As of September 30, 2017, Internet Gold held approximately 65% of B Communications' outstanding shares. Accordingly, Internet Gold's interest in B Communications' net profit for the third quarter of 2017 totaled NIS 25 million ($7 million) compared with a net loss of NIS 166 million in the third quarter of 2016. The loss in the third quarter of 2016 was due to one-time refinancing expenses recorded by B Communications related to the early redemption of the Notes.
Internet Gold's unconsolidated net financial expenses in the third quarter of 2017 totaled NIS 6 million ($2 million) compared with NIS 13 million in the third quarter of 2016. These expenses consist of NIS 10 million ($3 million) of interest and CPI linkage expenses related to its publicly-traded debentures. These expenses were partially offset by financial income of NIS 4 million ($1 million) generated by short term investments.
Internet Gold's unconsolidated net profit for the third quarter of 2017 totaled NIS 18 million ($5 million) compared with a net loss of NIS 180 million for the third quarter of 2016.
To provide further insight into its results, the Company is providing the following summary of the consolidated financial report of the Bezeq Group for the third quarter ended September 30, 2017. For a full discussion of Bezeq's results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2017, please refer to its website: .
Bezeq Group (consolidated) Q3-2017
Q3-2016 % change
(NIS millions)
Revenues 2,415
2,510 (3.8%)
Operating profit 544
599 (9.2%)
Operating margin 22.5%
23.9%
Net profit 322
394 (18.3%)
EBITDA 980
1,041 (5.9%)
EBITDA margin 40.6%
41.5%
Diluted EPS (NIS) 0.12
0.14 (14.3%)
Cash flow from operating activities 982
902 8.9%
Payments for investments 353
349 1.1%
Free cash flow 1 677
577 17.3%
Total debt 11,533
11,246 2.6%
Net debt 8,968
9,400 (4.6%)
EBITDA (trailing twelve months) 3,911
4,067 (3.8%)
Net debt/EBITDA (end of period) 2 2.29
2.31
1 Free cash flow is defined as cash flow from operating activities less net payments for investments.
2 EBITDA in this calculation refers to the trailing twelve months.
Revenues of the Bezeq Group in the third quarter of 2017 were NIS 2.42 billion ($683 million) compared to NIS 2.51 billion in the corresponding quarter of 2016, a decrease of 3.8%. The decrease was due to lower revenues in all group segments.
Salary expenses of the Bezeq Group in the third quarter of 2017 were NIS 502 million ($142 million) compared to NIS 501 million in the corresponding quarter of 2016.
Operating expenses of the Bezeq Group in the third quarter of 2017 were NIS 956 million ($271 million) compared to NIS 994 million in the corresponding quarter of 2016, a decrease of 3.8%. The decrease in operating expenses was due to a reduction in the operating expenses of the various Group subsidiaries, which was influenced by the early adoption of accounting standard IFRS 15.
Other operating income, net of the Bezeq Group in the third quarter of 2017 amounted to NIS 23 million ($7 million) compared to NIS 26 million in the corresponding quarter of 2016. The decrease in other operating income was due to a NIS 11 million ($3 million) fine imposed by the Ministry of Communications as well as an increase in the provision for legal claims, partially offset by an increase in capital gains from the sale of real estate by Bezeq Fixed-Line.
Depreciation and amortization expenses of the Bezeq Group in the third quarter of 2017 were NIS 436 million ($124 million) compared to NIS 442 million in the corresponding quarter of 2016, a decrease of 1.4%. The decrease in depreciation expenses was due to a reduction in the amortization expenses related to the purchase price allocation recorded in connection with the increase in its ownership interest in Yes, partially offset by an increase in depreciation expenses in the cellular segment due to the early adoption of accounting standard IFRS 15.
Operating profit of the Bezeq Group in the third quarter of 2017 was NIS 544 million ($154 million) compared to NIS 599 million in the corresponding quarter of 2016, a decrease of 9.2%.
