Report on Form 6-K dated January 31, 2007
Partner
Communications Company Ltd.
(Translation of Registrants Name Into English)
8 Amal Street
Afeq Industrial
Park
Rosh Haayin 48103
Israel
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) |
(Indicate
by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F.) |
Form 20-F x Form 40-F o
(Indicate
by check mark whether the registrant by furnishing the information contained in this Form is also thereby furnishing the information to the Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.) |
Yes o No x
(If
Yes is marked, indicate below the file number assigned to the registrant in connection with Rule 12g3-2(b): 82- ) |
This Form 6-K is incorporated by reference into the Companys Registration Statement on Form F-3 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 26, 2001 (Registration No. 333-14222).
Enclosure: | Press Release dated January 31, 2007 re: Partner Communications Reports 2006 Annual Results. |
2006 EPS doubled to NIS 4.44
276,000 3G Subscribers, over 10% of Subscriber Base
Partner reported revenues in 2006 of NIS 5,606.7 million (US$ 1,327.0 million), EBITDA of NIS 1,850.1 million (US$ 437.9 million), equivalent to 33.0% of total revenue, and net income of NIS 682.3 million (US$ 161.5 million) or NIS 4.41 per diluted ADS or share (US$ 1.04 per ADS or share).
For the fourth quarter of 2006, Partner reported revenues of NIS 1,445.1 million (US$ 342.0 million), EBITDA of NIS 461.7 million (US$ 109.3 million), and net income of NIS 163.0 million (US$ 38.6 million).
Partner also reported that its 3G subscriber base stood at approximately 276,000, equal to 10.3% of the total subscriber base, at year-end 2006.
Pursuant to the dividend policy adopted by the board for 2006, the board resolved to authorize the distribution of a cash dividend in the amount of NIS 1.28 per share (totaling approximately NIS 200 million) to shareholders of record on February 20, 2007. The dividend will be paid on March 6, 2007. The total dividend amount for 2006 will be approximately NIS 410 million.
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NIS '000 |
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 | ||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Revenues | 4,054,563 | 4,467,719 | 5,140,737 | 5,122,939 | 5,606,711 | ||||||||||||
Cost of revenues | 3,069,458 | 3,136,456 | 3,615,014 | 3,766,352 | 3,897,267 | ||||||||||||
Gross profit | 985,105 | 1,331,263 | 1,525,723 | 1,356,587 | 1,709,444 | ||||||||||||
SG&A | 451,673 | 476,395 | 506,377 | 453,681 | 491,052 | ||||||||||||
Operating profit | 533,432 | 854,868 | 1,019,346 | 902,906 | 1,218,392 | ||||||||||||
Other expenses | 4,054 | 3,530 | - | - | - | ||||||||||||
Financial expenses | 445,180 | 321,710 | 260,545 | 345,448 | 166,442 | ||||||||||||
Income before taxes | 84,198 | 529,628 | 758,801 | 557,458 | 1,051,950 | ||||||||||||
Tax expenses (tax benefit) | - | (633,022 | ) | 287,248 | 202,898 | 370,675 | |||||||||||
Cumulative effect of a change in | |||||||||||||||||
accounting principles | - | - | - | - | 1,012 | ||||||||||||
Net income for the period | 84,198 | 1,162,650 | 471,553 | 354,560 | 682,287 | ||||||||||||
Cash flow from operating activities net | |||||||||||||||||
of investing activities | (133,777 | ) | 654,723 | 599,186 | 459,632 | 774,783 |
NIS '000 |
Q4 2005 |
Q1 2006 |
Q2 2006 |
Q3 2006 |
Q4 2006 | ||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Revenues | 1,259,274 | 1,326,644 | 1,372,945 | 1,461,989 | 1,445,133 | ||||||||||||
Cost of revenues | 930,225 | 952,177 | 941,914 | 1,004,637 | 998,539 | ||||||||||||
Gross profit | 329,049 | 374,467 | 431,031 | 457,352 | 446,594 | ||||||||||||
SG&A | 125,836 | 100,932 | 119,542 | 137,841 | 132,737 | ||||||||||||
Operating profit | 203,213 | 273,535 | 311,489 | 319,511 | 313,857 | ||||||||||||
Financial Expenses | 62,986 | 38,629 | 61,176 | 44,710 | 21,927 | ||||||||||||
Income before taxes | 140,227 | 234,906 | 250,313 | 274,801 | 291,930 | ||||||||||||
Tax expenses | 56,938 | 75,501 | 76,076 | 90,148 | 128,950 | ||||||||||||
Cumulative effect of a change in accounting principles | - | 1,012 | - | - | - | ||||||||||||
Net income for period | 83,289 | 160,417 | 174,237 | 184,653 | 162,980 | ||||||||||||
Cash flow from operating activities net of investing activities | 198,967 | 68,405 | 230,460 | 312,339 | 163,579 |
Key Operating Indicators:
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 | |||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
EBITDA (NIS millions) | 1,052 | 1,380 | 1,576 | 1,569 | 1,850 | ||||||||||||
EBITDA as a percentage of total revenues | 26.0 | % | 30.9 | % | 30.7 | % | 30.6 | % | 33.0 | % | |||||||
Subscribers (thousands) | 1,837 | 2,103 | 2,340 | 2,529 | 2,668 | ||||||||||||
Estimated Market Share (%) | 29 | % | 31 | % | 32 | % | 32 | % | 32 | % | |||||||
Annual Churn Rate (%) | 10.9 | % | 13.6 | % | 12.0 | % | 13.6 | % | 15.6 | % | |||||||
Average Monthly Usage per Subscriber (minutes) | 280 | 277 | 286 | 294 | 311 | ||||||||||||
Average Monthly Revenue per Subscriber (NIS) | 183 | 171 | 170 | 156 | 158 |
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Commenting on the 2006 annual results, Partners CEO, David Avner, said: 2006 was yet another excellent year for Partner. I want to thank my predecessor, the previous CEO and the founder of Partner, Amikam Cohen, for his superb leadership and his support and assistance during 2006.
