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freenet AG

Quarterly Report Aug 17, 2021

164_10-q_2021-08-17_69586af7-4df7-4474-8678-c88aeca80875.pdf

Quarterly Report

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HALF-YEAR REPORT AS OF 30 JUNE 2021

CONTENTS

OVERVIEW OF KEY FINANCIALS 01
TO OUR SHAREHOLDERS 04
INTERIM GROUP MANAGEMENT
REPORT
12
CONDENSED INTERIM
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS
27
FURTHER INFORMATION 45

OVERVIEW OF KEY FINANCIALS¹ GROUP

OPERATIONS

1st half 1st half
2021 2020 Q2/2020
In EUR millions/as indicated restated2 Q2/2021 Q1/2021 restated2
Revenue 1,239.0 1,271.0 619.9 619.2 622.1
Gross profit 424.3 425.7 210.3 214.0 212.5
EBITDA 222.3 213.9 113.5 108.8 109.7
EBIT 109.0 135.4 40.0 69.0 70.5
EBT 92.8 112.1 32.6 60.1 59.8
Consolidated profit 82.5 109.3 32.8 49.8 58.1
Thereof from discontinued operations 11.0 5.5
Earnings per share in EUR3 0.74 0.88 0.34 0.40 0.47
Thereof from discontinued operations 0.09 0.05

BALANCE SHEET

In EUR millions/as indicated 30.6.2021 30.6.2020 30.6.2021 31.3.2021 30.6.2020
Total equity and liabilities 3,942.7 4,721.2 3,942.7 4,242.8 4,721.2
Equity 1,628.3 1,350.7 1,628.3 1,833.1 1,350.7
Equity ratio in % 41.3 28.6 41.3 43.2 28.6

FINANCES AND INVESTMENTS

1st half 1st half
In EUR millions 2021 2020 Q2/2021 Q1/2021 Q2/2020
Free cash flow (without Sunrise contribution) 4 112.2 100.3 52.7 59.5 47.4
Depreciation, amortisation and impairment 113.3 78.5 73.5 39.8 39.2
Net investments (CAPEX) 19.4 17.3 10.8 8.6 9.5
Net debt 841.9 1,891.5 841.9 691.9 1,891.5
Leverage 1.9 4.4 1.9 1.6 4.4

SHARE

As indicated 30.6.2021 30.6.2020 30.6.2021 31.3.2021 30.6.2020
Closing price Xetra in EUR 19.92 14.32 19.92 20.41 14.32
Number of issued shares in '000s 128,061 128,061 128,061 128,061 128,061
Market capitalisation in EUR millions 2,551.0 1,833.8 2,551.0 2,613.7 1,833.8

EMPLOYEES

30.6.2021 30.6.2020 30.6.2021 31.3.2021 30.6.2020
Employees 3,812 4,014 3,812 3,909 4,014

MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS SEGMENT

CUSTOMER FIGURES 5

1st half 1st half
In millions 2021 2020 Q2/2021 Q1/2021 Q2/2020
Postpaid 7.113 6.939 7.113 7.099 6.939
Net change 0.035 0.037 0.014 0.021 0.014
freenet FUNK and freenet Flex 0.078 0.042 0.078 0.068 0.042
Net change 0.021 0.008 0.010 0.011 0.007

OPERATIONS

In EUR millions 1st half
2021
1st half
2020
Q2/2021 Q1/2021 Q2/2020
Revenue 1,099.9 1,136.8 551.1 548.7 554.2
Gross profit 325.7 326.1 161.8 163.9 160.8
EBITDA 183.3 182.6 91.5 91.7 91.0

ARPU

In EUR 1st half
2021
1st half
2020
Q2/2021 Q1/2021 Q2/2020
Postpaid 17.9 18.3 18.0 17.8 18.1

TV AND MEDIA SEGMENT

CUSTOMER FIGURES5

1st half 1st half
In '000s 2021 2020 Q2/2021 Q1/2021 Q2/2020
freenet TV subscribers (RGU) 845.0 1,005.0 845.0 868.3 1,005.0
Net change -56.8 -16.1 -23.2 -33.6 -11.9
waipu.tv subscribers 644.6 504.1 644.6 611.7 504.1
Net change 72.1 95.8 32.9 39.2 51.7

OPERATIONS

In EUR millions 1st half
2021
1st half
2020
Q2/2021 Q1/2021 Q2/2020
Revenue 138.8 125.9 69.3 69.5 65.2
Gross profit 89.8 81.1 44.0 45.8 43.1
EBITDA 47.0 36.5 25.0 22.0 20.9

1 Unless indicated otherwise, key financials are defined in the "Corporate management" section of the 2020 Annual Report.

2 Retrospective restatement of comparatives for the first half of 2020 and second quarter of 2020 due to discontinued Sunrise operations in accordance with IFRS 5.

3 Basic and diluted.

4 H1/20 free cash flow adjusted for dividend from Sunrise (Q2/20: 46.0 million euros) and corresponding interest payments

on the syndicated bank loan (H1/20: approx. 5.6 million euros).

5 At the end of the period.

T O O U R SHARE-HOLDERS

TO OUR SHAREHOLDERS

  • 06 | Report of the Executive Board
  • 08 | The freenet share

Ingo Arnold (CFO)

Stephan Esch (CTO)

Christoph Vilanek (CEO)

THE EXECUTIVE BOARD OF FREENET AG

Rickmann v. Platen (CCO)

REPORT OF THE EXECUTIVE BOARD

Dear shareholders, business partners, customers and friends of the freenet Group,

In our most recent Annual Report, we highlighted how our solid, resilient business model has enabled us to record consistently positive results despite COVID-19 restrictions. Other key success factors that once again proved their worth and continue to do so during the ongoing crisis include:

  • the largely subscription-based revenue and margins in our business areas of Mobile Communications, Digital Lifestyle and TV and Media;
  • our indispensable services and devices relating to the Internet, TV and radio consumption and mobile digital interaction;
  • our comprehensive, flexible and intelligently interconnected sales structures, and, last but not least,
  • our flat hierarchies with digitalised processes, and communication and decision-making channels.

Our interim results after the first half of the current year look very similar to those of 31 December 2020. As in the previous year, we remain resolutely on course, even though COVID-19 will likely remain a key issue for society in the longer term:

  • Revenue totalled 619.9 million euros in the second quarter of this year compared to 622.1 million euros in Q2/2020. Overall, the Group generated revenue of 1,239.0 million euros in the first six months of the year – a decline of 2.5 per cent compared to the prior-year period. This reduction was primarily due to a decline in low-margin hardware revenue in the Mobile Communications segment.
  • At 113.5 million euros, EBITDA improved considerably in Q2/2021 (109.7 million euros in Q2/2020). EBITDA for the first half of the year came to 222.3 million euros – an increase of 8.4 million euros or 3.9 per cent compared to 2020.

  • Free cash flow amounted to 52.7 million euros in the second quarter and 112.2 million euros in the first half of 2021. This represents a year-on-year increase of around 11.9 per cent (excluding the positive amount from the Sunrise dividend in 2020).

  • Our subscriber base (including freenet FUNK & Flex) also continued on its positive trajectory, growing by 33,200 customers in the second quarter to 8.681 million at the end of June – an increase of 71,100 since the beginning of the year and 190,400 year-on-year.

As a result, the first half of the financial year has been completed more than successfully and the prospects for the second half of the year have prompted us as the Executive Board to increase the guidance for EBITDA and free cash flow. EBITDA is now expected to be in a range between 430 and 445 million euros (previously: 415 to 435 million euros). In line with this, free cash flow is forecast to be between 215 and 230 million euros (previously: 200 to 220 million euros). For all other financial and non-financial performance indicators, the forecast for the full year remains unchanged.

The much-hoped-for improvement in external conditions in the second half of the year will additionally help us to reliably generate our new target figures as well. The majority of freenet's own shops and stores, as well as other important points of sale such as MediaMarkt and Saturn, were closed throughout the first quarter and for several weeks in the second quarter. Although we were able to acquire half of our new customers in the Mobile Communications business via our non-retail-based channels, and three-quarters of retained customers were retained by our own efforts via what are known as our "captive channels" during this time, store closures – and the closure of GRAVIS stores in particular – somewhat restricted the positive performance overall, namely sales of smartphones, iPads, notebooks and related accessories. The ongoing vaccination program and progress towards herd immunity also make us optimistic about the second half of the year and give us cause to hope that we will be spared from further store closures.

Regardless of this, we are working to continually optimise the scope and quality of our products and services. We are making increased use of artificial intelligence, machine learning, chat bots, self-help and digital interaction in order to understand and serve our customers' needs as effectively as possible. Weekly business magazine WirtschaftsWoche recently reaffirmed our success among our customers and our pioneering position in the sector. In its survey of 100,000 consumers, the magazine identified Germany's best companies for customer service from a field of 650 firms – with freenet named in the telecommunication sector's top three as it earned a (shared) second place.

Given our consistent customer focus, we are both relaxed and self-confident about a recent legislative initiative, the Telecommunications Modernisation Act, which is designed to implement the European Electronic Communications Code (EECC) that came into force at the end of 2018. The aim of the Telecommunications Modernisation Act is to promote a variety of products and services, customer communications and consumer rights. Although we cannot predict how the market and our competitors will actually react to these changes in the industry's legislative framework, we know that freenet customers already have the best possible choice, with complete flexibility in designing the terms and duration of their contracts as well as various options for contacting us. After all, lasting customer satisfaction is essential for us and our business. We also go to great lengths to ensure that we can support our partner store operators and specialist retailers in their customer contact and service efforts as effectively as possible. Our hard work in this area is also earning well-deserved plaudits, with readers of the Telecom Handel trade journal voting mobilcomdebitel Germany's best mobile network operator at the end of June. It is highly gratifying to achieve this top ranking for a multichannel strategy that is particularly relevant for customers, validating our approach of making our distribution and customer contact options as flexible as possible – and not just during the coronavirus pandemic.

