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Naspers Ltd

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FY2020 Annual Report · Naspers Ltd
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Annual financial statements
for the year ended 31 March 2020

Cape Town, South Africa

Statement of responsibility by the board of directors
for the year ended 31 March 2020

The annual financial statements of the Naspers Limited group (Naspers or the group) and the company are the responsibility 
of the directors of Naspers Limited. In discharging this responsibility, they rely on the management of the group to prepare 
the consolidated and separate annual financial statements presented on pages 29 to 182.

We  have  prepared  the  consolidated  annual  financial  statements  of  Naspers  for  the  year  ended  31  March  2020,  and  the 
undertakings included in the consolidation taken as a whole,  in accordance with, and in compliance, in all material respects, 
with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and the Companies Act No 71 of 2008. As such, the consolidated and 
company  annual  financial  statements  include  amounts  based  on  judgements  and  estimates  made  by  management.  The 
information given is comprehensive and presented in a responsible manner.

The  directors  accept  responsibility  for  the  preparation,  integrity  and  fair  presentation  of  the  consolidated  and  separate 
annual  financial  statements.  The  directors  are  responsible  for  the  establishment  and  adequate  functioning  of  a  system  of 
governance, risk management and internal controls in the company. Consequently, the directors have implemented a broad 
range of processes and procedures designed to provide control by the directors over the company’s operations.

These  processes  and  procedures  include  measures  regarding  the  general  control  environment.  All  these  processes  and 
procedures are aimed at providing a reasonable level of assurance that we have identified and managed the significant risks 
of  the  company,  and  that  we  meet  the  operational  and  financial  objectives  in  compliance  with  applicable  laws  and 
regulations. Information regarding our internal control systems is set out in “Governance for a sustainable business” section 
of the Integrated Annual Report. 

The Internal Audit function monitors the compliance with our internal control systems and updates management regarding 
the  emergence  of  new  risks.  They  support  the  annual  review  of  the  effectiveness  of  the  system  of  governance,  risk 
management  and  internal  controls  of  the  board  of  directors.  Internal  Audit  provides  comfort  to  the  audit  committee  and 
board of directors that our system of risk management and internal controls – as designed and represented by management 
– are adequate and effective. While we routinely work towards continuous improvement of our processes and procedures
regarding  financial  reporting,  the  directors  are  of  the  opinion  that  these  systems  provide  reasonable  assurance  that  the
financial reporting does not contain material inaccuracies.

Based on forecasts and available cash resources, the directors believe that the group and company have adequate resources 
to  continue  operations  as  a  going  concern  in  the  foreseeable  future.  Accordingly,  the  financial  statements  support  the 
viability of the group and the company.

The  preparation  of  the  consolidated  and  company  annual  financial  statements  was  supervised  by  the  group’s  financial 
director, Basil Sgourdos CA(SA). These results were made public on 29 June 2020.

The independent auditing firm PricewaterhouseCoopers Inc., which was given unrestricted access to all financial records and 
related  data,  including  minutes  of  all  meetings  of  shareholders,  the  board  of  directors  and  committees  of  the  board,  has 
audited the consolidated and company annual financial statements. The directors believe that all representations made to 
the  independent  auditors  during  their  audit  were  valid  and  appropriate.  PricewaterhouseCoopers  Inc.’s  audit  report  is 
presented on page 22.

The consolidated and company annual financial statements were approved by the board of directors on 29 June 2020 and are 
signed on its behalf by:

Koos Bekker
Chair

Bob van Dijk
Chief executive

1

NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

Certificate by the company secretary
for the year ended 31 March 2020

In terms of section 88(2)(e) of the Companies Act No 71 of 2008 I, Gillian Kisbey-Green, in my capacity as company secretary 
of  Naspers  Limited,  confirm  that  for  the  year  ended  31  March  2020,  the  company  has  lodged  with  the  Companies  and 
Intellectual Property Commission, all such returns as are required of a public company in terms of the Companies Act and 
that all such returns and notices are, to the best of my knowledge, true, correct and up to date.

Gillian Kisbey-Green
Company secretary
29 June 2020

2

NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

Directors’ report to shareholders
for the year ended 31 March 2020

GENERAL INFROMATION
Naspers Limited (Naspers or the group) is a global consumer internet group and one of the largest technology investors in the 
world. Operating and investing in countries and markets across the world with long-term growth potential, Naspers builds 
leading  companies  that  empower  people  and  enrich  communities.  The  group  operates  and  partners  a  number  of  leading 
internet businesses across the Americas, Africa, The Middle East, Central and Eastern Europe, and Asia in sectors including 
online classifieds, food delivery, payments and fintech, travel, education, health, etail and social and internet platforms.  

OPERATING REVIEW
The  past  financial  year  has  seen  the  Naspers  group  transform  considerably  as  we  executed  several  significant  strategic 
initiatives, which we believe will unlock value over time. Operationally, the group ended the year in a position of significant 
strength  with  accelerating  revenue  growth  in  its  ecommerce  (online  commerce)  portfolio,  improved  profitability  and  a 
substantial net cash position with sufficient liquidity. Underpinning these results, Tencent continued to report resilience in an 
uncertain macro environment. 

Most recently, the onset of a global pandemic had a marked impact on the daily lives people globally and the economy at 
large.  While  the  impact  is  likely  to  persist  for  some  time,  we  are  confident  to  weather  the  storm.  The  group’s  focus  is  on 
safety,  plus  leveraging  its  financial  flexibility  to  continue  building  a  business  that  grows  strongly,  generates  high  rates  of 
return and provides employment for thousands over the long term.

After  many  years  of  stock-price  outperformance,  Naspers  now  represents  an  outsized  position  on  the  JSE  Limited’s 
shareholder  weighted  index  (SWIX).  To  extend  our  shareholder  base  and  reduce  that  outsized  position,  on  11  September 
2019,  we  listed  our  international  internet  assets  on  Euronext  Amsterdam  as  Prosus  N.V.  (Prosus).  Prosus  includes  all 
Naspers’s  operations  and  investments  outside  South  Africa  in  online  classifieds,  food  delivery,  payments  and  fintech 
(financial  technology),  etail  (online  retail),  travel,  education,  and  social  and  internet  platforms.  As  Europe’s  most  valuable 
consumer  internet  company,  Prosus  gives  global  internet  investors  direct  access  to  our  portfolio  of  international  internet 
assets,  as  well  as  exposure  to  China,  India  and  other  high-growth  markets.  Prosus  also  has  a  secondary  listing  on  the  JSE 
Limited  (JSE)  in  South  Africa.  At  the  date  of  listing,  Prosus  was  73.84%  owned  by  Naspers,  with  a  free  float  of  26.16%.  In 
January 2020, to fulfil an obligation to the South African Reserve Bank to repatriate US$1.5bn to South Africa, Naspers sold 
22  million  shares  in  Prosus,  representing  1.35%  of  the  issued  Prosus  N  ordinary  shares,  to  institutional  investors  for  gross 
proceeds of €1.5bn (US$1.64bn). Following the disposal, Prosus was 72.49% owned by Naspers, with a free float of 27.51%. 
We have no intention to sell additional shares of Prosus. 

All proceeds, net of expenses and costs, received by Naspers from this disposal were repatriated to South Africa as required 
and used to return capital to our shareholders in the form of a share repurchase programme. The programme was completed 
on 24 March 2020, with a total of 9 156 705 Naspers N ordinary shares being repurchased (representing 2.06% of the issued 
Naspers  N  ordinary  shares  prior  to  the  programme).  A  total  of  R22.4bn  (US$1.4bn),  including  transaction  costs,  was  paid 
under  the  programme  (representing  an  average  cost  of  R2  447.11  per  Naspers  N  ordinary  share).  The  Naspers  N  ordinary 
shares repurchased in terms of the programme have been cancelled and delisted. We are pleased with the performance of 
the programme which, through the sale of Prosus N ordinary shares with a lower discount to net asset value and repurchase 
of  Naspers  N  ordinary  shares  with  a  larger  discount  to  net  asset  value,  realised  around  R3.3bn  in  shareholder  value.  As  a 
result, Naspers had 435 511 058 N ordinary shares in issue at 31 March 2020.

In  ecommerce,  all  key  segments  made  good  progress  against  financial  and  strategic  objectives.  The  Classifieds  as  well  as 
Payments and Fintech segments have now reached profitability at their core and continue to grow profits, while investing to 
drive  growth.  Classifieds  is  expanding  considerably  faster  than  many  of  its  peers.  Food  Delivery  was  the  most  significant 
investment area, as we grow the market and our position in it by investing in technology. We are also focusing on building 
first-party delivery capabilities, city and restaurant reach. To date, this investment has driven order and revenue growth in 
our  Food-Delivery  operations  ahead  of  global  peers.  We  believe  Food  Delivery  fits  our  strategy,  as  it  addresses  a  major 
consumer need that can be fundamentally transformed by technology. The progress of our core ecommerce segments, which 
are scaling well, builds confidence in our ability of identifying opportunities to create value. 

Tencent delivered a solid financial performance, particularly in fintech and business services. Its expanding ecosystem drives 
very user engagement, ahead of local and international peers. This positions Tencent to offer new products and services to 
users. We continue to benefit from the close relationship and partnerships we have established in some of our markets.

3

NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

Directors’ report to shareholders
for the year ended 31 March 2020

OPERATING REVIEW (continued)
We ended the financial year facing the global Covid-19 pandemic, with many of our markets locking down in March 2020. 
Our priority was the wellbeing of our 25 000 people and the communities we serve around the world. As a global company 
operating  in  numerous  local  markets,  we  take  our  responsibility  seriously.  We  are  helping  our  people  and  communities 
navigate  this  crisis.  In  April  2020,  we  committed  R1.5bn  (US$84m)  in  emergency  aid  to  the  South  African  government’s 
response to the crisis. We contributed R500m to the Solidarity Fund announced by the South African president, plus R1bn 
worth  of  personal  protective  equipment  and  other  medical  supplies.  This  equipment  was  rapidly  sourced  –  in  partnership 
with the Chinese government and Tencent – to support South Africa’s frontline health workers. It was delivered in multiple 
shipments, with the final shipment delivered on 12 June 2020. In April 2020, Prosus donated INR100crore (US$13m) to the 
Indian  government’s  response  to  the  Covid-19  crisis  via  the  Prime  Minister’s  Citizen  Assistance  and  Relief  in  Emergency 
Situations Fund. In addition, at local level, many of our companies have made meaningful contributions. Across the group, we 
continue  to  identify  ways  in  which  our  technological  expertise,  global  networks  and  resources  can  be  used  to  support  the 
fight against this virus. 

We  will  continue  to  respond  quickly  to  the  evolving  situation  to  safeguard  our  people,  maintain  our  ability  to  serve  our 
customers and protect our businesses. While we believe each of our segments will continue to benefit from secular growth 
trends,  the  global  pandemic  has  affected  operations  and  we  need  to  draw  attention  to  its  potential  impacts  on  2021’s 
financial year. That said, we believe the fundamentals of our businesses remain strong. We have sufficient liquidity to run the 
company and the ability to invest in opportunities that may arise during this period. 

Given  the  wide  geographical  span  of  our  operations  and  significant  investments  in  ecommerce  in  particular,  reported 
earnings  are  materially  impacted  by  foreign  exchange  movements  and  the  effects  of  acquisitions  and  disposals.  Where 
relevant  in  this  report,  adjustments  have  been  made  for  the  effects  of  foreign  currencies  and  acquisitions  and  disposals. 
These  adjustments  (pro-forma  financial  information)  are  quoted  in  brackets  after  the  equivalent  metrics  reported  under 
International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).

FINANCIAL REVIEW
Group revenue, measured on an economic-interest basis, was US$22.1bn, reflecting growth of 17% (23%) from continuing 
operations.  Measured  similarly,  and  including  the  stepped-up  investment  in  Food  Delivery,  group  trading  profit  grew  13% 
(17%) year on year to US$3.7bn. Tencent grew revenues by a healthy 16% (21%) year on year. Driven by Classifieds, Etail, and 
Payments and Fintech, the ecommerce business posted strong performance. Overall revenue growth in ecommerce, adjusted 
for acquisitions and disposals, grew 32% in local currency, a 6% acceleration year on year. This was led by the Food Delivery 
segment, which grew orders 102% and revenues by 99% (105%), and strong growth in Classifieds, up 48% (37%). Tencent’s 
profitability improved 17% (22%). Trading losses in ecommerce rose to US$964m, reflecting our investment in Food Delivery 
to grow markets and sustain our leading positions. Excluding the increased investments in food delivery, and payments and 
fintech as well as acquisitions and disposals, ecommerce trading losses reduced by 24% or US$76m in local currency.

Core headline earnings from continuing operations were US$2.9bn – down 5% (1%). Improving profitability in Tencent and 
the  more  established  ecommerce  businesses  were  partially  offset  by  increased  taxation  related  to  the  Prosus  investment. 
Through listing Prosus and the subsequent sale of additional shares, minority shareholders with a 27.51% interest in Prosus 
were  introduced.  This  reduced  the  attributable  share  of  Naspers  shareholders  in  the  Prosus  core  headline  earnings 
contribution for the year ended 31 March 2020 by US$466m (2019: US$nil).

Across  the  group,  we  invested  US$1.3bn  to  expand  our  ecosystem  and  reach.  Notably:  through  PayU,  an  investment  of 
US$66m in Wibmo to expand our Indian footprint in payment security, mobile payment solutions and processing services; an 
investment  of  US$163m  in  PaySense  broadens  our  ecosystem  in  India  as  we  now  start  to  offer  consumer  credit,  an 
investment of US$199m in Iyzico, a leading payment service provider in Turkey, and US$48m in Red Dot Payment (Red Dot), 
providing payment solutions in Singapore and expanding across Southeast Asia. In Classifieds, we acquired a controlling stake 
in  Frontier  Car  Group  for  US$320m  and  the  contribution  of  certain  subsidiaries,  expanding  our  transactions  business. 
Ventures invested US$81m in Meesho Inc., a leading social commerce online marketplace in India, continuing our successful 
track  record  of  identifying  Indian  opportunities  with  the  potential  to  become  large  businesses.  We  are  also  increasing  our 
exposure  to  the  edtech  (educational  technology)  businesses  by  investing  a  further  US$25m  and  US$44m  in  our  education 
associates Brainly and Udemy respectively. In the Food Delivery business, we invested a further US$100m in our associate 
Swiggy.

4

NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

Directors’ report to shareholders
for the year ended 31 March 2020

FINANCIAL REVIEW (continued)
At  year  end,  we  had  a  solid  net  cash  position  of  US$4.8bn,  comprising  US$8.3bn  of  cash  and  cash  equivalents  (including 
short-term cash investments), net of US$3.5bn of interest-bearing debt (excluding capitalised lease liabilities). We also have 
an  undrawn  US$2.5bn  revolving  credit  facility.  Overall,  we  recorded  net  interest  income  of  US$16m  for  the  year.  In 
December  2019,  Prosus  established  a  US$6bn  global  medium-term  note  programme.  In  terms  of  this  programme,  Prosus 
may  periodically  issue  notes  denominated  in  any  currency,  with  a  maximum  outstanding  aggregate  nominal  amount  of 
US$6bn.  The  notes  trade  on the  Euronext Dublin  stock  exchange.  Under  the  programme,  in January  2020,  we  successfully 
issued  US$1.250bn  3.68%  notes  due  in  2030.  The  purpose  of  this  offering  was  to  raise  proceeds  to  redeem  the  US$1.0bn 
6.00% notes due in July 2020. The principal and interest accrued to the maturity date of these notes were repaid in February 
2020. The group has no debt maturities due until 2025.

Consolidated free cash outflow was US$383m, compared to the prior-year outflow of US$120m from continuing operations 
(excluding  the  Video-Entertainment  segment).  This  change  reflects  increased  investment  in  the  Food  Delivery  business,  as 
well  as  negative  working-capital  effects,  offset  by  merchant  cash  timing  differences  of  US$28m,  and  transaction  costs  of 
unbundling  MultiChoice  Group  and  listing  Prosus  of  around  US$113m.  Dividend  income  received  from  Tencent  increased 
US$35m to US$377m. Cash extractions from our profitable Classifieds businesses continued to grow, increasing US$70m to 
US$305m. Covid-19 may have a short-term impact on that trajectory but, the positive trend is expected to return.

We adopted the new accounting standard IFRS 16 Leases on a prospective basis. Accordingly, comparative information has 
not been restated. Refer to note 2 for further details.

The company’s external auditor has not reviewed or reported on forecasts included in this directors’ report.

Unless  otherwise  stated,  the  following  segmental  reviews  are  prepared  on  an  economic-interest  basis  (which  includes 
consolidated subsidiaries and a proportionate consolidation of associates and joint ventures).

SEGMENTAL REVIEW
Internet

Internet revenues were US$21.9bn, up 17% (23%). Internet trading profit rose 12% (16%), even as we increased investment 
across  the  portfolio  and  particularly  in  Food  Delivery,  as  many  ecommerce  units  improved  their  profitability.  Tencent 
delivered a solid performance.

Ecommerce

Overall, ecommerce revenue increased 19% (32%) to US$4.7bn, a 6% acceleration year on year and was led by meaningful 
contributions from Classifieds, Payments and Fintech, Food Delivery and Etail.

Trading losses rose to US$964m after increased investment to capture the online food-delivery opportunity and additional 
investments in payments and fintech to expand its footprint and build its credit offering. Excluding these and acquisitions and 
disposals, ecommerce trading losses reduced by 24% or US$76m in local currency, excluding acquisitions and disposals. Our 
investments in the Food Delivery business have already started delivering meaningful scale, evidenced by continued strong 
growth in orders and revenue. Classifieds continued to invest in convenient transactions, resulting in increased trading losses 
in  that  business  as  it  scales.  However,  overall  profitability  in  Classifieds  improved  year  on  year  due  primarily  to  continued 
revenue  growth  and  strong  margins  at  Avito,  Central  and  Eastern  Europe  and  reduced  losses  in  letgo.  Overall,  Classifieds 
trading  profit  increased  1  933%  in  local  currency,  excluding  acquisitions  and  disposals.  Etail  reported  narrowing  trading 
losses. Growth in PayU’s core payment service provider (PSP) businesses reduced the trading profit margin from 2% last year 
to 1% this year. 

Revenues  from  our  profitable  ecommerce  businesses  totalled  US$2.3bn,  with  trading  profits  of  US$411m.  Compared  to 
US$2.0bn and US$414m last year, this reflects growth, in local currency, of 18% and 13% respectively.

5

NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

Directors’ report to shareholders
for the year ended 31 March 2020

SEGMENTAL REVIEW (continued)
Ecommerce (continued)
Classifieds

Building  on  the  momentum  from  the  previous  financial  year  when  the  business  became  profitable,  Classifieds  delivered 
healthy  results  while  expanding  its  business  model.  This  is  one  of  the  fastest-growing  classifieds  businesses  globally,  with 
accelerating revenue growth of 48% (37%) to US$1.3bn. It generated trading profits of US$44m, driven by strong revenue 
growth in listings and margin improvement. 

Convenient  transaction  revenue  was  US$393m,  compared  to  US$103m  in  the  prior  year,  growing  282%  (164%)  and 
contributing  30%  of  overall  Classifieds  revenue  for  the  year.  We  are  investing  to  improve  the  value  proposition  for  our 
customers by deepening our relationships with partners and the breadth of our offering in autos. Larger markets in Russia 
and  Europe  drive  growth,  with  strength  in  autos  and  real  estate  verticals,  where  leading  market  positions  combine  with 
operational  execution  to  drive  monetisation  and  successful  financial  outcomes.  In  Russia,  Avito  has  maintained  good 
momentum, recording revenues of RUB25.7bn or year-on-year growth of 22%. Avito delivered a trading profit margin of 51%, 
with  autos  and  real  estate  revenue  growing  38%  and  21%  year  on  year,  respectively.  Poland  remains  the  cornerstone, 
growing  revenues  16%  (21%)  to  US$185m  and  recording  a  trading  profit  margin  of  58%.  Autos,  real  estate  and  business 
services all performed above expectations.

In the convenient transactions business, CashMyCar in India grew revenue 229% in local currency to US$78m, by expanding 
to over 70 inspection centres and more than 21 000 transactions at the end of the period. 

OLX  Brazil,  our  joint  venture  with  Adevinta,  improved  its  financial  performance  with  year-on-year  revenue  growth  of  10% 
(20%), due to vertical strength. 

Competition in general classifieds has increased steadily. In 2020, we expanded our ecosystem and offering, while anchoring 
our competitive advantage where possible. This has allowed us to enhance our localised footprint. 

In  December  2019,  Classifieds  increased  its  shareholding  to  a  majority  in  Frontier  Car  Group,  enabling  synergies  and  a 
presence in ten developing countries globally, with more than 450 inspection centres and over 89 000 transactions for the 
financial year. In Russia, the acquisition of MaxPoster in January 2020 (focused on providing business solutions to car dealers) 
deepens product offerings across the autos category. 

On 3 March 2020, OLX Brazil reached an agreement to acquire Grupo Zap, which includes two leading Brazilian real estate 
verticals: Zap and VivaReal. The transaction is subject to approval by the Brazilian competition authorities and is expected to 
close in the second half of 2020. This investment will be financed equally by the joint venture partners.

On 26 March 2020, we announced the merger of our letgo US business with OfferUp, a deal that combines two of the leading 
classifieds  brands  in  the  US  with  complementary  footprints.  This  will  give  the  business  a  solid  foundation  in  a  highly 
competitive market. The transaction received regulatory approval and is expected to close on 1 July 2020.

On 26 April 2020, we completed the merger of our subsidiary Dubizzle Limited (BVI), the leading classifieds platform for users 
in  the  United  Arab  Emirates  (UAE),  with  Emerging  Markets  Property  Group  (EMPG).  EMPG  owns  and  operates  bespoke 
classifieds  portals  in  different  emerging  markets  across  the  world,  including  Bayut  in  Dubai,  Zameen  in  Pakistan,  and 
Mubawab in Morocco, North Africa. The group also contributed cash of some US$75m. Following the transaction, the group 
will hold a 39% interest in EMPG and account for this interest as an investment in associate.

In mid-March 2020, many of the markets in which we operate entered lockdown. In Classifieds we have seen a decline in 
traffic in marketplaces but have taken steps to assist customers and partners. In the short term, we expect to record some 
impact on revenue and profitability.

6

NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

Directors’ report to shareholders
for the year ended 31 March 2020

SEGMENTAL REVIEW (continued)
Ecommerce (continued)
Food Delivery

This sector is evolving rapidly, moving from a marketplace model (third-party or 3P) to implementing an own-delivery model 
(first-party or 1P). This is increasing the size of the market and corresponding opportunity. We are at the forefront of this 
transformation  and  investing  heavily  in  Food  Delivery  to  grow  both  the  size  of  the  market  and  our  position.  We  invest  in 
product and technology innovation, including logistics, convenience and grocery delivery, cloud kitchens and private brands. 
We are also investing technology, which is significantly improving consumer targeting to optimise customer acquisition and 
marketing  costs,  while  improving  1P  economics  by  smartly  routing  delivery  representatives  to  points  of  highest  demand 
density. We anticipate further opportunity in this market which will be disrupted by technology. Our investment in the Food 
Delivery business has meaningful scale, as evidenced by continued strong growth in orders and revenue.

In the current year, this segment grew rapidly and is now one of the fastest-growing platforms globally, producing cumulative 
annualised gross merchandise value (GMV) growth of 76% year on year. Segment revenue increased 99% (105%), with strong 
contributions from our entire portfolio. Trading losses rose to US$624m from US$171m, reflecting continued investments in 
growth by the respective businesses. 

In Latin America, iFood posted revenue growth of 94% (113%), as a result of product innovation and the growth of its logistics 
business. iFood remains the clear leader in Brazil and holds competitive positions in Mexico and Colombia. In March 2020, 
iFood Brazil supported a network of 160 000 active restaurants and processed 31 million orders, compared to 17 million last 
year. iFood Brazil has ramped up its own-delivery business, and 1P orders now account exceed 30% of orders and exceed the 
total volume of the nearest 1P competitor. In April 2020, we announced that iFood would join forces with Delivery Hero in 
Colombia. iFood will retain a 51% share and operate the combined business, Domicilios.com.

In India, Swiggy’s revenue grew 182% year on year, driven by expansion into new cities. Swiggy now operates in over 520 
cities and supports more than 160 000 restaurant partners, up from 85 000 a year ago. We invested an additional US$100m 
in Swiggy in February 2020 to support its business growth, increasing our already substantial commitment in India. 

For the year ended 31 December 2019, Delivery Hero reported segmental revenue growth of 109% and order volume growth 
of  80%.  GMV  grew  66%  year  on  year  in  constant  currency  to  €7.4bn,  primarily  due  to  faster  delivery  times,  efficiencies  in 
customer  acquisition  and  increased  order  frequency  following  investments  to  improve  product  and  technology.  Delivery 
Hero engaged in M&A and portfolio consolidation during the year, the acquisition of shares in South Korean Woowa Brothers 
Corp.,  and  the  incorporation  of  a  joint  venture  to  consolidate  their  footprint  in  the  region.  Delivery  Hero  has  also 
restructured  its  German  operations,  disposing  of  its  food-delivery  business  to  Takeaway.com  N.V.  for  cash  and  an  equity 
stake in Takeaway. More information on Delivery Hero’s results is available at https://ir.deliveryhero.com. 

The lockdown state in many of our markets affected the Food Delivery business. While our platforms are recording increased 
demand, we have not always been able to meet demand due to supply issues as restaurants closed. In India, Swiggy has been 
permitted to continue operating during the lockdown, but was not implemented uniformly across the country and Swiggy’s 
services  have  been  halted  in  some  regions.  It  is  engaging  with  national  and  regional  authorities  in  India.  In  Brazil,  iFood’s 
efforts to assist its restaurant and food-delivery partners have mitigated some supply issues and order volume is holding up 
well. In the longer term, we believe that the current environment may drive a structural shift in global consumption patterns 
in favour of food delivery.

7

NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

Directors’ report to shareholders
for the year ended 31 March 2020

SEGMENTAL REVIEW (continued)
Ecommerce (continued)
Payments and Fintech

PayU’s  revenue  grew  19%  (21%)  year  on  year,  on  the  back  of  26%  (29%)  higher  volumes  processed.  Processed  volumes 
reached US$37.9bn, driven by 30% growth in the number of transactions processed. The Payments and Fintech business’s 
trading loss margin increased from 12% last year to 16%. This reflected improvement in profitability in the core PSP business, 
offset by investment to build a credit offering, primarily in India, and expanding our footprint in Southeast Asia with the Red 
Dot acquisition.

The  payments  business  in  India  remains  the  growth  engine,  with  volumes  growing  30%  (32%).  In  2020,  India’s  processed 
volumes were US$19.4bn, 51% of the total volume processed by PayU. Structural shifts to digital payments in the country, 
our ability to increase conversion rates for enterprise merchants, along with our ability to enter new segments such as billing 
and small/medium-sized businesses, have been the main drivers of this growth at above market rates.

In  July  2019,  we  acquired  Wibmo  (a  payment  security  leader)  and  also  created  closer  partnerships  with  leading  banks  to 
reduce transaction failures and further strengthen our relationship with merchants.

In  line  with  PayU’s  mission  to  build  a  world  without  financial  borders,  we  have  been  pioneering  credit  for  underbanked 
people  in  India.  We  started  building  an  inhouse  credit  business  two  years  ago  and  organically  scaled  this  to  over  US$10m 
monthly issuances. We recently acquired a majority stake of 79.2% in PaySense for US$163m. PayU is setting the ambitious 
goal  of  building  a  strong  credit  franchise  in  India.  While  we  believe  the  expansion  of  our  credit  business  over  time  offers 
significant  potential,  it  is  important  that  we  build  the  loan  book  methodically,  with  acceptable  loss  rates.  We  have 
temporarily paused due to the global pandemic. 

In mid-March 2020, our Payments and Fintech business began to be impacted by lockdowns in markets in which we operate. 
It  is  still  too  early  to  estimate  the  full  impact  although  we  have  seen  a  significant  initial  drop  in  transaction  volumes  in 
payments. India represents over 50% of the payments and fintech business’s transaction volumes. In time, this business is 
expected  to  benefit  from  large  sectoral  trends,  including  more  customers  transacting  online  and  more  online  transactions 
being  executed  through  alternative  forms  of  payment  (other  than  cash).  Our  European  businesses  appear  resilient  and 
continued  to  grow  during  the  pandemic,  although  that  could  change  if  the  broader  economic  environment  deteriorates 
further.  

In December 2019, we completed the acquisition of a 90% interest in Iyzico for around US$199m to consolidate our position 
in Turkey’s high-growth ecommerce market. Turkey is now our second-largest market in the Europe, Middle East and Africa 
region.  On  integration,  PayU  will  be  able  to  leverage  existing  relationships  with  global  merchants  and  Iyzico’s  product 
capabilities to drive incremental cross-border volume.

We also added the South Asia market to our footprint by acquiring a majority in Red Dot, based in Singapore. Southeast Asia 
is an attractive base to enter one of the most dynamic markets globally, with ecommerce growth (62% CAGR 2015-19) and a 
high  share  of  alternative  payment  methods  (70%  of  ecommerce).  This  transaction  gives  us  access  to  local  payment-
processing capabilities, supporting our merchants’ expectations, and provides unique payment solutions particularly for the 
hotel and hospitality segment. We have integrated Red Dot into our global hub to offer all existing merchants access to the 
south-east Asia market.

Etail

The Etail segment accelerated revenue growth to 19% year on year, measured in local currency and adjusted for the disposal 
of Flipkart. On the same basis, the segment also improved its profitability, reducing its trading losses by economies of scale 
such as higher gross margins and fixed cost control.

eMAG, our leading business-to-consumer (B2C) platform in Central and Eastern Europe, continued to outpace market growth 
and improve its economics over the review period. Organic revenue growth reached 16% and trading profit increased 35%. 
eMAG’s core market, Romania, realised 17% GMV growth in local currency. Performance was particularly strong across the 
3P marketplace, which grew 26% in local currency. In Hungary, eMAG’s second-largest market, the business delivered GMV 
growth of 25% in local currency. Both the retail and marketplace businesses contributed meaningfully to eMAG Hungary’s 
results. 

8

NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

Directors’ report to shareholders
for the year ended 31 March 2020

SEGMENTAL REVIEW (continued)
Ecommerce (continued)
Etail (continued)

eMAG’s main market, Romania, entered lockdown on 26 March 2020, but the business is holding up well. It has recorded a 
boost  in  the  early  stages  of  the  lockdown  as  customers  shifted  to  online  purchasing.  While  the  rate  of  growth  is  likely  to 
subside over time, we believe the pandemic may prove an accelerator in the structural shift to ecommerce. 

In  October  2019,  the  Hungarian  competition  authority  approved  the  merger  of  eMAG  Hungary  with  eDigital,  two  leading 
online retailers. This combination expands eMAG’s product offering to consumers and brings in the experienced and talented 
eDigital founders who will lead the merged business.

Takealot,  South  Africa’s  number  1  etailer,  extended  its  leadership  and  grew  GMV  46%  year  on  year  in  local  currency. 
Takealot’s trading loss reduced by 20% in local currency and would have improved more, but for investment in the promising 
food-delivery business. This was driven in part by improving gross margins and disciplined management of operating costs. 
Takealot recorded revenue growth of 28% in local currency. One of the main drivers was the marketplace business, which 
grew GMV 77% year on year. Mr D Food, South Africa’s leading food-delivery service, continues to scale as it expands the 
local market for food delivery. Mr D Food’s GMV grew 94% and revenue grew 83%, both in local currency. 

In South Africa, our Takealot business was allowed to sell and deliver only essential items in the first phase of the lockdown. 
The  list  of  items  was  later  expanded.  In  addition,  Mr  D  Food  is  gaining  momentum  as  take-away  restaurants  are  slowly 
reopening.

Travel

In  April  2019,  we  announced  the  exchange  of  our  43%  interest  in  MakeMyTrip,  our  equity-accounted  online  travel 
investment in India, for a 5.6% interest in Trip.com Group Limited (formerly Ctrip.com International Limited) (Trip.com). The 
transaction closed at the end of August 2019, resulting in a gain of US$599m. Our share of MakeMyTrip’s reported revenues 
was US$146m, up 8% (measured in local currency, adjusted for acquisitions and disposals).

We include eight months of results for MakeMyTrip in our segmental results, representing our share of its earnings for the 
period up to disposal and a catch-up of the lag period applied in reporting its results. On a similar basis, trading losses in the 
Travel segment (measured in local currency, adjusted for acquisitions and disposals) increased 21% year on year. After the 
Trip.com  transaction,  our  Travel  segment  will  cease  to  exist  and  will  not  be  reported  on  after  this  financial  year.  The 
investment  in  Trip.com  is  accounted  for  at  fair  value  through  other  comprehensive  income.  More  information  on 
MakeMyTrip’s results is available at http://investors.makemytrip.com.

Tencent

For  the  year  ended  31  December  2019,  Tencent’s  revenue  of  RMB377bn  was  up  21%  year  on  year.  Non-GAAP  profit 
attributable to shareholders (Tencent’s measure of normalised performance) grew 22% to RMB94bn.

Revenues from value-added services increased 13% to RMB200bn, with online games’ revenues growing 10% to RMB115bn 
and  social  networks’  revenues  rising  17%  to  RMB85bn.  Revenues  from  fintech  and  business  services  increased  39%  to 
RMB101bn, and revenues from the online advertising business rose 18% to RMB68bn.

Tencent continued to lead in China, with nine of the top 20 mobile apps. Combined monthly active users (MAU) of Weixin 
and WeChat increased 6% to 1.16 billion. The Weixin mini program ecosystem became increasingly vibrant, with an annual 
transaction volume of over RMB800bn. With enhanced chat and friend recommendation features, as well as entertainment 
use cases via mini programs, QQ’s popularity with the younger generation continues to increase. However, QQ smart devices’ 
MAU declined 7.5% year on year to 647 million as Tencent proactively cleaned up spamming and bot accounts. 

9

NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

Directors’ report to shareholders
for the year ended 31 March 2020

SEGMENTAL REVIEW (continued)
Ecommerce (continued)
Tencent (continued)

China’s online games market recovered after in-game monetisation licence approvals resumed in December 2018. Tencent 
extended its leadership. It has also made breakthroughs in self-developed games for international markets, with five of the 
top 10 international mobile games. Tencent’s international revenue rose to 23% of total online games revenue in the fourth 
quarter of 2019.

Tencent  currently  operates  the  largest  mobile  payment  platform  in  China  by  daily  average  users  (DAU)  and  transaction 
volumes.  Daily  commercial  payment  transactions  exceeded  1  billion  as  Tencent  deepened  penetration  among  offline 
merchants.  In  cloud,  Tencent  currently  has  over  1  million  paying  customers  and  outgrows  peers  with  increasing  scale  and 
higher operating efficiency.

Despite  the  challenging  economic  environment,  Tencent  achieved  robust  advertising  revenue  growth  by  progressively 
realising the potential of Weixin Moments and expanding its mobile ad network. Tencent video subscriptions exceeded 100 
million. Music subscription accelerated as it benefited from the pay-for-streaming model. 

Tencent continues to grow off a very large base in a market that appears to be emerging well from the impact of Covid-19. It 
has been working relentlessly to mitigate the impacts of the pandemic. Tencent has steered its engineering scale and product 
suite to help the government and businesses navigate and recover from the impacts of Covid-19. This has benefited millions 
of enterprises that used WeChat for Work to resume operations in the wake of the outbreak. Over 300 million Weixin users 
have  used  Tencent  Health  as  an  access  point  for  real-time  pandemic  data,  online  consultations  and  self-diagnosis  services 
powered  by  artificial  intelligence  (AI).  Through  Tencent  Medipedia,  users  can  access  professional  medical  information. 
Tencent has also provided medical AI imaging capabilities to assist the diagnosis of Covid-19. Its operational performance has 
remained resilient through the crisis, underpinning the value of its diverse portfolio and broad ecosystem.

More information on Tencent’s results is available at www.tencent.com/en-us/ir.

Mail.ru

For the year ended 31 December 2019, Mail.ru’s revenues grew 22% to RUB87.1bn. Non-GAAP EBITDA (Mail.ru’s measure of 
normalised performance) grew 10% to RUB29.8bn. Advertising revenue rose 23% to RUB36.5bn. This was driven by user and 
user  engagement  growth,  increased  inventory  of  video  advertisements  and  contextual  targeting  advertisements,  and 
technology advancements in its advertising platforms. 

Online games revenue grew 20% to RUB28bn. International revenues accounted for 68% of online games revenue.

Mail.ru is leveraging its leadership in the social and communications segment to build social ecommerce and online-to-offline 
(O2O)  verticals  that  complement  its  user  experience.  A  transformational  AliExpress  Russia  joint  venture  between  Mail.ru, 
Alibaba,  MegaFon  and  Russian  Direct  Investment  Fund  was  launched.  This  integrates  Mail.ru’s  cross-border  ecommerce 
platform, Pandao, with Alibaba’s AliExpress and Tmall services in Russia. In December 2019, Sberbank and Mail.ru formed a 
Russian O2O services platform joint venture, focusing on food technology and mobility. Mail.ru contributed its food-delivery 
business, Delivery Club, and a 29.67% stake in Citymobil, Russia’s second-largest taxi application, to the new entity.

As a long-term investor in Russian digital businesses, we continue to monitor proposed legislation that would potentially limit 
foreign ownership of businesses in Russia that are defined as significant information resources. As a long-standing participant 
in the country, we have stayed the course through various business cycles, up and down. We remain confident of a continued 
favourable disposition to our investment in the country.

More information on Mail.ru’s results is available at https://corp.mil.ru/en/investors/.

10

NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

Directors’ report to shareholders
for the year ended 31 March 2020

PROSPECTS

We anticipate a time when Covid-19 will no longer have the impact on the global economy it has today. We hope to emerge 
from the global pandemic stronger. 

Until then, we face these challenges from a position of relative financial strength. We closed our financial year on 31 March 
2020 with US$4.8bn in net cash and a US$2.5bn undrawn revolving credit facility; with accelerating growth in our ecommerce 
portfolio,  and  improved  profitability.  We  believe  we  have  sufficient  liquidity  to  run  the  company,  while  investing  in 
opportunities that may arise during this period.  

Our focus will remain on driving profitability in our more-established ecommerce segments, such as the classified markets 
and PSP business in the payment and fintech segment. We will invest substantially in food delivery, as well as the convenient 
transaction  model  in  classifieds  and  credit  in  payments.  Our  strong  balance  sheet  provides  a  basis  for  driving  growth  and 
unlocks new opportunities. We will also improve the competitiveness of our platforms by investing in tech and product and 
reinforcing our AI capabilities.

All our operations have business continuity plans in place. We are assessing potential impacts and supporting our businesses. 
The  challenges  of  Covid-19  will  vary  by  sector  and  geography,  but  we  have  the  teams,  the  resources  and  the  experience 
required to navigate them.

SHARE CAPITAL

The authorised share capital at 31 March 2020 was:
  −1 250 000 A ordinary shares of R20 each
  −500 000 000 N ordinary shares of 2 SA cents each

The issued share capital at 31 March 2020 was:
  −961 193 A ordinary shares of R20 each
  −435 511 058 N ordinary shares of 2 SA cents each

Refer  to  note  19  to  the  consolidated  annual  financial  statements  for  information  regarding  changes  in  the  group’s 
share capital during the year.

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

At 31 March 2020, the group’s investment in property, plant and equipment amounted to US$456.9m (2019: US$190.8m). 
Details are reflected in note 5 of the consolidated annual financial statements. The increase from the prior year is as a result 
of the adoption of IFRS 16 in the current financial year. Refer to note 2 for further details.

Capital commitments at 31 March 2020 amounted to US$28.9m (2019: US$18.8m).

DIVIDENDS

The board recommends an annual gross dividend of 580 cents (2019: 715 cents) per listed N ordinary share, and 116 cents 
(2019:  143  cents)  per  unlisted  A  ordinary  share.  In  determining  the  proposed  N  ordinary  share  dividend,  the  board 
considered  that  shareholders  who  held  listed  N  ordinary  shares  last  year  at  the  time  of  the  listing  of  Prosus,  would  have 
received shares in Prosus or additional shares in Naspers Limited. These, if they continue to hold those shares would entitle 
them to receive either an additional  Prosus dividend  of 11  euro cents (South  African  rand  equivalent  to  be  determined at 
time  of  payments,  currently  213  South  African  cents,  based  on  exchange  rate  at  26  June  2020)  per  share,  or  dividends 
on  their  additional  Naspers  N  ordinary  shares  received.  The  combined  Naspers  and  Prosus  dividend  represents  an 
increase of approximately 10% on the prior year Naspers dividend per share. 

Dividends are declared and paid in SA rand, with the relevant exchange rate announced at the time of the dividend payment. 

11  NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

Directors’ report to shareholders
for the year ended 31 March 2020

GROUP
Naspers  is  not  a  subsidiary  of  any  other  company.  The  name,  country  of  incorporation  and  effective  financial  percentage 
interest  of  the  holding  company  in  each  of  the  Naspers  group’s  principal  subsidiaries  are  disclosed  in  note  8  to  the 
consolidated annual financial statements.

Details  relating  to  significant  acquisitions  and  divestitures  during  the  year  are  highlighted  in  note  3  to  the  consolidated 
annual financial statements.

DIRECTORS
The directors’ names and details are presented on the next page and the company secretary’s name and business and postal 
addresses are presented on page 183. Directors’ shareholdings in the issued share capital of the company are disclosed in 
note 18 to the consolidated annual financial statements.

From 31 March 2020, our non-executive director and lead independent director, Fred Phaswana, retired from the board. Mr 
Phaswana served on the board since 2003. He was lead independent director from April 2015 and a director of various group 
structures. He was also a member of the human resources and remuneration and nomination committees. The board thanks 
him  for  his  superb  commitment  to  the  group  over  many  years  –  his  unique  contributions  were  highly  valued  and  will  be 
missed.  From  1  April  2020,  Hendrik  du  Toit,  an  independent  non-executive  director,  was  appointed  lead  independent 
director.

In addition, from 24 April 2020, Ben van der Ross, independent non-executive director, stepped down from the audit and risk 
committees  and  was  appointed  to  the  social,  ethics  and  sustainability  committee.  The  board  thanks  him  for  his  valuable 
contribution over many years to the audit and risk committees.

The  appointment  of  Manisha  Girotra  as  an  independent  non-executive  director  was  confirmed  on  1  October  2019.  Ms 
Girotra also serves as a member of the audit committee. 

From 26 June 2020, Ying Xu was appointed as an independent non-executive director.

12

NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

Directors’ report to shareholders
for the year ended 31 March 2020

DIRECTORS (continued)
Directors and attendance at meetings:

J P Bekker(1)

E Choi

H J du Toit(2)

C L Enenstein

D G Eriksson

M Girotra(3)

R C C Jafta(1)(4)

F L N Letele

D Meyer

Date first appointed 
in current position

Date last appointed

17 April 2015

21 April 2017

1 April 2016

23 August 2019

28 August 2017

24 August 2018

16 October 2013

24 August 2018

16 October 2013

24 August 2018

01 October 2019

01 October 2019

23 October 2003

25 August 2017

22 November 2013

26 August 2016

25 November 2009

23 August 2019

R Oliveira de Lima

16 October 2013

24 August 2018

S J Z Pacak(1)

15 January 2015

23 August 2019

T M F Phaswana(1)(5)

23 October 2003

25 August 2017

M R Sorour (1)(6)

V Sgourdos(1)

J D T Stofberg

B van Dijk(1)

B J van der Ross

Notes

15 January 2015

24 August 2018

1 July 2014

29 August 2014

16 October 2013

23 August 2019

1 April 2014

29 August 2014

12 February 1999

23 August 2019

(1) Members of the projects committee.

(2) Appointed as lead independent director on 1 April 2020.

(3) Appointed as a non-executive director on 1 October 2019.

(4) Appointed as a member of the projects committee as at 1 April 2020

(5) Retired as a director and member of all the committees on 31 March 2020.

(6) Appointed as a member of the Projects Committee 24 April 2020.

Thirteen board 
meetings were held 
during the year.
Attendance:

13

12

11

12

12

6

13

10

13

13

10

13

13

13

12

13

12

Category

Non-executive

Independent non-executive

Independent non-executive

Independent non-executive

Independent non-executive

Independent non-executive

Independent non-executive

Non-executive

Independent non-executive

Independent non-executive

Non-executive

Independent non-executive

Non-executive

Executive

Non-executive

Executive

Independent non-executive

13

NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

Directors’ report to shareholders (continued)
for the year ended 31 March 2020

DIRECTORS (continued)
Committees and attendance at meetings:

Audit 
committee(
2)

Five  
meetings 
held during 
the year. 
Attendance
:

Projects 
committee(1)

Seven   
meeting  
held during 
the year.

√

7

Risk 
committee

Five 
meetings 
held during 
the year. 
Attendance
:

√

5

J P Bekker

E M Choi

H J du Toit

C L Enenstein

D G Eriksson

M Girotra(4)

R C C Jafta(5)

√

-

F L N Letele

D Meyer

R Oliveira de Lima

S J Z Pacak

T M F Phaswana(6)

M R Sorour(7)

V Sgourdos

J D T Stofberg

B J van der Ross(8)

B van Dijk

M Davidson

Notes

√

√

√

√

√

7

7

-

7

7

√

√

√

5

2

5

√

5

√

√

√

√

√

√

5

5

5

5

5

4

Human 
resources and 
remuneration 
committee(2)

Six meetings 
held during 
the year. 
Attendance:

√

√

√

√

√

6

5

6

6

6

Nomination 
committee(
2)

Three 
meetings 
held during 
the year. 
Attendance
:

√

√

√

3

3

3

√

3

√

√

3

3

Social, 
ethics and 
sustainabilit
y 
committee(
3)

Three 
meetings 
held during 
the year. 
Attendance
:

√

√

√

√

Alt

√

√

√

√

3

3

2

3

3

3

-

3

3

Category

Non-executive

Independent non-
executive

Independent non-
executive

Independent non-
executive

Independent non-
executive

Independent non-
executive

Independent non-
executive

Non-executive

Independent non-
executive

Independent non-
executive

Non-executive

Independent non-
executive

Non-executive

Executive

Non-executive

Independent non-
executive

Executive

Executive

(1)

(2)

(3)

Committee renamed from executive committee to projects committee on 23 August 2019.

Executive directors attend meetings by invitation.

Committee renamed from social and ethics committee to social, ethics and sustainability committee on 22 November 2019.

(4) Appointed as a member of the audit committee on 01 October 2019.

(5) Appointed as a member of the projects committee on 01 April 2020.

(6) Retired as a director and member of all the committees on 31 March 2020.

(7) Appointed as a member of the Projects Committee on 24 April 2020.

(8) Resigned from the audit and risk committees and appointed as a member of the social, ethics and sustainability committee on 24 April 2020.

√ Member of committee.

Alt  Alternate director

14

NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

Report of the audit committee
for the year ended 31 March 2020

I  am  pleased  to  present  the  report  of  the  audit  committee  (the  committee)  for  the  year  ended  31  March  2020.  The 
committee submits this report, as required by section 94 of the South African Companies Act No 71 of 2008 (the Act).

MEMBERS OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE AND ATTENDANCE AT MEETINGS
This committee, chaired by Don Eriksson, comprises only independent non-executive directors. All members are financially 
literate and have business and financial acumen. The committee held five meetings during the past financial year. The chief 
executive and financial director attend committee meetings by invitation.

The names of the members who were in office during the financial year and the details of the committee meetings attended 
by each of the members are shown on page 13.

The committee has unrestricted access to company information falling within the committee’s mandate and will liaise with 
management  on  the  information  it  requires  to  carry  out  its  responsibilities.  Both  internal  and  external  auditors  have 
unrestricted access to the committee through the chair. The internal and external auditors also have the opportunity at two 
meetings per year to report to the committee in the absence of management, or when appropriate to do so.

The  chair  of  the  board  is  not  a  member  of  the  committee,  but  may  attend  meetings  by  invitation.  Board  members  are 
entitled  to  attend  committee  meetings  as  observers.  However,  non-committee  members  are  not  entitled  to  participate 
without the consent of the chair; do not have a vote; and are not entitled to fees for attendance.

RESPONSIBILITIES
This committee’s main responsibilities, in addition to its responsibilities in terms of the South African Companies Act, are as 
follows:













Annually review and assess the charters of the group’s significant subsidiaries’ audit committees and review their annual 
assessment  of  compliance  with  their  charters  to  establish  if  the  committee  can  rely  on  the  work  of  the  subsidiary 
companies’ committees.

Perform a formal annual evaluation of whether the committee has fulfilled its responsibilities in terms of its charter and 
reporting these findings to the board.

Review  and  approve  for  presentation  to  and  approval  by  the  board,  the  company’s  annual  report  director  reports, 
annual  financial  statements,  interim  and  provisional  reports,  and  any  other  company  press  releases  with  material 
financial or internal control impacts. 

Disclose in the annual report significant matters that the committee has considered in relation to the annual financial 
statements, and how these were addressed by the committee.

Review  the  documented  assessment  of  the  viability  of  the  company  and  the  group  on  a  going-concern  basis,  making 
recommendations to the board relating thereto. The committee should be alert to the general viability of the company 
and the group with regard to its reliance and effects on the total resources it uses and affect, its solvency and liquidity, 
and its status as a going concern.

Receive  the  external  auditors’  reports  directly  from  the  external  auditors,  including  the  receipt  and  review  of  reports, 
which furnish, in a timely fashion, information relating to:

o

o

o

o

all critical accounting policies and practices to be used in the preparation of the financial statements;

all  alternative  treatments  of  financial  information  within  generally  accepted  accounting  principles  that  have 
been discussed with management, ramifications of the use of such alternative disclosures and treatments, and 
the external auditors’ preferred treatment; 

the external auditors’ internal quality control procedures (such reports to be received annually), describing any 
material issues raised by the most recent internal quality control review or peer review of the external auditors, 
(such  reports  to  be  received  annually),  or  by  any  inquiry  or  investigation  by  governmental  or  professional 
authorities,  within  the  preceding  five  years,  in  respect  of  one  or  more  independent  audits  carried  out  by  the 
external auditors, and any steps taken to deal with any such issue,

a written statement in respect of relationships between the external auditors and the company, which the audit 
committee  will  use  to  investigate  any  relationships  disclosed  therein  that  may  impact  the  external  auditors’ 
objectivity and independence, and take appropriate action to oversee the external auditors’ independence

15

NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

Report of the audit committee
for the year ended 31 March 2020

RESPONSIBILITIES (continued)

o

o

o

confirmation of the external auditors’ continued registration with the JSE

other material written communications between the external auditors and management; and

other required disclosures to the audit committee by the external auditors.



























Annually  review  external  audit  and  disclose  the  committee’s  views  on  the  quality  of  the  external  audit  and 
independence,  when  required,  with  reference  to  audit  quality  indicators  such  as  those  that  may  be  included  in 
inspection reports issued by external audit regulators.

Evaluate  the  lead  partner  of  the  external  auditors,  who  will  be  subject  to  regular  rotation  as  required  by  applicable 
regulations.

Present  the  committee’s  conclusions  in  respect  of  the  nomination  for  appointment  as  external  auditors  to  the  board, 
preceding the annual request to shareholders to approve the appointment of the external auditors. 

Approve  the  external  auditor’s  terms  of  engagement  and  remuneration.  Evaluate  and  provide  commentary  on  the 
external auditors’ audit plans, scope of findings, identified issues and reports.

Pre-approve all audit and audit-related services provided by the external auditors.

Develop a policy for the board to approve with regard to non-audit services performed by the external auditors. Approve 
non-audit services provided by the external auditor in accordance with the policy.

Receive  notice  of  reportable  irregularities  (as  defined  in  the  Auditing  Profession  Act)  that  have  been  reported  by  the 
external auditor to the Independent Regulatory Board for Auditors.

Oversee the management of financial and other risks that affect the integrity of external reports issued by the company.

Based on the information provided by the various assurance providers, evaluate the effectiveness of internal financial 
controls and disclose the committee’s views in the Naspers integrated annual report on the effectiveness of the design 
and  implementation  of  internal  financial  controls  and  on  the  nature  and  extent  of  any  significant  weaknesses  in  the 
design,  implementation  or  execution  or  internal  financial  controls  that  resulted  in  material  financial  loss,  fraud, 
corruption or error. Such views must be reported to the board and in the integrated annual report.

Approve and recommend to the board for approval the internal audit charter, which must be reviewed annually.

Overseeing the internal audit function and assisting the board in fulfilling the following responsibilities:

o

o

o

Setting the direction for internal audit arrangements needed to provide objective and relevant assurance that 
contributes to the effectiveness of governance, risk management and control processes.

Ensure  that  arrangements  for  internal  audit  provide  for  the  necessary  skills  and  resources  to  address  the 
complexity and volume of risk faced by the company, and that internal audit is supplemented as required by 
specialists.

Confirm the appointment or dismissal of the head of the group’s internal audit function and periodically review 
his or her performance. 

o Monitor that internal audit follows an approved risk-based internal audit plan, reviews the organisational risk 

profile regularly, and propose adaptations to the internal audit plan accordingly.

o

o

Ensure internal audit provides a statement annually as to the effectiveness of the company’s governance, risk 
management and control process.

Ensure the internal audit function is subject to an external, independent quality review every 5 years.

o Obtain confirmation annually from the head of the group’s internal audit function that internal audit conforms 

to a recognised industry code of ethics.

Evaluate  and  disclose  the  audit  committee’s  views  on  the  effectiveness  of  the  head  of  internal  audit  and  the 
arrangements for internal audit, as well as approving the annual internal audit plan and any material changes thereto.

Review internal audit’s and the risk committee’s reports to the committee.

16

NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

Report of the audit committee
for the year ended 31 March 2020

RESPONSIBILITIES (continued)


Review procedures to ensure that the requirements of the relevant stock exchanges are complied with.



Review Naspers practices in light of the King IVtm code on Corporate Governance for South Africa, as amended from time 
to time, and make specific disclosures recommended by the King IVtm Code.

 Monitor compliance with the board-approved group levels of authority.



Related-party transactions:

o within  the  confines  and  requirements  of  the  South  African  Companies  Act,  approve  all  related-party 
transactions  between  US$5  million  and  US$50  million  (in  excess  of  US$50  million  only  the  board  to  approve) 
(except those between wholly owned, direct and indirect subsidiaries of Naspers, which would be reviewed in 
the context of accounting disclosure requirements) as defined by the JSE and IAS 24 Related Party Disclosures 
(IAS24).

o

o

all related-party transactions as defined by IAS 24 to a value of less than US$5 million must be brought to the 
attention of the audit committee at the most convenient meeting closest to when the transaction is concluded, 
and

furthermore,  the  audit  committee  will  review,  approve  and  recommend  to  the  board  for  approval  material 
related party transactions outside the ordinary course of business, or on terms other than normal market terms, 
as required by the relevant laws and regulations.



Evaluate:

o

legal matters which may affect the financial statements 

o matters of significance reported by the internal and external auditors, and any other parties, including implied 

potential risks to the group and recommendations on appropriate improvements

o major unresolved accounting or auditing issues, and









o

progress in respect of the completion of all unfinished matters reported by the internal and external auditors.

Establish  procedures  for  the  receipt,  retention  and  treatment  of  complaints  received  by  the  company  regarding 
accounting,  internal  control,  auditing  matters,  risk  management  and  management  or  other  fraudulent  activities, 
including procedures for confidential, anonymous reporting by employees in respect of questionable matters.

Annually evaluate the performance of and appropriateness of the expertise and experience of the financial director and 
the finance function.  The results of the review to be disclosed in the annual report.

Compile a report to be inserted in the financial statements, describing how the committee carried out its functions and 
stating whether the committee is satisfied that the external auditors were independent of the company. Include in that 
report a statement regarding the effectiveness of the internal controls and, specifically, of the internal financial controls.

Assisting the board in fulfilling the following responsibilities:

o

Ensuring that arrangements for assurance services are effective in achieving the following objectives:







enabling an effective internal control environment

supporting the integrity of information used for internal decision-making by management, the board 
and its committees, and

supporting the integrity of external reports.

o

o

Ensuring  that  a  combined  assurance  model  is  applied  that  incorporates  and  optimises  the  various  assurance 
services and functions so that, taken as a whole, these support the objectives for assurance.

Ensure  that  the  combined  assurance  model  is  designed  and  implemented  to  cover  effectively  the  company’s 
significant risks and material matters through a combination of assurance service providers and functions as is 
appropriate for the company.

o Disclosing in the annual report the arrangements in place for combined assurance and the committee’s views 

on its effectiveness. 

17

NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

Report of the audit committee
for the year ended 31 March 2020

RESPONSIBILITIES (continued)


Execute assignments commissioned by the board

Some responsibilities of this committee may also be a responsibility of the company’s risk committee

KEY FOCUS AREAS DURING THE YEAR
The committee’s key focus areas during the year included:











discharging its functions in terms of its charter;

assessing  and  reviewing  the  preparation  of  the  Prosus  N.V.  prospectus  and  the  combined  financial  information  in 
anticipation of the listing of Prosus;

assessing the impact of changes to accounting standards;

ensuring  group  reporting  meets  JSE  Listings  Requirements  and  any  other  requirements  which  arise  due  to  Naspers’s 
listings; and

implementing King IVTM recommendations.

FINANCIAL STATEMENT REPORTING ISSUES
The committee’s main responsibility in relation to the group’s financial reporting is to review, with both management and 
the external auditor, the appropriateness of the group’s consolidated annual financial statements with its primary focus on:



the quality and acceptability of accounting policies and practices;

 material areas where significant judgements have been made, along with any significant assumptions or estimates, or 

where significant issues have been discussed with or challenged by the external auditor; and



an assessment of whether the consolidated and company annual financial statements, taken as a whole, is fair, balanced 
and  understandable  and  provides  the  information  necessary  for  shareholders  to  assess  the  group’s  position  and 
performance, business model and strategy.

