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Partner Communications Reports Fourth Quarter and Annual 2013 ResultsROSH HA'AYIN, Israel --(Business Wire)-- Partner Communications Company Ltd. ("Partner" or the "Company") (NASDAQ and TASE: PTNR), a leading Israeli communications operator, announced today its results for the year and quarter ended December 31, 2013. Commenting on the annual results, Mr. Haim Romano said, "In 2013 we continued to invest in our infrastructure and network, customer services and information systems, while at the same time facing intense competition in the telecommunications market, which significantly reduced our revenues and profits as a result of substantial price erosion. During the year we launched the most advanced mobile network in Israel (Orange ultranet), which enables sharp and clear audio quality through HD Voice technology, extended battery life, and the fastest browsing speeds in Israel, and we also continued to invest in our advanced 4G network (LTE). In January 2014, the Company announced that it was ready to operate a 4G network, and became the first operator in Israel able to provide these services. In the coming year we intend to deploy approximately one thousand base stations equipped with this advanced technology. We look forward to receiving the allocation of the frequencies needed to provide the general public with the advanced services available with this technology. As leaders in providing quality customer service, we have established an extensive retail operation, including our sales and service centers. These centers today sell a wide range of mobile devices and related equipment, accessories and more to all customers. In 2013, the Company added 31,000 Post-Paid subscribers to its cellular subscriber base, the first increase in the Company's Post-Paid subscriber base in two years. This increase is indicative of our customers' confidence, which was also recognized by the Marketest index 2013 for customer experience in the cellular industry, in which the Orange brand led in most parameters for the eighth consecutive year. At the beginning of November 2013, the Company signed a network sharing agreement with HOT Mobile. This agreement has many benefits for the general public, including: the ability to maximize existing spectrum for the launch of 4G network services, reducing the environmental impact from multiple base stations, and increasing competition in the telecommunications market in a manner that will benefit consumers. This agreement will strengthen Partner by contributing to its operational and financial performance. Progress in the regulator's decisions regarding the fixed line wholesale market will enable the Company to be a major player in the entire telecommunications market, including providing new services such as television. We are determined to maximize the potential of these services, albeit in a measured and financially viable approach, by maximizing the relative advantages of the Company." Mr. Haim Romano noted: "The Company's strength is also reflected in its ability to reduce the Company's operating expenses by approximately NIS 0.5 billion compared with the previous year, and in generating free cash flow (before interest payments) of approximately NIS 1 billion, which enabled the Company to continue carrying out the investments required for its continued success while reducing net debt by approximately NIS 0.8 billion." Mr. Ziv Leitman, Partner's Chief Financial Officer commented on the quarterly results: "In the fourth quarter of 2013, the Company continued to adjust its cost structure and to implement operational efficiency measures, which, among other things, led to a decrease in operating expenses (excluding cost of equipment sold and depreciation & amortization expenses), totaling NIS 21 million compared with the third quarter of 2013. The churn rate in the fourth quarter of 2013 of our cellular subscribers increased from the previous quarter due to a rise in the intensity of competition. This increase in churn rate follows three consecutive quarterly falls in the churn rate. Nevertheless, the churn rate was 10.7% compared with 10.9% in the fourth quarter last year. The average revenue per cellular user (ARPU) in the fourth quarter of 2013 was NIS 81, a decrease of three shekels from the previous quarter, primarily reflecting seasonal effects. Revenues from equipment sales in the fourth quarter of 2013 increased by 23% from the previous quarter, mainly due to an increase in sales of iPhones and the commercial efforts of the retail division that was established only recently. However, for 2013, revenues from equipment sales decreased by 21%, reflecting the heightened competition in the handset market from independent importers and distributors. The Adjusted EBITDA in the fourth quarter of 2013 decreased by NIS 2 million compared with the previous quarter, largely a result of the decrease in seasonal service revenues which was partially offset by the reduction in operating expenses. Finance costs, net, in this quarter decreased by NIS 15 million from the previous quarter, mainly due to a decrease in CPI linkage expenses which was partially offset by lower gains from foreign exchange movements and by a one-time early repayment fee of NIS 8 million related to the repayment of bank loans. Profit in the fourth quarter of 2013 increased to NIS 46 million, from NIS 38 million in the previous quarter, largely reflecting the decrease in financial expenses which was partially offset by the reduction in Adjusted EBITDA. Capital expenditures (Capex, cash) totaled NIS 475 million in 2013, equivalent to 11% of total revenues compared with NIS 492 million and 9% last year. Capital expenditures (non-cash additions to property, equipment and computer software) totaled NIS 413 million in 2013, with the difference between cash and non-cash capital expenditures being explained by large investments at the end of 2012 which were paid for in 2013. In the fourth quarter of 2013, operating working capital decreased by NIS 105 million, mainly due to a decrease in trade receivables. This quarter the Company reported free cash flow (after interest payments) of NIS 209 million. Over 2013, the Company generated approximately NIS 860 million in free cash flow (after interest payments). During the fourth quarter, the Company made an early repayment of loans in a total amount of NIS 198 million (whose original repayment schedule was: NIS 148 million in 2015, NIS 25 million in 2016 and NIS 25 million in 2017). Over 2013, the Company made early repayments of loans in a total amount of NIS 617 million. Net debt at the end of the fourth quarter of 2013 amounted to approximately NIS 3 billion, signifying a decrease of approximately NIS 0.2 billion in the final quarter of 2013 and approximately NIS 1.9 billion since the highest level of net debt in mid-2011."
