B Communications Ltd. (NASDAQ Global Select Market and TASE: BCOM),
a holding company with a controlling interest in Israel’s largest
telecommunications provider, Bezeq, The Israel Telecommunication
Corporation Limited (“Bezeq”) (TASE: BEZQ), today reported its
financial results for the third quarter of 2019.
Comments of Ami Barlev, CEO of B
Communications:
Over the past month, the Company has made very
significant progress towards the completion of the
"Searchlight-Fuhrer" transaction. After intensive efforts by the
board of directors and management of the Company, the new Bezeq
Control Permit was issued, which is the main approval required to
complete the transaction. The Closing date is scheduled for
December 2, 2019.
We are very proud of our recent achievements
that were accomplished through the significant effort and teamwork
of the Company’s board of directors and management and look forward
to the successful completion of the transaction. The Searchlight
Fuhrer transaction includes the purchase of all Internet Gold’s
holdings in our Company in consideration for NIS 225 million and a
direct investment of NIS 260 million in our Company. In accordance
with the pending transaction, upon closing, Internet Gold will
inject an aggregate amount of NIS 345 million (which will include
the consideration payable by Searchlight to Internet Gold) into our
Company in consideration for newly issued shares and debentures of
B Communications.
Pursuant to the Searchlight Fuhrer transaction
an aggregate amount of NIS 640 million will be injected into the
Company (compared to only NIS 250 million in the original
proposal), in consideration of share capital and long-term
interest-bearing debentures having an approximate equivalent value.
The Searchlight Fuhrer transaction will also enable the Company to
make the final repayment in respect of its Series B debentures as
well as very substantial early repayments (NIS 614 million) on
account of its obligations to the existing Series C debenture
holders (before the allotment of the additional debentures).
We thank the public for the trust and the high
confidence that has been given to our Company and management over
the past few months. The Company’s board of directors and
management intends to continue to act for the benefit of all the
Company's stakeholders.
Business Notes:
During the quarter, all of the Bezeq Group
companies worked intensively to adjust their structure of
operations to the ongoing changes in the Israeli telecommunications
market. Bezeq continued with the streamlining processes and
achieved a 4% year over year decline in salary expenses. In
2019, labor agreements were signed in each of the three subsidiary
companies, allowing them to streamline over 1,000 employees over
the next two years. At the same time, 261 fixed-line employees
retired, and the board of directors of Bezeq approved the
retirement of another 200 employees. Now that the collective
agreements have been renewed in the three subsidiaries, they are
moving forward with the synergy and collaborative processes to
realize their existing business potential. In recent months, Bezeq
also launched new products and services in each of the Group
companies, aimed at generating growth and adapting operations to
the changing tastes of consumers and market needs.
During the quarter, Bezeq continued to solidify
its position as the leading Internet infrastructure provider in
Israel, by deepening the penetration of our cyber-protection BE
router and Bspot service. These solutions establish our broadband
Internet as the highest quality, most secure and comprehensive
offerings in Israel. At the end of the third quarter, Bezeq had
over 270,000 BE router customers. The further expansion of these
and other value-added services continue to increase the average
revenue per broadband subscriber as well as improve the
satisfaction of Bezeq's customers.
Bezeq Fixed Line continues to focus on
enterprise customers and deepen the penetration of advanced
business communications solutions, including the Soho customer
segment. During the quarter, revenue of the other segment grew by
22.9% year over year, primarily due to impressive growth in the
retail operations launched earlier this year.
Recently, the Ministry of Communications began
to reconsider the regulation of the deployment of fiber optics for
private customers in Israel and published number of hearings on the
matter. Bezeq hopes that the new policy that will be formulated
will enable Bezeq to launch fiber-optic services for the private
sector in Israel, on an economic basis.
Bezeq's net debt continues to decline
consistently and decreased year over year by NIS 900 million. In
2019, Bezeq raised NIS 1.69 billion and made early repayments of
NIS 1.97 billion. Bezeq intend to continue improving financial
flexibility while maintaining firm debt management and high cash
balances, among other things, through the raising of long-term debt
to replace short-term debt.
Regarding Pelephone: This quarter, Pelephone
posted stable revenues and increased profits, while continuing to
streamline expenses. Pelephone continues to pursue their growth
strategy and delivered an increase of 29,000 postpaid subscribers
during the quarter, despite the ongoing crisis in an industry
characterized by particularly high competition.
Regarding Bezeq International: This quarter
Bezeq International continued to show stability and profitability
across the financial metrics, despite increasing competition in the
Israeli telecom market. In addition, Bezeq International began to
implement significant synergy and streamlining initiatives,
supported by the collective labor agreement, the results of which
will become apparent in the coming quarters. Moreover, newly
launched triple bundle is enjoying significant success.
Regarding Yes: This quarter, Yes continued to
develop synergies between subsidiary companies, which allow Yes to
pursue groundbreaking initiatives in the Israeli TV market.
Recently, Yes announced the launch of yes+, the largest and most
advanced streaming service in Israel, as part of a strategic,
first-of-its-kind partnership with Apple. This marks the start of
Yes transition from satellite-based broadcasting to Internet-based
broadcasting, which is a significant change in Yes’ history.