The  significant  judgements  and  issues  and  conclusions  reached/actions  taken  by  the  committee  in  relation  to  the  2020 
annual financial statements are outlined in the table below. The significant judgements and issues are broadly comparable in 
nature  to  prior  years.  Each  of  these  matters  was  discussed  with  the  external  auditor  and,  where  appropriate,  has  been 
addressed as a key audit matter in the report on the audit of the consolidated and company financial statements on pages 22 
to 28.

18

NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

Report of the audit committee
for the year ended 31 March 2020

Significant reporting matter
Applicable to the consolidated financial statements

Conclusions reached/actions taken

Impairment testing of goodwill and intangible assets

The  group’s  net  asset  value  includes  significant  amounts  of 
goodwill and intangible assets (refer to notes 6 and 7). 

These  balances  are  tested  at  least  annually  for  impairment 
and  this  process  involves  complex  calculations  and  the 
exercise  of  critical  management 
judgement  regarding 
assumptions and estimates.

The outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic is a triggering event 
for  potential  impairment  and  the  impairment  tests  as  of  31 
March 2020 were updated using revised forecasts to take the 
impact of Covid-19 into account.

Share-based payments

The  group  has  a  number  of  share-based  compensation 
schemes  (refer  to  note  44).  The  share-based  payments 
arising therefrom involve complex valuations and the use of 
critical  management  judgement  regarding  assumptions  and 
estimates.

Equity-accounted  investments  –  Tencent  Holdings  Limited 
(Tencent)

Equity-accounted investments (refer to notes 10 and 11) are 
significant  to  the  consolidated  annual  financial  statements 
and the group is required to make certain adjustments to the 
underlying  results  of  investees  in  respect  of  any  significant 
transactions  that  occur  between  the  investees’  year-ends 
and 31 March.

These  adjustments 
the  exercise  of  critical 
management  judgement  and  are  significant  in  terms  of 
magnitude.

require 

Accounting  for  the  group’s  investment  in  Tencent  was  a 
significant  matter  due  to  the  significant  contribution  of  the 

received 

reporting 

impairment 

The  committee 
from 
management  including  the  results  of  the  group’s  annual 
impairment  testing  of  goodwill  and  those  assets  where 
indicators  of  impairment  existed.  The  committee  reviewed 
this  reporting  in  terms  of  the  consistent  application  of 
management’s  testing  methodology,  the  achievability  of 
business  plans  and  forecasts  based  on  the  Naspers  board 
approval thereof and the critical assumptions applied.

In  addition,  as  impairment  testing  remains  a  key  area  of 
focus  for  the  group’s  external  auditor,  the  committee 
reviewed  the  external  auditor’s  reporting  on  impairment 
testing  and  the  valuations  used  for  this  purpose.  The 
committee  also  received  detailed  written  feedback  from 
management  on  how  valuation  principles,  areas  of 
judgement and forecasts have been impacted by Covid-19.

Consequently,  the  committee  was  satisfied  with  the 
appropriateness  of  the  analysis  performed  by  management 
and  the  impairment-related  disclosures  in  the  consolidated 
annual financial statements.

The committee acknowledged that the human resources and 
remuneration  committee  reviews  the  valuations,  including 
share-based 
assumptions 
compensation schemes as well as the various scheme rules. 

allocations, 

and 

the 

of 

The committee noted the report of the human resources and 
remuneration committee will be tabled at the Naspers board 
meeting in August and will detail the results of these reviews 
as per the normal process. The committee noted that these 
valuations  and  the  underlying  assumptions  are  used  for  the 
accounting of share-based payments.

The committee also reviewed the accounting and disclosure 
of share-based payments in the annual financial statements.

As  a  result,  the  committee  concluded  that  that  accounting 
and disclosure of share-based payments in the consolidated 
annual financial statements is appropriate.

from 

feedback 

The  committee  received 
the  group’s 
representatives  on  the  committees  of  Tencent  and  other 
significant  equity-accounted  investments.  The  committee 
reviewed  the  reporting  of  the  contribution  of  equity-
accounted  investments  to  the  group’s  results  and  financial 
position  as  part  of  their  review  of  the  consolidated  annual 
financial  statements.  In  addition,  the  committee  received 
reporting 
lag-period 
from  management  on  significant 
adjustments  and/or  adjustments  made  to  the  underlying 
results  of  investees  to  align    the  investees’  accounting 
policies to those of the group. 

19

NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

Report of the audit committee
for the year ended 31 March 2020

Significant reporting matter
Applicable to the consolidated financial statements

Conclusions reached/actions taken

entity  to  the  consolidated  results  of  the  group  and  the  fact 
that  Tencent  has  a  year-end  that  is  not  coterminous  with 
that of the group.

For further information refer to note 2 and note 10.

The committee was satisfied with the adjustments made and 
the critical judgements applied by management.

INTERNAL AUDIT
The  committee  has  oversight  of  the  group’s  consolidated  annual  financial  statements  and  reporting  process,  including  the 
system of internal financial control. It is responsible for ensuring that the group’s internal audit function is independent and 
has the necessary resources, standing and authority in the organisation to discharge its duties.

The  committee  oversees  cooperation  between  internal  and  external  auditors,  and  serves  as  a  link  between  the  board  of 
directors  and  these  functions.  The  head  of  internal  audit  reports  functionally  to  the  chair  of  the  committee  and 
administratively  to  the  financial  director.  An  assessment  of  the  effectiveness  of  the  internal  audit  function,  as  well  as  the 
head of internal audit, is performed annually by the committee. Based on the assessment, the committee is of the opinion 
that the internal audit function, as well as the head of internal audit, is effective. 

EFFECTIVENESS OF THE COMPANY’S INTERNAL FINANCIAL CONTROLS
The committee reports to the board that it is of the opinion that, based on enquiries made and the reports from the internal 
and  external  auditors,  the  internal  financial  controls  of  the  company  and  its  investments  are  effective.  Although  the 
committee  was  appraised  of  certain  areas  in  which  control  improvements  are  recommended,  have  started  or  have  been 
completed, after consideration it is of the opinion that none of these imply a material weakness in financial control of the 
company and its subsidiaries for the year under review

INDEPENDENCE AND EFFECTIVENESS OF THE EXTERNAL AUDITOR
PricewaterhouseCoopers Inc. (PwC) was reappointed as auditor of the company until the next annual general meeting. PwC 
has been the auditor of  Naspers for 105 years. The committee believes that the auditor has observed the highest level of 
business  and  professional  ethics.  The  committee  is  satisfied  that  the  auditor  has  at  all  times  acted  with  unimpaired 
independence.

Details of fees paid to the external auditor are disclosed in note 29 to the consolidated annual financial statements on page 
113. All non-audit services were approved by the committee during the current financial year in accordance with the board-
approved policy on non-audit services performed by the external auditor. The partner responsible for the audit is required to 
rotate every five years. The committee meets with the auditor independently of senior management.

During the year, the audit committee reviewed a representation by the external auditor and, after conducting its own review, 
confirmed the independence of the auditor. The quality of the external audit was reviewed, focusing on a range of factors 
considered  relevant  to  audit  quality  and  feedback  from  PwC  on  their  performance  against  their  own  objectives,  the 
committee concluded the external audit to be satisfactory.

It was confirmed that no unresolved issues of concern exist between the group and the external auditors.

CONFIDENTIAL MEETINGS
Audit  committee  agendas  provide  for  confidential  meetings  between  committee  members  and  the  internal  and  external 
auditors.

20

NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

Report of the audit committee
for the year ended 31 March 2020

EXPERTISE AND EXPERIENCE OF FINANCIAL DIRECTOR AND THE FINANCE FUNCTION
As required by JSE Listings Requirement 3.84(h), the committee has satisfied itself that the financial director has appropriate 
expertise  and  experience.  In  addition,  the  committee  satisfied  itself  that  the  composition,  experience  and  skillset  of  the 
finance function met the group’s requirements.

Based  on  an  assessment  performed  annually,  the  committee  is  of  the  opinion  that  the  finance  function,  as  well  as  the 
financial director, is effective. 

COMBINED ASSURANCE
The  board  does  not  only  rely  on  the  adequacy  of  the  internal  control  embedment  process  but  considers  reports  on  the 
effectiveness of risk management activities from the risk committee. The committee ensures that the assurance functions of 
management as well as internal and external audit are sufficiently integrated and is satisfied with the effectiveness of the 
arrangements for combined assurance. The various assurance providers to the board comprise the following:





senior  management  and  the  risk  committee  considers  the  company’s  risk  strategy  and  policy,  along  with  the 
effectiveness  and  efficiency  thereof.  The  risk  committee  also  considers  the  adequacy  of  risk  management  strategies, 
systems  of  internal  control,  risk  profiles  and  legal  compliance.  The  committee  receives  assurance  from  the  risk 
committee that risk management activities are sufficiently addressed and effective; and

the  committee  considers  the  systems  of  internal  control,  internal  and  external  audit  reports  and  also  reviews  the 
independence of the auditor, the extent and nature of audit engagements, scope of work and findings. This committee 
also  reviews  the  level  of  disclosure  in  the  consolidated  annual  financial  statements  and  the  appropriateness  of 
accounting policies adopted by management, and jointly with the risk committee considers material issues of fraud and 
reporting on fraud. The board reviews the performance of the committee against its charter.

The  chair  of  the  committee  reports  to  the  board  at  the  board  meeting  following  each  committee  meeting  on  matters 
addressed by the committee at its last meeting.  

DISCHARGE OF RESPONSIBILITIES
The committee determined that, during the financial year under review, it had discharged its legal and other responsibilities 
as outlined in terms of its remit, details of which are included in the full corporate governance report on www.naspers.com. 
The board concurred with this assessment.

KEY FOCUS AREAS GOING FORWARD
The committee’s key focus for the 2021 financial year include:















discharging its functions in terms of its charter;

assessing the impact of changes to accounting standards;

ensuring  group  reporting  meets  JSE  Listings  Requirements  and  any  other  requirements  which  arise  due  to  Naspers’s 
listings;

implementing King IVTM recommendations;

overseeing the mandatory audit firm rotation process;

focussing  regularly  on  the  group’s  working  capital  requirements  and  ensuring  that  the  group  and  its  subsidiaries 
continue to operate as going concerns; and

reviewing and monitoring the accounting for potential mergers, acquisitions and disposal and the conduct of impairment 
tests.

Don Eriksson
Chair: Audit committee
29 June 2020

21

NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

Report on the audit of the consolidated and separate financial 
statements

TO THE SHAREHOLDERS OF NASPERS LIMITED

OUR OPINION
In our opinion, the consolidated and separate financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated 
and separate financial position of Naspers Limited (the Company) and its subsidiaries (together the Group) as at 31 March 
2020,  and    its  consolidated  and  separate  financial  performance  and  its  consolidated  and  separate  cash  flows  for  the  year 
then ended in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards and the requirements of the Companies Act of 
South Africa.

What we have audited
Naspers Limited’s consolidated and separate financial statements set out on pages 29 to 182 comprise:

● the consolidated and company statements of financial position as at 31 March 2020;
● the consolidated income statement for the year then ended;
● the consolidated and company statements of comprehensive income for the year then ended;
● the consolidated and company statements of changes in equity for the year then ended;
● the consolidated and company statements of cash flows for the year then ended; and
● the notes to the financial statements, which include a summary of significant accounting policies. 

BASIS FOR OPINION
We  conducted  our  audit  in  accordance  with  International  Standards  on  Auditing  (ISAs).  Our  responsibilities  under  those 
standards  are  further  described  in  the  Auditor’s  responsibilities  for  the  audit  of  the  consolidated  and  separate  financial 
statements section of our report. 

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Independence

We  are  independent  of  the  Group  in  accordance  with  the  sections  290  and  291  of  the  Independent  Regulatory  Board  for 
Auditors’  Code  of  Professional  Conduct  for  Registered  Auditors  (Revised  January  2018),  parts  1  and  3  of  the  Independent 
Regulatory Board for Auditors’ Code of Professional Conduct for Registered Auditors (Revised November 2018) (together the 
IRBA Codes) and other independence requirements applicable to performing audits of financial statements in South Africa. 
We have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities, as applicable, in accordance with the IRBA Codes and in accordance with 
other  ethical  requirements  applicable  to  performing  audits  in  South  Africa.  The  IRBA  Codes  are  consistent  with  the 
corresponding  sections  of  the  International  Ethics  Standards  Board  for  Accountants’  Code  of  Ethics  for  Professional 
Accountants  and  the  International  Ethics  Standards  Board  for  Accountants’  International  Code  of  Ethics  for  Professional 
Accountants (including International Independence Standards) respectively.

OUR AUDIT APPROACH

Overview

Overall group materiality

US$181 750 000, which represents 5% of consolidated profit before tax from continuing 
operations. 

Materiality

Group audit scope

Group scoping

We identified significant components based on the following indicators: consolidated 
revenue, consolidated profit before tax, consolidated total assets and consolidated total 
liabilities.

We conducted full scope audits at 4 significant components, and other audit procedures on 8 
other components due to their risk or contribution to the consolidated financial statements.

Key audit matters

File reviews were performed by the group team for the work performed by PwC teams in 
China (Tencent) and the Netherlands (Prosus N.V. Group (Prosus)).

Key audit matters

1.

 Impairment  assessment  of  goodwill  and  intangible  assets  arising  from  business 
combinations (applicable to the consolidated financial statements);

2. Valuation of share-based compensation schemes and share-based payments (applicable 

to the consolidated financial statements);

22

NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

Report on the audit of the consolidated and separate financial 
statements

3. Accounting for equity accounted investments – Tencent Holdings Limited (applicable to 

the consolidated financial statements); and

4. Accounting for the Prosus restructuring (applicable to the separate financial 

statements).

As part of designing our audit, we determined materiality and assessed the risks of material misstatement in the consolidated 
and  separate  financial  statements.  In  particular,  we  considered  where  the  directors  made  subjective  judgements;  for 
example, in respect of significant accounting estimates that involved making assumptions and considering future events that 
are  inherently  uncertain.  As  in  all  of  our  audits,  we  also  addressed  the  risk  of  management  override  of  internal  controls, 
including  among  other  matters,  consideration  of  whether  there  was  evidence  of  bias  that  represented  a  risk  of  material 
misstatement due to fraud. 

Materiality

The scope of our audit was influenced by our application of materiality. An audit is designed to obtain reasonable assurance 
whether the financial statements are free from material misstatement. Misstatements may arise due to fraud or error. They 
are considered material if individually or in aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic 
decisions of users taken on the basis of the consolidated financial statements.

Based on our professional judgement, we determined certain quantitative thresholds for materiality, including the overall 
group materiality for the consolidated financial statements as a whole as set out in the table below. These, together with 
qualitative considerations, helped us to determine the scope of our audit and the nature, timing and extent of our audit 
procedures and to evaluate the effect of misstatements, both individually and in aggregate on the financial statements as a 
whole.

Overall group 
materiality
How we determined it

Rationale for the 
materiality 
benchmark applied

US$ 181 750 000

5% of consolidated profit before taxation from continuing operations.

We  chose  consolidated  profit  before  taxation  from  continuing  operations  as  the  benchmark 
because,  in  our  view,  it  is  the  benchmark  against  which  the  performance  of  the  Group  is  most 
commonly  measured  by  users,  and  is  a  generally  accepted  benchmark.  We  chose  5%  which  is 
consistent  with  quantitative  materiality  thresholds  used  for  profit-oriented  companies  in  this 
sector.

How we tailored our group audit scope

We tailored the scope of our audit in order to perform sufficient work to enable us to provide an opinion on the consolidated 
financial statements as a whole, taking into account the structure of the Group, the accounting processes and controls, and 
the industry in which the Group operates.

Our group audit strategy included consideration of significant components as well as taking into consideration the sufficiency 
of work performed over material line items in the consolidated financial statements.

In  scoping  our  group  audit,  we  first  determined  the  components  that  are  individually  financially  significant  to  the  group, 
namely:  Tencent Holdings Limited, the Classifieds and Etail segments as well the listed entity Prosus N.V. which includes the 
majority of the Group’s cash, short-term investments and external debt. These components were subjected to audits of their 
complete  financial  information  (full  scope  audit).    To  achieve  appropriate  audit  coverage  over  the  consolidated  financial 
statements,  we  selected  5  additional  components:  Mail.ru,  Movile  (including  iFood),  the  Payments  and  Fintech  segment, 
Takealot, the Media24 Group and certain corporate entities for full scope audits of their complete financial information. 

The  group  engagement  team  performed  further  audit  and  review  procedures  over  the  remaining  balances  and  the 
consolidation process to corroborate our assessment that there were no significant risks of material misstatements within 
those components. 

In establishing the overall approach to the group audit, we determined the extent of the work that needed to be performed 
by us, as the group engagement team, or by component auditors from other PwC network firms, or non-PwC firms operating 
under our instruction, in order to issue our audit opinion on the consolidated financial statements of the Group. The group 
engagement  team  performed  the  audit  work  on  the  corporate  entities.    For  all  other  components  we  used  component 
auditors who are familiar with the local laws and regulations to perform the audit work.  

.

23

NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

Report on the audit of the consolidated and separate financial 
statements

How we tailored our group audit scope (continued)

We issued group audit instructions to the component teams. These instructions included, amongst others, our risk analysis, 
evaluation  of  local  materiality  levels  applied  and  our  global  approach.  We  had  individual  calls  with  each  of  the  in  scope 
component  teams  before  commencing  their  respective  audits,  throughout  the  audit  and  upon  conclusion  of  their  work. 
During  these  calls,  we  discussed  our  instructions,  the  significant  accounting  and  audit  issues  identified  by  the  component 
auditors, their reports, the findings of their procedures and other matters which could be of relevance for the consolidated 
financial statements

We, as a group engagement team conducted meetings with several of the component teams and local management. During 
these meetings we discussed the strategy and financial performance of the local businesses, as well as the audit plan and 
execution, significant risks and other relevant audit topics. Since the Covid-19 outbreak limited our ability to physically visit 
all  the  significant  components  during  the  year,  we  conducted  a  series  of  video  calls  and  performed  remote  review  of  
selected  working  papers  of  the  work  performed  by  component  teams  in  China  (Tencent)  and  the  Prosus  N.V.  Group  audit 
team’s review of the component teams in Poland (OLX and PayU), Romania (eMag), Brazil (Movile and iFood), and the United 
States (Letgo). 

KEY AUDIT MATTERS

Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgment, were of most significance in our audit of the 
consolidated and separate financial statements of the current period. These matters were addressed in the context of our 
audit of the consolidated and separate financial statements as a whole, and in forming our opinion thereon, and we do not 
provide a separate opinion on these matters.

Key audit matter

How our audit addressed the key audit matter

1.  Impairment  assessment  of  goodwill  and  intangible  assets 
arising  from  business  combinations  (applicable  to  the 
consolidated  financial  statements)  (refer  to  note  2(h) 
(accounting policies) and notes 6 and 7 (financial disclosures) 
to the consolidated financial statements)

As  at  31  March  2020  the  Group’s  goodwill  and  intangible 
assets  amount  to  over  US$3  billion.  Goodwill  is  tested  for 
impairment  annually,  at  the 
individual  cash 
generating units (CGU’s), for impairment or whenever there 
identified  by  management. 
is  an 
impairment  when  an 
Intangible  assets  are  tested  for 
impairment indicator is identified.

impairment 

indicator 

level  of 

The recoverable amounts for unlisted CGU’s are based on the 
fair  value  estimates  by  management  by  reference  to  recent 
funding rounds or market transactions (where applicable) or 
value in use estimates using discounted cash flow models. In 
estimating  the  recoverable  amount,  management  uses 
assumptions  relating  to  discount  rates,  long  term  growth 
rates and projected revenue growth rates, projected EBITDA 
margins  and  EBITDA  growth  rates,  which  they  model  using 
forecast  periods  of  up  to  10  years.  These  forecast  periods 
reflect  the  early  stage  in  the  life  cycle  of  many  of  these 
businesses.

The outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic is a triggering event 
for  potential  impairment  and  management  updated  the 
impairment tests as of 31 March 2020 using revised forecasts 
and discount rates. Impairments amounting to US$ 12 million 
were raised as a result of this assessment. 

The impairment assessment of goodwill and intangible assets 

We  have  performed  procedures,  with  the  support  of  our 
valuation  specialists  which  varied  in  depth  per  CGU  or 
investment,  based  on  our  risk  assessment  with  respect  to 
the size and maturity of the individual businesses.

Our audit procedures included, amongst others:













Tested the composition of future cash flow forecasts by 
evaluating  (i)  the  current  and  past  performance  of  the 
business  or  CGU,  (ii)  the  consistency  with  external 
market  and  industry  data;  (iii)  the  corroboration  of 
strategic  initiatives  with  evidence  obtained  in  other 
areas  of  the  audit;  and  (iv)  the  expectations  of  certain 
analysts for a specific business or CGU;
Assessed  the  reasonableness  of  the  terminal  growth 
rates  used  by  management  per  CGU  or  investment  by 
comparing  to  the 
long-term  growth  rates  most 
reflective  of  the  underlying  operations,  obtained  from 
independent external sources;
Compared the inputs to the discount rates to externally 
obtained data such as the risk-free rates in the market, 
equity  market  risk  premiums,  country  risk  premiums, 
debt/equity  ratios  as  well  as  the  betas  of  comparable 
companies;
Recalculated the carrying amount of the goodwill CGUs 
with reference to underlying documentation;
For those investments valued on a recent transaction or 
funding round, assessed the overall economics thereof 
to  ensure  that  one  or  more  third  parties  was  directly 
impacted by the underlying valuation used;
Evaluated  external  analyst  report  valuations  and 
comparing these to management’s valuation; 

24

NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

Report on the audit of the consolidated and separate financial 
statements

Key audit matter

How our audit addressed the key audit matter

was  a  matter  of  most  significance  to  our  audit  due  to  the 
significant 
in 
determining  the  recoverable  amounts  as  well  as  the 
magnitude of the balances involved. 

applied  by  management. 

judgement 

2.  Valuation  of  share-based  compensation  schemes  and 
share-based  payments 
(applicable  to  the  consolidated 
financial  statements)  (refer  to  note  2(q)  (accounting  policy) 
and  note  44  (financial  disclosures)  to  the  consolidated 
financial statements).

A  number  of  equity  compensation  plans  are  used  where 
share  options,  restricted  stock  units  (RSUs),  performance 
share  units  (PSUs)  or  share  appreciation  rights  (SARs)  are 
granted  to  employees 
in  the  Group.  The  share-based 
compensation  expense  amounted  to  $122  million  for  the 
year ended 31 March 2020. 

When these schemes are settled in cash or Naspers shares at 
the discretion of the Group, they are accounted for as equity-
settled  schemes  by  the  Group.    The  grant  date  fair  value  is 
calculated by management using an option valuation model. 
In  estimating  the  fair  value  of  options  management  uses 
assumptions  relating  to  risk  free  rates,  volatility  rates, 
dividend  yields,  forfeiture  rates,  listed  share  prices,  and  for 
unlisted  schemes,  the  share  prices  of  the  underlying 
businesses. All awards are granted subject to the completion 
of a requisite service (vesting) period by employees.

The  following  share  schemes  were  considered  to  be  most 
significant  in  terms  of  their  contribution  to  the  total  share-
based  compensation  balances  of  the  Group  and  have 
therefore been separately disclosed by management:

 MIH Services FZ LLC Share Trust
 Naspers Restricted Stock Plan Trust (RSU)
 Naspers Share Incentive Trust 
 MIH Holdings Share Trust 
 Naspers Global Ecommerce SAR Scheme
 Naspers Global Classifieds SAR scheme 
 Naspers Fintech SAR Scheme 
 Avito SAR Scheme 
The  valuation  of  share-based  compensation  schemes  and 
share  based  payments  was  a  matter  of  most  significance  to 
our audit due to the complexity surrounding the valuations, 
specifically the assumptions, judgements and estimates used 
in  the  option  valuation  models  relating  to  each  scheme,  as 





Tested  the  forecasts  updated  by  management  for  the 
anticipated  impact  of  Covid-19  by  reperforming  the 
procedures listed above; and 
Tested  the  related  financial  statement  disclosures 
against the disclosure requirements of IFRS.  

In  addition  to  our  overall  response  described  above,  we 
further  challenged  management’s  sensitivity  analyses  by 
performing  our  own  sensitivity  analyses  based  on 
independent inputs for key valuation assumptions.

In  respect  of  the  audit  procedures  specified  above  no 
material findings were identified.

We  assessed  the  terms  of  share-based  compensation 
schemes  including  changes  to  the  existing  plans  based  on 
the  guidance  set  forth  in  International  Financial  Reporting 
Stadard, Share-based payment (IFRS  2).

We  traced  the  award  movements  to  relevant  supporting 
documentation as follows:









Agreed the share option/right offers during the year to 
signed  trustee,  board  or  remuneration  committee 
resolutions;
Agreed the share option/right sales  during the year to 
sales requisitions;
Agreed  share  option/right  forfeitures  to  supporting 
documentation such as resignation or dismissal letters; 
and
Agreed  other  movements  such  as  cancellations  to 
underlying supporting documentation. 

We  tested  the  mathematical  accuracy  of  the  option 
valuation  models  by  performing  a 
recalculation  of 
significant valuations, and we involved our valuation experts 
in assessing if the approach adopted by management in the 
option valuation models is in line with the requirements of 
IFRS 2.

With  the  assistance  of  our  internal  valuation  experts,  we 
assessed  the  key  inputs  in  the  option  valuation  calculation 
by performing the following procedures:










Agreed risk free rates to independently obtained data;
Agreed expected volatility rates for listed companies to 
independently obtained external data, and for unlisted 
companies  they  were  agreed  to  volatility  rates  of 
comparable companies in the market;
Assessed  dividend  yields  by  agreeing  the  share  price 
independently  obtained  data  and 
information  to 
recalculating the average historical dividend yield;
Assessed  the  reasonableness  of  forfeiture  rates  in 
terms of the history of forfeitures for each grant of the 
relevant share option/share appreciation right scheme;
For  unlisted  schemes,  recalculated  the  share  prices  of 
the  underlying  businesses  by  dividing  the  valuations 
performed by management’s expert by the outstanding 
number of shares of the relevant scheme; and 

25

NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

Report on the audit of the consolidated and separate financial 
statements

Key audit matter

How our audit addressed the key audit matter

well as the volume of share-based transactions.



For listed schemes, agreed the share prices to the listed 
share  price  as  at  the  grant  date  for  equity  settled 
awards. 

We  assessed 
the  experience  and  competence  of 
management’s  expert  utilised  in  performing  the  business 
valuations  and  assessed 
these 
the 
valuations  by  comparing  them  to  the  values  attributed  to 
these  businesses  as  part  of  management’s  impairment 
assessment process.

reasonability  of 

We  evaluated  whether  the  disclosures  were  in  compliance 
with  the  disclosure  requirements  of  IFRS  2,  Share-based 
payment.

In  respect  of  the  audit  procedures  specified  above  no 
material findings were identified.

We performed the following procedures:
 We issued audit instructions to the component auditors 
of  Tencent  Holdings  Limited.  The  instructions  covered 
the  significant  audit  areas  that  the  Tencent  Holdings 
Limited  auditors  should  focus  on,  as  well  as  the 
information required to be reported back to the Group 
audit team. A summary of the performed procedures in 
relation to the component auditors work is outlined in 
section ‘The scope of our group audit’ of this report.
 We obtained the equity accounted results recorded by 
the  Group  and  reconciled  them  to  the  audited  31 
December  2019  financial  results  of  Tencent  Holdings 
Limited.  
Since  Tencent  Holdings  Limited’s  year  end 
is  not 
coterminous with the Company, lag period adjustments 
and  top-level  adjustments  prepared  by  management 
were 
recalculated  based  on  publicly  available 
information  subsequent  to  31  December  2019  and 
input from the corresponding component team to gain 
comfort  that  all  material  lag  period  adjustments  were 
appropriately accounted for. 



We  independently  assessed  the  accounting  policies  of  the 
associate  to  that  of  the  Group  to  identify  any  material 
differences with IFRS. 

In  respect  of  the  audit  procedures  specified  above  no 
material findings were identified.
We inspected the signed board resolution in respect of the 
in-specie  dividend  declaration  of  the  73.84%  interest  in 
Prosus  N.V.  to  the  Company,  and  the  share  register  of 
Prosus  N.V.  to  recalculate  the  Company’s  shareholding  in 
Prosus N.V. on 13 September 2019.

We  assessed  the  fair  value  of  the  dividend-in-specie  (the 
Prosus  N.V.  investment)  by  agreeing  the  trading  volumes 
and share prices of Prosus N.V. to independent sources and 
recalculating the 15-day VWAP used by management. 

3.  Accounting  for  equity  accounted  investments  –  Tencent 
Holdings  Limited  (applicable  to  the  consolidated  financial 
statements)  (refer  to  note  2(a)  (accounting  policy)  and  note 
10  (financial  disclosures)  to  the  consolidated  financial 
statements)

The Group holds an investment in Tencent Holdings Limited 
which  is  accounted  for  in  terms  of  International  Accounting 
Standard  28,  Investments  in  Associates  and  Joint  Ventures 
(IAS 28) and carried at US$ 18.67 billion.

The Tencent Holdings Limited investment has a year-end (31 
December)  that  is  not  coterminous  with  that  of  the  Group. 
The  Group’s  accounting  policy 
is  to  account  for  an 
appropriate  lag  period  in  reporting  on  their  results.  Any 
significant  transactions  that  occur  between  Tencent’s  year-
end  and  31  March  (the  Group’s  year-end)  are  taken  into 
account in the equity-accounted results of the investment.

The  accounting  for  the  equity  accounted  investment  in 
Tencent  Holdings  Limited  was  a  matter  of  most  significance 
to our audit due to the fact that the investment has a year-
end  that  is  not  coterminous  with  that  of  the  Group  and 
therefore  management  apply  judgement  in  adjusting  for 
significant transactions that occur in the lag period, as well as 
the  significant  contribution  of  the  associate  investment  to 
the consolidated results of the Group.

4. Accounting for the Prosus restructuring (applicable to the 
separate  financial  statements)  (refer  to  note  1  (accounting 
policy)  and  note  13  (Revenue)  to  the  separate  financial 
statements).

Following the listing of the Company’s subsidiary, Prosus N.V.  
on  the  Euronext  Amsterdam  MIH  Holdings  Proprietary 
Limited  (“MIHH”),  a  wholly  owned  subsidiary  of  the 
Company,  distributed  its  73.84%  interest  in  Prosus  N.V.  to 
the Company on 13 September 2019 as a dividend-in-specie, 
which is recognised at a value of R1.3 trillion. 

26

NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

Report on the audit of the consolidated and separate financial 
statements

Key audit matter

How our audit addressed the key audit matter

We  evaluated  whether  the  disclosures  were  in  line  with 
IFRS.

In  respect  of  the  audit  procedures  specified  above  no 
material findings were identified.  

This  dividend-in-specie  (investment  in  Prosus  N.V.)  was 
recognised in the Company’s separate financial statements at 
the  fair  value  of  the  Prosus  N.V.  investment.    In  calculating 
the fair value, the Company determined that the share price 
of  the  Prosus  N.V.  Group  for  the  first  15  days  did  not 
represent  an  orderly  transaction  on  account  of  the  trading 
volumes  during  this  period  and  the  Volume  Weighted 
Average Price (VWAP) determined over the following 15 days 
of  trading  was  considered  more  representative  of  the  fair 
value of the Prosus N.V. Group in an orderly transaction.

The  accounting  for  the  Prosus  restructure  within  the 
separate  financial  statements  was  a  matter  of  most 
significance  to  our  audit  due  to  the  judgement  applied  by 
management  in  the  estimation  of  the  fair  value  of  the 
dividend  in  specie  as  well  as  the  magnitude  of  the  balances 
involved.

OTHER INFORMATION
The  directors  are  responsible  for  the  other  information.  The  other  information  comprises  the  information  included  in  the 
document titled “Naspers Limited financial statements 2020”and in the document titled “Naspers Limited Integrated Report 
2020”, which include the Certificate by the company secretary, the report of the Audit Committee and the Directors’ Report 
to shareholders  as required by the Companies Act of South Africa. The other information does not include the consolidated 
or the separate financial statements and our auditor’s report thereon. 

Our  opinion  on  the  consolidated  and  separate  financial  statements  does  not  cover  the  other  information  and  we  do  not 
express an audit opinion or any form of assurance conclusion thereon. 
In  connection  with  our  audit  of  the  consolidated  and  separate  financial  statements,  our  responsibility  is  to  read  the  other 
information  identified  above  and,  in  doing  so,  consider  whether  the  other  information  is  materially  inconsistent  with  the 
consolidated  and  separate  financial  statements  or  our  knowledge  obtained  in  the  audit,  or  otherwise  appears  to  be 
materially misstated. 

If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we 
are required to report that fact. We have nothing to report in this regard.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE DIRECTORS FOR THE CONSOLIDATED AND SEPARATE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The directors are responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of the consolidated and separate financial statements 
in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards and the requirements of the Companies Act of South Africa, 
and for such internal control as the directors determine is necessary to enable the preparation of consolidated and separate 
financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. 

In preparing the consolidated and separate financial statements, the directors are responsible for assessing the Group and 
the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using 
the going concern basis of accounting unless the directors either intend to liquidate the Group and/or the Company or to 
cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so. 

AUDITOR’S RESPONSIBILITIES FOR THE AUDIT OF THE CONSOLIDATED AND SEPARATE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated and separate financial statements as a 
whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our 
opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with 
ISAs  will  always  detect  a  material  misstatement  when  it  exists.  Misstatements  can  arise  from  fraud  or  error  and  are 
considered  material  if,  individually  or  in  the  aggregate,  they  could  reasonably  be  expected  to  influence  the  economic 
decisions of users taken on the basis of these consolidated and separate financial statements. 

27

NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

Report on the audit of the consolidated and separate financial 
statements

As  part  of  an  audit  in  accordance  with  ISAs,  we  exercise  professional  judgement  and  maintain  professional  scepticism 
throughout the audit. We also:













Identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated and separate financial statements, whether 
due to fraud or error, design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks, and obtain audit evidence that is 
sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. The risk of not detecting a material misstatement resulting 
from  fraud  is  higher  than  for  one  resulting  from  error,  as  fraud  may  involve  collusion,  forgery,  intentional  omissions, 
misrepresentations, or the override of internal control. 
Obtain  an  understanding  of  internal  control  relevant  to  the  audit  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 Group’s 
and the Company’s internal control. 
Evaluate  the  appropriateness  of  accounting  policies  used  and  the  reasonableness  of  accounting  estimates  and  related 
disclosures made by the directors. 
Conclude on the appropriateness of the directors’ use of the going concern basis of accounting and, based on the audit 
evidence obtained, whether a material uncertainty exists related to events or conditions that may cast significant doubt 
on  the  Group’s  and  the  Company’s  ability  to  continue  as  a  going  concern.  If  we  conclude  that  a  material  uncertainty 
exists,  we  are  required  to  draw  attention  in  our  auditor’s  report  to  the  related  disclosures  in  the  consolidated  and 
separate financial statements or, if such disclosures are inadequate, to modify our opinion. Our conclusions are based on 
the audit evidence obtained up to the date of our auditor’s report. However, future events or conditions may cause the 
Group and / or Company to cease to continue as a going concern. 
Evaluate the overall presentation, structure and content of the consolidated and separate financial statements, including 
the disclosures, and whether the consolidated and separate financial statements represent the underlying transactions 
and events in a manner that achieves fair presentation.
Obtain  sufficient  appropriate  audit  evidence  regarding  the  financial  information  of  the  entities  or  business  activities 
within the Group to express an opinion on the consolidated financial statements. We are responsible for the direction, 
supervision and performance of the group audit. We remain solely responsible for our audit opinion.

We  communicate  with  the  directors  regarding,  among  other  matters,  the  planned  scope  and  timing  of  the  audit  and 
significant audit findings, including any significant deficiencies in internal control that we identify during our audit.

We  also  provide    the  directors  with  a  statement  that  we  have  complied  with  relevant  ethical  requirements  regarding 
independence, and to communicate with them all relationships and other matters that may reasonably be thought to bear 
on our independence, and where applicable, related safeguards. 

From the matters communicated with the directors, we determine those matters that were of most significance in the audit 
of  the  consolidated  and  separate  financial  statements  of  the  current  period  and  are  therefore  the  key  audit  matters.  We 
describe these matters in our auditor’s report unless law or regulation precludes public disclosure about the matter or when, 
in extremely rare circumstances, we determine that a matter should not be communicated in our report because the adverse 
consequences of doing so would reasonably be expected to outweigh the public interest benefits of such communication. 

REPORT ON OTHER LEGAL AND REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS

In  terms  of  the  IRBA  Rule  published  in  Government  Gazette  Number  39475  dated  4  December  2015,  we  report  that 
PricewaterhouseCoopers Inc. has been the auditor of Naspers Limited since the company’s formation in 1915 (105 years). 

PricewaterhouseCoopers Inc.
Director:  Vicki Myburgh 
Registered Auditor
Johannesburg, South Africa
29 June 2020

28

NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

Consolidated statement of financial position

as at 31 March 2020

ASSETS
Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment
Goodwill
Other intangible assets
Investments in associates
Investments in joint ventures
Investments and loans
Other receivables
Related party receivables
Derivative financial instruments
Deferred taxation
Current assets
Inventory
Trade receivables
Other receivables
Related party receivables
Derivative financial instruments
Short-term investments
Cash and cash equivalents

Assets classified as held for sale
TOTAL ASSETS

EQUITY AND LIABILITIES
Capital and reserves attributable to the group's equity holders
Share capital and premium
Other reserves
Retained earnings
Non-controlling interests
TOTAL EQUITY

Non-current liabilities
Post-employment medical liability
Long-term liabilities
Other non-current liabilities
Cash-settled share-based payment liability
Provisions
Derivative financial instruments
Deferred taxation
Current liabilities
Current portion of long-term debt
Provisions
Trade payables
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
Related party payables
Taxation payable
Dividends payable
Derivative financial instruments
Bank overdrafts 

Liabilities classified as held for  sale
TOTAL EQUITY AND LIABILITIES

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated annual financial statements.

29

NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

31 March
2020
US$'m

2019
US$'m

Notes

5
6
7
10
11
12
16
18
42
13

14
15
16
18
42
39
40

17

19
20
21

22
23
24
44
25
42
13

23
25

26

42
40

17

26 807
457
2 237
898
22 235
74
818
5
8
55
20
9 512
260
139
443
99
-
4 060
4 303
9 304
208
36 319

21 750
3 362
(8 508)
26 896
8 178
29 928

4 184
17
3 759
160
40
5
2
201
2 207
67
10
322
1 701
3
7
1
38
32
2 181
26
36 319

23 133
191
2 120
877
19 746
96
74
7
-
1
21
10 552
209
172
515
3
4
7 298
2 284
10 485
67
33 685

27 999
4 945
( 739)
23 793
132
28 131

3 973
21
3 245
538
-
6
33
130
1 581
23
19
287
1 219
6
13
1
3
8
1 579
2
33 685

Consolidated income statement

for the year ended 31 March 2020

Continuing operations
Revenue from contracts with customers 
Cost of providing services and sale of goods
Selling, general and administration expenses
Other gains/(losses) - net

Operating loss
Interest income
Interest expense
Other finance income/(cost) - net
Share of equity-accounted results
Impairment of equity-accounted investments
Dilution losses on equity-accounted investments
Net gains on acquisitions and disposals

Profit before taxation

Taxation

Profit from continuing operations

Profit from discontinued operations
Profit for the year

Attributable to:
Equity holders of the group
Non-controlling interests

Earnings per ordinary share (US cents) from continuing operations
Basic
Diluted

Earnings per ordinary share (US cents) from discontinued operations
Basic
Diluted
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated annual financial statements.

31 March
2020
US$'m

2019
US$'m

Notes

28
29
29
30

4 001
(2 692)
(1 960)
(69)

3 291
(2 104)
(1 716)
( 38)

31
31
31
10, 11
10, 11
10, 11
32

33

4

34
34

34
34

(720)
245
( 229)
129
3 932
( 21)
( 52)
351

3 635

(231)

3 404

-
3 404

3 137
267

3 404

718
699

-
-

( 567)
284
( 205)
130
3 410
( 88)
( 182)
1 609

4 391

( 229)

4 162

2 759
6 921

6 901
20

6 921

965
950

614
611

30

NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

Consolidated statement of comprehensive income 

for the year ended 31 March 2020

Profit for the year
Other comprehensive income(1)
Foreign currency translation reserve

Exchange loss arising on translating the net assets of foreign operations

Fair-value (losses)/gains

Fair-value  (losses)/gains  on  financial  assets  at  fair  value  through  other  comprehensive 
income

Hedging reserve

Net movement in hedging reserve
Hedging reserve reclassified to the income statement 
Net tax effect of movements in hedging reserve

Share of equity-accounted investments' direct reserve movements

Share-based compensation reserve
Valuation reserve
Foreign currency translation reserve

Total other comprehensive income, net of tax, for the year

Total comprehensive income for the year

Attributable to:
Equity holders of the group
Non-controlling interests

Notes

20

42

20

31 March
2020
US$'m

2019
US$'m

3 404

6 921

(1 321)
(1 321)
( 292)

(1 529)
(1 529)
11

( 292)

11

-
-
-
-
241
429
( 310)
122
(1 372)

145
115
54
( 24)
918
395
344
179
( 455)

2 032

6 466

2 013
19

2 032

6 452
14

6 466

(1) All components of other comprehensive income may subsequently be reclassified to profit or loss except for fair value loss of US$291.8m (2019: gains of 
US$10.8m) relating to the group's financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income and fair value gains of US$78.7m (2019: US$752.4m) 
from equity accounted investments'  financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income and other direct reserve movements.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated annual financial statements.

31

NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

Consolidated statement of changes in equity

for the year ended 31 March 2020

Share capital and
premium
A shares N shares
US$'m

US$'m

Foreign
currency
trans-
lation
reserve
US$'m

Hedging Valuation
reserve
reserve
US$'m
US$'m

Existing
control
business
combi-
nation
reserve
US$'m

Share-
based
compen-

sation Retained
earnings
US$'m

reserve
US$'m

Share-
holders'
funds
US$'m

Non-
control-
ling
interest
US$'m

Total
US$'m

Balance at 1 April 2018

2

4 963

( 761)

( 106)

841

(1 847)

1 460

20 971

25 523

169

25 692

Total comprehensive
income for the year
Profit for the year
Total other comprehen-
sive income for the year
Treasury share movements
Share-based compensation
movement(1)
Transactions with non-
controlling shareholders(2)(3)
Foreign exchange movements 
on equity  reserves
Direct retained earnings 
and other movements(4)
Dividends
Distribution in specie(5)
Balance at 31 March 2019

Balance at 1 April 2019
Total comprehensive
income for the year
Profit for the year
Total other comprehen-
sive loss for the year
Share capital movements(6)
Treasury share movements
Share-based compensation
movement(1)
Transactions with non-
controlling shareholders(3)
Other movements(7)
Recognition of Prosus
non-controlling interest
Direct retained earnings 
 movements(4)
Dividends (refer to note 21)
Balance at 31 March 2020

-
-

-
-

-

-

-

-
-
-
2

2

-
-

-
-
-

-

-
-

-

-
2

-
-

(1 329)
-

-
( 20)

(1 329)
-

-

-

-

-

-

( 4)

-
-
-
4 943

24
-
-
(2 070)

4 943

(2 070)

-
-

-
(1 547)
( 36)

(1 116)
-

(1 116)
208
-

-

-
-

-

-

-
-

-

-
-
3 360

4
-
(2 974)

130
-

130
-

-

-

-

( 24)
-
-
-

-

-
-

-
-
-

-

-
-

-

-
-
-

355
-

355
-

-

-

3

-
-

-
-

-

930

-

395
-

395
-

30

-

-

( 439)
-
-
760

( 210)
-
-
(1 127)

( 187)
-
-
1 698

6 901
6 901

-
-

-

( 890)

( 1)

836
( 196)
(3 828)
23 793

6 452
6 901

( 449)
( 20)

30

40

( 2)

14
20

( 6)
-

3

64

( 2)

6 466
6 921

( 455)
( 20)

33

104

( 4)

-
( 196)
(3 828)
27 999

-
( 116)
-
132

-
( 312)
(3 828)
28 131

760

(1 127)

1 698

23 793

27 999

132

28 131

( 437)
-

( 437)
-
-

-

-
-

-

-
-

-
-
-

-

( 166)
8

429
-

429
-
-

12

1
-

3 137
3 137

2 013
3 137

-
-
-

(1 124)
(1 339)
( 36)

19
267

( 248)
-
-

2 032
3 404

(1 372)
(1 339)
( 36)

( 63)

( 51)

( 2)

( 53)

( 9)
( 37)

( 174)
( 29)

233
-

59
( 29)

(6 399)

( 53)

37

(6 415)

7 798

1 383

( 42)
-
281

( 7)
-
(7 691)

( 211)
-
1 876

256
( 218)
26 896

-
( 218)
21 750

-
( 2)
8 178

-
( 220)
29 928

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated annual financial statements.
(1)Retained  earnings  includes  a  decrease  of  US$62.6m  (2019:  US$nil)  related  to  the  settlement  of    share-based  compensation  benefits.  The  share-based
compensation reserve includes the current year expense recognised in the income statement of US$118.6m (2019: US$98.0m). 
(2)Relates to the derecognition of non-controlling interest of US$79.8m related to the MultiChoice Group which was distributed to shareholders in February 2019 
through a listing on the JSE Limited stock exchange (refer note 3).
(3)The current year relates mainly to the put option liabilities raised from the existing control business combination reserve of US$137.5m. The group's  various 
disposals and other transactions with non-controlling interest resulted in the realisation of reserves to retained earnings of US$8.9m and non-controlling interest 
of US$228.5m. In the prior year the settlement of put option liabilities and transactions with non-controlling interest amounted to US$924.9m.
(4)Relates to the realisation of the fair value reserve recognised through other comprehensive income of US$42.1m (2019: US$439.4m), the recycling of share-
based compensation reserve of US$210.5m (2019: US$186.6m) on the vesting of the share options and existing business combination reserve of US$7.1m (2019: 
US$209.9m).
(5)Relates to the MultiChoice Group which was distributed to shareholders in February 2019  (refer to note 3).
(6)During the current year Naspers effected a share repurchase programme
(7)Relates mainly to the realisation of reserves as a result of various disposals and liquidations to retained earnings of US$37.4m and in existing control business 
combination reserve of US$8.4m.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated annual financial statements.

32

NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

Consolidated statement of cash flows

for the year ended 31 March 2020

31 March
2020
US$'m

2019
US$'m

Notes

35

36
37
38
3

( 394)
387
( 7)
261
( 235)
( 215)
( 196)

Cash flows from operating activities
Cash from operations
Dividends received from investments and equity-accounted companies 
Cash generated from operating activities
Interest income received
Interest costs paid
Taxation paid
Net cash (utilised in)/generated from operating activities 
Cash flows from investing activities
Property, plant and equipment acquired
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment
Intangible assets acquired
Proceeds from sale of intangible assets
Acquisitions of subsidiaries and businesses, net of cash acquired
Disposals of subsidiaries and businesses
Acquisition of associates
Disposal of associates
Partial disposals of associates
Additional investment in existing associates
Additional investments in existing joint ventures
Disposal of joint ventures
Acquisition of short-term investments(1)
Maturity of short-term investments(1)
Cash movement in other investments and loans
Net cash generated from/(utilised in) investing activities
Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds from sale of subsidiary shares
Payments for repurchase of shares
Proceeds from long- and short-term loans raised
Repayments of long- and short-term loans
Additional investments in existing subsidiaries(2)
Repayments of capitalised lease liabilities
Outflow from equity-settled share-based compensation transactions
Funding received from non-controlling shareholders
Dividends paid by subsidiaries to non-controlling shareholders
Dividend paid by holding company
Other movements resulting from financing activities
Net cash generated from/(utilised in) financing activities
Net movement in cash and cash equivalents
Foreign exchange translation adjustments on cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year
Cash and cash equivalents classified as held for sale
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year
(1) Relates to short-term cash investments with maturities of more than three months from the date of acquisition. Refer to note 39.
(2) Relates to transaction with non-controlling interest. The prior year includes the settlement of the group's put option liabilities. Refer to note 24.

1 568
(1 426)
1 300
(1 047)
( 68)
( 34)
( 195)
127
( 7)
( 204)
( 8)
6
2 126
( 112)
2 276
( 19)
4 271

( 92)
4
( 22)
1
( 468)
22
( 158)
87
-
( 218)
( 23)
-
(3 868)
7 022
29
2 316

9
19
23
23
3
23

38
38

40

322
344
666
244
( 252)
( 248)
410

( 136)
3
( 19)
-
( 104)
( 508)
( 547)
1 930
4
( 733)
( 18)
34
(8 591)
1 361
( 2)
(7 326)

-
-
62
( 51)
(1 610)
( 59)
( 119)
70
( 118)
( 199)
( 19)
(2 043)
(8 959)
( 132)
11 368
( 1)
2 276

Cash flow information is related to the 2019 financial year includes cash flows associated with discontinued operations (refer to note 4).
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated annual financial statements.

33

NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements
for the year ended 31 March 2020

1.

NATURE OF OPERATIONS
Naspers  Limited  (Naspers  or  the  group)  is  a  global  consumer  internet  group  and  one  of  the  largest  technology 
investors  in  the  world.  Operating  and  investing  in  countries  and  markets  across  the  world  with  long-term  growth 
potential, Naspers builds leading companies that empower people and enrich communities. The group operates and 
partners  a  number  of  leading  internet  businesses  across  the  Americas,  Africa,  the  Middle  East,  Central  and  Eastern 
Europe, and Asia in sectors including online classifieds, food delivery, payment and fintech, education, health, etail and 
social and internet platforms.  

On 11 September 2019 Naspers listed its international ecommerce and internet assets on Euronext Amsterdam. This 
listing has created a new global consumer internet group Prosus N.V. (formerly Myriad International Holdings N.V.), 
comprising  Naspers’s  internet  interests  outside  South  Africa  and  includes  investments  in  online  classifieds,  food 
delivery,  payments  and  fintech,  etail,  education  and  social  and  internet  platforms,  among  others.  Prosus  N.V.  has  a 
secondary inward listing on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) in South Africa. Pursuant to this transaction, the 
group issued 6 011 074 N ordinary shares to those shareholders who elected not to receive Prosus N.V. shares upon 
listing.  In  total,  56  065  A  ordinary  shares  were  also  issued  to  existing  A  ordinary  shareholders.  These  shares  were 
issued for no consideration. 

2.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The  principal  accounting  policies  applied  in  the  preparation  of  these  consolidated  and  separate  annual  financial 
statements are set out below. These accounting policies have been consistently applied to all years presented, unless 
otherwise stated.

The consolidated and separate annual financial statements of the group are presented in accordance with, and comply 
with  International  Financial  Reporting  Standards  (IFRS)  and  interpretations  of  those  standards  as  issued  by  the 
International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) and effective at the time of preparing these financial statements, the 
SAICA  Financial  Reporting  Guides  as  issued  by  the  Accounting  Practices  Committee,  Financial  Pronouncements  as 
issued  by  the  Financial  Reporting  Standards  Council,  the  JSE  Listings  Requirements  and  the  Companies Act No  71  of 
2008. The consolidated and separate annual financial statements are prepared using the historic cost convention apart 
from certain financial instruments (including derivative instruments) and cash-settled share-based payment schemes 
stated at fair value.

Going concern
The  consolidated  and  company  annual  financial  statements  are  prepared  on  the  going  concern  basis.  Based  on 
forecasts and available cash resources, the group and company have adequate resources to continue operations as a 
going  concern  in  the  foreseeable  future.  As  at  31  March  2020,  the  group  recorded  US$8.33billion  in  net  cash, 
comprising US$4.30bn of cash and cash equivalents and US$ 4.06bn in short-term cash investments. The group had 
US$3.52bn of interest-bearing debt (excluding capitalised lease liabilities) and an undrawn US$2.5bn revolving credit 
facility. Refer to note 19 “Share capital and premium – capital management” for details of how the group manages its 
capital to safeguard its ability to continue as a going concern.

In  assessing  going  concern,  the  impact  of  the  Covid-19  pandemic  on  the  group’s  operations  and  liquidity  was 
considered in preparing the forecasts. The board is of the opinion that the group has sufficient financial flexibility given 
its  low  gearing  and  very  strong  liquidity  position  at  31  March  2020  to  negate  the  expected  negative  effects  on  the 
company and the group’s going concern that could result from the Covid-19 impact on the group’s businesses in the 
year subsequent to the date of these financial statements.

Discontinued operations presentation
Prior-period financial information as contained in the income statement has been restated to reflect the results of the 
group’s  video-entertainment  segment  as  a  discontinued  operation  (refer  to  note  3  for  further  details  regarding  the 
distribution of the MultiChoice Group to shareholders during the current period). Amounts reported in the statement 
of comprehensive income, statement of financial position, statement of cash flows and statement of changes in equity 
however reflect items from both continuing and discontinued operations. 

From the date on which disposal groups are classified as held for sale/distribution, the group applies the measurement 
provisions  of  IFRS  5  Non-current  Assets  Held  for  Sale  and  Discontinued  Operations  which  includes,  amongst  other 
requirements, the cessation of the recognition of depreciation and amortisation. Where disposal groups are classified 
as  held  for  distribution  and  qualify  for  presentation  as  discontinued  operations,  the  group  presents  those  disposal 
groups as discontinued operations only after the distribution has been carried out.

34

NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

 
Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements
for the year ended 31 March 2020

2.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)
Accounting judgements and sources of estimation uncertainty
The  preparation  of  the  consolidated  and  separate  annual  financial  statements  necessitates  the  use  of  estimates, 
assumptions  and  judgements  by  management.  These  estimates  and  assumptions  affect  the  reported  amounts  of 
assets, liabilities and contingent assets and liabilities at the statement of financial position date as well as the reported 
income and expenses for the year. Although estimates are based on management’s best knowledge and judgement of 
current facts as at the statement of financial position date, the actual outcome may differ from these estimates. 

Estimates are made regarding the fair value of intangible assets recognised in business combinations; impairment of 
property, plant and equipment (refer to note 5), impairment of goodwill (refer to note 6); recognition and impairment 
of other intangible assets (refer to note 7); impairment of financial assets carried at amortised cost and other assets 
(refer to note 15); the remeasurements required in business combinations and disposals of associates, joint ventures 
and subsidiaries (refer to note 32); the valuation and remeasurement of written put option liabilities (refer to note 24); 
and  equity  compensation  benefits  (refer  to  note  44).  Where  relevant,  the  group  has  provided  sensitivity  analyses 
demonstrating the impact of changes in key estimates and assumptions on reported results. The following accounting 
judgements had the most significant impact on the consolidated annual financial statements:

Lag periods applied when reporting results of equity-accounted investments

Where  the  reporting  periods  of  associates  and  joint  ventures  (equity-accounted  investments)  are  not  coterminous 
with  that  of  the  group  and/or  it  is  impracticable  for  the  relevant  equity-accounted  investee  to  prepare  financial 
statements as of 31 March (for instance due to the availability of the results of the equity-accounted investee relative 
to  the  group’s  reporting  period),  the  group  applies  an  appropriate  lag  period  of  not  more  than  three  months  in 
reporting  the  results  of  the  equity-accounted  investees.  Significant  transactions  and  events  that  occur  between  the 
non-coterminous reporting periods are adjusted for. The group exercises significant judgement when determining the 
transactions and events for which adjustments are made.

Accounting for equity-accounted investments share of other comprehensive income and changes in net asset value

The group recognises its share of other comprehensive income and other changes in net assets of associates and joint 
ventures in the statement of comprehensive income.

Accounting for written put option liabilities

The  group  accounts  for  all  written  put  options  as  liabilities  equal  to  the  present  value  of  the  expected  redemption 
amount payable in the statement of financial position. This applies regardless of whether the group has the discretion 
to  settle  in  its  own  equity  instruments  or  cash.  Written  put  option  liabilities  that  are  linked  to  a  committed 
employment period are accounted for as cash-settled share-based compensation benefits. The expected redemption 
amounts payable for these written put options is dependent on the completion of an employment service period.

Accounting for share-based payment transactions

The group recognises cash- and equity-settled share-based payment expenses arising from its various share incentive 
schemes and exercises significant judgement when calculating these expenses. Expenses are generally based on the 
fair  values  of  awards  granted  to  employees.  Fair  value  is  measured  using  appropriate  valuation  and  option  pricing 
models, where applicable. The values assigned to the key assumptions used in the valuation models for the group’s 
most significant share incentive schemes are disclosed in note 44.

(a)

Basis of consolidation
The  consolidated  annual  financial  statements  include  the  results  of  Naspers  Limited  and  its  subsidiaries,  associated 
companies and joint ventures.

Subsidiaries
Subsidiaries  are  entities  over  which  the  group  has  control.  The  existence  and  effect  of  potential  voting  rights  are 
considered when assessing whether the group controls another entity to the extent that those rights are substantive. 
Subsidiaries  are  consolidated  from  the  date  on  which  control  is  obtained  (acquisition  date)  up  to  the  date  control 
ceases.  For  certain  entities,  the  group  has  entered  into  contractual  arrangements  which  allow  the  group  to  control 
such  entities.  Because  the  group  controls  such  entities,  they  are  consolidated  in  the  consolidated  annual  financial 
statements.

Intergroup transactions, balances and unrealised gains and losses are eliminated on consolidation.

35

NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

 
2.

(a)

Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements (continued)
for the year ended 31 March 2020

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

Basis of consolidation (continued)
Business combinations
Business combinations are accounted for using the acquisition method. The consideration transferred in an acquisition 
of a business (acquiree) comprises the fair values of the assets transferred, the liabilities assumed, the equity interests 
issued by the group and the fair value of contingent consideration arrangements where applicable. If the contingent 
consideration is classified as equity, it is not subsequently remeasured, and settlement is accounted for within equity. 
Otherwise, subsequent changes to the fair value of contingent consideration are recognised in the income statement. 

For each business combination, the group measures the non-controlling interest in the acquiree at the non-controlling 
interest’s  proportionate  share  of  the  acquiree’s  identifiable  net  assets.  Costs  related  to  the  acquisition,  other  than 
those associated with the issue of debt or equity securities, are expensed as incurred.

