak u Beogradu - Serbia Branch2

100.00

Branch

Singapore

Asia Square Tower 2, 12 Marina View, #17-01, 018961, Singapore

Vodafone Enterprise Singapore Pte.Ltd

100.00

Ordinary shares

Slovakia

Karadžičova 2, mestská časť Staré mesto, Bratislava, 811 09, Slovakia850 New Burton Rd., Suite 201, Dover, County of Kent, Delaware, 19904, United States

Vodafone Global Network Limited – Slovakia Branch2

100.00

Branch

Prievozská 6, Bratislava, 821 09, Slovakia

Vodafone Czech Republic A.S. – Slovakia Branch2

100.00

Branch

South Africa

9 Kinross Street, Germiston South, 1401, South Africa

Vodafone Holdings (SA) Proprietary Limited

100.00

Ordinary shares

Vodafone Investments (SA) Proprietary Limited

100.00

Ordinary A shares, 'B' Ordinary no par value shares

Irene Link Building C, Third Floor, 5 Impala Avenue, Doringkloof, Centurion, Gauteng, 0046, South Africa

10T Holdings Proprietary Limited5

42.31

Ordinary shares

IoT.nxt (Pty) Limited5

42.31

Ordinary shares

IoT.nxt Development (Pty) Limited5

42.31

Ordinary shares

Vodacom Corporate Park, 082 Vodacom Boulevard, Midrand, 1685, South Africa

Infinity Services Partner Company5

65.10

Ordinary shares

Jupicol (Proprietary) Limited5

45.57

Ordinary shares

MAST Services Proprietary Limited5

65.10

Ordinary shares

Mezzanine Ware (RF) Proprietary Limited5

58.59

Ordinary shares

Motifprops 1 (Proprietary) Limited5

65.10

Ordinary shares

Storage Technology Services (Pty) Limited5

33.20

Ordinary shares

Vodacom (Pty) Limited5

65.10

Ordinary shares, Ordinary A shares

Vodacom Business Africa Group (Pty) Limited5

65.10

Ordinary shares

Vodacom Business Africa SA (Pty) Limited5

65.10

Ordinary shares

Vodacom Financial Services (Proprietary) Limited5

65.10

Ordinary shares

Vodacom Group Limited

65.10

Ordinary shares

Vodacom Insurance Administration Company (Proprietary) Limited5

65.10

Ordinary shares

Vodacom Insurance Company (RF) Limited5

65.10

Ordinary shares

Vodacom International Holdings (Pty) Limited5

65.10

Ordinary shares

Vodacom Life Assurance Company (RF) Limited5

65.10

Ordinary shares

Vodacom Payment Services (Proprietary) Limited5

65.10

Ordinary shares

Vodacom Properties No 1 (Proprietary) Limited5

65.10

Ordinary shares

Vodacom Properties No.2 (Pty) Limited5

65.10

Ordinary shares

Wheatfields Investments 276 (Proprietary) Limited5

65.10

Ordinary shares

XLink Communications (Proprietary) Limited5

65.10

Ordinary A shares

Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)

31. Related undertakings (continued)

% of share class

held by Group

Company name

Companies

Share Class

Spain

Antracita, 7 – 28045, Madrid, Spain

Vodafone Automotive Iberia S.L.

100.00

Ordinary shares

Avenida de América 115, 28042, Madrid, Spain

Vodafone Energía, S.L.U.

100.00

Ordinary shares

Vodafone Enterprise Spain SLU

100.00

Ordinary euro shares

Vodafone España, S.A.U.

100.00

Ordinary shares

Vodafone Holdings Europe, S.L.U.

100.00

Ordinary shares

Vodafone ONO, S.A.U.

100.00

Ordinary shares

Vodafone Servicios, S.L.U.

100.00

Ordinary shares

Paseo de la Alameda de Osuna, 14, Hortaleza, 28042, Madrid, Spain

Vodafone IoT Spain, S.L.

100.00

Ordinary shares

Torre Norte Adif, Explanada de la Estación no 7, 29002, Málaga, Spain

Vodafone Intelligent Solutions España, S.L.U.

