SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
FORM 6-K
 
REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER
PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-16 OR 15a-16 OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
Report on Form 6-K dated
 
March 30, 2017
 
Partner Communications Company Ltd.
(Translation of Registrant’s Name Into English)
 
8 Amal Street
Afeq Industrial Park
Rosh Ha’ayin 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 ☒  Form 40-F ☐
 
(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 ☐  No ☒
 
(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 Company’s Registration Statements on Form S-8 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 4, 2002 (Registration No. 333-101652), September 5, 2006 (Registration No. 333-137102), September 11, 2008 (Registration No. 333-153419), August 17, 2015 (Registration No. 333-206420), November 12, 2015 (Registration No. 333-207946) and on March 14, 2016 (Registration No. 333-210151)
 
Enclosure:
Partner Communications reports fourth quarter and annual 2016 results
 

 
 

 
PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS REPORTS
FOURTH QUARTER AND ANNUAL 2016 RESULTS1
 
ADJUSTED EBITDA2 IN 2016 TOTALED NIS 834 MILLION
 
NET DEBT2 DECLINED TO NIS 1.53 BILLION
 
2016 Annual Highlights (compared with 2015)
 
·
Total Revenues: NIS 3,544 million (US$ 922 million), a decrease of 14%
·
Service Revenues: NIS 2,752 million (US$ 716 million), a decrease of 8%
·
Equipment Revenues: NIS 792 million (US$ 206 million), a decrease of 29%
·
Total Operating Expenses (OPEX)2: NIS 2,324 million (US$ 604 million), a decrease of 6%
·
Adjusted EBITDA: NIS 834 million (US$ 217 million), a decrease of 5%
·
Adjusted EBITDA Margin2: 24% of total revenues compared with 21%
·
Profit for the Year: NIS 52 million (US$ 14 million) compared with a loss of NIS 40 million, an increase of NIS 92 million
·
Profit for the Year compared with Profit for the Year before the impact of impairment charge for 2015: NIS 52 million (US$ 14 million), an increase of NIS 20 million or 62%
·
Net Debt: NIS 1,526 million (US$ 397 million), a decrease of NIS 649 million
·
Adjusted Free Cash Flow (before interest)2: NIS 758 million (US$ 197 million), an increase of 34%
·
Cellular ARPU: NIS 65 (US$ 17), a decrease of 6%
·
Cellular Subscriber Base: approximately 2.69 million at year-end, a decrease of 1%
 
Fourth quarter 2016 highlights (compared with fourth quarter 2015)
 
·
Total Revenues: NIS 821 million (US$ 214 million), a decrease of 18%
·
Service Revenues: NIS 652 million (US$ 170 million), a decrease of 9%
·
Equipment Revenues: NIS 169 million (US$ 44 million), a decrease of 42%
·
Total Operating Expenses (OPEX): NIS 570 million (US$ 148 million), a decrease of 6%
·
Adjusted EBITDA: NIS 164 million (US$ 43 million), a decrease of 24%
·
Adjusted EBITDA Margin: 20% of total revenues compared with 22%
·
Loss for the Period: NIS 7 million (US$ 2 million), a decrease in loss of 89%
·
Loss for the Period compared with Profit before the impact of impairment charge for the Period for Q4 2015: NIS 7 million (US$ 2 million), a decrease in profit of NIS 14 million
 

1 The quarterly financial results are unaudited. See also the Company’s 2016 audited annual report which will be attached to the Company's 2016 Annual
   Report (20-F) to be filed with the SEC.
2  For the definition of this and other Non-GAAP financial measures, see “Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” in this press release.

·
Net Debt: NIS 1,526 million (US$ 397 million), a decrease of NIS 649 million
·
Adjusted Free Cash Flow (before interest): NIS 269 million (US$ 70 million), an increase of 17%
·
Cellular ARPU: NIS 62 (US$ 16), a decrease of 7%
·
Cellular Subscriber Base: approximately 2.69 million at quarter-end, a decrease of 1%
 
Rosh Ha’ayin, Israel, March 30, 2017Partner Communications Company Ltd. (“Partner” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ and TASE: PTNR), a leading Israeli communications operator, announced today its results for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2016.
 
Commenting on the fourth quarter and annual 2016 results, Mr. Isaac Benbenisti, CEO of Partner noted:
 
"In 2016, the Post-Paid cellular subscriber base increased by 85 thousand subscribers compared with an increase of 24 thousand subscribers in 2015, and the churn rate continued to decline. At the end of 2016, Post-Paid subscribers accounted for 83% of the Company's cellular subscriber base.
 
During the last year, we embarked on a new path as a comprehensive communications group with the launch of the Company's new brand, we strengthened the working relationship with our employees with the signing of a collective employment agreement which includes improved terms for the employees, we expanded our service platforms, and added digital solutions to improve transparency and information availability for the customer.
 
In the cellular segment, Partner continues to lead in the Israeli market with an advanced network and the widest 4G coverage. We continue to implement advanced technologies in our core network which offers differentiation, such as Wifi Calling technology, which enables cellular calls over the wireless internet, thus further increasing our coverage. In February 2017, we launched the first "Internet of Things" (IoT) network in Israel, "IoT Pro", which provides real value to the Israeli consumer, both private and business, in the ability to adopt advanced technologies in a more secure, quick and efficient manner. Worldwide, only a handful of companies have launched a dedicated advanced IoT network, and we are proud to be one of them. The regulator needs to understand that we are at the beginning of a global revolution in this field, in particular due to the future adoption of fifth generation technologies (5G).
 
In addition, in the past year we created a technological and operational base for two strategic Company projects for the coming years; Partner’s TV project and the deployment of an independent fiber-optic based fixed-line infrastructure. These projects are expected to create new growth engines for the Company, diversify our revenue streams, and enable us to offer a full communications offerings over our own independent and advanced infrastructure.
 
2

The TV project, which will be launched in the coming months, will be based on the Android TV operating system, which has been chosen by leading content suppliers worldwide. Partner's operating system will allow our TV customers to enjoy the benefits of a wide range of content with an advanced interface adapted for the Israeli viewer.
 
In fixed-line services, we continued to proceed with the deployment of our fiber-optic based fixed-line infrastructure and to work with the various planning authorities. This network will enable us to supply private customers with internet speeds of up to 1Gb using the most advanced technologies. The future progress of the project will depend, among other things, on the regulator's assistance and the steps that it will take to ensure we will not be blocked in establishing a new and advanced infrastructure.
 
Creating an alternative to the monopoly and duopolies that currently dominate the fixed-line and multi-channel TV markets in Israel will benefit consumers. In addition, advances in areas such as IoT, connected cars, advanced health technologies, security, finance, transportation and more, depend on the development of communication infrastructures. Therefore it is in the interest of the regulator, the consumer and the entire communications market to support and enable the entry of new players to these areas through the development of advanced infrastructures, thereby creating real, improved and more advanced alternatives."
 
Mr. Ziv Leitman, Partner's Chief Financial Officer, commented on the fourth quarter results of 2016 as compared to the third quarter results of 2016:
 
“During the fourth quarter of 2016, cellular service revenues decreased by 6%, mainly reflecting a decrease in seasonal roaming revenues, as well as the continued price erosion of cellular service revenues at a rate similar to that in the previous two quarters, as a result of the ongoing strong competition. As a result, cellular ARPU totaled NIS 62 in the fourth quarter 2016 compared with NIS 66 in the previous quarter.
 
The churn rate for cellular subscribers was 9.4% in the fourth quarter of 2016 compared to 9.7% in the previous quarter and 11.1% in the fourth quarter of 2015, with the decrease being fully explained by the decrease in the Post-Paid subscriber churn.
 
