Form 6-K

FORM 6-K

 


 

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 


 

Report of Foreign Issuer

 

Pursuant to Rule 13a-16 or 15d-16

of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

For the month of March, 2005

 

Commission File Number: 001-13464

 


 

Telecom Argentina S.A.

(Translation of registrant’s name into English)

 


 

Alicia Moreau de Justo, No. 50, 1107

Buenos Aires, Argentina

(Address of principal executive offices)

 


 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F:

 

Form 20-F    X      Form 40-F          

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1):

 

Yes                No    X  

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7):

 

Yes                No    X  

 

Indicate by check mark whether by furnishing the information contained in this Form, the Registrant is also thereby furnishing the information to the Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934:

 

Yes                No    X  

 

If “Yes” is marked, indicate below the file number assigned to the registrant in connection with Rule 12g3-2(b): N/A

 



Telecom Argentina S.A.

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

Item


    

1.

  

Earnings release for consolidated annual results and fourth quarter results of 2004.


Item 1

 

LOGO

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Market Cap: P$8,2 billion

(March 8, 2005)

 

Contacts:

Pedro Insussarry

Pablo Caride

Telecom Argentina

(54-11) 4968-3627/3626

 

TELECOM ARGENTINA S.A. ANNOUNCES

CONSOLIDATED ANNUAL (“FY04”) AND

FOURTH QUARTER (“4Q04”) RESULTS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2004 *

 

MAJOR EVENTS AND DEVELOPMENTS

 

  During 4Q04 Telecom Personal and Núcleo (Paraguay) closed their debt restructurings. As of December 31, 2004, net financial debt of Telecom Personal and Nucleo reached P$1,168 (equivalent to US$392) and P$119 (equivalent to US$40) respectively.

 

  Regarding Telecom Argentina’s debt restructuring, at a bondholders’ meeting held on February 4, 2005, creditors representing 94.51% of outstanding bonds voted unanimously in favor of the APE proposal.

 

  During FY04 the following results were recorded:

 

    Net Revenues amounted to P$4,494MM (+ P$741 MM or +20% vs. FY03) mainly due to the expansion of the mobile business.

 

    Operating Profit amounted to P$400 MM (+P$293 MM vs. FY03).

 

    Net loss of P$666 MM (P$ -1,017 MM vs. FY03) as a consequence of negative financial and holding results mainly due to higher interest and currency exchange losses.

 

  Shareholders Equity amounted to P$502 MM (-P$666 MM or -57% vs. FY03).

 

  Net Financial Debt as of December 31, 2004 reached P$7,032 MM (-P$548 MM or -7%vs. FY03).

 

    The Ratio Net Financial Debt / Operating Profit before Depreciation and Amortization decreased to 3.4 (from 3.8 as of December 31, 2003), mainly due to the debt restructurings of Telecom Personal and Nucleo.

 

  The operations of the Company are still being influenced by the pesification and freeze of regulated tariffs. Additionally, the results of the Company continue to be highly impacted by the fluctuation of the exchange rate of the Peso vs. the Dollar and the Euro.

 

     As of December 31

            
     2004

    2003

   D $

    D %

 

Consolidated net revenues (in MM P$)

   4.494     3.753    741     20 %

Fixed Telephony

   2.718     2.556    162     6 %

Cellular

   1.733     1.163    570     49 %

Directories edition

   43     34    9     26 %

Operating Profit before D&A (in MM P$)

   2.046     1.984    62     3 %

Operating Profit (in MM P$)

   400     107    293     274 %

Net income/(Loss) (in MM P$)

   (666 )   351    (1.017 )   -290 %

Shareholder’s equity (in MM P$)

   502     1.168    (666 )   -57 %

Net financial debt (in MM P $)

   7.032     7.580    (548 )   -7 %

CAPEX (in MM P$)

   428     120    308     257 %

Lines in service (Fixed lines -in thousands)

   3.790     3.656    134     4 %

Cellular customers (in thousands)

   4.337     3.130    1.207     39 %

Telecom Personal

   3.835     2.603    1.232     47 %

Núcleo (Paraguay)

   502     527    (25 )   -5 %

ADSL Total lines (in thousands)

   125     70    55     79 %

Arnet subscribers (in thousands)

   233     200    33     17 %

Dial-up

   152     155    (3 )   -2 %

ADSL

   81     45    36     80 %

Fixed traffic (in MM minutes)

   16.642     16.065    577     4 %

Incoming/Outgoing cellular traffic (in MM minutes)

   3.602     2.568    1.034     40 %

Average Revenue per user (ARPU ) Fixed Telephony (in P$)

   40     39    1     3 %

Average Revenue per user (ARPU ) Cellular Telephony (in P$)

   35     32    4     11 %

* Non-financial data unaudited.

 

    1   www.telecom.com.ar


Buenos Aires, March 8, 2005 – Telecom Argentina (BASE: TECO2, NYSE: TEO), one of Argentina’s largest telecommunications companies, announced today a consolidated net loss of P$666 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004 (“FY04”). Comparatively, consolidated net income for fiscal year 2003 (“FY03”) was P$351 million. Consolidated net loss for the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2004 (“4Q04”) was P$175 million. Comparatively, consolidated net loss for (“4Q03”) was P$428 million.

 

Earnings/loss per share and ADR for FY04 amounted to P$(0.68) and P$(3.38), respectively. Earnings per share/loss and ADR for FY03, were P$0.35 and P$1.78, respectively. Earnings/loss per share and ADR for 4Q04 amounted to P$(0.18) and P$(0.89), respectively. In comparison, earnings/loss per share and ADR for 4Q03, were P$(0.43) and P$(2.17), respectively.