100.00

Ordinary shares

Sweden

c/o Hellström advokatbyrå, Box 7305, 103 90, Stockholm, Sweden

Vodafone Enterprise Sweden AB

100.00

Ordinary shares, Shareholder’s contribution shares

Switzerland

c/o BDO AG, Schiffbaustrasse 2, 8005, Zurich, Switzerland

Vodafone Enterprise Switzerland AG

100.00

Ordinary shares

Taiwan

22F., No.100, Songren Road., Xinyi District, Taipei City, 11070, Taiwan

Vodafone Global Enterprise Taiwan Limited

100.00

Ordinary shares

Tanzania, United Republic of

15 Floor, Vodacom Tower, Ursino Estate, Plot No. 23, Bagamoyo Road, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, United Republic of

M-Pesa Limited5

48.82

Ordinary A shares, Ordinary B shares

Shared Networks Tanzania Limited5

48.82

Ordinary shares

Vodacom Tanzania Public Limited Company5

48.82

Ordinary shares

3rd Floor, Maktaba (Library), ComplexBibi, Titi Mohaned Road, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, United Republic of

Gateway Communications Tanzania Limited5

64.45

Ordinary shares

Thailand

725 Metropolis Building, 20th floor, Unit 100, Sukhumvit Road, Klongton Nua Sub-district, Watthana District, Bangkok, 10110, Thailand

Vodafone Business Siam Co., Ltd.

100.00

Ordinary shares

Turkey

Büyükdere Caddesi, No:251, Maslak, Şişli / İstanbul, 34398, Turkey

Vodafone Bilgi Ve Iletisim Hizmetleri AS

100.00

Registered shares

Vodafone Dagitim, Servis ve Icerik Hizmetleri A.S.

100.00

Ordinary shares

Vodafone Holding A.S.

100.00

Registered shares

Vodafone Kule ve Altyapi Hizmetleri A.S.

100.00

Ordinary shares

Vodafone Mall Ve Elektronik Hizmetler Ticaret AS

100.00

Ordinary shares

Vodafone Net İletişim Hizmetleri A.S.

100.00

Ordinary shares

Vodafone Telekomunikasyon A.S

100.00

Registered shares

İTÜ Ayazağa Kampüsü, Koru Yolu, Arı Teknokent Arı 3 Binası, Maslak, İstanbul, 586553, Turkey

Vodafone Teknoloji Hizmetleri A.S.

100.00

Registered shares

Maslak Mah. AOS 55 Sk. 42 Maslak Sit. B Blok Apt. No: 4/663, Sarıyer Istanbul, Turkey

Vodafone Sigorta Aracilik Hizmetleri A.S.

100.00

Ordinary shares

Vodafone Elektronik Para Ve Ödeme Hizmetleri A.S.

100.00

Registered shares

Vodafone Finansman A.S.

100.00

Ordinary shares

Maslak Mah. Büyükdere Cad. Büyükdere No: 251, Sarıyer, Istanbul, 34453, Turkey

VOIS Turkey Akilli Çözümler Limited Şirket

100.00

Ordinary shares

Ukraine

Bohdana Khmelnytskogo Str. 19-21, Kyiv, Ukraine

LLC Vodafone Enterprise Ukraine

100.00

Ownership percentage shares

Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)

31. Related undertakings (continued)

% of share class

held by Group

Company name

Companies

Share Class

United Arab Emirates

16-SD 129, Ground Floor, Building 16-Co Work, Dubai Internet City, United Arab Emirates

Vodacom Fintech Services FZ-LLC5

65.10

Ordinary shares

Office 101, 1st Floor, DIC Building 1, Dubai Internet City, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Vodafone Enterprise Europe (UK) Limited – Dubai Branch2

100.00

Branch

United Kingdom

11 Staple Inn Building, London, WC1V 7QH, United Kingdom

Vodacom Business Africa Group Services Limited5

65.10

Ordinary shares, Preference shares

Vodacom Investments Company Proprietary Limited5

65.10

Ordinary shares

Vodacom UK Limited5

65.10

Ordinary shares, Ordinary B shares, Non-redeemable ordinary A shares, Non-redeemable preference shares

50 Lothian Road, Festival Square, Edinburgh, EH3 9WJ, United Kingdom

Thus Group Holdings Limited

100.00

Ordinary shares

Thus Group Limited

100.00

Ordinary shares

Thus Profit Sharing Trustees Limited

100.00

Ordinary shares

Vodafone (Scotland) Limited

100.00

Ordinary shares

Pinnacle Cellular Group Limited

100.00

Ordinary shares

3 More London, Riverside, London, SE1 2AQ, United Kingdom

IoT Nxt UK Limited

42.31

Ordinary shares

One Kingdom Street, London, W2 6BY, United Kingdom

DABCo Limited

80.00

Ordinary shares

Quarry Corner, Dundonald, Belfast, BT16 1UD, Northern Ireland

Energis (Ireland) Limited

100.00

A Ordinary shares, B Ordinary shares, C Ordinary shares, D Ordinary shares

Vodafone House, The Connection, Newbury, Berkshire, RG14 2FN, United Kingdom

Apollo Submarine Cable System
Limited

100.00

Ordinary shares

Bluefish Communications Limited (in liquidation)

