PTNR Partner Communications Company Ltd

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PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS REPORTS
THIRD QUARTER 2020 RESULTS¹

 

ADJUSTED EBITDA² TOTALED NIS 204 MILLION

 

NET DEBT² TOTALED NIS 646 MILLION AT QUARTER END

 

PARTNER TV SUBSCRIBER BASE TOTALS APPROXIMATELY 229 THOUSAND

AS OF TODAY

 

PARTNER’S FIBER OPTIC INFRASTRUCTURE REACHES APPROXIMATELY

700 THOUSAND HOUSEHOLDS ACROSS ISRAEL AS OF TODAY

 

Third quarter 2020 highlights (compared with third quarter 2019)

 

 

Rosh Ha’ayin, Israel, November 25, 2020 – Partner Communications Company Ltd. (“Partner” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ and TASE: PTNR), a leading Israeli communications provider, announced today its results for the quarter ended September 30, 2020.

¹ The quarterly financial results are unaudited.

² For the definition of this and other Non-GAAP financial measures, see “Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” in this press release.

Commenting on the results for the third quarter 2020, Mr. Isaac Benbenisti, CEO of Partner noted:

 

“Despite the effects of the coronavirus crisis, Partner’s results exhibit stability and resilience in the third quarter due to the consistent growth in the fixed-line segment, which contributes to a revenue mix that establishes long-term financial strength.

 

In the cellular segment, we added 54,000 subscribers, net, in the third quarter, and continued to strengthen customer loyalty.  Since the beginning of the year we have added 105,000 subscribers, net, to Partner's cellular services.

 

In addition, we launched the 5G network and met the coverage goals that entitle us to a grant of tens of millions of shekels that is expected to be received from the Ministry of Communications.

 

The coronavirus crisis has heightened the awareness of the importance of quality communication services, with an emphasis on stable and fast internet services. In recent months, there has been a significant increase in demand for the Partner Fiber service that provides an ultra-fast internet service over Partner's independent fiber optic network, which already reaches approximately 700 thousand households in 50 cities across the country.

 

Partner’s TV service has approximately 229 thousand subscribers as of today, an addition of over 40 thousand subscribers since the beginning of the year. Most of our TV subscribers subscribe to packages offering a combination of services, thus strengthening Partner’s standing as a communications group which offers a variety of communications services among the most advanced in Israel."

 

Mr. Tamir Amar, Partner's Chief Financial Officer, commented on the results:

 

“As expected, the continuation of the significant decline in international travel into the third quarter resulted in a material negative impact on the Company's results of operations for the quarter, compared with the Company’s normal seasonal trends. And whilst the Company succeeded in substantially mitigating the aforementioned effects through proactive cost cutting measures in a number of areas and also through making adjustments in a variety of business areas, including capitalizing on the increase in demand for some of the Company's services as a result of the crisis and shifting our focus towards alternative sales channels, the overall net impact remained materially negative.

 

Our cellular subscriber base increased by 54 thousand subscribers, net, during the quarter, including an increase of 33 thousand Post-Paid subscribers, in conjunction with a further decrease in the quarterly churn rate to 7.3% compared with 7.5% in the previous quarter. Since the beginning of the year the cellular subscriber base has increased by 105 thousand subscribers, net. ARPU this quarter totaled NIS 51, unchanged from the previous quarter, and a decrease of NIS 8 compared with the third quarter of 2019, largely reflecting the negative impact of the decrease in roaming revenues due to the coronavirus crisis which significantly reduced international travel. The Company's TV subscriber base increased by 9 thousand during the quarter, the majority of whom also subscribe to the Company’s internet services.

 

Adjusted EBITDA this quarter totaled NIS 204 million, compared with NIS 200 million in the previous quarter, the increase reflecting, among other factors, an increase in service revenues and in gross profit from equipment sales, which were partially offset by the larger reduction of expenses in the second quarter.

 

Looking ahead, the Company expects that for the fourth quarter of 2020, the near-complete cessation of international travel will continue to have a negative impact, although smaller in scale than in the third quarter, and, in addition, the Company will continue to take proactive cost cutting measures in a number of areas, such that the overall net impact in the fourth quarter is not expected to be material.

