annual report 2014 - grameenphone.com · * in compliance with btrc guidelines, gp is sharing its...
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Annual Report 2014
cELEBRATING ourCUSTOMERSWhen we reached the 5 crore subscribers milestone last year, we realized once again the enormous responsibility we have on our shoulders. At Grameenphone, 5 crore is not just a number, our 5 crore subscribers are our reason to smile, push on and thrive. As our subscribers use our products and services to empower themselves and change their way of living, we become a part of their success stories too. Our internet and communication platforms help these dreamers to work towards fulfilling their aspirations. When our subscribers make us a part of their success stories, they become a part of our achievements and our reason to go beyond.
What’s Inside this ReportOverview This is Grameenphone 02
Vision, Mission & Values 03
History & Milestones 04
Products & Services 05
Awards 2014 06
Performance Highlights 2014 07
Corporate Information 09
Governance The Shareholders 22-23
Organisational Structure 24
Directors’ Profile 25-29
Management Team Profile 30-33
Corporate Governance in Grameenphone 35-43
Internal Control over Financial Reporting (ICFR) 44
Enterprise Risk Management 45
Audit Committee Report 47
Financial Analysis Five Years’ Financial Summary 48-49
Value Added Statement 2014 50
Contribution to National Exchequer 51
Directors’ Report 53-69
Auditors’ Report & Audited Financial Statements 70-112
Business Performance Business Highlights 2014 10-11
Chairman and CEO Message 12-13
Management Discussion & Analysis 15-17
Sustainability Corporate Responsibility at Grameenphone 18-19
Climate Change-Promoting Green for a Sustainable Lifestyle 20-21
Additional Information
02-09
22-47
48-112
10-17
18-21
114-119 Useful Information for Shareholders 114-116
Notice of the 18th Annual General Meeting 118
Proxy Form and Attendance Slip 119
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this isGrameenphone
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This is Grameenphone02
MILLIONSUBSCRIBERS51
64 DISTRICTS NOW
POWERED WITH3G
MOBILE OPERATORIN TERMS OF
SUBSCRIBERS & REVENUE
LARGEST
2013 September 12Awarded 3G License and related 10 Mhz of spectrum by Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission.
2012 August 07Awarded 2G License by Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission.
1997 March 26Launched its service on the Independence Day of Bangladesh.
2009 November 11Successfully listed on theStock Exchanges in Bangladesh.
1996 November 11Awarded a cellular license in Bangladesh by the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications.
After eighteen years of operation, 51.50 million subscribers and more than 39 thousand Shareholders as of December 2014 are now empowered under a single network. The network is our strength and we hope this strength will be even stronger with you by our side.
VISION, MISSION& VALUES
Empowersocieties
We
are
here
to help our customers
Mak
e it e
asy Keep promises
Be in
spiringBe respectful
VisionEmpower societiesWe provide the power of digital communication, enabling everyone to improve their lives, build societies and secure a better future for all.
MissionWe are here to helpour customersWe exist to help our customers get the full benefit of being connected. Our success is measured by how passionately they promote us.
Values
Make it EasyEverything we produce should be easy to understand and use. We should always remember that we try to make customers’ lives easier.
Keep PromisesEverything we do should work perfectly. If it doesn’t, we’re there to put things right. We’re about delivery, not over-promising. We’re about actions, not words.
Be InspiringWe‘re creative. We bring energy and imagination to our work. Everything we produce should look fresh and modern.
Be RespectfulWe acknowledge and respect local cultures. We want to be a part of local communities wherever we operate. We want to help customers with their specific needs in a way that suits way of their life best.
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Vision, Mission & Values 03
Overview
BusinessPerform
anceAdditional
Information
Financial AnalysisSustainability
Governance
HISTORY & MILESTONES
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History & Milestones04
2014 MarFastest coverage of
3G network across all64 districts of Bangladesh
2014 OctCelebrated50 million
subscribers
2005 AprLaunched djuice Brand
2005 AprReached 3 million subscribers
2005 AprLaunched Electronic Recharge System
for the first time in Bangladesh
2005 AugReached 4 million subscribers
2005 SepLaunched EDGE and Voice SMS for
the first time in Bangladesh
2005 OctReached 5 million subscribers
2010 JunFirst AGM held after
public listing
2008 JunReached 20 million
subscribers
2012 DecReached 40 million
subscribers
2013 OctLaunched 3G services
in Bangladesh
2007 AprLaunched Pay For Me service in Bangladesh
2007 DecReached 16 million
subscribers
2009 SepLaunched
GP branded handsets
2009 MayReached 21 million subscribers
2009Launched Call Block service
2009 NovSuccessfully listed on the
Stock Exchanges inBangladesh
2011Launched Customer
Experience Lab
2011Launched E-Care solution
through website
2011Swapped the entire network
2011 DecReached 36.5 million
subscribers
1998Launched M2M service for the
first time inBangladesh
1999Launched Pre-Paid
service for thefirst time inBangladesh 2001
Launched WAP Service for the first time in
Bangladesh
2003 AugReached 1 million
subscribers
2004 AugReached 2 million
subscribers
1997Grameenphone’s
Inauguration
2006 JanReached 6 million subscribers
2006 JulLaunched Cellbazaar.com
2006 NovCelebrated 10 million
subscribers
2006 DecLaunched Bill Pay service for
the first time in Bangladesh
PRODUCTS & SERVICES
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Products & Services 05
Overview
BusinessPerform
anceAdditional
Information
Financial AnalysisSustainability
Governance
* In compliance with BTRC guidelines, GP is sharing its passive infrastructure with other licensees under “Infrastructure Services”.** Introduced different “Financial Services” in electronic ticketing, bill collection, electronic lottery and partner bank services under the brand “MobiCash”.
Handset Basic Phone,
Feature Phone & Smartphone (Android,
Apple iPhone, Mozilla Firefox)
Internet Device3G Modem & 3G Router
Instant Messaging Pay for Me
SMS Miss Call Alert Call Block Mobile TV Mobile Email GP World Facebook/Twitter Voice SMS Voice mail SMS MMS Voice Chat SMS Chat Online Mobile Games Welcome Tune Icche Tune Music Radio 3G Music Streaming Video Store Audio-Video Content News Alert Job Alert Sports Alert Election Information Health Line Education Line Blood Line Krishi Tottho Matrimonial Religious Service Muktijuddho Portal Video Doctor Entertainment Box Downloadable Content Infotainment Quick
Search Business Tune
Infrastructure Services*
Financial Services**
Outbound Roaming (Basic,
Data, SMS)Inbound Roaming
(Basic, Data, SMS)International SMS
International MMS
Nishchinto Bondhu djuice Apon
Shohoj Smile Spondon Amontron Village Phone GP
Public Phone BPO Internet SIM Business Solution Shofol
Ekota My Zone Emergency Balance 25 Paisa Offer Bundles
Weekly Packs Daily Pack Nishchinto 11 Paisa Offer Bondhu 27 Taka Super FnF Offer 7 Paisa Offer
STAR Bundle Call Drop Service
BlackBerry Service Web Based
SMS Business SMS Corporate Bulk SMS
Voice Message Broadcast Vehicle Tracking System Team
Tracker Buddy Tracker Train Tracking M-Reporting
GP-Connect M-Centrex E-Bill Go Broadband
3MB 9MB 60MB 500MB 2GB Heavy Browsing Pay As You Go
512kbps Packs4MB, 75MB, 250MB, 1GB, 2GB, Heavy
Browsing, Smart Plan 299, Smart Plan 499, 15MB Internet Scratch Card
1Mbps Packs3GB, Heavy Browsing, Smart Pack 699,
Night Heavy Browsing
Xplore Xplore Legend Business Solution Ekota GP Public Phone Internet SIM Bundles STAR Bundle Call Drop Service
512kbps Packs 4GB,8GB, 16GB,
35GB
800kbps Packs4GB, 8GB, 16GB, 35GB
1Mbps Packs4GB, 8GB, 16GB, 35GB
PREPAID POSTPAID
ROAMING
DEVICEAD
JACENT BUSINESS
VALUE AD
DED SERVICES
ENTERPRISE SOLUTIONCOORDINATED WiMAX
INTERNET 2G
INTE
RNET
3G
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Awards 201406
Awards 2014
Awarded best brand in mobile service provider category at the 6th Best Brand Award 2014 organized by Bangladesh Brand Forum in partnership with world’s leading brand research company Millward Brown.
Best Brand Award 2014
Won the awards from the South Asian Federation of Accountants (SAFA), The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Bangladesh (ICAB), the Institute of Chartered Secretaries of Bangladesh (ICSB) and The Institute of Cost and Management Accountants of Bangladesh (ICMAB) in
recognition of transparency, accountability and compliance with local and international standards.
Best Presented Annual Report 2013
Grameenphone’s Corporate Responsibility efforts received Standard Chartered Bank- Financial Express CSR Award -2014.
CSR Award 2014
Grameenphone won a number of prestigious awards in 2014. Wining such wonderful achievements is our commitment towards transparency, accountability and hard work. We dedicate these achievements to our Customers, Shareholders, Regulators, Employees and other Stakeholders. This is not the end of our journey, but recognition of the continuing efforts.
GSMA Green Mobile Award 2014
Awarded the prestigious Green Mobile Award by GSMA for extensive Climate Change Program.
Performance Highlights 2014
NAV- Net Asset ValueNOCF- Net Operating Cash Flow
Figures in BDT
REVENUE Billion
+6.3%
102.7
96.6
2014
2013
PROFIT BEFORE TAX Billion
+6.1%
34.9
32.9
2014
2013
NOCF PER SHARE
-15.7%
23.15
27.46
2014
2013
OPERATING PROFIT Billion
+11.1%
36.9
33.2
2014
2013
NET PROFIT AFTER TAX Billion
+34.7%
19.8
14.7
2014
2013
NAV PER SHARE
+0.7%
23.23
23.06
2014
2013
EARNINGS PER SHARE
+34.7%
14.67
10.89
2014
2013
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Performance Highlights 2014 07
Overview
BusinessPerform
anceAdditional
Information
Financial AnalysisSustainability
Governance
Number ofSubscribers
50.2M
Consumer Business
1.3M
51.5(Million)
9% 34%
Mobile DataRevenue
5.1(Billion BDT)
+61.2%
5.1B
2014
3.2B
2013
Smartphone deviceto total subscriber
8%
SmartphoneDevice No.
3.9(Million)
+75.9%
3.9M
2014
2.2M
2013
Data users tototal subscriber
Mobile DataUsers
10.8(Million)
21%
+138%
10.8M
2014
4.6M
2013
Rummaella SiddiquiFashion Designer & Owner of a Renowned Fashion HouseGrameenphone user for more than 5 years
“Through Grameenphone internet and phone network, I am able to expand my customer base not only throughout the country, but globally.”
CORPORATE INFORMATION
COMPANY NAMEGrameenphone Ltd.
COMPANY REGISTRATION NO.C-31531 (652)/96
BOARD OF DIRECTORSChairmanSigve Brekke
DirectorsM Shahjahan
Md. Ashraful Hassan
Tore Johnsen
Parveen Mahmud
Pal Wien Espen
Hakon Bruaset Kjol
Hans Martin Hoegh Henrichsen
Independent DirectorsDr. Jamaluddin Ahmed FCA
Rokia Afzal Rahman
COMPANY SECRETARYHossain Sadat
AUDIT COMMITTEEDr. Jamaluddin Ahmed FCA (Chairman)
M Shahjahan
Tore Johnsen
Hossain Sadat (Secretary)
TREASURY COMMITTEEM Shahjahan (Chairman)
Pal Stette
Dilip Pal
Imdadul Haque (Secretary)
HUMAN RESOURCES COMMITTEEHans Martin Hoegh Henrichsen (Chairman)
M Shahjahan
Quazi Mohammad Shahed
Hossain Sadat (Secretary)
HEALTH, SAFETY, SECURITY & ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEEHans Martin Hoegh Henrichsen (Chairman)
M Shahjahan
Quazi Mohammad Shahed
Hasanur Rahman Rakib (Secretary)
MANAGEMENT TEAMRajeev Sethi, Chief Executive Officer
Dilip Pal, Chief Financial Officer
Medhat El Husseiny, Chief Technology Officer
Quazi Mohammad Shahed, Chief Human Resources Officer
Allan Bonke, Chief Marketing Officer
Mahmud Hossain, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer
Erlend Prestgard, Head of Strategy
Marcus Adaktusson, Director-Communications
HEAD OF INTERNAL AUDITEmadul Hannan
STATUTORY AUDITORSACNABIN
Chartered Accountants
REGISTERED OFFICEGPHouse
Bashundhara, Baridhara
Dhaka-1229, Bangladesh
LEGAL FORMA public listed company with limited liability. Incorporated
as private limited company on October 10, 1996 and
subsequently converted to a public limited company on
June 25, 2007. Listed on the Dhaka and Chittagong Stock
Exchanges on November 11, 2009.
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Corporate Information 09
Overview
BusinessPerform
anceAdditional
Information
Financial AnalysisSustainability
Governance
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Business Highlights 201410
BUSINESS HIGHLIGHTS 2014
1Q2014
Grameenphone Experience Center-G
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2Q2014
Reinforcing the focus on youth segment, we revamped offer portfolio of the youth pack ‘Bondhu’ with SMS bundle, welcome tune, music radio and data (free WhatsApp & Facebook messenger).
5000 square feet GP experience center launched at a mega mall of city center with unique design and experience elements.
To cater the big screen data users, we launched WiMAX services ‘Go Broadband’ in partnership with 2 leading local Internet Service Providers (ISP). The ISPs’ are using our network, marketing platform and distribution channel to market the product.
Launched a campaign to promote ICT enabled e-Krishok services in agricultural sector with partnership of government agencies. The objective was to build awareness among rural people, mainly farmers with mobile and internet based advisory services, market linkage, business planning services etc.
During the quarter, GP also developed partnership with 4 new banks to strengthen enabler stance on promising Mobile Financial Service arena.
During the quarter, all 64 district headquarters of the
country were brought under 3G coverage in record time.
This fast track rollout trajectory was managed through
installation of 2143 3G sites.
Inspired by Language Movement Day on 21st February, we
launched a program to provide 2.1 million free Internet
hours to 250 schools across the country with support from
BRAC. This initiative is also a part of GP’s Safer Internet
program aimed at creating awareness on internet safety for
young users.
We also introduced lowest ever priced GP branded 3G
modem and 3G Pocket Router to enable the potential data
subscribers.
During the quarter there has been an industry wide
revision of startup SIM price.
Grameenphone (GP) has had a prolific business year in 2014. Quarterly elaborations are as follows:
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Business Highlights 2014 11
Overview
BusinessPerform
anceAdditional
Information
Financial AnalysisSustainability
Governance
3Q2014
In this quarter, GP accomplished the monumental milestone of surpassing 50 million subscriber base through its enduring commitment of offering innovative and customer centric products and services. This was also possible by merit of our countrywide robust and reliable network built over the years.
Month long free Facebook offer of the quarter was first of its kind in Bangladesh, where GP customers got the opportunity to access Facebook for free regardless of their device type from 12AM– 6PM. This was offered to stimulate the first time small screen users, specially the youth.
To drive “Internet for ALL” ambition, 2 micro packs for both 2G and 3G were launched. It managed to increase internet penetration by removing the affordability barrier.
To offer customers with affordable 3G smart-phones, GP has partnered up with Mozilla & Symphony to introduce FireFox 3G smart phones. The device is equipped with the latest Firefox mobile Operating System.
Simplified the 3 smart plan portfolios of all inclusive of 3G data, Voice, SMS & MMS with more affordability. The changes were targeted towards our growing smart phone user base.
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4Q2014 To strengthen 3G service experience even better, GP offered
double the speed in any respective data package without any
extra charge. Moreover, this enabled the data customers to
get the maximum available speed from 10 pm to 4 pm.
As part of our commitment towards customer centricity, we
introduced 60 seconds equivalent call reimbursements on
every call drop for all prepaid and postpaid subscribers.
Introduced Dynamic Emergency Balance starting from BDT
10 up to BDT 100 for prepaid customers. Customers will get
emergency balance based on their past usage pattern and
network age.
Facebook pack was introduced whereby customers could
use 9MB 2G pack for BDT 9 only for 3 days with nonstop
mobile Facebook use.
A stunning micro campaign was launched through which
our customers would be able to enjoy a huge bunch of
different offers as per their needs. All it requires for a
customer is to call an IVR hotline 12113 which is absolutely
free of charge.
During the quarter, we have completed upgrading our entire
IP transmission backbone & backhaul with a more robust
solution. This has ensured our readiness to cater the future
proliferation of data growth which is also consistent with our
strategic ambition of ‘Internet for ALL’.
Sigve BrekkeChairman
Rajeev SethiChief Executive Officer
Chairman and CEO Message
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Chairman and CEO Message12
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Chairman and CEO Message 13
Dear Shareholders,Grameenphone (GP) has concluded yet another year of successes and accomplishments. We witnessed two landmark achievements in 2014 - reaching the 50 million subscribers mark and posting of BDT 100 billion in revenues. These two achievements had been possible mainly because of the Company’s enduring commitment to offer innovative, value-for-money products and services.
We have experienced intense challenges and uncertainties throughout the year 2014. Telecom Regulatory environment continues to remain unpredictable and uncertain in the context of unresolved regulatory issues. Spectrum assignment in absence of a spectrum policy and roadmap had been a major concern. High taxation in the telecom sector and unpredictability in the taxation regime is considered to be a major barrier for expansion of the telecom industry.
In addition to other external challenges, the telecom sector also faced stiff market competition. Despite the pressures of the competitive environment, GP continued to focus on enhancing quality services, innovation and driving market expansion. In 2014, the Company maintained its competitive advantage in terms of scale by expanding its total subscriber base to 51.5 million, including adding 4.9 million 3G subscribers, representing a growth of 9.3% from 2013.
The Company made significant steps forward in its “Internet for All” ambition. The data business saw rapid growth, transforming data revenue into a major driver for operating revenue growth. We continued to attract more mobile internet customers in the year, reaching 10.8 million customers from a total base of 51.5 million, with data revenue contribution amounting to 5.2% of service revenues.
In terms of total revenue progression, 2014 was a year of good growth for GP. We closed the year on solid financial footing, with total revenue growing by 6.3% over 2013, to BDT 102.7 billion. EBITDA and the EBITDA margin were BDT 54.5 billion and 53.0% respectively, while operating cash-flow stood at BDT 39.4 billion at the end of 2014. This has placed the Company in a good position to deliver healthy Shareholders value for 2014. We are pleased to report that for the financial year 2014, we were able to give our Shareholders a 95% Interim Cash Dividend. The Board of Directors has also recommended 65% Final Cash Dividend for Shareholders’ approval. Together, it will amount to 160% of the paid-up capital in terms of total dividend, which is equivalent to BDT 16 per share of BDT 10 each.
GP invested BDT 15.2 billion (BDT 1,516 crore) in 2014. These investments bring GP’s accumulated investment in Bangladesh to around BDT 258.5 billion (BDT 25,852 crore) since inception. Meanwhile, we have contributed BDT 58.9 billion (BDT 5,892 crore) to the National Exchequer in 2014, which took our cumulative contribution to BDT 413.7 billion (BDT 41,368 crore) since inception.
With a focus on maintaining our industry lead in terms of customer satisfaction and network quality, we have further enhanced our product quality and services. We also focused on improving our customer service interface and customer experience.
In recognition of our efforts to positively impact environment and societies, we have received the prestigious global GSMA Mobile Award 2014 for our green initiatives, and a local award as Standard Chartered Bank-Financial Express CSR Award - for best CSR initiatives. The fact that others are acknowledging our work in this area is a testimony of what we do – realizing opportunities through connectivity, build societies and secure a better future for all. Besides, our Annual Report 2013 has been recognized by the regional and local professional bodies for our accountability, transparency, good governance practices, and on time fair disclosure to the stakeholders.
While 2014 was mainly about consolidating our position as the leading operator in the market, we expect 2015 to be marked as a year to push ahead for growth through change. By building on our strengths, applying the right mindset and executing our strategy, we will take an aggressive approach in the market and ensure that we not only stay ahead of the competition but remain at the forefront throughout 2015. Besides, the government is planning for an auction to release additional spectrum from 1800 and 2100 Mhz bands. In the above connection, we expect a level playing field ensuring participation of all mobile operators to cater the future subscribers growth and to ensure quality service to the customers.
We would like to thank all our Shareholders, employees, and key stakeholders for their continued commitment and support.
We look forward to meeting you at our upcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM).
February 08, 2015
Overview
BusinessPerform
anceAdditional
Information
Financial AnalysisSustainability
Governance
“We witnessed two landmark achievements in 2014 that have created positive momentum for the Company.
“We expect 2015 to be marked as a year to push ahead for growth through change.
Highlights 2014BDT 102.7 billion revenues, 6.3% annual growth.�
51.5 million subscription base with 42.8% subscription market share.
Net profit after taxes BDT 19.8 billion with 19.3% margin and BDT 14.67 EPS.
BDT 15.2 billion capex for network quality and coverage enhancement.�
Final dividend recommendation @ 65% of the paid-up capital.
S.K. TajbirFreelance Software DeveloperGrameenphone internet user for 3 years
“Thanks to Grameenphone internet, I develop various software for different local and international clients.”
Management Discussion & Analysis
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Management Discussion & Analysis 15
Overview
BusinessPerform
anceAdditional
Information
Financial AnalysisSustainability
Governance
2014 Key HighlightsIn 2014, Grameenphone (GP) recorded revenue growth of 6.3% over 2013 to BDT 102.7 billion (2013: BDT 96.6 billion), with net
profits of BDT 19.8 billion (2013: BDT 14.7 billion). In line with our Internet For All commitment, we continued to attract more
mobile internet customers in the year, which totaled 10.8 million at the end of 2014. This increase resulted in higher data revenue
contributions, followed by increased VAS revenue, to our total revenues.
After two consecutive quarters of strong growth in Q1 and Q2, GP reported moderate revenue growth in Q3 as a result of bad
weather, football World Cup and regulatory directive regarding the reduction in international call termination rate. However,
competitive data and VAS offers, along with the accelerated rollout of new 3G sites had a positive impact on revenues in Q4 and
throughout the year.
Customers and Average Revenue/Minutes Per User (ARPU & AMPU)
GP added 4.4 million (2013: 7.1 million) new customers in 2014, resulting in 1.4 percentage point increase in subscriber market
share at 42.8%,
In 2014, ARPU decreased by 6.0% at BDT 165 (2013: BDT 176), mainly
due to competitive pressure within domestic voice which was partly
offset by data and VAS uplift. With additional focus on new data user
acquisition, growth from data and VAS is further expected to continue.
Revenue PerformanceTotal revenue reached BDT 102.7 billion in 2014 (2013: BDT 96.6
billion), a growth of 6.3% over the previous year. This was mainly driven
by growth in revenue from mobile communication and customer
equipment.
Revenue from mobile communication grew by 5.9% in 2014 to BDT 98.5
billion (2013: BDT 92.9 billion) with positive contribution from data &
VAS, voice and interconnection.
Data & VAS revenues grew by BDT 3.3 billion for the year to BDT 11.2
billion (2013: BDT 7.9 billion). At the end of 2014, data & VAS revenue
accounted for 11.4% (2013: 8.5%) of mobile communication revenue.
Growth in data revenue was driven by higher mobile data usage from
Mobile CommunicationCustomer EquipmentOther Revenue
2014
2.0%2.0%
95.9%
1.9%1.9%
96.2%
2013
Revenue Composition
Voice TrafficInterconnectionData & VAS
2014
77.8%
11.4%
10.8%
80.7%
10.8%
8.5%
2013
Mobile Communication Revenue Composition
Subscriber Market Share (%)
51,504
2014
47,110
2013
40,021
2012
36,493
2011
29,970
2010
43.7% 42.7%41.2% 41.4%
42.8%
Total Subscriber (`000) : 51,504 ARPU & AMPU
ARPU (BDT) AMPU (Minutes)
2014
165 243176 249
2013
191 236
2012
214 258
2011
231 279
2010
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Management Discussion & Analysis16
higher take-up of 3G smart plans and heavy browsing packages. In 2014, GP
sold over 400 thousand of smartphones and internet enabled handsets
which also had a positive impact on growth from data & VAS revenue.
Voice revenues grew by 2.1% in 2014, to BDT 76.6 billion (2013: BDT 75.0
billion), mainly driven by subscription growth.
Interconnection revenues increased by BDT 648 million to BDT 10.6 billion
(2013: BDT 10.0 billion), from higher domestic and international voice
traffic. Regulatory directive regarding the reduction in international call
termination rate negatively impacted on the interconnection revenue
growth for GP as well as the industry in the second half of the year.
Growth in revenue from customer equipment was driven largely by the
strong demand for popular smartphones and internet enabled handsets.
Cost and Margin ReviewFor the year 2014, GP’s total cost base increased by 3.7% to BDT 65.8 billion
(2013: BDT 63.4 billion), mainly due to higher depreciation & amortization,
traffic related expenses, and higher revenue sharing. Reduction in
consultancy and lower subscriber acquisition cost partly compensated the
opex growth. Like previous years, GP continued its focus on operational
efficiency in 2014 which resulted in saving of BDT 2.3 billion. As a combined
effect, GP managed to maintain its cost base (excluding depreciation and
amortization) at last year’s level (BDT 48.1 billion).
EBITDA* rose by 11.2% over the previous year to BDT 54.5 billion (2013: BDT
49.0 billion), mainly driven by higher revenue, partly offset by higher cost.
With efficient opex management, EBITDA margin improved by 2.3
percentage point at 53.0% (2013: 50.7%).
*EBITDA before other items
Profit After TaxProfit after tax for 2014 increased by 34.7% at BDT 19.8 billion (2013: BDT 14.7 billion) driven by higher profit before tax and lower
income tax expense. Increase in profit before tax resulted from higher operating income, partly offset lower foreign exchange
gain and gain on sale of Grameenphone IT Ltd. (GPIT) last year. Lower income tax in 2014 was mainly due to one-off tax
adjustment for increased corporate tax rate from 35% to 40% last year, partly offset by higher profit before tax. Normalizing the
gain on GPIT sale and one-off tax adjustment, GP achieved 12% growth in profit after tax over the previous year.
Profit Before Tax & Profit After Tax
Data & VAS Revenue Contribution
Data & VAS (Mn BDT) % of total Revenue
11,243
2014
7,946
2013
6,189
2012
4,700
2011
3,623
2010
4.8%5.3%
6.7%
8.2%
11.0%
EBITDA & EBITDA Margin
EBITDA (Mn BDT) EBITDA Margin
54,538
2014
49,039
2013
48,991
2012
47,610
2011
37,001
2010
49.5% 53.4% 53.3% 50.7% 53.0%
17,6
57
15,3
39
15,17
7
15,0
38
16,7
94
Profit Before Tax (Mn BDT)
Profit After Tax (Mn BDT)
Depreciation & Amortization (Mn BDT)
2014
19,80334,85514,70232,852
2013
17,50530,193
2012
18,89133,006
2011
10,70520,913
2010
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Management Discussion & Analysis 17
Overview
BusinessPerform
anceAdditional
Information
Financial AnalysisSustainability
Governance
Capital Expenditure (Capex) and Network UpdatesIn 2014, Capex amounted to BDT 15.2 billion (2013: BDT 29.9 billion).
Majority of the capital expenditure was spent for 2G coverage & capacity
upgradation, 3G expansion and overall network operational efficiency. As a
result of accelerated roll-out of 3G sites, GP’s 3G coverage increased to
49.8% of the populated areas. With 9,163 sites across the country, GP
currently provides its telecommunication services across the country
covering 99.24% of the total population.
Balance SheetTotal asset base decreased to BDT 130.7 billion (2013: BDT 135.2 billion) mainly due to higher depreciation & amortization and
lower trade & other receivables, partly offset by Capex addition during the year.
Total liabilities decreased during 2014 due to higher payments to suppliers, repayment of short term borrowings, partly offset by
final drawdown of long term loan from IFC.
Total equity increased to BDT 31.4 billion (2013: BDT 31.1 billion) due to BDT 19.8 billion net profit generated from operations
during the year 2014, partly offset by the payment of final dividend for the year 2013 and interim dividend for the year 2014.
CAPEX (Mn BDT)
15,164
2014
29,925
2013
42,508
2012
12,963
2011
8,456
2010
It’s My TurnGrameenphone has consciously undertaken a number of awareness programs on Internet with external partners. Taking an exemplary step, Grameenphone employees are also contributing to ‘Internet for All’ through It’s My Turn initiative. It’s My Turn was initiated to promote “Safe Internet” and “Internet for All” among the school students of Dhaka, Chittagong, Rajshahi, Sylhet, Khulna, Barisal and Bogra. Enthusiastic Grameenphone employees, spared their personal time to educate school students on the benefits of internet. They also promoted ‘Safe Internet’ principles among school students to make sure the new internet users remain safe while surfing the internet and encouraged participating students to have positive online experiences. It’s My Turn got overwhelming response from all parts of the organization and over 850 Grameenphone employees registered to participate in the program.
Corporate Responsibility at GrameenphoneGrameenphone believes that Telecommunication technology can empower people to bring positive changes in their lives. As the Company continues to connect people with essential services, it is also looking into the ways to use its core expertise for social development especially in the areas of Health, Education and Climate. Such approaches are supportive of Company’s vision “Empower Societies.”
2.1 Million Internet HoursGrameenphone has launched a nationwide program to provide 2.1 million free Internet hours to 250 schools across the country with the support from BRAC. As Rural Bangladesh is still struggling with poor ICT infrastructure, low internet penetration, lack of awareness and limited access to different required information and content services, it has created a major digital divide between rural and urban societies. This program aims to help broaden access to the world of ICT for school children, especially those living in rural Bangladesh. The campaign will aid in creating equal opportunity to access educational content, news, information and knowledge for the students in those schools.
Online School The concept of ‘Online School’ has been conceived to find a way through which quality education could be provided in the remotest parts of the country. As education is one of the focus areas of Corporate Responsibility of Grameenphone, the idea was to reach out to the underprivileged and secluded population by the means of modern technology. The first pilot Online School started in August 2011 with 80 students in Gazipur. At present there are ten Online Schools sharing knowledge with 699 under privileged students. Teachers situated in Dhaka conduct classes using video conferencing technology with the aid of moderators in the actual class. In this initiative, Grameenphone has partnered with JAAGO and the technical support is provided by Agni Systems Limited.
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Corporate Responsibility at Grameenphone18
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Corporate Responsibility at Grameenphone 19
National Enrichment ProgramSince 2004, Grameenphone has been supporting Bishwo Shahitto Kendro to run National Enrichment Program. Supporting this campaign, Grameenphone is reaching out to 1.5 million students of 12,000 educational institutions throughout the nation enrolled in this program through its contribution in buying books and arranging prize giving programs in three divisional cities. As further support, an online portal for reading books have also been developed for Bishwo Shahitto Kendro reaching out to the remotest parts of the country, helping them to read books whenever and wherever they desire. This site now has over 100 e-books for download and was visited over 400,000 times in last one year. The National Enrichment Program had been initiated in 1985 to help develop enlightened, effective and committed visionary individual shaving high moral values.
Multi-purpose computer Lab for Dhaka UniversityGrameenphone launched a computer lab in the Tourism and Hospitality Management Department of Dhaka University on July 3, 2014.
The lab named Grameenphone- Tourism and Hospitality Lab situated in Faculty of Business Studies of Dhaka University was established with financial support of Grameenphone Ltd. The facility is equipped with 52 computers, along with printer, multimedia projector, CCTV and with the most modern server. Furthermore, Grameenphone already provided 15 MBPS internet connectivity for the university.
Disaster ResponseAt the difficult times of the country due to some natural calamities, be it flood, storm surge, cold wave, building collapse or landslide, Grameenphone always extended its support to the affected vulnerable people. In addition to its support in the form of distributing family relief packs, corrugated iron sheets, blankets etc., it also significantly contributed to setup medical camps in different areas to meet medical needs of distressed people.
SCB-Financial Express CSR AWARDGrameenphone was awarded the Standard Chartered Bank- Financial Express CSR Award -2014 as recognition for its Corporate Social Responsibility. Grameenphone was one of the three companies to receive this prestigious and only CSR award of Bangladesh. Grameenphone was awarded for its initiatives - Online School, Telemedicine, partnership with Special Olympics Bangladesh, and SMS based tube well maintenance project in partnership with HYSAWA.
Overview
BusinessPerform
anceAdditional
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Financial AnalysisSustainability
Governance
Top Green Initiatives of 2014:A. Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Emission Reduction
Aggressive rollout of solar powered base stationsBeing a socially responsible company, as part of its
continuous network expansion in the deep rural areas where
power availability is a concern, GP is always exploring
renewable energy solution. As of 2014, a total of 656 base
station sites are running on solar power. The Company has an
The ICT industry has an increasingly important role in working towards the prevention of
global warming due to the emission of hazardous greenhouse gases. Towards 2020, the
telecom industry will experience continued growth both in energy usage and CO2 footprint
as more people worldwide enter the digital age and more customers demand increased
mobile broadband services. Energy use in GP’s network operations represent around 81% of
our total energy consumption and is the main source for our CO2 emissions.
Grameenphone (GP) continually strives to reduce the environment and climate impact of its
operations and services and inspires employees and all its stakeholders to act responsibly.
This is why the Climate Change Program was initiated by GP in 2008, with the objective of
minimizing the negative environmental impact on the community. At the same time, GP
adopted EMS (Environmental Management Systems) approach that laid out the policy
framework to look for sustainable operations.
As a part of continuous efforts, GP has taken a number of initiatives like introduction of green
base stations, swapping of air conditioners with DC ventilation fans, and modernization of
entire network which helped reduce carbon footprint significantly over the years. Built in
2010, as part of awareness and adoption, the corporate headquarter, GPHouse, has also
become a magnificent model of true green architecture in the country. Mobicash and Billpay
have been instrumental in reducing customers’ travel requirement and hence contributed to
minimizing carbon emission of the society. As a result of such sustainable operational
activities, GP has been both locally and globally recognized and rewarded on different
occasions; the latest one being the winner of the prestigious GSMA Green Mobile Award 2014.
Climate Change-Promoting Green for a Sustainable Lifestyle
CSR (Adaptation)
AdvocacyGreen Company
Gree
n Bu
sines
s
EXTE
RNAL Corporate
ClimateInitiatives
CO2 Reduction
Employee
Awareness
INTERN
AL
GOALS Reduce 30% CO2
intensity by 2017 Green company
MEASURES Internal optimization and modernization in network, IT and offices Aggressive rollout of solar sites E-waste management Employee awareness
MANAGEMENTCONTROLS Environment Management System (EMS) Green champions Business reviews
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Climate Change-Promoting Green for a Sustainable Lifestyle20
Networks Transport Office
13%6%
81%
Use of Energy
Energy SourceDistribution for Networks
93%
7%
National Grid Solar
ambition of rolling out this solution more aggressively in the
coming years. Around 40% of network expansion of 2015 has
been designed with solar power. These solar powered base
station sites will be saving around 4 Million liters of fossil fuel
and more than 10 thousand tons of CO2 emission annually.