The TV and Media segment also delivered good news on several occasions. As the operator of waipu.tv, EXARING AG added additional attractive channels and broadcasters in the first half of the year. Media Broadcast at the start of the year signed a long-term service contract with public broadcaster NDR for their analogue radio, DAB-Plus and DVB-T2 transmission systems, followed by a similar agreement with WDR in February. In April, an agreement was signed with Germany's largest broadcaster to transmit matches in the first and second Bundesliga divisions from 36 stadiums using fibre optic and satellite technology. In June, Media Broadcast successfully carried out the world's first live TV broadcast via a 5G campus network at the German national football team's Euro 2020 base in Herzogenaurach. The broadcast relied on the portable 5G Blue Box, which is specially designed for such applications and can be installed anywhere in the country within a very short space of time. During the second quarter, the freenet subsidiary also completed its expansion of the second nationwide DAB+ multiplex.

We therefore believe that we have laid the foundations for a successful second half of the year and a generally positive 2021 despite the coronavirus pandemic. While we cannot predict how external factors will actually develop, we know that we, the management and all employees of the freenet Group, are very much looking forward to working more "normally" again soon: exchanging views openly and constructively in person, interacting harmoniously at our various sites, or being able to advise and support our customers face-to-face in shops and electronics stores – for the benefit of our customers, our employees, our business partners and our shareholders.

Christoph Vilanek Ingo Arnold Stephan Esch

Antonius Fromme Rickmann v. Platen

THE FREENET SHARE

  • German equity indices defy coronavirus pandemic in the first half of 2021
  • freenet shares record a gain of 25 per cent
  • The company distributes a dividend of 1.65 euros per share

GENERAL CAPITAL MARKET ENVIRONMENT

The coronavirus pandemic and all of its associated restrictions continued to dominate the headlines in the first half of 2021. Reactions to the third wave of infections at the start of the year were the main talking points on the markets, while the vaccination program's sluggish start and increasing supply bottlenecks in the technology sector in particular provided further sources of irritation. Inflation fears and speculation about lasting supply chain disruption also simmered, and there were increasing signs that central bank monetary policy would shift towards a turnaround in interest rates.

By contrast, the quarterly results of numerous companies were surprisingly positive, prompting many of them to maintain their financial outlook for the full year. Equity indices performed well in light of these results to end the first half of the year in more forgiving territory. Both the MDAX and the TecDAX, where freenet AG is listed, ended the first half of 2021 up 11 per cent. As the trend barometer for European telecommunications stocks, the SXKP Index recorded an even more encouraging gain of 15 per cent in the first and second quarters, as did the leading German DAX index, which rose by 13 per cent. In this environment, German mobile communications stocks once again proved crisis-proof and resilient, with share price rises of up to 26 per cent compared to their 2020 closing prices.

Figure 1: Performance of the freenet share vs. indices

FREENET SHARE PERFORMANCE

The freenet share performed well, rising by 25 per cent in the first six months of the year to close at 19.92 euros on 30 June 2021. After making a modest start to the new year, the stock recovered from its previous annual low at 15.85 euros at the start of February and continued to gain momentum as the year went on. Shortly before the Annual General Meeting and the distribution of the dividend, the shares reached a half-year high of 21.05 euros on 15 June 2021. This encouraging performance during the period under review was due to a number of factors:

  • the Group's positive first-quarter results and the associated confirmation of its positive financial outlook for the 2021 financial year,
  • the announcement and approval by the Annual General Meeting to distribute a dividend of 1.50 euros per share for the 2020 financial year as well as a special dividend of 15 euros per share, and
  • the (second) 2021 share buyback program launched in February 2021 with a total volume of up to 135 million euros that is scheduled to run until 31 December 2021.

The freenet share's performance reflects the strategic decisions made by management and the Group's corresponding operating performance, particularly during the coronavirus pandemic, thus demonstrating the resilience of our business model perceived by the capital market.

Figure 2: Performance of the freenet share vs. peers

ANALYSTS' RECOMMENDATIONS

At present, a total of 17 independent banks and investment funds regularly publish commentaries, valuations and recommendations for the freenet share. Three analyst firms ceased coverage of the share during the current financial year, while two new analysts published their initial assessment of the company. The number of buy recommendations increased to eight compared to 31 December 2020, with six hold recommendations and three sell recommendations. The target prices per share range from 13.00 euros to 25.50 euros, with an average target price of 21.40 euros as of 30 June 2021.

Figure 3: Current recommendations for the freenet share (target prices in euro)

The latest analyst assessments and recommendations have been published at https://www.freenet-group.de/investor/ share/.

CHANGES IN THE FREENET GROUP SHAREHOLDER STRUCTURE

The following chart shows the voting rights last reported by shareholders in accordance with Sections 33 and 34 of the German Securities Trading Act (WpHG), based on freenet AG's current share capital.

Figure 4: Shareholder structure of freenet AG on 30 June 2021

1 Incl. attributions according to the German Securities Trading Act (Wertpapierhandelsgesetz – WpHG).

2 The free float (according to Deutsche Börse AG) amounts to 88.18 per cent.

At 4.74 per cent, US asset manager BlackRock Inc. from Wilmington, Delaware, was the largest shareholder in freenet AG as of 30 June 2021. On 14 June 2021, another American investor – Dimensional Holdings Inc. from Austin, Texas – announced that it had exceeded the 3-per-cent threshold. The proportion of treasury shares held by freenet AG was 4.07 per cent as of 30 June 2021. The company announced that it had exceeded the reporting threshold of 3 per cent on 8 March 2021. A total of 88.18 per cent of shares were held by institutional or retail investors whose equity interest in each case was less than three per cent of freenet AG's share capital (free float according to Deutsche Börse AG's definition). During the period under review, Flossbach von Storch AG announced that it had fallen below the 10, 5 and 3-per cent reporting thresholds, while the Flossbach von Storch SICAV fell below the 5 and 3-per-cent reporting thresholds.

All voting rights notifications pursuant to Section 21 WpHG have been published at www. https://www.freenet-group. de/investor/share.

One member of the Executive Board carried out managers' transactions in accordance with Art. 19 of the Market Abuse Regulation (MAR): Chief Financial Officer Ingo Arnold acquired a total of 2,500 shares worth around 45,000 euros on 25 February 2021.

2021 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

For the second year running, the Annual General Meeting of freenet AG for the 2020 financial year was held virtually on 18 June 2021 in accordance with Article 2 of the COVID-19 Relief Act. The Annual General Meeting was broadcast for freenet AG shareholders live over the Internet. Questions could be asked via the online service for shareholders and were answered by the Supervisory Board and Executive Board on the day of the Annual General Meeting.

Other interested parties could also follow the opening of the Annual General Meeting by the Meeting Chair and the speeches by the CEO and CFO as a live broadcast, while a recording of these was also made available for a limited time on the company website as an on-demand webcast afterwards.

Overall, 35.18 per cent of the registered share capital was represented at the virtual Annual General Meeting. The resolutions regarding ratification of the actions of the members of the company's Executive Board and Supervisory Board for financial year 2020 were adopted by a majority of shareholders. The vote to approve the Executive Board remuneration system did not achieve the majority required, with 65.58 per cent of the total share capital represented voting against the plan agreed by the Supervisory Board. An adjusted proposal is to be presented to the shareholders of freenet AG for approval by no later than the next Annual General Meeting in 2022. The shareholders approved all other agenda items by a large majority.

INTERIM G RO U P MANAGE-MENT REPORT

INTERIM GROUP M A N A G E M E N T R E P O R T

PRINCIPLES OF CORPORATE MANAGEMENT

The freenet Group uses a standardised and reliable management system to implement its strategic goals and measure its operating performance across the entire Group. Performance is measured using financial and non-financial performance indicators that provide a foundation for value-oriented corporate governance. The established financial management system also ensures financial stability. The practicality of the management system is regularly reviewed by management and adjusted where necessary.

The performance indicators used for corporate management purposes also regularly represent alternative performance measures (APMs). The main features of the management system are outlined below. Please refer to the "Corporate management" section of the 2020 Annual Report (see page 45 onwards) for a detailed presentation of the key figures used and the method for calculating them.

FINANCIAL AND NON-FINANCIAL KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

In order to measure and present the company's success and performance in a comprehensible way, the following performance indicators are used:

H1/2021 H1/2020 H1/2019
Financial performance indicators (in EUR millions or as indicated)
Revenue 1,239.0 1,271.0 1,389.0
EBITDA 222.3 213.9 215.5
Free cash flow 112.2 140.7 126.7
Postpaid ARPU (in EUR) 17.9 18.3 18.8
Non-financial performance indicators (in millions)
Postpaid customers 7.113 6.939 6.834
freenet TV subscribers (RGU) 0.845 1.005 1.037
waipu.tv subscribers 0.645 0.504 0.332
= Subscribers
(Total of customers stated without freenet FUNK & Flex)
8.603 8.449 8.203

Table 1: Financial and non-financial key performance indicators

The financial performance indicator free cash flow is not used for management purposes at segment level whereas postpaid ARPU is used for management purposes in the Mobile Communications segment only. The financial performance indicators EBITDA, free cash flow, postpaid ARPU, and

mation purposes, are also APMs.

adjusted EBITDA, which occasionally is calculated for infor-

With a business model consistently focused on customers and their needs, the performance of the freenet Group – including its financial performance indicators – is closely linked to the development of its subscriber figures. This is why the acquisition of customers and their sustained loyalty are essential for the company's success. The strategically relevant customer group in each case varies depending on the operating segment. The postpaid customer base serves as a performance indicator for the Mobile Communication segment, and the revenue-generating TV customer base, comprising freenet TV subscribers (RGU) and waipu.tv subscribers, serves as a performance indicator for the TV and Media segment.

The postpaid customer base, which comprises strategically important mobile communications customers, ensures the medium-term profitability and liquidity strength of the freenet Group based on fixed-term contracts and is thus integral for managing the company's performance. Since entering the field of TV business, freenet AG has been addressing a further segment that strengthens and expands the company's strategic positioning as a digital lifestyle provider. In this context, the development of waipu.tv subscribers in particular serves as a measure for the success in establishing the new segment and thus for market penetration.

A comparison between the forecast development of the performance indicators and the actual figures can be found in the section "Report on expected developments" on page 25.

FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT

RISK MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

The key performance indicator (KPI) system for strategic and operational management is supplemented by an established financial management system. The primary aims of the financial management approach taken by freenet AG are to ensure access to the (debt) capital market, provide sufficient liquidity for the operating business and define a reliable and sustainable dividend policy. The tasks required to achieve these aims are handled centrally by the Treasury department, supported by Financial Control and Accounting.

CASH, LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL STRUCTURE MANAGEMENT

The following are essential to ensuring both access to the (external) capital market and liquidity:

    1. capital structure management and
    1. cash and liquidity management.

Two alternative performance measures – equity ratio and leverage – are key figures for structuring capital across the Group. Mandatory limits have been defined for both of these APMs.

In addition, adjusted leverage is also reported for information purposes. This provides a less conservative perspective on the freenet Group's debt by including the market values of equity investments in net debt (adjusted net debt).

Table 2: Capital structure management KPIs

In terms of the equity ratio, which shows the ratio of equity to total equity and liabilities (as reported in the balance sheet in each case), a lower limit of 25.0 per cent and for leverage a maximum of 3.0 times EBITDA was set.

Achieved as at
As indicated Limits 30.06.2021 30.06.2021 31.12.2020 30.06.2020
Equity ratio (in %) > 25.0 41.3 40.4 28.6
Leverage ≤3.0 1.9 1.7 4.4

1

At 41.3 per cent, the equity ratio on the reporting date was significantly above the threshold of 25.0 per cent and increased slightly by 0.9 percentage points compared to the end of 2020. In addition to the collection of current profits from continuing operations, this rise resulted from a reduction in total equity and liabilities (debt reduction). On the other hand, equity was reduced by the dividend payment for the 2020 financial year of 203.7 million euros approved by the shareholders at the Annual General Meeting on 18 June 2021 and made in the reporting quarter, as well as the continued acquisition of own shares in the first half of 2021 (see section "2021 share buyback program") in the amount of 42.7 million euros. The equity ratio increased by 12.7 percentage points compared to 30 June 2020, primarily as a result of the sale of Sunrise shares to Liberty Global for almost 1.1 billion euros in November 2020.

Leverage at the end of June 2021 was 1.9, well below the maximum limit. The slight increase compared to year-end 2020 is mainly due to the dividend paid in mid-June 2021 for the 2020 financial year and the resulting brief reduction in the liquidity base.

As of 30 June 2021, the Executive Board confirms its financial guidance as well as all stated targets.

Table 3: (Adjusted) net debt and (adjusted) net debt ratio

In EUR millions 30.06.2021 31.12.2020 30.06.2020
Long-term
borrowings
636.3 734.8 1,000.8
Short-term
borrowings
54.4 206.0 641.7
Net lease liabilities 440.0 466.7 468.1
Liquid assets -288.9 -666.9 -219.1
Net debt 841.9 740.6 1,891.5
Leverage 1.9 1.7 4.4
Market value of
equity investments
(30.06.2020 incl.
Sunrise)1
-134.3 -184.9 -973.5
Adjusted
net debt
707.6 555.8 918.0
Adjusted
debt ratio
1.6 1.3 2.2

The market value of CECONOMY is calculated by multiplying the closing price of CECONOMY's ordinary shares on the Frankfurt stock exchange by the number of shares held by the freenet Group (32,633,555) as of the relevant reference date.

DIVIDEND POLICY

The dividend policy is another key component of the Group's financial management activities. In principle, the Executive Board pursues a policy of consistent distributions aligned with the freenet Group's operational performance. Free cash flow serves as the starting point and basis for determining dividends. As a reliable and transparent point of reference for shareholders to derive the expected distribution, this liquidity indicator is integral to forecasting and managing the company's performance. In the interest of continuing to make regular distributions, management has defined 80 per cent of free cash flow as a long-term, stable distribution rate. In addition to a cash dividend, freenet shareholders might participate in the company's success in the form of share buybacks (as was last done in the fourth quarter of 2020 and is currently ongoing).

2021 SHARE BUYBACK PROGRAM

At the Annual General Meeting on 27 May 2020, shareholders authorised the Executive Board to repurchase the Group's own shares. This authorisation covers the acquisition of up to 10 per cent of share capital at the time of the resolution and requires the approval of the Supervisory Board in order to be exercised. A total of 2.31 per cent of share capital (approx. 2.96 million shares) were previously repurchased in 2020 as part of the first share buyback program.

An additional share buyback program representing up to 7.61 per cent of share capital (9.75 million shares) was agreed on 25 February 2021 and is scheduled to run until 31 December 2021. Acquisitions are limited to a maximum of 135.0 million euros. Approximately 2.20 million shares worth around 42.7 million euros had been repurchased by 30 June 2021. As a result, the proportion of directly and indirectly held treasury shares currently totals 4.07 per cent.

COURSE OF BUSINESS AND SIGNIFICANT EVENTS

REVENUE PILLARS OF THE FREENET GROUP

As a digital lifestyle provider and the largest networkindependent mobile communications provider in Germany, the freenet Group operates in three business areas:

  • The core business Mobile Communications focuses particularly on high-quality postpaid contracts, served primarily by its main brand mobilcom-debitel. The company also uses its own specially-developed IT platform as the basis for digital and increasingly flexible tariffs such as freenet FUNK and freenet Flex.
  • To supplement its core business, freenet serves the growth segment Digital Lifestyle, which mainly includes mobile devices as well as all services, applications and equipment associated with mobile devices or that can be controlled or used via an intelligent device.
  • The third key element of the product and service portfolio is modern, high-definition digital television in two technological variants: freenet TV for terrestrial television and waipu.tv for IPTV entertainment.

■ In a first half of 2021 still dominated by coronavirus restrictions, the freenet Group's largely subscription-based business model once again proved viable, predictable and relatively crisis-resistant, as demonstrated by the generally positive performance of its three business areas in the first six months of the current financial year.

CONTINUING GROWTH IN THE MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS SEGMENT

In recent years, the freenet Group has developed two innovative tariff models – freenet FUNK and freenet Flex – that give customers the greatest possible flexibility, thus setting new standards in the market. While the first half of 2021 was once again dominated by upgrades to existing tariffs, there were also numerous special offers and promotional campaigns.

The Flex tariff was the first to get an upgrade at the start of the year with voice over LTE, which offers quicker call setup, improved call quality and lower battery consumption. Over the next few months, there were then several attractive promotional offers aimed at a wide range of user requirements – and all at highly competitive rates. This once again demonstrated the value and efficiency of freenet's omnichannel sales model, with its multitude of closely interconnected distribution channels. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Group's online channels largely compensated for the closure of the majority of its bricks-and-mortar shops and stores for several months.

The range of new tariffs on offer was expanded as follows:

  • Since mid-January, freenet has also been offering its Flex tariff on the Vodafone network with up to 15 GB of data, a short free period and no connection fee.
  • Starting in February and April, the same target group was able to enjoy this product on the Telefónica Deutschland network with an unlimited data volume for around 30 euros and an option to cancel monthly.
  • mobilcom-debitel also had a wide range of tariffs on offer, including a 26 GB flat rate on the Telekom network for around 20 euros or a flat-rate telephone plan with 6 GB of data for the equivalent of 4.32 euros per month.
  • In June, the company's no-frills subsidiary klarmobil increased the browsing speeds of two Allnet Flat tariffs, doubling speeds to 50 Mbit/s for the 10 GB plan and quadrupling it for the 20 GB tariff.

In April, mobilcom-debitel also became one of the first service providers to offer 5G RED tariffs on the Vodafone network. Prices ranged from just under 40 euros a month for 4 GB of data to 90 euros a month for unlimited data, all with unlimited calls and texts and a contract term of 24 months.

This array of initiatives and upgrades once again helped the Group to seamlessly continue what has been almost uninterrupted growth for years in particularly valuable postpaid customers in 2021.

DIGITAL LIFESTYLE PORTFOLIO MAKING STEADY REVENUE CONTRIBUTION

Due to quarantine regulations, many of the freenet Group's outlets remained closed for large parts of the first half of the year. Although this resulted in lower bricks-and-mortar sales of devices and smartphone accessories, the Group's digital lifestyle products and services once again proved to be a highly stable complement to the core business. Firstly, contract customers in the Mobile Communications business regularly contribute to revenues by taking out subscriptions to mobile phone insurance, antivirus software and other digital services. Sales of electronic products and digital devices via freenet's online sales channels also partially compensate for the bricks-and-mortar business.

Sales in this area were primarily focused on smartphones from major manufacturers, including the bestselling iPhone 12 and Galaxy S21, the Google Pixel 4 at the best price, and a Xiaomi smartphone with a free fitness watch. However, the Group also offered gaming consoles such as the PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch or headphones such as Apple's AirPods Pro as part of targeted campaigns and attractive bundles. The range of products and services on offer was rounded off by free or attractively priced trial periods of music streaming service Deezer Premium, the freenet Video streaming service or the Kaspersky Total Security premium virus protection package.

This means that this business area makes a meaningful contribution to the freenet Group's revenue, as it has done in previous quarters and years.

TV AND MEDIA SEGMENT REMAINS KEY GROWTH DRIVER

Over the past few months and quarters, linear terrestrial television service freenet TV and the IPTV product waipu.tv have reaffirmed their vital role as the third crisis-proof revenue pillar and the perfect complement to the Mobile Communications business. The scope of both products was expanded during the first half of the year to incorporate new technology, services, partnerships and programming.

In the first quarter, EXARING AG (waipu.tv) added three channels from well-known comedy stars and influencers as well as KinoweltTV, the first German channel for arthouse films. At the end of the quarter, waipu.tv joined forces with Germany's largest sports portal, "kicker", to launch "kicker TV", which focuses on domestic and international football as well as assorted highlights from other sports. Another new sports channel, "More than Sports TV", was added to the channel portfolio in June. As a result, the Group's IPTV product continues to record steady growth.

Media Broadcast, the provider of freenet TV, also announced new and continuing partnerships. In January, the Colognebased subsidiary and NDR entered into a long-term contract to service NDR's analogue radio, DAB+ and DVB-T2 transmission systems at more than 65 locations. This was followed by a similar agreement with WDR in February. Finally, in April the company entered into an agreement with Germany's largest broadcaster to transmit matches in the first and second Bundesliga divisions from 36 stadiums using fibre optic and satellite technology.