Revenues from equipment sales in the fourth quarter of 2016 increased by NIS 18 million compared with the previous quarter, while gross profit from equipment sales decreased by NIS 10 million. The decrease in profitability was mainly related to the tightening of the Company's customer credit policy, and a change in the product mix.
 
Total operating expenses (OPEX) were unchanged from the third quarter of 2016, totaling NIS 570 million, including the one-time expense of the employee retirement plan in an amount of approximately NIS 12 million as well as a one-time expense of approximately NIS 7 million relating to the early termination of an operating lease, being offset by a decrease in network-related operating expenses, international telephony and interconnect expenses.
 
3

Adjusted EBITDA in the fourth quarter of 2016 decreased by NIS 56 million, or 25%, compared with the previous quarter, mainly reflecting the decrease in service revenues and in gross profit from equipment sales.
 
Finance costs, net, totaled NIS 23 million in the reported quarter, a decrease of NIS 7 million compared to the previous quarter, reflecting lower CPI linkage costs resulting from the decrease in the CPI level.
 
Overall, the Company recorded a loss for the fourth quarter of 2016 of NIS 7 million compared with a profit of NIS 19 million in the previous quarter, largely reflecting the reduction in Adjusted EBITDA, partially offset by a decrease in income tax expenses and finance costs, net.
 
Cash capital expenditures (CAPEX payments) in the fourth quarter of 2016 totaled NIS 47 million compared to NIS 44 million in the previous quarter, an increase of 7%.
 
Adjusted free cash flow (before interest payments) in the reported quarter totaled NIS 269 million, compared with NIS 215 million in the previous quarter. The increase in adjusted free cash flow primarily reflected the final payment of the NIS 250 million lump sum from HOT Mobile, in an amount of NIS 180 million, compared with their previous payment of NIS 35 million in the third quarter of 2016. The impact of this payment was partially offset primarily by an increase in other operating working capital items and by the decrease in profit.
 
In December 2016, following the deferred loan agreement from May 2014, the Company received a loan from a group of institutional corporations in the principal amount of NIS 250 million. The loan will bear unlinked interest and will be paid (principal and interest) in variable quarterly payments over five years, commencing in March 2017.
 
As of December 31, 2016, net debt amounted to approximately NIS 1.53 billion (total short and long term debt and current maturities of NIS 2.70 billion less cash and cash equivalents and short term deposits of NIS 1.17 billion). In 2016 as a whole, net debt declined by NIS 649 million, largely a result of the positive adjusted free cash flow (after interest payments).”
4

 
Key Financial Results
 
NIS MILLION (except EPS)
 
2012
   
2013
   
2014
   
2015
3   
2016
 
Revenues
   
5,572
     
4,519
     
4,400
     
4,111
     
3,544
 
Cost of revenues
   
4,031
     
3,510
     
3,419
     
3,472
     
2,924
 
Gross profit
   
1,541
     
1,009
     
981
     
639
     
620
 
S,G&A    
787
     
679
     
631
     
640
     
689
 
Income with respect to settlement agreement with Orange
                           
61
     
217
 
Other income
   
111
     
79
     
50
     
47
     
45
 
Operating profit
   
865
     
409
     
400
     
107
     
193
 
Finance costs, net
   
234
     
211
     
159
     
143
     
105
 
Income tax expenses
   
153
     
63
     
79
     
4
     
36
 
Profit (loss) for the year
   
478
     
135
     
162
     
(40
)
   
52
 
Earnings (loss) per share (basic, NIS)
   
3.07
     
0.87
     
1.04
     
(0.26
)
   
0.33
 
 
NIS MILLION (except EPS)
   
Q4’15
3     
Q1’16
     
Q2’16
     
Q3’16
     
Q4’16
 
Revenues
   
1,007
     
977
     
897
     
849
     
821
 
Cost of revenues
   
928
     
797
     
730
     
691
     
706
 
Gross profit
   
79
     
180
     
167
     
158
     
115
 
S,G&A    
175
     
194
     
166
     
158
     
171
 
Income with respect to settlement agreement with Orange
   
38
     
54
     
54
     
55
     
54
 
Other income
   
10
     
14
     
12
     
9
     
10
 
Operating profit (loss)
   
(48
)
   
54
     
67
     
64
     
8
 
Finance costs, net
   
39
     
24
     
28
     
30
     
23
 
Income tax expenses (income)
   
(22
)
   
16
     
13
     
15
     
(8
)
Profit (loss) for the period
   
(65
)
   
14
     
26
     
19
     
(7
)
Earnings (loss) per share (basic, NIS)
   
(0.42
)
   
0.09
     
0.17
     
0.12
     
(0.04
)

NIS MILLION (except EPS)
 
Q4'16
   
Q4'153
   
% Change
 
Revenues
   
821
     
1,007
     
-18
%
Cost of revenues
   
706
     
928
     
-24
%
Gross profit
   
115
     
79
     
+46
%
Operating profit (loss)
   
8
     
(48
)
   
N/A
 
Profit (loss) for the period
   
(7
)
   
(65
)
   
-89
%
Earnings (loss) per share (basic, NIS)
   
(0.04
)
   
(0.42
)
   
-90
%
Adjusted Free cash flow (before interest)
   
269
     
230
     
+17
%


3 In Q4 2015, the Company recorded an impairment charge on its fixed-line assets which reduced operating profit by NIS 98 million and profit by NIS 72 million in 2015.
 
5

 
Key Operating Indicators
 
   
2012
   
2013
   
2014
   
2015
   
2016
 
Adjusted EBITDA (NIS million)
   
1,602
     
1,114
     
1,096
     
876
     
834
 
Adjusted EBITDA (as a % of total revenues)
   
29
%
   
25
%
   
25
%
   
21
%
   
24
%
Adjusted Free Cash Flow (NIS millions)
   
1,234
     
1,041
     
520
     
566
     
758
 
Cellular Subscribers (end of period, thousands)
   
2,976
     
2,956
     
2,837
     
2,718
     
2,686
 
Estimated Cellular Market Share (%)
   
29
%
   
29
%
   
28
%
   
27
%
   
26
%
Annual Cellular Churn Rate (%)
   
38
%
   
39
%
   
47
%
   
46
%
   
40
%
Average Monthly Revenue per Cellular Subscriber (ARPU) (NIS)
   
97
     
83
     
75
     
69
     
65
 
 
   
Q4'16
   
Q4'15
   
Change
 
Adjusted EBITDA (NIS million)
   
164
     
217
     
-24
%
Adjusted EBITDA (as a % of total revenues)
   
20
%
   
22
%
   
-2
 
Cellular Subscribers (end of period, thousands)
   
2,686
     
2,718
     
-32
 
Quarterly Cellular Churn Rate (%)
   
9.4
%
   
11.1
%
   
-1.7
 
Monthly Average Revenue per Cellular User (ARPU) (NIS)
   
62
     
67
     
-5
 
 
Partner Consolidated Results (excluding impact of impairment charges*)
 
   
Cellular Segment
   
Fixed-Line Segment
   
Elimination
   
Consolidated
 
NIS Million
 
2016
   
2015
   
Change %
   
2016
   
2015
   
Change %
   
2016
   
2015
   
2016
   
2015
   
Change %
 
Total Revenues
   
2,828
     
3,348
     
-16
%
   
929
     
974
     
-5
%
   
(213
)
   
(211
)
   
3,544
     
4,111
     
-14
%
Service Revenues
   
2,099
     
2,297
     
-9
%
   
866
     
906
     
-4
%
   
(213
)
   
