Paul Korda . com - The Web Home of Paul Korda, singer, musician & song-writer.

International Entertainment News

Thursday, August 30, 2007

Cablemas 2Q07 Net Revenue and Adjusted EBITDA Up 14.4% and 18.6% YoY

Cablemas 2Q07 Net Revenue and Adjusted EBITDA Up 14.4% and 18.6% YoY

MEXICO D.F., Aug. 31 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Cablemas, S.A. de C.V., (Cablemas), the second-largest cable television operator in Mexico based on number of subscribers and homes passed, today announced results for the three- month period ending June 30, 2007.

Cablemas CEO Carlos M. Alvarez Figueroa commented, "This was yet another quarter in which we delivered strong results across the board. Revenues rose 14.4%, adjusted EBITDA 18.6% and net income 221.9%."

"During the quarter we continued to expand the market penetration of our services. This quarter, our subscriber base rose 14.6% in cable television, 41.8% in high-speed Internet and 97.2% in IP telephony on a YoY comparison."

"We are also pleased to announce that last week we officially launched interconnection with the Telmex network in the cities of Cancun, Isla Mujeres and Chihuahua. We are now finalizing a three-week testing phase and will launch IP Telephony to the public in the first half of September. By year end we expect to be offering IP Telephony in six cities and expand the service to an additional 9 cities during 2008."

   Financial and Operational Highlights(1)    (in million Mexican Pesos)                   2Q06         2Q07    % Chg.    Financial Highlights   Net revenue                                 574.3        657.1     14.4%   Operating profit                            130.6        151.8     16.2%   Adjusted EBITDA(2)                          219.3        260.1     18.6%   Net income                                   14.7         47.2    221.9%   Operating margin                            22.7%        23.1%    +37 bps   Adjusted EBITDA margin(2)                   38.2%        39.6%   +140 bps   Net income margin                            2.6%         7.2%   +463 bps   Total Debt                                2,077.7      2,127.9      2.4%   Net Debt                                  1,627.4      2,076.5     27.6%   Total Debt/ LTM Adj. EBITDA(2)               2.6x         2.2x   Net Debt/ LTM Adj. EBITDA(2)                 2.0x         2.2x   EBITDA/ Net interest expense                 3.2x         4.5x   Operational Highlights   Homes passed                            1,841,921    2,160,634     17.3%   Cable Television subscribers              657,144      753,161     14.6%   High-speed internet subscribers           143,828      203,890     41.8%   IP Telephony lines                         15,316       30,202     97.2%    (in million Mexican Pesos)                   1H06         1H07     % Chg.    Financial Highlights   Net revenue                               1,115.7      1,292.3     15.8%   Operating profit                            257.8        277.7      7.7%   Adjusted EBITDA(2)                          439.4        499.8     13.7%   Net income                                   66.1        159.6    141.6%   Operating margin                            23.1%        21.5%   -163 bps   Adjusted EBITDA margin(2)                   39.4%        38.7%    -71 bps   Net income margin                            5.9%        12.3%   +643 bps   Total Debt                                2,077.7      2,127.9      2.4%   Net Debt                                  1,627.4      2,076.5     27.6%   Total Debt/ LTM Adj. EBITDA(2)               2.6x         2.2x   Net Debt/ LTM Adj. EBITDA(2)                 2.0x         2.2x   EBITDA/ Net interest expense                 3.7x         3.9x   Operational Highlights   Homes passed                            1,841,921    2,160,634     17.3%   Cable Television subscribers              657,144      753,161     14.6%   High-speed internet subscribers           143,828      203,890     41.8%   IP Telephony lines                         15,316       30,202     97.2%    (1) Unless otherwise stated, all financial figures discussed in this       announcement are unaudited, prepared in accordance with generally       accepted accounting principles in Mexico, expressed in millions of       constant Mexican pesos as of June 30, 2007, and represent comparisons       between the three-month period ended June 30, 2007, and the equivalent       three-month period ended June 30, 2006.   (2) Adjusted EBITDA is calculated by adding amortization and depreciation,       net comprehensive financial results, net other income, special items,       total income tax and asset tax, total employee statutory profit       sharing, effects from associated companies and minority interest to       net income/loss.    SECOND QUARTER 2007 CONSOLIDATED RESULTS    Net Revenues  

Net revenues increased 14.4%, or Ps.82.8 million, during 2Q07 to Ps.657.1 million, as described below:

- Cable Television: The 9.7% growth in cable television revenues, from Ps.454.9 to Ps.498.9 was principally due to a 14.6% YoY increase in the number of subscribers to 753,161 with a penetration rate of 34%. This was achieved despite a 6.5% decline in average monthly cable television revenues per subscriber (ARPU) to Ps.223.3. This decline in ARPU was primarily the result of a 35.6% increase in Minibasic subscribers, who pay lower monthly fees, while Basic subscribers increased 7.7%. The average monthly net churn rates for cable television increased to 2.4% for 2Q07 from 2.2% in 2Q06.