In 2006 we continued to grow our 3G subscriber base, which now accounts for more than 10% of our subscribers. We provide them with a wide and continuously expanding range of 3G services and great handsets. Our subscribers can also benefit from our introduction in most populated areas around the country of HSDPA capabilities, enabling a unique high-speed wireless Internet access experience.
The assets built by the Company in recent years, making it a leading cellular company in Israel, continued to strengthen. Once again orange was named the leading telecommunications brand in Israel for the fourth consecutive year. Globes, Israels business daily, named Partner, for the second year running, the mobile operator with the best customer service. We expect that our core strengths as providers of superb network quality, excellent customer service, the strongest telecom brand and the most advanced data and content services, will enable us to continue to grow our subscriber base and drive value for our shareholders. These assets will also be instrumental while we broaden the portfolio of services we offer our customers. With the transmission and fixed line telephony licenses now awarded to us, we are well on our way to offering customers a wide range of superb telecom services.
Financial Review
Partners revenues in 2006 totaled NIS 5,606.7million (US$ 1,327.0 million), increasing by 9.4% from NIS 5,122.9 million in 2005. Quarterly revenues were NIS 1,445.1 million (US$ 342.0 million) in Q4 2006, up 14.8% from NIS 1,259.3 million in Q4 2005, but down by 1.2% compared with NIS 1,462.0 million in Q3 2006.
Annual revenues from services totaled NIS 5,027.3 million (US$ 1,189.9 million) in 2006, representing an increase of 8.8% from 2005 service revenues of NIS 4,619.9 million. Q4 2006 revenues from services increased by 13.2% to NIS 1,282.2 million (US$ 303.5 million), from NIS 1,132.9 million in Q4 2005, but decreased by 2.6% from NIS 1,316.4 million in Q3 2006, reflecting seasonal patterns in service revenues.
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Total network minutes increased in 2006 by 13.2% compared with 2005. The effect of this increase was partially offset by a 5.5% dilution in the average tariff per minute including incoming calls. The increase in total network minutes was driven primarily by an expanding subscriber base, which grew by approximately 5.5% in 2006. The dilution in the average tariff per minute compared with 2005 reflects primarily the impact of the mandated reduction in interconnection tariffs which went into effect in March 2006, as part of the Ministry of Communications program of mandated gradual reductions from 2005 to 2008. This also reflects greater competition in the market, and the increase in the weight of business subscribers in our total customer base. Business subscribers tend to generate more minutes of use than post-paid private and prepaid subscribers, but with a lower average per minute tariff.
2006 equipment revenues were NIS 579.4 million (US$ 137.1 million), an increase of 15.2% from NIS 503.0 million in 2005. Quarterly equipment revenues in Q4 2006 increased by 28.9% to NIS 162.9 million (US$ 38.6 million) from NIS 126.4 million in Q4 2005, and increased by 11.9% compared with NIS 145.6 million in Q3 2006. The annual increase compared with 2005 was caused by increases in both the average revenue per sale reflecting the higher proportion of 3G sales to new and upgrading subscribers, as well as in the number of sales to new and upgrading subscribers. Compared with Q4 2005 the increase was primarily a result of the increase in the total number of sales, whilst the increase compared with Q3 2006 was due to increases in both the average revenue per sale, as well as in the total number of sales.
Data and content revenues, including SMS messages, totaled NIS 526.7 million (US$ 124.7 million) for 2006 as a whole, accounting for 9.4% of total revenues or 10.5% of service revenues, up from NIS 404.2 million, 7.9% of total revenues, or 8.7% of service revenues, in 2005, despite the mandated 49% reduction in SMS interconnection tariffs which went into effect in March 2006. Content and data revenues in Q4 2006 accounted for 10.1% of total revenues or 11.4% of service revenues, up from 8.8% of total revenues and 9.7% of service revenues in Q4 2005. Both the annual and quarterly increases compared with 2005 were driven by data and content non-SMS service revenues, which increased by 36.1% on an annual basis and by 32.6% compared with Q4 2005. Revenues from SMS services in 2006 increased by 21.7% compared with 2005, despite the reduction in SMS interconnect tariffs from March 2006, as mandated by the Ministry of Communications. SMS messages accounted for approximately 38% of data and content revenues in 2006, compared with approximately 42% in 2005.
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2006 cost of revenues related to services totaled NIS 3,085.5 million (US$ 730.3 million), increasing by 2.1% from NIS 3,022.5 million in 2005. The increase was primarily driven by the higher variable airtime costs resulting from the growth in airtime usage, offset by lower depreciation, lower royalties, and efficiency measures taken by the company. Compared with Q4 2005, the cost of revenues related to services increased by 2.3% from NIS 756.8 million to NIS 774.1 million (US$ 183.2 million) in Q4 2006, the increase again being due primarily to higher variable airtime costs resulting from the growth in airtime usage. Compared with Q3 2006, the cost of revenues related to services decreased by 2.5% from NIS 794.2 million.