Where  a  business  combination  is  achieved  in  stages,  the  group’s  previously  held  equity  interest  in  the  acquiree  is 
remeasured  to  fair  value  as  at  the  acquisition  date  through  the  income  statement.  The  fair  value  of  the  group’s 
previously  held  equity  interest  forms  part  of  the  consideration  transferred  in  the  business  combination  at  the 
acquisition date.

When a selling shareholder is required to remain in the group’s employment subsequent to a business combination, 
retention  agreements  are  recognised  as  employee  benefit  arrangements  and  dealt  with  in  terms  of  the  accounting 
policy for employee or equity compensation benefits.

Goodwill
Goodwill in a business combination is recognised at the acquisition date when the consideration transferred, and the 
recognised  amount  of  non-controlling  interests  exceeds  the  fair  value  of  the  net  identifiable  assets  of  the  entity 
acquired. If the consideration transferred is lower than the fair value of the identifiable net assets of the acquiree (a 
bargain purchase), the difference is recognised in the income statement. The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an 
entity is calculated after consideration of attributable goodwill.

Transactions with non-controlling shareholders
Non-controlling  shareholders  are  equity  participants  of  the  group  and  all  transactions  with  non-controlling 
shareholders are therefore accounted for as equity transactions and included in the statement of changes in equity. In 
transactions  with  non-controlling  shareholders,  the  excess  of  the  cost/proceeds  of  the  transaction  over  the  group’s 
proportionate share of the net asset value acquired/disposed is allocated to the “Existing control business combination 
reserve”  in  equity.  Refer  to  section  (c)  for  the  group’s  accounting  policy  regarding  written  put  options  over  non-
controlling interests.

Common control transactions
Business combinations in which all of the combining entities or businesses are ultimately controlled by the same party 
or parties both before and after the business combination (and where that control is not transitory) are referred to as 
common control transactions. The accounting policy for the acquiring entity would be to account for the transaction at 
book  value  in  its  consolidated  financial  statements.  The  book  value  of  the  acquired  entity  is  the  consolidated  book 
value  as  reflected  in  the  consolidated  financial  statements  of  the  selling  entity.  The  excess  of  the  cost  of  the 
transaction over the acquirer's proportionate share of the net asset value acquired in common control transactions, 
will be allocated to the existing control business combination reserve in equity.

The group applies the above common control accounting policy to distributions of non-cash assets that is ultimately 
controlled by the same party or parties both before and after the distribution.

Associates and joint ventures
Investments in associated companies (associates) and joint ventures are accounted for in terms of the equity method.

Associates  are  entities  over  which  the  group  exercises  significant  influence,  but  which  it  does  not  control  or  jointly 
control. Joint ventures are arrangements in which the group contractually shares control over an activity with others 
and in which the parties have rights to the net assets of the arrangement.

Most major foreign associates and joint ventures do not have year-ends that are coterminous with that of the group, 
and  the  group’s  accounting  policy  is  to  account  for  an  appropriate  lag  period  in  reporting  their  results  where  it  is 
impractical for the associates and joint ventures to provide relevant information in time. Significant transactions and 
events occurring between the investees’ and the group’s March year-end are taken into account.

36

NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

2.

(a)

Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements (continued)
for the year ended 31 March 2020

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

Basis of consolidation (continued)
Associates and joint ventures (continued)
Unrealised gains or losses on transactions between the group and its associates and joint ventures are eliminated to 
the  extent  of  the  group’s  interest  in  the  relevant  associate  or  joint  venture,  except  where  the  loss  is  indicative  of 
impairment of assets transferred.

The group’s share of other comprehensive income and other changes in net assets of associates and joint ventures is 
recognised in the statement of comprehensive income.

For acquisitions of associates and joint ventures achieved in stages, the group measures the cost of its investment as 
the  sum  of  the  consideration  paid  for  each  purchase  plus  a  share  of  the  investee’s  profits  and  other  equity 
movements.  Other  comprehensive  income  recognised  in  prior  periods  in  relation  to  the  previously  held  stake  in 
investee  is  reversed  through  equity  and  a  share  of  profits  and  other  equity  movements  is  also  recorded  in  equity. 
Acquisition-related costs form part of the investment in the associate or joint venture.

When  the  group  increases  its  shareholding  in  an  associate  or  joint  venture  and  continues  to  exercise  significant 
influence  or  to  exert  joint  control  over  the  investee,  the  cost  of  the  additional  investment  is  added  to  the  carrying 
value  of  the  investee.  The  acquired  share  in  the  investee’s  identifiable  net  assets,  as  well  as  goodwill  arising,  is 
calculated  using  fair-value  information  at  the  date  of  acquiring  the  additional  interest.  Goodwill  is  included  in  the 
carrying value of the investment in the associate or joint venture.

Partial disposals of associates and joint ventures that do not result in a loss of significant influence or joint control are 
accounted  for  as  dilutions.  Dilution  gains  and  losses  are  recognised  in  the  income  statement.  The  group’s 
proportionate share of gains or losses previously recognised in other comprehensive income by associates and joint 
ventures  are  reclassified  to  the  income  statement  when  a  dilution  occurs  if  the  gains  or  losses  are  required  to  be 
reclassified to the income statement in terms of the applicable accounting standard. 

Where an associate or joint venture holds equity in the group, the carrying amount of the investment in the associate 
or joint venture is adjusted by an amount representing the group’s indirect holding in its own equity because of the 
cross  holding.  The  amount  of  the  group’s  share  of  the  associate's  or  joint  venture’s  results  is  determined  after 
eliminating, from the associate's or joint venture’s results, any income or dividends received by the associate or joint 
venture from the group.

Each  associate  and  joint  venture  is  assessed  for  impairment  on  an  annual  basis  as  a  single  asset.  If  impaired,  the 
carrying value of the group’s investment in the associate or joint venture is adjusted to its recoverable amount and the 
resulting impairment loss is included in “Impairment of equity-accounted investments” in the income statement.

Disposals
When the group ceases to have control (subsidiaries), exercise significant influence (associates) or exert joint control 
(joint ventures), the retained interest is remeasured to its fair value, with the change in the carrying value recognised 
in the income statement. This fair value is the initial carrying amount for the purposes of subsequent accounting for 
the retained interest. In addition, the amounts previously recognised in other comprehensive income in respect of the 
entity  disposed  are  accounted  for  as  if  the  group  had  directly  disposed  of  the  related  assets  or  liabilities.  This  may 
mean that amounts previously recognised in other comprehensive income are reclassified to the income statement.

Where the group contributes a non-monetary asset (including a business) to an investee in exchange for an interest in 
that investee that is equity-accounted, the gain or loss arising on the remeasurement of the contributed non-monetary 
asset to fair value is recognised in the income statement only to the extent of other parties’ interests in the investee. 
The  gain  or  loss  is  eliminated  against  the  carrying  value  of  the  investment  in  the  associate  or  joint  venture  to  the 
extent of the group’s interest.

 (b)

Financial assets
Classification, initial recognition and measurement
Financial  assets  are  initially  recognised  when  the  group  becomes  a  party  to  the  contractual  provisions  of  the 
instrument.

On initial recognition, financial assets are classified as financial assets measured at amortised cost, fair value through 
other comprehensive income or fair value through profit or loss. The classification is based on the objectives of the 
business model within which the financial asset is held and the characteristics of its contractual cash flows.

37

NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

2.

(b)

Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements (continued)
for the year ended 31 March 2020

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

Financial assets (continue)
Classification, initial recognition and measurement (continued)
The group assesses the objective of the business model in which a financial asset is held based on all relevant evidence 
that  is  available  at  the  date  of  assessment  including  how  the  performance  of  the  financial  asset  is  evaluated  and 
reported to management and the risks affecting the performance of the financial asset as well as how those risks are 
managed. 

In  evaluating  the  contractual  cash  flows  of  a  financial  asset,  the  group  considers  its  contractual  terms,  including 
assessing  whether  the  financial  asset  is  subject  to  contractual  terms  that  change  (or  could  potentially  change)  the 
timing or amount of associated future cash flows. 

A financial asset is measured at amortised cost if it is held within a business model whose objective is to hold assets to 
collect contractual cash flows and its contractual cash flows represent solely payments of principal and interest on the 
amount  outstanding.  In  making  this  assessment,  the  group  considers  the  effect  of  terms  (including  conversion, 
prepayment and extension features) that may affect the timing and/or amounts of cash flows.

Financial assets classified as at amortised cost include trade and other receivables, related party receivables and cash 
and cash equivalents. 

On initial recognition of an equity investment that is not held for trading, the group may irrevocably elect to present 
subsequent changes in the fair value of such investments in other comprehensive income. This election is made on an 
investment-by-investment  basis.  These  investments  are  classified  as  financial  assets  at  fair  value  through  other 
comprehensive  income.  The  group  has  classified  all  equity  investments  that  do  not  represent  investments  in 
subsidiaries, associates or joint ventures in this category. 

All  financial  assets  not  classified  as  at  amortised  cost  or  at  fair  value  through  other  comprehensive  income  are 
measured at fair value through profit or loss. This includes derivative financial assets other than those forming part of 
effective hedging relationships to which hedge accounting is applied. A financial asset is classified in this category at 
initial recognition if it is acquired principally for the purpose of selling in the short term, if it forms part of a portfolio of 
financial  assets  in  which  there  is  evidence  of  short-term  profit  making,  or,  if  it  is  designated  in  this  category  to 
eliminate or significantly reduce an accounting mismatch that would otherwise arise.

Purchases and sales of financial assets are recognised on the trade date, which is the date that the group commits to 
purchase or sell the asset. Financial assets (excluding trade receivables that are not subject to a significant financing 
component)  are  initially  measured  at  fair  value  plus,  for  an  instrument  not  at  fair  value  through  profit  or  loss, 
transaction costs directly attributable to its acquisition or issue. Trade receivables that are not subject to significant 
financing components are initially measured at the relevant transaction prices.

Financial  assets  are  presented  as  non-current  assets,  except  for  those  with  maturities  within  12  months  from  the 
statement of financial position date, which are classified as current assets.

Subsequent measurement 
Amortised cost financial assets are subsequently measured using the effective interest method, reduced by relevant 
impairment allowances. Interest income, foreign exchange gains and losses and impairment losses on amortised cost 
financial assets are recognised in the income statement.

Changes in the fair value of equity investments classified as financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive 
income are recognised in other comprehensive income and are accumulated in the valuation reserve in the statement 
of changes in equity. Dividends received on equity investments at fair value through other comprehensive income are 
recognised in the income statement. On derecognition of financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive 
income, fair value changes accumulated in the valuation reserve are transferred to retained earnings.

Financial  assets  at  fair  value  through  profit  or  loss  are  subsequently  carried  at  fair  value  with  changes  in  fair  value 
recognised in the income statement. 

Refer to note 43 for the group’s fair-value measurement methodology regarding financial assets.

38

NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

2.

(b)

Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements (continued)
for the year ended 31 March 2020

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

Financial assets (continued)
Subsequent measurement (continued)
Financial assets are derecognised when the rights to receive cash flows from the financial assets have expired or where 
they have been transferred and the group has also transferred substantially all risks and rewards of ownership.

Financial assets are offset and the net amount reported in the statement of financial position when there is a legally 
enforceable right to offset the recognised amounts and there is an intention to realise the asset and settle a related 
financial liability simultaneously.

Impairment
The group recognises expected credit losses (impairment allowances) on financial assets measured at amortised cost 
and accrued income balances. The group assesses, on a forward-looking basis, the impairment allowances associated 
with  these  financial  assets  and  makes  use  of  provision  matrices  relevant  to  its  various  operations  in  establishing 
impairment allowances, specifically for trade receivables.

For financial assets at amortised cost (including primarily trade receivables) and accrued income balances, the group 
measures impairment allowances at an amount equal to the lifetime expected credit losses on these financial assets. 
Lifetime expected credit losses are those losses that result from all possible default events over the expected life of the 
financial instrument.

The group considers a financial asset to be in default when the borrower is unlikely to pay its credit obligations in full 
or the outstanding amount exceeds its contractual payment terms.

At each reporting date the group assesses whether financial assets at amortised cost and/or accrued income balances 
are credit impaired. Financial assets are considered credit impaired when one or more events that have a detrimental 
impact on expected future cash flows have occurred. Evidence that a financial asset is credit impaired includes but not 
limited  to  significant  financial  difficulty  experienced  by  the  borrower,  a  breach  of  contract  such  as  defaulting  on 
contractually due repayments or the probability of the borrower entering bankruptcy.

Impairment allowances for financial assets measured at amortised cost and accrued income balances are recognised in 
the  income  statement  and  in  an  impairment  allowance  account.  The  gross  carrying  amount  of  the  financial  asset  is 
reduced  by  the  impairment  loss  allowance  and  is  written  off  when  the  group  has  no  reasonable  expectation  of 
recovering the financial asset in its entirety or a portion thereof.

Refer to note 42 for further details regarding the group’s credit risk management.

(c)

Financial liabilities 
Financial  liabilities  are  recognised  when  the  group  becomes  party  to  the  contractual  provisions  of  the  relevant 
instrument. The group classifies financial liabilities at amortised cost or at fair value through profit or loss.

Other  financial  liabilities  are  subsequently  measured  at  amortised  cost  using  the  effective  interest  method.  Interest 
expense and foreign exchange gains and losses on these financial liabilities are recognised in the income statement. 
Other  financial  liabilities  comprise  primarily  trade  and  other  payables,  borrowings  and  written  put  option  liabilities. 
These financial liabilities are initially recognised at fair value, net of transaction costs.

39

NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements (continued)
for the year ended 31 March 2020

2.

(c)

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

Financial liabilities (continued)
Written put option liabilities represent contracts that impose (or may potentially impose) an obligation on the group to 
purchase its own equity instruments (including the shares of a subsidiary) for cash or another financial asset. Written 
put  option  liabilities  are  initially  raised  from  the  “Existing  control  business  combination  reserve”  in  equity  at  the 
present  value  of  the  expected  redemption  amount  payable.  Simultaneously,  the  group  may  still  recognise  non-
controlling interest where the risks and rewards of ownership are not deemed to have been transferred to the group 
on initial recognition of the put option liability. Subsequent revisions to the expected redemption amount payable as 
well  as  the  unwinding  of  the  discount  related  to  the  measurement  of  the  present  value  of  the  written  put  option 
liability, are recognised in “Other finance (costs)/income – net” in the income statement. Where a written put option 
liability  expires  unexercised  or  is  cancelled,  the  carrying  value  of  the  financial  liability  is  reclassified  to  the  “Existing 
control business combination reserve” in equity.

Written  put  options  that  provide  the  group  with  the  discretion  to  settle  its  obligations  in  the  group’s  own  equity 
instruments  (including  the  shares  of  a  subsidiary)  are  also  accounted  for  as  outlined  above.  Written  put  option 
liabilities  are  presented  within  “Other  liabilities”  in  the  statement  of  financial  position.  Written  put  option  liabilities 
that  are  linked  to  a  committed  employment  period  are  accounted  for  as  share-based  compensation  benefits.  The 
expected  redemption  amounts  payable  for  these  written  put  options  is  dependent  on  the  completion  of  an 
employment service period (refer to share-based compensation accounting policy below).

Financial liabilities are presented as current liabilities if payment is due or could be demanded within 12 months (or in 
the normal operating cycle of the business if longer). If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities.

Financial liabilities are offset and the net amount reported in the statement of financial position when there is a legally 
enforceable right to offset the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis. Financial liabilities 
are derecognised when the contractual obligation is discharged, cancelled or when it expires.

(d)

Financial instruments used for hedge accounting
The  group  uses  derivative  financial  instruments  (derivatives)  to  reduce  exposure  to  fluctuations  in  foreign  currency 
exchange rates and interest rates. These instruments mainly comprise forward exchange contracts and interest rate 
(including  cross  currency)  swap  agreements.  Forward  exchange  contracts  protect  the  group  from  movements  in 
exchange rates by fixing the rate at which a foreign currency asset or liability will be settled. Cross-currency interest 
rate swap agreements protect the group from movements in foreign exchange risk on a net investment in a foreign 
operation.

The group documents, at inception of hedging transactions, the relationship between hedging instruments and hedged 
items, as well as its risk management objective and strategy for undertaking various hedging transactions. The group 
also documents its assessment, both at hedge inception and on an on-going basis, of whether the derivatives used in 
hedging  transactions  are  expected  to  be  and  have  been  highly  effective  in  offsetting  changes  in  fair  values  or  cash 
flows  of  hedged  items.  Hedging  instruments  are  included  in  “derivative  financial  instruments”  in  the  statement  of 
financial position. The group designates derivatives as hedging instruments either in their entirety or elements thereof, 
as appropriate. The fair values of derivatives used for hedging purposes are disclosed in note 43.

The method of recognising the resulting gain or loss arising from the remeasurement of derivatives used for hedging is 
dependent  on  the  nature  of  the  item  being  hedged.  The  group  designates  a  derivative  as  either  a  hedge  of  the  fair 
value of a recognised asset, liability or firm commitment (fair value hedge), or a hedge of a forecast transaction or of 
the  foreign  currency  risk  of  a  firm  commitment  (cash  flow  hedge).  The  group  also  designates  certain  derivatives  as 
hedges of the group’s net investments in its foreign operations (cash flow hedges).

Fair value hedges 
When a derivative is designated as a fair value hedge, changes in the fair value of the derivative are recorded in the 
income  statement,  along  with  changes  in  the  fair  value  of  the  hedged  asset  or  liability  that  is  attributable  to  the 
hedged risk.

Cash flow hedges 
When a derivative is designated as a cash flow hedging instrument, the effective portion of the change in the fair value 
of  the  derivative  is  recognised  in  other  comprehensive  income  and  accumulated  in  the  hedging  reserve.  The 
ineffective portion of the change in the fair value of the derivative is recognised in the income statement. 

40

NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

2.

(d)

Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements (continued)
for the year ended 31 March 2020

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

Financial instruments used for hedge accounting (continued)
Cash flow hedges (continued)
When the hedged forecast transaction or firm commitment subsequently results in the recognition of a non-financial 
item such as inventory, the amount accumulated in the hedging reserve is included directly in the initial cost of the 
non-financial item when it is recognised. 

For  all  other  hedged  forecast  transactions,  the  amount  accumulated  in  the  hedging  reserve  is  reclassified  to  the 
income  statement  in  the  same  period  during  which  the  hedged  expected  future  cash  flow  affects  in  the  income 
statement.

When  a  hedging  instrument  expires  or  is  sold,  or  when  a  hedge  no  longer  meets  the  criteria  for  hedge  accounting, 
then  hedge  accounting  is  discontinued  prospectively.  The  amount  accumulated  in  the  hedging  reserve  at  that  time 
remains in equity until, for a hedge resulting in the recognition of a non-financial item, it is included in the initial cost 
on initial recognition or, for other cash flow hedges, it is reclassified to the income statement in the same period as the 
expected cash flows affect the income statement.

When a committed or forecast transaction is no longer expected to occur, the amounts accumulated in the hedging 
reserve are reclassified to the income statement.

Net investment hedges 
When  a  derivative  is  designated  as  a  hedging  instrument  in  a  hedge  of  the  group’s  net  investment  in  a  foreign 
operation,  the  effective  portion  of  the  change  in  fair  value  of  the  hedging  instrument  is  recognised  in  other 
comprehensive income and presented in the foreign currency translation reserve within equity. The ineffective portion 
of the change in fair value of the derivative is recognised in the income statement. The amount accumulated in the 
foreign  currency  translation  reserve  is  reclassified  to  the  income  statement  on  disposal  of  the  relevant  foreign 
operation.

Certain  derivative  transactions,  while  providing  effective  economic  hedges  under  the  group’s  risk  management 
policies,  do  not  qualify  for  hedge  accounting.  Changes  in  the  fair  value  of  derivatives  that  do  not  qualify  for  hedge 
accounting are recognised immediately in the income statement.

(e)

Leased assets
At inception of a contract, the group assesses whether a contract is, or contains a lease. A contract is or contains a 
lease if it conveys a right to control the use of an identified asset for a period of time in exchange for consideration. 
The group’s leasing arrangements relate primarily to office buildings, warehouse space, equipment and vehicles. Lease 
agreements are generally entered into for fixed periods of between two and 10 years, depending on the nature of the 
underlying asset being leased.

Lessee accounting
The group recognises all leases (with limited exceptions) as right-of-use assets and obligations to make lease payments 
(lease liabilities) from the lease commencement date. 

The  right-of-use  asset  is  measured  at  cost  less  accumulated  depreciation  and  accumulated  impairment.  The  cost 
includes  the  initial  amount  of  the  respective  lease  liability  adjusted  for  lease  payments  made  before  the 
commencement  date  of  the  lease,  plus  initial  direct  costs  incurred  and  estimated  costs  to  dismantle  or  destroy  the 
underlying asset, less lease incentives received where applicable. The right-of-use asset is subsequently depreciated 
using the straight-line method over the earlier of the useful life of the underlying asset or the period of the lease term. 
In addition, the right-of-use asset is reduced by impairment losses if any and adjusted for certain remeasurements of 
the lease liability. 

The lease liability is initially measured at the present value of the lease payments, discounted using the interest rate 
implicit  in  the  lease  and  where  that  rate  cannot  be  readily  determined  the  group  entity  uses  the  incremental 
borrowing rate. This is the rate of interest that the group entity would have to pay to borrow the funds necessary to 
obtain an asset of a similar value to the respective right-of-use asset in a similar economic environment.

41

NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements (continued)
for the year ended 31 March 2020

2.

(e)

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)

Leased assets (continued)
Lessee accounting (continued)
Lease payments included in the measurement of the lease liability comprise of the following:

fixed payments;
variable lease payments that depend on an index or rate;
amounts expected to be payable under residual value guarantees;
amounts in an optional renewal lease period if the group is reasonably certain to exercise an extension option
the exercise price of a purchase option that the group is reasonably certain to exercise; and
penalties  for  early  termination  of  the  lease  unless  the  group  is  reasonably  certain  not  to  terminate  the  lease 

•
•
•
•
•
•
early.

The lease liability is measured at amortised cost using the effective interest rate method. It is remeasured where there 
is a change in future lease payments, a change in the group’s estimate of amounts expected to be payable under a 
residual value guarantee or if the group changes its assessment of whether it will exercise a purchase, extension or 
termination option. 

When the lease liability is remeasured, a corresponding adjustment is made to the carrying amount of the right-of-use 
asset, or is recognised in the income statement if the carrying amount of the right-of-use asset has been reduced to 
zero.  The  group  presents  right-of-use  assets  in  “property,  plant  and  equipment”  and  capitalised  lease  liabilities  in 
“long-term liabilities’ in the statement of financial position.”

The group has elected not to recognise right-of-use assets and lease liabilities for short-term leases that have a lease 
term of 12 months or less and leases of low-value assets. The group recognises the lease payments associated with 
these leases as an expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

The  group  has  applied  the  ‘integrally  linked’  approach  in  respect  of  the  tax  consequences  of  lease  contracts.  At 
inception  of  a  lease  and  on  the  transition  date  no  deferred  taxes  are  recognised  as  no  temporary  differences  arise 
between  the  tax  base  and  carrying  amount  of  the  net  lease  asset  or  liability  (without  taking  into  account  advance 
payments). Subsequent to initial recognition, deferred taxes are recognised when temporary differences arise.

The group’s leases do not impose covenants, but leased assets may not be used as security for borrowing purposes.

Previous accounting policy for leases 
In the previous financial year, the group classified all of its leases as finance or operating leases based on the criteria 
described below.

Finance leases
Leases  of  property,  plant  and  equipment  are  classified  as  finance  leases  where  substantially  all  risks  and  rewards 
associated with ownership are transferred to the group as lessee. Assets under finance leases are capitalised at the 
lower of fair value and the present value of the minimum lease payments, with the related lease obligation recognised 
at  an  equivalent  amount.  The  interest  rate  implicit  in  the  lease  or,  where  this  cannot  be  reliably  determined,  the 
group’s  incremental  borrowing  rate  is  used  to  calculate  the  present  values  of  minimum  lease  payments.  Capitalised 
leased assets are depreciated over their estimated useful lives, limited to the duration of the lease agreement. Each 
lease payment is allocated between the lease obligation and finance charges. The corresponding lease obligations, net 
of finance charges, are included in long-term liabilities or current portion of long-term debt. The interest element of 
the minimum lease payments is charged to the income statement over the lease period so as to produce a constant 
periodic rate of interest on the remaining balance of the liability for each period.

Operating leases
Leases  of  assets  under  which  substantially  all  the  risks  and  rewards  of  ownership  are  retained  by  the  lessor  are 
classified as operating leases. Operating lease rentals (net of incentives received from the lessor) are charged to the 
income statement on a straight-line basis over the period of the lease.

(f)

Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment comprises of owned and leased assets.

Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost, being the purchase cost plus the cost to prepare the assets for their 
intended use, less accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment losses. 

42

NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements (continued)
for the year ended 31 March 2020

2.

(f)

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

Property, plant and equipment (continued)
Cost  includes  transfers  from  equity  of  gains/losses  on  qualifying  cash  flow  hedges  relating  to  foreign  currency 
property,  plant  and  equipment  acquisitions.  Property,  plant  and  equipment,  with  the  exception  of  land,  are 
depreciated  in  equal  annual  amounts  over  each  asset’s  estimated  useful  life  to  their  residual  values.  Land  is  not 
depreciated as it is deemed to have an indefinite life. Depreciation periods vary in accordance with the conditions in 
the relevant industries, but are subject to the following range of useful lives:

Class of asset
Buildings
Computer equipment
Manufacturing equipment
Improvements to buildings
Office equipment
Vehicles

Owned
5 to 50 years
1 to 10 years
2 to 15 years
2 to 12 years
2 to 25 years
2 to 10 years

Leased
2 to 10 years
2 to 3 years
2 to 4 years
3 to 5 years
2 to 4 years
2 to 5 years

Where parts of property, plant and equipment require replacement at regular intervals, the carrying value of an item 
of property, plant and equipment includes the cost of replacing the part when that cost is incurred, if it is probable 
that future economic benefits will flow to the group and the cost can be reliably measured. 

The carrying values of the parts replaced are derecognised on capitalisation of the cost of the replacement part. Each 
component of an item of property, plant and equipment with a cost that is significant in relation to the total cost of 
the item is depreciated separately where it has an estimated useful life that differs from that of the item as a whole.

Major  leasehold  improvements  are  amortised  over  the  shorter  of  the  respective  lease  terms  and  estimated  useful 
lives.

Subsequent costs, including major renovations, are included in an asset’s carrying value or recognised as a separate 
asset, as appropriate, only when it is probable that future economic benefits associated with the item will flow to the 
group  and  the  cost  of  the  item  can  be  measured  reliably.  Repairs  and  maintenance  are  charged  to  the  income 
statement.

The  residual  values  and  useful  lives  of  property,  plant  and  equipment  are  reviewed,  and  adjusted  if  appropriate,  at 
each statement of financial position date. Gains and losses on disposals are determined by comparing the proceeds to 
the asset’s carrying value and are recognised in “Other (losses)/gains – net” in the income statement.

Work in progress are assets still in the construction phase and not yet available for use. These assets are carried at cost 
and are not depreciated. Depreciation commences once the assets are available for use as intended by management.

Borrowing costs directly attributable to the acquisition or construction of qualifying assets are capitalised as part of the 
cost of those assets. All other borrowing costs are expensed as incurred. A qualifying asset is an asset that takes more 
than a year to get ready for its intended use.

(g)

Intangible assets
Intangible  assets  acquired  are  capitalised  at  cost.  Intangible  assets  with  finite  useful  lives  are  amortised  using  the 
straight-line  method  over  their  estimated  useful  lives.  The  useful  lives  and  residual  values  of  intangible  assets  are 
reassessed on an annual basis.

Amortisation periods for intangible assets with finite useful lives vary in accordance with the conditions in the relevant 
industries, but are subject to the following maximum limits:

Class of asset

Patents
Title rights
Brand names and trademarks
Software
Intellectual property rights
Customer-related assets

Useful life

5 years
10 years
25 years
10 years
10 years
11 years

43

NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements (continued)
for the year ended 31 March 2020

2.

(g)

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

Intangible assets

No value is attributed to internally developed trademarks or similar rights and assets. The costs incurred to develop 
these items are charged to the income statement as incurred. 

Costs that are directly associated with the production of identifiable and unique software products controlled by the 
group,  and  which  will  probably  generate  economic  benefits  exceeding  costs  beyond  one  year,  are  recognised  as 
intangible assets. Direct costs include the software development team’s employee costs and an appropriate portion of 
relevant overheads. All other costs associated with developing or maintaining software programmes are expensed as 
incurred.

Web  and  application  (app)  development  costs  are  capitalised  as  intangible  assets  if  it  is  probable  that  the  expected 
future  economic  benefits  attributable  to  the  asset  will  flow  to  the  group  and  its  cost  can  be  measured  reliably, 
otherwise these costs are expensed as incurred.

Research  expenditure  is  expensed  as  incurred.  Costs  incurred  on  development  projects  (relating  to  the  design  and 
testing  of  new  or  improved  products)  are  recognised  as  intangible  assets  if  the  costs  can  be  measured  reliably,  the 
products or processes are technically and commercially feasible, future economic benefits are probable, and the group 
intends to and has sufficient resources to complete development and to use or sell the asset. Development costs that 
do not meet these criteria are expensed as incurred.

Work in progress are assets still in the development phase and not yet available for use. These assets are carried at 
cost and are not amortised but are tested for impairment at each reporting date. Amortisation commences once the 
assets are available for use as intended by management.

(h)

Impairment of non-financial assets
Goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite useful lives
Goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite useful lives are tested annually for impairment and carried at cost less 
accumulated impairment losses.

Goodwill  and  intangible  assets  with  indefinite  useful  lives  are  allocated  to  cash-generating  units  for  purposes  of 
impairment testing. An impairment test is performed by determining the recoverable amount of the cash-generating 
unit to which the goodwill or intangible assets with indefinite useful lives relates. The recoverable amount of a cash-
generating unit or individual asset is the higher of its value in use and its fair value less costs of disposal.

Where  the  recoverable  amount  is  less  than  the  carrying  amount,  an  impairment  loss  is  recognised  in  “Other 
gains/(losses)  –  net”  in  the  income  statement.  Impairment  losses  recognised  on  goodwill  are  not  reversed  in 
subsequent periods.

Other intangible assets and property, plant and equipment
Other intangible assets (with finite useful lives) and items of property, plant and equipment are reviewed for indicators 
of impairment at least annually. Indicators of impairment include, but are not limited to: significant underperformance 
relative to expectations based on historical or projected future operating results, significant changes in the manner of 
use of the assets or the strategy for the group’s overall business and significant negative industry or economic trends.

Intangible  assets  still  in  the  development  phase,  and  not  yet  available  for  use  (work  in  progress),  are  tested  for 
impairment  on  an  annual  basis.  An  impairment  loss  is  recognised  in  “Other  (losses)/gains  –  net”  in  the  income 
statement when the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its recoverable amount.

Value in use is the present value of estimated future cash flows expected to arise from the continuing use of an asset 
and from its disposal at the end of its useful life. 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.

Fair value less costs of disposal is the price that would be received to sell an asset in an orderly transaction between 
market  participants  at  the  measurement  date  less  the  incremental  costs  directly  attributable  to  the  disposal  of  an 
asset or cash-generating unit, excluding finance costs and income tax expense.

44

NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements (continued)
for the year ended 31 March 2020

2.

(h)

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

Impairment of non-financial assets (continued)

Other intangible assets and property, plant and equipment (continued)
For  the  purposes  of  assessing  impairment,  assets  are  grouped  at  the  lowest  levels  for  which  there  are  separately
identifiable  cash  flows  that  are  largely  independent  of  the  cash  inflows  of  other  assets  or  groups  of  assets  (a  cash
generating unit level).

An impairment loss recognised for an asset in prior years is reversed if there has been a change in the estimates used
to  determine  the  asset’s  recoverable  amount  since  the  last  impairment  loss  was  recognised  and  the  revised
recoverable  amount  exceeds  the  carrying  amount.  The  reversal  of  such  an  impairment  loss  is  recognised  in  “Other
(losses)/gains – net” in the income statement.

(i)

Inventory
Inventory is stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value. The cost of inventory is determined by means of the
weighted average method.

The  cost  of  finished  products  and  work  in  progress  comprises  raw  materials,  direct  labour,  other  direct  costs  and
related  production  overheads,  but  excludes  finance  costs.  Costs  of  inventories  include  the  transfer  from  other
comprehensive  income  of  gains/losses  on  qualifying  cash  flow  hedges  relating  to  foreign  currency  denominated
inventory purchases. Net realisable value is the estimate of the selling price, less the costs of completion and selling
expenses. Allowances are made for obsolete, unusable and unsaleable inventory and for latent damage first revealed
when inventory items are taken into use or offered for sale.

Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents are carried in the statement of financial position at amortised cost which equals the cost or
face value of the asset. Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash on hand and deposits held at call with banks. Certain
cash  balances  are  restricted  from  immediate  use  according  to  terms  with  banks  or  other  financial  institutions.  For
purposes of the statement of cash flows, cash and cash equivalents are presented net of bank overdrafts.

Short-term investments
Short-term investments are cash investments with maturities of more than three months from the date of acquisition.
On initial recognition, short-term investments are recognised at fair value plus directly attributable transaction costs
and are subsequently measured at amortised cost.

(j)

(k)

(l)

Provisions
Provisions are obligations of the group where the timing or amount (or both) of the obligation is uncertain.

Provisions are recognised when the group has a present legal or constructive obligation as a result of past events, it is
probable  that  an  outflow  of  resources  embodying  economic  benefits  will  be  required  to  settle  the  obligation  and  a
reliable estimate of the amount of the obligation can be made.

The  group  recognises  a  provision  relating  to  its  estimated  exposure  on  all  products  still  under  warranty  at  the
statement of financial position date. A provision for onerous contracts is established when the expected benefits to be
derived  under  a  contract  are  less  than  the  unavoidable  costs  of  fulfilling  the  contract.  Restructuring  provisions  are
recognised  in  the  period  in  which  the  group  becomes  legally  or  constructively  committed  to  a  formal  restructuring
plan.

Provisions are reviewed at each statement of financial position date and adjusted to reflect the current best estimate.
Where the effect of the time value of money is material, the amount of a provision is determined by discounting the
anticipated  future  cash  flows  expected  to  be  required  to  settle  the  obligation  at  a  pre-tax  rate  that  reflects  current
market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the liability. The increase in the provision due
to the passage of time is recognised as interest expense in the income statement.

(m) Taxation

Tax expense
The tax expense for the period comprises current and deferred tax. Tax is recognised in the income statement, except
to the extent that it relates to items recognised in other comprehensive income or directly in equity. In such cases, the
related tax is also recognised in other comprehensive income or directly in equity, respectively.

45

NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements (continued)
for the year ended 31 March 2020

2.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

(m) Taxation (continued)

Current income tax
The normal South African company tax rate applied for the year ending 31 March 2020 is 28% (2019: 28%). The current 
income  tax  charge  is  calculated  on  the  basis  of  the  tax  laws  enacted  or  substantively  enacted  at  the  statement  of 
financial  position  date  in  the  countries  where  the  group  operates  and  generates  taxable  income.  Management 
periodically evaluates positions taken in tax returns with respect to situations in which applicable tax regulations are 
subject to interpretation. It accounts for uncertain tax positions where appropriate, on the basis of amounts expected 
to be paid to the tax authorities. International tax rates vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction.

Deferred taxation
Deferred  tax  assets  and  liabilities  have  been  calculated  using  tax  rates  (and  laws)  that  have  been  enacted  or 
substantively enacted by the statement of financial position date, being the rates the group expects to apply to the 
periods in which the assets are realised or the liabilities are settled. 

Deferred  taxation  is  provided  on  the  taxable  or  deductible  temporary  differences  arising  between  the  tax  bases  of 
assets and liabilities and their carrying values for financial reporting purposes. However, deferred tax liabilities are not 
recognised if they arise from the initial recognition of goodwill or from the initial recognition of an asset or liability in a 
transaction, other than a business combination, that, at the time of the transaction, affects neither the accounting nor 
the taxable profit or loss. Deferred tax assets are recognised to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profit 
will be available against which deductible temporary differences and unused tax losses can be utilised.

Deferred  taxation  is  provided  on  temporary  differences  arising  on  investments  in  subsidiaries,  associates  and  joint 
ventures,  except  where  the  timing  of  the  reversal  of  the  temporary  difference  is  controlled  by  the  group  and  it  is 
probable that the temporary difference will not reverse in the foreseeable future.

Withholding tax on dividends
Dividends paid by Naspers Limited to shareholders that are not exempted from dividends withholding tax under South 
African tax law are subject to dividend withholding tax at a rate of 20%. 

(n)

Foreign currencies 
The  consolidated  annual  financial  statements  are  presented  in  US  dollar  (US$)  which  is  the  group’s  presentation 
currency.  The  company’s  functional  currency  is  the  South  African  rand  (R).  However,  the  group  measures  the 
transactions of its operations using the functional currency determined for that specific operating entity which is the 
currency of the primary economic environment in which the operation conducts its business.

Foreign currency transactions
Foreign  currency  transactions  are  translated  into  the  functional  currency  using  the  exchange  rates  prevailing  at  the 
dates  of  the  transactions  or  the  dates  of  the  valuations  where  items  are  remeasured.  Foreign  exchange  gains  and 
losses  resulting  from  the  settlement  of  such  transactions  and  from  the  translation  at  year-end  exchange  rates  of 
monetary  assets  and  liabilities  denominated  in  foreign  currencies  are  recognised  in  the  income  statement,  except 
when deferred in other comprehensive income as part of qualifying cash flow hedges.

Translation  differences  on non-monetary financial assets  and  liabilities are  reported  as  part of the fair-value  gain  or 
loss recognised in the income statement. Translation differences on non-monetary equity investments classified at fair 
value  through  other  comprehensive  income  are  recognised  in  other  comprehensive  income  and  accumulated  in  the 
valuation reserve as part of the fair-value remeasurement of such items.

46

NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements (continued)
for the year ended 31 March 2020

2.

(n)

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

Foreign currencies (continued)
The  results  and  financial  position  of  all  foreign  operations  (none  of  which  operates  in  a  hyperinflationary  economy) 
that  have  a  functional  currency  that  is  different  from  the  group’s  presentation  currency  are  translated  into  the 
presentation currency as follows:








Assets and liabilities are translated at the closing rate at the reporting date.
Income  and  expenses  are  translated  at  average  exchange  rates  (unless  this  average  is  not  a  reasonable 
approximation of the cumulative effect of the rates prevailing on the transaction dates, in which case income and 
expenses are translated at the spot rate on the dates of the transactions).
Components  of  equity  are  translated  at  the  historic  rate.  Exchange  differences  on  translation  of  equity  are 
recognised directly in retained earnings.
All  other  resulting  exchange  differences  except  equity  are  recognised  in  other  comprehensive  income  and 
accumulated in the “Foreign currency translation reserve” in the statement of changes in equity.

The group recognises foreign exchange differences relating to monetary items that form part of its net investment in 
its  foreign  operations  in  other  comprehensive  income  where  settlement  of  the  item  is  neither  planned  nor  likely  to 
take place in the foreseeable future. 

When a foreign operation is disposed of, the accumulated foreign exchange differences are reclassified to the income 
statement, as part of the gain or loss on sale. 

(o)

Revenue recognition
Revenue  from  contracts  with  customers  is  derived  from  the  sale  of  goods  and  rendering  of  services.  Revenue  is 
measured based on the transaction price specified in the contract with the customer. The group recognises revenue 
when (or as) it transfers control of goods and/or services to its customers, which is when specific criteria have been 
met for each of the group’s activities as described below. Revenue is recognised at the amount the group expects to be 
entitled to in exchange for the goods and/or services transferred to customers. 

Revenue  is  shown  net  of  value-added  tax  (VAT),  returns,  rebates  and  discounts.  For  contracts  that  permit  returns, 
rebates or discounts, revenue is recognised only to the extent that it is highly probable that a significant reversal of 
revenue will not occur as a result of such items. The amount of revenue recognised is adjusted for expected returns, 
rebates or discounts which are estimated based on the group’s historical experience and taking into consideration the 
type  of  customer,  the  type  of  transaction  and  the  specific  terms  of  each  arrangement.  The  right  to  return  goods  is 
measured at the former carrying amount of the inventory less expected costs to recover goods.

Where  contracts  include  multiple  goods  and/or  services,  the  transaction  price  is  allocated  to  each  distinct  good  or 
service  (or  performance  obligation)  based  on  respective  stand-alone  selling  prices.  Where  stand-alone  selling  prices 
are not directly observable, they are estimated.

The group identifies all parties that are integral to it generating revenue on its online platforms as its customers and, 
accordingly, incentives (including cash discounts and discount vouchers/coupons) provided to any party transacting on 
the platform are treated as a reduction of revenue.

The group considers, for each contract with a customer, whether it is a principal or an agent. The group regards itself 
as the principal in a transaction where it controls a promised good or service before the good or service is transferred 
to  a  customer.  Where  the  group  is  the  principal  in  a  transaction,  it  recognises  revenue  in  the  gross  amount  of 
consideration to which it expects to be entitled. The group is the principal in the majority of transactions that it enters 
into.

Revenue earned, but for which the group’s right to the consideration payment is not yet unconditional is presented as 
accrued income as part of other receivables in the statement of financial position. Payments received in advance from 
contracts with customers represent an obligation to transfer future goods and/or services and are presented as part of 
accrued expenses and other liabilities in the statement of financial position.

The  group  is  not  party  to  contracts  where  the  period  between  the  transfer  of  goods  and/or  services  and  payment 
exceeds one year. Consequently, the group does not adjust its transaction prices for financing components.

Revenue recognition for the group’s major revenue streams is outlined below in the following paragraphs.

47

NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

2.

(o)

Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements (continued)
for the year ended 31 March 2020

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

Revenue recognition(continued)
Ecommerce revenue
Revenue represents amounts received or receivable from customers relating to online goods sold on the group’s etail 
and  other  internet  platforms  and  from  services  rendered.  Services  rendered  include  advertising,  travel  package 
revenue  and  commissions,  classifieds  listings  revenue,  payment  transaction  commissions  and  fees,  food  delivery 
revenue, mobile and other content revenue and comparison-shopping commissions and fees.

Revenue from goods sold is recognised when the goods are delivered and accepted by customer. The group recognises 
classifieds listings and related fees on listing of an item for sale and success fees and other relevant commissions when 
a  transaction  is  completed  on  the  group’s  websites.  Payments  and  fintech,  food  delivery,  mobile  content  and 
comparison-shopping revenues are recognised once a transaction is completed and is based on the applicable fee for 
each transaction performed.

Advertising revenues
The group mainly derives advertising revenues from advertisements published in its newspapers and magazines and 
shown  online  on  its  websites  and  instant-messaging  windows.  Advertising  revenues  from  print  media  products  are 
recognised upon publication over the period of the advertising contract. Publication is regarded to be when the print 
media  product  has  been  delivered  to  the  retailer  and  is  available  to  be  purchased  by  the  general  public.  Online 
advertising  revenues  are  recognised  over  the  period  in  which  the  advertisements  are  displayed  using  a  time-based 
measure.

Printing, distribution, circulation and publishing revenue
Revenues  from  print  and  distribution  services  are  recognised  upon  completion  of  the  services  and  delivery  of  the 
related  product  and  customer  acceptance.  The  recognition  of  print  services  revenue  is  based  upon  delivery  of  the 
product  to  the  distribution  depot  and  acceptance  by  the  distributor  of  the  customer,  or,  where  the  customer  is 
responsible  for  the  transport  of  the  customers’  products,  acceptance  by  the  customer  or  its  nominated  transport 
company.  Revenues  from  distribution  services  are  recognised  upon  delivery  of  the  product  to  the  retailer  and 
acceptance thereof.

Print and distribution services are separately provided by different entities within the group and separately contracted 
for  by  customers.  Where  these  services  are  provided  to  the  same  client,  the  terms  of  each  separate  contract  are 
consistent with contracts where an unrelated party provides one of the services. Revenue is recognised separately for 
print and distribution services as the contracts are separately negotiated based on fair value for each service.

Circulation revenue is recognised in the month in which the magazine or newspaper is sold.

Book  sales  are  recognised  upon  delivery  of  products  and  customer  acceptance.  Revenue  relating  to  any  particular 
publication is brought into account in the month that it is published.

(p)

Employee benefits
Retirement benefits
The group provides retirement benefits to its full-time employees, primarily by means of monthly contributions to a 
number of defined contribution pension and provident funds. The assets of these funds are generally held in separate 
trustee administered funds. The group’s contributions to retirement funds are recognised as an expense in the period 
in which employees render the related service.

Medical aid benefits
The group’s contributions to medical aid benefit funds for employees are recognised as an expense in the period in 
which the employees render services to the group.

Post-employment medical aid benefits
Some  group  companies  provide  post-employment  healthcare  benefits  to  their  retirees.  The  entitlement  to  post-
employment healthcare benefits is subject to the employee remaining in service up to retirement age and completing 
a minimum service period. The expected costs of these benefits are accrued over the minimum service period.

Independent actuaries carry out annual valuations of these obligations. All remeasurements resulting from experience 
adjustments and changes in actuarial assumptions are recognised immediately in other comprehensive income. These 
obligations are unfunded.

48

NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements (continued)
for the year ended 31 March 2020

2.

(p)

(q)

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

Employee benefits
Termination benefits
The group recognises termination benefits when it is demonstrably committed to either terminate the employment of 
employees  before  the  normal  retirement  date  or  provide  termination  benefits  as  a  result  of  an  offer  made  to 
encourage voluntary redundancy.

Where termination benefits fall due more than 12 months after the reporting period, they are discounted. In the case 
of  an  offer  made  to  encourage  voluntary  redundancy,  the  measurement  of  termination  benefits  is  based  on  the 
number of employees expected to accept the offer. Termination benefits are immediately recognised as an expense in 
the income statement.

Equity compensation benefits 
The group grants share options, share appreciation rights (SARs), performance stock units (PSUs) and restricted stock 
units  (RSUs)  to  its  employees  under  a  number  of  equity  compensation  plans.  The  group  recognises  an  employee 
benefit  expense  in  the  income  statement,  representing  the  fair  value  of  share  options,  SARs  and  RSUs  granted.  A 
corresponding credit to equity is raised for equity-settled plans, whereas a corresponding credit to liabilities is raised 
for cash-settled plans. 

The fair value of the options, SARs, PSUs and RSUs at the date of grant under equity-settled plans is charged to the 
income statement over the relevant vesting periods, adjusted to reflect actual and expected levels of vesting. For cash-
settled plans, the group remeasures the fair value of the recognised liability at each reporting date and at the date of 
settlement, with changes in fair value recognised in the income statement.

A share option, SAR, PSU or RSU scheme is considered equity-settled when the transaction is settled through the issue 
of equity instruments of Naspers Limited or its subsidiaries or where the group has no obligation to settle awards with 
participants. They are considered cash-settled when there is an obligation to settle in cash or any other asset.

On the final vesting date of equity-settled plans, the group transfers the accumulated balance relating to vested share 
options, SARs, PSUs and RSUs from the share-based compensation reserve to retained earnings.

(r)

Earnings per share
Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing the profit attributable to equity holders of the group by the weighted 
average ordinary shares outstanding during the financial year excluding treasury shares.

Diluted  earnings  per  share  adjust  the  figures  used  in  the  determination  of  basic  earnings  per  share  to  take  into 
account:





the after-income tax effect of interest and other financing costs associated with dilutive potential ordinary shares; 
and
the  weighted  average  number  of  additional  ordinary  shares  that  would  have  been  outstanding  assuming  the 
conversion of all dilutive potential ordinary shares.

The group discloses headline earnings per share as determined in accordance with Circular 1/2019, headline earnings, 
as issued by the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants, pursuant to the JSE Listings Requirements. Headline 
earnings  represent  net  profit  for  the  year  attributable  to  equity  holders  of  the  group,  excluding  certain  defined 
separately identifiable remeasurements relating to, amongst others, impairments of tangible assets, intangible assets 
(including goodwill) and equity-accounted investments, gains and losses on acquisitions and disposals of investments 
as  well  as  assets,  dilution  gains  and  losses  on  equity-accounted  investments,  remeasurement  gains  and  losses  on 
disposal groups classified as held for sale and remeasurements included in equity-accounted earnings, net of related 
taxes (both current and deferred) and the related non-controlling interests.

Basic headline earnings per share are determined by dividing the headline earnings described above by the weighted 
average ordinary shares outstanding during the financial year excluding treasury shares. Diluted headline earnings per 
share are determined by dividing the headline earnings by the weighted average number of additional ordinary shares 
that would have been outstanding assuming the conversion of all dilutive potential ordinary shares.

In  the  event  that  the  number  of  ordinary  or  potential  ordinary  shares  outstanding  increases  as  a  result  of  a 
capitalisation without consideration, the calculation of the basic and diluted earnings per share for the comparative 
period are adjusted retrospectively.

49

NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements (continued)
for the year ended 31 March 2020

2.

(s)

(t)

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

Share capital and treasury shares
Ordinary shares are classified as equity. Incremental costs directly attributable to the issue of new shares or options 
are shown in equity as a deduction against share premium.

Where  subsidiaries  hold  Naspers  N  ordinary  shares,  the  consideration  paid  to  acquire  those  shares,  including 
attributable  incremental  costs,  is  deducted  from  shareholders’  equity  as  treasury  shares.  Such  shares  are 
predominantly held for equity compensation plans. Where such shares are subsequently sold or reissued, the cost of 
those shares is released, and the realised gains or losses are recorded as treasury shares in equity. Shares issued to or 
held by share incentive plans within the group are treated as treasury shares until such time when participants pay for 
and take delivery of such shares. 

Segment reporting
Operating segments are reported in a manner consistent with the internal reporting provided to the chief operating 
decisionmaker.  The  chief  operating  decisionmaker,  who  is  responsible  for  allocating  resources  and  assessing 
performance of the operating segments, has been identified as the executive directors that make strategic decisions. 
The  group  proportionately  consolidates  its  share  of  the  results  of  its  associates  and  joint  ventures  in  the  various 
reportable segments. This is considered more reflective of the economic value of these investments.

(u) Disposal groups held for sale and discontinued operations 

Non-current assets and liabilities (disposal groups) are classified as held for sale and presented as current assets and 
liabilities in the statement of financial position, when their carrying values will be recovered principally through a sale 
transaction and when such sale is considered highly probable. The assets and liabilities of disposal groups held for sale 
are stated at the lower of carrying value and fair value less costs of disposal. From the date on which disposal groups 
are classified as held for sale, the group applies the measurement provisions of IFRS 5 Non-current Assets Held for Sale 
and  Discontinued  Operations  which  includes,  amongst  other  requirements,  the  cessation  of  the  recognition  of 
depreciation and amortisation.

Discontinued  operations  comprise  those  activities  of  the  group  that  were  disposed  of  during  a  reporting  period  or 
which  were  classified  as  held  for  sale  at  the  end  of  the  period,  and  represent  a  separate  major  line  of  business  or 
geographical  area  that  can  be  clearly  distinguished  for  operational  and  financial  reporting  purposes.  The  results  of 
discontinued operations are presented separately in the income statement. 

(v)

Accounting Developments 

(i)

The group has adopted all new and amended accounting pronouncements that are relevant to its operations and that 
are effective for financial years commencing 1 April 2019. The impact of adopting new accounting pronouncements is 
outlined below and includes, significantly, the first-time application of IFRS 16 Leases (IFRS 16) with effect from 1 April 
2019. A number of other pronouncements were also effective from 1 April 2019.  but did not have a significant effect 
on the group’s consolidated financial statements. 

IFRS 16 replaces IAS 17 Leases (IAS 17) and IFRIC 4 Determining whether an Arrangement contains a Lease (IFRIC 4) and 
outlines the principles for the recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of leases. In terms of IFRS 16, 
the  group  now  recognises  all  leases  (with  limited  exceptions)  as  right-of-use  assets  and  obligations  to  make  lease 
payments  (lease  obligations)  in  the  statement  of  financial  position  whereas  previously  lease  payments  relating  to 
arrangements  classified  as  operating  leases  in  terms  of  IAS  17  were  expensed  on  a  straight-line  basis  in  the  income 
statement. 

In  accordance  with  IFRS  16,  lease  payments  are  allocated  between  lease  obligations  and  finance  costs.  The 
corresponding lease obligations, net of finance costs, are included in long-term liabilities or current portion of long-
term  liabilities.  The  interest  element  of  lease  payments  is  charged  to  the  income  statement  over  the  relevant  lease 
term. Right-of-use assets are depreciated over the shorter of the relevant right-of-use asset's estimated useful life and 
the lease term, on a straight-line basis.

50

NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

2.

(v)

Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements (continued)
for the year ended 31 March 2020

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

Accounting developments (continued)
The group has applied IFRS 16 on a prospective basis with effect from 1 April 2019 and has therefore not restated the 
comparative information contained in these consolidated financial statements. On transition to IFRS 16, lease liabilities 
were measured at the present value of remaining lease payments discounted at the incremental borrowing rate as at 1 
April 2019. The right-of-use assets recognised on 1 April 2019 were measured at an amount equal to the lease liability 
adjusted  by  prepaid  or  accrued  lease  payments  and  onerous  contracts  provision.  There  was  no  adjustment  to  the 
group’s opening balance to retained earnings on 1 April 2019.

The group has applied the following practical expedients:

•

•

the group did not reassess whether contracts contained leases and accordingly the previous classifications applied 
to these contracts in terms of IAS 17 and IFRIC 4 were retained (i.e. the accounting for contracts not previously 
identified as leases was sustained);
operating leases of which the underlying assets were of low value were not recognised as right-of-use assets and 
obligations  to  make  lease  payments  in  the  statement  of  financial  position  –  the  existing  accounting  for  these 
leases was sustained (i.e. lease payments continue to be expensed on a straight-line basis for these leases);

• where  appropriate,  the  group  applied  a  single  incremental  borrowing  rate  to  a  portfolio  of  leases  and  onerous 

•

•

•
•

•

contract provisions with reasonably similar characteristics; 
the group relied on its existing onerous lease contract assessments as an alternative to performing impairment 
reviews  on  right-of-use  assets  as  at  1  April  2019  and  recognised  all  existing  provisions  for  onerous  leases  as 
adjustments to the relevant right-of-use assets as at 1 April 2019;
operating  leases  under  which  the  lease  terms  end  within  12  months  (short-term  leases)  of  1  April  2019  are 
accounted for as short-term leases (i.e. lease payments continue to be expensed on a straight-line basis for these 
leases);
the group excluded initial direct costs from the measurement of right-of-use assets as at 1 April 2019; 
the  carrying  amounts  of    leased  assets  and  lease  obligations  relating  to  leases  that  were  classified  as  finance 
leases in terms of IAS 17 were treated as the carrying amounts of the right-of-use assets and lease obligations for 
purposes of IFRS 16 immediately before the date of transition (i.e. as at 31 March 2019); and
the group applied hindsight in determining the lease terms for contracts that contain extension and termination 
options. 

On transition to IFRS 16, the group recognised right-of-use assets of US$241.5m and lease obligations of US$242.2m. 
The difference related primarily to pre-existing onerous lease provisions and prepaid or accrued lease payments that 
were adjusted to the carrying value of the relevant underlying right-of-use assets. Apart from leases of assets of low 
value  and  short-term  leases,  lease  obligations  and  right-of-use  assets  have  been  measured  by  discounting  lease 
payments  (including  those  arising  under  extension  options  where  relevant)  using  the  relevant  lease’s  incremental 
borrowing  rate  as  at  1  April  2019.  The  weighted  average  lessee’s  incremental  borrowing  rate  applied  to  the  lease 
liabilities was 4.8%.

The group presents right-of-use assets in ‘property, plant and equipment’ and lease liabilities in ‘long-term liabilities’ in 
the statement of financial position. Interest on lease liabilities is included in ‘interest expense’ in the income statement 
and included in the cash flows from operating activities in the statement of cash flows.

The  group’s  leasing  arrangements  relate  primarily  to  office  buildings,  warehouse  space,  equipment  and  motor 
vehicles. Lease agreements are generally entered into for fixed periods of between two and 10 years, depending on 
the  nature  of  the  underlying  asset  being  leased.  Leasing  arrangements  may  contain  extension  and/or  termination 
options  that  are  exercisable  by  the  group.  In  determining  the  lease  term  for  arrangements  that  contain  extension 
and/or termination options the group considers all facts and circumstances that may create an economic incentive to 
exercise an extension and/or not exercise a termination option. The leases do not impose any covenants, but leased 
assets may not be used as security for borrowing purposes.

In the consolidated annual financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2019, the group disclosed the operating 
lease  commitments  in  terms  of  IAS  17  on  an  undiscounted  basis.  The  impact  on  transition  to  IFRS  16  provides  a 
reconciliation of the lease commitments disclosed under IAS 17 as at 31 March 2019 to the lease liability recognised on 
a discounted basis using the weighted average incremental borrowing rate as at 1 April 2019.

51

NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements (continued)
for the year ended 31 March 2020

2.

(v)

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

Accounting developments (continued)

The impact on the financial statements on transition to IFRS 16 is detailed below.

Lease liabilities recognised 

Operating lease commitments under IAS 17 
Operating lease commitment at 31 March as disclosed(1)
Discounted using the incremental borrowing rate as at 1 April 2019

Recognition exemptions 

Short-term leases

Extension and termination options reasonably certain to be exercised 
Finance lease liabilities recognised as at 31 March 2019

Lease liabilities recognised as at 1 April 2019
Less: current portion of lease liabilities

Non-current portion of lease liabilities

1 April
2019
US$'m

282
216

( 1)
( 1)
27
8

250
( 47)

203

(1)The  group  disclosed  these  lease  commitments  on  an  undiscounted  basis  in  the  consolidated  annual  financial 
statements for the year ended 31 March 2019.