- High Speed Internet: The 33.2%, or Ps.28.8 million, rise in high-speed Internet revenues to Ps.151.7 million resulted mainly from a 41.8% increase in the number of subscribers to 203,890, with a penetration rate of 11.4%. This was partially offset by an 8.0% decline in high-speed Internet ARPU to Ps.191.7, as lower price/ lower-speed Internet (128 Kbps) subscriptions increased at a faster rate than those of higher-speed Internet (512 Kbps). Average monthly net churn rates for high-speed Internet rose to 4.5% for 2Q07 from 4.1% in 2Q06, due to service quality limitations in the Mayan Riviera during the reconstruction of the network damaged by Hurricane Wilma and an aggressive competing service offer from Telmex.

- IP Telephony: IP telephony revenues for the quarter rose 77.5%, or Ps.12.6 million, to Ps. 28.9 million. As of June 30, 2007, there were 30,202 IP telephony lines in service, up from 15,316 as of June 30, 2006. IP telephony ARPU for 2Q07 was Ps.306.5. This does not include migration fees paid to Cablemas by Axtel for new subscribers which, if included, would increase IP telephony ARPU to Ps.339.4 for 2Q07.

   Table 1. Revenues by Service Offering                                   2Q06               2Q07          % Chg.                                      % of               % of                                      Total              Total                           Revenue   Revenue  Revenue   Revenue   Cable Television          454.9     79.2%    498.9     75.9%      9.7%   High-Speed Internet        86.9     15.1%    115.7     17.6%     33.2%   IP telephony               16.3      2.8%     28.9      4.4%     77.5%   Advertising                15.6      2.7%     12.1      1.8%    -22.7%   Other(1)                    0.7      0.1%      1.6      0.2%    132.2%   Total Net Revenue(2)      574.3    100.0%    657.1    100.0%     14.4%    (1) Includes revenue relating to rental and sale of cable decoders and       charges relating to customer's change of residence.   (2) All net revenue figures are net of value-added taxes and other taxes       on sales.    Table 2. Number of Subscribers per Service Offering                                                                % Chg. in                                         2Q06         2Q07    Subscribers   Minibasic                           158,373      214,766      35.6%   Basic(1)                            484,151      521,271       7.7%   Superbasic(1)                        44,927       44,049      -2.0%   Premium (1)                          27,620       29,194       5.7%   Hotel                                14,620       17,124      17.1%   Total Cable Television              657,144      753,161      14.6%   High-Speed Internet                 143,828      203,890      41.8%   IP Telephony lines                   15,316       30,202      97.2%    (1) The number and percentage of Basic subscribers includes Basic,       Superbasic and Premium subscribers due to the fact that all Superbasic       and Premium subscribers must also be Basic subscribers.    Table 3. ARPUs and Churn Per Service Offering                                                 2Q06         2Q07    % Chg.   Homes passed                            1,841,921    2,160,634    17.3%   Cable Television    - Revenue                                  454.9        498.9     9.7%    - Subscribers                            657,144      753,161    14.6%    - ARPU                                     238.8        223.3    -6.5%    - Avg. Monthly Churn                        2.2%         2.4%   +14 bps   High-Speed Internet    - Revenue                                   86.9        115.7    33.2%    - Subscribers                            143,828      203,890    41.8%    - ARPU                                     208.5        191.7    -8.0%    - Avg. Monthly Churn                        4.1%         4.5%   +44 bps   IP Telephony    - Revenue                                   16.3         28.9    77.5%    - Lines                                   15,316       30,202    97.2%    - ARPU (without migration fee)               250        306.5    22.5%    Operating Profit  

Operating profit for 2Q07 increased by 16.2%, or Ps.21.2 million, to Ps.151.8 million, driven mainly by a 12.9% increase in gross profit. Operating margin rose to 23.1% from 22.7% in 2Q06, principally due to lower selling and administrative expenses as a percentage of sales.

   Table 4. Operating Profit                                          2Q06               2Q07                                    Million    % of    Million  % of                                      Ps.    Revenues    Ps.  Revenues % Chg.   Service revenues                  574.3    100.0%    657.1  100.0%   14.4%   Cost of services                  270.0     47.0%    313.5   47.7%   16.1%   Gross Profit                      304.3     53.0%    343.5   52.3%   12.9%   SG&A                              173.8     30.3%    191.8   29.2%   10.4%    - Selling                         57.2     10.0%     58.2    8.9%    1.7%    - Administrative                 105.1     18.3%    118.1   18.0%   12.4%    - Amortization and depreciation   11.5      2.0%     15.5    2.4%   34.7%   Total operating profit            130.6     22.7%    151.8   23.1%   16.2%    Cost of Services  

Cost of Services for 2Q07 increased by 16.1%, or Ps.43.5 million. The increase in cost of services was primarily due to:

- A Ps.6.0 million increase in programming costs, principally the result of the 14.6% increase in cable television subscribers.