Modernization of transmission network and core site consolidation In the context of network modernization, in the year 2014, GP
has swapped its IP transmission backbone network. These
modern equipments consume less than 15% energy
compared to previous ones which is saving 176 tons of CO2
emission annually. Moreover, as a part of continuous network
modernization and introduction of higher capacity switching
equipments with less footprints, GP has been consolidating
its switch locations and hence, in 2014, three more core
locations were vacated. The result was a savings of 650
MWhr electricity and 10,500 Liters fuel which is saving 420
tons of CO2 emission.
Introduction of bio-generatorIn continuation of introducing innovative power generation
solutions, GP in partnership with a local partner, has set up a
generator which runs on biogas produced from poultry litters.
This set up is supplying more than 1 KW of power for our base
station in parallel to supplying power to nearby few small
shops. Based on the success, similar solutions can be rolled
out to other suitable locations.
B. Environment Friendly Operation
Electronic waste management Being an environment friendly company, GP manages its
obsolete electronic wastes following the international policy
and fully complying with laws of the country. After recycling
the huge BTS and core cabinets in the previous years, GP is
now recycling its obsolete GSM and microwave antennas and
other electronic accessories engaging globally renowned
vendors. As part of this recycling process, all hardware except
the circuit boards will be recycled to recover the constituent
iron, aluminum, stainless steel, copper, and plastic for reuse.
The circuit boards will be drilled and exported to vendor
facility to recycle through electronic waste treatment. The
recycling work will be performed both in Bangladesh and
abroad according to ISO 14000, OSHAS 18000 and R2
Standards.
C. Awareness & Engagement
Click Green photography contestGP always encourages and promotes various employee
awareness and engagement programs to enable the
employees to make a difference. One such initiative is “Click
Green” a photography competition which is regularly being
arranged since 2009 for the employees of GP to create
environmental awareness. In 2014, for the first time, it was
open for all GP Facebook Page fans and GP Instagram
Account followers. The aim of this competition is to
encourage our fans and followers to think, reflect and act
towards the commitment of being environment friendly and
also to inspire and promote ‘Green Lifestyle’.
Cycling awareness for the GP employeesAnother major employee awareness session was arranged in
November 2014 to promote and inspire cycling for GP
employees. Cycling for a healthy life and greener
environment was the main focus of the event. Arranging cycle
fair, demonstration of safe cycle riding, safety tool
distribution etc. were some major activities of the session.
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Climate Change-Promoting Green for a Sustainable Lifestyle 21
Overview
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anceAdditional
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Governance
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The Shareholders22
Telenor Mobile Communications AS (TMC)TMC, a company established under the laws of the Kingdom of Norway, seeks to develop and invest in telecommunication solutions through direct and indirect ownership of companies and to enter into national and international alliances relating to telecommunications. It is a subsidiary of Telenor Mobile Holdings AS and an affiliate of Telenor. Telenor ASA is the leading Telecommunications Company of Norway listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange. TMC owns 55.80% shares of Grameenphone Ltd.
Telenor's strong international expansion in recent years has been based on leading-edge expertise, acquired in the Norwegian and Nordic markets, which are among the most highly developed technology markets in the world. It has substantial international operations in mobile telephony, satellite operations and pay television services. In addition to Norway and Bangladesh, Telenor owns mobile telephony companies in Sweden, Denmark, Hungary, Serbia, Montenegro, Bulgaria, Thailand, Malaysia, Pakistan, India and Myanmar. Telenor has 186 million consolidated mobile subscriptions worldwide as of December 31, 2014.
Telenor uses the expertise it has gained at its home and international markets for the development of emerging markets like Bangladesh.
As part of the conversion of Grameenphone from a private limited to a public limited company, Telenor Mobile Communications AS transferred ten (10) shares each on May 31, 2007 to its three (3) affiliate organizations namely Nye Telenor Mobile Communications II AS, Norway; Telenor Asia Pte. Ltd., Singapore; and Nye Telenor Mobile Communications III AS, Norway.
Grameen Telecom (GTC)Grameen Telecom, which owns 34.20% of the shares of Grameenphone, is a not-for-profit company in Bangladesh established by Professor Muhammad Yunus, winner of the Nobel Peace Prize 2006.
The Shareholders
Telenor MobileCommunications AS
55.80%
GrameenTelecom
34.20%
OtherInstitutions
4.13%Foreign
3.06%
GeneralPublic
2.81%
The shareholding structure comprises of mainly two sponsor Shareholders namely Telenor Mobile Communications AS (55.80%) and Grameen Telecom (34.20%). The rest 10.00% shareholding includes General Public (2.81%), Foreign (3.06%) and Other Institutions (4.13%) as on 31 December 2014.
GTC’s mandate is to provide easy access to GSM cellular services in rural Bangladesh and create new opportunities for income generation through self-employment by providing villagers, mostly the poor rural women, with access to modern information and communication-based technologies.
Grameen Telecom, with its field network, administers the Village Phone Program, through which Grameenphone provides its services to the fast growing rural customers. Grameen Telecom trains the operators and handles all service-related issues.
GTC has been acclaimed for the innovative Village Phone Program. GTC & its Chairman Nobel Peace prize laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus have received several awards which include: First ITU World information Society Award in 2005; Petersburg Prize for Use of the IT to improve Poor People’s Lives” in 2004; GSM Association Award for “GSM in Community Service” in 2000.
As part of the conversion of Grameenphone from a private limited to a public limited company, Grameen Telecom transferred one (1) share each on May 31, 2007 to Grameen Kalyan and Grameen Shakti.
Top Twenty Shareholders as on December 31, 2014
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The Shareholders 23
Overview
BusinessPerform
anceAdditional
Information
Financial AnalysisSustainability
Governance
Name of Shareholders PercentageNumber of OrdinaryShares Held
Telenor Mobile Communications AS
Grameen Telecom
Investment Corporation of Bangladesh
Grameen Bank Borrower's Investment Trust
SSBT A/C Wasatch Frontier Emerging Small Countries Fund
SSBT A/C Morgan Stanley Institutional Fund, Inc.- Frontier Emerging Markets Portfolio
A.K. Khan & Co. Limited
ICB Unit Fund
JPMCB NA for JPMCB LUX A/C Frankin Templeton Investment Funds
AB Investment Limited-Investors Discretionary Account
SSBT for SSB LUX A/C Morgan Stanley Asset Management
JPMCB NA for JPM LUX A/C Schroder International Selection Fund
SSBT for SS Lux A/C Goldman Sachs Funds - Goldman Sachs N-11 (R) Equity Portfolio
Bangladesh Fund
Mellon Bank N.A. A/C Acadien Frontier Markets Equity Fund
United Commercial Bank Ltd.
Grameen One: Scheme Two
SSBT A/C Parametric Emerging Markets Fund
JPMCB NA for JPMCC A/C Everest Capital Frontier Markets Fund L.P.
Rupali Bank Limited
TOTAL
753,407,724
461,766,409
14,084,800
11,037,221
7,738,600
3,895,672
3,800,746
3,412,269
2,966,600
2,874,000
2,410,728
1,966,800
1,766,800
1,605,000
1,514,600
1,501,100
1,500,000
1,496,400
1,292,200
1,283,800
1,281,321,469
Sl.No.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
55.80%
34.20%
1.04%
0.82%
0.57%
0.29%
0.28%
0.25%
0.22%
0.21%
0.18%
0.15%
0.13%
0.12%
0.11%
0.11%
0.11%
0.11%
0.10%
0.10%
94.89%
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Organisational Structure24
ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE
Boardof
Directors
Rajeev SethiChief Executive Officer
Hossain Sadat*Company Secretary
Quazi Mohammad ShahedChief Human Resources Officer
Erlend PrestgardHead of Strategy
Medhat El HusseinyChief Technology Officer
Allan BonkeChief Marketing Officer
Mahmud HossainChief Corporate Affairs Officer
Marcus AdaktussonDirector-Communications
Dilip PalChief Financial Officer
*He also acts as Director and Head of Regulatory Affairs of the Company reporting to Chief Corporate Affairs Officer.Organisational structure as of February 2015
DIRECTORS’ PROFILE
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Directors’ Profile 25
Overview
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anceAdditional
Information
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Governance
Mr. Sigve Brekke was appointed to the Board on September 1, 2008 and is also the Chairman of Grameenphone Board. Mr. Brekke has held a number of positions in the Telenor Group. He joined Telenor Asia Pte. Ltd. in 1999 as Manager of Business Development and later became the Managing Director. He served as the Co-Chief Executive Officer (Co-CEO) of Total Access Communication PLC (‘dtac’) from 2002 to 2005, was the sole CEO and Director from 2006 to 2008 and was elected as the Vice Chairman of dtac Board in 2008. He has been made responsible to serve as interim CEO at dtac from September 2014. He also served as Director and CEO of United Communication Industry PLC from 2005 to 2008. In July 2008, he was appointed as Director and Executive Vice President of Telenor Group, Head of Asia Region, Telenor. In 2009, Mr. Brekke was elected as Director of Unitech Wireless Ltd. (‘Uninor’) and the Chairman of DiGi.Com Berhad Board. He was appointed Managing Director of Uninor in July 2010. Prior to joining Telenor, Mr. Brekke served as the Deputy Minister (State Secretary) of Defence in Norway in 1993 and was also an associate research fellow at the John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University. Mr. Brekke obtained Master’s degree in Public Administration from John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University.
Sigve Brekke
Mr. Tore Johnsen was appointed to the Board on December 10, 2013. Mr. Tore
Johnsen has a long career in Telenor since 1974. He is now Senior Vice President
at Telenor Group, Asia Region responsible for Performance Management of the
Asian companies where Telenor is a shareholder. He has been CEO of 4 Asian
companies - Grameenphone Ltd. from 2011 to 2013, Total Access Communication
PLC (‘dtac’), Thailand from 2008 to 2011, Telenor Pakistan from 2004 to 2008
and DiGi.Com Berhad, Malaysia from 2001 to 2004. Since joining Telenor Group
in 1974, he has held a number of managerial positions and international
assignments. He holds a Master of Science in addition to studies in International
Business Management.
Tore Johnsen
M Shahjahan
Mr. M Shahjahan was appointed to the Board on June 26, 2006 and is also
Chairman of the Company’s Treasury Committee. He acted as the Managing
Director of Grameen Bank from August 14, 2011 to October 30, 2014. Now, he is on
leave prior to retirement. Earlier, he served as the Deputy Managing Director, the
General Manager and Head of the Accounts, Finance, Planning, Monitoring and
Evaluation Division, the Chief of the Audit Department, and the Zonal Manager of
Grameen Bank. Mr. Shahjahan is a member of the Board of Directors of several
companies that work in the fields of health, education, agriculture, welfare,
renewable energy and telecommunications. He obtained a Bachelor of
Commerce (Honours) degree in Accounting from the University of Dhaka in 1976,
as well as a Master’s degree in Accounting in 1977 and a Master’s degree in
Finance in 1981. He was awarded ICAB Medal (Silver) for passing the ‘C.A.
Intermediate’ examination at the earliest eligible chance in 1981.
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Directors’ Profile26
Mr. Md. Ashraful Hassan was appointed to the Board on January 20, 2010. He currently serves as Managing Director of Grameen Telecom and is engaged in promoting and providing easy access to GSM cellular services in rural Bangladesh. He also serves as Managing Director of Grameen Distribution Ltd., Grameen Knitwear Ltd. and Grameen Fabrics & Fashions Ltd. He has a profound knowledge in sales channels and product sourcing. He keeps his own signature tune in Grameen Distribution with a broad experience in the concept of business development and supply chain management. He gained extensive and diversified knowledge in various industrial sectors especially in the field of textile focusing on resource efficient and energy saving production having wide exposures in the industrial management, export market, labor management and so on. Mr. Ashraf also acquired a wide range of experience for different kinds of project development and industrial setup. He has an extensive knowledge in the field of construction engineering. He started his career in Grameen Bank in 1984. During his 16 years of tenure with the Bank, he held various key positions including the Chief of Engineering section. He extended notable contribution to the infrastructural development of Grameen Bank. He serves as a member of the Board of Directors of several enterprises that play commendable role in the fields of renewable energy, health care, food & nutrition, information and communication technology, employment generation and so forth. He holds Bachelor of Science in Engineering from Khulna University of Engineering and Technology, Bangladesh.Md. Ashraful Hassan
Hans Martin Hoegh Henrichsen
Mr. Hans Martin Hoegh Henrichsen was appointed to the Board on January 22,
2014 and is Chairman of the Company’s Human Resources Committee, and
Health, Safety, Security & Environment Committee. He is Senior Vice President in
Telenor Asia and serves as Chief Representative Officer for Bangladesh. Mr.
Henrichsen has professional experiences in the financing and
telecommunications industries. He joined Telenor in 2000 and has since then
held several senior positions in the Company. During the past 14 years, Mr.
Henrichsen has worked with project financing and mobile acquisition projects in
markets new to Telenor, most recently with Telenor’s expansion into Myanmar. He
is a Master of Science (MSc) in Economics and Business Administration from the
Norwegian School of Economics.
Mr. Hakon Bruaset Kjol was appointed to the Board on September 14, 2011. He is Senior Vice President and Head of Corporate Affairs of Asia Region, Telenor Group. Mr. Kjol joined the Telenor Group in 1995, beginning his career in the domestic mobile operations in Norway. Since then, he contributed to the Group’s growing international presence through his strategic involvement in Telenor’s international mobile activities where he played significant roles in operational development and merger and acquisition activities both in Europe and Asia. For the last 15 years, Mr. Kjol has been based in Asia where he continues to assume a key role in the development of the Group strategy for Asia and managing the Asia business environment to include the areas of public affairs, regulatory management, government relations, strategic communications and corporate responsibility. He has been a key member of several management committees and is currently the Director of Total Access Communication PLC (‘dtac’), Thailand; Telenor Asia Pte Ltd., Singapore; Digi.Com Berhad, Malaysia, Telenor Pakistan Ltd., Pakistan and Telenor Myanmar Ltd., Myanmar. Mr. Kjol is a former student of the Norwegian School of Management majoring in Marketing and Communications.Hakon Bruaset Kjol
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Directors’ Profile 27
Overview
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anceAdditional
Information
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Governance
Parveen Mahmud
Ms. Parveen Mahmud FCA was appointed to the Board on October 17, 2012. She is the Managing Director of Grameen Telecom Trust, and a fellow member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Bangladesh (ICAB). In her diversified professional career, Ms. Mahmud worked for a substantial amount of time with national and international development agencies and was a practicing chartered accountant. Ms. Mahmud started her career with BRAC, and was the Deputy Managing Director of Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation (PKSF). She was a partner of ACNABIN, Chartered Accountants. She was the first female President of ICAB for the year 2011 and also the first female Board member in the South Asian Federation of Accountants (SAFA), the apex accounting professional body of the SAARC. She was the member of National Advisory Panel for SME Development of Bangladesh and founding Board member of SME Foundation and Convener, SME Women’s Forum. Ms. Mahmud serves in various Boards including the Chairperson of Shasha Denims Ltd., and was the Chairperson of Acid Survivors Foundation. She was awarded Begum Rokeya Shining Personality Award 2006 for women’s empowerment by the Narikantha Foundation, Bangladesh.
Dr. Jamaluddin Ahmed FCA
Dr. Jamaluddin Ahmed FCA was appointed to the Board on March 19, 2010 as an Independent Director and is also Chairman of the Board Audit Committee (since 2012). He is the Chairman of Emerging Credit Rating Company Limited which is affiliated with the Malaysian Rating Corporation (MRC). Dr. Jamal was the President (2010) of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Bangladesh (ICAB). He is the elected General Secretary (2015-16) of the country’s independent think tank-Bangladesh Economic Association. He is engaged in assignments in Financial, Banking and Energy Sector industries. He worked as country specialist in Migrant Remittance Management. He was involved in DFID funded Cheque Automation, Automated Clearing System, mobile banking and in the development of National Payment System in Bangladesh. He was involved with Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission for introducing Uniform Energy Accounting in Bangladesh. Over his professional career, Dr. Jamal has written copious publications and conducted numerous research papers on various aspects. In addition to his earlier publications, his paper on “Watching the Watchdogs-the Political Economy of Public Accounting Oversight”; “Economic Rationale for the Separation of Conventional and Merchant Banking” and “The Political Economy of the Size of the Government” was published in 2014. He holds Master’s degree in Accounting from the University of Dhaka, PhD from the Cardiff Business School, under the University of Wales, United Kingdom, and is also a fellow of ICAB.
Mr. Pal Wien Espen was appointed to the Board on April 24, 2013. In 1995, he joined Telenor Legal Department and in 1998, he became Deputy Group General Counsel, and in 2000 he was appointed Group General Counsel and Executive Vice President in Telenor. After obtaining his law degree, he joined Bugge, Arentz-Hansen & Rasmussen, one of the major law firms in Norway in 1992, focusing on M&A and financing. After that he served as a judge at Nedre Ringerike Court, Norway during 1994-95 before joining Telenor. Mr. Espen obtained his Law degree from University of Oslo, Norway and Social Science degree from District University of Lillehammer, Norway.Pal Wien Espen
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Directors’ Profile28
Name of Director Directorship Member of Board committees
Unitech Wireless Ltd.(‘Uninor’), IndiaDiGi.Com Berhad, MalaysiaTotal Access Communication PLC (‘dtac’), Thailand
Grameen TelecomGrameen ShaktiGrameen UddogGrameen FundGrameen Krishi FoundationGrameen KalyanGrameen Fabrics & Fashions Ltd.Grameen Credit Agricole Microfinance FoundationGrameen Employment Services Limited (GES)Grameen Knitwear Ltd.Grameen ShikkhaGrameen CommunicationsGrameen Shakti Samajik Byabosa Ltd.Member of Board of TrusteesNobel Laureate TrustGrameen TrustGrameen Telecom TrustGrameen Healthcare Trust
Total access Communication PLC (‘dtac’), ThailandTelenor Pakistan Ltd., PakistanTelenor Myanmar Ltd., MyanmarDiGi.Com Berhad, MalaysiaDiGi Telecommunications Sdn. Bhd., Malaysia
DiGi.Com Berhad, Malaysia Remuneration Committee
dtac, Thailand Remuneration Committee Nomination Committee Governance CommitteeTelenor Myanmar Ltd., Myanmar Audit CommitteeDiGi.Com Berhad, Malaysia Audit CommitteeDiGi TelecommunicationsSdn. Bhd., Malaysia Audit Committee
None
Mr. Sigve Brekke
Mr. M Shahjahan
Mr. Tore Johnsen
Mr. Md. Ashraful Hassan
Sl.No.
1
2
3
Grameen ShaktiGrameen KalyanGrameen Solutions Ltd.Grameen Veolia Water Ltd.Grameen Danone Foods Ltd.Grameen Health Care Services Ltd.Grameen Employment Services Ltd.Grameen Shakti Samajik Byabosa Ltd.Member of Board of TrusteesGrameen Telecom Trust
None4
Companies (other than Grameenphone Ltd.) in which GP Directors hold directorship andcommittee memberships:
Rokia Afzal Rahman
Ms. Rokia Afzal Rahman was appointed to the Board on December 6, 2012 as an Independent Director. A leading woman entrepreneur and a former Adviser to the Caretaker Government of Bangladesh, Ms. Rahman started her agro-based company in 1980 and further diversified her business into insurance, media, financial institution and real estate. She is currently the Vice President of International Chamber of Commerce-ICC Bangladesh and Trustee Board Member of Transparency International Bangladesh–TIB. Ms. Rahman is founder President of Bangladesh Federation of Women Entrepreneurs–BFWE and former President of Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Industries-MCCI, Dhaka. Her commitment to development brought her to the Boards of a number of development organizations. She is also Chair and Managing Director of R. R. Group of Companies; Chair and Managing Director of Arlinks Group of Companies. Ms. Rahman did her Post Graduate Diploma in Banking from Pakistan.
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Directors’ Profile 29
Overview
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anceAdditional
Information
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Governance
Name of Director Directorship Member of Board committees
DiGi.Com Berhad, MalaysiaDiGi Telecommunications Sdn. Bhd., MalaysiaTelenor Pakistan Ltd., PakistanTelenor Asia Pte Ltd., SingaporeTelenor South Asia Investment Pte. Ltd., SingaporeTelenor South East Asia Investment Pte. Ltd., SingaporeTelenor GO Pte. Ltd, SingaporeTotal Access Communication PLC, ThailandTelenor Myanmar Ltd., Myanmar
DiGi.Com Berhad, Malaysia Nomination Committee and Remuneration Committee
Mr. Hakon Bruaset Kjol
Sl.No.
6
Grameen Danone Foods Ltd.Grameen Krishi FoundationGrameen Fisheries and Livestock FoundationGrameen Capital Management Ltd.Grameen Health Care Services Ltd.Grameen Fabrics & Fashions Ltd.Grameen Distribution Ltd.Grameen TelecomGrameen Solutions Ltd.Linde Bangladesh Ltd.BRAC InternationalActionaid BangladeshUCEP-BangladeshManusher Jonno Foundation (MJF)MIDASSAP BangladeshCAMPEShasha Denims Ltd.
Linde Bangladesh Ltd. Finance and Audit Committee
BRAC and BRAC International Finance and Audit Committee
Actionaid Bangladesh Finance and Audit Committee
UCEP- Bangladesh Finance and Audit Committee
Ms. Parveen Mahmud7
Telenor Communication II AS, NorwayTelenor Kapitalforvaltning AS, NorwayTelenor Aeromobile AS, NorwayTelenor Myanmar Ltd., Myanmar
NoneMr. Pal Wien Espen8
Power Grid Company of Bangladesh Ltd.Essential Drugs Company LimitedMacksons Spinning Limited
Power Grid Company of Bangladesh Ltd. Audit CommitteeEssential Drugs Company Limited Audit Committee
Dr. JamaluddinAhmed FCA
9
R.R. Cold Storage Ltd.Imaan Cold Storage Ltd.R. R. Estates Ltd.Aris Holdings Ltd.Arlinks LimitedMediaworld Ltd. (owning company of “The Daily Star”)MIDAS Financing Ltd.Mediastar Ltd. (owning company of “Prothom Alo”)ABC RadioMIDAS Investment Ltd.BRACMarico Bangladesh LimitedManusher Jonno Foundation (MJF)Banchte Shekha, Jessore
Member of Board of TrusteesTransparency International Bangladesh (TIB)
NoneMs. Rokia Afzal Rahman10
Mr. Hans Martin HoeghHenrichsen
None None5
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MANAGEMENT TEAM
Rajeev SethiChief Executive Officer
Quazi Mohammad ShahedChief Human Resources Officer
Erlend PrestgardHead of Strategy
Mahmud HossainChief Corporate Affairs Officer
01
02
03
04
01 04
02 03
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05
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07
08
Medhat El HusseinyChief Technology Officer
Marcus AdaktussonDirector-Communications
Dilip PalChief Financial Officer
Allan BonkeChief Marketing Officer
05 08
06 07
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MANAGEMENT TEAM PROFILE
Mr. Rajeev Sethi was appointed as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) effective from December 1, 2014.
Before joining Grameenphone he was Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) of Uninor, Telenor’s wholly
owned subsidiary in India. Mr. Rajeev Sethi has served as CMO in Uninor for nearly two years. Prior
to that, Mr. Sethi spent more than 3 years as the head of Uninor’s Uttar Pradesh East circle. He has
significant ICT industry experience, including executive engagements in companies such as
Vodafone, HP, Hutchison Telecom and Asian Paints.Rajeev Sethi
CEO
Mr. Dilip Pal was appointed as Chief Financial Officer (CFO), effective from September 01, 2014.
Coming with 22 years of experience across Financial Service, Engineering, FMCG and Telecom
sector, his last stint was at Vodafone India as Executive Vice President and National Business
Finance Operations head. He has also served in executive positions in leading Indian companies
like Tata Tinplate, Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages (Coca-Cola India). Mr. Dilip is both a Chartered
Accountant and Cost Accountant by profession. He holds a Masters degree in Commerce from
Calcutta University.
Dilip PalCFO
Mr. Medhat El Husseiny was appointed as Chief Technology Officer (CTO) effective from October 2014. He brings over 20 years of experience from telecom sector, holding senior management roles in different multinational companies. Prior to joining Grameenphone, he held the position of CTO at Orascom Telecom Algeria (Djezzy), where he was also a member of Vimpelcom Group Leadership Team. His expertise encompasses a range of areas, such as operation management, corporate strategy, network development & operation and negotiations/contract management. He has also worked at Orascom Telecom Holding and Lucent Technologies in Egypt. Mr. Medhat is an Engineer by profession with a Masters in Telecommunication Engineering from Benha University, Egypt, along with MBA from Maastricht School of Management, Netherlands and Master’s Certificate in Project Management from STEVENS Institute of Technology, USA.
Medhat El Husseiny
CTO
Mr. Allan Bonke was appointed as Chief Marketing Officer (CMO), effective from August 05, 2012.
Before joining Grameenphone, he was Executive Vice President in Uninor, India. While with Uninor,
he was responsible for Uttar Pradesh west (UP) circle operation. He joined Telenor in 2006 and
worked as Director, Business Sales in Telenor Denmark before joining Uninor. Before joining
Telenor, he held senior positions in different Danish ICT companies. He has a financial background
from the Danish banking sector. He holds a diploma education in business economics from
Copenhagen Business School-CBSI with strategy as line of specialization.
Allan BonkeCMO
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Mr. Quazi Mohammad Shahed was appointed as Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO), effective from November 01, 2012. Before joining Grameenphone, he was employed by British American Tobacco (BAT) as Human Resources Lead, Global SAP, Template & Pilot Project in United Kingdom. After obtaining his Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), he started his career in BAT Bangladesh. He subsequently earned Masters in Business Administration. During the early part of his career, he worked in different roles within operations and subsequently moved to HR as the Head of HR of BAT Bangladesh in December 2001. He later worked in Iran, Pakistan, Malaysia and UK in different HR leadership and global project roles. After joining Grameenphone, he undertook many initiatives in the people front, focusing on building leadership within Grameenphone and enhancing engagement within the organization, that resulted in the highest EES index growth within the Telenor group for two successive years in 2013 and 2014.
Quazi Mohammad ShahedCHRO
Mr. Mahmud Hossain was appointed as Chief Corporate Affairs Officer (CCAO), effective from March 08, 2010. He started his career in 1990 when he joined the technical team of the erstwhile Hutchison BD Telecom Ltd. He worked for Grameenphone, at his first spell with the Company, as Additional General Manager at Technology Operations during 2000-2001. In his credibly long career, he also worked for few other telecom operators before rejoining Grameenphone in August 2009. He obtained his B.Sc. in Electrical & Electronic Engineering from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET). He obtained his MBA from the Institute of Business Administration (IBA), Bangladesh. He also holds a Master’s (Telecom) Degree from Concordia University, Canada.Mahmud Hossain
CCAO
Mr. Marcus Adaktusson was appointed Director-Communications, effective from February 2014.
Before joining Grameenphone, he was Director Communications in Telenor Sweden. Prior to his
positions in Grameenphone and Telenor, he worked as communications strategist and consultant
for leading Nordic PR agencies. He holds a Master of Science degree (MSc) in Economics and
Business Administration from Stockholm School of Economics.
Marcus Adaktusson
Director-Communications
Erlend Prestgard
Head of Strategy
Mr. Erlend Prestgard was appointed as Head of Strategy, effective from September 01, 2013. Before
joining Grameenphone, he was Director in the strategy team of the Telenor ASA. Prior to Telenor
and Grameenphone, he worked as Chief Commercial Officer and Chief Financial Officer with
over-the-top service companies delivering music and TV streaming services. He also has
background from McKinsey & Company and UBS Investment Bank. He holds a Master of Science
degree in Economics and Business Administration from the Norwegian School of Economics and
Business Administration.
PROFILE of company secretary
Mr. Hossain Sadat was appointed as Company Secretary effective from July 01, 2010. In addition, he has also been appointed as Director and Head of Regulatory Affairs, effective from February 24, 2014. Prior to taking up the above roles in Grameenphone, he has also worked in Finance function for several years in the capacity of Head of Financial Reporting, Head of Budgeting & Accounting, and Financial Controller. Before joining Grameenphone in mid 2001, he worked in a number of multinational organizations including Shell Oil & Gas, Cairn Energy PLC and KPMG Bangladesh. During his service tenure, he has worked in the areas of corporate governance, financial management, stakeholder relations, regulatory management and public communications for around eighteen years. Mr. Sadat holds a Master’s degree and is a Chartered Secretary by profession.
Hossain Sadat
Company Secretary
Rabeya GafurOnline Diploma StudentGrameenphone Community Information Center (CIC) visitor for 2 years“I have been able to learn a lot and attain knowledge about various topics. The computers and internet at Grameenphone CIC has made it possible for me to attend exams online.”
Corporate Governance in Gp
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Grameenphone (GP) believes that good corporate governance is the backbone of an upright business entity. Accordingly, GP emphasises on stronger diligence to business, all operations being transparent and invites larger involvement of the stakeholders. And aspiring on that, the Company has always strived to maintain the highest standards of corporate governance and business conduct so as to create and maintain value for Shareholders, safeguard stakeholders' interest and justify investor confidence. With this end in view, GP has been providing and maintaining innovative, user-friendly and best-value telecommunication services to create sustainable stakeholders' value. To attain these objectives, the Board of Directors of the Company is dedicated to ensuring highest standards of Corporate Governance to keep the Company's business integrity and performance on the right track. Being a responsible corporate entity, GP maintains adequate transparency and encourages sound business conduct both in its in-house practices and in its external relationship with the community as well as suppliers, customers and business partners. The Company, at the same time, expects acts of honesty and integrity from its Board of Directors, employees and suppliers.
As a Public Listed Company, GP Board of Directors plays a crucial role in upholding the interests of all its stakeholders. The Board of Directors and the Management Team are also dedicated to maintaining a well-established culture of accountability, transparency, easy-to-understand policies and procedures to ensure effective Corporate Governance at every level of its operations. The Board and the Management Team also put their best efforts to comply with all the laws of the country and all internal regulations, policies and procedures to make GP a thoroughly transparent Company. Moreover, recognizing the fact that compliance has been the corner stone of good governance, the Company meticulously undergoes through the process of statutory audit and compliance certification as required by laws of the land. As a result, GP has been able to maintain the highest level of integrity, transparency and accountability of global standards over the years.
Board Formation & Structure
a) Role of the BoardThe Directors of the Board are appointed by the Shareholders at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) and accountable to the Shareholders. The Board is responsible for ensuring that the business activities are soundly administered and effectively controlled. The Directors keep themselves informed about the Company's financial position and ensure that its activities, accounts and asset management are subject to adequate monitoring and control. The Board also ensures that GP Policies & Procedures and Codes of Conduct are understood, implemented and maintained at all levels and the Company adheres to generally accepted principles for good governance and effective control of Company activities.
In addition to other regulatory guidelines, the Board has also adopted the “Rules of Procedure for the Board of Directors” for ensuring better governance in the work and administration of the Board. The Board is also guided by a Delegation of Authority which spells out the practices and processes in discharging its responsibilities.
b) Board CompositionThe GP Board is comprised of ten (10) Directors, including the Chairman who is elected from amongst the members. In compliance with the conditions of Corporate Governance Guidelines issued by the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC), the Board has appointed two (2) Independent Directors. We believe that our Board has the optimum level of knowledge, composure and technical understanding about the Company’s business which, combined with its diversity of culture and background, stands as the perfect platform to perform and deliver.
Chief Executive Officer
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c) Board MeetingsThe Articles of Association (AoA) of the Company requires the Board to meet at least four times or more in a year when duly called in writing by a Board member. Dates for Board Meetings in a year are decided in advance and notice of each Board Meeting is served in writing well ahead of the meeting. Such notice contains detailed statement of business to be transacted at each meeting. The Board meets for both scheduled meetings and on other occasions to deal with urgent and important matters that require attention.
d) Delegation of Authority for the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO)The roles of the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer are separate and delineation of responsibilities is clearly established, set out in writing and agreed by the Board to ensure transparency and better corporate governance. To that end, GP has also adopted “Rules of Procedure for Chief Executive Officer”. The CEO is the authoritative head for day-to-day management in the Company. He acts to reasonably ensure that GP operates business as per the Articles of Association, decisions made by the Board and Shareholders, as well as according to GP Policies and Procedures and applicable regulatory laws and legislations.
e) Access to InformationThe Board recognizes that the decision-making process is highly dependent on the quality of information furnished. In furtherance to this, every Director has access to all information within the Company. Throughout their tenure in office, the Directors are continually updated on the Company’s business and the regulatory and industry specific environments in which it operates. These updates are given by way of written briefings and meetings with senior executives and, where appropriate, external sources.
Board CommitteesFor better, quicker and furnished flow of information and thereby exercising effective governance, the Board has also constituted a number of Committees and has delegated certain responsibilities to the Committees to assist the Board in the discharge of its responsibilities. The role of Board Committees is to review and appraise in the respective areas and then to advise and make recommendations to the Board. Each Committee operates in accordance with the Charter/Terms of Reference (ToR) approved by the Board. The Board reviews the ToR of the committees from time to time. The Board appoints the members and Chairman of each committee. A brief description of each Committee is presented below:
a) Audit CommitteeThe GP Audit Committee was established in late 2008 as a sub-committee of the Board and has jurisdiction all over the Company. The Audit Committee is comprised of three (3) members of the Board. The Chairman of the committee is an Independent Director. The Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Financial Officer, the Company Secretary and the Head of Internal Audit are permanent invitees to the Audit Committee meetings.
The Audit Committee assists the Board in discharging its supervisory responsibilities with respect to internal control, financial reporting, risk management, auditing matters and GP’s processes of monitoring compliance with applicable legal & regulatory requirements and the Code of Conduct. The Audit Committee Charter, as approved by the Board, defines the purpose, authority, composition, meetings, duties and responsibilities of the Audit Committee.
Boardof Directors
TreasuryCommittee
Health, Safety,Security & Environment
Committee
AuditCommittee
Human ResourcesCommittee
The Audit Committee met five (5) times during the year 2014 and attendance of the Committee members in the meetings was as follows:
b) Treasury CommitteeThis Committee consists of three (3) members who are appointed by the GP Board. All significant financial matters which concern the Board are discussed in this committee meeting in detail. Upon endorsement of the Treasury Committee, such issues are forwarded to the Board for their final review and approval.
