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 fourth quarter and year ended December
31, 2019.
Comments of Tomer Raved, CEO of B
Communications:
We concluded a year of transformational changes
in our holding structure and proud to have our strong new
controlling shareholders, Searchlight Capital Partners and the
Fuhrer family, backing us. We appreciate the various stakeholders
that were involved in the changes the Company experienced in 2019
and we look forward to the years to come. As the controlling
shareholder in Bezeq, the Company continues to monitor the evolving
communications market and regulatory environment in Israel and
abroad. Our new board and management also continue to focus on the
financial stability and trajectory of both the Company and
Bezeq.
We recognize the current environment due to the
impact of the coronoavirus (COVID-19) and we are working to protect
our Company, its assets, employees and all other stakeholders
during this challenging period in time. We note that both BCOM and
Bezeq are closely monitoring developments related to the spread of
COVID-19 and are reviewing potential implications to their business
activities. This is an evolving situation. However. both companies
are taking various actions to manage risks and exposures. At this
stage, Bezeq cannot reasonably estimate the expected quantitative
impact of the event on its business activities.
B Communications’ Unconsolidated Financial
Liabilities and Liquidity
As of December 31, 2019, B Communications’
unconsolidated liquidity balances (comprised of cash and cash
equivalents, short term investments and funds deposited in a
pledged account) totaled NIS 498 million ($144 million) and its
financial liabilities totaled NIS 1.87 billion ($540 million),
including NIS 1.71 billion ($496 million) of Series C Debentures,
NIS 53 million ($15 million) of Series D Debentures and NIS 100
million ($29 million) of Series E Debentures (including accrued
interest, discounts and debt issuance costs for both series).
(In millions) |
December 31, |
|
December 31, |
|
December 31, |
|
2019 |
|
2019 |
|
2018 |
|
NIS |
|
US$ |
|
NIS |
Financial liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
Series B debentures |
- |
|
- |
|
229 |
Series C debentures (1) |
1,714 |
|
496 |
|
2,238 |
Series D debentures (1) |
53 |
|
15 |
|
- |
Series E debentures |
100 |
|
29 |
|
- |
Total financial liabilities |
1,867 |
|
540 |
|
2,467 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Liquidity |
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and short-term investments |
459 |
|
133 |
|
546 |
Pledged account (2) |
39 |
|
11 |
|
43 |
Total liquidity |
498 |
|
144 |
|
589 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net debt |
1,369 |
|
396 |
|
1,878 |
1) Series C and D debentures balances as of
December 31, 2019 include fair value revaluation of NIS 175
million.2) Pledged for the benefit of the holders of the Series C
Debentures, series D Debentures and Series E debentures. Pursuant
to the indentures for the Series C Debentures, Series D Debentures
and Series E debentures, the account is required to include
sufficient funds to meet the next interest payment payable to the
holders of these debentures.
B Communications Unconsolidated Sources and
Uses for the Year Ended December 31, 2019
(In millions) |
NIS |
|
US$ |
|
|
|
|
|
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|
|
|
Net debt as of December 31,
2018 |
1,878 |
|
544 |
|
|
|
|
Financing expenses, net |
97 |
|
28 |
|
Fair value debt
revaluation |
(175 |
) |
(51 |
) |
Issuance of shares |
(447 |
) |
(129 |
) |
Operating expenses |
16 |
|
5 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net debt as of December 31,
2019 |
1,369 |
|
397 |
|
B Communications Fourth Quarter and Full
Year Consolidated Financial Results
B Communications’ consolidated revenues for the
fourth quarter of 2019 totaled NIS 2.20 billion ($618 million), a
5.3% decrease from NIS 2.32 billion reported in
the fourth quarter of 2018. For the full year 2019, B
Communications’ revenues totaled NIS 8.92 billion ($2.58 billion),
a 4.2% decrease from NIS 9.32 billion reported in 2018. For both
the current and the prior year periods, B Communications’
consolidated revenues consisted entirely of Bezeq’s revenues. The
decrease in revenues was due to lower revenues in all Bezeq Group
segments.
B Communications’ consolidated operating profit
for the fourth quarter of 2019 was NIS 295 million ($83 million)
compared to an operating loss of NIS 2.17 billion in the fourth
quarter of 2018. For the full year 2019, B Communications’
consolidated operating profit totaled NIS 621 million ($180
million) compared to an operating loss of NIS 1.38 billion in 2018.
The operating profit in 2019 was impacted by impairment charges of
NIS 1.22 billion ($353 million) with respect to Pelephone and Bezeq
International, a NIS 276 million ($80 million) provision for early
retirement of Bezeq Fixed Line employees and with respect to
collective agreements at Pelephone, Bezeq International and Yes.