The cost of revenues related to equipment in 2006 was NIS 811.8 million (US$ 192.1 million), representing an increase of 9.1% from NIS 743.9 million in 2005. The increase was driven primarily by the selling of more advanced and higher cost 3G handsets and an approximate 7% growth in sales transactions to new and upgrading subscribers. The cost of revenues related to equipment in Q4 2006 totaled NIS 224.4 million (US$ 53.1 million), an increase of 29.4% from NIS 173.4 million in Q4 2005, principally reflecting an increase in the total number of transactions, and the higher proportion of 3G sales to new and upgrading subscribers, and an increase of 6.7% from NIS 210.4 million in Q3 2006, driven mainly by an increase in the total number of sales.
2006 gross profit from services was NIS 1,941.8 million (US$ 459.6 million), an increase of 21.6% from NIS 1,597.5 million in 2005. Quarterly gross profit on services for Q4 2006 increased by 35.1% from NIS 376.1 million in Q4 2005 to NIS 508.1 million (US$ 120.3 million) in Q4 2006, but decreased by 2.7% from NIS 522.2 million in Q3 2006. Gross loss on equipment in 2006 was NIS 232.4 million (US$ 55.0 million), a decrease of 3.5% from NIS 240.9 million in 2005. Compared with Q4 2005, the gross loss on equipment in Q4 2006 increased by 30.7% from NIS 47.0 million to NIS 61.5 million (US$ 14.6 million), reflecting the increase in the total number of sales. Compared with Q3 2006, the gross loss on equipment decreased by 5.2% from NIS 64.9 million.
Overall, 2006 gross profit was NIS 1,709.4 million (US$ 404.6 million), the equivalent of 30.4% of revenues, up by 26.0% from NIS 1,356.6 million, or 26.5% of revenues, in 2005. Gross profit for Q4 2006 was NIS 446.6 million (US$ 105.7 million), 30.9% of revenues, an increase of 35.7% from NIS 329.0 million, or 26.1% of revenues, in Q4 2005.
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Selling and marketing expenses increased in 2006 by 12.7% to NIS 307.6 million (US$ 72.8 million), from NIS 272.9 million in 2005, principally related to an increase in the sales force, which contributed to growth in sales transactions, as well as increases in distribution and advertising costs. Q4 2006 selling and marketing expenses were NIS 90.6 million (US$ 21.5 million), an increase of 16.2% from NIS 78.0 million in Q4 2005, and an increase of 7.7% from NIS 84.1 million in Q3 2006. Compared with Q4 2005, the increase was principally related to an increase in the sales force. Compared with Q3 2006, the increase was mainly due to end of year promotional campaigns.
General and administrative expenses in 2006 were NIS 183.5 million (US$ 43.4 million), up by 1.5% from NIS 180.8 million in 2005, the increase primarily due to fees related to ensuring Sarbanes-Oxley Act compliance. For Q4 2006, general and administrative expenses decreased by 12.0% from NIS 47.8 million in Q4 2005 to NIS 42.1 million (US$ 10.0 million).
Overall, 2006 operating profit was NIS 1,218.4 million (US$ 288.4 million), an increase of 34.9% from NIS 902.9 million in 2005. In revenue percentage terms, operating profit increased from 17.6% of total revenues in 2005 to 21.7% in 2006. Operating profit in Q4 2006 was NIS 313.9 million (US$ 74.3 million), or 21.7% of total revenues, an increase from Q4 2005 of 54.4% from NIS 203.2 million, or 16.1% of revenues.
In 2006 the Company recorded annual EBITDA of NIS 1,850.1 million (US$ 437.9 million), the equivalent of 33.0% of revenues, up by 17.9% from NIS 1,568.6 million, or 30.6% of revenues in 2005. Quarterly EBITDA in Q4 2006 was NIS 461.6 million (US$ 109.2 million), an increase of 26.6% from NIS 364.5 million in Q4 2005.
Financial expenses decreased by 51.8% in 2006, from NIS 345.4 million in 2005 to NIS 166.4 million (US$ 39.4 million) in 2006. The decrease is primarily attributed to one-off charges in 2005 including a NIS 63 million charge related to the redemption of the US$ 175 million 13% Senior Subordinated Notes in August 2005. The decrease also reflects lower interest expenses resulting from the refinancing of the Companys long term debt with lower cost CPI linked shekel-denominated debt, as well as lower expenses resulting from the lower average CPI level in 2006 of -0.1% compared with +2.4% in 2005.
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Following the ruling of the Supreme Court, on November 20, 2006 on the matter of Paz Gas Marketing Company Ltd. and others vs. the assessing officer and others, which overturned the rules regarding the recognition of financing expenses, the Company included in its financial statements an additional provision for taxes in the amount of NIS 35 million. This provision is an estimate of the additional tax expense relating to the possibility that part of the financing expenses accrued in the years 2005 and 2006 in respect of a financial debt, which is attributable, inter alia, to the financing of a repurchase of Company shares, will not be recognized as an expense for tax purposes. The Company has reasons justifying the recognition of these expenses for tax purposes, or part of them, however since at this point the level of certainty required in order to recognize these expenses does not exist, the aforementioned provision was recorded. The Company is examining the possible effects of the ruling, if any, on its policies in the future.
