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Partner Communications Reports Fourth Quarter and Annual 2013 Results
[March 10, 2014]

Partner Communications Reports Fourth Quarter and Annual 2013 Results


ROSH 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."



 

Key Financial Results4

NIS MILLION       2009     2010    

20115

    2012     2013
Revenues       6,079     6,674     6,998     5,572     4,519
Cost of revenues 3,770 4,093 4,978 4,031 3,510
Gross profit 2,309 2,581 2,020 1,541 1,009
S,G&A 677 785 1,002 787 679
Impairment of goodwill - - 87 - -
Other income 69 64 105 111 79
Operating profit 1,701 1,860 1,036 865 409
Finance costs, net 176 181 294 234 211
Income tax expenses 384 436 299 153 63
Profit for the Year 1,141 1,243 443 478 135
Earnings per share (basic, NIS)       7.42     8.03     2.85     3.07     0.87
                                 
NIS MILLION       Q4'12     Q1'13     Q2'13     Q3'13     Q4'13
Revenues 1,258 1,144 1,130 1,118 1,127
Cost of revenues 969 901 878 861 870
Gross profit 289 243 252 257 257
S,G&A 160 171 171 167 170
Other income 26 23 21 19 16
Operating profit 155 95 102 109 103
Finance costs, net 38 49 71 53 38
Income tax expenses 15 15 11 18 19
Profit for the Period 102 31 20 38 46
Earnings per share (basic, NIS)       0.65     0.20     0.13     0.24     0.30
 

Key Operating Indicators:

                               
        2009     2010     2011     2012     2013
Adjusted EBITDA (NIS millions) 2,304 2,570 2,178 1,602 1,114
Adjusted EBITDA (as a percentage of total revenues) 38% 38% 31% 29% 25%

Free Cash Flow6

1,021 1,502 1,082 1,234 1,041
Cellular Subscribers (end of period, thousands) 3,042 3,160 3,176 2,976 2,956
Estimated Cellular Market Share (%) 32% 32% 32% 29% 29%
Annual Cellular Churn Rate (%) 18% 21% 29% 38% 39%
Average Monthly Usage per Cellular Subscriber (MOU) (minutes) 364 366 397 450 522
Average Monthly Revenue per Cellular Subscriber (ARPU) (NIS) 151

1227

111 97 83
No. Fixed Lines (end of period, thousands) * 69 292 288 299
ISP Subscribers (end of period, thousands)       *     60    

632

    587     583

* Prior to 2010, the Company did not operate a fixed line service nor have ISP subscribers.

 

Partner Consolidated Results

      Cellular Segment     Fixed Line Segment     Elimination     Consolidated
                           
NIS Millions       2013     2012    

Change
%

    2013     2012    

Change
%

    2013     2012     2013     2012    

Change
%

Total Revenues 3,610 4,488 -20% 1,117 1,246 -10% (208) (162) 4,519 5,572 -19%
Service Revenues 2,907 3,592 -19% 1,085 1,210 -10% (208) (162) 3,784 4,640 -18%
Equipment Revenues 703 896 -22% 32 36 -11% - - 735 932 -21%
Operating Profit 234 742 -68% 175 123 +42% - - 409 865 -53%
Adjusted EBITDA       784     1,314     -40%     330     288     +15%     -     -     1,114     1,602     -30%
                           
      Cellular Segment     Fixed Line Segment     Elimination     Consolidated
                           
NIS Millions       Q4'13     Q4'12    

Change
%

    Q4'13     Q4'12    

Change
%

    Q4'13     Q4'12     Q4'13     Q4'12    

Change
%

Total Revenues 915 997 -8% 267 307 -13% (55) (46) 1,127 1,258 -10%
Service Revenues 719 788 -9% 258 294 -12% (55) (46) 922 1,036 -11%
Equipment Revenues 196 209 -6% 9 13 -31% - - 205 222 -8%
Operating Profit 59 112 -47% 44 43 +2% - - 103 155 -34%
Adjusted EBITDA       199     256     -22%     83     84     -1%     -     -     282     340     -17%

