SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 6-K
Report of Foreign Issuer
Pursuant to Rule 13a-16 or 15d-16
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the month of June 2015
Commission File Number: 001-13464
Telecom Argentina S.A.
(Translation of registrants name into English)
Alicia Moreau de Justo, No. 50, 1107
Buenos Aires, Argentina
(Address of principal executive offices)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F:
Form 20-F x Form 40-F ¨
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1):
Yes ¨ No x
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7):
Yes ¨ No x
Indicate by check mark whether by furnishing the information contained in this Form, the Registrant is also thereby furnishing the information to the Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934:
Yes ¨ No x
If Yes is marked, indicate below the file number assigned to the registrant in connection with Rule 12g3-2(b): N/A
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Item |
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1. | Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements as of March 31, 2015 |
TELECOM ARGENTINA S.A.
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
AS OF MARCH 31, 2015
TELECOM ARGENTINA S.A.
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AS OF MARCH 31, 2015 AND 2014
Operating and financial review and prospects as of March 31, 2015 | I | |||
Unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements | ||||
1 | ||||
2 | ||||
3 | ||||
4 | ||||
5 | ||||
Notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements |
6 | |||
Limited review report on condensed interim consolidated financial statements | ||||
Corporate information |
TELECOM ARGENTINA S.A.
OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS AS OF MARCH 31, 2015
(In millions of Argentine pesos or as expressly indicated)
1. | General considerations |
As required by CNV regulations, the Company has prepared its consolidated financial statements as of March 31, 2015 under IFRS. Additional information is given in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements.
2. | Telecom Groups activities for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2015 (1Q15) and 2014 (1Q14) |
Total revenues and other income for 1Q15 amounted to $8,879 (+18.8% vs. 1Q14), operating costs including depreciations, amortizations and gain on disposal of PP&E and impairment of PP&E amounted to $7,199 (+18.0% vs. 1Q14), operating income before depreciation and amortization amounted to $2,634 (+24.7% vs. 1Q14) representing 29.7% of consolidated revenues, operating income amounted to $1,680 (+22.0% vs. 1Q14) and net income amounted to $1,041 (+14.9% vs. 1Q14). Net income attributable to Telecom Argentina amounted to $1,028 in 1Q15 (+15.6% vs. 1Q14).
Variation | ||||||||||||||||
1Q15 | 1Q14 | $ | % | |||||||||||||
Revenues |
8,872 | 7,466 | 1,406 | 18.8 | ||||||||||||
Other income |
7 | 10 | (3 | ) | (30.0 | ) | ||||||||||
Operating costs without depreciation and amortization |
(6,245 | ) | (5,364 | ) | (881 | ) | 16.4 | |||||||||
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Operating income before depreciation and amortization |
2,634 | 2,112 | 522 | 24.7 | ||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
(957 | ) | (739 | ) | (218 | ) | 29.5 | |||||||||
Gain on disposal of PP&E and impairment of PP&E |
3 | 4 | (1 | ) | (25.0 | ) | ||||||||||
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Operating income |
1,680 | 1,377 | 303 | 22,0 | ||||||||||||
Financial results, net |
(89 | ) | (32 | ) | (57 | ) | 178.1 | |||||||||
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Income before income tax expense |
1,591 | 1,345 | 246 | 18.3 | ||||||||||||
Income tax expense |
(550 | ) | (439 | ) | (111 | ) | 25.3 | |||||||||
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Net income |
1,041 | 906 | 135 | 14.9 | ||||||||||||
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Attributable to: |
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Telecom Argentina (Controlling Company) |
1,028 | 889 | 139 | 15.6 | ||||||||||||
Non-controlling interest |
13 | 17 | (4 | ) | (23.5 | ) | ||||||||||
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1,041 | 906 | 135 | 14.9 | |||||||||||||
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Basic and diluted earnings per share attributable to Telecom Argentina (in pesos) |
1.06 | 0.92 | ||||||||||||||
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| Total revenues and other income |
During 1Q15 consolidated total revenues increased 18.8% (+$1,406 vs. 1Q14) amounting to $8,872 mainly fueled by the mobile, Broadband and data transmission businesses.
Variation | ||||||||||||||||
1Q15 | 1Q14 | $ | % | |||||||||||||
Services |
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Retail Voice |
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Monthly Charges |
312 | 295 | 17 | 5.8 | ||||||||||||
Measured Services |
409 | 359 | 50 | 13.9 | ||||||||||||
Others |
24 | 28 | (4 | ) | (14.3 | ) | ||||||||||
Wholesale Voice |
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Fixed and mobile interconnection |
155 | 149 | 6 | 4.0 | ||||||||||||
Others |
80 | 76 | 4 | 5.3 | ||||||||||||
Data |
407 | 319 | 88 | 27.6 | ||||||||||||
Internet |
973 | 726 | 247 | 34.0 | ||||||||||||
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Subtotal Fixed Services |
2,360 | 1,952 | 408 | 20.9 | ||||||||||||
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Retail Voice |
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Monthly Charges |
954 | 697 | 257 | 36.9 | ||||||||||||
Measured Services |
535 | 473 | 62 | 13.1 | ||||||||||||
Roaming |
85 | 95 | (10 | ) | (10.5 | ) | ||||||||||
Others |
128 | 80 | 48 | 60.0 | ||||||||||||
Wholesale Voice |
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Interconnection |
392 | 396 | (4 | ) | (1.0 | ) | ||||||||||
Roaming |
79 | 82 | (3 | ) | (3.7 | ) | ||||||||||
Mobile leases |
10 | 10 | | | ||||||||||||
Data |
1,845 | 1,787 | 58 | 3.2 | ||||||||||||
Internet |
1,188 | 644 | 544 | 84.5 | ||||||||||||
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Subtotal Mobile Services - Personal |
5,216 | 4,264 | 952 | 22.3 | ||||||||||||
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OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS AS OF MARCH 31, 2015
I
TELECOM ARGENTINA S.A.
Variation | ||||||||||||||||
1Q15 | 1Q14 | $ | % | |||||||||||||
Retail Voice |
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Monthly Charges |
51 | 49 | 2 | 4.1 | ||||||||||||
Measured Services |
77 | 68 | 9 | 13.2 | ||||||||||||
Roaming |
3 | 2 | 1 | 50.0 | ||||||||||||
Others |
17 | 7 | 10 | 142.9 | ||||||||||||
Wholesale Voice |
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Interconnection |
20 | 26 | (6 | ) | (23.1 | ) | ||||||||||
Roaming |
4 | | 4 | n/a | ||||||||||||
Others |
2 | 1 | 1 | 100.0 | ||||||||||||
Data |
80 | 85 | (5 | ) | (5.9 | ) | ||||||||||
Internet |
129 | 105 | 24 | 22.9 | ||||||||||||
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Subtotal Mobile Services Núcleo |
383 | 343 | 40 | 11.7 | ||||||||||||
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Revenue from services |
7,959 | 6,559 | 1,400 | 21.3 | ||||||||||||
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Equipment | ||||||||||||||||
Fixed Services |
10 | 13 | (3 | ) | (23.1 | ) | ||||||||||
Mobile Services- Personal |
881 | 879 | 2 | 0.2 | ||||||||||||
Mobile Services Núcleo |
22 | 15 | 7 | 46.7 | ||||||||||||
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Revenue from equipment sales |
913 | 907 | 6 | 0.7 | ||||||||||||
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Total Revenues |
8,872 | 7,466 | 1,406 | 18.8 | ||||||||||||
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Services revenues amounted to $7,959 (+21.3% vs. 1Q14) and represented 89.7 % of consolidated revenues (vs. 87.9% in 1Q14). Equipment revenues increased 0.7%, amounting to $913 and represented 10.3% of consolidated revenues (vs. 12.1% in 1Q14).
Fixed Services
During 1Q15, services revenues generated by this segment amounted to $2,360 (+$408 or 20.9% vs. 1Q14), where Internet revenues have grown the most (+$247 or +34.0% vs. 1Q14), followed by data transmission services (+$88 or +27.6% vs. 1Q14) and voice retail services (+$63 or +9.2% vs. 1Q14).
| Voice |
Voice retail revenues reached $745 in 1Q15 (+9.2% vs. 1Q14). These revenues are still affected by frozen tariffs of regulated services since 2002. Revenues from regulated services reached approximately 26% of the segment services revenues in 1Q15 (vs. 30% in 1Q14).
Monthly Charges and Supplementary Services increased $17 or +5.8% vs. 1Q14, reaching $312, as a consequence of an increase in supplementary services (not regulated), mainly due to an increase of their prices and, to a lesser extent, to the increase in the subscriber base.
Revenues generated by measured services (Local Measured Service, Domestic Long Distance and International Long Distance services) amounted to $409 (+$50 or 13.9% vs. 1Q14), mainly due to the increase in customers and plans prices (both in local and long national distance). According to this, local measured service revenues increased 20.3% vs. 1Q14 and DLD revenues increased 11.7% vs. 1Q14. The Average Monthly Revenue per User (ARBU) amounted to $60.5 pesos per month in 1Q15 vs. $54.6 pesos per month amounted in 1Q14, representing an increase of 10.8%. The remaining retail voice revenues amounted to $24 in 1Q15 (-14.3% vs. 1Q14). The decrease was mainly due to a decrease in consumption and customers of public telecommunication services and a decrease in rehabilitation charges.
Voice wholesale revenues (including fixed and mobile interconnection revenues and lease of circuits, together with the revenues generated by the subsidiary Telecom USA amounting to $29) amounted to $235 in 1Q15 (+4.4% vs. 1Q14). Interconnection fixed and mobile revenues amounted to $155 and the other wholesale revenues amounted to $80 in 1Q15 (+5.3% vs. 1Q14), mainly due to higher prices related to cell sites rentals due to the variation of the $/US$ exchange rate.
| Data |
Data revenues (including the revenues generated by the subsidiary Telecom USA amounted to $1) amounted to $407 (+$88 vs. 1Q14). These revenues were generated focusing on the Companys position as an integrated TICs provider (Datacenter, VPN, among others) for wholesale and government segments. The increase was primarily due to higher prices of these services related to the variation of the $/US$ exchange rate and to the increase in the number of customers of these services.
OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS AS OF MARCH 31, 2015
II
TELECOM ARGENTINA S.A.
| Internet |
Internet revenues amounted to $973 (+$247 or +34.0% vs. 1Q14) mainly due to the expansion of the Broadband service (+3.2% of customers vs. 1Q14) and an increase in average prices resulting in an improvement in the Average Monthly Revenue per User (ARPU), that amounted to $178.5 pesos per month in 1Q15 vs. $138.0 pesos per month in 1Q14 (+29.4% vs. 1Q14). As of March 31, 2015, Telecom Argentina reached approximately 1,768,000 ADSL customers. These connections represent approximately 43.4% of Telecom Argentinas fixed lines in service (vs. 41.7% in 1Q14).
Internet revenues represent 11.0% of consolidated revenues (vs. 9.7% 1Q14) and 41.2% of Fixed Services segment revenues (vs. 37.2% in 1Q14).
Personal Mobile Services
During 1Q15, total services revenues amounted to $5,216 (+$952 or 22.3% vs. 1Q14), being the principal business segment in revenues terms (65.5 % and 65.0% of services consolidated revenues in 1Q15 and 1Q14, respectively). Personal reached 19.3 million subscribers in Argentina (-2.9% vs. 1Q14). Approximately 68% of the subscriber base is prepaid subscribers and 32% is postpaid subscribers (including Cuentas claras plans and Mobile Internet dongles). The churn rate per month amounted to 3.3% in 1Q15 (vs. 3.0% in 1Q14).
| Voice |
Voice retail revenues amounted to $1,702 in 1Q15 (+26.5% vs. 1Q14). The increase was mainly due to the increase in monthly charges prices in the postpaid and Cuentas claras subscriber base and prepaid services, offset by the net variation of the subscriber base showing an increase in Cuentas claras and a decrease in postpaid and prepaid subscribers as compared to 1Q14.
Voice wholesale revenues amounted to $481 in 1Q15 (-1.4% vs. 1Q14), mainly due to the decrease in roaming revenues with other operators and interconnection services.
| Data |
Mobile data services revenues amounted to $1,845 (+$58 or +3.2% vs. 1Q14). This increase was mainly due to the constant SMS with contents sales increase as a result of several campaigns launched by Personal, which represented an inter-annual increase of $217. This increase was reflected both in Cuentas claras customers and prepaid subscribers. However, the main component of VAS revenues are SMS consumption, which decreased $148 or -12.8% vs. 1Q14, and experiencing a decrease in TOU (-44.6% vs. 1Q14).
| Internet |
Mobile Internet revenues amounted to $1,188 (+$544 or +84.5% vs. 1Q14). This increase is mainly explained by the increase in browsing services consumption of Personals subscribers, which was mainly fueled by the increase in the offer of services, plans and packs (including VAS) launched by Personal. This growth was fueled by new subscribers, the migration of the existing ones to higher-value plans and the increase of subscribers that acquired 3G handsets, which facilitate Internet browsing. Internet flat rate services revenues have decreased mainly due to the decrease of Mobile Internet dongles subscribers (-38% vs. 1Q14).
As a consequence of the increase in VAS use (Internet and data), ARPU increased to $86.2 pesos per month in 1Q15 (vs. $68.3 pesos per month in 1Q14), which represents an increase of 26.1%.
VAS revenues (data and Internet) amounted to $3,033 (+24.8% vs. 1Q14) and represented 58.1% of Personal Mobile Services services revenues (vs. 57.0% in 1Q14).
Núcleo Mobile Services
This segment generated services revenues equivalent to $383 during 1Q15 (+$40 or 11.7% vs. 1Q14) mainly due to the Internet revenues increase (+22.9% vs. 1Q14), mainly related to the increase of browsing generated by subscribers with mobile equipment prepared for that purpose. As of March 31, 2015, Núcleos subscriber base reached 2.5 million customers. Prepaid and postpaid subscribers (including Plan Control subscribers and mobile Internet subscribers) represented 81% and 19% in 1Q15, respectively.
VAS revenues (data and Internet) amounted to $209 (+10.0% vs. 1Q14) and represented 54.6% of Núcleo Mobile Services segment services revenues (vs. 55.4% in 1Q14).
OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS AS OF MARCH 31, 2015
III
TELECOM ARGENTINA S.A.
Equipment
Revenues from equipment amounted to $913, +$6 or +0.7% vs. 1Q14. This increase is mainly related to the Núcleo Mobile Services segment with an increase of $7 vs. 1Q14. In the Personal Mobile Services segment the inter-annual increase amounted to $2, due to lower handsets sold (-40% vs. 1Q14) partially offset by an increase in handsets average sale prices (+67% vs. 1Q14), resulting in a higher operating margin of handsets (+$141 or +106.8% vs. 1Q14).
| Operating costs |
Consolidated operating costs including depreciations, amortizations and gain on disposal of PP&E and impairment of PP&E totaled $7,199 in 1Q15, which represents an increase of $1,100 or +18.0% vs. 1Q14. The increase in costs is mainly a consequence of a higher revenues, higher expenses related to competition in mobile and Internet businesses, higher direct and indirect labor costs on the cost structure of the Telecom Group in Argentina, the increase in fees for services related to higher supplier prices, the increase in taxes and fees with the Regulatory Matters, the increase of VAS costs, the increase in bad debt expenses, higher provisions costs and an increase of $67 in agent commissions capitalized as SAC, which together with the decrease in the cost of equipment and handsets of $135 partially mitigated the increase in operating costs.
Variation | Variation in $ by segment | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1Q15 | 1Q14 | $ | % | Fixed Serv. |
Personal M. Serv. |
Núcleo M. Serv. |
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Employee benefit expenses and severance payments |
(1,543 | ) | (1,183 | ) | (360 | ) | 30.4 | (289 | ) | (66 | ) | (5 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Interconnection costs and other telecommunication charges |
(500 | ) | (515 | ) | 15 | (2.9 | ) | 2 | 4 | 9 | ||||||||||||||||||
Fees for services, maintenance, materials and supplies |
(889 | ) | (755 | ) | (134 | ) | 17.7 | (50 | ) | (79 | ) | (5 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Taxes and fees with the Regulatory Authority |
(873 | ) | (755 | ) | (118 | ) | 15.6 | (18 | ) | (99 | ) | (1 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Commissions |
(823 | ) | (674 | ) | (149 | ) | 22.1 | (13 | ) | (121 | ) | (15 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Agent commissions capitalized as SAC |
200 | 133 | 67 | 50.4 | 7 | 57 | 3 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Cost of equipment and handsets |
(660 | ) | (806 | ) | 146 | (18.1 | ) | (4 | ) | 164 | (14 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Cost of equipment and handsets capitalized as SAC |
20 | 31 | (11 | ) | (35.5 | ) | | (17 | ) | 6 | ||||||||||||||||||
Advertising |
(191 | ) | (164 | ) | (27 | ) | 16.5 | 21 | (47 | ) | (1 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Cost of VAS |
(293 | ) | (191 | ) | (102 | ) | 53.4 | (2 | ) | (91 | ) | (9 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Provisions |
(93 | ) | (37 | ) | (56 | ) | 151.4 | (12 | ) | (44 | ) | | ||||||||||||||||
Bad debt expenses |
(183 | ) | (118 | ) | (65 | ) | 55.1 | (23 | ) | (40 | ) | (2 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Other operating expenses |
(417 | ) | (330 | ) | (87 | ) | 26.4 | (39 | ) | (43 | ) | (5 | ) | |||||||||||||||
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Subtotal |
(6,245 | ) | (5,364 | ) | (881 | ) | 16.4 | (420 | ) | (422 | ) | (39 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Depreciation of PP&E |
(677 | ) | (538 | ) | (139 | ) | 25.8 | (49 | ) | (79 | ) | (11 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Amortization of SAC and service connection charges |
(216 | ) | (195 | ) | (21 | ) | 10.8 | (9 | ) | (8 | ) | (4 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Amortization of other intangible assets |
(64 | ) | (6 | ) | (58 | ) | 966.7 | | (59 | ) | 1 | |||||||||||||||||
Gain on disposal of PP&E and impairment of PP&E |
3 | 4 | (1 | ) | (25.0 | ) | 5 | (6 | ) | | ||||||||||||||||||
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Total operating costs |
(7,199 | ) | (6,099 | ) | (1,100 | ) | 18.0 | (473 | ) | (574 | ) | (53 | ) | |||||||||||||||
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The costs breakdown is as follows:
Employee benefit expenses and severance payments
Employee benefit expenses and severance payments amounted to $1,543 (+$360 or +30.4% vs. 1Q14). The increase was mainly due to increases in salaries agreed by Telecom Argentina with several trade unions for the unionized employees and also to non-unionized employees, together with related social security charges. With a total headcount of 16,358 by the end of 1Q15, (vs. 16,523 employees in 1Q14), lines in service per employee reached 370 in the Fixed Services segment (slightly lower than 1Q14), subscribers per employee reached 3,909 in the Personal Mobile Services segment and subscribers per employee reached 6,229 (+8.1% vs. 1Q14) in the Núcleo Mobile Services segment.
Interconnection costs and other telecommunication charges
Interconnection costs and other telecommunication charges (including charges for TLRD, Roaming, Interconnection costs, cost of international outbound calls and lease of circuits) amounted to $500 (-$15 or -2.9% vs. 1Q14). The decrease was mainly due to a lower traffic volume in roaming vs. 1Q14.