(ii)

The following new standards, interpretations and amendments to existing standards, that are considered relevant to 
the group, are not yet effective as at 31 March 2020. The group is currently evaluating the effects of these standards 
and interpretations, which have not been early adopted:

Standard/Interpretation

Title

Effective for year ending

IAS 1/IAS 8

IFRS 3

Presentation of financial statements

Business combinations

IFRS 9/IAS 39/IFRS7

Financial Instruments

March 2021

March 2021

March 2021

IFRS 10/IAS 28

Sale or Contribution of Assets between an 
Investor and its Associate or Joint Venture

To be determined by the IASB

Other new standards, interpretations and amendments to existing standards not yet effective

None of the other new standards, interpretations and amendments to existing standards that are not yet effective as 
at 31 March 2020 are expected to have a significant impact on the group.

52

NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

3.

Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements (continued)
for the year ended 31 March 2020

SIGNIFICANT ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES
Financial year ended 31 March 2020
In July 2019 the group acquired the majority stake in Red Dot Payment Private Limited (Red Dot) in Southeast Asia for 
US$45m. The company is an online payment company providing payment solutions and expertise to merchants across 
Asia  Pacific.  Following  this  investment,  the  group  has  a  72%  effective  interest  (66%  fully  diluted)  in  Red  Dot.  The 
transaction  was  accounted  for  as  a  business  combination  with  an  effective  date  of  July  2019.  The  purchase  price 
allocation:  fixed  assets  US$1m;  intangible  assets  US$11m;  cash  and  deposits  US$14m;  trade  and  other  receivables 
US$2m;  trade  and  other  liabilities  US$7m;  and  the  balance  of  US$36m  to  goodwill.  The  group  has  a  put  option 
arrangement with the non-controlling interest exercisable in future over a specified period and also exercisable upon 
termination  of  employment  of  the  non-controlling  interest.  The  main  intangible  assets  recognised  in  the  business 
combination were customer relationships and technology.

The  main  factor  contributing  to  the  goodwill  recognised  in  the  acquisition  is  Red  Dot’s  market  presence  and 
engineering capabilities. The goodwill that arose is not expected to be deductible for income tax purposes.

In  July  2019  the  group  invested  US$66m  for  a  100%  effective  and  fully  diluted  interest  in  Wibmo,  Inc.  (Wibmo),  a 
digital payment company providing payment security, mobile payment solutions and processing services in India. The 
transaction  was  accounted  for  as  a  business  combination  with  an  effective  date  of  July  2019.  The  purchase  price 
allocation:  intangible  assets  US$28m;  property,  plant  and  equipment  US$3m;  cash  and  deposits  US$4m;  trade  and 
other  receivables  US$9m;  liabilities  US$14m;  and  the  balance  of  US$36m  to  goodwill.  The  main  intangible  assets 
recognised in the business combination were technology and customer relationships. 

The  main  factor  contributing  to  the  goodwill  recognised  in  the  acquisition  is  Wibmo’s  market  presence  and 
engineering capabilities. The goodwill that arose is not expected to be deductible for income tax purposes.

In  October  2019  the  group  concluded  the  merger  of  Dante  International  Korlátolt  Felelősségű  Társaság  (eMAG 
Hungary), its Hungarian operations with operations of Ed Group Vagyonkezelő Korlátolt Felelősségű Társaság (Extreme 
Digital),  one  of  the  leading  marketers  in  Hungary.  The  group  contributed  the  operations  of  its  subsidiary  eMAG 
Hungary  as  well  as  US$1m  cash  with  an  aggregate  value  of  US$13m.  Following  the  merger,  eMAG  is  the  majority 
shareholder, with an effective interest of 52% in the newly merged entity. The group accounted for the acquisition of 
its  interest  in  Extreme  Digital  as  a  business  combination  and  recognised  an  investment  in  subsidiary.  The  purchase 
price  allocation:  intangible  assets  US$21m;  property,  plant  and  equipment  US$8m;  other  assets  US$1m;  liabilities 
US$9m;  and  the  balance  of  US$4m  to  goodwill.  The  main  intangible  assets  recognised  in  the  business  combination 
were customer relationships and brand names. The transaction gave rise to the recognition of non-controlling interest 
of  US$11m,  which  has  been  measured  at  the  non-controlling  interest’s  proportionate  share  of  the  identifiable  net 
assets of Extreme Digital as at the acquisition date.

The  group  has  a  put  option  arrangement  with  the  non-controlling  interest  exercisable  at  specified  future  dates  or 
upon termination of employment of the non-controlling interest. The settlement of the put option arrangement is in 
cash  or  shares  at  the  group’s  discretion.  The  portion  of  the  put  option  linked  to  employment  is  accounted  for  as  a 
cash-settled  share-based  compensation  arrangement  over  the  employment  period.  At  acquisition,  the  cash-settled 
liability for this arrangement amounted to US$9m.

The  main  factor  contributing  to  the  goodwill  recognised  in  the  acquisition  is  Extreme  Digital’s  market  presence  and 
engineering capabilities. The goodwill that arose is not expected to be deductible for income tax purposes.

53

NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements (continued)
for the year ended 31 March 2020

3.

SIGNIFICANT ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES (continued)
Financial year ended 31 March 2020 (continued)
In December 2019 the group invested US$134m in cash and contributed its subsidiary PayU Turkey to acquire a 90% 
effective  and  fully  diluted  interest  in  İyzi  Ödeme  ve  Elektronik  Para  Hizmetleri  Anonim  Şirketi  (Iyzico),  a  leading 
payment  service  provider  in  Turkey.  The  acquisition  of  Iyzico  was  accounted  for  as  a  business  combination  with  an 
effective date of December 2019. The shares held by non-controlling interest in Iyzico are linked to an employment 
service  period  and  will  be  accounted  for  as  a  cash-settled  share-based  compensation  arrangement  over  the 
employment service period. Accordingly, no non-controlling interest has been recognised at the acquisition date. The 
purchase price allocation: intangible assets US$40m; cash and deposits US$28m; fixed assets US$2m; trade and other 
liabilities US$25m; deferred tax liabilities US$9m, and the balance of US$98m to goodwill. The main intangible assets 
recognised in the business combination were customer relationships, brand names and technology. 

The main factor contributing to the goodwill recognised in the acquisition is Iyzico’s market presence and engineering 
capabilities. The goodwill that arose is not expected to be deductible for income tax purposes.

In  December  2019  the  group  invested  an  additional  US$163m  in  PaySense  Private  Limited  (PaySense),  a  technology 
platform providing Indian consumers with access to credit lines based on an alternative-data decisioning model. Prior 
to this transaction the group held 21% in PaySense and was accounted for as an investment in an associate. Following 
this additional investment, the group now holds a 79% effective and fully diluted interest in PaySense. The fair value of 
the group’s previously held interest in PaySense was US$31m at the date of obtaining control. A gain of US$14m has 
been recognised in “Gains/(losses) on acquisitions and disposals” in the income statement on the remeasurement of 
the  group’s  previously  held  equity  interest  in  PaySense  to  its  fair  value.  The  transaction  was  accounted  for  as  a 
business  combination  with  an  effective  date  of  December  2019.  The  purchase  price  allocation:  intangible  assets 
US$41m;  cash  and  deposits  US$  98m,  fixed  assets  US$1m;  trade  and  other  receivables  US$3m;  liabilities  US$22m; 
deferred tax liabilities US$10m, and the balance of US$90m to goodwill. The main intangible assets recognised in the 
business  combination  were  technology  and  brand  names.  The  transaction  gave  rise  to  the  recognition  of 
noncontrolling interest of US$8m, which has been measured at the non-controlling interest’s proportionate share of 
the  identifiable  net  assets  of  PaySense  as  at  the  acquisition  date.  A  portion  of  the  shares  held  by  non-controlling 
interest in PaySense is linked to an employment service period and will be accounted for as a cash-settled share-based 
compensation arrangement over the employment service period. Accordingly, the non-controlling interest recognised 
at the acquisition date relates to 50% of their legal shareholding not linked to an employment service period.

The group has a put option arrangement with the non-controlling interest exercisable at specified future dates or upon 
termination of employment of the non-controlling interest. The settlement of the put option arrangement is in cash or 
shares at the group’s discretion. The portion of the put option linked to employment is accounted for as a cash-settled 
share-based compensation arrangement over the employment period. At acquisition, the cash-settled liability for this 
arrangement amounted to US$5m.

The  main  factor  contributing  to  the  goodwill  recognised  in  the  acquisition  is  Paysense  market  presence  and 
technological capabilities. The goodwill that arose is not expected to be deductible for income tax purposes.

54

NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements (continued)
for the year ended 31 March 2020

3.

SIGNIFICANT ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES (continued)
Financial year ended 31 March 2020 (continued)

In  December  2019  the  group  invested  US$320m  in  cash  and  contributed  a  portion  of  its  investment  in  subsidiaries 
India  Used  Car  Group  B.V.  (IUCG)  and  Poland  Used  Car  Group  B.V.  (PUCG)  for  an  additional  interest  in  Frontier  Car 
Group (FCG). FCG is a used car marketplace in emerging markets providing consumers with access to buy used cars. 
Prior to this transaction the group held 33% effective interest (32% fully diluted) in FCG and was accounted for as an 
investment in an associate. Following this additional investment, the group holds an 84% effective interest (83% fully 
diluted) in FCG. A gain of US$59m has been recognised in “Gains/(losses) on acquisitions and disposals” in the income 
statement on the remeasurement of the group’s previously held equity interest in FCG to its fair value. The aggregate 
value of the investment in FCG was US$455m consisting of the cash consideration, the fair value of the previously held 
interest  in  the  company  of  US$118m,  and  the  fair  value  of  PUCG  and  IUCG  contributed  amounting  to  US$4m  and 
US$11m  respectively.  The  transaction  was  accounted  for  as  a  business  combination  with  an  effective  date  of 
December 2019. 

The  purchase  price  allocation:  intangible  assets US$113m;  cash  and  deposits  US$123m;  trade  and other  receivables 
US$31m;  inventory  US$22m;  property,  plant  and  equipment  US$15m;  liabilities  US$78m;  deferred  tax  liabilities 
US$22m; and the balance of US$287m to goodwill. The main intangible assets recognised in the business combination 
were software, dealer relationships, tradenames and domain names. The transaction gave rise to the recognition of 
non-controlling interest of US$31m, which has been measured at the non-controlling interest’s proportionate share of 
the identifiable net assets of FCG as at the acquisition date. 

The  group  has  a  put  option  arrangement  with  the  non-controlling  interest  exercisable  at  specified  future  dates  or 
upon termination of employment of the non-controlling interest. The settlement of the put option arrangement is in 
cash  or  shares  at  the  group’s  discretion.  The  portion  of  the  put  option  linked  to  employment  is  accounted  for  as  a 
cash-settled  share-based  compensation  arrangement  over  the  employment  period.  At  acquisition,  the  cash-settled 
liability for this arrangement amounted to US$20m.

The main factor contributing to the goodwill recognised in the acquisition is FCG’s market presence. The goodwill that 
arose is not expected to be deductible for income tax purposes.

Since the acquisition dates of the above business combinations, revenue of US$193m and net losses of US$41m have 
been included in the group’s income statement. The impact on revenue and net losses from the above transactions, 
had the acquisitions taken place on 1 April 2019, were US$833m and US$125m respectively. 

During  the  reporting  period  the  group  disposed  of  its  100%  effective  interest  in  its  subsidiary  BuscaPé  Company 
Informaçao  e  Technologia  Limitada  (BuscaPé)  for  US$15m.  The  transaction  received  regulatory  approval  in  October 
2019. At 30 September 2019, BuscaPé was classified as a disposal group available for sale in the amount of US$9m. 
The  group  recognised  a  loss  of  US$178m,  primarily  related  to  the  recycling  of  the  foreign  exchange  translation  loss 
reserve of US$182m.

The following relates to the group’s significant transactions related to investments in its equity-accounted investees:

In  April  2019  the  group  contributed  100%  of  the  issued  share  capital  of  its  subsidiary  Netrepreneur  Connections 
Enterprises Inc. (Sulit) as well as cash with an aggregate value of US$56m to Carousell Private Limited (Carousell) in 
exchange  for  a  12%  (10%  fully  diluted)  interest  in  Carousell,  one  of  Asia’s  largest  and  fastest-growing  classifieds 
marketplaces. The group recognised a gain on loss of control of US$26m in “Gains on acquisitions and disposals” in the 
income  statement.  The  companies  will  merge  their  operations  in  the  Philippines.  The  group  classified  its  interest  in 
Carousell as an investment in an associate on account of its representation on the board of Carousell. In November 
2019  the  groups  interest  was  further  diluted  to  7%  effective  interest  (6%  fully  diluted)  as  a  result  of  a  subsequent 
funding  round  which  resulted  in  the  group  losing  its  board  representation.  The  group  has  classified  its  interest  in 
Carousell as an investment at fair value through other comprehensive income.

55

NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements (continued)
for the year ended 31 March 2020

3.

SIGNIFICANT ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES (continued)
In  July  2019  the  group  invested  an  additional  US$25m  in  Brainly  Inc.  (Brainly).  Following  this  investment,  the  group 
holds  a  44%  effective  interest  (38%  fully  diluted)  in  Brainly.  The  group  continues  to  account  for  its  interest  as  an 
investment in an associate.

In August 2019 the group invested US$80m in Meesho Inc. (Meesho), a leading social commerce online marketplace in 
India  that  enables  independent  resellers  to  build  small  businesses  by  connecting  them  with  suppliers  to  curate  a 
catalogue of goods and services to sell. Meesho also provides logistics and payment tools on their platform. As at 31 
March  2020,  the  group  holds  a  12%  effective  and  fully  diluted  interest  in  Meesho.  The  group  has  accounted  for  its 
interest as an investment in an associate on account of its representation on the board of Meesho. 

In  August  2019  the  group  exchanged  its  43%  interest  in  its  online  travel  associate  MakeMyTrip  Limited  for  a  6% 
effective  interest  in  Trip.com  Group  Limited  (formerly  Ctrip.com  International  Limited)  (Trip.com),  a  well-known 
provider of online travel and related services headquartered in China. The group made a gain of US$599m which was 
recognised  in  “Gains  on acquisitions  and disposals”  in the  income  statement. The group has classified  its  interest in 
Trip.com  as  an  investment  at  fair  value  through  other  comprehensive  income  presented  in  “Other  investments  and 
loans” in the statement of financial position.

In  October  2019  the  group  acquired  a  21%  effective  interest  (19%  fully  diluted)  for  US$30m  in  NTex  Transportation 
Services  Private  Limited  (ElasticRun),  a  software  and  technology  platform  for  providing  transportation  and  logistics 
services in India. The group accounts for the acquisition of its interest as an investment in an associate. 

In  February  2020  the  group  made  an  additional  investment  amounting  to  US$100m,  in  Bundl  Technologies  Private 
Limited (Swiggy), the operator of a first-party food-delivery marketplace in India. Following this investment, the group 
holds a 40% effective interest (36% fully diluted) in Swiggy. The group continues to account for its interest in Swiggy as 
an investment in an associate.

The group made an additional investment amounting to US$10m in April 2019 and US$34m in March 2020, in Udemy 
Inc.  (Udemy),  an  online  education  marketplace.  Following  this  investment,  the  group  holds  a  15%  effective  interest 
(13%  fully  diluted)  in  Udemy.  The  group  continues  to  account  for  its  interest  in  Udemy  as  an  investment  in  an 
associate.

56

NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements (continued)
for the year ended 31 March 2020

3.

SIGNIFICANT ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES (continued)
Financial year ended 31 March 2019
In August 2018 the group invested US$60m for a 100% effective and fully diluted interest in the issued share capital of 
Zooz Mobile Limited (Zooz), a management and optimisation payment provider based in Israel. The transaction was 
accounted for as a business combination with an effective date of August 2018. The purchase price allocation: cash 
and deposits US$2m; trade and other receivables US$1m; intangible assets US$22m; trade and other payables US$1m; 
loan liabilities US$1m; deferred tax liability US$5m and the balance of US$42m to goodwill. The main intangible assets 
recognised in the business combination were technology and customer relationships. 

In  December  2018  the  group  invested  US$36m  for  a  69%  effective  interest  (65%  fully  diluted)  in  the  issued  share 
capital of Aasaanjobs Private Limited (Aasaanjobs), an online recruitment marketplace based in India. The transaction 
was accounted for as a business combination with an effective date of December 2018. The purchase price allocation: 
cash and deposits US$23m;  trade and other receivables US$1m; intangible assets US$5m; trade and other payables 
US$3m; deferred tax liability US$2m and the balance of US$13m to goodwill. The main intangible assets recognised in 
the business combination were customer relationships and tradenames.

Since the acquisition dates of the above business combinations, revenue of US$1m and net losses of US$9m have been 
included in the income statement. Had the revenue and net losses of the above business combinations been included 
from 1 April 2018 group revenue from continuing operations and group net profit from continuing operations would 
have amounted to US$3.29bn and US$4.15bn respectively.

The main factor contributing to the goodwill recognised in these acquisitions was the acquirees’ market presence. The 
goodwill that arose is not expected to be deductible for income tax purposes. Total acquisition-related costs of US$2m 
were  recorded 
income  statement  regarding  the 
abovementioned acquisitions.

in  “(Losses)/gains  on  acquisitions  and  disposals” 

in  the 

In  April  2018  the  group  acquired  the  share  capital  held  by  non-controlling  shareholders  of  its  subsidiary  Dubizzle 
Limited (Dubizzle) for US$190m. The transaction resulted in the settlement of a written put option recognised by the 
group  over  the  non-controlling  interest  in  Dubizzle  and  the  derecognition  of  the  non-controlling  interest  in  this 
business. Following the acquisition, the group holds a 100% effective and fully diluted interest in Dubizzle.

In  August  2018  the  group’s  subsidiary  Letgo  Global  B.V.  (previously  named  Ambatana  Holdings  B.V.)  acquired  the 
share  capital  held  by  non-controlling  shareholders  of  Letgo  USA  B.V.  for  US$189m.  The  transaction  resulted  in  the 
settlement of a written put option recognised by the group over the non-controlling interest in the business and the 
derecognition of the related non-controlling interest. Following a US$150m funding round in June 2018, the group’s 
shareholding in Letgo Global B.V. increased from an effective 73.4% at 31 March 2018 to 80% (77% fully diluted) at 31 
March 2019.

In January 2019, the group acquired the share capital held by non-controlling shareholders of its subsidiary Avito AB 
(Avito) for US$1.16bn. The transaction resulted in the settlement of a written put option recognised by the group over 
the non-controlling interest in Avito and the derecognition of the non-controlling interest in this business. Following 
the acquisition, the group holds a 100% effective interest (99.5% fully diluted) in Avito.

In March 2019, the group acquired an additional interest in its subsidiary Silver Indonesia JVCo B.V. (Silver Indonesia) 
from non-controlling shareholders for US$46m. Following the acquisition, the group holds a 66% effective interest in 
Silver Indonesia.

57

NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements (continued)
for the year ended 31 March 2020

3.

SIGNIFICANT ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES (continued)
Financial year ended 31 March 2019 (continued)
The following relates to the group’s investments in its equity-accounted investees:

In  May  2018  the  group  invested  US$35m  for  a  16%  effective  interest  (15%  fully  diluted)  in  Honor  Technology,  Inc. 
(Honor)  a  comprehensive  home-care  company  for  older  adults  in  the  US.  The  group  accounts  for  its  interest  as  an 
investment in an associate.

In May 2018 the group invested US$89m in Frontier Car Group, Inc. (Frontier Car Group), an online car marketplace 
headquartered in Berlin and currently operating in eight countries, for a 36% effective (35% fully diluted) shareholding. 
The group accounts for its interest as an investment in an associate. The group also entered into a collaboration with 
FCG in India during February 2019 through an investment of US$25m in the group’s subsidiary India Used Car Group 
B.V.

In July 2018 the group invested an additional US$12m in PaySense Private Limited (PaySense), a technology platform 
providing Indian consumers with access to credit lines based on an alternative-data decisioning model. Following this 
investment,  the  group  holds  a  19%  effective  interest  (17%  fully  diluted)  in  PaySense.  The  group  accounted  for  its 
interest in PaySense as an investment in an associate.

The  group  invested  an  additional  US$79m  in  Bundl  Technologies  Private  Limited  (Swiggy),  a  leading  online  food 
ordering  and  delivery  platform  in  India,  during  July  2018,  followed  by  a  further  investment  of  US$637m  in  January 
2019. Following these investments, the group holds a 39% effective interest (35% fully diluted) in Swiggy. The group 
continues to account for its interest as an investment in an associate.

In December 2018 the group invested US$383m in Think & Learn Private Limited (BYJU’s) for a 12% effective (12% fully 
diluted) shareholding in India’s largest education company and the creator of India’s largest personalised learning app. 
The group accounts for its interest as an investment in an associate.

The following relates to significant disposals by the group during the reporting period:

During May 2018 the group announced the disposal of its 12% effective interest (11% fully diluted) in Flipkart Limited 
–  its  equity-accounted  etail  investment  in  India  –  to  US-based  retailer  Wal-Mart  International  Holdings,  Inc.  for 
US$2.2bn (inclusive of applicable withholding taxes and amounts held in escrow). Amounts held in escrow following 
the disposal have been included as part of “Other receivables” in the statement of financial position. The transaction 
was concluded in August 2018 following regulatory approval. A gain on disposal of US$1.6bn has been recognised as 
part of “Gains/(losses) on acquisitions and disposals” in the income statement. This gain includes the reclassification of 
a foreign currency translation reserve of US$97m to the income statement. Related income tax expenses of US$177m 
have been included as part of “Taxation” in the income statement.

In September 2018 the group concluded the sale of its 52% interest in Tek Travels Private Limited, its online B2B travel 
distribution  business,  for  US$37m.  A  gain  on  disposal  of  US$6m  has  been  recognised  as  part  of  “Gains/(losses)  on 
acquisitions and disposals” in the income statement.

Following its listing on the JSE in February 2019, the group distributed its shares in its video-entertainment business, 
MultiChoice  Group  Limited  (the  MultiChoice  Group),  to  shareholders  as  a  pro  rata  distribution  in  specie  (the 
distribution).  The  MultiChoice  Group  and,  accordingly,  the  group’s  video-entertainment  segment,  have  been 
presented as a discontinued operation in these consolidated annual financial statements (refer to note 4). The group 
recorded a gain of US$2.49bn as part of “Profit from discontinued operations” in the income statement following the 
distribution, being the difference between the fair value of the MultiChoice Group shares distributed, measured using 
its listed share price, and the book value of the net assets derecognised. The gain recognised is presented net of the 
reclassification  of  reserves  (primarily  foreign  currency  translation  and  hedging  reserves)  of  US$546m  (losses)  to  the 
income statement following the distribution. The distribution reduced retained earnings by US$3.83bn being the fair 
value  of  the  distributed  MultiChoice  Group  shares.  The  group  calculated  the  gain  on  distribution  based  on  the  fair 
value of the MultiChoice Group as at the date of distribution. In calculating the fair value, the group determined that 
the share price of the MultiChoice Group for the first 15 days of trading did not represent an orderly transaction on 
account of the trading volumes during this period and the fact that there was no exposure to the market before the 
measurement  date.  Consequently,  the  group  used  the  15-day  volume-weighted  average  share  price  of  the 
MultiChoice  Group  and  excluded  the  first  15  days  of  trading  as  this  was  considered  more  representative  of  the  fair 
value of the Multichoice Group in an orderly transaction. This is consequently a level-2 fair value measurement.

58

NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements (continued)
for the year ended 31 March 2020

4.

PROFIT FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
The group concluded the disposal of its subsidiary MultiChoice Group Limited (MultiChoice Group) in February 2019 
(refer to note 3). The assets and liabilities of MultiChoice Group were classified as held for sale in September 2018. The 
results and cash flows of the group’s video-entertainment segment have been presented as discontinued operations in 
these consolidated annual financial statements. Discontinued operations also include the group’s subscription video-
on-demand service in Poland which was closed at the end of January 2019.

Income statement information of discontinued operations

31 March
2019
US$'m

3 321
(2 851)

470
( 200)

270
2 489

2 759

2 683
76

2 759

2 750
211
171
98
63
28

3 321

344
( 63)
20

301

Revenue from contracts with customers 
Expenses

Profit before tax
Taxation

Profit for the period
Gain on disposal of discontinued operation

Profit from discontinued operations

Profit from discontinued operations attributable to:
Equity holders of the group 
Non-controlling interest 

Revenue from contracts with customers

Revenue from discontinued operations comprised the following:
Subscription revenue 
Advertising revenue 
Hardware sales and maintenance revenue
Technology revenue
Sublicense and reconnection fee revenue 
Other revenue

Revenue from contracts with customers 

Cash flow statement information of discontinued operations

Net cash generated from operating activities
Net cash utilised in investing activities
Net cash generated from financing activities

Cash generated by discontinued operations

59

NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements (continued)
for the year ended 31 March 2020

5.

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

1 April 2019
Cost
Accumulated depreciation and impairment

Carrying value at 1 April 2019
Change in accounting policy(1)

Restated carrying value at 1 April 2019
Foreign currency translation effects
Transferred to assets classified as held for sale
Reclassifications
Acquisitions of subsidiaries and businesses
Disposals of subsidiaries and businesses
Acquisitions of assets
Acquisitions of right-of-use assets
Disposals/scrappings
Depreciation
31 March 2020
Cost
Accumulated depreciation and impairment

Carrying value at 31 March 2020

Work in progress at 31 March 2020

Total carrying value at 31 March 2020

Computer
s
and office Furniture
and
equip-
fittings
ment
US$'m
US$'m

Land and
buildings
US$'m

Other
US$'m

Total
US$'m

141
( 33)

108
228

336
( 51)
( 9)
-
23
( 2)
32
96
( 11)
( 62)

425
( 73)

352

70
( 39)

31
7

38
( 3)
( 1)
2
2
( 2)
24
7
( 1)
( 19)

86
( 39)

47

63
( 26)

37
-

37
( 4)
-
( 2)
2
-
20
-
-
( 12)

68
( 27)

41

15
( 8)

7
7

14
( 3)
-
-
1
-
1
2
-
( 3)

20
( 8)

12

289
( 106)

183
242

425
( 61)
( 10)
-
28
( 4)
77
105
( 12)
( 96)

599
( 147)

452

5

457

(1) The group adopted IFRS 16 Leases from 1 April 2019 and accordingly the capitalised lease assets as at 31 March 2020 relate to all leases including 
those previously classified as operating leases in terms of IAS 17 which were not recognised on the statement of financial position. Refer to note 2 for 
details of the group’s adoption of new accounting pronouncements during the year.

60

NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements (continued)
for the year ended 31 March 2020

5.

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT (continued)

1 April 2018
Cost
Accumulated depreciation and impairment

Carrying value at 1 April 2018

Foreign currency translation effects
Transferred to assets classified as held for sale(1)
Acquisitions of subsidiaries and businesses
Acquisitions
Disposals/scrappings
Impairment
Depreciation(2)
31 March 2019
Cost
Accumulated depreciation and impairment

Carrying value at 31 March 2019

Work in progress at 31 March 2019

Total carrying value at 31 March 2019

Computer
s
and office
equip-
ment
US$'m

Furniture
and
fittings
US$'m

Land and
buildings
US$'m

315
( 84)

231

( 34)
( 144)

1
69
-
-
( 15)

141
( 33)

108

230
( 160)

70

( 4)
( 40)

1
30
( 2)
-
( 24)

70
( 39)

31

85
( 36)

49

( 7)
( 12)

-
18
( 1)
-
( 10)

63
( 26)

37

Trans-
mission
equip-
ment
US$'m

2 059
( 822)

1 237

( 125)
(1 051)

-
13
( 1)
-
( 73)

-
-

-

Other
US$'m

Total
US$'m

48
( 30)

18

( 4)
( 12)

1
9
( 1)
( 1)
( 3)

15
( 8)

7

2 737
(1 132)

1 605

( 174)
(1 259)

3
139
( 5)
( 1)
( 125)

289
( 106)

183

8

191

(1)  Assets  classified  as  held  for  sale  include  those  assets  of  the  MultiChoice  Group  that  were  classified  as  held  for  sale  in  September  2018  and  were 
subsequently distributed to shareholders (refer to note 3).

(2) Includes depreciation of US$89.7m associated with discontinued operations (refer to note 4).

61

NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements (continued)
for the year ended 31 March 2020

5.

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT (continued)
The carrying value of work in progress mainly comprises buildings and equipment.

The group recognised impairment losses of US$nil (2019: US$1.0m) on property, plant and equipment related to the 
media segment. No impairment losses (2019:US$nil) are presented within work in progress. US$nil (2019:US$1.0m) of 
the impairment losses have been included in “Other (losses)/gains – net” in the income statement.

The carrying values and depreciation of right-of-use assets are as follows(1):

31 March 2020

Depreciatio
n
Carrying charge  for 
the year(2)
US$'m

US$'m

value

Vehicles
Buildings
Computers, furniture and office equipment

8
240
19

267

(3)
(52)
(4)

(59)

(1) The group adopted IFRS 16 from 1 April 2019 and accordingly the capitalised lease assets as at 31 March 2020 relate to all leases including those 
previously  classified  as  operating  leases  in  terms  of  IAS  17  which  were  not  recognised  on  the  statement  of  financial  position.  Refer  to  note  2  for 
details of the group’s adoption of new accounting pronouncements during the year.

(2) Relates to the depreciation expense for right-of-use assets during the current year.

Included in the acquisition of property, plant and equipment is an amount of US$89.9m (2019: US$1.8m) relating to 
leased assets, which are non-cash in nature. Refer to note 27 for details of the group’s assets pledged as collateral.

62

NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements (continued)
for the year ended 31 March 2020

6.

GOODWILL

Cost
Opening balance
Foreign currency translation effects
Acquisitions of subsidiaries and businesses
Disposals of subsidiaries and businesses
Transferred to assets classified as held for sale

Closing balance

Accumulated impairment
Opening balance
Foreign currency translation effects
Impairment
Disposals of subsidiaries and businesses
Transferred to assets classified as held for sale

Closing balance

Carrying value

31 March
2020
US$'m

2019
US$'m

2 360
( 306)
566
( 144)
( 152)

2 324

240
( 28)
12
( 137)
-

87

2 961
( 338)
105
( 8)
( 360)

2 360

354
( 46)
6
( 1)
( 73)

240

2 237

2 120

The  group  recognised  impairment  losses  on  goodwill  of  US$11.8m  (2019:  US$6.4m)  related  to  various  smaller 
ecommerce investments as well as US$2.2m (2019:US$nil) in the media segment.

Management used up to 10-year projected cash flow models, terminal growth rates ranging between 2% and 5% and 
post-tax discount rates ranging between 11% and 21% in performing the impairment tests. The group uses up to 10-
year  projected  cash  flow  models  as  many  businesses  have  monetisation  timelines  longer  than  five  years  as  further 
explained below.

Impairment testing of goodwill
The  group  has  allocated  goodwill  to  various  cash-generating  units  (CGUs).  The  recoverable  amounts  of  these  cash-
generating  units  have  been  determined  based  on  the  higher  of  the  value  in  use  calculations  and  the  fair  value  less 
costs  of  disposal.  Fair  value  less  costs  of  disposal  of  these  cash  generating  units  takes  into  account  the  transaction 
value for the group's recent acquisitions or upcoming disposal where applicable or is determined using option pricing 
methodology. Value in use is based on discounted cash flow calculations. The group based its cash flow calculations on 
10-year budgeted and forecast information approved by senior management and/or the various boards of directors of 
group companies. Long-term average growth rates for the respective countries in which the entities operate or, where 
more appropriate, the growth rate of the cash-generating units, were used to extrapolate cash flows into the future. 
The discount rates used reflect specific risks relating to the relevant cash-generating units and the countries in which 
they  operate  while  maximising  the  use  of  market  observable  data.  Other  assumptions  included  in  cash  flow 
projections vary widely between cash-generating units due to the group’s diverse range of business models and are 
closely linked to entity-specific key performance indicators.

Goodwill is tested annually as at 31 December or more frequently if there is a change in circumstance that indicates 
that it might be impaired. At 31 March 2020 the group reassessed its goodwill impairment calculations as well as the 
appropriateness  of  the  recoverable  amounts  used  as  a  result  of  the  Covid-19  pandemic.  For  the  CGUs  that  were 
recently acquired, management performed an assessment of whether there was any reason to adjust the transaction 
price as the basis for the fair value less costs of disposal and concluded that this was not the case. The updated value 
in use amounts used were considered appropriate based on the updated budgets and forecasts and the reasonable 
expectation  that  the  businesses  will  recover  from  the  impact  of  the  pandemic.  The  group  reassessed  its  10-year 
budgets and forecasts by adjusting cash flow projections and budgets to include the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. 
The  group  also  updated  its  discount  rates  where  required.  These  adjustments  took  into  account  the  impact  of  the 
pandemic  on  revenue  and  margins  as  well  as  the  periods  of  interruptions  to  business  operations  as  a  result  of 
lockdown trading restrictions.

63

NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements (continued)
for the year ended 31 March 2020

6.

GOODWILL (continued)
Impairment testing of goodwill (continued)
Covid-19 has had a broad impact on the group, with the restrictions impacting some businesses negatively where they 
are  unable  to  operate  and  on  the  other  hand,  having  a  positive  impact  on  the  group’s  major  business  operations 
where  online  services  and  sale  of  goods  is  the  primary  solution  for  social  distancing  measures  imposed.  The 
impairment  loss  recognised  as  at  31  March  2020,  therefore,  takes  into  account  the  impact  of  the  pandemic  on  the 
group  and  its  cash-generating  units  which  is  the  group’s  best  estimate  amidst  this  current  uncertain  economic 
environment.  The  goodwill  impairment  relates  to  the  group’s  ecommerce  classifieds  business.  Estimating  the  future 
performance of the group’s cash generating units is challenging during this pandemic. As circumstances change and/or 
information becomes available, the group may be required to recognise impairments in future periods. 

The  group’s  impairment  testing  of  goodwill  takes  into  account  that,  in  most  instances,  longer  forecast  periods  are 
required  for  many  ecommerce  businesses.  These  longer  forecast  periods  are  required  as  the  group’s  ecommerce 
businesses generally only reach maturity once sufficient market share has been gained, the businesses have reached 
the  appropriate  scale  and  have  become  revenue  generative/profitable.  The  forecast  period  is  assessed  annually  to 
ensure it remains appropriate for the relevant businesses. Key assumptions in estimating these future cash flows over 
the forecast period include the cash generating unit’s ability to capture the required market share and the additional 
investment  required  in  order  for  it  to  reach  the  appropriate  scale.  The  group  uses  look-back  analysis  to  assess  past 
performance of its cash generating units and uses it to validate past judgements and predict future performance. For 
certain  cash  generating  units  risk  adjustments  are  made  to  the  discount  rates  used  (generally  being  the  weighted 
average cost of capital) when calculating the value in use.

For certain cash generating units risk adjustments are made to discount rates used when calculating the value in use. 
Value in use calculations are performed using the appropriate operational cash flows, and accordingly, discount rates 
take into account country risk premiums and inflation differentials as appropriate.

Where  the  group  has  committed  to  the  sale  of  a  cash  generating  unit  or  has  determined  that  an  impairment  loss 
should be recognised on a cash generating unit based on its value in use, the group also calculates that cash generating 
unit’s fair value less costs of disposal to ensure that the recognition of an impairment loss is appropriate.

Post-tax  discount  rates  have  been  applied  as  value  in  use  was  determined  using  post-tax  cash  flows.  Impairment 
testing  is  performed  using  the  appropriate  currency  cash  flows,  and  accordingly,  discount  rates  take  into  account 
country risk premiums and inflation differentials as appropriate.

The calculation of value in use is most sensitive to the following assumptions:
•
•

projected revenue and EBITDA growth rates;
growth  rates  used  to  extrapolate  cash  flows  beyond  the  budget  and  forecast  period,  including  the  terminal 
growth rate applied in the final projection year; and
discount rates.

•

When determining cash flows over the forecast periods, EBITDA margin assumptions vary between the group’s diverse 
range of businesses. 

The group’s classifieds segment accounts for over 78% of the overall balance of goodwill and, accordingly, assumptions 
made  in  determining  the  cash  flows  of  the  classifieds  cash  generating  units  have  a  significant  impact  on  the  annual 
impairment  assessment.  Key  assumptions  underlying  revenue  forecasts  for  cash  generating  units  in  the  classifieds 
segment include the cash generating unit’s anticipated market share, the number of listings expected over the forecast 
period and the revenue and EBITDA contribution of each such listing. EBITDA margins assumed range between 30% 
and 63%, depending on the stage of maturity of the relevant business. Terminal growth rates and discount rates used 
in performing impairment tests are detailed in the table below.

If either the pre- or post-tax discount rate applied to cash flows were to increased relatively by 5% or the growth rate 
used  to  extrapolate  cash  flows  were  to  decrease  relatively  by  5%,  or  if  both  the  discount  rate  and  the  growth  rate 
were to increase and decrease relatively by 5% respectively, there would be no further significant impairments that 
would have to be recognised.

64

NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements (continued)
for the year ended 31 March 2020

6.

GOODWILL (continued)
Impairment testing of goodwill (continued)
The group allocated goodwill to the following groups of cash-generating units: 

Groups of cash-generating units(2)
Avito AB
Frontier Car Group Inc. (FCG)(2)
Payment Solutions Private Limited (Citrus Pay)
iyzi Ödeme ve Elektronik Para Hizmetleri Anonim irketi (Iyzico)(2)
Paysense Private Limited(2)
OLX B.V.
Dubizzle Limited (BVI)
Letgo Global B.V. 
Silver Indonesia JVCo B.V. (OLX Indonesia)
Movile Internet Movel S.A.
Dante International S.A. (eMAG)
Zooz Mobile Limited
Wibmo Inc.(2)
Red Dot Payment Private Limited (RDP)(2)
The Car Trader Proprietary Limited (AutoTrader)
OLX Portugal S.A.
Aasaanjobs Private Limited
Takealot Online (RF) Proprietary Limited
Various other units

Carrying
value of
goodwill

at 31 March

2020
US$'m

1 057
287
90
88
85

77
75
55
48
46
46
40
40
36
20
22
13
52
60
2 237

Basis of
determi-
nation of
recoverable
amount

Value in use
FVLCoD(3)
Value in use
FVLCoD(3)
FVLCoD(3)
Value in use
FVLCoD(3)
FVLCoD(3)
Value in use
Value in use
Value in use
Value in use
FVLCoD(3)
FVLCoD(3)
Value in use
Value in use
FVLCoD(3)
Value in use
Value in use

Post-tax
 discount
Pre-tax
 discount
 rate applied
 rates at  to cash flows
 31 March(1) at 31 March(1)
2020
%

2020
%

Growth rate
 used to
extrapolate
 cash flows
at 31 March(1)
2020
%

19.2

17.0

16.5

14.5

15.6

13.4

17.7
24.7
17.5
12.0

28.7
33.6

17.5
19.0
16.0
11.0

21.0
18.0

3.5

4.0

4.0

4.0
4.0
4.5
4.0

5.0
2.0

23.4
Various

19.5
Various

5.0
Various

(1) Goodwill is tested annually as at 31 December or more frequently if a change in circumstance indicates that it might be impaired.
(2) These cash-generating units includes goodwill from acquisitions that were made during the current year based on the value of the recent transactions. Refer to note 3 for details.
(3) Recoverable amount was based on the fair value less costs of disposal of these cash generating units taking into account the transaction value for the group's recent acquisitions and in the case of Letgo 
Global B.V. and Dubizzle Limited (BVI) the group's recent transaction for disposal pending regulatory approval (Refer to note 45).The fair value for these cash-generating units are level 3 measurements.

Post-tax discount rates have been applied in calculations as value in use was determined using post-tax cash flows. 

65

NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements (continued)
for the year ended 31 March 2020

6.

GOODWILL (continued)
Impairment testing of goodwill (continued)

Groups of cash-generating units(2)
Avito AB
Letgo Global B.V. (previously Ambatana Holdings B.V.)
Payment Solutions Private Limited (Citrus Pay)(2)

OLX B.V.
Dubizzle Limited (BVI)
Takealot Online (RF) Proprietary Limited(2)
Movile Internet Movel S.A.
Silver Indonesia JVCo B.V. (OLX Indonesia)
Dante International S.A. (eMAG)
Zooz Mobile Limited
The Car Trader Proprietary Limited (AutoTrader)
OLX Portugal S.A.
Aasaanjobs Private Limited(3)
Various other units

Carrying
value of
goodwill

at 31 March

2019
US$'m

Basis of
determi-
nation of
recoverable
amount

1 262 Value in use
200 Value in use
98 Value in use

77 Value in use
75 Value in use
72 Value in use
69 Value in use
59 Value in use
48 Value in use
40 Value in use
29 Value in use
22 Value in use
14 FVLCoD(3)
55 Value in use

2 120

Post-tax Growth rate
 used to
Pre-tax  discount rate
extrapolate 
applied to
cash flows
 cash flows
31 March(1) at 31 March(1) at 31 March(1)
2019

 discount
 rates at

2019

2019
%

17.3
20
16.6

15.4
15.9
21.2
23.5
19.3
17.3
13.1
26.5
17.5

15.0
17.5
14.0

13.5
15.5
18.0
18.0
17.0
16.0
12.0
21.0
16.0

5.0
5.0
4.0

5.0
4.0
5.0
5.0
4.0
3.0
4.0
4.0
1.5

Various

Various

Various

(1) Goodwill is tested annually as at 31 December or more frequently if a change in circumstance indicates that it might be impaired.

(2) This cash-generating unit includes goodwill from acquisitions that were made during the prior year based on the value of the recent transactions.

(3) Recoverable amount was based on the fair value less costs of disposal of these cash generating units taking into account the transaction value of the group's acquisition. The fair value for these cash 
generating units is a level 3 measurement.

Post-tax discount rates have been applied in calculations as value in use was determined using post-tax cash flows. 

66

NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements (continued)

for the year ended 31 March 2020

7.

OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Intellectual

property Customer

Brand

rights and

related

names and

patents

US$'m

assets

title rights

Software

US$'m

US$'m

US$'m

Total

US$'m

6

(2)

4

(1)
-

(1)

-

(1)

-

(1)

-
-

-

543

(176)

367

(40)
105

(3)

8

-

-

760

(303)

457

(82)
91

-

-

-

-

(43)

(49)

583
(189)

394

705
(288)

417

122

(74)

48

(5)
59

(2)

7

-

(1)

(29)

156
(79)

77

1 431

(555)

876

(128)
255

(6)

15

(1)

(1)

(122)

1 444
(556)

888

10

898

1 April 2019

Cost

Accumulated amortisation and impairment

Carrying value at 1 April 2019

Foreign currency translation effects
Acquisitions of subsidiaries and businesses

Disposals of subsidiaries and businesses

Acquisitions

Disposals

Impairment

Amortisation

Carrying value at 31 March 2020

Cost
Accumulated amortisation and impairment

Carrying value at 31 March 2020

Work in progress at 31 March 2020(1)

Total carrying value at 31 March 2020

(1) Includes acquisitions of US$10.0m.

67

NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements (continued)

for the year ended 31 March 2020

7.

OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS (continued)

1 April 2018
Cost
Accumulated amortisation and impairment

Carrying value at 1 April 2018

Foreign currency translation effects
Acquisitions of subsidiaries and businesses
Disposals of subsidiaries and businesses
Acquisitions
Transferred to assets classified as held for sale(1)
Disposals
Impairment(2)
Amortisation(3)
31 March 2019
Cost
Accumulated amortisation and impairment

Carrying value at 31 March 2019

Work in progress at 31 March 2019

Total carrying value at 31 March 2019

Intellectual

property Customer
related
rights and
assets
patents
US$'m
US$'m

Brand
names and
title rights
US$'m

Software
US$'m

Total
US$'m

99
( 84)

764
( 328)

906
( 315)

251
( 155)

15

( 1)
1
( 3)
-
( 5)

-
( 1)

( 2)

6
( 2)

4

436

( 53)
24
-
5
( 6)

-
-

591

( 94)
9
( 1)
-
-

-
-

( 39)

( 48)

543
( 176)

367

760
( 303)

457

96

( 12)
24
-
15
( 36)

-
( 4)

( 35)

122
( 74)

48

2 020
( 882)

1 138

( 160)
58
( 4)
20
( 47)

-
( 5)

( 124)

1 431
( 555)

876

1

877

(1) Assets classified as held for sale include those assets of the MultiChoice Group that were classified as held for sale in September 2018 and were 
subsequently distributed to shareholders (refer to note 3).

(2) Includes impairment of US$3.6m associated with discontinued operations (refer to note 4).

(3) Includes amortisation of US$13.2m associated with discontinued operations (refer to note 4).

The  group  recognised  impairment  losses  on  other  intangible  assets  of  US$1.1m  (2019:  US$4.9m).  The  recoverable 
amounts of the intangible assets impaired was US$nil in 2019. The intangible assets impaired were written off in full as 
no future cash inflows are associated with them.

The impairment losses have been included in “Other (losses)/gains – net” in the income statement, of which US$nil 
(2019: US$0.6m) has been included in the ecommerce segment and US$1.1m (2019: US$0.6m) has been included in 
the media segment.

68

NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements (continued)

for the year ended 31 March 2020

8.

INVESTMENTS IN SUBSIDIARIES
The following information relates to the group’s interest in its significant subsidiaries at 31 March:

Name of subsidiary

Listed companies
Corporate companies

Prosus N.V.
Unlisted companies
Corporate companies

Effective
percentage
interest(1)
2020
%

2019
%

Nature of
business

Country of Functional
currency

incorporation

72.63

100.00

Investment
 holding

Netherlands

US$

MIH Holdings Proprietary Limited

100.00

100.00

MIH Internet Holdings Limited B.V. 

72.63

100.00

MIH B2C Holdings B.V. 

72.63

100.00

Investment
 holding
Investment
 holding
Investment
 holding
Investment

Classifieds
Classifieds
Classifieds
Classifieds

Classifieds

South Africa
The
Netherlands
The
Netherlands
The

India
Sweden
France
UAE

Germany

The
Netherlands
The
Netherlands

49.79
72.63
39.79
72.63

61.28

68.55
100.00
54.79
100.00

-

58.06

79.94

Classifieds

79.94

Classifieds

-

-

100.00

Classifieds

Phillippines

72.63
72.63

100.00
100.00

Classifieds
Classifieds

47.77

65.78

Classifieds

The
Netherlands
Portugal
The
Netherlands

72.63

100.00

Classifieds

South Africa

61.28

-

Classifieds

Poland

ZAR

US$

US$

IN 
SEK
EUR
AED

EUR

US$

US$

PHP

US$
EUR

US$

ZAR

PLN

Classifieds 
Aasaanjobs Private Limited
Avito AB
Brocante Lab SAS (Selency)
Dubizzle Limited (BVI)(2)
Frontier Car Group Inc (FCG)(3)(4)

Letgo Global B.V.
Letgo USA B.V. (merged with Letgo 
Global B.V.)
Netrepreneur Connections Enterprises 
Inc. (Sulit)(5)

OLX B.V.
OLX Portugal S.A.
Silver Indonesia JVCo B.V.
(OLX Indonesia)
The Car Trader Proprietary Limited 
(AutoTrader)

321sprzedane.pl Sp. z.o.o. 
(Poland Used Car)(4)

(1) The percentage interest shown is the financial effective interest, after disregarding the interests of the group’s equity compensation plans 
treated  as treasury shares and taking into account retention options. The group’s financial effective interest is, in some instances, impacted 
by  its  shareholding  in  intermediate  holding  companies  including  Prosus  N.V.  which  was  listed  on  Euronext  Amsterdam  during  the  current 
year.

(2) Refer to note 45 for the disposal of the group's interest subsequent to the current year.
(3) The group acquired an additional interest in the current year and now accounts for its interest as a subsidiary.
(4) Refer to note 3 for the acquisition of the group's interest during the current year.
(5) The subsidiary was contributed in exchange for an interest in Carousell Private Limited during the current reporting period (refer to note 3). 
The group classified Sulit as held for sale during the prior year.

69

NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements (continued)

for the year ended 31 March 2020

8.

INVESTMENTS IN SUBSIDIARIES (continued)
The following information relates to the group’s interest in its significant subsidiaries as at 31 March:

Name of subsidiary

Etail

Effective
percentage
interest(1)
2020
%

2019
%

Nature of
business incorporation

Country of Functional
currency

Dante International S.A. (eMAG)

58.16

80.11

Takealot Online (RF) Proprietary Limited

96.39

96.05

Extreme Digital Zrt(2)
Payments and Fintech
iyzi Ödeme ve Elektronik Para Hizmetleri 
Anonim Şirketi (Iyzico)(2)

30.24

64.39

-

-

Retail and 
ecommerce
Retail and 
ecommerce
Retail and 
ecommerce

Payments
 platform

South Africa

Hungary

Turkey

PayU Global B.V.

71.74

98.77

The
Payments
 platform  Netherlands

Romania

RON

ZAR

HUF

TRY

US$

INR

INR

US$

US$

India

India

Israel

Brazil

BRL

Brazil

Brazil

BRL

BRL

Singapore

SGD

Payments United  States

 platform

of America

PayU Payments Private Limited

71.74

98.80

PaySense Private Limited(3)

Red Dot Payment Private Ltd(2)

Wibmo Inc(2)

Zooz Mobile Limited
Food Delivery
iFood.com Agência de Restaurantes 

Online S.A. (iFood)
Other Ecommerce

57.52

52.60

71.74

-

-

-

71.74

98.80

39.71

53.77

Movile Internet Movel S.A. 

59.57

80.65

Sympla Internet Soluções SA
Media

47.53

62.84

Payments

 platform
Credit

 platform

Payments

 platform

Payments

 platform

Food

 delivery

Mobile value 

added 
services
Mobile value 

added 
services
Investment
 holding
Publishing

ZAR
Media24 Holdings Proprietary Limited
Media24 Proprietary Limited
ZAR
(1) The percentage interest shown is the financial effective interest, after disregarding the interests of the group’s equity compensation plans 
treated  as treasury shares and taking into account retention options. The group’s financial effective interest is, in some instances, impacted 
by its shareholding in intermediate holding companies including Prosus N.V. which was listed on Euronext Amsterdam during the current 
year.

South Africa
South Africa

85.00
85.00

85.00
85.00

(2) Refer to note 3 for the acquisition of the group's interest during the current year.
(3)The group acquired an additional interest in the current year and now accounts for its interest as a subsidiary.

70

NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements (continued)

for the year ended 31 March 2020

8.

INVESTMENTS IN SUBSIDIARIES (continued)
The summarised financial information contained below relates to subsidiaries of the group that are considered to have 
significant non-controlling interests:

Summarised statement of financial position
Non-current assets
Current assets

Total assets

Non-current liabilities
Current liabilities

Total liabilities

Accumulated non-controlling interests
Summarised income statement
Revenue
Net profit/(loss) for the year
Other comprehensive loss

Total comprehensive income/(loss)

Profit/(losses) attributable to non-controlling interests

Dividends paid to non-controlling interests
Summarised statement of cash flows
Cash flows utilised in operating activities
Cash flows generated from/(utilised in) investing activities
Cash flows generated from/(utilised in) financing activities

Media24 Holdings

Prosus N.V.

31 March
2020
US$'m

31 March
2019
US$'m

 Proprietary Limited
31 March
2020
US$'m

31 March
2019
US$'m

26 655
9 109

35 764

4 303
2 147

6 450

8 178

3 330
3 715
(1 440)

2 275

268

-

( 209)
2 270
17

23 021
9 970

32 991

4 034
1 575

5 609

132

2 655
3 510
( 105)

3 405

( 71)

-

( 145)
(6 653)
(1 955)

42
121

163

21
66

87

( 9)

321
( 9)
( 13)

( 22)

( 1)

3

8
( 4)
( 5)

75
154

229

27
126

153

( 14)

341
( 22)
-

( 22)

( 2)

1

( 20)
( 2)
15

71

NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements (continued)

for the year ended 31 March 2020

9.

CHANGES IN NON-CONTROLLING INTEREST

Pursuant to the listing of Prosus N.V.(Prosus), Naspers provided its existing shareholders an option to receive either a 
shareholding in Prosus N ordinary shares or additional Naspers N ordinary shares for no consideration. Subsequent to 
the listing in September 2019 and certain shareholders electing to receive Prosus shares for no consideration, 26.16% 
of the issued Prosus N ordinary shares were recognised as a non-controlling interest in the Prosus group. Naspers held 
the remaining 73.84% of Prosus.

In January 2020 Naspers sold 22 million N ordinary shares in Prosus, corresponding to a 1.35% effective interest in the 
issued  Prosus  N  ordinary  shares,  at  a  price  per  share  of  EUR67.50,  resulting  in  gross  proceeds  of  US$1.64bn 
(EUR1.49bn) for Naspers. As at 31 March 2020 Naspers holds 72.63% of the issued Prosus N ordinary shares.

The  Prosus  group  represents  a  significant  portion  of  Naspers’s  net  asset  value  as  it  comprises  the  international 
ecommerce  and  internet  assets,  including  the  investment  in  Tencent.  The  27.37%  interest  in  Prosus  represents  a 
significant non-controlling interest. This non-controlling interest will be entitled to its share of future earnings of the 
Prosus group.

The Prosus group prepares its own consolidated financial results, which are reported to its shareholders in accordance 
with its listing obligations on Euronext Amsterdam. In its results, Prosus discloses various related party balances and 
transactions  with  fellow  subsidiaries  in  the  Naspers  group.  More  information  on  Prosus’s  results  is  available  at 
https://www.prosus.com.

72

NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements (continued)

for the year ended 31 March 2020

10.

INVESTMENTS IN ASSOCIATES
The following information relates to the group’s financial interest in its significant associates at 31 March:

Name of associated company

Listed companies
Delivery Hero SE

Mail.ru Group Limited
MakeMyTrip Limited(2)

Tencent Holdings Limited
Unlisted companies
Classifieds
Frontier Car Group, Inc. (FCG)(3)
Payments and fintech

Kreditech Holding SSL GmbH (4)
Primrose Hill Ventures Private 
Limited (ZestMoney)(5)

Remitly, Inc. 
Food delivery
Bundl 
(Swiggy)(6)

Technologies 

Other ecommerce

Brainly, Inc.(6)

Effective
percentage
interest(1)
2020
%

2019
%

15.37

22.30

20.26
-

28.00
42.60

22.52

31.10

-

-

34.90

14.12

21.40

Func-
Nature of
tional
business incorporation currency

Country of

Year-end

Germany

EUR December

Food delivery
Internet-
related 

Online travel
Internet-
related 
 services

British 
 services Virgin Islands
Mauritius
Cayman

RUB December
March
INR

 Islands

RMB December

35.70

Classifieds

Germany

EUR December

Consumer
 lending 
Consumer
 lending
Consumer
 lending 
Digital
money
 transfer

Germany

EUR December

India

INR December

India

INR

March

USA

US$ December

PaySense Private Limited (3)

-

18.80

15.22

22.60

Private 

Limited 

29.07

38.80

Food delivery

India

INR

March

31.82

34.00

Educational
 technology

USA
The
 Netherlands

US$ December

14.31

Travel

emTransit B.V.(Dott)(5)
EUR December
13.00
(1) The percentage interest shown is the financial effective interest, after disregarding the interests of equity compensation plans treated as treasury 
shares  and  taking  into  account  retention  options.  The  group’s  financial  effective  interest  is,  in  some  instances,  impacted  by  its  shareholding  in 
intermediate holding companies including Prosus N.V. which was listed on Euronext Amsterdam during the current year.
(2) The group exchanged its interest in MakeMyTrip for an investment in Trip.com Group Limited (formerly Ctrip.com International Limited) (Trip.com) 
during the current year. The group accounts for its investment in Trip.com as an investment at fair value through other comprehensive income (refer 
note 12).
(3)    The group acquired an additional interest in the current year and accounts for its investment as a subsidiary (refer to note 3 and 8).
(4) During the current year the group’s effective interest was diluted. The group accounts for its investment in Kreditech as an investment at fair value 
through other comprehensive income (refer note 12).
(5) The group accounts for its interest as an investment in an associate on account of its board representation.
(6) Refer to note 3 for the group’s additional investment during the current year.

73

NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements (continued)

for the year ended 31 March 2020

10.

INVESTMENTS IN ASSOCIATES (continued)
The following information relates to the group’s financial interest in its significant associates at 31 March:

Name of associated company

Unlisted companies (continued)

Other ecommerce (continued)

Effective
percentage
interest(1)
2020
%

2019
%

Func-
Nature of
tional
business incorporation currency

Country of

Year-end

Honor Technology Inc. (Honor)(2)

11.96

16.40

Meesho, Inc.(2)(3)
NTEx Transportation Services Private 
Limited (ElasticRun)(3)

8.83

14.94

-

-

Ryzac, Inc. (Codecademy)

15.27

21.10

SimilarWeb Limited

Sololearn, Inc.(3)

17.38

24.50

11.07

15.30

Think & Learn Private Limited (BYJU'S)(2)

8.21

12.20

Udemy, Inc.(2)
Corporate
Naspers Beleggings (RF) Limited(4)

10.76

11.80

49.00

49.00

Home care
Online
 marketplace

USA

USA

US$ December

US$ December

Logistics
Educational
 technology
Internet
 metrics
Educational
 technology
Educational
 technology
Educational
 technology

Investment 
holding

India

INR

March

USA

US$ December

Israel

NIS December

USA

US$

March

India

INR

March

USA

US$

March

South Africa

ZAR

March

(1)

(2)

(3)

(4)

The  percentage  interest  shown  is  the  financial  effective  interest,  after  disregarding  the  interests  of  the  group’s  equity  compensation  plans 
treated as treasury shares and taking into account retention options. The group’s financial effective interest is, in some instances, impacted by its 
shareholding in intermediate holding companies including Prosus N.V. which was listed on Euronext Amsterdam during the current year.
The group accounts for its interest as an investment in an associate on account of its board representation.
The group acquired its interest in these entities during the current period. Refer to note 3 for further information.
The group has concluded that it does not control Naspers Beleggings (RF) Limited as it does not have the ability to unilaterally direct its
substantive decisions.