B Communications’ Unconsolidated Financial
Liabilities and Liquidity
As of September 30, 2019, B
Communications’ unconsolidated liquidity balances (comprised of
cash and cash equivalents, short term investments and funds
deposited in a pledged account) totaled NIS 704 million ($202
million) and its financial liabilities totaled NIS 2.55 billion
($733 million), including NIS 2.31 billion ($664 million) of Series
C Debentures and NIS 240 million ($69 million) of Series B
Debentures (including accrued interest and unamortized premiums,
discounts and debt issuance costs for both series). All of the debt
is now classified as currently due.
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(In millions) |
September 30, |
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September 30, |
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September 30, |
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December 31, |
|
2018 |
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2019 |
|
2019 |
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2018 |
|
NIS |
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NIS |
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US$ |
|
NIS |
Financial liabilities |
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Series B debentures |
226 |
|
240 |
|
69 |
|
229 |
Series C debentures |
2,256 |
|
2,313 |
|
664 |
|
2,238 |
Total financial liabilities |
2,482 |
|
2,553 |
|
733 |
|
2,467 |
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Liquidity |
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|
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Cash and short-term investments |
518 |
|
659 |
|
189 |
|
546 |
Dividend receivable |
84 |
|
- |
|
- |
|
- |
Pledged account (*) |
40 |
|
45 |
|
13 |
|
43 |
Total liquidity |
642 |
|
704 |
|
202 |
|
589 |
|
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Net debt |
1,840 |
|
1,849 |
|
531 |
|
1,878 |
* Pledged for the benefit of
the holders of the Series C Debentures. Pursuant to the indenture
for the Series C Debentures, the account is required to include
sufficient funds to meet the next interest payment payable to the
holders of those debentures.
B Communications Unconsolidated Sources and
Uses for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019
(In millions) |
NIS |
|
US$ |
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Net debt as of December 31,
2018 |
1,878 |
|
539 |
|
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Financing expenses, net |
75 |
|
22 |
|
Issuance of shares |
(117 |
) |
(34 |
) |
Operating expenses |
13 |
|
4 |
|
|
|
|
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|
Net debt as of September 30,
2019 |
1,849 |
|
531 |
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Bezeq's Dividend Distribution
Policy:
On March 27, 2019, Bezeq's Board of Directors
resolved to cancel Bezeq’s dividend distribution policy, which was
previously updated on March 6, 2018. The decision was made as a
result of Bezeq’s expected failure to meet the "profit test" during
the next two years. Accordingly, Bezeq’s Board of Directors decided
that it would not be appropriate to maintain a dividend policy
during a period when dividends are not expected to be paid.
The cancellation of Bezeq’s dividend policy will
not prevent Bezeq's Board of Directors from examining from time to
time the distribution of dividends to its shareholders, taking into
consideration, among other factors, the provisions of the law, the
state of its business and capital structure, and the need to
maintain a balance between ensuring its financial strength and
stability and the continued creation of value for its shareholders,
all of which are subject to the approval of the general meeting of
shareholders of Bezeq, as prescribed in the Bezeq's Articles of
Association.
B Communications Third Quarter Consolidated
Financial Results
B Communications’ consolidated revenues for the
third quarter of 2019 totaled NIS 2.25 billion ($630 million), a
2.3% decrease from NIS 2.3 billion reported in the third quarter of
2018. For both the current and the prior periods, B Communications’
consolidated revenues consisted entirely of Bezeq’s revenues.
B Communications’ consolidated operating profit
for the third quarter of 2019 totaled NIS 418 million ($117
million) compared to an operating profit of NIS 384 million
reported in the third quarter of 2018.
B Communications’ consolidated net profit for
the third quarter of 2019 totaled NIS 126 million ($35 million),
compared to a net profit of NIS 179 million reported in the third
quarter of 2018. The decrease in consolidated net profit was
primarily due to an increase in financing expenses at Bezeq as a
result of debt refinancing.
B Communications’ net profit attributable to
shareholders for the third quarter of 2019 was NIS 6 million ($2
million), compared to a net profit of NIS 31 million reported in
the third quarter of 2018.
B Communications Unconsolidated Financial
Results
(In millions) |
Three months ended September 30, |
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Year endedDecember 31, |
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2018 |
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2019 |
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|
2019 |
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2018 |
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NIS |
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|
NIS |
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|
US$ |
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|
NIS |
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|
Financing expenses, net |
(20 |
) |
|
(33 |
) |
|
(9 |
) |
|
(96 |
) |
Operating expenses |
(2 |
) |
|
(3 |
) |
|
(1 |
) |
|
(18 |
) |
PPA amortization, net |
(9 |
) |
|
(8 |
) |
|
(2 |
) |
|
(16 |
) |
Impairment losses |
- |
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|
- |
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|
- |
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|
(618 |
) |
Interest in Bezeq's net profit (loss) |
62 |
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|
50 |
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|
14 |
|
|
(281 |
) |
Net profit (loss) for the period |
31 |
|
|
6 |
|
|
2 |
|
|
(1,029 |
) |
As of September 30, 2019, B Communications held
approximately 26.34% of Bezeq's outstanding shares. B
Communications’ interest in Bezeq's net profit for the third
quarter of 2019 totaled NIS 50 million ($14 million) compared with
NIS 62 million reported in the third quarter of 2018.