 

Adjusted Free Cash Flow (before interest) totaled NIS 21 million in the third quarter. CAPEX totaled NIS 147 million, with investments also this quarter reflecting the Company's continued efforts to expand the deployment of its fiber optic network and to further penetrate the TV market. These investments continue to be possible as a result of Partner's financial stability and strong balance sheet, and are continuing through the challenging period of the coronavirus crisis.

 

Net debt stood at NIS 646 million at the end of the third quarter, compared with NIS 956 million at the end of the third quarter 2019, a decrease of NIS 310 million mainly due to the Company’s successful equity raise of NIS 276 million, net, in January 2020.

 

During the third quarter, the Company completed the partial early repayment of its Notes Series F in a total amount of NIS 305 million, which led to one-time expenses of approximately NIS 7 million being recorded under the Company’s finance costs, net. In addition, in the third quarter the Company expanded its Notes Series G in a total amount of NIS 300 million. These measures lengthened the duration of the Company’s debt.

 

During the third quarter, we participated in the Ministry of Communications’ tender for 5G frequencies and secured the frequencies anticipated, at a price which reflects the lowest cost of all contenders. In addition, in view of the Company's compliance with the qualifying conditions for 5G, the Company, as a partner in the shared cellular radio access network, PHI, is expected to share with another communications group the highest grant among all the communications groups that competed in the tender. In addition, the Company is expected to benefit from a significant discount with respect to the frequency fees, provided that certain conditions are met in accordance with the terms of the tender.

 

Following enquiries received from a number of potential investors, the Company announced that it is considering the possibility to solicit offers from a potential partner or partners to acquire up to 20% of the rights to use the Company’s existing and future fiber optic network for services to private households.”

 

Q3 2020 compared with Q2 2020

 

Financial Review

 

In Q3 2020, total revenues were NIS 800 million (US$ 232 million), a decrease of 3% from NIS 825 million in Q3 2019.

 

Service revenues in Q3 2020 totaled NIS 631 million (US$ 183 million), a decrease of 4% from NIS 658 million in Q3 2019.

 

Service revenues for the cellular segment in Q3 2020 totaled NIS 415 million (US$ 121 million), a decrease of 11% from NIS 466 million in Q3 2019. The decrease was mainly the result of the negative impact of the coronavirus crisis on roaming service revenues and the continued price erosion of cellular services due to the continued competitive market conditions, which were partially offset by an increase in interconnect revenues.

 

Service revenues for the fixed-line segment in Q3 2020 totaled NIS 252 million (US$ 73 million), an increase of 8% from NIS 233 million in Q3 2019. The increase mainly reflected higher revenues from the growth in internet and TV services, which were partially offset by a decline in revenues from international calling services.

 

Equipment revenues in Q3 2020 totaled NIS 169 million (US$ 49 million), an increase of 1% from NIS 167 million in Q3 2019, mainly reflecting increased sales of fixed-line equipment, partially offset by a decrease in equipment sales in the cellular segment, largely a result of the adverse impact of the coronavirus crisis on retail customer sales.

 

Gross profit from equipment sales in Q3 2020 was NIS 38 million (US$ 11 million), compared with NIS 33 million in Q3 2019, an increase of 15%, reflecting both the higher sales volumes and an increase in profit margins as a result of a change in the product mix.

 

Total operating expenses (‘OPEX’) totaled NIS 475 million (US$ 138 million) in Q3 2020, an increase of NIS 1 million from Q3 2019, largely reflecting an increase in interconnect expenses and in expenses related to internet services, partially offset by a decrease in payroll and related expenses and other expenses. Including depreciation and amortization expenses and other expenses (mainly amortization of employee share based compensation), OPEX in Q3 2020 decreased by 2% compared with Q3 2019.

 

Operating profit for Q3 2020 was NIS 20 million (US$ 6 million), a decrease of 23% compared with NIS 26 million in Q3 2019. The decrease mainly resulted from the decrease in Adjusted EBITDA (see Adjusted EBITDA analysis by segment below), partially offset by a decrease in depreciation and amortization expenses.

 

Adjusted EBITDA in Q3 2020 totaled NIS 204 million (US$ 59 million), a decrease of 9% from NIS 225 million in Q3 2019. As a percentage of total revenues, Adjusted EBITDA in Q3 2020 was 26% compared with 27% in Q3 2019.