(211
)
   
2,752
     
2,992
     
-8
%
Equipment Revenues
   
729
     
1,051
     
-31
%
   
63
     
68
     
-7
%
   
-
     
-
     
792
     
1,119
     
-29
%
Operating Profit
   
68
     
72
     
-6
%
   
125
     
133
     
-6
%
   
-
     
-
     
193
     
205
     
-6
%
Adjusted EBITDA
   
562
     
597
     
-6
%
   
272
     
279
     
-3
%
   
-
     
-
     
834
     
876
     
-5
%
 
   
Cellular Segment
   
Fixed-Line Segment
   
Elimination
   
Consolidated
 
NIS Million
 
Q4'16
   
Q4'15
   
Change %
   
Q4'16
   
Q4'15
   
Change %
   
Q4'16
   
Q4'15
   
Q4'16
   
Q4'15
   
Change %
 
Total Revenues
   
656
     
819
     
-20
%
   
216
     
245
     
-12
%
   
(51
)
   
(57
)
   
821
     
1,007
     
-18
%
Service Revenues
   
498
     
550
     
-9
%
   
205
     
223
     
-8
%
   
(51
)
   
(57
)
   
652
     
716
     
-9
%
Equipment Revenues
   
158
     
269
     
-41
%
   
11
     
22
     
-50
%
   
-
     
-
     
169
     
291
     
-42
%
Operating Profit (loss)
   
(10
)
   
22
     
N/A
     
18
     
28
     
-36
%
   
-
     
-
     
8
     
50
     
-84
%
Adjusted EBITDA
   
109
     
152
     
-28
%
   
55
     
65
     
-15
%
   
-
     
-
     
164
     
217
     
-24
%
* Exclude impact of impairment charges of NIS 98 million on fixed-line segment operating profit in Q4 2015.
 
6

Financial Review
 
In 2016, total revenues were NIS 3,544 million (US$ 922 million), a decrease of 14% from NIS 4,111 million in 2015.
 
Annual service revenues in 2016 totaled NIS 2,752 million (US$ 716 million), a decrease of 8% from NIS 2,992 million in 2015.
 
Service revenues for the cellular segment in 2016 totaled NIS 2,099 million (US$ 546 million), a decrease of 9% from NIS 2,297 million in 2015.  The decrease was mainly a result of the continued downward pressures on the prices of post-paid and pre-paid cellular services as a result of the continued competition in the cellular market. As an illustration of the continued fierce competition in the cellular market, approximately 2.3 million cellular subscribers are estimated to have switched operators within the Israeli market (with number porting) in 2016, only slightly fewer than the estimated 2.5 million switchers in 2014 and 2015. Price erosion was also caused by the significant amount of cellular subscribers who moved between different rate plans or packages (generally with a lower monthly fee) within the Company.
 
In addition, cellular segment service revenues were negatively affected by a decrease in revenues from wholesale services provided to other operators hosted on the Company’s network, and in particular as a result of termination of the Right of Use Agreement with HOT Mobile from the second quarter of 2016, as a result of which revenues recorded related to the Right of Use Agreement decreased from approximately NIS 120 million in 2015 to approximately NIS 51 million in 2016. This decrease was partially offset by the revenue recognition of the Lump Sum payment from HOT Mobile under the Network Sharing Agreement in an amount of approximately NIS 23 million in 2016.
 
Pre-Paid cellular subscribers contributed service revenues in a total amount of approximately NIS 180 million (US$ 47 million) in 2016, a decrease of 22% from approximately NIS 230 million in 2015, as a result of the price erosion in pre-paid services and the decrease in the number of Pre-Paid subscribers, which was largely attributed to Pre-Paid subscribers moving to Post-Paid subscriber packages as a result of the significant price difference of these products, as well as to increased competition for Pre-Paid subscribers.
 
Service revenues for the fixed-line segment in 2016 totaled NIS 866 million (US$ 225 million), a decrease of 4% from NIS 906 million in 2015. The decrease mainly reflected a decrease in revenues from international calls (including in the market for wholesale international traffic) as well as decreases in revenues from other fixed-line services including local lines and ISP services.
 
For Q4 2016, total revenues were NIS 821 million (US$ 214 million), a decrease of 18% from NIS 1,007 million in Q4 2015. Service revenues in Q4 2016 totaled NIS 652 million (US$ 170 million), a decrease of 9% from NIS 716 million in Q4 2015. Service revenues for the cellular segment in Q4 2016 totaled NIS 498 million (US$ 130 million), a decrease of 9% from NIS 550 million in Q4 2015. The decrease resulted from the same reasons as described with respect to the annual decrease. Service revenues for the fixed-line segment in Q4 2016 totaled NIS 205 million (US$ 53 million), a decrease of 8% from NIS 223 million in Q4 2015, the decrease reflecting lower revenues in a number of different fixed-line services.
 
7

Equipment revenues in 2016 totaled NIS 792 million (US$ 206 million), a decrease of 29% from NIS 1,119 million in 2015, largely reflecting a decrease in the volume of equipment sales, mainly related to the tightening of the Company’s customer credit policy.
 
Gross profit from equipment sales in 2016 was NIS 144 million (US$ 37 million), compared with NIS 239 million in 2015, a decrease of 40%, reflecting both the decrease in the volume of equipment sales, as described above, and lower profit margins from sales which was also largely due to the tightening of the Company’s customer credit policy, as well as to a change in product mix towards products with lower profit margins.
 
Equipment revenues in Q4 2016 totaled NIS 169 million (US$ 44 million), a decrease of 42% from NIS 291 million in Q4 2015, again largely reflecting a decrease in the volume of equipment sales.
 
Gross profit from equipment sales in Q4 2016 was NIS 18 million (US$ 5 million), compared with NIS 61 million in Q4 2015, a decrease of 70%, again reflecting both the decrease in the volume of equipment sales and lower profit margins from sales.
 
Total operating expenses (‘OPEX’) totaled NIS 2,324 million (US$ 604 million) in 2016, a decrease of 6% or NIS 139 million from 2015. The decrease mainly reflected decreases in expenses related to the cellular network following the implementation of the cost sharing mechanism under the Network Sharing Agreement with HOT Mobile, in expenses related to payments to communication and content providers, and in other expense items reflecting the impact of various efficiency measures undertaken, including a reduction in payroll and related expenses resulting from the reduction in the size of the Company workforce by approximately 14% on an average basis (average of workforce at beginning and end of year). These decreases were partially offset by increases in expenses related to the rebranding of the Company, as well as an increase in bad debts and allowance for doubtful accounts expenses.
 
Including depreciation and amortization expenses and other expenses (mainly amortization of employee share based compensation), OPEX in 2016 decreased by 8% compared with 2015, mainly for the same reasons as explained above, in addition to the impact of the impairment charges of NIS 98 million which were recorded in 2015.
 
For Q4 2016, OPEX totaled NIS 570 million (US$ 148 million), a decrease of 6% or NIS 38 million from Q4 2015. The decrease mainly reflected a decrease in expenses related to the cellular network following the implementation of the cost sharing mechanism under the Network Sharing Agreement with HOT Mobile and in expenses related to payments to communication and content providers. These decreases were partially offset by the one-time expense of the new collective employment agreement in an amount of approximately NIS 12 million and a one-time expense of approximately NIS 7 million relating to the early termination of an operating lease. Including depreciation and amortization expenses and impairment charges and other expenses (mainly amortization of employee share based compensation), OPEX in Q4 2016 decreased by 17% compared with Q4 2015, mainly reflecting the impact of the impairment charges totaling NIS 98 million which were recorded in Q4 2015.
 