Fees for services, maintenance, materials and supplies
Fees for services, maintenance, materials and supplies amounted to $889, +$134 or +17.7% vs. 1Q14. The increase was mainly due to higher maintenance costs of radio bases and buildings in the mobile services segments, as a result of the variation in the $/US$ exchange rate, an increase in technical assistance cost of radio bases, higher system licenses maintenance costs, higher costs of building maintenance, higher costs of sites location and storage costs.
There were also increases in other maintenance costs and fees for services, mainly due to higher costs recognized to suppliers in all segments.
OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS AS OF MARCH 31, 2015
IV
TELECOM ARGENTINA S.A.
Taxes and fees with the Regulatory Authority
Taxes and fees with the Regulatory Authority (including turnover tax, fees with the Regulatory Authority, IDC, municipal and other taxes) amounted to $873 (+15.6% vs. 1Q14), influenced mainly by the increase in revenues of fixed and mobile services and by the increase of the IDC related to higher collections and payments to suppliers in 1Q15 vs. 1Q14.
Commissions
Commissions (including Agent, distribution of prepaid cards and other commissions) amounted to $623 (+$82 or +15.2% vs. 1Q14). The increase was mainly due to the increase in Agents commissions (associated to higher revenues) as a result of higher customers acquisition and retention costs recognized to them and the increase of outsourced sales commissions and collection commissions.
On the other hand, agent commissions capitalized as SAC amounted to $200, +$67 or +50.4% vs. 1Q14, and its directly related to the increase in the Cuentas claras subscribers base in the Personal Mobile Services segment and the increase in the commissions prices.
Cost of equipment and handsets
Cost of equipments and handsets amounted to $640 (-$135 or -17.4% vs. 1Q14) mainly due to a decrease in the units of handsets sold (-39.8% vs. 1Q14), partially offset by an increase in the average unit cost of sales (+28.9% vs. 1Q14) in the Personal Mobile Services segment.
On the other hand, SAC deferred costs from handsets sold amounted to $20, -$11 or -35.5% vs. 1Q14. The lower capitalized amount was mainly due to the significant reduction of subsidies provided to customers in the Personal Mobile Services segment, especially in the Cuentas claras segment.
Advertising
Advertising amounted to $191 (+$27 or +16.5% vs. 1Q14), mainly due to higher commercial campaigns of Personal related to the launching of the 4G services throughout the whole country as compared to 1Q14.
Cost of VAS
Cost of VAS amounted to $293 (+$102 or +53.4% vs. 1Q14). The increase was mainly due to the increase of VAS sales in the Personal Mobile Services segment, especially the SMS with content service, which grew as a consequence of several campaigns launched by Personal.
Provisions
Provisions amounted to $93, +$56 or +151.4% vs. 1Q14. The increase was mainly due to higher labor claims (+$31 vs. 1Q14) and higher civil and commercial claims (+$29 vs. 1Q14), partially offset by lower regulatory and municipal claims (-$4 vs. 1Q14).
Bad debt expenses
Bad debt expenses amounted to $183 (+$65 or +55.1% vs. 1Q14), representing approximately 2.1% and 1.6% of the consolidated revenues in 1Q15 and 1Q14, respectively. The major increase is observed in the Personal Mobile Services segment by $40 as a consequence of higher aging of the accounts receivables and higher incidence of handsets sales directly financed by Personal to its postpaid and Cuentas claras subscribers. These charges have also increased in Telecom Argentina by $23 in the Government and Corporate segment affected by the collection delay from some governmental entities.
Other operating costs
Other operating costs amounted to $417 (+$87 or +26.4% vs. 1Q14). The increase was mainly due to higher prices on related services, especially in transportation, freight and travel expenses (+$19 or +15.3% vs. 1Q14), among others, in the operations in Argentina; the increase of rent prices (+$31 or +34.1% vs. 1Q14), as a result of new agreements and the renegotiation of some of the existing ones and the increase of the consumption of electricity (+$21 or +32.8% vs. 1Q14).
| Operating income before depreciation and amortization |
Operating income before depreciation and amortization amounted to $2,634 (+$522 or 24.7% vs. 1Q14), representing 29.7% of consolidated revenues in 1Q15 (vs. 28.3% in 1Q14). This growth was mainly fueled by the Fixed Services segment (+$118 or +23.3% vs. 1Q14) and Personal Mobile Services segment (+$398 or +27.2% vs. 1Q14).
OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS AS OF MARCH 31, 2015
V
TELECOM ARGENTINA S.A.
Operating income before depreciation and amortization generated by equipment and handset sales (including SAC capitalization) amounted to $273 in 1Q15 vs. $132 in 1Q14 (+$141 or 106.8% vs. 1Q14), while operating income before depreciation and amortization generated by services sales amounted to $2,361 in 1Q15 vs. $1,980 in 1Q14 (+$381 or +19.2% vs. 1Q14).
Depreciation and amortization
Depreciation and amortization amounted to $957 (+$218 or +29.5% vs. 1Q14). The increase in depreciation and amortization includes $139 from PP&E depreciation, $58 from amortization of intangible assets without SAC (3G/4G licenses which start their amortization in December 2014 and generated $59 in 1Q15) and $21 from amortization of SAC and service connection costs. The increase in depreciation and amortization corresponds 27% to the Fixed Services segment and 73% to the mobile services segments.
Gain on disposal of PP&E and impairment of PP&E
Gain on disposal of PP&E and impairment of PP&E amounted to $3 and $4 in 1Q15 and 1Q14, respectively, and was mainly related to the Fixed Services segment.
| Operating income |
Operating income amounted to $1,680 in 1Q15 (+$303 or 22.0% vs. 1Q14). The margin over consolidated revenues represented 18.9% in 1Q15 (vs. 18.4% in 1Q14). This growth was mainly fueled by the Personal Mobile Services segment (+$246 or +22.6% vs. 1Q14) and the Fixed Services segment (+$65 or +28.5% vs. 1Q14).
| Financial results, net |
Financial results, net resulted in a net loss of $89, representing an increase of $57 vs. 1Q14. The increase was mainly due to higher interests on provisions (+$22 vs. 1Q14), higher interests on loans amounting to $38, lower net gains on NDF (+$45 vs. 1Q14) and lower financial interest on time deposits and other investments (-$194 vs. 1Q14), partially offset by higher interests on receivables (+$6 vs. 1Q14) and lower net foreign currency exchange losses (+$237 vs. 1Q14, the devaluation $/US$ was 6.9% in 1Q15 vs. 22.7% in 1Q14).
| Net income |
Telecom Argentina reached a net income of $1,041 in 1Q15, +$135 or +14.9% as compared to 1Q14, representing 11.7% of the consolidated revenues in 1Q15 (vs. 12.1% in 1Q14). Net income attributable to Telecom Argentina amounted to $1,028 in 1Q15, +$139 or +15.6% as compared to 1Q14.
| Net financial assets |
As of March 31, 2015, net financial assets (Cash and Cash Equivalents plus financial investments minus Financial debt) amounted to $521, showing a decrease of $4,559 as compared to March 31, 2014 (amounting to $5,080). This variation was mainly due to a decrease in the generation of cash from operating activities of the Telecom Group, mainly by higher CAPEX which include the acquisition of the 3G/4G licenses amounting to $3,530 in December 2014-, higher income tax payments and cash dividends paid to its shareholders for a total amount of $1,255 (including tax withholding on cash dividends). The Fixed Services segment has a financial asset of $260 and the Personal Mobile Services segment has a financial asset of $502, while the Núcleo Mobile Services segment has a net financial debt of $241.
| Capital expenditures (CAPEX) |
CAPEX composition for 1Q15 and 1Q14 is as follows:
In millions of $ | % of participation | Variation | ||||||||||||||||||||||
1Q15 | 1Q14 | 1Q15 | 1Q14 | $ | % | |||||||||||||||||||
Fixed Services |
336 | 396 | 39 | % | 37 | % | (60 | ) | (15 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Personal Mobile Services |
469 | 612 | 54 | % | 58 | % | (143 | ) | (23 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Núcleo Mobile Services |
59 | 54 | 7 | % | 5 | % | 5 | 9 | ||||||||||||||||
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|
|
|
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|
|
|||||||||||||
Total CAPEX |
864 | 1,062 | 100 | % | 100 | % | (198 | ) | (19 | ) | ||||||||||||||
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OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS AS OF MARCH 31, 2015
VI
TELECOM ARGENTINA S.A.
PP&E CAPEX amounted to $623 and intangible assets CAPEX amounted to $241 in 1Q15, while in 1Q14 amounted to $880 and $182, respectively. The reduction in PP&E CAPEX was influenced by the detailed planning of the deployment of 4G network and the upgrade of 3G network, as well as the evaluation of the results of the bidding process launched in 4Q14 by Personal in order to select the most suitable technical and financial offers for the development of its major mobile infrastructure deployment plan for FY15 and future years.
In relative terms, CAPEX represented 9.7% of consolidated revenues in 1Q15 (14.2% in 1Q14), and were intended mainly for the external wiring and network access equipment, to the initial deployment of the new 4G network, transmission and switching equipment, computer equipment and SAC.
PP&E and intangible assets additions (CAPEX plus materials additions) for 1Q15 and 1Q14 are as follows:
In millions of $ | % of participation | Variation | ||||||||||||||||||||||
1Q15 | 1Q14 | 1Q15 | 1Q14 | $ | % | |||||||||||||||||||
Fixed Services |
404 | 511 | 40 | % | 43 | % | (107 | ) | (21 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Personal Mobile Services |
522 | 618 | 53 | % | 52 | % | (96 | ) | (16 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Núcleo Mobile Services |
68 | 58 | 7 | % | 5 | % | 10 | 17 | ||||||||||||||||
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Total additions |
994 | 1,187 | 100 | % | 100 | % | (193 | ) | (16 | ) | ||||||||||||||
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Main PP&E CAPEX projects are related to the expansion of fixed broadband services in order to improve transmission and speed offered to customers; deployment of 3G and 4G services to support the growth of mobile Internet, improvement of the quality service together with the launch of innovative VAS services and the expansion of transmission and transport networks to meet the growing demand of services of our fixed and mobile customers.
3. | Summary of comparative consolidated statements of financial position |
March 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||
2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | ||||||||||||||||
Current assets |
7,094 | 9,408 | 7,486 | 5,826 | 4,119 | |||||||||||||||
Non-current assets |
19,877 | 14,555 | 11,126 | 9,989 | 8,760 | |||||||||||||||
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Total assets |
26,971 | 23,963 | 18,612 | 15,815 | 12,879 | |||||||||||||||
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Current liabilities |
8,405 | 8,814 | 5,830 | 5,259 | 4,487 | |||||||||||||||
Non-current liabilities |
2,777 | 2,038 | 1,781 | 1,681 | 1,194 | |||||||||||||||
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Total liabilities |
11,182 | 10,852 | 7,611 | 6,940 | 5,681 | |||||||||||||||
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Equity attributable to Telecom Argentina (Controlling Company) |
15,446 | 12,806 | 10,801 | 8,736 | 7,070 | |||||||||||||||
Equity attributable non-controlling interest |
343 | 305 | 200 | 139 | 128 | |||||||||||||||
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Total Equity |
15,789 | 13,111 | 11,001 | 8,875 | 7,198 | |||||||||||||||
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Total liabilities and equity |
26,971 | 23,963 | 18,612 | 15,815 | 12,879 | |||||||||||||||
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4. | Summary of comparative consolidated income statements |
1Q15 | 1Q14 | 1Q13 | 1Q12 | 1Q11 | ||||||||||||||||
Revenues and other income |
8,879 | 7,476 | 6,073 | 5,130 | 4,149 | |||||||||||||||
Operating costs |
(7,199 | ) | (6,099 | ) | (4,958 | ) | (4,097 | ) | (3,191 | ) | ||||||||||
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Operating income |
1,680 | 1,377 | 1,115 | 1,033 | 958 | |||||||||||||||
Financial results, net |
(89 | ) | (32 | ) | 135 | 61 | 19 | |||||||||||||
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Income before income tax expense |
1,591 | 1,345 | 1,250 | 1,094 | 977 | |||||||||||||||
Income tax expense |
(550 | ) | (439 | ) | (437 | ) | (386 | ) | (337 | ) | ||||||||||
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Net income |
1,041 | 906 | 813 | 708 | 640 | |||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive income, net of tax |
| 206 | 63 | 25 | 47 | |||||||||||||||
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Total comprehensive income |
1,041 | 1,112 | 876 | 733 | 687 | |||||||||||||||
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Attributable to Telecom Argentina (Controlling Company) |
1,028 | 1,023 | 842 | 715 | 666 | |||||||||||||||
Attributable to non-controlling interest |
13 | 89 | 34 | 18 | 21 |
OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS AS OF MARCH 31, 2015
VII
TELECOM ARGENTINA S.A.
5. | Statistical data (in physical units) |
| Fixed services |
Voice and data services (in thousands, except for lines in service per inhabitants and employees)
1Q15 | 1Q14 | 1Q13 | 1Q12 | 1Q11 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Accumulated | Quarter | Accumulated | Quarter | Accumulated | Quarter | Accumulated | Quarter | Accumulated | Quarter | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Equipment lines |
3,551 | 13 | 3,528 | (8 | ) | 3,808 | 2 | 3,800 | 3 | 3,801 | (35 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
NGN lines |
1,277 | 52 | 1,176 | 12 | 1,092 | 47 | 955 | (41 | ) | 880 | 27 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Installed lines (a) |
4,828 | 65 | 4,704 | 4 | 4,900 | 49 | 4,755 | (38 | ) | 4,681 | (8 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Lines in service (b) |
4,077 | (16 | ) | 4,108 | (16 | ) | 4,109 | (19 | ) | 4,138 | (3 | ) | 4,110 | 3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Customers lines (c) |
4,001 | (15 | ) | 4,028 | (16 | ) | 4,027 | (18 | ) | 4,054 | (3 | ) | 4,024 | 5 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Public phones installed |
29 | (1 | ) | 33 | (1 | ) | 36 | (1 | ) | 39 | (1 | ) | 43 | (2 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Lines in service per 100 inhabitants (d) |
19 | | 20 | 1 | 20 | | 21 | 1 | 21 | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Lines in service per employee (e) |
370 | | 373 | (2 | ) | 371 | 1 | 370 | (3 | ) | 377 | (2 | ) |
a) | Reflects total number of lines available in Switches, considered independently of its technology (TDM or NGN). |
b) | Includes customers lines, own lines, public telephones and DDE and ISDN channels. |
c) | The number of customers is measured in relation to the physical occupation of network resources. |
d) | Corresponding to the Northern Region of Argentina. |
e) | Defined as lines in service / number of actual employees. |
Internet (in thousands)
1Q15 | 1Q14 | 1Q13 | 1Q12 | 1Q11 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Accumulated | Quarter | Accumulated | Quarter | Accumulated | Quarter | Accumulated | Quarter | Accumulated | Quarter | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total ADSL subscribers |
1,768 | (3 | ) | 1,714 | 7 | 1,626 | (3 | ) | 1,566 | 16 | 1,407 | 27 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Mobile services |
Personal (in thousands, except for subscriber per employee disclosed in units)
1Q15 | 1Q14 | 1Q13 | 1Q12 | 1Q11 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Accumulated | Quarter | Accumulated | Quarter | Accumulated | Quarter | Accumulated | Quarter | Accumulated | Quarter | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Post-paid subscribers (i) |
2,033 | (122 | ) | 2,365 | (52 | ) | 2,415 | 29 | 2,226 | 48 | 1,886 | 81 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cuentas claras plans (i) |
3,938 | (55 | ) | 3,856 | (23 | ) | 3,583 | 106 | 3,176 | 37 | 2,814 | 18 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Prepaid subscribers (ii) |
13,217 | (45 | ) | 13,461 | (79 | ) | 12,763 | 43 | 12,672 | 258 | 11,841 | 415 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dongles (iii) |
144 | (31 | ) | 231 | (21 | ) | 353 | (39 | ) | 473 | 11 | 341 | 35 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Total subscribers |
19,332 | (253 | ) | 19,913 | (175 | ) | 19,114 | 139 | 18,547 | 354 | 16,882 | 549 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Lines per employee |
3,909 | | 3,911 | | 3,642 | | 3,734 | | 3,831 | | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Núcleo (in thousands, except for subscriber per employee disclosed in units)
1Q15 | 1Q14 | 1Q13 | 1Q12 | 1Q11 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Accumulated | Quarter | Accumulated | Quarter | Accumulated | Quarter | Accumulated | Quarter | Accumulated | Quarter | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Post-paid subscribers (i) |
28 | (1 | ) | 28 | (1 | ) | 29 | (1 | ) | 30 | 1 | 26 | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Plan control subscribers (i) |
332 | 13 | 304 | 7 | 270 | 9 | 227 | 7 | 199 | 8 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Prepaid subscribers (ii) |
2,021 | 22 | 1,929 | (7 | ) | 1,888 | 16 | 1,829 | 37 | 1,604 | | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dongles (iii) |
123 | (6 | ) | 147 | (6 | ) | 142 | 10 | 110 | 10 | 63 | 15 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Subtotal mobile |
2,504 | 28 | 2,408 | (7 | ) | 2,329 | 34 | 2,196 | 55 | 1,892 | 24 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Internet subscribers - Wimax |
5 | | 5 | | 6 | | 7 | (1 | ) | 9 | (1 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Total subscribers |
2,509 | 28 | 2,413 | (7 | ) | 2,335 | 34 | 2,203 | 54 | 1,901 | 23 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Lines per employee (iv) |
6,229 | | 5,761 | | 5,354 | | 5,119 | | 4,581 | | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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(i) | Lines which are paid through customer billing. |
(ii) | Prepaid lines which were refilled at least once in the last 13 months. |
(iii) | Corresponds to mobile Internet subscribers with post-paid, Cuentas claras, Plan control and prepaid contracts. |
(iv) | Internet Wimax subscribers are not included. |
6. | Consolidated ratios |
1Q15 | 1Q14 | 1Q13 | 1Q12 | 1Q11 | ||||||||||||||||
Liquidity (1) |
0.84 | 1.07 | 1.28 | 1.11 | 0.92 | |||||||||||||||
Solvency (2) |
1.41 | 1.21 | 1.45 | 1.28 | 1.27 | |||||||||||||||
Locked-up capital (3) |
0.74 | 0.61 | 0.60 | 0.63 | 0.68 |
(1) | Current assets/Current liabilities. |
(2) | Total equity/Total liabilities. |
(3) | Non-current assets/Total assets. |
OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS AS OF MARCH 31, 2015
VIII
TELECOM ARGENTINA S.A.
7. | Outlook |
In 2015, the evolution of the fixed services segment is expected to continue in line with the trend experienced over the past years and shall be influenced by the level of maturity of the market with focus on increasing the value of the customers base. In the Broadband business, Arnet continued capturing the growth opportunities the market offers, extending the offer of services with higher speeds and with proposals of overall integrated offers for customers (Internet, the fixed services segment and cellular mobile calls).
As regards pricing in the Fixed Services segment, the Company will continue the proceedings before the national authorities in the light of the new rules proposed by the LAD to reach the readjustment of the prices of the regulated services, and with them, of the economic-financial equation of Telecom Argentina. The growing pressures over the cost structure of the Company and its investment plans seeking to modernize its infrastructure to provide next-generation services emphasize this need.
During fiscal year 2015, Personals leadership strengths will consolidate by means of new added value added services especially in mobile broadband, based on the deployment of the new 4G networks which multiply tenfold the speed of mobile Internet speed in mobility. In this way, as the LTE infrastructure deploys on a national level, it is expected that our customers increase their access to content, among others, of the Personal Play platform (music, games and videos), the latter being one of the highest factors for revenue growth.