 

Operating profit before depreciation and amortization, operating profit/(loss) and net income/(loss) for FY04 represented, 46%, 9% and (15%) of net sales, respectively; compared with 53%, 3% and 9%, respectively, for FY03. Operating profit before depreciation and amortization, operating profit/(loss) and net income/(loss) for 4Q04 represented, 44%, 15% and (14%) of net sales, respectively; compared with 52%, 8% and (41%), respectively, for 4Q03.

 

The fall in the operating profit before depreciation and amortization margin in FY04 and 4Q04 is a consequence of the increased activity in the cellular telephony. In spite of this fall in margin, the operating profit before depreciation and amortization for FY04 reached P$2.046 million, an increase of P$62 million or 3% compared with FY03.

 

LOGO

 

Company Activities

 

Evolution of Consolidated Net Revenues

(FY04 vs. FY03 comparison)

 

Consolidated net revenues for FY04 totaled P$4,494 million, an increase of P$741 million, or 20%, compared with P$3,753 million for FY03. The increase can be largely attributed to the increase in demand, particularly in the cellular business in Argentina.

 

Fixed Telephony

 

In fixed telephony operations, local measured service revenues increased by P$28 million, or 6%, to P$518 million during FY04. Domestic long distance revenues increased by P$14 million, or 3%, reaching P$441 million. Revenues from both local and domestic long distance telephony increased due to higher traffic.

 

LOGO

 

Total traffic volume (Local and DLD), measured in minutes, increased by 4%.

LOGO

 

 

    2   www.telecom.com.ar


Monthly charges increased by P$33 million, or 5%, to P$635 million for FY04, mainly due to the increase in customer lines. Customer lines as of December 31, 2004 increased to approximately 3,484,000, due to the recovery in demand, compared to approximately 3,361,000 as of December 31, 2003. However, the current level of lines in service is still lower than before the economic crisis (December 2001). Moreover, fixed telephony tariffs remained stable after the “pesification” and freeze enforced by the Argentine Government in January 6, 2002.

 

LOGO

 

Revenues generated by interconnection services increased by P$46 million, or 28%, to P$210 million, mainly due to the increase of traffic transported by the fixed and cellular networks.

 

Regarding the international telephony activities, during FY04 revenues reached P$215 million increasing by P$2 million or 1%, mainly due to higher traffic.

 

LOGO

 

Internet and Data Transmission

 

Revenues generated by the data transmission and Internet business totaled P$416 million, representing an increase of P$24 million, or 6%, mainly due to the increase of the in the number of ADSL clients partially offset by lower prices for data transmission services.

 

LOGO

 

As of December 31, 2004 total lines in service with ADSL connections amounted to 124,700, an increase of 55,000, or 79%. The number of Arnet’s ADSL subscribers reached approximately 81,200, increasing by 80% while Internet dial-up customers reached approximately 152,000, decreasing 2%. Internet minutes represented 30% of total traffic measured in minutes transported over the fixed-line network. However, the internet minutes have fallen due to the steady migration of clients to ADSL services.

 

LOGO

 

Cellular Telephony

 

The revenues generated by the cellular business during FY04 increased by P$570 million, or 49%, to P$1,733 million.

 

Revenues of Telecom Personal in Argentina increased by P$564 million, or 56%, to P$1,567 million, mainly due to the higher number of subscribers, to the increase in total traffic, and to

 

    3   www.telecom.com.ar


the increase in sales of handsets as a consequence of the increase in the demand for cellular services and the development of the GSM network.

 

LOGO

 

Furthermore, the average revenue per user increased by 11% (to P$35 per customer, including revenues for TLRD or termination of calls coming from other cellular operators). Likewise, total cellular traffic increased by 40%.

 

Total cellular subscribers of Telecom Personal in Argentina reached approximately 3,835,000 at December 31, 2004, representing an increase of approximately 1,232,000 customers, or 47%. This increase in the client’s base was fueled by the impressive growth in the number of GSM subscribers.

 

The level of competition in the cellular market continues to be significantly high after the launch of GSM services. In this environment, Telecom Personal continues to increase the coverage and capacity of its GSM network and has continued its marketing campaigns and promotions aimed to reposition its brand and strengthen its market position.

 

LOGO

 

The customer base as of December 31, 2004 amounted to approximately 2,831,000 prepaid subscribers, representing 74% of the total customer base, and approximately 1,004,000 post-paid subscribers, representing the remaining 26%. These percentages were 81% and 19%, respectively, as of December 31, 2003.

 

Núcleo, Telecom Personal’s subsidiary that provides cellular services in Paraguay, generated P$166 million in revenues during FY04, which are consolidated into the mobile telephony business together with the revenues of Telecom Personal. Núcleo’s FY04 revenues represented an increase of P$6 million, or 4%.

 

As of December 31, 2004, Núcleo had approximately 502,000 customers, a decrease of approximately 5% due to the loss of dormant prepaid customers whose elimination from Núcleo’s customer base was ordered by the Paraguayan regulatory authority. However, Núcleo’s postpaid subscribers increased by 44% reaching 114,000 clients, representing 23% of the customer’s base. Additionally, Núcleo launched its GSM services in Paraguay becoming the operator with the larger GSM/GPRS coverage in the country.

 

LOGO

 

Directories

 

In the telephone directories’ publishing business, revenues from the affiliated company Publicom increased by P$9 million to P$43 million during FY04 due to higher sales of advertising space in Páginas Amarillas’ directories and the launch of several new special directories.