- A Ps.10.0 million increase in payroll reflected a lower capitalization of technical labor and to a lower extent an increase in the number of technical employees.

- A Ps.12.1 million increase in Internet costs, of which Ps.11.6 million was related to incremental cost for bandwidth, a 41% increase in the number of Internet subscribers and the rollout of Internet service in additional cities.

- A Ps.15.4 million increase in depreciation & amortization was related to an increase in fixed assets investments and a change to the estimate of the useful life of distribution lines. During 2Q06 the useful life of these assets was estimated at 25 years compared with 15 years in 2Q07.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses (including depreciation and amortization) or SG&A, increased Ps.18.0 million, or 10.4% YoY to Ps.191.8 million. As a percentage of sales, SG&A declined 1,100 basis points to 29.2%, from 30.3% in 2Q06. The absolute increase in SG&A principally reflected the following changes:

- A 1.7%, or Ps.1.0 million, increase in selling expenses to Ps.58.2 million, principally related to the increase in the size of the company's sales force and an increase in commissions paid, which more than offset a decline in advertising expenses. The Company employed 1,453 salespersons as of June 30, 2007 compared to 1,141 as of June 30, 2006.

- A 12.4%, or Ps.13.0 million, increase in administrative expenses to Ps.118.1 million. As a percentage of revenues, administrative expenses decreased to 18.0% in 1Q07 from 18.3% in 1Q06. Administrative expenses in absolute values increased principally due to:

- A Ps.5.6 million increase in salaries and fees principally as a result of an increase in the number of administrative employees, an increase in the outsourcing of administrative tasks, as well as a lower capitalization of administrative costs.

- An increase of Ps.4.5 million in communications and travel expenses, due to more activity resulting from operational controls and the rollout of IP telephony

- Amortization and depreciation rose 34.7%, or Ps.4.0 million, to Ps.15.5 million for 2Q07, principally due to the increase in office equipment.

Adjusted EBITDA

Adjusted EBITDA for 2Q07 increased 18.6%, or Ps.40.8 million, to Ps.260.1 million. The adjusted EBITDA margin rose 140 bps to 39.6%. The following table sets forth the reconciliation between net income and adjusted EBITDA:

   Table 5. Adjusted EBITDA                                              2Q06       2Q07       % Chg.   Net income (loss)                          14.7       47.2       221.9%   Add (subtract):     Amortization and depreciation            89.3      108.7        21.7%     Comprehensive financial results, net     48.4       72.9        50.6%     Other (income) expense, net               1.1       (7.7)     -785.1%     Special items                            34.6       (0.0)     -100.0%     Total income tax and asset tax           12.2       37.6       206.9%     Employee profit sharing                   1.7        2.5        43.9%     Effects from associated companies        17.5       (1.0)     -105.5%     Minority interest                        (0.3)      (0.2)      -31.0%    Adjusted EBITDA                           219.3      260.1        18.6%   

- Depreciation and amortization increased 21.7%, or Ps.19.4 million, to Ps.108.7 million, principally due to an increase in fixed asset investments and a change in the estimate of the useful life of distribution lines. Special items in 2Q06 included Ps.14.7 million in connection with IPO related expenses and Ps.12.6 million of accelerated depreciation associated with the costs of cleanup, removal and rehabilitation of the portion of the network affected by Hurricane Wilma.

- Net comprehensive financial results were an expense of Ps.72.9 million compared with an expense of Ps.48.4 million in 2Q06, principally reflecting lower gains from financial instruments and monetary position as well as lower interest income.

- During the quarter the company recorded a Ps.37.6 million provision for a higher income taxes and asset taxes, compared to Ps.12.2 million in 2Q06 as a result of a higher taxable income base.

Comprehensive Financial Results, Net

- Net comprehensive financial results were an expense of Ps.72.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2007, an increase of Ps.24.5 million over an expense of Ps.48.4 million for the corresponding period in 2006. The increase primarily reflected higher interest income as well as higher foreign exchange and financial instrument gains in 2Q06, which more than offset the increase in interest expenses and loss from monetary position during that period.

   Table 6. Comprehensive Financial Results, Net                                               2Q06       2Q07       % Chg.   Interest income                             -8.5       -0.7       -91.9%   Interest expense                            76.2       58.0       -24.0%   Financial instruments (gain)               -23.8        8.7      -136.7%   Foreign-exchange (gain) loss, net          -11.1       -0.5       -95.2%   Monetary position loss (gain)               15.5        7.5       -51.9%   Comprehensive financial results, net        48.4       72.9        50.6%    Net Income  

For 2Q07, Cablemas posted a net gain Ps.47.2 million, a 221.9%, or Ps.32.6 million, improvement compared to a gain Ps14.7 million in 2Q06. Net income margin improved to 7.2% from 2.6% for 2Q06.