Financing expenses, net of the Bezeq Group in the third quarter of 2017 amounted to NIS 94 million ($27 million) compared to NIS 104 million in the corresponding quarter of 2016, a decrease of 9.6%. The decrease in financing expenses was primarily due lower expenses at Yes partially offset by an update in the estimated fair value of advanced payments made by the Bezeq Group to Eurocom DBS of NIS 13 million ($4 million).
Tax expenses of the Bezeq Group in the third quarter of 2017 were NIS 128 million ($36 million) compared to NIS 99 million in the corresponding quarter of 2016, an increase of 29.3%. The increase in tax expenses was due a decrease in tax expenses in the third quarter of 2016 as a result of tax adjustments in respect of prior years at Bezeq Fixed-Line.
Net profit of the Bezeq Group in the third quarter of 2017 was NIS 322 million ($91 million) compared to NIS 394 million in the corresponding quarter of 2016, a decrease of 18.3%. The decrease in net profit was due to the aforementioned reduction in revenues and increase in tax expenses.
EBITDA of the Bezeq Group in the third quarter of 2017 was NIS 980 million ($278 million) (EBITDA margin of 40.6%) compared to NIS 1.04 billion (EBITDA margin of 41.5%) in the corresponding quarter of 2016, a decrease of 5.9%.
Cash flow from operating activities of the Bezeq Group in the third quarter of 2017 was NIS 982 million ($278 million) compared to NIS 902 million in the corresponding quarter of 2016, an increase of 8.9%. The increase in cash flow from operating activities was due to changes in working capital.
Payments for investments (Capex) of the Bezeq Group in the third quarter of 2017 was NIS 353 million ($100 million) compared to NIS 349 million in the corresponding quarter of 2016.
Free cash flow of the Bezeq Group in the third quarter of 2017 was NIS 677 million ($192 million) compared to NIS 577 million in the corresponding quarter of 2016, an increase of 17.3%. The increase in free cash flow was due to the aforementioned increase in cash flow from operating activities as well as an increase in proceeds from the sale of real estate due to timing differences.
Total debt of the Bezeq Group as of September 30, 2017 was NIS 11.5 billion ($3.3 billion) compared to NIS 11.2 billion as of September 30, 2016.
Net debt of the Bezeq Group as of September 30, 2017 was NIS 9.0 billion ($2.54 billion) compared to NIS 9.4 billion as of September 30, 2016.
Net debt to EBITDA (trailing twelve months) ratio of the Bezeq Group as of September 30, 2017, was 2.29, compared to 2.31 as of September 30, 2016.
ISA Investigation: The Company has been reporting the events concerning the investigation by the Israel Securities Authority ("ISA") relating to alleged improprieties surrounding the YES -Bezeq transaction and the transaction between YES and Space Communication Ltd. As reported, the investigation appears to focus on Bezeq's 2015 acquisition of the remaining ownership interest in its satellite TV unit, YES, from its then parent company, Eurocom DBS. Following initial reports concerning the investigation, civil claims with motions to certify the claims as class action lawsuits were filed in Israel against the Company, Bezeq and others. The Company is currently evaluating the claims and its course of action.
On November 6, 2017, the Securities Authority issued a press release indicating the conclusion of the Investigation and the transfer of the investigation file to the Tel Aviv District Attorney's Office (Taxation and Economics). The District Attorney's Office is authorized to decide on further action at their discretion.
Notes:
Convenience translation to U.S Dollars
Unless noted specifically otherwise, the dollar denominated figures were converted to US$ using a convenience translation based on the New Israeli Shekel (NIS)/US$ exchange rate of NIS 3.529 = US$ 1 as published by the Bank of Israel for September 30, 2017.
