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Telecom Argentina S.A. Announces Consolidated Annual Results ("FY24") and Fourth Quarter of Fiscal Year 2024 ("4Q24")

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Telecom Argentina (NYSE: TEO) reported its FY24 and Q4 2024 results. The company's consolidated revenues reached P$4,137,596 million in FY24, showing a 7.7% decline in constant currency compared to FY23. However, service revenues showed signs of recovery, with Q4 2024 marking the first quarter of year-over-year growth above inflation at 2.6%.

Key operational highlights include growth in mobile subscribers to 21.6 million (+621,000 vs FY23) and cable TV subscribers reaching 3.2 million (+61,000). The company reported a net income of P$1,033,252 million, primarily driven by gains from foreign exchange differences. CAPEX represented 13.8% of consolidated revenues, with total investments amounting to P$806,649 million.

Notable improvements include a 5G network expansion with 200 new sites, and 4G/LTE coverage reaching 98% of the population. The company's net financial debt decreased by 36.9% in constant currency compared to December 2023, totaling P$2,524,923 million.

Telecom Argentina (NYSE: TEO) ha riportato i risultati per l'anno fiscale 2024 e il quarto trimestre 2024. I ricavi consolidati dell'azienda hanno raggiunto P$4.137.596 milioni nell'anno fiscale 2024, mostrando un calo del 7,7% in valuta costante rispetto all'anno fiscale 2023. Tuttavia, i ricavi da servizi hanno mostrato segni di ripresa, con il quarto trimestre 2024 che segna il primo trimestre di crescita anno su anno sopra l'inflazione, pari al 2,6%.

I principali punti operativi includono la crescita degli abbonati mobili a 21,6 milioni (+621.000 rispetto all'anno fiscale 2023) e gli abbonati alla TV via cavo che hanno raggiunto 3,2 milioni (+61.000). L'azienda ha riportato un utile netto di P$1.033.252 milioni, principalmente guidato dai guadagni derivanti dalle differenze di cambio. Gli investimenti in capitale (CAPEX) hanno rappresentato il 13,8% dei ricavi consolidati, con investimenti totali pari a P$806.649 milioni.

Le migliorie significative includono l'espansione della rete 5G con 200 nuovi siti, e la copertura 4G/LTE che raggiunge il 98% della popolazione. Il debito finanziario netto dell'azienda è diminuito del 36,9% in valuta costante rispetto a dicembre 2023, totalizzando P$2.524.923 milioni.

Telecom Argentina (NYSE: TEO) reportó sus resultados para el año fiscal 2024 y el cuarto trimestre de 2024. Los ingresos consolidados de la empresa alcanzaron P$4.137.596 millones en el año fiscal 2024, mostrando una disminución del 7.7% en moneda constante en comparación con el año fiscal 2023. Sin embargo, los ingresos por servicios mostraron signos de recuperación, con el cuarto trimestre de 2024 marcando el primer trimestre de crecimiento interanual por encima de la inflación, del 2.6%.

Los aspectos operativos clave incluyen el crecimiento en suscriptores móviles a 21.6 millones (+621,000 en comparación con el año fiscal 2023) y suscriptores de TV por cable alcanzando 3.2 millones (+61,000). La empresa reportó una utilidad neta de P$1.033.252 millones, impulsada principalmente por ganancias de diferencias de cambio. El CAPEX representó el 13.8% de los ingresos consolidados, con inversiones totales que ascendieron a P$806.649 millones.

Las mejoras notables incluyen la expansión de la red 5G con 200 nuevos sitios, y la cobertura 4G/LTE alcanzando el 98% de la población. La deuda financiera neta de la empresa disminuyó un 36.9% en moneda constante en comparación con diciembre de 2023, totalizando P$2.524.923 millones.

텔레콤 아르헨티나 (NYSE: TEO)는 2024 회계연도 및 2024년 4분기 결과를 발표했습니다. 회사의 통합 수익은 2024 회계연도에 P$4,137,596 백만에 달했으며, 이는 2023 회계연도에 비해 상수 통화 기준으로 7.7% 감소한 수치입니다. 그러나 서비스 수익은 회복 조짐을 보였으며, 2024년 4분기는 인플레이션을 초과하는 전년 대비 성장률 2.6%를 기록한 첫 분기로 나타났습니다.

주요 운영 하이라이트로는 모바일 가입자가 2160만 명(+621,000명, 2023 회계연도 대비)으로 증가했으며, 케이블 TV 가입자는 320만 명(+61,000명)에 도달했습니다. 회사는 외환 차익에 의해 주로 주도된 P$1,033,252 백만의 순이익을 보고했습니다. CAPEX는 통합 수익의 13.8%를 차지하며, 총 투자액은 P$806,649 백만에 달했습니다.