* Prior to 2010, the Company did not operate a fixed line service nor have ISP subscribers.
Financial Review (Consolidated) Total revenues in 2013 were NIS 4,519 million (US$ 1,302 million), a decrease of 19% from NIS 5,572 million in 2012. Annual service revenues totaled NIS 3,784 million (US$ 1,090 million) in 2013, decreasing by 18% from NIS 4,640 million in 2012. Service revenues for the cellular segment in 2013 were NIS 2,907 million (US$ 838 million), decreasing by 19% from NIS 3,592 million in 2012. The decrease was mainly a result of the price erosion of Post-Paid and Pre-Paid cellular services, following increased competition due to the activity of new competitors (new operators and MVNOs), and the transfer of existing customers to "unlimited plans" since May 2012. The decrease also reflected the lower Post-Paid cellular subscriber base which was approximately 3.5% lower on an average basis (average of subscriber base at beginning and end of year) in 2013 compared with 2012, as well as lower roaming services revenues, as a result of price erosion in roaming services. Pre-paid cellular subscribers (excludes pre-paid international calling cards sold by 012 Smile) contributed service revenues in a total amount of approximately NIS 360 million (US$ 104 million) in 2013, a decrease of 24% from approximately NIS 475 million in 2012, as a result of the price erosion in pre-paid services and the decrease in the number of pre-paid subscribers. Service revenues for the fixed line segment totaled NIS 1,085 million (US$ 313 million) in 2013, a decrease of 10% compared with NIS 1,210 million in 2012. The decrease mainly reflected price erosion in fixed line services including local fixed lines, international calls and internet services. The price erosion resulted from increased competition in the various fixed line markets, and from the increasing popularity of bundles that include cellular services together with fixed line services at heavily discounted prices, and the increasingly competitive market for international calls. The total number of active fixed lines was approximately 299,000 at the end of 2013, an increase of approximately 4% compared with approximately 288,000 at the end of 2012. The ISP subscriber base stood at approximately 583,000 as of the end of 2013, compared with approximately 587,000 at the end of 2012.8 Equipment revenues in 2013 totaled NIS 735 million (US$ 212 million), a decrease of 21% compared with NIS 932 million in 2012. The decrease was due to a significant decrease in the number of sales of cellular devices, partially offset by an increase in the average sales price which largely reflected a higher proportion of sales of high end smartphones (in particular iPhone and Samsung Galaxy) and tablets. The gross profit from equipment sales in 2013 was NIS 42 million (US$ 12 million), compared with NIS 113 million in 2012, a decrease of 63%, reflecting both the lower number of sales and lower profit margins following the heightened competition in the handset market from independent importers and distributors. Total revenues for Q4 2013 were NIS 1,127 million (US$ 325 million), a decrease of 10% from NIS 1,258 million in Q4 2012. Service revenues in Q4 2013 totaled NIS 922 million (US$ 266 million), decreasing by 11% from NIS 1,036 million in Q4 2012. Service revenues for the cellular segment in Q4 2013 were NIS 719 million (US$ 207 million), decreasing by 9% from NIS 788 million in Q4 2012. The decrease was mainly a result of the price erosion of Post-Paid and Pre-Paid cellular services, in line with the annual results. Service revenues for the fixed line segment totaled NIS 258 million (US$ 74 million) in Q4 2013, a decrease of 12% compared with NIS 294 million in Q4 2012. Again, the decrease resulted from the same reasons as the annual decrease, namely price erosion in fixed line services including local fixed lines, international calls and internet services. Equipment revenues in Q4 2013 totaled NIS 205 million (US$ 59 million), a decrease of 8% from NIS 222 million in Q4 2012, for exactly the same reasons as the annual decrease. The gross profit from equipment sales in Q4 2013 was NIS 19 million (US$ 5 million), compared with NIS 22 million in Q4 2012, a decrease of 14%, which was explained by the decrease in the number of sales. Operating expenses ('Opex', including cost of service revenues, selling, marketing and administrative expenses and excluding depreciation and amortization) totaled NIS 2,791 million (US$ 804 million) in 2013, a decrease of 14% or NIS 471 million from 2012, largely reflecting the efficiency savings resulting from the reduction in the Company workforce by approximately one third on an average basis (average of workforce at beginning and end of year), principally by lowering the level of new recruits, as well as a decrease in transmission