These expenses were partially offset by capital gains generated
from the sale of real estate assets of Bezeq Fixed Line, mainly
from the sale of the "Sakia" complex.
B Communications’ consolidated profit for the
fourth quarter of 2019 totaled NIS 278 million ($78 million)
compared to a loss of NIS 2.03 billion in the fourth quarter of
2018. For the full year 2019, B Communications’ consolidated loss
totaled NIS 1.25 billion ($361 million) compared to a loss of NIS
1.86 billion in 2018. The consolidated loss in 2019 resulted from
the reasons mentioned above as well as the write-off of the tax
asset related to Yes losses of NIS 1.17 billion ($339 million).
B Communications’ net profit attributable to
shareholders for the fourth quarter of 2019 was NIS 153 million
($43 million) compared with a loss of NIS 773 million in the fourth
quarter of 2018. For the full year 2019, B Communications’ loss
attributable to shareholders was NIS 818 million ($237 million)
compared with a loss of NIS 1.03 billion in 2018. The loss
attributable to shareholders in 2019 resulted from all of the
reasons mentioned above.
B Communications Unconsolidated Financial
Results
|
Three months ended December 31, |
|
Year ended December 31, |
|
|
2019 |
|
2019 |
|
2018 |
|
2019 |
|
2019 |
|
2018 |
|
(In millions) |
NIS |
|
US$ |
|
NIS |
|
NIS |
|
US$ |
|
NIS |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Financing income (expenses), net |
153 |
|
44 |
|
(32 |
) |
78 |
|
22 |
|
(96 |
) |
Operating expenses |
(3 |
) |
(1 |
) |
(4 |
) |
(16 |
) |
(5 |
) |
(18 |
) |
PPA amortization, net |
(8 |
) |
(2 |
) |
11 |
|
(38 |
) |
(11 |
) |
(16 |
) |
Impairment reverse (losses) |
13 |
|
4 |
|
(285 |
) |
(555 |
) |
(160 |
) |
(618 |
) |
Interest in Bezeq's net loss |
(2 |
) |
- |
|
(463 |
) |
(287 |
) |
(83 |
) |
(281 |
) |
Net profit (loss) |
153 |
|
45 |
|
(773 |
) |
(818 |
) |
(237 |
) |
(1,029 |
) |
As of December 31, 2019, B Communications held
approximately 26.3% of Bezeq's outstanding shares. B
Communications’ interest in Bezeq's loss for the fourth quarter of
2019 totaled NIS 2 million ($580 thousands) compared with a loss of
NIS 463 million reported in the fourth quarter of 2018. For the
full year 2019, B Communications’ interest in Bezeq's loss totaled
NIS 287 million ($83 million) compared to a loss of NIS 281 million
in 2018.
During the fourth quarter and full year of 2019,
B Communications recorded net amortization expenses related to its
Bezeq purchase price allocation (“Bezeq PPA”) of NIS 8 million ($2
million) and NIS 38 million ($11 million), respectively. In
addition, B Communications incurred net impairment reverse of NIS
13 million ($4 million) and net impairment charges of NIS 555
million ($160 million) in the fourth quarter and full year of 2019,
respectively, with respect to Pelephone and Bezeq International.
The Bezeq PPA amortization expenses and impairment charges are a
non-cash expenses that are subject to adjustment.
B Communications' unconsolidated net financial
income for the fourth quarter of 2019 totaled NIS 153 million ($44
million) compared with net financial expenses of NIS 32 million in
the fourth quarter of 2018. Net financial income for the fourth
quarter of 2019 included NIS 175 million ($51 million) generated by
debt revaluation to fair value. This income was partially offset by
interest expenses in the amount of NIS 23 million ($7 million)
related to the Company's debt.
B Communications’ unconsolidated profit for the
fourth quarter of 2019 was NIS 153 million ($45 million) compared
with a loss of NIS 773 million in the fourth quarter of 2018. For
the full year 2019, B Communications’ unconsolidated loss totaled
NIS 818 million ($237 million) compared with a loss of NIS 1.03
billion in 2018. The loss in 2019 was mainly generated from
impairment losses related to Pelephone and Bezeq International and
the write-off of the tax asset related to Yes losses.
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 December
31, 2019. For a full discussion of Bezeq’s results for the quarter
ended December 31, 2019, please refer to its website:
http://ir.bezeq.co.il.