Adjustments  are  made  for  significant  transactions  and  events  that  take  place  where  lag  periods  are  applied.  These 
adjustments routinely include impairments and fair-value adjustments related to the underlying financial instruments 
of associates measured at fair value through profit or loss or at fair value through other comprehensive income.

74

NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements (continued)

for the year ended 31 March 2020

10.

INVESTMENTS IN ASSOCIATES (continued)
The fair values of the group's investments in its listed associates are detailed below:

Listed investments
Tencent Holdings Limited
Mail.ru Group Limited
MakeMyTrip Limited
Delivery Hero SE

31 March
2020
US$'m

2019
US$'m

145 249
985
-
3 134

136 180
1 501
1 208
1 506

The above fair values have been measured using quoted prices in active markets and the disclosed amounts therefore represent level 
1 fair-value measurements.

Opening balance 
Associates acquired - gross consideration(1) 

net assets acquired 
goodwill and other intangibles recognised 
deferred taxation recognised 

Associates disposed of(2) 
Share of current year other reserve movements 

other reserve movements recognised in other comprehensive income
direct equity movements

Share of equity-accounted results 
Equity-accounted results due to purchase accounting

amortisation of other intangible assets 
realisation of deferred taxation 

Impairment
Dividends received
Foreign currency translation effects
Dilution losses

Closing balance

Investments in associates
Listed
Unlisted

Total investments in associates

31 March
2020
US$'m

2019
US$'m

19 746
437

132
328
( 23)
( 575)
129
228
( 99)
3 974
( 21)
( 31)
10
( 21)
( 377)
( 999)
( 58)

16 666
1 279

517
821
( 59)
( 458)
482
919
( 437)
3 418
( 11)
( 19)
8
( 88)
( 342)
(1 027)
( 173)

22 235

19 746

20 728
1 507

22 235

18 175
1 571

19 746

(1) Includes the contribution of Netrepreneur Connections Enterprises Inc. for an interest in Carousell Private Limited. Refer to note 3.

(2) This relates to the deemed disposal of Frontier Car Group (FCG), PaySense and Make My Trip.

75

NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements (continued)

for the year ended 31 March 2020

10.

INVESTMENTS IN ASSOCIATES (continued)
The  group  recognised  US$3.9bn  (2019:  US$3.41bn)  from  associates  as  its  share  of  equity-accounted  results  in  the 
income statement. Cumulative unrecognised losses relating to associates that have been fully impaired, amounted to 
US$nil (2019: US$4.6m) as at 31 March 2020.

The  group  recognised  total  dilution  losses  of  US$52.2m  (2019:  US$181.7m)  as  part  of  “Dilution  gains/(losses)  on 
equity-accounted  investments”  in  the  income  statement.  The  aggregate  net  dilution  losses  include  US$57.8m 
(2019: US$173.8m)  related  to  dilutions  in  the  group’s  shareholding  in  Tencent,  Delivery  Hero,  MakeMyTrip,  Mail.ru 
and other unlisted investments. 

The  total  dilution  loss  presented  in  the  income  statement  also  includes  US$5.4m  (2019:  US$7.9m)  relating  to  the 
reclassification of a portion of the group’s foreign currency translation reserves from other comprehensive income to 
the income statement following shareholding dilutions.

Impairment  losses  related  mainly  to  equity-accounted  investments  focussed  on  the  provision  of  consumer  goods  in 
the  other  ecommerce  business  (March  2019:  equity-accounted  investment  focussed  on  the  provision  of  consumer 
lending and financial services in the payments business). The group impaired this investment as performance and the 
opportunity to leverage the investment in some of the group’s core markets fell below expectations.

The group’s share of equity-accounted investments’ other comprehensive income and reserves relates mainly to the 
revaluation of the associates’ investments at fair value through other comprehensive income.

The group recognised no deferred tax on its investments in associates.

76

NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements (continued)

for the year ended 31 March 2020

10.

INVESTMENTS IN ASSOCIATES (continued)
Material associates' summarised financial information

Dividends received
Non-current assets
Current assets
Total assets
Non-current liabilities
Current liabilities
Total liabilities
Revenue
Net profit/(loss) from continuing operations
Other comprehensive income/(loss)
Total comprehensive income/(loss)

31 March(1)
Tencent Holdings

31 March(1)
Mail.ru Group 

Limited

2020
US$'m

377
98 321
35 491
133 812
31 805
33 908
65 713
54 045
13 454
310
13 764

2019
US$'m

342
77 637
32 341
109 978
24 564
30 160
54 724
46 443
11 872
286
12 158

Limited

2020
US$'m

-
2 853
326
3 179
320
562
882
1 464
172
6
178

2019
US$'m

-
2 763
381
3 144
228
381
609
1 013
( 125)
( 5)
( 130)

Reconciliation of summarised financial information to carrying value of investment

31 March(1)
Tencent Holdings

31 March(1)
Mail.ru Group 

Limited

2020
US$'m

2019
US$'m

Limited

2020
US$'m

2019
US$'m

Opening net assets
Profit/(loss) for the year
Other comprehensive income/(loss)
Transactions with equity holders
Dividends
Foreign currency translation effects
Other
Closing net assets
Non-controlling interests

2 939
( 125)
( 5)
111
-
( 385)
-
2 535
( 6)
2 529
709
Group's direct interest in associate (at year-end)
121
Goodwill
830
Carrying value of investment
(1) Reflects the summarised financial information of the above associates as at 31 December, adjusted for significant transactions and events that 
take place during the lag period applied for accounting purposes.

55 254
13 454
310
3 514
(1 217)
(3 216)
-
68 099
(7 924)
60 175
18 654
11
18 665

43 961
11 872
286
2 515
(1 100)
(2 280)
-
55 254
(4 871)
50 383
15 669
11
15 680

2 535
172
6
10
-
( 440)
14
2 297
( 10)
2 287
638
101
739

77

NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements (continued)

for the year ended 31 March 2020

10.

INVESTMENTS IN ASSOCIATES (continued)
Material associates' summarised financial information

Non-current assets
Current assets

Total assets

Non-current liabilities
Current liabilities

Total liabilities

Revenue
Profit/(loss) from continuing operations for the year
Profit from discontinuing operations for the year
Other comprehensive loss

Total comprehensive income/(loss)

31 March(1)
MakeMyTrip Limited(2)

31 March(1)
Delivery Hero SE

2020
US$'m

2019
US$'m

187
502

689

60
183

243

481
( 170)
-
( 94)

( 264)

2020
US$'m

1 456
1 678

3 134

319
682

1 001

1 372
78
249
( 31)

296

2019
US$'m

746
982

1 728

168
367

535

769
( 130)
61
( 107)

( 176)

Reconciliation of summarised financial information to carrying value of investment

31 March(1)
MakeMyTrip Limited(2)

31 March(1)
Delivery Hero SE

Opening net assets
Profit/(loss) from for the year
Other comprehensive loss
Transactions with equity holders
Foreign currency translation effects
Other

Closing net assets
Non-controlling interests

Group's direct interest in associate (at year-end)
Goodwill

Carrying value of investment

2020
US$'m

2019
US$'m

668
( 170)
( 94)
42
-
-

446
-
446
190
274

464

2020
US$'m

1 193
327
( 31)
685
( 41)
-

2 133
2
2 135
452
872

1 324

2019
US$'m

1 478
( 69)
( 107)
20
( 130)
1

1 193
3
1 196
267
934

1 201

(1) Reflects the summarised financial information of the above associates as at 31 December, adjusted for significant transactions and events that 
take place during the lag period applied for accounting purposes.

(2) The Group exchanged its interest in MakeMyTrip for an investment in Trip.com Group Limited (formerly Ctrip.com International Limited) 

(Trip.com) during the current year. The group accounts for its investment in Trip.com as an investment at fair value through other comprehensive 

income (refer to note 12).

78

NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements (continued)

for the year ended 31 March 2020

10.

INVESTMENTS IN ASSOCIATES (continued)
Other associates' summarised financial information

Net loss from continuing operations
Other comprehensive income

Total comprehensive loss

Carrying value of investments

Total carrying value of investments in associates

31 March
2020
US$'m

( 327)
42

( 285)

1 507

2019
US$'m

( 166)
32

( 134)

1 571

22 235

19 746

The group had no capital commitments or contingent liabilities at 31 March 2020 or 2019 in respect of its investments 
in associates.

11.

INVESTMENTS IN JOINT VENTURES
The following information relates to the group’s financial interest in its significant joint ventures at 31 March:

Name of joint venture

Unlisted companies

Effective
percentage
interest(1)
2020
%

2019
%

Nature of
business

Func-
tional
incorporation currency

Country of

Year-end

Silver Brazil JVCo B.V. (OLX Brazil)
El Cocinero a Cuerda S.L. (SinDelantal)

36.32
19.46

50.00
26.35

Classifieds
Food delivery

The 
Netherlands
Spain

US$ December
EUR December

(1) The  percentage  interest  shown  is  the  financial  effective  interest,  after  disregarding  for  the  interests  of  the  group’s  equity  compensation  plans 
treated as treasury shares and taking into account retention options. The group’s financial effective interest is, in some instances, impacted by its 
shareholding in intermediate holding companies including Prosus N.V. which was listed on Euronext Amsterdam during the current year.

Adjustments are made for significant transactions and events that take place where lag periods are applied.

79

NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements (continued)

for the year ended 31 March 2020

11.

INVESTMENTS IN JOINT VENTURES (continued)

Opening balance 
Joint ventures acquired - gross consideration 
Joint ventures disposed of(1)
Share of equity-accounted results(2)
Equity-accounted results due to acquisition accounting 
Dividends received
Foreign currency translation effects

Closing balance

31 March
2020
US$'m

2019
US$'m

96
23
-
( 20)
( 1)
( 1)
( 23)

74

78
19
( 5)
3
( 1)
( 2)
4

96

(1) During the prior year, the group increased its interest in Sympla Internet Soluções SA resulting in the entity becoming a subsidiary.
(2) Includes share of equity-accounted losses of US$nil (2019:US$1.2m) associated with discontinued operations (refer to note 4).

The  group  recognised  losses  of  US$20.3m  (2019  profits  of:  US$2.8m)  as  its  share  of  equity-accounted  results  in  the 
income statement. Cumulative unrecognised losses relating to joint ventures that have been fully impaired, amounted 
to US$nil (2019: US$nil) as at 31 March 2020.

No impairment losses (2019: US$nil) on investments in joint ventures have been recorded.

None of the group’s interests in joint ventures are considered to be individually material. 

In March 2020, Silver Brazil JVCo B.V. (OLX Brazil), the group’s joint venture with Adevinta ASA, reached an agreement 
to acquire 100% of the shares of Grupo Zap for approximately US$650m. Grupo Zap is an online real estate market 
player.  The  transaction  is  subject  to  approval  by  the  Brazilian  competition  authorities  and  other  customary  closing 
conditions. Closing is expected in the second half of 2020. The investment will be financed equally by the joint venture 
partners.  Apart  from  the  aforementioned  transaction,  the  group  had  no  other  capital  commitments  or  contingent 
liabilities in respect of its investments in joint ventures at 31 March 2020 and none for 31 March 2019.

The group recognised no deferred tax on its investments in joint ventures.

80

NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements (continued)

for the year ended 31 March 2020

12.

INVESTMENTS AND LOANS

Investments at fair value through other comprehensive income 
Investments at fair value through profit or loss 
Other loans and receivables

Total investments and loans

31 March
2020
US$'m

2019
US$'m

804
13
1

818

71
-
3

74

-
Fair value gains or losses on investments held at fair value through other comprehensive income are not reclassified to 
the income statement. There is no current intention to dispose of these investments.

-

Significant equity investments at fair value through other comprehensive income include the following:

Listed investments
Trip.com Group Limited (formerly Ctrip.com International Limited)(1)
Novus Holdings Limited
MultiChoice Group Limited(2)

Unlisted investments
Creditas Financial Solutions Limited
Carousell Private Limited (Carousell)
Grishin Robotics Fund, L.P.
SV Angel Funds
Bakkt Holdings LLC
Kreditech Holding SSL Gmbh
Other

Total

31 March

Fair value

Dividend income

2020
US$'m

2019
US$'m

2020
US$'m

2019
US$'m

704
6
1

711

24
23
7
6
8
7
18

93

804

-
18
4

22

13
-
8
9
5
-
14

49

71

-
1
-

1

-
-
-
1
-
-
4

5

6

-
2
-

2

-
-
-
1
-
-
-

1

3

(1) The group exchanged its interest in MakeMyTrip for an investment in Trip.com Group Limited (formerly Ctrip.com 
International Limited) (Trip.com) during the current year. (refer to note 3)
(2) Shares held in MultiChoice Group Limited (MCG) relate to MCG shares received by equity compensation plans and 
other group entities that held Naspers Limited N ordinary shares (as treasury shares) at the time of distribution of the 
group's interest in MCG to its shareholders (refer to note 3). These shares are held by the group's equity compensation 
plans and will be utilised when relevant awards are settled with participants.

81

NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

 
Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements (continued)

for the year ended 31 March 2020

13. DEFERRED TAXATION

The deferred tax assets and liabilities and movements thereon were attributable to the following items:

Charged
to other Acquisition
of subsi-
compre-
hensive diaries and
income businesses businesses

Disposals
of sub-
sidiaries

31
Foreign
and exchange March
2020
effects

Charged
to
income

US$'m

US$'m

US$'m

US$'m

US$'m US$'m

-

-

-
-

-

-
-

-

-

-

-

1

-

-
1

2

-
61

-

-

61

-

-

-
1

1

-
( 1)

-

-

( 1)

( 2)

15

-

-
( 22)

( 24)

-
( 28)

-

( 7)

( 35)

3

-
2

20
-
20

1
193

3

4

201

-
201

( 59)

2

11

( 181)

Deferred tax assets
Provisions and other
current liabilities
Capitalised lease
liabilities
Tax losses carried
forward
Other

Total deferred tax assets
Offsetting of deferred tax liabilities
Net deferred tax assets

Deferred tax
liabilities
Property, plant and
equipment
Intangible assets
Receivables and other
current assets
Translation reserve
Other

Total deferred tax liabilities

Offsetting of deferred tax liabilities
Net deferred tax liabilities

1 April
2019

US$'m

15

1

11
78

105
( 84)
21

1
195

3

15

214

( 84)
130

1

2

( 11)
( 56)

( 64)

-
( 34)

-

( 4)

( 38)

Net deferred taxation

( 109)

( 26)

82

NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements (continued)

for the year ended 31 March 2020

13. DEFERRED TAXATION (continued)

Charged
to
income(1)
US$'m

1 April
2018

US$'m

Charged
to other Acquisition
compre-
of subsi-
hensive diaries and
income businesses businesses

Disposals
of sub-
sidiaries

Foreign
and exchange
effects

US$'m

US$'m

US$'m

US$'m

Deferred taxation assets
Provisions and other
current liabilities
Capitalised finance
leases
Income received in
advance
Tax losses carried
forward
Other

Total deferred tax assets
Offsetting  of  deferred  tax 
liabilities

48

213

36

33
57

387

( 270)

Net deferred tax assets

117

Deferred taxation
liabilities
Property, plant and
equipment
Intangible assets
Receivables and other
current assets
Capitalised finance
leases
Programme and film
rights
Other

8
234

33

192

28
34

6

22

( 1)

( 10)
4

21

-
( 17)

20

( 9)

( 20)
( 20)

-

-

-

( 1)
30

29

-
( 1)

-

-

-
( 14)

Total 
liabilities

deferred 

tax 

529

( 46)

( 15)

Offsetting  of  deferred  tax 
liabilities

( 270)

Net deferred tax liabilities

259

-

-

-

-
1

1

-
9

-

-

-
-

9

Trans-
ferred to
31
held for March
2019

sale(2)
US$'m US$'m

( 37)

15

( 232)

( 35)

( 11)
( 11)

( 326)

( 6)
( 3)

( 50)

( 196)

( 5)
15

1

-

11
78

105

( 84)

21

1
195

3

-

-
15

-

-

-

-
-

-

-
( 1)

-

-

-
-

( 2)

( 2)

-

-
( 3)

( 7)

( 1)
( 26)

-

13

( 3)
-

( 1)

( 17)

( 245)

214

( 84)

130

Net deferred taxation

( 142)

67

44

( 8)

1

10

( 81)

( 109)

(1) Includes taxation of US$26.4m associated with discontinued operations (refer to note 4).
(2) Relates to the MultiChoice Group which was distributed to shareholders .
The ultimate outcome of additional taxation assessments may vary from the amounts accrued. However, management 
believes that any additional taxation liability over and above the amounts accrued would not have a material adverse 
impact on the group’s income statement and statement of financial position.

83

NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements (continued)

for the year ended 31 March 2020

13. DEFERRED TAXATION (continued)

The group has tax losses carried forward of approximately US$2.9bn (2019: US$2.8bn). A summary of the tax losses 
carried forward at 31 March 2020 by tax jurisdiction and the expected expiry dates are set out below:

Expires in year one
Expires in year two
Expires in year three
Expires in year four
Expires in year five
Non-expiring/expires
after year five

South
Africa
US$'m

-
-
-
-
-

323

323

Asia
US$'m

Europe
US$'m

19
21
24
28
46

141

279

147
109
121
322
244

961

1 904

Latin
America
and USA
US$'m

-
2
-
1
1

336

340

Other
US$'m

Total
US$'m

-
6
6
7
8

-

27

166
138
151
358
299

1 761

2 873

The group recognised a deferred income tax expense of US$nil (2019: US$23.8m) in other comprehensive income as a 
result of changes in the fair value of derivative financial instruments that relate to cash flow hedges of foreign currency 
forecast transactions or firm commitments.

Total  deferred  taxation  assets  amount  to  US$19.6m  (2019:  US$20.8m),  of  which  US$10.6m  (2019:  US$9.4m)  are 
expected  to  be  utilised  within  the  next  12  months  and  US$9.0m  (2019:  US$11.4m)  after  12  months.  Total  deferred 
taxation liabilities amount to US$201.4m (2019: US$129.9m), of which US$74.5m (2019: US$41.8m) are expected to be 
settled within the next 12 months and US$126.9m (2019: US$88.1m) after 12 months.

Included in the group’s recognised deferred tax assets is an amount of US$nil (2019: US$nil), of which the utilisation 
depends  on  future  taxable  profits  in  excess  of  the  profits  arising  from  the  reversal  of  existing  taxable  temporary 
differences,  and  the  relevant  group  entity  from  which  the  deferred  tax  asset  arises  has  suffered  a  loss  in  either  the 
current or a preceding period. These entities are expected to return to profitability in the foreseeable future.

84

NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements (continued)

for the year ended 31 March 2020

14.

INVENTORY

Carrying value
Finished products, trading inventory and consumables
Work in progress

Gross inventory

Allowance for slow-moving and obsolete inventories

Net inventory

31 March
2020
US$'m

2019
US$'m

277
1

278

( 18)

260

223
1

224

( 15)

209

The  total  allowance  charged  to  the  income  statement  to  write  inventory  down  to  net  realisable  value  amounted  to 
US$6.7m (2019: US$30.7m), and reversals of these allowances amounted to US$1.3m (2019: US$2.6m). Net realisable 
value write-downs relate primarily to general inventory write-downs in the etail and media segment. 

The group’s inventory allowance takes into account the impact of trading restrictions as a result of the global Covid-19 
pandemic. As at 31 March 2020, the impact of Covid-19 on the inventory allowance was not material as the inventory 
held  had  not  aged  significantly  and  it  is  expected  that  the  inventory  will  be  marketable  and  sold  once  trading 
restrictions are eased.

There were no net realisable value write-downs or reversals associated with discontinued operations (refer to note 4).

15. TRADE RECEIVABLES

Carrying value
Trade accounts receivable, gross
Less: Allowance for impairment of trade receivables

The  movement  in  the  allowance  for  impairment  of  trade  receivables  during  the  year  was  as 
follows:

Opening balance
Change in accounting policy(1)

Restated opening balance 
Additional allowances charged to income statement
Allowances reversed through the income statement
Allowances utilised
Acquisition of subsidiaries
Disposal of subsidiaries
Transferred to assets classified as held for sale
Foreign currency translation effects

Closing balance

(1)Represents the impact of adopting IFRS 9 in prior year.

31 March
2020
US$'m

2019
US$'m

166
(27)

139

(24)
-

(24)
(19)
10
-
(1)
2
2
3

(27)

196
( 24)

172

( 79)
( 14)

( 93)
( 14)
21
5
-
1
46
10

( 24)

The  group’s  maximum  exposure  to  credit  risk  at  the  reporting  date  is  the  carrying  value  of  the  trade  receivables 
mentioned  above.  The  group  does  not  hold  any  form  of  collateral  as  security relating  to  trade  receivables.  Refer  to 
note 42 for the group’s credit risk management.

85

NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements (continued)

for the year ended 31 March 2020

15. TRADE RECEIVABLES (continued)

At  31  March  2020  and  2019  the  total  allowance  for  impairment  of  trade  receivables  comprised  both  portfolio 
allowances and specific allowances. The majority of the allowance related to a portfolio allowance, which cannot be 
identified with specific receivables. 

In determining the group’s allowance for the impairment of trade receivables the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on 
the  collectability  of  the  trade  receivables  was  considered.  The  impairment  assessment  considered  trade  restrictions 
imposed  on  the  group’s  businesses  and  the  resultant  economic  uncertainty  that  may  impact  the  debtors’  ability  to 
settle the amounts owing. As at 31 March 2020 the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic was not material.

The ageing of trade receivables as well as the amount of the impairment allowance per age class is presented below:

Current
Past due 30 to 59 days
Past due 60 to 89 days
Past due 90 to 119 days
Past due 120 days and older

16. OTHER RECEIVABLES

Prepayments
Accrued income(1)
Staff debtors*
VAT and related taxes receivable
Merchant and bank receivables*(2)
Sundry deposits
Interest receivable on cross-currency interest rate swap*
Disposal proceeds receivable*
Other receivables**

Total other receivables
Less: non-current portion of other receivables(3)

Current portion of other receivables

31 March 2020

31 March 2019

Carrying
value
US$'m

Impair-
ment
US$'m

Expected
loss
rate

Carrying
value
US$'m

Impair-
ment
US$'m

104
22
8
7
25

166

(1)
(4)
(2)
(2)
(18)

(27)

1%
18%
25%
29%
72%

129
25
6
7
29

196

( 1)
( 2)
( 1)
( 2)
( 18)

( 24)

31 March

2020
US$'m

2019
US$'m

93
22

5
77
188

8
8
14
33

448
(5)

443

98
24

4
96
156

8
8
97
31

522
( 7)

515

(1) Relates to revenue from contracts with customers. Refer to note 28 for movements in accrued income balances.

(2) Merchant and bank receivables are presented net of an allowance for expected impairment (credit) losses of US$6.6m (2019:US$6.5m). Refer to 
note 42 for details of the group's credit risk management policy.
(3) Relates to non-current prepaid rental deposits and employment linked prepayments.
* Financial assets
** Includes financial assets of US$21.5m (2019: US$15.9m)

86

NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements (continued)

for the year ended 31 March 2020

17. ASSETS AND LIABILITIES CLASSIFIED AS HELD FOR SALE

The group distributed its shareholding in the MultiChoice Group Limited to shareholders during the prior year (refer to
note 3). As a consequence of this transaction, equity-compensation plans and other group entities that held Naspers
Limited  N-ordinary  shares  (as  treasury  shares)  at  the  time  of  distribution  received  MultiChoice  Group  shares.  The
group  classified  a  portion  of  these  MultiChoice  Group  shares  with  a  fair  value  of  US$50.7m  as  held  for  sale  as  at
31 March 2019 as it had committed to dispose of these shares within 12 months from the end of the current reporting
period. The portion of MultiChoice Group shares not classified as held for sale are presented in note 12.

In April 2019 the group concluded the contribution of its subsidiary Netrepreneur Connections Enterprises, Inc. (Sulit)
to Carousell Private Limited (Carousell) for an equity interest in Carousell. Sulit was classified as held for sale as at 31
March 2019. Refer to note 3 for further details regarding the disposal.

In  October  2019  the  group  concluded  the  sale  of  its  100%  effective  interest  in  its  subsidiary  BuscaPé  Company
Informaçao e Technologia Limitada (BuscaPé). The assets and liabilities of BuscaPé were classified as held for sale as at
30 September 2019. Refer to note 3 for further details regarding the disposal.

In March 2020 the assets and liabilities of the group’s subsidiary Wavy Global Holdings B.V. (Wavy) were classified as
held  for  sale  as  the  group  signed  an  agreement  to  sell  its  investment  to  Stockholm-based  customer  engagement
platform, Sinch AB (refer to note 45).

Further in March 2020, the group signed an agreement to contribute the assets and liabilities of the US letgo business
in exchange for an equity interest in OfferUp Inc., a US online marketplace (refer to note 45).

The assets and liabilities classified as held for sale as at 31 March 2020 and 2019 are detailed in the table below:

Assets classified as held for sale
Property, plant and equipment
Goodwill and other intangible assets
Investments at fair value through other comprehensive income
Trade and other receivables
Cash and cash equivalents

Liabilities classified as held for sale
Long-term liabilities
Provisions
Trade payables
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities

31 March
2020
US$'m

2019
US$'m

10
152
-
27
19

208

3
1
4
18

26

-
13
51
2
1

67

-
-
-
2
-
2

87

NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements (continued)

for the year ended 31 March 2020

18. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS AND BALANCES

The  group  entered  into  transactions  and  has  balances  with  a  number  of  related  parties,  including  associates,  joint 
ventures, directors (key management personnel), and shareholders. Transactions that are eliminated on consolidation 
as well as gains or losses eliminated through the application of the equity method are not included. The transactions 
and balances with related parties are summarised below:

Sale of goods and services to related parties(1)
MakeMyTrip Limited(2)
Various other related parties

31 March
2020
US$'m

2019
US$'m

5

1

6

12

1

13

(1)

The  group  receives  revenue  from  a  number  of  its  related  parties  in  connection  with  service  agreements.  The  nature  of  these  related  party 

relationships are that of associates and joint ventures.

(2)

Revenue earned from MakeMyTrip Limited, relates to payment services provided by PayU, when MakeMyTrip was an associate of the group.

The balances of advances, deposits, receivables and payables between the group and related parties are as follows:

Receivables(1)
Tencent Technology (Shenzhen) Co Ltd
Honor Technology, Inc
Zoop Tecnologia e Meios de Pagamento Ltda (Zoop)
Various other related parties

Total related party receivables 
Less: non-current portion of related party receivables

Current portion of related party receivables

31 March
2020
US$'m

2019
US$'m

90
8
6
3

107
( 8)

99

-
-
-
3

3
-

3

(1)  The  group  provides  services  and  loan  funding  to  a  number  of  its  related  parties.  The  nature  of  these  related  party  relationships  are  that  of  equity-accounted 
investments.

Purchases  of  goods  and  services  from  related  parties  amounted  to  US$nil  (2019:  US$1.0m),  amounts  payable  to 
related  parties  amounted  to  US$2.8m  (2019:  US$2.8m).  These  amounts  are  not  considered  significant  and  relate  to 
various related parties, most of which are equity-accounted investments of the group.

88

NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements (continued)

for the year ended 31 March 2020

18. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS AND BALANCES (continued)

Directors’ remuneration

Non-executive directors

fees for services as directors
fees for services as directors of subsidiary companies

31 March
2020
US$'000

2019
US$'000

2 967
2 285

5 252

4 557
508

5 065

No executive director has a notice period of more than one year.

The company directors’ service contracts do not include predetermined compensation as a result of termination that 
would exceed one year’s salary and benefits and none are linked to any restraint payments.

The individual directors received the following remuneration and emoluments:

Pension
contributions
and other
benefits
paid on
behalf of
director
US$'000

120

151

271

112

151

263

Annual short-
term incentive
payments
US$'000

Salary
US$'000

950

1 362

2 312

1 207

1 180

2 387

897

1 006

1 259

2156

1 108

2114

Total
US$'000

2 277

2 693

4 970

2 015

2 518

4533

Executive directors
2020
V Sgourdos
Paid by other companies in the group
B van Dijk
Paid by other companies in the group

2019
V Sgourdos
Paid by other companies in the group
B van Dijk
Paid by other companies in the group

89

NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements (continued)

for the year ended 31 March 2020

18. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS AND BALANCES (continued)

Directors’ remuneration (continued)
Annual performance-related short-term incentive (STI) payments made in respect of the 2019/2020 performance year 
for  Basil  Sgourdos  and  Bob  van  Dijk  were  based  on  a  combination  of  group  financial,  strategic  and  operational 
objectives,  approved  by  the  human  resources  and  remuneration  committee.  These  group  financial  objectives  had  a 
weighting of 50% of maximum annual STI.

The individual directors received the following remuneration and emoluments during the current financial year:

Directors' fees
Paid by

Paid by
company subsidiary
US$'000
US$'000

2020(1)

Committee and and
trustee fees fees
Paid by

Paid by
company subsidiary
US$'000
US$'000

Other fees(2)

Paid by

Paid by
company subsidiary
US$'000
US$'000

Total
US$'000

370
180
-
185
160
36
167
150
164
183
162
171
167
162
160

241
103
-
102
92
84
159
92
92
103
87
99
242
101
92

2 417

1 689

-
39
-
64
159
7
101
16
16
33
18
33
-
16
48

550

8
25
-
40
100
17
73
10
10
21
11
21
-
10
30

376

-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-

-

-
-
-
50
-
-
-
-
-
50
-
-
120
-
-

220

619
347
-
441
511
144
500
268
282
390
278
324
529
289
330

5 252

Non-executive directors

J P Bekker(3)
E M Choi
H J du Toit(4)
C L Enenstein
D G Eriksson
M Girotra(5)
R C C Jafta
F L N Letele
D Meyer
R Oliveira de Lima
S J Z Pacak
T M F Phaswana(6)
M R Sorour(7)
J D T Stofberg
B J van der Ross

 (1) In September 2019 Prosus listed on the Euronext Amsterdam. Non-executive directors serve on the boards of both Naspers and Prosus. As a result of the non-executive 
directors assuming dual responsibilities the fees were split between Naspers and Prosus on a 30/70 basis, prorated from the date of listing of Prosus.
(2) Compensation for assignments.
(3) Koos Bekker elected to donate the Rand equivalent of his Naspers director’s fees, being R2.1m, to education.  This year the recipient was the high school Volkskool in 
Heidelberg, Mpumalanga, South Africa..
(4) Hendrik Du Toit elected not to receive directors’ fees.
(5) Appointed 1 October 2019 as a director and member of the audit committee.
(6) Retired with effect from 1 April 2020.

(7) Mark Sorour received US$11.88 from MIH Holdings Proprietary Limited for the period 1 January 2020 to 31 March 2020. This payment relates to the increased cost of 
medical aid for retired members of the MMED medical aid scheme as a result of the distribution to shareholders of the MultiChoice Group. The company will provide an 
annual allowance to cover the difference in cost for retired scheme members during FY20 and FY21 only. This is not disclosed in the above table.

General notes

Directors’ fees include fees for services as directors, where appropriate, of Media24 Proprietary Limited. An additional 
fee may be paid to directors for work done as directors with specific expertise.

Committee  fees  include  fees  for  attending  meetings  of  the  audit  committee,  risk  committee,  human  resources  and 
remuneration  committee,  nomination  committee  and  social,  ethics  and  sustainability  committee.  Committee  and 
trustee fees include, where appropriate, fees to be considered by shareholders at the Annual General Meeting on 21 
August 2020  for  services  as  trustees  of  the  group’s  share-incentive  schemes.  Non-executive  directors  are  subject  to 
regulations  on  appointment  and  rotation  in  terms  of  the  company’s  memorandum  of  incorporation  and  the  South 
African Companies Act.

Non-executive  directors  are  subject  to  regulations  on  appointment  and  rotation  in  terms  of  the  company’s 
memorandum of incorporation and the South African Companies Act.

90

NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements (continued)

for the year ended 31 March 2020

18. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS AND BALANCES (continued)

Directors' remuneration (continued)

Non-executive directors

J P Bekker
E M Choi
H J du Toit(1)
C L Enenstein
D G Eriksson
G Liu(2)
R C C Jafta
F L N Letele
D Meyer
R Oliveira de Lima
S J Z Pacak
T M F Phaswana
M R Sorour(3)
J D T Stofberg
B J van der Ross

Directors' fees
Paid by

Paid by
company subsidiary
US$'000
US$'000

2019
Committee and
trustee fees

Other fees(4)

Paid by

Paid by
company subsidiary
US$'000
US$'000

Paid by

Paid by
company subsidiary
US$'000
US$'000

Total
US$'000

552
260
-
260
235
235
239
235
228
253
256
253
232
249
228

3 715

23
-
-
-
-
-
69
-
23
-
-
-
150
-
-
-
265

-
61
-
100
247
-
157
24
24
51
28
51
-
24
75

842

-
-
-
-
-
-
10
-
13
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
23

-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-

-
-
-
50
-
-
-
-
-
50
-
-
120
-
-
-
220

575
321
-
410
482
235
475
259
288
354
284
304
502
273
303

5 065

(1) Hendrik du Toit elected not to receive directors’ fees. 

(2) Resigned 25 February 2019.

(3) Mark Sorour received US$3 800 from MIH Holdings Proprietary Limited for the period 1 January 2019 to 31 March 2019. This payment relates to 
the  increased  cost  of  medical  aid  for  retired  members  of  the  MMED  medical  aid  scheme  as  a  result  of  the  distribution  to  shareholders  of  the 
MultiChoice Group. The company will provide an annual allowance to cover the difference in cost for retired scheme members during the 2020 and 
2021 financial years only. This is not disclosed in the above table.

(4) Compensation for assignments.

91

NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements (continued)

for the year ended 31 March 2020

18. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS AND BALANCES (continued)

Directors’ interests in Naspers scheme shares in the group’s equity compensation plans
The  executive  directors  of  Naspers  are  allowed  to  participate  in  Naspers  group  share-based  incentive  schemes 
(including those of associate companies and joint ventures). Details as at 31 March 2020 in respect of the executive 
directors’ participation in such scheme shares not yet released, are as follows:

Name
V Sgourdos

Incentive scheme
MIH Services FZ LLC

Offer date
18/09/2015

MIH Services FZ LLC

25/09/2015

MIH Services FZ LLC

29/08/2016

Number of 
shares
2 247

460

6 461

Purchase 
price
R1 634.84

R1 594.52

R2 323.52

Release period
18/09/2020

25/09/2020

Value of 
option(1)
R913.19

R893.55

29/08/2020 

R1 029.27 to 

to 29/08/2021

R1 134.33

MIH Services FZ LLC

08/09/2017

2 888

R2 755.72

08/09/2020 to 

R950.17 to 

MIH Services FZ LLC

25/06/2018

24 831

R3 100.99

26/06/2020 to 

R1 022.84 to 

08/09/2021

R1 083.79

26/06/2022

R1 351.31

MIH Services FZ LLC

16/07/2019

8 211

R3 494.00

16/07/2020 to 

R883.91 to 

Naspers Global 

17/09/2015

9 685

US$18.59

17/09/2020

US$6.84

16/07/2023

R1 456.05

Ecommerce SAR

Naspers Global 

29/08/2016

65 202

US$20.45

29/08/2019 

US$6.70 to 

Ecommerce SAR

to 29/08/2021

US$7.07

Naspers Global 

15/08/2017

76 060

US$27.25

15/08/2019 to 

US$6.86 to 

Ecommerce SAR

15/08/2022

US$7.91

Naspers Global 

08/09/2017

63 054

US$27.60

08/09/2019 to 

US$6.77 to 

Ecommerce SAR

08/09/2022

US$7.80

Naspers Global 

25/06/2018

161 070

US$33.57

25/06/2019 to 

US$12.58 to 

Ecommerce SAR

25/06/2022

US$14.61

Naspers Global 

16/07/2019

226 505

US$36.70

07/16/2020 to 

US$12.11 to 

Ecommerce SAR

07/16/2023

US$15.51

Naspers PSU

09/09/2019

12 718

R3 528.34

30/06/2022

R3 528.34

 (1) The value of the option represents the fair value on grant date in accordance with IFRS in the respective scheme currency.

92

NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements (continued)

for the year ended 31 March 2020

18. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS AND BALANCES (continued)

Directors’ interests in Naspers scheme shares in the group’s share incentive schemes (continued)

Name
B van Dijk

Incentive scheme
MIH Services FZ LLC

Offer date
05/07/2016

Number of 
shares
98 604

Purchase 
price
R2 056.88

Release period
05/07/2020 to 

Value of 
option(1)
R947.48 to 

05/07/2021

R1 040.60

MIH Services FZ LLC

08/09/2017

25 864

R2 755.72

08/09/2020 to 

R950.17 to 

08/09/2021

R1 083.79

MIH Services FZ LLC

25/06/2018

45 857

R3 100.99

26/06/2020 to 

R1 022.84 to 

26/06/2022

R1 351.31

MIH Services FZ LLC

16/07/2019

15 835

R3 494.00

16/07/2020 to 

R883.91 to 

16/07/2023

R1 456.05

Naspers Global 

15/08/2017

440 367

US$27.25

15/08/2020 to 

US$6.86 to 

Ecommerce SAR

15/08/2022

US$7.91

Naspers Global 

08/09/2017

105 157

US$27.60

08/09/2020 to 

US$6.77 to 

Ecommerce SAR

08/09/2022

US$7.80

Naspers Global 

25/06/2018

313 826

US$33.57

25/06/2020 to 

US$12.58 to 

Ecommerce SAR

25/06/2022

US$14.61

Naspers Global 

16/07/2019

436 832

US$36.70

16/07/2020 to 

US$12.11 to 

Ecommerce SAR

16/07/2023

US$15.51

Naspers PSU

09/09/2019

24 527

R3 528.34

30/06/2022

R3 528.34

(1) The value of the option represents the fair value on grant date in accordance with IFRS in the respective scheme currency.

Directors’ interests in Naspers shares
The directors of Naspers have the following interests in Naspers A ordinary shares at 31 March:

Name

J D T Stofberg(1)
S J Z Pacak(1)

2020
Naspers A ordinary shares

2019
Naspers A ordinary shares

Beneficial

Beneficial

Direct

Indirect

Total

Direct

Indirect

Total

-

-

-

175

105

280

175

105

280

-

-

-

166

83

249

166

83

249

(1) Additional Naspers A shares received as part of the Naspers A share capitalisation award approved by shareholders at the extraordinary general meeting on 23 August 

2019.

Koos  Bekker  and  Cobus  Stofberg  each  have  an  indirect  25%  interest  in  Wheatfields  221  Proprietary  Limited,  which 
controls 168 605 Naspers Beleggings (RF) Beperk ordinary shares, 16 860 500 Keeromstraat 30 Beleggings (RF) Beperk 
ordinary shares and 133 350 Naspers A shares.

No other director of Naspers had any direct interest in Naspers A ordinary shares at 31 March 2020 or 31 March 2019.

93

NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements (continued)

for the year ended 31 March 2020

18. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS AND BALANCES (continued)

Directors’ interests in Naspers shares (continued)
The directors of Naspers (and their associates) had the following interests in Naspers N ordinary shares as at 
31 March:

Name

J P Bekker
C L Enenstein
F L N Letele
S J Z Pacak(1)
T M F Phaswana(2)
V Sgourdos
M R Sorour(3)
J D T Stofberg(4)
B J van der Ross
B van Dijk(5)

2020
Naspers N ordinary shares

Beneficial

2019
Naspers N ordinary shares

Beneficial

Direct

Indirect

Total

Direct

Indirect

Total

-
-
1 474
376 635
-
32 483
2 145
183 317
2 550
51 809

4 688 691
415
-
111 548
830
87 367
165 024
291 888
820
922 451

4 688 691
415
1 474
488 183
830
119 850
167 169
475 205
3 370
974 260

-
-
1 474
376 635
-
32 483
2 145
183 317
2 550
51 809

4 688 691
415
-
291 548
3 530
64 239
101 713
291 888
820
844 932

4 688 691
415
1 474
668 183
3 530
96 722
103 858
475 205
3 370
896 741

650 413

6 269 034

6 919 447

650 413

6 287 776

6 938 189

(1)

(2)

(3)

(4)

(5)

On 16 September 2019, a total of 180 000 Naspers N ordinary shares were sold by Steve Pacak and 20 000 Naspers N ordinary shares, 200 000 Prosus N.V. N ordinary shares and 200 000 
MultiChoice Group Limited ordinary shares were delivered to Mr Pacak upon payment of the amount of R30 378 633.89 (being the listed market value on the date of the offers) from the proceeds 
of the sale of the 180 000 Naspers N ordinary shares (distributed to Steve), to settle the amount due to the Trust.
On 27 September 2019, Fred Phaswana, through his family trust, disposed on market 2 700 Naspers N shares at an average price per share of R2 338.24. Fred retired from the board and 
committees on 1 April 2020. 
On 19 September 2019, Mark Sorour received 9 237 Naspers N ordinary shares in settlement of the MIH China/MIH TC 2008 share appreciation rights plan. Mark immediately sold these shares at 
an average price per share of R2 417.22. On 14 August 2019, Mark Sorour's spouse acquired 123 Naspers N ordinary shares at average market prices ranging between R3 402.85 and R3 405.99 per 
share.
On the listing of Prosus and on interrogation of the Naspers certificated register, the direct holding has been restated. The comparative has also been restated.
On 14 January 2020, Bob van Dijk received 414 932 Naspers N ordinary shares in settlement of the Naspers Global ecommerce share appreciation rights plan. Bob immediately disposed of these 
shares at an average price per share of R2 400.00.

There  have  been  no  further  changes  to  the  directors’  interests  in  the  table  above  between  the  end  of  the  financial 
year and 29 June 2020.

94

NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements (continued)

for the year ended 31 March 2020

18. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS AND BALANCES (continued)

Key management remuneration
Comparatives have not been restated to account for the change in the composition of key management.

Short-term employee benefits(1)
Post-employment benefits
Share-based payment expense

2020
US$'000

16 000

1 000
37 000

54 000

2019
US$'000

15 000

1 000
33 000

49 000

(1) Short-term employee benefits consist of base salary, short-term incentives and other short-term benefits.
No other remuneration is paid to executive directors. Remuneration is earned for services rendered in conducting the 
business of the group.

19. SHARE CAPITAL AND PREMIUM

Authorised
1 250 000 A ordinary shares of R20 each
500 000 000 N ordinary shares of 2 SA cents each

Issued
961 193 A ordinary shares of R20 each (2019: 907 128)
435 511 058 N ordinary shares of 2 SA cents each (2019: 438 656 059)

Share premium

Cumulative effect of treasury shares used in equity compensation plans(1)

31 March
2020
US$'m

2019
US$'m

2
2
-
4

2
2
-
4
4 607

4 611

2
2
-
4

2
2
-
4
6 154

6 158

(1 249)

(1 213)

3 362

4 945

(1)  Refers  to  the  cumulative  net  effect  on  share  premium  of  treasury  shares  held  at  cost  and  the  gains  and  losses  arising  on  vesting  of  equity 
compensation awards.

95

NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements (continued)

for the year ended 31 March 2020

19.     SHARE CAPITAL AND PREMIUM (continued)

Treasury shares
The group holds a total of 7 533 095 N ordinary shares (2019: 6 455 824), or 1.7% (2019: 1.5%), of the gross number of 
N ordinary shares in issue at 31 March 2020 as treasury shares. Equity compensation plans hold 2 831 289 (2019: 3 023 
498) of the ordinary shares and the remaining 4 701 806 (2019: 3 432 326) N ordinary shares are held by various group 
companies. 

Share repurchase programme
In  January  2020  Naspers  sold  22  000  000  N  ordinary  shares  in  Prosus  N.V.  (1.35%  effective  interest)  to  institutional 
investors. The net proceeds from the sale of the Prosus shares were used to return capital to Naspers shareholders in 
terms of its share repurchase programme. The programme was completed on 24 March 2020. As at 31 March 2020, 
Naspers  has  repurchased  9  156  705  N  ordinary  shares  (representing  2.06%  of  the  issued  Naspers  N  ordinary  shares 
prior  to  the  programme)  for  a  total  consideration  of  US$1.4bn  (R  22.4bn)  inclusive  of  transaction  costs  from  share 
premium. These shares were cancelled on the repurchase date and delisted. As a result, Naspers now has 435 511 058 
N ordinary shares in issue.

Voting and dividend rights
The  company’s  issued  share  capital  at  31  March  2020  consisted  of  961  193  A  ordinary  shares  and  435  511  058 
N ordinary shares. The N ordinary shares are listed on the JSE, the A2X Exchange and has an ADR listing on the London 
stock exchange (LSE). The N ordinary shares on a poll carry one vote per share. The A ordinary shares are not listed on 
a stock exchange and on a poll carry 1 000 votes per share.

In terms of the Naspers memorandum of incorporation, both N and A ordinary shareholders are entitled to dividends. 
However, the dividends declared to A ordinary shareholders are equal to one-fifth of the dividends to which N ordinary 
shareholders are entitled. 

Naspers Limited, through Heemstede Beleggings Proprietary Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of the company, holds 
49%  of  Naspers  Beleggings  (RF)  Limited.  Naspers  Beleggings  (RF)  Limited,  in  turn,  holds  472  411  (2019:  445 839) 
A ordinary shares (49.1% of the total A ordinary shares in issue), which carry approximately 33.82% of the total voting 
rights  in  respect  of  the  company’s  ordinary  shares.  Keeromstraat  30  Beleggings  (RF)  Limited  holds  296  058 
(2019: 279 406) A ordinary shares (30.7% of the total A ordinary shares in issue), which represents 21.20% of the total 
voting  rights  in  respect  of  the  company’s  ordinary  shares.  Some  of  the  company’s  directors  are  on  the  boards  of 
Keeromstraat Beleggings (RF) Limited and Naspers Beleggings (RF) Limited, but do not represent the majority of board 
members. Each of these boards operates independently. Naspers Beleggings (RF) Limited and Keeromstraat Beleggings 
(RF)  Limited  collectively  hold  55.02%  of  the  voting  rights  in  respect  of  the  company,  exercise  their  voting  rights  in 
consultation  with  one  another  in  terms  of  a  voting  pool  agreement  and  constitute  the  control  structure  of  Naspers 
Limited. If they vote together, they can vote the majority of the total voting rights in the company, including in respect 
of  any  takeover  offer.  Under  the  voting  pool  agreement,  if  Naspers  Beleggings  (RF)  Limited  and  Keeromstraat 
Beleggings  (RF)  Limited  cannot  agree  on  how  to  vote  then  they  are  required  to  vote  against  resolutions  that  would 
materially change the control, directorate or senior management of Naspers or the nature, scope or size of Naspers’s 
businesses.

If  the  company  is  liquidated,  holders  of  A  ordinary  shares  will  be  paid  the  nominal  value  of  such  shares  before  any 
payment is made to holders of N ordinary shares. This amounted to approximately R19 223 860 as at 31 March 2020 
(2019: R18 142 560).

Unissued share capital
The directors of the company have unrestricted authority, until the next annual general meeting, to allot and issue the 
unissued  288  807  A  ordinary  shares  and  64  488  942  N  ordinary  shares  of  the  company.  This  authority  was  granted 
subject to the provisions of the Companies Act No 71 of 2008, the JSE Limited Listings Requirements and any other 
exchange on which the shares of the company may be quoted or listed from time to time.

96

NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements (continued)

for the year ended 31 March 2020

19. SHARE CAPITAL AND PREMIUM (continued)

Movement in ordinary shares in issue during the year
Ordinary shares in issue at 1 April
N ordinary shares issued(1)
A ordinary shares issued(1)
Shares issued to raise funds
Shares acquired as part of the share repurchase programme

Shares in issue at 31 March

Movement in ordinary shares held as treasury shares during the year
Shares held as treasury shares at 1 April
Additional shares received persuant to the Prosus N.V. listing
Shares issued to share incentive trusts and companies(2)
Shares acquired by participants from equity compensation plans

Shares held as treasury shares at 31 March

Net number of ordinary shares in issue at 31 March

2020
Number of
 shares

2019
Number of
shares

439 563 187
6 011 704

439 563 187
-

54 065

-
(9 156 705)

-

-
-

436 472 251

439 563 187

6 455 824
1 428 573
343 391
( 694 693)

6 530 202
-
338 114
( 412 492)

7 533 095

6 455 824

428 939 156

433 107 363

(1) Shares issued to shareholders holding Naspers N ordinary shares at the time of the Prosus N.V. listing who elected to receive additional Naspers 

ordinary shares. The Naspers N share capitalisation issue was accompanied by a pro rata capitalisation issue of 54 065  Naspers A ordinary 

shares to Naspers A shareholders.

(2) Includes shares issued to share incentive trusts and group companies as well as shares purchased on the open market by share incentive trusts 

and group companies. In line with the group's commitment to avoid shareholder dilution, shares required to settle 

equity-compensation benefits are purchased on the open market.

Share premium
Balance at 1 April
Share premium on share repurchase programme

Balance at 31 March

31 March
2020
US$'m

6 154
(1 547)

4 607

2019
US$'m

6 154
-

6 154

Capital management
The group’s objectives when managing capital are to safeguard its ability to continue as a going concern, so that it can 
continue  to  provide  adequate  returns  to  shareholders  and  benefits  for  other  stakeholders  by  pricing  products  and 
services commensurately with the level of risk.

Naspers relies upon distributions, including dividends, from its subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures to generate 
the funds necessary to meet the obligations and other cash flow requirements of the combined group. The operations 
of the group have historically been funded in a number of ways. The internet development activities were primarily 
funded  by  cash  generated  from  the  video-entertainment  businesses  (refer  to  note  3  for  details  of  the  group’s 
distribution of the MultiChoice Group to its shareholders during the prior year) as well as debt and equity financing. 
Recent  acquisitions  of  ecommerce  businesses  were  primarily  funded  by  cash  retained  following  disposals,  including 
that  of  the  group’s  interest  in  Flipkart  during  the  prior  year  and  the  disposal  of  6%  of  the  group’s  investment  in 
Tencent in March 2018. 

The ecommerce businesses are also scaling and accordingly, they are expected to become cash generative over time 
and  able  to  sustain  their  operating  capital  requirements.  The  group  received  US$377.3m  (2019:  US$342.0m)  in 
dividends from Tencent during the year and US$458.0m after the year-end – an increase of 21% compared to the 2020 
financial year.

97

NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements (continued)

for the year ended 31 March 2020

19. SHARE CAPITAL AND PREMIUM (continued)

Capital management (continued)
The group’s cash resources (including short-term cash investments) will be invested over time to accelerate growth in 
classifieds, online-food delivery services as well as in payments and fintech and to pursue growth opportunities when 
they arise.

The  group’s  general  business  strategy  is  to  acquire  developing  businesses  and  to  provide  funding  to  meet  the  cash 
needs of those businesses until they can, within a reasonable period of time, become self-funding. Funding is provided 
through a combination of loans and share capital, depending on the country-specific regulatory requirements. From a 
subsidiary’s perspective, intergroup loan funding is generally considered to be part of the capital structure. The focus 
on increased profitability and cash flow generation will continue into the foreseeable future, although the group will 
continue to actively evaluate potential growth opportunities within its areas of expertise.

The  group  will  also  grow  its  business  in  the  future  by  making  equity  investments  in  growth  companies.  The  group 
anticipates that it may fund future acquisitions and investments through the issue of debt and equity instruments and 
utilisation of available cash resources.

The group follows a risk-based approach to the determination of the optimal capital structure. The group manages the 
capital structure and makes adjustments to it in the light of changes in economic conditions and the risk characteristics 
of  the  underlying  assets.  In  order  to  maintain  or  modify  the  capital  structure,  the  group  may  adjust  the  amount  of 
dividends paid to shareholders, return capital to shareholders, issue new shares or sell assets to reduce debt.

The  group  issued  a  seven-year  US$1bn  bond  in  July  2013.  The  bond  had  a  maturity  date  of  July  2020  and  carried  a 
fixed interest rate of 6% per annum. Following the issuance of a 10-year bond in January 2020 (refer below), the group 
repaid the principal and accrued interest up to the maturity date of the bond in February 2020.

The group issued a 10-year US$1.2bn bond in July 2015. The bond matures in July 2025 and carries a fixed interest rate 
of 5.5% per annum. The group issued a 10-year US$1.0bn bond in July 2017. The bond matures in July 2027 and carries 
a fixed interest rate of 4.85% per annum. 

The group issued a 10-year US$1.2bn bond in July 2017. The bond matures in July 2027 and carries a fixed interest rate 
of 4.85% per annum. 

The group issued a 10-year US$1.25bn bond in January 2020. The bond matures in January 2030 and carries a fixed 
interest rate of 3.68% per annum. The purpose of this offering was to raise proceeds to redeem the US$1.0bn bond 
that  was  redeemable  in  July  2020.  The  net  proceeds  of  the  offering  of  this  bond  was  used  by  the  group  for  the 
redemption of the 2020 bond in February of the current year and otherwise for general corporate purposes.

The group has an undrawn revolving credit facility (RCF) of US$2.5bn of which US$2.33bn matures in April 2025 and 
US$0.17bn  in  April  2023  and  bears  interest  at  one-month  US  LIBOR  plus  1.25%,  before  commitment  and  utilisation 
fees. 

The  borrower  under  the  bonds  and  the  undrawn  US$2.5bn  (2019:  undrawn  balance  of  US$2.5bn)  RCF  (refer  to  the 
group’s unutilised banking facilities disclosed in note 42) is Prosus N.V. (formerly Myriad International Holdings N.V.) 
and the facilities are guaranteed by Naspers Limited. The borrower is obligated to pay a commitment fee equal to 35% 
of the applicable margin under the RCF. The undrawn balance of the RCF is available to fund future investments and 
development  expenditure  by  the  group  as  part  of  its  growth  strategy.  From  2  April  2020  the  RCF  agreement  was 
amended to remove Naspers Limited as the guarantor of the facility.

As  of  31  March  2020,  the  group  had  total  interest-bearing  debt  (including  capitalised  lease  liabilities)  of  US$3.79bn 
(2019: US$3.25bn) and net cash balance including short-term cash investments of US$8.33bn (2019: US$9.57bn). The 
net  interest-bearing  debt-to-equity  ratio  was  negative  at  31 March  2020  and  31 March  2019  due  to  the  group’s  net 
cash  position.  The  group  excludes  capitalised  lease  liabilities  from  total  interest-bearing  debt  when  evaluating  and 
managing  capital.  These  items  are  considered  to  be  operating  in  nature.  The  adjusted  total  interest-bearing  debt 
(excluding capitalised lease liabilities) was US$3.52bn (2019: US$3.23bn) and the adjusted net interest-bearing debt-
to-equity ratio was negative due to the group’s net cash position of US$8.33bn (2019: US$9.57bn) at 31 March 2020.

98

NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements (continued)

for the year ended 31 March 2020

19. SHARE CAPITAL AND PREMIUM (continued)

Capital management (continued)
The group does not have a formally targeted debt-equity ratio. The group has specific financial covenants in place with 
various  financial  institutions  to  govern  its  debt,  all  of  which  were  complied  with  during  the  reporting  period.  These 
financial covenants are linked to various financial metrics including the net-debt-to-adjusted-EBITDA ratio and interest 
cover. 

The group’s listed bonds are rated by Moody’s and Standard & Poor’s (S&P) as Baa3 and BBB-, respectively, and both 
with a stable outlook.

South African exchange control regulations provide for a common monetary area consisting of the Republic of South 
Africa,  the  Kingdom  of  Lesotho,  the  Kingdom  of  eSwatini  (formerly  Swaziland)  and  the  Republic  of  Namibia,  and 
restrict the export of capital from the common monetary area. Approval by the South African Reserve Bank is required 
for  any  acquisitions  outside  of  the  common  monetary  area  if  the  acquisition  is  funded  from  within  the  common 
monetary area.

20. OTHER RESERVES

Other reserves in the statement of financial position comprise:
Foreign currency translation reserve
Valuation reserve
Existing control business combination reserve
Share-based compensation reserve

31 March
2020
US$'m

2019
US$'m

(2 974)
281
(7 691)
1 876
(8 508)

(2 070)
760
(1 127)
1 698
( 739)

The  foreign  currency  translation  reserve  relates  to  exchange  differences  arising  on  the  translation  of  foreign 
operations’ income statements and statements of comprehensive income at average exchange rates for the year and 
their  statements  of  financial  position  at  the  ruling  exchange  rates  at  the  reporting  date  if  the  functional  currency 
differs from the group’s presentation currency. The movement on the foreign currency translation reserve for the year 
relates  primarily  to  the  effects  of  foreign  exchange  rate  fluctuations  related  to  the  group’s  net  investments  in  its 
subsidiaries.

The  valuation  reserve  relates  to  fair-value  changes  in  financial  assets  at  fair  value  through  other  comprehensive 
income,  differences  between  the  fair  value  and  the  contractually  stipulated  value  of  shares  issued  in  business 
combinations and other acquisitions as well as the group’s share of equity-accounted investees’ revaluations of their 
investments at fair value through other comprehensive income. No amounts contained in the valuation reserve will be 
reclassified to the income statement in future periods.

The  existing  control  business  combination  reserve  is  used  to  account  for  transactions  with  non-controlling 
shareholders, whereby the excess of the cost of the transactions over the acquirer’s proportionate share of the net 
asset value acquired/sold is allocated to this reserve in equity. Written put option liabilities and other obligations that 
may require the group to purchase its own equity instruments by delivering cash or another financial asset are also 
initially  recognised  from  this  reserve.  Similarly,  written  put  option  liabilities  and  other  similar  obligations  are 
reclassified to this reserve in the event of cancellation or expiry. On disposal of a business, any amounts accumulated 
in the existing control business combination reserve in respect of that business are transferred to retained earnings. 

The grant date fair value of share incentives issued to employees in equity-settled share-based payment transactions is 
accounted for in the share-based compensation reserve over the vesting period, if any. The reserve is adjusted at each 
reporting period when the entity revises its estimates of the number of share incentives that are expected to vest. The 
impact  of  revisions  of  original  estimates,  if  any,  is  recognised  in  the  income  statement,  with  a  corresponding 
adjustment to this reserve in equity.