The Treasury Committee met four (4) times during the year 2014 and attendance of the Committee members in the meetings was as follows:
c) Human Resources CommitteeThis Committee consists of three (3) members who are appointed by the GP Board. The Committee supports the Board in discharging its supervisory responsibilities with respect to Company’s Human Resources policy, including employee performance, motivation, retention, succession matters, rewards and Code of Conduct.
The Human Resources Committee met one (1) time during the year 2014 and attendance of the Committee members in the meeting was as follows:
d) Health, Safety, Security and Environment CommitteeThis Committee consists of three (3) members who are appointed by the GP Board. The Committee meets whenever necessary and supports the Board in fulfilling its legal and other obligations with respect to Health, Safety, Security and Environment (HSSE) issues. The Committee also assists the Board in obtaining assurance that appropriate systems are in place to mitigate HSSE risks in relation to the general environment, company, employees, vendors, etc.
The HSSE Committee met one (1) time during the year 2014 and attendance of the Committee members in the meeting was as follows:
Company SecretaryTo ensure effective assimilation and timely flow of information required by the Board and to maintain necessary liaison with internal organs as well as external agencies, the Board has appointed a Company Secretary. The Corporate Governance Guidelines issued by the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) also require a listed company to appoint
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NameDr. Jamaluddin Ahmed FCA
Tore Johnsen
M Shahjahan
Attendance5/5
5/5
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NameM Shahjahan
Pal Stette
Dilip Pal (Appointed on 01 September 2014)
Attendance4/4
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NameHans Martin Hoegh Henrichsen
M Shahjahan
Quazi Mohammad Shahed
Attendance1/1
1/1
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NameHans Martin Hoegh Henrichsen
M Shahjahan
Quazi Mohammad Shahed
Attendance1/1
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Company Secretary. In pursuance of the same, the Board of Directors has appointed Company Secretary and defined his roles & responsibilities. In GP, among other functions, the Company Secretary: Performs as the bridge between the Board, Management and Shareholders on strategic and statutory decisions and directions. Acts as a quality assurance agent in all information streams towards the Shareholders/Board. Is responsible for ensuring that appropriate Board procedures are followed and advises the Board on Corporate Governance matters. Acts as the Disclosure Officer of the Company and monitors the compliance of the acts, rules, regulations, notifications, guidelines, orders/directives, etc. issued by BSEC or Stock Exchange(s) applicable to the conduct of the business activities of the Company so as to protect the interests of the investors and other stakeholders.
Management Team (MT)The Management Team is the Executive Committee of GP. Headed by the CEO, the Management Team is responsible for managing and running the affairs of the Company. All other key Managers across the Company are members of the Management Team. The Management Team works to achieve the strategic goals & mission of the Company set by the Board of Directors. In discharging its assigned responsibilities, the Management Team meets on a weekly basis to monitor the business performance of the Company.
The Control Environment In GrameenphoneIn implementing and ensuring good Governance in GP, the Board and Management Team ensure the following:
a) Beyond Budgeting Management ModelGP employs a Beyond Budgeting strategic management model whereby the Company reviews its strategy for the next three years and sets annual and quarterly targets on key KPIs for the upcoming year. The targets/KPIs are set on relative terms to reflect the changes in business environment. The quarterly targets are subject to rigorous monitoring thereby ensuring a performance culture focused on attaining the targets and steering the Company towards fulfilling its strategic ambitions. In every quarter, the Company also prepares forecast for the next five quarters. These forecasts are realistic projections of future directions.
The model focuses on initiatives to minimize the gap between the targets (KPIs) and forecasts. The corporate level initiatives are cascaded down to divisional as well as individual levels. The forecasts on the key KPIs which serve as radar screen on future directions are reviewed and monitored against targets. This is a forward-looking and action-oriented approach towards managing the business. The resource allocations are dynamic and are based on the intended actions linked with the target and strategy. It aims to build a culture of freedom through responsibility and thereby leading to increased responsiveness to surrounding changes.
b) Financial ReportingGP has strong financial reporting procedures. Financial statements are prepared in accordance with International/Bangladesh Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS/BFRS), the Companies Act 1994, the Securities and Exchange Rules 1987 and other applicable financial legislations. The financial data are captured from the financial reports generated from Oracle ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) system. These financial statements, once prepared, are reviewed initially by CFO and CEO and then by the Audit Committee on a regular basis. Upon submission to the Group in the form of Management Accounts, these financial statements are reviewed by Group Accounting and Group Finance. At every quarter, external auditors review the quarterly financial statements prepared in accordance with local financial reporting policies and Company procedures. The annual audit is conducted by the external auditors, who are appointed by the Board of Directors followed by the Shareholders’ approval in the Annual General Meeting. Apart from the statutory reporting of financial statements, GP also maintains regular reporting to its group company Telenor, which consolidates all its subsidiaries’ financial information in its consolidated financial statements.
c) Operational Excellence (OE)GP believes in Operational Excellence (OE) as a day to day phenomenon rather a strategic move to make in a discrete timeframe. As a destination OE strives to take GP’s operations to a level that becomes a unique differentiator which helps Company to be ready for next miles of competitiveness.“Customer is the King” this is the primary mission of excellence and accordingly addressing all possible prospects of time, quality and cost. This is nothing but to challenge all functional areas
that have the potential to improve and achieve better results to satisfy most of the customer’s need. GP is trying to establish a culture whereby striving for excellence and achieving results becomes a core effort that gives GP employees a profound sense of accomplishment.
Friendly yet firm governance structure, deep dive analysis, critical assessment of business dynamism and ownership of the efficiency targets are the key factors for Grameenphone operational excellence. Three basic enabler functions mainly push the journey of excellence–namely: Telenor best practices, Global best practices, and GP’s internal evaluation and innovative ideas that come from different levels of the organization. As part of its commitment to excellence, GP has been conducting yearly cost benchmarking exercises through a global benchmarking expert for many years. The findings reflect that GP has been progressively moving towards being a fully efficient operator.
In recent years, many of the best practices of GP has been recognized by Telenor Group and many has been adopted in different Telenor Operations in Asia/Europe. Last year, GP managed to meet all the internal targets of efficiency that were set in different areas of Operational expenses, Working Capital, Capital expenditures, Sourcing and in many mentionable areas of operations. Some of the timely needed steps and tactical moves in Capex and Opex management areas steered the company to meet its annual targets. GP nurtures a long term vision on OE. A well-structured three to five years excellence plan has been prepared and this is revisited every year. In this structure all the perspectives are being considered to hold the right business dynamics that enable GP to act accordingly. Three major aspects are the pillars of this endeavor: ONE- fight well with the year-on-year inflationary impact, TWO- critical assessment and management of organic business growth and THREE- leverage inherent/hidden strengths such as GP’s size of operations and consequent potential for scale economies to address savings opportunities. GP has its strong aspiration to be the most efficient telecom operator of the world in near future.
d) Business Reviews and Financial ReviewsBusiness reviews and financial reviews are conducted on a quarterly basis by the Group. The purpose of business review is to ensure strategic control and follow-up of results based on the prevailing strategic objectives and value drivers. Financial reviews provide the internal quarterly results follow-up for the Company. The purpose is to provide an analysis of the economic and financial situations, which will then form the basis for external reporting and presentations, and to provide quality assurance for the financial reporting. In addition to quarterly business and financial review with Group, the CEO and CFO review financial results on a monthly basis and set action points to achieve the Company’s business goals. In 2013, GP had initiated the process of quarterly regional business reviews whereby the business performance of the nine regions are presented to GP Management and way forward plans are devised.
e) Management of AssetsGP, in its pursuit of best quality network for its subscribers, has been investing in cutting-edge telecom technology since its inception. Transparency and accountability are ensured at all stages from acquisition to disposal to protect the interest of Shareholders. Internationally accepted safety measures have been implemented and periodic physical verification is undertaken on a test basis to safeguard the assets and to ensure accuracy and authenticity of reported numbers. All the assets are adequately insured against industrial risks with local and international insurance companies.
f) Statutory Audit and CertificationAuditing of the Company is governed by the Companies Act, 1994 and Securities and Exchange Rules 1987. As per these regulations, auditors are appointed by Shareholders at each Annual General Meeting (AGM) and their remuneration is also fixed by the Shareholders at the AGM. Appropriate structure is in place as per corporate governance best practices to ensure independence of statutory auditors. Statutory auditors are rotated every three years in compliance with the order of Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC). Audit Committee meets with the statutory auditors to ensure that auditors are acting independently and reviews the Financial Statements before submission to the Board for approval. Non-audit services that may create threat to independence are not obtained from statutory auditors unless otherwise required by regulators. In addition to the audit of annual financial statements, the auditors also carry out audit of half-yearly financial statements of the Company.
Further, to ensure adequate regulatory discharge, a Compliance Certificate is obtained from licensed practicing professional who certify that the Company has duly complied with all the regulatory requirements as stipulated by the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC).
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g) Internal AuditInternal Audit supports the Company in achieving its objectives by bringing a systematic and disciplined approach to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of its risk management, control and governance processes. In order to ensure organizational independence of Internal Audit, the Head of Internal Audit reports functionally to the Audit Committee and administratively to the Chief Executive Officer.
GP Internal Audit is empowered to carry out its assigned activities in all respects of the Company. Internal Audit activity is governed by the Internal Audit Charter, which is approved by the Board. GP Internal Audit department discharges its assurance and consulting activities through management of three distinct audit streams: Finance, Technology and General Business processes. Additionally, a separate team is responsible for quality assurance of internal audit activity. A risk-based annual audit plan is in place, which takes into consideration the strategic imperatives and major risks surrounding GP, while considering pervasive audit needs. GP Internal Audit also works closely with Telenor Group Internal Audit in sharing knowledge and resources to ensure achievement of internal audit deliverables.
h) Internal Control Over Financial Reporting (ICFR)Internal Control over Financial Reporting (ICFR) in GP is, as such, a process, affected by its Board of Directors, Management and other relevant officials, designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding achievement of objectives in the following categories:
Effectiveness and efficiency in operationsReliability of financial reportingCompliance with applicable laws and legislations
GP is committed to high standards of internal control as this process has proven to provide significant merits in relation to the quality of GP’s Financial Statements. The works to operate and document good Internal Control Over Financial Reporting is continued over the years and the objective today is still to ensure that ICFR related activities are integrated into GP’s business operations.
A standard accountability structure is implemented with defined roles and responsibilities within ICFR in-scope areas to create the basic building blocks to ensure effective ICFR ownership. The overall responsibility for ensuring ICFR, including monitoring and performance of internal controls and maintaining documentation lies with the CEO/CFO, and the process level responsibility lies with the process owners and control owners.
The scope of ICFR includes Company Level Control (CLC–Policies & Manuals) along with General Computer Control (GCC) and Transactional Controls to ascertain operational efficacy, consistent and dependable financial reporting, information security and legal compliance. This reasonable assurance has become even more crucial after being a listed company in the country’s Stock Exchanges.
i) Related Party TransactionsThe Board through its Audit Committee reviews all the major related party transactions from time to time. Abiding by the laws, a Director who has an interest in a transaction discloses his interest as such and abstains from deliberations and voting on the relevant resolution in respect of the transactions at the Board meetings. Details of significant related party transactions are disclosed in notes to the Financial Statements.
j) Dividend PolicyThe Board of Directors has established a dividend policy which forms the basis for the proposals on dividend payments that it makes to the Shareholders taking into consideration the business performance of the Company and its strategic initiatives. The Board believes that it is in the best interest of GP to draw up a long-term and predictable dividend policy. The objective of the policy is to allow the Shareholders to make informed investment decisions.
k) Enterprise Risk Management & Risk MitigationRisk Management at GP is concerned with earning competitive returns from the Company’s various business activities at acceptable risk level. It supports the Company’s competitiveness by developing a culture, practice and structure that systematically recognizes and addresses future opportunities whilst managing adverse effects (i.e. threats) through recognizing risk and responding appropriately upon it. The Company has well defined risk management manual and processes to mitigate enterprise level risks. This aspect is discussed more elaborately at the ‘Enterprise Risk Management’ section of the Annual Report.
l) Revenue Assurance and Fraud ManagementRevenue Assurance function secures the revenue generated by any business activity and its realization through preventing or fixing any possible revenue leakages. In extension, it has considerable presence over cost assurance which involves partner payments and revenue sharing. This function also supports to give assurance on accurate revenue recognition and reporting. The Fraud Management systems and processes in place ensure innovative & effective defense mechanisms to prevent losses from internal/external Telecom frauds.
m) Compliance with Rules & Regulations of the CountryCompliance helps build trust among the Board Members, Shareholders, Customers and other stakeholders including the regulators. As leaders of a compliant Company, the Management Team of GP adopted strategies that assure compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements. This ensures that good governance cascades right throughout the Company. GP is subject to close monitoring process of regulatory bodies that focus on transparency and require that GP provides accurate and periodic reporting of issues/events and certification where necessary. In this context, GP regularly provides a complete set of financial statements and relevant documents to the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC), Stock Exchanges, National Board of Revenue (NBR), Registrar of Joint Stock Companies & Firms (RJSC), Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC), the Board of Investment (BOI) and all other relevant bodies and authorities. Further, in order to conduct day-to-day business in a compliant way, GP renders its best efforts to comply with the existing applicable laws of the land as well as with the directives/guidelines/regulations of various government authorities. GP also takes various initiatives to conduct awareness sessions on existing and proposed laws and regulations of the country to ensure compliance throughout the Company. Overall, GP has always strived to remain a fully compliant Company accommodating every possible ways and strategies to ensure the same.
n) Business Continuity and Crisis Management (BCCM)To secure the business operation and continued telecommunication service for the people of Bangladesh, and being the largest mobile phone operator of the country, GP has structured Business Continuity Management (BCM) process. This proactive readiness, both in terms of process and infrastructure, is very important to minimize the network and service impact especially for a country like Bangladesh which is prone to many natural disasters like cyclone, flood, earthquake etc.
As a part of disaster management readiness, GP has built a robust and protected network infrastructure. For example, one of the important requirements for telecom operation is transmission network where GP has diversified optical fiber transmission both through highways and railways. The journey is continuously progressing and we have set some aggressive plans to expand the fiber network for avoiding network disruption.
GP got the advantage of this BCM practices when the country faced severe power blackout for 10 hours on 01 November 2014. Having a proper process in place, and capable organization all over the country and proper infrastructure dimensioning, GP could minimize the impact in its network.
In 2014, GP has strengthened the BCM team with more empowerment and skills. The team is scanning all the business critical processes, systems and services and bringing those to the attention of the Management. The Company is investing in disaster management proposals based on priority and vulnerability. This preparedness will help the Company and the country to ensure continued and uninterrupted telecommunication services, under any unforeseen circumstances, which is a very important tool for managing any scale of disaster.
o) Supply Chain SustainabilityGP strives for a high labor standards and continuous improvement in its own operations and throughout its entire supply chain. GP with its vigilant and systematic effort endeavors to engage with their supply chains to ensure responsible business conduct. As a part of the process, GP ensures all of its contractual suppliers & value chain partners are committed to follow a set of Supplier Conduct Principles (SCP), which is based on some internationally recognized standards emphasizing on human rights, health and safety, labor rights, environment and anti-corruption. In 2014, Grameenphone continued to work proactively and systematically within the area of supply chain sustainability focusing on mitigation of supply chain risk, anti-corruption work in the supply chain and sustainability training and awareness. GP has also increased the capacity to run simultaneous inspections by 100% and developed 2 lead auditors in house for environmental management system at the global standard. Further to that, GP is also leading some cross-industry initiatives to enhance and standardize the sustainability practice in collaboration with several other companies. GP’s ambition is to make an impact in the local markets through its consistent sustainability efforts. GP believes that decent working conditions, respect for human rights and the environment, as well as willingness to improve standards amongst our suppliers is the only viable route forward.
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p) Ethics and Behavior
i) Code of ConductGP has adopted a Code of Conduct (“Code”) approved by the Board of Directors, which reflects GP’s core values, integrity, respect, trust and openness. It provides clear direction on conducting business, interacting with the community, government, business partners and general workplace behavior. It also includes guidance on disclosure of conflict of interest situations, maintaining confidentiality and disclosure of information, good international practices and internal control and the duty to report where there is a breach against the Code. The Code is properly communicated to all the employees including its Board members and others acting on behalf, who are strictly required to abide by it. All of them have certified in writing that they have read and understood the Code.
ii) Restrictions on dealings in GP Shares by InsidersThe Company has established a detailed policy relating to trading in GP shares by Directors, Employees and other Insiders. The securities laws also impose restrictions on similar transactions. All the Insiders are prohibited from trading in the GP shares, while in possession of unpublished price sensitive information in relation to the Company during prescribed restricted trading periods. Directors and Employees are also required to notify their intention to trade in the GP shares prior to initiating the same.
iii) Supplier Conduct PrinciplesThe Supplier Conduct Principles (“SCP”) outline the standards for ethical and business conduct expected from suppliers and contractors in their relationship with the Company. The SCP are binding on the Company’s suppliers through the confirmation and signing of the Agreement on Responsible Business Conduct to ensure high standards of business ethics amongst all suppliers of the Company.
iv) Anti Corruption PolicyGP adopted a zero tolerance policy against corruption and firmly opposes all forms of corruption. GP is making active efforts to ensure that corruption does not occur in its business activities. The policy on anti-corruption applies to the Board members, employees and others with the authority to act on behalf of GP. The policy clearly states that bribes are strictly prohibited and the employees should never offer, give, ask for, accept or receive any form of bribe. Awareness sessions are arranged for internal and external stakeholders on regular basis for better understanding of the policy requirements especially with regards to gifts and events arrangements.
q) Investor Relations (IR)As the largest public listed corporate house in Bangladesh, GP has always placed high importance to the investor community and caters to their various information requirements. With a vision of establishing the most effective two-way communication between the investors and the Company, a dedicated Investor Relations team started its journey from 2010. IR as a specialized function has maintained close contact with both local and international investors, analysts, market experts and financial community on a proactive basis. Through this, the relevant stakeholders were kept informed about the company’s financial results, growth opportunities and strategic ambitions while objectively sharing the associated risk and reward profile. This also reflects GP’s commitment towards developing the Capital Market of the country by introducing global best practices and ensuring transparency and accountability. Notable events that IR conducted during the year were financial publication press conferences, analyst call conferences and IR best practice benchmarking.
r) Shareholders
i) Communications with ShareholdersWe believe good Corporate Governance involves openness and trustful cooperation between all stakeholders involved in the Company, including the owners of the Company–the Shareholders. Information is communicated to the Shareholders regularly through a number of forums and publications. The Company has adopted a detailed policy on information disclosure and communication. In compliance with continuous disclosure requirements, the Company’s policy is that Shareholders will be informed in a routine manner of all major developments that impact the business of the Company and also be able to make informed decisions.
ii) Information DisclosureIn accordance with the disclosure requirements, the Company follows these three main forms of information disclosure:Continuous disclosure – which is its core disclosure and primary method of informing the market and Shareholders;Periodic disclosure – in the form of quarterly and yearly reporting of financial results and other issues; andEvent based disclosure – as and when required, of administrative and corporate developments, usually in the form of stock exchanges & press releases.
All information provided to BSEC and stock exchanges are immediately made available to Shareholders and the market on the Company’s Investor Relations section of the website: www.grameenphone.com
iii) General MeetingThe General Meeting of the Shareholders is the supreme governing body in GP. The Company recognizes the rights of Shareholders and the Shareholders' interests are primarily ensured through GP’s Annual General Meeting (“AGM”). The Board Members and Statutory Auditors attend AGM to respond to the Shareholders’ queries on the result or any other aspect of the Company, if any.
iv) WebsiteAll financial results and key performance indicators as well as other relevant financial and non-financial data are posted on the Investor Relations section of the Company’s website: www.grameenphone.com
v) Shareholders' QueriesWhilst the Company aims to provide sufficient information to Shareholders and Investors about the Company and its activities, it also recognizes that Shareholders may have specific queries relating to their shareholding. These queries may be directed at 01711555888 or mailed to GP Share Office at [email protected].
GP believes in transparency and accountability to the society as a whole through establishment of an efficient and effective Corporate Governance regime. It also believes that Corporate Governance is a journey and not a destination and it needs to be continuously developed, nurtured and adapted to meet the varying needs of a modern business house as well as the justified aspirations of our valued investors, other stakeholders and the society at large.
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Corporate Governance in GP 43
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anceAdditional
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Governance
Internal Control over Financial Reporting (ICFR)Grameenphone (GP), as part of its commitment to transparent and reliable financial reporting, has established adequate Internal Controls Over Financial Reporting. These controls are part of GP’s overall corporate governance structure and are very much embedded in the business processes affecting the financial reporting. GP follows a risk-based approach in designing and implementing the internal controls and monitors the effectiveness of the controls regularly. A formal communication framework is in place for effective functioning of the entire internal control system.
The entire financial reporting structure is subdivided into 19 individual processes. Risks are identified and assessed for each individual process. Risks are assessed on a three-point ordinal scale (High, Medium, Low) and controls are primarily targeted towards mitigating high risks.
A yearly exercise is performed to evaluate the risks and to amend/modify the controls accordingly. Operating effectiveness of controls is monitored throughout the year on test basis. Control monitoring process is established in two different approaches – Self Assessment and Direct Testing. Direct testing is also divided into two phases – Interim Testing and Year end Testing. External tester from local reputed audit firms is engaged in year end testing.
There is a separate team responsible for coordinating the activities related to internal control over financial reporting. The team is adequately resourced and empowered to discharge its responsibilities.
Controls are embedded in the processes by establishing ownership and through regular communication and training across the organization. Commitment at the top of the organization underpins a strong culture of internal control in GP.
Identify& managechanges
Adjust fin.reporting
risk
Controlremediation
Implementor adjustcontrols
ICFR ManagementDeliverables
Scoping
Risk assessment
Risk coverage
Monitoring & testing
YE assessment- filing
Fig: Components of internal control system (COSO Internal Control Framework)
Fig: ICFR routines in Grameenphone
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Internal Control over Financial Reporting (ICFR)44
MONITORING
INFORMATION & COMMUNICATION
CONTROL ACTIVITIES
RISK ASSESSMENT
CONTROL ENVIRONMENT
MONITORING
INFORMATION & COMMUNICATION
CONTROL ACTIVITIES
RISK ASSESSMENT
CONTROL ENVIRONMENT
OPERATIONS
FINANCIAL
COMPLIANCE
OPERATIONS
FINANCIAL
COMPLIANCE
PRO
CESS
- A
PRO
CESS
- B
PRO
CESS
- C
PRO
CESS
- D
PRO
CESS
- A
PRO
CESS
- B
PRO
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- C
PRO
CESS
- D
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Enterprise Risk Management 45
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anceAdditional
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Financial AnalysisSustainability
Governance
Enterprise Risk Management
The ERM takes an integrated and holistic view of the risks facing the organization. A Risk Management Forum has been established in the Company to ensure active participation from different functional areas to increase its effectiveness.
During the financial year under review, the Company (with assistance of the Risk Management Forum) had conducted a review of its risk management framework and processes to ensure their adequacy and effectiveness. The significant risks in the Company’s business were reviewed, monitored and reported and mitigating measures were evaluated by the Board and Management on a regular basis. This is to ensure that the Company’s risk management framework continues to effectively promote and enable the identification, management and monitoring of risks across the organization.
The Company faces a variety of risks due to the complexity of its business and the dynamic business environment in which it operates. Effective management of risks enhances the Company’s ability to achieve business, financial, customer-centric and social goals and to meet its legal and compliance responsibilities, thereby protecting and enhancing the Shareholders’ value. Grameenphone (GP) is committed to manage those risks that arise in the course of the business to an acceptable level, so as to maximize opportunities and minimize impacts. Recognizing this, GP has put in place an effective Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) framework. ERM in business includes the methods and processes used by organizations to manage risks and seize opportunities related to the achievement of their objectives. ERM provides a framework for risk management, which involves identifying particular events or circumstances relevant to the Company's objectives (risks and opportunities), assessing them in terms of likelihood and magnitude of impact, determining an action strategy, and also monitoring progress. By identifying and proactively addressing risks and opportunities, GP creates value for its stakeholders including customers, regulators, and the society at large.
The ERM implemented in GP has five follow-up steps from identification of risk up to monitoring and assessment of the events.
Fig: Enterprise Risk Management Process
EventIdentification
RiskAssessment
RiskResponse
ObjectiveSetting
Control&
Monitoring
RiskManagement
Process
Strategy Operational Regulatory Financial
GP Board
GP Management
Compliance
Fig: Enterprise Risk Management Reporting
Md. Mohsen Uddin Owner of a General Store and Manufacturer of fast-food and bakery goods Grameenphone user for 5 years“As a manufacturer of fast-food and bakery goods, I always ensure that all the customers get my products in time. Thanks to Grameenphone’s strong network, I am able to reach my customers easily.”
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Audit Committee Report 47
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anceAdditional
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Governance
Audit Committee ReportGrameenphone (GP) Board Audit Committee, a sub-committee of the Board, supports the Board in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities.
Composition and MeetingsDr. Jamaluddin Ahmed FCA, ChairmanM Shahjahan, MemberTore Johnsen, Member
The Independent Director, Dr. Jamaluddin Ahmed FCA acts as Chairman and the Company Secretary, Mr. Hossain Sadat acts as Secretary to the Committee, which ensures compliance with the Corporate Governance Guidelines promulgated by the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC).
A total of 5 (five) meetings were held during 2014. Mr. Md. Ashraful Hassan (Managing Director, Grameen Telecom) attended the meetings as a special invitee. Permanent invitees to the meetings were the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Head of Internal Audit. Relevant heads of divisions and other members of the Management also attended the meetings as required.
Major Responsibilities of the Audit CommitteeThe purpose, authority, composition, duties and responsibilities of the Audit Committee are delineated in its Charter. Some of the major responsibilities of the Audit Committee are as follows:Review the annual, half-yearly and quarterly Financial Statements and other financial results, and upon its satisfaction of the review, recommend the same to the Board.Review the adequacy and effectiveness of financial reporting process, internal control system, risk management, auditing matters, and the Company’s processes for monitoring compliance with laws and regulations and the Codes of Conduct.Recommend appointment, termination and determination of audit fees for statutory auditors. Consider the scope of work, and oversee and evaluate the work performed by statutory auditors. Review permitted non-audit services performed by statutory auditors.Exercise its oversight of the work of GP Internal Audit. Review the effectiveness of internal audit function including performance, structure, adequacy of resources, and compliance with professional standards. Examine audit findings and material weaknesses and monitor implementation of audit action plans.
Major Activities of the Audit CommitteeReviewed the quarterly and annual Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2014.Considered and made recommendation to the Board on the appointment and remuneration of statutory auditors, Rahman Rahman Huq, Chartered Accounts, a member firm of KPMG for the year 2015.Approved the Internal Audit Plan, monitored progress and effected revisions when necessary.Reviewed related party transactions for foreign remittance.Reviewed compliance of Code of Conduct of the Company.Reviewed Management Letter issued by the external auditors in their presence. Discussed Internal Audit reports and findings and monitored the status of implementation of audit action plans and provided guidance to ensure timely completion of action plans.Reviewed and received report on the matters as per requirement from the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC).Reviewed other matters & incidents of significance as per Audit Committee Charter.
Dr. Jamaluddin Ahmed FCAChairmanAudit CommitteeFebruary 08, 2015
FIVE YEARS’ FINANCIAL SUMMARY
*Gain/loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment has been included in operating profit.1 Including proposed dividend2 Based on Tk. 10 equivalent ordinary share outstanding at 31 December.3 Based on weighted average number of share of Tk. 10 each.
2014 2013* 2012* 2011 2010
102,663
36,896
34,855
19,803
96,624
33,199
32,852
14,702
91,920
33,675
30,193
17,505
74,733
20,207
20,913
10,705
Individual Consolidated
Operational Results in million BDT
Financial Position in million BDT
Financial Ratios
Revenue
Operating Profit
Profit before tax
Net Profit after tax
13,503
31,365
130,673
99,308
14,865
61,402
115,808
37,906
13,503
31,141
135,221
104,080
16,993
78,580
118,227
25,500
13,503
35,458
117,665
82,207
14,005
63,060
103,660
19,148
13,503
50,374
109,502
59,129
30,802
42,300
78,700
16,828
Paid-up Capital
Shareholders' equity
Total assets
Total liabilities
Current assets
Current liabilities
Non-current assets
Non-current liabilities
Ordinary Shares Information
0.24
0.95
36%
19%
63%
15%
0.22
0.55
34%
15%
44%
12%
0.22
0.16
37%
19%
47%
15%
0.73
0.10
27%
14%
21%
10%
Current Asset to Current Liability
Debt to Equity
Operating Profit Margin
Net Profit Margin
Return on Equity
Return on Total Assets
1,350
10
160%
109%
23.23
23.15
14.67
1,350
10
140%
129%
23.06
27.46
10.89
1,350
10
140%
108%
26.26
22.23
12.96
1,350
10
120%
151%
37.31
23.16
7.93
89,060
32,572
33,006
18,891
13,503
38,883
108,905
70,022
32,421
51,469
76,484
18,552
0.63
0.13
37%
21%
42%
17%
1,350
10
205%
147%
28.80
30.09
13.99
Ordinary Shares outstanding (in million)
Face Value per share
Cash Dividend on paid up capital 1
Dividend payout 1
NAV per Share 2
Net Operating Cash Flow per Share 3
Earnings Per Share 3
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Five Years’ Financial Summary48
* ARPU - Average Revenue Per User; ** AMPU - Average Minutes Per User
Revenue (Million BDT)
102,6632014
96,6242013
91,9202012
89,0602011
74,7332010
+6.3%
Operating Profit (Million BDT)
36,8962014
33,1992013
33,6752012
32,5722011
20,2072010
+11.1%
NPAT (Million BDT)
19,8032014
14,7022013
17,5052012
18,8912011
10,7052010
+34.7%
Capex (Million BDT)
15,1642014
29,9252013
42,5082012
12,9632011
8,4562010
-49.3%
Total Assets (Million BDT)
130,6732014
135,2212013
117,6652012
108,9052011
109,5022010
-3.4%
Total Equity (Million BDT)
31,3652014
31,1412013
35,4582012
38,8832011
50,3742010
+0.7%
Net Operating Cash Flow/Share (BDT)
23.152014
27.462013
22.232012
30.092011
23.162010
-15.7%
Net Asset Value/Share (BDT)
23.232014
23.062013
26.262012
28.802011
37.312010
+0.7%
Earnings Per Share (BDT)
14.672014
10.892013
12.962012
13.992011
7.932010
+34.7%
Return on Assets %
14.9%2014
11.7%2013
15.5%2012
17.3%2011
9.8%2010
+27.7%
Return on Equity %
63.4%2014
44.2%2013
47.1%2012
42.3%2011
21.3%2010
+43.3%
Subscriber ('000)
51,5042014
47,1102013
40,0212012
36,4932011
29,9702010
+9.3%
Market Share %
43%2014
41%2013
41%2012
43%2011
44%2010
+3.4%
ARPU* (BDT)
1652014
1762013
1912012
2142011
2312010
-6.0%
AMPU** (Minutes)
2432014
2492013
2362012
2582011
2792010
-2.2%
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Five Years’ Financial Summary 49
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anceAdditional
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Financial AnalysisSustainability
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Value Added Statement 2014
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Value Added Statement 201450
Value Added Revenue Other income including interest income Share of profit of associate, Gain on sale of shares in GPIT Indirect tax Less: Cost of network and services Available for distribution Distributions Employees Government Providers of finance: Financial institutions Shareholders*
Value reinvested and retained Depreciation and amortization Retained profit
in '000 BDT
2014 102,663,372
509,676 125,008
15,078,221 118,376,277 35,153,245
83,223,032
6,455,286 36,738,425
2,569,370 19,803,283
65,566,364
17,656,668 -
17,656,668 83,223,032
100%
7.8%44.1%
3.1%23.8%78.8%
21.2%
21.2%100%
% 2013 96,624,227
454,505 1,055,210
14,511,990 112,645,932 29,829,156
82,816,776
7,062,188 42,786,892
2,927,092 14,701,574
67,477,746
15,339,030
- 15,339,030
82,816,776
100%
8.5%51.7%
3.5%17.8%81.5%
18.5%
18.5%100%
%
GovernmentValue reinvested and retainedFinancial Institutions
ShareholdersEmployees
Distribution of Value Added (2014 & 2013)
* Distribution for 2014 was BDT 21,604,800,352 (including the proposed dividend) out of which BDT 19,803,282,618 was from the wealth created during the current year. The rest of the distribution was from wealth accumulated in earlier years.
2014
44%
21%
3%
24%
8%8%
18%
4%18%
52%
2013
Contribution to National Exchequer
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Contribution to National Exchequer 51
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anceAdditional
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The collective contribution to the National Exchequer from inception up to December 2014 was BDT 413.7 billion (BDT 41,368
crore), of which BDT 58.9 billion (BDT 5,892 crore) was made in 2014 alone. Out of total BDT 413.7 billion (BDT 41,368 crore), BDT
380.4 billion (BDT 38,040 crore) was made on account of direct tax, VAT and duties through National Board of Revenue (NBR)
and Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC), BDT 33.8 billion (BDT 3,384 crore) on account of renewal
of 2G license and spectrum in 2011-13, purchase of additional spectrum in 2008 and BDT 17.2 billion (BDT 1,725 crore) on
account of 3G license and spectrum fee for 10MHz in 2013 and BDT 33.3 billion (BDT 3,329 crore) as indirect payments on
account of local and foreign staff income taxes and withholding taxes on operating expenditure payments. Grameenphone has
been the largest corporate taxpayer in the country for the last eight years.
Grameenphone has also generated direct and indirect employment for a large number of people over the years. The Company
presently has about 4,700 employees while more than 750,000 people are directly dependent on Grameenphone for their
livelihood, which includes dealers, retailers, electronic reload and scratch card retail outlets, suppliers, vendors, contractors and
other business partners.
With the payment of taxes and the investment in the network, Grameenphone is making a significant contribution to the
country’s development and growth.