주목할 만한 개선 사항으로는 200개의 새로운 사이트를 포함한 5G 네트워크 확장과 98%의 인구가 4G/LTE 서비스를 이용할 수 있는 것입니다. 회사의 순 금융 부채는 2023년 12월에 비해 상수 통화 기준으로 36.9% 감소하여 총 P$2,524,923 백만에 달했습니다.

Telecom Argentina (NYSE: TEO) a publié ses résultats pour l'exercice 2024 et le quatrième trimestre 2024. Les revenus consolidés de l'entreprise ont atteint P$4.137.596 millions pour l'exercice 2024, affichant une baisse de 7,7 % en monnaie constante par rapport à l'exercice 2023. Cependant, les revenus des services ont montré des signes de reprise, le quatrième trimestre 2024 marquant le premier trimestre de croissance d'une année sur l'autre au-dessus de l'inflation, à 2,6 %.

Les points opérationnels clés incluent la croissance des abonnés mobiles à 21,6 millions (+621 000 par rapport à l'exercice 2023) et les abonnés à la télévision par câble atteignant 3,2 millions (+61 000). L'entreprise a déclaré un revenu net de P$1.033.252 millions, principalement tiré des gains provenant des différences de change. Les dépenses d'investissement (CAPEX) ont représenté 13,8 % des revenus consolidés, avec des investissements totaux s'élevant à P$806.649 millions.

Les améliorations notables incluent l'expansion du réseau 5G avec 200 nouveaux sites, et la couverture 4G/LTE atteignant 98 % de la population. La dette financière nette de l'entreprise a diminué de 36,9 % en monnaie constante par rapport à décembre 2023, totalisant P$2.524.923 millions.

Telecom Argentina (NYSE: TEO) hat seine Ergebnisse für das Geschäftsjahr 2024 und das vierte Quartal 2024 veröffentlicht. Die konsolidierten Einnahmen des Unternehmens beliefen sich im Geschäftsjahr 2024 auf P$4.137.596 Millionen, was einem Rückgang von 7,7% in konstanter Währung im Vergleich zum Geschäftsjahr 2023 entspricht. Die Einnahmen aus Dienstleistungen zeigten jedoch Anzeichen einer Erholung, wobei das vierte Quartal 2024 das erste Quartal mit einem Jahr-zu-Jahr-Wachstum über der Inflation von 2,6% markierte.

Wichtige betriebliche Höhepunkte sind das Wachstum der Mobilfunkkunden auf 21,6 Millionen (+621.000 im Vergleich zum Geschäftsjahr 2023) und die Kabel-TV-Abonnenten, die 3,2 Millionen (+61.000) erreichten. Das Unternehmen meldete einen Nettogewinn von P$1.033.252 Millionen, der hauptsächlich durch Gewinne aus Wechselkursunterschieden unterstützt wurde. Die Investitionen (CAPEX) machten 13,8% der konsolidierten Einnahmen aus, mit Gesamtausgaben von P$806.649 Millionen.

Bemerkenswerte Verbesserungen umfassen die Erweiterung des 5G-Netzes mit 200 neuen Standorten und eine 4G/LTE-Abdeckung von 98% der Bevölkerung. Die Nettofinanzverschuldung des Unternehmens verringerte sich im Vergleich zu Dezember 2023 um 36,9% in konstanter Währung und belief sich auf insgesamt P$2.524.923 Millionen.

Positive
  • Net income of P$1,033,252 million vs loss in FY23
  • Q4 2024 service revenues grew 2.6% above inflation
  • Mobile subscribers increased by 621,000
  • Net financial debt decreased 36.9%
  • 4G/LTE coverage reached 98% of population
Negative
  • Consolidated revenues declined 7.7% in FY24
  • Service revenues decreased 6.4% in FY24
  • Broadband subscribers decreased by 44,000
  • Cable TV service revenues fell 24.2%
  • Equipment sales dropped 24.0%

Insights

Telecom Argentina's FY24 results reveal a significant financial turnaround with a net income of P$1,033,252 million compared to a loss of P$543,727 million in FY23. This dramatic improvement stems primarily from foreign exchange gains resulting from Argentina's unique economic environment, where inflation (117.8%) substantially outpaced the peso's devaluation against the US dollar (27.7%).

While consolidated revenues declined 7.7% in constant currency to P$4,137,596 million, the company shows clear operational improvement with service revenues declining at a slower rate (-6.4% vs. -10.1% in FY23). Most encouraging is the 2.6% growth in Q4 service revenues, marking the first quarter with above-inflation revenue growth and suggesting a potential inflection point.