During the third quarter of 2019, B
Communications recorded net amortization expenses related to its
Bezeq purchase price allocation (“Bezeq PPA”) of NIS 8 million ($2
million). From April 14, 2010, the date of the acquisition of its
interest in Bezeq, until September 30, 2019, B Communications has
amortized approximately 83% of the total Bezeq PPA. The Bezeq PPA
amortization expense is a non-cash expense that is subject to
adjustment.
B Communications' unconsolidated net financial
expenses for the third quarter of 2019 totaled NIS 33 million ($9
million) compared with net financial expenses of NIS 20 million in
the third quarter of 2018. Net financial expenses for the third
quarter of 2019 included NIS 34 million ($10 million) of financial
expenses related to the Company's Series B and C debentures. Those
expenses were partially offset by finance income of NIS 1 million
($288,000) generated by short term investments.
B Communications’ unconsolidated net profit for
the third quarter of 2019 was NIS 6 million ($2 million) compared
with a net profit of NIS 31 million reported in the third quarter
of 2018. The decrease in unconsolidated net profit in the third
quarter of 2019 resulted mainly from higher financing expenses at B
Communications, as well as from Bezeq’s lower net profit.
Bezeq Group Results
(Consolidated)
To provide further insight into its results, the
Company is providing the following summary of the consolidated
financial report of the Bezeq Group for the quarter ended September
30, 2019. For a full discussion of Bezeq’s results for the quarter
ended September 30, 2019, please refer to its website:
http://ir.bezeq.co.il.
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Bezeq Group (consolidated) |
Q3-2019 |
Q3-2018 |
% change |
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(NIS millions) |
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Revenues |
2,247 |
2,301 |
(2.3%) |
Operating profit |
459 |
429 |
7.0% |
Operating margin |
20.4% |
18.6% |
|
Net profit |
191 |
234 |
(18.4%) |
EBITDA |
940 |
976 |
(3.7%) |
EBITDA margin |
41.8% |
42.4% |
|
Diluted EPS (NIS) |
0.07 |
0.08 |
|
Cash flow from operating activities |
787 |
883 |
(10.9%) |
Payments for investments |
329 |
412 |
(20.1%) |
Free cash flow 1 |
358 |
374 |
(4.3%) |
Total debt |
10,519 |
11,947 |
(12.0%) |
Net debt |
8,130 |
9,022 |
(9.9%) |
EBITDA (trailing twelve months) |
1,071 |
3,725 |
(71.2%) |
Adjusted EBITDA (trailing twelve months) 2 |
3,818 |
3,934 |
(2.9%) |
Net debt / Adjusted EBITDA (end of period) 3 |
2.4 |
2.5 |
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1 Free cash flow is defined as cash flow from operating activities
less net payments for investments. |
2 Adjusted EBITDA in excluding other operating income/expenses and
loss from impairment of assets. |
3 Net debt to adjusted EBITDA ratio is excluding IFRS 16
impact. |
|
Revenues of the Bezeq Group in the third quarter
of 2019 were NIS 2.25 billion ($630 million) compared to NIS 2.3
billion in the corresponding quarter of 2018, a decrease of 2.3%.
The decrease in revenues was primarily due to lower revenues in
DBS, Bezeq Fixed-Line and Bezeq International.
Salary expenses of the Bezeq Group in the third
quarter of 2019 were NIS 474 million ($136 million) compared to NIS
494 million in the corresponding quarter of 2018, a decrease of 4%.
The decrease in salary expenses was primarily due to the reduction
in salary expenses in all of the key group segments.
General and operating expenses of the Bezeq
Group in the third quarter of 2019 were NIS 794 million ($228
million) compared to NIS 815 million in the corresponding quarter
of 2018, a decrease of 2.6%. The decrease in general and operating
expenses was primarily due to lower expenses in DBS.
Other operating expenses, net of the Bezeq Group
in the third quarter of 2019 was NIS 39 million ($11 million)
compared to other operating expenses of NIS 16 million in the
corresponding quarter of 2018. The increase in other operating
expenses was primarily due to an expense of NIS 45 million for the
early retirement of employees at Bezeq International.
Depreciation and amortization expenses of the
Bezeq Group in the third quarter of 2019 were NIS 481 million ($138
million) compared to NIS 547 million in the corresponding quarter
of 2018, a decrease of 12.1%. The decrease in depreciation and
amortization expenses was primarily due to the decrease in
depreciable and amortizable assets in DBS in the fourth quarter of
2018. The decrease was partially offset by the ongoing impairment
losses (fixed and intangible assets) recorded in the current
quarter.
Operating profit of the Bezeq Group in the third
quarter of 2019 was NIS 459 million ($132 million) compared to
operating profit of NIS 429 million in the corresponding quarter of
2018, an increase of 7.0%.
EBITDA of the Bezeq Group in the third quarter
of 2019 was NIS 940 million ($270 million) (EBITDA margin of 41.8%)
compared to NIS 976 million (EBITDA margin of 42.4%) in the
corresponding quarter of 2018, a decrease of 3.7%.
Adjusted EBITDA (after adjusting for other
operating expenses, net) in the third quarter of 2019 was NIS 979
million (EBITDA margin of 43.6%), compared to NIS 992 million
(EBITDA margin of 43.11%) in the corresponding quarter of 2018, a
decrease of 0.3%.