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.
2 Operating expenses include cost of service revenues, and selling, marketing and administrative expenses, and exclude depreciation and amortization and impairment charges.
3 For definition of Adjusted EBITDA measure, see "Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures" below.
4 See also definitions on first page. Quarterly financial results are unaudited.
5 In Q4 2011, the Company recorded an impairment charge on its fixed line assets which reduced the annual and Q4 operating profit by NIS 322 million and the net profit by NIS 311 million. See press release of March 22, 2012 for details.
6 Cash flows from operating activities before interest payments, net of cash flows used for investment activities, except for years 2010 and 2011 for which free cash flow does not take into account outward cash flows used for the acquisition of 012 Smile.
7 Reported ARPU for 2010 was NIS 148. The ARPU for 2010 has been restated under the lower interconnect tariff effective in 2011, for the purpose of comparison.
8 Due to market developments in 2013, and in particular the increasing prevalence of bundled offerings in the market, the Company believes that the number of fixed lines and ISP subscribers no longer provide any meaningful insight into the results of operation, and therefore will not be reporting them in the future.
9 MOU data includes total incoming minutes to subscribers of those MVNO operators which Partner hosts on its network.
10 Total long term indebtedness including current maturities less cash and cash equivalents.

       

PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION

 

New Israeli shekels

Convenience
translation into
U.S. dollars

December 31, December 31,
2012   2013 2013
In millions
CURRENT ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents 548 481 139
Trade receivables 1,397 1,051 302
Other receivables and prepaid expenses 47 45 12
Deferred expenses- right of use 22 28 8
Inventories 98 93 27
Income tax receivable 7 3 1
Derivative financial instruments 1 2 1
2,120 1,703 490
 
NON CURRENT ASSETS
Trade receivables 509 289 83
Deferred expenses- right of use 138 118 34
Property and equipment 1,990 1,791 516
Licenses and other intangible assets 1,217 1,167 336
Goodwill 407 407 117
Deferred income tax asset 36 12 4
4,297 3,784 1,090
     
TOTAL ASSETS 6,417 5,487 1,580
 
       

PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION

 


New Israeli shekels

Convenience
translation into
U.S. dollars

December 31, December 31,
2012   2013 2013
In millions
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Current maturities of notes payable and bank borrowings 306 334 96
Trade payables 866 761 219
Parent group - trade 70
Payables in respect of employees 110 98 28
Other payables (mainly institutions) 59 45 13
Income tax payable 31 9
Deferred revenues 40 37 11
Provisions 60 67 19
Derivative financial instruments 14 1 *
1,525 1,374 395
 
NON CURRENT LIABILITIES
Notes payable 2,321 2,038 587
Bank borrowings 1,733 1,109 320
Liability for employee rights upon retirement, net 50 45 13
Dismantling and restoring sites obligation 28 31 9
Other non-current liabilities 10 16 4
Deferred tax liability 9 * *
4,151 3,239 933
 
TOTAL LIABILITIES 5,676 4,613 1,328
EQUITY

Share capital - ordinary shares of NIS 0.01 par value:
authorized - December 31, 2012 and 2013 - 235,000,000
shares; issued and outstanding:

2 2 1
December 31, 2012 - **155,645,708 shares
December 31, 2013 -**155,687,002 shares
Capital surplus 1,100 1,100 317
Accumulated earnings (deficit) (10) 123 35
Treasury shares, at cost - December 31, 2012

and 2013 - 4,467,990 shares

 

(351) (351) (101)
TOTAL EQUITY 741 874 252
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY 6,417 5,487 1,580

* Representing an amount less than 1 million.