During the second quarter, the freenet subsidiary also completed its expansion of the second nationwide DAB+ multiplex after the Schwerin transmitter went live in mid-May. This means that, at present, around 67 million listeners – 83 per cent of the German population – can receive channels from Antenne Deutschland's nationwide DAB+ platform.

By contrast, Media Broadcast's high-definition freenet TV service has had a stable and comparatively uneventful six months. After the 20-per-cent price increase last year, the anticipated decline in users continued in the first half of 2021, whereas profitability improved.

PERFORMANCE OF OPERATING SEGMENTS IN DETAIL

MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS

POSTPAID CUSTOMERS AND APP-BASED TARIFFS

Despite all the lockdown restrictions imposed, the strategically important postpaid customer base continued to grow steadily during the first six months of the current financial year. This is primarily due to our flexible and intelligently interconnected sales structures and our consistent focus on both acquiring and retaining customers. In the first half of 2021, the number of postpaid customers rose by 34,600 to 7.113 million as of the end of June, of which 13,900 customers were attributable to the second quarter and 20,700 to the first quarter.

The customer base for the app-based freenet FUNK and freenet Flex tariffs also continued to expand. In the first half of the current year, 21,100 new customers opted for one of these new digital tariffs, including 9,700 in the second quarter and 11,500 in the first three months of the year.

As a result, the number of comparatively highly-profitable mobile communications customers was around 7.191 million as of the end of the first half – an increase of 55,800 since the start of the year and 210,000 compared to the same period in 2020.

POSTPAID ARPU AND MOBILE REVENUE FROM SERVICES

As of 30 June 2021, postpaid ARPU fell by around 30 cents from 18.3 euros in the first half of 2020 to 17.9 euros. This was due to the almost total loss of roaming revenue and lower data top-ups as a result of COVID-19 restrictions. Postpaid ARPU showed signs of stabilisation on a quarter-by-quarter basis. After a decline of 20 cents to 17.8 euros in the first quarter of 2021, a slight increase to 18.0 euros was recorded during the second quarter, primarily due to the gradual relaxation of restrictions.

Thanks to this stabilisation in postpaid ARPU and moderate growth in postpaid customer numbers, revenue from services in the Mobile Communications segment rose slightly year-on-year from 758.6 million euros to 763.1 million euros in the first half of 2021, of which 384.2 million euros was attributable to the second quarter – an increase of 2.1 per cent compared to the second quarter of 2020.

DIGITAL LIFESTYLE REVENUE

The Group's digital lifestyle products and services once again proved to be a profitable complement to the core business in the first half of 2021 despite the closure of bricksand-mortar retail for many weeks. Digital lifestyle revenue was 95.8 million euros in the first six months of the current year, 11.7 per cent up on the previous year's figure (85.8 million euros). Of this total, 48.9 million euros was attributable to the second quarter of 2021, a rise of 14.4 per cent compared to the second quarter of 2020 (42.8 million euros). Overall, the digital lifestyle business benefited from the fact that subscriptions now make up a significant proportion of its revenue.

Table 4: Mobile Communications operating performance

The television product freenet TV also performed well during the period under review. Although the number of revenue-generating users (RGU) fell in the quarters following the price increase in May 2020, this trend flattened in the first half of 2021 as expected. After a decline of 33,600 subscribers in the first quarter, 23,200 subscribers opted not to continue paying for freenet TV in the second quarter. Overall, the freenet TV business model remains highly profitable; in fact, last year's price increase means it is now more profitable than before.

Table 5: TV customer base

as indicated 1st half 2021 1st half 2020 Q2/ 2021 Q1/ 2021 Q2/ 2020 Postpaid customers 1 (in millions) 7.113 6.939 7.113 7.099 6.939 Postpaid ARPU (in EUR) 17.9 18.3 18.0 17.8 18.1 freenet FUNK and freenet Flex 1 (in millions) 0.078 0.042 0.078 0.068 0.042 Revenue from services, postpaid (in EUR millions) 763.1 758.6 384.2 378.9 376.2 Revenue from services, no-frills/ prepaid (in EUR millions) 53.2 60.1 26.7 26.5 28.8 Digital lifestyle revenue (in EUR millions) 95.8 85.8 48.9 46.9 42.8

1 At the end of the period

TV AND MEDIA

TV CUSTOMER BASE

The freenet Group's television business is also proving relatively crisis-resistant in 2021. The IPTV product waipu.tv continues to grow. Several new channels and partnerships also enhanced the product's appeal during the current year, which in turn is having a positive impact on the development of the subscriber base. The number of subscribers has increased by 72,100 to 644,600 since the start of 2021; of this total, 32,900 is attributable to the second quarter. This once again confirms the solid growth of 30,000 to 40,000 subscribers per quarter anticipated by management.

In '000s 30.6.
2021
31.3.
2021
31.12.
2020
30.9.
2020
30.6.
2020
freenet TV sub
scribers (RGU)
845.0 868.3 901.9 942.0 1,005.0
waipu.tv
subscribers
644.6 611.7 572.5 509.5 504.1
Total 1,489.6 1,480.0 1,474.3 1,451.5 1,509.2

NET ASSETS, FINANCIAL POSITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

REVENUE AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Table 6: Revenue and earnings performance indicators for the Group

In EUR '000s Q2/2021 Q2/2020 Change
Revenue 619,858 622,135 -2,277
Gross profit 210,253 212,538 -2,285
Overhead -96,770 -102,840 6,070
EBITDA 113,483 109,698 3,785
EBIT 39,982 70,487 -30,505
Financial result -7,341 -10,657 3,316
EBT 32,641 59,830 -27,189
Consolidated profit 32,765 58,094 -25,329

At 619.9 million euros, consolidated revenue for the second quarter of 2021 remained at a similar level to the prior-year quarter (622.1 million euros). While the number of postpaid customers relevant to the management of the Mobile Communications segment rose moderately (30 June 2021: 7.113 million customers; 30 June 2020: 6.939 million customers), postpaid ARPU remained stable (Q2/2021: 18.0 euros; Q2/2020: 18.1 euros). Overall, mobile revenue totalled 551.1 million euros in the second quarter of 2021 (Q2/2020: 554.2 million euros), thus remaining on a par with the prior-year figure. On the other hand, revenue in the TV and Media segment increased by 4.1 million euros year-onyear to 69.3 million euros, primarily due to growth in the waipu.tv customer base. Consolidated revenue for the first six months of 2021 was 1,239.0 million euros (H1/2020: 1,271.0 million euros). This decline compared to the first half of 2020 was due to a fall in low-margin hardware revenues as a result of COVID-19-related store closures for most of the first half of the year.

During the period under review, gross profit remained stable (Q2/2021: 210.3 million euros; Q2/2020: 212.5 million euros) with an almost unchanged margin of 33.9 per cent (previous year: 34.2 per cent). Gross profit for the first half of 2021 was 424.3 million euros (H1/2020: 425.7 million euros), while the gross profit margin improved by 0.7 percentage points to 34.2 per cent (H1/2020: 33.5 per cent) due to the aforementioned decline in revenue from the low-margin hardware business.

Overhead costs as the difference between gross profit and EBITDA decreased by 6.1 million euros compared with the second quarter of 2020 to 96.8 million euros, primarily as a result of lower marketing expenses and loss allowances on receivables.

Due to the effects explained above, EBITDA amounted to 113.5 million euros (Q2/2020: 109.7 million euros). The Mobile Communications segment contributed 91.5 million euros to EBITDA (Q2/2020: 91.0 million euros), the TV & Media segment 25.0 million euros (Q2/2020: 20.9 million euros) and the Other/Holding segment –3.0 million euros (Q2/2020: –2.3 million euros). In the first half of 2021, the Group's EBITDA totalled 222.3 million euros, representing a year-on-year increase of 8.4 million euros (+3.9 per cent).

Depreciation, amortisation and impairment losses increased by 34.3 million euros to 73.5 million euros due to the 29.6 million euro impairment of a right-of-use asset for a fibre-optic network at EXARING. This means that the right-of-use asset – which was capitalised for 68.9 million euros as part of the purchase price allocation carried out when EXARING was fully consolidated in 2015 and was subsequently subject to depreciation – has been impaired to a carrying amount of 0 euros. Using a dedicated fibre-optic network to operate the waipu.tv television platform gave EXARING a competitive advantage in terms of transmission quality and lower latencies (short transmission times). However, the latest market developments will enable EXARING to rent the fibreoptic capacity it needs externally at lower operating costs and without any loss in quality for customers in the future. As a result, EXARING has decided to discontinue operating cost and labour-intensive surplus network capacity on a day-to-day basis. 5000

The financial result improved by 3.3 million euros to –7.3 million euros compared to the second quarter of 2020. The decrease in interest expenses included in the financial result (Q2/2021: 7.1 million euros; Q2/2020: 11.8 million euros) is mainly due to lower bank interest associated with the repayment of borrowings (see also "Net assets and financial position").

Due to the effects explained above, earnings before tax (EBT) amounted to 32.6 million euros, a decrease of 27.2 million euros year-on-year. Consolidated profit before tax for the first half of 2021 came to 92.8 million euros (H1/2020: 112.1 million euros). 5000

Income from income tax of 0.1 million euros (Q2/2020: income tax expenses of 7.2 million euros) was shown in the quarter under review. Current tax expenses of 8.5 million euros (Q2/2020: 6.8 million euros) and deferred tax income of 8.6 million euros (Q2/2020: deferred tax expenses of 0.5 million euros) were recognised. The recognition of deferred tax income mainly arose in connection with the impairment loss on the network of EXARING.

Due to the increase in depreciation, amortisation and impairment losses, the consolidated profit reported in the second quarter of 2021 totalled only 32.8 million euros – after 58.1 million euros in the same period in 2020. Consolidated profit for the first half of 2021 was 82.5 million euros (H1/2020: 109.3 million euros). Without the impairment loss recognised on EXARING's right-of-use assets described above, consolidated profit would have risen to 112.1 million euros in the first half of the year. The prior-year period includes consolidated profit from discontinued operations

of 11.0 million euros (H1/2021: 0.0 million euros). This item included all expenses and income attributable to the discontinued operations "Sunrise".