Financing expenses, net of the Bezeq Group in
the third quarter of 2019 amounted to NIS 205 million ($59 million)
compared to NIS 109 million in the corresponding quarter of 2018,
an increase of 88.1%. The increase in financing expenses was
primarily due to the increase in financing expenses in Bezeq
Fixed-Line due to early repayment fees of NIS 73 million ($21
million) and provisions for employee benefits of NIS 42 million
($12 million).
Tax expenses of the Bezeq Group in the third
quarter of 2019 were NIS 62 million ($18 million) compared to NIS
85 million in the corresponding quarter of 2018.
Net profit of the Bezeq Group in the third
quarter of 2019 amounted to NIS 191 million, compared to net profit
of NIS 234 million in the same quarter of 2018, a decrease of
18.4%. The decrease in net profit was primarily due to the
aforementioned increase in financing expenses.
Cash flow from operating activities of the Bezeq
Group in the third quarter of 2019 was NIS 787 million ($226
million) compared to NIS 883 million in the corresponding quarter
of 2018, a decrease of 10.9%. The decrease in cash flow from
operating activities was primarily due to a decrease in
profitability and changes in working capital.
Payments for investments (Capex) of the Bezeq
Group in the third quarter of 2019 was NIS 329 million ($94
million) compared to NIS 412 million in the same quarter of 2018, a
decrease of 20.1%. The decrease in Capex was primarily due to NIS
75 million for a betterment levy in connection with the "Sakia"
transaction that was returned to the Company in the third quarter
of 2019.
Free cash flow of the Bezeq Group in the third
quarter of 2019 was NIS 358 million ($103 million) compared to NIS
374 million in the corresponding quarter of 2018, a decrease of
4.3%.
Total debt of the Bezeq Group as of September
30, 2019 was NIS 10.51 billion ($3.01 billion) compared to NIS
11.94 billion as of September 30, 2018.
Net debt of the Bezeq Group was NIS 8.13 billion
($2.33 billion) as of September 30, 2019 compared to NIS 9.02
billion as of September 30, 2018.
Net debt to adjusted EBITDA (trailing twelve
months) ratio of the Bezeq Group as of September 30, 2019, was 2.4
compared to 2.5 at September 30, 2018.
Notes:
Convenience translation to U.S
Dollars
Unless noted specifically otherwise, the dollar
denominated figures were converted to US$ using a convenience
translation based on the New Israeli Shekel (NIS)/US$ exchange rate
of NIS 3.48 = US$ 1 as published by the Bank of Israel for
September 30, 2019.
Bezeq Group 2019 Outlook
Due to extraordinary items in the second quarter
of 2019 (write-off of the tax asset, impairment loss in Pelephone
assets and the recording of capital gains from the sale of the
"Sakia" property) as well as the inclusion of estimated costs for
early retirement, the Bezeq Group on August 29, 2019 updated its
Outlook for 2019 as originally published in its periodic report as
of December 31, 2018.
There is no change in Bezeq's Outlook since
the second quarter update. Bezeq continue to expect:
Net loss
attributable to shareholders: |
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Approximately
NIS 1.1 billion |
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|
EBITDA: |
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Approximately NIS 2.9 billion |
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CAPEX*: |
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Approximately NIS 1.7 billion |
* CAPEX – payments for investments (gross) in fixed
and intangible assets
The Bezeq Group's updated Outlook includes the
write-off of the balance of the tax asset in respect of losses from
DBS of NIS 1.166 billion, an impairment loss in Pelephone assets of
NIS 951 million, capital gains of NIS 403 million from the sale of
the "Sakia" complex and provisions for the early retirement
of employees in Bezeq Fixed-Line, Pelephone, Bezeq International
and DBS. NIS 213 million of the total forecasted provision for
early retirement have not yet been recorded as actual provisions in
the financial statements and represents an estimate that may not be
realized.
Bezeq's forecasts in this section are
forward-looking information, as defined in the Securities Law. The
forecasts are based on Bezeq's estimates, assumptions and
expectations and do not include the effects, if any, of the
cancellation of the Bezeq Group’s structural separation and the
merger with the subsidiary companies and everything involved
therein in 2019. The Bezeq Group's forecasts are based, inter alia,
on its estimates regarding the structure of competition in the
telecommunications market and regulation in this sector, the
economic situation and accordingly, the Bezeq Group's ability to
implement its plans in 2019. Actual results may differ from these
estimates taking note of changes which may occur in the foregoing,
in business conditions, and the effects of regulatory decisions,
technology changes and developments in the structure of the
telecommunications market, and so forth, or the realization of one
or more of the risk factors listed in sections 2.20, 3.19, 4.14 and
5.19 of the Bezeq Group Periodic Report for 2018, and specifically
the risk factor detailed in section 2.20.12 of the Bezeq Group
Periodic Report for 2018 regarding the impairment of assets in the
subsidiary companies.
Bezeq will report, as required, deviations of
more/less than 10% of the range and amounts stated in the
Outlook.