8

In 2016, the Company recorded income with respect to the settlement agreement of the Orange brand agreement in an amount of NIS 217 million (US$ 56 million) compared with NIS 61 million recorded in 2015.
 
The recognition of the advance payments received from Orange will cease from the third quarter of 2017. Therefore the recognition of the advance payments in 2017 will be limited to an amount of NIS 108 million.
 
Other income, net, totaled NIS 45 million (US$ 12 million) in 2016, compared to NIS 47 million in 2015, a decrease of 4%, mainly reflecting a decrease in income from the unwinding of trade receivables.
 
Operating profit for 2016 was NIS 193 million (US$ 50 million), an increase of 80% compared with NIS 107 million in 2015. Compared with operating profit before the impact of the impairment charges in 2015, operating profit in 2016 decreased by 6%.
 
For Q4 2016, operating profit was NIS 8 million (US$ 2 million), compared with operating loss of NIS 48 million in Q4 2015. Compared with operating profit before the impact of the impairment charges in Q4 2015, operating profit in Q4 2016 decreased by 84%.
 
Adjusted EBITDA in 2016 totaled NIS 834 million (US$ 217 million), a decrease of 5% from NIS 876 million in 2015. As a percentage of total revenues, Adjusted EBITDA in 2016 was 24% compared with 21% in 2015.
 
Adjusted EBITDA for the cellular segment was NIS 562 million (US$ 146 million), in 2016, a decrease of 6% from NIS 597 million in 2015, reflecting the impact of the decreases in service revenues and in gross profit from equipment sales, partially offset by a reduction in total operating expenses and the increase in income with respect to the settlement agreement with Orange. As a percentage of total cellular segment revenues, Adjusted EBITDA for the cellular segment in 2016 was 20% compared with 18% in 2015.
 
Adjusted EBITDA for the fixed-line segment was NIS 272 million (US$ 71 million) in 2016, a decrease of 3% from NIS 279 million in 2015, mainly reflecting the impact of the decreases in service revenues and in gross profit from equipment sales, partially offset by a reduction in total operating expenses. As a percentage of total fixed-line segment revenues, Adjusted EBITDA for the fixed-line segment in 2016 was 29%, unchanged from 2015.
 
For Q4 2016, Adjusted EBITDA totaled NIS 164 million (US$ 43 million), a decrease of 24% from NIS 217 million in Q4 2015. Adjusted EBITDA for the cellular segment was NIS 109 million (US$ 28 million) in Q4 2016, a decrease of 28% from NIS 152 million in Q4 2015. As a percentage of total cellular segment revenues, Adjusted EBITDA for the cellular segment in Q4 2016 was 17% compared with 19% in Q4 2015. Adjusted EBITDA for the fixed-line segment was NIS 55 million (US$ 14 million) in Q4 2016, a decrease of 15% from NIS 65 million in Q4 2015. As a percentage of total fixed-line segment revenues, Adjusted EBITDA for the fixed-line segment in Q4 2016 was 25% compared with 27% in Q4 2015.
 
9

Finance costs, net in 2016 were NIS 105 million (US$ 27 million), a decrease of 27% compared with NIS 143 million in 2015. The decrease reflected lower interest payment expenses due to the lower average level of debt, as well as gains from foreign exchange movements in 2016 compared with losses from foreign exchange movements in 2015 and lower early debt repayment expenses, which were partially offset by higher linkage expenses due to the higher CPI level.
 
For Q4 2016, finance costs, net were NIS 23 million (US$ 6 million), a decrease of 41% compared with NIS 39 million in Q4 2015. The decrease mainly reflected the early repayment fees for loans which were recorded in Q4 2015 in an amount of NIS 13 million, as well as lower interest expenses as a result of the lower average level of debt, partially offset by higher CPI linkage expenses.
 
Income taxes for 2016 were NIS 36 million (US$ 9 million), compared with NIS 4 million in 2015. In January 2016, the Law for the Amendment of the Income Tax Ordinance (No. 216) was published, enacting a reduction of corporate tax rate, from 26.5% to 25%, for the years 2016 and thereafter. In addition, in December 2016, the Economic Efficiency Law (Legislative Amendments for Implementing the Economic Policy for the 2017 and 2018 Budget Year) 2016 was published, enacting that the corporate tax rate will be 24% in 2017 and 23% in 2018 and thereafter. These reductions of the corporate tax rate resulted in a reduction of NIS 7 million in the Group's deferred tax assets in 2016, which was recognized as an income tax expense.
 
The Company’s effective tax rate is expected to continue to be higher than the corporate tax rate mainly due to nondeductible expenses.
 
Overall, the company's profit in 2016 was NIS 52 million (US$ 14 million), compared with a loss of NIS 40 million in 2015. Compared with profit excluding the impact of the impairment charges in 2015, profit in 2016 increased by 62%.
 
For Q4 2016, reported loss was NIS 7 million (US$ 2 million), a decrease of 89% compared with a loss of NIS 65 million in Q4 2015 and a decrease in profit of NIS 14 million compared with profit before the impact of the impairment charges, of NIS 7 million in Q4 2015.
 
Based on the weighted average number of shares outstanding during 2016, basic earnings per share or ADS, was NIS 0.33 (US$ 0.09), compared to basic loss per share of NIS 0.26 in 2015.
 
For Q4 2016, based on the weighted average number of shares outstanding during Q4 2016, basic loss per share or ADS, was NIS 0.04 (US$ 0.01), compared to basic loss per share of NIS 0.42 in Q4 2015.
 
10

Cellular Segment Operational Review
 
At the end of 2016, the Company's cellular subscriber base (including mobile data and 012 Mobile subscribers) was approximately 2.69 million including approximately 2.24 million Post-Paid subscribers or 83% of the base, and approximately 445,000 Pre-Paid subscribers, or 17% of the subscriber base.
 
Over 2016, the cellular subscriber base declined by approximately 32,000. The Pre-Paid subscriber base decreased by approximately 117,000, while the Post-Paid subscriber base increased by approximately 85,000. The decrease in the Pre-Paid subscriber base was largely attributed to the Pre-Paid subscribers moving to Post-Paid subscriber packages as a result of the significant price difference of these products, as well as to increased competition for Pre-Paid subscribers.
 
The annual churn rate for cellular subscribers in 2016 was 40%, a decrease of 6 percentage points compared with 46% in 2015, and 47% in 2014.
 
Total cellular market share (based on the number of subscribers) at the end of 2016 was estimated to be approximately 26%, similar to 2015 year-end.
 
During Q4 2016, the cellular subscriber base declined by approximately 7,000 subscribers, with the Post-Paid subscriber base increasing by approximately 26,000 subscribers and the Pre-Paid subscriber base declining by approximately 33,000 subscribers.
 
The monthly Average Revenue per User (“ARPU”) for cellular subscribers in 2016 was NIS 65 (US$ 17), a decrease of 6% from NIS 69 in 2015. The decrease mainly reflected the continued price erosion in the key cellular services including airtime, content, data and browsing, due to the persistent competition in the cellular market, as well as a decrease in revenues from wholesale services provided to other operators hosted on the Company’s network and in particular as a result of termination of the Right of Use Agreement with HOT Mobile from the second quarter of 2016.
 
For Q4 2016, ARPU for cellular subscribers was NIS 62 (US$ 16), a decrease of 7% from NIS 67 in Q4 2015, largely for the same reasons as the annual decrease in ARPU.
 
Funding and Investing Review
 
In 2016, Adjusted Free Cash Flow totaled NIS 758 million (US$ 197 million), an increase of 34% from NIS 566 million in 2015.
 