99

NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements (continued)

for the year ended 31 March 2020

20. OTHER RESERVES (continued)

A significant proportion of the group’s foreign currency translation, valuation and share-based compensation reserves
relates to the group’s interests in its equity-accounted investments, particularly Tencent.

Movements in the valuation reserve during the year, after the effects of non-controlling interests, are detailed below:

Opening balance
Fair-value (losses)/gains on investments at fair value through other comprehensive income
Foreign currency translation reserve movements on equity reserves
Valuation reserve reclassified to retained earnings
Share of valuation reserve of equity-accounted investments
Closing balance

31 March
2020
US$'m

2019
US$'m

760
( 266)
-
-
( 213)
281

1 679
11
3
(1 277)
344
760

21. RETAINED EARNINGS
Distributions made by Naspers Limited to shareholders that are not exempt from dividend tax are subject to dividend tax at 
a rate of 20%. Although the group’s presentation currency is the US dollar, dividends are declared and paid in South 
African rand, with the relevant exchange rate announced at the time of the dividend payment.
The board of directors has proposed that a dividend of 580 SA cents (2019: 715 SA cents) per N ordinary share and 116 
SA cents (2019: 143 SA cents) per A ordinary share be paid to shareholders on 17 September 2020. In determining the 
proposed N ordinary share dividend, the board considered that shareholders who held listed N ordinary shares last year at 
the time of the listing of Prosus, would have received shares in Prosus or additional shares in Naspers Limited, which, if they 
continue to hold those shares would entitle them to receive either an additional Prosus dividend of 11 euro cents (South 
African rand equivalent to be determined at time of payments, currently 213 South African cents, based  on  exchange  rate 
at  26  June  2020)  per  share,  or  dividends  on  their  additional  Naspers  N  ordinary  shares received. The combined Naspers 
and Prosus dividend represents an increase of approximately 10% on the prior year Naspers  dividend  per  share.  If 
approved  by  the  shareholders  of  the  company  at  its  annual  general  meeting,  the company will pay a total dividend of 
approximately R2.53bn based on the number of shares in issue at 31 March 2020.

22. POST-EMPLOYMENT LIABILITIES
22.1  Medical liability

The  group  operates  a  number  of  post-employment  medical  benefit  schemes.  The  obligation  of  the  group  to  pay 
medical  aid  contributions  after  retirement  is  no  longer  part  of  the  conditions  of  employment  for  new  employees.  A 
number of pensioners and current employees, however, remain entitled to this benefit. The entitlement to this benefit 
for current employees is dependent upon the employees remaining in service until retirement age and completing a 
minimum service period. The group determines its obligations for post-employment medical aid benefits by way of an 
annual valuation. The key assumptions and valuation method are described below.

Key assumptions and valuation method
The actuarial valuation method used to value the obligations is the projected unit credit method. Future benefits are 
projected  using  actuarial  assumptions  and  the  obligations  for  in-service  members  are  accrued  over  the  expected 
working lifetimes.

The significant actuarial assumptions used in the current and prior period valuations are outlined below:

100 NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements (continued)

for the year ended 31 March 2020

22. POST-EMPLOYMENT LIABILITIES (continued)
22.1 Medical liability (continued)

Discount rates
Healthcare cost inflation
Average retirement age
Membership discontinued at retirement

31 March
2020

11.6%
8.8%
60
0%

2019

10.0%
8.3%
60
0%

The  group  assumes  that  current  in-service  members  would  retire  on  their  current  medical  scheme  option  and  that 
there would be no change in medical scheme options at retirement.

Actuarial  assumptions  are  generally  more  suited  to  the  estimation  of  the  future  experience  of  larger  groups  of 
individuals. The overall experience of larger groups is less variable and is more likely to tend to the expected value of 
the underlying statistical distribution. The smaller the group size, the less likely it is that the actual future experience 
will be close to that which is expected. Furthermore, assumptions that are appropriate for the group overall, may not 
be appropriate at an individual entity level.

Post-employment medical liability

Opening balance
Current service cost
Interest cost
Employer benefit payments
Remeasurements
Disposal of subsidiary
Transferred to liabilities classified as held for sale
Foreign currency translation effects

Total post-employment medical liability

Current portion of post-employment medical liability

Non-current portion of post-employment medical liability

31 March
2020
US$'m

2019
US$'m

25
-
2
( 2)
-
-
-
( 4)

21

4

17

34
-
2
( 2)
( 2)
( 1)
( 1)
( 5)

25

4

21

101 NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements (continued)

for the year ended 31 March 2020

22. POST-EMPLOYMENT LIABILITIES (continued)
22.1 Medical liability (continued)

As the value of the liability is based on a number of assumptions, a sensitivity analysis is presented below to show the 
effect of a one-percentage point decrease or increase in the rate of healthcare cost inflation:

Healthcare cost inflation

Accrued liability 31 March 2020 (US$'m)
% change
Current service cost plus interest cost 2020 and 2021 (US$'m)
% change

Assumption
8.8%

21

2

-1%

20
-8.4%
2
-8.6%

+1%

23
9.5%
2
9.7%

22.2 Pension and provident benefits

The  group  provides  retirement  benefits  for  its  full-time  employees  by  way  of  various  separate  defined  contribution 
pension and provident funds. All full-time employees have access to these funds. Contributions to these funds are paid 
on a fixed scale. Substantially all the group’s full-time employees are members of either one of the group’s retirement 
benefit plans or a third-party plan. Certain of these funds are related parties to the group and as at 31 March 2020 and 
2019 there were no outstanding amounts between the group and these funds. The group has no legal or constructive 
obligations  to  pay  further  contributions  if  the  funds  do  not  hold  sufficient  assets  to  pay  all  employees  the  benefits 
relating to employee service in the current and prior periods.

An  amount  of  US$3.5m  (2019:  US$3.1m)  was  recognised  as  an  expense  during  the  period  in  relation  to  the  group’s 
defined contribution funds.

23.

LONG-TERM LIABILITIES

Long-term

liabilities

Current

portion

Total

Long-term

liabilities

liabilitities

Current

portion

Total

liabilities

31 March

2020

2019

US$'m

US$'m

US$'m

US$'m

US$'m

US$'m

3 739
231
3 508
20
20
3 759

53
46
7
14
14
67

3 792
277
3 515
34
34
3 826

3 242
5
3 237
3
3
3 245

13
3
10
10
10
23

3 255
8
3 247
13
13
3 268

Interest-bearing
Capitalised lease liabilities
Loans and other liabilities
Non-interest-bearing
Loans and other liabilities
Total liabilities

102 NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements (continued)

for the year ended 31 March 2020

23.

LONG-TERM LIABILITIES (continued)
Interest-bearing: Capitalised leases liabilities

Type of lease

Currency of
year-end
balance

Year of
final
repayment

Weighted
average
interest
rate

31 March
2020
US$'m

2019
US$'m

Buildings
Computers, furniture and office equipment
Vehicles

Various 2020 - 2035
Various 2020 - 2026
Various 2020 - 2024

1.49% - 13.00%
3.08% - 13.50%
1.54% - 10.25%

Maturity profile

Minimum instalments
Payable within year one
Payable within year two
Payable within year three
Payable within year four
Payable within year five
Payable after year five

Future finance costs on capitalised lease liabilities

Present value of capitalised lease liabilities

Present value
Payable within year one
Payable within year two
Payable within year three
Payable within year four
Payable within year five
Payable after year five

Present value of capitalised lease liabilities

250
19
8

277

53
58
45
34
28
105

323

( 46)

277

46
52
40
30
24
85

277

-
6
2

8

3
2
2
2
-
-

9

( 1)

8

3
2
2
1
-
-

8

103 NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements (continued)

for the year ended 31 March 2020

23.

LONG-TERM LIABILITIES (continued)
Interest-bearing: Loans and other liabilities

Unsecured
Publicly traded bond(1)
Publicly traded bond(1)
Publicly traded bond(1)
Publicly traded bond(1)
Various institutions

Secured

Exim Bank S.A.

Raiffeisen Bank S.A.

Various institutions

Total facilities

Unamortised loan costs

Currency
of
year-end
balance

Year of
final
repay-
ment

Asset
secured

Weighted
average
year-end
interest
rate

31 March
2020
US$'m

2019
US$'m

US$

US$

US$

US$

2020

2025

2027

2030

6.00%

5.50%

4.85%

3.68%

Various

Various

Various

-

1 200

1 000

1 250

8

1 000

1 200

1 000

-

22

Building

Building

EUR

EUR

Euribor 1M
+ (1.44%
2021
-2029
 - 1.47%)
2021 Euribor 1M
+ 1.47%
-2028

Various

Vatious

Various

Various

37

21

17

19

19

-

3 533

( 18)

3 515

3 260

( 13)

3 247

(1) The publicly traded bonds are listed on the Irish Stock Exchange (Euronext Dublin). Refer to note 19

104 NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements (continued)

for the year ended 31 March 2020

23.

LONG-TERM LIABILITIES (continued)
Non-interest-bearing: Loans and other liabilities (continued)

Loans

Secured
Automotive Finance Corporation

Unsecured

Earn-out obligations

Other

Currency
of
year-end
balance

Asset
secured

Year of
final
repayment

31 March
2020
US$'m

2019
US$'m

Various

US$

2020

Various

Conditional

Various

Various

Total long-term liabilities
Repayment terms of long-term liabilities (excluding capitalised lease liabilities)

Payable within year one
Payable within year two
Payable within year three
Payable within year four
Payable within year five
Payable after year five

Unamortised loan costs

Interest  rate  profile  of  long-term  liabilities  (long-  and  short-term  portion,  including 
capitalised lease liabilities)

Liabilities at fixed rates: 1 to 12 months
Liabilities at fixed rates: more than 12 months
Interest-free loans
Liabilities linked to variable rates

105 NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

8

22

4

34

21
23
15
14
10
3 484

3 567
( 18)
3 549

53
3 673
34
66
3 826

-

7

6

13

20
1 011
6
4
6
2 226

3 273
( 13)
3 260

6
3 201
13
48
3 268

Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements (continued)

for the year ended 31 March 2020

23.

LONG-TERM LIABILITIES (continued)
Reconciliation of liabilities arising from financing activities

Balance at 1 April 2019
Change in accounting policy(1)
Additional liabilities recognised
Additional earnout obligations
Repayments of long- and short-term debt
Repayments of interest on capitalised lease liabilities
Interest accrued
Acquisition of subsidiary
Disposal of subsidiary
Disposal of a business
Amortisation of transaction costs
Capitalisation of transaction costs
Foreign exchange translation
Transfer to held for sale
Other

Balance at 31 March 2020
Less: Current portion
Non-current liabilities

Capitalised
lease
liabilities(1)

Interest Non-interest
bearing
bearing
liabilities
liabilities

31 March

2020
US$'m

8
242
58
-
( 34)
( 15)
14
12
( 2)
( 1)
-
-
( 13)
( 2)
10

277
( 46)
231

2020
US$'m

3 247
-
1 285
-
(1 032)
-
1
33
( 5)
-
3
( 8)
( 5)
( 1)
( 3)

3 515
( 7)
3 508

2020
US$'m

13
-
13
2
( 15)
-
-
20
-
-
-
-
-
-
1

34
( 14)
20

(1)  Capitalised  lease  liabilities  relate  to  all  leases  including  those  previously  classified  as  operating  leases  in  terms  of  IAS  17  which  were  not 
recognised  on  the  statement  of  financial  position.  Refer  to  note  2  for  details  of  the  group's  adoption  of  new  accounting  pronouncements  during 
thereporting period.

106 NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements (continued)

for the year ended 31 March 2020

23.

LONG-TERM LIABILITIES (continued)

Reconciliation of liabilities arising from financing activities

Balance at 1 April 2018
Additional liabilities recognised
Repayments of long- and short-term debt
Settlements of earnout obligations
Settlement of obligations relating to investing activities
Interest accrued
Remeasurement of contingent consideration
Acquisition of subsidiary
Disposal of subsidiary
Transferred to assets classified as held for sale(2)
Amortisation of transaction costs
Foreign exchange translation
Other

Balance at 31 March 2019
Less: Current portion
Non-current liabilities

Finance
lease
liabilities(1)

Interest Non-interest
bearing
bearing
liabilities
liabilities

31 March

2019
US$'m

1 158
-
( 102)
-
-
43
-
-
-
(1 091)
-
-
-

8
( 3)
5

2019
US$'m

3 216
60
( 26)
-
-
2
-
1
( 1)
( 1)
2
( 6)
-

3 247
( 10)
3 237

2019
US$'m

64
2
( 2)
( 23)
( 17)
-
( 3)
-
-
( 7)
-
( 1)
-

13
( 10)
3

(1) Relates to previously classified finance leases in terms of IAS 17. 
(2)  Relates  to  the  group's  video-entertainment  business  which  was  distributed  to  shareholders  during  the  prior  year 
(refer to note 3).

107 NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements (continued)

for the year ended 31 March 2020

24. OTHER NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES

Written put option liabilities(1)

Less:  Current  portion  of  other  liabilities  included  in  accrued  expenses  and  other  current 
liabilities (refer to note 26)

Non-current portion of other liabilities

31 March
2020
US$'m

2019
US$'m

869

827

( 709)

( 289)

160

538

(1) Relates to put options written over the non-controlling interests in the group's letgo classifieds business, Frontier Car Group, Dante International 
S.A. (eMAG), Extreme Digital KfT, Movile Internet Movel S.A (Movile)., PaySense and various other smaller ecommerce units.

During  the  year,  the  group  recognised  an  aggregate  gain  on  the  remeasurement  of  written  put  option  liabilities  of 
US$53.0m (2019: US$52.8m) as part of "Other finance (costs)/income - net" in the income statement (refer to note 
31). The movement in the put option liability in the current year is predominantly as a result of the group's acquisition 
of    Frontier  Car  Group,  Extreme  Digital  and  PaySense  which  increased  the  liability,  as  well  the  decrease  in  the  put 
option liability related to letgo classifieds business. The group signed an agreement in March 2020 to contribute its US 
letgo classified business in exchange for an equity interest in OfferUp Inc., a US online marketplace. The put option 
liability related to this business was measured with reference to its transaction value as it will be settled upon closing 
of  this  transaction  (refer  to  note  45).  The  net  remeasurement  gain  recognised  is  predominantly  as  a  result  of  the 
decrease in the put option liability arising from a decline in value of the letgo classifieds business and an increase in 
the put option liability from the increase in value of the eMag and Movile businesses. 

The maturity profile of the group's written put option liabilities is detailed in the table below and reflects the first date 
on which the respective written put options can be contractually exercised:

Exercisable within one year
Exercisable within one to two years
Exercisable after two to five years

Total other liabilities

31 March
2020
US$'m

2019
US$'m

709
29
131

869

289
286
252

827

The  group  has  the  contractual  discretion  to  settle  all  written  put  option  obligations  either  in  cash  or  in  Naspers  N 
ordinary shares.

The majority of the group's written put option liabilities are exercisable when non-controlling shareholders request an 
initial public offering (IPO) of the relevant group subsidiary and the IPO is either declined by the group or is ultimately 
unsuccessful.

108 NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements (continued)

for the year ended 31 March 2020

24. OTHER NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES (continued)

Sensitivity analysis

The measurement of written put option liabilities is based on the value of the underlying businesses, calculated either 
through a discounted cash flow analyses or through prices observed in orderly transactions. At 31 March 2020, 36% 
(2019:  27%)  of  the  total  balance  of  written  put  option  liabilities  has  been  measured  using  discounted  cash  flow 
analyses. The discounted cash flow analysis took into account adjusted cashflow projections and budgets as a result of 
Covid-19 pandemic. This adjustment took into account the impact of the pandemic on revenue and margins as well as 
the periods of interruptions to business operations as a result of lockdown restrictions. Accordingly, the measurement 
of  written  put  option  liabilities  is  subject  to  significant  estimation  uncertainty.  The  following  analysis  illustrates  the 
sensitivity  of  written  put  option  liabilities  to  reasonabe  changes  in  the  most  significant  underlying  variables  used  in 
their measurement for put options valued using a discounted cash flow analyses:

Increase/(decrease) in written put option liabilities and loss/(gain) in the income statement

1% increase in the discount rate and a 1% decrease in the terminal growth rate

1% decrease in the discount rate and a 1% increase the terminal growth rate

31 March

2020

US$'m

( 53)

62

2019

US$'m

( 36)

44

Other assumptions contained in the discounted cash flow analyses used by the group when valuing written put option 
liabilities vary widely between obligations due to the group’s diverse range of business models and are closely linked 
to entity-specific key performance indicators. 

For put options valued using orderly transactions, the group assessed whether the transaction value as at 31 March 
2020 was appropriate in light of the Covid-19 pandemic. This took into account the current operational performance, 
adjusted  budget  forecasts  as  well  as  broader  market  expectations.  On  31  March  2020,  the  impact  of  the  Covid-19 
pandemic on the written put option liabilities based on transaction value was not considered to be significant, and the 
transaction value was therefore still considered to be appropriate.

Movements during the year on the group's written put option liabilities are detailed below. Cash flows arising from the 
settlement of written put option liabilities are presented as part of financing activities in the statement of cash flows.

Opening balance
Additional obligations raised
Remeasurements recognised in the income statement
Settlements
Foreign currency translation effects

Closing balance

31 March
2020
US$'m

2019
US$'m

827
142
( 53)
-
( 47)

869

2 394
83
( 53)
(1 566)
( 31)

827

109 NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements (continued)

for the year ended 31 March 2020

25. PROVISIONS

Warranties
Pending litigation
Reorganisation
Long-service and retirement gratuity
Other

Total provisions
Less: Non-current portion of provisions

Current portion of provisions

31 March
2020
US$'m

2019
US$'m

-
6
1
6
2

15
( 5)

10

1
10
4
9
1

25
( 6)

19

Provisions relate to a variety of obligations for the group as follows:

The  group  is  currently  involved  in  various  litigation  matters.  The  litigation  provision  has  been  estimated  based  on 
management’s assessment on likelihood of requirements on legal counsel and management’s estimates of costs and 
possible claims relating to these after taking appropriate legal advice. Please refer to note 27(d) for contingent assets 
disclosed in respect of the group’s litigation matters.

The provision for reorganisation relates to the relocation costs of certain of our operations. 

The provision for long service and retirement gratuity relates to the estimated cost of these employee benefits.

Included in other provisions are estimated amounts related to other regulatory matters.

26. ACCRUED EXPENSES AND OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES

31 March
2020
US$'m

2019
US$'m

62
262
5
62
65
21
31
25
18
58
359
709
24

58
223
47
78
56
16
35
17
16
58
290
289
36

1 701

1 219

Deferred income(1)
Accrued expenses*(2)
Amounts owing in respect of investments acquired*
Taxes and other statutory liabilities
Bonus accrual
Accrual for leave
Other personnel accruals
Payments received in advance
Cash-settled share-based payment liability (refer to note 44)
Payables from reverse factoring arrangements*
Merchant payable*
Written put option liabilities (refer to note 24)*
Other current liabilities**

(1) Relates to revenue from contracts with customers. Refer to note 28 for movements in deferred income balances. 
(2) Includes US$84.1m of Covid-19 related donations pledged by the group which is not a financial liability.
* Financial liabilities

** Includes financial liabilities of US$17.8m (2019: US$16.7m).

110 NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements (continued)

for the year ended 31 March 2020

27. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

The group is subject to commitments and contingencies, which occur in the normal course of business, including legal 
proceedings  and  claims  that  cover  a  wide  range  of  matters.  The  group  plans  to  fund  these  commitments  and 
contingencies out of existing facilities and internally generated funds.

(a)

Capital expenditure
Commitments  in  respect  of  contracts  placed  for  capital  expenditure  at  31  March  2020  amount  to  US$28.9m 
(2019: US$18.8m).

(b) Other commitments

The  group  entered  into  contracts  for  the  receipt  of  various  services.  These  service  contracts  are  for  the  receipt  of 
information  technology  and  computer  support  services,  access  to  networks,  consulting  services  and  contractual 
relationships  with  customers,  suppliers  and  employees.  The  group’s  commitments  in  respect  of  these  agreements 
amount to US$108.9m (2019: US$26.4m).

(c)

Lease commitments 
Lease commitments include the group’s short-term lease arrangements as well as other contractual lease agreements 
whose  commencement  date  is  after  31  March  2020.  Short-term  lease  commitments  relate  to  leasing  arrangements 
with  lease  terms  of  12  months  or  less  that  are  not  recognised  on  the  statement  of  financial  position.  Lease 
commitments as at 31 March 2019 relate to lease agreements previously classified as operating leases in terms of IAS 
17 which were not recognised on the statement of financial position. The group has the following lease commitments 
at 31 March 2020:

Minimum lease payments:(1)
Payable in year one 
Payable in year two 
Payable in year three 
Payable in year four 
Payable in year five 
Payable after five years

31 March
2020
US$'m

2019
US$'m

1
1
2
2
2
5
13

48
47
42
34
25
86
282

(1) The significant decrease in the current year is due to the adoption of IFRS 16. Refer to note 2 for the adoption of new accounting pronouncements 
during the reporting period.

(d)

Taxation matters
The group operates across a large number of jurisdictions and pays tax in the countries in which it operates. In certain 
jurisdictions uncertainty exists as to whether certain transactions or payments are subject to tax. In these countries 
the group continues to seek relevant advice and works with its advisers to identify and/or quantify tax exposures. Our 
current  assessment  of  possible  withholding  and  other  tax  exposures,  including  interest  and  potential  penalties, 
amounts to approximately US$30.3m (2019: US$22.0m). 

Further, the group has an uncertain tax position of US$170.8m (2019: US$177.0m) related to amounts receivable from 
tax authorities.

(e)

Assets pledged as collateral
The  group  pledged  property,  plant  and  equipment,  investments,  cash  and  cash  equivalents,  trade  receivables  and 
other  working  capital  as  collateral  against  its  secured  long-term  liabilities  with  an  outstanding  balance  of  US$83.9m 
(2019: US$46.4m). Refer to note 23 for further details. 

111 NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements (continued)

for the year ended 31 March 2020

28. REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS WITH CUSTOMERS

Reportable 
segment(s)  where 
revenue is included

31 March

2020 
US$'m

2019 
US$'m

Online sale of goods revenue
Classifieds listings revenue

Payment transaction commissions and fees
Mobile and other content revenue
Food delivery revenue
Travel package revenue and commissions
Advertising revenue
Comparison shopping commissions and fees
Printing, distribution, circulation, publishing and subscription revenue Media
Various
Other revenue

Classifieds 
and Etail
Classifieds
Payment 
and fintech
Other ecommerce
Food delivery
Travel
Various
Other ecommerce

1 868
790

1 481
623

380
173
310
-
201
22
137
120

308
159
159
27
229
45
145
115

4 001

3 291

Revenue  is  presented  on  an  economic-interest  basis  (i.e.  including  a  proportionate  consolidation  of  the  revenue  of 
associates and joint ventures) in the group’s segmental review and is accordingly not directly comparable to the above 
consolidated revenue figures.

The  group  has  recognised  the  following  assets  and  liabilities  in  the  statement  of  financial  position  that  relate  to 
revenue from contracts with customers:

Accrued income (refer to note 16)

Accrued income
Accrued income net of impairment allowance(1)

31 March
2020
US$'m
22
22

2019
US$'m
24
24

(1) Refer to note 42 for the group's credit risk management policy. Impairment allowances recorded on accrued income 
balances were not significant.

Deferred income (refer to note 26)

Deferred income

31 March
2020
US$'m

2019
US$'m

62

58

Revenue recognised in relation to deferred income liabilities
The  following  table  depicts  the  amount  of  revenue  recognised  in  each  reporting  period  that  related  to  amounts 
included within the opening balance of deferred income for that reporting period:

Revenue recognised that was included in the deferred income balance at the beginning of the 
period

31 March
2020
US$'m

2019
US$'m

36

32

112 NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements (continued)

for the year ended 31 March 2020

28. REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS WITH CUSTOMERS (continued)

There  were  no  significant  changes  in  accrued  income  or  deferred  revenue  during  the  current  year.  Accrued  income 
and  deferred  income  balances  were  significantly  impacted  by  the  distribution  of  the  MultiChoice  Group  to 
shareholders during the prior year. At the date of distribution, the group derecognised accrued income of US$10.8m 
and deferred income of US$150.4m that was classified as held for sale.  Refer to note 4 for further details.
Unsatisfied long-term contracts

The group has no unsatisfied long-term contracts as at 31 March 2020 (2019:US$nil).

29. EXPENSES BY NATURE

Operating loss includes the following items:
Depreciation classification
Cost of providing services and sale of goods
Selling, general and administration expenses

Amortisation classification
Selling, general and administration expenses

Lease payments(1)
Short-term lease payments

Auditor’s remuneration
Audit fees of the financial statements
Other non-audit services

Staff costs
As at 31 March 2020, the group had 25 527 (2019: 20 196) permanent employees.
The total cost of employment of all employees, including executive directors,
was as follows:
Salaries, wages and bonuses
Retirement benefit costs 
Medical aid fund contributions
Post-employment benefits
Cash settled share-based compensation expenses
Equity settled share-based compensation expenses

Training costs
Retention option expense

Total staff costs

Advertising expenses

Cost of providing services and sale of goods

Other purchases and expenses

Total

31 March
2020
US$'m

2019
US$'m

1
95

96

1
34

35

122

111

3

10
1

11

967
7
5
3
3
119
1 104
9
61

1 174

325

2 359

562

4 652

22

6
1

7

859
7
7
3
6
92
974
10
11

995

318

1 802

530

3 820

(1) Lease expenses recognised during 31 March 2019 relate to previously classified operating leases in terms of IAS 17. Refer to note 2 for details of the 
adoption of new accounting pronouncements during the reporting period. 

113 NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements (continued)

for the year ended 31 March 2020

30. OTHER LOSSES - NET

Loss on sale of assets
Fair-value adjustments on financial instruments
Impairment losses

impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets
impairment of property, plant and equipment and other assets

Dividends received on investments
Gains recognised on loss of significant influence
Covid-19 donation
Other

Total other losses - net

 Refer to notes 5, 6 and 7 for further information on the above impairments.

31. FINANCE (COSTS)/INCOME

Interest income
Loans and bank accounts
Other

Interest expense
Loans and overdrafts
Capitalised lease liabilities
Other

Net gain from foreign exchange translation and fair-value adjustments 
on derivative financial instruments
On translation of assets and liabilities
On translation of forward exchange contracts and cross-currency interest rate swap

Remeasurement of written put option liabilities

Other finance income - net

Total finance income/ (costs) - net

31 March
2020
US$'m

2019
US$'m

-
4
( 13)
( 13)
-
6
13
( 84)
5

( 69)
-

( 2)
( 27)
( 8)
( 7)
( 1)
4
-
-
( 5)

( 38)
-

31 March
2020
US$'m

2019
US$'m

241
4
245

( 209)
( 14)
( 6)
( 229)

47
29

76

53

129

145

283
1
284

( 201)
-
( 4)
( 205)

45
32

77

53

130

209

114 NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements (continued)

for the year ended 31 March 2020

32. NET GAINS ON ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSALS

Gain on sale of investments - Net
Gains recognised on loss of control transactions
Remeasurement of contingent consideration
Transaction related costs(1)
Securities tax paid on internal restructuring
Remeasurement of previously held interest
Other gains

31 March
2020
US$'m

2019
US$'m

390
17
-
( 113)
( 18)
73
2

351

1 618
-
3
( 19)
-
7
-

1 609

(1)  Includes  transaction-related  cost  regarding  the  listing  of  the  Prosus,  as  well  as  other  acquisition  and  disposal 
transactions

33. TAXATION

Current taxation
current year
prior year

Deferred taxation

current year
prior year

Total taxation per income statement

Reconciliation of taxation
Taxation at statutory rates(1)
Adjusted for:

non-deductible expenses(2)
non-taxable income(2)
temporary differences not provided for(3)
assessed losses unprovided
initial recognition of prior year tax losses
other taxes(4)
changes in taxation rates
tax attributable to equity-accounted earnings
tax adjustment for foreign taxation rates(5)

Taxation provided in income statement

31 March
2020
US$'m

2019
US$'m

205
204
1

26
26
-

231

269
266
3

( 40)
( 49)
9

229

1 018

1 230

186

( 210)

292

( 4)
1
97

-
(1 101)
( 48)

231

94

( 63)

134

( 1)
( 33)
10

-
( 955)
( 187)

229

(1) The reconciliation of taxation has been performed using the statutory tax rate of Naspers Limited of 28% (2019: 28%). The impact of different tax 
rates applied to profits earned in other jurisdictions is disclosed above as “Tax adjustment for foreign taxation rates”.
(2) Non-deductible  expenses  relate  primarily  to  impairment  losses  and  dilutions  of  equity-accounted  investments.  Non-taxable  income  relates 
primarily to the gains on disposals of subsidiaries and associates.
(3) Temporary differences not provided for relate primarily to loss-making entities that did not recognise deferred tax assets.
(4) Other taxes include the taxation paid on the listing of Prosus N.V.
(5) Tax adjustment for foreign taxation rates relates mainly to a different capitals gain tax rate on disposal of associates.

115 NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements (continued)

for the year ended 31 March 2020

34. EARNINGS PER SHARE

Earnings

Basic earnings attributable to shareholders
Impact of dilutive instruments of subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures
Diluted earnings attributable to shareholders

Headline adjustments(1)
Adjustments for:

Impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets
Gain on loss on of control transactions
Gains on loss on of significant influence
Gains on acquisitions and disposals of investments
Remeasurement of previously held interest
Dilution losses on equity-accounted investments
Remeasurements included in equity-accounted earnings(2)
Impairment of equity-accounted investments

Basic headline earnings 
Diluted headline earnings 

31 March 2020

Non-
control-
ling
Gross Taxation interests
US$'m
US$'m
US$'m

(1030)
13
( 17)
( 13)
( 391)
( 73)
52
( 622)

21

11
-
-
-
4
-
-
7

-

88
( 2)
-
4
-
21
5
60

-

Net
US$'m

3 137
(71)
3 066

(931)
11
( 17)
( 9)
( 387)
( 52)
57
( 555)

21
2 206
2 135

(1)  Headline  earnings  represent  net  profit  for  the  year  attributable  to  equity  holders  of  the  group,  excluding  certain  defined  separately  identifiable 
remeasurments. The headline earnings measure is pursuant of the JSE Listing Requirements.

(2) Remeasurements included in equity-accounted earnings include US$841.9m (2019: US$126.4m) relating to gains arising on acquisitions and disposals by 
associates and US$226.7m (2019: US$799.4m) relating to impairments of assets recognised by associates.

116 NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements (continued)

for the year ended 31 March 2020

34. EARNINGS PER SHARE (continued)

Continuing operations 

Discontinued operations

31 March 2019

Earnings
Basic earnings attributable 
to shareholders (restated)
Impact of dilutive 
instruments of subsidiaries, 
associates and joint ventures
Diluted earnings 
attributable  to  shareholders 
(restated)

Headline adjustments(1)
Adjustments for:
Impairment of property, plant 
and  equipment  and  other 
assets

Impairment  of  goodwill  and 
other intangible assets

(Gain)/loss on sale of assets
Losses/(gains)  on  acquisitions 
and disposals of investments

Remeasurement of previously 
held interest

Dilution  gains  on  equity-
accounted investments

Remeasurements  included  in 
equity-accounted earnings(2)

Impairment 
accounted investments

of 

equity-

Non-
control-
ling
Gross Taxation interests
US$'m
US$'m
US$'m

Non-
control-
ling
Gross Taxation interests
US$'m
US$'m
US$'m

Net
US$'m

4 218

( 47)

4 171

Net
US$'m

2 683

-

2 683

( 653)

175

( 21)

( 499)

(2 465)

1

7

2

-

-

-

(1 621)

177

( 7)

182

-

-

-

( 1)

-

-

2

-

1

6

2

21

-

3

(1 444)

(2 489)

( 5)

182

695

( 2)

( 22)

671

88

-

-

88

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

( 2)

(2 467)

( 1)

-

( 1)

-

-

-

-

-

20

-

2

(2 489)

-

-

-

-

216

216

Basic headline earnings

Diluted headline earnings

3 719

3 672

(1) Headline earnings represent net profit for the year attributable to equity holders of the group, excluding certain defined speprately identifieable 
remeasurments. The headline earnings measure is pusrsuant of the JSE Listing Requirements.
(2) Remeasurements included in equity-accounted earnings include US$126.4m relating to gains arising on acquisitions and disposals by associates 
and US$799.4m relating to impairments of assets recognised by associates.

117 NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements (continued)

for the year ended 31 March 2020

34. EARNINGS PER SHARE (continued)

2020
Number of
shares

2019
Number of
shares

Number of ordinary shares in issue at year-end (excluding treasury shares)(1)
Adjusted for movement in shares held by share trusts and share repurchase programme

428 939 156

436 975 604

7 817 080

1 277

Weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during the year

Adjusted for effect of future share-based payment transactions

436 756 236

436 976 881

1 725 158

1 858 498

Diluted weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during the year

438 481 394

438 835 379

Earnings per ordinary share (US cents) from continuing operations 

Basic
Diluted

Headline earnings per ordinary share (US cents) from continuing operations 

Basic
Diluted

Earnings per ordinary share (US cents) from discontinued operations 

Basic
Diluted

Headline earnings per ordinary share (US cents) from discontinued operations 

Basic
Diluted

Dividend paid per A ordinary share (SA cents)
- South African
Dividend paid per N ordinary share (SA cents)
- South African

Proposed dividend per A ordinary share (SA cents)
- South African
Proposed dividend per N ordinary share (SA cents)
- South African

718
699

505
487

-
-

-
-

143

715

116

580

965
950

851
837

614
611

49
49

130

650

143

715

(1) Weighted average number of shares for the year ended 31 March 2019 have been adjusted to include those shares issued for no consideration from 
the start of the earliest period presented i.e. 1 April 2018, to permit comparability in accordance with IAS 33 Earnings Per Share. Per share data has 
accordingly been recalculated for all periods presented (Refer to note 1).

118 NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements (continued)

for the year ended 31 March 2020

35. CASH FROM OPERATIONS

Profit before tax from continuing operations per income statement
Adjustments relating to continuing operations:
Non-cash and other

Loss on sale of assets
Depreciation and amortisation
Retention option expense
Share-based compensation expenses
Net finance income
Share of equity-accounted results
Impairment of equity-accounted investments
Gains on acquisitions and disposals
Dilution losses on equity-accounted investments
Gains recognised on loss of significant influence

Net realisable value adjustments on inventory, net of reversals
Impairment losses
Covid-19 donation
Other

Operating cash flows of discontinued operations, net of adjustments for non-cash and 
other items

Working capital

Cash movement in trade and other receivables
Cash movement in payables and accruals
Cash movement in programme and film rights
Cash movement in inventories

Total cash (utilised)/generated from operations

31 March
2020
US$'m

2019
US$'m

3 635

4 391

(3 997)
-
218
61
122
( 145)
(3 932)
21
( 464)
52
( 13)

5
13
84
( 19)

-
( 362)
( 32)
14
( 20)
-
( 26)

( 394)

(4 696)
2
146
11
98
( 209)
(3 410)
88
(1 628)
182
-

7
8
-
9

699
394
( 72)
( 16)
52
( 24)
( 84)

322

119 NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements (continued)

for the year ended 31 March 2020

36. ACQUISITIONS OF SUBSIDIARIES AND BUSINESSES

Fair value of assets and liabilities: 
property, plant and equipment
other intangible assets
net current assets
deferred taxation
long-term liabilities

Total fair value of assets and liabilities
Non-controlling interests
Derecognition of equity-accounted investments
Remeasurement of previously held interest
Goodwill recognised

Purchase consideration
Contribution of subsidiary
Amount to be settled in future
Net cash in subsidiaries and businesses acquired

Net cash outflow from acquisitions of subsidiaries and businesses

37. DISPOSALS OF SUBSIDIARIES AND BUSINESSES

Carrying values of assets and liabilities: 

property, plant and equipment
disposal groups classified as held for sale
goodwill
other intangible assets
net current (liabilities)/assets
deferred taxation
long-term liabilities
foreign currency translation reserve realised

Distribution to owners(1)
Non-controlling interests
Existing control business combination reserve
Fair value of investments at fair value through other comprehensive income 
retained following distribution to owners(1)
(Loss)/gain on disposal - net

Selling price
Net cash in subsidiaries and businesses disposed of

Net cash inflow/(outflow) from disposals of subsidiaries and businesses

31 March
2020
US$'m

2019
US$'m

28
255
253
( 59)
( 65)

412
( 53)
( 78)
( 73)
566

774
( 24)
( 3)
( 279)

468

3
58
48
( 8)
( 1)

100
( 13)
( 15)
( 7)
105

170
-
-
( 66)

104

31 March
2020
US$'m

2019
US$'m

4
-
7
6
( 22)
( 2)
-
191

184
-

10
( 21)

-

( 153)

20
2

22

1
874
8
4
28
( 1)
( 9)
594

1 499
(3 771)

145
( 274)

( 58)

2 513

54
( 562)

( 508)

(1) Relates to the group's video-entertainment business which was distributed to shareholders during the prior year (refer to note 3 and note 12).

120 NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements (continued)

for the year ended 31 March 2020

38.  ACQUISITION OF AND ADDITIONAL INVESTMENTS IN ASSOCIATES AND JOINT VENTURES

Included  in  acquisition  of  and  additional  investments  in  associates  of  US$376.0m  (2019:  US$1  280.0m)  are  the 
following:  Swiggy  US$100.1m,  Meesho  Inc  US$79.7m,  Udemy  US$43.0m,  NTEx  Transportation  services  (ElasticRun) 
US$30.2m,  Brainly  Inc  US$25.0m  and  other  acquisitions  of  US$98.0m  (2019: Swiggy  US$716.4m,  BYJU’S  US$383.2m, 
Frontier  Car  Group  US$89.4m,  Honor  US$35.0m,  PaySense  US$11.5m  and  other  acquisitions  of  US$44.5m).  These 
investments were classified as investments in associates.

Included in acquisition of and additional investments in joint ventures of US$23.0m (2019: US$18.8m) is El Cochinero 
US$23.0m (2019: El Cochinero US$8.8m and THL MIH Limited US$7.8m and other additional investments of US$1.2m). 
These investments were classified as investments in joint ventures.

39. SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS

The  group  holds  investments  in  money-market  investments  and  fixed  deposits.  The  carrying  values  of  these 
investments as at 31 March are shown below.

Money-market and long-term deposits
Fixed deposits
Accrued interest income 

Total short-term investments

Weighted 
average 
interest rate

2.1%
7.4%

31 March

2020

2019

US$'m

US$'m

3 839
183
38

4 060

6 967
259
72

7 298

Included  in  short-term  investments  are  money-market  and  long-term  deposits  of  US$3.8bn  (2019:  US$6.9bn) 
denominated  in  US dollar  and  fixed  deposits  of  US$183.0m  (2019:  US$  258.7m)  that  are  denominated  in  South 
African rand.

The  above  investments  have  maturity  dates  (from  the  date  of  acquisition)  of  between  three  and  12  months  and 
have accordingly not been disclosed as part of cash and cash equivalents.

Short-term  investments  are  classified  as  financial  assets  at  amortised  cost.  Due  to  their  short-term  nature,  the 
carrying values of these investments are considered to be a reasonable approximation of their fair values. None of 
the group’s short-term investments were past due or subject to significant impairment allowances as at 31 March 
2020. 

Short-term investments are held by entities that have the same functional currencies as the currencies in which the 
investments are denominated and accordingly do not give rise to foreign currency risk. Due to the nature of short-
term investments, there is an insignificant exposure to price risk.

Refer to note 42 for further information regarding the credit risk of short-term investments.

121 NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements (continued)

for the year ended 31 March 2020

40.

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

Cash at bank and on hand
Short-term bank deposits(1)
Bank overdrafts and call loans

Restricted cash
The following cash balances are restricted from immediate use according to agreements with 
banks and other financial institutions:
Classifieds
Payments and Fintech
Other Ecommerce

Total restricted cash

31 March
2020
US$'m

929
3 374

( 32)

4 271

5
166
2

173

2019
US$'m

1 334
950

( 8)

2 276

4
128
1

133

(1) Included in short-term bank deposits is an amount of US$650.0m (2019: US$410.0m) which represents money-market investments held with major 
banking groups and high-quality institutions that have AAA money market fund credit ratings from internationally recognised rating agencies.

Restricted cash is still included in cash and cash equivalents due to the fact that it mostly relates to cash held on 
behalf of customers.

122 NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements (continued)

for the year ended 31 March 2020

41. SEGMENT INFORMATION

Operating segments are identified on the basis of internal reports about components of the group that are regularly 
reviewed by the chief operating decisionmaker (CODM) in order to allocate resources to the segments and to assess 
their performance. The CODM has been identified as the group’s executive directors who make strategic decisions.

The  group  proportionately  consolidates  its  share  of  the  results  of  its  associated  companies  and  joint  ventures  in  its 
reportable  segments.  This  is  considered  to  be  provide  additional  information  on  the  economic  reality  of  these 
investments and corresponds to the manner in which the CODM assesses segmental performance.

The  group  has  identified  its  operating  segments  based  on  its  business  by  service  or  product  as  follows:  social  and 
internet platforms, ecommerce, corporate and media. Below are the types of services and products from which each 
segment generates revenue:

Continuing operations

Ecommerce  –  the  group  operates  internet  platforms  to  provide  various  services  and  products.  These  platforms  and 
communities offer ecommerce, communication, social networks, entertainment and mobile value-added services. The 
reportable segments within ecommerce include classifieds, payments and fintech, food delivery, etail, travel and other 
ecommerce.













Classifieds  –  the  group  operates  a  number  of  leading  online  classifieds  platforms  comprising  general  classifieds 
(such as OLX and letgo) and verticals (automotive and real estate verticals) in more than 32 markets globally.

Payments and Fintech – the group operates one of the largest mobile and online payment platforms in 20 markets 
through  PayU,  an  online  payment  services  provider.  This  segment  also  Includes  the  group'  s  fintech  and  credit 
interests via associates and subsidiaries.

Food  Delivery  –  the  group  invests  in  leading  global  online  food  ordering  and  delivery  platforms  operating  in 
regions including India, Africa, Latin America and across Europe, Asia and the Middle East through its investments 
in Delivery Her, Swiggy and iFood.

Etail  –  comprises  the  group’s  etail  subsidiaries  (including  eMAG  and  Takealot)  and,  up  to  the  first  half  of  the 
financial  year  ended  31  March  2019,  the  group’s  associate  Flipkart.  The  group’s  operations  are  spread  across 
Central and Eastern Europe, South Africa and India.

Travel – in the prior year, the group through its investment in MakeMyTrip in India operated a platform for online 
travel  services  including  flight  tickets  and  hotel  reservations.  The  group  included  eight  months  of  results  for 
MakeMyTrip in our segmental results for the current period, representing our share of its earnings for the period 
up to disposal and a catch-up of the lag period applied in reporting its results. After the Trip.com transaction, our 
travel segment will cease to exist and will not be reported on after this financial year.

Other Ecommerce – this segment comprises the group’s online comparison shopping interests as well as its mobile 
and other content businesses.

Social and internet platforms – the group holds listed investments in social and internet platforms through Tencent, 
China’s largest and most used internet services platform and Mail.ru, the leading internet company in Russian speaking 
markets.

Media – through Media24 in Africa, the group publishes newspapers, magazines and books. Its activities also include 
printing and distribution.

Corporate – this segment comprises entities providing various corporate functions and activities. These services 
include, but are not limited to, executive oversight, information management, legal, treasury, control and accounting, 
human resources, taxes and investor relations.

123 NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements (continued)

for the year ended 31 March 2020

41. SEGMENT INFORMATION (continued)

Continuing operations (continued)

Sales between the segments are eliminated on consolidation and presented in the “Eliminations” column. The revenue 
from  external  parties  and  all  other  items  of  income,  expenses,  profits  and  losses  reported  in  the  segment  report  is 
measured in a manner consistent with that in the income statement. EBITDA, as presented in the segmental report, 
refers to earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation.

The  revenues  from  external  customers  for  each  major  group  of  products  and  services  are  disclosed  in  note  28.  The 
group is not reliant on any one major customer as the group’s products are consumed by the general public in a large 
number of countries.

Discontinued operations

Discontinued operations relate to the group’s Video-Entertainment business which was distributed to its shareholders 
during the previous year (refer to note 3). This segment offered digital satellite and digital terrestrial television services 
to subscribers as well as mobile and internet services through MultiChoice South Africa in South Africa and through 
MultiChoice  Africa  in  the  rest  of  sub-Saharan  Africa.  Through  Irdeto,  the  segment  provided  digital  content 
management  and  protection  systems  to  customers  globally  to  protect,  manage  and  monetise  digital  media  on  any 
platform.  Through  Showmax,  the  segment  provided  subscription  video-on-demand  services.  These  businesses 
represented a separate line of business and were classified as the Video-Entertainment segment.

124 NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements (continued)

for the year ended 31 March 2020

41. SEGMENT INFORMATION (continued)

Revenue
Year ended 31 March

2020

2019

US$'m

US$'m

US$'m

US$'m

US$'m

US$'m

External

Inter-
segmental

Total

External

Inter-
segmental

Continuing operations
Ecommerce

 - Classifieds
 - Payments and Fintech
 - Food Delivery
 - Etail
 - Travel
 - Other

Social and internet
platforms

 - Tencent
 - Mail.ru

Media
Corporate
Eliminations
Total economic interest 
from continuing operations
Less: Equity-accounted
investments
Total consolidated from 

continuing operations
Total consolidated from 
discontinued operations
(refer to note 4)

Total consolidated(1)

4 680
1 299
422
751
1 756
146
306

17 189
16 779
410
267
-
-

22 136

(18 135)

4 001

-

4 001

-
-
6
-
-
-
( 6)

-
-
-
5
-
( 5)

-

-

-

-

-

4 680
1 299
428
751
1 756
146
300

17 189
16 779
410
272
-
( 5)

3 934
875
354
377
1 847
233
248

14 744
14 457
287
312
-
-

22 136

18 990

(18 135)

(15 699)

4 001

3 291

-

4 001

3 321

6 612

-
-
6
-
-
1
( 7)

-
-
-
14
2
( 16)

-

-

-

-

-

(1) Includes the results of the video-entertainment segment which has been classified as a discontinued operation 
(refer to note 4).

Total

3 934
875
360
377
1 847
234
241

14 744
14 457
287
326
2
( 16)

18 990

(15 699)

3 291

3 321

6 612

125 NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements (continued)

for the year ended 31 March 2020

41. SEGMENT INFORMATION (continued)

US$'m

US$'m

Total
revenue
4 680
1 299
428
751
1 756
146
300
17 189
16 779
410
272
-
( 5)
22 136

COPS
and SGA(1)
(5 496)
(1 207)
( 488)
(1 347)
(1 778)
( 165)
( 511)
(11 734)
(11 451)
( 283)
( 257)
( 16)
5
(17 498)

(18 135)

13 148

Ecommerce

 - Classifieds
 - Payments and Fintech
 - Food Delivery
 - Etail
 - Travel
 - Other

Social and internet platforms

 - Tencent
 - Mail.ru

Media
Corporate
Eliminations
Total economic interest
Less: Equity-accounted 
investments

Total consolidated

4 001

(4 350)

Year ended 31 March 2020
US$'m

US$'m

US$'m
Amorti-

Deprecia-
tion
( 119)
( 40)
( 6)
( 24)
( 35)
( 3)
( 11)
( 705)
( 692)
( 13)
( 6)
-
-
( 830)

-sation of
software
( 16)
( 3)
-
( 3)
( 1)
-
( 9)
( 25)
( 11)
( 14)
( 1)
( 1)
-
( 43)

US$'m
Interest

US$'m

on finance

Trading
leases profit/(loss)
( 964)
44
( 67)
( 624)
( 63)
( 22)
( 232)
4 699
4 601
98
8
( 18)
-
3 725

( 13)
( 5)
( 1)
( 1)
( 5)
-
( 1)
( 26)
( 24)
( 2)
-
( 1)
-
( 40)

734

( 96)

27

( 16)

26

( 14)

(4 200)

( 475)

EBITDA
( 816)
92
( 60)
( 596)
( 22)
( 19)
( 211)
5 455
5 328
127
15
( 16)
-
4 638

(4 987)

( 349)

(1) Refers to cost of providing services and sale of goods as well as selling, general and administration expenses.

126 NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements (continued)

for the year ended 31 March 2020

41. SEGMENT INFORMATION (continued)

Year ended 31 March 2019

US$'m

US$'m

US$'m

US$'m

Total
revenue

COPS
and SGA(1)

EBITDA

Deprecia-
tion

US$'m
Amorti-
-sation of
software

US$'m
Interest
on finance
leases

US$'m

Trading
(loss)/profit

( 40)
( 14)
( 4)
( 4)
( 16)
( 1)
( 1)
( 400)
( 388)
( 12)
( 5)
( 4)
-

( 556)
19
( 39)
( 162)
( 133)
( 36)
( 205)
4 369
4 324
45
( 7)
( 17)
-

3 934
875
360
377
1 847
234
241
14 744
14 457
287
326
2
( 16)

(4 490)
( 856)
( 399)
( 539)
(1 980)
( 270)
( 446)
(10 375)
(10 133)
( 242)
( 333)
( 19)
16

Continuing operations
Ecommerce
 - Classifieds
 - Payments and Fintech
 - Food Delivery
 - Etail
 - Travel
 - Other
Social and internet platforms
 - Tencent
 - Mail.ru
Media
Corporate
Eliminations
Total economic interest from 
continuing operations
Less: Equity-accounted
 investments
Total consolidated from 
continuing operations
Total consolidated from 
discontinued  operations  (refer 
note 4)
Total consolidated(2)
(1) Refers to cost of providing services and sale of goods as well as selling, general and administration expenses.
(2) Includes the results of the video-entertainment segment which has been classified as a discontinued operation (refer to note 4).

( 17)
( 3)
-
( 5)
( 1)
-
( 8)
( 17)
( 7)
( 10)
( 2)
-
-

(2 666)
(6 288)

( 90)
( 126)

3 321
6 612

( 10)
( 25)

( 43)
( 43)

-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-

655
324

(15 699)

(15 201)

(3 622)

(4 120)

18 990

11 579

( 331)

( 449)

3 789

3 291

( 15)

( 36)

( 36)

413

21

-

-

-

( 613)
2
( 43)
( 171)
( 150)
( 37)
( 214)
3 952
3 929
23
( 14)
( 21)
-

3 304

(3 686)

( 382)

512
130

127 NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements (continued)

for the year ended 31 March 2020

41. SEGMENT INFORMATION (continued)

Additional disclosure

Year ended 31 March 2020

Year ended 31 March 2019

US$'m

US$'m

US$'m

US$'m

US$'m

US$'m

Impair-
ment 
of 
assets

-

-
-
-
-
-
-

( 201)
( 175)
( 26)
( 3)
( 204)

201

( 3)
-
( 3)

Remeasu-
rement of wr-
itten put 
option liabilities
53

239
-
-
( 59)
-
( 127)

-
-
-
-
53

-

53
-
53

Share of 
equity-
accounted 
results

Impair-
ment 
of 
assets

Remeasu-
rement of writ-
ten put option 
liabilities

Share of 
equity-
accounted 
results

( 294)

( 22)
( 23)
( 166)
-
( 27)
( 56)

4 226
4 178
48
1
3 933

-

3 933
-
3 933

( 7)

-
-
-
( 2)
( 1)
( 4)

( 806)
( 799)
( 7)
( 1)
( 814)

806

( 8)
( 26)
( 34)

53

86
3
-
7
-
( 43)

-
-
-
-
53

-

53
-
53

( 252)

5
( 29)
( 66)
( 43)
( 73)
( 46)

3 661
3 696
( 35)
1
3 410

-

3 410
( 1)
3 409

Ecommerce

 - Classifieds
 - Payments and Fintech
 - Food Delivery
 - Etail
 - Travel
 - Other

and 

Social 
platforms
 - Tencent
 - Mail.ru
Media
Total 
segments
Less: Equity-accounted
 investments(1)

reportable 

internet 

Continuing operations
Discontinued  operations 
(refer to note 4)
Total

(1) All associates’ and joint ventures’ results are accounted for using the equity accounting method.

128 NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements (continued)

for the year ended 31 March 2020

41. SEGMENT INFORMATION (continued)

Trading  profit  as  presented  in  the  segment  disclosure  is  the  CODM  and  management’s  measure  of  each  segment’s 
operational performance. A reconciliation of the segmental trading profit to operating profit and profit before tax as 
reported in the income statement is provided below:

31 March
2020

2019
Restated
US$'m

( 398)

1
( 94)
( 38)
( 11)
( 27)

( 567)
284
( 205)
130
3 410
( 88)
( 182)
1 609

4 391

Trading profit from continuing operations(1)

Interest on capitalised finance leases 
Amortisation of other intangible assets
Other losses - net
Retention option expense
Share-based incentives settled in treasury shares

Operating loss per the income statement

Interest income
Interest expense
Other finance income/(costs) - net
Share of equity-accounted results
Impairment of equity-accounted investments
Dilution losses on equity-accounted investments
Net gains on acquisitions and disposals

Profit before taxation per the income statement

(1) Includes the net profit impact of trading between continuing and discontinued operations of US$nil (2019: US$15.7m).

US$'m

(475)

14
(104)
(69)
(61)
(25)

(720)
245
(229)
129
3 932
(21)
(52)
351

3 635

129 NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements (continued)

for the year ended 31 March 2020

41. SEGMENT INFORMATION (continued)

Geographical information
The group operates in five main geographical areas:

Africa  -  The  group  derives  revenues  from  media  activities,  internet  services  (including  payments  and  fintech  and 
classifieds  services  and  products)  and  technology  products  and  services.  In  the  prior  period  the  revenues  included 
Video-Entertainment platform services (refer note 3 for details of the distribution of the group's Video-Entertainment 
business)."

Asia - The group’s activities comprise its interest in internet activities based in China, India, Thailand and Singapore.

Europe  -  The  group’s  activities  comprise  its  interest  in  internet  activities  based  in  Central  and  Eastern  Europe  and 
Russia.  Furthermore,  the  group  generates  revenue  from  technology  products  and  services  provided  by  subsidiaries 
based in the Netherlands.

Latin  America  -  The  group’s  activities  comprise  its  interest  in  internet  activities  based  in  Brazil  and  other  Latin 
American countries.

Other - Includes the group’s provision of various products through internet and technology activities located mainly in 
Australia and the United States of America. 

Africa

South
Africa
US$'m

Rest
of
Africa
US$'m

Latin
America
US$'m

Asia
US$'m

Europe
US$'m

Other
US$'m

Total
US$'m

694

704

663

677

15

15

4

4

624

341

2 187

140

4 001

677

17 453

3069

218

22 136

423

215

1 896

90

3 291

469

15 270

2 431

139

18 990

March 2020
External consolidated revenue 
from continuing operations
External proportionately
consolidated revenue from 
continuing operations(1)

March 2019
External consolidated revenue 
from continuing operations
External proportionately
consolidated revenue from 
continuing operations(1)

(1) Revenue includes the group’s proportionate share of associates’ and joint ventures’ external revenue.

Revenue is allocated to a country based on the location of subscribers or users/customers.

130 NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements (continued)

for the year ended 31 March 2020

42. FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT

Financial risk factors
The  group’s  activities  expose  it  to  a  variety  of  financial  risks  such  as  market  risk  (including  currency  risk,  fair-value 
interest rate risk, cash flow interest rate risk and price risk), credit risk and liquidity risk. These include the effects of 
changes  in  debt  and  equity  markets,  foreign  currency  exchange  rates  and  interest  rates.  The  group’s  overall  risk 
management  programme  seeks  to  minimise  the  potential  adverse  effects  of  financial  risks  on  its  financial 
performance. The group uses derivative financial instruments, such as forward exchange contracts and interest rate 
swaps, to hedge certain risk exposures.

Risk  management  is  carried  out  by  management  under  policies  approved  by  the  board  of  directors  and  its  risk 
management  committee.  Management  identifies,  evaluates  and,  where  appropriate,  hedges  financial  risks.  The 
various boards of directors within the group provide written policies, in line with the overall group policies, covering 
specific areas, such as foreign exchange risk, interest rate risk, credit risk, the use of derivative financial instruments 
and the investment of excess liquidity.

42.1 Foreign exchange risk
The group operates internationally and is exposed to foreign exchange risk as a substantial portion of its revenue and 
expenses  is  denominated  in  the  currencies  of  the  countries  in  which  it  operates.  A  significant  portion  of  cash 
obligations,  including  satellite  transponder  leases  and  contracts  for  video-entertainment  programming,  were 
denominated in US dollar prior to the group’s distribution of its video-entertainment business to shareholders (refer to 
note 3). Where the group’s revenue is denominated in local currency, depreciation of the local currency against the US 
dollar adversely affects the group’s earnings and its ability to meet cash obligations. Some entities in the group use 
forward  exchange  contracts  to  hedge  their  exposure  to  foreign  currency  risk  in  connection  with  their  obligations. 
Management  may  hedge  the  net  position  in  the  major  foreign  currencies  by  using  forward  exchange  contracts. 
However,  in  many  territories,  forward  cover  is  not  available  and  accordingly,  such  exposures  are  not  hedged.  The 
group also uses forward exchange contracts to hedge foreign currency exposure in its media business where cover is 
generally taken for 50% to 100% of firm commitments in foreign currency for up to one year.

The group classified its forward exchange contracts relating to forecast transactions and firm commitments as either 
cash  flow  or  fair  value  hedges  and  measures  them  at  fair  value.  Hedged  transactions  historically  related  mainly  to 
programming costs, transponder lease instalments and the acquisition of inventory items in the video-entertainment 
segment which has been presented as a discontinued operation in the prior year (refer to note 4).