NET ASSETS AND FINANCIAL POSITION

Figure 4: Condensed balance sheet of the freenet Group (in EUR millions)

30.6.2021 31.3.2021 Assets 3,148.6 Total assets 3,942.7 Total assets 4,242.8 794.2 3,241.5 1,001.2 Non-current assets Current assets

Equity Non-current liabilities Current liabilities

Total assets/total equity and liabilities amounted to 3,942.7 million euros as at 30 June 2021, a decrease of 300.0 million euros, or 7.1 per cent, compared with 31 March 2021 (4,242.8 million euros).

On the assets side, non-current assets fell by 93.0 million euros to 3,148.6 million euros. The change is due on the one hand to a decrease in intangible assets of 33.0 million euros to 452.8 million euros, which is mainly related to the impairment loss of 29.6 million euros recognised on a right-of-use asset for the fibre-optic network of EXARING (see also "Revenue and results of operations"). On the other hand, there was a decrease in other financial assets of 26.5 million euros to 224.5 million euros mainly as a result of the lower market value of the CECONOMY investment measured at fair value (30 June 2021: 134.3 million euros, 31 March 2021: 161.3 million euros). This change is also due to a 19.6 million euro decline in contract acquisition costs to 248.1 million euros as a result of lower sales of mobile phone contracts via indirect sales channels triggered by the COVID-19-related closure of retail outlets.

In current assets, the decrease in liquid assets by 211.6 million euros to 288.9 million euros is noteworthy. This change mainly resulted from the dividend payment of 203.7 million euros made in the second quarter of 2021, the unscheduled repayment of several tranches of promissory note loans in the amount of 49.0 million euros, payments of 12.0 million euros made in connection with the share buyback program and the free cash flow of 52.7 million euros generated in the reporting period. The 31.5 million euro increase in trade accounts receivable to 190.0 million euros is mainly the result of the customary seasonal effect of deferring annual bonuses receivable from network operators.

The liabilities side was dominated by equity amounting to 1,628.3 million euros (31 March 2021: 1,833.1 million euros) and borrowings in the amount of 690.8 million euros (31 March 2021: 739.9 million euros). The equity ratio fell from 43.2 per cent at the end of March 2021 to 41.3 per cent at the end of June 2021, primarily due to the dividend paid out in the second quarter of 2021. The decrease in borrowings by 49.1 million euros to 690.8 million euros is attributable to the early repayment of three promissory note loan tranches in the amount of 49.0 million euros.

Trade accounts payable decreased by 33.5 million euros to 308.8 million euros. This was mainly attributable to balance sheet date-related effects in connection with liabilities to network operators and hardware suppliers.

CASH FLOWS

Table 7: Liquidity indicators for the Group

Q2/2021 Q2/2020 Change
85.9 120.1 -34.2
-0.8
-212.2
35.6 -247.2
52.7 90.8 -38.1
5.3
-10.3
-287.1
-211.6
52.7
-9.6
-74.9
47.4

Cash flows from operating activities decreased by 34.2 million euros to 85.9 million euros year-on-year (Q2/2020: 120.1 million euros), primarily due to the last dividend payment received from Sunrise in the previous year (Q2/2020: 46.0 million euros) before the Group sold all of its shares in Sunrise to Liberty Global plc in November 2020. The additional increase in net working capital of 2.3 million euros and the rise in tax payments of 1.8 million euros (Q2/2021: 9.0 million euros; Q2/2020: 7.2 million euros) also had an adverse impact on cash flows from operating activities compared to the second quarter of 2020. Conversely, in addition to a 3.8 million euro increase in EBITDA, the 12.7 million euros higher reduction in contract acquisition costs (consisting primarily of sales commissions paid) (Q2/2021: 19.6 million euros; Q2/2020: 6.9 million euros) had a positive effect on cash flows from operating activities.

Cash flows from investing activities amounted to –10.3 million euros in the second quarter of 2021 compared to –9.6 million euros in the prior-year quarter. The cash outflows for investments in intangible fixed assets and in property, plant and equipment, netted out against the cash inflows from the disposal of such assets, increased by 1.3 million euros year-on-year to 10.8 million euros. The cash investments were financed entirely out of the company's retained earnings.

Cash flows from financing activities changed from –74.9 million euros in the prior-year quarter to –287.1 million euros in the period under review. This change is mainly attributable to the dividend payment of 203.7 million euros made in the second quarter of 2021 and the outflow of funds of 12.0 million euros in connection with the 2021 share buyback program.

Free cash flow of 52.7 million euros was generated in the second quarter of 2021 as a result of the developments explained above, representing a decrease of 38.1 million euros compared with the same quarter of the previous year (90.8 million euros). Free cash flow for the first six months of 2021 came to 112.2 million euros (H1/2020: 140.7 million euros). Compared to free cash flow adjusted for the dividend from Sunrise (Q2/2020: 46.0 million euros) and corresponding interest payments on the syndicated bank loan (H1/2020: 5.6 million euros), free cash flow would have increased by 11.9 million euros in the reporting year (H1/2020: 100.3 million euros).

REPORT ON OPPORTUNITIES AND RISKS

Since the beginning of the financial year, there have been no significant changes in relation to the risks associated with future business development. The opportunities and risks to which the freenet Group is exposed as part of its ongoing business activities were described in detail in the 2020 Annual Report (page 62 et seq.) and continue to apply in principle.

Lengthy production downtimes, supply chain disruption and unexpectedly high global demand for semiconductor products are causing supply bottlenecks for our device manufacturers. If insufficient numbers of devices are available for sales of mobile communications services, this could have a medium impact on revenue, EBITDA and free cash flow. Increased inventories, adapted supply management and short-term procurement measures mean that the risk to freenet AG is currently classified as low.

For more information on developments in the mobile communications and the TV/video market, please refer to the comments in the "Course of business" section.

As of 30 June 2021, there were still no risks in the "high" or "material" categories. In addition, no risks have been identified which, either individually or in combination with other risks, could endanger the continued existence of the freenet Group as a going concern. The potential effects on the current financial year continue to be qualified as minor. All assessments made continue to be dependent upon the duration and extent of the coronavirus crisis. It is still not possible to reliably and completely assess this.

REPORT ON EXPECTED DEVELOPMENTS

Based on the very good business performance in the TV & Media segment, the high stability of the mobile business, and the still positive outlook, the Executive Board increased the guidance for the financial performance indicators EBITDA and free cash flow for the full year 2021. EBITDA is now expected to be in a range between EUR 430 and 445 million (previously: EUR 415 to 435 million). In line with this, free cash flow is forecast to be between 215 and 230 million euros (previously: 200 to 220 million euros). Compared with the midpoint of the previous guidance, this corresponds to an increase of EUR 12.5 million in each case (EBITDA: approx. +3.0 per cent; free cash flow: approx. +6.0 per cent).

For all other financial and non-financial performance indicators, the forecast for the full year remains unchanged.

The updated corporate guidance considers the findings on overall economic development in Germany and the Corona pandemic in the second half of the year. If there are significant deviations from the current assessment, the guided financial and non-financial performance indicators may not be achieved.

Table 8: Comparison of forecast and actual performance

2020
reference
value
Forecast
2021
(25.02.2021)
Confirma
tion
of forecast
Q1/2021
and H1/2021
Forecast
increase
H1/2021
H1/2021
(ACTUAL)
Change
compared
to forecast
Financial performance indicators
(in EUR millions/as indicated)
Revenue 2,576.2 stable stable stable 1,239.0
EBITDA 425.9 415-435 415-435 430-445 222.3
Free cash flow
(without Sunrise contribution) 1
201.3 200-220 200-220 215-230 112.2
Postpaid ARPU (in EUR) 18.2 stable stable stable 17.9
Non-financial performance indicators
(in millions)
Postpaid customers 7.079 moderate
growth
moderate
growth
moderate
growth
7.113
freenet TV subscribers (RGU) 0.902 moderate
decrease
moderate
decrease
moderate
decrease
0.845
waipu.tv subscribers 0.572 solid
growth
solid
growth
solid
growth
0.645

1 2020 free cash flow adjusted for dividend from Sunrise (2020: 46.0 million euros) and corresponding interest payments on the syndicated bank loan (2020: approx. 10 million euros).

above previous guidance

unchanged from previous guidance

below previous guidance

REPORT ON POST-BALANCE SHEET DATE EVENTS

Effective 2 July 2021, all shares in the joint venture Jestoro GmbH, Hamburg, were sold.

Büdelsdorf, 12 August 2021

freenet AG

The Executive Board

Christoph Vilanek Ingo Arnold Stephan Esch

Antonius Fromme Rickmann v. Platen

CONDENSED INTERIM CONSOLI-DATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

C O N D E N S E D I N T E R I M C O N S O L I D A T E D F I N A N C I A L S T A T E M E N T S

CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT

1 JANUARY TO 30 JUNE 2021

In EUR '000s / as indicated H1/2021
1.1.2021-
30.6.2021
H1/2020
1.1.2020-
30.6.2020
restated1
Q2/2021
1.4.2021-
30.6.2021
Q2/2020
1.4.2020-
30.6.2020
restated1
Revenue 1,239,009 1,270,980 619,858 622,135
Other operating income 20,195 24,040 10,602 10,599
Other own work capitalised 10,737 9,054 5,392 4,748
Cost of materials -814,712 -845,241 -409,605 -409,597
Personnel expenses -105,843 -112,382 -55,374 -54,015
Other operating expenses -127,073 -132,509 -57,390 -64,172
Thereof loss allowances on financial assets and contract assets -16,095 -20,523 -7,435 -10,620
Thereof without loss allowances on financial assets and contract assets -110,978 -111,986 -49,955 -53,552
EBITDA2 222,313 213,942 113,483 109,698
Depreciation, amortisation and impairment -113,300 -78,543 -73,501 -39,211
EBIT3 109,013 135,399 39,982 70,487
Profit or loss of equity-accounted investments -898 29 -381 38
Thereof from share of profit or loss -898 29 -381 38
Interest and similar income 1,099 1,256 524 639
Interest and similar expenses -15,568 -24,545 -7,116 -11,756
Other financial result -874 -60 -368 422
Financial result -16,241 -23,320 -7,341 -10,657
EBT 92,772 112,079 32,641 59,830
Income taxes -10,253 -13,789 124 -7,244
Consolidated profit/loss from continuing operations 82,519 98,290 32,765 52,586
Consolidated profit/loss from discontinued operations 0 11,016 0 5,508
Consolidated profit 82,519 109,306 32,765 58,094
Consolidated profit attributable to shareholders of freenet AG 91,806 112,412 41,651 59,413
Consolidated profit attributable to non-controlling interests -9,287 -3,106 -8,886 -1,319
Earnings per share (EPS) in EUR (basic/diluted) 0.74 0.88 0.34 0.47
EPS from continuing operations in EUR (basic/diluted) 0.74 0.79 0.34 0.42
EPS from discontinued operations in EUR (basic/diluted) 0.00 0.09 0.00 0.05
Weighted average number of shares outstanding
in thousand (basic/diluted)
124,026 128,011 123,444 128,011

1 Retrospective restatement of comparatives for the first half of 2020 and second quarter of 2020

due to discontinued Sunrise operations in accordance with IFRS 5.