At the same time, and following with the commitment with quality, the Company expects to continue working to optimize the experience of customers who use the 3G/HSPA+ network, by means of improvements in the network infrastructure made possible as from December 2014 with the acquisition of additional spectrum. In this way, the third generation services will also expand, continuing with the technological reconversion and extension of the capacity of the network.
The infrastructure improvements and the availability of a wide portfolio of advanced devices within the offer will continue to be drivers of higher revenues based on innovative and convenient commercial proposals for those who choose Personal as mobile operator. This assumes favorable conditions for foreign trading, access to the exchange market and financing of LTE equipment, 4G handsets, hardware and software by the Telecom Group and its technological suppliers.
It is foreseen that the expansion of the subscribers base will develop at lower rates due to the level of maturity and the high penetration of mobile services in the market.
The strategy implemented by the Management of the Company lays out the basic necessary fundamentals for the Telecom Group to pursue its objectives of continuous improvement of the quality of its services, to strengthen its market position and to improve its operating efficiency in order to satisfy the growing needs of the dynamic telecommunications market, all in compliance with the correspondent laws and regulations. The ambitious investment plans of the Telecom Group are based on this forward-looking vision and on the commitment of the Telecom Group with our country and its people.
Oscar Cristianci |
Chairman of the Board of Directors |
OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS AS OF MARCH 31, 2015
IX
TELECOM ARGENTINA S.A.
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION
(In millions of Argentine pesos)
March 31, | December 31, | |||||||||
Note | 2015 | 2014 | ||||||||
ASSETS |
||||||||||
Current Assets |
||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
2 | 1,266 | 825 | |||||||
Investments |
2 | 66 | 53 | |||||||
Trade receivables |
2 | 4,385 | 4,124 | |||||||
Other receivables |
2 | 658 | 670 | |||||||
Inventories |
2 | 719 | 721 | |||||||
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|
|
|||||||
Total current assets |
7,094 | 6,393 | ||||||||
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|
|||||||
Non-Current Assets |
||||||||||
Trade receivables |
2 | 82 | 143 | |||||||
Deferred income tax assets |
2 | 190 | 140 | |||||||
Other receivables |
2 | 198 | 200 | |||||||
Investments |
2 | 309 | 301 | |||||||
Property, plant and equipment (PP&E) |
2 | 13,806 | 13,809 | |||||||
Intangible assets |
2 | 5,292 | 5,331 | |||||||
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|
|
|
|||||||
Total non-current assets |
19,877 | 19,924 | ||||||||
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|
|||||||
TOTAL ASSETS |
26,971 | 26,317 | ||||||||
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|
|||||||
LIABILITIES |
||||||||||
Current Liabilities |
||||||||||
Trade payables |
2 | 4,621 | 6,072 | |||||||
Deferred revenues |
2 | 521 | 507 | |||||||
Financial debt |
2 | 540 | 179 | |||||||
Salaries and social security payables |
2 | 965 | 1,022 | |||||||
Income tax payables |
2 | 573 | 247 | |||||||
Other taxes payables |
2 | 866 | 824 | |||||||
Dividends payables |
2 | 21 | | |||||||
Other liabilities |
2 | 39 | 47 | |||||||
Provisions |
6 | 259 | 199 | |||||||
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|
|
|||||||
Total current liabilities |
8,405 | 9,097 | ||||||||
|
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|
|||||||
Non-Current Liabilities |
||||||||||
Deferred revenues |
2 | 466 | 465 | |||||||
Financial debt |
2 | 579 | 254 | |||||||
Salaries and social security payables |
2 | 148 | 150 | |||||||
Deferred income tax liabilities |
2 | 337 | 417 | |||||||
Income tax payables |
2 | 8 | 9 | |||||||
Other liabilities |
2 | 84 | 76 | |||||||
Provisions |
6 | 1,155 | 1,080 | |||||||
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|
|||||||
Total non-current liabilities |
2,777 | 2,451 | ||||||||
|
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|
|||||||
TOTAL LIABILITIES |
11,182 | 11,548 | ||||||||
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|||||||
EQUITY (see Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity) |
||||||||||
Equity attributable to Telecom Argentina (Controlling Company) |
15,446 | 14,418 | ||||||||
Equity attributable to non-controlling interest |
343 | 351 | ||||||||
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|||||||
TOTAL EQUITY |
7 | 15,789 | 14,769 | |||||||
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|||||||
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY |
26,971 | 26,317 | ||||||||
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The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
Adrián Calaza | Oscar Cristianci | |
Chief Financial Officer | Chairman of the Board of Directors |
1
TELECOM ARGENTINA S.A.
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENTS
(In millions of Argentine pesos, except per share data in Argentine pesos)
Three-month periods ended March 31, |
||||||||||
Note | 2015 | 2014 | ||||||||
Revenues |
2 | 8,872 | 7,466 | |||||||
Other income |
2 | 7 | 10 | |||||||
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|
|
|
|||||||
Total revenues and other income |
8,879 | 7,476 | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Employee benefit expenses and severance payments |
2 | (1,543 | ) | (1,183 | ) | |||||
Interconnection costs and other telecommunication charges |
2 | (500 | ) | (515 | ) | |||||
Fees for services, maintenance, materials and supplies |
2 | (889 | ) | (755 | ) | |||||
Taxes and fees with the Regulatory Authority |
2 | (873 | ) | (755 | ) | |||||
Commissions |
2 | (623 | ) | (541 | ) | |||||
Cost of equipments and handsets |
2 | (640 | ) | (775 | ) | |||||
Advertising |
2 | (191 | ) | (164 | ) | |||||
Cost of VAS |
2 | (293 | ) | (191 | ) | |||||
Provisions |
6 | (93 | ) | (37 | ) | |||||
Bad debt expenses |
2 | (183 | ) | (118 | ) | |||||
Other operating expenses |
2 | (417 | ) | (330 | ) | |||||
Depreciation and amortization |
2 | (957 | ) | (739 | ) | |||||
Gain on disposal of PP&E and impairment of PP&E |
2 | 3 | 4 | |||||||
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|
|
|||||||
Operating income |
1,680 | 1,377 | ||||||||
Finance income |
2 | 105 | 799 | |||||||
Finance expenses |
2 | (194 | ) | (831 | ) | |||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Income before income tax expense |
1,591 | 1,345 | ||||||||
Income tax expense |
2 | (550 | ) | (439 | ) | |||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Net income for the period |
1,041 | 906 | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Attributable to: |
||||||||||
Telecom Argentina (Controlling Company) |
1,028 | 889 | ||||||||
Non-controlling interest |
13 | 17 | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||
1,041 | 906 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Earnings per share attributable to Telecom Argentina basic and diluted |
1.d | 1.06 | 0.92 | |||||||
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
Adrián Calaza | Oscar Cristianci | |
Chief Financial Officer | Chairman of the Board of Directors |
2
TELECOM ARGENTINA S.A.
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(In millions of Argentine pesos)
Three-month periods ended March 31, |
||||||||
2015 | 2014 | |||||||
Net income for the period |
1,041 | 906 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Other components of the Statements of Comprehensive Income |
||||||||
Will be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss |
||||||||
Currency translation adjustments (non-taxable) |
| 206 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Other components of the comprehensive income, net of tax |
| 206 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total comprehensive income for the period |
1,041 | 1,112 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Attributable to: |
||||||||
Telecom Argentina (Controlling Company) |
1,028 | 1,023 | ||||||
Non-controlling interest |
13 | 89 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
1,041 | 1,112 | |||||||
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
Adrián Calaza | Oscar Cristianci | |
Chief Financial Officer | Chairman of the Board of Directors |
3
TELECOM ARGENTINA S.A.
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
(In millions of Argentine pesos)
Equity attributable to Telecom Argentina (Controlling Company) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Owners Contribution | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Outstanding shares | Treasury shares | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Capital nominal value (1) |
Inflation adjustment |
Capital nominal value (1) (2) |
Inflation adjustment (2) |
Treasury shares acquisition cost (2) |
Legal reserve |
Special reserve for IFRS implementation |
Voluntary reserve for capital investments |
Voluntary reserve for future investments |
Deferred results |
Retained earnings |
Total | Equity attributable to non- controlling interest |
Total Equity |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balances as of January 1, 2014 |
969 | 2,646 | 15 | 42 | (461 | ) | 725 | 351 | 1,200 | 2,904 | 190 | 3,202 | 11,783 | 268 | 12,051 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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|
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|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dividends from Núcleo (3) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | (52 | ) | (52 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Comprehensive income: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net income for the period |
| | | | | | | | | | 889 | 889 | 17 | 906 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive income |
| | | | | | | | | 134 | | 134 | 72 | 206 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total Comprehensive Income |
| | | | | | | | | 134 | 889 | 1,023 | 89 | 1,112 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
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|
|
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|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balances as of March 31, 2014 |
969 | 2,646 | 15 | 42 | (461 | ) | 725 | 351 | 1,200 | 2,904 | 324 | 4,091 | 12,806 | 305 | 13,111 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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|
|
|
|
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|
|
|
|
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|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balances as of January 1, 2015 |
969 | 2,646 | 15 | 42 | (461 | ) | 734 | 351 | 3,191 | 2,904 | 354 | 3,673 | 14,418 | 351 | 14,769 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dividends from Núcleo (4) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | (21 | ) | (21 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Comprehensive income: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net income for the period |
| | | | | | | | | | 1,028 | 1,028 | 13 | 1,041 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive income |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
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|
|
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|
|
|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total Comprehensive Income |
| | | | | | | | | | 1,028 | 1,028 | 13 | 1,041 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
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|
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|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balances as of March 31, 2015 |
969 | 2,646 | 15 | 42 | (461 | ) | 734 | 351 | 3,191 | 2,904 | 354 | 4,701 | 15,446 | 343 | 15,789 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
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|
(1) | As of March 31, 2015 and 2014, total shares (984,380,978), of $1 argentine peso of nominal value each, were issued and fully paid. As of March 31, 2015 and 2014, 15,221,373 were treasury shares. |
(2) | Corresponds to 15,221,373 shares of $1 argentine peso of nominal value each, equivalent to 1.55% of total capital. The treasury shares acquisition costs amounted to 461. See Note 7 Equity to the consolidated financial statements. |
(3) | As approved by the Ordinary Shareholders Meeting of Núcleo held on March 28, 2014. |
(4) | As approved by the Ordinary Shareholders Meeting of Núcleo held on March 26, 2015. |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
Adrián Calaza | Oscar Cristianci | |||
Chief Financial Officer | Chairman of the Board of Directors |
4
TELECOM ARGENTINA S.A.
UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In millions of Argentine pesos)
Three-month periods ended March 31, |
||||||||||
Note | 2015 | 2014 | ||||||||
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES |
||||||||||
Net income for the period |
1,041 | 906 | ||||||||
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flows provided by operating activities |
||||||||||
Bad debt expenses and other allowances |
195 | 152 | ||||||||
Depreciation of PP&E |
2 | 677 | 538 | |||||||
Amortization of intangible assets |
2 | 280 | 201 | |||||||
Consumption of materials |
2 | 68 | 46 | |||||||
Gain on disposal of PP&E |
2 | (6 | ) | (4 | ) | |||||
Impairment of PP&E |
2 | 3 | | |||||||
Provisions |
6 | 146 | 68 | |||||||
Interest and other financial losses |
28 | (171 | ) | |||||||
Income tax expense |
2 | 550 | 439 | |||||||
Income tax paid |
3 | (352 | ) | (379 | ) | |||||
Net increase in assets |
3 | (393 | ) | (519 | ) | |||||
Net decrease in liabilities |
3 | (1,081 | ) | (70 | ) | |||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Total cash flows provided by operating activities |
3 | 1,156 | 1,207 | |||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES |
||||||||||
PP&E acquisitions |
3 | (1,089 | ) | (1,450 | ) | |||||
Intangible assets acquisitions |
3 | (264 | ) | (213 | ) | |||||
Proceeds from the sale of PP&E |
5 | 4 | ||||||||
Investments not considered as cash and cash equivalents |
3 | (13 | ) | (590 | ) | |||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Total cash flows used in investing activities |
(1,361 | ) | (2,249 | ) | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES |
||||||||||
Proceeds from financial debt |
3 | 353 | | |||||||
Payment of financial debt |
3 | (9 | ) | (3 | ) | |||||
Payment of interest and related costs |
3 | (53 | ) | (10 | ) | |||||
Payment of cash dividends and related withholding tax |
3 | | (44 | ) | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Total cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities |
291 | (57 | ) | |||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||
|
||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||
NET FOREIGN EXCHANGE DIFFERENCES ON CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS |
5 | 344 | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS |
91 | (755 | ) | |||||||
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT THE BEGINNING OF THE YEAR |
684 | 5,224 | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT THE END OF THE PERIOD |
775 | 4,469 | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
See Note 3 for additional information on the consolidated statements of cash flows.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
Adrián Calaza | Oscar Cristianci | |||
Chief Financial Officer | Chairman of the Board of Directors |
5
TELECOM ARGENTINA S.A.
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AS OF MARCH 31, 2015 AND 2014
(In millions of Argentine pesos, except as otherwise indicated)
INDEX
Page | ||||||
7 | ||||||
Notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements |
||||||
1 | 9 | |||||
2 | 10 | |||||
3 | 21 | |||||
4 | 23 | |||||
5 | 25 | |||||
6 | 28 | |||||
7 | 29 | |||||
8 | 30 | |||||
9 | 30 | |||||
10 | 30 | |||||
11 | 32 |
6
TELECOM ARGENTINA S.A.
The following explanations are not intended as technical definitions, but to assist the general reader to understand certain terms as used in these unaudited consolidated financial statements.
AMBA (Área Metropolitana de Buenos Aires): the Metropolitan Area of Buenos Aires.
ADS: Telecom Argentinas American Depositary Share, listed on the New York Stock Exchange, each representing 5 Class B Shares.
ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line): A type of digital subscriber line technology (DSL); a data communications technology that enables faster data transmission over copper lines than a conventional voiceband modem can provide.
ARSAT (Empresa Argentina de Soluciones Satelitales S.A.): a state-owned company.
BCBA (Bolsa de Comercio de Buenos Aires): The Buenos Aires Stock Exchange.
CNC (Comisión Nacional de Comunicaciones): The Argentine National Communications Commission.
CNDC (Comisión Nacional de Defensa de la Competencia): Argentine Antitrust Commission.
CNV (Comisión Nacional de Valores): The Argentine National Securities Commission.
Company or Telecom Argentina: Telecom Argentina S.A.
CONATEL (Comisión Nacional de Telecomunicaciones del Paraguay): The Regulatory Authority of Paraguay.
CPCECABA (Consejo Profesional de Ciencias Económicas de la Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires): The Professional Council of Economic Sciences of the City of Buenos Aires.
CPP: Calling Party Pays.
Cuentas claras: Under the Cuentas claras plans, a subscriber pays a set monthly bill and, once the contract minutes per month have been used, the subscriber can obtain additional credit by recharging the phone card through the prepaid system.
D&A: Depreciation and amortization.
DLD: Domestic long-distance.
ENARD (Ente Nacional de Alto Rendimiento Deportivo): National High Sport Performance Organization.
FACPCE (Federación Argentina de Consejos Profesionales en Ciencias Económicas): Argentine Federation of Professional Councils of Economic Sciences.
IAS: International Accounting Standards.
IASB: International Accounting Standards Board.
IDC (Impuesto a los débitos y créditos bancarios): Tax on deposits to and withdrawals from bank accounts.
IFRS: International Financial Reporting Standards, as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board.
LSC (Ley de Sociedades Comerciales): Argentine Corporations Law.
Micro Sistemas: Micro Sistemas S.A.
NDF: Non-Deliverable Forward.
Nortel: Nortel Inversora S.A., the parent company of the Company.
Núcleo: Núcleo S.A.
NYSE: New York Stock Exchange.
7
TELECOM ARGENTINA S.A.
Personal: Telecom Personal S.A.
PP&E: Property, plant and equipment.
Regulatory Bodies: Collectively, the SC and the CNC.
Roaming: a function that enables mobile subscribers to use the service on networks of operators other than the one with which they signed their initial contract. The roaming service is active when a mobile device is used in a foreign country (included in the GSM network).
RT: Technical resolutions issued by the FACPCE.
RT 26: Technical resolution No, 26 issued by the FACPCE, amended by RT29.
SAC: Subscriber Acquisition Costs.
SBT (Servicio básico telefónico): Basic telephone service.
SC (Secretaría de Comunicaciones): The Argentine Secretary of Communications.
SEC: Securities and Exchange Commission of the United States of America.
SMS: Short message systems.
Sofora: Sofora Telecomunicaciones S.A. Nortels controlling company.
SU: The availability of Basic telephone service, or access to the public telephone network via different alternatives, at an affordable price to all persons within a country or specified area.
Telecom Group/Group: Telecom Argentina and its consolidated subsidiaries.
Telecom Italia Group: Telecom Italia S.p.A and its consolidated subsidiaries, except where referring to the Telecom Italia Group as Telecom Argentinas operator in which case it means Telecom Italia S.p.A and Telecom Italia International, N.V.
Telecom USA: Telecom Argentina USA Inc.
Telefónica: Telefónica de Argentina S.A.
TLRD (Terminación Llamada Red Destino): Termination charges from third parties wireless networks.
VAS (Value-Added Services): Services that provide additional functionality to the basic transmission services offered by a telecommunications network such as SMS, Video streaming, Personal Video, Personal Cloud, M2M (Communication Machine to Machine), Social networks, Personal Messenger, Contents and Entertainment (content and text subscriptions, games, music ringtones, wallpaper, screensavers, etc), MMS (Mobile Multimedia Services) and Voice Mail, among others.
8
TELECOM ARGENTINA S.A.
NOTE 1 | BASIS OF PREPARATION OF THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES |
a) | Basis of preparation and significant accounting policies |
As required by the CNV for most of public companies, these consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with RT 26 of FACPCE (as amended by RT 29) and in accordance with IFRS as issued by the IASB, as adopted by the CPCECABA.
For the preparation of these consolidated financial statements, the Company has elected to make use of the option provided by IAS 34, so, these consolidated financial statements do not include all the information required in an annual financial statement, and must be read jointly with the 2014 annual consolidated financial statements which can be consulted at the Companys website (www.telecom.com.ar/inversores).
As of March 31, 2015, entities included in the consolidation process and the respective equity interest owned by Telecom Argentina is presented as follows:
Subsidiaries |
Percentage of capital stock owned and voting rights (i) |
Indirect control through |
Date of acquisition | Segment that consolidates (Note 4) | ||||
Telecom USA |
100.00% | 09.12.00 | Fixed Services | |||||
Micro Sistemas (ii) |
99.99% | 12.31.97 | Fixed Services | |||||
Personal |
99.99% | 07.06.94 | Personal Mobile Services | |||||
Núcleo (iii) |
67.50% | Personal | 02.03.98 | Núcleo Mobile Services | ||||
Personal Envíos (iii) |
67.50% | Núcleo | 07.24.14 | Núcleo Mobile Services |
(i) | Percentage of equity interest owned has been rounded. |
(ii) | Dormant entity as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 and for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2015 and 2014. |
(iii) | Non-controlling interest of 32.50% is owned by the Paraguayan company ABC Telecomunicaciones S.A. |
For the preparation of these consolidated financial statements, the Company followed the same accounting policies applied in the most recent annual financial statements except for Government bonds acquired during 1Q15 which are valued at fair value (Note 2.b)).