**Net of treasury shares

 
           

PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

 
Convenience
translation
New Israeli Shekels into U.S. Dollars
Year ended December 31
2011 2012 2013 2013
In millions (except earnings per share)
Revenues, net 6,998 5,572 4,519 1,302
Cost of revenues 4,978 4,031 3,510 1,011
Gross profit 2,020 1,541 1,009 291
 
Selling and marketing expenses 711 551 462 133
General and administrative expenses 291 236 217 63
Impairment of goodwill 87
Other income, net 105 111 79 23
Operating profit 1,036 865 409 118
Finance income 33 21 29 8
Finance expenses 327 255 240 69
Finance costs, net 294 234 211 61
Profit before income tax 742 631 198 57
Income tax expenses 299 153 63 18
Profit for the year 443 478 135 39
 
Earnings per share
Basic 2.85 3.07 0.87 0.25
Diluted 2.84 3.07 0.86 0.25
 
       

PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS
OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

 

New Israeli Shekels

Convenience
translation into
U.S. dollars

Year ended December 31
2011   2012   2013 2013
In millions

Profit for the year

443 478 135 39
Other comprehensive losses, items that will not be reclassified to profit or loss:
Remeasurements of post-employment benefit obligations (21) (17) (9) (3)
Income taxes relating to remeasurements of post-employment benefit obligations 5 4 2 1

Other comprehensive losses for the year, net of income taxes

(16) (13) (7) (2)
 
TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME FOR THE YEAR 427 465 128 37
 
     

PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
SEGMENT INFORMATION

 
New Israeli Shekels
Year ended December 31, 2013
In millions

Cellular
segment

 

Fixed-line
segment

 
Elimination
 
Consolidated
Segment revenue - Services 2,876 908 3,784
Inter-segment revenue - Services 31 177 (208)
Segment revenue - Equipment 703 32   735
Total revenues 3,610 1,117 (208) 4,519
 
Segment cost of revenues - Services 2,070 747 2,817
Inter-segment cost of revenues- Services 175 33

(208)

Segment cost of revenues - Equipment 664 29   693
Cost of revenues 2,909 809 (208) 3,510
Gross profit 701 308 1,009
 
Operating expenses 544 135 679
Other income, net 77 2 79
Operating profit 234 175 409
Adjustments to presentation of Adjusted EBITDA
-Depreciation and amortization 545 155 700
-Other (1) 5 * 5
Adjusted EBITDA (2) 784 330 1,114

Reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to profit before income tax

- Depreciation and amortization 700
- Finance costs, net 211
- Other (1) 5
Profit before income tax 198
 
     

PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
SEGMENT INFORMATION

 
New Israeli Shekels
Year ended December 31, 2012
In millions

Cellular
segment

 

Fixed-line
segment

 
Elimination
 
Consolidated
Segment revenue - Services 3,564 1,076 4,640
Inter-segment revenue - Services 28 134 (162)
Segment revenue - Equipment 896 36   932
Total revenues 4,488 1,246 (162) 5,572
 
Segment cost of revenues - Services 2,351 861 3,212
Inter-segment cost of revenues- Services 134 28 (162)
Segment cost of revenues - Equipment 787 32   819
Cost of revenues 3,272 921 (162) 4,031
Gross profit 1,216 325 1,541
 
Operating expenses 584 203 787
Other income, net 110 1 111
Operating profit 742 123 865
Adjustments to presentation of Adjusted EBITDA
-Depreciation and amortization 562 164 726
-Other (1) 10 1 11
Adjusted EBITDA (2) 1,314 288 1,602

Reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to profit before income tax

- Depreciation and amortization 726
- Finance costs, net 234
- Other (1) 11
Profit before income tax 631
 
        * Representing an amount of less than 1 million.
(1) Mainly employee share based compensation expenses.
(2) Adjusted EBITDA as reviewed by the CODM 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 segment 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 Group's historic operating results nor is it meant to be predictive of potential future results. The usage of the term "Adjusted EBITDA" is to highlight the fact that the Amortization includes amortization of deferred expenses - right of use and employee share based compensation expenses; it is fully comparable to EBITDA information which has been previously provided for prior periods.
       

PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 
New Israeli shekels

Convenience translation into U.S.
dollars

12 month
period ended
December 31,

 

3 month
period ended
December 31

12 month
period ended
December 31,

 

3 month
period ended
December 31,

2013   2012 2013   2012 2013 2013
(Audited) (Audited) (Unaudited) (Unaudited) (Audited) (Unaudited)
In millions
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Cash generated from operations (Appendix A) 1,548 1,858 396 451 446 114
Income tax paid (9) (153) (7) (4) (3) (2)
Net cash provided by operating activities 1,539 1,705 389 447 443 112

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

Acquisition of property and equipment (326) (367) (70) (89) (94) (20)
Acquisition of intangible assets (156) (133) (39) (34) (45) (11)
Interest received 8 9 1 3 2 *
Consideration received from sales of property and equipment 1 2 1 *
Proceeds from (payments for) derivative financial instruments, net (25) 18 (3) (5) (6) (1)
Net cash used in investing activities (498) (471) (111) (124) (143) (32)

 

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

Dividend paid (167) (7)
Repayment of finance lease (1) (2)
Interest paid (181) (200) (69) (68) (52) (20)
Repayment of non-current bank borrowings (617) (455) (198) (300) (178) (57)
Repayment of notes payables (309) (394) (309)   (89) (89)
Net cash used in financing activities (1,108) (1,218) (576) (375) (319) (166)

INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

(67)

16

(298)

(52)

(19)

(86)

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD

548 532 779 600 158 225

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD

481 548 481 548 139 139

* Representing an amount of less than 1 million

     

PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 

Appendix A - Cash generated from operations and supplemental information

 
New Israeli shekels Convenience translation into U.S. dollars

12 month
period ended
December 31,

 

3 month
period ended
December 31,

12 month
period ended
December 31,

 

3 month
period ended
December 31,

2013   2012 2013   2012 2013 2013
(Audited) (Audited) (Unaudited) (Unaudited) (Audited) (Unaudited)
In millions
Cash generated from operations:
Profit for the period 135 478 46 102 39 13
Adjustments for:
Depreciation and amortization 669 700 170 176 193 49
Amortization of deferred expenses - Right of use 31 26 8 7 9 2
Employee share based compensation expenses 5 11 2 1
Liability for employee rights upon retirement, net (14) (12) (11) (4) (4) (3)
Finance costs, net 49 38 3 (14) 14 1
Change in fair value of derivative financial instruments 12 15 (2) 21 3 (1)
Interest paid 181 200 69 68 52 20
Interest received (8) (9) (1) (3) (2)
Deferred income taxes 17 (10) 2 1 5 1
Income tax paid 9 153 7 4 3 2
Capital loss (gaim) from property and equipment (1) * * *
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Decrease (increase) in accounts receivable:
Trade 566 467 136 122 163 39
Other 2 (5) 5 2 1 1
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and accruals:
Parent group- trade (72) (39)
Trade (115) (107) (22) 21 (33) (7)
Other payables (17) (44) (11) (32) (5) (3)
Provisions 7 (5) 2 1 2 1
Deferred revenue (3) (11) (1) 1 (1)
Increase in deferred expenses - Right of use (17) (25) (4) (5) (1)
Current income tax liability 35 5 8 11 10 2
Decrease (increase) in inventories 5 65 (8) 4 1 (2)
Cash generated from operations 1,548 1,858 396 451 446 114

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.

       

PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
RECONCILIATION BETWEEN OPERATING CASH FLOWS AND ADJUSTED EBITDA

 

New Israeli shekels

Convenience translation into U.S.
dollars**

12 month
period ended
December 31,

 

3 month
period ended
December 31,

12 month
period ended
December 31,

 

3 month
period ended
December 31,

2013   2012 2013   2012 2013 2013
(Audited) (Audited) (Unaudited) (Unaudited) (Audited) (Unaudited)
In millions
 
Net cash provided by operating activities 1,539

1,705

389

447

443

112

 
Liability for employee rights upon retirement

14

12

11

4

4

3

Accrued interest and exchange and linkage differences on
long-term liabilities

(213) (222) (66) (51)

(62)

(19)

Increase (decrease) in accounts receivable:
Trade

(566)

(467)

(136)

(122)

(163)

(39)

Other, including derivative financial instruments

2

16

(1)

(22)

1

*

Decrease (increase) in accounts payable and accruals:
Trade

114

106

21

(22)

33

6

Shareholder - current account

72

39

Other

17

65

14

31

5

4

Income tax paid

9

153

7

4

3

2

Increase (decrease) in inventories

(5)