25.00

Ordinary A shares, Ordinary B shares, Ordinary C shares, Ordinary D shares

Cable & Wireless Aspac Holdings Limited

100.00

Ordinary shares

Cable & Wireless CIS Services Limited

100.00

Ordinary shares

Cable & Wireless Communications Data Network Services Limited

100.00

'A' Ordinary shares, 'B' Ordinary shares

Cable & Wireless Europe Holdings Limited

100.00

Ordinary shares

Cable & Wireless Global Telecommunication Services Limited

100.00

Ordinary shares

Cable & Wireless UK Holdings Limited

100.00

Ordinary shares

Cable & Wireless Worldwide Limited

100.00

Ordinary shares

Cable & Wireless Worldwide Voice Messaging Limited (in process of dissolution)

100.00

Ordinary shares

Cable and Wireless (India) Limited

100.00

Ordinary shares

Cable and Wireless Nominee Limited

100.00

Ordinary shares

Central Communications Group Limited

100.00

Ordinary Shares, Ordinary A shares

Energis Communications Limited

100.00

Ordinary shares

Energis Squared Limited

100.00

Ordinary shares

London Hydraulic Power Company (The)

100.00

Ordinary shares,
5% Non-Cumulative preference shares

MetroHoldings Limited (in process of dissolution)

100.00

Ordinary shares

Navtrak Ltd

100.00

Ordinary shares

Project Telecom Holdings Limited1

100.00

Ordinary shares

Rian Mobile Limited

100.00

Ordinary shares

Talkmobile Limited

100.00

Ordinary shares

The Eastern Leasing Company Limited

100.00

Ordinary shares

Thus Limited

100.00

Ordinary shares

Vodafone 2.

100.00

Ordinary shares

Vodafone Automotive UK Limited

100.00

Ordinary shares

Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)

31. Related undertakings (continued)

% of share class

held by Group

Company name

Companies

Share Class

Vodafone Consolidated Holdings Limited

100.00

Ordinary shares

Vodafone Corporate Limited

100.00

Ordinary shares

Vodafone Corporate Secretaries Limited1

100.00

Ordinary shares

Vodafone DC Pension Trustee Company Limited1

100.00

Ordinary shares

Vodafone Distribution Holdings Limited

100.00

Ordinary shares

Vodafone Enterprise Corporate Secretaries Limited

100.00

Ordinary shares

Vodafone Enterprise Equipment Limited

100.00

Ordinary shares

Vodafone Enterprise Europe (UK) Limited

100.00

Ordinary shares

Vodafone Enterprise U.K.

100.00

Ordinary shares

Vodafone European Investments1

100.00

Ordinary shares

Vodafone Finance Limited1

100.00

Ordinary shares

Vodafone Finance Management

100.00

Ordinary shares

Vodafone Global Enterprise Limited

100.00

Ordinary shares, Deferred shares, B deferred shares

Vodafone Group (Directors) Trustee Limited1

100.00

Ordinary shares

Vodafone Group Pension Trustee Limited1

100.00

Ordinary shares

Vodafone Group Services Limited

100.00

Ordinary shares, deferred shares

Vodafone Group Services No.2 Limited1

100.00

Ordinary shares

Vodafone Group Share Trustee Limited1

100.00

Ordinary shares

Vodafone International 2 Limited – UK Branch2

100.00

Branch

Vodafone International Operations Limited

100.00

Ordinary shares

Vodafone Investments Limited1

100.00

Ordinary shares, Zero coupon redeemable preference shares

Vodafone IoT UK Limited

100.00

Ordinary shares

Vodafone IP Licensing Limited1

100.00

Ordinary shares

Vodafone Limited

100.00

Ordinary shares

Vodafone Mobile Enterprises Limited

100.00

Ordinary shares

Vodafone Mobile Network Limited

100.00

Ordinary shares

Vodafone Nominees Limited1

100.00

Ordinary shares

Vodafone Oceania Limited

100.00

Ordinary shares

Vodafone Overseas Finance Limited

100.00

Ordinary shares

Vodafone Partner Services Limited

100.00

Ordinary shares, Redeemable preference shares

Vodafone Retail (Holdings) Limited

100.00

Ordinary shares

Vodafone Sales & Services Limited

100.00

Ordinary shares

Vodafone Shared Operations Limited

100.00

Ordinary shares

Vodafone Shared Services UK Limited

100.00

Ordinary shares

Vodafone UK Foundation

100.00

Sole member

Vodafone UK Limited1

100.00

Ordinary shares

Vodafone UK Trading Holdings Limited

100.00

Ordinary shares

Vodafone Ventures Limited1

100.00

Ordinary shares

Vodaphone Limited

100.00

Ordinary shares

Your Communications Group Limited

100.00

B Ordinary shares, Redeemable preference shares

United States

1209 Orange Street, Wilmington DE 19801, United States

IoT nxt USA Inc5

42.31

Common stock

1450 Broadway, Fl 11, Suite 104, New York NY 10018, United States

Cable & Wireless Americas Systems, Inc.