The preparation of these consolidated financial statements in conformity with IFRS requires the Companys Management to use certain critical accounting estimates. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
These consolidated financial statements (except for cash flow information) are prepared on an accrual basis of accounting. Under this basis, the effects of transactions and other events are recognized when they occur. Therefore income and expenses are recognized at fair value on an accrual basis regardless of when they are perceived or paid. When significant, the difference between the fair value and the nominal amount of income and expenses is recognized as finance income or expense using the effective interest method over the relevant period.
These consolidated financial statements have also been prepared on a going concern basis, as there is a reasonable expectation that Telecom Argentina and its subsidiaries will continue its operational activities in the foreseeable future (and in any event with a time horizon of more than twelve months).
Publication of these consolidated financial statements for the period ended March 31, 2015 was approved by resolution of the Board of Directors meeting held on May 4, 2015.
b) | Financial statement formats |
The financial statement formats adopted are consistent with IAS 1, In particular:
| the consolidated statements of financial position have been prepared by classifying assets and liabilities according to current and non-current criterion. Current assets and liabilities are those that are expected to be realized within twelve months after the period-end; |
| the consolidated income statements have been prepared by classifying operating expenses by nature of expense as this form of presentation is considered more appropriate and representative of the specific business of the Telecom Group as evaluated by the Management, and are in line with the industrial sector of telecommunications; |
9
TELECOM ARGENTINA S.A.
| the consolidated statements of comprehensive income include the profit or (loss) for the period as shown in the consolidated income statement and all components of other comprehensive income; |
| the consolidated statements of changes in equity have been prepared showing separately (i) profit (loss) for the period, (ii) other comprehensive income (loss) for the period, and (iii) transactions with shareholders (controlling and non-controlling); |
| the consolidated statements of cash flows have been prepared by presenting cash flows from operating activities according to the indirect method, as permitted by IAS 7. |
These consolidated financial statements contain all material disclosures required under IAS 34. Some additional disclosures required by the LSC and/or by the CNV have been also included, among them, complementary information required in the last paragraph of Article 1 Chapter III Title IV of the CNV General Resolution No. 622/13. Such information is disclosed in Notes 2 and 6 to these consolidated financial statements, as admitted by IFRS.
Also, some reclassifications to the 2014 comparative figures of the consolidated statements of cash flows have been included in the lines total cash flows provided by operating activities (-$45), total cash flows used in investing activities (-$114) and net foreign exchange differences on cash and cash equivalents (+$159) with the purpose of improving the information comparability.
c) | Segment reporting |
An operating segment is defined as a component of an entity that engages in business activities from which it may earn revenues and incur expenses, and whose financial information is available, held separately, and evaluated regularly by the Telecom Groups Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
Operating segments are reported in a consistent manner with the internal reporting provided to the CEO, who is responsible for allocating resources and assessing performance of the operating segments at the net income (loss) level and under the accounting principles effective (IFRS as issued by the IASB) at each time for reporting to the Regulatory Bodies. The accounting policies applied for segment information are the same for all operating segments.
Information regarding segment reporting is included in Note 4.
d) | Net income per share |
The Company computes net income per common share by dividing net income for the period attributable to Telecom Argentina (Controlling Company) by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net income per share is computed by dividing the net income for the period by the weighted average number of common and dilutive potential common shares then outstanding during the period. Since the Company has no dilutive potential common stock outstanding, there are no dilutive earnings per share amounts.
For the three-month periods ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, the weighted average number of shares outstanding totaled 969,159,605 shares, respectively.
NOTE 2 BREAKDOWN OF THE MAIN ACCOUNTS
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION CURRENT ASSETS |
March 31, 2015 |
December 31, 2014 |
||||||
a) Cash and cash equivalents |
||||||||
Cash |
16 | 14 | ||||||
Banks |
109 | 370 | ||||||
Banks Specific use (*) |
441 | | ||||||
Time deposits |
77 | 1 | ||||||
Mutual funds |
623 | 440 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
(*) Includes 353 corresponding to the funds from the bank loan described in Note 10.a) |
1,266 | 825 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
b) Investments |
||||||||
Government bonds at fair value (Note 10.d) |
60 | | ||||||
Government bonds at amortized cost |
1 | 1 | ||||||
Provincial government bonds at amortized cost |
5 | 24 | ||||||
Argentine companies notes |
| 28 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
66 | 53 | |||||||
|
|
|
|
10
TELECOM ARGENTINA S.A.
March 31, 2015 |
December 31, 2014 |
|||||||
c) Trade receivables |
||||||||
Fixed Services |
1,216 | 1,220 | ||||||
Personal Mobile Services |
3,407 | 3,076 | ||||||
Núcleo Mobile Services |
123 | 120 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Subtotal |
4,746 | 4,416 | ||||||
Allowance for doubtful accounts |
(361 | ) | (292 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
4,385 | 4,124 | |||||||
|
|
|
|
Movements in the allowance for current doubtful accounts are as follows:
March 31, 2015 (3 months) |
December 31, 2014 (12 months) |
|||||||
At the beginning of the year |
(292 | ) | (239 | ) | ||||
Additions bad debt expenses |
(180 | ) | (421 | ) | ||||
Uses |
111 | 370 | ||||||
Currency translation adjustments |
| (2 | ) | |||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
At the end of the period/year |
(361 | ) | (292 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
March 31, 2015 |
December 31, 2014 |
|||||||
d) Other receivables |
||||||||
Prepaid expenses |
396 | 331 | ||||||
Prepaid expenses related parties (Note 5.c) |
48 | 52 | ||||||
Insurance company (handsets) related party (Note 5.c) |
48 | 46 | ||||||
Tax credits |
43 | 108 | ||||||
Restricted funds |
23 | 21 | ||||||
Advertisement reimbursement |
21 | 40 | ||||||
Tax on personal property on behalf of shareholders |
16 | 12 | ||||||
Receivables for suppliers indemnities |
3 | 6 | ||||||
Other |
86 | 77 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Subtotal |
684 | 693 | ||||||
Allowance for other receivables |
(26 | ) | (23 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
658 | 670 | |||||||
|
|
|
|
Movements in the allowance for other receivables are as follows:
March 31, 2015 (3 months) |
December 31, 2014 (12 months) |
|||||||
At the beginning of the year |
(23 | ) | (18 | ) | ||||
Additions Bad debt expenses |
(3 | ) | (6 | ) | ||||
Uses |
| 1 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
At the end of the period/year |
(26 | ) | (23 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
March 31, 2015 |
December 31, 2014 |
|||||||
e) Inventories |
||||||||
Mobile handsets |
776 | 781 | ||||||
Fixed telephones and equipment |
18 | 13 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Subtotal |
794 | 794 | ||||||
Allowance for obsolescence of inventories |
(75 | ) | (73 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
719 | 721 | |||||||
|
|
|
|
Movements in the allowance for obsolescence of inventories are as follows:
March 31, 2015 (3 months) |
December 31, 2014 (12 months) |
|||||||
At the beginning of the year |
(73 | ) | (85 | ) | ||||
Additions Fees for services, maintenance and materials |
(5 | ) | (81 | ) | ||||
Uses |
3 | 94 | ||||||
Currency translation adjustments |
| (1 | ) | |||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
At the end of the period/year |
(75 | ) | (73 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
11
TELECOM ARGENTINA S.A.
Sale and cost of equipment and handsets by business segment is as follows:
Three-month periods ended March 31, |
||||||||
2015 | 2014 | |||||||
Profit (loss) | ||||||||
Sales of equipment and handsets Fixed Services |
10 | 13 | ||||||
Cost of equipment and handsets Fixed Services |
(19 | ) | (15 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total equipment loss Fixed Services |
(9 | ) | (2 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Sales of equipment and handsets Personal Mobile Services |
881 | 879 | ||||||
Cost of equipment and handsets Personal Mobile Services (net of SAC capitalization) |
(593 | ) | (740 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total equipment income Personal Mobile Services |
288 | 139 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Sales of equipment and handsets Núcleo Mobile Services |
22 | 15 | ||||||
Cost of equipment and handsets Núcleo Mobile Services (net of SAC capitalization) |
(28 | ) | (20 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total equipment loss Núcleo Mobile Services |
(6 | ) | (5 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total equipment and handsets sale |
913 | 907 | ||||||
Total cost of equipment and handsets (net of SAC capitalization) |
(640 | ) | (775 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total income for sale of equipment and handsets |
273 | 132 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
March 31, 2015 |
December 31, 2014 |
|||||||
NON-CURRENT ASSETS |
||||||||
f) Trade receivables |
||||||||
Fixed Services |
20 | 22 | ||||||
Personal Mobile Services |
19 | 88 | ||||||
Núcleo Mobile Services |
43 | 33 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
82 | 143 | |||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
g) Other receivables |
||||||||
Prepaid expenses |
116 | 101 | ||||||
Prepaid expenses related parties (Note 5.c) |
27 | 36 | ||||||
Credit on SC Resolution No. 41/07 and IDC |
84 | 85 | ||||||
Restricted funds |
25 | 28 | ||||||
Tax on personal property on behalf of shareholders |
18 | 18 | ||||||
Tax credits |
2 | 9 | ||||||
Guarantee deposits |
9 | 8 | ||||||
Other |
19 | 18 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Subtotal |
300 | 303 | ||||||
Allowance for regulatory matters |
(84 | ) | (85 | ) | ||||
Allowance for doubtful accounts (tax on personal property) |
(18 | ) | (18 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
198 | 200 | |||||||
|
|
|
|
Movements in the allowance for regulatory matters are as follows:
March 31, 2015 (3 months) |
December 31, 2014 (12 months) |
|||||||
At the beginning of the year |
(85 | ) | (85 | ) | ||||
Uses |
1 | | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
At the end of the period/year |
(84 | ) | (85 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
Movements in the allowance for doubtful accounts (tax on personal property) are as follows:
March 31, 2015 (3 months) |
December 31, 2014 (12 months) |
|||||||
At the beginning of the year |
(18 | ) | (17 | ) | ||||
Additions |
| (1 | ) | |||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
At the end of the period/year |
(18 | ) | (18 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
March 31, 2015 |
December 31, 2014 |
|||||||
h) Investments |
||||||||
Government bonds at amortized cost |
264 | 257 | ||||||
Provincial and municipal government bonds at amortized cost |
44 | 43 | ||||||
2003 Telecommunications Fund |
1 | 1 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
309 | 301 | |||||||
|
|
|
|
12
TELECOM ARGENTINA S.A.
March 31, 2015 |
December 31, 2014 |
|||||||
i) PP&E |
||||||||
Land, buildings and installations |
1,044 | 1,045 | ||||||
Computer equipment and software |
1,431 | 1,558 | ||||||
Switching and transmission equipment (i) |
3,516 | 3,585 | ||||||
Mobile network access and external wiring |
4,385 | 4,273 | ||||||
Construction in progress |
2,235 | 2,184 | ||||||
Other tangible assets |
392 | 416 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Subtotal PP&E |
13,003 | 13,061 | ||||||
Materials |
934 | 872 | ||||||
Valuation allowance for materials |
(28 | ) | (24 | ) | ||||
Impairment of PP&E |
(103 | ) | (100 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total PP&E |
13,806 | 13,809 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
(i) | Includes tower and pole, transmission equipment, switching equipment, power equipment, equipment lent to customers at no cost and handsets lent to customers at no cost. |
Movements in PP&E (without allowance for materials and impairment of PP&E) are as follows:
March 31, 2015 (3 months) |
December 31, 2014 (12 months) |
|||||||
At the beginning of the year |
13,933 | 11,403 | ||||||
CAPEX |
623 | 4,304 | ||||||
Materials |
130 | 590 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total PP&E additions |
753 | 4,894 | ||||||
Currency translation adjustments |
(3 | ) | 315 | |||||
Consumption of materials |
(68 | ) | (227 | ) | ||||
Decrease |
(1 | ) | (62 | ) | ||||
Depreciation of the period/year |
(677 | ) | (2,390 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
At the end of the period/year |
13,937 | 13,933 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
Movements in the valuation allowance for materials are as follows:
March 31, 2015 (3 months) |
December 31, 2014 (12 months) |
|||||||
At the beginning of the year |
(24 | ) | (21 | ) | ||||
Additions - Fees for services, maintenance, and materials |
(4 | ) | (6 | ) | ||||
Uses |
| 3 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
At the end of the period/year |
(28 | ) | (24 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
Movements in the impairment of PP&E are as follows:
March 31, 2015 (3 months) |
December 31, 2014 (12 months) |
|||||||
At the beginning of the year |
(100 | ) | (156 | ) | ||||
Additions Impairment of PP&E |
(3 | ) | (25 | ) | ||||
Depreciation |
| 1 | ||||||
Uses |
| 80 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
At the end of the period/year |
(103 | ) | (100 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
March 31, 2015 |
December 31, 2014 |
|||||||
j) Intangible assets |
||||||||
3G/4G licenses |
3,452 | 3,511 | ||||||
Other licenses |
588 | 588 | ||||||
SAC mobile services |
846 | 820 | ||||||
SAC fixed services |
93 | 93 | ||||||
Rights of use and exclusivity |
213 | 218 | ||||||
Service connection or habilitation charges |
98 | 99 | ||||||
Other intangible assets |
2 | 2 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
5,292 | 5,331 | |||||||
|
|
|
|
13
TELECOM ARGENTINA S.A.
Movements in Intangible assets are as follows:
March 31, 2015 (3 months) |
December 31, 2014 (12 months) |
|||||||
At the beginning of the year |
5,331 | 1,519 | ||||||
CAPEX |
241 | 4,653 | ||||||
Currency translation adjustments |
| 13 | ||||||
Amortization of the period/year |
(280 | ) | (854 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
At the end of the period/year |
5,292 | 5,331 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
March 31, 2015 |
December 31, 2014 |
|||||||
CURRENT LIABILITIES |
||||||||
k) Trade payables |
||||||||
For the acquisition of PP&E |
1,821 | 1,964 | ||||||
For the acquisition of other assets and services |
1,786 | 1,966 | ||||||
For the acquisition of inventory |
694 | 1,734 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Subtotal suppliers |
4,301 | 5,664 | ||||||
NDF |
| 90 | ||||||
Agent commissions |
320 | 318 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
4,621 | 6,072 | |||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
l) Deferred revenues |
||||||||
On prepaid calling cards |
341 | 339 | ||||||
On international capacity rental |
56 | 55 | ||||||
On connection fees Fixed Services |
40 | 33 | ||||||
On customer loyalty programs |
80 | 76 | ||||||
From CONATEL Núcleo Mobile Services |
4 | 4 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
521 | 507 | |||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
m) Financial debt Núcleo |
||||||||
Bank overdrafts principal (Personal) |
488 | 140 | ||||||
Bank overdrafts accrued interests (Personal) |
3 | 1 | ||||||
Bank loans accrued interests (Personal) |
6 | | ||||||
Bank loans principal (Núcleo) |
41 | 32 | ||||||
Bank loans accrued interest (Núcleo) |
2 | 6 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
540 | 179 | |||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
n) Salaries and social security payables |
||||||||
Annual complementary salaries, vacation and bonuses |
682 | 690 | ||||||
Social security payables |
196 | 255 | ||||||
Termination benefits |
87 | 77 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
965 | 1,022 | |||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
o) Income tax payables |
||||||||
Income tax payables |
2,449 | 1,769 | ||||||
Income tax retentions and payments in advance |
(1,879 | ) | (1,525 | ) | ||||
Law No. 26,476 Tax Regularization Regime |
3 | 3 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
573 | 247 | |||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
p) Other taxes payables |
||||||||
VAT, net |
354 | 316 | ||||||
Tax withholdings |
121 | 132 | ||||||
Tax on SU |
99 | 97 | ||||||
Internal taxes |
97 | 86 | ||||||
Turnover tax |
70 | 68 | ||||||
Regulatory fees |
69 | 67 | ||||||
Municipal taxes |
23 | 31 | ||||||
Perception Decree No.583/10 ENARD |
18 | 15 | ||||||
Tax on personal property on behalf of shareholders |
15 | 12 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
866 | 824 | |||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
q) Dividends payables |
||||||||
Related parties (Notes 5.c) and 10.e)) |
21 | | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
21 | | |||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
r) Other liabilities |
||||||||
Compensation for directors and members of the Supervisory Committee |
25 | 28 | ||||||
Guarantees received |
10 | 11 | ||||||
Other |
4 | 8 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
39 | 47 | |||||||
|
|
|
|
14
TELECOM ARGENTINA S.A.
March 31, 2015 |
December 31, 2014 |
|||||||
NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES |
||||||||
s) Deferred revenues |
||||||||
On international capacity rental |
304 | 307 | ||||||
On connection fees Fixed Services |
69 | 67 | ||||||
On customer loyalty programs |
86 | 82 | ||||||
From CONATEL Núcleo Mobile Services |
7 | 9 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
466 | 465 | |||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
t) Financial debt - Núcleo |
||||||||
Bank loans principal (Personal Note 10.a) |
344 | | ||||||
Bank loans principal (Núcleo) |
235 | 254 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
579 | 254 | |||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
u) Salaries and social security payables |
||||||||
Termination benefits |
115 | 122 | ||||||
Bonuses |
33 | 28 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
148 | 150 | |||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
v) Income tax payables |
||||||||
Law No. 26,476 Tax Regularization Regime |
8 | 9 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
8 | 9 | |||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
w) Other liabilities |
||||||||
Pension benefits |
76 | 68 | ||||||
Legal fees |
5 | 5 | ||||||
Suppliers guarantees on third parties claims |
1 | 2 | ||||||
Other |
2 | 1 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
84 | 76 | |||||||
|
|
|
|
x) Deferred income tax asset and liability
Telecom Groups deferred income tax asset and liability consist of the following:
Deferred tax assets | Deferred tax liabilities | |||||||||||||||||||||||
As of March 31, 2015 |
Telecom Argentina |
Núcleo | Telecom USA |
Total | Personal | Total | ||||||||||||||||||
Allowance for doubtful accounts |
(66 | ) | (6 | ) | (1 | ) | (73 | ) | (110 | ) | (110 | ) | ||||||||||||
Provisions |
(330 | ) | | | (330 | ) | (150 | ) | (150 | ) | ||||||||||||||
PP&E |
| (20 | ) | | (20 | ) | | | ||||||||||||||||
Inventory |
| | | | (61 | ) | (61 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Termination benefits |
(63 | ) | | | (63 | ) | | | ||||||||||||||||
Deferred revenues |
(63 | ) | | | (63 | ) | | | ||||||||||||||||
Pension benefits |
(27 | ) | | | (27 | ) | | | ||||||||||||||||
Other deferred tax assets, net |
(66 | ) | | | (66 | ) | (2 | ) | (2 | ) | ||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
Total deferred tax assets |
(615 | ) | (26 | ) | (1 | ) | (642 | ) | (323 | ) | (323 | ) | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
PP&E |
372 | | 1 | 373 | 169 | 169 | ||||||||||||||||||
Intangible assets |
74 | | | 74 | 355 | 355 | ||||||||||||||||||
Cash dividends from foreign companies |
| 5 | | 5 | 93 | 93 | ||||||||||||||||||
Investments |
| | | | 43 | 43 | ||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
Total deferred tax liabilities |
446 | 5 | 1 | 452 | 660 | 660 | ||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
Total |
(169 | ) | (21 | ) | | (190 | ) | 337 | 337 | |||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
Deferred tax assets | Deferred tax liabilities | |||||||||||||||||||||||
As of December 31, 2014 |
Telecom Argentina |
Núcleo | Telecom USA |
Total | Personal | Total | ||||||||||||||||||
Allowance for doubtful accounts |
(53 | ) | (6 | ) | (1 | ) | (60 | ) | (70 | ) | (70 | ) | ||||||||||||
Provisions |
(313 | ) | | | (313 | ) | (122 | ) | (122 | ) | ||||||||||||||
PP&E |
| (17 | ) | | (17 | ) | | | ||||||||||||||||
Inventory |
| | | | (61 | ) | (61 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Termination benefits |
(64 | ) | | | (64 | ) | | | ||||||||||||||||
Deferred revenues |
(61 | ) | | | (61 | ) | | | ||||||||||||||||
Pension benefits |
(24 | ) | | | (24 | ) | | | ||||||||||||||||
Other deferred tax assets, net |
(63 | ) | | | (63 | ) | | | ||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
Total deferred tax assets |
(578 | ) | (23 | ) | (1 | ) | (602 | ) | (253 | ) | (253 | ) | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
PP&E |
382 | | 1 | 383 | 189 | 189 | ||||||||||||||||||
Intangible assets |
74 | | | 74 | 348 | 348 | ||||||||||||||||||
Cash dividends from foreign companies |
| 5 | | 5 | 87 | 87 | ||||||||||||||||||
Investments |
| | | | 37 | 37 | ||||||||||||||||||
Other deferred tax liabilities, net |
| | | | 9 | 9 | ||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
Total deferred tax liabilities |
456 | 5 | 1 | 462 | 670 | 670 | ||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
Total |
(122 | ) | (18 | ) | | (140 | ) | 417 | 417 | |||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
15
TELECOM ARGENTINA S.A.