The company's customer metrics demonstrate resilience in a challenging economic environment, with mobile subscribers increasing by 621,000 to 21.6 million and cable TV subscribers growing by 61,000 to 3.2 million. The company maintained stable operating margins at 28.2% through effective cost management, with operating costs declining 7.7% in real terms.

Segment performance varied significantly, with internet services growing 7.9% while cable TV revenues declined 24.2%, reflecting shifting consumer preferences and possibly strategic resource allocation. The company's fintech initiative shows promising growth, with Personal Pay users increasing from 2.0 million to 3.6 million.

Telecom Argentina significantly strengthened its balance sheet, reducing net financial debt by 36.9% in constant currency to P$2,524,923 million. Despite economic challenges, the company maintained substantial infrastructure investments at 13.8% of revenues (excluding right-of-use assets), including continued 4G modernization and expansion of its 5G network with 200 additional sites.

Market Cap (NYSE: TEO): US$4,910.4 million*

Note: For the figures included in the FFSS, Telecom Argentina S.A. ("Telecom Argentina", "Telecom" or the "Company") has accounted for the effects of inflation adjustment adopted by Resolution 777/18 of the Comisión Nacional de Valores ("CNV"), which establishes that the restatement will be applied to annual financial statements, interim and special periods ending as of December 31, 2018, inclusive. Accordingly, the reported figures corresponding to FY24 include the effects of the adoption of inflationary accounting in accordance with IAS 29. Therefore, comments related to variations of results between FY24 and FY23 mentioned in this press release correspond to "figures restated by inflation" or "constant" figures.

  • For analysis purposes, it should be noted that the results presented on a comparative basis (December 2023) include the effect of year-over-year inflation as of December 2024, which was 117.8%.

  • The Company's Consolidated Revenues amounted to P$4,137,596 million in FY24 (-7.7% in constant currency compared to FY23). The evolution of Service Revenues shows a trend of recovery in real terms:

    • Cumulative service revenues during FY24 totaled P$3,884,058 million (-6.4% vs. FY23), whereas in FY23 these had declined by 10.1% compared to FY22.

    • Service revenues for 4Q24 totaled P$986,418 million (+2.6% vs. 4Q23 - the first quarter of the year showing year-over-year revenues growth above inflation, consolidating the improvement observed in previous quarters).

  • During FY24, the evolution of the customer base in Argentina was positive: mobile accesses increased, reaching 21.6 million (+621 thousand compared to FY23). Meanwhile, cable TV subscribers also increased, totaling 3.2 million in the same period (+61 thousand compared to FY23). Finally, broadband totaled 4.0 million accesses (-44 thousand compared to FY23).

  • During FY24, the margin of Operating Income before Depreciation, Amortization, and Impairments of Fixed Assets ("Operating Income before D, A & I") over revenues registered 28.2%, which remained stable when compared with FY23. During FY24, Operating Income before D, A & I totaled P$1,164,877 million.

  • The real appreciation of the Argentine peso against the US dollar during FY24, mainly driven by inflation outpacing devaluation, resulted in the Company recording gains from foreign exchange differences in real terms, which are included in the Financial Results. These gains largely explained a net income of P$1,033,252 million (vs. a loss of $543,727 million in FY23).

  • CAPEX (excluding right-of-use assets) during FY24 represented 13.8% of Consolidated Revenues. Investments (including right-of-use assets) amounted to P$806,649 million in FY24, which represented 19.5% of our Consolidated Revenues.

  • Net Financial Debt totaled P$2,524,923 million as of December 31, 2024, decreasing in real terms (-36.9% in constant currency vs. December 31, 2023).

*Market capitalization as of February 26, 2025
**Unaudited non-financial information

BUENOS AIRES, AR / ACCESS Newswire / February 27, 2025 / Telecom Argentina S.A. ("Telecom Argentina", "Telecom" or the "Company") - (NYSE:TEO)(BYMA:TECO2), announced today a Net Income of P$1,033,252 million for the annual period ended December 31, 2024, mainly explained by gains from exchange rate differences in real terms, which are included in the Financial Results. The Net Income attributable to the controlling company was P$1,012,404 million.