Year-wise Contribution to National Exchequeras of December 31, 2014
1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
Withholding Taxes - 11 18 22 28 36 82 143 256 445 748 1,130 1,185 1,398 2,575 7,107 5,998 5,933 6,173
License & Spectrum 2,590 3,330 13,500 13,207 17,522 6,858
BTRC 10 34 32 75 213 575 712 650 1,168 1,239 2,523 4,766 6,204 3,836 4,308 5,138 6,659 7,461 7,321
NBR - 298 115 268 388 1,035 1,999 3,572 5,350 8,721 12,126 18,509 21,739 20,140 29,134 33,545 36,803 38,159 38,564
Total Payment (Mn) 10 344 165 365 629 1,646 2,792 4,366 6,774 10,405 15,397 24,405 31,718 28,704 36,017 59,289 62,667 69,076 58,915
10 344 165 365 629 1,646 2,792 4,366
6,774
10,405
15,397
24,405
31,718 28,704
36,017
59,289
62,667
69,076
58,915
Figures in BDT million
Umme Aklima Alam Anika Online bakery sensationGrameenphone internet user for the last 3 years
“My online bakery gets almost 20 orders every week. It would be impossible without Grameenphone’s internet.”
DIRECTORS’ REPORT
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Directors’ Report 53
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anceAdditional
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Financial AnalysisSustainability
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For the Year Ended December 31, 2014
Dear Shareholders,On behalf of the Board of Directors and Management, I welcome you all to the 18th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of
Grameenphone Ltd. (GP). We have the pleasure to place herewith the Directors' Report and the Auditors' Report together with
the Audited Financial Statements of the Company for the year ended December 31, 2014 for your valued consideration, approval
and adoption.
Crossing 50 Million Subscribers and BDT 100 Billion Revenue Landmarks – A year to Remember 2014 has been a year of solid growth for GP where we have kept a very good momentum of our business. GP became the first ever
mobile telecommunication operator to cross the 50 million (5 crore) customers milestone in Bangladesh in September 2014. The
success came after a journey of 17 years, serving the people of Bangladesh with the best telecommunication services. GP has
played a leading role in increasing the country’s tele-penetration rate from less than one percent to over 72% percent as of
December 2014.
Continuation of intensified competition has been the highlight of the year for telecom industry. However, GP had maintained its
strong presence in the competitive market place and was busy driving subscriber acquisition, value for money service offerings
and implementing the “Internet for All” ambition. As a result, GP added 4.4 million customers in 2014, taking the year-end
customer base to 51.50 million.
GP introduced 3G services in September 2013 and has brought all 64 districts under the fast mobile broadband coverage by
March in 2014 as the first ever mobile operator in the country. GP took special initiatives to market affordable 3G-enabled mobile
handsets, encourage the development of various mobile applications and contents and build awareness on Internet to pursue its
ambition “Internet for All”.
GP continued to enhance the value of its’ Shareholders’ investment. The significant growth in subscriber base has made a
positive contribution to the revenue, EBITDA and net results, in line with the expectation of the Shareholders. The Company’s
annual revenue exceeded BDT 100 billion (BDT 10,000 crore) landmark in 2014. With this, GP now happens to be the second
listed company in Dhaka Stock Exchange Ltd. (DSE) to enjoy such yearly revenue.
The journey towards reaching 50 million (5 crore) subscribers and BDT 100 billion (BDT 10,000 crore) revenue landmark was a
long one and had not been easy. Among others, pro-active policies of the government and strong support of our stakeholders
have enabled GP to achieve this success. We are confident that we will continue to receive similar kinds of support in the years to
come and hope that the Government will ensure a level-playing field in the telecommunication sector, allowing for a healthy
competitive environment for the benefit of the subscribers.
GP also wants to deliver long-term value for Shareholders and society. At GP, we value the country's society, her heritage and
culture, and always strive contributing in these through our diverse business initiatives and other various corporate responsibility
discharges all throughout the year.
Bangladesh in 2014 – the Socio-Economic StatusThe year 2014 has seen a steady economic progress in almost all socio-economic fields in terms of consistent GDP growth rate,
lower inflation rate, high foreign exchange reserves, increased per capita income and inflow of remittance, and most importantly
on the harvest yield. Substantial remittance inflows and export activities helped to achieve this consistent economic growth rate.
However, structural weaknesses, energy shortages and tensed political environment continued to persist and afflict the
economic activities.
Successes also confront uphill challenges ahead the most important of which is political instability and uncertainty. Without
continued stability in the political front, fears of policy flux cannot be decelerated. The issue of a stable policy regime is
absolutely necessary for investments in both domestic and foreign level, particularly in case of foreign direct investments (FDIs),
what Bangladesh needs most.
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Directors’ Report54
Telecommunication Industry ScenarioMobile Telecom industry in 2014 had reached a landmark figure of 100 million subscriptions, and ended the year with 120 million,
which took Bangladesh into the global list of top ten countries having highest number of mobile customers. In a fiercely
competitive market, the consumers were the ultimate beneficiaries, as the cost of ownership of a mobile connection became
viable to the majority of the population due to the competition. Reaching a mobile penetration level of 72% is a significant
achievement for the mobile industry, and it is expected that the industry will jointly drive further growth to connect the
unconnected.
Throughout the year, launching of attractive campaigns and promotions by the operators and bundling of the subscriptions with
the handsets, helped consumers to overcome the affordability barrier and get more value from such offerings. Price of
smartphones has come down below the 50 USD mark but still need to be lowered further for mass market adoption.
3G network expansion by all the operators continued with high pace. GP has led the race and managed to bring all 64 districts
under 3G network coverage within the first quarter of 2014. Consumers have responded very positively and there is an increasing
trend in terms of adoption and usage. In 2014, GP network has experienced almost double data traffic relative to previous year.
As per BTRC information almost 44 million people are now using the internet, out of which more than 95% are accessing the net
through their mobile devices. Then again, due to the competitive market pressure the price of data had started to decrease and
operators had to focus more on “value creation” by offering superior service propositions.
International incoming call rate was halved by the order of BTRC, and as a result of that the incoming call minutes were almost
doubled. This was done to curb the illegal international voice termination and bring in more calls through legal channels; it had
a positive impact as the illegal traffic was reduced by almost 80%. Interconnection payment settlement with the interconnection
operators, the ICXs and IGWs, remained to be a major concern and in some cases, operators had to take legal recourse to realize
the pending dues.
Growth in Mobile Financial Services was quite phenomenal in 2014, a daily transaction of BDT 300 crore and 2.1 crore of active
accounts support the fact that there still exist huge unmet demand. Also, mobile operators are playing an enabler role to render
the service, lending their distribution network and telecom services towards their banking partners.
Telecom Regulatory EnvironmentTelecom Regulatory environment continues to remain unpredictable and uncertain in the context of unresolved pending
regulatory issues and lack of government initiatives to improve the regulatory framework. Even though it was promised to resolve
the BDT 30 billion SIM replacement tax claim through a fair investigation process before the 3G auctions, it did not happen, as
the recommendation of the multi-party committee was disregarded. There was no visible progress and initiative to revise the 16
year old Telecom Policy and to amend the Telecom Act in order to improve regulatory certainty and predictability.
Spectrum assignment in absence of a spectrum policy and roadmap had been a major concern for the industry; however there
was no progress in formulating the spectrum roadmap and policy. Also regarding technology neutrality in the 900 MHz and 1800
MHz band, a positive intent was shown during 3G auction; but no initiative was taken in this regard which could actually help to
maximize the use of spectrum. The regulators are planning for a new spectrum auction in 2015 to sell frequency blocks in the
1800 & 2100 MHz bands. Without a level playing field ensuring all operators’ participation , long term roadmap and technology
neutrality, any new auction will produce sub optimal results and loss of economic value for the country.
High taxation in the telecom sector and unpredictability in the taxation regime is considered to be a major barrier for expansion
of the industry. More than 55% of operators’ revenue goes to the government exchequer in various forms of tax, VAT and fees. This
phenomenon, at one hand, limiting the operators’ ability to reduce price and on the other hand, making them extra cautious for
new investments. In the fiscal year 2014-15, a new tax of BDT 100 for replacement SIM was introduced in addition to the existing
SIM tax of BDT 300 for new connection, which all together is hindering mobile penetration in deep rural areas. Any new and
additional tax will further worsen the financial health of the sector, and will have a negative impact on the overall economy due
to the overarching impact of telecommunications.
Industry Outlook and Possible Future Developments It is expected in the coming year that competition in the market will further intensify which will lead to more innovative products
and services. Internet adoption rate will keep on increasing and it is anticipated that the consumers will find more value adding
applications and services which will enrich their personal and professional lives. Operators will be investing more to extend their
3G coverage outside the city areas and will focus on improving the service quality. Bundling of voice and data services will be
more prominent to counter the eroding price point and attract consumers to use more services.
Operators will venture into new partnerships with internet companies and other vertical industries to increase the value of the
communication services. The e-commerce market is flourishing and consumer confidence in mobile financial services is
increasing. These two will have a favorable impact on the trade of digital goods and services. The cooperation across the verticals
will be crucial, both at the policy and at the market level to develop and stimulate the market.
Regulatory issues, especially the long pending unresolved issues will be major concerns from the investors and would make them
conservative while investing. Govt.’s positive support towards the industry by resolving pending issues and addressing the policy
issues would certainly help to regain the confidence of the investors and create an investment friendly regulatory climate.
Capital Market was Vibrant with Both Indices and Turnover GrowthBangladesh Capital Market recovered sharply during the year 2014 with large capitalized stocks in the driving seat. Foreign
capital inflow picked up significantly in the market. However, South Asian peers outperformed Bangladesh during the period. In
Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE), the broad and free float weighted index DSEX gained 14.03% (598.41 points) against 5.2% gain of
last year and closed at 4,864.96 points. Daily average turnover value rose by 25.0% compared to 2013.
GP share price increased by staggering 80.14%, closing at BDT 361.90 at the year end with a daily average turnover value worth
BDT 196.52 million (BDT 19.65 crore). GP stock experienced the highest value at BDT 409 and the lowest at BDT 198 during the
year. GP’s market capitalization on 30 December 2014 stood at BDT 488.67 billion (BDT 48,867 crore) on the DSE, representing
18.07% of the total equity market capitalization
Innovative Products & Services For GP, 2013 was a big milestone when we acquired the license & commercially launched the 3G service as the first operator in
Bangladesh. From the beginning of 2014, GP put all-out effort to make 3G accessible & affordable for all. We were the first
operator to expand coverage in all 64 districts within first quarter of 2014.
Another ambition for 2014 and the years to come is “Internet for All”. In addition to the widest coverage with good Internet speed
experience, throughout the year, we have delivered affordable packages with higher speed for our customers. In the middle of
the year, we have launched “1 Taka Internet” to provide better experience to new internet users. We also offered double speed
Internet to boost customer experience. To give customers the reason to use internet and promote internet for all, free Facebook
was offered for all the customers.
Along with offering superior experience, GP also followed up keenly on offering the right price to boost up the value for money,
which has improved significantly. By offering simplified voice tariff plans like Nishchinto and Bondhu, 1 Taka Welcome tune pack,
1 Taka Video and 1 Taka Internet pack have helped the customers to try out different services at lowest possible prices. Also,
several daily and weekly voice bundles and combo bundles were introduced to give customers more value at an affordable price.
At the end of the year, we have touched 5 crore customer landmark, which we celebrated with 5 paisa per 10 seconds offer to any
GP number. We followed up that celebration with further enhancing our unique service emergency balance by increasing the
balance up to BDT 100 and offering reimbursement on call drop minutes. We have ended the year with customized offer portal
for each and every customer by introducing 12113, which is first in the market. This will help the customers avail the attractive
offers in a very easy manner.
“Nirvoy” is the life insurance service of GP. “Nirvoy” was launched in June 2013 and rewards GP subscribers with free life insurance
based on the amount of airtime used each month. The product is underwritten by Pragati Life Insurance and powered by
MicroEnsure Bangladesh. GP has 3.85 million “Nirvoy” subscribers as of December 2014. During the period, 121 life insurance
claims have been settled and paid out over BDT 4.57 million to beneficiaries around the country.
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Continued Focus on Customer ServiceWe lead because our customers trust us with the products and services we offer. Our success is measured on how passionately our customers promote us. We have the ambition to be the most customer centric mobile telecommunications operator in Bangladesh by 2016. To achieve this goal, we will put customers first, in every activity, interaction and decision making. In this endeavor, the year 2014 was one step ahead. In our effort to bring comfort to our customers’ lives, a 2,215-member Customer Service team ran 24/7, 365 days a year! A total of over 120 million customers were served throughout 2014 from Customer Service (over phone) touch points.
Our Adjacent Business
i) “MobiCash” Financial ServicesGP made Mobile Financial Service (MFS) as one of its strategic pillar to contribute in “financial inclusion” agenda ofBangladesh Bank through its unique “MobiCash” enabling business model supporting major banks and service providers. The cornerstone of GP’s strategy was to launch its own nationwide network of 61,000 “MobiCash” Agent/Cash-points to provide 6 partner banks with a completely managed solution for delivering cash-in, cash-out, disbursements of salaries etc. GP is alsoproviding utility bill payment and ticketing services ensuring ultimate convenience for our valued customers. The exceptional consecutive 137% quarter-on-quarter volume growth from Q2’13 to Q3’14 demonstrates market demand and GP’s ability tocreate significant values for its partners and customers. GP strongly believes that, with regulatory support and through awinning collaboration with partner Banks, we can play a key role in converting cash based economy into digital economy.
ii) Infrastructure ServicesGP has continued its contribution towards the development of a more cost optimized telecom operation and has madeoptimum use of national resources, by sharing infrastructure, transmission capacity and OPEX with the telecom operators aswell as other businesses, such as WiMAX operators, ISPs, etc. By the end of 2014, we have shared more than 2,950 sites withtelecom operators and entered into agreements with 13 new customers. Besides, various initiatives were taken to increase our customer satisfaction.
Network to Cater Increasing Internet Traffic Ensuring Strong Customer Centricity & EfficiencyIn 2014, GP fulfilled its commitment to deliver 3G Network in all 64 district cities by end of March. 2,143 3G sites have been rolled out in just 6 months after securing 3G license. As a result, GP was the first operator to be refunded back BDT 150 crore by BTRC, which was earlier deposited with them as ‘Performance Bank Guarantee’.
After delivering first phase of 3G sites, GP further invested in additional 599 3G sites which bring the total number of 3G sites to 2,742 at the end of the year. Besides 3G sites, 387 new 2G BTSs have been rolled out to cater increasing demand particularly in internet service. The internet traffic tripled (212.4%) in organic growth from 2013 to 2014. Huge growth in 3G data consumption is observed in the 3G deployed areas. There has been a steady growth in 2G data volume also. In 2014, a total of BDT 1,516 crore investment has been made in network expansion and up-gradation.
In 2014, GP deployed SQMS (Service Quality Management System) with the intention to have more customer centric approach in network services. Resolution of customer complaints with better efficiency and faster resolution has been the prime target. Monitoring has been established on major service performance indicators at individual subscriber level. GP is now more prepared to provide better service quality on top of its superior network.
Going Beyond with Passionate and Engaged EmployeesGP has a strong team of 2,972 permanent employees with passion and high level of engagement. Our success depends upon the performance, behavior and commitment of our employees. Our people are key drivers of our business. We focused on building their individual and leadership capabilities and aimed to empower them to be the best they can be. Employee engagement index increased by 7 percentage points , which is the highest increase in Telenor group in 2014 for two consecutive years. GP was also ranked as the number 1 “Employer of choice” within Bangladesh’s Telecom Industry in various independent surveys in 2014. With a view to becoming a world-class organization, we have continued to invest in building the right culture around our values, performance, leadership and engagement.
+212%
20142013
Daily (avg.) Data Volume Consumption
Corporate Responsibility (CR) – Touching Lives in the SocietiesAs a responsible corporate citizen, GP acknowledges its’ role in contributing to the development of communities in which it operates. Investing in social projects has been an integral part of GP’s corporate culture and business philosophy.
As a result, GP exists just not to serve customers with products or services of value, but also to bring about a positive response to social issues that affect Bangladesh’s upward mobility. In 2014, we were involved with multiple initiatives that brought about positive results in the health and education standards of the underprivileged community. Detailed information on the initiatives of the Company towards CR activities is provided in the Corporate Responsibility section of the Annual Report.
Climate Change – Optimizing Our Green FootprintGP launched the Climate Change Program in 2008. The singular objective of this task was to regularly assess and find ways to minimize our operations’ impact on the environment. It is an ongoing program that focuses on five areas- reduction of carbon emission, creation of employee awareness, adoption of green practices, creation of a green momentum in society and provision of green services to our customers. As recognition to these efforts, GP achieved the prestigious global GSMA Green Mobile Award 2014. Details about this strategy and information on some other climate change initiatives of the Company are provided in the Climate Change section of the Annual Report.
Health, Safety, Security and Environment (HSSE)As a responsible company, GP continuously strives to ensure international standards of occupational health, safety, security and environment in line with Telenor principles and laws of the land to enable a safe working environment that yields productivity & efficiency, and maintains a compliant working environment for the employees and business partners directly working with GP. As part of continual improvement, in 2014, emphasis was given to revamping HSSE management system with refreshing HSSE culture among the employees. Several employee training and awareness sessions were organized addressing Road Safety, Ergonomics, Employee fitness and Healthy Living in 2014.
Directors’ Responsibilities for Financial StatementsThe Board is responsible to present a fair, balanced and understandable assessment of the Company’s position and prospect as part of good corporate governance and to that end the directors confirm to the best of their knowledge that-
a. the Financial Statements, prepared by the Management of the Company, present fairly its state of affairs, the result of itsoperations, cash flows and changes in equity;
b. proper books of account of the Company have been maintained;
c. appropriate accounting policies have been consistently applied in preparation of the Financial Statements and that theaccounting estimates are based on reasonable and prudent judgements;
d. International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs), as applicable in Bangladesh, have been followed in preparation of theFinancial Statements and any departure therefrom has been adequately disclosed;
e. the system of internal control is sound in design and has been effectively implemented and monitored;
f. there is no doubt upon the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern.
Corporate GovernanceGood corporate governance contributes to the long-term success of a company, creating trust and engagement between the company and its stakeholders. The Board of Directors and the Management Team are strongly committed in achieving and upholding effective Corporate Governance & ethical business conduct, promoting transparency & accountability.
The Company has complied with the conditions as stipulated in the Corporate Governance Guidelines issued on 07 August, 2012 by the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC). In this connection, status of compliance has been annexed to this report as Annexure-I. A certificate from M/s Al-Muqtadir Associates, Chartered Secretaries confirming compliance of conditions of Corporate Governance as stipulated under condition 7(i) is also annexed to this report as Annexure-IV.
Other Disclosure/Statements Pursuant to the Provisions of the BSEC’s Corporate Governance Guidelines 2012
• Segment/Product Wise PerformanceBusiness activities of GP are not organized on the basis of differences in products and services or variations in geographical areas of operations. GP essentially provides similar products and services to customers across the country. GP, however, reviews revenue performance of different services, which have been disclosed under notes to the Financial Statements.
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75,006
9,991 7,946
96,624
2013
76,582
10,640 11,243
102,663
2014
+6.3%
+41.5%+6.5%
+2.1%
Voice traffic Interconnection
Customer Equipment Other Mobile
Data and VAS
Total Revenue (In million BDT)
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Total revenue for 2014 was BDT 102.7 billion (BDT 10,266 crore) having a solid growth of 6.3% compared to the previous year. The growth in revenue was contributed by data & VAS, voice, device sales and adjacent business i.e. infrastructure services and financial services.
Voice traffic revenue increased by 2.1% for the year 2014 from 2013, mainly driven by the subscription growth. However, revenue growth for GP as well as the mobile industry was impacted by the regulatory directives regarding 50% reduction in international call termination rate.
Solid growth in data services revenue, mainly driven by 3G, growing internet users and low tariff based internet mini-packs followed by the heavy browsing packages in 2014. Total data & VAS revenue has increased by 41.5% from 2013 with data revenue increased by 61.2%. However, growth in SMS, MMS & content revenue was 27.2%.
Interconnection revenue is generated from the incoming traffic through the calls generated from outside GP network. Despite reduction in international call termination rate, interconnection revenue increased by 6.5% as a result of increase in incoming interconnection traffic both from international and national operators.
Other mobile revenue includes revenue mainly from telecom infrastructure sharing, mobile financial services, commission income, broadband internet revenue etc.
Revenue from customer equipment mainly includes sale of mobile devices, i.e. handsets and branded internet modems.
• Review on Cost of Goods Sold, Gross Profit Margin and Net Profit MarginOperating expenses consist of material cost, personnel expense, network operation and maintenance, selling & distribution cost, dealers’ commission & marketing expense, revenue sharing & frequency charges to regulator and depreciation & amortization. Increase in operating expense is mainly due to higher depreciation & amortization, increase in network operation & maintenance, higher mobile device sales and higher revenue sharing, partly offset by lower consultancy and subscriber acquisition cost.
As a combined effect of the revenue growth and higher operating expenses, operating profit for the year 2014 increased by 11.1% from 2013. However, profit before tax of 2014 has increased by 6.1% due to lower foreign exchange gain and gain on sale of GPIT in 2013.
Net profit margin for the year 2014 was 19.3% compared to 15.2% of 2013. Net profit after tax increased by 34.7% due to lower income tax expense resulted from one-off tax adjustment for increased corporate tax rate from 35% to 40% in 2013. As a result, Earnings Per Share (EPS) for the year 2014 stood at BDT 14.67 compared to BDT 10.89 of 2013.
All transactions with related parties have been made on a commercial basis. Details of related parties and related party transactions have been disclosed in note 37 to the Financial Statements as per requirements of relevant IFRS.
The GP Initial Public Offering (IPO) was made in 2009 and the fund raised thereby has already been utilized by 30 June, 2010 as reported to the regulators. No further equity instrument has been issued since then.
The financial results of the Company have continued to improve since the IPO in 2009 as reflected in the yearly Financial Statements.
NPAT (Mn BDT)NPAT Margin
14,702
2013
15.2%
19,861
2014
19.3%
Operating Profit (Mn BDT)Operating Profit Margin
33,199
2013
34.4%
36,896
2014
35.9%
As per IAS 1 Presentation of Financial Statements, no items of income and expense are presented as ‘extraordinary gain or loss’
in the Financial Statements. Accordingly, no gain or loss has been presented as ‘extraordinary gain or loss’ in the Financial
Statements.
No significant variations have occurred between quarterly and final financial performances of the Company during 2014.
No remuneration was paid to the Directors apart from their Board meeting attendance fees. During the year, the Company has
paid a total amount of BDT 312,645 as Board meeting attendance fees. However, payments to Foreign Directors, not remitted
as yet, have been provided for in the accounts of the relevant year.
Financial performance of this year has improved compared to last year’s performance due to reasons explained in other parts
of this report.
The key operating and financial data for the last five years has been disclosed in the Annual Report on page 48.
GP has declared interim dividend and recommended final dividend for the year 2014.
During 2014, a total of 10 (Ten) Board meetings were held, which met the regulatory requirements in this respect. The
attendance records of the Directors are shown in Annexure-II to this report.
Shareholding patterns of the Company as on December 31, 2014 are shown in Annexure-III to this report.
Annual Results and Allocations
The Directors take pleasure in reporting the financial results of the Company for the year ended 31 December 2014 and
recommended the appropriation as mentioned in the “Appropriation of Profit” table below:
Growth in Contribution to the National ExchequerBeing one of the largest contributors to the national exchequer for the last several consecutive years, the collective contribution
of GP from inception up to December 2014 was BDT 413.7 billion (BDT 41,368 crore). During 2014 alone, the Company contributed
BDT 58.9 billion (BDT 5,892 crore) to the national exchequer compared to BDT 69.1 billion (BDT 6,908 crore) of 2013, which
represents about 57% of GP’s total revenue of 2014. In 2014, GP’s contribution to national exchequer included BDT 6.9 billion
(BDT 686 crore) as final installment of 3G license acquisition and spectrum fees. It is also notable that GP has paid BDT 18.7
billion (BDT 1,871 crore) in corporate taxes during 2014, which was BDT 4.7 billion (BDT 468 crore) higher compared to 2013.
DividendFor the year ended December 31, 2014, the Board of Directors of the Company has paid an Interim Cash Dividend @ 95% of the
paid-up capital amounting to BDT 12,827,850,209 which was BDT 9.5 per share of BDT 10.00 each. Now, the Directors are
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Profit Available for Appropriation*
Profit/(Loss) after tax
Add: Un-appropriated profit brought forward from previous(including general reserve)
Total amount available for appropriation
Appropriation
Final Dividend Paid for Previous Year
Interim Dividend Paid for Current Year
Closing Retained Earnings at year end (before proposed Final Dividend)
Proposed Final Dividend for the year 2014 (65% cash) (In 2013: 50% cash)
Retained Earnings after Proposed Dividend
*Based on separate Financial Statements of Grameenphone Ltd.
19,697,026
9,327,317
29,024,343
6,751,500
12,827,850
9,444,993
8,776,950
668,043
14,247,875
13,983,642
28,231,517
6,751,500
12,152,700
9,327,317
6,751,500
2,575,817
Figures in ‘000 BDT
2014 2013
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pleased to recommend a Final Cash Dividend @ 65% of the paid-up capital amounting to BDT 8,776,950,143 which is BDT 6.5 per share of BDT 10.00 each for the year 2014 out of the divisible profits of the Company for consideration and approval of the Shareholders for distribution. Inclusive of the Interim Dividend of 95% paid already, this would make a cumulative total dividend @ 160% of the paid-up capital amounting to BDT 21,604,800,352 which was BDT 16 per share for the year 2014.
The above recommendation of dividend is as per the Board approved dividend policy, which is ‘Minimum 50% of the Net Profit After Tax to be allocated for dividend payment depending on the financial health and capital requirement of the Company with an aim to have a relatively steady growth in per share dividend’.
Board of DirectorsThe composition of the Board of Directors who held office during the year was as below:
1. Mr. Sigve Brekke, Telenor Mobile Communications AS, Director & Chairman
2. Mr. Hans Martin Hoegh Henrichsen, Telenor Mobile Communications AS, Director [appointed on January 22, 2014]
3. Mr. Hakon Bruaset Kjol, Telenor Mobile Communications AS, Director
4. Mr. Pal Wien Espen, Telenor Mobile Communications AS, Director
5. Mr. Tore Johnsen, Telenor Mobile Communications AS, Director
6. Mr. M Shahjahan, Grameen Telecom, Director
7. Mr. Md. Ashraful Hassan, Grameen Telecom, Director
8. Ms. Parveen Mahmud, Grameen Telecom, Director
9. Dr. Jamaluddin Ahmed FCA, Independent Director
10. Ms. Rokia Afzal Rahman, Independent Director
Directors’ Appointment & Re-AppointmentWith regard to the appointment, retirement and re-appointment of Directors, the Company is governed by its Articles of Association, the Companies Act. 1994 and other related legislations. Accordingly, the following Directors of the Board will retire at this Annual General Meeting. They are, however, eligible for re-appointment:
1. Mr. Hakon Bruaset Kjol
2. Mr. Tore Johnsen
3. Mr. Md. Ashraful Hassan
4. Ms. Parveen Mahmud
Brief profiles of the Directors being proposed for re-appointment are given on page 25 of the Annual Report, which fulfill condition 1.5 (xxii) of the Corporate Governance Guidelines of BSEC.
Appointment of Chief Executive OfficerThe Board of Directors has appointed Mr. Rajeev Sethi as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) with effect from December 01, 2014 in place of Mr. Vivek Sood, who served the Company for almost two years. At this occasion, the Board of Directors would like to thank Mr. Vivek Sood for his dedication to GP. Under his leadership, the Company had continued its growing performance and secured 3G license. The Board also congratulates Mr. Rajeev Sethi and wishes him success in further developing GP’s position as the leading mobile operator in Bangladesh.
Appointment of AuditorsAs per the Companies Act 1994 and the Articles of Association of GP, the statutory auditors of the Company, ACNABIN, Chartered Accountants, shall retire at this AGM. As per BSEC Order No. SEC/CMRRCD/2009-193/104/Admin dated 27 July, 2011, an audit firm cannot be engaged for more than three consecutive years as statutory auditors of the same company. ACNABIN has been the statutory auditors of the Company since 2012. In compliance with the BSEC order, we are required to appoint new statutory auditors for the Company. Rahman Rahman Huq, Chartered Accountants has offered their willingness to be appointed as statutory auditors of GP. The Board recommends their appointment for the year 2015 and continuation till the next AGM at a fee of BDT 2 million (Taka two million only) plus VAT.
Expectations in 2015GP has an ambition to provide 'Internet for all', meaning we recognize the increased demand for data driven services throughout
Bangladesh. We have an extensive strategy to reach this ambition where awareness, affordable devices and attractive contents are
the three key aspects. Achieving the 50 million (5 crore) customers is a big milestone for us. Now, in the era of data communication,
we will focus on achieving 50 million (5 crore) internet users in next five years, in line with our ambition of “Internet for All”.
The shift in subscriber usage from voice to data services has been a gradual one. Historically, voice and SMS have been the
predominant revenue streams for the telecom providers. But innovation has changed the customers’ need patterns and the
market slowly steps into voice to data transition. We see continued growth in mobile data as more and more smart devices with
the capability to access the Internet wirelessly, enter the market.
Our focus in 2015 will be to drive the take-up of services for our customers. We will also continue to expand our content line-up
across all platforms, so that our customers can further experience the benefits and value for money products and innovative
services. We will also strive to maintain our leading position in network quality and ensure better customer experience. We
believe that 2015 will be a prospective year for us and we have all the elements in place to see us through the year and beyond.
AppreciationsThe year-end performance of GP in 2014, even with so many challenges confronted, demonstrates the resolves and
determination of the Board, Management and overall the people in the Company. The outstanding achievement of the year
is more than a tribute to the 50 million (5 crore) subscribers of the Company upfront, with numerous stakeholders backstage.
In this context, the Board also recognizes that its’ journey to attainments during the year was possible because of the
cooperation, positive support, and guidance that it had received from the Government of Bangladesh, the Ministry
of Posts and Telecommunications (MoPT), Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC),
Bangladesh Railway (BR), Bangladesh Bank (BB), Board of Investment (BOI), Registrar of Joint Stock Companies & Firms
(RJSC), Chief Controller of Export & Import, Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC), Dhaka Stock Exchange
Ltd. (DSE), Chittagong Stock Exchange Ltd. (CSE), Central Depository Bangladesh Limited (CDBL), GP’s Bankers, insurers and
financial institutions, vendors and other business partners during the year under report. Accordingly, the Board records its
profound gratitude to all of them. The Board would also thank each and every customer for their continued trust and support
to the Company and making GP brands as their preferred choices.
We would also like to thank all of our people for their relentless contribution along the way in taking GP to greater heights. It is
their hard work, commitment and leadership that enabled us to mark our stronger presence in the Telecommunication arena. The
Board trusts that such towering attachment to the Company by its people would continue in the days ahead.
For and on behalf of the Board of Directors of Grameenphone Ltd.
Sigve Brekke Chairman
February 08, 2015
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Annexure-IStatus of compliance with the conditions imposed by the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission’s Notification No
SEC/CMRRCD/2006-158/134/Admin/44 dated 07 August, 2012 issued under section 2CC of the Securities and Exchange
Ordinance, 1969 is presented below:
(Report under condition no. 7.00)
NotComplied
Board of Directors (BoD)
Independent Directors
Independent Director means a director:
1.
1.1
1.2
1.2 (ii)
- do -
ConditionNo.
Remarks (If any)Title
Compliance Status(“ ” has been put in
the appropriate column)
Complied
Board’s Size(number of Board members – minimum 5 and Maximum 20)
There are 10 (Ten) members in the Company Board
The appointments are duly approved
There is a written Code of Conduct and all
Board members and employees are obliged
to comply with.
No vacancyoccurred
1.2 (i) At least one fifth (1/5) of the total number of Directors shall be Independent Directors
There are 2 (Two) Independent Directors
(ID) out of total 10 (Ten) Directors
The IDs have submitted
declarations about their compliances
1.2 (ii) (a) who either does not hold any share in the company or holds less than one percent (1%) shares of the total paid-up shares of the company
1.2 (ii) (b) who is not a sponsor of the company and is not connected with the company’s any sponsor or director or shareholder who holds one percent (1%) or more shares of the total paid-up shares of the company on the basis of family relationship. His/her family members also should not hold above mentioned shares in the company
- do -1.2 (ii) (c) who does not have any other relationship, whether pecuniary or
otherwise, with the company or its subsidiary/associated companies
- do -1.2 (ii) (f) who is not a partner or executive or was not a partner or an
executive during the preceding 3 (three) years of the company’s statutory audit firm
- do -1.2 (ii) (d) who is not a member, director or officer of any stock exchange
- do -1.2 (ii) (e) who is not a shareholder, director or officer of any member of
stock exchange or an intermediary of the capital market
- do -1.2 (ii) (g) who shall not be an independent director in more than 3 (three)
listed companies
- do -1.2 (ii) (h) who has not been convicted by a court of competent jurisdiction
as a defaulter in payment of any loan to a bank or a Non-Bank Financial Institution (NBFI)
- do -
None
1.2 (ii) (i) who has not been convicted for a criminal offence involving moral turpitude
1.2 (v) The Board shall lay down a code of conduct of all Board members and annual compliance of the code to be recorded
1.2 (iii) Independent Director(s) shall be appointed by BoD and approved by the shareholders in the Annual General Meeting (AGM)
1.2 (iv) The post of independent director(s) cannot remain vacant for more than 90 (ninety) days
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NotComplied
The Directors’ Report shall include the following additional statements:1.5
ConditionNo.
Remarks (If any)Title
Compliance Status(“ ” has been put in
the appropriate column)
Complied
The IDs are in their regular term of
office
1.3 (i) Independent Director shall be a knowledgeable individual with integrity who is able to ensure compliance with financial, regulatory and corporate laws and can make meaningful contribution to business
1.2 (vi) The tenure of office of an independent director shall be for a period of 3 (three) years, which may be extended for 1 (one) term only
The qualification and background of
IDs justify their abilities as such
1.4 The Chairman of the Board and the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) shall be different individuals. The Chairman shall be elected from among the directors. The Board of Directors shall clearly define respective roles and responsibilities of the Chairman and the CEO
The Chairman and CEO are different individuals with clearly defined
roles and responsibilities.