   FIRST HALF 2007 CONSOLIDATED RESULTS    Net Revenues  

Net revenues increased 15.8%, or Ps.176.6 million, during 1H07 to Ps.1,292.3 million.

- Cable Television: The 11.1%, or Ps.99.0 million, growth in cable television revenues was principally due to a 14.6% YoY increase in the number of subscribers to 753,161, with a penetration rate of 34%. This was achieved despite a 4.7% decline in average monthly cable television revenues per subscriber (ARPU) to Ps.225.8. This decline in ARPU was primarily the result of a 35.6% increase in Minibasic subscribers, who pay lower monthly fees, while Basic subscribers increased 7.7%. The average monthly net churn rates for cable television declined to 2.3% for 1H07 from 2.5% in 1H06.

- High Speed Internet: Revenues rose 33.4%, or Ps.56.2 million, to Ps.224.2 million. The rise in high-speed Internet revenues resulted mainly from a 41.8% increase in the number of subscribers to 203,890, with a penetration rate of 11.4%. This was partially offset by a 9.5% decline in high-speed Internet ARPU to Ps.196.6, as lower price/ lower-speed Internet (128 Kbps) subscriptions increased at a faster rate than those of higher-speed Internet (512 Kbps). Average monthly net churn rates for high-speed Internet rose to 4.5% for 1H07 from 4.1% in 1H06 due to service quality limitations in the Mayan Riviera during the reconstruction of the network damaged by Hurricane Wilma and an aggressive competing service offer from Telmex.

- IP Telephony: IP telephony revenues for the quarter rose 86.3%, or Ps.24.6 million, to Ps.53.1 million. As of June 30, 2007, there were 30,202 IP telephony lines in service, up from 15,316 as of June 30, 2007. IP telephony ARPU for 1H07 was Ps.282.8. This does not include migration fees paid to Cablemas by Axtel for new subscribers which, if included, would increase IP telephony ARPU to Ps.320.2 for 1H07.

   Table 7. Revenues by Service Offering                                  1H06              1H07                                      % of             % of                                     Total             Total                           Revenue  Revenue  Revenue  Revenue  % Chg.   Cable Television          891.5    79.9%    990.5    76.6%   11.1%   High-Speed Internet       168.0    15.1%    224.2    17.3%   33.4%   IP telephony               28.5     2.6%     53.1     4.1%   86.3%   Advertising                25.9     2.3%     22.2     1.7%  -14.2%   Other(1)                    1.8     0.2%      2.3     0.2%   31.2%   Total Net Revenue(2)     1115.7   100.0%   1292.3   100.0%   15.8%    (1) Includes revenue relating to rental and sale of cable decoders and       charges relating to customer's change of residence.   (2) All net revenue figures are net of value-added taxes and other taxes       on sales.    Table 8. Number of Subscribers per Service Offering                                                                    % Chg. in                                              1H06          1H07  Subscribers   Minibasic                                 158,373      214,766      35.6%   Basic(1)                                  484,151      521,271       7.7%   Superbasic(1)                              44,927       44,049      -2.0%   Premium (1)                                27,620       29,194       5.7%   Hotel                                      14,620       17,124      17.1%   Total Cable Television                    657,144      753,161      14.6%   High-Speed Internet                       143,828      203,890      41.8%   IP Telephony lines                         15,316       30,202      97.2%    (1) The number and percentage of Basic subscribers includes Basic,       Superbasic and Premium subscribers due to the fact that all Superbasic       and Premium subscribers must also be Basic subscribers.    Table 9. ARPUs and Churn Per Service Offering                                                 1H06         1H07    % Chg.   Homes passed                            1,841,921    2,160,634    17.3%   Cable Television    - Revenue                                  891.5        990.5    11.1%    - Subscribers                            657,144      753,161    14.6%    - ARPU                                     236.9        225.8    -4.7%    - Avg. Monthly Churn                        2.5%         2.3%       bps   High-Speed Internet    - Revenue                                  168.0        224.2    33.4%    - Subscribers                            143,828      203,890    41.8%    - ARPU                                     217.2        196.6    -9.5%    - Avg. Monthly Churn                        4.1%         4.5%       bps   IP Telephony    - Revenue                                   28.5         53.1    86.3%    - Lines                                   15,316       30,202    97.2%    - ARPU (without migration fee)               296        282.8    -4.6%    Operating Profit  

Operating profit for 1H07 increased by 7.7%, or Ps.19.8 million, to Ps.277.7 million, driven mainly by a 12.2% increase in gross profit. Operating margin declined to 21.5% from 23.1% in 1H06, principally due to higher cost of services as a percentage of sales.