(in million P$ adjusted by inflation, except where noted)*

IAS 29
As of December 31,
2024

IAS 29
As of December 31,
2023

$

%

Consolidated Revenues

4,137,596

4,483,972

(346,376

)

-7.7

%

Operating Income before D, A & I

1,164,877

1,261,714

(96,837

)

-7.7

%

Operating Loss

(146,467

)

(272,346

)

125,879

-46.2

%

Net income (loss) before income tax expense

1,442,406

(1,280,328

)

2,722,734

-

Net income (loss) attributable to Controlling Company

1,012,404

(561,242

)

1,573,646

-

Shareholders' equity attributable to Controlling Company

5,425,003

4,720,851

704,152

14.9

%

Net Financial Debt

(2,524,923

)

(4,003,889

)

1,478,966

-36.9

%

Investments in PP&E, intangible assets & rights of use assets **

806,649

1,238,675

(432,026

)

-34.9

%

Fixed lines in service (in thousand lines) ***

2,666

2,887

(221

)

-7.6

%

Mobile customers (in thousand)

24,185

23,321

864

3.7

%

Personal (Argentina)

21,625

21,004

621

3.0

%

Núcleo (Paraguay) -including Wimax customers-

2,559

2,316

243

10.5

%

Broadband accesses in Argentina (in thousand)

4,030

4,074

(44

)

-1.1

%

Pay TV Subscribers (Includes Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay - in thousand)

3,432

3,369

63

1.9

%

Average Revenue per user (ARPU) Fixed Telephony / voice (in P$ - Restated by inflation)

9,053.4

9,157.2

(103.8

)

-1.1

%

Average Revenue per user (ARPU) Mobile Services - Personal (in P$ - Restated by inflation)

5,960.0

6,655.1

(695.1

)

-10.4

%

Average Revenue per user (ARPU) Broadband (in P$ - Restated by inflation)

20,418.6

18,883.6

1,535.0

8.1

%

Average Revenue per user (ARPU) Cable TV (in P$ - Restated by inflation)

13,792.3

18,708.5

(4,916.2

)

-26.3

%

*(Figures may not add up due to rounding)
** (in constant currency - includes right-of-use assets for P$237,298 million as of December 31, 2024 and for P$186,447 million as of December 31, 2023)
*** (Includes IP telephony lines, which amounted to approximately 1.86 million and 1.52 million as of December 31, 2024, and December 31, 2023, respectively) - Not included in ARPU calculations.

Comparative figures for the previous fiscal year have been restated by inflation so that the resulting information is presented in terms of the current measurement unit as of December 31, 2024.

The following table shows the evolution of the national consumer price index (National CPI - according to INDEC's official statistics) for the last three fiscal years ended December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024:

As of December 31, 2022

As of December 31, 2023

As of December 31, 2024

Annual

94.8

%

211.4

%

117.8

%

During FY24, Consolidated Revenues amounted to P$4,137,596 million, from which Service Revenues totaled P$3,884,058 million.

During FY24, there were improvements made in the evolution of Service Revenues vs. inflation. The variation in real terms for FY24 stood at -6.4%, compared to -10.1% in FY23. This performance was primarily driven by the net effect of the Company's pricing adjustments, which remained slightly below the year-over-year inflation rate (117.8%), considering the discounts that were granted to customers to maintain the client base amid intense market competition. Nonetheless, Service Revenues in 4Q24 recorded a real year-over-year increase of +2.6% vs. 4Q23, thus reinforcing the positive trend observed in prior quarters.

Consolidated Revenues

Mobile Services

As of December 31, 2024, total mobile subscribers in Argentina and Paraguay amounted to 24.2 million. In FY24, mobile services revenues reached P$1,679,334 million (- P$127,128 million or -7.0% vs. FY23),obtaining the highest share in terms of service revenues (representing 43.2% and 43.5% of service revenues in FY24 and FY23, respectively). In 4Q24, mobile service revenues amounted to P$431,629 million (+5.2% vs. 4Q23). Mobile internet revenues in FY24 and FY23 were equivalent to 95% of the total revenues for these services.

Mobile Services in Argentina

As of December 31, 2024, total mobile subscribers amounted to approximately 21.6 million (+621 thousand vs. FY23). During FY24, a recovery in the postpaid base was observed, which increased by 0.9% vs. FY23. Meanwhile, the prepaid base recorded a 4.2% increase, continuing a favorable trend. As of December 31, 2024, postpaid accesses represented 38% of our mobile subscriber base.

In FY24, mobile service revenues in Argentina amounted to P$1,534,634 million (-P$126,996 million or -7.6% vs. FY23). The average monthly revenue per user ("ARPU") amounted to P$5,960.0 during FY24 (vs. P$6,655.1 in FY23). The effect generated by the restatement in terms of the current measurement unit as of December 31, 2024, included in the ARPU amounted to P$1,026.0 and P$4,981.4 for FY24 and FY23, respectively. The average monthly churn rate was 1.4% in FY24 (compared to an average of 1.8% in FY23).