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Bezeq Group
(consolidated) |
|
Q4 2019 |
|
|
Q4 2018 |
|
|
% change |
|
|
FY-2019 |
|
|
FY-2018 |
|
|
% change |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
|
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|
|
|
(NIS millions) |
|
|
|
|
|
(NIS millions) |
|
|
|
|
Revenues |
|
|
2,202 |
|
|
|
2,326 |
|
|
|
(5.3 |
)% |
|
|
8,929 |
|
|
|
9,321 |
|
|
|
(4.2 |
)% |
Operating profit (loss) |
|
|
113 |
|
|
|
(1,810 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
989 |
|
|
|
(548 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Operating margin |
|
|
5.1 |
% |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11 |
% |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
|
|
Loss for the period |
|
|
(5 |
) |
|
|
(1,755 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,087 |
) |
|
|
(1,066 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Adjusted net profit 1 |
|
|
211 |
|
|
|
197 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
938 |
|
|
|
983 |
|
|
|
|
|
EBITDA |
|
|
600 |
|
|
|
(1,230 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,901 |
|
|
|
1,641 |
|
|
|
76.8 |
% |
EBITDA margin |
|
|
27.2 |
% |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
32.5 |
% |
|
|
17.6 |
% |
|
|
|
|
Adjusted EBITDA 2 |
|
|
881 |
|
|
|
956 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,733 |
|
|
|
3,950 |
|
|
|
|
|
Adjusted EBITDA margin |
|
|
40.0 |
% |
|
|
41.1 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
41.8 |
% |
|
|
42.4 |
% |
|
|
|
|
Diluted EPS (LPS) (NIS) |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
(0.63 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.39 |
) |
|
|
(0.39 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Cash flow from operating
activities |
|
|
748 |
|
|
|
914 |
|
|
|
(18.2 |
)% |
|
|
2,924 |
|
|
|
3,512 |
|
|
|
(16.7 |
)% |
Payments for investments |
|
|
324 |
|
|
|
416 |
|
|
|
(22.1 |
)% |
|
|
1,551 |
|
|
|
1,727 |
|
|
|
(10.2 |
)% |
Free cash flow 3 |
|
|
344 |
|
|
|
679 |
|
|
|
(49.3 |
)% |
|
|
1,368 |
|
|
|
1,598 |
|
|
|
(14.4 |
)% |
Total debt |
|
|
9,558 |
|
|
|
11,179 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9,558 |
|
|
|
11,179 |
|
|
|
(14.5 |
)% |
Net debt |
|
|
7,963 |
|
|
|
8,885 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7,963 |
|
|
|
8,885 |
|
|
|
(10.4 |
)% |
Net debt/Adjusted EBITDA (end
of period) 4 |
|
|
2.4 |
|
|
|
2.5 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2.4 |
|
|
|
2.5 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
Adjusted net profit is excluding the impact of other operating
expenses and impairment of assets. |
|
2 |
Adjusted EBITDA in excluding other operating income/expenses and
loss from impairment of assets. |
|
3 |
Free cash flow is defined as cash flow from operating activities
less net payments for investments and lease payments. |
|
4 |
Adjusted EBITDA in this ratio is trailing twelve months
EBITDA. |
|
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|
Revenues of the Bezeq Group in 2019 totaled NIS
8.92 billion ($2.58 billion) compared to NIS 9.32 billion in 2018,
a decrease of 4.2%. Revenues of the Bezeq Group in the fourth
quarter of 2019 were NIS 2. 2 billion ($638 million) compared to
NIS 2.32 billion in the corresponding quarter of 2018, a decrease
of 5.3%. The decrease in revenues in both the fourth quarter and
full year was due to lower revenues across all Bezeq Group
segments.
Salary expenses of the Bezeq Group in 2019
totaled NIS 1.93 billion ($559 million) compared to NIS 1.99
billion in 2018, a decrease of 3%. Salary expenses of the Bezeq
Group in the fourth quarter of 2019 were NIS 478 million ($138
million) compared to NIS 485 million in the corresponding quarter
of 2018, a decrease of 1.4%. The decrease in salary expenses was
primarily due to a reduction in the number of employee positions in
Bezeq International and Yes.
Operating expenses of the Bezeq Group in 2019
totaled NIS 3.27 billion ($947 million) compared to NIS 3.37
billion in 2018, a decrease of 3.46%. Operating expenses of the
Bezeq Group in the fourth quarter of 2019 were NIS 843 million
($244 million) compared to NIS 885 million in the corresponding
quarter of 2018, a decrease of 4.74%. The decrease in operating
expenses was due to a reduction in most expense items of the
Group.