Net income in 2006 was NIS 682.3 million (US$ 161.5 million) or earnings of NIS 4.44 (US$ 1.05) per basic ADS or share (NIS 4.41 per diluted ADS or share), representing a 92.4% increase from NIS 354.6 million, or earnings of NIS 2.19 per basic ADS or share (NIS 2.17 per diluted ADS or share), in 2005. Q4 2006 net income was NIS 163.0 million (US$ 38.6 million), up 95.7% from NIS 83.3 million in Q4 2005.
Funding and Investing Review
Cash flows generated from operating activities in 2006, net of cash flows from investing activities, were NIS 774.8 million (US$ 183.4 million), an increase of 68.6% from NIS 459.6 million in 2005. The increase was primarily due to an increase in cash flows from operating activities, combined with a decrease in the level of investment in fixed assets. Cash flows from operating activities increased by 21.6% from NIS 1,006.3 million in 2005 to NIS 1,223.5 million (US$ 289.6 million) in 2006. Cash flows from investing activities decreased by 17.9% to NIS 448.7 million (US$ 106.2 million) in 2006, from NIS 546.7 million in 2005.
Q4 2006 cash flows generated from operating activities, net of cash flows from investing activities, decreased by 17.8% from NIS 199.0 million in Q4 2005 to NIS 163.6 million (US$ 38.7 million), primarily due to a 299.5% increase in the level of investment in fixed assets.
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Net investment in fixed assets in 2006 totaled NIS 487.9 million (US$ 115.5 million), approximately equivalent to NIS 486.4 million in 2005. On July 3, 2006 the Company acquired MED I.C-1 (1999) Ltd. (Med 1) transmission activity including 900 kilometers of transmission fiber for approximately NIS 71 million (US$ 16.8 million) in cash. The purchase of the Med-1 transmission network will lower the Companys transmission expenses and offers the Company the ability to provide its customers with additional services.
Operational Review
Approximately 139,000 net active subscribers joined the Company in 2006 compared with approximately 189,000 in 2005, with the business sector accounting for approximately 71% of net new active subscribers over the year. The Companys active subscriber base at the end of December 2006 was approximately 2,668,000, including approximately 605,000 business subscribers or 23% of the base, approximately 1,282,000 postpaid private subscribers, or 48% of the base, and approximately 781,000 prepaid subscribers, or 29% of the base. Of the Companys subscriber base, approximately 276,000 were 3G subscribers. We estimate our 2006 year-end market share to have been around 32%
The 2006 annual churn rate was 15.6%, up from 13.6% in 2005, the increase primarily due churn in the prepaid sector.
2006 average monthly usage per subscriber (MOU) for 2006 was 311 minutes, an increase of 5.8% compared with 294 minutes in 2005. Average monthly revenue per subscriber (ARPU) in 2006 was NIS 158 (US$ 37.4), an increase of 1.3% compared with NIS 156 in 2005, despite the reduction in interconnection charges mandated by the Ministry of Communications in March 2006.
Commenting on the Companys results, Mr. Emanuel Avner, Partners Chief Financial Officer said: We are very pleased with our results. We once again achieved record profitability levels, we doubled our EPS, enabling us to distribute a yearly dividend per share in an amount of NIS 2.63, equivalent at the current market price to a dividend yield of 5%.
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Outlook and Guidance
Commenting on the Companys outlook, Mr. Emanuel Avner, Partners Chief Financial Officer said: Looking forward to 2007, we expect to continue to grow our subscriber base compared with 2006, despite the highly penetrated market. We will continue to focus heavily on 3G subscribers and expect to see a strong growth in our 3G base.
Despite the forthcoming decline in interconnect tariffs from March 2007, and the decline in revenues that will result from the recently introduced regulation regarding short calls to voicemail, we expect growth in total revenues in 2007.
The Company expects that number portability, which is expected to be implemented during the year, will lead to higher retention costs, and a rise in churn rates following implementation.
Barring any further adverse material regulatory decisions, we expect an increase in annual EBITDA in 2007, though at a lower pace than in 2006.
The Company is currently reviewing whether to increase its dividend policy above a 60% net income payout ratio, and the review will be completed during the first half of the year.
Partner Communications will hold a conference call to discuss the companys 2006 full-year and fourth-quarter results on Wednesday, January 31, 2007, at 17:00 Israel local time (10AM EST). This conference call will be broadcast live over the Internet and can be accessed by all interested parties through our investor relations web site at http://www.investors.partner.co.il.
To listen to the broadcast, please go to the web site at least 15 minutes prior to the start of the call to register, download and install any necessary audio software. For those unable to listen to the live broadcast, an archive of the call will be available via the Internet (at the same location as the live broadcast) shortly after the call ends, and until midnight of February 07, 2007.
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Partner Communications Company Ltd. (Partner) is a leading Israeli mobile communications operator providing GSM / GPRS / UMTS / HSDPA services and wire free applications under the orange brand. The Company commenced full commercial operations in January 1999 and, through its network, provides quality service and a range of features to 2.668 million subscribers in Israel. The Company launched its 3G service in 2004. Partners ADSs are quoted on The NASDAQ Global Select Market and on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange under the symbol PTNR. The shares are also traded on the London Stock Exchange under the symbol PCCD.
Partner is a subsidiary of Hutchison Telecommunications International Limited (Hutchison Telecom). Hutchison Telecom is a leading listed telecommunications operator (SEHK: 2332; NYSE: HTX) focusing on dynamic markets. It currently offers mobile and fixed-line telecommunication services in Hong Kong, and operates or is rolling out mobile telecommunication services in India, Israel, Macau, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Ghana, Indonesia and Vietnam.