expenses, payments to content and communications providers, State royalties and other expenses. Including depreciation and amortization expenses, Opex in 2013 decreased by 13% compared with 2012. For Q4 2013, Opex, excluding depreciation and amortization, totaled NIS 675 million (US$ 194 million), a decrease of 9% or NIS 69 million from Q4 2012, largely reflecting the efficiency measures undertaken, partially offset by the one-time reduction in site-rental expenses in Q4 2012 of NIS 18 million. Including depreciation and amortization expenses, Opex in Q4 2013 decreased by 8% compared with Q4 2012. Operating profit for 2013 was NIS 409 million (US$ 118 million), a decrease of 53% compared with NIS 865 million in 2012. For Q4 2013, operating profit totaled NIS 103 million (US$ 30 million), decreasing by 34% from Q4 2012. Adjusted EBITDA in 2013 totaled NIS 1,114 million (US$ 321 million), a decrease of 30% from NIS 1,602 million in 2012. Adjusted EBITDA for the cellular segment was NIS 784 million (US$ 226 million) in 2013, decreasing by 40% from NIS 1,314 million in 2012, largely reflecting the impact of the decrease in service revenues, partially offset by the reduction of operating expenses, as described above. As a percentage of total cellular revenues, Adjusted EBITDA for the cellular segment in 2013 was 22%, compared with 29% in 2012. In contrast to the cellular segment, Adjusted EBITDA for the fixed line segment increased by 15% from NIS 288 million in 2012 to NIS 330 million (US$ 95 million) in 2013, reflecting the reduction of operating expenses partially offset by the decrease in service revenues. As a percentage of total fixed line revenues, Adjusted EBITDA for the fixed line segment in 2013 was 30%, compared with 23% in 2012. For Q4 2013, Adjusted EBITDA was NIS 282 million (US$ 81 million), decreasing by 17% from NIS 340 million in Q4 2012, and the equivalent to 25% of total revenues. For the cellular segment alone, Adjusted EBITDA was NIS 199 million (US$ 57 million), a 22% decrease from Q4 2012. For the fixed line segment, Adjusted EBITDA was NIS 83 million (US$ 24 million), a 1% decrease from Q4 2012. Finance costs, net in 2013 were NIS 211 million (US$ 61 million), a decrease of 10%, compared with NIS 234 million in 2012. The decrease was mainly due to a decrease in interest expenses resulting from the lower level of average debt (see Funding and Investing Review below), together with foreign exchange gains, partially offset by early loan repayment fees of NIS 17 million in 2013 and by higher CPI linkage expenses due to the larger increase in the CPI level in 2013 compared to 2012. For Q4 2013 alone, finance costs, net, totaled NIS 38 million (US$ 11 million), unchanged from Q4 2012. This largely reflected lower interest expenses and higher gains from exchange rate movements being offset by higher CPI linkage expenses, together with a one-time early loan repayment fee of NIS 8 million in Q4 2013. Profit for 2013 was NIS 135 million (US$ 39 million), a decrease of 72% compared with 2012. For Q4 2013, profit totaled NIS 46 million (US$ 13 million), compared with NIS 102 million in Q4 2012, a decrease of 55%. Based on the weighted average number of shares outstanding during 2013, basic earnings per share or ADS, was NIS 0.87 (US$ 0.25), a decrease of 72% compared to NIS 3.07 in 2012. The effective tax rate for 2013 was 32%, compared with 24% in 2012. The increase in the effective tax rate was mainly due to the higher percentage of unrecognized expenses than in 2012, due to the decline in profit before tax. Cellular Segment Operational Review At the end of the 2013, the Company's cellular subscriber base (including cellular modem and 012 Mobile subscribers) was approximately 2.96 million, including approximately 2.133 million Post-Paid subscribers or 72% of the base and approximately 823,000 Pre-Paid subscribers, or 28% of the subscriber base. Over 2013, the cellular subscriber base declined by approximately 20,000. The Post-Paid subscriber base increased by approximately 31,000, which was more than offset by a decrease in the Pre-Paid subscriber base by approximately 51,000. The decrease in the Pre-Paid subscriber base was largely attributed to the Pre-Paid subscribers moving to Post-Paid subscriber packages as a result of the significant price erosion (and hence increasing attractiveness) in these products. The annual churn rate for cellular subscribers in 2013 was 39%, slightly higher than 38% in 2012, mainly reflecting the continued intense competition in the cellular market. Total cellular market share (based on the number of subscribers) at the end of 2013 was estimated to be approximately 29%, unchanged from the market share at year-end 2012. During the final quarter of 2013, the cellular subscriber base grew by approximately 6,000, with the increase being entirely attributed to the