Included in the Directors’ Report
1.5 (i) Industry outlook and possible future developments in the industry
- do -
1.3 (ii) Independent Director should be a Business Leader/Corporate leader/Bureaucrat/University Teacher with Economics or Business Studies or Law background/Professionals like Chartered Accountants, Cost & Management Accountants, Chartered Secretaries. The independent director must have at least 12 (twelve) years of corporate management/professional experiences
- do -1.5 (ii) Segment-wise or product-wise performance
- do -1.5 (iii) Risks and concerns
- do -1.5 (iv) A discussion on Cost of Goods sold, Gross Profit and Net Profit
Margin
- do -1.5 (v) Discussion on continuity of any Extra-Ordinary gain or loss
- do -1.5 (x) Remuneration to directors including independent directors
- do -1.5 (xii) Proper books of account have been maintained
- do -1.5 (xiii) Adaptation of appropriate accounting policies & estimates
- do -1.5 (vi) Basis for related party transactions - a statement of all related
party transactions should be disclosed in the annual report
- do -1.5 (vii) Utilization of proceeds from public issues, rights issues and/or
through any other instruments
1.3 (iii) In special cases the above qualifications may be relaxed subject to prior approval of Commission
1.5 (ix) If significant variance occurs between Quarterly Financial performance and Annual Financial Statements & Management explanation thereof
None
- do -1.5 (viii) An explanation if the financial results deteriorate after the
company goes for Initial Public Offering (IPO) None
- do -None
- do -
- do -
1.5 (xi) The financial statements present fairly its state of affairs, the result of its operations, cash flows and changes in equity
1.5 (xiv) IAS/BAS/IFRS/BFRS, as applicable in Bangladesh, have been followed and adequate disclosure for any departure
- do -1.5 (xv) The system of internal control is sound in design and has been
effectively implemented and monitored
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Included in the Directors’ Report
1.5 (xxi) (b) Directors, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Company Secretary (CS), Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Head of Internal Audit (HIA) and their spouses and minor children
One member of the Audit Committee is
Independent Director
3.1 (ii) The BoD shall appoint members of the Audit Committee who shall be directors of the company and shall include at least 1 (one) Independent Director
Given on Page 25 of the Annual Report
1.5 (xxii) (a) a brief resume of the director
3 (ii) The Audit Committee shall assist the BoD in ensuring that the financial statements reflect true and fair view of the state of affairs of the company and in ensuring a good monitoring system within the business
The Audit Committee
discharges as per given guidelines
3 (iii) The Audit Committee shall be responsible to the BoD. The duties of the Audit Committee shall be clearly set forth in writing
The duties of the Audit Committee
are clearly defined in the Audit
Committee Charter dully approved by
the Board.
NotComplied
ConditionNo.
Remarks (If any)Title
Compliance Status(“ ” has been put in
the appropriate column)
Complied
The CFO, HIA and CS are different
individuals and their roles and
responsibilities are separately defined
Given on Page 48 of the Annual Report
Pattern of shareholding and name wise details (disclosing aggregate number of shares):1.5 (xxi)
In case of the appointment/re-appointment of a director, disclose:1.5 (xxii)
Audit Committee3
- do -1.5 (xxii) (b) nature of his/her expertise in specific functional areas
- do -
1.5 (xxi) (a) Parent/Subsidiary/Associated Companies and other related parties
- do -1.5 (xxi) (c) Executives
2.1 Appointment of CFO, HIA and CS and defining their respective roles, responsibilities & duties
2.2 The CFO and the CS shall attend the meetings of the Board of Directors
- do -1.5 (xvi) Going Concern (ability to continue as a going concern)
1.5 (xix) Reason for non declaration of Dividend
- do -1.5 (xvii) Highlight and explain significant deviations from the last year’s
operating results
- do -1.5 (xxi) (d) Shareholders holding ten percent (10%) or more voting interest in
the company
1.5 (xviii) Key operating and financial data of at least preceding 5 (five) years shall be summarized
Included in the Directors’ Report
Does not arise
1.5 (xx) The number of Board meetings held during the year and attendance by each director
Given on Page 28 of the Annual Report
The CFO and CS participate in all Board meetings
3 (i) The company shall have an Audit Committee as a sub-committee of the BoD
Audit Committee is established as per
BSEC guidelines
3.1 (i) The Audit Committee shall be composed of at least 3 (three) members
Audit Committee comprises of 3
members
1.5 (xxii) (c) names of companies in which the person also holds the directorship and the membership of committees of the Board
None
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anceAdditional
Information
Financial AnalysisSustainability
Governance
No vacancyoccurred
3.1 (iv) Expiration of the term of service of Audit Committee members making the number lower than 3 (three) and fill up the vacancy (ies) by the Board not later than 1 (one) month from the date of vacancy(ies)
- do -3.3 (v) Review the annual financial statements before submission to the
Board for approval
- do -3.3 (viii) Review statement of significant related party transactions
submitted by the management
3.4.1 (ii) (b) Reporting to BoD on any fraud or irregularity or material defect in the internal control system
- do -3.3 (ix) Review Management Letters/Letter of Internal Control weakness
issued by statutory auditors
- do -3.3 (vi) Review the quarterly and half yearly financial statements before
submission to the Board for approval
None
None
None
Was present in the AGM held in 2014
3.2 (ii) Chairman of the audit committee shall remain present in the AGM
The Audit Committee Charter clearly defines the
role of the Audit Committee as per BSEC’s guidelines
3.3 (i) Oversee the financial reporting process
No IPO was made in the year 2014
3.3 (x) Disclosure to the Audit Committee about the uses/applications of IPO funds by major category (capital expenditure, sales and marketing expenses, working capital, etc), on a quarterly basis, as a part of their quarterly declaration of financial results. Further, on an annual basis, shall prepare a statement of funds utilized for the purposes other than those stated in the prospectus
NotComplied
ConditionNo.
Remarks (If any)Title
Compliance Status(“ ” has been put in
the appropriate column)
Complied
Role of Audit Committee3.3
- do -3.3 (ii) Monitor choice of accounting policies and principles
3.4.1 (i) Reporting to BoD on the activities of the Audit Committee
None3.4.1 (ii) (a) Reporting to BoD on conflicts of interests
None3.4.1 (ii) (c) Reporting to BoD on suspected infringement of laws
None3.4.1 (ii) (d) Reporting to BoD on any other matter
- do -3.3 (vii) Review the adequacy of internal audit function
- do -3.3 (iii) Monitor Internal Control Risk management process
- do -3.3 (iv) Oversee hiring and performance of external auditors
The profiles of the members
demonstrate their capabilities as such
3.1 (iii) All members of the audit committee should be “financially literate” and at least 1 (one) member shall have accounting or related financial management experience
3.1 (v) The Company Secretary shall act as the secretary of the Audit Committee
3.1 (vi) The quorum of the Audit Committee meeting shall not constitute without at least 1 (one) independent director
3.2 (i) The BoD shall select the Chairman of the Audit Committee, who shall be an Independent Director
AnnualReport
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The CEO and CFO have duly certified
to the Board
6 (i) (a) these statements do not contain any materially untrue statement or omit any material fact or contain statements that might be misleading
As declared by Auditors
4.00 (i) Non-engagement in appraisal or valuation services or fairness opinions
GP does not have any subsidiary company as on reporting date
5 (i) Provisions relating to the composition of the BoD of the holding company shall be made applicable to the composition of the BoD of the subsidiary company
- do -4.00 (ii) Non-engagement in designing and implementation of Financial
Information System
- do -4.00 (iii) Non-engagement in Book Keeping or other services related to
the accounting records or financial statements
Notapplicable
5 (ii) At least 1 (one) Independent Director on the BoD of the holding company shall be a director on the BoD of the subsidiary company.
Notapplicable
None
Activities of the Audit Committee are reported on page 46 of the Annual report
3.5 Reporting to the Shareholders of Audit Committee activities, which shall be signed by the Chairman and disclosed in the Annual Report
NotComplied
ConditionNo.
Remarks (If any)Title
Compliance Status(“ ” has been put in
the appropriate column)
Complied
External / Statutory Auditors4.00
Subsidiary Company5
The CEO and CFO shall certify to the Board that they have reviewed financialstatements for the year and that to the best of their knowledge and belief:
6
- do -4.00 (vii) Non-engagement in any other services that the Audit Committee
determines
- do -4.00 (viii) No partner or employees of the external audit firms shall possess
any share of the company during the tenure of their assignment
- do -4.00 (ix) Non-engagement in audit/certification services on compliance of
corporate governance as required under clause (i) of condition no. 7
- do -4.00 (iv) Non-engagement in Broker-Dealer services
- do -4.00 (v) Non-engagement in Actuarial services
- do -4.00 (vi) Non-engagement in Internal Audit services
3.4.2 Reporting to BSEC (if any material impact on the financial condition & results of operation, unreasonably ignored by the management)
- do -
5 (iii) The minutes of the Board meeting of the subsidiary company shall be placed for review at the following Board meeting of the holding company
Notapplicable
- do -
5 (iv) The minutes of the respective Board meeting of the holding company shall state that they have reviewed the affairs of the subsidiary company also
Notapplicable
- do -
5 (v) The Audit Committee of the holding company shall also review the financial statements, in particular the investments made by the subsidiary company
Notapplicable
- do -
Annexure-IIBoard Meeting and attendance during the year ended December 31, 2014
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anceAdditional
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Financial AnalysisSustainability
Governance
- do -
- do -
Given on page 69 of the Annual
Report
7 (i) Obtaining certificate from a practicing Professional Accountant/Secretary regarding compliance of conditions of Corporate Governance Guidelines of the BSEC and include in the Annual Report
6 (ii) there are, to the best of knowledge and belief, no transactions entered into by the company during the year which are fraudulent, illegal or violation of the company’s code of conduct
Detailed status of compliance given in
the Compliance Schedule as
published in the Directors' Report
7 (ii) Directors statement in the directors' report whether the company has complied with these conditions
NotComplied
ConditionNo.
Remarks (If any)Title
Compliance Status(“ ” has been put in
the appropriate column)
Complied
6 (i) (b) these statements together present a true and fair view of the company’s affairs and are in compliance with existing accounting standards and applicable laws
Name of Directors RemarksNumber of meetingsheld whilst a Board member
Meetingsattended
Mr. Sigve Brekke
Mr. Hans Martin Hoegh Henrichsen
Mr. Tore Johnsen
Mr. Hakon Bruaset Kjol
Mr. Pal Wien Espen
Mr. M Shahjahan
Mr. Md. Ashraful Hassan
Ms. Parveen Mahmud
Dr. Jamaluddin Ahmed FCA
Ms. Rokia Afzal Rahman
Mr. Per Erik Hylland
10
9
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
1
9
9
8
8
8
9
10
9
6
5
1
(Appointed on 22 January 2014)
(Nomination withdrawn on 22 January 2014)
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Annexure-IIIThe Pattern of Shareholding as on December 31, 2014
i) Parent/Subsidiary/Associate Companies
ii) Directors, Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Company Secretary, Head of Internal Audit and their spouses and minor children
Name of Shareholders PercentageStatus Shares Held
iii) Executives (as explained in the BSEC’s Notification No. SEC/CMRRCD/2006-158/134/Admin/44 dated 07 August, 2012 )
Telenor Mobile Communications AS
Nye Telenor Mobile Communications II AS
Nye Telenor Mobile Communications III AS
Telenor Asia Pte. Ltd.
Grameen Telecom
Grameen Kalyan
Grameen Shakti
Mr. Sigve Brekke
Mr. Hans Martin Hoegh Henrichsen
Mr. Pal Wien Espen
Mr. Hakon Bruaset Kjol
Mr. Tore Johnsen
Mr. M Shahjahan
Mr. Md. Ashraful Hassan
Ms. Parveen Mahmud
Dr. Jamaluddin Ahmed FCA
Ms. Rokia Afzal Rahman
Mr. Rajeev Sethi
Mr. Dilip Pal
Mr. Hossain Sadat
Mr. Emadul Hannan
Mr. Allan Bonke
Mr. Erlend Prestgard
Mr. Medhat El Husseiny
Mr. Marcus Adaktusson
Mr. Quazi Mohammad Shahed
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
753,407,724
215
215
215
461,766,409
22
22
55.80%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
34.20%
0.00%
0.00%
Chairman
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Chief Executive Officer
Chief Financial Officer
Company Secretary
Head of Internal Audit
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
376
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
0.00%
-
Chief Marketing Officer
Head of Strategy
Chief Technology Officer
Directors-Communications
Chief Human Resources Officer
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
iv) Shareholders holding ten percent or more Voting Interest
Telenor Mobile Communications AS
Grameen Telecom
-
-
753,407,724
461,766,409
55.80%
34.20%
ANNEXURE-IV
Certificate of Compliance to the Shareholders ofGrameenphone Ltd.(As required under the BSEC Corporate Governance Guidelines)
We have examined compliance to the BSEC guidelines on Corporate Governance by Grameenphone Ltd. for the year ended 31st
December 2014. These guidelines relate to the Notification no. SEC/CMRRCD/2006-158/134/Admin/44 dated 7th August 2012 of
Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) on Corporate Governance.
Such compliance to the codes of Corporate Governance is the responsibility of the Company. Our examination was limited to the
procedures and implementation thereof as adopted by the Management in ensuring compliance to the conditions of Corporate
Governance. This is a scrutiny and verification only and not an expression of opinion or audit on the Financial Statements of the
Company.
In our opinion and to the best of our information and according to the explanations provided to us, we certify that, subject to the
remarks and observations as reported in the attached Compliance Statement, the Company has complied with the conditions of
Corporate Governance as stipulated in the above mentioned guidelines issued by BSEC.
We also state that such compliance is neither an assurance as to the future viability of the Company nor a certification on the
efficiency or effectiveness with which the Management has conducted the affairs of the Company.
Al-Muqtadir AssociatesDhaka, February 08, 2015 Chartered Secretaries & Consultants
AnnualReport
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anceAdditional
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Governance
Al-Muqtadir AssociatesChartered Secretaries & Consultants
Business Office:Block : F, Rania AvenueApurba GardeniaHouse # 530, (5th floor)Bashundhara R/A, Dhaka - 1229Bangladesh
Phones : 01730 340 340 01552 108 522
e-mail : [email protected]: [email protected]
URL : www.muqtadirbd.comVAT Reg : 19041063900
auditors’ report &audited financialstatements
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Overview
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anceAdditional
Information
Financial AnalysisSustainability
Governance
Independent Auditor’s ReportTo the shareholders of Grameenphone Ltd.
We have audited the accompanying financial statements of Grameenphone Ltd., which comprise the statement of financial position as at 31 December 2014, and the statement of comprehensive income, statement of changes in equity and statement of cash flows for the year then ended, and a summary of significant accounting policies and other explanatory notes.
Management’s Responsibility for the Financial StatementsManagement is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of these financial statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) and Bangladesh Financial Reporting Standards (BFRSs), the Companies Act 1994, the Securities and Exchange Rules 1987 and other applicable laws and regulations and for such internal control as management determines is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
Auditor’s ResponsibilityOur responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit. We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (ISAs) and Bangladesh Standards on Auditing (BSAs). Those standards require that we comply with ethical requirements and plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free from material misstatement.
An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. The procedures selected depend on the auditor’s judgment, including the assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to fraud or error. In making those risk assessments, we consider internal control relevant to the entity’s preparation and fair presentation of the financial statements in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the entity’s internal control. An audit also includes evaluating the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements.
We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinion.
OpinionIn our opinion, the financial statements prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) and Bangladesh Financial Reporting Standards (BFRSs), give a true and fair view of the state of the company’s affairs as at 31 December 2014 and of the results of its operations and cash flows for the year then ended and comply with the Companies Act 1994, the Securities and Exchange Rules 1987 and other applicable laws and regulations.
Emphasis of MatterWithout qualifying our opinion as above, we draw attention to Note#41 to the financial statements, where management explains the circumstances of claim from Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC), claim from National Board of Revenue (NBR) for SIM tax on replacement SIMs, the uncertainties of getting rebate of input VAT paid on 2G licence renewal fee and claim for VAT based on C&AG audit and management’s position on the same.
We also report that:a) We have obtained all the information and explanations which to the best of our knowledge and belief were necessary
for the purposes of our audit and made due verification thereof;b) In our opinion, proper books of account as required by law have been kept by the company so far as it appeared from our examination of these books;c) The statement of financial position (balance sheet) and statement of comprehensive income (profit and loss account)
dealt with by the report are in agreement with the books of account and returns; andd) The expenditure incurred was for the purposes of the company’s business.
Telephone +880 (2) 8144347-52Fax +880 (2) 8144353Email [email protected] www.acnabin-bd.com
ACNABINChartered AccountantsBDBL Bhaban ( Level 13), 12 Kawran Bazar C/ADhaka-1215, BangladeshChartered Accountants
ACNABINChartered Accountants
Dhaka, February 08, 2015
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Auditors’ Report & Audited Financial Statements72
ASSETS
Non-current assetsProperty, plant and equipment, netIntangible assets, netInvestment in associateOther non-current assets
Total non-current assets
Current assets Inventories
Trade and other receivablesShort-term investmentCash and cash equivalents
Total current assets
Total assets
EQUITY AND LIABILITIES
Shareholders' equityShare capitalShare premiumCapital reserveDeposit from shareholdersRetained earnings
Total equity
Non-current liabilitiesFinance lease obligationLoans and borrowingsDeferred tax liabilitiesOther non-current liabilities
Total non-current liabilities
Current liabilitiesTrade and other payablesLoans and borrowingsCurrent tax payableOther current liabilities
Total current liabilities
Total equity and liabilities
The annexed notes 1 to 42 form an integral part of these financial statements.
Notes
456
78910
11121314
15161718
19162021
Grameenphone Ltd.Statement of Financial Positionas at 31 December 2014
Dhaka, February 08, 2015
Director Director Chief Executive Officer Company Secretary
As per our report of same date.
Auditor
31 December 2014Taka'000
31 December 2013Taka'000
70,306,649 44,774,181
695,524 31,536
115,807,890
387,475 9,717,558
- 4,759,902
14,864,935
130,672,825
13,503,000 7,840,226
14,446 1,880
10,004,950
31,364,502
5,277,626 24,003,730
7,993,446 631,385
37,906,187
34,573,809 4,147,583
19,629,253 3,051,491
61,402,136
130,672,825
69,922,682 47,734,203
570,516 -
118,227,401
560,034 11,809,676
78,276 4,545,257
16,993,243
135,220,644
13,503,000 7,840,226
14,446 1,880
9,781,017
31,140,570
5,310,947 11,665,214 7,820,601
703,316
25,500,078
40,368,468 7,700,000 23,463,733 7,047,796
78,579,997
135,220,644
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Auditors’ Report & Audited Financial Statements 73
Overview
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anceAdditional
Information
Financial AnalysisSustainability
Governance
Revenue
Operating expenses Cost of material and traffic charges Salaries and personnel cost Operation and maintenance Sales, marketing and commissions Revenue sharing, spectrum charges and licence fees Other operating (expenses)/income, net Depreciation and amortisation
Operating profit
Share of profit of associateGain on sale of shares in GPITFinance (expense)/income, net Foreign exchange gain/(loss)
Profit before tax
Income tax expense
Profit after tax
Other comprehensive income Total comprehensive income for the year
Earnings per share Basic and diluted earnings per share (par value Tk. 10 each in Taka)
The annexed notes 1 to 42 form an integral part of these financial statements.
Notes
22
23242526272829
30
3132
33
34
Grameenphone Ltd.Statement of Comprehensive Incomefor the year ended 31 December 2014
Dhaka, February 08, 2015
Director Director Company Secretary
As per our report of same date.
Auditor
2014Taka'000
2013Taka'000
102,663,372
(9,591,883) (6,455,286) (5,070,609) (13,200,722)
(8,082,170) (5,709,963)
(17,656,668) (65,767,301)
36,896,071
125,008 -
(2,307,001) 140,917
(2,041,076)
34,854,995
(15,051,712)
19,803,283
- 19,803,283
14.67
96,624,227
(8,395,314) (7,062,188) (5,023,411)
(14,446,477) (7,571,339)
(5,587,529) (15,339,030) (63,425,287)
33,198,940
30,281 1,024,929
(2,594,957) 1,192,879
(346,867)
32,852,073
(18,150,498)
14,701,574
- 14,701,574
10.89
Chief Executive Officer
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Auditors’ Report & Audited Financial Statements74
Gra
mee
npho
ne L
td.
Stat
emen
t of C
hang
es in
Equ
ity
for t
he y
ear e
nded
31 D
ecem
ber 2
014
Bala
nce
as a
t 1 Ja
nuar
y 20
13
Gen
eral
rese
rve
tran
sfer
red
to re
tain
ed e
arni
ngs
Tran
sact
ions
with
the
equi
ty h
olde
rs:
Fi
nal d
ivid
end
for 2
012
In
terim
div
iden
d fo
r 20
13
Tota
l com
preh
ensi
ve in
com
e fo
r 20
13
Pr
ofit
for t
he y
ear
O
ther
com
preh
ensi
ve in
com
e
Bala
nce
as a
t 31
Dec
embe
r 20
13
Bala
nce
as a
t 1 Ja
nuar
y 20
14
Tran
sact
ions
with
the
equi
ty h
olde
rs:
Fi
nal d
ivid
end
for 2
013
In
terim
div
iden
d fo
r 20
14
Tota
l com
preh
ensi
ve in
com
e fo
r 20
14
Pr
ofit
for t
he y
ear
O
ther
com
preh
ensi
ve in
com
e
Bala
nce
as a
t 31
Dec
embe
r 20
14
Shar
eca
pita
l
Taka
'00
0
Shar
epr
emiu
m
Taka
'00
0
Capi
tal
rese
rve
Taka
'00
0
Dep
osit
from
shar
ehol
ders
Taka
'00
0
Gen
eral
re
serv
e
Taka
'00
0
Reta
ined
ea
rnin
gs
Taka
'00
0To
tal
Taka
'00
0
13,5
03,
00
0 - - - -
13,5
03,
00
0
13,5
03,
00
0 - - - -
13,5
03,
00
0
7,84
0,2
26
- - - -
7,84
0,2
26
7,84
0,2
26
- - - -
7,8
40,2
26
14,4
46
- - - -
14,4
46
14,4
46
- - - -
14,4
46
1,880
- - - -
1,88
0
1,880
- - - -
1,88
0
2,13
9,72
9
(2,13
9,72
9) - - - - - - - - - -
11,8
43,9
13
2,13
9,72
9
(6,7
51,5
00
)
(12,
152,
700
)
14,7
01,5
74 -
9,7
81,0
17
9,78
1,017
(6,7
51,5
00
)
(12,
827,
850
)
19,8
03,
283 -
10,0
04,
950
35,3
43,19
5 -
(6,7
51,5
00
)
(12,
152,
700
)
14,7
01,5
74 -
31,1
40,5
70
31,14
0,5
70
(6,7
51,5
00
)
(12,
827,
850
)
19,8
03,
283 -
31,3
64,
502
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anceAdditional
Information
Financial AnalysisSustainability
Governance
Cash flows from operating activities
Cash receipts from customers
Payroll and other payments to employeesPayments to suppliers, contractors and othersInterest receivedInterest paidIncome tax paid
Net cash generated by operating activities
Cash flows from investing activities
Proceeds from disposal of shares in GPITPayment for acquisition of property, plant and equipment and intangible assetsProceeds from sale of property, plant and equipmentProceeds from sale of short-term investmentsNet cash used in investing activities
Cash flows from financing activities
Payment of short-term bank loanProceeds from long-term loanPayment of dividendAmount refunded to IPO share applicantsPayment of finance lease obligationNet cash used in financing activities
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents as at 1 JanuaryCash and cash equivalents as at 31 December
Grameenphone Ltd.Statement of Cash Flowsfor the year ended 31 December 2014
2014Taka'000
2013Taka'000
102,696,002
(10,506,839) (40,266,804)
265,764 (2,219,303) (18,713,347)
(71,440,529) 31,255,473
- (20,250,401)
102,847 78,276
(20,069,278)
(6,200,000) 15,089,705
(19,579,350) -
(281,906) (10,971,551)
214,645
4,545,257 4,759,902
96,720,248
(5,384,782) (37,613,269)
336,394 (2,939,431)
(14,038,057) (59,639,146) 37,081,103
730,971 (28,957,081)
50,032 65,436
(28,110,643)
(495,000) 11,665,214
(18,896,923) (346)
- (7,727,055)
1,243,405
3,301,852 4,545,257
Grameenphone Ltd.Notes to the Financial Statementsas at and for the year ended 31 December 2014
01 Corporate information
Grameenphone Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as "GP"/"Grameenphone"/"the company") is a public limited company incorporated in Bangladesh in 1996 under the Companies Act 1994 and has its registered address at GPHOUSE, Bashundhara, Baridhara, Dhaka 1229. GP was initially registered as a private limited company and subsequently converted into a public limited company on 25 June 2007. During November 2009, GP listed its shares with both Dhaka and Chittagong Stock Exchanges. The immediate parent of GP is Telenor Mobile Communications AS and the ultimate parent is Telenor ASA; both the companies are incorporated in Norway.
The company is primarily involved in providing mobile telecommunication services (voice, data and other related services) in Bangladesh. The company also provides international roaming services through international roaming agreements with various operators of different countries across the world.
02 Basis of preparation
Grameenphone disposed of 51% of its stake in its only subsidiary (GPIT) on 1 September 2013 and now retains significant influence over GPIT (now known as Accenture Communications Infrastructure Solutions Ltd.).
These financial statements are not the separate financial statements of Grameenphone. These financial statements are unconsolidated financial statements (also known as individual financial statements) of Grameenphone as at and for the year ended 31 December 2014. These unconsolidated financial statements present the financial position and performance of Grameenphone and Grameenphone's investment in Accenture Communications Infrastructure Solutions Ltd. (formerly known as GPIT) being accounted for under the equity method in accordance with IAS 28 Investment in Associates and Joint Ventures.
For understanding of Grameenphone's standalone financial performance, a separate statement of comprehensive income has been appended to these financial statements as supplementary information.
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), Bangladesh Financial Reporting Standards (BFRS), the Companies Act 1994, the Securities and Exchange Rules 1987 and other applicable laws in Bangladesh. The requirements of IFRS and BFRS, to the extent relevant to these financial statements, do not vary from each other.
These financial statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis. Measurement at revalued amounts or fair value does not have significant impact on these financial statements.
Authorisation for issueThese financial statements were authorised for issue by the Board of Directors of the company on 8 February 2015.
2.1 Functional and presentation currencyItems included in these financial statements are measured using the currency of the primary economic environment in which the company operates (‘the functional currency’). These financial statements are presented in Bangladesh Taka (Taka/Tk./BDT) which is also the functional currency of the company. The amounts in these financial statements have been rounded off to the nearest Taka in thousand (Taka'000). Because of these rounding off, in some instances the totals may not match the sum of individual balances.
2.2 Use of estimates and judgementsThe preparation of financial statements requires management to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of revenues, expenses, assets and liabilities, and the accompanying disclosures, and the disclosure of contingent liabilities. Uncertainty about these assumptions and estimates could result in outcomes that require a material adjustment to the carrying amount of assets or liabilities affected in future periods.
JudgementsIn the process of applying the accounting policies, management has made the following judgements, which have the most significant effect on the amounts recognised in the financial statements:
1. The company has a lease agreement with Bangladesh Railway for Fibre Optic Network (FON) and this lease has beentreated as finance lease. For details, please see note 15 to these financial statements.
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2. The company has significant influence over Accenture Communications Infrastructure Solutions Ltd. 3. The company has entered into lease agreements for base stations, switch locations and office space; and after evaluation of the terms and conditions of these agreements has determined that it does not have substantial risks and rewards related to the assets. For operating lease commitments, please see note 28.2 to these financial statements.
Estimates and assumptionsKey estimates and assumptions used in preparation of these financial statements are:
1. Applicable tax rate for Income Year 2014 will be declared by Finance Act 2015. For the purpose of these financial statements, management has assumed that the existing corporate tax rate (40%) will be applicable for Income Year 2014 as well.2. Appropriate financial and demographic assumptions have been used in consultation with a certified actuary to measure defined benefit obligation as at the reporting date.
03 Significant accounting policies
Accounting policies set out below have been applied consistently to all periods presented in these financial statements. Comparative information has been rearranged wherever considered necessary to conform to the current period’s presentation.
3.1 Current versus non-current classificationThe company presents assets and liabilities in statement of financial position based on current/non-current classification. An asset is current when it is:i) expected to be realised or intended to be sold or consumed in normal operating cycleii) held primarily for the purpose of tradingiii) expected to be realised within twelve months after the reporting period oriv) cash or cash equivalent unless restricted from being exchanged or used to settle a liability for at least twelve months after the reporting period.
All other assets are classified as non-current.
A liability is current when it is:i) expected to be settled in normal operating cycleii) held primarily for the purpose of tradingiii) due to be settled within twelve months after the reporting period oriv) there is no unconditional right to defer the settlement of the liability for at least twelve months after the reporting period
The company classifies all other liabilities as non-current.
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are classified as non-current assets and liabilities.
3.2 Cash dividend to the equity holdersThe company recognises a liability to make cash dividend when the distribution is authorised and the distribution is no longer at the discretion of the company. As per the corporate laws in Bangladesh, a distribution is authorised when it is approved by the shareholders. A corresponding amount is recognised directly in equity.
3.3 Property, plant and equipment
(a) Recognition and measurementItems of property, plant and equipment are measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment losses, if any.
The cost of an item of property, plant and equipment comprises its purchase price, import duties and non-refundable taxes, after deducting trade discount and rebates, and any costs directly attributable to bringing the asset to the location and condition necessary for it to be capable of operating in the intended manner. Cost also includes initial estimate of the costs of dismantling and removing the item and restoring the site on which it is located and capitalised borrowing costs. The obligations for costs of dismantling and removing the item and restoring the site (generally called 'asset retirement obligation') are recognised and measured in accordance with IAS/BAS 37 Provisions, Contingent Liabilities and Contingent Assets. Purchased software that is integral to the functionality of the related equipment is capitalised as part of that equipment.
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2. The company has significant influence over Accenture Communications Infrastructure Solutions Ltd. 3. The company has entered into lease agreements for base stations, switch locations and office space; and after evaluation of the terms and conditions of these agreements has determined that it does not have substantial risks and rewards related to the assets. For operating lease commitments, please see note 28.2 to these financial statements.
Estimates and assumptionsKey estimates and assumptions used in preparation of these financial statements are:
1. Applicable tax rate for Income Year 2014 will be declared by Finance Act 2015. For the purpose of these financial statements, management has assumed that the existing corporate tax rate (40%) will be applicable for Income Year 2014 as well.2. Appropriate financial and demographic assumptions have been used in consultation with a certified actuary to measure defined benefit obligation as at the reporting date.
03 Significant accounting policies
Accounting policies set out below have been applied consistently to all periods presented in these financial statements. Comparative information has been rearranged wherever considered necessary to conform to the current period’s presentation.
3.1 Current versus non-current classificationThe company presents assets and liabilities in statement of financial position based on current/non-current classification. An asset is current when it is:i) expected to be realised or intended to be sold or consumed in normal operating cycleii) held primarily for the purpose of tradingiii) expected to be realised within twelve months after the reporting period oriv) cash or cash equivalent unless restricted from being exchanged or used to settle a liability for at least twelve months after the reporting period.
All other assets are classified as non-current.
A liability is current when it is:i) expected to be settled in normal operating cycleii) held primarily for the purpose of tradingiii) due to be settled within twelve months after the reporting period oriv) there is no unconditional right to defer the settlement of the liability for at least twelve months after the reporting period
The company classifies all other liabilities as non-current.
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are classified as non-current assets and liabilities.
3.2 Cash dividend to the equity holdersThe company recognises a liability to make cash dividend when the distribution is authorised and the distribution is no longer at the discretion of the company. As per the corporate laws in Bangladesh, a distribution is authorised when it is approved by the shareholders. A corresponding amount is recognised directly in equity.
3.3 Property, plant and equipment
(a) Recognition and measurementItems of property, plant and equipment are measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment losses, if any.
The cost of an item of property, plant and equipment comprises its purchase price, import duties and non-refundable taxes, after deducting trade discount and rebates, and any costs directly attributable to bringing the asset to the location and condition necessary for it to be capable of operating in the intended manner. Cost also includes initial estimate of the costs of dismantling and removing the item and restoring the site on which it is located and capitalised borrowing costs. The obligations for costs of dismantling and removing the item and restoring the site (generally called 'asset retirement obligation') are recognised and measured in accordance with IAS/BAS 37 Provisions, Contingent Liabilities and Contingent Assets. Purchased software that is integral to the functionality of the related equipment is capitalised as part of that equipment.
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When major parts of an item of property, plant and equipment have different useful lives, they are accounted for as separate items (major components) of property, plant and equipment.
b) Subsequent costsThe cost of replacing or upgradation of an item of property, plant and equipment is recognised in the carrying amount of the item if it is probable that the future economic benefits embodied within the item will flow to the company and its cost can be measured reliably. The carrying amount of the replaced component is derecognised. The costs of the day to day servicing of property, plant and equipment are recognised in profit or loss as incurred.
(c) DepreciationNo depreciation is charged on land and capital work in progress (CWIP) as the land has unlimited useful life and CWIP has not yet been placed in service.
Depreciation on other items of property, plant and equipment is recognised on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of each item of property, plant and equipment. Leased assets are depreciated over the shorter of the lease term and their useful lives unless it is reasonably certain that the company will obtain ownership by the end of the lease term. Depreciation method, useful lives and residual values are reviewed at each year-end and adjusted if appropriate. The estimated useful lives of the items of property, plant and equipment for the current and comparative periods are as follows:
(d) DerecognitionAn item of property, plant and equipment is derecognised upon disposal or when no future economic benefits are expected from its use or disposal. Any gain or loss on derecognition of an item of property, plant and equipment is determined as the difference between the net disposal proceeds and the carrying amount of the asset and is recognised in profit or loss.
(e) Capital work in progressCapital work in progress consists of unfinished work at sites and capital inventory. Spare parts expected to be used for more than one year are treated as capital work in progress. In case of import of components, capital work in progress is recognised when risks and rewards associated with such assets are transferred to the company.
(f) Capitalisation of borrowing costsAs per the requirements of IAS/BAS 23 Borrowing Costs, directly attributable borrowing costs are capitalised during construction period for all qualifying assets. A qualifying asset is an asset that necessarily takes a substantial period of time to get ready for its intended use or sale. The borrowing costs that are directly attributable to the acquisition, construction or production of a qualifying asset are those borrowing costs that would have been avoided if the expenditure on the qualifying asset had not been made. All other borrowing costs are recognised in profit or loss in the period in which they are incurred.
3.4 Intangible assets
(a) Recognition and measurementIntangible assets that are acquired by the company and have finite useful lives are measured at cost less accumulated amortisation and accumulated impairment loss, if any. Intangible assets are recognised when all the conditions for recognition as per IAS/BAS 38 Intangible Assets are met. The cost of an intangible asset comprises its purchase price, import duties and non-refundable taxes and any directly attributable cost of preparing the asset for its intended use.
Expenditure on research activities, undertaken with the prospect of gaining new scientific or technical knowledge and understanding, is recognised in the profit or loss as incurred.