Cash generated from operations increased by 2% to NIS 945 million (US$ 245 million) in 2016 from NIS 922 million in 2015. The increase mainly reflected the significant decrease in operating assets, which was mainly explained by the significant decrease in the volume of equipment sales under long-term payment plans in 2016 compared with in 2015. In addition, the increase reflected the payment by HOT Mobile in 2016 of the lump sum of NIS 250 million under the Network Sharing Agreement. These two factors were partially offset by the payment in 2015 of €90 million received from Orange as part of the settlement agreement of the Orange brand agreement, and by the decrease in Adjusted EBITDA excluding the recorded income with respect to the settlement agreement of the Orange brand agreement.
 
11

Cash capital expenditures (CAPEX payments), as represented by cash flows used for the acquisition of property and equipment and intangible assets, were NIS 196 million (US$ 51 million) in 2016, a decrease of 45% from NIS 359 million in 2015. On an accrual basis, additions to property and equipment and to intangible assets totaled NIS 202 million (US$ 53 million), a decrease of 25% compared with NIS 271 million in 2015, which included a one-time payment to the Ministry of Communications for the 4G frequencies in the amount of NIS 34 million.
 
For Q4 2016, Adjusted Free Cash Flow, totaled NIS 269 million (US$ 70 million), an increase of 17% from NIS 230 million in Q4 2015. Cash generated from operations increased by 10% to NIS 313 million (US$ 81 million) in Q4 2016 from NIS 285 million in Q4 2015. The increase mainly reflected the decrease in operating assets and the final payment of NIS 180 million by HOT Mobile as part of the lump sum under the Network Sharing Agreement. These two factors were partially offset by the payment in Q4 2015 of €50 million received from Orange as part of the settlement agreement of the Orange brand agreement, and by the decrease in Adjusted EBITDA excluding the recorded income with respect to the settlement agreement of the Orange brand agreement. Cash capital expenditures (CAPEX payments) were NIS 47 million (US$ 12 million) in Q4 2016, a decrease of 16% from NIS 56 million in Q4 2015.
 
The level of Net debt at the end of 2016 amounted to NIS 1,526 million (US$ 397 million), compared with NIS 2,175 million at the end of 2015.
 
12

Conference Call Details
 
Partner will hold a conference call on Thursday, March 30, 2017 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: +972.3.918.0610
North America toll-free: +1.888.668.9141
 
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 March 30, 2017 until April 9, 2017, at the following numbers:
 
International: +972.3.925.5930
North America toll-free: +1.888.782.4291
 
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. Specific statements have been made regarding the future entry of cellular networks worldwide into fifth generation (5G), the Company’s strategic projects for the coming years, that are intended to diversify our revenue streams for the Company and to enable us to offer our customers a full communications offering through an independent and advanced infrastructure; the operating system that we expect to provide to our customers in the future TV project; the dependency of the Company's fiber optic based infrastructure project, among others, on the regulator's assistance and steps that the regulator will take to ensure we will not be blocked in establishing our new and advanced network; the developments in the IoT fields that depend on development of the communications infrastructures; and the expected decrease of the Israeli corporate tax rate and its impact on the Company's effective tax rate. 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 (i) technological, technical or other difficulties that might delay or block the Company from establishing independent communication infrastructure; (ii) lack of receipt of the regulator's assistance in developing the infrastructures in the communications market and assistance in creating a true and better alternative for the consumer in light of the competitors that currently control the market and (iii) whether the Company will have the financial resources and commercial strategies which allow it to successfully achieve its strategic Company projects. The future results may differ materially from those anticipated herein. For further information regarding risks, uncertainties and assumptions about Partner, trends in the Israeli telecommunications industry in general, the impact of current global economic conditions and possible regulatory and legal developments, and other risks we face, see “Item 3. Key Information - 3D. Risk Factors”, “Item 4. Information on the Company”, “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects”, “Item 8. Financial Information - 8A. Consolidated Financial Statements and Other Financial Information - 8A.1 Legal and Administrative Proceedings” and “Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk” in the Company’s Annual Reports on Form 20-F filed with the SEC, 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 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 December 31, 2016: US $1.00 equals NIS 3.845. The translations were made purely for the convenience of the reader.


13

 
Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures
 
The following non-GAAP measures are used in this report. These measures are not financial measures under IFRS and may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures for other companies. Further, the measures may not be indicative of the Company’s historic operating results nor are meant to be predictive of potential future results.
 
Non-GAAP Measure
Calculation
Most Comparable IFRS Financial Measure
Adjusted
EBITDA*
 
 
 
 
 
 
Adjusted
EBITDA margin (%)
Adjusted EBITDA:
Profit (Loss)
add
Income tax expenses,
Finance costs, net,
Depreciation and amortization expenses (including amortization of intangible assets, deferred expenses-right of use and impairment charges), Other expenses (mainly amortization of share based compensation)
 
Adjusted EBITDA margin (%):
Adjusted EBITDA
divided by
Total revenues
Profit (Loss)
Adjusted Free
Cash Flow**
Adjusted Free Cash Flow:
Cash flows from operating activities
deduct
Cash flows from investing activities
add
Short-term investment in deposits
Cash flows from operating activities
deduct
Cash flows from investing activities
Total Operating
Expenses
(OPEX)
Total Operating Expenses:
Cost of service revenues
add
Selling and marketing expenses
add
General and administrative expenses
deduct
Depreciation and amortization expenses,
Other expenses (mainly amortization of employee share based compensation)
Sum of:
Cost of service revenues,
Selling and marketing expenses,
General and administrative expenses
Net Debt
Net Debt:
Current maturities of notes payable and borrowings
add
Notes payable
add
Borrowings from banks and others
deduct
Cash and cash equivalents
deduct
Short-term deposits
Sum of:
Current maturities of notes payable and borrowings,
Notes payable,
Borrowings from banks and others
 
* Adjusted EBITDA is fully comparable with EBITDA measure which was provided in reports for prior periods.
**Adjusted Free Cash Flow measure is fully comparable to Free Cash Flow measure which was provided in reports for prior periods.

14

About Partner Communications
 
Partner Communications Company Ltd. is a leading Israeli provider of telecommunications services (cellular, fixed-line telephony and internet 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:
Ziv Leitman
Chief Financial Officer
Tel: +972-54-781-4951
 
Liat Glazer Shaft
Head of Investor Relations and Corporate Projects
Tel: +972-54-781-5051
E-mail: investors@partner.co.il
 
15

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



New Israeli Shekels
   
Convenience translation into U.S. dollars
 
   
December 31,
 
   
2015
   
2016
   
2016
 
   
In millions
 
CURRENT ASSETS
                 
Cash and cash equivalents
   
926
     
716
     
186
 
Short-term deposits
           
452
     
118
 
Trade receivables
   
1,057
     
990
     
257
 
Other receivables and prepaid expenses
   
47
     
57
     
15
 
Deferred expenses – right of use
   
33
     
28
     
7
 
Inventories
   
120
     
96
     
25
 
Income tax receivable
   
2
                 
     
2,185
     
2,339
     
608
 
                         
NON CURRENT ASSETS
                       
Trade receivables
   
492
     
333
     
87
 
Deferred expenses – right of use
   
20
     
75
     
20
 
Property and equipment
   
1,414
     
1,207
     
314
 
Licenses and other intangible assets
   
956
     
793
     
206
 
Goodwill
   
407
     
407
     
106
 
Deferred income tax asset
   
49
     
41
     
10
 
Prepaid expenses and other
   
3
     
2
     
1
 
     
3,341
     
2,858
     
744
 
                         
TOTAL ASSETS
   
5,526
     
5,197
     
1,352
 
 
16

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


New Israeli Shekels
   
Convenience translation into U.S. dollars
 
   
December 31,
 
   
2015
   
2016
   
2016
 
   
In millions
 
CURRENT LIABILITIES
                 
Current maturities of notes payable and borrowings
   
554
     
498
     
130
 
Trade payables
   
715
     
681
     
177
 
Payables in respect of employees
   
77
     
101
     
26
 
Other payables (mainly institutions)
   