 

Adjusted EBITDA for the cellular segment was NIS 134 million (US$ 39 million), in Q3 2020, a decrease of 21% from NIS 170 million in Q3 2019, largely reflecting the decrease in cellular service revenues mainly as a result of the coronavirus crisis and the increase in interconnect expenses, partially offset by a decrease in various cellular operating expenses including in payroll and related expenses and other cost cutting measures. As a percentage of total cellular segment revenues, Adjusted EBITDA for the cellular segment in Q3 2020 was 24% compared with 28% in Q3 2019.

 

Adjusted EBITDA for the fixed-line segment was NIS 70 million (US$ 20 million) in Q3 2020, an increase of 27% from NIS 55 million in Q3 2019, mainly reflecting the increase in fixed-line segment service revenues which was partially offset by an increase in fixed-line operating expenses. As a percentage of total fixed-line segment revenues, Adjusted EBITDA for the fixed-line segment in Q3 2020 was 24%, compared with 21% in Q3 2019.

 

Finance costs, net in Q3 2020 were NIS 24 million (US$ 7 million), an increase of 33% compared with NIS 18 million in Q3 2019. The increase largely reflected one-time expenses in an amount of approximately NIS 7 million relating to the partial early repayment of the Company’s Notes Series F during the quarter.

 

Income tax expenses for Q3 2020 were NIS 1 million (US$ 0.3 million), unchanged from Q3 2019.

 

Loss in Q3 2020 was NIS 5 million (US$ 1 million), a decrease in profit of NIS 12 million compared with a profit of NIS 7 million in Q3 2019.

 

Based on the weighted average number of shares outstanding during Q3 2020, basic losses per share or ADS, was NIS 0.03 (US$ 0.01), compared with basic earnings per share of NIS 0.04 in Q3 2019.

 

Cellular Segment Operational Review

 

At the end of Q3 2020, the Company's cellular subscriber base (including mobile data, 012 Mobile subscribers and M2M subscriptions included on an adjusted basis as described in the Company’s annual report) was approximately 2.76 million, including approximately 2.44 million Post-Paid subscribers or 88% of the base, and approximately 325 thousand Pre-Paid subscribers, or 12% of the subscriber base.

 

During the third quarter of 2020, the cellular subscriber base increased net by approximately 54 thousand. The Post-Paid subscriber base increased by approximately 33 thousand, and the Pre-Paid subscriber base increased by approximately 21 thousand.

 

Total cellular market share (based on the number of subscribers) at the end of Q3 2020 was estimated to be approximately 26%, compared with 25% at the end of Q3 2019.

 

The quarterly churn rate for cellular subscribers in Q3 2020 was 7.3%, compared with 7.7% in Q3 2019 and 7.5% in Q2 2020.

 

The monthly Average Revenue per User (“ARPU”) for cellular subscribers in Q3 2020 was NIS 51 (US$ 15), a decrease of 14% from NIS 59 in Q3 2019. The decrease resulted from the impact of the coronavirus crisis on roaming service revenues and the continued price erosion of cellular services due to the continued competitive market conditions, which were partially offset by an increase in interconnect revenues.

 

Funding and Investing Review

 

In Q3 2020, Adjusted Free Cash Flow (including lease payments) totaled NIS 21 million (US$ 6 million), an increase of 62% compared with NIS 13 million in Q3 2019.

 

Cash generated from operating activities totaled NIS 207 million (US$ 60 million) in Q3 2020, a decrease of 10% from NIS 230 million in Q3 2019, mainly reflecting the decrease in Adjusted EBITDA.

 

Lease payments (principal and interest), recorded in cash flows from financing activities under IFRS 16, totaled NIS 39 million (US$ 11 million) in Q3 2020, a decrease of NIS 3 million from NIS 42 million in Q3 2019.

 

Cash capital expenditures (‘CAPEX payments’), as represented by cash flows used for the acquisition of property and equipment and intangible assets, were NIS 147 million (US$ 43 million) in Q3 2020, a decrease of 16% from NIS 174 million in Q3 2019.