   Table 10. Operating Profit                                            1H06             1H07                                     Million   % of   Million   % of                                       Ps.   Revenues   Ps.   Revenues % Chg.   Service revenues                  1,115.7  100.0%  1,292.3  100.0%  15.8%   Cost of services                    528.1   47.3%    633.1   49.0%  19.9%   Gross Profit                        587.6   52.7%    659.2   51.0%  12.2%   SG&A                                329.7   29.6%    381.5   29.5%  15.7%    - Selling                          106.7    9.6%    121.3    9.4%  13.8%    - Administrative                   196.6   17.6%    233.2   18.0%  18.6%    - Amortization and depreciation     26.5    2.4%     27.0    2.1%   1.9%   Total operating profit              257.8   23.1%    277.7   21.5%   7.7%     Cost of Services  

Cost of Services for 1H07 increased by 19.9%, or Ps.105.0 million. The increase in cost of services was primarily due to:

- A 12.8% increase in programming costs derived from a 14.6% growth in cable television subscribers.

- A 24.2% increase reflecting a lower capitalization of technical labor costs, as well as an increase in the number of technical employees as a result of increase in video subscribers.

- A Ps.23.6 million increase in Internet costs, of which Ps.23.4 million are related to the incremental cost for bandwidth, the 41.8% increase in the number of internet subscribers and the rollout of internet service.

- A Ps.40.4 million increase in depreciation & amortization related to an increase in fixed asset investments and to a change in the estimate of the useful life of distribution lines. During 1H06 the useful life of these assets was estimated at 25 years compared with 15 years in 1H07.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses (including depreciation and amortization) or SG&A, increased Ps.51.8 million, or 15.7% YoY to Ps.381.5 million. As a percentage of sales, SG&A declined 10 basis points to 29.5%, from 29.6% in 1H06. The absolute increase in SG&A principally reflected the following factors:

- A 13.8%, or Ps.14.7 million, increase in selling expenses to Ps.121.3 million principally related to the increase in the size of the company's sales force (1,453 salespersons as of June 30, 2007 as compared to 1,141 as of June 30, 2006), an increase in commissions paid as well as the number of call centers.

- A 18.6%, or Ps.36.6 million, increase in administrative expenses, including Ps.5.1 million from the increase in office expenses, mainly software maintenance and renewal of licenses, Ps.6.7 million from higher professional fees, insurance and travel expenses, Ps.5.2 million from increased communication activities and travel expenses and Ps.13.7 million from increased outsourcing of administrative personnel.

- Amortization and depreciation rose 1.9%, or Ps.0.5 million, to Ps.27.0 million for 1H07, principally due to an increase in office equipment.

Adjusted EBITDA

Adjusted EBITDA for 1H07 increased 13.7%, or Ps.60.4 million, to Ps.499.8 million. The adjusted EBITDA margin declined 71 bps to 38.7%. The following table sets forth the reconciliation between net income and adjusted EBITDA:

   Table 11. Adjusted EBITDA                                              1H06       1H07       % Chg.   Net income (loss)                          66.3      159.6       140.5%   Add (subtract):     Amortization and depreciation           182.1      222.5        22.2%     Comprehensive financial results, net     90.8       82.1        -9.6%     Other (income) expense, net               8.6       (7.0)     -180.9%     Special items                            47.8      (23.8)     -149.7%     Total income tax and asset tax           38.6       69.5        79.9%     Employee profit sharing                   2.6        4.5        71.3%     Effects from associated companies         2.7       (7.4)     -370.4%     Minority interest                        (0.3)      (0.2)      -31.0%    Adjusted EBITDA                           439.4      499.8        13.7%    

- Depreciation and amortization increased 22.2%, or Ps.40.4 million, to Ps.222.5 million, principally due to an increase in fixed assets investments and a change in the estimate of the useful life of distribution lines.

- Special items in 1H07 mainly included funds received from the insurance company for damages incurred by Hurricane Wilma. Special items in 1H06 included IPO expenses, extraordinary charges related to Hurricane Wilma, expenses related to the purchase of the financial partners' equity stake, consulting fees related to the search for a new strategic partner.

- Net comprehensive financial results were an expense of Ps.82.1 million compared with an expense of 90.8 million in 1H06 principally as explained below.

- During the period the company recorded a Ps.69.5 million provision for income taxes and asset taxes, compared to Ps.38.6 million in 1H06 as a higher taxable income base.

Comprehensive Financial Results, Net

Net comprehensive financial results was an expense of Ps.82.1 million for 1H07, a decline of Ps.9.4 million from an expense of Ps.90.6 million for the corresponding period in 2006. The decline primarily reflected a higher gain from financial instruments and monetary position, which more than offset the increase in net interest expense and the foreign exchange loss.