Other operating income, net of the Bezeq Group
in 2019 was NIS 221 million ($64 million) compared to other
operating expenses of NIS 634 million in 2018. Other operating
expenses, net of the Bezeq Group in the fourth quarter of 2019
amounted to NIS 179 million ($52 million) compared to NIS 521
million in the corresponding quarter of 2018. In 2019, other
operating income, net was impacted by capital gains from the sale
of real estate, primarily capital gains of NIS 403 million ($117
million) from the sale of the "Sakia" complex. In addition,
provisions of NIS 276 million were recorded for the early
retirement of employees compared to NIS 559 million in 2018.
Furthermore, in 2019 there was a reduction in expenses relating to
legal claims. Other operating expenses, net in the fourth quarter
of 2019, were impacted by provisions of NIS 207 million ($60
million) for the early retirement of employees compared to NIS 452
million in the corresponding quarter of 2018.
Loss from impairment of assets of the Bezeq
Group in 2019 totaled NIS 1.05 billion ($305 million) compared to
NIS 1.68 billion in 2018. The loss in 2019 was due to an impairment
loss with respect to Pelephone’s assets of NIS 951 million ($275
million) and an impairment loss with respect to Bezeq
International’s assets of NIS 102 million ($30 million). The loss
in 2018 was due to an impairment loss of Yes assets of NIS 1.64
billion and an impairment loss of Walla assets of NIS 37
million.
Depreciation and amortization expenses of the
Bezeq Group in 2019 totaled NIS 1.91 billion ($554 million)
compared to NIS 2.19 billion in 2018, a decrease of 12.78%.
Depreciation and amortization expenses of the Bezeq Group in the
fourth quarter of 2019 were NIS 487 million ($141 million) compared
to NIS 580 million in the corresponding quarter of 2018, a decrease
of 16.03%. The decrease in depreciation amortization and ongoing
impairment expenses was primarily due to the decrease in
depreciable and amortizable Yes assets in the fourth quarter of
2018. The decrease was partially offset by the ongoing impairment
charges (fixed and intangible assets) recorded during 2019.
Profitability metrics in 2019 were primarily
impacted by the aforementioned impairment losses in Pelephone and
Bezeq International assets as well as the changes in other
operating expenses/income, net.
Operating profit of the Bezeq Group in 2019
totaled NIS 989 billion ($286 million) compared to an operating
loss of NIS 548 million in 2018. Operating profit of the Bezeq
Group in the fourth quarter of 2019 was NIS 113 million ($33
million) compared to an operating loss of NIS 1.8 billion in the
corresponding quarter of 2018.
Financing expenses, net of the Bezeq Group in
2019 totaled NIS 549 million ($159 million), compared to NIS 435
million in 2018, an increase of 26.2%. Financing expenses, net of
the Bezeq Group in the fourth quarter of 2019 were NIS 109 million
($32 million) compared to NIS 108 million in the corresponding
quarter of 2018, an increase of 0.9%. The increase in financing
expenses in 2019 was primarily due to the increase in financing
expenses at Bezeq Fixed-Line mainly due to the its debt early
repayment fees as well as financing expenses in respect of
provisions for employee benefits.
Tax expenses of the Bezeq Group in 2019 totaled
NIS 1.53 billion ($443 million) compared to NIS 80 million in 2018.
Tax expenses in the fourth quarter of 2019 amounted to NIS 9
million, compared to a tax benefit of NIS 163 million in the same
quarter of 2018. The increase in tax expenses was primarily due to
the write-off of the tax asset in connection with Yes' losses
resulting in the recognition of NIS 1.166 billion of tax expenses
as well as an increase in taxable income arising from the sale of
the “Sakia” complex.
The Bezeq Group incurred a loss of NIS 1.09
billion ($315 million) in 2019 compared to a loss of NIS 1.06
billion in 2018 and incurred a loss of NIS 5 million ($2 million)
in the fourth quarter of 2019 compared to loss of NIS 1.75 billion
in the corresponding quarter of 2018. Net loss was primarily
influenced by the aforementioned changes in loss from impairment of
assets as well as changes in other operating expenses/income,
net.
EBITDA of the Bezeq Group in 2019 totaled NIS
2.9 billion ($840 million) (EBITDA margin of 32.5%) compared to NIS
1.64 billion (EBITDA margin of 17.6%) in 2018, an increase of
76.8%. EBITDA of the Bezeq Group in the fourth quarter of 2019 was
NIS 600 million ($174 million), compared to negative EBITDA of NIS
1.23 billion in the corresponding quarter of 2018.
Adjusted EBITDA of the Bezeq Group represents
EBITDA after adjusting for the impact of other operating expenses
and loss from impairment of assets. The adjusted EBITDA in 2019
totaled NIS 3.73 billion ($1.08 billion) (EBITDA margin of 41.8%)
compared to NIS 3.95 billion (EBITDA margin of 42.4%) in 2018.