For more information about Partner, see www.investors.partner.co.il
Note: 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. We have based these forward-looking statements on our current expectations and projections about future events. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions about Partner.
Words such as believe, anticipate, expect, intend, seek, will, plan, could, may, project, goal, target and similar expressions often identify forward-looking statements but are not the only way we identify these statements. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this press release regarding our future performance (including our outlook and guidance for 2007), plans to increase revenues or margins or preserve or expand market share in existing or new markets, reduce expenses and any statements regarding other future events or our future prospects, are forward-looking statements.
Because such statements involve risks and uncertainties, actual results may differ materially from the results currently expected. Factors that could cause such differences include, but are not limited to:
| the effects of the high degree of regulation in the telecommunications market in which we operate; |
| regulatory developments relating to tariffs, including interconnect tariffs; |
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| the difficulties associated with obtaining all permits required for building and operating of antenna sites; |
| the requirement to indemnify planning committees in respect of claims made against them relating to the depreciation of property values or to alleged health damages resulting from antenna sites; |
| alleged health risks related to antenna sites and use of telecommunication devices; |
| the effects of vigorous competition in the market in which we operate and for more valuable customers, which may decrease prices charged, increase churn and change our customer mix, profitability and average revenue per user, and the response of competitors to industry and regulatory developments; |
| uncertainties about the degree of growth in the number of consumers in Israel using wireless personal communications services and the growth in the Israeli population; |
| the risks associated with the implementation of a third generation (3G) network and business strategy, including risks relating to the operations of new systems and technologies, potential unanticipated costs, uncertainties regarding the adequacy of suppliers on whom we must rely to provide both network and consumer equipment and consumer acceptance of the products and services to be offered, and the risk that the use of internet search engines by our 3G customers will be restricted; |
| the risks associated with technological requirements, technology substitution and changes and other technological developments; |
| the impact of existing and new competitors in the market in which we compete, including competitors that may offer less expensive products and services, desirable or innovative products, technological substitutes, or have extensive resources or better financing; |
| regulatory developments related to the implementation of number portability; |
| fluctuations in foreign exchange rates; |
| the possibility of the market in which we compete being impacted by changes in political, economic or other factors, such as monetary policy, legal and regulatory changes or other external factors over which we have no control; |
| the availability and cost of capital and the consequences of increased leverage; and |
| the results of litigation filed or that may be filed against us, |
as well as the risks discussed in Risk Factors, Information on the Company and Operating and Financial Review and Prospects in form 20-F filed with the SEC on May 18, 2006. In light of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, the forward-looking events discussed in this report might not occur.
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 financial results presented in this press release are preliminary un-audited financial results. The results were prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
The convenience translations of the Nominal New Israeli Shekel (NIS) figures into US Dollars were made at the rate of exchange prevailing at December 31st, 2006: US $1.00 equals NIS 4.225. The translations were made purely for the convenience of the reader.
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Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, exceptional items and capitalization of intangible assets (EBITDA) is presented because it is a measure commonly used in the telecommunications industry and is presented solely in order to improve the understanding of the Companys operating results and to provide further perspective on these results. EBITDA, however, should not be considered as an alternative to operating income or net income for the year as an indicator of the operating performance of the Company. Similarly, EBITDA should not be considered as an alternative to cash flows from operating activities as a measure of liquidity. EBITDA is not a measure of financial performance under generally accepted accounting principles and may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures for other companies. EBITDA may not be indicative of the historic operating results of the Company; nor is it meant to be predictive of potential future results.