Personal in Paraguay ("Núcleo")

As of December 31, 2024, Núcleo's subscriber base totaled 2.6 million, growing 10.6% vs FY23. Of the total number of accesses, 73% correspond to prepaid plans and 27% to postpaid plans, whereas as of December 31, 2023, prepaid accesses represented 76% and postpaid accesses represented 24%.

During FY24, Mobile service revenues in Paraguay reached P$144,700 million, remaining stable in real terms compared to the previous year (- P$132 million or -0.1 % vs. FY23).

Internet Services

Internet services revenues reached P$1,057,015 million during FY24 demonstrating a strong recovery in real terms compared to FY23 (+P$77,288 million or +7.9% vs. FY23). In 4Q24, Internet services revenues totaled P$273,276 million (+13.7% vs. 4Q23) showing strong growth in real terms. Total broadband base reached 4.0 million subscribers in FY24 (-44 thousand vs. FY23). The monthly churn rate of Internet services remained stable at 1.8% as of December 31, 2024, and 2023.

Additionally, broadband ARPU (restated in constant currency as of December 31, 2024) amounted to P$20,418.6 in FY24 (vs. P$18,883.6 in FY23). The effect generated by the restatement in terms of the measuring unit as of December 31, 2024, included in the ARPU amounted to P$3,492.4 and P$14,058.2 for FY24 and FY23, respectively.

As of December 31, 2024, accesses with a service of 100 Mb or higher represented 89% of the total customer base (vs. 85% as of December 31, 2023). In FY24, accesses with this speed or higher amounted to 3.6 million (+3.5% compared to FY23).

Cable TV Services

Cable TV service revenues reached P$600,134 million in FY24 (-P$191,147 million or -24.2% vs. FY23). In 4Q24, cable TV service revenues were P$153,161 million (-11.2% vs. 4Q23). Cable TV subscribers, including Uruguay and Paraguay, exceeded 3.4 million (+63 thousand vs. FY23). Meanwhile, the monthly Cable TV ARPU (restated in constant currency as of December 31, 2024) reached P$13,792.3 during FY24 (vs. P$18,708.5 in FY23). The effect generated by the restatement in terms of the measuring unit as of December 31, 2024, included in the ARPU amounts to P$2,393.8 and P$14,089.3, for FY24 and FY23, respectively.

The subscriber base in Argentina reached 3.2 million accesses as of December 31, 2024 with a 2% increase compared to FY23, driven by the Flow Full and Flow Flex products. Starting in 4Q24, Flow Flex, which is 100% digital (no decoder or installation required), began being marketed as the main product. Of this customer base, 1.5 million subscribed to Flow, and premium subscriptions as of FY24 totaled 1.1 million, decreasing 5.8% compared to FY23. The monthly churn for cable television stood at 2.1% as of December 31, 2024, compared to 1.8% as of December 31, 2023.

Fixed Telephony and Data Services

Revenues from fixed telephony and data services reached P$501,206 million in FY24 (-P$30,157 million or -5.7% vs. FY23). Within this segment, fixed telephony service revenue declined by 19%, while data service revenue grew by 4%, both in real terms. In 4Q24, fixed telephony and data services revenues were P$114,827 million (-8.9% vs. 4Q23).

The monthly fixed voice ARPU (restated in constant currency as of December 31, 2024) reached P$9,053.4 in FY24 (vs. P$9,157.2 in FY23). The effect generated by the restatement in terms of the measuring unit as of December 31, 2024, included in the ARPU amounted to P$1,736.6 and P$7,068.9 for FY24 and FY23, respectively.

The customer base reached 2.7 million in FY24, of which 1.9 million were IP telephony customers.

Other Service Revenues

Other service revenues, including primarily fintech-related services, billing and collection management revenue on behalf of third parties, administrative revenue, and advertising space sales revenue, among others, reached P$46,369 million (+P$4,776 million or +11.5% compared to FY23). In 4Q24, other service revenues were P$13,525 million (+7.6% vs. 4Q23).

The main variation was driven by the increase in fintech services in Argentina, mainly due to the growth in platform usage of Personal Pay and the expansion of its user base, which reached 3.6 million in FY24, compared to 2.0 million in FY23.

Revenues from equipment sales

Equipment revenues reached P$253,538 million (-P$80,008 million or -24.0% vs. FY23). This variation is mainly due to a 14% decrease in the quantity of handsets sold compared to FY23. In 4Q24, equipment sales were P$69,854 million (-14.2% vs. 4Q23).