 

    4   www.telecom.com.ar


Evolution of Operating Costs

 

The cost of services provided, administrative expenses and selling expenses for FY04 increased by P$448 million, or 12%, to P$4,094 million, mainly due to the increase in commissions for handset sales, cost of handsets, TLRD costs and advertising expenses. The evolution of costs is mainly related to the increase in sales and increasing competition in the mobile telephony business.

 

Salaries and social security contributions increased by P$87 million, or 17%, to P$593 million primarily due to the increase in salaries granted during the year. Additionally, labor costs rose as a consequence of the increase in headcount. As of December 31, 2004, the headcount totaled 14,053, compared to 13,949 as of December 31, 2003.

 

LOGO

 

The allowance for doubtful accounts decreased by P$6 million, or 55%, to P$5 million. This positive evolution was related to the improvement in the levels of collection and the recovery of past due accounts mainly in the fixed telephony business.

 

Sales commissions increased by P$81 million, or 84%, to P$177 million for FY04, as a consequence of higher commissions paid for new customers and higher sales of cellular prepaid cards.

 

Costs related to advertising increased by P$49 million, or 111%, to P$93 million for FY04. This increase was mainly due to higher media advertising expenses for the cellular and Internet businesses.

 

In the cellular telephony business, TLRD costs (termination charges in third parties cellular networks), which have been accounted since mid-2003, reached P$137 million. Additionally, in FY04 the cost of cellular handsets increased by P$215 million reaching P$237 million, mainly due to the increase in handsets sales as a consequence of the cellular business growth after the launch of GSM service.

 

Depreciation of fixed and intangible assets decreased by P$231 million, or 12%, to P$1,646 million during FY04 as a consequence of the end of the amortization period of certain assets.

 

Financial and Holding Results

 

The loss resulting from financial and holding results reached P$1,172 million for FY04 as compared to a gain of P$48 million in FY03. The difference can be largely attributed to a decrease of P$1,084 million related to net currency exchange differences. The gap was a consequence of the effect that the evolution of the Argentine Peso against the Dollar and the Euro had on the financial debt of the Company.

 

Debt Restructuring Results

 

The debt restructuring processes of Telecom Personal and Núcleo generated positive results for P$209 million, as a result of the agreements that Telecom Personal and Núcleo reached with their creditors. The positive results were generated by the haircut (P$72 million), the forgiveness of compensatory interest (P$142 million) and the valuation of the debt at net present value (P$41 million), partially offset by other expenses (P$46 million).

 

After their restructuring Telecom Personal and Núcleo debts as of December 31, 2004, reached US$416 million and US$44 million, respectively.

 

Additionally, once the Company obtains final homologation of its APE and the debt exchange is performed, Telecom Argentina will account for the corresponding gains as a result of the restructuring of its debt. Such gains will arise from the haircut and the forgiveness of compensatory interests.

 

    5   www.telecom.com.ar


Other Expenses

 

Other expenses (net) decreased by P$90 million, or 54%, to P$78 million for the FY04 mainly as a result of lower severance payments and lower provisions for lawsuits.

 

Cash flow and Net Financial Debt

 

Net Debt (Loans minus Cash and Banks plus Investments) decreased by P$548 million, or 7%, to P$7,032 million for FY04 compared with FY03 (P$7,580 million), mainly as a consequence of the successful restructuring of Telecom Personal and Núcleo’s debts and the cash flow generation of the Company partially offset by the evolution of the Argentine Peso against the Euro and the Dollar.

 

Investments

 

Of the total amount of P$428 million invested during FY04, P$160 million, or 37%, corresponds to fixed-line telephony, data transmission and Internet, and P$268 million or 63% to the cellular business as Telecom Personal continues with the deployment of its GSM network.

 

We note that the investments made during FY04 were lower than those allowed under the debt restructuring covenants that are applicable to Telecom Argentina and its subsidiaries. The amounts not used during the present Fiscal Year can be carried forward to the next Fiscal Year.

 

LOGO

 

Telecom Argentina Board of Directors Proposal to Transfer Balance of Retained Earnings to the New Fiscal Year- Article 206 of the Argentine Corporate Law.

 

As the negative Unappropriated Retained Earnings as of December 31, 2004 exceed the Legal Reserve and the 50% of the Adjustment to Capital Stock, the Company would be in the situation foreseen by the Article 206 of the Argentine Corporate Law that mandates for these cases the obligatory reduction of the capital.

 

The Argentine Government had suspended, through consecutive decrees, the application of the above-mentioned Article 206 until December 10, 2004, but until today the suspension has not been prorogated. Under these circumstances the Board of Directors must propose to the Shareholders the measures to be adopted. The Board of the Company deems that this situation may be considered transitory, as it is expected that during Fiscal Year 2005 the debt restructuring process will conclude. In such process, the Bondholders meeting was held with creditors representing 94.51% of the outstanding notes that voted unanimously in favor of the proposal included in its Acuerdo Preventivo Extrajudicial (“APE”). Moreover, it must be noted that the court that deals with the homologation of the APE has resolved the admittance of such agreement and has instructed the publication of the corresponding judicial notices. The debt restructuring would significantly improve the Shareholders’ Equity structure and would allow the Company to absorb a substantial part of the accumulated losses. Therefore, the Board of Directors will propose to the Shareholders to approve the transfer to the new Fiscal Year the negative Unappropriated Retained Earnings as of December 31, 2004 and to differ the adoption of a measure regarding Article 206 until the end of the restructuring process.