Reporting Principles and Accounting
Policy
Presentation of impairment losses
An impairment loss arising from a non-recurring
adjustment of forecasts for the coming years is classified as other
operating expenses in the statement of income. On the other hand,
an impairment loss arising from the continuous adjustment of
non-current assets of the Group companies to their fair value, less
disposal costs (arising due to the expected negative cash flow and
negative operating value of those companies) is classified under
the same items as the current expenses for these assets. This
classification is more consistent with the presentation method
based on the nature of the expense and is more suitable for
understanding the Group's business.
Accordingly, as from the first quarter of 2019,
impairment of the broadcasting rights in DBS and Walla! are
presented under "general and operating expenses", while impairment
of fixed assets and intangible assets are presented under
"depreciation, amortization and impairment" in the statement of
income.
Use of non-IFRS financial
measures
We and the Bezeq Group’s management regularly
use supplemental non-IFRS financial measures internally to
understand, manage and evaluate its business and make operating
decisions. The following non-IFRS measures are provided in the
press release and accompanying supplemental information because
management believes these measurements are useful for investors and
financial institutions to analyze and compare companies on the
basis of operating performance:
- EBITDA - defined as net profit plus net interest expense,
provision for income taxes, depreciation and amortization;
- EBITDA trailing twelve months - defined as net profit plus net
interest expense, provision for income taxes, depreciation and
amortization during last twelve months;
- Net debt - defined as long and short-term liabilities minus
cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments; and
- Net debt to adjusted EBITDA ratio - defined as net debt divided
by the trailing twelve months adjusted EBITDA.
- Free Cash Flow - defined as cash from operating activities less
cash for the purchase/sale of property, plant and equipment, and
intangible assets, net and lease payments.
These non-IFRS financial measures may differ materially from the
non-IFRS financial measures used by other companies.
We present the Bezeq Group’s EBITDA as a
supplemental performance measure because we believe that it
facilitates operating performance comparisons from period to period
and company to company by backing out potential differences caused
by variations in capital structure, tax positions (such as the
impact of changes in effective tax rates or net operating losses)
and the age of, and depreciation expenses associated with, fixed
assets (affecting relative depreciation expense).
EBITDA should not be considered in isolation or
as a substitute for net profit or other statement of operations or
cash flow data prepared in accordance with IFRS as a measure of
profitability or liquidity. EBITDA does not take into account our
debt service requirements and other commitments, including capital
expenditures, and, accordingly, is not necessarily indicative of
amounts that may be available for discretionary uses. In addition,
EBITDA, as presented in this press release, may not be comparable
to similarly titled measures reported by other companies due to
differences in the way that these measures are calculated.
Management of Bezeq believes that free cash flow
is an important measure of its liquidity as well as its ability to
service long-term debt, fund future growth and to provide a return
to shareholders. We also believe this free cash flow definition
does not have any material limitations. Free cash flow is a
financial index which is not based on IFRS. Free cash flow is
defined as cash from operating activities less cash for the
purchase/sale of property, plant and equipment, and intangible
assets, net. Bezeq also uses the net debt and net debt to EBITDA
trailing twelve months ratios to analyze its financial capacity for
further leverage and in analyzing the company’s business and
financial condition. Net debt reflects long and short-term
liabilities minus cash and cash equivalents and investments.
Reconciliations between the Bezeq Group’s
results on an IFRS and non-IFRS basis with respect to these
non-IFRS measurements are provided in tables immediately following
the Company's consolidated results. The non-IFRS financial measures
are not meant to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for
comparable IFRS measures and should be read only in conjunction
with its consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance
with IFRS.
About B Communications Ltd.
B Communications is a holding company with the
controlling interest in Israel’s largest telecommunications
provider, Bezeq. For more information please visit the following
Internet sites:
www.bcommunications.co.ilwww.ir.bezeq.co.il
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking
statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties.
Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from
these forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to,
general business conditions in the industry, changes in the
regulatory and legal compliance environments, the failure to manage
growth and other risks detailed from time to time in B
Communications' filings with the Securities Exchange
Commission. These documents contain and identify other
important factors that could cause actual results to differ
materially from those contained in our projections or
forward-looking statements. Stockholders and other readers
are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking
statements, which speak only as of the date on which they are made.
We undertake no obligation to update publicly or revise any
forward-looking statement.