Reconciliation between our cash flows from operating activities and EBIDTA is presented in the attached summary financial results.
Contacts:
Mr. Emanuel Avner | Dr. Dan Eldar | ||
Chief Financial Officer | V.P. Carrier, Investor and International Relations | ||
Tel: | +972-54-7814951 | Tel: | +972-54-7814151 |
Fax: | +972-54-7815961 | Fax: | +972-54 -7814161 |
E-mail: | emanuel.avner@orange.co.il | E-mail: | dan.eldar@orange.co.il |
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PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS
COMPANY LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE
SHEETS
December 31 | |||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2005 |
2006 |
2006 | |||||||||
New Israeli shekels |
Convenience translation into U.S. dollars | ||||||||||
(Audited) |
(U n a u d i t e d) | ||||||||||
In thousands | |||||||||||
A s s e t s | |||||||||||
CURRENT ASSETS: | |||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | 4,008 | 77,547 | 18,354 | ||||||||
Accounts receivable: | |||||||||||
Trade | 795,156 | 964,309 | 228,239 | ||||||||
Other | 97,128 | 65,533 | 15,511 | ||||||||
Inventories | 209,323 | 126,466 | 29,933 | ||||||||
Deferred income taxes | 65,361 | 40,495 | 9,584 | ||||||||
Total current assets | 1,170,976 | 1,274,350 | 301,621 | ||||||||
INVESTMENTS AND LONG-TERM RECEIVABLES: | |||||||||||
Accounts receivable - trade | 189,013 | 274,608 | 64,996 | ||||||||
Funds in respect of employee rights upon retirement | 75,443 | 80,881 | 19,143 | ||||||||
264,456 | 355,489 | 84,139 | |||||||||
FIXED ASSETS, net of accumulated depreciation and | |||||||||||
amortization | 1,768,895 | 1,747,459 | 413,600 | ||||||||
LICENSE, DEFERRED CHARGES AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS, net of accumulated amortization | 1,321,167 | 1,247,084 | 295,168 | ||||||||
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES | 86,505 | 76,139 | 18,021 | ||||||||
Total assets | 4,611,999 | 4,700,521 | 1,112,549 | ||||||||
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December 31 | |||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2005 |
2006 |
2006 | |||||||||
New Israeli shekels |
Convenience translation into U.S. dollars | ||||||||||
(Audited) |
(U n a u d i t e d) | ||||||||||
In thousands | |||||||||||
Liabilities and shareholders' equity | |||||||||||
CURRENT LIABILITIES: | |||||||||||
Current maturities of long-term liabilities | 34,464 | 40,184 | 9,511 | ||||||||
Accounts payable and accruals: | |||||||||||
Trade | 665,542 | 690,424 | 163,414 | ||||||||
Other | 231,480 | 281,403 | 66,604 | ||||||||
Parent company's - group trade | 10,513 | 15,830 | 3,747 | ||||||||
Dividend payable | 44,996 | - | - | ||||||||
Total current liabilities | 986,995 | 1,027,841 | 243,276 | ||||||||
LONG-TERM LIABILITIES: | |||||||||||
Bank loans, net of current maturities | 665,974 | 272,508 | 64,499 | ||||||||
Notes payable | 2,022,257 | 2,016,378 | 477,249 | ||||||||
Liability for employee rights upon retirement | 102,238 | 113,380 | 26,836 | ||||||||
Other liabilities | 19,184 | 15,947 | 3,774 | ||||||||
Total long-term liabilities | 2,809,653 | 2,418,213 | 572,358 | ||||||||
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES | |||||||||||
Total liabilities | 3,796,648 | 3,446,054 | 815,634 | ||||||||
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY: | |||||||||||
Share capital - ordinary shares of NIS 0.01 par | |||||||||||
value: authorized - December 31, 2005 and 2006 - | |||||||||||
235,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding - | |||||||||||
December 31, 2005 - 152,528,288 shares and | |||||||||||
December 31, 2006 - 154,516,217 shares issued | 1,525 | 1,545 | 366 | ||||||||
Capital surplus | 2,388,425 | 2,452,682 | 580,516 | ||||||||
Accumulated deficit | (1,574,599 | ) | (1,199,760 | ) | (283,967 | ) | |||||
Total shareholders' equity | 815,351 | 1,254,467 | 296,915 | ||||||||
4,611,999 | 4,700,521 | 1,112,549 | |||||||||
14
PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS
COMPANY LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS
OF OPERATIONS
Year ended December 31 | ||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2006 | |||||||||||
New Israeli shekels |
Convenience translation into U.S. dollars | |||||||||||||
(Audited) |
(Unaudited) | |||||||||||||
In thousands (except per share data) | ||||||||||||||
REVENUES - net: | ||||||||||||||
Services | 4,615,781 | 4,619,932 | 5,027,310 | 1,189,896 | ||||||||||
Equipment | 524,956 | 503,007 | 579,401 | 137,136 | ||||||||||
5,140,737 | 5,122,939 | 5,606,711 | 1,327,032 | |||||||||||
COST OF REVENUES: | ||||||||||||||
Services | 2,885,077 | 3,022,480 | 3,085,507 | 730,297 | ||||||||||
Equipment | 729,937 | 743,872 | 811,760 | 192,133 | ||||||||||
3,615,014 | 3,766,352 | 3,897,267 | 922,430 | |||||||||||
GROSS PROFIT | 1,525,723 | 1,356,587 | 1,709,444 | 404,602 | ||||||||||
SELLING AND MARKETING EXPENSES | 325,244 | 272,900 | 307,592 | 72,803 | ||||||||||
GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES | 181,133 | 180,781 | 183,460 | 43,422 | ||||||||||
OPERATING PROFIT | 1,019,346 | 902,906 | 1,218,392 | 288,377 | ||||||||||
FINANCIAL EXPENSES, net | 260,545 | 345,448 | 166,442 | 39,395 | ||||||||||
INCOME BEFORE TAXES ON INCOME | 758,801 | 557,458 | 1,051,950 | 248,982 | ||||||||||
TAXES ON INCOME | 287,248 | 202,898 | 370,675 | 87,734 | ||||||||||
INCOME BEFORE CUMULATIVE EFFECT OF A CHANGE IN | ||||||||||||||
ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES | 471,553 | 354,560 | 681,275 | 161,248 | ||||||||||