2014Years
10 - 50
3 - 10
7 - 20
5 -10
4
3 - 5
4
22.5 - 30
2013Years
10 - 50
3 - 10
7- 20
5 - 10
4
3 - 5
4
22.5 - 30
Own assets Building
Base station - equipment
Base station - tower, fibre optic network and related assets
Transmission equipment
Computers and other IT equipment
Furniture and fixtures (including office equipment)
Vehicles
Leased asset Fibre Optic Network (FON)
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Development activities involve a plan or design for the production of new and substantially improved products and processes. Development expenditures, on an individual project, are recognised as an intangible asset when the company can demonstrate all of the following:
(a) the technical feasibility of completing the intangible asset so that it will be available for use or sale;
(b) its intention to complete the intangible asset and use or sell it;
(c) its ability to use or sell the intangible asset;
(d) how the intangible asset will generate probable future economic benefits. Among other things, the entity can demonstrate the existence of a market for the output of the intangible asset or the intangible asset itself or, if it is to be used internally, the usefulness of the intangible asset;
(e) the availability of adequate technical, financial and other resources to complete the development and to use or sell the intangible asset;
(f) its ability to measure reliably the expenditure attributable to the intangible asset during its development.
Other development expenditures are recognised in profit or loss as incurred. Development costs previously recognised as an expense are not recognised as an asset in a subsequent period. Following initial recognition of the development expenditure as an asset, the cost model is applied requiring the asset to be carried at cost less any accumulated amortisation and accumulated impairment losses. Amortisation of the asset begins when development is complete and the asset is placed in service. It is amortised over the period of expected future economic benefits. During the period of development, the asset is tested for impairment annually.
Internally generated intangible assets, excluding capitalised development costs, are not capitalised and expenditure is reflected in profit or loss in the year in which the expenditure is incurred.
(b) Subsequent costsSubsequent costs are capitalised only when they increase the future economic benefits embodied in the specific asset to which they relate. All other costs are recognised in profit or loss as incurred.
(c) AmortisationAmortisation is recognised in profit or loss on a straight line basis over the estimated useful lives of intangible assets. The estimated useful lives are as follows:
(d) DerecognitionAn intangible asset is derecognised on disposal, or when no future economic benefits are expected from use or disposal. Gains or losses arising from derecognition of intangible assets, measured as the difference between the net disposal proceeds and the carrying amount of the assets, are recognised in profit or loss.
3.5 Investment in associateAn associate is an entity over which the investor has significant influence. Significant influence is the power to participate in the financial and operating policy decisions of the investee, but is not control or joint control over those policies. Investment in associate is accounted for using the equity method. Under the equity method, the investment in an associate is initially recognised at cost. The carrying amount of the investment is adjusted to recognise changes in the investor's share of net assets of the associate since the acquisition date. The statement of comprehensive income reflects the
2014Years
5
5
3-7
7
18
15
15
2013Years
5
5
3-7
7
18
15
15
Software and others Pulse Code Modulation (PCM)
Billing software
Other operational software
Network management software
Telecom licence and spectrum Spectrum-2008
Telecom licence and spectrum -2011
3G licence and spectrum
Amortisation methods, useful lives and residual values are reviewed at each year-end and adjusted, if appropriate.
investor's share of the results of operations of the associate. Any change in other comprehensive income (OCI) of the investee is presented as part of the investor's OCI. In addition, when there has been a change recognised directly in the equity of the associate, the investor recognises its share of any changes, when applicable, in the statement of changes in equity. Unrealised gains and losses resulting from transactions between the investor and the associate are eliminated to the extent of the interest in the associate.
The financial statements of associate are prepared for the same reporting period by following the same accounting policies for like transactions and events as the investor.
3.6 Financial instrumentsA financial instrument is a contract that gives rise to a financial asset of one entity and a financial liability or equity instrument of another entity. Financial assets and financial liabilities are recognised when the company becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instruments.
Financial assets and financial liabilities are initially measured at fair value. Transaction costs that are directly attributable to the acquisition or issue of financial assets and financial liabilities (other than financial assets and financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss) are added to or deducted from the fair value of the financial assets or financial liabilities, as appropriate, on initial recognition. Transaction costs directly attributable to the acquisition of financial assets or financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss are recognised immediately in profit or loss.
3.6.1 Financial assetsThe company classifies non-derivative financial assets into financial assets 'at fair value through profit or loss' (FVTPL), 'held-to-maturity' financial assets, 'loans and receivables' or 'available-for-sale' financial assets.
The company derecognises a financial asset when the contractual rights or probabilities of receiving the cash flows from the asset expire, or it transfers the rights to receive the contractual cash flows on the financial asset in a transaction in which substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership of the financial asset are transferred. Any interest in such transferred financial assets that is created or retained by the company is recognised as a separate financial asset or liability.
Financial assets and liabilities are offset and the net amount is presented in the statement of financial position when, and only when, the company has a legal right to offset the amounts and intends either to settle them on a net basis or to realize the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.
i. Financial assets at fair value through profit or lossA financial asset is classified as fair value through profit or loss if it is classified as held-for-trading or designated as such on initial recognition. A financial asset is designated as fair value through profit or loss if the company manages such investments and make purchase and sale decisions based on their fair value in accordance with company's documented risk management or investment strategy. Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss are measured at fair value and changes there in, which takes into account any dividend income, are recognised in the profit or loss.
As at the balance sheet date the company had no financial assets at fair value through profit or loss.
ii. Held-to-maturity financial assetsIf the company has positive intent and ability to hold debt securities to maturity, then such financial assets are classified as held-to-maturity financial assets. Subsequent to initial recognition, held-to-maturity financial assets are measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method, less any impairment losses.
Short-term investments are classified as held-to-maturity financial assets. Short term investments comprise investment in Fixed Deposit Receipts (FDR) with original maturity of more than three months.
iii. Loans and receivablesLoans and receivables are financial assets with fixed and determinable payments that are not quoted in the active market. Subsequent to initial recognition, loans and receivables are measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method, less any impairment losses. This is the most relevant category of financial asset to the company and includes trade and other receivables. Trade receivables with no stated interest rate are recognised at the original invoice amount when the impact of discounting is not material.
iv. Available-for-sale financial assetsAvailable-for-sale financial assets are non-derivative financial assets that are designated as available-for-sale or are not classified in any of the above categories of financial assets.
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Subsequent to initial recognition, they are measured at fair value and changes there in, other than impairment losses and foreign currency differences on available-for-sale debt instruments, are recognised in other comprehensive income and presented in the fair value reserve in equity. When an investment is derecognised, the gain or loss accumulated in equity is reclassified to profit or loss.
3.6.2 Financial liabilitiesFinancial liabilities are classified as either financial liabilities 'at FVTPL' or 'other financial liabilities'. Company's financial liabilities mainly include trade and other payables, loans and borrowings.
i. Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss (FVTPL)Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss include financial liabilities held for trading and financial liabilities designated upon initial recognition as at fair value through profit or loss. Financial liabilities are classified as held for trading if they are incurred for the purpose of repurchasing in the near term. This category also includes derivative financial instruments entered into by the company that are not designated as hedging instruments in hedge relationships as defined by IAS 39. Separated embedded derivatives are also classified as held for trading unless they are designated as effective hedging instruments. Financial liabilities designated upon initial recognition at fair value through profit or loss are designated at the initial date of recognition, and only if the criteria in IAS 39 are satisfied.
Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss (FVTPL) are subsequently measured at fair value with gains or losses arising on remeasurement are recognised in profit or loss. The company has not designated any financial liabilities as at fair value through profit or loss.
ii. Other financial liabilitiesOther financial liabilities are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest rate method (EIR). Gains and losses are recognised in profit or loss when the liabilities are derecognised as well as through the EIR amortization process. Amortised cost is calculated by taking into account any discount or premium on acquisition and fees or costs that are an integral part of the EIR. Other financial liabilities include loans and borrowings, trade and other payables.
3.6.3 Equity instrumentsAn equity instrument is any contract that evidences a residual interest in the assets of an entity after deducting all of its liabilities. Equity instruments issued by the company are recognised at the proceeds received, net of direct issue costs. No gain or loss is recognised in profit or loss on the sale , repurchase or cancellation of the company’s own equity instruments.
3.7 Impairment(a) Financial assets
A financial asset, not classified as fair value through profit or loss, is assessed at each reporting date to determine whether there is an objective evidence that it is impaired. A financial asset is impaired if there is objective evidence of impairment as a result of one or more events that occurred after the initial recognition of the assets, and the loss event(s) had an impact on the estimated future cash flows of that assets that can be estimated reliably.
i. Financial assets measured at amortised costThe company considers evidence of impairment for financial assets (loans and receivables and held-to-maturity investment securities) at both a specific asset and collective asset level. All individually significant receivables and held-to-maturity investment securities are assessed for specific impairment. All individually significant loans and receivables and held-to-maturity investment securities found not to be specifically impaired are then collectively assessed for any impairment that has been incurred but not yet identified. Loans and receivables and held-to-maturity investment securities that are not individually significant are collectively assessed for impairment by grouping together loans and receivables and held-to-maturity investment securities with similar risk characteristics.
In assessing collective impairment, the company uses historical trend of probability of default, timing of recoveries and amount of loss incurred, adjusted for management's judgement as to whether current economic and credit conditions are such that the actual losses are likely to be greater or lesser than suggested by historical trends.
An impairment loss in respect of a financial asset measured at amortised cost is calculated as the difference between its carrying amount and the present value of estimated future cash flows discounted at the asset's original effective interest rate. Losses are recognised in the profit or loss and reflected in the allowance account against loans and receivables or held-to-maturity investment securities. Interest on the impaired assets continues to be recognised. When an event occurring after the impairment was recognised causes the amount of impairment loss to decrease, the decrease in impairment loss is reversed through profit or loss.
As per the existing credit policy, 100% impairment allowance is recognised on receivables from permanently disconnected post-paid subscribers. Post-paid subscribers are permanently disconnected if they fail to make any payment within 90 days of temporary disconnection. Any post-paid receivables remaining uncollected after one year of allowance creation are written-off. Other accounts receivable are written-off when there is no reasonable expectation of future recovery.
ii. Available-for-sale financial assetsImpairment losses on available-for-sale financial assets are recognised by reclassifying the losses accumulated in the fair value reserve in equity to profit or loss. The cumulative loss that is reclassified from equity to profit or loss is the difference between the acquisition cost, net of any principal repayment and amortization, and the current fair value, less any impairment loss recognised previously in profit or loss. Changes in cumulative impairment losses attributable to application of the effective interest method are reflected as a component of interest income. If, in a subsequent period, the fair value of an impaired available-for-sale debt security increases and the increase can be related objectively to an event occurring after the impairment loss was recognised, then the impairment loss is reversed, with the amount of reversal recognised in profit or loss.
(b) Non-financial assetsThe carrying amounts of the company’s non-financial assets, other than inventories and deferred tax assets, are reviewed at each reporting date to determine whether there is any indication of impairment. If any such indication exists, then the asset’s recoverable amount is estimated in order to determine the extent of impairment loss (if any). Where it is not possible to determine the recoverable amount of an individual asset, the company estimates the recoverable amount of the cash generating unit (CGU) to which the asset belongs. An impairment loss is recognised if the carrying amount of an asset or its CGU exceeds its estimated recoverable amount.
The recoverable amount of an asset or CGU is the greater of its value in use and its fair value less costs to sell. 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 or CGU. For the purpose of impairment testing, the company considers GP as the smallest identifiable groups of assets (CGU).
Impairment losses are recognised in profit or loss. Impairment losses recognised in respect of CGUs are allocated to reduce the carrying amounts of the other assets in the CGU on a pro rata basis.
Impairment losses recognised in prior periods are assessed at each reporting date for any indications that the loss has decreased or no longer exists. An impairment loss is reversed if there has been a change in the estimates used to determine the recoverable amount. An impairment loss is reversed only to the extent that the asset’s carrying amount does not exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined, net of depreciation or amortisation, if no impairment loss had been recognised.
3.8 InventoriesInventories consisting of scratch cards, SIM cards, mobile handsets, data cards and other devices are valued at lower of cost and net realisable value. Cost of inventories include expenditure incurred in acquiring the inventories, production or conversion costs and other costs incurred in bringing them to their existing location and condition. Cost of inventories is determined by using the weighted average cost formula. Where necessary, allowance is provided for damaged, obsolete and slow moving items to adjust the carrying amount of inventories to the lower of cost and net realisable value. Net realisable value is based on estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business less the estimated costs of completion and the estimated costs necessary to make the sale.
3.9 Employee benefitsThe company maintains both defined contribution plan and defined benefit plan for its eligible permanent employees. The eligibility is determined according to the terms and conditions set forth in the respective deeds. Both of the plans are funded and are recognised/approved under Income Tax Ordinance 1984.
(a) Defined contribution plan (provident fund)A defined contribution plan is a post-employment benefit plan under which an entity pays fixed contributions into a separate entity and has no legal or constructive obligation to pay further amounts. Obligations for contribution to defined contribution plans are recognised as an employee benefit expense in profit or loss in the period during which related services are rendered by employees. Advance contributions are recognised as an asset to the extent that a cash refund or a reduction in future payment is available. Contributions to a defined contribution plan that are due more than 12 months after the end of the period in which employees render the services are discounted to the present value.
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GP has a separate recognised provident fund scheme. All permanent employees of GP contribute 10% of their basic salary to the provident fund and the company also makes equal contribution.
The company recognises contribution to defined contribution plan as an expense when an employee has rendered related services in exchange for such contribution. The legal and constructive obligation is limited to the amount it agrees to contribute to the fund.
(b) Defined benefit plan (gratuity)A defined benefit plan is a post-employment benefit plan other than a defined contribution plan. The employee gratuity plan is considered as defined benefit plan as it meets the recognition criteria. The company's obligation is to provide the agreed benefits to current and former employees as per condition of the fund.
The net defined benefit liability (asset) in respect of a defined benefit plan is recognised in the statement of financial position. The net defined benefit liability (asset) is made up of:
i) the present value of defined benefit obligation; lessii) the fair value of plan assets; adjusted foriii) any effect of limiting a net defined benefit asset to the asset ceiling.
Present value of defined benefit obligation is determined by professional actuary. Projected Unit Credit method is used to measure the present value of defined benefit obligations and related current and past service cost by using mutually compatible actuarial assumptions about demographic and financial variables.
Current service cost, past service cost and gain/loss on settlement and net interest on the net defined benefit liability (asset) are recognised in profit or loss. Service cost and gain/loss on settlement are classified as personnel expense and net interest on the net defined benefit liability (asset) is classified as financial expense.
Remeasurements of the net defined liability (asset) are recognised in other comprehensive income, comprising:
i) actuarial gains and losses;ii) return on plan asset, excluding amounts included in net interest on the net defined benefit liability (asset); andiii) any change in the affect of the asset ceiling excluding amounts included in net interest on the net defined benefit liability (asset).
(c) Short-term employee benefitsShort-term employee benefit obligations are measured on an undiscounted basis and are expensed as the related service is provided. Provision is created for the amount of annual leave encashment based on the latest basic salary.
3.10 Income TaxIncome tax expense comprises current and deferred taxes. Income tax expense is recognised in profit or loss except to the extent that it relates to items recognised directly in equity, in which case it is recognised in equity.
(a) Current taxCurrent tax is the expected tax payable on the taxable income for the period, using tax rates enacted or substantively enacted at the reporting date, and any adjustment to tax payable in respect of previous periods. The tax rates used for the reporting periods are as follows:
(b) Deferred taxDeferred tax is recognised in compliance with IAS/BAS 12 Income Taxes, providing for temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purpose and amounts used for taxation purpose. Deferred tax is measured at the tax rates that are expected to be applied to the temporary differences when they reverse, based on the laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the date of statement of financial position. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset if there is a legally enforceable right to offset current tax liabilities and assets, and they relate to income taxes levied by the same tax authority on the same taxable entity.
Years2013
2014
Tax rate40%
40%
A deferred tax asset is recognised to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profits will be available against which the deductible temporary difference can be utilised. Deferred tax assets are reviewed at each year-end and are reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that the related tax benefit will be realised.
3.11 ProvisionsA provision is recognised in the statement of financial position when the company has a legal or constructive obligation as a result of a past event, it is probable that an outflow of economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation and a reliable estimate can be made of the amount of the obligation. Provision is ordinarily measured at the best estimate of the expenditure required to settle the present obligation at the reporting date. Where the company expects some or all of a provision to be reimbursed, the reimbursement is recognised as a separate asset but only when the reimbursement is virtually certain. The expense relating to any provision is presented in the income statement net of any reimbursement. If the effect of the time value of money is material, provisions are discounted using a current pre-tax rate that reflects, where appropriate, the risks specific to the liability. Where discounting is used, the increase in the provision due to the passage of time is recognised as a finance cost.
(a) Asset retirement obligations (ARO)Asset retirement obligations (ARO) are recognised when there is a legal or constructive obligation as a result of past event for dismantling and removing an item of property, plant and equipment and restoring the site on which the item is located and it is probable that an outflow of resources will be required to settle the obligation, and a reliable estimate of the amount of obligation can be made. A corresponding amount equivalent to the provision is recognised as part of the cost of the related property, plant and equipment. The amount recognised is the estimated expected cost of decommissioning, discounted to its present value. Changes in the estimated timing of decommissioning or decommissioning cost estimates are dealt with prospectively by recording an adjustment to the provision, and a corresponding adjustment to property, plant and equipment. The company recognises ARO in respect of roof-top base station and office space. The periodic unwinding of the discount is recognised in profit or loss as a finance cost as it occurs.
3.12 ContingenciesA contingent liability is a possible obligation that arises from past events and whose existence will be confirmed only by the occurrence or non-occurrence of one or more uncertain future events not wholly within the control of the company; or a present obligation that arises from past events but is not recognised because it is not probable that an outflow of resources embodying economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation; or the amount of the obligation cannot be measured with sufficient reliability.
A contingent asset is a possible asset that arises from past events and whose existence will be confirmed only by the occurrence or non-occurrence of one or more uncertain future events not wholly within the control of the company.
Contingent liabilities and assets are not recognised in the statement of financial position of the company.
3.13 Revenue recognition, measurement and presentationRevenues are recognised when goods are delivered or services rendered, to the extent that it is probable that the economic benefits from the transactions will flow to the company and the revenues can be reliably measured. Revenues are measured at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable, net of discounts and sales related taxes. These taxes are regarded as collected on behalf of the authorities.
Revenues primarily comprise sale of:• Services: subscription and traffic fees, connection fees, interconnection fees, roaming charges, fees for leased lines and leased networks.• Customer equipment is primarily mobile devices/phones and data card.
(a) Subscription and traffic feesRevenues from subscription fees are recognised over the subscription period while revenues from voice and non-voice services are recognised upon actual use. Consideration from the sale of prepaid cards to customers where services have not been rendered at the reporting date is deferred until actual usage or when the cards expire or are forfeited.
(b) Connection feesConnection fees that are charged and not allocated to the other elements of an arrangement are deferred and recognised over the periods in which the fees are expected to be earned. The earning period is the expected period of the customer relationship and is based on past history of churn.
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Overview
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anceAdditional
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Financial AnalysisSustainability
Governance
(c) Customer equipmentRevenues from sales of customer equipment are normally recognised when the equipment, including the related significant risks and rewards of ownership, is transferred to the buyer and the company retains neither continuing managerial involvement to the degree usually associated with ownership nor effective control over the goods sold.
(d) DiscountsDiscounts are often provided in the form of cash discounts or free products and services delivered by the company or by external parties. Discounts are recognised on a systematic basis over the period the discount is earned. Cash discounts or free products and services given as part of sales transactions are recognised as a reduction of revenue. Free products or services provided that are not related to sales transactions are recognised as expenses.
(e) Multiple element arrangementsWhen the company delivers multiple services and/or equipment as part of one contract or arrangement, the consideration is allocated to the separate identifiable components if the delivered item has value to the customer on a standalone basis and there is objective and reliable evidence of the fair value of undelivered items. The consideration is allocated between the elements based on their relative fair values, and recognition of the revenue allocated to the delivered item is limited to the amount that is not contingent on the delivery of additional items or other specified performance criteria.
(f) Interest and dividendInterest income is accrued on a time proportion basis that reflects an effective yield on the financial asset. Dividend income from an investment is recognised when the company’s rights to receive payment is established (declared by the Annual General Meeting of the investee or otherwise).
PresentationThe determination of whether the company is acting as a principal or as an agent in a transaction is based on an evaluation of the substance of the transaction, the responsibility for providing the goods or services and setting prices and the underlying financial risks and rewards. Where the company acts as a principal, the revenues are recognised on a gross basis. This requires revenue to comprise the gross value of the transaction billed to the customers, after trade discounts, with any related expenses charged as operating costs. Where the company acts as an agent, the expenses are offset against the revenues and the resulting net revenues represent the margins or commissions earned for providing services in the capacity of an agent.
Revenues from roaming are recognised gross in line with generally accepted accounting principles within the telecommunications industry.
Licence fees payable to Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) that are calculated on the basis of revenue share arrangements are not offset against the revenues. Instead, they are recognised as operating costs because the company is considered to be the primary obligor.
3.14 LeasesThe determination of whether an arrangement is, or contains a lease is based on the substance of the arrangement at the inception date: whether fulfilment of the arrangement is dependent on the use of a specific asset or assets and the arrangement conveys a right to use the asset, even if that right is not explicitly specified in an arrangement. Leases are classified as finance leases whenever the terms of lease transfer substantially all the risk and rewards of ownership to the lessee. All other leases are classified as operating leases.
(a) The company as lesseeAssets held under finance leases are initially recognised as asset of the company at their fair value at the inception of the lease or, if lower, at the present value of minimum lease payments. The corresponding liability to the lessor is included in the statement of financial position as a finance lease obligation.
Lease payments are apportioned between finance expenses and reduction of lease obligation so as to achieve a constant rate of interest on the remaining balance of liability. Finance expenses are immediately recognised in profit or loss, unless they are directly attributable to qualifying assets, in which case they are capitalised. Contingent rentals are recognised as expenses in the period in which they incur.
Operating lease payments are recognised as an expense on straight line basis over the lease term, except where another systemic basis is more representative of the time pattern in which economic benefits from the leased assets are consumed. Contingent rentals arising under operating leases are recognised as an expense in the period in which they are incurred.
In the event that lease incentives are received to enter into operating leases, such incentives are recognised as liability. The aggregate benefit of incentives is recognised as a reduction of rental expenses on a straight line basis, except where another systematic basis is more representative of the time pattern in which economic benefits from the leased assets are consumed.
(b) The company as lessorAmounts due from lessees under finance leases are recognised as receivables at the amount of company's net investment in the leases. Finance lease income is allocated to accounting period so as to reflect a constant periodic rate of return on the company's net investment outstanding in respect of the leases.
Rental income from operating lease is recognised on straight line basis over the term of relevant lease. Initial direct costs incurred in negotiating and arranging an operating lease are added to carrying amount of leased assets and recognised on a straight line basis over the lease term.
3.15 Foreign currency transactionsThe financial statements are presented in Taka/Tk./BDT, which is company's functional currency. Transactions in foreign currencies are recorded in the books at the exchange rate prevailing on the date of the transaction. Monetary assets and liabilities in foreign currencies at the date of statement of financial position are translated into taka at the exchange rate prevailing at that date. Non-monetary items that are measured in terms of historical cost in a foreign currency are translated using the exchange rate at the date of the initial transaction. Non-monetary items measured at fair value in a foreign currency are translated using the exchange rate at the date when the fair value was determined. Exchange differences arising on the settlement of monetary items or on translating monetary items at the end of the reporting period are recognised in profit or loss as per IAS/BAS 21 The Effects of Changes in Foreign Exchange Rates.
3.16 Earnings per shareThe company presents basic and diluted (when dilution is applicable) earnings per share (EPS) for its ordinary shares. Basic EPS is calculated by dividing the profit or loss attributable to ordinary shareholders of the company by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the period, adjusted for the effect of change in number of shares for bonus issue, share split and reverse split. Diluted EPS is determined by adjusting the profit or loss attributable to ordinary shareholders and the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding, for the effects of all dilutive potential ordinary shares. However, dilution of EPS is not applicable for these financial statements as there was no dilutive potential ordinary shares during the relevant periods.
3.17 Events after the reporting periodAmounts recognised in the financial statements are adjusted for events after the reporting period that provide evidence of conditions that existed at the end of the reporting period. No adjustment is given in the financial statements for events after the reporting period that are indicative of conditions that arose after the reporting period. Material non-adjusting events are disclosed in the financial statements.
AnnualReport
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Notes to the Financial Statements86
AnnualReport
2 0 1 4grameenphone
Notes to the Financial Statements 87
Overview
BusinessPerform
anceAdditional
Information
Financial AnalysisSustainability
Governance
04
Pro
pert
y, p
lant
and
equ
ipm
ent,
net
Year
20
14
Land
(Not
e 4.
1)
Build
ing
Base
sta
tion
Tran
smis
sion
equ
ipm
ent
Com
pute
rs a
nd o
ther
IT e
quip
men
t
Furn
iture
and
fixt
ures
(inc
ludi
ng o
ffice
equ
ipm
ent)
Vehi
cles
Capi
tal w
ork
in p
rogr
ess
(Not
e 4.
3)
Fibr
e Op
tic N
etwo
rk u
nder
fina
nce
leas
e (N
ote
4.4)
Addi
tion
durin
gth
e ye
ar
- -
8,55
5,92
4
2,34
3,18
5
382,
181
235,
706
373,
045
11,8
90,0
41
13,7
33,0
01
25,6
23,0
42
482,
113
26,1
05,1
55
Dis
posa
l/Ad
just
men
tdu
ring
the
year
- -
(2,7
44,3
10)
(3,7
49,7
64)
(80,
381)
(12,
369)
(24,
159)
(6,6
10,9
84)
(11,9
59,8
54)
(18,
570,
838) -
(18,
570,
838)
Char
ged
durin
gth
e ye
ar
-
198,
740
9,17
5,54
7
3,41
7,93
4
268,
209
160,
402
146,
006
13,3
66,8
38
-
13,3
66,8
38
381,3
99
13,7
48,2
37
Dis
posa
l/Ad
just
men
tdu
ring
the
year
- -
(2,7
41,0
76)
(3,7
49,7
64)
(80,
311)
(12,
345)
(14,
390)
(6,5
97,8
87) -
(6,5
97,8
87) -
(6,5
97,8
87)
As a
t31
Dec
embe
r20
14
-
873,
515
48,9
97,9
05
13,5
17,7
88
3,36
6,50
3
2,28
5,02
8
1,001
,002
70,0
41,7
41 -
70,0
41,7
41
3,58
2,64
2
73,6
24,3
83
As a
t1 J
anua
ry20
14
807,
497
4,05
8,11
6
78,9
13,8
36
26,2
14,8
82
3,70
0,44
8
2,36
5,73
0
1,417
,113
117,
477,
622
11,2
40,7
71
128,
718,
393
7,67
8,32
2
136,
396,
714
Taka
'00
0N
ame
of a
sset
sTa
ka'0
00
Taka
'00
0
Cost
Dep
reci
atio
nCa
rryin
g am
ount
As a
t31
Dec
embe
r20
14
807,
497
4,05
8,11
6
84,7
25,4
50
24,8
08,3
03
4,00
2,24
8
2,58
9,06
6
1,765
,999
122,
756,
679
13,0
13,9
18
135,
770,
597
8,16
0,43
5
143,
931,
032
Taka
'00
0
As a
t1 J
anua
ry20
14
-
674,
775
42,5
63,4
35
13,8
49,6
19
3,17
8,60
5
2,13
6,97
1
869,
385
63,2
72,7
89
-
63,2
72,7
89
3,20
1,243
66,4
74,0
32
Taka
'00
0Ta
ka'0
00
Taka
'00
0Ta
ka'0
00
As
at 3
1 Dec
embe
r 2
014
807,
497
3,18
4,60
1
35,7
27,5
45
11,2
90,5
15
635,
745
304,
038
764,
997
52,7
14,9
38
13,0
13,9
18
65,7
28,8
56
4,57
7,79
2
70,3
06,6
49
Taka
'00
0
AnnualReport
2 0 1 4grameenphone
Notes to the Financial Statements88
04
Pro
pert
y, p
lant
and
equ
ipm
ent (
cont
d..)
Year
20
13
Land
(Not
e 4.
1)
Build
ing
Base
sta
tion
Tran
smis
sion
equ
ipm
ent
Com
pute
rs a
nd o
ther
IT e
quip
men
t
Furn
iture
and
fixt
ures
(inc
ludi
ng o
ffice
equ
ipm
ent)
Vehi
cles
Capi
tal w
ork
in p
rogr
ess
(Not
e 4.
3)
Fibr
e Op
tic N
etwo
rk u
nder
fina
nce
leas
e (N
ote
4.4)
Addi
tion
durin
gth
e ye
ar 550 -
6,11
5,97
2
2,07
0,55
6
151,4
74
72,5
32
214,
035
8,62
5,11
9
12,9
01,5
42
21,5
26,6
61 -
21,5
26,6
61
Dis
posa
l/Ad
just
men
tdu
ring
the
year (2
9) -
(1,5
16,0
33) -
(92,
322)
(39,
685)
(10,
502)
(1,6
58,5
72)
(8,6
59,0
62)
(10,
317,
633) -
(10,
317,
633)
Char
ged
durin
gth
e ye
ar
-
198,
324
7,92
9,78
6
2,91
7,79
2
267,
716
184,
006
126,
704
11,6
24,3
28
-
11,6
24,3
28
344,
416
11,9
68,7
44
Dis
posa
l/Ad
just
men
tdu
ring
the
year
- -
(1,4
97,8
54) -
(91,5
65)
(39,
540)
(5,2
86)
(1,6
34,2
46) -
(1,6
34,2
46)
-
(1,6
34,2
46)
As a
t31
Dec
embe
r20
13
-
674,
775
42,5
63,4
35
13,8
49,6
19
3,17
8,60
5
2,13
6,97
1
869,
385
63,2
72,7
89
-
63,2
72,7
89
3,20
1,243
66,4
74,0
32
As a
t1 J
anua
ry20
13
806,
976
4,05
8,11
6
74,3
13,8
98
24,14
4,32
6
3,64
1,296
2,33
2,88
3
1,213
,580
110,
511,0
74
6,99
8,29
0
117,
509,
365
7,67
8,32
2
125,
187,
686
Taka
'00
0N
ame
of a
sset
sTa
ka'0
00
Taka
'00
0
Cost
Dep
reci
atio
nCa
rryin
g am
ount
As a
t31
Dec
embe
r20
13
807,
497
4,05
8,11
6
78,9
13,8
36
26,2
14,8
82
3,70
0,44
8
2,36
5,73
0
1,417
,113
117,
477,
622
11,2
40,7
71
128,
718,
393
7,67
8,32
2
136,
396,
714
Taka
'00
0
As a
t1 J
anua
ry20
13
-
476,
451
36,13
1,502
10,9
31,8
27
3,00
2,45
4
1,992
,505
747,
968
53,2
82,7
07
-
53,2
82,7
07
2,85
6,82
8
56,1
39,5
34
Taka
'00
0Ta
ka'0
00
Taka
'00
0Ta
ka'0
00
As
at 3
1 Dec
embe
r 2
013
807,
497
3,38
3,34
1
36,3
50,4
02
12,3
65,2
64
521,8
43
228,
759
547,
728
54,2
04,8
33
11,2
40,7
71
65,4
45,6
04
4,47
7,07
8
69,9
22,6
82
Taka
'00
0
AnnualReport
2 0 1 4grameenphone
Notes to the Financial Statements 89
Overview
BusinessPerform
anceAdditional
Information
Financial AnalysisSustainability
Governance
4.1 LandLand represents freehold land acquired for office premises and base stations.
4.2 Disposal/ adjustment during 2014Disposal/adjustment of base station, transmission equipment, computers and other IT equipment and furniture and
fixtures included accounting adjustment of Tk. 2,357,871,863, Tk. 3,749,764,245, Tk. 5,879,068 and Tk. 10,833,281
respectively for derecognition of fully depreciated assets not yet disposed of and no longer in use.
4.3 Capital work in progress (CWIP)This represents primarily the cost of network equipment under construction and capital inventory.
4.3.1 Capital work in progress - transferredThe amount of CWIP completed and transferred during the year to the corresponding items of property, plant and
equipment was as follows:
4.3.2 Capital work in progress - componentsCapital work in progress as at 31 December 2014 included capital inventory of Tk. 4,682,293,958 (2013: Tk.
8,566,032,092) and work-in-progress of Tk. 8,331,623,899 (2013: Tk. 2,674,738,469).
4.4 Fibre optic network under finance leaseThe addition to Fibre Optic Network under finance lease represents the fibre optic network acquired for a period of 30 years.
For details, please see note 15.
2014Taka'000
550
6,115,972
2,070,556
151,474
72,532
214,035
8,625,119
2013Taka'000
Name of assets
Land
Base station
Transmission equipment
Computers and other IT equipment
Furniture and fixtures
Vehicles
Total transfer of CWIP also includes capital inventory write off of Tk. 69,812,865.
-
8,555,924
2,343,185
382,181
235,706
373,045
11,890,041
AnnualReport
2 0 1 4grameenphone
Notes to the Financial Statements90
05
Int
angi
ble
asse
ts, n
et
Year
20
14
Soft
war
e an
d ot
hers
(Not
e 5.
1)
Tele
com
lice
nce
and
spec
trum
(Not
e 5.
3)
Capi
tal w
ork
in p
rogr
ess
(Not
e 5.
4)
Addi
tion
durin
g th
e ye
ar
703,
180 -
703,
180
948,
409
1,65
1,58
9
Dis
posa
l/Ad
just
men
tdu
ring
the
year
(73,
415) -
(73,
415)
(703
,180)
(776
,595
)
Char
ged
durin
g th
e th
e ye
ar
802,
984
3,10
5,44
7
3,90
8,43
1 -
3,90
8,43
1
Dis
posa
l/Ad
just
men
tdu
ring
the
year
(73,
415) -
(73,
415) -
(73,
415)
As a
t31
Dec
embe
r20
14
5,66
6,99
4
9,31
6,36
6
14,9
83,3
60
-
14,9
83,3
60
As a
t1 J
anua
ry20
14
5,77
0,50
4
53,0
49,2
58
58,8
19,7
62
62,7
85
58,8
82,5
47
Taka
'00
0N
ame
of a
sset
sTa
ka'0
00
Taka
'00
0
Cost
Amor
tisat
ion
Carry
ing a
mou
nt
As a
t31
Dec
embe
r20
14
6,40
0,26
9
53,0
49,2
58
59,4
49,5
27
308,
014
59,7
57,5
41
Taka
'00
0
As a
t1 J
anua
ry20
14
4,93
7,42
5
6,21
0,91
9
11,14
8,34
4 -
11,1
48,3
44
Taka
'00
0Ta
ka'0
00
Taka
'00
0Ta
ka'0
00
As
at
31 D
ecem
ber
2014
733,
275
43,7
32,8
92
44,4
66,16
8
308,
014
44,7
74,1
81
Taka
'00
0
Year
20
13
Soft
war
e an
d ot
hers
(Not
e 5.