For further information, please
contact:
Yuval Snir - IR Manager
Yuval@bcomm.co.il / Tel: +972-3-924-0000
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Consolidated Statements of Financial Position as
at |
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(In millions) |
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September 30, |
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September 30, |
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September 30, |
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December 31, |
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2018 |
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2019 |
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2019 |
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2018 |
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NIS |
|
NIS |
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US$ |
|
NIS |
|
|
(Unaudited) |
|
(Unaudited) |
|
(Unaudited) |
|
(Audited) |
Current Assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents |
|
1,559 |
|
1,250 |
|
359 |
|
1,104 |
Investments |
|
1,923 |
|
1,843 |
|
529 |
|
1,780 |
Trade receivables |
|
1,792 |
|
1,746 |
|
501 |
|
1,773 |
Other receivables |
|
293 |
|
319 |
|
92 |
|
269 |
Related party |
|
20 |
|
- |
|
- |
|
- |
Inventory |
|
86 |
|
94 |
|
27 |
|
97 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total current assets |
|
5,673 |
|
5,252 |
|
1,508 |
|
5,023 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-Current Assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Trade and other receivables |
|
423 |
|
442 |
|
127 |
|
470 |
Property, plant and equipment |
|
6,924 |
|
6,071 |
|
1,744 |
|
6,313 |
Intangible assets |
|
5,257 |
|
3,219 |
|
924 |
|
4,227 |
Deferred expenses and investments |
|
569 |
|
503 |
|
144 |
|
509 |
Broadcasting rights |
|
470 |
|
63 |
|
18 |
|
60 |
Rights of use assets |
|
1,434 |
|
1,141 |
|
328 |
|
1,504 |
Deferred tax assets |
|
1,041 |
|
18 |
|
5 |
|
1,205 |
Investment property |
|
140 |
|
- |
|
- |
|
64 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total non-current assets |
|
16,258 |
|
11,457 |
|
3,290 |
|
14,352 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total assets |
|
21,931 |
|
16,709 |
|
4,798 |
|
19,375 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Consolidated Statements of Financial Position as at
(cont’d) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(In millions) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
September 30, |
|
September 30, |
|
|
September 30, |
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
2018 |
|
2019 |
|
|
2019 |
|
|
2018 |
|
|
NIS |
|
NIS |
|
|
US$ |
|
|
NIS |
|
|
(Unaudited) |
|
(Unaudited) |
|
|
(Unaudited) |
|
|
(Audited) |
Current Liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bank loans and debentures |
|
2,023 |
|
3,588 |
|
|
1,030 |
|
|
3,997 |
Leases rights liabilities |
|
443 |
|
427 |
|
|
123 |
|
|
445 |
Trade and other payables |
|
1,630 |
|
1,594 |
|
|
458 |
|
|
1,702 |
Dividend Payable |
|
234 |
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
- |
Current tax liabilities |
|
16 |
|
22 |
|
|
6 |
|
|
8 |
Provisions |
|
106 |
|
143 |
|
|
41 |
|
|
175 |
Employee benefits |
|
330 |
|
365 |
|
|
105 |
|
|
581 |
Total current liabilities |
|
4,782 |
|
6,139 |
|
|
1,763 |
|
|
6,908 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-Current Liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bank loans and debentures |
|
12,379 |
|
9,393 |
|
|
2,697 |
|
|
9,637 |
Leases rights liabilities |
|
1,024 |
|
988 |
|
|
284 |
|
|
1,106 |
Employee benefits |
|
266 |
|
539 |
|
|
155 |
|
|
445 |
Other liabilities |
|
212 |
|
178 |
|
|
51 |
|
|
175 |
Provisions |
|
40 |
|
39 |
|
|
11 |
|
|
38 |
Deferred tax liabilities |
|
446 |
|
111 |
|
|
31 |
|
|
302 |
Total non-current liabilities |
|
14,367 |
|
11,248 |
|
|
3,229 |
|
|
11,703 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total liabilities |
|
19,149 |
|
17,387 |
|
|
4,992 |
|
|
18,611 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity (equity deficit) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Attributable to shareholders of the Company |
|
966 |
|
(635 |
) |
|
(182 |
) |
|
228 |
Non-controlling interests |
|
1,786 |
|
(43 |
) |
|
(12 |
) |
|
536 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total equity (equity deficit) |
|
2,782 |
|
(678 |
) |
|
(194 |
) |
|
764 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total liabilities and equity (equity deficit) |
|
21,931 |
|
16,709 |
|
|
4,798 |
|
|
19,375 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Consolidated Statements of Income for the |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(In millions except per share data) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nine months period ended September 30, |
|
|
Three months period ended September 30, |
|
Year endedDecember 31, |
|
|
2018 |
|
|
2019 |
|
|
2019 |
|
|
2018 |
|
2019 |
|
2019 |
|
2018 |
|
|
NIS |
|
|
NIS |
|
|
US$ |
|
|
NIS |
|
NIS |
|
US$ |
|
NIS |
|
|
(Unaudited) |
|
|
(Unaudited) |
|
|
(Unaudited) |
|
|
(Unaudited) |
|
(Unaudited) |
|
(Unaudited) |
|
(Unaudited) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenues |
6,995 |
|
|
6,727 |
|
|
1,932 |
|
|
2,301 |
|
2,247 |
|
630 |
|
9,321 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Costs and expenses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation, amortization and impairment |
1,740 |
|
|
1,540 |
|
|
442 |
|
|
590 |
|
519 |
|
146 |
|
2,387 |
|
Salaries |
1,508 |
|
|
1,458 |
|
|
419 |
|
|
494 |
|
474 |
|
133 |
|
1,995 |
|
General and operating expenses |
2,506 |
|
|
2,429 |
|
|
698 |
|
|
817 |
|
797 |
|
223 |
|
3,394 |
|
Impairment losses |
- |
|
|
1,345 |
|
|
386 |
|
|
- |
|
- |
|
- |
|
2,294 |
|
Other operating expenses (income), net |
456 |
|
|
(370 |
) |
|
(106 |
) |
|
16 |
|
39 |
|
11 |
|
635 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,210 |
|
|
6,402 |
|
|
1,839 |
|
|
1,917 |
|
1,829 |
|
513 |
|
10,705 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating profit (loss) |
785 |
|
|
325 |
|
|
93 |
|
|
384 |
|
418 |
|
117 |
|
(1,384 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Financing expenses, net |
392 |
|
|
516 |
|
|
148 |
|
|
129 |
|
238 |
|
67 |
|
531 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Profit (loss) after financing |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
expenses, net |
393 |
|
|
(191 |
) |
|
(55 |
) |
|
255 |
|
180 |
|
50 |
|
(1,915 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Share of loss in |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
equity-accounted investee |
3 |
|
|
2 |
|
|
1 |
|
|
1 |
|
1 |
|
- |
|
3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Profit (loss) before income tax |
390 |
|
|
(193 |
) |
|
(56 |
) |
|
254 |
|
179 |
|
50 |
|
(1,918 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tax expenses (income) |
213 |
|
|
1,331 |
|
|
382 |
|
|
75 |
|
53 |
|
15 |
|
(59 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net profit (loss) for the period |
177 |
|
|
(1,524 |
) |
|
(438 |
) |
|
179 |
|
126 |
|
35 |
|
(1,859 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Profit (loss) attributable to: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shareholders of the Company |
(256 |
) |
|
(971 |
) |
|
(279 |
) |
|
31 |
|
6 |
|
2 |
|
(1,029 |
) |
Non-controlling interests |
433 |
|
|
(553 |
) |
|
(159 |
) |
|
148 |
|
120 |
|
33 |
|
(830 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net profit (loss) for the period |
177 |
|
|
(1,524 |
) |
|
(438 |
) |
|
179 |
|
126 |
|
35 |
|
(1,859 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Profit (loss) per share |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic |
(8.57 |
) |
|
(26.40 |
) |
|
(7.58 |
) |
|
1.05 |
|
0.17 |
|
0.05 |
|
(34.44 |
) |
Diluted |
(8.57 |
) |
|
(26.40 |
) |
|
(7.58 |
) |
|
1.05 |
|
0.17 |
|
0.05 |
|
(34.44 |
) |
|
Reconciliation for NON-IFRS Measures |
|
EBITDA |
|
The following is a reconciliation of the Bezeq Group’s net profit
(loss) to EBITDA: |
|
|
|
(In millions) |
Three-months period ended |
|
Trailing twelve months ended |
|
|
September 30, |
|
September 30, |
|
|
2018 |
|
2019 |
|
2019 |
|
2018 |
|
2019 |
|
|
2019 |
|
|
NIS |
|
NIS |
|
US$ |
|
NIS |
|
NIS |
|
|
US$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net profit (loss) |
234 |
|
191 |
|
55 |
|
894 |
|
(2,837 |
) |
|
(815 |
) |
Tax expenses |
85 |
|
62 |
|
18 |
|
344 |
|
1,353 |
|
|
388 |
|
Share of loss (income) in equity - accounted investee |
1 |
|
1 |
|
- |
|
4 |
|
2 |
|
|
1 |
|
Financing expenses, net |
109 |
|
205 |
|
59 |
|
447 |
|
548 |
|
|
157 |
|
Depreciation and amortization |
547 |
|
481 |
|
138 |
|
2,036 |
|
2,005 |
|
|
577 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
EBITDA |
976 |
|
940 |
|
270 |
|
3,725 |
|
1,071 |
|
|
308 |
|
Other operating expenses (income), net |
6 |
|
39 |
|
11 |
|
122 |
|
121 |
|
|
35 |
|
Impairment losses |
- |
|
- |
|
- |
|
87 |
|
2,626 |
|
|
754 |
|
Adjusted EBITDA |
982 |
|
979 |
|
281 |
|
3,934 |
|
3,818 |
|
|
1,097 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Debt
The following table shows the calculation of the
Bezeq Group’s net debt:
(In millions) |
As at September 30, |
|
2018 |
|
|
2019 |
|
|
2019 |
|
|
NIS |
|
|
NIS |
|
|
US$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Short term bank loans and credit and debentures |
1,798 |
|
|
1,126 |
|
|
323 |
|
Non-current bank loans and debentures |
10,149 |
|
|
9,393 |
|
|
2,698 |
|
Cash and cash equivalents |
(1,408 |
) |
|
(639 |
) |
|
(184 |
) |
Investments |
(1,517 |
) |
|
(1,750 |
) |
|
(503 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net debt |
9,022 |
|
|
8,130 |
|
|
2,334 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Debt to Trailing Twelve Months Adjusted
EBITDA Ratio
The following table shows the calculation of the
Bezeq Group’s net debt to Adjusted EBITDA trailing twelve months
ratio:
(In millions) |
As at September 30, |
|
2018 |
|
|
2019 |
|
|
2019 |
|
|
NIS |
|
|
NIS |
|
|
US$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net debt |
9,022 |
|
|
8,130 |
|
|
2,334 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Trailing twelve months Adjusted EBITDA |
3,725 |
|
|
3,818 |
|
|
1,097 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net debt to Adjusted EBITDA ratio* |
2.5 |
|
|
2.4 |
|
|
2.4 |
|
* Calculation of net debt to adjusted EBITDA ratio
is excluding IFRS 16 impact.