45
     
28
     
7
 
Income tax payable
   
52
     
45
     
12
 
Deferred income with respect to settlement
                       
 agreement with Orange
   
217
     
108
     
28
 
Deferred revenues from HOT mobile
           
31
     
8
 
Other deferred revenues
   
28
     
38
     
10
 
Provisions
   
77
     
77
     
20
 
     
1,765
     
1,607
     
418
 
                         
NON CURRENT LIABILITIES
                       
Notes payable
   
1,190
     
646
     
168
 
Borrowings from banks and others
   
1,357
     
1,550
     
403
 
Liability for employee rights upon retirement, net
   
34
     
39
     
10
 
Dismantling and restoring sites obligation
   
36
     
35
     
9
 
 Deferred income with respect to settlement
                       
 agreement with Orange
   
108
                 
 Deferred revenues from HOT mobile
           
195
     
51
 
 Other non-current liabilities
   
16
     
14
     
4
 
     
2,741
     
2,479
     
645
 
                         
TOTAL LIABILITIES
   
4,506
     
4,086
     
1,063
 
                         
EQUITY
                       
Share capital – ordinary shares of NIS 0.01
   par value: authorized – December 31, 2015
   and 2016 – 235,000,000 shares;
   issued and outstanding -
   
2
     
2
     
1
 
December 31, 2015 – *156,087,456 shares
                       
December 31, 2016 – *156,993,337 shares
                       
Capital surplus
   
1,102
     
1,034
     
269
 
Accumulated retained earnings
   
267
     
358
     
93
 
Treasury shares, at cost –
   December 31, 2015 – **4,461,975 shares
   December 31, 2016 – **3,603,578 shares
   
(351
)
   
(283
)
   
(74
)
TOTAL EQUITY
   
1,020
     
1,111
     
289
 
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
   
5,526
     
5,197
     
1,352
 
 
*
Net of treasury shares.
**
Including restricted shares in amount of 2,061,201 and 2,911,806 as of December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively, held by trustee under the Company's Equity Incentive Plan, such shares will become outstanding upon completion of vesting conditions.
 
17

PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY LTD.
 
(An Israeli Corporation)
 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
                         
   
New Israeli Shekels
   
Convenience
translation
into U.S. dollars
 
   
Year ended December 31
 
   
2014
   
2015
   
2016
   
2016
 
   
In millions (except earnings per share)
 
Revenues, net
   
4,400
     
4,111
     
3,544
     
922
 
Cost of revenues
   
3,419
     
3,472
     
2,924
     
760
 
Gross profit
   
981
     
639
     
620
     
162
 
                                 
Selling and marketing expenses
   
438
     
417
     
426
     
111
 
General and administrative expenses
   
193
     
223
     
263
     
68
 
Income with respect to settlement
                               
agreement with Orange
           
61
     
217
     
56
 
Other income, net
   
50
     
47
     
45
     
12
 
Operating profit
   
400
     
107
     
193
     
51
 
Finance income
   
3
     
13
     
13
     
3
 
Finance expenses
   
162
     
156
     
118
     
31
 
Finance costs, net
   
159
     
143
     
105
     
28
 
Profit (loss) before income tax
   
241
     
(36
)
   
88
     
23
 
Income tax expenses
   
79
     
4
     
36
     
9
 
Profit (loss) for the year
   
162
     
(40
)
   
52
     
14
 
                                 
Earnings (loss) per share
                               
 Basic
   
1.04
     
(0.26
)
   
0.33
     
0.09
 
Diluted
   
1.04
     
(0.26
)
   
0.33
     
0.09
 
 
18

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


New Israeli Shekels
   
Convenience translation into U.S. dollars
 
   
Year ended December 31
 
   
2014
   
2015
   
2016
   
2016
 
   
In millions
 
Profit (loss) for the year
   
162
     
(40
)
   
52
     
14
 
Other comprehensive income (loss), items
                               
 that will not be reclassified to profit or loss
                               
Remeasurements of post-employment benefit obligations
   
(9
)
   
5
     
(8
)
   
(2
)
Income taxes relating to remeasurements of post-employment benefit obligations
   
2
     
(1
)
   
2
     
*
 
Other comprehensive income (loss) for the year, net of income taxes
   
(7
)
   
4
     
(6
)
   
(2
)
                               
TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) FOR THE YEAR
   
155
     
(36
)
   
46
     
12
 
 
*   Representing an amount of less than 1 million.

19

PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY LTD.
 
(An Israeli Corporation)
 
SEGMENT INFORMATION
 
   
New Israeli Shekels
 
   
Year ended December 31, 2016
 
   
In millions
 
   
Cellular
segment
   
Fixed-line
segment
   

Elimination
   

Consolidated
 
Segment revenue - Services
   
2,080
     
672
           
2,752
 
Inter-segment revenue - Services
   
19
     
194
     
(213
)
       
Segment revenue - Equipment
   
729
     
63
             
792
 
Total revenues
   
2,828
     
929
     
(213
)
   
3,544
 
                                 
Segment cost of revenues - Services
   
1,659
     
617
             
2,276
 
Inter-segment cost of  revenues- Services
   
192
     
21
     
(213
)
       
Segment cost of revenues - Equipment
   
596
     
52
             
648
 
Cost of revenues
   
2,447
     
690
     
(213
)
   
2,924
 
Gross profit
   
381
     
239
             
620
 
                                 
Operating expenses (3)
   
571
     
118
             
689
 
Income with respect to settlement agreement with Orange
   
217
                     
217
 
Other income, net
   
41
     
4
             
45
 
Operating profit
   
68
     
125
             
193
 
Adjustments to presentation of Segment Adjusted EBITDA
                               
     –Depreciation and amortization
   
447
     
148
             
595
 
     –Other (1)
   
47
     
(1
)
           
46
 
Segment Adjusted EBITDA (2)
   
562
     
272
             
834
 
                                 
Reconciliation of profit for the year to Adjusted EBITDA
                               
    Profit for the year
                           
52
 
- Depreciation and amortization
                           
595
 
- Finance costs, net
                           
105
 
- Income tax expenses
                           
36
 
- Other (1)
                           
46
 
    Adjusted EBITDA (2)
                           
834
 

20

 
PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY LTD.
 