2 EBITDA = earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortisation and impairment.

3 EBIT = earnings before financial result and taxes.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

1 JANUARY TO 30 JUNE 2021

In EUR '000s H1/2021
1.1.2021 –
30.6.2021
H1/2020
1.1.2020 –
30.6.2020
Q2/2021
1.4.2021 –
30.6.2021
Q2/2020
1.4.2020 –
30.6.2020
Consolidated profit 82,519 109,306 32,765 58,094
Currency translation differences 51 -182 4 -37
Currency translation differences from subsequent
accounting for equity-accounted investments
0 1,862 0 -734
Income tax recognised in other comprehensive income 0 -28 0 11
Other comprehensive income/to be reclassified
to the income statement in future periods
51 1,652 4 -760
Change in fair value of investments in equity instruments -37,867 -77,604 -22,434 36,358
Recognition of actuarial gains and losses arising from the
accounting for pension plans according to IAS 19 (2011)
7,490 2,702 384 -5,027
Other shares of the profit or loss of equity-accounted investments 0 -2,180 0 -2,180
Income tax recognised in other comprehensive income -1,701 391 224 1,005
Other comprehensive income/not to be reclassified
to the income statement in future periods
-32,078 -76,691 -21,826 30,156
Cumulative other comprehensive income -32,027 -75,039 -21,822 29,396
Consolidated total comprehensive income 50,492 34,267 10,943 87,490
Consolidated total comprehensive income attributable
to shareholders of freenet AG
59,779 37,373 19,829 88,809
Consolidated total comprehensive income attributable
to non-controlling interests
-9,287 -3,106 -8,886 -1,319

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET

30. JUNE 2021

ASSETS
In EUR '000s
Non-current assets
30.6.2021 31.3.2021 31.12.2020
Intangible assets 452,823 485,800 494,722
Lease assets 413,443 426,028 441,342
Goodwill 1,382,394 1,382,394 1,382,394
Property, plant and equipment 134,157 137,321 140,475
Equity-accounted investments 940 1,821 2,088
Deferred income tax assets 133,559 124,687 129,440
Trade accounts receivable 65,167 64,604 63,678
Other receivables and other assets 93,452 100,096 107,015
Other financial assets 224,509 251,043 270,400
Contract acquisition costs 248,114 267,735 289,335
3,148,558 3,241,529 3,320,889
Current assets
Inventories 69,478 87,680 74,751
Current income tax assets 2,081 2,056 2,103
Trade accounts receivable 190,032 158,508 189,262
Other receivables and other assets 190,594 198,772 203,033
Other financial assets 53,065 53,751 48,729
Liquid assets 288,902 500,460 666,867
794,152 1,001,227 1,184,745
3,942,710 4,242,756 4,505,634
EQUITY AND LIABILITIES
In EUR '000s
30.6.2021 31.3.2021 31.12.2020
Equity
Share capital 128,061 128,061 128,061
Capital reserve 737,536 737,536 737,536
Treasury shares -90,961 -78,945 -51,420
Cumulative other comprehensive income -107,545 -85,723 -75,518
Consolidated net retained profits 969,933 1,132,016 1,081,861
Equity attributable to shareholders of freenet AG 1,637,024 1,832,945 1,820,520
Non-controlling interests in equity -8,728 158 559
1,628,296 1,833,103 1,821,079
Non-current liabilities
Lease liabilities 418,734 434,700 451,452
Other liabilities and deferrals 93,162 99,358 108,790
Other financial liabilities 29,410 32,446 36,941
Borrowings 636,327 686,086 734,826
Pension provisions 95,309 95,330 103,508
Other provisions 45,004 44,286 43,718
1,317,946 1,392,206 1,479,235
Current liabilities
Lease liabilities 85,402 85,135 85,209
Trade accounts payable 308,816 342,362 379,323
Other liabilities and deferrals 426,429 406,593 404,847
Other financial liabilities 49,661 60,870 63,438
Current income tax liabilities 40,087 40,943 38,943
Borrowings 54,430 53,797 206,001
Other provisions 31,643 27,747 27,559
996,468 1,017,447 1,205,320
3,942,710 4,242,756 4,505,634

STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

1 JANUARY TO 30 JUNE 2020

Cumulative other comprehensive income
In EUR '000s Share
capital
Capital
reserve
Currency
translation
differences
Currency
translation
differences
from
subsequent
accounting for
equity-account
ed investments
Change in fair
value of
investments
in equity
instruments
Revaluation
reserve in
accordance
with IAS 19
Other shares
of the profit
or loss of
equity
accounted
investments
Consolidated
net retained
profits
Equity
attributable
to share
holders of
freenet AG
Non
controlling
interests
in equity
Equity
As of 1.1.2020 128,061 737,536 966 -5,527 -52,304 -29,127 11,710 521,031 1,312,346 9,255 1,321,601
Dividend payment 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 -5,120 -5,120 0 -5,120
Consolidated
profit
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 112,412 112,412 –3,106 109,306
Change in fair
value of invest
ments in equity
instruments 1
0 0 0 0 -76,428 0 0 0 -76,428 0 -76,428
Other shares
of the profit or
loss of equity
accounted
investments 1
0 0 0 0 0 0 -2,147 0 -2,147 0 -2,147
Recognition of
actuarial gains
and losses accord
ing to IAS 19
(2011) 1
0 0 0 0 0 1,884 0 0 1,884 0 1,884
Currency transla
tion differences 1
0 0 -182 0 0 0 0 0 -182 0 -182
Currency transla
tion differences
from subsequent
accounting for
equity-accounted
investments 1
0 0 0 1,834 0 0 0 0 1,834 0 1,834
Consolidated total
comprehensive
income
0 0 -182 1,834 -76,428 1,884 -2,147 112,412 37,373 -3,106 34,267
As of 30.6.2020 128,061 737,536 784 -3,693 -128,732 -27,243 9,563 628,323 1,344,599 6,149 1,350,748

1 Figures are shown offset against income tax recognised in other comprehensive income.

1 JANUARY TO 30 JUNE 2021

Cumulative other comprehensive income
In EUR '000s Share
capital
Capital
reserve
Treasury
shares
Currency
translation
differences
Change in fair
value of
investments
in equity
instruments
Revaluation
reserve in
accordance
with IAS 19
Consolidated
net retained
profits
Equity
attributable to
shareholders
of freenet AG
Non
controlling
interests
in equity
Equity
As of 1.1.2021 128,061 737,536 -51,420 679 -42,873 -33,324 1,081,861 1,820,520 559 1,821,079
Dividend payment 0 0 0 0 0 0 -203,734 -203,734 0 -203,734
Acquisition of
treasury shares
0 0 -39,541 0 0 0 0 -39,541 0 -39,541
Consolidated
profit
0 0 0 0 0 0 91,806 91,806 -9,287 82,519
Change in fair
value of invest
ments in equity
instruments 1
0 0 0 0 -37,291 0 0 -37,291 0 -37,291
Recognition of
actuarial gains
and losses
according to
IAS 19 (2011) 1
0 0 0 0 0 5,213 0 5,213 0 5,213
Currency transla
tion differences 1
0 0 0 51 0 0 0 51 0 51
Consolidated total
comprehensive
income
0 0 0 51 -37,291 5,213 91,806 59,779 -9,287 50,492
As of 30.6.2021 128,061 737,536 -90,961 730 -80,164 -28,111 969,933 1,637,024 -8,728 1,628,296

1 Figures are shown offset against income tax recognised in other comprehensive income.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

1 JANUARY TO 30 JUNE 2021

In EUR '000s H1/2021
1.1.2021 –
30.6.2021
H1/2020
1.1.2020 –
30.6.2020
EBIT (earnings before financial result and taxes) 109,013 135,399
+/– Adjustments:
Depreciation, amortisation and impairment of non-current assets 113,300 78,543
Dividends received from equity-accounted investments 0 46,047
Gains/losses on disposal of non-current assets -214 386
Increase in net working capital not attributable to investing
or financing activities
-61,576 -45,708
Proceeds from the cash repayment of financial assets under leases 7,590 7,400
Capitalisation of contract acquisition costs -107,255 -145,052
Amortisation of contract acquisition costs 148,476 158,122
Tax payments -14,942 -13,712
Income from interest and other financial result 512 943
Interest paid -20,004 -24,078
Cash flows from operating activities 174,900 198,290
Payments to acquire property, plant and equipment and
intangible assets
-21,631 -18,024
Proceeds from disposal of intangible assets and property,
plant and equipment
2,233 728
Payments to acquire/proceeds from acquiring subsidiaries 0 -25
Proceeds from deconsolidation of subsidiaries 2,000 0
Repayment of contributions of equity-accounted investments 1,000 250
Payments into equity of equity-accounted investments -750 0
Payments to acquire other equity investments -96 -368
Cash flows from investing activities -17,244 -17,439
Payments to company owners and minority shareholders -203,734 -5,120
Payments to acquire own shares -39,541 0
Cash repayments of borrowings -249,000 -50,000
Cash repayments of lease liabilities -43,346 -40,322
Cash flows from financing activities -535,621 -95,442
Net change in cash funds -377,965 85,409
Cash funds at beginning of period 666,867 133,692
Cash funds at end of period 288,902 219,101

COMPOSITION OF CASH FUNDS

In EUR '000s 30.6.2021 30.6.2020
Liquid assets of continuing operations 288,902 219,101
288,902 219,101

COMPOSITION OF FREE CASH FLOW1

In EUR '000s 30.6.2021 30.6.2020
Cash flows from operating activities 174,900 198,290
Payments to acquire property, plant and equipment and intangible assets -21,631 -18,024
Proceeds from disposal of intangible assets and property, plant and equipment 2,233 728
Cash repayments of lease liabilities -43,346 -40,322
Free cash flow 112,156 140,672

1 Free cash flow is an alternative performance measure that is defined in the corporate management section of the 2020 Annual Report.