(65)

8

(4)

(1)

2

Increase (decrease) in assets retirement obligation

(1)

(1)

*

Financial expenses***

204

228

35

36

58

10

Adjusted EBITDA

1,114

1,602

282

340

321

81

 

* Representing an amount of less than 1 million
** The convenience translation of the New Israeli Shekel (NIS) figures into US dollars was made at the exchange prevailing at December 31, 2013: US $1.00 equals 3.471 NIS.
*** Financial expenses excluding any charge for the amortization of pre-launch financial costs

Key Financial and Operating Indicators (unaudited)11

                             
NIS M unless otherwise stated Q4' 11 Q1' 12 Q2' 12 Q3' 12 Q4' 12 Q1' 13 Q2' 13 Q3' 13 Q4' 13 2012 2013
Cellular Segment Service Revenues 1,005 963 949 892 788 724 726 738 719 3,592 2,907
Cellular Segment Equipment Revenues 294 323 207 157 209 176 171 160 196 896 703
Fixed Line Segment Service Revenues 324 320 300 296 294 283 277 267 258 1,210 1,085
Fixed Line Segment Equipment Revenues 9 7 8 8 13 7 9 7 9 36 32
Reconciliation for consolidation -43 -42 -36 -38 -46 -46 -53 -54 -55 -162 -208
Total Revenues 1,589 1,571 1,428 1,315 1,258 1,144 1,130 1,118 1,127 5,572 4,519
Gross Profit from Equipment Sales 50 42 33 16 22 4 9 10 19 113 42
Operating Profit -55 248 245 217 155 95 102 109 103 865 409
Cellular Segment Adjusted EBITDA 407 363 367 328 256 186 198 201 199 1,314 784
Fixed Line Segment Adjusted EBITDA 71 75 56 73 84 82 82 83 83 288 330
Total Adjusted EBITDA 478 438 423 401 340 268 280 284 282 1,602 1,114
Adjusted EBITDA Margin (%) 30% 28% 30% 30% 27% 23% 25% 25% 25% 29% 25%
OPEX 889 872 853 793 744 720 700 696 675 3,262 2,791
Finance costs, net 55 55 73 68 38 49 71 53 38 234 211
Profit (Loss) -188 146 120 110 102 31 20 38 46 478 135
Total Dividend Declared - - 160 - - - - - - 160 -

Capital Expenditures12

131 133 113 125 121 130 122 116 107 492 475
Free Cash Flow 292 223 313 375 323 203 287 273 278 1,234 1,041
Free Cash Flow After Interest 209 199 270 310 255 192 193 266 209 1,034 860
Net Debt 4,639 4,450 4,209 4,072 3,812 3,622 3,446 3,208 3,000 3,812 3,000
Cellular Subscriber Base (Thousands) 3,176 3,147 3,098 3,042 2,976 2,932 2,921 2,950 2,956 2,976 2,956
Post-Paid Subscriber Base (Thousands) 2,282 2,253 2,198 2,145 2,102 2,102 2,103 2,127 2,133 2,102 2,133
Pre-Paid Subscriber Base (Thousands) 894 894 900 897 874 830 818 823 823 874 823
Cellular ARPU (NIS) 106 101 101 97 87 82 83 84 81 97 83
Cellular MOU (Minutes) 407 424 437 457 483 496 532 521 539 450 522
Cellular Churn Rate (%) 8.2% 8.0% 8.9% 10.4% 10.9% 10.4% 9.4% 8.8% 10.7% 38% 39%
Number of Fixed Lines (Thousands) 292 285 281 282 288 293 294 295 299 288 299
ISP Subscriber Base (Thousands) 632 618 609 594 587 581 572 575 583 587 583
Number of Employees (FTE)       7,891   7,230   6,961   6,102   5,396   4,772   4,377   4,153   4,045 5,396   4,045

11 See first page for definitions. Including the results of 012 Smile from March 2011. The annual results are audited.
12 Cash capital expenditures in fixed assets including intangible assets but excluding capitalized subscriber acquisition and retention costs, net.


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