(An Israeli Corporation)
 
SEGMENT INFORMATION
 
   
New Israeli Shekels
 
   
Year ended December 31, 2015
 
   
In millions
 
   
Cellular
segment
   
Fixed-line
segment
   

Elimination
   

Consolidated
 
Segment revenue - Services
   
2,275
     
717
           
2,992
 
Inter-segment revenue - Services
   
22
     
189
     
(211
)
       
Segment revenue - Equipment
   
1,051
     
68
             
1,119
 
Total revenues
   
3,348
     
974
     
(211
)
   
4,111
 
                                 
Segment cost of revenues - Services
   
1,856
     
736
             
2,592
 
Inter-segment cost of  revenues- Services
   
187
     
24
     
(211
)
       
Segment cost of revenues - Equipment
   
832
     
48
             
880
 
Cost of revenues
   
2,875
     
808
     
(211
)
   
3,472
 
Gross profit
   
473
     
166
             
639
 
                                 
Operating expenses (3)
   
506
     
134
             
640
 
Income with respect to settlement agreement with Orange
   
61
                     
61
 
Other income, net
   
44
     
3
             
47
 
Operating profit
   
72
     
35
             
107
 
Adjustments to presentation of Segment Adjusted EBITDA
                               
     –Depreciation and amortization
           (including impairment charges)
   
510
     
243
             
753
 
     –Other (1)
   
15
     
1
             
16
 
Segment Adjusted EBITDA (2)
   
597
     
279
             
876
 
                                 
Reconciliation of loss for the year to Adjusted EBITDA
                               
    Loss for the year
                           
(40
)
- Depreciation and amortization
 (including impairment charges)
                           
753
 
- Finance costs, net
                           
143
 
- Income tax expenses
                           
4
 
- Other (1)
                           
16
 
    Adjusted EBITDA (2)
                           
876
 

(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; it is fully comparable to EBITDA information which has been previously provided for prior periods.
(3)
Operating expenses include selling and marketing expenses and general and administrative expenses.
 

21

 
  PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY LTD.
 
   (An Israeli Corporation)
 
   INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
   
New Israeli shekels
   
Convenience translation into U.S. dollars
 
   
12 month
period ended
December 31,
   
3 month
period ended
December 31
   
12 month
period ended
December 31,
   
3 month
period ended
December 31,
 
   
2015
   
2016
   
2015
   
2016
   
2016
   
2016
 
   
(Audited)
   
(Audited)
   
(Unaudited)
   
(Unaudited)
   
(Audited)
   
(Unaudited)
 
   
In millions
 
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
                                   
    Cash generated from operations (Appendix)
   
955
     
975
     
287
     
323
     
253
     
84
 
    Income tax paid
   
(33
)
   
(30
)
   
(2
)
   
(10
)
   
(8
)
   
(3
)
Net cash provided by operating activities
   
922
     
945
     
285
     
313
     
245
     
81
 
                                                 
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
                                               
    Acquisition of property and equipment
   
(216
)
   
(127
)
   
(37
)
   
(30
)
   
(33
)
   
(8
)
    Acquisition of intangible assets
   
(143
)
   
(69
)
   
(19
)
   
(17
)
   
(18
)
   
(4
)
    Short-term investment in deposits
           
(452
)
           
(452
)
   
(118
)
   
(118
)
    Interest received
   
3
     
2
     
1
             
1
         
    Proceeds from sale of property and equipment
   
1
     
7
     
1
     
3
     
2
     
1
 
    Investment in PHI
   
(1
)
           
(1
)
                       
     Proceeds from (repayment of) derivative financial
        instruments, net
   
*
     
*
     
*
             
*
         
Net cash used in investing activities
   
(356
)
   
(639
)
   
(55
)
   
(496
)
   
(166
)
   
(129
)
                                                 
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
                                               
     Proceeds from exercise of stock options granted
        to employees
   
*
     
*
     
*
             
*
         
     Interest paid
   
(137
)
   
(108
)
   
(58
)
   
(28
)
   
(28
)
   
(7
)
     Repayment of current borrowings
                           
(52
)
           
(14
)
     Non-current borrowings received
   
675
     
250
             
250
     
65
     
65
 
     Repayment of non-current borrowings
   
(533
)
   
(15
)
   
(356
)
   
(4
)
   
(4
)
   
(1
)
     Repayment of notes payables
   
(308
)
   
(643
)
   
(308
)
   
(408
)
   
(167
)
   
(106
)
Net cash used in financing activities
   
(303
)
   
(516
)
   
(722
)
   
(242
)
   
(134
)
   
(63
)
                                                 
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH  EQUIVALENTS
   
263
     
(210
)
   
(492
)
   
(425
)
   
(55
)
   
(111
)
                                                 
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD
   
663
     
926
     
1,418
     
1,141
     
241
     
297
 
                                                 
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD
   
926
     
716
     
926
     
716
     
186
     
186
 
 
* Representing an amount of less than 1 million.

22

 
PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY LTD.
 
   (An Israeli Corporation)
 
INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
Appendix - Cash generated from operations and supplemental information
 
   
New Israeli shekels
   
Convenience translation into U.S. dollars   
 
   
12 month
period ended
December 31,
   
3 month
period ended
December 31,
   
12 month
period ended
December 31,
   
3 month
period ended
December 31,
 
   
2015
   
2016
   
2015
   
2016
   
2016
   
2016
 
   
(Audited)
   
(Audited)
   
(Unaudited)
   
(Unaudited)
   
(Audited)
   
(Unaudited)
 
   
In millions
 
Cash generated from operations:
                                   
        Profit (loss) for the period
   
(40
)
   
52
     
(65
)
   
(7
)
   
14
     
(2
)
       Adjustments for:
                                               
        Depreciation and amortization (including impairment)
   
641
     
565
     
174
     
138
     
147
     
36
 
Amortization (including impairment) of deferred expenses - Right of use
   
112
     
30
     
85
     
9
     
8
     
2
 
            Amortization of employee share based compensation
   
17
     
45
     
7
     
9
     
12
     
2
 
            Liability for employee rights upon retirement, net
   
(12
)
   
(3
)
   
(10
)
           
(1
)
       
            Finance costs, net
   
(8
)
   
1
     
(9
)
   
(1
)
   
*
     
*
 
            Change in fair value of derivative financial instruments
   
(2
)
   
*
     
(1
)
   
*
     
*
     
*
 
            Interest paid
   
137
     
108
     
58
     
28
     
28
     
7
 
            Interest received
   
(3
)
   
(2
)
   
(1
)
   
*
     
(1
)
   
*
 
            Deferred income taxes
   
(40
)
   
10
     
(39
)
   
(2
)
   
3
     
(1
)
            Income tax paid
   
33
     
30
     
2
     
10
     
8
     
3
 
            Capital loss (gain) from property and equipment
   
*
     
*
     
*
     
(1
)
   
*
     
*
 
       Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
                                               
Decrease (increase) in accounts receivable:
                                               
Trade
   
(183
)
   
226
     
28
     
104
     
58
     
27
 
Other
   
(13
)
   
(9
)
   
(9
)
   
(17
)
   
(2
)
   
(4
)
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and accruals:
                                               
Trade
   
(5
)
   
(38
)
   
(58
)
   
(35
)
   
(10
)
   
(9
)
Other payables
   
(12
)
   
*
     
(31
)
   
38
     
*
     
10
 
 Provisions
   
19
     
*
     
11
     
6
     
*
     
2
 
Deferred revenues with respect to settlement agreement with  Orange
   
325
     
(217
)
   
175
     
(54
)
   
(56
)
   
(14
)
 Deferred revenues from HOT mobile
           
227
             
173
     
59
     
45
 
 Other deferred revenues
   
(6
)
   
10
     
1
     
4
     
3
     
1
 
  Increase in deferred expenses - Right of use
   
(34
)
   
(80
)
   
(12
)
   
(28
)
   
(22
)
   
(8
)
          Current income tax liability
   
11
     
(4
)
   
10
     
(15
)
   
(1
)
   
(4
)
          Decrease (increase) in inventories
   
18
     
24
     
(29
)
   
(36
)
   
6
     
(9
)
    Cash generated from operations
   
955
     
975
     
287
     
323
     
253
     
84
 
 
      * Representing an amount of less than 1 million.