SELECTED EXPLANATORY NOTES PURSUANT TO IAS 34

MATERIAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND CONSOLIDATION PRINCIPLES

  1. These condensed consolidated interim financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Regulation 1606/2002 of the European Parliament and of the Council, International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) adopted by the European Union and IAS 34. The Group has taken into account all IFRSs that have been adopted by the EU and are mandatory. These interim consolidated financial statements have not been reviewed by an auditor. The Group has adopted all accounting pronouncements required to be applied as of the reporting date.

Taking into account the ongoing Covid crisis, the material estimates and assumptions have remained unchanged compared with the consolidated financial statements for 2020.

SIGNIFICANT EVENTS AND TRANSACTIONS

  1. As at 30 June 2021, receivables originating from the existing factoring agreement regarding receivables from the mobile phone upgrade option amounting to 83.1 million euros (31 December 2020: 103.3 million euros) were sold and derecognised but not yet paid.

  2. In addition to the scheduled repayment of a promissory note loan in the amount of 200.0 million euros in the first quarter of 2021, three tranches of several promissory note loans totalling 49.0 million euros were repaid ahead of schedule in the second quarter of 2021.

  3. Depreciation, amortisation and impairment losses increased by 34.3 million euros to 73.5 million euros yearon-year due to the 29.6 million euros impairment of a rightof-use asset for a fibre-optic network at EXARING. This means that the right-of-use asset – which was capitalised for 68.9 million euros as part of the purchase price allocation carried out when EXARING was fully consolidated in 2015 and was subsequently subject to depreciation – has been impaired to a carrying amount of 0 euros. Using a dedicated fibre-optic network to operate the waipu.tv television platform gave EXARING a competitive advantage in terms of transmission quality and lower latencies (short transmission times). However, the latest market developments will enable EXARING to rent the fibre-optic capacity it needs externally at lower operating costs and without any loss in quality for customers in the future. As a result, EXARING has decided to discontinue operating cost and labour-intensive surplus network capacity on a day-to-day basis.

  4. The following significant transactions took place between the Group and related parties:

In EUR '000s 1.1.2021 –
30.6.2021
1.1.2020 –
30.6.2020
Revenue attributable
to billing of services
Joint ventures
Jestoro GmbH, Hamburg 183 222
Antenne Deutschland
GmbH & Co KG
2,251 0
Bayern Digital Radio GmbH1 219 214
Non-consolidated companies
Digital Radio Südwest GmbH 0 168
Hessen Digital Radio GmbH 474 451
Total 3,127 1,055

The joint venture Bayern Digital Radio GmbH has been included in the consolidated financial statements of freenet AG since 1 January 2021.

In EUR '000s 1.1.2021 –
30.6.2021
1.1.2020 –
30.6.2020
Expenses from the purchase
of services
Joint ventures
Check Tech Service GmbH,
Hamburg
(Subsidiary of Jestoro GmbH)
35 44
Antenne Deutschland
GmbH & Co KG
75 0
Bayern Digital Radio GmbH 277 46
Non-consolidated companies
Hessen Digital Radio GmbH 71 17
Total 458 107

The following significant receivables from and liabilities to related parties existed as at 30 June 2021:

In EUR '000s 30.6.2021 30.6.2020
Receivables from current
service transactions
Joint ventures
Jestoro GmbH, Hamburg 32 44
Antenne Deutschland
GmbH & Co KG
34 0
Non-consolidated companies
Digital Radio Südwest GmbH 0 33
Hessen Digital Radio GmbH 0 89
Total 66 166
In EUR '000s 30.6.2021 30.6.2020
Liabilities from current
service transactions
Joint ventures
Check Tech Service GmbH,
Hamburg
(Subsidiary of Jestoro GmbH)
0 6
Total 0 6

All transactions were based on market prices. No collateral has been provided.

OTHER DISCLOSURES

  1. We provide the following information regarding fair values:

The following overview entitled "Fair value hierarchy as at 30 June 2021" shows the major parameters on which the measurement of financial instruments measured at fair value, and of the financial instruments measured at amortised cost whose fair value could be determined, is based. For the definition of the individual levels in accordance with IFRS 13, please refer to the notes to the consolidated financial statements of freenet AG as of 31 December 2020.

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS BY CATEGORY AS OF 30 JUNE 2021

In EUR '000s IFRS 9
measure
ment
category
Carrying
amount
Measurement Fair value of fi
nancial
instruments
30.6.2021 Amortised
cost
Fair value
through
profit or loss
Fair value
through other
comprehensive
income
30.6.2021
Assets
Cash/ liquid assets AC 288,902 288,902 —1
Trade accounts receivable 255,199
At amortised cost AC 137,931 137,931 —1
Fair value through profit or loss FVTPL 117,268 117,268 —1
Other financial assets 277,574
Lease liabilities n/ a 63,890
Non-derivative financial assets
At amortised cost AC 23,356 23,356 —1
Other financial assets
At amortised cost AC 15,884 15,884 —1
Fair value through profit or loss FVTPL 16,688 16,688
Other equity instruments
Fair value through profit or loss FVTPL 1,046 1,046 —1
Fair value through other
comprehensive income
FVOCI 156,710 156,710 156,710

1 No fair value has been determined for the items; however, the carrying amount is a reasonable approximation of the fair value. This means that the aggregate fair value for the measurement categories AC and FVTPL are considerably lower than the corresponding aggregate carrying amounts in the balance sheet.

In EUR '000s measure
ment
category
Carrying
amount
Measurement Fair value of fi
nancial
instruments
30.6.2021 Amortised
cost
Fair value
through
profit or loss
Fair value
through other
comprehensive
income
30.6.2021
Equity and liabilities
Lease liabilities n/ a 504,136
Trade accounts payable AC 308,816 308,816
Borrowings 690,757 690,757
Borrowings from promissory notes AC 686,285 686,285 701,940
Other borrowings AC 4,472 4,472
Other financial liabilities 79,071
At amortised cost AC 54,749 54,749
Fair value through profit or loss FVTPL 24,322 24,322 —1
Thereof aggregated by IFRS 9
measurement category
Assets
At amortised cost AC 466,073 466,073 —1
Fair value through profit or loss FVTPL 135,002 135,002 —1
Fair value through other
comprehensive income
FVOCI 156,710 156,710 156,710
Equity and liabilities
At amortised cost AC 1,054,322 1,054,322 701,9401
Fair value through profit or loss FVTPL 24,322 24,322 —1

IFRS 9

1 No fair value has been determined for the items; however, the carrying amount is a reasonable approximation of the fair value. This means that the aggregate fair value for the measurement categories AC and FVTPL are considerably lower than the corresponding aggregate carrying amounts in the balance sheet.

FAIR VALUE HIERARCHY AS OF 30 JUNE 2021

In EUR '000s Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3
Assets
Trade accounts receivable, at fair value through profit or loss 117,268 0 0 117,268
Other financial assets, at fair value through profit or loss 16,688 0 0 16,688
Other equity instruments, at fair value through profit or loss 1,046 0 0 1,046
Other equity instruments, at fair value through
other comprehensive income
156,710 156,710 0 0
Equity and liabilities
Borrowings from promissory notes 701,940 0 0 701,940
Other financial liabilities, at fair value through profit or loss 24,322 0 0 24,322

There have been no changes regarding levels.

  1. Pension provisions were remeasured based on updated interest rates (freenet, debitel program: 1.60 per cent, Media Broadcast Group program: 1.03 per cent), with premises remaining unchanged otherwise. The resulting actuarial gain of 7.5 million euros and the offsetting decrease in deferred tax assets by 1.7 million euros were recognised in the statement of comprehensive income. There was a net positive result of 5.8 million euros from items not to be reclassified to the income statement.

  2. As in the 2020 consolidated financial statements, the calculation of current and deferred income taxes was based on an average tax rate of 30.40 per cent (30 June 2020: 30.30 percent).

  3. The following events occurred after 30 June 2021: Effective 2 July 2021, all shares in the joint venture Jestoro GmbH, Hamburg, were sold.