 

Other Matters

 

New Organizational Structure

 

On January 5, 2005, the Telecom Group decided to implement a new organizational model, creating a new unit dedicated to the fixed telephony business. This unit is joined to the one that is dedicated to

 

    6   www.telecom.com.ar


the cellular business (represented by Telecom Personal S.A.). Both units (fixed telephony and cellular) will report to the Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Carlos Felices.

 

Moreover, Mr. Edmundo Poggio was designated as General Director of the Fixed Telephony Unit, while Mr. Carlos Felices will be General Director of Telecom Personal (the Cellular Unit), in an interim manner.

 

The Telecom Group has designed this new organizational model in response to the changing needs of its business and to continue with the most effective and responsive offer for its clients.

 

Bondholders Meeting

 

On February 4, 2005, a Bondholders’ Meeting was held ordered by the National Commercial Court N° 19, where the APE was filed for its homologation.

 

Creditors representing 94.51% of outstanding bonds voted unanimously in favor of the proposal contemplated in the APE.

 

***********

 

Telecom is the parent company of a leading telecommunications group in Argentina, where it offers directly or through its controlled subsidiaries local and long distance fixed-line telephony, cellular, PCS, data transmission, and Internet services, among other services. Additionally, through a controlled subsidiary the Telecom Group offers cellular services in Paraguay. The Company commenced operations on November 8, 1990, upon the Argentine Government’s transfer of the telecommunications system in the northern region.

 

Nortel Inversora S.A. (“Nortel”), which acquired the majority of the Company from the Argentine government, holds 54.74% of Telecom’s common stock. Nortel is a holding company where the common stock (approximately 68% of capital stock) is owned by Sofora Telecomunicaciones S.A.. Additionally, the capital stock of Nortel is comprised of preferred shares that are held by minority shareholders.

 

On December 31, 2004, Telecom had 984,380,978 shares outstanding.

 

LOGO

 

LOGO

LOGO

 

 

    7   www.telecom.com.ar


For more information, please contact Financial Planning &
Investor Relations Department:
  For information about Telecom Group services visit:

Pedro Insussarry

 

www.telecom.com.ar

54-11-4968-3743

   

pinsussa@ta.telecom.com.ar

 

www.telecompersonal.com.ar

Moira Colombo

 

www.arnet.com.ar

54-11-4968-3628

   

mcolombo@ta.telecom.com.ar

 

www.highway.arnet.com.ar

Gastón Urbina

 

www.paginasamarillas.com.ar

54-11-4968-6236

   

gurbina@ta.telecom.com.ar

   

Voice Mail: 54-11-4968-3627

   

Fax: 54-11-4313-5842

   

 

Disclaimer

 

This document may contain statements that could constitute forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to the Company’s expectations for its future performance, revenues, income, earnings per share, capital expenditures, dividends, liquidity and capital structure; the outcome of its debt restructuring process; the impact of emergency laws enacted by the Argentine Government; and the impact of rate changes and competition on the Company’s future financial performance. Forward looking statements may be identified by words such as “believes”, “expects”, “anticipates”, “projects”, “intends”, “should”, “seeks”, “estimates”, “future” or other similar expressions. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could significantly affect the Company’s expected results. The risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, uncertainties concerning the outcome of the court proceedings relating to the debt restructuring, the impact of emergency laws enacted by the Argentine Government which have resulted in the repeal of Argentina’s Convertibility law, the devaluation of the peso, various changes in restrictions on the ability to exchange pesos into foreign currencies, and currency transfer policy generally, the “pesification” of tariffs charged for public services, the elimination of indexes to adjust rates charged for public services and the Executive branch announcement to renegotiate the terms of the concessions granted to public service providers, including Telecom. Due to extensive changes in laws and economic and business conditions in Argentina, it is difficult to predict the impact of these changes on the Company’s financial condition. Other factors may include, but are not limited to, the evolution of the economy in Argentina, growing inflationary pressure and evolution in consumer spending and the outcome of certain legal proceedings. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward looking statements, which speak only as the date of this document. The Company undertakes no obligation to release publicly the results of any revisions to forward looking statements which may be made to reflect events and circumstances after the date of this press release, including, without limitation, changes in the Company’s business or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. Readers are encouraged to consult the Company’s Annual Report and Form 20-F as well as periodic filings made on Form 6-K, which are filed with or furnished to the United States Securities and Exchange Commission for further information concerning risks and uncertainties faced by Telecom.

 

*******

 

(Financial tables follow)

 

*******

 

    8   www.telecom.com.ar


Amadeo R. Vázquez

 

President

 

*******

 

    9   www.telecom.com.ar


TELECOM ARGENTINA S.A.

Consolidated information

 

TWELVE MONTH PERIOD AND FOUR QUARTER- FISCAL YEAR 2004.

(In millions of Argentine pesos, except statistical data)

 

1- Consolidated Balance Sheet

 

     Dec-31

   Dec-31

            
     2004

   2003

   D $

    D %

 

Cash, equivalents and investments

   3.662    2.467    1.195     48 %

Trade receivables

   612    581    31     5 %

Other current assets

   160    136    24     18 %
    
  
  

 

TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS

   4.434    3.184    1.250     39 %
    
  
  

 

Fixed & Intangible assets

   7.668    8.846    (1.178 )   -13 %

Other non-current assets

   237    240    (3 )   -1 %
    
  
  

 

TOTAL NON-CURRENT ASSETS

   7.905    9.086    (1.181 )   -13 %
    
  
  

 

TOTAL ASSETS

   12.339    12.270    69     1 %
    
  
  

 

Accounts payable

   548    451    97     22 %

Loans

   9.434    9.996    (562 )   -6 %

Reserves

   30    15    15     100 %

Other current liabilities

   215    222    (7 )   -3 %
    
  
  