Adjusted EBITDA in the fourth quarter of 2019 totaled NIS 881
million ($255 million) (EBITDA margin of 40%) compared to NIS 956
million (EBITDA margin of 41.1%) in the corresponding quarter of
2018.
Cash flow from operating activities of the Bezeq
Group in 2019 totaled NIS 2.92 billion ($847 million) compared to
NIS 3.51 billion in 2018, a decrease of 16.7%. Cash flow from
operating activities of the Bezeq Group in the fourth quarter of
2019 was NIS 748 million ($216 million) compared to NIS 914 million
in the corresponding quarter of 2018, a decrease of 18.2%.
Payments for investments (Capex) of the Bezeq
Group in 2019 totaled NIS 1.55 billion ($450 million) compared to
NIS 1.72 billion in 2018, a decrease of 10.2%. Capex in the fourth
quarter of 2019 amounted to NIS 324 million ($94 million) compared
to NIS 416 million in the same quarter of 2018, a decrease of
22.1%. Capex in 2019 was impacted by net payments of NIS 74 million
for a betterment levy compared to payments of NIS 121 million for
permit fees and a purchase tax in 2018 relating to the sale of the
"Sakia" complex.
Free cash flow of the Bezeq Group in 2019
totaled NIS 1.37 billion ($397 million) compared to NIS 1.59
billion in 2018, a decrease of 14.4%. Free cash flow of the Bezeq
Group in the fourth quarter of 2019 was NIS 344 million ($100
million) compared to NIS 679 million in the same quarter of 2018, a
decrease of 49.3%. The decrease in free cash flow in 2019 was due
to the aforementioned decrease in cash flow from operating
activities partially offset by an increase in proceeds from the
sale of assets primarily due to the sale of the "Sakia" complex.
The decrease in free cash flow in the fourth quarter of 2019 was
primarily due to the aforementioned decrease in cash flow from
operating activities as well as a decrease in proceeds from the
sale of real estate (NIS 12 million compared to NIS 272 million in
the corresponding quarter of 2018, mainly due to proceeds from the
sale of the "Sakia" complex).
Total debt of the Bezeq Group as of December 31,
2019 was NIS 9.55 billion ($2.77 billion) compared to NIS 11.2
billion as of December 31, 2018, decrease of 14.7%.
Net debt of the Bezeq Group was NIS 7.96 billion
($2.3 billion) as of December 31, 2019 compared to NIS 8.88 billion
as of December 31, 2018.
Net debt to adjusted EBITDA ratio of the Bezeq
Group as of December 31, 2019, was 2.4 compared to 2.5 as of
December 31, 2018.
Notes:
Convenience translation to U.S
Dollars
Unless noted specifically otherwise, the dollar
denominated figures were converted to US$ using a convenience
translation based on the New Israeli Shekel (NIS)/US$ exchange rate
of NIS 3.45 = US$ 1 as published by the Bank of Israel for December
31, 2019.
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 Yes 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. B Communications is controlled by Searchlight II
BZQ L.P (60.18%) and T.N.R Investments Ltd (11.39%). Our
controlling shareholders have extensive telecom experience and
financial strength, representing significant business and
management added value for the Bezeq Group. The Searchlight group
has proven and successful experience in global investments in
communications companies as well as upgrading processes such as
infrastructure and technology.