 

Following the receipt of the new 5G frequencies in the third quarter, the cost of the new frequencies was recognized as capital expenditures in intangible assets, to be paid in September 2022 according to the terms of the frequencies tender.

 

The level of Net Debt at the end of Q3 2020 amounted to NIS 646 million (US$ 188 million), compared with NIS 956 million at the end of Q3 2019, a decrease of NIS 310 million. The decrease mainly reflected the Company’s share issuance in January 2020 for which the total net consideration received was approximately NIS 276 million. In addition, during the third quarter, the Company completed the partial early repayment of its Notes Series F in a total amount of NIS 305 million, and expanded its Notes Series G in a total amount of NIS 300 million.

 

Regulatory Developments

 

Holdings of approved Israeli shareholders in the Company

 

The provisions of the Company's cellular license require, among others, that the "founding shareholders or their approved substitutes", as defined in the cellular license, hold at least 26% of the means of control in the Company, including 5% which must be held by Israeli shareholders (Israeli citizens and residents), who were approved as such by the Minister of Communications (“Israeli Shareholders”).

 

On November 12, 2019, the Israeli Ministry of Communications ("MoC") issued a temporary order (ending on November 1, 2020) amending the Company’s cellular license and reducing the percentage that the approved Israeli Shareholders are required to hold by the amount of shares now held by the foreign entities (from 5% down to 3.82% of the means of control in the Company).

 

On October 26, 2020, the MoC extended the term of the abovementioned order (ending on March 1, 2021). This temporary order is expected to allow the MoC and the Company sufficient time in which to resolve the issue of holdings of approved Israeli shareholders in the Company.

 

Upgrade of Bezeq’s infrastructure to VDSL35b Technology

 

On July 12, 2020, Bezeq reported that the MoC has allowed it make use of VDSL35b Technology, According to Bezeq’s report, this technology will allow it to substantially improve internet connection speeds and will allow it to market connections of up to 200 Mbps. Bezeq’s report states that the rollout of this new technology is expected to be limited to approximately 230,000 subscribers. According to the MoC’s approval, the relevant retail offering may be launched four months after the update to the existing interface with wholesale providers is published by Bezeq. In accordance with the MoC's approval, Bezeq has informed the Company that it launched the VDSL35b Technology. The Launch of this service will allow Bezeq to better respond to FTTH (Fiber to the Home) services offered by the Company, but would also allow the Company to improve the speed of the wholesale infrastructure services it offers, thus improving its TV services.

 

Hearing regarding a reform in the structure of the Internet Market

 

The fixed internet access market in Israel was historically divided into two tiers of services: infrastructure services and ISP (internet service provider) service. This split was intended to allow entry of new competitors, which provide services over Bezeq's infrastructure.

 

On October 4, 2020, the MoC published a hearing regarding a reform in the structure of the Internet Market. The hearing is aimed at ending the split of this segment into two tiers and allowing Bezeq and Hot Telecom to market a unified product (comprised of both infrastructure and ISP components). This proposed reform will not apply to the business sector. According to the hearing document, the proposed reform will enter into force on January 1, 2022 allowing ISPs to prepare for the change in the structure of this market. The Company has filed its position regarding this hearing. The Company agrees with the consumer need for a unified service but has argued that Bezeq and HOT should not be allowed to market this service themselves, but rather through their subsidiaries (which would purchase the infrastructure component at the same prices and terms as all other competitors).

 

Maximum tariff for wholesale access to BSA service over Bezeq's fiber optic network

 

Further to the description in the Company's annual report for 2018 regarding policy principles for the deployment of fiber-optic infrastructure in Israel and the public hearing description in the Company's Q2 2019 report, on August 25, 2020 the MoC published its decision regarding the maximum tariff that Bezeq will be allowed to charge for access to the BSA (Bitstream Access) service over Bezeq's fiber optic network. The maximum tariffs have been set as follows - for a line with a speed of up to 550 Mbps the maximum tariff will be NIS 71 per month (excluding VAT) and for a line with a speed of up to 1,100 Mbps the maximum tariff will be NIS 79 per month (excluding VAT). These tariffs shall not include installation fees. These tariffs mark a decrease from the initial tariffs proposed by the MoC in its hearing on this matter (71 NIS for a speed of up to 400 Mbps, and 85 NIS for a speed of up to 1,100 Mbps), however, the proposed tariffs were meant to include installation costs.