 

TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES

   10.227    10.684    (457 )   -4 %
    
  
  

 

Loans

   1.219    86    1.133     1317 %

Reserves

   214    210    4     2 %

Other non-current liabilities

   123    69    54     78 %
    
  
  

 

TOTAL NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES

   1.556    365    1.191     326 %
    
  
  

 

TOTAL LIABILITIES

   11.783    11.049    734     7 %
    
  
  

 

Minority Interest

   30    32    (2 )   -6 %

Temporary differences from translation

   24    21    3     14 %

Shareholders’ equity

   502    1.168    (666 )   -57 %
    
  
  

 

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

   12.339    12.270    69     1 %
    
  
  

 

 

2- Consolidated Loans

 

     Dec-31

    Dec-31

            
     2004

    2003

   D $

    D %

 

Corporate Bonds

   5.353     4.912    441     9 %

Banks

   1.177     1.638    (461 )   -28 %

On purchase of fixed assets and inventories

   1.475     2.595    (1.120 )   -43 %

Accrued interest

   1.259     747    512     69 %

Penalties or default interest

   170     104    66     63 %
    

 
  

 

TOTAL CURRENT LOANS

   9.434     9.996    (562 )   -6 %
    

 
  

 

Banks

   1.260     86    1.174     1365 %

Net Present Value

   (41 )   —      (41 )   —    
    

 
  

 

TOTAL NON-CURRENT LOANS

   1.219     86    1.133     1317 %
    

 
  

 

TOTAL LOANS

   10.653     10.082    571     6 %
    

 
  

 

 

10


3- Consolidated Income Statement

Twelve-Month Comparison

 

     Dec-31

    D $

       
     2004

    2003

      D %

 

Net revenues

   4.494     3.753     741     20 %

Cost of services provided

   (2.950 )   (2.640 )   (310 )   12 %
    

 

 

 

GROSS PROFIT

   1.544     1.113     431     39 %
    

 

 

 

Administrative expenses

   (244 )   (222 )   (22 )   10 %

Selling expenses

   (900 )   (784 )   (116 )   15 %
    

 

 

 

OPERATING (LOSS)/PROFIT

   400     107     293     274 %
    

 

 

 

Equity income from related companies

   (2 )   2     (4 )   -200 %

Net financial & holding results

   (1.172 )   48     (1.220 )   -2542 %

Debt Restructuring Results

   209     376     (167 )   -44 %

Other incomes & expenses

   (78 )   (168 )   90     -54 %
    

 

 

 

RESULTS FROM ORDINARY OPERATIONS

   (643 )   365     (1.008 )   -276 %
    

 

 

 

Taxes on income

   (26 )   7     (33 )   -471 %

Minority interest

   3     (21 )   24     -114 %
    

 

 

 

NET (LOSS)/INCOME

   (666 )   351     (1.017 )   -290 %
    

 

 

 

Operating (Loss)/Profit before D&A

   2.046     1.984     62     3 %
    

 

 

 

As a % of Net Revenues

   46 %   53 %            
    

 

           

 

Consolidated Income Statement

Three-Month Comparison

 

     Dec-31

             
     2004

    2003

    D $

    D %

 

Net revenues

   1.283     1.042     241     23 %

Cost of services provided

   (797 )   (711 )   (86 )   12 %
    

 

 

 

GROSS PROFIT

   486     331     155     47 %
    

 

 

 

Administrative expenses

   (60 )   (40 )   (20 )   50 %

Selling expenses

   (234 )   (208 )   (26 )   13 %
    

 

 

 

OPERATING (LOSS)/PROFIT

   192     83     109     131 %
    

 

 

 

Equity income from related companies

   (1 )   —       (1 )   —    

Net financial & holding results

   (550 )   (481 )   (69 )   14 %

Debt Restructuring Results

   209     1     208     20800 %

Other incomes & expenses

   (9 )   (30 )   21     -70 %
    

 

 

 

RESULTS FROM ORDINARY OPERATIONS

   (159 )   (427 )   268     -63 %
    

 

 

 

Taxes on income

   (17 )   7     (24 )   -343 %

Minority interest

   1     (8 )   9     -113 %
    

 

 

 

NET (LOSS)/INCOME

   (175 )   (428 )   253     -59 %
    

 

 

 

Operating (Loss)/Profit before D&A

   564     537     27     5 %
    

 

 

 

As a % of Net Revenues

   44 %   52 %            
    

 

           

 

11


4- Consolidated Statement of Cash Flow

Twelve -Month Comparison

 

     Dec-31

             
     2004

    2003

    D $

    D %

 

Net income

   (666 )   351     (1.017 )   -290 %

Depreciation and Amortization

   1.646     1.877     (231 )   -12 %

Increase in provisions

   63     12     51     425 %

(Increase)/decrease in assets

   (203 )   (366 )   163     45 %

(Decrease)/increase in liabilities

   6     334     (328 )   -98 %

Others, net

   1.318     (193 )   1.511     783 %
    

 

 

 

Total Funds generated by Operating Activities

   2.164     2.015     149     7 %
    

 

 

 

Total Funds applied to Investing Activities

   (851 )   (345 )   (506 )   -147 %
    

 

 

 

Increase in financial debt, net

   (471 )   (11 )   (460 )   -4182 %

Debt Restructuring Results

         (422 )   422     -100 %

Interests and financial expenses

   (118 )   (335 )   217     65 %
    

 

 

 

Total Funds applied to Financing Activities

   (589 )   (768 )   179     23 %
    

 