For more information please visit the following
internet sites:
www.bcommunications.co.ilwww.ir.bezeq.co.ilwww.searchlightcap.com
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
Consolidated Statements of Financial Position as at
December 31 |
(In millions) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2019 |
|
2019 |
|
2018 |
|
|
NIS |
|
US$ |
|
NIS |
|
|
(Unaudited) |
|
(Unaudited) |
|
(Audited) |
Current Assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents |
|
853 |
|
247 |
|
1,104 |
Investments |
|
1,241 |
|
360 |
|
1,780 |
Trade receivables |
|
1,689 |
|
489 |
|
1,773 |
Other receivables |
|
313 |
|
90 |
|
269 |
Assets held for sale |
|
43 |
|
12 |
|
- |
Inventory |
|
93 |
|
27 |
|
97 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total current assets |
|
4,232 |
|
1,225 |
|
5,023 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-Current Assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Trade and other receivables |
|
476 |
|
138 |
|
470 |
Property, plant and equipment |
|
6,049 |
|
1,750 |
|
6,313 |
Intangible assets |
|
3,200 |
|
926 |
|
4,227 |
Deferred expenses and investments |
|
367 |
|
106 |
|
509 |
Broadcasting rights |
|
59 |
|
17 |
|
60 |
Rights of use assets |
|
1,199 |
|
347 |
|
1,504 |
Deferred tax assets |
|
59 |
|
17 |
|
1,205 |
Investment property |
|
- |
|
- |
|
64 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total non-current assets |
|
11,409 |
|
3,301 |
|
14,352 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total assets |
|
15,641 |
|
4,526 |
|
19,375 |
Consolidated Statements of Financial Position as at
December 31 (cont’d) |
(In millions) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2019 |
|
2019 |
|
2018 |
|
|
NIS |
|
US$ |
|
NIS |
|
|
(Unaudited) |
|
(Unaudited) |
|
(Audited) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current Liabilities |
|
|
|
|
Bank loans and debentures |
|
1,007 |
|
292 |
|
3,997 |
Leases rights liabilities |
|
415 |
|
120 |
|
445 |
Trade and other payables |
|
1,414 |
|
409 |
|
1,702 |
Current tax liabilities |
|
12 |
|
3 |
|
8 |
Provisions |
|
125 |
|
36 |
|
175 |
Employee benefits |
|
654 |
|
190 |
|
581 |
Total current liabilities |
|
3,627 |
|
1,050 |
|
6,908 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-Current Liabilities |
|
|
|
|
Bank loans and debentures |
|
10,412 |
|
3,013 |
|
9,637 |
Leases rights liabilities |
|
969 |
|
280 |
|
1,106 |
Employee benefits |
|
356 |
|
103 |
|
445 |
Other liabilities |
|
139 |
|
40 |
|
175 |
Provisions |
|
49 |
|
14 |
|
38 |
Deferred tax liabilities |
|
157 |
|
45 |
|
302 |
Total non-current liabilities |
|
12,082 |
|
3,495 |
|
11,703 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total liabilities |
|
15,709 |
|
4,545 |
|
18,611 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity (equity deficit) |
|
|
|
|
Attributable to shareholders of the Company |
|
(152 |
) |
(44 |
) |
228 |
Non-controlling interests |
|
84 |
|
25 |
|
536 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total equity (equity deficit) |
|
(68 |
) |
(19 |
) |
764 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total liabilities and equity (equity deficit) |
|
15,641 |
|
4,526 |
|
19,375 |
Consolidated Statements of Income for the
Year Ended December 31 |
(In millions except per share data) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2019 |
|
2019 |
|
2018 |
|
|
NIS |
|
US$ |
|
NIS |
|
|
(Unaudited) |
|
(Unaudited) |
|
(Audited) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenues |
8,929 |
|
2,584 |
|
9,321 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Costs and expenses |
|
|
|
Depreciation, amortization and impairment |
2,064 |
|
597 |
|
2,387 |
|
Salaries |
1,937 |
|
560 |
|
1,995 |
|
General and operating expenses |
3,276 |
|
353 |
|
3,394 |
|
Impairment losses |
1,220 |
|
948 |
|
2,294 |
|
Other operating expenses (income), net |
(188 |
) |
(54 |
) |
635 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8,309 |
|
2,404 |
|
10,705 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating profit (loss) |
620 |
|
180 |
|
(1,384 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Financing expenses, net |
472 |
|
137 |
|
531 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Profit (loss) after financing |
|
|
|
expenses, net |
148 |
|
43 |
|
(1,915 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Share of loss in equity-accounted investee |
2 |
|
1 |
|
3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Profit (loss) before income tax |
146 |
|
42 |
|
(1,918 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Tax expenses (income) |
1,392 |
|
403 |
|
(59 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss for the period |
(1,246 |