100.00

Common stock shares

Vodafone Americas Virginia Inc.

100.00

Common stock shares

Vodafone US Inc.

100.00

Common stock shares, Preferred stock shares

1615 Platte Street, Suite 02-115, Denver CO 80202, United States

Vodafone Americas Foundation

100.00

Trustee

850 New Burton Rd., Suite 201, Dover, County of Kent, Delaware, 19904, United States

Vodafone IoT Incorporated

100.00

Common stock shares

Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)

31. Related undertakings (continued)

Associated undertakings and joint arrangements

Company Name

% of share
class held
by Group
Companies

Share Class

Australia

Level 27, Tower Two, International Towers Sydney, 200 Barangaroo Avenue , Barangaroo NSW 2000, Australia

3.6 GHz Spectrum Pty Ltd

25.05

Ordinary shares

AAPT Limited

25.05

Ordinary shares

ACN 088 889 230 Pty Ltd

25.05

Ordinary shares

ACN 139 798 404 Pty Ltd

25.05

Ordinary shares

Adam Internet Holdings Pty Ltd

25.05

Ordinary shares

Adam Internet Pty Ltd

25.05

A shares, B shares, Ordinary shares

Agile Pty Ltd

25.05

Ordinary shares

AlchemyIT Pty Ltd

25.05

Ordinary shares

Chariot Pty Ltd

25.05

Ordinary shares

Chime Communications Pty Ltd

25.05

Ordinary shares

Connect West Pty Ltd

25.05

Ordinary shares

Destra Communications Pty Ltd

25.05

Ordinary shares

Digiplus Contracts Pty Ltd

25.05

Ordinary shares

Digiplus Holdings Pty Ltd

25.05

Ordinary shares

Digiplus Investments Pty Ltd

25.05

Ordinary shares

Digiplus Pty Ltd

25.05

Ordinary shares

H3GA Properties (No.3) Pty Limited

25.05

Ordinary shares

iiNet Labs Pty Ltd

25.05

Ordinary shares

iiNet Limited

25.05

Ordinary shares

Internode Pty Ltd

25.05

Ordinary shares, Class B shares

IntraPower Pty Limited

25.05

Ordinary shares

Intrapower Terrestrial Pty Ltd

25.05

Ordinary shares

IP Group Pty Ltd

25.05

Ordinary shares

IP Services Xchange Pty Ltd

25.05

A shares, B shares

Kooee Communications Pty Ltd

25.05

Ordinary shares

Kooee Mobile Pty Ltd

25.05

Ordinary shares

Mercury Connect Pty Ltd

25.05

Ordinary shares, E class shares

Mobile JV Pty Limited

25.05

Ordinary shares

Mobileworld Communications Pty Limited

25.05

Ordinary shares

Mobileworld Operating Pty Ltd

25.05

Ordinary shares

Netspace Online Systems Pty Ltd

25.05

Ordinary shares

Numillar IPS Pty Ltd

25.05

Ordinary shares

PIPE International (Australia) Pty Ltd

25.05

Ordinary shares

PIPE Networks Pty Limited

25.05

Ordinary shares

PIPE Transmission Pty Limited

25.05

Ordinary shares

PowerTel Limited

25.05

Ordinary shares

Request Broadband Pty Ltd

25.05

Ordinary shares

Soul Communications Pty Ltd

25.05

Ordinary shares

Soul Contracts Pty Ltd

25.05

Ordinary shares

Soul Pattinson Telecommunications Pty Ltd

25.05

Ordinary shares

SPT Telecommunications Pty Ltd

25.05

Ordinary shares

SPTCom Pty Ltd

25.05

Ordinary shares

Telecom Enterprises Australia Pty Limited

25.05

Ordinary shares

Telecom New Zealand Australia Pty Ltd

25.05

Ordinary shares, Redeemable preference shares

TPG Corporation Limited

25.05

Ordinary shares

TPG Energy Pty Ltd

25.05

Ordinary shares

TPG Finance Pty Limited

25.05

Ordinary shares

TPG Holdings Pty Ltd

25.05

Ordinary shares

TPG Internet Pty Ltd

25.05

Ordinary shares

TPG JV Company Pty Ltd

25.05

Ordinary shares

TPG Network Pty Ltd

25.05

Ordinary shares

TPG Telecom Limited

25.05

Ordinary shares