CUMULATIVE EFFECT, AT BEGINNING OF YEAR, OF A | ||||||||||||||
CHANGE IN ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES, net of tax | 1,012 | 240 | ||||||||||||
NET INCOME FOR THE YEAR | 471,553 | 354,560 | 682,287 | 161,488 | ||||||||||
EARNINGS PER SHARE ("EPS"): | ||||||||||||||
Basic: | ||||||||||||||
Before cumulative effect | 2.57 | 2.19 | 4.43 | 1.05 | ||||||||||
Cumulative effect | - | - | 0.01 | - | ||||||||||
2.57 | 2.19 | 4.44 | 1.05 | |||||||||||
Diluted: | ||||||||||||||
Before cumulative effect | 2.56 | 2.17 | 4.40 | 1.04 | ||||||||||
Cumulative effect | - | - | 0.01 | - | ||||||||||
2.56 | 2.17 | 4.41 | 1.04 | |||||||||||
WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF | ||||||||||||||
SHARES OUTSTANDING: | ||||||||||||||
Basic | 183,389,383 | 161,711,125 | 153,633,758 | 153,633,758 | ||||||||||
Diluted | 184,108,917 | 163,617,272 | 154,677,685 | 154,677,685 | ||||||||||
15
PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS
COMPANY LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS
OF CASH FLOWS
Year ended December 31 | ||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2006 | |||||||||||
New Israeli shekels |
Convenience translation into U.S. dollars | |||||||||||||
(Audited) |
(Unaudited) | |||||||||||||
In thousands | ||||||||||||||
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: | ||||||||||||||
Net income for the year | 471,553 | 354,560 | 682,287 | 161,488 | ||||||||||
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash | ||||||||||||||
provided by operating activities: | ||||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 558,222 | 683,503 | 622,434 | 147,322 | ||||||||||
Employee share-based option compensation expenses | 10,720 | 10,353 | 20,957 | 4,960 | ||||||||||
Liability for employee rights upon retirement | 16,302 | 9,430 | 11,142 | 2,637 | ||||||||||
Deferred income taxes | 283,807 | 198,079 | 35,231 | 8,339 | ||||||||||
Income tax benefit in respect of exercise of options | ||||||||||||||
granted to employees | 3,440 | 4,820 | ||||||||||||
Accrued interest, exchange and linkage | ||||||||||||||
differences on (erosion of) long-term liabilities | (10,258 | ) | 108,411 | (4,646 | ) | (1,100 | ) | |||||||
Amount carried to deferred charges | (13,820 | ) | ||||||||||||
Capital loss (gain) on sale of fixed assets | (391 | ) | 493 | 274 | 65 | |||||||||
Cumulative effect, at beginning of year, of a change | ||||||||||||||
in accounting principles | (1,012 | ) | (240 | ) | ||||||||||
Changes in operating asset and liability items: | ||||||||||||||
Decrease (increase) in accounts receivable: | ||||||||||||||
Trade | (225,860 | ) | (262,262 | ) | (254,748 | ) | (60,295 | ) | ||||||
Other | (13,615 | ) | (26,970 | ) | 30,952 | 7,326 | ||||||||
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and accruals: | ||||||||||||||
Trade | 135,600 | 112,857 | (58,568 | ) | (13,862 | ) | ||||||||
Other | 41,613 | (75,884 | ) | 49,923 | 11,816 | |||||||||
Parent company's - group trade | 10,513 | 5,317 | 1,258 | |||||||||||
Increase (decrease) in asset retirement obligations | 464 | (92 | ) | 1,069 | 253 | |||||||||
Decrease (increase) in inventories | 1,205 | (107,667 | ) | 82,857 | 19,611 | |||||||||
Net cash provided by operating activities | 1,272,802 | 1,006,324 | 1,223,469 | 289,578 | ||||||||||
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: | ||||||||||||||
Purchase of fixed assets | (609,795 | ) | (498,851 | ) | (344,206 | ) | (81,469 | ) | ||||||
Acquisition of optic fibers activity | (71,125 | ) | (16,834 | ) | ||||||||||
Proceeds from sale of fixed assets | 552 | 16 | 73 | (17 | ) | |||||||||
Purchase of additional spectrum | (53,969 | ) | (41,542 | ) | (27,690 | ) | (6,554 | ) | ||||||
Payment in respect of transmission services license | (300 | ) | (71 | ) | ||||||||||
Funds in respect of employee rights upon retirement | (10,404 | ) | (6,315 | ) | (5,438 | ) | (1,287 | ) | ||||||
Net cash used in investing activities | (673,616 | ) | (546,692 | ) | (448,686 | ) | (106,198 | ) | ||||||
16
PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Year ended December 31 | ||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2006 | |||||||||||
New Israeli shekels |
Convenience translation into U.S. Dollars | |||||||||||||
(Audited) |
(Unaudited) | |||||||||||||
In thousands | ||||||||||||||
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: | ||||||||||||||
Repayment of capital lease | (1,893 | ) | (3,620 | ) | (857 | ) | ||||||||
Repurchase of company's shares (including purchase | ||||||||||||||
cost of NIS 17,591,000) | (1,091,841 | ) | - | - | ||||||||||
Issuance of notes payable under a prospectus, net of | ||||||||||||||
issuance costs | 1,929,223 | - | - | |||||||||||
Redemption of notes payable | (793,100 | ) | - | - | ||||||||||
Proceeds from exercise of stock options granted to | ||||||||||||||
employees | 25,798 | 37,153 | 44,332 | 10,493 | ||||||||||
Windfall tax benefit in respect of exercise of options | ||||||||||||||
granted to employees | 643 | 152 | ||||||||||||
Dividend paid | (41,773 | ) | (352,444 | ) | (83,419 | ) | ||||||||
Long-term bank loans received | 359,000 | |||||||||||||
Repayment of long-term bank loans | (624,147 | ) | (857,004 | ) | (390,155 | ) | (92,344 | ) | ||||||
Net cash used in financing activities | (598,349 | ) | (460,235 | ) | (701,244 | ) | (165,975 | ) | ||||||
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH | ||||||||||||||
EQUIVALENTS | 837 | (603 | ) | 73,539 | 17,405 | |||||||||