) |
(361 |
) |
(1,859 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss attributable to: |
|
|
|
Shareholders of the Company |
(818 |
) |
(237 |
) |
(1,029 |
) |
Non-controlling interests |
(428 |
) |
(124 |
) |
(830 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Loss for the period |
(1,246 |
) |
(361 |
) |
(1,859 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss per share |
|
|
|
Basic |
(18.94 |
) |
(5.48 |
) |
(34.44 |
) |
Diluted |
(18.94 |
) |
(5.48 |
) |
(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 December 31, |
|
|
Year ended December 31, |
|
|
2019 |
|
2019 |
|
2018 |
|
|
2019 |
|
2019 |
|
2018 |
|
|
NIS |
|
US$ |
|
|
|
|
NIS |
|
US$ |
|
NIS |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net profit (loss) |
(5 |
) |
(1 |
) |
(1,755 |
) |
|
(1,087 |
) |
(315 |
) |
(1,066 |
) |
Tax expenses (income) |
9 |
|
2 |
|
(163 |
) |
|
1,525 |
|
441 |
|
80 |
|
Share of loss in equity - accounted investee |
- |
|
- |
|
- |
|
|
2 |
|
1 |
|
3 |
|
Financing expenses, net |
109 |
|
32 |
|
108 |
|
|
549 |
|
159 |
|
435 |
|
Depreciation and amortization |
487 |
|
141 |
|
580 |
|
|
1,912 |
|
553 |
|
2,189 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
EBITDA |
600 |
|
174 |
|
(1,230 |
) |
|
2,901 |
|
839 |
|
1,641 |
|
Other operating expenses (income), net |
179 |
|
52 |
|
521 |
|
|
(221 |
) |
(64 |
) |
634 |
|
Impairment losses |
102 |
|
29 |
|
1,665 |
|
|
1,053 |
|
305 |
|
1,675 |
|
Adjusted EBITDA |
881 |
|
255 |
|
956 |
|
|
3,733 |
|
1,080 |
|
3,950 |
|
Net Debt
The following table shows the calculation of the
Bezeq Group’s net debt:
(In millions) |
As at December 31, |
|
|
2019 |
|
2019 |
|
2018 |
|
|
NIS |
|
US$ |
|
NIS |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Short term bank loans and credit and debentures |
1,007 |
|
291 |
|
1,542 |
|
Non-current bank loans and debentures |
8,551 |
|
2,474 |
|
9,637 |
|
Cash and cash equivalents |
(400 |
) |
(116 |
) |
(890 |
) |
Investments |
(1,195 |
) |
(345 |
) |
(1,404 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net debt |
7,963 |
|
2,304 |
|
8,885 |
|
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 December 31, |
|
|
2019 |
|
2019 |
|
2018 |
|
|
NIS |
|
NIS |
|
US$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net debt |
7,963 |
|
2,304 |
|
8,885 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Trailing twelve months Adjusted EBITDA |
3,733 |
|
1,080 |
|
3,538 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net debt to Adjusted EBITDA ratio |
2.4 |
|
2.4 |
|
2.5 |
|
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 December 31, |
|
Year ended December 31, |
|
|
2019 |
|
2019 |
|
2018 |
|
2019 |
|
2019 |
|
2018 |
|
|
NIS |
|
US$ |
|
NIS |
|
NIS |
|
US$ |
|
NIS |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash flow from operating activities |
748 |
|
216 |
|
914 |
|
2,924 |
|
846 |
|
3,512 |
|
Purchase of property, plant and equipment |
(244 |
) |
(70 |
) |
(327 |
) |
(1,095 |
) |
(317 |
) |
(1,216 |
) |
Investment in intangible assets and deferred expenses |
(80 |
) |
(23 |
) |
(89 |
) |
(382 |
) |
(111 |
) |
(390 |
) |
Lease payments |
(92 |
) |
(26 |
) |
(91 |
) |
(414 |
) |
(120 |
) |
(422 |
) |
Permit fee |
- |
|
- |
|
- |
|
(74 |
) |
(21 |
) |
(121 |
) |
Betterment tax |
- |
|
- |
|
- |
|
5 |
|
1 |
|
(80 |
) |
Proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment |
12 |
|
3 |
|
272 |
|
404 |
|
118 |
|
315 |
|
Free cash flow |
344 |
|
100 |
|
679 |
|
1,368 |
|
396 |
|
1,598 |
|
B Communications’ Unconsolidated Statement
of Financial position as at
|
December 31, |
|
December 31, |
|
December 31, |
|
2019 |
|
2019 |
|
2018 |
(In millions) |
NIS |
|
US$ |
|
NIS |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current assets |
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents |
452 |
|
131 |
|
213 |
Short-term investments |
46 |
|
13 |
|
376 |
Other receivables |
- |
|
- |
|
2 |
Total current assets |
498 |
|
144 |
|
591 |
|
|
|
|
Non-current assets |
|
|
|
Investment in an investee (*) |
1,224 |
|
354 |
|
2,112 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total assets |
1,722 |
|
498 |
|
2,703 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current liabilities |
|
|
|
Debentures |
- |
|
- |
|
2,455 |
Other payables |
13 |
|
4 |
|
20 |
Total current liabilities |
13 |
|
4 |
|
2,475 |
|
|
|
|
Non-current liabilities |
|
|
|
Debentures |
1,861 |
|
538 |
|
- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total liabilities |
1,874 |
|
542 |
|
2,475 |
|
|
|
|
Equity (equity deficit) |
(152 |
) |
(44 |
) |
228 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total liabilities and equity (equity deficit) |
1,722 |
|
498 |
|
2,703 |
(*) Investment in Bezeq.