y) Aging of assets and liabilities as of March 31, 2015
Date due |
Cash and cash equivalents |
Investments | Trade receivables | Deferred income tax assets |
Other receivables | |||||||||||||||
Total due |
| | (c) 795 | | | |||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
Not due |
||||||||||||||||||||
Second quarter 2015 |
1,266 | 3 | 2,938 | | 398 | |||||||||||||||
Third quarter 2015 |
| 61 | 310 | | 111 | |||||||||||||||
Fourth quarter 2015 |
| 1 | 223 | | 85 | |||||||||||||||
First quarter 2016 |
| 1 | 119 | | 64 | |||||||||||||||
April 2016 thru March 2017 |
| 90 | 70 | | 117 | |||||||||||||||
April 2017 thru March 2018 |
| 14 | 7 | | 36 | |||||||||||||||
April 2018 and thereafter |
| 204 | 5 | | 36 | |||||||||||||||
Not date due established |
| 1 | | 190 | 9 | |||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
Total not due |
1,266 | 375 | 3,672 | 190 | 856 | |||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
Total |
1,266 | 375 | 4,467 | 190 | 856 | |||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
Balances bearing interest |
700 | 374 | 799 | | | |||||||||||||||
Balances not bearing interest |
566 | 1 | 3,668 | 190 | 856 | |||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
Total |
1,266 | 375 | 4,467 | 190 | 856 | |||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
Average annual interest rate (%) |
(a) | (b) | (d) | | | |||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(a) | 623 are assets in argentine pesos bearing interests between 19.91% and 22.9% and 77 are assets in foreign currency bearing interests between 0.19% and 0.22%. |
(b) | 314 are assets in argentine pesos (9 bearing interests between 15% and 20.7% and 305 are dollar-linked bonds bearing interests between 1.75% and 2.4%) and 60 are assets in foreign currency bearing 7%. |
(c) | From due trade receivables 71 bear 50% over the Banco de la Nación Argentina 30-day interest rate paid by banks, 353 bear 50% over the Banco de la Nación Argentina notes payable discount rate, 11 bear 8.3%, 277 bear 37.5% and 26 bear 36%. |
(d) | From not due trade receivables 14 bear 37% and 47 are assets in foreign currency bearing 8.3%. |
Date due |
Trade payables |
Deferred revenues |
Financial debt |
Salaries and social security payables |
Income tax payables |
Deferred income tax liabilities |
Other taxes payables |
Dividends payables |
Other liabilities |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total due |
(e) 403 | | | | | | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||
Not due |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Second quarter 2015 |
4,218 | 380 | 503 | 553 | 566 | | 866 | 21 | 29 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Third quarter 2015 |
| 46 | 14 | 131 | 1 | | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Fourth quarter 2015 |
| 44 | 5 | 116 | 1 | | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
First quarter 2016 |
| 51 | 18 | 165 | 5 | | | | 10 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
April 2016 thru March 2017 |
| 147 | 76 | 75 | 3 | | | | 18 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
April 2017 thru March 2018 |
| 61 | 503 | 35 | 3 | | | | 4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
April 2018 and thereafter |
| 258 | | 38 | 2 | | | | 62 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Not date due established |
| | | | | 337 | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||
Total not due |
4,218 | 987 | 1,119 | 1,113 | 581 | 337 | 866 | 21 | 123 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||
Total |
4,621 | 987 | 1,119 | 1,113 | 581 | 337 | 866 | 21 | 123 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||
Balances bearing interest |
| | 1,119 | | 15 | | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balances not bearing interest |
4,621 | 987 | | 1,113 | 566 | 337 | 866 | 21 | 123 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||
Total |
4,621 | 987 | 1,119 | 1,113 | 581 | 337 | 866 | 21 | 123 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||
Average annual interest rate (%) |
| | (f) | | 9.00 | % | | | | | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(e) | From due trade payables 256 corresponds to foreign suppliers. As of the date of these consolidated financial statements, 135 were cancelled. |
(f) | 491 are liabilities in argentine pesos bearing 23%, 350 are liabilities in foreign currency bearing three-month LIBOR plus 8.25% and 278 are liabilities in guaraníes bearing 9.3%. |
z) Foreign currency assets and liabilities
The following table shows a breakdown of Telecom Groups net assessed financial position exposure to currency risk as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014.
03.31.15 |
||||||||||||
Amount of foreign currency (i) |
Exchange rate | Amount in local currency (ii) | ||||||||||
Assets |
||||||||||||
US$ |
51 | 8.722 | (iii) 455 | |||||||||
G |
173,416 | 0.002 | 314 | |||||||||
EURO |
1 | 9.355 | 14 | |||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||
Total assets |
783 | |||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||
Liabilities |
||||||||||||
US$ |
(315) | 8.822 | (2,770 | ) | ||||||||
G |
(287,020) | 0.002 | (522 | ) | ||||||||
EURO |
(10) | 9.485 | (91 | ) | ||||||||
SDR |
| 12.170 | (5 | ) | ||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||
Total liabilities |
(3,388 | ) | ||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||
Net liabilities |
(2,605 | ) | ||||||||||
|
|
(i) | US$ = United States dollar; G= Guaraníes; SDR = Special Drawing Rights. |
(ii) | As foreign currency figures and their amount in argentine pesos are in millions, the calculation of the amount of the foreign currency by its exchange rate could not be exact. |
(iii) | Includes 60 corresponding to Government bonds valued at fair value (equivalent to US$ 5 million). |
In order to partially reduce this net liability position in foreign currency the Telecom Group, as of March 31, 2015, holds investments adjustable to the variation of the US$/$ exchange rate (dollar linked) by 305 and mutual funds whose main underlying asset are financial assets dollar linked for a total amount of 381. So, the net liability position in foreign currency amounted to 1,919 as of March 31, 2015 (equivalent to US$218 million). Additionally, the Group has entered into several NDF contracts to purchase a total amount of US$45 million (Note 10.d) and the portion of the net liability position in foreign currency not covered amounted to US$173 million as of March 31, 2015.
16
TELECOM ARGENTINA S.A.
12.31.14 |
||||||||||||
Amount of foreign currency (i) |
Exchange rate | Amount in local currency (ii) | ||||||||||
Assets |
||||||||||||
US$ |
67 | 8.451 | 567 | |||||||||
G |
141,182 | 0.002 | 256 | |||||||||
EURO |
1 | 10.265 | 13 | |||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||
Total assets |
836 | |||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||
Liabilities |
||||||||||||
US$ |
(436 | ) | 8.551 | (3,725 | ) | |||||||
G |
(276,621 | ) | 0.002 | (503 | ) | |||||||
EURO |
(9 | ) | 10.407 | (97 | ) | |||||||
SDR |
(1 | ) | 12.240 | (8 | ) | |||||||
|
|
|||||||||||
Total liabilities |
(4,333 | ) | ||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||
Net liabilities |
(3,497 | ) | ||||||||||
|
|
(i) | US$ = United States dollar; G= Guaraníes; SDR = Special Drawing Rights. |
(ii) | As foreign currency figures and their amount in argentine pesos are in millions, the calculation of the amount of the foreign currency by its exchange rate could not be exact. |
In order to partially reduce this net liability position in foreign currency the Telecom Group, as of December 31, 2014, holds investments adjustable to the variation of the US$/$ exchange rate (dollar linked) by 332 and mutual funds whose main underlying asset are financial assets dollar linked for a total amount of 359. So, the net liability position in foreign currency amounted to 1,532 as of December 31, 2014 (equivalent to US$179 million). Additionally, the Group has entered into several NDF contracts to purchase a total amount of US$149 million (Note 10.d) and the portion of the net liability position in foreign currency not covered amounted to US$30 million as of December 31, 2014.
aa) Information on the fair value of investments in Government bonds and argentine companies notes valued at amortized cost
Below are shown the investments in Government bonds and argentine companies notes valued at amortized cost and their respective fair value as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014:
As of March 31, 2015 | As of December 31, 2014 | |||||||||||||||
Investments | Book value | Fair value (*) |
Book value | Fair value (*) |
||||||||||||
Government bonds (dollar linked) |
265 | 295 | 258 | 258 | ||||||||||||
Provincial government bonds in pesos |
9 | 9 | 11 | 11 | ||||||||||||
Provincial and municipal government bonds (dollar linked) |
40 | 40 | 56 | 51 | ||||||||||||
Argentine companies notes in pesos |
| | 10 | 10 | ||||||||||||
Argentine companies notes (dollar linked) |
| | 18 | 18 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Total |
314 | 344 | 353 | 348 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(*) | According to IFRS selling costs are not deducted. |
ab) Offsetting of financial assets and financial liabilities
The information required by the amendment to IFRS 7 as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 is as follows:
As of March 31, 2015 | ||||||||||||||||
Trade receivables |
Other receivables (1) |
Trade payables |
Other liabilities (1) |
|||||||||||||
Current and non-current assets (liabilities) - Gross value |
5,910 | 193 | (6,064 | ) | (80 | ) | ||||||||||
Compensation |
(1,443 | ) | (33 | ) | 1,443 | 33 | ||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Current and non-current assets (liabilities) Book value |
4,467 | 160 | (4,621 | ) | (47 | ) | ||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of December 31, 2014 | ||||||||||||||||
Trade receivables |
Other receivables (1) |
Trade payables |
Other liabilities (1) |
|||||||||||||
Current and non-current assets (liabilities) - Gross value |
5,524 | 182 | (7,329 | ) | (65 | ) | ||||||||||
Compensation |
(1,257 | ) | (10 | ) | 1,257 | 10 | ||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Current and non-current assets (liabilities) Book value |
4,267 | 172 | (6,072 | ) | (55 | ) | ||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) | Only includes financial assets and financial liabilities according to IFRS 7. |
17
TELECOM ARGENTINA S.A.
CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENTS |
Three-month periods ended March 31, |
|||||||
2015 | 2014 | |||||||
ac) Total revenues and other income | Profit (loss) | |||||||
Services |
||||||||
Voice Retail |
745 | 682 | ||||||
Voice Wholesale |
235 | 225 | ||||||
Internet |
973 | 726 | ||||||
Data |
407 | 319 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Subtotal Fixed Services |
2,360 | 1,952 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Voice Retail |
1,702 | 1,345 | ||||||
Voice Wholesale |
481 | 488 | ||||||
Internet |
1,188 | 644 | ||||||
Data |
1,845 | 1,787 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Subtotal Personal Mobile Services |
5,216 | 4,264 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Voice Retail |
148 | 126 | ||||||
Voice Wholesale |
26 | 27 | ||||||
Internet |
129 | 105 | ||||||
Data |
80 | 85 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Subtotal Núcleo Mobile Services |
383 | 343 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total service revenues (a) |
7,959 | 6,559 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Equipment |
||||||||
Fixed Services |
10 | 13 | ||||||
Personal Mobile Services |
881 | 879 | ||||||
Núcleo Mobile Services |
22 | 15 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total equipment revenues (b) |
913 | 907 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total revenues (a) + (b) |
8,872 | 7,466 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Other income |
||||||||
Fixed Services |
4 | 9 | ||||||
Personal Mobile Services |
3 | 1 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total other income (c) |
7 | 10 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total revenues and other income (a)+(b)+(c) |
8,879 | 7,476 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
Telecom Groups service revenues by type of service (regardless of the segment originates) are as follows:
Three-month periods ended March 31, | ||||||||||||||||
2015 | % | 2014 | % | |||||||||||||
Voice Retail |
2,595 | 33 | 2,154 | 33 | ||||||||||||
Voice Wholesale |
742 | 9 | 739 | 11 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Total Voice |
3,337 | 42 | 2,893 | 44 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Internet |
2,290 | 29 | 1,475 | 23 | ||||||||||||
Data |
2,332 | 29 | 2,191 | 33 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Total service revenues |
7,959 | 100 | 6,559 | 100 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ad) Operating costs
Operating expenses disclosed by nature of expense amounted to $7,199 and $6,099 for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
The main components of the operating expenses are the following:
Three-month periods ended March 31, |
||||||||
2015 | 2014 | |||||||
Profit (loss) | ||||||||
Employee benefit expenses and severance payments |
||||||||
Salaries |
(1,107 | ) | (829 | ) | ||||
Social security expenses |
(346 | ) | (260 | ) | ||||
Severance indemnities and termination benefits |
(63 | ) | (76 | ) | ||||
Other employee benefits |
(27 | ) | (18 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
(1,543 | ) | (1,183 | ) | |||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Interconnection costs and other telecommunication charges |
||||||||
Fixed telephony interconnection costs |
(75 | ) | (65 | ) | ||||
Cost of international outbound calls |
(40 | ) | (54 | ) | ||||
Lease of circuits and use of public network |
(79 | ) | (66 | ) | ||||
Mobile services - charges for roaming |
(104 | ) | (133 | ) | ||||
Mobile services - charges for TLRD |
(202 | ) | (197 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
(500 | ) | (515 | ) | |||||
|
|
|
|
18
TELECOM ARGENTINA S.A.
Three-month periods ended March 31, |
||||||||
2015 | 2014 | |||||||
Profit (loss) | ||||||||
Fees for services, maintenance, materials and supplies |
||||||||
Maintenance of hardware and software |
(72 | ) | (103 | ) | ||||
Technical maintenance |
(189 | ) | (170 | ) | ||||
Service connection fees for fixed lines and Internet lines |
(42 | ) | (48 | ) | ||||
Service connection fees capitalized as SAC |
2 | 1 | ||||||
Service connection fees capitalized as Intangible assets |
6 | 7 | ||||||
Other maintenance costs |
(81 | ) | (67 | ) | ||||
Obsolescence of inventories Personal Mobile Services |
(5 | ) | (32 | ) | ||||
Call center fees |
(304 | ) | (219 | ) | ||||
Other fees for services |
(196 | ) | (117 | ) | ||||
Compensation for Directors and Supervisory Committee members |
(8 | ) | (7 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
(889 | ) | (755 | ) | |||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Taxes and fees with the Regulatory Authority |
||||||||
Turnover tax |
(475 | ) | (407 | ) | ||||
Taxes with the Regulatory Authority |
(211 | ) | (170 | ) | ||||
Tax on deposits to and withdrawals from bank accounts |
(89 | ) | (80 | ) | ||||
Municipal taxes |
(60 | ) | (53 | ) | ||||
Other taxes |
(38 | ) | (45 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
(873 | ) | (755 | ) | |||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Commissions |
||||||||
Agent commissions |
(482 | ) | (377 | ) | ||||
Agent commissions capitalized as SAC |
200 | 133 | ||||||
Distribution of prepaid cards commissions |
(158 | ) | (142 | ) | ||||
Collection commissions |
(159 | ) | (131 | ) | ||||
Other commissions |
(24 | ) | (24 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
(623 | ) | (541 | ) | |||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Cost of equipments and handsets |
||||||||
Inventory balance at the beginning of the period/year |
(794 | ) | (857 | ) | ||||
Plus: |
||||||||
Purchases |
(670 | ) | (1,135 | ) | ||||
Deferred costs from SAC |
20 | 31 | ||||||
Decreases from allowance for obsolescence |
3 | 22 | ||||||
Mobile handsets lent to customers at no cost |
6 | 7 | ||||||
Decreases not charged to material cost |
1 | 3 | ||||||
Less: |
||||||||
Inventory balance at period end |
794 | 1,154 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
(640 | ) | (775 | ) | |||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Advertising |
||||||||
Media advertising |
(110 | ) | (81 | ) | ||||
Fairs and exhibitions |
(49 | ) | (48 | ) | ||||
Other advertising costs |
(32 | ) | (35 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
(191 | ) | (164 | ) | |||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Cost of VAS |
||||||||
Cost of mobile VAS |
(287 | ) | (187 | ) | ||||
Cost of fixed VAS |
(6 | ) | (4 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
(293 | ) | (191 | ) | |||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Other operating costs |
||||||||
Transportation, freight and travel expenses |
(143 | ) | (124 | ) | ||||
Delivery costs capitalized as SAC |
14 | 10 | ||||||
Rent of buildings and cell sites |
(122 | ) | (91 | ) | ||||
Energy, water and others |
(131 | ) | (93 | ) | ||||
International and satellite connectivity |
(35 | ) | (32 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
(417 | ) | (330 | ) | |||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
D&A |
||||||||
Depreciation of PP&E |
(677 | ) | (538 | ) | ||||
Amortization of SAC and service connection charges |
(216 | ) | (195 | ) | ||||
Amortization of 3G/4G licenses |
(59 | ) | | |||||
Amortization of other intangible assets |
(5 | ) | (6 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
(957 | ) | (739 | ) | |||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Gain on disposal of PP&E and impairment of PP&E |
||||||||
Gain on disposal of PP&E |
6 | 4 | ||||||
Impairment of PP&E |
(3 | ) | | |||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
3 | 4 | |||||||
|
|
|
|
19
TELECOM ARGENTINA S.A.