Use of non-IFRS financial measures
We and the Bezeq Group's management regularly use supplemental non-IFRS financial measures internally to understand, manage and evaluate its business and make operating decisions. The following non-IFRS measures are provided in the press release and accompanying supplemental information because management believes these measurements provide consistent and comparable measures to help investors understand the Bezeq Group's current and future operating cash flow performance and are useful for investors and financial institutions to analyze and compare companies on the basis of operating performance:
EBITDA - defined as net profit plus income tax expenses, share of loss in equity accounted investee, net financing expenses and depreciation and amortization; EBITDA trailing twelve months - defined as net profit plus income tax expenses, share of loss in equity accounted investee, net financing expenses and depreciation and amortization during last twelve months; Net debt - defined as long and short term bank loans and debentures minus cash and cash equivalents and short term investments; Net debt to EBITDA ratio - defined as net debt divided by the trailing twelve months EBITDA; Free Cash Flow (FCF) - defined as cash from operating activities less cash used for the purchase/sale of property, plant and equipment, and intangible assets, net. These non-IFRS financial measures may differ materially from the non-IFRS financial measures used by other companies. We present the Bezeq Group's EBITDA as a supplemental performance measure because we believe that it facilitates operating performance comparisons from period to period and company to company by backing out potential differences caused by variations in capital structure, tax positions (such as the impact of changes in effective tax rates or net operating losses) and the age of, and depreciation expenses associated with, fixed assets (affecting relative depreciation expense).
EBITDA should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for net profit or other statement of operations or cash flow data prepared in accordance with IFRS as a measure of profitability or liquidity. EBITDA does not take into account our debt service requirements and other commitments, including capital expenditures, and, accordingly, is not necessarily indicative of amounts that may be available for discretionary uses. In addition, EBITDA, as presented in this press release, may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies due to differences in the way that these measures are calculated.
Management of Bezeq believes that free cash flow is an important measure of its liquidity as well as its ability to service long-term debt, fund future growth and to provide a return to shareholders. We also believe this free cash flow definition does not have any material limitations. Free cash flow is a financial index which is not based on IFRS. Free cash flow is defined as cash from operating activities less cash for the purchase/sale of property, plant and equipment, and intangible assets, net.
Bezeq also uses net debt and the net debt to EBITDA trailing twelve months ratio to analyze its financial capacity for further leverage and in analyzing the company's business and financial condition. Net debt reflects long and short term liabilities minus cash and cash equivalents and investments.
Reconciliations between the Bezeq Group's results on an IFRS and non-IFRS basis with respect to these non-IFRS measurements are provided in tables immediately following the Company's consolidated results. The non-IFRS financial measures are not meant to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for comparable IFRS measures, and should be read only in conjunction with its consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with IFRS.
About Internet Gold
Internet Gold is a telecommunications-oriented holding company which is a controlled subsidiary of Eurocom Communications Ltd. Internet Gold's primary holding is its controlling interest in B Communications Ltd. (TASE and Nasdaq: BCOM), which in turn holds the controlling interest in Bezeq, The Israel Telecommunication Corp., Israel's largest telecommunications provider (TASE: BEZQ). Internet Gold's shares are traded on NASDAQ and the TASE under the symbol IGLD. For more information, please visit the following Internet sites:
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from these forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, general business conditions in the industry, changes in the regulatory and legal compliance environments, the failure to manage growth and other risks detailed from time to time in B Communications' filings with the Securities Exchange Commission. These documents contain and identify other important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in our projections or forward-looking statements. Stockholders and other readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date on which they are made. We undertake no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statement.