In  the  current  year  the  group  entered  into  foreign  exchange  contracts  at  a  notional  value  of  US$1.56bn  that  were 
designated  as  cash  flow  hedge  instruments  for  foreign  currency  cash  and  cash  equivalents.  Only  the  spot  elements 
were designated as a hedge and the remaining portion was recognised in finance income. The purpose of this hedge 
was  to  manage  the  foreign  currency  risk  associated  with  holding  foreign  currency  cash  and  cash  equivalents.  The 
hedge ratio was 1:1. Cumulative losses of US$107.2m (2019:nil) have been recognised in other comprehensive income 
relating  to  this  cash  flow  hedge  since  the  inception  of  the  hedging  relationship  and  were  reclassified  to  the  income 
statement  as  the  underlying  cash  and  cash  equivalent  balances  were  revalued  was  recognised  in  the  income 
statement. Net gains of US$6.5m (2019: nil) were recognised as part of “Other finance (costs)/income – net” in the 
income statement. This is the forward element of the forward exchange contract not designated as part of the hedging 
relationship. Ineffectiveness is negligible as all critical terms on the hedging instrument and hedged item match.

131 NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements (continued)

for the year ended 31 March 2020

42. FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT (continued)

42.1 Foreign exchange risk (continued)
Movements in the hedging reserve for the year are detailed below:

Opening balance
Net fair value (losses)/gains
Foreign exchange movement
Derecognised and added to asset
Derecognised and reported in revenue
Derecognised and reported in cost of sales
Derecognised and reported in finance (income)/cost
Derecognised and reported in income when recognition criteria failed
Tax effects
Non-controlling interest in hedging reserve
Transfer to foreign currency translation reserve
Hedging reserve reclassified to the income statement on distribution of subsidiary (1)

Closing balance

(1)Relates to the MultiChoice Group which was distributed to shareholders during the current year  (refer to note 3).

31 March
2020
US$'m

2019
US$'m

-
-
( 107)
-
-
-
107
-
-
-
-
-

-

( 107)
77
1
4
( 1)
38
( 5)
1
( 24)
( 14)
( 24)
54

-

There were no forward exchange contracts designated as cash flow hedges at 31 March 2020 (2019: US$nil). 

During the year ended 31 March 2020 the group recognised losses on cash flow hedging instruments of US$107.2m 
(2019: gains of US$4.9m) and gains of US$124.7m (2019: gains of US$101.6m) on the hedged items attributable to the 
hedged risks. 

Following the distribution of its video-entertainment business to shareholders during the prior year (refer to note 3) 
the group is no longer party to significant forward exchange contracts. Forward exchange contracts in the statement of 
financial  position  as  at  31  March  2019  related  to  agreements  entered  into  by  the  group  on  behalf  of  its  former 
subsidiary  Irdeto  B.V.  (Irdeto).  The  group  had  offsetting  buy  and  sell  positions  with  respect  to  all  forward  exchange 
contracts entered into on behalf of Irdeto and accordingly, on a gross basis, the contractual cash flows arising under 
these agreements were zero.

In March 2020 the group entered into an agreement, maturing within the next 12 months, to exchange US$457.2m 
(2019: US$180m)  for HKD3.55bn (2019: HKD1.41bn) (Hong Kong dollars) at an average exchange rate US$/HKD 7.76 
(2019: 7.82).

The group does not apply hedge accounting with respect to any of its forward exchange contracts outstanding as at 
31 March 2020.

132 NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements (continued)

for the year ended 31 March 2020

42. FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT (continued)

42.1 Foreign exchange risk (continued)
In  certain  instances,  the  group  will  hedge  its  foreign  currency  risks  associated  with  certain  of  its  net  investments  in 
foreign operations. The group will determine which investments to hedge based on the foreign currency risk arising on 
translation of its foreign operations.

Following the acquisition of the group’s interests in Delivery Hero SE during the 2018 financial year, the group elected 
to  hedge  the  foreign  exchange  risk  resulting  from  the  difference  between  the  functional  currency  of  Delivery  Hero 
(Euro) and the currency of the funding incurred to acquire the investment (USD). The Group therefore entered into a 
cross-currency interest rate swap, and in order to best reflect the result of this risk management strategy, designated 
it as a hedge of its net investment in Delivery Hero.

The  cross-currency  interest  rate  swap  matures  in  July  2025  and  on  maturity  the  group  will  exchange  €700m  for 
US$783.7m. As the investment in Delivery Hero SE is translated at the spot rate, the group has designated only the 
spot exchange rate element of the cross-currency interest rate swap as forming part of the hedging relationship. The 
hedge ratio is 1:1.

Cumulative  gains  of  US$24.8m  (2019:  gains  of  US$11.7m)  have  been  recognised  in  the  foreign  currency  translation 
reserve relating to the net investment hedge since the inception of the hedging relationship. The increase in the value 
of the net investment in Delivery Hero used to determine hedge ineffectiveness for the period is US$123.0m (2019: 
decrease in value of US$173.2m).

During  the  current  year,  total  gains  of  US$82.3m  (2019:  gain  of  US$89.9m)  were  recognised  on  the  cross-currency 
interest  rate  swap.  Gains  of  US$13.1m  (2019:  gains  of  US$77.3m)  for  the  year  have  been  recognised  in  the  foreign 
currency translation reserve relating to the net investment hedge (and comprise the fair value movements used as a 
basis for recognising hedge effectiveness). Gains of US$69.2m (2019: gains of US$12.6m) were recognised as part of 
“Other finance (costs)/income – net” in the income statement. This is the element of the cross-currency interest rate 
swap  not  designated  as  part  of  the  hedging  relationship.  Ineffectiveness  may  arise  from  credit  risk  on  the  cross-
currency  interest  rate  swap.  Ineffectiveness  is  negligible  as  all  critical  terms  on  the  hedging  instrument  and  hedged 
item match.

Where  the  group  has  surplus  funds  offshore,  the  treasury  policy  is  to  spread  the  funds  between  more  than  one 
currency to limit the effect of foreign exchange rate fluctuations and to generate the highest possible interest income. 
As  at  31  March  2020  the  group  had  a  net  cash  balance  including  short-term  cash  investments,  of  US$8.33bn 
(2019: US$9.57bn),  of  which  US$302.1m  (2019:  US$421.0m)  was  held  in  South  Africa.  The  US$8.03bn  (2019: 
US$9.15bn) held offshore was largely denominated in US dollar which is also the functional currency of the relevant 
group subsidiary in which the cash is held. 

Foreign currency sensitivity analysis
The  group’s  presentation  currency  is  the  US  dollar,  but  as  it  operates  internationally,  it  is  exposed  to  a  number  of 
currencies, of which the exposure to the US dollar, euro, Indian rupee, Russian rouble and South African rand is the 
most significant. The group is also exposed to the British pound, Chinese yuan renminbi, Polish zloty and Brazil real, 
albeit  to  a  lesser  extent.  For  purposes  of  the  below  analysis,  financial  instruments  are  only  considered  sensitive  to 
foreign  exchange  rates  when  they  are  not  denominated  in  the  functional  currency  of  the  group  entity  holding  the 
relevant financial instrument.

The  sensitivity  analysis  details  the  group’s  sensitivity  to  a  10%  decrease  (2019:  10%  decrease)  in  the  South  African 
rand, Indian rupee and Russian rouble against the US dollar, as well as a 10% increase of the US dollar against the euro 
(2019: 10% increase of the US dollar against the euro). These movements would result in a US$67.9m decrease in net 
profit after tax for the year (2019: US$52.2m decrease). Total equity would increase by US$59.7m (2019: US$89.0m 
decrease).

133 NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements (continued)

for the year ended 31 March 2020

42. FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT (continued)

42.1 Foreign exchange risk (continued)
Foreign currency sensitivity analysis
This  analysis  includes  only  outstanding  foreign  currency  denominated  monetary  assets  and  liabilities  (i.e.  those 
monetary assets and liabilities denominated in a currency that differs from the relevant group company’s functional 
currency) and adjusts their translation at the period-end for the above percentage changes in foreign currency rates. 
The sensitivity analysis includes external loans, as well as loans to foreign operations within the group, but excludes 
translation  differences  due  to  translating  from  functional  currency  to  presentation  currency.  The  analysis  has  been 
adjusted for the effect of hedge accounting.

Foreign exchange rates
The exchange rates used by the group to translate foreign entities' income statements, statements of comprehensive 
income and statements of financial position are as follows:

Currency (1FC = US$)
South African rand (ZAR)
Euro (EUR)
Chinese yuan renminbi (CNY)
Brazilian real (BRL)
Indian rupee (INR)
Polish zloty (PLN)
Russian rouble (RUB)
British pound sterling (GBP)

31 March 2020

Average
rate

Closing
rate

31 March 2019
Average
rate

Closing
rate

0.0667
1.1103
0.1433
0.2398
0.0141
0.2569
0.0152
1.2702

0.0560
1.1031
0.1412
0.1921
0.0133
0.2420
0.0127
1.2419

0.0723
1.1537
0.1485
0.2622
0.0143
0.2684
0.0153
1.3084

0.0690
1.1218
0.1490
0.2548
0.0145
0.2606
0.0152
1.3033

The average rates listed above are only approximate average rates for the year. The group measures separately the 
transactions of each of its material operations, using the particular currency of the primary economic environment in 
which the operation conducts its business, translated at the prevailing exchange rate on the transaction date.

Uncovered liabilities 
The below table details the group’s unhedged liabilities that are denominated in a currency other than the functional 
currency of the settling entity:

Uncovered liabilities
British pound
South African rand
US dollar
Euro
Nigerian naira
Other

31 March 2020

31 March 2019

Currency
amount of
liabilities
'm

Currency
amount of
liabilities
'm

US$'m

9
84
9
6
-
-

13
6
9
6
-
7

1
-
32
8
6
-

US$'m

1
-
32
9
-
-

134 NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements (continued)

for the year ended 31 March 2020

42. FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT (continued)

42.1 Foreign exchange risk (continued)
Derivative financial instruments

The following table details the group's derivative financial instruments:

Current portion
Forward exchange contracts 

Non-current portion
Derivatives embedded in leases
Cross-currency interest rate swap

Total

31 March 2020
Assets
US$'m

Liabilities
US$'m

31 March 2019
Assets
US$'m

Liabilities
US$'m

-

-

6
49

55

55

38

38

2
-

2

40

4

4

1
-

1

5

3

3

-
33

33

36

The  group’s  forward  exchange  contracts  and  cross-currency  interest  rate  swap  are  subject  to  master  netting 
arrangements  that  allow  for  offsetting  of  asset  and  liability  positions  with  the  same  counterparty  in  the  event  of 
default. None of the group’s forward exchange contracts and cross-currency interest rate swap agreement have been 
offset  in  the  statement  of  financial  position.  At  31  March  there  were  no  contracts  that  could  be  offset  under  the 
master netting arrangement. In the prior year had forward exchange contracts been offset, the net asset presented in 
the statement of financial position would amount to US$1.0m.

135 NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements (continued)

for the year ended 31 March 2020

42. FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT (continued)

42.2 Credit risk
The group is exposed to credit risk relating to the following assets:

Trade receivables and accrued income balances 
Trade  receivables  consist  primarily  of  invoiced  amounts  from  normal  trading  activities.  The  group  has  a  diversified 
customer base across various geographical areas. Various credit checks are performed on new debtors to determine 
the quality of their credit history. These checks are also performed on existing debtors with long-overdue accounts. 
Furthermore, current debtors are monitored to ensure they do not exceed their credit limits.

The group’s trade receivables arise mainly in its etail, classifieds, media and online content businesses as well as, but 
to  a  lesser  extent,  from  its  online  comparison  shopping  and  payments  businesses.  Average  payment  terms  vary 
considerably between the group’s businesses, given the diverse nature of their operations. Average payment terms, 
however, generally do not exceed 60 days from date of invoice.

Accrued  income  balances  relate  to  unbilled  revenue  that  has  been  earned  and  have  substantially  similar  risk 
characteristics  as  trade  receivables.  Accrued  income  balances  arise  mainly  in  the  group’s  etail,  classifieds  and 
payments businesses and are included within “Other receivables” in the statement of financial position.

The group applies the simplified approach mandated by IFRS 9 Financial Instruments when measuring impairment loss 
allowances  related  to  trade  receivables  and  accrued  income  balances  and  accordingly  the  group’s  impairment 
allowances on these financial assets equal, at all times, the credit losses expected to arise over the lifetime of these 
financial assets.

In  measuring  credit  losses  expected  to  arise  over  the  lifetime  of  trade  receivables  and  accrued  income  balances, 
financial assets are grouped according to their shared credit characteristics and aging profile.

The  quantification  of  credit  losses  expected  to  arise  over  the  lifetime  of  trade  receivables  and  accrued  income 
balances  is  based  on  (i)  the  group’s  actual  observed  historical  loss  experience/rates  within  each  business  and  (ii) 
forward-looking information that is considered predictive of future credit losses within each business. 

The  historical  loss  experience/rates  that  are  taken  into  account  when  determining  impairment  allowances  is 
determined with reference to representative sales periods within each business (typically not shorter than 12 months) 
and the credit losses incurred over that period.

Forward-looking information considered in measuring lifetime expected credit losses include macroeconomic factors, 
with the most significant factors considered being inflation and unemployment rate increases as these are considered 
to  most  significantly  affect  the  future  ability  of  the  group’s  customers  to  settle  their  accounts  as  they  fall  due  for 
payment.  All  forward-looking  information  considered  is  specific  to  the  economy  that  most  significantly  affects  the 
underlying customer’s ability to repay the relevant amount due. These significant factors further took into account the 
impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. Due to the group’s diverse operations, the forward-looking information considered 
that  the  values  assigned  when  calculating  impairment  allowances  vary  by  business  type  and  country  in  which  the 
customer is located.

Related party loans and receivables
Related party loans and receivables consist primarily of balances with certain associates of the group. These financial 
assets  are  considered,  by  nature,  to  be  trade  receivables  and  accordingly  are  subject  to  the  simplified  impairment 
methodology  in  IFRS9.  As  the  amounts  owing  are  due  by  group  companies,  the  impairment  assessment  takes  into 
account the existence of collateral, letters of support by group companies and re-adjusted budgets and forecasts of 
group  companies  as  a  result  of  the  Covid-19  pandemic’s  impact  on  operations.  Budget  forecasts  consider  the 
businesses  remaining  operational  amidst  lock-down  restrictions.  As  at  31  March  2020,  impairment  allowances  on 
related party loans and receivables were not significant.

136 NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements (continued)

for the year ended 31 March 2020

42. FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT (continued)

42.2 Credit risk (continued)
Other receivables
Credit risk related to other receivables arises mainly from accrued income balances, merchant and bank receivables 
and disposal proceeds receivable.

Accrued income 

The  credit  risk  profile  and  impairment  methodology  applied  to  accrued  income  balance  that  are  included  within 
“Other receivables” in the statement of financial position is outlined above.

Merchant and bank receivables

Merchant and bank receivables balances relate to transactions, primarily in the group’s payments and fintech and food 
delivery segments, where the group facilitates the payment process between the end consumer and the provider of 
goods and services (i.e. the merchant).

Impairment  allowances  are  established  on  merchant  and  bank  receivables  by  considering  the  group’s  historical  loss 
experience/rates as well as forward-looking information which also considered the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. 
The group also considers whether the underlying counterparty is a new or recurring customer. The credit risk inherent 
in  merchant  and  bank  receivables  is  also  reduced  by  the  group’s  right  to  offset  amounts  receivable  from 
counterparties  against  the  corresponding  amounts  payable  to  banks  and  other  merchants  (refer  to  note  26)  in  the 
event of default. An average payment terms of 30 days generally apply to merchant and bank receivables.

As  at  31  March  2020,  an  impairment  allowance  of  US$6.6m  (2019:  US$6.5m)  has  been  recognised  with  respect  to 
merchant and bank receivables. 

Disposal proceeds receivable

Disposal  proceeds  receivable  relate  to  amounts  held  in  escrow  following  disposals  of  group  businesses  to  external 
parties. These amounts are generally held in escrow by the relevant purchaser as security for the group’s warranty and 
indemnity obligations in terms of disposal agreements.

The group assesses, on a continuing basis, whether a significant increase in credit risk has taken place with respect to 
the  relevant  underlying  counterparty.  At  31  March  2020,  impairment  allowances  related  to  disposal  proceeds 
receivable were not significant.

Cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments and derivative assets
The  group  is  exposed  to  certain  concentrations  of  credit  risk  relating  to  its  cash  and  cash  equivalents,  short-term 
investments  and  derivative  assets.  There  are  no  significant  concentrations  of  credit  risk  relating  to  these  financial 
assets. The group places these instruments mainly with major banking groups and high-quality institutions that have 
high credit ratings. The group’s treasury policy is designed to limit exposure to any one institution and to invest excess 
cash  in  low-risk  investment  accounts.  As  at  31  March  2020  the  group  held  the  majority  of  its  cash  and  cash 
equivalents, short-term investments and derivative assets with local and international banks with a ‘Baa1’ credit rating 
or higher. The majority of the group’s short-term investments are placed with international banks with an ‘A1’ credit 
rating (Moody’s International’s long-term deposit rating). The credit standings of counterparties that are used by the 
group are evaluated on a continuous basis.

Total impairment losses on financial assets at amortised cost

Total  impairment  losses  (net  of  reversals)  recorded  on  financial  assets  measured  at  amortised  cost  amounted  to 
US$9.6m as at 31 March 2020 (2019: US$17.5m). This impairment loss takes into account the impact of the Covid-19 
pandemic. The group assessed the impact on recoverability of financial assets (mainly trade receivables) due to Covid-
19.  Factors  considered  were  the  trading  restrictions  imposed  (if  any)  and  changes  to  consumer  behaviour  and 
spending  as  a  result  of  this  pandemic.  As  at  31  March  2020,  the  impact  of  Covid-19  on  the  group’s  impairment 
allowances  was  not  significant  as  the  lockdown  measures  related  to  Covid-19  have  not  significantly  impacted  the 
recoverability  of  our  financial  assets  and  it  is  expected  that  the  businesses  will  maintain  a  sufficient  share  of  the 
consumer market in the foreseeable future. 

137 NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

 
Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements (continued)

for the year ended 31 March 2020

42. FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT (continued)

42.3 Liquidity risk
Prudent  liquidity  risk  management  implies,  among  other  aspects,  maintaining  sufficient  cash  and  marketable 
securities, the availability of funding through an adequate amount of committed credit facilities and the ability to close 
out  market  positions.  In  terms  of  the  memorandum  of  incorporation  of  the  company,  no  limitation  is  placed  on  its 
borrowing capacity. The facilities expiring within one year are subject to renewal at various dates during the next year. 
The group had the following unutilised banking facilities as at 31 March 2020 and 2019:

On call
Expiring within one year
Expiring beyond one year

31 March
2020
US$'m

2019
US$'m

30
41
2 500

2 571

53
25
2 510

2 588

The following analysis details the remaining contractual maturity of the group’s non-derivative liabilities and derivative 
financial assets and liabilities. The analysis is based on the undiscounted cash flows of financial liabilities based on the 
earliest date on which the group can be required to settle the liability. The analysis includes both interest and principal 
cash flows.

Non-derivative financial liabilities
Interest-bearing: Capitalised lease liabilities(1)
Interest-bearing: Loans and other liabilities
Non-interest-bearing: Loans and other liabilities
Other non-current liabilities
Trade payables
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities(2)
Related party loans and payables
Dividends payable
Bank overdrafts
Derivative financial assets/(liabilities)
Forward exchange contracts - inflow
Forward exchange contracts - outflow
Derivatives contained in lease agreements  - inflow
Derivatives contained in lease agreements  - outflow
Cross-currency interest rate swap - inflow
Cross-currency interest rate swap - outflow

Carrying Contractual

0 - 12

1 - 5

31 March 2020

value
US$'m

cash flows
US$'m

months
US$'m

years
US$'m

5 years +
US$'m

( 277)

(3 515)
( 34)
( 160)
( 322)
(1 327)
( 3)
( 1)
( 32)

-
( 38)
6
( 2)
49
-

( 323)

(4 723)
( 34)
( 160)
( 322)
(1 327)
( 3)
( 1)
( 32)

1 105
(1 138)
6
( 2)
1 021
( 976)

( 53)

( 168)
( 14)
-
( 322)
(1 327)
( 3)
( 1)
( 32)

1 105
(1 138)
-
-
43
( 29)

( 165)

( 683)
( 18)
( 160)
-
-
-
-
-

-
-
6
( 2)
173
( 114)

( 105)

(3 872)
( 2)
-
-
-
-
-
-

-
-
-
-
805
( 833)

(1) The increase in capitalised lease labilities is as a result of the groups adoption of IFRS 16 - refer to note 2 for the group's adoption 

of new accounting pronouncements during the reporting period .

(2) Excludes US$84.1m of Covid-19 related donations pledged by the group and includes written put option liabilities - refer to note 24.

138 NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements (continued)

for the year ended 31 March 2020

42. FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT (continued)

42.3 Liquidity risk (continued)

31 March 2019

Carrying Contractual

0 - 12

1 - 5

value
Restated
US$'m

cash flows
Restated
US$'m

months
Restated
US$'m

years
Restated
US$'m

5 years +
Restated
US$'m

( 8)

(3 247)
( 13)
( 538)
( 287)
( 924)
( 6)
( 1)
( 8)

1
-
-
( 33)

( 9)

(4 198)
( 13)
( 538)
( 287)
( 924)
( 6)
( 1)
( 8)

204
( 202)
1 063
(1 115)

( 3)

( 185)
( 10)
-
( 287)
( 924)
( 6)
( 1)
( 8)

204
( 202)
43
( 29)

( 6)

(1 632)
( 3)
( 538)
-
-
-
-
-

-
-
172
( 125)

-

(2 381)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-

-
-
848
( 961)

Non-derivative financial liabilities
Interest-bearing: Capitalised finance leases(1)
Interest-bearing: Loans and other liabilities
Non-interest-bearing: Loans and other liabilities
Other non-current liabilities
Trade payables
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
Related party payables
Dividends payable
Bank overdrafts

Derivative financial assets/(liabilities)
Forward exchange contracts - inflow
Forward exchange contracts - outflow
Cross-currency interest rate swap - inflow
Cross-currency interest rate swap - outflow

(1) These relate to lease arrangements previously classified as finance leases in terms of IAS 17.
42.4 Interest rate risk
As part of the process of managing the group’s fixed and floating borrowings mix, the interest rate characteristics of 
new  borrowings  and  the  refinancing  of  existing  borrowings  are  positioned  according  to  expected  movements  in 
interest  rates.  Where  appropriate,  the  group  uses  derivative  financial  instruments,  such  as  interest  rate  swap 
agreements, purely for hedging purposes. The fair value of these instruments will not change significantly as a result of 
changes in interest rates due to their short-term nature and floating interest rates.

Refer to note 23 for the interest rate profiles and repayment terms of long-term liabilities as at 31 March 2020 and 
2019.

Interest rate sensitivity analysis
The  sensitivity  analysis  below  has  been  determined  based  on  the  exposure  to  interest  rates  for  both  derivative  and 
non-derivative instruments at the statement of financial position date (after taking into account the effect of hedge 
accounting)  and  the  stipulated  change  taking  place  at  the  beginning  of  the  next  financial  year  and  held  constant 
throughout the reporting period in the case of instruments that have floating rates. The group is mainly exposed to 
interest  rate  fluctuations  of  the  South  African,  American,  European  and  London  repo  rates.  Management’s  best 
estimate of the possible change in these interest rates is an increase of 100 basis points (2019: 100 basis points).

If interest rates changed as stipulated above and all other variables were held constant, specifically foreign exchange 
rates, the group’s net profit after tax and total equity for the year ended 31 March 2020 would increase by US$69.9m 
as at 31 March 2020 (2019: increase by US$77.5m).

Price risk sensitivity analysis
The  group  has  an  investment  in  Trip.com  Group  Limited  (Trip.com)  measured  at  fair  value  through  other 
comprehensive income. The group’s sensitivity to a 10% decrease in the share price of this investment will result in a 
US$70.4m decrease in other comprehensive income (2019: nil). 

139 NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements (continued)

for the year ended 31 March 2020

43. FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

The carrying values, net gains and losses recognised in profit and loss, total interest income, total interest expense and 
impairment per class of financial instrument are as follows:

31 March 2020

Net
gains/
(losses)
recog-
nised
in profit
or loss
US$'m

-

-

-
-

20

3
( 1)
18
-
75

-
69
6
7
126

228

Carrying
value
US$'m

818

13

804
1

483

139
237
-
107
55

-
49
6
4 060
4 303

9 719

Total
interest
income
US$'m

Impair-
ment
US$'m

-

-

-
-

32

1
31
-
-
-

-
-
-
38
175

245

-

-

-
-

16

9
7
-
-
-

-
-
-
-
-

16

Assets
Investments and loans

Financial assets at fair value through
profit or loss(1)
Financial assets at fair value through other 
comprehensive income(2)
Other loans and receivables(3)

Receivables and loans(3)
Trade receivables(2)
Other receivables(2)
Foreign currency intergroup receivables
Related party receivables

Derivative financial instruments(1)
Forward exchange contracts
Cross-currency interest rate swap
Derivatives embedded in leases

Short-term investments(3)
Cash and cash equivalents(3)(2)

Total

(1) Measured at fair value through profit or loss.
(2) During the period a loss of US$291.8m (2019: a gain of US$10.8m) was recognised in other comprehensive income with respect to the group’s 

financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income.

(3) Measured at amortised cost.

140 NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements (continued)

for the year ended 31 March 2020

43. FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (continued)

31 March 2020

Net
gains/
(losses)
recog-
nised
in profit
or loss
US$'m

-

-
-
-
-
50

( 1)
( 1)
-
( 13)
85
-
( 20)
-
( 149)

( 147)
( 2)
-

( 99)

Total
interest
expense
US$'m

211

11
200
-
-
11

3
2
-
-
6
-
-
-
-

-
-
7

229

Carrying
value
US$'m

3 919

231
3 508
20
160
1 720

46
7
14
322
1 327
3
-
1
40

38
2
32

5 711

Liabilities
Long-term liabilities(1)

Interest-bearing: Capitalised lease liabilities
Interest-bearing: Loans and other liabilities
Non-interest-bearing: Loans and other liabilities
Other non-current liabilities
Short-term payables and loans(1)

Interest-bearing: Capitalised lease liabilities
Interest-bearing: Loans and other liabilities
Non-interest-bearing: Loans and other liabilities
Trade payables
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities(2)
Related party payables
Foreign currency intergroup payables
Dividends payable

Derivative financial instruments(3)
Forward exchange contracts
Derivatives embedded in leases

Bank overdrafts 

Total

(1)

 Measured at amortised cost.

(2) Includes written put option liabilities (Refer to note 24)
(3) Measured at fair value through profit or loss
The carrying values of all financial instruments, apart from those disclosed below are considered to be a 

reasonable approximation of their fair values.

The fair values of the following instruments that are not measured at fair value have been disclosed as their carrying 
values are not a reasonable approximation of fair value:

Financial liabilities

31 March 2020
Publicly traded bonds

31 March 2019
Publicly traded bonds

Carrying
value
US$'m

Fair
value
US$'m

Level 1
US$'m

Level 2
US$'m

Level 3
US$'m

3 450

3 183

3 200

3 350

-

-

3 183

3 350

-

-

The  fair  values  of  the  publicly  traded  bonds  have  been  determined  with  reference  to  the  listed  prices  of  the 
instruments as at the end of the reporting period.

141 NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements (continued)

for the year ended 31 March 2020

43. FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (continued)

31 March 2019

Net
gains/
(losses)
recog-
nised

Total

Carrying

value

US$'m

in profit
or loss(1)

interest
income(1)

US$'m

US$'m

Impair-
ment(1)

US$'m

125

( 27)

-

122
3
456

172
281

-
3
5

4
1
7 298
2 284
10 168

( 27)

-
-
( 16)

( 3)
( 1)

( 12)
-
17

17
-
-
17
( 9)

-

-

-
-
-

-
-

-
-
-

-
-
72
211
283

-

-

-
-
18

11
7

-
-
-

-
-
-
-
18

Assets

Investments and loans

Investments in preference shares and convertible notes 
of associates(1) 
Financial assets at fair value through other 
comprehensive income (2)
Other loans and receivables

Receivables and loans(1)

Trade receivables
Other receivables

Foreign currency intergroup receivables
Related party receivables

Derivative financial instruments(3)

Forward exchange contracts
Derivatives embedded in leases

Short-term investments(1)
Cash and cash equivalents(1)
Total

(1) Measured at amortised cost.

(2) Measured at fair value through other comprehensive income. During the year a gain of US$10.8m was recognised in other comprehensive income 
with respect to the group’s financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income. The carrying value disclosed includes financial assets 
at fair value through other comprehensive income that are classified as held for sale.

(3) Measured at fair value through profit or loss.

142 NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements (continued)

for the year ended 31 March 2020

43. FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (continued)

31 March 2019

Net
gains/
(losses)
recog-
Total
nised
in profit
interest
or loss(2) expense(2)
US$'m

US$'m

Carrying
value

US$'m

3 783

5
3 237
3
538
1 241

3
10
10
287
924
6
-
1
36

3
33
8

5 068

113

-
-
-
113
( 24)

-
( 1)
3
( 2)
( 27)
-
3
-
15

2
13
-

104

189

-
189
-
-
2

-
1
-
-
1
-
-
-
-

-
-
11

202

Liabilities
Long-term liabilities(1)

Interest-bearing: Capitalised finance leases(3)
Interest-bearing: Loans and other liabilities
Non-interest-bearing: Loans and other liabilities
Other non-current liabilities
Short-term payables and loans(1)

Interest-bearing: Capitalised finance leases(3)
Interest-bearing: Loans and other liabilities
Non-interest-bearing: Loans and other liabilities
Trade payables
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
Related party payables
Foreign currency intergroup payables
Dividends payable

Derivative financial instruments(2)
Forward exchange contracts
Cross-currency interest rate swap

Bank overdrafts(1)

Total

(1) Measured at amortised cost.

(2) Measured at fair value through profit or loss.

(3) Relates to previously classified finance leases in terms of IAS 17.

The group categorises fair-value measurements into levels 1 to 3 of the fair value hierarchy based on the degree to 
which the inputs used in measuring fair value are observable:





Level 1 fair-value measurements are those derived from quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical 
assets or liabilities. 

Level  2  fair-value  measurements  are  those  derived  from  inputs  other  than  quoted  prices  included  within  level  1 
that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly (i.e. as prices) or indirectly (i.e. derived from prices). The 
fair value of financial instruments that are not traded in active markets (for example, derivatives such as interest 
rate  swaps,  forward  exchange  contracts  and  certain  options)  is  determined  through  valuation  techniques.  These 
valuation techniques maximise the use of observable market data where it is available and rely as little as possible 
on  entity  specific  estimates.  If  all  significant  inputs  required  to  measure  the  fair  value  of  an  instrument  are 
observable, the instrument is included in level 2.

 Level 3 fair-value measurements are those derived from valuation techniques that include inputs for the asset or 

liability that are not based on observable market data (unobservable inputs).

143 NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements (continued)

for the year ended 31 March 2020

43. FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (continued)

Valuation techniques and key inputs used to measure significant level 2 and level 3 fair values
Level 2 fair-value measurements


Forward exchange contracts – in measuring the fair value of forward exchange contracts, the group makes use of 
market  observable  quotes  of  forward  foreign  exchange  rates  on  instruments  that  have  a  maturity  similar  to  the 
maturity profile of the group’s forward exchange contracts. Key inputs used in measuring the fair value of forward 
exchange  contracts  include  current  spot  exchange  rates,  market  forward  exchange  rates  and  the  term  of  the 
group’s forward exchange contracts.



Cross-currency  Interest  rate  swap  –  the  fair  value  of  the  group’s  cross-currency  interest  rate  swap  is  determined 
through the use of discounted cash flow techniques using only market observable information. Key inputs used in 
measuring  the  fair  value  of  cross-currency  interest  rate  swaps  include:  spot  market  interest  rates,  contractually 
fixed  interest  rates,  counterparty  credit  spreads,  notional  amounts  on  which  interest  rate  swaps  are  based, 
payment intervals, risk-free interest rates as well as the duration of the relevant interest rate swap arrangement.

Level 3 fair-value measurements





Shareholders’  liabilities  –  relate  predominantly  to  derivative  financial  instruments  contained  in  shareholders’ 
agreements  to  which  the  group  is  a  party.  Where  relevant,  such  derivative  financial  instruments  are  valued  using 
option  pricing  models  as  well  as  discounted  cash  flow  analyses.  Significant  inputs  vary  between  agreements  but 
include the current fair value of the underlying share over which the instrument is written, the strike price of the 
option, risk-free interest rates, calculated volatilities and the period to exercise.

Earn-out obligations – relate to amounts that are payable to the former owners of businesses now controlled by 
the  group  provided  that  contractually  stipulated  post-combination  performance  criteria  are  met.  These  are 
remeasured  to  fair  value  at  the  end  of  each  reporting  period.  Key  inputs  used  in  measuring  fair  value  include 
current  forecasts  of  the  extent  to  which  management  believe  performance  criteria  will  be  met,  discount  rates 
reflecting the time value of money and contractually specified earn-out payments.

Instruments not measured at fair value for which fair value is disclosed


Level 2 – the fair values of the publicly traded bonds have been determined with reference to the listed prices of 
the instruments at the reporting date. As the instruments are not actively traded, this is a level 2 disclosure.



Level 3 – the fair values of all level 3 disclosures have been determined through the use of discounted cash flow 
analyses. Key inputs include current market interest rates as well as contractual cash flows.

144 NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements (continued)

for the year ended 31 March 2020

43. FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (continued)

The  fair  values  of  the  group’s  financial  instruments  that  are  measured  at  fair  value  at  each  reporting  period  are 
categorised as follows:

Assets
Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income
Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss
Derivatives embedded in leases
Cross-currency interest rate swap

Total

Liabilities
Forward exchange contracts
Derivatives embedded in leases
Earn-out obligations

Total

Assets

Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income
Forward exchange contracts
Derivatives embedded in leases

Total

Liabilities
Forward exchange contracts
Earn-out obligations
Cross-currency interest rate swaps

Total

31 March 2020

Level 1
US$'m

Level 2
US$'m

Level 3
US$'m

711
-
-
-

711

-
-
-

-

3
-
-
49

52

38
-
-

38

90
13
6
-

109

-
2
22

24

31 March 2019

Level 1
US$'m

Level 2
US$'m

Level 3
US$'m

73
-
-

73

-
-
-

-

3
4
-

7

3
-
33

36

46
-
1

47

-
7
-

7

Fair
value
US$'m

804
13
6
49

872

38
2
22

62

Fair
value
US$'m

122
4
1

127

3
7
33

43

145 NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements (continued)

for the year ended 31 March 2020

43. FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (continued)

The following table shows a reconciliation of the group's level 3 financial instruments:

31 March 2020

Earn-out
obli-
gations

US$'m

Financial Derivatives
assets at embedded 
FVOCI(1)
in leases
US$'m

US$'m

Financial
assets at
FVPL(2)
US$'m

46
79
( 14)
( 21)
-

90

1
3
-
-
-

4

-
13
-
-
-

13

31 March 2019

Financial Derivatives
Currency
assets at embedded  devaluation
FVOCI(1)
features
in leases
US$'m

US$'m

US$'m

37
9
-
11
( 2)
( 9)
-

46

1
-
-
-
-
-
-

1

2
-
-
2
-
( 3)
( 1)

-

Balance at 1 April 2019
Additions
Total losses recognised in other comprehensive income
Settlements/disposals
Foreign currency translation effects

Total

Balance at 1 April 2018
Additions
Total losses recognised in the income statement
Total losses recognised in other comprehensive income
Settlements/disposals
Transfer to held for sale
Foreign currency translation effects

Total

(1)  Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income

(2)  Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss

7
20
-
( 5)
-

22

Earn-out
obli-
gations

US$'m

58
-
( 3)
-
( 40)
-
( 8)

7

There were no transfers between level 1 and level 2 during any period presented.

146 NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements (continued)

for the year ended 31 March 2020

44. EQUITY COMPENSATION BENEFITS 

The  group  had  various  equity  compensation  plans  in  operation  during  the  financial  year,  the  majority  of  which  are 
classified as equity settled. In terms of these plans, employees are offered awards in the form of either share options, 
performance stock units (PSUs), restricted stock units (RSUs) or share appreciation rights (SARs).

All  awards  are  granted  subject  to  the  completion  of  a  requisite  service  (vesting)  period  by  employees,  ranging  from 
one year to five years. Unvested awards are subject to forfeiture on termination of employment. Vesting takes place in 
tranches depending on the duration of the total vesting period. 

In  respect  of  the  share  options  and  SARs  on  exercise  date,  following  completion  of  the  vesting  period,  awards  are 
settled with employees in the equity instruments of Naspers Limited or its subsidiaries for equity-settled plans and in 
cash or other assets for cash-settled plans, where applicable. In respect of RSUs, awards are automatically settled in 
Naspers Limited equity instruments on the vesting date.

The group share trusts hold Naspers shares (as shareholders) to settle awards held by employees of the Naspers and 
Prosus  group.  These  share  trusts  were  founded  by  Naspers  to  administer  the  Naspers  group  share  schemes  for  all 
employees. On listing of Prosus, these trusts received Prosus shares via the capitalisation issue of Naspers M ordinary 
shares that converted into Prosus N ordinary shares on listing date. These Prosus shares are linked to the respective 
Naspers shares and accordingly on settlement of the awards employees will receive the Naspers shares as stipulated 
on grant date and the linked Prosus shares. There was no adjustment to the original strike price. With the exception of 
these share schemes with linked Prosus shares on settlement, there are no share options, RSUs, PSUs or SARS that are 
settled solely in Prosus shares. 

All  share  options  are  granted  with  an  exercise  price  of  not  less  than  100%  of  the  market  value  or  fair  value  of  the 
respective company's shares on the date of the grant. RSUs are granted with an exercise price of zero. All SARs are 
granted with an exercise price of not less than 100% of the fair value of the SARs on the date of the grant. All cancelled 
options/RSUs/SARs are cancelled by mutual agreement between the employer and employee.

Although  the  group  has  various  equity  compensation  plans  in  operation,  disclosure  is  provided  only  for  those  plans 
that had the most significant impact on the group’s income statement during the current year.

147 NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements (continued)

for the year ended 31 March 2020

44. EQUITY COMPENSATION BENEFITS (continued)

The following share option and RSU plans were in operation during the financial year:

Share option plan/RSU plan
Group

Naspers Share Incentive Trust (Naspers)

MIH Holdings Share Trust (MIH Holdings)

MIH Services FZ LLC Share Trust (MIH Services)

Naspers Restricted Stock Plan Trust (Naspers RSU)(4)

Social and internet platforms

MIH Russia Internet B.V. Share Trust

Ecommerce

OLX B.V. Share Trust

Letgo Global B.V. 2016 Stock Option Plan

Frontier Car Group (FCG) Share Trust Option Scheme

iFood.com Share Option Scheme

Movile Internet Movel S.A. 2013 Share Trust

Dante International S.A. (eMAG) Share Option Scheme

MMC PlayKids Holding B.V. Share Option Scheme

Red Dot Payment Pte Ltd Options Scheme

Maximum awards 
permissible(1)

Vesting 
period(2)

Period to expiry 
from date of offer

IFRS 2 classification

Note 3

Note 3

Note 3

Note 4

10%

15%

5%

15%

10%

10%

12.5%

15%

20%

a(3)

a(3)

a(3)

a

c

b

a

e

c

a(6)

a(6)

a(6)

a

10 years

10 years

10 years

Note 5

Equity-settled

Equity-settled

Equity-settled

Equity-settled

10 years

Equity-settled

7 years and 3 
months

10 years

10 years

10 years

10 years

10 years

10 years

10 years

Equity-settled

Equity-settled

Equity-settled

Equity-settled

Equity-settled

Equity-settled

Equity-settled

Equity-settled

The  group  provides  detailed  disclosure  for  those  share  option  and  RSU  plans  that  are  considered  significant  to  the 
consolidated annual financial statements.
Notes in relation to the group’s share option and RSU plans:
(1)

The percentage reflected in this column is the maximum percentage of the respective companies’ issued share capital that is available for the 
plan.
Vesting period:

a
b
c
d
e

One quarter vests after years one, two, three and four.
One third vests after years three, four and five.
One fifth vests after years one, two, three, four and five.
One third vests after years one, two and three.
One quarter vests after year one and monthly thereafter over 3 years.

At the Naspers annual general meeting held on 25 August 2017 a resolution was adopted by shareholders whereby the vesting period for 
options granted after 25 August 2017 would be one quarter vesting after years one, two, three and four. Options granted before 25 August 
2017 vest over three, four and five years respectively. In addition, shareholders approved that up to 40 588 541 Naspers N ordinary shares may 
be issued for the group’s share-based incentive schemes at the Naspers annual general meeting in August 2011. During the financial year 
ended 31 March 2020, no new N ordinary shares had been so issued.
The Naspers Restricted Stock Plan Trust may issue no more than 200 000 awards in aggregate during any one financial year. The number of 
PSUs that may be offered is at the discretion of the board.
Awards are automatically settled with participants on the vesting date.
For these schemes all offers made from 1 April 2018 vest over one, two, three and four years. All offers preceding this date vest over one, two, 
three, four and five years.

(2)

(3)

(4)

(5)

(6)

148 NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements (continued)

for the year ended 31 March 2020

44. EQUITY COMPENSATION BENEFITS (continued)

The following share appreciation rights plans were in operation during the financial year:

Share appreciation rights plans
Media

Media24 SAR Scheme

Social and internet platforms

MIH China/MIH TC 2008 SAR Scheme

Ecommerce

MIH Internet SEA Private Limited SAR Scheme

MIH Food Holdings B.V. SAR Scheme

MIH India Food Holdings B.V. SAR Scheme

MIH Ventures B.V. SAR Scheme

Avito AB SAR Scheme (Avito)

CEE Classifieds SAR Scheme

FixeAds B.V. SAR Scheme

Tokobagus Exploitatie B.V. SAR Scheme

Dubizzle Limited SAR Scheme

Naspers Fintech B.V. SAR Scheme (Naspers Fintech)

Naspers Global Classifieds SAR Scheme (Naspers Global Classifieds)

Naspers Global Ecommerce SAR Scheme (Naspers Global Ecommerce)

Naspers Global Online Services SAR Scheme

Naspers Ventures B.V. SAR Scheme

Red Dot Payment Pte Ltd SAR Scheme

SimilarWeb Limited SAR Scheme

Property24 SAR Scheme

Takealot Online Proprietary Limited SAR Scheme

Dante International S.A. SAR Scheme

Maximum 
awards 
permissible(1)

Vesting 
period(2)

Period to expiry 
from date of offer

IFRS 2 classification

10%

10%

15%

7.5%

10%

10%

15%

10%

10%

15%

15%

15%

Note 4

Note 4

Note 4

10%

20%

5%

15%

15%

12.5%

a

a(3)

a(3)

b

b

b

b

c

c

c

c

a(3)

a(3)

a(3)

c

d

b 

c

a(3

b

b

5 years and 14 
days

Equity-settled

5 years and 14 
days

Equity-settled

10 years

10 years

10 years

10 years

10 years

10 years

10 years

10 years

10 years

10 years

10 years

10 years

10 years

10 years

10 years

10 years

10 years

10 years

10 years

Equity-settled

Equity-settled

Equity-settled

Equity-settled

Equity-settled

Equity-settled

Equity-settled

Equity-settled

Equity-settled

Equity-settled

Equity-settled

Equity-settled

Equity-settled

Equity-settled

Equity-settled

Equity-settled

Equity-settled

Equity-settled

Equity-settled

The group provides detailed disclosure for those share appreciation rights plans that are considered significant to the 
financial statements.
Notes in relation to the group’s share appreciation rights plans:
(1)

The percentage reflected in this column is the maximum percentage of the respective companies issued/notional share capital that is available 
for the plan.
Vesting period:

a
b
c
d

One third vests after years three, four and five.
One quarter vests after years one, two, three and four.
One fifth vests after years one, two, three, four and five.
One quarter vests after years two, three, four and five.

For these schemes all offers made from 1 April 2018 vest over one, two, three and four years. All offers preceding this date vest over one, two, 
three, four and five years.

Collectively, the Naspers Global Classifieds, Naspers Global Ecommerce and Naspers Global Online Services SAR schemes may generally issue 
no more than 5% of the then total notional shares of all the underlying assets as recorded in the most recent pro forma capitalisation tables.

(2)

(3)

(4)

149 NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements (continued)

for the year ended 31 March 2020

44. EQUITY COMPENSATION BENEFITS (continued)

Movements in terms of the group’s significant share option and RSU plans are as follows:

Shares
Outstanding at 1 April
Granted
Exercised
Forfeited
Expired
Cancelled
Outstanding at 31 March
Available to be implemented at 31 March 

31 March 2020

Naspers
 RSU

MIH
Holdings

MIH
Services

100 520
121 761
(67 192)
(35 714)
-
-
119 375
-

365 684
69 349
(148 459)
(1 088)
-
(3 473)
282 013
216 377

2 276 571
146 541
(385 250)
(15 242)
-
(3 136)
2 019 484
1 373 192

Naspers

216 694
-
(85 704)
(8 106)
-
-
122 884
108 329

Weighted average exercise price

(SA rand)

(SA rand)

(SA rand)

(SA rand)

Outstanding at 1 April
Granted
Excercised
Forfeited
Expired
Cancelled
Outstanding at 31 March
Available to be implemented at  31 March 
Weighted average share price of options taken up
during the year

Shares
Weighted average share price

Shares
Outstanding at 1 April
Granted
Exercised
Forfeited
Expired
Outstanding at 31 March
Available to be implemented at 
Weighted average exercise price
31 March 
Outstanding at 1 April
Granted
Exercised
Forfeited
Expired
Outstanding at 31 March
Available to be implemented at 
Weighted average share price of options taken up 
31 March 
during the year
Shares
Weighted average share price

1 505.43
-
 876.84
2 749.35
-
-
1 861.78
1 031.27

-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-

1 616.39
3 217.92
1 728.12
3 291.45
-
3 409.97
1 922.85
 828.19

1 492.14
3 330.59
 698.73
2 760.69
-
2 909.37
1 765.13
1 283.36

85 704
3 286.15

67 192
2 986.27

148 459
3 396.85

385 250
2 813.40

31 March 2019

204 848
33 808
(16 133)
(5 829)
-
216 694
125 745
(SA rand)
1 292.92
3 132.04
 931.45
3 150.01
-
1 505.43
 846.91

108 407
82 721
(43 693)
(46 915)
-
100 520
-
(SA rand)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-

500 499
71 234
(152 169)
(53 853)
( 27)
365 684
270 439
(SA rand)
1 480.18
3 089.45
1 720.33
1 361.46
 174.79
1 616.39
1 354.67

2 185 008
326 880
(200 183)
(35 134)
-
2 276 571
1 498 368
(SA rand)
1 332.29
3 082.67
1 242.04
2 619.97
-
1 492.14
 948.08

16 133
2 587.02

43 693
3 094.60

152 169
3 182.62

200 183
3 099.02

150 NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements (continued)

for the year ended 31 March 2020

44. EQUITY COMPENSATION BENEFITS (continued)

Movements in terms of the group's significant share appreciation rights plans are as follows:

SARs
Outstanding at 1 April

Granted
Exercised

Forfeited

Cancelled

31 March 2020
Naspers
Global
Classifieds

Naspers
Global
Ecommerce

Avito

Naspers
Fintech

676 269

20 085 382

12 579 747

1 270 943

618 150
(66 204)

10 287 847
(5 950 584)

1 494 974
(4 341 498)

(158 777)

(2 271 649)

(49 890)

-

-

-

472 381
(345 655)

(176 186)

(14 029)

Outstanding at 31 March
Available to be implemented at 31 March 

1 069 438
183 001

22 150 996
4 150 750

9 683 333
5 934 221

1 207 454
324 649

Weighted average exercise price

(US$)

(US$)

(US$)

(US$)

Outstanding at 1 April
Granted

Exercised

Forfeited

Outstanding at 31 March
Available to be implemented at 31 March 

Weighted average share price of options taken 

up during the year

Shares
Weighted average share price

75.58
90.63

70.23

83.00

83.51
73.78

6.87
9.62

5.97

8.22

8.25
6.20

19.21
36.75

16.74

26.12

0.00
22.99
17.54

53.34
95.18

44.25

58.30

71.10
50.97

66 204
90.63

5 950 584
9.62

4 341 498
38.40

345 655
95.05

151 NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements (continued)

for the year ended 31 March 2020

44. EQUITY COMPENSATION BENEFITS (continued)

Movements in terms of the group's significant share appreciation rights plans are as follows:

SARs
Outstanding at 1 April
Granted
Exercised
Forfeited

Outstanding at 31 March
Available to be implemented at 31 March 

31 March 2019
Naspers
Global
Classifieds

Naspers
Global
Ecommerce

Avito

500 883
326 407
(37 789)
(113 232)

17 157 432
7 486 846
(2 701 047)
(1857 849)

11 881 092
1 365 536
(398 763)
(268 118)

676 269
93 874

20 085 382
5 534 311

12 579 747
7 649 628

Naspers
Fintech

1 292 869
350 713
(230 250)
(142 389)

1 270 943
360 394

Weighted average exercise price

(US$)

(US$)

(US$)

(US$)

Outstanding at 1 April
Granted
Exercised
Forfeited

Outstanding at 31 March
Available to be implemented at 31 March 
Weighted average share price of options 
taken up during the year

Shares
Weighted average share price

69.13
82.03
61.62
70.30

75.58
69.11

5.99
8.50
5.44
7.39

6.87
5.37

17.73
33.43
18.66
26.67

19.21
16.40

44.69
75.16
42.11
46.74

53.34
43.00

37 789
82.03

2 701 047
8.50

398 763
32.38

230 250
75.16

152 NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements (continued)

for the year ended 31 March 2020

44. EQUITY COMPENSATION BENEFITS (continued)

Share option allocations outstanding and currently available to be implemented at 31 March 2020 by exercise price for the 
group's significant share incentive plans:

Share options outstanding

Share options currently available

Number
outstanding
at 31 March
2020

Weighted
average
remaining
contractual
life (years)

Weighted

average Exercisable
exercise at 31 March
2020

price

Weighted
average
exercise
price

6 223
11 784
9 647
26 585
9 502
9 245
20 663
21 806
7 429

122 884

1 833
9 182
21 668
2 108
59 463
47 610
3 458
25 271
40 041
12 120
59 259

282 013

14 544
14 084
45 025
94 881
862 486
53 881
15 511
52 156
42 505
440 239
356 198
27 974

1.47
2.63
3.69
4.61
5.48
5.72
6.72
8.08
8.24

0.44
0.81
2.28
2.65
3.65
4.80
5.62
7.50
8.00
8.16
9.22

0.89
1.09
2.39
2.75
3.99
4.45
5.19
5.47
6.28
7.06
8.55
9.07

294.14
545.77
938.66
1 377.13
1 640.47
1 781.67
2 526.23
3 062.05
3 207.00

197.88
266.27
335.63
444.44
861.68
1402.07
1778.99
2314.02
2741.39
3070.89
3402.78

217.14
278.79
364.76
554.00
1 046.78
1 284.94
1 565.57
1 652.91
1 856.54
2 473.00
3 199.95
3 524.05

35 440
11 784
9 647
26 585
6 215
4 984
6 312
6 301
1 061

108 329

60 200
9 182
21 668
2 108
59 463
40 589
1 897
4 681
13 079
3 004
506

216 377

14 544
14 084
45 025
94 881
862 486
53 881
11 834
30 693
18 942
166 526
58 334
1 962

51.65
545.77
938.66
1 377.13
1 639.45
1 766.05
2 566.54
3 046.22
3 207.00

6.03
266.27
335.63
444.44
861.68
1 362.68
1 758.68
2 323.09
2 799.58
3 058.13
3 207.00

217.14
278.79
364.76
554.00
1 046.78
1 284.94
1 556.57
1 654.78
1 852.55
2 530.47
3 106.22
3 707.96

Exercise prices

Naspers (SA rand)

241.86 to 347.87
376.56 to 767.87
780.66 to 1272.64
1371.85 to 1477.86
1594.50 to 1700.51
1740.83 to 1962.86
2323.50 to 2839.86
2945.87 to 3100.99
3207.00 to 3207.00

MIH Holdings (SA rand)

0 to 197.88
241.88 to 271.30
328.71 to 376.58
440.88 to 482.59
661.88 to 1 046.88
1 272.66 to 1 634.84
1 700.53 to 2 037.86
2 068.89 to 2 380.94
2 429.53 to 2 839.88
2 888.51 to 3 179.88
3 207.00 to 3 420.55

MIH Services (SA rand)
197.88 to 241.88
256.23 to 303.89
328.71 to 376.58
440.88 to 780.68
864.76 to 1 196.88
1 196.88 to 1 371.87
1 378.67 to 1 594.52
1 634.84 to 1 740.85
1 741.27 to 1 992.88
2 056.88 to 2 438.37
2 945.89 to 3 380.00
3 494.00 to 3 809.00

2 019 484

1 373 192

153 NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements (continued)

for the year ended 31 March 2020

44. EQUITY COMPENSATION BENEFITS (continued)

Share  appreciation  rights  allocations  outstanding  and  currently  available  to  be  implemented  at  31  March  2020  by 
exercise price for the group's significant share incentive plans:

SARs outstanding

SARs currently available

Number
outstanding
at 31 March
2020

Weighted
average
remaining
contractual
life (years)

Weighted
average
exercise
price

Exercisable
at 31 March
2020

Weighted
average
exercise
price

1 069 438

8.65

83.51

183 001

73.78

4 336 093
8 059 022
9 755 881

22 150 996

5 661 617
1 464 865
1 067 619
1 489 232

9 683 333

312 834
894 620

1 207 454

5.73
7.96
9.34

4.72
7.44
8.25
9.28

5.84
8.63

21.37
61.69
87.76

16.25
27.40
33.56
36.75

11.92
68.35

2 427 052
1 723 698
-

4 150 750

5 211 002
524 831
198 388
-

5 934 221

197 684
126 965

324 649

4.87
8.08
-

15.95
27.26
33.56
-

40.75
66.89

Exercise prices

Avito (US$)

54.86 to 90.63

Naspers  Global  Classifieds 
(US$)

3.54 to 6.15
7.64 to 8.50
9.62 

Naspers  Global  Ecommerce 
(US$)

15.58 to 20.45
23.61 to 31.42
31.84 to 33.78
36.31 to 39.01

Naspers Fintech (US$)

39.10 to 43.51
58.44 to 95.18

154 NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements (continued)

for the year ended 31 March 2020

44. EQUITY COMPENSATION BENEFITS (continued)

Share option and RSU plan grants made during the year relating to the group's significant plans:

Weighted average fair value at 
measurement date
This weighted average fair value has 
been calculated using the Bermudan 
Binomial option pricing model, using the
 following inputs and assumptions:
Weighted average share price
Weighted average exercise price
Weighted average expected volatility (%)*
Weighted average option life (years)
Weighted average dividend yield (%)
Weighted average risk-free interest rate (%)
(based on zero rate bond yield at
perfect fit)
Weighted average annual suboptimal rate (%)
Weighted average vesting period (years)

31 March 2020

Naspers
(SA rand)

Naspers
 RSU
(SA rand)

MIH
Holdings
(SA rand)

MIH
Services
(SA rand)

-

-
-
-
-
-

-
-
-

3 251.25

1 177.73

1 148.79

3 252
-
-
2.50
-

-
-
2.5

3 217
3 217
32.9%
10.00
0.2%

3 329
3 329
32.9%
10.00
0.2%

8.1%
223.0%
2.5

8.0%
340.0%
2.5

*

The weighted average expected volatility of all share options listed above is determined using historical daily share prices.

Various early exercise expectations were calculated based on historical exercise behaviours.

155 NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements (continued)

for the year ended 31 March 2020

44. EQUITY COMPENSATION BENEFITS (continued)

Share option and RSU plan grants made during the year relating to the group's significant plans:
31 March 2019

Weighted average fair value at 
measurement date
This weighted average fair value has 
been calculated using the Bermudan 
Binomial option pricing model, using the 
following inputs and assumptions:
Weighted average share price
Weighted average exercise price
Weighted average expected volatility (%)*
Weighted average option life (years)
Weighted average dividend yield (%)
Weighted average risk-free interest rate 
(%) (based on zero rate bond yield at 
perfect fit)
Weighted average annual suboptimal 
rate (%)
Weighted average vesting period (years)

Naspers
(SA rand)

Naspers
 RSU
(SA rand)

MIH
Holdings
(SA rand)

MIH
Services
(SA rand)

1 128.97

3 140.09

1 122.86

1 111.81

3 160
3 160
34.0%
10.0
0.2%

8.4%

340.0%
2.5

-
-
-
2.5
0.2%

-

-
2.5

3 078
3 078
35.8%
10.0
0.2%

3 113
3 113
34.0%
10.0
0.2%

8.4%

8.4%

340.0%
2.5

340.0%
2.5

*

The weighted average expected volatility of all share options listed above is determined using historical daily share prices.

Various early exercise expectations were calculated based on historical exercise behaviours.