Consolidated Operating Costs

Consolidated Operating Costs (including Depreciation, Amortization and Impairment of Fixed Assets) totaled P$4,284,063 million in FY24 (-P$472,255 million or -9.9% vs. FY23). Excluding Depreciation, Amortization and Impairment of Fixed Assets, operating costs experienced a reduction of 7.7% in real terms during the same period.

The cost breakdown was as follows:

  • Employee benefits and severance payments: P$1,023,755 million in FY24 (-8.6% vs. FY23). Total employees amounted to 19,987 as of December 31, 2024.

  • Interconnection and transmission costs (including roaming, international settlement charges and lease of circuits): P$118,525 million (-10.5% vs. FY23).

  • Fees for services, maintenance and materials: P$550,457 million in FY24 (-2.3% compared to FY23).

  • Taxes and fees paid to regulatory authorities: P$325,622 million (-5.5% vs. FY23).

  • Commissions and advertising (commissions paid to agents, collection fees and other commissions): These costs totaled P$232,226 million in FY24 (-11.6% vs. FY23).

  • Cost of handsets sold: P$197,049 million (-18.5% vs. FY23). This variation is mainly due to a decrease in the number of units sold compared to FY23.

  • Programming and content costs: P$239,016 million (-5.5% vs. FY23).

  • Other Costs totaled P$286,069 million (-6.0% vs. FY23), of which bad debt expenses totaled P$85,217 million (-12.4% vs. FY23).

    • Our bad debt ratio continued its favorable trend: it represented 2.1% of total revenues as of December 31, 2024 (vs. 2.2% in FY23).

    • Other operating costs, including charges for lawsuits and other contingencies, energy and other public services, insurance, rents and internet capacity, among others, totaled P$200,852 million (-3.0% vs. FY23).

  • Depreciation, amortization and impairment of fixed assets amounted to P$1,311,344 million (-14.5% vs. FY23). This charge includes the impact of the amortization of assets incorporated after December 31, 2023, partially offset by the effect of the assets that were completely amortized after such date.

Net Financial Results

Net Financial Results (including Financial Expenses on Debt and Other Financial Results) showed an income of P$1,600,347 million in FY24 (vs. a loss of P$1,003,871 million in FY23), mainly due to:

In millions of $

FY24

FY23

$

Exchange differences

1,875,455

(1,490,835

)

3,366,290

RECPAM

129,236

409,001

(279,765

)

Fair value gains/(losses) on financial assets at fair value through profit or loss

(45,400

)

140,072

(185,472

)

Remeasurement in borrowings*

(102,728

)

108,438

(211,166

)

Net interest

(107,848

)

(93,743

)

(14,105

)

Others

(148,368

)

(76,804

)

(71,564

)

Total

1,600,347

(1,003,871

)

2,604,218

*Related to Notes issued in UVA

Exchange gains from exchange rate differences, measured in real terms,these primarily stem from exchange rate differences on financial debt and are the result of inflation outpacing the appreciation of the US dollar against the Argentine peso (117.8% vs. 27.7%, respectively in the FY24).

Income Tax

Telecom's income tax includes the following effects:

  1. the current income tax, determined based on the current tax legislation applicable to Telecom,

  2. the effect of applying the deferred tax method with respect to temporary differences determined by comparing our asset and liability valuation according to tax and financial accounting criteria which includes the effect of the income tax inflation adjustment.

Income tax loss amounted to P$409,154 million in FY24 (vs. an income of P$736,601 million in FY23). The loss related to item (i) above amounted to P$10,904 million in FY24 (vs. a loss of P$6,313 million in FY23) and the income tax effect related to the application of the deferred tax method described in item (ii) above is a loss of P$398,250 million in FY24 (vs. an income of P$742,914 million in FY23).

Consolidated Net Financial Debt

As of December 31, 2024, our net financial debt (cash, cash equivalents - net of Client Funds - plus financial investments and financial NDF* minus loans) is passive and amounted to P$2,524,923 million, which represents a decrease of P$1,478,966 when compared to the net financial debt as of December 31, 2023, restated by inflation.

* Contemplates rate swaps and NDF (non-delivery forwards) agreements.

Investments in PP&E, intangible assets and rights of use assets

During FY24, the Company invested (including rights of use assets) P$806,649 million (-34.9% vs. FY23). Said investments represented 19.5% of consolidated revenues in FY24. As of December 31, 2024, investments without considering right of use of assets totaled P$569,351 million (-45.9% vs. FY23).

The investments were focused on:

  • Expansion of cable TV and internet services to improve transmission and access speed offered to customers.

  • Deployment and modernization of our 4G mobile access sites to improve coverage and increase mobile network capacity. The deployment of 4G/LTE reached a coverage of 98% of the population. Our mobile subscribers with access to our 4G network, according to Ookla's latest December 2024 benchmark, perceived a better service experience, reaching average speeds of 78Mbps, compared to 35Mbps during the same period in 2023.