TransACT Capital Communications Pty Ltd

25.05

Ordinary shares

TransACT Communications Pty Ltd

25.05

Ordinary shares

TransACT Victoria Communications Pty Ltd

25.05

Ordinary shares

TransACT Victoria Holdings Pty Ltd

25.05

Ordinary shares

Trusted Cloud Pty Ltd

25.05

Ordinary shares

Trusted Cloud Solutions Pty Ltd

25.05

Ordinary shares

Value Added Network Pty Ltd

25.05

Ordinary shares

Vision Network Pty Limited

25.05

Ordinary shares

Vodafone Australia Pty Limited

25.05

Ordinary shares, Class B shares, Redeemable preference shares

Vodafone Foundation Australia Pty Limited

25.05

Ordinary shares

Vodafone Hutchison Receivables Pty Limited

25.05

Ordinary shares

Vodafone Hutchison Spectrum Pty Limited

25.05

Ordinary shares

Vodafone Network Pty Limited

25.05

Ordinary shares

Vodafone Pty Limited

25.05

Ordinary shares

VtalkVoip Pty Ltd

25.05

Ordinary shares

Westnet Pty Ltd

25.05

Ordinary shares

Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)

31. Related undertakings (continued)

Company Name

% of share
class held
by Group
Companies

Share Class

Belgium

Space Court of Justice, Rue aux Laines 70, 1000 Brussels, Belgium

Utiq S.A

25.00

Ordinary shares

Bermuda

Clarendon House, 2 Church St, Hamilton, HM11, Bermuda

PPC 1 Limited

25.05

Ordinary shares

Czech Republic

Praha 4, Závišova 502/5, 14000, Nusle, Czech Republic

Vantage Towers s.r.o.4

53.88

Ordinary shares

U Rajské zahrady 1912/3, Praha 3, 130 00, Czech Republic

COOP Mobil s.r.o.

33.33

Ordinary shares

Egypt

23 Kasr El Nil St, Cairo, 11211, Egypt

Wataneya Telecommunications S.A.E

50.00

Ordinary shares

Germany

38 Berliner Allee, 40212, Düsseldorf, Germany

MNP Deutschland Gesellschaft
bürgerlichen Rechts

33.33

Partnership share

Ferdinand-Braun-Platz 1, 40549, Düsseldorf, Germany

OXG Glasfaser Beteiligungs-GmbH

50.00

Ordinary shares

OXG Glasfaser GmbH

50.00

Ordinary shares

Nobelstrasse 55, 18059, Rostock, Germany

Verwaltung “Urbana Teleunion” Rostock GmbH3

50.00

Ordinary shares

Prinzenallee 11-13, 40549, Düsseldorf, Germany

Oak Holdings 1 GmbH

60.33

Ordinary shares

Oak Holdings 2 GmbH

60.33

Ordinary shares

Oak Holdings GmbH

60.33

Ordinary shares

Oak Renewables GmbH

60.33

Ordinary shares

Vantage Towers AG

53.88

Ordinary shares

Vantage Towers Erste Verwaltungsgesellschaft mbH4

53.88

Ordinary shares

Greece

2 Adrianeiou str, Athens, 11525, Greece

Vantage Towers Single Member Societe Anonyme4

53.88

Ordinary shares

43–45 Valtetsiou Str., Athens, Greece

Safenet N.P,A.

24.97

Issued shares

56 Kifisias Avenue & Delfwn, Marousi, 151 25, Greece

Tilegnous IKE

33.29

Ordinary shares

Marathonos Ave 18 km & Pylou, Pallini, Attica, Pallini, Attica, 15351, Greece

Victus Networks S.A.

49.94

Ordinary shares

Hungary

Boldizsár utca 2, Budapest, 1112, Hungary

Vantage Towers Zártkörűen Működő Részvénytársaság4

53.88

Ordinary shares

India

10th Floor, Birla Centurion, Century Mills Compound, Pandurang Budhkar Marg, Worli, Mumbai, Maharashtra, 400030, India

Vodafone Foundation6

30.90

Ordinary shares

Vodafone Idea Shared Services Limited6

31.37

Ordinary shares

Vodafone Idea Technology Solutions Limited6

31.37

Ordinary shares

Vodafone m-pesa Limited6

31.37

Ordinary shares

You Broadband India Limited6

31.37

Equity shares

Building No.10, Tower-A, 4th Floor, DLF Cyber City, Gurugram, Haryana, 122002, India