 

Business Developments

 

On November 9, 2020, Hermetic Trust (1975) Ltd., which serves as a trustee, among others, of the holders of the (Series F) debentures and the (Series G) debentures issued by the Company, informed the Company that the scope of its professional liability insurance coverage totals an amount of NIS 10 million. This notice was given in accordance with the provisions of the Series F and Series G trust deeds, according to which the trustee must update the Company should the insurance amount be reduced below the amount of US$ 8 million for any reason, in order to enable a report to be published on the subject.

 

Conference Call Details

Partner will hold a conference call on Wednesday, November 25, 2020 at 10.00AM Eastern Time / 5.00PM Israel Time.

To join the call, please dial the following numbers (at least 10 minutes before the scheduled time):

International: +972.3.918.0609

North America toll-free: +1.866.860.9642

A live webcast of the call will also be available on Partner's Investors Relations website at: www.partner.co.il/en/Investors-Relations/lobby/

If you are unavailable to join live, the replay of the call will be available from November 25, 2020 until December 9, 2020, at the following numbers:

International: +972.3.925.5925

North America toll-free: +1.888.326.9310

In addition, the archived webcast of the call will be available on Partner's Investor Relations website at the above address for approximately three months.

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 "estimate", “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 communicates our expectation regarding the impact of the continued cessation of international travel on the Company’s results of operations for the fourth quarter of 2020 and with respect to the grant amount and/or discounts that the Company will receive due to the frequency tender. In addition, all statements other than statements of historical fact included in this press release regarding our future performance 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, including in particular the grant amount and/or discounts due to the frequency tender and the severity and duration of the impact on our business of the current health crisis, and on the effectiveness of the proactive measures the Company has taken to cut costs. We have also assumed that we will continue to be able to take proactive cost-cutting measures.  In light of the current unreliability of predictions as to the ultimate severity and duration of the health crisis, future results may differ materially from those currently anticipated. 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, as well as its immediate reports on Form 6-K furnished to 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 the non-GAAP financial measures presented in the section, “Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures”. The preparation of interim condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with IFRS requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Management based such estimates on historical experience, information available at the time, and assumptions believed to be reasonable under the circumstances and at such time, including the impact of extraordinary events such as the novel coronavirus ("COVID-19"). Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

The financial information is presented in NIS millions (unless otherwise stated) and the figures presented are rounded accordingly. The convenience translations of the New Israeli Shekel (NIS) figures into US Dollars were made at the rate of exchange prevailing at September 30, 2020: US $1.00 equals NIS 3.441. The translations were made purely for the convenience of the reader.

 

About Partner Communications

 

Partner Communications Company Ltd. is a leading Israeli provider of telecommunications services (cellular, fixed-line telephony, internet services and TV services). 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.partner.co.il/en/Investors-Relations/lobby

Contacts:

*    Net of treasury shares.

** Including restricted shares in amount of 1,247,583 and 940,226 as of December 31, 2019 and September 30, 2020, respectively, held by a trustee under the Company's Equity Incentive Plan, such shares may become outstanding upon completion of vesting conditions.

 

 

*   Representing an amount of less than 1 million.

 

 

*   Representing an amount of less than 1 million.

*      Representing an amount of less than 1 million.

(1) Mainly amortization of employee share based compensation. (2) Adjusted EBITDA as reviewed by the CODM represents Earnings Before Interest (finance costs, net), Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization (including amortization of intangible assets, deferred expenses-right of use and impairment charges) and Other expenses (mainly amortization of share based compensation). 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 amortization of employee share based compensation and impairment charges.  (3) Operating expenses include selling and marketing expenses and general and administrative expenses.

*    Representing an amount of less than 1 million.

19

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*    Representing an amount of less than 1 million.

 

At September 30, 2020 and 2019, trade and other payables include NIS 114 million ($33 million) and NIS 133 million, respectively, in respect of acquisition of intangible assets and property and equipment; payments in respect thereof are presented in cash flows from investing activities.

 

These balances are recognized in the cash flow statements upon payment.