1)
Tele
com
lice
nce
and
spec
trum
(Not
e 5.
3)
Capi
tal w
ork
in p
rogr
ess
(Not
e 5.
4)
Addi
tion
durin
g th
e ye
ar
60,3
78
17,2
48,8
75
17,3
09,2
53
17,2
48,8
75
34,5
58,1
28
Dis
posa
l/Ad
just
men
tdu
ring
the
year
(1,11
0,7
85) -
(1,11
0,7
85)
(17,
534,
404)
(18,
645
,189
)
As a
t31
Dec
embe
r20
13
5,77
0,50
4
53,0
49,2
58
58,8
19,7
62
62,7
85
58,8
82,5
47
Char
ged
durin
g th
eth
e ye
ar
800,
999
2,56
9,28
7
3,37
0,28
6 -
3,37
0,28
6
Dis
posa
l/Ad
just
men
tdu
ring
the
year
(1,11
0,78
5) -
(1,11
0,78
5) -
(1,1
10,7
85)
As a
t31
Dec
embe
r20
13
4,93
7,42
5
6,21
0,91
9
11,14
8,34
4 -
11,1
48,3
44
As a
t1 J
anua
ry20
13
6,82
0,91
1
35,8
00,3
83
42,6
21,2
94
348,
314
42,9
69,6
09
Taka
'00
0N
ame
of a
sset
sTa
ka'0
00
Taka
'00
0
Cost
Amor
tisat
ion
Carry
ing a
mou
nt
Taka
'00
0
As a
t1 J
anua
ry20
13
5,24
7,21
1
3,64
1,632
8,88
8,84
3 -
8,88
8,84
3
Taka
'00
0Ta
ka'0
00
Taka
'00
0Ta
ka'0
00
As a
t31
Dec
embe
r20
13
833,
079
46,8
38,3
39
47,6
71,4
18
62,7
85
47,7
34,2
03
Taka
'00
0
AnnualReport
2 0 1 4grameenphone
Notes to the Financial Statements 91
Overview
BusinessPerform
anceAdditional
Information
Financial AnalysisSustainability
Governance
169,790
110,273
107,412
387,475
As at31 December 2014
Taka'000171,373
233,910
154,752
560,034
As at31 December 2013
Taka'000Handset, data card and other devices
SIM card
Scratch card
5.1 Software and othersSoftware includes business software and network management software. Business software includes mainly billing
software, Oracle financial software, Data mining software, Campaign automation software etc. Network management
software represents NERM, HNMS, DMS, SGSN, OSS etc.
5.2 Disposal/ adjustment during 2014Disposal/ adjustment of software and others included accounting adjustment of Tk. 73,415,000 for derecognition of fully
depreciated assets no longer in use.
5.3 Telecom licence and spectrumGrameenphone, in 2013, acquired 3G licence and related 10 MHz of spectrum for 15 years effective from 12 September
2013.
The tenure of Mobile Cellular Licence and 14.6 MHz of spectrum acquired in 1996 expired on 10 November 2011. The tenure
of this 2G licence and spectrum was renewed for another 15 years on 7 August 2012. This 2G licence and spectrum was
recognised in accordance with IAS/BAS 38 Intangible Assets and was measured at the cash equivalent price being the
present value of the instalments. The difference between total payment and the cash equivalent price is recognised as
finance cost over the period of payment.
Total cost of telecom licence and spectrum also includes cost of 7.4 MHz of spectrum acquired in 2008 for 18 years.
5.4 Capital work in progress (CWIP)CWIP includes cost of software in process of installation/implementation and also software under testing phase awaiting
users' acceptance.
06 Investment in associate
Grameenphone disposed of 51% of its stake in its only subsidiary, Grameenphone IT Ltd. (GPIT) on 1 September 2013 and
thereby lost control over GPIT. However, Grameenphone retains significant influence over GPIT with its remaining 49%
stake. GP's remaining stake (49%) in GPIT has been measured at fair value at the date when control was lost. The fair value
(Tk. 540,235,154) has been determined based on the transaction price of 51% after giving adjustment for factors like
control premium. This fair value is regarded as the cost on initial recognition of 'investment in associate'. Initial carrying
amount of investment has increased by GP's share of investee's post-acquisition profit not yet distributed.
07 Inventories
During 2014, BDT 60,013,374 (2013: BDT 13,993,257) was recognised as an expense for inventories carried at net realisable
value. This is recognised in cost of materials and services.
7.1 Movement of inventories
Balance as at 1 January 2013
Purchase during 2013
Issue during 2013
Adjustment/write-off
Balance as at 31 December 2013
Balance as at 1 January 2014
Purchase during 2014
Issue during 2014
Adjustment/write-off
Balance as at 31 December 2014
223,666
785,156
(772,763)
236,060
(2,150)
233,910
233,910
555,500
(679,131)
110,279
(6)
110,273
89,897
1,279,668
(1,192,608)
176,957
(5,584)
171,373
171,373
1,911,399
(1,852,409)
230,363
(60,573)
169,790
95,967
522,781
(457,737)
161,011
(6,259)
154,752
154,752
497,316
(545,221)
106,847
565
107,412
SIM cardTaka'000
Handset, data cardand other device
Taka'000
Scratch card
Taka'000
80,890
2,913,505
162,135,010
99,773
4,390,528
211,459,231
As at31 December 2014
Units
As at31 December 2013
Units
7.2 Number of inventories
Handset, data card and other device
SIM card
Scratch card
6,280,721(1,482,094)
4,798,627
62359,825
1,134,7741,195,222
15,5381,243,9532,464,2183,723,7099,717,558
6,375,489(689,720)5,685,770
4,01823,258
1,569,3041,596,581
9,5882,096,8862,420,8524,527,326
11,809,676
As at31 December 2014
Taka'000
As at31 December 2013
Taka'000 Trade receivables (Note 8.1) Provision for bad debts (Note 8.2) Total trade receivables Other current receivables Interest receivable Receivables on Employees - Non-Interest Bearing Other non-interest-bearing receivables Total other current receivables Prepayments Deferred costs related to connection revenue Prepaid expenses Indirect tax Total prepayments Total trade and other receivables
7.3 SIM cardSIM cards include SIMs for new connections and replacement SIMs. Each new connection attracts SIM tax of BDT 300 and
each replacement SIM attracts SIM tax of BDT 100. Value added tax (VAT) and supplementary duty (SD) imposed on SIM
cards are popularly known as SIM tax.
08 Trade and other receivables
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Notes to the Financial Statements92
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Notes to the Financial Statements 93
Overview
BusinessPerform
anceAdditional
Information
Financial AnalysisSustainability
Governance
2,220,885
161,596
60,074
41,483
135,874
126,923
2,292,885
5,039,721
2,130,159
173,546
244,217
280,131
596,029
231,564
1,531,744
5,187,389
As at 31 December 2014
Taka'000
As at31 December 2013
Taka'000 Not past due
0-30 days past due
31-60 days past due
61-90 days past due
91-180 days past due
181-365 days past due
over 365 days past due
689,720
846,916
1,536,636
(54,542)
1,482,094
190,702
542,551
733,253
(43,534)
689,720
8.2 Provision for doubtful debts Opening balance
Provision made during the year
Written off during the year
Closing balance
418,480
4,380,147
1,482,094
6,280,721
(1,482,094)
4,798,627
412,267
5,273,503
689,720
6,375,489
(689,720)
5,685,770
8.3 Security against trade receivables Good and secured
Good with personal security/unsecured
Doubtful and bad
Gross trade receivables
Provision for bad and doubtful debts
Trade receivables, net
15,778
4,744,124
4,759,902
7,389
4,537,868
4,545,257
Cash in hand
Cash at bank
8.1 Trade receivablesThis included interconnection receivables of Tk. 5,039,720,538 as at 31 December 2014 (2013: Tk. 5,187,389,260). The
ageing of gross interconnection receivables as at the statement of financial position date was:
8.4 Debts due by directors, officers and other related partiesAs at 31 December 2014, trade and other receivables did not include any receivables from:
(a) the directors and other officers of the company;
(b) firms or private limited companies respectively in which any director of the company is a partner, director or member,
other than those disclosed in note 37.2; and
(c) companies under the same management.
09 Short-term investment
As at the statement of financial position date, there was no Fixed Deposit Receipts (FDR) having original maturity of three
months or more (2013: Tk. 44,931,297 with Southeast Bank Limited and Tk. 33,345,000 with One Bank Ltd.).
10 Cash and cash equivalents
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Notes to the Financial Statements94
40,000,00040,000,000
13,503,00013,503,000
40,000,00040,000,000
13,503,00013,503,000
As at31 December 2014
Taka'000
As at31 December 2013
Taka'000 Authorised: 4,000,000,000 ordinary shares of Tk. 10 each
Issued, subscribed, called up and paid up:
1,350,300,022 ordinary shares of Tk. 10 each
7,534,077,240
2,150
2,150
2,150
4,617,664,090
220
220
1,351,252,000
13,503,000,220
7,534,077,240
2,150
2,150
2,150
4,617,664,090
220
220
1,351,252,000
13,503,000,220
As at31 December 2014
As at31 December 2013
As at31 December 2014
55.8%0.0%0.0%0.0%34.2%0.0%0.0%10.0%100%
As at31 December 2013
55.8%0.0%0.0%0.0%34.2%0.0%0.0%10.0%100%
Name of shareholders
Telenor Mobile Communications AS, Norway Nye Telenor Mobile Communications II AS, Norway Nye Telenor Mobile Communications III AS, Norway Telenor Asia Pte Ltd, Singapore Grameen Telecom, Bangladesh Grameen Kalyan, Bangladesh Grameen Shakti, Bangladesh General public, GP employees and institution
10.1 Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash balances and call deposits with maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition that are subject to an insignificant risk of changes in their fair value, and are used by the company in the management of its short term commitments. Bank overdraft that are repayable on demand and form an integral part of company's cash management are included as a component of cash and cash equivalents for the statement of cash flows. Bank overdraft as at 31 December 2014 was nil and as at 31 December 2013 was BDT 3,788,052,715.
10.2 Restricted cash balanceCash at bank as at 31 December 2014 included BDT 5,367,876 equivalent to unused Mobicash points in customer wallet. This amount moves with changes in unused Mobicash points and is restricted for use.
11 Share capital
The company was initially registered with ordinary shares of Tk. 43.00 each. These shares were subsequently converted into Tk. 10 shares through a 43:1 split at the 16th EGM (held on 15 July 2008) and 1:10 reverse split at the 19th EGM (held on 2 July 2009).
There has been no change in share capital during the current and comparative period.
11.1 Shareholding position
a) Percentage of shareholdings
b) Classification of shareholders by range of number of shares held
% of holding Value of shares (Taka)
6,503,44211,597,4164,448,4874,216,6822,089,7352,067,287
1,114,2015,930,109
28,826,4271,283,506,2361,350,300,022
10,595,43317,696,8805,866,8595,428,6072,744,1021,690,7782,161,578
6,389,43326,418,847
1,271,307,5051,350,300,022
30,6507,435
600296
855924798923
39,340
48,10811,820
8033811104946908821
61,516
As at31 December 2014
As at31 December 2013
As at31 December 2014
As at31 December 2013
Shareholding range
1-500 501-5,000 5,001-10,000 10,001-20,000 20,001-30,000 30,001-40,000 40,001-50,000 50,001-100,000 100,001-1,000,000 1,000,001-1,000,000,000
No. of shareholders No. of shares
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Notes to the Financial Statements 95
Overview
BusinessPerform
anceAdditional
Information
Financial AnalysisSustainability
Governance
Future minimum lease payments and their presentvalue as at 31 December 2013 were as follows:
(i) Not later than one year
(ii) Later than one year but not later than five years
(iii) Later than five years
797,316
3,114,857
4,095,108
8,007,281
798,566
3,495,610
9,025,303
13,319,479
1,250
380,753
4,930,194
5,312,197
Future minimum lease payments and their presentvalue as at 31 December 2014 were as follows:
(i) Not later than one year
(ii) Later than one year but not later than five years
(iii) Later than five years
795,380
3,047,499
3,367,087
7,209,966
1,028,907
3,616,148
8,076,064
12,721,119
233,528
568,649
4,708,977
5,511,154
InterestTaka'000
Future minimumlease payments
Taka'000
Present value ofminimum lease payments
Taka'000
5,511,154233,528
5,277,626
5,312,1971,250
5,310,947
As at31 December 2014
Taka'000
As at31 December 2013
Taka'000Finance lease obligation Less: Current portion (Note 19.1)
12 Share premiumTotal amount of Tk. 8,384,003,437 was received as share premium in respect of shares issued to shareholders. Net issue cost of Tk. 543,777,495 was set off against share premium as per IAS/BAS 32 Financial Instruments: Presentation.
13 Capital reserveIn 1999, Grameenphone issued 5,086,779 preference shares of Tk. 45.84 each, which were converted into ordinary shares of Tk. 43.00 each in 2004. The balance Tk. 2.84 per share was transferred to capital reserve account. The conversion was in accordance with clauses 41 to 44 of Memorandum and Articles of Association of GP. This amount is not distributable as dividend as per the Companies Act 1994.
14 Deposit from shareholdersDeposit from shareholders as at the statement of financial position date represents balance of the share money received from Telenor Mobile Communications AS, Norway, which has not been used against issuance of shares.
15 Finance lease obligationGrameenphone entered into a lease agreement with Bangladesh Railway (BR) in 1997 for the right to use the optical fibre network along with its ancillary facilities. The lease was treated as operating lease until the end of 2004. Following an amendment to the lease agreement in 2004, it has been reclassified as finance lease and has been treated as such since 1 January 2005. The lease agreement was further amended on 13 June 2007 with Guaranteed Annual Rental (GAR) being revised and lease term being extended up to June 2027.
Obligation under finance lease was initially measured at an amount equal to the present value of minimum lease payments. The effect of change in lease agreement in 2007 was accounted for as an adjustment of the leased asset and obligation by the amount equal to the difference between the present value of revised minimum lease payments and the carrying amount of lease obligation at that date. GP's incremental borrowing rate, which was 15% at the inception of the lease, was used to calculate the present value of minimum lease payments, as it was impracticable to determine the implicit interest rate at that time.
Apart from the above, GP has obtained total 331 Km of fibre optic network (FON) from Summit Communications Limited against a lease contract for 30 years. This lease has been treated as finance lease as per IAS 17 Leases. Total lease obligation as of 31 December 2014 for this FON amounted to Tk. 200,206,865. Under the same lease agreement, we are expecting to have additional 116 Km of FON from the same company.
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Notes to the Financial Statements96
16 Loans and borrowings
Loans and borrowings include a long-term syndicated loan led by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) of USD 345 Million at 6-month-LIBOR + 3.5% interest rate. The full loan amount of USD 345 million has been drawn down in multiple tranches, repayment of which will commence in October 2015. The syndicate members include IFC, DEG, FMO, Proparco, CDC and OFID. This financial liability has been recognised at amortised cost as per IAS 39 Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement.
Current portion of loans and borrowings includes short-term bank loan of Tk. 1,500,000,000 and the portion of the above long-term syndicated loan falling due for repayment in next 12 months. Interest rate for the short term bank loan is 7.45%.
17 Deferred tax liabilities
Deferred tax assets and liabilities have been recognised and measured in accordance with the provisions of IAS/BAS 12 Income Taxes. Related deferred tax expense/(income) have been disclosed in note 33. The components of deferred tax assets and liabilities are given below:
As at 31 December 2014Property, plant and equipment (excluding land,
CWIP and leased assets) (Note 4)
Property, plant and equipment under finance lease (Note 4)
Difference for vehicle (Note 17.1)
Investment in associate
3G licence and spectrum
Trade receivables (Note 8)
Finance lease obligation including current portion (Note 15)
Other current liabilities (profit sharing plan)
2G licence and spectrum
Net taxable temporary difference
Deferred tax liability @40% tax rate (Note 3.10)
Deferred tax liability @15% tax rate (Note 17.2)
Deferred tax liabilities
26,810,791
-
-
36,751
14,949,025
6,101,654
-
-
26,009,600
51,907,441
4,577,792
(241,583)
695,524
15,751,207
4,798,627
(5,511,154)
(1,764,721)
24,090,035
25,096,650
4,577,792
(241,583)
29,432,859
658,773
802,182
(1,303,027)
(5,511,154)
(1,764,721)
(1,919,565)
20,395,347
7,894,630
98,816
7,993,446
Tax baseTaka'000
Carrying amountTaka'000
Taxable/ (deductible)temporary difference
Taka'000
As at 31 December 2013Property, plant and equipment (excluding land,
CWIP and leased assets) (Note 4)
Property, plant and equipment under finance lease (Note 4)
Difference for vehicle (Note 17.1)
Investment in associate
3G licence and spectrum
Trade receivables (Note 8)
Finance lease obligation including current portion (Note 15)
Other current liabilities (profit sharing plan)
2G licence and spectrum
Net taxable temporary difference
Deferred tax liability @40% tax rate (Note 3.10)
Deferred tax liability @15% tax rate (Note 17.2)
Deferred tax liabilities
25,003,336
-
-
36,751
16,098,950
6,209,861
-
-
28,177,067
53,397,336
4,477,078
(108,611)
570,516
16,903,734
5,685,770
(5,312,197)
(5,916,638)
25,714,082
28,394,000
4,477,078
(108,611)
32,762,467
533,765
804,784
(524,092)
(5,312,197)
(5,916,638)
(2,462,984)
19,885,105
7,740,536
80,065
7,820,601
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Notes to the Financial Statements 97
Overview
BusinessPerform
anceAdditional
Information
Financial AnalysisSustainability
Governance
428,515123,610
-79,260
631,385
489,662116,201
-97,452
703,316
As at31 December 2014
Taka'000
As at31 December 2013
Taka'000Security deposits from subscribers and channel partnersAsset retirement obligations (Note 18.1)Employee benefits - provision for gratuity (Note 18.2)Other non-current liabilities
116,2019,800
126,001(2,391)
123,610
110,95111,666
122,617(6,416)116,201
18.1 Asset retirement obligations (ARO) Opening balance Provision made during the year
Adjustment/payment made during the year Closing balance
5,180,56917,126,3198,955,03431,261,922
12,0103,299,877
34,573,809
7,859,31714,291,59014,701,418
36,852,3256,667
3,509,47640,368,468
Trade payablesAccrued expenses (Note 19.1)Liability for capital expenditure (Note 19.2)
Deferred connection revenueUnearned revenue
280,000(20,000)260,000
(260,000)-
232,615(21,000)
211,615(211,615)
-
18.2 Employee benefits - provision for gratuity Service cost Net interest expense/(income) Defined benefit cost Transfer to fund during the year Closing balance
17.1 Difference for vehicleThis represents the permanent difference related to sedan cars, not plying for hire, owned by GP. As per the provisions of
Income Tax Ordinance 1984, depreciation on such cars is allowed only up to certain limit of cost (currently Tk. 2 million per
car) of such cars for tax purpose. Difference for vehicle represents the amount of depreciated cost exceeding such limits.
17.2 Applicable tax rate for investment in associateTemporary difference related to 'investment in associate' is expected to be reversed through sale of shares in GPIT and
hence tax rate applicable to capital gain (15%) has been considered for deferred tax computation purpose.
18 Other non-current liabilities
Grameenphone recognises asset retirement obligations (ARO) in respect of roof-top base stations and office space for any
constructive and/or legal obligations for dismantling, removal or restoration incurred by the company as a consequence of
installing or constructing the sites. ARO is measured at the present value of expected cash outflows required to settle such
obligations. Unwinding of the discount is charged as finance expense in the profit or loss.
Net defined benefit liability was nil at the end of 2014. There was no change in the discount rate (12.0%) and expected
salary increase rate (10%). Grameenphone engaged a qualified actuary in the measurement of this post-employment
benefit plan (gratuity).
19 Trade and other payables
19.1 Accrued expenses include provision for BTRC revenue share, annual operating licence fee, operation, maintenance, office
running expenses and accrued financial expenses. It also includes current portion of the finance lease obligation (Tk.
233,527,787).
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Notes to the Financial Statements98
19.2 Liability for capital expenditure as at 31 December 2013 included liability for 3G licence and spectrum-2013.
20 Current tax payable
20.1 There was an uncertainty regarding tax deductibility of amortization of 49% of the 2G licence and spectrum cost. That
uncertainty is no longer there due to changes brought in by Finance Act 2014.
21 Other current liabilities
Other current liabilities mainly include accruals for performance bonuses, profit sharing plan (Tk. 1,764,720,502) and
payable for bills pay receipts (Tk. 577,946,973).
22 Revenue
22.1 Revenue from mobile communicationThis includes revenue from voice and non-voice traffic, subscription and connection fee and interconnection revenue.
22.2 Revenue from customer equipmentThis mainly includes revenue from sale of mobile handsets/devices and data cards.
22.3 Other revenuesThis mainly includes revenue from telecom facility sharing and commission income.
23 Cost of material and traffic charges
Traffic charges mainly include national and international interconnection cost.
Cost of materials and services includes cost of SIM card, scratch card, devices and contents. Cost of contents has been
reclassified from ‘revenue sharing, spectrum charges and licence fees’ to ‘cost of materials and services’ to better reflect
the business model of telecommunication business. Amount reclassified for 2013 is BDT 639,463,697.
24 Salaries and personnel cost
Salaries and personnel cost includes salaries, bonuses, different employment benefits including provident, gratuity, profit
sharing (WPPF), training and other related costs.
23,463,73315,090,07038,553,803(18,713,347)
(211,203)19,629,253
17,896,43719,605,35437,501,790
(14,038,057)-
23,463,733
Movement of income tax provision is shown as under:
Opening balanceProvision made during the year
Paid during the year (incl. tax deducted at source)AdjustmentsClosing balance
As at31 December 2014
Taka'000
As at31 December 2013
Taka'000
98,464,596
2,095,379
2,103,397
102,663,372
92,943,359
1,874,894
1,805,974
96,624,227
2014Taka'000
2013Taka'000
The following is an analysis of revenue for the year:
Revenue from mobile communication (Note 22.1)
Revenue from customer equipment (Note 22.2)
Other revenues (Note 22.3)
5,267,603
4,324,280
9,591,883
4,913,064
3,482,249
8,395,314
Traffic charges
Cost of materials and services
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Notes to the Financial Statements 99
Overview
BusinessPerform
anceAdditional
Information
Financial AnalysisSustainability
Governance
24.1 Number of employeesTotal number of employees having annual salary of BDT 36,000 or above each was 2,979 as at 31 December 2014 and
3,204 as at 31 December 2013.
24.2 Key management personnel compensation
25 Operation and maintenance
26 Sales, marketing and commissions
27 Revenue sharing, spectrum charges and licence fees
Grameenphone shares 5.5% of its revenue as 'revenue sharing' and 1.0% of its revenue as 'contribution to social obligation
fund' with BTRC as per licencing conditions. Licencing conditions also require Grameenphone to pay annual licence fee and
annual spectrum fee and charges.
28 Other operating expenses/(income), net
28.1 Consultancy and professional servicesThis includes fees for accounting and legal services, technical and business consultancy and other professional services.
803,6662,000
1,347,9121,981,279
822,331(247,307)
(19,937)1,020,019
5,709,963
995,0581,800
1,298,5901,945,799
521,333(122,370)
8,236939,082
5,587,529
Consultancy and professional services (Note 28.1)Statutory audit feesRental expense for property, plant and equipment (Note 28.2)Fuel and energy costsBad debt expense (Note 28.3)Rental and other income(Gain)/loss on disposal of assetsOthers (Note 28.4)
1,199,004
129,205
1,079
1,329,288
1,376,584
148,447
12,726
1,537,757
2014Taka'000
2013Taka'000
Short term employee benefits (salary and other allowances)
Post employment benefits (provident fund, gratuity etc.)
Other long term benefits
Key management personnel includes employees of the rank of Deputy General Manager (DGM), DGM equivalent and above.
3,332,034
386,873
1,351,702
5,070,609
4,030,944
333,164
659,304
5,023,411
Service maintenance fee
Vehicle maintenance expense
Other operation and maintenance
Service maintenance fee includes costs related to operation and maintenance of serviceability of mobile communication network.
3,264,156
2,468,102
7,468,464
13,200,722
5,023,853
2,200,669
7,221,955
14,446,477
Sales, marketing and representation costs
Advertisement and promotional expenses
Commissions
Sales, marketing and representation costs include costs related to trade marketing and subscriber acquisition.
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Notes to the Financial Statements100
28.2 Rental expense for property, plant and equipmentRent includes location rent for base stations, mobile switching centres (switch) and other locations. Future minimum lease
payments during non-cancellable period for such locations are as follows:
28.3 Bad debt expense
28.4 OthersThis includes office supplies, printing and postage, travelling, subscriptions, meeting, insurance etc.
29 Depreciation and amortisation
30 Share of profit of associate
Share of profit of associate represents Grameenphone’s share of Accenture Communications Infrastructure Solutions Ltd.'s
(previously known as GPIT) profit for the year ended 31 December 2014. This share of profit is not recognised in GP’s
separate financial statements until is realised through dividend. Dividend income is recognised when Grameenphone’s
rights to receive payment is established.
31 Finance expense/(income), net
32 Foreign exchange (gain)/loss
846,916
(24,585)
822,331
542,551
(21,218)
521,333
Provision made/(reversed) during the year
Recovery of bad debt during the year
Bad debt expense
Provision for doubtful debts has been made as per policy of the company mentioned in Note 3.7.
13,748,237
3,908,431
17,656,668
11,968,744
3,370,286
15,339,030
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment
Amortisation of intangible assets
(347,769)
206,852
(140,917)
(1,214,576)
21,696
(1,192,879)
Exchange gain
Exchange loss
(262,369)
2,212,817
356,553
2,307,001
(332,134)
2,098,129
828,962
2,594,957
Interest income
Interest expense
Other finance expenses
(i) Not later than one year
(ii) Later than one year but not later than five years
(iii) Later than five years
455,559
-
-
455,559
357,644
-
-
357,644
2014Taka'000
2013Taka'000
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Notes to the Financial Statements 101
Overview
BusinessPerform
anceAdditional
Information
Financial AnalysisSustainability
Governance
33 Income tax expense
Income tax expense for the year ended 31 December 2013 included additional current tax impact of Tk. 1,906,265,586 and additional deferred tax impact of Tk. 1,323,913,545 for the income year 2012 resulting from change in tax rate from 35% to 40% by Finance Act 2013.
34 Earnings per share
34.1 Weighted average number of ordinary sharesThe weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the period is the number of ordinary shares
outstanding at the beginning of the period, adjusted by the number of ordinary shares issued during the period multiplied
by a time-weighting factor. The time-weighting factor is the number of days that the shares are outstanding as a
proportion of the total number of days in the period.
34.2 Diluted earnings per shareNo diluted earnings per share is required to be calculated for the periods presented as GP has no dilutive potential ordinary
shares.
35 Financial risk management
Company’s financial risk management is governed by Treasury Policy as approved by the Board of Directors. Company’s principal financial assets include trade and other receivables, cash and short-term deposits that arise directly from its operations. Company’s financial liabilities mainly include trade and other payables, finance lease obligation and loans and borrowings. The main purpose of these financial liabilities is to finance the company’s operations. The company is exposed to credit risk, liquidity risk and market risk in relation to its financial instruments.
35.1 Credit riskCredit risk is the risk that one party to a financial instrument will cause a financial loss for the other party by failing to discharge an obligation. Company’s exposure to credit risk primarily relates to trade receivables and balances with banks including short and long term deposits.
Customer credit risk, where appropriate, is assessed by using qualitative and quantitative criteria. Outstanding trade receivables are regularly monitored and appropriate impairment charge is considered as per company’s policy.
19,803,282,618
1,350,300,022
14.67
14,701,574,489
1,350,300,022
10.89
Profit for the year (in Taka)
Weighted average number of shares (Note 34.1)
Basic and diluted earnings per share (Note 3.16) ( in Taka)
Current tax expenseIncome tax expenses for the year (Note 3.10)
Adjustment for previous years
Deferred tax expense/(income)Deferred tax expense/(income) relating to origination and
reversal of temporary differences
Deferred tax expense/(income) resulting from
increase in tax rate
15,090,070
(211,203)
14,878,867
172,845
-
172,845
15,051,712
17,699,088
1,906,266
19,605,354
(2,778,770)
1,323,914
(1,454,856)
18,150,498
2014Taka'000
2013Taka'000
AnnualReport
2 0 1 4grameenphone
Notes to the Financial Statements102
4,356,176284,150143,590
47911,7002,532
4,798,627
5,339,712156,488174,559
7,1155,1752,721
5,685,770
DomesticAsiaEuropeAustraliaAmericaAfrica
Credit risk relating to balances with banks is managed by treasury department in accordance with company’s policy. Minimizing counterparty risk is given more importance to yield on investment in making investment decisions. Counterparty limits are reviewed and approved as per company’s authority matrix.
Company’s maximum exposure to credit risk for the components of the statement of financial position was represented by
the carrying amounts as illustrated below:
Trade receivables
Other current receivables Interest receivable Receivables on Employees - Non-Interest Bearing Other non-interest-bearing receivables
Short term investmentCash at bank
The maximum exposure to credit risk for trade receivables as at the statement of financial position date by geographicregions was:
4,798,627
62359,825
1,134,7741,195,222
-4,744,124
10,737,973
5,685,770
4,01823,258
1,569,3041,596,581
78,2764,537,868
11,898,495
As at31 December 2014
Taka'000
As at31 December 2013
Taka'000
Fina
nce
leas
e ob
ligat
ion
(incl
udin
g cu
rren
t por
tion)
Loan
s an
d bo
rrow
ings
- lo
ng-t
erm
Loan
s an
d bo
rrow
ings
- s
hort
-ter
m
Fo
reig
n
Lo
cal
Trad
e an
d ot
her p
ayab
les
Tr
ade
paya
bles
Ac
crue
d ex
pens
es
Li
abili
ty fo
r cap
ital e
xpen
ditu
re
Oth
er c
urre
nt li
abili
ties
Mat
urity
date
June
20
27
April
20
20
Dece
mbe
r 201
5
Janu
ary
2015
Dece
mbe
r 201
5
Dece
mbe
r 201
5
Dece
mbe
r 201
5
Dece
mbe
r 201
5
Nom
inal
Inte
rest
rate
15%
6-mo
nth-LI
BOR +
3.5%
6-mo
nth-LI
BOR +
3.5%
7.45
%
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
6-12
mon
ths
421,8
84
-
3,20
1,939
-
1,295
,142
7,26
3,90
0
7,13
8,96
5 -
19,3
21,8
30
1-2
year
s
858,
835
6,24
9,72
8 - - - - - -
7,10
8,56
3
2-5
year
s
2,75
7,31
3
17,5
15,9
87
- - - - - -
20
,273
,30
0
Carr
ying
amou
nt
5,51
1,154
24,0
03,
730
2,64
7,58
3
1,50
0,0
00
5,18
0,5
69
16,8
92,7
92
8,95
5,0
34
3,0
51,4
91
67,7
42,3
51
Taka
'00
0
Cont
ract
ual
cash
flow
s
12,7
21,11
9
26,5
05,
205
3,71
5,77
0
1,50
5,58
8
5,18
0,5
69
16,8
92,7
92
8,95
5,0
34
3,0
51,4
91
78,5
27,5
66
Taka
'00
0
6 m
onth
sor
less
607,
024
-
513,
832
1,50
5,58
8
3,88
5,42
7
9,62
8,89
1
1,816
,069
3,0
51,4
91
21,0
08,
320
Taka
'00
0Ta
ka'0
00
Taka
'00
0Ta
ka'0
00
Mor
e th
an5
year
s
8,0
76,0
64
2,73
9,49
0 - - - - - -
10,8
15,5
54
Taka
'00
0
35.2
Liq
uidi
ty ri
skLi
quid
ity ri
sk is
the
risk
that
the
com
pany
is u
nabl
e to
mee
t its
fina
ncia
l obl
igat
ions
as
they
fall
due.
The
com
pany
fore
cast
s its
cas
h flo
w re
quire
men
ts a
nd e
nsur
es th
at it
has
suffi
cien
t cas
h an
d ca
sh e
quiv
alen
ts a
nd lo
an fa
cilit
ies
to c
over
exp
ecte
d ne
eds
for l
iqui
dity
dur
ing
the
next
12 m
onth
s. T
he c
ompa
ny m
aint
ains
a b
alan
ced
mat
urity
pro
file
of
debt
obl
igat
ions
and
in g
ener
al m
inim
izes
cur
rent
exc
ess
cash
.
The
tabl
e be
low
giv
es th
e m
atur
ity p
rofil
e of
the
com
pany
's fin
anci
al li
abili
ties
base
d on
con
trac
tual
und
isco
unte
d pa
ymen
ts.
As a
t 31
Dec
embe
r 20
14
AnnualReport
2 0 1 4grameenphone
Notes to the Financial Statements 103
Overview
BusinessPerform
anceAdditional
Information
Financial AnalysisSustainability
Governance
AnnualReport
2 0 1 4grameenphone
Notes to the Financial Statements104
Fina
nce
leas
e ob
ligat
ion
Loan
s an
d bo
rrow
ings
- lo
ng-t
erm
Loan
s an
d bo
rrow
ings
- s
hort
-ter
m
Trad
e an
d ot
her p
ayab
les
Tr
ade
paya
bles
Ac
crue
d ex
pens
es
Li
abili
ty fo
r cap
ital e
xpen
ditu
re
Oth
er c
urre
nt li
abili
ties
Mat
urity
perio
d
June
20
27
April
20
20
Janu
ary
2014
Dece
mbe
r 201
4
Dece
mbe
r 201
4
Dece
mbe
r 201
4
Dece
mbe
r 201
4
Nom
inal
Inte
rest
rate
15%
6-mo
nth-LI
BOR +
3.5%
10%
-11%
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
6-12
mon
ths
406,
817
228,
713 -
1,964
,829
6,14
5,38
4
11,7
19,9
90
-
20,4
65,7
33
1-2
year
s
828,
701
1,622
,698
- - - - -
2,45
1,398
2-5
year
s
2,66
6,90
9
7,88
9,61
0 - - - - -
10,5
56,5
19
Carr
ying
amou
nt
5,31
0,9
47
11,6
65,2
14
7,70
0,0
00
7,85
9,31
7
14,2
91,5
90
14,7
01,4
18
7,0
47,7
96
68,5
76,2
82
Taka
'00
0
Cont
ract
ual
cash
flow
s
13,3
19,4
79
13,5
89,9
03
7,70
0,0
00
7,85
9,31
7
14,2
91,5
90
14,7
01,4
18
7,0
47,7
96
78,5
09,
502
Taka
'00
0
6 m
onth
sor
less
391,7
49
212,
466
7,70
0,0
00
5,89
4,48
8
8,14
6,20
6
2,98
1,428
7,0
47,7
96
32,3
74,13
3
Taka
'00
0Ta
ka'0
00
Taka
'00
0Ta
ka'0
00
Mor
e th
an5
year
s
9,0
25,3
03
3,63
6,41
7 - - - - -
12,6
61,7
20
Taka
'00
0
Liqu
idit
y ri
sk (c
ontd
...)