For further information, please contact:
Idit Cohen - IR Manager
Tel: +972-3-924-0000
Investor relations contacts:
Hadas Friedman - Investor Relations
Tel: +972-3-516-7620
Internet Gold - Golden Lines Ltd.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position as at
(In millions)
September 30, September 30,
September 30, December 31,
2017 2017
2016 2016
NIS US$
NIS NIS
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents 2,562
725 1,012
810
Investments 562
159 1,483
1,240
Trade receivables, net 1,948
552 1,998
2,000
Other receivables 294
83 228
217
Related party 43
13 -
-
Inventory 101
29 96
106
Total current assets 5,510
1,561 4,817
4,373
Non-current assets
Trade and other receivables 520
148 641
644
Property, plant and equipment 6,974
1,976 7,042
7,072
Intangible assets 6,102
1,729 6,724
6,534
Deferred expenses and investments 557
158 483
465
Broadcasting rights 457
129 450
432
Deferred tax assets 1,014
287 1,103
1,007
Total non-current assets 15,624
4,427 16,443
16,154
Total assets 21,134
5,988 21,260
20,527
Internet Gold - Golden Lines Ltd.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position as at
(In millions)
September 30, September 30,
September 30, December 31,
2017 2017
2016 2016
NIS US$
NIS NIS
Current liabilities
Bank loans and credit and debentures 963
273 2,491
2,181
Trade and other payables 1,833
519 1,611
1,661
Related party -
- 6
32
Dividend payable 522
148 490
-
Current tax liabilities 125
35 223
138
Provisions 94
27 87
80
Employee benefits 251
71 280
315
Total current liabilities 3,788
1,073 5,188
4,407
Non-current liabilities
Bank loans and debentures 13,800
3,909 12,226
12,241
Employee benefits 260
74 237
258
Other liabilities 292
83 257
244
Provisions 48
14 47
47
Deferred tax liabilities 516
146 645
593
Total non-current liabilities 14,916
4,226 13,412
13,383
Total liabilities 18,704
5,299 18,600
17,790
Equity
Attributable to shareholders of the Company 233
66 198
194
Non-controlling interests 2,197
623 2,462
2,543
Total equity 2,430
689 2,660
2,737
Total liabilities and equity 21,134
5,988 21,260
20,527
Internet Gold - Golden Lines Ltd.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the
(In millions, except per share data)
Nine months period ended September 30, Three months period ended September 30,
Year ended December 31,
2017 2017
2016 2017
2017 2016
2016
NIS US$
NIS NIS
US$ NIS
NIS
Revenues 7,331
2,077 7,580
2,415 683
2,510 10,084
Costs and expenses
Depreciation and amortization 1,590
451 1,622
537 152
539 2,161
Salaries 1,500
425 1,509
502 142
501 2,017
General and operating expenses 2,897
821 2,995
959 272
997 4,024
Other operating expenses
(income), net (1)
- (21)
(2) (1)
(14) 21
5,986 1,697
6,105 1,996
565 2,023
8,223
Operating profit 1,345
380 1,475
419 118
487 1,861
Financing expenses, net 407
115 816
119 33
455 975
Profit after financing
expenses, net 938
265 659
300 85
32 886
Share of loss in
equity-accounted investee 4
1 4
- -
2 5
Profit before income tax 934
264 655
300 85
30 881
Income tax expenses 273
77 301
99 28
71 442
Net profit (loss) for the period 661
187 354
201 57
(41) 439
Profit (loss) attributable to:
Shareholders of the Company 42
12 (198)
18 5
(180) (202)
Non-controlling interests 619
175 552
183 52
139 641
Net profit (loss) for the period 661
187 354
201 57
(41) 439
Earnings (loss) per share
Basic 2.21
0.63 (10.37)
0.95 0.27
(9.43) (10.52)
Diluted 2.21
0.63 (10.37)
0.95 0.27
(9.43) (10.52)
Reconciliation for NON-IFRS Measures
EBITDA
The following is a reconciliation of the Bezeq Group's net profit to EBITDA:
(In millions) Three month period ended September 30,
Trailing twelve months ended September 30,
2017 2017
2016 2017
2017 2016
NIS US$
NIS NIS
US$ NIS
Net profit 322
91 394
1,215 344
1,428
Income tax expenses 128
36 99
562 159
534
Share of loss in equity- accounted investee -
- 2
5 1
7
Financing expenses, net 94
27 104
433 123
308
Depreciation and amortization 436
124 442
1,696 481
1,790
EBITDA 980
278 1,041
3,911 1,108
4,067
Net Debt
The following table shows the calculation of the Bezeq Group's net debt:
(In millions) As at September 30,
2017 2017
2016
NIS US$
NIS
Short term bank loans and credit and debentures 555
157 2,135
Non-current bank loans and debentures 10,978
3,110 9,111
Cash and cash equivalents (2,471)
(700) (938)
Investments (94)
(27) (908)
Net debt 8,968
2,540 9,400
Net Debt to Trailing Twelve Months EBITDA Ratio
The following table shows the calculation of the Bezeq Group's net debt to trailing twelve months EBITDA ratio:
(In millions) As at September 30,
2017 2017
2016
NIS US$