  4. As its main decision-making body, the Executive Board organises and manages the company on the basis of the differences between the individual products and services offered by the company. As the Group performs its business operations almost entirely in Germany, its business is not organised or managed based on geographical regions. The Group was active in the following operating segments in the first six months of 2021:

  5. Mobile Communications:

  6. Activities as a mobile communications service provider – marketing of mobile communications services (voice and data services) from the mobile communications network operators Deutsche Telekom, Vodafone and Telefónica Deutschland
  7. Based on the network operator agreements entered into with these network operators, a range of the company's own network-independent services and tariffs as well as a range of network operator tariffs
  8. Sale/distribution of mobile communications devices as well as additional services for mobile data communications and digital lifestyle
  9. Rendering of sales services
  10. TV and Media:
  11. Rendering of services, mainly to end users, in the field of IPTV
  12. Planning, project management, installation, operation, service and marketing of broadcast-related solutions for business clients in the radio and media sectors
  13. Rendering of services to end users in the field of DVB-T2
  14. Other/Holding:
  15. Rendering of portal services such as e-commerce/ advertising services (these essentially comprise the offer of online shopping and the marketing of advertising space on websites), of payment services for end customers as well as various digital products and entertainment formats for downloading and displaying and use on mobile devices

  16. Development of communication solutions, IT solutions and other services for corporate customers

  17. Range of narrowband voice services (call-by-call, preselection) and data services
  18. Rendering of sales services

The "Other/Holding" segment includes other business activities in addition to operating activities. This mainly comprises the holding activities of freenet AG (with the rendering of services within the Group in central areas, such as legal, human resources and finance) as well as areas which cannot be clearly allocated to operating segments. The segment revenue of 21.6 million euros (previous year: 29.5 million euros) reported for the "Other/Holding" segment in the first six months of 2021 is attributable to operating activities (22.0 million euros; previous year: 29.9 million euros) and other business activities (-0.4 million euros; previous year: –0.4 million euros). Of the figure of 12.6 million euros (previous year: 22.3 million euros) reported as gross profit for the first six months of 2021 for the "Other/Holding" segment, 13.2 million euros (previous year: 22.9 million euros) is attributable to the operating activities and –0.6 million euros (previous year: –0.6 million euros) is attributable to the other business activities. The EBITDA of –7.9 million euros (previous year: –5.1 million euros) reported for the "Other/Holding" segment for the first six months of 2021 was accounted for by operating activities to the extent of 5.0 million euros (previous year: 7.0 million euros) and by other business activities in the amount of –12.9 million euros (previous year: –12.1 million euros).

SEGMENT REPORT

1 JANUARY TO 30 JUNE 2021

Mobile Other/ Elimination of
intersegment
revenue
in EUR '000s Communications TV and Media Holding and costs Total
Third-party revenue 1,091,885 133,478 13,646 0 1,239,009
Inter-segment revenue 7,969 5,339 7,907 -21,215 0
Total revenue 1,099,854 138,817 21,553 -21,215 1,239,009
Cost of materials, third party -764,401 -41,507 -8,804 0 -814,712
Inter-segment cost of materials -9,737 -7,520 -174 17,431 0
Total cost of materials -774,138 -49,027 -8,978 17,431 -814,712
Segment gross profit 325,716 89,790 12,575 -3,784 424,297
Other operating income 19,478 617 1,380 -1,280 20,195
Other own work capitalised 6,683 3,034 1,020 0 10,737
Personnel expenses -63,144 -27,167 -15,532 0 -105,843
Other operating expenses -105,455 -19,301 -7,381 5,064 -127,073
Thereof loss allowances on financial assets
and contract assets
-15,977 -42 -76 0 -16,095
Thereof without loss allowances on financial
assets and contract assets
-89,478 -19,259 -7,305 5,064 -110,978
Overhead total1 -142,438 -42,817 -20,513 3,784 -201,984
Thereof inter-segment allocation -3,560 -378 154 3,784
Segment EBITDA 183,278 46,973 -7,938 0 222,313
Depreciation, amortisation and impairment -113,300
EBIT 109,013
Financial result -16,241
Income taxes -10,253
Consolidated profit from
discontinued operations
82,519
Consolidated profit from discontinued
operations attributable to the shareholders
of freenet AG
0
Consolidated profit 82,519
Consolidated profit attributable
to shareholders of freenet AG
91,806
Consolidated profit attributable
to non-controlling interests
-9,287
Net cash investments 12,413 5,050 1,935 19,398

1 The overhead costs as the difference between gross profit and EBITDA include the items other operating income, other own work capitalised, personnel expenses and other operating expenses.

Mobile Other/ Elimination of
intersegment
revenue
in EUR '000s Communications TV and Media Holding and costs Total
Third-party revenue 1,128,286 121,200 21,494 0
-21,233
1,270,980
Inter-segment revenue 8,516 4,691 8,026 -21,233 0
Total revenue 1,136,802 125,891 29,520 1,270,980
Cost of materials, third party -801,374 -36,953 -6,914 0 -845,241
Inter-segment cost of materials -9,294 -7,803 -351 17,448 0
Total cost of materials -810,668 -44,756 -7,265 17,448 -845,241
Segment gross profit 326,134 81,135 22,255 -3,785 425,739
Other operating income 23,795 469 1,637 -1,861 24,040
Other own work capitalised 5,876 2,328 850 0 9,054
Personnel expenses -63,950 -29,749 -18,683 0 -112,382
Other operating expenses -109,248 -17,715 -11,192 5,646 -132,509
Thereof loss allowances on financial assets
and contract assets
-19,974 -453 -96 0 -20,523
Thereof without loss allowances on financial
assets and contract assets
-89,274 -17,262 -11,096 5,646 -111,986
Overhead total1 -143,527 -44,667 -27,388 3,785 -211,797
Thereof inter-segment allocation -3,517 -478 210 3,785
Segment EBITDA 182,607 36,468 -5,133 0 213,942
Depreciation, amortisation and impairment -78,543
EBIT 135,399
Financial result -23,320
Income taxes -13,789
Consolidated profit from
discontinued operations
98,290
Consolidated profit from discontinued
operations attributable to the shareholders
of freenet AG
11,016
Consolidated profit 109,306
Consolidated profit attributable
to shareholders of freenet AG
112,412
Consolidated profit attributable
to non-controlling interests
-3,106
Net cash investments 10,006 5,843 1,447 17,296

1 The overhead costs as the difference between gross profit and EBITDA include the items other operating income, other own work capitalised, personnel expenses and other operating expenses.

Büdelsdorf, 12 August 2021

freenet AG

The Executive Board

Christoph Vilanek Ingo Arnold Stephan Esch

Antonius Fromme Rickmann v. Platen

FURTHER INFOR-M ATION

FURTHER INFORMATION

  • 46 | Responsibility statement
  • 47 | Glossary
  • 48 | Financial calendar
  • 49 | Imprint and contact

RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT

To the best of our knowledge and belief, and in accordance with the applicable reporting principles and in compliance with generally accepted accounting principles, the condensed interim consolidated financial statements give a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position and profit or loss of the Group, and the Group interim management report includes a fair review of the development and performance of the business and the position of the Group, together with a description of the material opportunities and risks associated with the expected development of the Group.

Büdelsdorf, 12 August 2021

freenet AG

The Executive Board

Christoph Vilanek Ingo Arnold Stephan Esch

Antonius Fromme Rickmann v. Platen

GLOSSARY

5G Fifth generation mobile communications, which is based on the existing mobile communications standard LTE.

Adjusted net debt Net debt (see "Net debt") less equity investments (see "Equity investments").

Adjusted leverage Ratio between adjusted net debt (see "Adjusted net debt") and EBITDA (see "EBITDA") generated in the last twelve months.

ARPU (Mobile Communications segment) abbr. Average revenue per user. The customer group-specific usage fee divided by the average number of customers on the relevant reference date.

Diluted earnings per share Diluted earnings per share are calculated by dividing the profit attributable to the shareholders by the weighted average number of shares outstanding increased by potentially dilutive shares. The number of potentially dilutive shares is calculated as the difference between the potential ordinary shares attributable to employee incentive programs measured at the subscription price and the ordinary shares issuable at fair value.

Earnings per share The portion of consolidated profit or loss which is attributable to an individual share. It is calculated by dividing consolidated profit/loss by the weighted average number of issued shares.

EBIT Earnings before interest and taxes.

EBITDA EBIT (see "EBIT") plus depreciation, amortisation and impairment

EBT Earnings before taxes

Equity investments Market value of CECONOMY AG on the reporting date. The market value of CECONOMY AG is calculated by multiplying the closing price of the CECON-OMY AG share on the Frankfurt stock exchange by the number of CECONOMY AG shares held by the freenet Group (32,633,555 no-par-value shares) as of the relevant reference date.

Equity ratio Ratio between equity and total equity and liabilities.

Free cash flow Cash flows from operating activities (without payments for transaction costs from acquiring/selling companies) less CAPEX (see "Net investments") and cash repayments of lease liabilities.

freenet TV subscribers (RGU) RGU means "revenue generating unit"; it refers to active freenet TV subscribers.

Gross profit Revenue less cost of materials.

Gross profit margin Ratio between gross profit and revenue.

IPTV abbr. Internet protocol television; refers to the transmission of television channels and films using the Internet Protocol as opposed to other broadcasting channels such as cable television, DVB-T2 or satellite.

Leverage Ratio between net debt (see "Net debt") and EBITDA (see "EBITDA") generated in the last twelve months.

Net debt Long-term and short-term borrowings shown in the balance sheet, less liquid assets and plus net lease liabilities.

Net investments (CAPEX) Investments in property, plant and equipment and intangible assets, less proceeds from the disposal of intangible assets and property, plant and equipment.

Net lease liabilities Non-current and current lease liabilities shown in the balance sheet, less non-current and current lease receivables.

No-frills No-frills tariffs deliberately have a simple structure, and in general do not include a subsidised device. Traditionally, they are marketed by way of direct distribution (e.g. online) and not via specialist outlets.

Overhead Overhead includes the items other operating income, other own work capitalised, personnel expenses and other operating expenses

Postpaid Mobile services billed subsequently (usually 24-month contracts).

Prepaid Mobile services billed in advance.

waipu.tv subscribers Customers who use subscribed to one of the fee-based tariffs.

FINANCIAL CALENDAR

Date Event 4 November 2021 Quarterly Statement as of 30 September 2021 – Third quarter 2021

Date is subject to possible changes.

Our reports are available on the Internet at: https://www.freenet-group.de/investor/publications/

The English version of the half-yearly report is a convenience translation of the German version. The German version is legally binding.

Further up-to-date information on the freenet Group and the share is available at: www.freenet-group.de/en

If you have installed a QR-Code recognition software on your smartphone, scanning this code will take you directly to the freenet Group website.

IMPRINT AND CONTACT

freenet AG

Hollerstraße 126 24782 Büdelsdorf, Germany

Phone: + 49 (0) 43 31/69 10 00

Investor Relations & ESG

Deelbögenkamp 4 22297 Hamburg, Germany

Phone: + 49 (0) 40/5 13 06 778 E-Mail: [email protected]

CONSULTING, CONCEPT&DESIGN

Silvester Group www.silvestergroup.com

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