The operating expenses disclosed by function are as follows:
Three-month periods ended March 31, |
||||||||
2015 | 2014 | |||||||
Profit (loss) | ||||||||
Operating costs |
(4,224 | ) | (3,744 | ) | ||||
Administration costs |
(388 | ) | (297 | ) | ||||
Commercialization costs |
(2,497 | ) | (2,025 | ) | ||||
Other expenses provisions |
(93 | ) | (37 | ) | ||||
Gain on disposal of PP&E and impairment of PP&E |
3 | 4 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
(7,199 | ) | (6,099 | ) | |||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
ae) Financial results |
||||||||
Finance income |
||||||||
Interest on time deposits |
| 157 | ||||||
Gains on investments (Argentine companies notes and governments bonds) |
11 | 43 | ||||||
Gains on Mutual Funds |
31 | 36 | ||||||
Interest on receivables |
42 | 36 | ||||||
Foreign currency exchange gains |
20 | 482 | ||||||
Gain on NDF |
| 45 | ||||||
Other |
1 | | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total finance income |
105 | 799 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Finance expenses |
||||||||
Interest on loans |
(44 | ) | (6 | ) | ||||
Interest on salaries and social security payable, other taxes payables and accounts payable |
(4 | ) | (9 | ) | ||||
Interest on provisions |
(53 | ) | (31 | ) | ||||
Present value effect of salaries and social security payable, other taxes payables and other liabilities |
(1 | ) | (1 | ) | ||||
Foreign currency exchange losses (*) |
(63 | ) | (762 | ) | ||||
Interest on pension benefits |
(7 | ) | | |||||
Losses on NDF (Note 10.d) |
(22 | ) | (22 | ) | ||||
Other |
| | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total finance expenses |
(194 | ) | (831 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
(89 | ) | (32 | ) | |||||
|
|
|
|
(*) | Includes (159) of foreign currency exchange losses generated by the acquisition of US$60 million of Government bonds in the three-month period ended March 31, 2014. |
af) Income taxes
Income tax expense for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 consists of the following:
Profit (loss) | ||||||||||||||||||||
The Company |
Telecom USA |
Personal | Núcleo | Total | ||||||||||||||||
Current tax expense |
(150 | ) | (1 | ) | (522 | ) | (7 | ) | (680 | ) | ||||||||||
Deferred tax benefit |
47 | | 80 | 3 | 130 | |||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
Income tax expense as of March 31, 2015 |
(103 | ) | (1 | ) | (442 | ) | (4 | ) | (550 | ) | ||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
Current tax expense |
(151 | ) | (1 | ) | (456 | ) | (8 | ) | (616 | ) | ||||||||||
Deferred tax benefit |
39 | | 136 | 2 | 177 | |||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
Income tax expense as of March 31, 2014 |
(112 | ) | (1 | ) | (320 | ) | (6 | ) | (439 | ) | ||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income tax expense for the periods differed from the amounts computed by applying the Companys statutory income tax rate to pre-tax income as a result of the following:
In Argentina | Abroad | Total | ||||||||||
Profit (loss) | ||||||||||||
Pre-tax income on a separate return basis |
2,401 | 48 | 2,449 | |||||||||
Non taxable items Income from investments |
(857 | ) | (1 | ) | (858 | ) | ||||||
Non taxable items Other |
(3 | ) | (19 | ) | (22 | ) | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Subtotal |
1,541 | 28 | 1,569 | |||||||||
Weighted statutory income tax rate |
35 | % | (*) | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Income tax expense at weighted statutory tax rate |
(539 | ) | (5 | ) | (544 | ) | ||||||
Income tax on dividends from foreign companies |
(6 | ) | | (6 | ) | |||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Income tax expense as of March 31, 2015 |
(545 | ) | (5 | ) | (550 | ) | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
(*) | Effective income tax rate based on weighted statutory income tax rate in the different countries where the Telecom Group has operations. For the period presented, the statutory tax rate in Argentina was 35%, in Paraguay was 10% plus an additional rate of 5% in case of payment of dividends and in the USA the effective tax rate was 39.5%. |
20
TELECOM ARGENTINA S.A.
In Argentina | Abroad | Total | ||||||||||
Profit (loss) | ||||||||||||
Pre-tax income on a separate return basis |
1,994 | 62 | 2,056 | |||||||||
Non taxable items Income from investments |
(711 | ) | | (711 | ) | |||||||
Non taxable items Other |
6 | (18 | ) | (12 | ) | |||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Subtotal |
1,289 | 44 | 1,333 | |||||||||
Weighted statutory income tax rate |
35 | % | (*) | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Income tax expense at weighted statutory tax rate |
(451 | ) | (7 | ) | (458 | ) | ||||||
Income tax on dividends from foreign companies |
(8 | ) | | (8 | ) | |||||||
Other changes in tax assets and liabilities |
27 | | 27 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Income tax expense as of March 31, 2014 |
(432 | ) | (7 | ) | (439 | ) | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
(*) | Effective income tax rate based on weighted statutory income tax rate in the different countries where the Telecom Group has operations. For the period presented, the statutory tax rate in Argentina was 35%, in Paraguay was 10% plus an additional rate of 5% in case of payment of dividends and in the USA the effective tax rate was 39.5%. |
NOTE 3 SUPPLEMENTARY CASH FLOW INFORMATION
For purposes of the statements of cash flows, cash and cash equivalents comprise cash, bank current accounts and short-term highly liquid investments (with a maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition) and bank overdrafts (in the consolidated statements of financial position, bank overdrafts are included in current financial debt).
March 31, | December 31, | |||||||||||||||
2015 | 2014 | 2014 | 2013 | |||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
1,266 | 4,469 | 825 | 5,224 | ||||||||||||
Bank overdrafts (Note 2.m) |
(491 | ) | | (141 | ) | | ||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Total cash and cash equivalents |
775 | 4,469 | 684 | 5,224 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Additional information on the breakdown of the net cash flow provided by operating activities is given below:
Three-month periods ended March 31, |
||||||||
2015 | 2014 | |||||||
Collections |
||||||||
Collections from customers |
9,460 | 8,055 | ||||||
Interests from customers |
42 | 38 | ||||||
Interests from time deposits |
31 | 191 | ||||||
CPP collections |
136 | 272 | ||||||
NDF |
| 84 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Subtotal |
9,669 | 8,640 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Payments |
||||||||
For the acquisition of goods and services and others |
(2,318 | ) | (2,128 | ) | ||||
For the acquisition of inventories |
(1,404 | ) | (1,189 | ) | ||||
Salaries and social security payables and severance payments |
(1,537 | ) | (1,122 | ) | ||||
NDF |
(111 | ) | (2 | ) | ||||
CPP payments |
(673 | ) | (459 | ) | ||||
Income taxes |
(352 | ) | (379 | ) | ||||
Other taxes and taxes and fees with the Regulatory Authority |
(2,028 | ) | (1,630 | ) | ||||
Foreign currency exchange differences related to the payments to suppliers |
(90 | ) | (524 | ) | ||||
Inventory suppliers |
(70 | ) | (237 | ) | ||||
PP&E suppliers |
(12 | ) | (216 | ) | ||||
Other suppliers |
(8 | ) | (71 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Subtotal |
(8,513 | ) | (7,433 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Net cash flow provided by operating activities |
1,156 | 1,207 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
| Changes in assets/liabilities components: |
Net (increase) decrease in assets |
||||||||
Investments |
(8 | ) | (105 | ) | ||||
Trade receivables |
(380 | ) | (75 | ) | ||||
Other receivables |
4 | (28 | ) | |||||
Inventories |
(9 | ) | (311 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
(393 | ) | (519 | ) | |||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Net (decrease) increase in liabilities |
||||||||
Trade payables |
(1,066 | ) | (29 | ) | ||||
Deferred revenues |
16 | 27 | ||||||
Salaries and social security payables |
(60 | ) | (29 | ) | ||||
Other taxes payables |
39 | (24 | ) | |||||
Other liabilities |
1 | 5 | ||||||
Provisions |
(11 | ) | (20 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
(1,081 | ) | (70 | ) | |||||
|
|
|
|
21
TELECOM ARGENTINA S.A.
Income tax paid consists of the following:
Three-month periods ended March 31, |
||||||||
2015 | 2014 | |||||||
Tax returns and payments in advance |
(307 | ) | (337 | ) | ||||
Other payments |
(45 | ) | (42 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
(352 | ) | (379 | ) | |||||
|
|
|
|
| Main non-cash operating transactions: |
SAC acquisitions offset with trade receivables |
58 | 64 |
| Most significant investing activities: |
PP&E acquisitions include:
PP&E additions (Note 2.i) |
(753 | ) | (1,005 | ) | ||||
Plus: |
||||||||
Payments of trade payables originated in prior periods acquisitions |
(862 | ) | (1,185 | ) | ||||
Less: |
||||||||
Acquisition of PP&E through incurrence of trade payables |
520 | 733 | ||||||
Mobile handsets lent to customers at no cost (i) |
6 | 7 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
(1,089 | ) | (1,450 | ) | |||||
|
|
|
|
(i) | Under certain circumstances, Personal and Núcleo lend handsets to customers at no cost pursuant to term agreements. Handsets remain the property of the companies and customers are generally obligated to return them at the end of the respective agreements. |
Intangible assets acquisitions include:
Intangible assets additions (Note 2.j) |
(241 | ) | (182 | ) | ||||
Plus: |
||||||||
Payments of trade payables originated in prior periods acquisitions |
(112 | ) | (99 | ) | ||||
SAC acquisitions offset with trade receivables |
(58 | ) | (64 | ) | ||||
Less: |
||||||||
Acquisition of intangible assets through incurrence of trade payables |
147 | 132 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
(264 | ) | (213 | ) | |||||
|
|
|
|
The following table presents the cash flows from purchases, sales and maturities of securities which were not considered cash equivalents in the statement of cash flows:
Investments over 90 days maturity |
1 | (30 | ) | |||||
Argentine companies notes acquisition |
| (16 | ) | |||||
Government bonds acquisition |
(60 | ) | (570 | ) | ||||
Argentine companies notes collection |
28 | 23 | ||||||
Government bonds collection |
18 | 3 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
(13 | ) | (590 | ) | |||||
|
|
|
|
| Financing activities components: |
The following table presents the financing activities components of the consolidated statements of cash flows:
Debt proceeds Personal (Note 10.a) |
353 | | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total financial debt proceeds |
353 | | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Payment of bank loans Núcleo |
(9 | ) | (3 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total payment of financial debt |
(9 | ) | (3 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Bank overdrafts Personal |
(31 | ) | | |||||
Payment of related costs on bank loans Personal (Note 10.a) |
(12 | ) | | |||||
Payment of interest on bank loans Núcleo |
(10 | ) | (10 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total payment of interest and related costs |
(53 | ) | (10 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
Cash dividends from Telecom Argentina
During 1Q14 the Company paid $44 related to withholdings on dividends paid to its shareholders by the end of 2013 in order to comply with its tax obligations. The amounts paid finally corresponded to: (i) income tax withholdings on dividends paid to its shareholders during December 2013 in the amount of $17 and (ii) dividends paid to its shareholders in the amount of $27.
22
TELECOM ARGENTINA S.A.
As of March 31, 2014, the Telecom Group carried out its activities through five companies, each identified as an operating segment. In July 2014 it was constituted in Paraguay a new company (Personal Envíos, controlled by Núcleo) which was included in the Núcleo Mobile Services segment. Therefore, as from March 31, 2015, the Telecom Group carries out its activities through six companies which were consolidated by the end of the three-month period ended March 31, 2015 (Note 1.a).
The Telecom Group has combined the operating segments into three reportable segments: Fixed Services, Personal Mobile Services and Núcleo Mobile Services based on the nature of products provided by the entities and taking into account the regulatory and economic framework in which each entity operates.
Segment financial information for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 was as follows:
For the three-month period ended March 31, 2015
¨ | Income statement |
Fixed | Mobile Services | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Services | Personal | Núcleo | Subtotal | Eliminations | Total | |||||||||||||||||||
Total revenues and other income (1) |
2,883 | 6,136 | 407 | 6,543 | (547 | ) | 8,879 | |||||||||||||||||
Employee benefit expenses and severance payments |
(1,143 | ) | (368 | ) | (32 | ) | (400 | ) | | (1,543 | ) | |||||||||||||
Interconnection costs and other telecommunication charges |
(163 | ) | (698 | ) | (38 | ) | (736 | ) | 399 | (500 | ) | |||||||||||||
Fees for services, maintenance, materials and supplies |
(378 | ) | (575 | ) | (36 | ) | (611 | ) | 100 | (889 | ) | |||||||||||||
Taxes and fees with the Regulatory Authority |
(183 | ) | (678 | ) | (12 | ) | (690 | ) | | (873 | ) | |||||||||||||
Commissions |
(54 | ) | (536 | ) | (46 | ) | (582 | ) | 13 | (623 | ) | |||||||||||||
Cost of equipments and handsets |
(19 | ) | (593 | ) | (28 | ) | (621 | ) | | (640 | ) | |||||||||||||
Advertising |
(16 | ) | (158 | ) | (17 | ) | (175 | ) | | (191 | ) | |||||||||||||
Cost of VAS |
(6 | ) | (265 | ) | (22 | ) | (287 | ) | | (293 | ) | |||||||||||||
Provisions |
(40 | ) | (53 | ) | | (53 | ) | | (93 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Bad debt expenses |
(49 | ) | (129 | ) | (5 | ) | (134 | ) | | (183 | ) | |||||||||||||
Other operating expenses |
(207 | ) | (221 | ) | (24 | ) | (245 | ) | 35 | (417 | ) | |||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
Operating income before D&A |
625 | 1,862 | 147 | 2,009 | | 2,634 | ||||||||||||||||||
Depreciation of PP&E |
(298 | ) | (301 | ) | (78 | ) | (379 | ) | | (677 | ) | |||||||||||||
Amortization of intangible assets |
(42 | ) | (222 | ) | (16 | ) | (238 | ) | | (280 | ) | |||||||||||||
Gain on disposal and impairment of PP&E |
8 | (5 | ) | | (5 | ) | | 3 | ||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
Operating income |
293 | 1,334 | 53 | 1,387 | | 1,680 | ||||||||||||||||||
Financial results, net |
5 | (85 | ) | (9 | ) | (94 | ) | | (89 | ) | ||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
Income before income tax expense |
298 | 1,249 | 44 | 1,293 | | 1,591 | ||||||||||||||||||
Income tax expense, net |
(104 | ) | (442 | ) | (4 | ) | (446 | ) | | (550 | ) | |||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
Net income |
194 | 807 | 40 | 847 | | 1,041 | ||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
Net income attributable to Telecom Argentina (Controlling Company) |
194 | 807 | 27 | 834 | | 1,028 | ||||||||||||||||||
Net income attributable to non-controlling interest |
| | 13 | 13 | | 13 | ||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
194 | 807 | 40 | 847 | | 1,041 | |||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
(1) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Service revenues |
2,360 | 5,216 | 383 | 5,599 | | 7,959 | ||||||||||||||||||
Equipment revenues |
10 | 881 | 22 | 903 | | 913 | ||||||||||||||||||
Other income |
4 | 3 | | 3 | | 7 | ||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
Subtotal third party revenues |
2,374 | 6,100 | 405 | 6,505 | | 8,879 | ||||||||||||||||||
Intersegment revenues |
509 | 36 | 2 | 38 | (547 | ) | | |||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
Total revenues and other income |
2,883 | 6,136 | 407 | 6,543 | (547 | ) | 8,879 | |||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
¨ Statement of financial position information |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
PP&E |
7,761 | 4,708 | 1,337 | 6,045 | | 13,806 | ||||||||||||||||||
Intangible assets, net |
389 | 4,840 | 64 | 4,904 | (1 | ) | 5,292 | |||||||||||||||||
Capital expenditures on PP&E (a) |
300 | 284 | 39 | 323 | | 623 | ||||||||||||||||||
Capital expenditures on intangible assets (b) |
36 | 185 | 20 | 205 | | 241 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total capital expenditures (a)+(b) |
336 | 469 | 59 | 528 | | 864 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total additions on PP&E and intangible assets |
404 | 522 | 68 | 590 | | 994 | ||||||||||||||||||
Net financial asset (debt) |
260 | 502 | (241 | ) | 261 | | 521 |
¨ | Geographic information |
Total revenues and other income | Total non-current assets | |||||||||||
Breakdown by location of operations |
Breakdown by location of the Group´s customers |
Breakdown by location of operations |
||||||||||
Argentina |
8,444 | 8,368 | 18,384 | |||||||||
Abroad |
435 | 511 | 1,493 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Total |
8,879 | 8,879 | 19,877 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
23
TELECOM ARGENTINA S.A.
For the three-month period ended March 31, 2014
¨ | Income statement |
Fixed | Mobile Services | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Services | Personal | Núcleo | Subtotal | Eliminations | Total | |||||||||||||||||||
Total revenues and other income (1) |
2,336 | 5,171 | 361 | 5,532 | (392 | ) | 7,476 | |||||||||||||||||
Employee benefit expenses and severance payments |
(854 | ) | (302 | ) | (27 | ) | (329 | ) | | (1,183 | ) | |||||||||||||
Interconnection costs and other telecommunication charges |
(162 | ) | (597 | ) | (46 | ) | (643 | ) | 290 | (515 | ) | |||||||||||||
Fees for services, maintenance, materials and supplies |
(322 | ) | (459 | ) | (31 | ) | (490 | ) | 57 | (755 | ) | |||||||||||||
Taxes and fees with the Regulatory Authority |
(165 | ) | (579 | ) | (11 | ) | (590 | ) | | (755 | ) | |||||||||||||
Commissions |
(48 | ) | (473 | ) | (34 | ) | (507 | ) | 14 | (541 | ) | |||||||||||||
Cost of equipments and handsets |
(15 | ) | (740 | ) | (20 | ) | (760 | ) | | (775 | ) | |||||||||||||
Advertising |
(37 | ) | (111 | ) | (16 | ) | (127 | ) | | (164 | ) | |||||||||||||
Cost of VAS |
(4 | ) | (174 | ) | (13 | ) | (187 | ) | | (191 | ) | |||||||||||||
Provisions |
(28 | ) | (9 | ) | | (9 | ) | | (37 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Bad debt expenses |
(26 | ) | (89 | ) | (3 | ) | (92 | ) | | (118 | ) | |||||||||||||
Other operating expenses |
(168 | ) | (174 | ) | (19 | ) | (193 | ) | 31 | (330 | ) | |||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
Operating income before D&A |
507 | 1,464 | 141 | 1,605 | | 2,112 | ||||||||||||||||||
Depreciation of PP&E |
(249 | ) | (222 | ) | (67 | ) | (289 | ) | | (538 | ) | |||||||||||||
Amortization of intangible assets |
(33 | ) | (155 | ) | (13 | ) | (168 | ) | | (201 | ) | |||||||||||||
Gain on disposal of PP&E |
3 | 1 | | 1 | | 4 | ||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
Operating income |
228 | 1,088 | 61 | 1,149 | | 1,377 | ||||||||||||||||||
Financial results, net |
93 | (123 | ) | (2 | ) | (125 | ) | | (32 | ) | ||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
Income before income tax expense |
321 | 965 | 59 | 1,024 | | 1,345 | ||||||||||||||||||
Income tax expense, net |
(113 | ) | (320 | ) | (6 | ) | (326 | ) | | (439 | ) | |||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
Net income |
208 | 645 | 53 | 698 | | 906 | ||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
Net income attributable to Telecom Argentina (Controlling Company) |
208 | 645 | 36 | 681 | | 889 | ||||||||||||||||||
Net income attributable to non-controlling interest |
| | 17 | 17 | | 17 | ||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
208 | 645 | 53 | 698 | | 906 | |||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
(1) |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Service revenues |
1,952 | 4,264 | 343 | 4,607 | | 6,559 | ||||||||||||||||||
Equipment revenues |
13 | 879 | 15 | 894 | | 907 | ||||||||||||||||||
Other income |
9 | 1 | | 1 | | 10 | ||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
Subtotal third party revenues |
1,974 | 5,144 | 358 | 5,502 | | 7,476 | ||||||||||||||||||
Intersegment revenues |
362 | 27 | 3 | 30 | (392 | ) | | |||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
Total revenues and other income |
2,336 | 5,171 | 361 | 5,532 | (392 | ) | 7,476 | |||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
¨ Statement of financial position information |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
PP&E |
6,749 | 3,852 | 1,323 | 5,175 | | 11,924 | ||||||||||||||||||
Intangible assets, net |
371 | 1,086 | 57 | 1,143 | (1 | ) | 1,513 | |||||||||||||||||
Capital expenditures on PP&E (a) |
368 | 469 | 43 | 512 | | 880 | ||||||||||||||||||
Capital expenditures on intangible assets (b) |
28 | 143 | 11 | 154 | | 182 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total capital expenditures (a)+(b) |
396 | 612 | 54 | 666 | | 1,062 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total additions on PP&E and intangible assets |
511 | 618 | 58 | 676 | | 1,187 | ||||||||||||||||||
Net financial asset (debt) |
1,571 | 3,745 | (236 | ) | 3,509 | | 5,080 |
¨ | Geographic information |
Total revenues and other income | Total non-current assets | |||||||||||
Breakdown by location of operations |
Breakdown by location of the Groups customers |
Breakdown by location of operations |
||||||||||
Argentina |
7,096 | 7,019 | 13,136 | |||||||||
Abroad |
380 | 457 | 1,419 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Total |
7,476 | 7,476 | 14,555 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
24
TELECOM ARGENTINA S.A.