NIS
Net debt 8,968
2,540 9,400
Trailing twelve months EBITDA 3,911
1,108 4,067
Net debt to EBITDA ratio 2.29
2.29 2.31
Reconciliation for NON-IFRS Measures
Free Cash Flow
The following table shows the calculation of the Bezeq Group's free cash flow:
(In millions) Three month period ended September 30,
2017 2017
2016
NIS US$
NIS
Cash flow from operating activities 982
278 902
Purchase of property, plant and equipment (255)
(72) (290)
Investment in intangible assets and deferred expenses (98)
(28) (59)
Proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment 48
14 24
Free cash flow 677
192 577
Loan to Value (LTV)
The following table shows the calculation of IGLD's loan to value ratio:
(In millions) As at September 30,
2017
NIS
IGLD's unconsolidated net debt 601
Market value of B Communications shares held by IGLD 976
IGLD's LTV 61.6%
Net Asset Value (NAV)
The following table shows the calculation of IGLD's net asset value:
(In millions) As at September 30,
2017
NIS
Market value of B Communications shares held by IGLD 976
IGLD's unconsolidated net debt 601
IGLD's NAV 375
Designated Disclosure with Respect to the Company's Projected Cash Flows
In connection with the issuance of the Series D Debentures in 2014, we undertook to comply with the "hybrid model disclosure requirements" as determined by the Israeli Securities Authority and as described in the prospectus governing our Series D Debentures.
This model provides that in the event certain financial "warning signs" exist, and for as long as they exist, we will be subject to certain disclosure obligations towards the holders of our Series D Debentures.
In examining the existence of warning signs as of September 30, 2017, our board of directors noted that our consolidated financial statements (unaudited) as well as our separate internal (unpublished) unaudited financial information as of and for the three months period ended September 30, 2017 reflect that we had a continuing negative cash flow from operating activities of NIS 1 million in the third quarter of 2017.
The Israeli regulations provide that the existence of a continuing negative cash flow from operating activities could be deemed to be a "warning sign" unless our board of directors determines that the possible "warning sign" does not reflect a liquidity problem.
Such continuing negative cash flow from operating activities results from the general operating expenses of the Company of NIS 1 million in the third quarter of 2017 and due to the fact that the Company, as a holding company, does not have any cash inflows from operating activities. Our main source of cash inflows is generated from dividends (classified as cash flow from investing activities) or debt issuances (classified as cash flow from financing activities). We did not have any such inflows in the third quarter of 2017.
Such continuing negative cash flow from operating activities does not effect our liquidity in any manner. Our board of directors reviewed our financial position, outstanding debt obligations and our existing and anticipated cash resources and uses and determined that the existence of the continuing negative cash flow from operating activities, as mentioned above, does not reflect a liquidity problem.
Internet Gold's Unconsolidated Balance Sheet
(In millions) September 30,
September 30, September 30,
December 31,
2017 2017
2016 2016
NIS US$
NIS NIS
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents 20
6 64
48
Short-term investments 177
50 313
334
Total current assets 197
56 377
382
Non-current assets
Investment in an investee (*) 834
236 757
758
Total assets 1,031
292 1,134
1,140
Current liabilities
Current maturities of debentures 183
51 130
130
Other payables 2
1 9
21
Total current liabilities 185
52 139
151
Non-current liabilities
Debentures 613
174 797
795
Total liabilities 798
226 936
946
Total equity 233
66 198
194
Total liabilities and equity 1,031
292 1,134
1,140
(*) Investment in B Communications.
Unconsolidated figures as of September 30, 2017:
Unconsolidated total equity represents 22.6% of unconsolidated total balance sheet. Unconsolidated LTV ratio is 61.6%. The ratio of cash and cash equivalents plus short-term investments plus dividend receivable from B Communication and market value of B Communications shares over the control permit (approximately 14.78% of B Communications outstanding shares) to unconsolidated current maturities of debentures is 2.27. Internet Gold's NAV is NIS 375 million. View original content:
SOURCE Internet Gold - Golden Lines Ltd.