156 NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements (continued)

for the year ended 31 March 2020

44. EQUITY COMPENSATION BENEFITS (continued)

Share appreciation rights plan grants made during the year relating to the group's significant plans:

Naspers
Global

Naspers
Global
Classifieds Ecommerce
(US$)

(US$)

Avito
(US$)

Naspers
Fintech
(US$)

31 March 2020
Weighted average fair value at measurement date
This weighted average fair value has been calculated 
using the Bermudan Binomial option pricing model, 
using the following inputs and assumptions:
Weighted average share price
Weighted average exercise price
Weighted average expected volatility (%)*
Weighted average option life (years)
Weighted average risk-free interest rate (%) (based 
on zero rate bond yield at perfect fit)
Weighted average annual suboptimal rate (%)
Weighted average vesting period (years)
Share price at measurement date

31 March 2019
Weighted average fair value at measurement date
This weighted average fair value has been calculated 
using the Bermudan Binomial option pricing model, 
using the following inputs and assumptions:
Weighted average SAR price
Weighted average exercise price
Weighted average expected volatility (%)*
Weighted average option life (years)
Weighted average risk-free interest rate (%) (based 
on zero rate bond yield at perfect fit)
Weighted average annual suboptimal rate (%)
Weighted average vesting period (years)
Share price at measurement date

24.19

2.56

13.93

36.70

90.63
90.63
24.9%
10.0

1.9%
100.0%
2.5
90.63

9.62
9.62
24.7%
10.0

1.9%
100.0%
2.5
9.62

36.75
36.75
37.9%
10.0

2.0%
100.0%
2.5
36.75

95.18
95.18
38.9%
10.0

1.9%
100.0%
2.5
95.18

26.61

2.72

13.07

27.81

82.03
82.03
29.9%
10.0

2.8%
100.0%
2.5
82.0

8.50
8.50
29.2%
10.0

2.8%
100.0%
2.5
8.5

33.63
33.63
38.0%
10.0

2.9%
100.0%
2.5
33.6

75.16
75.16
35.3%
10.0

2.9%
100.0%
2.5
75.2

*

The weighted average expected volatility of all share options listed above is determined using historical daily share price.

Various early exercise expectations were calculated based on historical exercise behaviours.

157 NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements (continued)

for the year ended 31 March 2020

44. EQUITY COMPENSATION BENEFITS (continued)

Liabilities arising from share-based payment transactions

The following liabilities have been recognised in the statement of financial position relating to the group's cash-settled 
share-based payment obligations:

Share-based payment liability
Total carrying amount of cash-settled share-based payment liability
Current portion of share-based payment liability

Non-current portion of share-based payment liability

Reconciliation of the cash-settled share based payment liability

Opening carrying amount of cash settled liability 
Charge as per the income statement
Additions 
Settlement

Closing carrying amount of cash-settled share based payment liability

31 March
2020
US$'m

2019
US$'m

58
(18)

40

16
( 16)

-

31 March
2020
US$'m

2019
US$'m

16
3
41
( 2)

58

40
7
-
(31)

16

As at 31 March 2020 100% of the share-based payment liability relates to vested share-based compensation plans that 
have not been exercised. Included in the share-based payment liability and the current year cash-settled share-based 
payment expense is an amount of US$34.9m that arose upon acquisition of FCG, Extreme Digital, PaySense, and Iyzico 
(Refer  to  note  3  for  further  details).  The  share-based  payment  liability  is  recognised  as  a  result  of  the  written  put 
option  included  in  the  acquisition  agreement  that  is  linked  to  a  committed  employment  period  of  Founders  of  the 
respective  subsidiaries.  The  value  on  settlement  of  the  put  options  will  be  dependent  on  the  completion  of  the 
respective employment period and accordingly impacts the non-controlling interest recognised for these subsidiaries.

158 NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements (continued)

for the year ended 31 March 2020

45. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

In  March  2020  it  was  announced  that  OfferUp  and  letgo  US,  two  of  America’s  most  popular  apps  to  buy  and  sell 
locally, intend to combine their businesses in the United States. The OLX group will therefore contribute its US letgo 
business plus cash of US$100m. The OLX group will own 40% of the newly combined entity. The transaction received 
regulatory approval and is expected to close on 1 July 2020. The group expects to account for its interest in OfferUp as 
an equity accounted associate (refer to note 17).

In March 2020 MIH Movile Holding B.V. (Movile) signed an agreement to sell its subsidiary Wavy Global Holdings B.V. 
(Wavy) to Stockholm-based customer engagement platform, Sinch AB, in exchange for cash of approximately US$68m 
(approximately  BRL  355m)  and  a  2.70%  equity  investment  in  Sinch  AB.  The  transaction  is  subject  to  regulatory 
approval.  The  group  expects  to  account  for  its  interest  in  Sinch  AB  as  an  investment  at  fair  value  through  other 
comprehensive income.

On 26 April 2020, OLX Global B.V. (OLX) merged its subsidiary, Dubizzle Ltd (B.V.I.) the leading classifieds platform for 
users in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), with Emerging Markets Property Group (EMPG). EMPG owns and operates 
bespoke  classifieds  portals  in  different  emerging  markets  across  the  world  including  Bayut  in  Dubai,  Zameen  in 
Pakistan,  and  Mubawab  in  Morocco  North  Africa.  The  group  also  contributed  cash  of  approximately  US$75m. 
Following the transaction, the group will hold a 39% interest in EMPG. The group will account for its interest in EMPG 
as an investment in associate.

The group has various equity compensation plans in operation, the majority of which are classified as equity settled. In 
terms of these plans, employees are offered awards in the form of either share options, restricted stock units (RSUs) or 
share appreciation rights (SARs). The details of these plans are set out in note 45 “Equity compensation plans”.

Currently,  gains  on  SAR  plans  are  settled  in  Naspers  N  ordinary  shares,  although  plan  rules  also  allow  for  cash 
settlement. The Naspers N ordinary shares are purchased on market at the time of settlement, when the participants 
exercise  their  SAR  awards.  Naspers  N  ordinary  shares  required  for  all  the  various  equity  compensation  plans  are 
purchased on the open market in order to prevent dilution of other shareholders interests. Accordingly, based on this, 
these SAR plans have been classified as equity-settled share-based payment plans.

On 24 April 2020 the Naspers board approved a prospective change in the settlement mechanism for the group’s SAR 
plans from settlement in Naspers N ordinary shares to using cash resources for settlement. Going forward, gains made 
by participants on exercise of their SAR awards will now be settled in cash, rather than in Naspers N ordinary shares. 
All  other  features  of  the  awards  including  strike  price,  vesting  and  expiry  periods  remain  unchanged.  Further  the 
settlement for share options and RSUs also remain unchanged and they will continue to be classified as equity-settled 
share-based payments expenses.

The fair value of the SAR awards on the effective date of the change, of 24 April 2020, is approximately US$322m and 
will be recognised as a share-based payment liability. The share-based payment reserve related to these SAR awards is 
US$80m. The change in settlement will be accounted for as a modification, with the difference between the existing 
share-based  payment  reserve  and  the  share-based  payment  liability  being  recognised  through  retained  earnings  in 
equity. The SAR plans will be accounted for in terms of the group’s accounting policy in respect of cash-settled share-
based payments. At the end of each reporting period, the group remeasures the fair value of the recognised liability 
and at the date of settlement, with any changes in fair value recognised in the income statement.

159 NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

Company annual financial 
statements
for the year ended 31 March 2020

These company annual financial statements are 
presented in SA rand which is the company's 
functional and presentation currency

Cape Town, South Africa

Company statement of financial position

for the year ended 31 March 2020

31 March
2020
R'm

2019
R'm

Notes

ASSETS
Non-current assets
Investments in subsidiaries
Loans to subsidiaries
Property, plant and equipment
Investment at fair value through other comprehensive income
Current assets
Other receivables
Related party receivables
Cash and cash equivalents

Assets classified as held for sale

TOTAL ASSETS

EQUITY AND LIABILITIES
Shareholders' equity
Share capital and premium
Other reserves
Retained earnings
Non-current liabilities
Post-employment medical liability
Other non-current liabilities
Current liabilities
Amounts owing in respect of investments acquired
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
Related party payables
Dividends payable

1 296 767
2 1 295 686
1 074
3
2
4
5
5
4 247
8
4 142
97
4 247
-

8

6
7
20

65 110
6 953
58 144
2
11
3 783
5
3 424
338
3 767
16

1 301 014

68 893

9

10

11
12
7

1 299 434
44 414
1 300
1 253 720
4
3
1
1 576
9
1 519
25
23

68 477
66 686
1 309
482
4
3
1
412
9
361
23
19

TOTAL EQUITY AND LIABILITIES

1 301 014

68 893

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these company annual financial statements.

161 NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

 
Company statement of comprehensive income

for the year ended 31 March 2020

Revenue
Selling, general and administration expenses
Other losses - net 

Operating profit

Interest income
Interest expense
Other finance income/(costs) - net
Loss on acquisitions and disposals

Profit before taxation

Taxation

Profit for the year

Other comprehensive income(1)

Total comprehensive income for the year

(1) All components of other comprehensive income will not subsequently be reclassified to profit or loss.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these company annual financial statements.

31 March
2020
R'm

2019
R'm

Notes

13 1 260 346
( 254)
14
(2 034)
15

53 300
(280)
-

1 258 058

53 020

16
16
16
17

447
-
137
(616)

117
(63)
2
(355)

1 258 026

52 721

18

(1 464)

2

1 256 562

52 723

(2)

-

1 256 560

52 723

162 NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

 
Company statement of changes in equity

for the year ended 31 March 2020

Balance at 1 April 2018
Total comprehensive
income for the year
Treasury share movement
Share-based compensation
reserve movement
Transfers to non-distributable reserves
Dividends(1)
Distribution in specie(2)

Balance at 31 March 2019

Balance at 1 April 2019
Total comprehensive
income for the year
Profit for the year
Total other comprehensive
income for the year

Treasury share movement
Share-based compensation reserve
movement
Transfers to non-distributable reserves
Share repurchase(3)
Dividends(1)
Capitalisation issue(4)

Share capital and
premium

A shares
R'm

N shares
R'm

18

66 727

-
-

-
-
-
-

18

18

-
-

-
-

-
-
-
-
1

-
(59)

-
-
-
-

66 668

66 668

-
-

-
134

-
-
(22 407)
-
-

Balance at 31 March 2020

19

44 395

Share-
based
compen-
sation
reserve
R'm

9

-
-

7
(3)
-
-

13

13

-
-

-
-

1
(8)
-
-
-

6

Valuation
reserve
R'm

Retained
earnings
R'm

Total
R'm

1 296

3 839

71 889

-
-

-
-
-
-

1 296

1 296

(2)
-

(2)
-

-
-
-
-
-

52 723
-

-
3
(2 834)
(53 249)

482

482

52 723
(59)

7
-
(2 834)
(53 249)

68 477

68 477

1 256 562
1 256 562

1 256 560
1 256 562

-
-

-
8
-
(3 134)
(198)

(2)
134

1
-
(22 407)
(3 134)
(197)

1 294

1 253 720

1 299 434

(1) The company declared a dividend per share of 715 SA cents (2019: 650 SA cents) per listed N ordinary share and 143 SA cents (2019: 130 SA cents) per 
unlisted A ordinary share. The dividend was approved on 23 August 2019 (2019: 24 August 2018). A cash amount of R3.1bn (2019: R2.8bn) was paid on 16 
September 2019 (2019: 17 September 2018).

(2) In the prior year, MultiChoice Group Limited was distributed to shareholders.

(3) Refer to note 9 for further details relating to the share repurchase programme.

(4) Relates to the additional shares issued pursuant to the Prosus N.V. listing during the current year.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these company annual  financial statements.

163 NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

 
Company statement of cash flows

for the year ended 31 March 2020

Cash flows from operating activities
Cash utilised in operations
Interest income received
Interest expense paid
Dividends received
Taxation (paid)/refunded

Net cash generated from/(utilised in) operating activities

Cash flows from investing activities
Short-term marketable equity instruments acquired
Cash received from other investments and loans
Additional investment in subsidiary(1)
Proceeds received from sale of Prosus N.V. shares(2)
Loans repaid by subsidiaries

Net cash generated from investing activities

Notes

19

18

Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds from issue of share capital (3)
Payments to shareholders in respect of the share repurchase programme(4)
Dividends paid(5)

Net cash utilised in financing activities

Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents
Foreign exchange translation adjustments on cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year

20

31 March
2020
R'm

2019
R'm

(1 017)
344
-
3 177
(1 464)

1 040

-
17
(563)
23 543
947

23 944

75

(22 407)
(3 131)

(25 463)

(479)
238
338

97

(290)
117
(63)
-
12

(224)

(74)
-
-
-
3 433

3 359

14

-
(2 848)

(2 834)

301
5
32

338

(1) In September 2019 the company purchased an additional share in its subsidiary MIH Holdings for R563.4m cash, refer to note 2 for further details.
(2) Refer to note 2 for further details on the investment in Prosus N.V.
(3) Relates to shares acquired by participants from the Naspers equity compensation plan upon the vesting of their equity compensation awards. Once shares 
are  acquired  by  participants  they  are  no  longer  accounted  for  as  treasury  shares  and  result  in  an  increase  in  N  ordinary  share  capital  and  premium.  This 
together with gains and losses arising from the vesting of compensation awards is reflected as a net movement in the statement of changes in equity.

(4) Refer to note 9 for further details relating to the share repurchase programme.
(5) Refer to the statement of changes in equity for further details relating to the dividends paid.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these company annual financial statements.

164 NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

 
Notes to the company annual financial statements 
for the year ended 31 March 2020

1.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of preparation

The company annual financial statements are presented in accordance with, and comply with, International Financial 
Reporting Standards (IFRS) and interpretations of those standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards 
Board (IASB) and effective at the time of preparing these financial statements, the SAICA Financial Reporting Guides as 
issued  by  the  Accounting  Practices  Committee,  Financial  Pronouncements  as  issued  by  the  Financial  Reporting 
Standards Council and the Companies Act No 71 of 2008. 

Accounting policies

The accounting policies of the company are the same as those of the group, where applicable (refer to note 2 of the 
consolidated annual financial statements), specifically as regards:




Investments at fair value through other comprehensive income; and
Financial assets measured at amortised cost.

Investments in subsidiaries 

Investments  in  subsidiaries  are  accounted  for  at  cost  less  accumulated  impairment  losses  in  the  company  annual 
financial  statements.  Cost  is  adjusted  to  reflect  changes  in  consideration  arising  from  contingent  consideration 
arrangements  and  includes  the  directly  attributable  costs  of  acquiring  investments.  Loans  receivable  which  are 
forgiven  are  recognised  as  a  capital  contribution  to  the  subsidiary  and  are  measured  at  cost  (represented  by  the 
carrying amount of the loan) at the date of the contribution. 

IFRS 9 Financial Instruments

Classification of loans to subsidiaries

Loans  to  subsidiaries,  related  party  receivables  and  cash  and  cash  equivalents  are  classified  as  financial  assets  at 
amortised cost as these items are held within a business model whose objective is to hold assets to collect contractual 
cash  flows  and  its  contractual  cash  flows  represent  solely  payments  of  principal  and  interest  on  the  amount 
outstanding. In making this assessment, the company considers the effect of terms (including conversion, prepayment 
and extension features) that may affect the timing and/or amounts of cash flows.

In terms of IFRS 9, an intercompany loan may only be accounted for in terms of IAS 27 if it meets the definition of an 
equity instrument from the perspective of the subsidiary to which the loan has been granted. 

Accordingly,  as  all  loans  extended  to  subsidiaries  of  the  company  are  accounted  for  as  debt  instruments  by  the 
relevant subsidiaries, the company has applied the recognition and measurement provisions of IFRS 9 to these loans.

Measurement of financial assets at amortised cost

The  company  applied  the  measurement  provisions  of  IFRS  9,  including  those  relating  to  impairment  allowances  on 
financial assets at amortised cost, to all financial instruments within the measurement scope of IFRS 9. The company’s 
impairment  methodology  related  to  financial  assets  at  amortised  cost  is  detailed  in  note  3  of  the  company  annual 
financial statements.

Accounting judgements and sources of estimation uncertainty

The preparation of the company financial statements necessitates the use of estimates, assumptions and judgements 
by management. These estimates, assumptions and judgements affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities and 
contingent  assets  and  liabilities  at  the  reporting  date  as  well  as  the  reported  income  and  expenses  for  the  year. 
Although estimates are based on management’s best knowledge and judgement of current facts as at the statement of 
financial position date, the actual outcome may differ from these estimates.

165 NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

Notes to the company annual financial statements 
for the year ended 31 March 2020

1.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)
Accounting judgements and sources of estimation uncertainty (continued)

Following the listing of the company’s subsidiary, Prosus N.V.  on the Euronext Amsterdam, MIH Holdings (Proprietary) 
Limited  (“MIHH”),  a  wholly  owned  subsidiary  of  Naspers  Limited,  distributed  its  73.84%  interest  in  Prosus  N.V.  to 
Naspers Limited on 13 September 2019 as a dividend in specie. 

This dividend in specie (investment in Prosus N.V.) was recognised in Naspers Limited’s annual financial statements at 
the fair value of the Prosus N.V. investment. In calculating the fair value, the company determined that the share price 
of  Prosus  N.V.  for  the  first  15  days  of  trading  did  not  represent  an  orderly  transaction  on  account  of  the  trading 
volumes  during  this  period.  Consequently,  the  volume-weighted  average  share  price  (VWAP)  determined  over  the 
following  15  days  of  trading  was  considered  more  representative  of  the  fair  value  of  Prosus  N.V.  in  an  orderly 
transaction. Please refer to note 2 for the details of this investment.

The portion of the distribution of Prosus N.V. from MIHH that represents a return of capital, was accounted for as a 
reduction  of  its  investment  in  MIHH.  The  remainder  of  the  distribution  received  from  MIHH  was  recognised  as 
dividend income. As a result of the dividend received from MIHH, Naspers assessed the remaining carrying amount of 
its investment in MIHH for impairment.

Equity compensation benefits

The significant judgements and estimates related to equity compensation benefits are the same as those of the group 
where applicable. Refer to note 2 of the consolidated financial statements.

Dividends distributed to shareholders

Dividends are accounted for in the period that they have been declared by the company and are directly charged to 
equity.

Impairment of investments

The  company  periodically  evaluates  the  carrying  value  of  assets  when  events  and  circumstances  indicate  that  the 
carrying  value  may  not  be  recoverable.  Factors  that  the  company  considers  important,  which  could  trigger  an 
impairment  review  include,  but  are  not  limited  to,  significant  under-performance  relative  to  expected  historical  or 
projected future operating results, significant changes in the manner of use of the acquired assets or the strategy for 
the company's overall business, significant negative industry or economic trends that are likely to prevail into the long-
term and the market capitalisation of listed investments relative to its net book value. The carrying value of an asset is 
considered  impaired  when  the  recoverable  amount  of  such  an  asset  is  separately  identifiable  and  is  less  than  its 
carrying value. In that event, a loss is recognised based on the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the fair 
value of the asset. Impairments that are recognised, are recognised in the profit or loss account. An impairment loss is 
directly  recognised  in  the  profit  or  loss  account  while  the  carrying  amount  of  the  asset  concerned  is  concurrently 
reduced.

The recoverable amount is determined primarily using anticipated cash flows discounted at a rate commensurate with 
the risk involved or the last traded price for listed investments. The revenue growth rates and profit margins (EBITDA 
margins) used to estimate future performance are based on past performance and our expectations for growth rates 
and profit margins achievable in the markets and businesses the companies are active in. In addition to the forecasts 
used in the impairment assessments, sensitivity analyses have been prepared.

166 NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

Notes to the company annual financial statements 
for the year ended 31 March 2020

1.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)
Accounting judgements and sources of estimation uncertainty (continued)

Impairment of investments (continued)

Assets  to  be  disposed  of  are  recorded  at  the  lower  of  their  cost  and  fair  value,  reduced  by  the  estimated  costs  to 
dispose of the asset. The realisable value is determined based on the active market, whereby the prevailing bid price is 
taken as market price. The costs deducted in determining net realisable value are based on the estimated costs that 
are directly attributable to the sale and are necessary to realise the sale.

If it is established that an impairment that was recognised in the past no longer exists or has reduced, the increased 
carrying amount of the asset concerned is set no higher than the carrying amount that would have been determined if 
no impairment value adjustment for the asset concerned had been reported.

2.

INVESTMENTS IN SUBSIDIARIES
The following information relates to Naspers Limited's direct interest in its significant subsidiaries:

Name of subsidiary

Functional
currency

Listed companies

Effective
percentage
interest*
2020
%

2019
%

Direct
investment
in shares
2020
R'm

2019
R'm

Nature of
business

Country of
incorporation

Prosus N.V.(1)

US$

72.5

1 273 705

Unlisted companies
MIH Holdings Proprietary 
Limited(2)
Media24 Holdings
Proprietary Limited(3)
Heemstede Beleggings

Proprietary Limited
Naspers Properties
Proprietary Limited

ZAR

100.0

100.0

20 455

5 452

ZAR

85.0

85.0

1 526

1 501

ZAR

100.0

100.0

ZAR

100.0

100.0

-

-

-

-

1 295 686

6 953

Investment 
holding

The 
Netherlands

Investment 
holding
Investment 
holding
Investment 
holding
Property 
holding

South Africa

South Africa

South Africa

South Africa

* The  percentage  interest  shown  is  the  effective  financial  interest,  after  disregarding  the  interest  of  any  equity  compensation  plans  treated  as 

treasury shares.

(1)

(2)

(3)

In September 2019 the company received the Prosus N.V. investment through a distribution by its subsidiary MIH Holdings Proprietary Limited. 
This investment was initially recognised at a fair value of R1 297.4bn as at the date of distribution. In January 2020 the company sold 22 million 
N ordinary shares in Prosus N.V. at a price per share of €67.50, resulting in gross proceeds of approximately R23.5bn. As a result of the sale the 
investment was reduced to R1 273.7bn. The company recognised a loss on disposal of R199.0m as part of “Loss on acquisitions and disposals” in 
the statement of comprehensive income.

In September 2019 the company purchased two additional shares in MIH Holdings Proprietary Limited, one was in full and final settlement of the 
full debt to the value of R55.0bn owed to it by MIH Holdings Proprietary Limited for no consideration, the other was for a cash consideration of 
R563.4m. The investment was subsequently reduced to R20.5bn when MIH Holdings Proprietary Limited distributed its investment in Prosus N.V. 
(as noted above) as a dividend in specie to the company.

In March 2020, the loan to the Media24 Holdings Proprietary Limited group was restructured. The company ceded its rights and contributed its 
claims of R558.5m to Media24 Proprietary Limited for no consideration. The investment in Media24 was subsequently assessed to be impaired 
by R533.6m as at 31 March 2020.

167 NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

Notes to the company annual financial statements 
for the year ended 31 March 2020

2.

INVESTMENTS IN SUBSIDIARIES (continued)
Impairment assessment
At  the  end  of  each  year,  the  company  assesses  whether  there  is  an  indication  that  the  company's  investments  in 
subsidiaries  are  impaired.  The  impairment  assessment  is  performed  at  the  level  of  Prosus  N.V.,  MIH  Holdings 
Proprietary  Limited  and  Media24  Holdings  Proprietary  Limited.  The  recoverable  amounts  of  these  investments  have 
been determined based on the higher of the value in use and the fair value less costs of disposal.

The recoverable amount of Prosus N.V. is based on its listed market price. As part of our impairment testing, we also 
compared  the  market  value  of  Prosus  N.V.  shares  held  by  the  company  to  the  carrying  value  of  the  investment 
recognised on the statement of financial position. The market capitalisation of €102.81bn (or US$112.80bn) of Prosus 
N.V. shows a discount to the amount of its underlying investments. We considered that it is common that investment 
holding  companies  trade  at  a  discount  to  the  fair  value  on  a  controlling  basis  of  their  underlying  assets.  Holding 
company discounts vary significantly but are normally in the 10-40% range although, in some cases, this can extend to 
over 50%. The reasons for holding company discounts can vary according to each company’s specific circumstances, 
but can include management costs, tax leakage, governance and shareholder structure, information asymmetry and 
perceived reinvestment risk. Since listing on 11 September 2019, Prosus has mostly been trading between a 15% and 
35% discount to its equity value. Based on our analysis we conclude that this discount does not as such – result in an 
additional reduction of the value used in the impairment assessment of Prosus subsidiaries and associates. The total 
market value of the listed marketable securities held by Prosus NV at 31 March 2020 was approximately US$150bn. As 
the  market  value  of  the  Prosus  N.V  shares  held  by  the  company  exceeds  the  carrying  value  recognised  on  the 
statement of financial position, no impairment was recognised for this investment.

The  recoverability  of  the  carrying  amounts  of  MIH  Holdings  Proprietary  Limited  and  Media24  Holdings  Proprietary 
Limited were tested through a sum of the recoverable amounts of their underlying investments using a combination of 
value in use calculations and quoted prices for listed investments.

The value in use is based on discounted cash flow calculations. The company based its cash flow calculations on up to 
ten-year  budget  and  forecast  information  of  the  underlying  entities.  Forecasts  are  approved  by  senior  management 
and/or  the  various  boards  of  directors  of  group  companies.  Long-term  average  growth  rates  for  the  respective 
countries  in  which  the  entities  operate  or,  where  more  appropriate,  the  growth  rate  of  the  entity,  were  used  to 
extrapolate cash flows into the future. Terminal growth rates used in the calculation range between 0% and 5% and 
post-tax discount rates range between 14% and 17%.

The company's impairment assessment takes into account that, in most instances, longer forecast periods are required 
for many ecommerce businesses. These longer forecast periods are required as the ecommerce businesses generally 
only reach maturity once sufficient market share has been gained, the businesses have reached the appropriate scale 
and  have  become  revenue  generative/profitable.  Key  assumptions  in  estimating  these  future  cash  flows  over  the 
forecast  period  include  the  entity's  ability  to  capture  the  required  market  share  and  the  additional  investment 
required in order for it to reach the appropriate scale.

Value in use calculations are performed using the appropriate operational cash flows, and accordingly, discount rates 
take into account country risk premiums and inflation differentials as appropriate. Post-tax discount rates have been 
applied in calculations as value in use was determined using post-tax cash flows.

The calculation of value in use is most sensitive to the following assumptions:
 revenue growth rates;
 expected EBITDA margins
 growth rates used to extrapolate cash flows beyond the budget and forecast period, including the terminal growth 

rate applied
in the final projection year; and

 discount rates.

168 NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

Notes to the company annual financial statements 
for the year ended 31 March 2020

2.

INVESTMENTS IN SUBSIDIARIES (continued)
Impairment assessment (continued)
When determining cash flows over the forecast periods, EBITDA margin assumptions vary between the diverse range 
of businesses. The aggregate carrying amount pertaining to the investment in MIH Holdings Proprietary Limited and 
Media24  Holdings  Proprietary  Limited,  amounting  to  R20.5bn  and  R1.5bn  respectively,  is  especially  sensitive  to 
changes in the underlying assumptions.

Key assumptions underlying revenue forecasts for the ecommerce businesses include the entities' anticipated market 
share. The ecommerce assets are at various life stages and the early stage investments are more sensitive to changes 
in assumptions.

The  company  adjusted  cash  flow  projections  and  budgets  to  include  the  effects  of  the  Covid-19  pandemic.  This 
adjustment  took  into  account  the  impact  of  the  pandemic  on  revenue  and  margins  as  well  as  the  periods  of 
interruptions  to  business  operations  as  a  result  of  lock-down  trading  restrictions.  The  company  also  updated  its 
discount  rates  where  required.  Covid-19  has  had  a  broad  impact,  with  the  restrictions  impacting  some  businesses 
negatively where they are unable to operate and on the other hand, having a positive impact on other major business 
operations where online services and sale of goods is the primary solution for social distancing measures imposed. At 
31 March an impairment of R533.6m was recognised for the company’s investment in Media24 Holdings Proprietary 
Limited  as  the  business  was  not  performing  in  line  with  expectations.  The  adjusted  forecasts  and  budgets  of  the 
underlying businesses of Media24 based on the best estimate post the Covid-19 pandemic resulted in the recognition 
of  impairment.  The  impairment  loss  primarily  related  to  Media24’s  print  media  businesses  which  was  negatively 
impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic.

We performed sensitivity analyses on the underlying discounted cash flow calculations. These analyses reveal that the 
values are highly sensitive and adjustments to the expected future cashflows, or higher discount rates, could result in 
an impairment. The main inputs for the expected future cashflows are revenue growth, profit margins, discount rates 
and  long-term  growth  rates  on  which  sensitivity  analyses  have  been  prepared.  Reasonable  possible  changes  on  the 
revenue growth rates, profit margins and discount rates used to estimate future performance have been assessed as 
to whether it impacts the recoverable amounts of the company’s investments in subsidiaries. It has been determined 
that some investments are more sensitive to changes than others. 

For MIH Holdings Proprietary Limited, If either the pre- or post-tax discount rate applied to cash flows were to increase 
relatively by 5% or the growth rate used to extrapolate cash flows were to decrease relatively by 5%, or if both the 
discount  rate  and  the  growth  rate  were  to  increase  and  decrease  relatively  by  5%  respectively,  there  would  be  no 
impairments that would have to be recognised.  

For Media24 Holdings Proprietary Limited a 2% change in the discount rate would have the following impact on the 
value in use calculations used in determining the recoverable amount of the investment:
-

an  increase  in  the  discount  rate  by  2%  would  result  in  a  decrease  in  the  valuation  by  R182.2m  which  would 
increase the impairment; 
a decrease in the discount rate by 2% increases the valuation by R273.0m which would decrease the impairment.

-

A 1% change in the growth rate used in the value in use calculations of Media24 Holdings Proprietary Limited would 
have  the  following  impact  on  the  value  in  use  calculations  used  in  determining  the  recoverable  amount  of  the 
investment:
-

an increase in the growth rate by 1% would result in an increase in the valuation by R65.4m which would decrease 
the impairment; 
a decrease in the growth rate by 1% decreases the valuation by R53.2m which would increase the impairment.

-

169 NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

Notes to the company annual financial statements (continued)

for the year ended 31 March 2020

3.

LOANS TO SUBSIDIARIES

Loans to subsidiaries
Media24 Holdings Proprietary Limited(1)
MIH Holdings Proprietary Limited(1)
Naspers Properties Proprietary Limited
MIH Services FZ LLC Share Trust(2)

31 March
2020
R'm

2019
R'm

-
720
354
-

523
54 637
365
2 619

1 074

58 144

(1) Refer to note 2 for details on the decrease in loan balances.
(2) In April 2020 the loan was fully repaid and therefore reclassified to related party receivables balances (refer to note 7) in the current reporting 
period.

Loans  to  subsidiary  companies  do  not  have  any  fixed  repayment  terms  and  are  interest  free,  except  for  R180.0m 
(2019: R180.0m) of the Naspers Properties Proprietary Limited loan account which bears interest at a rate of prime 
less 2% (2019: prime less 2%).

As  a  result  of  loans  to  subsidiary  companies  having  no  fixed  repayment  terms,  these  loans  are  considered  to  be 
repayable on demand by the company and accordingly the effect of discounting these loans is insignificant.

The company establishes allowances for credit losses (impairment allowances) on loans to subsidiaries equal to the 12-
month  expected  credit  losses  on  these  items  unless  there  has  been  a  significant  increase  in  credit  risk  since  initial 
recognition  of  these  loans.  Where  there  has  been  a  significant  increase  in  credit  risk  since  initial  recognition, 
impairment allowances are adjusted to equal the lifetime expected credit losses on these loans.

At 31 March 2020 the impairment allowances related to loans to subsidiaries were not significant on account of the 
loan  counterparties’  holdings  of  substantial  highly  liquid  marketable  securities,  cash/short-term  cash  investment 
balances and fixed commercial property. These holdings by the counterparties significantly exceed their obligations, 
including  their  liabilities  towards  the  company,  and  accordingly  mitigate  the  credit  risk  arising  from  these  loans 
significantly.

170 NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

Notes to the company annual financial statements (continued)

for the year ended 31 March 2020

4.

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

Cost
Opening balance
Acquisitions

Closing balance

Accumulated depreciation
Opening balance
Depreciation

Closing balance

Cost
Accumulated depreciation and impairment

Carrying value

5.

INVESTMENT AT FAIR VALUE THROUGH OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

Investment in the MultiChoice Group Limited shares

Office
equipment
R'm

31 March

Total
2020
R'm

Total
2019
R'm

4
-

4

(2)
-

(2)

4
(2)

2

4
-

4

(2)
-

(2)

4
(2)

2

4
-

4
4

(2)
-

(2)

4
(2)

2

31 March
2020
R'm

5

5

2019
R'm

11

11

The  investment  in  the  MultiChoice  Group  Limited  (the  MultiChoice  Group)  relates  to  shares  received  by  share-
incentive trusts and other Naspers group companies that held Naspers Limited N-ordinary shares (as treasury shares) 
at the time of distribution  of the group's interest in the  MultiChoice Group to its shareholders in 2019. In 2019 the 
company classified the MultiChoice Group shares with a fair value of R16.0m as held for sale (refer to note 8), as these 
shares were disposed of on 21 July 2019. The remaining MultiChoice Group shares, with a fair value of R4.5m (2019: 
R11.0m)  are  held  by  the  Naspers  Share  Incentive  Trust  and  will  be  utilised  when  relevant  awards  are  settled  with 
participants on exercise. To this extent, a cash-settled share-based payment liability of R4.5m (2019: R11.0m) has been 
raised (refer to note 12).

6.

OTHER RECEIVABLES

Prepaid expenses
Other

31 March
2020
R'm

2019
R'm

6
2

8

5
-

5

171 NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

Notes to the company annual financial statements (continued)

for the year ended 31 March 2020

7.

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS AND BALANCES

For details on related party loans, interest and dividends received refer to notes 3 and 13.

Related party receivables
MIH Treasury Services Proprietary Limited
Prosus N.V. (formerly Myriad International Holdings N.V.)
Prosus Services B.V.
MIH Services FZ LLC Share Trust

Related party payables
MIH Holdings Proprietary Limited
Prosus N.V. (formerly Myriad International Holdings N.V.)
Prosus Services B.V.
Media24 Proprietary Limited

31 March
2020
R'm

2019
R'm

2 221
2
10
1 909

4 142

(13)
-
(11)
(1)

(25)

3 422
2
-
-

3 424

(16)
(6)
-
(1)

(23)

Related party receivables are due within 30 days from statement date and are interest free. These financial assets are 
considered, by nature, to be trade receivables and accordingly are subject to the simplified impairment methodology 
in  IFRS  9.  As  the  amounts  owing  are  due  by  group  companies,  the  impairment  assessment  takes  into  account  the 
default  of  the  Naspers  group  on  external  debt  as  well  as  the  existence  of  collateral,  letters  of  support  by  group 
companies and re-adjusted budgets and forecasts of group companies as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic’s impact 
on operations. Budget forecasts consider the businesses remaining operational amidst lock-down restrictions. As at 31 
March 2020, impairment allowances on related party receivables were not significant.

Directors’ emoluments
Executive directors
Paid by other companies in the group
Non-executive directors
Fees for services as directors
Fees for services as directors of subsidiary companies

2020
R'000

2019
R'000

81 351

64 090

44 480
34 233

62 988
7 022

160 064

134 100

Based  on  the  principal    activities  of  the  company  as  holding  company,  the  transactions  disclosed  in  the  notes  are 
related  party  transactions.  The  financial  statement  impact  and  nature  of  the  transactions  are  disclosed  in  the 
respective  notes.  Refer  to  note  18  of  the  consolidated  annual  financial  statements  for  disclosure  on  executive  and 
non-executive directors’ remuneration.

172 NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

Notes to the company annual financial statements (continued)

for the year ended 31 March 2020

8.

ASSETS CLASSIFIED AS HELD FOR SALE
At  31  March  2019  the  company  classified  MultiChoice  Group  shares  with  a  fair  value  of  R16.0m  as  held  for  sale  as 
these shares were to be disposed of within 12 months after the end of the reporting period. These MultiChoice Group 
shares were disposed of on 21 July 2019.

Assets classified as held for sale
Investments at fair value through other comprehensive income

9.

SHARE CAPITAL AND PREMIUM

Authorised
1 250 000 A ordinary shares of R20 each
500 000 000 N ordinary shares of 2 cents each

Issued
961 193 A ordinary shares of R20 each (2019: 907 128)
435 511 058 N ordinary shares of 2 cents each (2019: 438 656 059)

Share capital

Share premium

Share capital and premium
Cumulative effect of treasury shares used in equity compensation plans(1)

31 March
2020
R'm

2019
R'm

-

-

16

16

31 March
2020
R'm

2019
R'm

25
10
-
35

19
9
-
28

25
10
-
35

18
9
-
27

44 130

44 158

256

66 537

66 564

122

44 414

66 686

(1)  Refers  to  the  cumulative  net  effect  on  share  premium  of  treasury  shares  held  at  cost  and  gains  and  losses  arising  on  vesting  of  equity 
compensation awards.

Share repurchase programme
In January 2020 the company sold 22 million N ordinary shares in Prosus N.V. (a 1.35% effective interest in the Prosus 
N.V. investment) to institutional investors. The net proceeds from the sale of the Prosus N.V. shares were used over 
time to return capital to Naspers shareholders in the form of a share repurchase programme. The share repurchase 
programme  was  completed  in  March  2020.  As  at  31  March  2020,  Naspers  has  repurchased  9  156  705  N  ordinary 
shares.  These  shares  were  cancelled  on  the  repurchase  date.  The  repurchase  programme  resulted  in  a  decrease  in 
share capital and premium of R22.4bn.

Voting and dividend rights
The  A  ordinary  shareholders  are  entitled  to  1  000  votes  per  share.  In  terms  of  the  Naspers  memorandum  of 
incorporation, both N and A ordinary shareholders are entitled to nominal dividends, however, the dividends declared 
to  A  ordinary  shareholders  are  equal  to  one-fifth  of  the  dividends  to  which  N  ordinary  shareholders  are  entitled.  In 
respect of all other rights, the A ordinary shares rank pari passu with the N ordinary shares of the company. 

Refer  to  note  19  of  the  consolidated  annual  financial  statements  for  further  details  on  voting  and  dividend  rights, 
treasury shares and unissued share capital.

Capital management, unissued shares and valuation reserve
Refer to notes 19 and 20 of the consolidated annual financial statements for the group’s capital management policy 
and more details regarding the nature of the valuation reserve. 

173 NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

Notes to the company annual financial statements (continued)

for the year ended 31 March 2020

9.

SHARE CAPITAL AND PREMIUM (continued)

Movement in ordinary shares in issue during the year
Ordinary shares in issue at 1 April
N ordinary shares issued(1)
A ordinary shares issued(1)
Shares acquired as part of the share repurchase programme

Shares in issue at 31 March

Movement in N ordinary shares held as treasury shares during the year
Shares held as treasury shares at 1 April
Shares purchased by the Naspers equity compensation plan(2)
Additional shares received pursuant to the Prosus N.V. listing(1)
Shares transferred to other group equity compensation plans
Shares acquired by participants from the Naspers equity compensation plan

Shares held as treasury shares at 31 March

2020
Number of
shares

2019
Number of
shares

439 563 187
6 011 704
54 065
(9 156 705)

439 563 187
-
-
-

436 472 251

439 563 187

225 523
-
55 431
(23 256)
(89 416)

218 864
22 792
-
-
(16 133)

168 282

225 523

(1) Shares issued to shareholders holding Naspers N ordinary shares at the time of the Prosus N.V. listing who elected to receive additional Naspers 
ordinary shares. The Naspers N share capitalisation issue was accompanied by a pro rata capitalisation issue of 54 065 Naspers A ordinary shares to 
Naspers A shareholders.

(2)  Includes  shares  purchased  on  the  open  market  by  share  incentive  trusts.  In  line  with  the  company's  commitment  to  avoid  shareholder  dilution, 
shares required to settle equity-compensation benefits are purchased on the open market. 

Share premium
Balance at 1 April
Shares acquired as part of the share repurchase programme

Balance at 31 March

31 March
2020
R'm

2019
R'm

66 537
(22 407)

44 130

66 537
-

66 537

10.

POST-EMPLOYMENT MEDICAL LIABILITY
The company operates a post-employment medical benefit scheme. The obligation of the company to pay medical aid 
contributions  after  retirement  is  no  longer  part  of  the  conditions  of  employment  for  new  employees.  A  number  of 
pensioners, however, remain entitled to this benefit. The company provides for post-employment medical aid benefits 
on the accrual basis determined each year by an independent actuary.

Balance at 1 April
Provisions charged to statement of comprehensive income

Balance at 31 March

31 March
2020
R'm

2019
R'm

3
-

3

4
(1)

3

Refer  to  note  22  of  the  consolidated  annual  financial  statement  for  additional  information,  including  the  actuarial 
assumptions.

174 NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

Notes to the company annual financial statements (continued)

for the year ended 31 March 2020

11.

AMOUNTS OWING IN RESPECT OF INVESTMENTS ACQUIRED
On  24  March  2004  the  last  conditions  precedent  relating  to  schemes  of  arrangement  under  section  311  of  the  old 
South African Companies Act, 1973, were satisfied, in terms of which Naspers Limited acquired an additional 19,62% 
financial interest in Electronic Media Network Proprietary Limited and SuperSport International Holdings Proprietary 
Limited respectively (which was sold to MultiChoice Africa Proprietary Limited during 2005). An amount of R815.6m 
was due to the non-controlling shareholders on 31 March 2004. Some of these non-controlling shareholders have not 
surrendered  their  share  certificates  and  claimed  payment  for  their  shares,  therefore  an  amount  of  R9.0m  was  still 
outstanding as at 31 March 2020 (2019: R9.5m).

12. ACCRUED EXPENSES AND OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES

Accrued expenses(1)
Bonus accrual
Cash-settled share-based payment liability
Other current liabilities

31 March
2020
R'm

1 511
2
6
-

1 519

2019
R'm

336
5
13
7

361

(1) In March 2020 the company committed R1.5bn (2019: nil) in emergency aid to the South African government's response to the Covid-19 pandemic 
in the country.
13. REVENUE

Dividends received
Media24 Holdings Proprietary Limited
MIH Holdings Proprietary Limited(1)

Interest received
Naspers Properties Proprietary Limited

31 March
2020
R'm

2019
R'm

36
1 260 296

36
53 249

14
-
1 260 346

15
-
53 300

The revenue disclosed above are related-party transactions with the respective group entities.
(1)  Relates  to  the  dividend  income  recognised  by  the  company  on  receipt  of  the  distribution  of  the  Prosus  N.V.  investment  to  the  company  by  its 
subsidiary MIH Holdings Proprietary Limited, refer to note 2 for details, (2019: relates to the dividend income recognised by the company on receipt 
of the distribution of the MultiChoice Group to the company by its subsidiary MIH Holdings Proprietary Limited prior to the company distributing its 
investment in the MultiChoice Group to its shareholders).

175 NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

Notes to the company annual financial statements (continued)

for the year ended 31 March 2020

14. EXPENSES BY NATURE

Selling, general and administrative expenses include the following items:

Staff costs
The total cost of employment of all employees, was as follows:

Salaries,  wages  and  bonuses,  retirement  benefit  costs,  medical  aid  fund  contributions,  post-
employment benefits, UIF, SDL and training costs

Share-based compensation expenses

Total staff costs

Fees paid to non-employees for administration, management and technical services

Auditor’s remuneration
Audit fees

Other purchases and expenses

15. OTHER LOSSES - NET

Covid-19 donation(1)

Impairment of Media24 Holdings (Pty) Ltd investment(2)

31 March
2020
R'm

2019
R'm

25

(2)

23

25

1

205

254

35

8

43

33

1

203

280

31 March
2020
R'm

2019
R'm

(1 500)

( 534)

-

-

Total other losses - net
-
-
(1) In March 2020 the company committed R1.5bn (2019: nil) in emergency aid to the South African government's response to the COVID-19 pandemic 
in the country.

(2 034)
-

(2) Refer to note 2 for further details on the impairment 

176 NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

Notes to the company annual financial statements (continued)

for the year ended 31 March 2020

16. FINANCE (INCOME)/COSTS

Interest expense
Loans and overdrafts

Interest income
Loans and bank accounts
Other

Net gain from foreign exchange translation of derivative financial instruments
On translation of assets and liabilities

Other finance (income)/costs - net

Finance (income)/costs - net

17.

LOSS ON ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSALS

Loss on sale of investments(1)
Transaction-related costs(2)

31 March
2020
R'm

2019
R'm

-

-

(445)
(2)

(447)

(137)

(137)

63

63

(116)
(1)

(117)

(2)

(2)

(584)

(56)

31 March
2020
R'm

(199)
(417)

(616)

2019
R'm

-
(355)

(355)

(1) The loss on sale resulted from the sale of Prosus N.V. shares to institutional investors. Refer to note 2 for further details.

(2) The transaction-related costs resulted primarily for the sale of Prosus N.V. shares (2019: transaction-related costs primarily for the MultiChoice 
Group Limited unbundling transaction). 

177 NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

Notes to the company annual financial statements (continued)

for the year ended 31 March 2020

18. TAXATION

Normal taxation
current year

Securities transfer and dividend withholding tax(1)

Taxation per statement of comprehensive income

Reconciliation of taxation
Taxation at statutory rate of 28% (2019: 28%)
Adjusted for:

non-deductible expenses(2)
unprovided timing differences
non-taxable income(2)
prior year adjustments
securities transfer tax
other taxes

Taxation per statement of comprehensive income

31 March
2020
R'm

2019
R'm

203
203

1 261

1 464

(2)
(2)

-

(2)

352 247

14 762

731

156

-
(352 892)

3
(14 921)

-
1 258
120

1 464

(2)
-
-

(2)

(1) Securities transfer tax and dividend withholding tax paid in South Africa in respect of the Prosus N.V. listing transaction.
(2) Non-deductible expenses relate primarily to donations made and expenses incurred that are not in the production of taxable income. Non-taxable 
income relates to dividend income.

19. CASH UTILISED IN OPERATIONS

Profit before tax per statement of comprehensive income
Adjustments:
Non-cash and other

Finance (income)/costs - net
Dividends received
Share-based compensation expenses
Impairment of investment
Loss on sale of investment
Covid-19 donation accrual

Working capital

Cash movement in accrued expenses and payables

Cash utilised in operations

20.

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

Cash at bank and on hand

178 NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

31 March
2020
R'm

2019
R'm

1 258 026

52 721

(1 258 699)
(598)
(1 260 332)
(2)
534
199
1 500
(344)
(344)

(53 348)
(71)
(53 285)
8
-
-
-
337
337

(1 017)

(290)

31 March
2020
R'm

97

97

2019
R'm

338

338

Notes to the company annual financial statements (continued)

for the year ended 31 March 2020

21.

FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT
Foreign exchange risk
Refer to note 42 of the consolidated annual financial statements for the group’s foreign exchange risks policy.

In the current year the company entered into foreign exchange contracts at a notional value of R 22 452 047 776 that 
were  designated  as  cash  flow  hedge  instruments  for  foreign  currency  cash  and  cash  equivalents.  Only  the  spot 
elements were designated as a hedge and the remaining portion was recognised in finance income. The purpose of 
this  hedge  was  to  manage  the  foreign  currency  risk  associated  with  holding  foreign  currency  cash  and  cash 
equivalents.  The  hedge  ratio  was  1:1.  Cumulative  losses  of  R1  771m  (2019:nil)  have  been  recognised  in  other 
comprehensive  income  relating  to  this  cash  flow  hedge  since  the  inception  of  the  hedging  relationship  and  were 
reclassified  to  the  income  statement  as  the  underlying  cash  and  cash  equivalent  balances  were  revalued  was 
recognised in the income statement. Gains of R1 971m (2019: nil) were recognised on the hedged items attributable to 
the hedged risks. Net gains of R101m (2019: nil) were recognised as part of “Other finance (income)/costs – net” in the 
income statement. This is the forward element of the forward exchange contract not designated as part of the hedging 
relationship. Ineffectiveness is negligible as all critical terms on the hedging instrument and hedged item match.

Movements in the hedging reserve for the year are detailed below:

Opening balance
Net fair value (losses)/gains
Derecognised and reported in finance (costs)/income

Closing balance

31 March
2020
R'm

2019
R'm

-
(1 771)
1 771

-

-
-
-
-
-

Foreign currency sensitivity analysis
The company’s functional currency is the South African rand, but as it operates internationally, it is exposed to the US 
dollar and the euro.

The  sensitivity  analysis  below  details  the  company’s  sensitivity  to  a  10%  decrease  (2019:  10%  decrease)  in  the  rand 
against the US dollar and the euro. These percentage decreases represent management’s assessment of the possible 
changes in the foreign exchange rates at the respective year-ends. The sensitivity analysis includes only outstanding 
foreign  currency  denominated  monetary  items  and  adjusts  their  translation  at  the  period-end  for  the  above 
percentage change in foreign currency rates.

A 10% decrease (2019: 10% decrease) of the rand against the US dollar and the euro would result in an increase in net 
profit after tax of R2.5m (2019: R2.2m increase in net profit after tax).

Credit risk
Refer  to  note  42  of  the  consolidated  annual  financial  statements  for  the  group’s  credit  risks  and  credit  risk 
management policy regarding related party receivables and cash and cash equivalents (which are the same as those of 
the company) and to note 3 for the company’s credit risk management policy regarding loans to subsidiaries.

Guarantees
The  company  has  guaranteed  various  revolving  credit  facilities  of  R44.6bn  (2019:  R36.7bn)  and  offshore  bonds  of 
R39.3bn  (2019: R46.4bn)  in  Prosus  N.V.  of  which  the  undrawn  balance  is  available  to  fund  future  investments.  The 
guarantees have also been disclosed as part of the company’s liquidity risk below. The maximum potential exposure to 
credit  risk  under  financial  guarantee  contracts  amounts  to  R83.9bn  (2019:  R83.1bn).  Refer  to  note  19  for  details 
regarding the group’s capital management policies. On 2 April 2020 the company was released as guarantor from the 
various revolving credit facilities of R44.6bn.

179 NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

Notes to the company annual financial statements (continued)

for the year ended 31 March 2020

21.

FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT (continued)
Liquidity risk
Refer  to  note  42  of  the  consolidated  annual  financial  statements  for  the  group’s  liquidity  risks.  In  terms  of  the 
memorandum of incorporation of the company, no limitation is placed on its borrowing capacity.

The following analysis details the remaining contractual maturity of the company’s non-derivative financial liabilities. 
The  analysis  is  based  on  the  undiscounted  cash  flows  of  financial  liabilities  based  on  the  earliest  date  at  which  the 
company can be required to settle the liabilities. The analysis includes both interest and principal cash flows.

31 March 2020
Non-derivative financial liabilities
Amount owing in respect of investments acquired
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
Related party payables
Dividends payable
Financial guarantees

31 March 2019
Non-derivative financial liabilities
Amount owing in respect of investments acquired
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
Related party payables
Dividends payable
Financial guarantees

Carrying Contractual
cash flows
R'm

value
R'm

0 - 12
months
R'm

(9)
(17)
(25)
(23)
-

(9)
(355)
(23)
(19)
-

(9)
(17)
(25)
(23)
(83 919)

(9)
(355)
(23)
(19)
(83 074)

(9)
(17)
(25)
(23)
(83 919)

(9)
(355)
(23)
(19)
(83 074)

Interest rate risk
Refer to note 42 of the consolidated annual financial statements for the group’s interest rate risks policy.

Interest rate sensitivity analysis
The  sensitivity  analysis  below  has  been  determined  based  on  the  exposure  to  interest  rates  for  both  derivative  and 
non-derivative instruments at the reporting date and the stipulated change taking place at the beginning of the next 
financial year and held constant throughout the reporting period in the case of instruments that have floating rates. 
The company is mainly exposed to interest rate fluctuations of the South African, American and European repo rates 
through  cash  balances  held  in  bank  accounts.  The  following  changes  in  the  repo  rates  represent  management’s 
assessment of the possible change in interest rates at the respective year-ends:

South African repo rate increases by 100 basis points (2019: increases by 100 basis points)

American,  European  and  London  Interbank  rates:  increases  by  100  basis  points  each  (2019:  increases  by  100  basis 
points each).

Interest sensitivity analysis
If interest rates change as stipulated above and all other variables were held constant, specifically foreign exchange 
rates, the company’s profit after tax for the year ended 31 March 2020 would increase by R17.6m (2019: increase by 
R28.3m).

180 NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

Notes to the company annual financial statements (continued)

for the year ended 31 March 2020

22.

FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
The carrying values, net gains or losses recognised in profit and loss, total interest income, total interest expense and 
impairment per class of financial instrument are as follows:

31 March 2020
Net
gains/(losses)

recog-
nised
in profit
or loss
R'm

Total

interest/
finance
income/
(cost)
R'm

-
-
-
-
168

168

-
(31)
-
-

(31)

14
-
-
300
145

459

-
-
-
-

-

Carrying
value
R'm

1 074
5
2
4 142
97

5 320

9
17
25
23

74

Assets
Loans to subsidiaries
Investment at fair value through other comprehensive income(1)
Other receivables
Related party receivables
Cash and cash equivalents(2)

Total

Liabilities
Amounts owing in respect of investments acquired
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
Related party payables
Dividends payable

Total

(1) Represents  a  level  1  fair-value  measurement.  Level  1  fair-value  measurements  are  those  derived  from  quoted  prices  (unadjusted)  in  active 

markets for identical assets or liabilities.

(2)

The net foreign exchange gain of R168.0m is attributable to the Euro proceeds from the sale of the Prosus N.V. investment (refer to note 2) and 
foreign currency revaluations on interest earned over the period of the repurchase programme (refer to note 3).

The  carrying  values  of  all  financial  instruments disclosed  above are considered  to  be a  reasonable  approximation of 
their fair values.

181 NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

Notes to the company annual financial statements (continued)

for the year ended 31 March 2020

22.

FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (continued)
The carrying values, net gains or losses recognised in profit and loss, total interest income, total interest expense and 
impairment per class of financial instrument are as follows:

31 March 2019
Net
gains/(losses)

recog-
nised
in profit
or loss
R'm

Total

interest/
finance
income/
(cost)
R'm

-
-
-
5

5

-
(3)
-
-

(3)

15
-
114
2

131

-
-
(63)
-

(63)

Carrying
value
R'm

58 144
11
3 424
338

61 917

9
355
23
19

406

Assets
Loans to subsidiaries
Investment at fair value through other comprehensive income(1)
Related party receivables
Cash and cash equivalents

Total

Liabilities
Amounts owing in respect of investments acquired
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
Related party payables
Dividends payable

Total

(1)

Represents  a  level  1  fair-value  measurement.  Level  1  fair-value  measurements  are  those  derived  from  quoted  prices  (unadjusted)  in  active 
markets for identical assets or liabilities.

The  carrying  values  of  all  financial  instruments disclosed  above are considered  to  be a  reasonable  approximation of 
their fair values.

Refer to note 43 of the consolidated annual financial statements for details regarding the calculation of the fair values 
of financial instruments.

23.

EQUITY COMPENSATION BENEFITS
Refer  to  note  44  of  the  consolidated  annual  financial  statements  for  details  regarding  the  Naspers  Limited  share 
incentive plan.

24.

SUBSEQUENT EVENT
On 2 April 2020 the company was released as guarantor from the various revolving credit facilities of R44.6bn. There 
have been no other events between 31 March 2020 and the date of this report requiring adjustment or disclosure.

182 NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

Administration and corporate information 

GROUP SECRETARY
G Kisbey-Green
WeWork the Link
173 Oxford Road,
Rosebank,2196
South Africa

REGISTERED OFFICE
40 Heerengracht 
Cape Town 8001 
South Africa 
PO Box 2271 
Cape Town 8000 
South Africa 
Tel: +27 (0)21 406 2121 
Fax: +27 (0)21 406 3753

REGISTRATION NUMBER
1925/001431/06 
Incorporated in South Africa

AUDITOR
PricewaterhouseCoopers Inc

TRANSFER SECRETARIES
Link Market Services South Africa Proprietary Limited
(Registration number: 2000/007239/07) 
PO Box 4844, Johannesburg 2000 
South Africa 
Tel: +27 (0)11 630 0800 
Fax: +27 (0)11 834 4398

ADR PROGRAMME
Bank of New York Mellon maintains a Global BuyDIRECTSM plan 
for Naspers Limited
For additional information, please visit 
Bank of New York Mellon’s website at 
www.globalbuydirect.com
or call Shareholder Relations at 
1-888-BNY-ADRS 
or 1-800-345-1612 or write to: 
Bank of New York Mellon 
Shareholder Relations Department – 
Global BuyDIRECTSM
Church Street Station 
PO Box 11258, New York, NY 10286-1258, USA

SPONSOR
Investec Bank Limited 
(Registration number: 1969/004763/06) 
PO Box 785700, Sandton 2146 
South Africa 
Tel: +27 (0)11 286 7326 
Fax: +27 (0)11 286 9986

ATTORNEYS
Werksmans
PO Box 1474, Cape Town 8000
South Africa

Webber Wentzel (in alliance with Linklaters) 
PO Box 61771
Marshalltown
Johannesburg 2107
South Africa

INVESTOR RELATIONS
Eoin Ryan 
investorrelations@naspers.com 
Tel: +1 347 210 4305 

183 NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

 
Analysis of shareholders and shareholder’s diary 
for the year ended 31 March 2020

ANALYSIS OF SHAREHOLDERS

Size of holdings
1 – 100 shares
101 – 1 000 shares
1 001 – 5 000 shares
5 001 – 10 000 shares
More than 10 000 shares

Number of
shareholders
56 626
22 244
3 270
666
1 629

Number of
shares owned
1 885 032
6 724 889
7 103 898
4 837 379
414 959 860

The following shareholders hold 5% and more of the N ordinary issued share capital of the company:

Name
Public Investment Corporation of South Africa

Number of N 
ordinary
shares owned
60 257 921

% held
13.84%

PUBLIC SHAREHOLDER SPREAD
To  the  best  knowledge  of  the  directors,  the  spread  of  public  shareholders  in  terms  of  paragraph  4.25  of  the  JSE  Limited 
Listings Requirements at 31 March 2020 was 96.68%, represented by 84 423 shareholders holding 421 058 516 N ordinary 
shares in the company. The non-public shareholders of the company, comprising 12 shareholders representing 14 452 542 N 
ordinary shares, are analysed as follows:

Category
Naspers share-based incentive schemes
Directors
Group companies

SHAREHOLDERS’ DIARY
Annual general meeting
Reports

Interim for half-year to September

Announcement of annual results

Annual financial statements

Dividend

Declaration

Payment

Financial year-end

Number of
N ordinary 
shares

2 831 289
6 919 447
4 701 806

% of N 
ordinary 
issued share 
capital
0.65%
1.59%
1.08%

August

November

 June

June

August

September

March

184 NASPERS LIMITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2020

www.naspers.com

NASPERS HEAD OFFICE
+27 (0)21 406 2121

Street address
40 Heerengracht
Cape Town
8001
South Africa