Indus Towers Limited

21.05

Ordinary shares

Suman Tower, Plot No. 18, Sector No. 11, Gandhinagar, 382011, Gujarat, India

Vodafone Idea Limited

31.37

Equity shares

Vodafone Idea Manpower Services Limited6

30.99

Ordinary shares

Vodafone House, Corporate Road, Prahladnagar, Off S. G. Highway, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, 380051, India

Vodafone Idea Business Services Limited6

31.36

Ordinary shares

Vodafone Idea Communication Systems Limited6

31.37

Ordinary shares

Vodafone Idea Telecom Infrastructure Limited6

31.37

Ordinary shares

Ireland

Mountainview, Leopardstown, Dublin 18, Ireland

Vantage Towers Limited4

53.88

Ordinary shares

The Herbert Building, The Park, Carrickmines, Dublin, Ireland

Siro DAC

50.00

Ordinary shares

Siro JV Holdco Limited

50.00

Ordinary B shares

Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)

31. Related undertakings (continued)

Company Name

% of share
class held
by Group
Companies

Share Class

Italy

Via Gaetana Negri 1, 20123, Milano, Italy

Infrastrutture Wireless Italiana S.p.A.

17.87

Ordinary shares

Kenya

LR No. 13263 Safaricom House, PO Box 66827, 00800, Nairobi, Kenya

Safaricom PLC

27.74

Ordinary shares

Safaricom House, Waiyaki Way Westlands, Nairobi, Kenya

M-PESA Africa Limited5

46.42

Ordinary shares

6th Floor, ABC Towers, ABC Place, Waiyaki Way, Nairobi, 00100, Kenya

M-PESA Holding Co. Limited

27.74

Ordinary shares

Luxembourg

15 rue Edward Steichen, Luxembourg, 2540, Luxembourg

Tomorrow Street SCA

50.00

Ordinary B shares, Ordinary C shares

Netherlands

Avenue Ceramique 300, 6221 Kx, Maastricht, Netherlands

Vodafone Antennelocaties B.V.

50.00

Ordinary shares

Vodafone Libertel B.V.

50.00

Ordinary shares

Boven Vredenburgpassage 128, 3511 WR, Utrecht, Netherlands

Amsterdamse Beheer- en Consultingmaatschappij B.V.

50.00

Ordinary shares

Esprit Telecom B.V.

50.00

Ordinary shares

FinCo Partner 1 B.V.

50.00

Ordinary shares

LGE HoldCo V B.V.

50.00

Ordinary shares

LGE HoldCo VI B.V.

50.00

Ordinary shares

LGE Holdco VII B.V.

50.00

Ordinary shares

LGE HoldCo VIII B.V.

50.00

Ordinary shares

Vodafone Financial Services B.V.

50.00

Ordinary shares

Vodafone Nederland Holding I B.V.

50.00

Ordinary shares

Vodafone Nederland Holding II B.V.

50.00

Ordinary shares

VodafoneZiggo Employment B.V.

50.00

Ordinary shares

VodafoneZiggo Group B.V.

50.00

Ordinary shares

VodafoneZiggo Group Holding B.V.

50.00

Ordinary shares

VZ Financing I B.V.

50.00

Ordinary shares

VZ Financing II B.V.

50.00

Ordinary shares

VZ FinCo B.V.

50.00

Ordinary shares

VZ PropCo B.V.

50.00

Ordinary shares

VZ Secured Financing B.V.

50.00

Ordinary shares

XB Facilities B.V.

50.00

Ordinary shares

Ziggo B.V.

50.00

Ordinary shares

Ziggo Deelnemingen B.V.

50.00

Ordinary shares

Ziggo Finance 2 B.V.

50.00

Ordinary shares

Ziggo Netwerk II B.V.

50.00

Ordinary shares

Ziggo Real Estate B.V.

50.00

Ordinary shares

Ziggo Services B.V.

50.00

Ordinary shares

Ziggo Services Employment B.V.

50.00

Ordinary shares

Ziggo Services Netwerk 2 B.V.

50.00

Ordinary shares

Ziggo Zakelijk Services B.V.

50.00

Ordinary shares

Zoranet Connectivity Services B.V.

50.00

Ordinary shares

ZUM B.V.

50.00

Ordinary shares

Media Parkboulevard 2, 1217 WE Hilversum, Netherlands

Liberty Global Content Netherlands B.V.