increase in the Post-Paid subscriber base, whilst the Pre-Paid subscriber base remained unchanged compared with the previous quarter. The quarterly churn rate for cellular subscribers in Q4 2013 was 10.7%, compared with 10.9% in Q4 2012. The monthly Average Revenue Per User ("ARPU") for cellular subscribers in 2013 was NIS 83 (US$ 24), a decrease of 14% from NIS 97 in 2012. The decrease mainly reflected the continued price erosion in the key cellular services including airtime (Post-Paid and Pre-Paid), content and roaming services, due to the persistent fierce competition in the cellular market, partially offset by an increase in revenues from wholesale services provided to MVNO's hosted on the Company's network. For Q4 2013, ARPU was NIS 81 (US$ 23), a decrease of 7% from NIS 87 in Q4 2012. The decrease mainly reflected the continued price erosion in airtime and related services. The monthly average Minutes of Use per subscriber ("MOU") for cellular subscribers in 2013 was 522 minutes, an increase of 16% from 450 minutes in 20129. This increase largely reflected the continued increase in the proportion of cellular subscribers with bundled packages that include large or unlimited quantities of minutes. In view of this trend, and as notified in previous quarterly releases, the Company believes that reporting MOU is no longer relevant to understanding the results of operation, and therefore the Company will no longer be reporting MOU figures in future results releases. Funding and Investing Review In 2013, cash flow generated from operating activities before interest payments, net of cash flow used for investing activities ("Free Cash Flow"), totaled NIS 1,041 million (US$ 300 million), a decrease of 16% from NIS 1,234 million in 2012. Cash generated from operations decreased by 10% to NIS 1,539 million (US$ 443 million) in 2013, from NIS 1,705 million in 2012. This decrease was mainly explained by the decrease in profit for the year, partially offset by changes in operating working capital movements. Working capital decreased in 2013 by NIS 463 million, primarily as a result of a decrease in trade receivables reflecting the installment payments of customers for handset purchases in previous periods, together with lower equipment sales which reduced the payments to equipment vendors, and a higher proportion of equipment sales by credit cards (whose proceeds are factored). The level of cash capital expenditures in fixed assets (Capex) including intangible assets but excluding capitalized subscriber acquisition and retention costs, net, was NIS 475 million (US$ 137 million) in 2013, a decrease of 3% from NIS 492 million in 2012, and the equivalent of 11% of total revenues in 2013 compared with 9% in 2012. Approximately half of the capital expenditures made was invested in the Company's cellular network, and the remaining amount was invested in software and the optical fiber transmission network. The level of net debt10 at the end of 2013 amounted to NIS 3,000 million (US$ 864 million), compared with NIS 3,812 million at the end of 2012, a decrease of NIS 812 million. For Q4 2013, free cash flow was NIS 278 million (US$ 80 million), a decrease of 14% compared with NIS 323 million in Q4 2012, reflecting a 13% decrease in operating cash flow, partially offset by a 12% decrease in capex (cash). The decrease in operating cash flow mainly reflected the decrease in profit for the quarter. Conference Call Details Partner will hold a conference call on Monday, March 10, 2014 at 11.00 a.m. Eastern Time / 5.00 p.m. Israel Time. Please call the following numbers (at least 10 minutes before the scheduled time) in order to participate: International: +972.3. 918.0610 North America toll-free: +1.888.668.9141 A live webcast of the call will also be available on Partner's website at: http://www.orange.co.il/en/Investors-Relations/lobby/ If you are unavailable to join live, the replay numbers are: International: +972.3.925.5921 North America: +1.888.295.2634 Both the replay of the call and the webcast will be available from March 10, 2014 until March 17, 2014. Forward-looking statements This press release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the US Securities Act of 1933, as amended, Section 21E of the US Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the safe harbor provisions of the US Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as "believe", "anticipate", "expect", "intend", "seek", "will", "plan", "could", "may", "project", "goal", "target" and similar expressions often identify forward-looking statements but are not the only way we identify these statements. In particular, this press release contains forward-looking statements regarding the anticipated roll-out of the Company's 4G network, future operational and financial benefits from the network sharing agreement with HOT Mobile, and the expansion of fixed line services. In addition, all statements other than statements of historical fact included in this press release regarding our future performance, plans to increase revenues or margins or preserve or expand market share in existing or new markets, plans to reduce expenses, and any statements regarding other future events or our future prospects, are forward-looking statements. We have based these forward-looking statements on our current knowledge and our present beliefs and expectations regarding possible future events. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions about recent and future regulatory actions (specifically, whether the frequencies needed for 4G operation will be allocated, as well as whether the regulations for the wholesale fixed-line market will be appropriately developed and applied) and whether the network sharing agreement with HOT Mobile will be approved without substantial modification, as well as consumer habits and preferences in cellular telephone usage, trends in the Israeli telecommunications industry in general, and the impact of global economic conditions. Future results may differ materially from those anticipated herein. For further information regarding risks, uncertainties and assumptions about Partner, trends in the Israeli telecommunications industry in general, the impact of current global economic conditions and possible regulatory and legal developments, and other risks we face, see "Item 3. Key Information - 3D. Risk Factors", "Item 4. Information on the Company", "Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects", "Item 8. Financial Information - 8A. Consolidated Financial Statements and Other Financial Information - 8A.1 Legal and Administrative Proceedings" and "Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk" in the Company's Annual Reports on Form 20-F filed with the SEC. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. The quarterly financial results presented in this press release are unaudited financial results. The results were prepared in accordance with IFRS, other than Adjusted EBITDA and free cash flow, which are non-GAAP financial measures. The financial information is presented in NIS millions (unless otherwise stated) and the figures presented are rounded accordingly. The convenience translations of the Nominal New Israeli Shekel (NIS) figures into US Dollars were made at the rate of exchange prevailing at December 31, 2013: US $1.00 equals NIS 3.471. The translations were made purely for the convenience of the reader. Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures: 'Adjusted EBITDA' represents earnings before interest (finance costs, net), taxes, depreciation, amortization (including amortization of intangible assets, deferred expenses-right of use, and share based compensation expenses) and impairment charges, as a measure of operating profit. Adjusted EBITDA is not a financial measure under IFRS and may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures for other companies. Adjusted EBITDA may not be indicative of the Company's historic operating results nor is it meant to be predictive of potential future results. Adjusted EBITDA is presented solely to enhance the understanding of our operating results. We use the term "Adjusted EBITDA" to highlight the fact that amortization includes amortization of deferred expenses - right of use and employee share- based compensation expenses, but Adjusted EBITDA is fully comparable to EBITDA information which has been previously provided for prior periods. Reconciliation between our net cash flow from operating activities and Adjusted EBITDA on a consolidated basis is presented in the attached summary financial results. About Partner Communications Partner Communications Company Ltd. ("Partner") is a leading Israeli provider of telecommunications services (cellular, fixed-line telephony and internet services) under the orange™ brand and the 012 Smile brand. Partner's ADSs are quoted on the NASDAQ Global Select Market™ and its shares are traded on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange (NASDAQ and TASE: PTNR). For more information about Partner, see: http://www.orange.co.il/en/Investors-Relations/lobby/
1 Cash flows from operating activities before
interest payments, net of cash flows used for investment activities.
At December 31, 2013 and 2012, trade and other payables include NIS 223 million ($64 million) and NIS 280 million, respectively, in respect of acquisition of intangible assets and property and equipment. These balances are recognized in the cash flow statements upon payment.
* Representing an amount of less than 1 million
11 See first page for definitions. Including the
results of 012 Smile from March 2011. The annual results are audited.
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