  • During 2024, we continued the expansion of our 5G network with the addition of 200 sites.

  • Additionally, we continue to expand mobile site connectivity to achieve better quality and capacity by replacing radio links with high-capacity fiber optic connections.

Relevant financial events of the period

Dividend Distribution and Reserve Withdrawal

On November 11, 2024, the Board of Directors of Telecom Argentina, exercising the powers conferred by the Ordinary and Extraordinary General Shareholders' Meetings held on April 25, 2024, a resolved to:

1. Distribute, as a dividend in kind, Global Bonds of the Republic of Argentina, amortizable in US Dollars, with a maturity date of 07/09/2030 (Code GD30 - ISIN US040114HS26) (the "2030 Global Bonds"), with a nominal value of US$ 145,602,795, at a rate of US$ 0.067606262 Global Bond per share of the Company.

2. Therefore, proceed to partially withdraw the "Voluntary reserve to maintain the capital investments level and the Company's current level of solvency" in the amount of P$115,725,101,466.

Class 23 Notes Issuance

Class

Currency

Nominal Amount Issued

(in million)

Date of Issuance

Maturity Date

Principal repayment

Interest rate

Interest payment

23

US$

75

Nov-24

Nov-28

In 1 payment at maturity date

Fixed: 7%

Semiannual

Conductive proceedings for a merger

On December 4, 2024, the Company's Board of Directors, along with the Boards of its controlled companies Negocios y Servicios S.A.U. ("NYSSA") and AVC Continente Audiovisual S.A. ("AVC"), approved the initiation of the process of corporate reorganization involving the merger by absorption of NYSSA and AVC (as the absorbed companies) by Telecom Argentina (as the absorbing company), effective January 1, 2025, the date from which the operations of NYSSA and AVC will be considered to be performed by Telecom Argentina.

Additionally, the timely preparation of the Special Consolidated Financial Statements of the merger of Telecom Argentina, NYSSA and AVC as of December 31, 2024, has been entrusted, based on the respective Financial Statements of the Company to be prepared as of the same date.

Redemption of Class 1 Notes

In December 2024, the Company carried out a partial redemption of its Class 1 Notes for an amount equivalent to US$120 million. As of December 31, 2024, following the cancellations made, the outstanding nominal principal of the Class 1 Notes stands at US$162.7 million.

Relevant events after December 31, 2024

Acquisition of Telefónica Móviles Argentina

On February 24, 2025, the Company acquired 86,460,983,849 ordinary shares of Telefónica Móviles Argentina S.A. ("TMA"), representing 99.999625% of its share capital. TMA is a company incorporated in the Republic of Argentina and provides mobile and fixed telephony, fixed broadband, and video services on a national scale in Argentina.

The total consideration for this acquisition was US$1.245 billion, which was settled as follows: a) By assuming a debt of US$126 million that the seller had with TMA; and b) The remaining balance of US$1.119 billion was paid through funds obtained from two loans:

  1. A Syndicated Loan granted by Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria S.A., Deutsche Bank AG London Branch, and Banco Santander S.A. for US$970 million over a 48-month period, with full principal repayment at maturity. The disbursed principal accrues interest at a quarterly SOFR rate plus a margin that initially stands at 4.5%, gradually increasing to 7 percentage points over the life of the loan.

  2. A bilateral loan granted by ICBC for US$200 million over a 60-month period, with a 36-month grace period and a semi-annual amortization schedule beginning after that period. The disbursed principal accrues interest at a quarterly SOFR rate plus a margin of 4 percentage points.

The transaction was duly notified to the CNV and will be notified to the CNDC and ENACOM in order to submit the acquisition to the review of these Authorities.

For more information, refer to Note 29 of the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2024.

*******

Telecom Argentina is a leading telecommunications company in Argentina, offering local and long distance fixed-line telephone, cellular, data transmission, and pay TV and Internet services, among other services. Additionally, Telecom Argentina offers mobile, broadband and satellite TV services in Paraguay and pay TV services in Uruguay. The Company commenced operations on November 8, 1990, upon the Argentine government's transfer of the telecommunications system in the northern region of Argentina.

As of December 31, 2024, Telecom Argentina owns 2,153,688,011 issued and outstanding shares.