50.00

Ordinary shares

Rivium Quadrant 175, 2909 LC, Capelle aan den IJssel, Netherlands

Central Tower Holding Company B.V.4

53.88

Ordinary shares

Winschoterdiep 60, 9723 AB Groningen, Netherlands

Zesko B.V.

50.00

Ordinary shares

Ziggo Bond Company B.V.

50.00

Ordinary shares

Ziggo Netwerk B.V.

50.00

Ordinary shares

New Zealand

Tompkins Wake, Level 11, 41 Shortland Street, Auckland, 1010, New Zealand

iiNet (New Zealand) AKL Limited

25.05

Ordinary shares

Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)

31. Related undertakings (continued)

Company Name

% of share
class held
by Group
Companies

Share Class

Portugal

Edif. Arquiparque VII, R Dr António Loureiro Borges, 7, 3.º, 1495-131 ALGÉS, Algés, Oeiras, Portugal

Vantage Towers, S.A.4

53.88

Ordinary shares

Espaço Sete Rios, LEAP Rua de Campolide, 351, 0.05, 1070-034, Lisboa, Portugal

Dual Grid – Gestão de Redes Partilhadas, S.A.

50.00

Ordinary shares

Rua Pedro e Inês, Lote 2.08.01, 1990-075, Parque das Nações, Lisboa, Portugal

Sport TV Portgugal, S.A.

25.00

Nominative shares

Romania

Calea Floreasca no. 169A, 3rd floor, District 1, Bucharest, România, Romania

Vantage Towers S.R.L.4

53.88

Ordinary shares

Floor 3, Module 2, Connected buildings III, Nr. 10A, Dimitrie Pompei Boulevard, Bucharest, Sector 2, Romania

Netgrid Telecom SRL

50.00

Ordinary shares

Russian Federation

Building 3, 11, Promyshlennaya Street, Moscow, 115 516, Russian Federation

Autoconnex Limited

35.00

Ordinary shares

South Africa

76 Maude Street, Sandton, Johannesberg, 2196, South Africa

Waterberg Lodge (Proprietary) Limited5

32.55

Ordinary shares

Celtis Plaza North, 1085 Schoeman Street, Hatfield, Pretoria, 0028, South Africa

Afri G I S (Pty) Ltd5

21.16

Ordinary shares

Rigel Office Park Block A, No 446 Rigel Avenue South, Erasmu, South Africa

Canard Spatial Technologies Proprietary Limited5

21.16

Ordinary shares

Vodacom Corporate Park, 082 Vodacom Boulevard, Midrand, 1685, South Africa

M-Pesa S.A (Proprietary) Limited5

46.42

Ordinary shares

Spain

Calle San Severo 22, 28042, Madrid, Spain, Spain

Vantage Towers, S.L.U.4

53.88

Ordinary shares

Tanzania, United Republic of

Plot No. 23, Ursino Estate, Bagamoyo Road, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, United Republic of

Vodacom Trust Limited5 (in process of dissolution)

48.82

Ordinary A shares, Ordinary B shares

Turkey

Çifte Havuzlar Mah Eski Londra Asfaltı Cad No: 151/1E/301, Esenler, Istanbul, Turkey

FGS Bilgi Islem Urunler Sanayi ve Ticaret AS

50.00

Ordinary shares

United Kingdom

24/25 The Shard, 32 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9SG, United Kingdom

Digital Mobile Spectrum Limited

25.00

Ordinary shares

3 More London Riverside, London, SE1 2AQ, United Kingdom

VodaFamily Ethiopia Holding Company Limited5

31.47

Ordinary shares

Griffin House, 161 Hammersmith Road, London, W6 8BS, United Kingdom

Cable & Wireless Trade Mark Management Limited

50.00

Ordinary B shares

Hive 2, 1530 Arlington Business Park, Theale, Reading, Berkshire, RG7 4SA, United Kingdom

Cornerstone Telecommunications Infrastructure Limited5

26.94

Ordinary shares

Vodafone House, The Connection, Newbury, Berkshire, RG14 2FN, United Kingdom

Vodafone Hutchison (Australia) Holdings Limited

50.00

Ordinary shares

United States

251 Little Falls Drive, Wilmington DE 19808, United States

LG Financing Partnership

50.00

Partnership interest

PPC 1 (US) Inc.

25.05

Ordinary shares

Ziggo Financing Partnership

50.00

Partnership interest

Notes:

1.

Directly held by Vodafone Group Plc.

2.

Branches.

3.

Shareholding is indirect through Vodafone Deutschland GmbH.

4.

Shareholding is indirect through Vantage Towers A.G.

5.

Shareholding is indirect through Vodacom Group Limited. The indirect shareholding is calculated using the 65.10% ownership interest in Vodacom Group Limited.