23

Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures:
 
Adjusted Free Cash Flow
 
New Israeli Shekels
   
Convenience translation into
U.S. Dollars
   
Convenience translation into
U.S. Dollars
 
   
12 month
period ended December 31,
   
12 month
period ended December 31,
   
3 month
period ended
December 31,
   
3 month
period ended December 31,
   
12 month
period ended
December 31,
   
3 month
period ended
December 31,
 
   
2015
   
2016
   
2015
   
2016
   
2016
   
2016
 
   
(Audited)
   
(Audited)
   
(Unaudited)
   
(Unaudited)
   
(Audited)
   
(Unaudited)
 
   
In millions
 
Net cash provided by operating activities
   
922
     
945
     
285
     
313
     
245
     
81
 
Net cash used in investing activities
   
(356
)
   
(639
)
   
(55
)
   
(496
)
   
(166
)
   
(129
)
Short-term investment in deposits
           
452
             
452
     
118
     
118
 
Adjusted Free Cash Flow
   
566
     
758
     
230
     
269
     
197
     
70
 
                                                 
Interest paid
   
(137
)
   
(108
)
   
(58
)
   
(28
)
   
(28
)
   
(7
)
Adjusted Free Cash Flow After Interest
   
429
     
650
     
172
     
241
     
169
     
63
 

Total Operating Expenses (OPEX)
 

New Israeli Shekels
   
Convenience translation into
U.S. Dollars
   
Convenience translation into
U.S. Dollars
 
   
12 month
period ended December 31,
   
12 month
period ended December 31,
   
3 month
period ended
December 31,
   
3 month
period ended December 31,
   
12 month
period ended
December 31,
   
3 month
period ended
December 31,
 
   
2015
   
2016
   
2015
   
2016
   
2016
   
2016
 
   
(Audited)
   
(Audited)
   
(Unaudited)
   
(Unaudited)
   
(Audited)
   
(Unaudited)
 
   
In millions
 
Cost of revenues – Services
   
2,592
     
2,276
     
698
     
555
     
592
     
144
 
Selling and marketing expenses
   
417
     
426
     
122
     
96
     
111
     
25
 
General and administrative expenses
   
223
     
263
     
53
     
75
     
68
     
20
 
Depreciation and amortization (2)
   
(753
)
   
(595
)
   
(258
)
   
(147
)
   
(155
)
   
(38
)
Other (1)
   
(16
)
   
(46
)
   
(7
)
   
(9
)
   
(12
)
   
(3
)
OPEX
   
2,463
     
2,324
     
608
     
570
     
604
     
148
 
 
(1)
Mainly amortization of employee share based compensation.
(2)
Including impairment charges.

24


Key Financial and Operating Indicators (unaudited)*
 
NIS M unless otherwise stated
 
Q4' 14
   
Q1' 15
   
Q2' 15
   
Q3' 15
   
Q4' 15
   
Q1' 16
   
Q2' 16
   
Q3' 16
   
Q4' 16
   
2015
   
2016
 
Cellular Segment Service Revenues
   
613
     
579
     
581
     
587
     
550
     
543
     
527
     
531
     
498
     
2,297
     
2,099
 
Cellular Segment Equipment Revenues
   
282
     
277
     
271
     
234
     
269
     
244
     
188
     
139
     
158
     
1,051
     
729
 
Fixed-Line Segment Service Revenues
   
250
     
232
     
226
     
225
     
223
     
222
     
219
     
220
     
205
     
906
     
866
 
Fixed-Line Segment Equipment Revenues
   
18
     
18
     
16
     
12
     
22
     
23
     
17
     
12
     
11
     
68
     
63
 
Reconciliation for consolidation
   
(55
)
   
(52
)
   
(50
)
   
(52
)
   
(57
)
   
(55
)
   
(54
)
   
(53
)
   
(51
)
   
(211
)
   
(213
)
Total Revenues
   
1,108
     
1,054
     
1,044
     
1,006
     
1,007
     
977
     
897
     
849
     
821
     
4,111
     
3,544
 
Gross Profit from Equipment Sales
   
61
     
59
     
67
     
52
     
61
     
56
     
42
     
28
     
18
     
239
     
144
 
Operating Profit (Loss)
   
73
     
56
     
67
     
32
     
(48
)
   
54
     
67
     
64
     
8
     
107
     
193
 
Cellular Segment Adjusted EBITDA
   
161
     
148
     
160
     
137
     
152
     
142
     
155
     
156
     
109
     
597
     
562
 
Fixed-Line Segment Adjusted EBITDA
   
88
     
79
     
76
     
59
     
65
     
80
     
73
     
64
     
55
     
279
     
272
 
Total Adjusted EBITDA
   
249
     
227
     
236
     
196
     
217
     
222
     
228
     
220
     
164
     
876
     
834
 
Adjusted EBITDA Margin (%)
   
22
%
   
22
%
   
23
%
   
19
%
   
22
%
   
23
%
   
25
%
   
26
%
   
20
%
   
21
%
   
24
%
OPEX
   
630
     
604
     
601
     
650
     
608
     
612
     
572
     
570
     
570
     
2,463
     
2,324
 
Impairment charges on operating profit
                                   
98
                                     
98
         
Income with respect to settlement agreement
                                                                                       
      with Orange
                           
23
     
38
     
54
     
54
     
55
     
54
     
61
     
217
 
Finance costs, net
   
36
     
18
     
46
     
40
     
39
     
24
     
28
     
30
     
23
     
143
     
105
 
Profit (loss)
   
24
     
25
     
9
     
(9
)
   
(65
)
   
14
     
26
     
19
     
(7
)
   
(40
)
   
52
 
Capital Expenditures (cash)
   
90
     
128
     
111
     
64
     
56
     
48
     
57
     
44
     
47
     
359
     
196
 
Capital Expenditures (additions)
   
145
     
50
     
84
     
51
     
86
     
34
     
40
     
44
     
84
     
271
     
202
 
Adjusted Free Cash Flow
   
71
     
21
     
24
     
291
     
230
     
114
     
160
     
215
     
269
     
566
     
758
 
Adjusted Free Cash Flow After Interest
   
21
     
8
     
(28
)
   
277
     
172
     
89
     
119
     
201
     
241
     
429
     
650
 
Net Debt
   
2,612
     
2,581
     
2,626
     
2,355
     
2,175
     
2,079
     
1,964
     
1,768
     
1,526
     
2,175
     
1,526
 
Cellular Subscriber Base (Thousands)
   
2,837
     
2,774
     
2,747
     
2,739
     
2,718
     
2,692
     
2,700
     
2,693
     
2,686
     
2,718
     
2,686
 
Post-Paid Subscriber Base (Thousands)
   
2,132
     
2,112
     
2,112
     
2,136
     
2,156
     
2,174
     
2,191
     
2,215
     
2,241
     
2,156
     
2,241
 
Pre-Paid Subscriber Base (Thousands)
   
705
     
662
     
635
     
603
     
562
     
518
     
509
     
478
     
445
     
562
     
445
 
Cellular ARPU (NIS)
   
71
     
69
     
70
     
71
     
67
     
67
     
65
     
66
     
62
     
69
     
65
 
Cellular Churn Rate (%)
   
11.5
%
   
12.7
%
   
10.9
%
   
10.8
%
   
11.1
%
   
11.2
%
   
9.8
%
   
9.7
%
   
9.4
%
   
46
%
   
40
%
Number of Employees (FTE)
   
3,575
     
3,535
     
3,354
     
3,017
     
2,882
     
2,827
     
2,740
     
2,742
     
2,686
     
2,882
     
2,686
 

*
See footnote 2 regarding use of non-GAAP measures.
 
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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/ Ziv Leitman  
    Name: Ziv Leitman  
    Title: Chief Financial Officer  
       
         
           Dated: March 30, 2017
 
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