   Table 12. Comprehensive Financial Results, Net                                               1H06       1H07       % Chg.   Interest income                           -16.9       -2.3       -86.2%   Interest expense                          135.4      129.2        -4.6%   Financial instruments (gain)               -5.7      -28.0       392.6%   Foreign-exchange (gain) loss, net         -19.8        1.4      -107.0%   Monetary position loss (gain)              -2.4      -18.2       650.3%   Comprehensive financial results, net       90.6       82.1        -9.4%    Net Income   

For 1H07, Cablemas posted a net gain Ps.159.6 million, a 141.6%, or Ps.93.1 million, improvement compared to a gain Ps.66.1 million in 1H06. Net income margin improved to 12.3% from 5.9% for 1H06.

CAPEX

Capital expenditures for 1H07 increased 22.7%, or Ps.131.3 million, to Ps.709.4 million from Ps.578.1 million in 1H06. Capital expenditures principally related to investments incurred in connection with the roll out of IP telephony and to expand and upgrade Cablemas' network.

As of June 30, 2007, Cablemas had a network of 13,698 km, of which 82% was bidirectional, 87% was operating at or greater than 550 MHz and 74% was operating at or greater than 750 MHz.

DEBT STRUCTURE AND CASH FLOW

Consolidated gross debt as of June 30, 2007, totaled Ps.2,127.9 million, of which Ps.1,906.9 million was long-term and Ps.220.9 million was short term. Consolidated gross debt rose YoY by 2.4%, from Ps.2,077.7 million as of June 30, 2006.

Net debt, which is calculated as total debt minus cash and cash equivalents, increased YoY by 27.6% to Ps.2,076.5 million, from 1,627.4 million as of June 30, 2006. As of June 30, 2007, Cablemas had a cash balance of Ps.51.3 million.

   Table 13. Debt Indicators                                               1H06        1H07     % Chg.   Total Debt                               2,077.7     2,127.9       2.4%      Short-Term Debt                           -         220.9        N/A       Long-Term Debt                        2,077.7     1,906.9      -8.2%    Cash and Cash Equivalents                  450.3        51.3     -88.6%   Total Net Debt                           1,627.4     2,076.5      27.6%    Leverage      Total Debt/ LTM Adjusted EBITDA          2.6x        2.2x      Total Net Debt/ LTM Adjusted EBITDA      2.0x        2.2x    Interest Coverage      Adjusted EBITDA / Net Interest Expense   3.7x        3.9x   

Cash flow from operations during 1H07 increased 165.9%, or Ps.290.8 million, to Ps.466.2 million. Net borrowings declined Ps.43.6 million to Ps.98.5 million. CAPEX for 1H07 decreased Ps.47.9 million to Ps.611.1 million, principally related to the upgrade and expansion of Cablemás' network, customers' premises equipment investments and the roll out of IP telephony.

   Table 14. Cash Flow                                               1H06        1H07      Change   Cash at the beginning of the year          806.8        54.6      (752.2)   Net Income                                  66.1       159.6        93.5      + Depreciation and amortization         181.7       225.6        44.0      + Change in Working Capital              (0.8)       91.9        92.7      + Other                                 (71.6)      (10.9)       60.7   Cash Flow from Operations                  175.3       466.2       290.8      - Capex                                (659.0)     (611.1)       47.9      - Other                                  (1.5)       43.2        44.7   Net Investing Activities                  (660.4)     (567.9)       92.6      + Debt                                  142.1       135.8        (6.3)      + Other                                  (0.1)      (37.3)      (37.2)   Net Financing Activities                   142.0        98.5       (43.6)   Cash at the end of the year                463.7        51.3      (412.4)    RECENT DEVELOPMENTS    Hurricane Dean   

On August 20-24, 2007 Hurricane Dean passed over the Mexican states of Quintana Roo and Yucatan in the southeast region of Mexico. As a result, a portion of Cablemas' network in certain areas of the cities of Chetumal, Campeche, Mahahual, Poza Rica, and Coatzintla was down. The company is currently assessing the extent of the damage with its insurance company.

Management Changes

On August 22, Cablemas announced that Mr. Rafael Lira has been appointed Chief Financial Officer of the company, replacing Mr. Fernando Urresta.

Prior to rejoining Cablemas, Mr. Lira was Chief Financial Officer of Salesko, a subsidiary of The Coca Cola Company for two years. Prior to Salesko, Mr. Lira was Chief Financial Officer of Cablemas and earlier, served as Chief Financial Officer of Bardahl de Mexico. Mr. Lira's experience also includes 13 years with PANAMCO, the largest Coca Cola bottler in Latin America, which was acquired by Femsa. At PANAMCO, among other finance positions he served as CFO of Costa Rica, Treasury Director of North Latin America and head of M&A for Latin America.

   SECOND QUARTER 2007 EARNINGS CONFERENCE CALL    Date:              Friday, August 31, 2007   Time:              11:30 AM US EDT- 10:30 AM Mexico City Time    Dial Information:  866.383.7998 (U.S.) or 617.597.5329 (international)    Passcode:          77241338    Replay:            Starting Friday, August 31, 2007, at 1:30 PM US EDT,                      ending at midnight US EDT on Friday, September 7, 2007,                      888-286-8010 (U.S.) or 617-801-6888(international).    Confirmation Code: 83899235    About Cablemas  

Cablemas is the second-largest cable television operator in Mexico based on number of subscribers and homes passed. As of June 30, 2007, Cablemas' cable network served over 753,161 cable television subscribers, 203,890 high- speed internet subscribers, and 30,202 IP telephony lines, with 2,160,634 homes passed.