 

 

Increase/(decrease) of Funds

   724     902     (178 )   -20 %
    

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flow

Three-Month Comparison

 

     Dec-31

             
     2004

    2003

    D $

    D %

 

Net income

   (175 )   (428 )   253     59 %

Depreciation and Amortization

   372     454     (82 )   -18 %

Increase in provisions

   4     (9 )   13           144 %

(Increase)/decrease in assets

   (40 )   (69 )   29     42 %

(Decrease)/increase in liabilities

   (13 )   101     (114 )   -113 %

Others, net

   544     588     (44 )   -7 %
    

 

 

 

Total Funds generated by Operating Activities

   692     637     55     9 %
    

 

 

 

Total Funds applied to Investing Activities

   (739 )   (60 )   (679 )   -1132 %
    

 

 

 

Increase in financial debt, net

   (465 )   (3 )   (103 )   -3433 %

Debt Restructuring Results

   —       (1 )   (564 )   -8057 %

Interests and financial expenses

   (106 )   (3 )   (462 )   -15400 %
    

 

 

 

Total Funds applied to Financing Activities

   (571 )   (7 )   (564 )   -8057 %
    

 

 

 

Increase/(decrease) of Funds

   (618 )   570     (1.188 )   -208 %
    

 

 

 

 

12


5- Consolidated Revenues Breakdown

Twelve -Month Comparison

 

     Dec-31

            
     2004

   2003

   D $

    D %

 

Fixed Telephony

   2.087    1.951    136     7 %
    
  
  

 

Measured service

                      

Local

   518    490    28     6 %

DLD

   441    427    14     3 %

Monthly charges

   635    602    33     5 %

Public telephones

   170    168    2     1 %

Interconnection

   210    164    46     28 %

Others

   113    100    13     13 %
    
  
  

 

International Telephony

   215    213    2     1 %
    
  
  

 

Data transmission & Internet

   416    392    24     6 %
    
  
  

 

Cellular Telephony

   1.733    1.163    570     49 %
    
  
  

 

Telecom Personal

   1.567    1.003    564     56 %
    
  
  

 

Monthly fee and measured service

   337    251    86     34 %

Pre-paid card

   353    246    107     43 %

Calling Party Pays

   368    317    51     16 %

TLRD *

   147    58    89     153 %

Handset sales and accesories

   135    15    120     800 %

Others

   227    116    111     96 %
    
  
  

 

Núcleo

   166    160    6     4 %
    
  
  

 

Monthly fee and measured service

   36    37    (1 )   -3 %

Pre-paid card

   60    39    21     54 %

Calling Party Pays

   38    52    (14 )   -27 %

TLRD *

   17    17    —       0 %

Handset sales and accesories

   3    1    2     200 %

Others

   12    14    (2 )   -14 %
    
  
  

 

Telephone Directories (Publicom)

   43    34    9     26 %
    
  
  

 

TOTAL NET REVENUES

   4.494    3.753    741     20 %
    
  
  

 

 

Consolidated Revenues Breakdown

Three -Month Comparison

 

     Dec-31

            
     2004

   2003

   D $

    D %

 

Fixed Telephony

   555    508    47     9 %
    
  
  

 

Measured service

                      

Local

   141    132    9     7 %

DLD

   119    112    7     6 %

Monthly charges

   164    154    10     6 %

Public telephones

   42    42    —       0 %

Interconnection

   60    45    15     33 %

Others

   29    23    6     26 %
    
  
  

 

International Telephony

   57    57    —       0 %
    
  
  

 

Data transmission & Internet

   108    101    7     7 %
    
  
  

 

Cellular Telephony

   528    346    182     53 %
    
  
  

 

Telecom Personal

   483    297    186     63 %
    
  
  

 

Monthly fee and measured service

   107    66    41     62 %

Pre-paid card

   105    69    36     52 %

Calling Party Pays

   98    90    8     9 %

TLRD *

   49    24    25     104 %

Handset sales and accesories

   45    11    34     309 %

Others

   79    37    42     114 %
    
  
  

 

Núcleo

   45    49    (4 )   -8 %
    
  
  

 

Monthly fee and measured service

   10    11    (1 )   -9 %

Pre-paid card

   17    13    4     31 %

Calling Party Pays

   7    15    (8 )   -53 %

TLRD *

   5    6    (1 )   -17 %

Handset sales and accesories

   2    1    1     100 %

Others

   4    3    1     33 %
    
  
  

 

Telephone Directories (Publicom)

   35    30    5     17 %
    
  
  

 

TOTAL NET REVENUES

   1.283    1.042    241     23 %
    
  
  

 


* Charges for the temination of calls of the cellular operators.

 

 

13


6- Consolidated Income Statement by Activities

Twelve-month period - FY 2004 (01/01/04 - 12/31/04)

(In million of Argentine pesos)

 

     Activities

    Variation vs 12M03

 
     Fixed
Telephony


    Cellular
Telephony


    Publishing
Directories


    Consolidated
Activities


    D $

    D %

 

NET REVENUES

   2.718     1.733     43     4.494     741     20 %
    

 

 

 

 

 