For more information, please contact Investor Relations:

Luis Fernando Rial Ubago
lfrialubago@teco.com.ar

Tomás Pellicori
tlpellicori@teco.com.ar

Livio Gentile
lagentile@teco.com.ar

For information about Telecom Argentina's services, visit:

www.telecom.com.ar

www.personal.com.ar

www.personal.com.py

Disclaimer

This document may contain statements that could constitute forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to (i) the Company's expectations for its future performance, revenues, income, earnings per share, capital expenditures, dividends, liquidity and capital structure; (ii) the continued synergies expected from the merger between the Company and Cablevisión S.A. (or the Merger); (iii) the implementation of the Company's business strategy; (iv) the changing dynamics and growth in the telecommunications and cable markets in Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay and the United States; (v) the Company's outlook for new and enhanced technologies; (vi) the effects of operating in a competitive environment; (vii) the industry conditions; (viii) the outcome of certain legal proceedings; and (ix) regulatory and legal developments. Forward-looking statements may be identified by words such as "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "plan," "project," "will," "may" and "should" or other similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve certain risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. In addition, certain forward-looking statements are based upon assumptions as to future events that may not prove to be accurate. Many factors could cause actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements that may be expressed or implied by forward-looking statements. These factors include, among others: (i) the Company's ability to successfully implement our business strategy and to achieve synergies resulting from the Merger; (ii) the Company's ability to introduce new products and services that enable business growth; (iii) uncertainties relating to political and economic conditions in Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay and the United States, including the policies of the new government in Argentina; (iv) the impact of political developments, including the policies of the new government in Argentina, on the demand for securities of Argentine companies; (v) inflation, the devaluation of the peso, the Guaraní and the Uruguayan peso and exchange rate risks in Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay; (vi) restrictions on the ability to exchange Argentine or Uruguayan pesos or Paraguayan guaraníes into foreign currencies and transfer funds abroad; (vii) the impact of currency and exchange measures or restrictions on our ability to access the international markets and our ability to repay our dollar-denominated indebtedness; (viii) the creditworthiness of our actual or potential customers; (ix) the nationalization, expropriation and/or increased government intervention in companies; (x) technological changes; (xi) the impact of legal or regulatory matters, changes in the interpretation of current or future regulations or reform and changes in the legal or regulatory environment in which the Company operates, including regulatory developments such as sanctions regimes in other jurisdictions (e.g., the United States) which impact on the Company's suppliers; (xii) the effects of increased competition; (xiii) reliance on content produced by third parties; (xiv) increasing cost of the Company's supplies; (xv) inability to finance on reasonable terms capital expenditures required to remain competitive; (xvi) fluctuations, whether seasonal or in response to adverse macro-economic developments, in the demand for advertising; (xvii) the Company's ability to compete and develop our business in the future; (xviii) the impact of increased national or international restrictions on the transfer or use of telecommunications technology; and (xix) the impact of the outbreak of COVID-19 on the global economy and specifically on the economies of the countries in which we operate, as well as on our operations and financial performance. Many of these factors are macroeconomic and regulatory in nature and therefore beyond the control of the Company's management. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein as anticipated, believed, estimated, expected, intended, planned or projected. The Company does not intend and does not assume any obligation to update the forward-looking statements contained in this document. These forward-looking statements are based upon a number of assumptions and other important factors that could cause our actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from our future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Readers are encouraged to consult the Company's Annual Report on Form 20-F and the periodic filings made on Form 6-K, which are periodically filed with or furnished to the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, as well as the presentations periodically filed before the Argentine Securities and Exchange Commission (Comisión Nacional de Valores) and the Buenos Aires Stock Exchange (Bolsas y Mercados Argentinos), for further information concerning risks and uncertainties faced by the Company.

SOURCE: Telecom Argentina S.A.



View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire

FAQ

What was Telecom Argentina's (TEO) revenue performance in FY24?

TEO's consolidated revenues were P$4,137,596 million in FY24, showing a 7.7% decline in constant currency versus FY23, though Q4 2024 showed positive growth of 2.6% above inflation.

How did TEO's subscriber base change in FY24?

Mobile subscribers increased by 621,000 to 21.6 million, cable TV subscribers grew by 61,000 to 3.2 million, while broadband subscribers decreased by 44,000 to 4.0 million.

What was TEO's net income for FY24?

TEO reported a net income of P$1,033,252 million, primarily due to gains from foreign exchange differences, compared to a loss of P$543,727 million in FY23.

How much did TEO invest in CAPEX during FY24?

CAPEX investments represented 13.8% of consolidated revenues, with total investments including right-of-use assets amounting to P$806,649 million or 19.5% of revenues.

What was TEO's net financial debt position at the end of FY24?

Net financial debt totaled P$2,524,923 million as of December 31, 2024, decreasing 36.9% in constant currency compared to December 31, 2023.

Telecom Argentna

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Telecom Services
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