NOTE 5 RELATED PARTY BALANCES AND TRANSACTIONS
a) | Controlling group |
Nortel, residing in A. Moreau de Justo 50 - 11th floor Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, holds 54.74% stake in the Company, meaning that exercises control of the Company in the terms of Art. 33 of Law No. 19,550. As of March 31, 2015, Nortel owns all of the Class A Preferred shares (51% of total shares of the Company) and 7.64% of the Class B Preferred shares (3.74% of total shares of the Company).
As a result of the Companys Treasury Shares Acquisition Process described in Note 7.b) Acquisition of Treasury Shares, as of March 31, 2015, Nortels equity interest in Telecom Argentina amounts to 55.60% of the outstanding shares. Pursuant to Section 221 of the LSC, the rights of treasury shares shall be suspended until such shares are sold, and shall not be taken into account to determine the quorum or the majority of votes at the Shareholders Meetings.
All of the common shares of Nortel belong to Sofora. As of March 31, 2015 these shares represent 78.38% of the capital stock of Nortel.
During 2011, Telecom Italia International N.V. acquired 8% of all Nortel Preferred Class B Shares and Telecom Argentina Class B shares, representing 1.58 % of Telecom Argentinas capital stock, through Tierra Argentea S.A. (Tierra Argentea), its controlled company incorporated in Argentina.
On November 14, 2013, Telecom Italia S.p.A y Telecom Italia International N.V. (jointly, the Sellers) and Tierra Argentea (a company controlled by the Sellers) announced the acceptance of an offer by the Fintech Group to acquire the controlling stake held by the Telecom Italia Group in Telecom Argentina, owned by the Sellers, through its subsidiaries Sofora, Nortel and Tierra Argentea. Closing of the transfer of the Telecom Italia Groups shares in Sofora was subject to the prior obtaining of certain regulatory authorizations therefore required.
On December 10, 2013, Tierra Argentea transferred to the Fintech Group Telecom Argentinas Class B shares representing 1.58% of its capital stock and Nortels ADRs representing 8% of the total Nortels Preferred Class B Shares.
On October 25, 2014, Telecom Italia S.p.A. announced the acceptance of an offer by the Fintech Group to amend and restate the agreement announced on November 14, 2013. Within the frame of this amendment agreement: 1) on October 29, 2014 Telecom Italia International N.V. agreed the transfer of 17% of the capital stock of Sofora to the Fintech Group; 2) it was confirmed that the transfer of the 51% controlling interest in Sofora is subject to the prior regulatory approval of the SC and closing of the transaction will not occur until such approval is obtained. It is expected that the transfer of such controlling interest will take place within the next two and one-half years.
It was informed that the majority of the members of Soforas Board of Directors will continue to be appointed by the Telecom Italia Group until the regulatory authorizations in Argentina are obtained and the transfer of the 51% controlling interest in Sofora is completed. No material changes in Sofora and its subsidiaries corporate governance are expected.
It was also informed that: if the sale of 51% of Sofora to Fintech is not completed within two and one-half years, Telecom Italia may then elect to either (i) terminate the agreement with Fintech and receive a six-month call option to purchase (or designate a Telecom Italia Group company to purchase) the 17% minority interest in Sofora previously sold to Fintech pursuant to an agreed formulation or (ii) pursue a sale of its 51% controlling interest in Sofora to a third party purchaser, subject to applicable regulatory approval and as to which Fintech has agreed to guarantee that Telecom Italia will receive an overall amount of at least US$ 630.6 million. After such third party sale is consummated, if the overall amount received in connection with such approved sale exceeds the purchase price amount guaranteed by Fintech, any excess will be allocated between the parties according to an agreed formula.
If it was not possible for Telecom Italia to sell to a third party within a period of two and one-half years, the agreement with Fintech will be terminated, Fintech will pay to Telecom Italia an amount of US$ 175 million and Telecom Italia will have an option to purchase (or designate a Telecom Italia Group company to purchase) within a period of sixth months the 17% minority interest in Sofora previously transferred to Fintech, pursuant to a formula agreed by the parties.
As of the date of issuance of these consolidated financial statements, Soforas shares belong to Telecom Italia S.p.A. (32.5%), Telecom Italia International N.V. (18.5%); W de Argentina - Inversiones S.L. (32%) and Fintech Telecom LLC (17%). The economic rights of Telecom Italia Group in Telecom Argentina amounted to 14.5% as of March 31, 2015.
More information about the operation celebrated between the Telecom Italia Group and the Fintech Group is available in Relevant Facts section of the CNV at www.cnv.gob.ar, and in Company filings search section (Telecom Italia S.p.A and Telecom Argentina) of the SEC in www.sec.gov.
25
TELECOM ARGENTINA S.A.
b) | Related parties |
For the purposes of these financial statements, related parties are those individuals or legal entities which are related (in terms of IAS 24) to the Telecom Italia Group or W de Argentina - Inversiones SL, except Nortel and companies under sect. 33 of Law No. 19,550 (subsidiaries or affiliates).
Under IAS 24, Telefónica, S.A. (of Spain) and its controlled companies, including Telefónica de Argentina S.A. and Telefónica Móviles de Argentina S.A. are not considered related parties. As of the date of these consolidated financial statements, such situation has been confirmed by the commitments assumed before the CNDC to ensure the separation and independence between the Telecom Italia Group and the Telecom Group, on one hand, and Telefónica S.A. (of Spain) and its controlled companies, on the other, with respect to their activities in the Argentine telecommunications market, such as it has been corroborated by the applicable authorities.
The Telecom Group has transactions in the normal course of business with certain related parties. For the periods presented, the Telecom Group has not conducted any transactions with executive officers and/or persons related to them.
c) | Balances with related parties |
CURRENT ASSETS | Type of related party |
March 31, | December 31, | |||||||
2015 | 2014 | |||||||||
Trade receivables |
||||||||||
TIM Participacoes S.A. (a) |
Other related party | 4 | 5 | |||||||
Latin American Nautilus Argentina S.A. (a) |
Other related party | 4 | 3 | |||||||
Telecom Italia Sparkle S.p.A. (a) |
Other related party | 1 | 1 | |||||||
Telecom Italia S.p.A. (a) |
Indirect parent company | | 1 | |||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||
9 | 10 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Other receivables |
||||||||||
Latin American Nautilus Ltd. (a) (c) |
Other related party | 48 | 52 | |||||||
Caja de Seguros S.A. (d) |
Other related party | 48 | 46 | |||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||
96 | 98 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||
NON-CURRENT ASSETS |
||||||||||
Other receivables |
||||||||||
Latin American Nautilus Ltd. (a) (c) |
Other related party | 27 | 36 | |||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||
27 | 36 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||
CURRENT LIABILITIES |
||||||||||
Trade payables |
||||||||||
Italtel Group (a) |
Other related party | 36 | 61 | |||||||
Latin American Nautilus Ltd. (a) |
Other related party | 20 | 11 | |||||||
Telecom Italia S.p.A. (a) |
Indirect parent company | 25 | 16 | |||||||
Telecom Italia Sparkle S.p.A. (a) |
Other related party | 14 | 13 | |||||||
Latin American Nautilus USA Inc. (a) |
Other related party | 2 | 2 | |||||||
Latin American Nautilus Argentina S.A. (a) |
Other related party | 1 | | |||||||
TIM Participacoes S.A. (a) |
Other related party | 2 | | |||||||
Caja de Seguros S.A. (d) |
Other related party | 66 | 57 | |||||||
La Caja Aseguradora de Riesgos del Trabajo ART S.A. (e) |
Other related party | 8 | 8 | |||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||
174 | 168 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Dividends payables |
||||||||||
ABC Telecomunicaciones S.A. (Note 10.e) |
Other related party | 21 | | |||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||
21 | | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
(a) | Such companies relate to Telecom Italia Group. |
(b) | Such companies relate to W de Argentina - Inversiones S.L. |
(c) | Corresponds to an agreement of lease-mode IP international capacity until December 2016. The Company paid approximately $267.6 on February 2013 for this agreement. |
(d) | Until March 30, 2015 this company related both to Telecom Italia Group and W de Argentina - Inversiones S.L. Since March 31, 2015 it relates to Telecom Italia Group. |
(e) | Until March 30, 2015 this company related both to Telecom Italia Group and W de Argentina - Inversiones S.L. Since March 31, 2015 it relates to W de Argentina - Inversiones S.L. |
26
TELECOM ARGENTINA S.A.
d) | Transactions with related parties |
Transaction description |
Type of related party | Three-month periods ended March 31, |
||||||||||
2015 | 2014 | |||||||||||
Services rendered |
Profit (loss) | |||||||||||
Telecom Italia Sparkle S.p.A. (a) |
Voice Wholesale | Other related party | 5 | 7 | ||||||||
Latin American Nautilus Argentina S.A. (a) |
Voice Wholesale | Other related party | 2 | 2 | ||||||||
TIM Participacoes S.A. (a) |
Voice Wholesale | Other related party | 2 | 2 | ||||||||
Telecom Italia S.p.A. (a) |
Voice Wholesale | Indirect parent company | | 1 | ||||||||
Caja de Seguros S.A. (b) |
Voice Retail | Other related party | 59 | 31 | ||||||||
Caja de Seguros S.A. (b) |
Equipment | Other related party | 55 | 64 | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Total services rendered |
123 | 107 | ||||||||||
|
|
|
|
Transaction description |
Type of related party | Three-month periods ended March 31, |
||||||||||
2015 | 2014 | |||||||||||
Services received |
Profit (loss) | |||||||||||
Latin American Nautilus Ltd. (a) |
International outbound calls and data |
Other related party | (23 | ) | (27 | ) | ||||||
Grupo Italtel (a) |
Maintenance, materials and supplies |
Other related party | (3 | ) | (31 | ) | ||||||
Telecom Italia Sparkle S.p.A. (a) |
International outbound calls and other |
Other related party | (12 | ) | (13 | ) | ||||||
TIM Participacoes S.A. (a) |
Roaming | Other related party | (6 | ) | (14 | ) | ||||||
Telecom Italia S.p.A. (a) |
Fees for services and roaming | Indirect parent company | (3 | ) | (1 | ) | ||||||
Latin American Nautilus Argentina S.A. (a) |
International outbound calls | Other related party | (2 | ) | (2 | ) | ||||||
Latin American Nautilus USA Inc. (a) |
International outbound calls | Other related party | (2 | ) | (2 | ) | ||||||
Caja de Seguros S.A. (b) |
Insurance | Other related party | (9 | ) | (6 | ) | ||||||
La Caja Aseguradora de Riesgos del Trabajo ART S.A. (c) |
Salaries and social security | Other related party | (22 | ) | (14 | ) | ||||||
La Estrella Seguros de Retiro S.A. (c) |
Insurance | Other related party | (2 | ) | (2 | ) | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Total services received |
(84 | ) | (112 | ) | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Purchases of PP&E |
||||||||||||
Grupo Italtel (a) |
Other related party | 6 | 46 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Total purchases of PP&E |
6 | 46 | ||||||||||
|
|
|
|
(a) | Such companies relate to Telecom Italia Group. |
(b) | Until March 30, 2015 this company related both to Telecom Italia Group and W de Argentina - Inversiones S.L. Since March 31, 2015 it relates to Telecom Italia Group. |
(c) | Until March 30, 2015 this company related both to Telecom Italia Group and W de Argentina - Inversiones S.L. Since March 31, 2015 it relates to W de Argentina - Inversiones S.L. |
The transactions discussed above were made on terms no less favorable to the Telecom Group than would have been obtained from unaffiliated third parties. The Board of Directors approved transactions representing more than 1% of the total shareholders equity of the Company, after being approved by the Audit Committee in compliance with Law No. 26,831.
e) | Key Managers |
Compensation for the Key Managers, including social security contribution, amounted to $18 and $26 for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and was recorded as expenses under the item line Employee benefits expenses and severance payments. The total expense remuneration is comprised as follows:
Three-month periods ended March 31, |
||||||||
2015 | 2014 | |||||||
Salaries (*) |
9 | 10 | ||||||
Variable compensation (*) |
5 | 5 | ||||||
Social security contributions |
4 | 4 | ||||||
Termination benefits |
| 7 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
18 | 26 | |||||||
|
|
|
|
(*) | Gross compensation. Social security and income tax retentions are in charge of the employee. |
As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, an amount of $6 and $8 remained unpaid, respectively.
As of March 31, 2015 and 2014, the Telecom Group has recorded a provision of $5 and $4, respectively, for the fees of its Board of Directors members. The members and alternate members of the Board of Directors do not hold executive positions in the Company or Companys subsidiaries.
27
TELECOM ARGENTINA S.A.
NOTE 6 COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES OF THE TELECOM GROUP
a) | Purchase commitments |
The Telecom Group has entered into various purchase orders amounting in the aggregate to approximately $5,364 as of March 31, 2015 (of which $1,623 corresponds to PP&E commitments), primarily related to the supply of switching equipment, external wiring, infrastructure agreements, inventory and other service agreements.
b) | Contingencies |
The Telecom Group is a party to several civil, tax, commercial, labor and regulatory proceedings and claims that have arisen in the ordinary course of business. In order to determine the proper level of provisions, Management of the Company, based on the opinion of its internal and external legal counsel, assesses the likelihood of any adverse judgments or outcomes related to these matters as well as the range of probable losses that may result from the potential outcomes. A determination of the amount of provisions required, if any, is determined after an analysis of each individual case.
The determination of the required provisions may change in the future due to new developments or unknown facts at the time of the evaluation of the claims or changes as a matter of law or legal interpretation. Consequently, as of March 31, 2015, the Telecom Group has recorded provisions in an aggregate amount of $1,498 to cover potential losses under these claims ($84 for regulatory contingencies deducted from assets and $1,414 included under provisions) and certain amounts deposited in the Companys bank accounts have been restricted as to their use due to some judicial proceedings. As of March 31, 2015, these restricted funds totaled $48 (included under Other receivables item line in the consolidated statement of financial position).
Provisions consist of the following:
Balances as of |
Additions | Decreases | Balances as of |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
December 31, 2014 |
Capital (i) |
Interest (ii) |
Reclassifications | Classified to liability |
Payments | March 31, 2015 |
||||||||||||||||||||||
Current |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Provision for civil and commercial proceedings |
71 | 34 | 18 | 7 | | (2 | ) | 128 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Provision for labor claims |
51 | | | 9 | | (8 | ) | 52 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Provision for regulatory, tax and other matters claims |
77 | | | 3 | | (1 | ) | 79 | ||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||
Total current provisions |
199 | 34 | 18 | 19 | | (11 | ) | 259 | ||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||
Non-current |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Provision for civil and commercial proceedings |
228 | 10 | 7 | (7 | ) | | | 238 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Provision for labor claims |
288 | 24 | 16 | (9 | ) | | | 319 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Provision for regulatory, tax and other matters claims |
441 | 25 | 9 | (3 | ) | | | 472 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Asset retirement obligations |
123 | | 3 | | | | 126 | |||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||
Total non-current provisions |
1,080 | 59 | 35 | (19 | ) | | | 1,155 | ||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||
Total provisions |
1,279 | 93 | 53 | | | (11 | ) | 1,414 | ||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balances as of |
Additions (reversals) | Decreases | Balances as of |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
December 31, 2013 |
Capital |
Interest (ii) |
Reclassifications | Classified to liability |
Payments | March 31, 2014 |
||||||||||||||||||||||
Current |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Provision for civil and commercial proceedings |
133 | | | (22 | ) | (47 | ) | (4 | ) | 60 | ||||||||||||||||||
Provision for labor claims |
44 | | | 13 | | (10 | ) | 47 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Provision for regulatory, tax and other matters claims |
47 | | | 13 | | (6 | ) | 54 | ||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||
Total current provisions |
224 | | | 4 | (47 | ) | (20 | ) | 161 | |||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||
Non-current |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Provision for civil and commercial proceedings |
139 | 15 | 9 | 22 | | | 185 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Provision for labor claims |
263 | (7 | ) | 10 | (13 | ) | | | 253 | |||||||||||||||||||
Provision for regulatory, tax and other matters claims |
525 | 29 | 11 | (13 | ) | | | 552 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Asset retirement obligations |
106 | 1 | 1 | | | | 108 | |||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||
Total non-current provisions |
1,033 | (iii) 38 | 31 | (4 | ) | | | 1,098 | ||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||
Total provisions |
1,257 | 38 | 31 | | (47 | ) | (20 | ) | 1,259 | |||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(i) | Included in Provisions. |
(ii) | Included in Finance costs, in the line Interest on provisions |
(iii) | 37 included in Provisions and 1 included in currency translation adjustments. |
28
TELECOM ARGENTINA S.A.
Equity includes:
March 31, 2015 |
December 31, 2014 |
|||||||
Equity attributable to Telecom Argentina (Controlling Company) |
15,446 | 14,418 | ||||||
Equity attributable to non-controlling interest (ABC Telecomunicaciones S.A. Note 1.a) |
343 | 351 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total equity (*) |
15,789 | 14,769 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
(*) | Additional information is given in the consolidated statements of changes in equity. |
(a) Capital information
The total capital stock of Telecom Argentina amounted to $984,380,978, represented by an equal number of ordinary shares, of $1 argentine peso of nominal value and entitled to one vote per share. The capital stock is fully integrated and registered with the Public Registry of Commerce.
The Companys shares are authorized by the CNV, the BCBA and the NYSE for public trading. Only Class B shares are traded since Nortel owns all of the outstanding Class A shares; and Class C shares are dedicated to the employee stock ownership program, as described below.
Telecom Argentinas breakdown of capital stock as of March 31, 2015 is as following:
Registered, subscribed and authorized for public offering | ||||||||||||
Shares | Outstanding shares | Treasury shares | Total capital stock | |||||||||
Ordinary shares, $1 argentine peso of nominal value each |
||||||||||||
Class A |
502,034,299 | | 502,034,299 | |||||||||
Class B |
466,858,524 | 15,221,373 | 482,079,897 | |||||||||
Class C |
266,782 | | 266,782 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Total |
969,159,605 | 15,221,373 | 984,380,978 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
Each ADS represents 5 Class B shares and are traded on the NYSE under the ticker symbol TEO.
(b) Acquisition of Treasury Shares
The Companys Ordinary Shareholders Meeting held on April 23, 2013, which was adjourned until May 21, 2013, approved at its second session of deliberations, the creation of a Voluntary Reserve for Capital Investments of $1,200, granting powers to the Companys Board of Directors to decide its total or partial application, and to approve the methodology, terms and conditions of such investments.