Salaries and social security contributions

   (491 )   (90 )   (12 )   (593 )   (87 )   17 %

Taxes

   (148 )   (152 )   (1 )   (301 )   (45 )   18 %

Materials and supplies

   (184 )   (34 )   (15 )   (233 )   (69 )   42 %

Allowance for doubtful accounts

   8     (12 )   (1 )   (5 )   6     -55 %

Settlement charges

   (82 )   —       —       (82 )   (6 )   8 %

Interconnection cost

   (135 )   —       —       (135 )   1     -1 %

Lease of lines and circuits

   (34 )   (4 )   —       (38 )   —       0 %

Service fees

   (55 )   (20 )   (1 )   (76 )   20     -21 %

Advertising

   (27 )   (64 )   (2 )   (93 )   (49 )   111 %

Sales commissions

   (18 )   (159 )   —       (177 )   (81 )   84 %

Cost of cellular handsets

   —       (237 )   —       (237 )   (215 )   66 %

Others

   (171 )   (306 )   (1 )   (478 )   (154 )   48 %
    

 

 

 

 

 

Operating (Loss)/Profit before D&A

   1.381     655     10     2.046     62     3 %

Operating (Loss)/Profit before D&A Margin

   51 %   38 %   23 %   46 %   (0 )   -14 %

Depreciation of fixed assets

   (1.233 )   (316 )   (3 )   (1.552 )   216     -12 %

Amortization of intangible assets

   (48 )   (45 )   (1 )   (94 )   15     -14 %
    

 

 

 

 

 

OPERATING RESULTS

   100     294     6     400     293     273 %
    

 

 

 

 

 

EQUITY INCOME FROM RELATED COMPANIES

   —       —       (2 )   (2 )   (4 )   -200 %
                            

 

Interest on assets

   213     6     1     220     171     349 %

Interest on liabilities

   (1.201 )   (190 )   —       (1.391 )   (1.390 )   139000 %
    

 

 

 

 

 

FINANCIAL AND HOLDING INCOME

   (988 )   (184 )   1     (1.171 )   (1.219 )   -2540 %
    

 

 

 

 

 

DEBT RESTRUCTURING INCOME

   (21 )   230     —       209     (167 )   -44 %
    

 

 

 

 

 

OTHER INCOMES AND EXPENSES

   (67 )   (11 )   (1 )   (79 )   89     -53 %
    

 

 

 

 

 

INCOME FROM ORDINARY OPERATIONS

   (976 )   329     4     (643 )   (1.008 )   -276 %
    

 

 

 

 

 

Taxes on income

   —       (24 )   (2 )   (26 )   (33 )   -471 %

Minority interest

   —       3     —       3     24     -114 %
    

 

 

 

 

 

NET (LOSS)/INCOME

   (976 )   308     2     (666 )   (1.017 )   -290 %
    

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Income Statement by Activities

Twelve-month period FY 2003 (01/01/03 - 12/31/03)

(In million of Argentine pesos)

 

     Activities

 
     Fixed
Telephony


    Cellular
Telephony


    Publishing
Directories


    Consolidated
Activities


 

NET REVENUES

   2.556     1.163     34     3.753  
    

 

 

 

Salaries and social security contributions

   (424 )   (74 )   (8 )   (506 )

Taxes

   (150 )   (106 )   —       (256 )

Materials and supplies

   (117 )   (33 )   (14 )   (164 )

Allowance for doubtful accounts

   3     (10 )   (4 )   (11 )

Settlement charges

   (76 )   —       —       (76 )

Interconnection cost

   (136 )   —       —       (136 )

Lease of lines and circuits

   (29 )   (9 )   —       (38 )

Service fees

   (81 )   (13 )   (2 )   (96 )

Advertising

   (23 )   (20 )   (1 )   (44 )

Sales commissions

   (21 )   (75 )   —       (96 )

Cost of cellular handsets

   —       (22 )   —       (22 )

Others

   (138 )   (184 )   (2 )   (324 )
    

 

 

 

Operating (Loss)/Profit before D&A

   1.364     617     3     1.984  

Operating (Loss)/Profit before D&A Margin

   53 %   53 %   9 %   53 %

Depreciation of fixed assets

   (1.436 )   (327 )   (5 )   (1.768 )

Amortization of intangible assets

   (63 )   (46 )   —       (109 )
    

 

 

 

OPERATING RESULTS

   (135 )   244     (2 )   107  
    

 

 

 

EQUITY INCOME FROM RELATED COMPANIES

   —       —       2     2  
    

 

 

 

Interest on assets

   72     (33 )   10     49  

Interest on liabilities

   (204 )   201     2     (1 )
    

 

 

 

FINANCIAL AND HOLDING INCOME

   (132 )   168     12     48  
    

 

 

 

DEBT RESTRUCTURING INCOME

   280     90     6     376  
    

 

 

 

OTHER INCOMES AND EXPENSES

   (121 )   (37 )   (10 )   (168 )
    

 

 

 

INCOME FROM ORDINARY OPERATIONS

   (108 )   465     8     365  
    

 

 

 

Taxes on income

   —       11     (4 )   7  

Minority interest

   —       (21 )   —       (21 )
    

 

 

 

NET (LOSS)/INCOME (LOSS)/INCOME

   (108 )   455     4     351  
    

 

 

 

 

14


7- Consolidated Income Statement by Activities

Three-month period FY 2004 (09/30/04 - 12/31/04)

(In million of Argentine pesos)

 

     Activities

    Variación vs 4Q03

 
     Fixed
Telephony


    Cellular
Telephony


    Publishing
Directories


    Consolidated
Activities


    D $

    D %

 

NET REVENUES

   720     528     35     1.283     241     23 %
    

 

 

 

 

 