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT | ||||||||||||||
BEGINNING OF YEAR | 3,774 | 4,611 | 4,008 | 949 | ||||||||||
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT | ||||||||||||||
END OF YEAR | 4,611 | 4,008 | 77,547 | 18,354 | ||||||||||
SUPPLEMENTARY DISCLOSURE OF CASH | ||||||||||||||
FLOW INFORMATION - cash paid during the year: | ||||||||||||||
Interest | 179,205 | 235,854 | 149,728 | 35,438 | ||||||||||
Advances to income tax authorities | 4,900 | 30,840 | 317,099 | 75,053 | ||||||||||
Supplementary information on investing and financing activities not involving cash flows |
At December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006, trade payables include NIS 103.8 million, NIS 90.3 million and NIS 201.8 million ($ 47.7 million), respectively, in respect of acquisition of fixed assets. In addition, at December 31, 2004 and 2005 trade payables included NIS 13.8 million and NIS 27.7 million in respect of acquisition of additional spectrum, respectively. |
At December 31, 2005, dividend payable of approximately NIS 45 million was outstanding. During 2005, the Company has undertaken a capital lease with respect to fixed assets in the amount of NIS 15.8 million. |
These balances are recognized in the cash flow statements upon payment. |
17
PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS
COMPANY LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
RECONCILIATION BETWEEN OPERATING CASH FLOWS AND EBITDA
New Israeli shekels |
Convenience translation into U.S. dollars | ||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2005 |
2006 |
2006 | |||||||||
(U n a u d i t e d) | |||||||||||
In thousands | |||||||||||
Net cash provided by operating activities | 1,006,324 | 1,223,469 | 289,578 | ||||||||
Liability for employee rights upon retirement | (9,430 | ) | (11,142 | ) | (2,637 | ) | |||||
Accrued interest and exchange and linkage differences on long-term liabilities | (108,411 | ) | 4,646 | 1,100 | |||||||
Amount carried to differed charges | 13,820 | ||||||||||
Increase in accounts receivable: | |||||||||||
Trade | 262,262 | 254,748 | 60,295 | ||||||||
Other | 26,970 | 304,492 | 72,069 | ||||||||
Decrease (increase) in accounts payable and accruals: | |||||||||||
Trade | (112,857 | ) | 58,568 | 13,862 | |||||||
Other | 75,884 | (49,923 | ) | (11,816 | ) | ||||||
Related parties | (10,513 | ) | (5,317 | ) | (1,258 | ) | |||||
Increase (Decrease) in inventories | 107,667 | (82,857 | ) | (19,611 | ) | ||||||
Decrease (Increase) in Assets Retirement Obligation | 92 | (1,069 | ) | (253 | ) | ||||||
Financial Expenses | 316,806 | 154,492 | 36,566 | ||||||||
EBITDA | 1,568,616 | 1,850,107 | 437,895 | ||||||||
18
PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS
COMPANY LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
New Israeli shekels | |||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
3 month period ended | |||||||||||||||||
December 31, 2005 |
March 31, 2006 |
June 30, 2006 |
September 30, 2006 |
December 31, 2006 | |||||||||||||
( U n a u d i t e d ) | |||||||||||||||||
I n t h o u s a n d s | |||||||||||||||||
Revenues - net | 1,259,274 | 1,326,644 | 1,372,945 | 1,461,989 | 1,445,133 | ||||||||||||
Cost of Revenues | 930,225 | 952,177 | 941,914 | 1,004,637 | 998,539 | ||||||||||||
Gross Profit | 329,049 | 374,467 | 431,031 | 457,352 | 446,594 | ||||||||||||
Selling and Marketing Expenses | 77,990 | 57,250 | 75,579 | 84,124 | 90,639 | ||||||||||||
General and Administrative Expenses | 47,846 | 43,682 | 43,963 | 53,717 | 42,098 | ||||||||||||
Operating Profit | 203,213 | 273,535 | 311,489 | 319,511 | 313,857 | ||||||||||||
Financial Expenses - net | 62,986 | 38,629 | 61,176 | 44,710 | 21,927 | ||||||||||||
Income Before Taxes on Income | 140,227 | 234,906 | 250,313 | 274,801 | 291,930 | ||||||||||||
Taxes on Income | 56,938 | 75,501 | 76,076 | 90,148 | 128,950 | ||||||||||||
Income Before Cumulative Effect of | |||||||||||||||||
a Change in Accounting Principles | 83,289 | 159,405 | 174,237 | 184,653 | 162,980 | ||||||||||||
Cumulative Effect, at the Beginning of the Year, of a Change in Accounting Principles | 1,012 | ||||||||||||||||
Net Income for the Period | 83,289 | 160,417 | 174,237 | 184,653 | 162,980 | ||||||||||||
19
PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS
COMPANY LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
Summary Operating Data
2005 |
2006 | |||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Subscribers (in thousands) | 2,529 | 2,668 | ||||||
Estimated share of total Israeli mobile telephone subscribers | 32 | % | 32 | % | ||||
Churn rate in year | 13.6 | % | 15.6 | % | ||||
Average monthly usage in year per subscriber (minutes) | 294 | 311 | ||||||
Average monthly revenue in year per subscriber, including in-roaming revenue (NIS) | 156 | 158 |
Q4 2005 |
Q4 2006 | |||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Subscribers (in thousands) | 2,529 | 2,668 | ||||||
Estimated share of total Israeli mobile telephone subscribers | 32 | % | 32 | % | ||||
Churn rate in quarter | 3.1 | % | 4.0 | % | ||||
Average monthly usage in quarter per subscriber (minutes) | 287 | 316 | ||||||
Average monthly revenue in year per subscriber, including in-roaming revenue (NIS) | 148 | 159 |
20
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this Current Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
Partner Communications Company Ltd. By: /s/ Emanuel Avner Emanuel Avner Chief Financial Officer |
Dated: January 31, 2007
21