Disclosure with Respect to the Company's
Requirements Under its Series C, D and E Debentures
As of the reporting date, the Company holds
approximately 26.34% of Bezeq’s outstanding shares, directly and
through its subsidiary.
Designated disclosure with respect to
the Company's projected cash flows
In accordance with the "hybrid model disclosure
requirements" promulgated by the Israeli Securities Authority that
are applicable to B Communications Ltd. (the "Company"), the
following is a report of the Company’s projected cash flows (the
"report") and a disclosure of the examination by the Company’s
board of directors of the Company’s liquidity in accordance with
regulations 10(b)(1)(d) and 10(b)(14) of the Securities Regulations
(Immediate and Periodic Notices) 5730-1970.
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 debentures.
In examining the existence of warning signs as
of December 31, 2019, our board of directors noted that our
unconsolidated unaudited cash flow statement for 2019 reflects that
we, as expected, had a continuing negative cash flow from operating
activities of NIS 16 million. In addition, the Company’s unaudited
statements of financial position as of December 31, 2019, reflect
that the Company had an equity deficit of NIS 152 million.
The Company’s board of directors reviewed the
Company’s outstanding debt obligations, its existing and
anticipated cash resources and needs that were included in the
framework of the projected cash flow report for the periods from
January 1, 2020 until December 31, 2020 and from January 1, 2021
until December 31, 2021, described below. The board of directors
also examined the assumptions and projections that were included in
the report and determined that such assumptions and projections are
reasonable and appropriate.
Based on the foregoing, the Company’s board of
directors determined that the Company does not have a liquidity
problem and that for the duration of the period covered by the
projected cash flows statement there is no reasonable doubt that
the Company will not meet its existing and anticipated liabilities
when due.
The following are the projected cash
flows of the Company and the assumptions upon which they are
based:
NIS millions |
For the period fromJanuary 1,
2020 untilDecember 31, 2020 |
|
For the period fromJanuary 1,
2021 untilDecember 31, 2021 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Opening balance: |
|
|
Bank deposits and marketable securities |
46 |
|
385 |
|
Cash and cash equivalents |
452 |
|
29 |
|
Total liquidity |
498 |
|
414 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Projected sources: |
|
|
Cash flows from investing activities |
|
|
Profits from investments in marketable securities and interest on
bank deposits |
4 |
|
3 |
|
Cash flows from investing activities |
4 |
|
3 |
|
|
|
|
Projected uses: |
|
|
Cash flows used in operating activities: |
|
|
Operating expenses |
(10 |
) |
(10 |
) |
Cash used in operating activities |
(10 |
) |
(10 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash flows used in investing activities |
|
|
Purchase of marketable securities, net |
(29 |
) |
- |
|
Investments in bank deposits, net |
(310 |
) |
80 |
|
Cash used in investing activities |
(339 |
) |
80 |
|
|
|
|
Cash flows used in financing activities: |
|
|
Interest payments on debentures |
(78 |
) |
(78 |
) |
Cash used in financing activities |
(78 |
) |
(78 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ending balance: |
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents |
29 |
|
24 |
|
Bank deposits and marketable securities |
385 |
|
305 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total liquidity |
414 |
|
329 |
|
- The Company expects a 1% return on its investments in long-term
deposits and marketable securities.
- The foregoing asumes the repayment of interest on the Company’s
traded debentures in an amount of NIS 78 million according to the
debentures amortization table.
- The Company has sufficient sources for the repayment of its
liabilities, through cash balances, investments in bank deposits
and marketable securities that can be redeemed in the
short-term.
Buyback of Debentures: On March 24, 2020, the
Company’s Board of Directors approved the buyback of up to NIS 40
million of the Company’s Series C Debentures. The debentures may be
repurchased from time to time on the TASE or through block trades.
Repurchases may be started or stopped at any time without prior
notice, depending on market conditions and other factors. Any such
potential repurchases were not factored in to the above-described
projected cash flows.
The Board of Directors has reviewed and approved
the sources included in the disclosure of the projected cash flow
after it found them reasonable about the financial scope of each
source and the timing expected to be received.
The foregoing as part of the disclosure of the
forecasted cash flow is forward-looking information. The Company's
sustainability and expectations, and the assumptions underlying the
cash flow forecast are based on the data held by the Company as of
the date of the report, and assuming its continued operations in
the ordinary course of business. These assumptions and estimates
also dependant on external factors over which the Company has
little or no influence.The actual data may differ materially from
the above projections as a result of the uncertainty that currently
prevails with respect to the global economy and the communications
markets.
B Communications (NASDAQ:BCOM)
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B Communications (NASDAQ:BCOM)
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From Jan 2024 to Jan 2025