|
Reconciliation for NON-IFRS Measures |
|
Free Cash Flow |
|
|
The following table shows the calculation of the
Bezeq Group’s free cash flow: |
|
(In millions) |
Three-month period ended September 30, |
|
|
2018 |
|
|
2019 |
|
|
2019 |
|
|
NIS |
|
|
NIS |
|
|
US$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash flow from operating activities |
883 |
|
|
787 |
|
|
226 |
|
Purchase of property, plant and equipment |
(308 |
) |
|
(300 |
) |
|
(86 |
) |
Investment in intangible assets and deferred expenses |
(95 |
) |
|
(104 |
) |
|
(30 |
) |
Lease payments |
(109 |
) |
|
(115 |
) |
|
(33 |
) |
Permit fee |
(9 |
) |
|
75 |
|
|
22 |
|
Proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment |
12 |
|
|
15 |
|
|
4 |
|
Free cash flow |
374 |
|
|
358 |
|
|
103 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Designated Disclosure with Respect to
the Company's Projected Cash Flows
In connection with the issuance of our Series C
Debentures in September 2016, we undertook to comply with the
"hybrid model disclosure requirements" as determined by the Israeli
Securities Authority and as described in the prospectus governing
our Series C Debentures.
This model provides that in the event certain
financial "warning signs" exist, and for as long as they exist, we
will be subject to certain disclosure obligations towards the
holders of our Series C Debentures.
In March 2019, we announced that because of the
material write-downs in the Bezeq Group and the aggregate
material decline in our assets, as well as due to the sequence of
events of deterioration in the Bezeq Group, we intended to enter
into a dialogue with the holders of our Debentures in order to
examine financial possibilities for strengthening our shareholders’
equity and our financial position. The Board further determined to
withhold payments to its financial creditors until reaching a
sufficient solution.
In examining the existence of warning signs as
of September 30, 2019, our board of directors noted that our
unconsolidated unaudited cash flow statement for the third quarter
of 2019 reflects that we, as expected, had a continuing negative
cash flow from operating activities of NIS 3 million. In addition,
the Company’s unaudited statements of financial position as of
September 30, 2019, reflect that the Company had an equity deficit
of NIS 635 million and negative working capital of approximately
NIS 1.85 billion as of such date. The negative working capital is a
result of the classification of the Company‘s long term debt to
“short-term" debt.
As part of the efforts to resolve the company's
financial situation, the Company's management has worked
intensively to advance the "Searchlight-Fuhrer" transaction, while
executing further actions for the benefit of the Company and its
stakeholders. The Company and its management believe that
"Searchlight-Fuhrer" transaction as described above and in the
Company's previous reports is a proper and effective solution to
the Company's situation.
Disclosure with Respect to the Company's
Requirements Under Series C Debentures
The Company declares with respect to the
reporting period as follows:
- The Company did not record in favor of a third party any lien
of any rank whatsoever over its direct or indirect holdings of
691,361,036 shares of Bezeq (the “Bezeq Shares”) including over any
of the rights accompanying such shares.
- The Company did not make any disposition of the Bezeq
Shares.
- The Company did not assume any financial debt (as defined in
the Trust Deed of the Series C Debentures) during the reporting
period (other than in the framework of the issuance of the
Debentures, and its wholly owned subsidiaries, including B
Communications (SP1) and B Communications (SP2) did not issue any
financial debt whatsoever during the reporting period.
- As of the reporting date, the Company holds approximately
26.34% of Bezeq’s outstanding shares, directly and through its
subsidiary.
- The equity deficit attributable to the Company’s shareholders
(not including non-controlling interests) according to this report
amounts to NIS 635 million and represents -33% of the Company’s
total balance sheet on an unconsolidated basis.
B Communications’ Unconsolidated Statement
of Financial position as at
|
September 30, |
|
September 30, |
|
|
September 30, |
|
|
December 31, |
|
2018 |
|
2019 |
|
|
2019 |
|
|
2018 |
(In millions) |
NIS |
|
NIS |
|
|
US$ |
|
|
NIS |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents |
152 |
|
611 |
|
|
175 |
|
|
213 |
Short-term investments |
406 |
|
93 |
|
|
27 |
|
|
376 |
Dividend receivable |
84 |
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
- |
Other receivables |
- |
|
1 |
|
|
- |
|
|
2 |
Total current assets |
642 |
|
705 |
|
|
202 |
|
|
591 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-current assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investment in an investee (*) |
2,843 |
|
1,219 |
|
|
350 |
|
|
2,112 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total assets |
3,485 |
|
1,924 |
|
|
552 |
|
|
2,703 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Debentures |
226 |
|
2,462 |
|
|
707 |
|
|
2,455 |
Other payables |
34 |
|
97 |
|
|
28 |
|
|
20 |
Total current liabilities |
260 |
|
2,559 |
|
|
735 |
|
|
2,475 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-current liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Debentures |
2,229 |
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total liabilities |
2,489 |
|
2,559 |
|
|
735 |
|
|
2,475 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity (equity deficit) |
996 |
|
(635 |
) |
|
(183 |
) |
|
228 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total liabilities and equity (equity deficit) |
3,485 |
|
1,924 |
|
|
552 |
|
|
2,703 |
(*) Investment in Bezeq.
B Communications (NASDAQ:BCOM)
Historical Stock Chart
From Dec 2024 to Jan 2025
B Communications (NASDAQ:BCOM)
Historical Stock Chart
From Jan 2024 to Jan 2025