6.

Includes the indirect interest held through Vodafone Idea Limited.

Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)

31. Related undertakings (continued)

Selected financial information

The table below shows selected financial information in respect of subsidiaries that have non-controlling interests that are material to the Group.

Vodacom Group Limited

2024

2023

Re-presented1

€m

€m

Summary comprehensive income information

 

  

 

  

Revenue

 

7,420

 

8,076

Profit for the financial year

 

920

 

1,245

Other comprehensive expense

 

217

 

193

Total comprehensive income

 

1,137

 

1,438

Other financial information

 

 

Profit for the financial year allocated to non-controlling interests

 

368

 

474

Dividends paid to non-controlling interests

 

260

 

342

Summary financial position information

 

 

Non-current assets

 

7,517

 

7,766

Current assets

 

3,437

 

3,429

Total assets

 

10,954

 

11,195

Non-current liabilities

 

(3,198)

 

(2,880)

Current liabilities

 

(3,446)

 

(3,905)

Total assets less total liabilities

 

4,310

 

4,410

Equity shareholders' funds

 

3,275

 

3,327

Non-controlling interests

 

1,035

 

1,083

Total equity

 

4,310

 

4,410

Statement of cash flows

 

 

Net cash inflow from operating activities

 

2,285

 

2,565

Net cash outflow from investing activities

 

(943)

 

(1,013)

Net cash outflow from financing activities

 

(1,276)

 

(1,558)

Net cash inflow/(outflow)

 

66

 

(6)

Cash and cash equivalents brought forward

 

1,075

 

1,097

Exchange loss on cash and cash equivalents

 

(89)

 

(16)

Cash and cash equivalents

 

1,052

 

1,075

Note:

1.

From 1 April 2023, the Group revised its segmental reporting by moving Vodafone Egypt to the Africa segment. All comparatives for these segments have been re-presented on the new basis of segmental reporting.

Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)

32. Subsidiaries exempt from audit

The following UK subsidiaries will take advantage of the audit exemption set out within section 479A of the Companies Act 2006 for the year ended 31 March 2024.

Name

Registration
number

Name

Registration
number

 

Bluefish Communications Limited

5142610

Vodafone Consolidated Holdings Limited

5754561

Cable & Wireless Aspac Holdings Limited

4705342

Vodafone Corporate Secretaries Limited

2357692

Cable & Wireless CIS Services Limited

2964774

Vodafone Enterprise Corporate Secretaries Limited

2303594

Cable & Wireless Europe Holdings Limited

4659719

Vodafone Enterprise Equipment Limited

1648524

Cable & Wireless UK Holdings Limited

3840888

Vodafone Enterprise Europe (UK) Limited

3137479

Cable & Wireless Worldwide Limited

7029206

Vodafone European Investments

3961908

Cable & Wireless Worldwide Voice Messaging Limited

1981417

Vodafone Finance Management

2139168

Cable & Wireless Nominee Limited

3249884

Vodafone International Operations Limited

2797438

Central Communications Group Limited

4625248

Vodafone Investments Limited

1530514

Energis (Ireland) Limited

NI035793

Vodafone IP Licensing Limited

6846238

Energis Communications Limited

2630471

Vodafone Mobile Enterprises Limited

2373469

Energis Squared Limited

3037442

Vodafone Mobile Network Limited

3961482

London Hydraulic Power Company (The)

ZC000055

Vodafone Nominees Limited

1172051

MetroHoldings Limited

3511122

Vodafone Oceania Limited

3973427

The Eastern Leasing Company Limited

1672832

Vodafone Overseas Finance Limited

4171115

Thus Group Holdings Limited

SC192666

Vodafone Retail (Holdings) Limited

3381659

Thus Group Limited

SC226738

Vodafone UK Limited

2227940

Vodafone 2.

4083193

Vodaphone Limited

3961390

Your Communications Group Limited

4171876

33. Subsequent events

Disposal of Vodafone Spain

On 31 May 2024, the Group announced it had completed the sale of Vodafone Holdings Europe, S.L.U. (‘Vodafone Spain’) to Zegona Communications plc (‘Zegona’) for €4.1 billion in cash (subject to closing accounts adjustments) and €0.9 billion in the form of Redeemable Preference Shares.

The gain / loss on disposal is yet to be determined, being dependent on the finalisation of the completion date balance sheet of Vodafone Spain and on resulting working capital adjustments to the consideration receivable by the Group.

Share buybacks

On 14 May 2024, the Group announced that it would commence an initial €500 million share buyback programme, starting on 15 May 2024, as part of plans to return €2.0 billion over 12 months.