In connection with the above mentioned, on May 22, 2013, the Board of Directors approved a Companys Treasury Shares Acquisition Program in the market in Argentine pesos (the Treasury Shares Acquisition Program) so as to avoid any possible damages to the Company and its shareholders derived from fluctuations and unbalances between the shares price and the Companys solvency, for the following maximum amount and deadline:
| Maximum amount to be invested: $1,200. |
| Deadline for the acquisitions: until April 30, 2014. |
According to the offer made on November 7, 2013 by the Fintech Group for the acquisition of the controlling interest of the Telecom Italia Group in Telecom Argentina (see Note 5.a to these consolidated financial statements), Telecom Argentina suspended the acquisition of treasury shares and its Board of Directors considered appropriate to request the opinion of the CNV on the applicability of the new provisions contained in the rules issued by that entity (Title II, Chapter I, Art.13 and concurring) with respect to the continuation of the Treasury Shares Acquisition Program.
The CNV did not answer the Companys request and the Telecom Argentinas Board of Directors, at its meeting held on May 8, 2014, decided to conclude the request considering that the Treasury Shares Acquisition Program finished on April 30, 2014, which had been approved by Telecom Argentinas Board of Directors Meeting held on May 22, 2013.
Telecom Argentinas Board of Directors, at its meeting held on June 27, 2014, decided to request a new opinion from the CNV to confirm whether Telecom Argentina is obliged to refrain from acquiring treasury shares in the market under Section 13, Chapter I, Title II of the CNV rules (NT 2013).
29
TELECOM ARGENTINA S.A.
Pursuant to Section 67 of Law No. 26,831, the Company must sell its treasury shares within three years of the date of acquisition. Pursuant to Section 221 of the LSC, the rights of treasury shares shall be suspended until such shares are sold, and shall not be taken into account to determine the quorum or the majority of votes at the Shareholders Meetings. No restrictions apply to Retained Earnings as a result of the creation of a specific reserve for such purposes named Voluntary Reserve for Capital Investments.
As of the date of issuance of these consolidated financial statements, the Company owns 15,221,373 treasury shares, representing 1.55% of its total capital. The acquisition cost of these shares in the market amounted to $461.
NOTE 8 RESTRICTIONS ON DISTRIBUTION OF PROFITS
The Company is subject to certain restrictions on the distribution of profits. Under the LSC, the by-laws of the Company and rules and regulations of the CNV, a minimum of 5% of net income for the year in accordance with the statutory books, plus/less previous years adjustments and accumulated losses, if any, must be appropriated by resolution of the shareholders to a legal reserve until such reserve reaches 20% of the outstanding capital (common stock plus inflation adjustment of common stock). On May 21, 2014, Telecom Argentina reached the maximum amount of its Legal Reserve according to LSC and CNV provisions previously disclosed.
NOTE 9 SELECTED CONSOLIDATED QUARTERLY INFORMATION
Quarter |
Revenues | Operating income before D&A |
Operating income |
Financial results, net |
Net income |
Net income attributable to Telecom Argentina |
||||||||||||||||||
Fiscal year 2014: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
March 31, |
7,466 | 2,112 | 1,377 | (32 | ) | 906 | 889 | |||||||||||||||||
June 30, |
8,119 | 2,007 | 1,241 | 186 | 930 | 916 | ||||||||||||||||||
September 30, |
8,598 | 2,067 | 1,225 | 76 | 848 | 839 | ||||||||||||||||||
December 31, |
9,158 | 2,516 | 1,600 | 23 | 1,045 | 1,029 | ||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
33,341 | 8,702 | 5,443 | 253 | 3,729 | 3,673 | |||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
Fiscal year 2015: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
March 31, |
8,872 | 2,634 | 1,680 | (89 | ) | 1,041 | 1,028 | |||||||||||||||||
8,872 | 2,634 | 1,680 | (89 | ) | 1,041 | 1,028 |
NOTE 10 RECENT DEVELOPMENTS CORRESPONDING TO THE THREE-MONTH PERIOD ENDED MARCH 31, 2015 FOR THE TELECOM GROUP
(a) | Personals bank loan |
On January 28, 2015, Personal entered into a loan with a foreign bank for a total amount of US$ 40.8 million (equivalent to $353 at that date). This new loan is a 27-months bullet loan with three-month interest payment at a weighted average rate of three-month LIBO plus 8.25% (a financial cost of 9.0031% in 1Q15). As of March 31, 2015, the outstanding balance amounts to $350 (a principal of $344 included in Non-current financial debt and accrued interests amounting to $6 included in Current financial debt).
The terms and conditions of the loan include covenants and events of default that are usual for this type of transaction, among those the limitation that Personal will not incur new indebtedness other than the permitted indebtedness if, as a result of the incurrence thereof, its consolidated total leverage ratio (consolidated debt to consolidated operating profit/loss before depreciation and amortization, including gain/loss on disposal of PP&E and impairment of PP&E, as defined in the terms and conditions of the loan) is greater than 3.0 to 1.0 or its consolidated interest coverage ratio (consolidated operating profit/loss before depreciation and amortization, including gain/loss on disposal of PP&E and impairment of PP&E and impairment of PP&E, as defined in the terms and conditions of the loan, to consolidated net interest) is lower than 3.0 to 1.0.
The funds are to be used for the acquisition of the remaining 3G and 4G licenses and the acquisition of PP&E and inventories. As of the date of issuance of these consolidated financial statements, US$35 million has been used for the payment of the acquisition of PP&E and inventories.
30
TELECOM ARGENTINA S.A.
(b) | Profit sharing bonds |
On March 16, 2015, the Attorney Generals Office issued an opinion in the Ramollino Silvana v. Telecom Argentina S.A., case as a result of a complaint introduced by certain co-plaintiffs who were not part of the Share Ownership Plan (the PPP). The Labor Chamber of Appeals had rejected this action as it considered that such employees joined Telecom Argentina following the transfer of staff to the privatized entity and the only beneficiaries who could collect bonds were employees who participated in the PPP during the privatization.
The Attorney Generals Office ruled that the co-plaintiffs are not included among the persons who have the right to participate in profit sharing programs created under Law No. 23,696, as such law only covers those individuals who were employed by the company to be privatized at the time they joined the program. He noted that the legislative design of these programs does not constitute harm to the plaintiffs and cannot be considered discriminatory. The difference in treatment between those who joined the ex-Entel and employees of the entity once it was privatized seems a reasonable regulation of different situations. As of the date of issuance of these consolidated financial statements, the Supreme Court has not issued a decision in this case.
These judicial precedents confirm the exclusion of employees not included in the PPP as individuals authorized to collect the profit sharing bond thus endorsing the criteria used by the Company and its legal advisors to estimate the provisions recorded for these claims.
(c) | Legal Procedures relating to the Definition of the Scope of Fixed and Mobile Telephone Services under Broadcasting Law No. 22,285, repealed by Law No. 26,522 of Audiovisual Communication Services |
Within the context of a claim filed by Supercanal S.A., on June 16, 2014 Telecom Argentina had filed before the Courts a request to terminate the injunction, arguing among other reasons that new Law No. 26,522 of Audiovisual Communication Services repealed the former law, under which the injunction had been ordered. Alternatively, Telecom Argentina had also requested that the injunction be adjusted between the limits of the new law, thus removing from it the VAS, Internet and/or video on demand services. In December 2014, Supercanal alleged that Telecom Argentinas request is based on unconstitutional grounds.
In March 2015, Telecom Argentina reported in the case the enactment of Law No. 27,078 Ley Argentina Digital and requested that it be considered at the time of the Judges ruling. As of the date of issuance of these consolidated financial statements, the allegations of both parties are pending before the Courts.
(d) | Financial transactions to mitigate foreign exchange risk |
Due to the existence of commitments denominated in US Dollars as of March 31, 2015 Personal entered into several NDF agreements during 1Q15 to purchase a total amount of US$45 million which will mature between February 2016 and March 2016. The purpose of these NDF is to eliminate the risks associated to the fluctuation of the future exchange rate and to align the payment currency of Personals commitments (item covered) to its functional currency. As the effect of the fluctuation of the exchange rate over the hedged items is recognized in the Income Statement, changes in the fair value of NDF (net gain of approximately $0.3 million) have also been recognized in the Income Statement, within Finance income and expenses - NDF. The Telecom Group recognizes the hedging instruments results, distinguishing between gains and losses of such agreements that generate assets and liabilities, as appropriate, without offsetting balances with different counterparties.
During 2015, Personal realized the remaining NDF entered during 2014 for US$149 million, recording a net loss of $22 which was recognized in the Income Statement, within Finance income and expenses NDF. The purpose of these NDF was also to eliminate the risks associated to the fluctuation of the future exchange rate and to align the payment currency of Personals commercial commitments (item covered) to its functional currency.
As part of their financial risk management and reduction of exchange rate risk policies, during 1Q15 Telecom Argentina and Personal acquired Government bonds denominated in U.S. dollars (Bonar X 2017), at a cost of $60, with an annual interest rate of 7%, also in U.S. dollars. These bonds were valued at fair value and generated a loss of $0.4 million which was recognized in Finance expenses - Other.
31
TELECOM ARGENTINA S.A.
(e) | Núcleos Dividends Distribution |
The Ordinary Shareholders Meeting of Núcleo held on March 26, 2015, approved the distribution of cash dividends for an amount equivalent to $64, with the following schedule of payments:
Dividend payment month |
Dividends attributable to Personal |
Dividends attributable to non-controlling interest |
Total dividends paid | |||||||||
May 2015 |
43 | 21 | 64 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Total (*) |
43 | (**) 21 | 64 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
(*) | Corresponds to 35,000 million of Guaraníes approved by the Ordinary Shareholders Meeting of Núcleo, translated to argentine pesos at the exchange rate of the date of its approval. |
(**) | Recorded as Dividends payables as of March 31, 2015 in the consolidated statements of financial position and included as balances with related parties (Note 5.c). |
The Ordinary Shareholders Meeting also delegate in Nucleos Board of Directors the possibility and opportunity of distribution of a second cash dividends for an amount of up to 35,000 million of Guaraníes (equivalent to approximately $64), subject to additional investments required by the eventual spectrum auction in the 1700 MHz Band to provide 4G services in the Republic of Paraguay, which is estimated that the CONATEL will launch in the rest of the FY15.
NOTE 11 SUBSEQUENT EVENTS TO MARCH 31, 2015
a) | Resolutions of the Ordinary Annual Shareholders Meeting of the Company |
The Companys shareholders, at their meeting held on April 29, 2015, resolved, among other items:
(a) the approval of Telecom Argentinas Annual Report and financial statements as of December 31, 2014;
(b) a cash dividends payment amounting to $804.4 (equivalent to $0.83 peso per outstanding share) on May 11, 2015;
(c) the constitution of a Reserve for future cash dividends amounting to $2,868.1; and
(d) to delegate to the Board of Directors the authority to the allocation and distribution of such reserve according to business performance, in one or more installments, of an amount up to $649.3 to be distributed to the Shareholders as cash dividends during FY15.
b) | Resolutions of the Unanimous Ordinary and Extraordinary Annual Shareholders Meeting of Personal |
Personals shareholders, at their meeting held on April 15, 2015, approved, among other items, the Annual Report and financial statements as of December 31, 2014, to increase in an amount of $248 the Legal Reserve until it reaches the 20% of the outstanding capital (common stock plus inflation adjustment of common stock) and the allocation of $2,683 to the Reserve for future cash dividends (equivalent to the remaining Retained Earnings at December 31, 2014), delegating the authority in Personals Board of Directors to determine the time, terms and conditions of the allocation and distribution of such reserve.
c) | Partial repayment of capital stock of Micro Sistemas |
At December 31, 2014, Micro Sistemas was included in the provisions of section 206 of the Argentine Corporation Law, which requires a mandatory reduction of capital stock to offset accumulated losses. Accordingly, a capital repayment amounting to $0.4 million was approved to enable Micro Sistemas to partially absorb the accumulated deficit as of December 31, 2014 and comply with the requirements of section 206. This capital repayment was effective on April 24, 2015, in cash.
d) | Constitution and startup of activities of the Autoridad Federal de las Tecnologías de la Información y las Comunicaciones (the AFTIC) |
On April 29, 2015, Decree No. 677/2015 (Decree No. 677/15) provided that the AFTIC which was created by section 77 of Law No. 27,078 (Ley Argentina Digital or LAD) - will begin its duties within 30 days from the date of publication. The AFTIC was created as a decentralized and autonomous agency in the scope of the National Executive Power.
As provided in the LAD, the AFTIC will be responsible for the regulation, control, supervision and verification concerning the ICT in general, of the telecommunications in particular, of the postal service and all those matters in its scope in accordance to the LAD and the applicable regulations and the policies set by the National Government. Decree No. 677/15 also regulates the procedure for the selection of AFTIC members and authorizes the SC to perform all necessary acts for the establishment and operation of the new body in the aforementioned period.
32
TELECOM ARGENTINA S.A.
Moreover, Decree No. 677/15 establishes the framework for the SC and the CNC, having a transitional regime. According to it, and until the AFTIC is constituted and starts its functions, the regulations in force at the time of the enactment of the LAD will be applied so far as they were compatible with the law, temporarily maintaining the SC and the CNC their roles as Regulatory Body and Control Body, respectively.
Once established, the AFTIC may issue the new telecommunications regulatory framework. This will be because the LAD, among other things, provided for the repeal of Decree No. 764/00 (deregulation of telecommunications services) which remains in full force in all that is not opposed to the LAD for the time required to draw up the new regulation, as foreseen by section 92 of the LAD.
e) | Amendment of the Companys corporate purpose |
The Companys Board of Directors, at its meeting held on April 29, 2015, decided to convene an Ordinary and Extraordinary Shareholders Meeting to be held on June 22, 2015 in order to, among other items, change Telecom Argentinas corporate purpose, by adapting it to the LAD and including the possibility to provide Audiovisual Communication Services. The approval of the new corporate purpose by the Meeting will be conditional and subject to obtaining prior approval by the Regulatory Authority of the LAD.
Adrián Calaza | Oscar Cristianci | |||
Chief Financial Officer |
Chairman of the Board of Directors |
33
Free translation from the original in Spanish for publication in Argentina
LIMITED REVIEW REPORT ON CONDENSED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
To the Shareholders, President and Directors of
Telecom Argentina S.A.
Legal address: Alicia Moreau de Justo 50
City of Buenos Aires
Tax Code No.: 30-63945373-8
Introduction
We have reviewed the accompanying condensed interim consolidated financial statements of Telecom Argentina S.A. and its subsidiaries (Telecom or the Company), which comprise the consolidated statement of financial position as of March 31, 2015, the consolidated statements of income and of comprehensive income for the three-month period ended March 31,2015, the consolidated statements of changes in equity and of cash flows for the three- month period ended March 31, 2015 and selected explanatory notes.
The balances and other information for the fiscal year 2014 and interim periods are an integral part of the above-mentioned financial statements and therefore they should be considered in relation with those financial statements.
Management Responsibility
The Board of Directors of the Company is responsible for the preparation and presentation of the financial statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards, as approved by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB), which have been adopted by the Argentine Federation of Professional Councils in Economic Sciences (FACPCE) as professional accounting standards and incorporated by the National Securities Commission (CNV) to its regulations and is therefore responsible for the preparation and presentation of the condensed interim consolidated financial statements mentioned in the first paragraph, in accordance with International Accounting Standard No. 34 Interim Financial Information (IAS 34).
Scope of our review
Our review was limited to the application of the procedures established under International Standards on Review Engagements ISRE 2410 Review of Interim Financial Information Performed by the Independent Auditor of the Entity approved by the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB) and adopted as a review standard in Argentina by Technical Pronouncement No. 33 of the FACPCE. A review of interim financial information consists of inquiries of Company personnel responsible for preparing the information included in the condensed interim consolidated financial statements and of analytical and other review procedures. This review is substantially less in scope than an audit performed in accordance with International Auditing Standards; consequently, a review does not enable us to obtain assurance that we would became aware of all significant matters that could be identified in an audit. Therefore, we do not express an opinion on the consolidated financial position, the consolidated comprehensive income and the consolidated cash flow of the Company.
Conclusion
On the basis of our review, nothing has come to our attention that causes us to believe that the condensed interim consolidated financial statements mentioned in the first paragraph of this report are not prepared, in all material respects, in accordance with International Accounting Standard No. 34.
Report on compliance with current regulations
In compliance with provisions currently in force, we inform, as regards Telecom, that:
a) | The condensed interim consolidated financial statements of Telecom are transcribed into the Inventory and Balance Sheet book and are in compliance, as regards matters within our field of competence, with the provisions of the Commercial Companies Law and pertinent resolutions of the National Securities Commission; |
b) | The separate condensed interim financial statements are derived from accounting records kept in their formal respects in conformity with legal provisions; |
c) | We have read the Operating and financial review and prospects, on which, as regards those matters that are within our competence, we have no observations to make; |
d) | As of March 31, 2015, the debt of Telecom accrued in favor of the Argentine Integrated Social Security System, as shown by the Companys accounting records, amounted to $94,497,387.05 and was not due at that date. |
City of Buenos Aires, May 4, 2015
PRICE WATERHOUSE & CO. S.R.L. | ||
Carlos A. Pace | (Partner) | |
C.P.C.E.C.A.B.A. Tº 1 Fº 17 | ||
Dr. Carlos A. Pace Public Accountant (UBA) C.P.C.E.C.A.B.A. T° 150 F° 106 |
| INDEPENDENT AUDITORS Price Waterhouse & Co S.R.L. (member of PricewaterhouseCoopers) |
| STOCK MARKET INFORMATION (Source: Bloomberg) |
BCBA
Market quotation ($/share) | Volume of shares | |||||||||||
Quarter |
High | Low | traded (in millions) | |||||||||
1Q14 |
38.40 | 28.00 | 4.7 | |||||||||
2Q14 |
49.00 | 34.50 | 5.4 | |||||||||
3Q14 |
62.10 | 42.00 | 5.6 | |||||||||
4Q14 |
62.30 | 43.70 | 4.0 | |||||||||
1Q15 |
63.00 | 45.15 | 3.1 |
NYSE*
Market quotation (US$/ADR*) | Volume of ADRs | |||||||||||
Quarter |
High | Low | traded (in millions) | |||||||||
1Q14 |
19.07 | 14.78 | 12.2 | |||||||||
2Q14 |
23.86 | 17.77 | 12.4 | |||||||||
3Q14 |
25.09 | 18.65 | 11.6 | |||||||||
4Q14 |
23.18 | 19.13 | 7.9 | |||||||||
1Q15 |
26.04 | 18.85 | 8.8 |
* | Calculated at 1 ADR = 5 shares |
| INVESTOR RELATIONS for information about Telecom Argentina S.A., please contact: |
In Argentina
Telecom Argentina S.A.
Investor Relations Division
Alicia Moreau de Justo 50, 10th Floor
(1107) Autonomous City of Buenos Aires
Tel,: 54-11-4968-3628
Argentina
Outside Argentina
JP Morgan Chase
Latam ADR Sales & Relationship Mgmt.
4 New York Plaza, Floor 12
New York, NY 10004
USA
Tel.: 1-212-552-3729
| INTERNET http://www.telecom.com.ar/inversores/index.html |
| DEPOSIT AND TRANSFER AGENT FOR ADRs |
J.P. Morgan Depositary Receipts
4 New York Plaza, Floor 12
New York, NY 10004
(866) JPM-ADRS
adr@jpmorgan.com www.adr.com
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
Telecom Argentina S.A. | ||||||||
Date: June 17, 2015 | By: | /s/ Oscar Carlos Cristianci | ||||||
Name: | Oscar Carlos Cristianci | |||||||
Title: | Chairman of the Board of Directors |