As a
t 31
Dec
embe
r 20
13
AnnualReport
2 0 1 4grameenphone
Notes to the Financial Statements 105
Overview
BusinessPerform
anceAdditional
Information
Financial AnalysisSustainability
Governance
77.9
210
.48
121.2
994
.72
0.6
5
77.6
812
.80
128.
6810
7.0
60
.74
31 D
ecem
ber 2
014
Taka
31 D
ecem
ber 2
013
Taka
The
follo
win
g si
gnifi
cant
exc
hang
e ra
tes
have
bee
n ap
plie
d:
US
Dol
lar (
USD
)N
orw
egia
n Kr
oner
(NO
K)G
reat
Brit
ain
Poun
d (G
BP)
EURO
(EU
R)Ja
pane
se Y
en (J
PY)
35.3
Mar
ket r
isk
Mar
ket r
isk
is th
e ris
k th
at th
e fa
ir va
lue
of fu
ture
cas
h flo
ws o
f a fi
nanc
ial i
nstr
umen
t will
fluc
tuat
e be
caus
e of
cha
nges
in m
arke
t pric
es. M
arke
t ris
k co
mpr
ises
thre
e ty
pes o
f ris
k:
curr
ency
risk
, int
eres
t rat
e ris
k an
d ot
her p
rice
risk.
a)
Curr
ency
risk
Fore
ign
curr
ency
risk
is th
e ris
k of
cha
nges
in th
e fa
ir va
le o
r fut
ure
cash
flow
s of
an
expo
sure
due
to c
hang
es in
fore
ign
exch
ange
rate
s. T
he c
ompa
ny's
expo
sure
to fo
reig
n
curr
ency
risk
rela
tes
prim
arily
to th
e co
mpa
ny's
oper
atin
g ac
tiviti
es (c
onsu
ltanc
y, ro
amin
g re
venu
e an
d ex
pens
e) a
nd fi
nanc
ing
activ
ities
(bor
row
ing
in fo
reig
n cu
rren
cy).
The
com
pany
is m
ainl
y ex
pose
d to
cha
nges
in U
SD a
nd N
OK
rate
s. T
he c
ompa
ny's
expo
sure
to fo
reig
n cu
rren
cy c
hang
es fo
r oth
er c
urre
ncie
s is
not
mat
eria
l.
i) Ex
posu
re to
cur
renc
y ri
skTh
e co
mpa
ny's
expo
sure
to m
onet
ary
asse
ts a
nd li
abili
ties
deno
min
ated
in fo
reig
n cu
rren
cies
was
as
follo
ws
(tak
a in
thou
sand
):
Fore
ign
curr
ency
den
omin
ated
ass
ets
Rece
ivab
le fr
om T
elen
or e
ntiti
esAc
coun
ts re
ceiv
able
Cash
at b
ank
Fore
ign
curr
ency
den
omin
ated
liab
ilitie
sLo
ans
and
borr
owin
gsPa
yabl
e to
oth
er T
elen
or e
ntiti
es*
Trad
e an
d ot
her p
ayab
les
for e
xpen
ses
Net
exp
osur
e
* Pay
able
to o
ther
Tel
enor
ent
ities
repr
esen
ts p
ayab
le fo
r bus
ines
s se
rvic
e co
sts,
con
sulta
ncy
fees
etc
. whi
ch a
re in
clud
ed m
ainl
y in
trad
e an
d ot
her p
ayab
les.
47,2
7542
0,15
548
2,94
395
0,37
2
(27,
155,
488)
(965
,745
)(4
11,2
44)
(28,
532,
476)
(27,
582,
104)
- - - - -(1
,079
,904
) -(1
,079
,904
)(1
,079
,904
)
- - - - - - - - -
- 24 - 24 - -(2
,362
)(2
,362
)(2
,337
)
- - - - - - - - -
USD
NO
KG
BPEU
RJP
YAs
at 3
1 D
ecem
ber 2
014
20,4
3934
6,05
818
4,32
555
0,82
2
(11,6
65,2
14)
(450
,644
)(3
,065
,417
)(1
5,18
1,275
)(1
4,63
0,45
3)
- - - - -(1
,658
,945
) -(1
,658
,945
)(1
,658
,945
)
2,80
5 - -2,
805 - - - -
2,80
5
1,137 - -
1,137 -
(3,2
39)
(1,9
07)
(5,14
6)(4
,009
)
- - - - - -(2
2,51
8)(2
2,51
8)(2
2,51
8)
USD
NO
KG
BPEU
RJP
YAs
at 3
1 D
ecem
ber 2
013
Exch
ange
rate
as
at
AnnualReport
2 0 1 4grameenphone
Notes to the Financial Statements106
Market risk (contd..)
ii) Foreign exchange rate sensitivity analysis for foreign currency expendituresA change of 10 basis points in foreign currencies would have increased/ (decreased) equity and profit or loss of the company by the amounts shown below. This analysis assumes that all other variables, in particular interest rates remain constant.
b) Interest rate riskInterest rate risk is the risk that the fair value or future cash flows of a financial instrument will fluctuate because of changes in market interest rate. Exposure to fair value movement relates to fixed rate instruments subject to fair value accounting and exposure to cash flow fluctuation relates to variable rate instruments. The company is primarily exposed to cash flow fluctuation arising from variable rate borrowings. The objective of interest rate risk management for Grameenphone is to reduce financial cost and ensure predictability.
ProfileAs at 31 December 2014, the interest rate profile of the company's interest bearing financial instruments was:
-
1,500,000
26,651,313
78,276
7,700,000
11,665,214
As at31 December 2014
Taka'000
As at31 December 2013
Taka'000Fixed rate instrumentsFinancial assets Short-term investmentFinancial liabilities Loans and borrowings
Floating rate instrumentsFinancial liabilities Loans and borrowings
Carrying amount
(27,582)
(1,080)
-
(2)
-
(28,664)
27,582
1,080
-
2
-
28,664
(27,582)
(1,080)
-
(2)
-
(28,664)
27,582
1,080
-
2
-
28,664
31 December 2014
Expenditures denominated in USD
Expenditures denominated in NOK
Expenditures denominated in GBP
Expenditures denominated in EURO
Expenditures denominated in JPY
Exchange rate sensitivity
Profit or loss Equity10 bp increase
Taka'00010 bp decrease
Taka'00010 bp increase
Taka'00010 bp decrease
Taka'000
31 December 2013
Expenditures denominated in USD
Expenditures denominated in NOK
Expenditures denominated in GBP
Expenditures denominated in EURO
Expenditures denominated in JPY
Exchange rate sensitivity
(14,630)
(1,659)
3
(4)
(23)
(16,313)
14,630
1,659
(3)
4
23
16,313
(14,630)
(1,659)
3
(4)
(23)
(16,313)
14,630
1,659
(3)
4
23
16,313
AnnualReport
2 0 1 4grameenphone
Notes to the Financial Statements 107
Overview
BusinessPerform
anceAdditional
Information
Financial AnalysisSustainability
Governance
Financial assets
Assets carried at fair valuethrough profit or loss
Held to maturity assetsShort term investment
Loans and receivablesTrade and other receivables
Financial liabilities
Liabilities carried at fair valuethrough profit or loss
Liabilities carried at amortised costsFinance lease obligationLoans and borrowings - long-termTrade and other payablesLoans and borrowings - short-termOther current liabilities
-
-
9,717,558
-
5,277,62624,003,73034,573,809
4,147,5833,051,491
-
-
9,717,558
-
5,277,62624,003,730
N/A*4,147,583
N/A*
As at 31 December 2014
-
78,276
11,809,676
-
5,310,94711,665,214
40,368,4687,700,0007,047,796
-
78,276
11,809,676
-
5,310,94711,665,214
N/A*7,700,000
N/A*
Carrying amount Taka'000
Fair value Taka'000
Carrying amount Taka'000
Fair value Taka'000
As at 31 December 2013
201415.00%
-6-month-LIBOR + 3.5% - 7.45%
201315.00%
11.50%-12.50%6-month-LIBOR + 3.5%
Finance lease obligationShort term investmentLoans and borrowings
* Fair value of such instruments is not likely to be significantly different from the carrying amounts of such instruments.
Fair value of financial assets and liabilities of the company together with carrying amount shown in the statement of
financial position were as follows:
Interest rates used to determine amortised cost
The interest rates used to discount estimated cash flows, when applicable, were as follows:
36 Capital management
For the purpose of company's capital management, capital includes issued capital, share premium and all other equity
reserves attributable to the equity holders of the company. The primary objective of company's capital management is to
support long-term strategic ambitions of the company.
In order to maintain or adjust the capital structure, the company may adjust the amount of dividend, return capital to
shareholders, issue new shares or obtain long-term debt. Company has capital structure and dividend policy approved by
its Board of Directors.
There have been no breaches in the financial covenants of any interest-bearing loans and borrowings in the current period.
No changes were made in the objectives, policies or processes for managing capital during the year ended 31 December
2014.
AnnualReport
2 0 1 4grameenphone
Notes to the Financial Statements108
37
Rel
ated
par
ty d
iscl
osur
es
Dur
ing
the
year
end
ed 3
1 Dec
embe
r 20
14, t
he c
ompa
ny e
nter
ed in
to a
num
ber o
f tra
nsac
tions
with
rela
ted
part
ies i
n th
e no
rmal
cou
rse
of b
usin
ess.
The
nam
es o
f the
sign
ifica
nt
rela
ted
part
ies,
nat
ure
of t
hese
tra
nsac
tions
[ex
pend
iture
s/(r
even
ue)/
, rec
eiva
bles
/(pa
yabl
es)
and
divi
dend
pay
men
ts]
and
amou
nts
ther
eof
have
bee
n se
t ou
t be
low
in
acco
rdan
ce w
ith th
e pr
ovis
ions
of I
AS/B
AS 2
4 Re
late
d Pa
rty
Dis
clos
ures
. Nat
ure
of re
latio
nshi
p an
d si
gnifi
canc
e of
the
amou
nts
have
bee
n co
nsid
ered
in g
ivin
g th
is d
iscl
osur
e.
37.1
Rel
ated
par
ty tr
ansa
ctio
ns d
urin
g th
e ye
ar
10,9
24,4
12 3 3 3
220
,227
6,69
5,61
3 - -
1,416
,622
(57,
247)
440
,819
279,
201
261,3
90
28,5
30
348,
00
7
10,5
47,7
08 3 3 3
220
,326
6,46
4,73
0 - -
1,265
,324
(27,
364)
626,
101 -
308,
855
23,4
95
64,8
76
2014
Taka
'00
020
13Ta
ka'0
00
Nam
e of
rela
ted
part
ies
Tele
nor M
obile
Com
mun
icat
ions
AS
Nye
Tel
enor
Mob
ile C
omm
unic
atio
ns II
AS
Nye
Tel
enor
Mob
ile C
omm
unic
atio
ns II
I AS
Tele
nor A
sia
Pte.
Ltd
.
Gra
mee
n Te
leco
m
Gra
mee
n Ka
lyan
Gra
mee
n Sh
akti
Acce
ntur
e Co
mm
unic
atio
ns In
frast
ruct
ure
Solu
tions
Ltd
.
Tele
nor A
SA
Tele
nor C
onsu
lt AS
Tele
nor G
loba
l Ser
vice
s AS
Tele
nor G
loba
l Sha
red
Serv
ices
AS
Nat
ure
Shar
ehol
der
Shar
ehol
der
Shar
ehol
der
Shar
ehol
der
Shar
ehol
der
Shar
ehol
der
Shar
ehol
der
Asso
ciat
e
Tele
nor g
roup
ent
ity
Tele
nor g
roup
ent
ity
Tele
nor g
roup
ent
ity
Tele
nor g
roup
ent
ity
Nat
ure
of tr
ansa
ctio
ns
Div
iden
d pa
ymen
t
Div
iden
d pa
ymen
t
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and
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IT s
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ost
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and
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Cons
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AnnualReport
2 0 1 4grameenphone
Notes to the Financial Statements 109
Overview
BusinessPerform
anceAdditional
Information
Financial AnalysisSustainability
Governance
As a
t31
Dec
embe
r 20
14Ta
ka'0
00
As a
t31
Dec
embe
r 20
13Ta
ka'0
00
4,90
7
(17,
192)
110
,462
(371
,644
)
6,39
5
(1,4
95,0
04)
10,5
42
(58,
280
) -
(39,
761)
11,10
3
(40
3,59
2)
3,17
0
(35,
484)
15,0
62
(157
,958
)
14,2
07
(2,2
84,0
94)
407,
248
(51,2
50) -
(27,
159) -
(168
,095
)
Nam
e of
rela
ted
part
ies
Gra
mee
n Te
leco
m
Acce
ntur
e Co
mm
unic
atio
ns In
frast
ruct
ure
Solu
tions
Ltd
.
Tele
nor A
SA
Tele
nor C
onsu
lt AS
Tele
nor G
loba
l Ser
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s AS
Tele
nor G
loba
l Sha
red
Serv
ices
AS
Nat
ure
Shar
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der
Asso
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e
Tele
nor g
roup
ent
ity
Tele
nor g
roup
ent
ity
Tele
nor g
roup
ent
ity
Tele
nor g
roup
ent
ity
Nat
ure
of tr
ansa
ctio
ns
Acco
unts
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Acco
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pay
able
Acco
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le
Acco
unts
pay
able
Acco
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le
Acco
unts
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Acco
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Acco
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Acco
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37.2
Rec
eiva
bles
/(pa
yabl
es) w
ith
rela
ted
part
ies
38 Expense/expenditure and (revenue) in foreign currency during the year
39 Short-term credit facilities available as at 31 December 2014
The company enjoys composite working capital facilities including both funded and non-funded facilities from 24 banks and 1 non-bank financial institution (2013: 21 banks and 1 non-bank financial institution). The non-funded facilities include Letters of Credit (LC), Shipping Guarantee, Letters of Guarantee and Foreign Exchange Forward Contracts. The funded facilities include overdraft facility and short term loan. Import loans, though funded in nature, have been incorporated under non-funded facilities given that they are availed solely for the purpose of settlement of LC. The aggregate amount of arranged composite working capital facilities is Tk. 50,696 million (2013: Tk. 50,134 million) of which non-funded limit is Tk. 27,514 million (2013: Tk. 30,348 million) and funded limit is Tk. 30,083 million (2013: Tk. 29,876 million).
As per the approval of the Board of Directors of GP, the total amount of short-term funded facilities are limited to maximum drawing of USD 250 million (2013: USD 250 million) in equivalent BDT.
Security against short term credit facilitiesThe short-term credit facilities are unsecured and backed by standard charge documents as per terms and conditions set by respective banks and financial institutions.
40 Commitments
41 Contingencies
The company is currently involved in a number of legal proceedings, including inquiries from, or discussions with, governmental authorities that are incidental to its operations. However, save as disclosed below, the company is not currently involved in any legal or arbitration proceedings which may have a significant effect on the financial position or profitability of the company but for which any provision has not been recognised in these financial statements.
(a) BTRC auditBTRC carried out an audit of the information system of Grameenphone from April 2011 and issued a letter on 3 October 2011 claiming an amount of Tk. 30,341,108,581 on various grounds. Grameenphone during and after the audit clarified to both BTRC and auditors appointed by BTRC that those observations were framed on wrong basis. Grameenphone disagrees to the claim made by BTRC and responded to the letter requesting BTRC to review the notice. GP also took the issue to the court and obtained a 'status quo' valid till disposal of the rule.
-7,881,889
499,935261,390
11,8481,191,200
211,039
(996,535)
61,8026,195,633
843,567393,996
25,686462,327181,960
(270,440)
CIF value of imports SIM card and scratch card Telecommunication equipment
Expenditure in foreign currency Consultancy fee Consultancy fee - expatriate Other fee (travel and training) Technical know how International roaming cost
Foreign earnings Revenue from roaming partners
4,810,610 7,078,279
1 January to31 December 2014
Taka'000
1 January to31 December 2013
Taka'000
As at31 December 2014
Taka'000
As at31 December 2013
Taka'000Capital commitment (open purchase order)
The company as lessee has finance and operating lease commitments as disclosed in Note 15 and Note 28.2.
AnnualReport
2 0 1 4grameenphone
Notes to the Financial Statements110
(b) SIM tax on replacement SIMsLarge Taxpayer Unit (LTU)-VAT by a letter dated 16 May 2012 claimed SIM tax of BDT 15,804,391,570 for all replacement
SIMs issued during the period from July 2007 to December 2011 alleging that Grameenphone evaded SIM tax by selling
new connections in the name of replacement SIMs. GP challenged the demand by a writ petition and the High Court initially
passed a stay order on the operation of the demand. The High Court later on 6 June 2013 disposed of the writ petition filed
by Grameenphone and asked LTU VAT Commissioner to decide on this matter within 120 days and make no demand in the
mean time. Consequently a SIM Replacement Review Committee was constituted by the Commissioner. The LTU
representatives of the Committee in January 2014 finalized their observations and asked mobile operators including
Grameenphone to give their feedback. LTU in their observations have not changed their earlier position much as far as ‘fact
finding’ is concerned. The mobile operators expressed their dissatisfaction over the findings and the way LTU appointed
members of the committee disregarded the spirit of the ‘Terms of Reference’ and agreed methodology as endorsed by
BTRC in carrying out the review. Such deviation is evident from significant deviation between interim report and final
observations. Grameenphone received a letter from LTU-VAT asking Grameenphone to attend a hearing on 25 January
2015. By way of a Writ Petition, Grameenphone challenged the premises on which the ‘hearing notice’ was served and
obtained a stay order on 19 January 2015 on the operation of that notice for an interim period of three months pending
hearing of the Writ Petition.
(c) VAT rebate on 2G licence renewal fee2G licence of Grameenphone was renewed on 7 August 2012 for the next 15 years effective from November 2011. 100% of
the licence renewal fee has been capitalised based on the assumption that GP's VAT exposure will be nil. This assumption is
based on the High Court's verdict in February 2012.
However, the lawsuit over the VAT rebate mechanism is still pending before the Appellate Division. If Appellate Division
ruled that GP would be required to pay VAT and would not get rebate for this VAT, GP's financial exposure for this licence
would increase by 15% (i.e. BDT 4,876,800,000) of the licence renewal fee.
(d) Claim for VAT based on C&AG auditLarge Taxpayer Unit (LTU)-VAT on 14 May 2014 issued a ‘pay or explain’ demand of BDT 16.60 billion referring an
assessment by Local and Revenue Audit Department of Comptroller and Auditor General (C&AG) office. C&AG office has
made this assessment for the fiscal year 2010-11 and 2011-12. Grameenphone disagrees to the findings of the assessment
referred by LTU because of lack of jurisdiction and improper procedures followed and relevant facts and legal provisions
being misconstrued in reaching the conclusion. Grameenphone has taken this issue to court and the High Court on 28 May
2014 issued a rule nisi asking respondents to show cause as to why the demand shall not be declared to have been issued
without lawful authority and is of no legal effect and stayed the operation of the demand. The High Court on 15 December
2014 heard the case and passed a judgment making the rule absolute without any cost and set aside the demand. No
provision for this demand has been considered in the financials.
42 Other disclosures
42.1 Segment informationGrameenphone essentially provides similar products and services to customers across the country and its products and
services essentially have similar risk profile. Grameenphone's business is not organised in product or geographical
components and its operating result is reviewed as a whole by its management. Hence, segment information is not
relevant.
42.2 Events after the reporting periodThe Board of Directors of Grameenphone Ltd. at its 153rd meeting held on 8 February 2015 recommended a final cash
dividend amounting to BDT 8,776,950,143 being 65% of the paid-up capital (i.e. BDT 6.5 per share) for the year 2014. Total
cash dividend including this final cash dividend stands at 160% of the paid-up capital (i.e., BDT 16 per share) for the year
2014. These dividends are subject to final approval by the shareholders at the forthcoming annual general meeting of the
company.
AnnualReport
2 0 1 4grameenphone
Notes to the Financial Statements 111
Overview
BusinessPerform
anceAdditional
Information
Financial AnalysisSustainability
Governance
AnnualReport
2 0 1 4grameenphone
Notes to the Financial Statements112
102,663,372
(9,591,883)
(6,455,286)
(5,070,609)
(13,200,722)
(8,082,170)
(5,709,963)
(17,656,668)
(65,767,301)
36,896,071
-
-
(2,307,001)
140,917
(2,166,084)
34,729,987
(15,032,961)
19,697,026
-
19,697,026
14.59
96,624,227
(8,395,314)
(7,062,188)
(5,023,411)
(14,446,477)
(7,571,339)
(5,587,529)
(15,339,030)
(63,425,287)
33,198,940
-
521,445
(2,594,957)
1,192,879
(880,632)
32,318,308
(18,070,433)
14,247,875
-
14,247,875
10.55
2014Taka'000
2013Taka'000
Revenue
Operating expenses Cost of material and traffic charges
Salaries and personnel cost
Operation and maintenance
Sales, marketing and commissions
Revenue sharing, spectrum charges and licence fees
Other operating (expenses)/income, net
Depreciation and amortisation
Operating profit
Share of profit of associate
Gain on sale of shares in GPIT
Finance (expense)/income, net
Foreign exchange gain/(loss)
Profit before income tax
Income tax expense
Profit after tax
Other comprehensive incomeTotal comprehensive income for the year
Earnings per share Basic and diluted earnings per share
(par value Tk. 10 each in Taka)
Supplementary informationSeparate Statement of Comprehensive Income of Grameenphone Ltd. for the year ended 31 December 2014.
Md. ManikFish traderGrameenphone user for the last 10 years
“My orders are growing everyday as now I can contact my suppliers directly with my reliable Grameenphone network.”
Range of Shareholdings Number ofShareholders PercentageTotal Number of Shares
001 to 500
501 to 5,000
5,001 to 10,000
10,001 to 20,000
20,001 to 30,000
30,001 to 40,000
40,001 to 50,000
50,001 to 100,000
100,001 to 1,000,000
1,000,001 to 1,000,000,000
Total
30,650
7,435
600
296
85
59
24
79
89
23
39,340
6,503,442
11,597,416
4,448,487
4,216,682
2,089,735
2,067,287
1,114,201
5,930,109
28,826,427
1,283,506,236
1,350,300,022
0.48%
0.86%
0.33%
0.31%
0.16%
0.15%
0.08%
0.44%
2.14%
95.05%
100%
For the Year Dividend Rate Dividend PerShare (BDT)
Par ValuePer Share (BDT) Dividend Type
2014
2013
2012
2011
2010
65% (Proposed Final Dividend)
95 % (Interim Dividend)
50% (Final Dividend)
90 % (Interim Dividend)
50% (Final Dividend)
90 % (Interim Dividend)
65% (Final Dividend)
140 % (Interim Dividend)
85 % (Final Dividend)
35 % (Interim Dividend)
6.50
9.50
5.00
9.00
5.00
9.00
6.50
14.00
8.50
3.50
10.00
10.00
10.00
10.00
10.00
10.00
10.00
10.00
10.00
10.00
Cash
Cash
Cash
Cash
Cash
Cash
Cash
Cash
Cash
Cash
1. GeneralAuthorized Capital : BDT 40,000,000,000Issued and Fully Paid-up Capital : BDT 13,503,000,220 Class of Shares : Ordinary Shares of BDT 10.00 eachVoting Rights : One vote per Ordinary Share
2. Stock Exchange ListingThe Ordinary Shares of the Company are listed on the Dhaka and Chittagong Stock Exchanges. Company trading code is [GP].
3. Distribution Schedule of the Shares as on December 31, 2014
4. Dividend
Useful Information for Shareholders
AnnualReport
2 0 1 4grameenphone
Useful Information for Shareholders114
Long Term
AAA
Short Term
ST-1
5. Credit RatingThe Company’s credit rating was reaffirmed by Credit Rating Agency of Bangladesh Ltd. (CRAB) on December 24, 2014.
6. Associate CompanyName of the Company Holding ActivityAccenture Communications Infrastructure Solutions Ltd. 49% IT Company(Formerly known as Grameenphone IT Ltd.)
7. GP Share Performance at Stock ExchangesI. Monthly high, low and close share price and volume of the Company’s Shares traded at Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) and Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) during the year 2014:
MonthDSE CSE
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
Total shares traded during the year
218.7
215.6
224.0
276.2
278.0
312.0
309.3
350.4
409.0
390.1
379.4
370.0
198.0
199.0
207.3
214.7
251.8
265.1
278.1
303.0
327.0
366.6
312.4
319.0
212.3
214.0
213.8
268.9
266.3
300.3
307.5
323.7
381.9
374.5
318.7
361.9
High(BDT)
Low(BDT)
Close(BDT)
Volume(No.)
High(BDT)
Low(BDT)
Close(BDT)
Volume(No.)
9,741,200
11,405,000
10,412,200
29,005,800
11,725,000
18,590,800
9,889,600
18,362,600
17,394,800
11,903,400
6,885,400
4,803,747
160,119,547
1,678,000
2,511,414
2,090,000
4,538,000
1,243,600
2,179,600
1,408,000
2,788,800
1,787,600
927,910
762,820
4,986,062
26,901,806
202.7
202.5
208.1
213.2
255.7
265.6
279.5
307.4
324.2
368.7
312.4
318.4
213.2
213.6
211.6
268.9
265.6
300.4
307.7
324.2
382.0
373.7
318.4
360.9
215.3
213.6
220.1
269.9
276.2
307.6
307.7
345.0
400.0
385.9
373.7
364.9
Period
DSE2014 2013 2014 2013
CSE
Quarter 1
Quarter 2
Quarter 3
Quarter 4
224.0
312.0
409.0
390.1
198.0
214.7
278.1
312.4
176.1
195.2
247.2
218.0
High(BDT)
Low(BDT)
High(BDT)
Low(BDT)
High(BDT)
Low(BDT)
High(BDT)
Low(BDT)
138.1
143.0
166.1
175.0
140.6
142.7
171.0
178.6
202.5
213.2
279.5
312.4
175.0
192.7
239.5
214.4
220.1
307.6
400.0
385.9
II. Quarterly high-low price history of the Company’s share for the year 2014
III. GP Share Price Trend Year wise
DSE2014 2013 2014 2013
CSE
Highest Price (BDT)
Lowest Price (BDT)
409.0
198.0
247.2
138.1
239.5
140.6
400.0
202.5
AnnualReport
2 0 1 4grameenphone
Useful Information for Shareholders 115
Overview
BusinessPerform
anceAdditional
Information
Financial AnalysisSustainability
Governance
IV. GP Share Price & Transaction Volume in DSE
8. Financial Calendar 2015
* Subject to change, please check http://www.grameenphone.com/about/investor-relations for latest updates
9. Company WebsiteAnyone can get information regarding Company’s activities, products & services or can view Annual Report 2014 at www.grameenphone.com
10. Investor RelationsInstitutional investors, securities analysts and other members of the professional financial community requiring additional financial information can visit the Investor Relations section of the Company website: www.grameenphone.com
11. Shareholder ServicesIf you have any queries relating to your shareholding, please contact at 01711555888 or mail to GP Share Office at [email protected]
Stand alone performance 2011-2014
0
500
1000
1500
2000
2500
3000
3500
4000
4500
50
100
150
200
250
300
350
400
1Q11 2Q11 3Q11 4Q11 1Q12 2Q12 3Q12 4Q12 1Q13 2Q13 3Q13 4Q13 1Q14 2Q14 3Q14 4Q14
GP
Pric
e
Shar
es T
rade
d
2012 2013 20142011
No of Shares Traded ('000) Closing Price (BDT) Average Price (BDT)
AnnualReport
2 0 1 4grameenphone
Useful Information for Shareholders116
Apr 201518th Annual
General Meeting
Jul 20151H 2015 Results Announcement
Feb 2015FY 2014 ResultsAnnouncement
May 20151Q 2015 Results Announcement
Oct 20153Q 2015 Results Announcement
Adjusted Price: Average of High, Low & Closing Price; Rebase: Adjustment to 100
1-Jan-14 1-Feb-14 1-Mar-14 1-Apr-14 1-May-14 1-Jun-14 1-Jul-14 1-Aug-14 1-Sep-14 1-Oct-14 1-Nov-14 1-Dec-14
GP Turnover as % of DSE GP(Adjusted & Rebased) DSEX (Rebased) DS30 (Rebased)
40
60
80
100
120
140
160
180
200
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
Reba
sed
Scal
e
% o
f DSE
Tur
nove
r
Relative performance 2014
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
GLIMPSE OF 17TH
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
AnnualReport
2 0 1 4grameenphone
Notice of the 18th Annual General Meeting118
Grameenphone Ltd.Registered Office: GPHouse, Bashundhara, Baridhara, Dhaka-1229
Share Office: Zahurul Tower, Plot#9, Road#113/A, Gulshan-2, Dhaka-1212
Notice of the 18th Annual General Meeting
AGENDA
By order of the Board of Directors
Sd/-Hossain Sadat
Director and Head of Regulatory Affairs& Company Secretary
March 23, 2015
Notes:
Notice is hereby given that the 18th Annual General Meeting of Grameenphone Ltd. will be held on Tuesday, April 21, 2015 at 10:00 am at Bashundhara Convention Center-2, Block-C, Bashundhara R/A, Baridhara, Dhaka-1229 to transact the following businesses:
1. Consideration and adoption of the Directors’ Report and the Audited Financial Statements of the Company for the year
ended 31 December 2014 together with the Auditors’ Report thereon.
2. Declaration of Dividend for the year ended 31 December 2014 as recommended by the Board of Directors.
3. Election/Re-election of Directors.
4. Appointment of Auditors and fixation of their remuneration.
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• Members whose names appeared on the Members/Depository Register as on “Record Date” i.e. February 18, 2015 are eligible to attend the Annual General Meeting (AGM) and receive dividend.
• A Member entitled to attend and vote at the AGM may appoint a Proxy to attend and vote in his/her stead.
• The “Proxy Form”, duly filled and stamped at Tk. 20 must be deposited at the Company’s Share Office located at Zahurul Tower, Road #113/A, Plot #9, Gulshan-2, Dhaka-1212 not later than 72 hours before commencement of the AGM.
• Members/Proxies are requested to record their entry in the AGM well in time on April 21, 2015. The registration counter will open at 9:00 am on the AGM date.
• In case of non-receipt of Annual Report 2014 of the Company sent through courier, Members may collect the same from the Company’s Share Office within April 20, 2015. No additional Annual Report will be distributed at AGM venue. Soft copy of the Annual Report is available in Investor Relations section of the Company’s website: www.grameenphone.com
• Members are requested to submit to the Company’s Share Office on or before April 12, 2015, their written option to receive dividend. In case of non-submission of such option within the stipulated time, the dividend will be paid off as deemed appropriate by the Company.
• Grameenphone is concerned about the environment and utilizes natural resources in a sustainable way. We request the members to update their email address and contact number (mobile/fixed phone) with their respective Depository Participant (DP) for quicker and easier communication. Such cooperation will help conserve paper and minimize the impact on the environment.
Signature Verified by
Grameenphone Ltd.Registered Office: GPHouse, Bashundhara, Baridhara, Dhaka-1229
Proxy Form
I/We................................................………………………………………………………………………of………………………………………………………………………...………...........…………………………….....................................................................................................……………… being Member of Grameenphone Ltd. do hereby appointMr./Ms. ……………………………………...…………....................…………………………………… of ……………………………………....……………....................……………………………… as my/our PROXY to attend and vote on my/our behalf at the 18th Annual General Meeting of the Company to be held on Tuesday, 21 April 2015 at 10:00 am at Bashundhara Convention Center-2, Block-C, Bashundhara R/A, Baridhara, Dhaka-1229 and at any adjournment thereof.
Signed this ...................................................... day of ...................................................... 2015.
Notes:• The Proxy Form, duly filled and stamped, must be deposited at the Company’s Share Office located at Zahurul Tower, Plot#9, Road #113/A, Gulshan-2, Dhaka-1212 not later than 72 hours before commencement of the AGM.
• Signature of the Member(s) must be in accordance with the Specimen Signature recorded with the Company.
Note: Please present this Attendance Slip at the registration counter on the AGM date.
…………………………………………………..Signature of the Member(s)
…………………………………………..Signature of the PROXY
Number of Shares held ................................. RevenueStampTk.20BO ID No.
………………………………………………….……..Signature of the Member/Proxy
………………………………......………………………………Authorised Signatory of the Company
Signature Verified by
………………………………......………………………………Authorised Signatory of the Company
Grameenphone Ltd.Registered Office: GPHouse, Bashundhara, Baridhara, Dhaka-1229
Attendance SlipI/We do hereby record my/our attendance at 18th Annual General Meeting of the Company to be held on Tuesday, 21 April 2015 at 10:00 am at Bashundhara Convention Center-2, Block-C, Bashundhara R/A, Baridhara, Dhaka-1229.
Name of the Member/Proxy(in Block Letter)
BO ID No.
disclaimerThis report contains statements regarding the future in connection with Grameenphone’s growth initiatives. outlook strategies and objectives. All statements regarding the future are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties, and many factors may lead to actual profits and developments deviating substantially from what has been expressed or implied in such statements.
www.grameenphone.comHere you will find downloadable PDFs of:• Annual Report 2014• Proxy Form• Notice of 18th AGM
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Annual Report 2014
Grameenphone Ltd.GPHouseBashundhara, Baridhara, Dhaka-1229, BangladeshTel: +880-2-9882990, Fax: +880-2-9882970Website: www.grameenphone.com
Grameenphone wants to contribute to meet climate challenges and aims to reduce the consumption of resources and overall impact on the environment. In an effort to minimize paper consumption, we limit the scope of the printed annual report within regulatory requirement. Grameenphone’s website provides extensive information about the Company and its current activities: www.grameenphone.com