Cablemas is the concessionaire with the broadest coverage in Mexico, operating in 46 cities throughout the country's oil, maquiladora and tourist regions as of June 30, 2007. Cablemás has consistently introduced innovative products in Mexico and is the first cable operator in the country to provide a "Triple Play" bundled service package of cable television, high speed internet and IP telephony. More information about Cablemás can be found at www.cablemas.com.

This document may contain certain forward-looking statements concerning Cablemás' operations, performance, business, financial condition and growth prospects. These statements are based upon beliefs of management as well as a number of assumptions and estimates, which are inherently subject to significant uncertainties, many of which are beyond Cablemas' control. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward- looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include, but are not limited to, changes in the Mexican economy, including changes in inflation rates or exchange rates, changes in political conditions and government policies in Mexico, increased competition, regulatory developments and customer demand. These statements are made as of the date of this press release and Cablemás undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise in light of these risks and uncertainties, there can be no assurances that the events described or implied in the forward-looking statements contained in this document will in fact transpire.

   - UNAUDITED FINANCIAL TABLES TO FOLLOW -    CABLEMAS, S. A. DE C. V. Y SUBSIDIARIAS   Consolidated Balance Sheets   June 30, 2007 and 2006   (Constant Mexican Pesos as of June 30, 2007)   (Unaudited)     Assets                                           2007             2006    Current assets:     Cash and equivalent                         51,337,205      450,299,049     Accounts receivables, less estimate for      past due accounts for $10,716,063      in 2007 and $7,315,657 in 2006             50,403,002       37,117,743     Other accounts receivables, net            173,867,978      286,756,295     Associated companies                         3,273,814        3,507,074     Prepaid expenses                            40,690,959       40,091,880        Total current assets                     319,572,958      817,772,041    Financial Instruments                        339,223,594                0    Inventory of components of signal    distribution systems, net                   397,287,501      366,897,934    Investment in associated companies           106,585,226       70,292,345    Property, signal distribution systems,    and equipment, net                        3,395,918,489    2,729,626,892    Deferred employee statutory profit sharing     5,543,311        4,958,811    Goodwill, net                                999,662,889    1,000,529,812    Intangible asset from pension and    seniority premium plans and severance    compensation for reasons other than    restructuring                                19,181,525       22,737,716     Other non-current assets, net                171,808,792      171,350,203                                              $5,754,784,285   $5,184,165,754      Liabilities                                     2007             2006    Current liabilities:     Current installments of:       Bank loans                              $220,940,017               $0       Obligations under capital leases           6,096,144                0       Notes                                     22,137,363       61,766,130     Financial instruments                                0                0     Accounts payable                           274,595,791      316,025,427     Accruals                                   107,589,070       74,677,397     Accrued liabilities                         19,150,669       22,840,373     Taxes payable                                5,917,840       16,389,662     Employee statutory profit sharing            3,345,488        2,249,138     Productora y Comercializadora      de Television, S. A. de C. V.      (asociated company)                        38,637,630       30,042,150     Subscriber deposits and advances            37,895,181       45,326,661         Total current liabilities              736,305,193      569,316,938    Financial intruments                         331,076,629       90,289,101   Corporate bond                             1,906,940,001    2,077,699,297   Obligations under capital leases,    excluding current installments               11,901,446                0   Pension and seniority premiums plans    and severance compensation for reasons    other than restructuring                     48,842,609       46,097,179   Income tax                                     8,668,349       10,913,476   Deferred income tax                          370,434,432      327,776,426         Total liabilities                    3,414,168,659    3,122,092,417    Stockholders' equity     Majority stockholders' equity:       Capital stock                            732,384,991      726,956,213       Additional paid-in capital             1,169,906,565    1,133,226,641       Retained earnings                        515,017,497      419,536,964       Valuation effects of financial        instruments                             (70,702,328)    (211,114,091)       Effect for labour obligations             (1,524,394)      (1,384,251)       Cumulative effect on deferred taxes        3,360,676        3,360,676       Result from holding non monetary        assets                                  (10,036,909)     (10,036,909)          Total majority stockholders' equity  2,338,406,098    2,060,545,243      Minority stockholders' equity                2,209,528        1,528,094          Total stockholders' equity           2,340,615,626    2,062,073,337    Commitments and contingent liabilities                                              $5,754,784,285   $5,184,165,754      CABLEMAS, S. A. DE C. V. Y SUBSIDIARIAS    Consolidated Statements of Income    Six months period ending June 30, 2007 and 2006    (Constant Mexican pesos as of June 30, 2007)    (Unaudited)                                          2007            2006    Service revenues                $1,292,303,807  $1,128,830,545   Cost of services                   633,138,894     538,247,122       Gross profit                    659,164,913     590,583,423    Operating expenses:    Selling                           121,333,498     112,150,734    Administrative                    233,174,504     194,826,666    Amortization and     depreciation                      27,001,500      26,425,670       Total operating expenses        381,509,502     333,403,070       Operating profit                277,655,411     257,180,353    Comprehensive financial    results:    Interest income                     2,332,761      16,914,966    Interest expense                 (129,208,273)   (135,375,909)    Foreign exchange (loss)     gain, net                         (1,378,642)     19,763,127    Financial instruments              27,973,301       5,678,795    Monetary position gain             18,222,370       2,428,808       Comprehensive financial       results, net                   (82,058,483)    (90,590,213)    Other income (expenses), net         6,987,583      (8,474,358)    Special items                       23,756,612     (47,755,536)      Income before income taxes,      employee statutory      profit sharing                  226,341,123     110,360,246    Income taxes:    Current                            48,739,209       9,965,335    Deferred                           20,741,946      28,551,604       Total income taxes               69,481,155      38,516,939    Employee statutory profit sharing    Current                             3,349,042       3,345,068    Deferred                            1,143,887        (722,473)         Total employee statutory         profit sharing                 4,492,929       2,622,595         Income before effects         from associated         companies and minority         interest                     152,367,039      69,220,712     Effects from associated companies    7,400,921      (2,729,743)         Income before minority         interest                     159,767,960      66,490,969     Minority interest                    (201,186)       (433,242)         Majority interest net income $159,566,774     $66,057,727      CABLEMAS, S. A. DE C. V. Y SUBSIDIARIAS    Consolidated Statements of Changes in Financial Position    Six months period ending June 30, 2007 and 2006    (Constant Mexican pesos as of June 30, 2007)    (Unaudited)                                                   2007              2006    Operating activities:     Net income                               $159,566,774       $52,636,908     Add charges (deducted credit) to      operations not requiring      (providing) funds:       Depreciation and amortization           225,622,629       181,666,237       Increase in allowance for        inventory of components        of signal distribution systems             400,000         1,866,062       Effects from associated companies        (7,400,921)        2,729,743       Goodwill deterioration                                     13,542,100       Goodwill cancellation                           -           8,036,034       Accruals for pensions and        severance packages                       1,898,292         4,808,533       Deferred income taxes                    20,741,946        28,551,604       Deferred employee statutory profit        sharing                                  1,143,887          (722,473)       Financial instruments                   (27,897,506)     (130,882,674)       Minority interest                           201,186           433,242            Funds provided by operations        374,276,287       162,665,317      Net financing from (investing in)      operating accounts:       Trade and other accounts        receivable, net                         58,438,878      (125,690,532)       Prepaid expenses                        (21,357,477)      (14,806,759)       Accounts payable                          8,979,499       152,881,697       Accruals and accrued liabilities         19,356,580        11,070,050       Taxes payable                           (18,046,345)          383,347       Subscriber deposits and advances         (6,469,887)      (20,475,346)       Employee statutory profit sharing        (3,544,229)       (1,140,984)       Related parties                          54,543,357        (2,980,908)            Funds provided by operating            activities                         466,176,663       161,905,881    Financing activities:     Proceeds from (payments of) bank      loans, net                               134,047,349               -     Proceeds from corporate bond              (15,375,596)      142,115,598     Income tax                                    (49,485)          (81,852)     Dividends Paid                            (37,244,084)              -     Proceeds from financial leases             17,100,228               -            Funds provided by financing            activities                          98,478,412       142,033,746    Investing activities:     Acquisition of distribution systems      and equipment                           (126,097,617)     (221,562,323)     Inventory of components of signal      distribution systems                    (479,967,913)     (389,098,348)     Other assets, net                          (5,018,586)      (48,314,215)     Investment in associated companies         (1,366,400)       (1,472,718)     Insurance                                  44,557,404               -            Funds used in investing            activities                        (567,893,112)     (660,447,603)            Decrease (increase) in cash            and cash equivalents                (3,238,037)     (356,507,977)    Cash and cash equivalents:     At beginning of year                       54,575,242       806,807,025      At end of year                            $51,337,205      $450,299,049  

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: Cablemas, S.A. de C.V.

CONTACT: Susan Borinelli, +1-646-452-2332,
sborinelli@breakstone-group.com, or Maura Gedid, +1-646-452-2335,
mgedid@breakstone-group.com, both of Breakstone Group; Sebastian Castro
Brotto, Budget and IR Manager of Cablemas, +5255-24-54-58-84,
sebastian.castro@admCablemas.com.mx


Profile: International Entertainment

0 Comments:

Post a Comment

<< Home