Salaries and social security contributions

   (128 )   (26 )   (5 )   (159 )   (16 )   11 %

Taxes

   (42 )   (43 )   —       (85 )   (18 )   27 %

Materials and supplies

   (53 )   (11 )   (13 )   (77 )   (21 )   38 %

Allowance for doubtful accounts

   —       (3 )   (1 )   (4 )   (12 )   -150 %

Settlement charges

   (22 )   —       —       (22 )   (3 )   16 %

Interconnection cost

   (34 )   —       —       (34 )   2     -6 %

Lease of lines and circuits

   (9 )   (2 )   —       (11 )   (9 )   450 %

Service fees

   (14 )   (7 )   —       (21 )   —       0 %

Advertising

   (8 )   (21 )   —       (29 )   (1 )   4 %

Sales commissions

   (4 )   (51 )   —       (55 )   (27 )   96 %

Cost of cellular handsets

   —       (87 )   —       (87 )   9     -9 %

Others

   (41 )   (93 )   (1 )   (135 )   (39 )   41 %
    

 

 

 

 

 

Operating (Loss)/Profit before D&A

   365        184        15        564        27     5 %

Operating (Loss)/Profit before D&A Margin

   0%   -1%   86%   -1%   (1 )   -101 %

Depreciation of fixed assets

   (275 )   (82 )   (1 )   (358 )   68     -16 %

Amortization of intangible assets

   (2 )   (12 )   —       (14 )   14         -50 %
    

 

 

 

 

 

OPERATING RESULTS

   88     90     14     192     109     131 %
    

 

 

 

 

 

EQUITY INCOME FROM RELATED COMPANIES

   (4 )   —       (1 )   (5 )   (5 )   —       
                            

 

Interest on assets

   176     (12 )   —       164     76     86 %

Interest on liabilities

   (679 )   (34 )   —       (713 )   (144 )   25 %
    

 

 

 

 

 

FINANCIAL AND HOLDING INCOME

   (503 )   (46 )   —       (549 )   (68 )   14 %
    

 

 

 

 

 

DEBT RESTRUCTURING INCOME

   (21 )   230     —       209     208     20800 %
    

 

 

 

 

 

OTHER INCOMES AND EXPENSES

   (6 )   —       —       (6 )   24     -80 %
    

 

 

 

 

 

INCOME FROM ORDINARY OPERATIONS

   (446 )   274     13     (159 )   268     -63 %
    

 

 

 

 

 

Taxes on income

   —       (12 )   (5 )   (17 )   (24 )   -343 %

Minority interest

   —       1     —       1     9     -113 %
    

 

 

 

 

 

NET (LOSS)/INCOME

   (446 )   263     8     (175 )   253     -59 %
    

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Consolidated Income Statement by Activities

     Three-month period FY 2003 (09/30/04 - 12/30/04)

     (In million of Argentine pesos )

 

     Activities

 
     Fixed
Telephony


    Cellular
Telephony


    Publishing
Directories


    Consolidated
Activities


 

NET REVENUES

   666     346     30     1.042  
    

 

 

 

Salaries and social security contributions

   (120 )   (20 )   (3 )   (143 )

Taxes

   (38 )   (29 )   —       (67 )

Materials and supplies

   (34 )   (10 )   (12 )   (56 )

Allowance for doubtful accounts

   7     1     —       8  

Settlement charges

   (19 )   —       —       (19 )

Interconnection cost

   (36 )   —       —       (36 )

Lease of lines and circuits

   (7 )   5     —       (2 )

Service fees

   (16 )   (4 )   (1 )   (21 )

Advertising

   (14 )   (13 )   (1 )   (28 )

Sales commissions

   (4 )   (24 )   —       (28 )

Cost of cellular handsets

   —       (17 )   —       (17 )

Others

   (35 )   (60 )   (1 )   (96 )
    

 

 

 

Operating (Loss)/Profit before D&A

   350        175        12        537     

Operating (Loss)/Profit before D&A Margin

   53%   51%   40%   52%

Depreciation of fixed assets

   (342 )   (82 )   (2 )   (426 )

Amortization of intangible assets

   (16 )   (12 )   —       (28 )
    

 

 

 

OPERATING RESULTS

   (8 )   81     10     83  
    

 

 

 

Interest on assets

   91     (3 )   —       88  

Interest on liabilities

   (546 )   (23 )   —       (569 )
    

 

 

 

FINANCIAL AND HOLDING INCOME

   (455 )   (26 )   —       (481 )
    

 

 

 

DEBT RESTRUCTURING INCOME

   —       —       1     1  
    

 

 

 

OTHER INCOMES AND EXPENSES

   (33 )   3     —       (30 )
    

 

 

 

INCOME FROM ORDINARY OPERATIONS

   (496 )   58     11     (427 )
    

 

 

 

Taxes on income

   —       11     (4 )   7  

Minority interest

   —       (8 )   —       (8 )
    

 

 

 

NET (LOSS)/INCOME

   (496 )   61     7     (428 )
    

 

 

 

 

15


8- Ratios

 

     12/31/2004

    12/31/2003

Liquidity

   0.4     0.3

Consolidated Financial Indebtedness (*)

   13.9     6.5

Total Consolidated Indebtedness

   22.1     9.2

Return on equity (**)

   (0.6 )   0.4

(*) Financial indebtedness = (Loans - Cash, equiv. & Investments) / Shareholders’ Equity.
(**) Return on equity = Profit from ordinary operations / (Shareholders’ Equity - net income for the period).

 

9- Statistical Data

 

     FIXED TELEPHONY

 
     31-Dic-04

   31-Dic-03

 

TELECOM


   Acumul.
(1)


   12m

   3m

   Acumul.
(1)


   12m

    3m

 

Installed lines

   3.803.006    2.921    2.334    3.800.085    (2.379 )   (519 )

Lines in service (1)

   3.790.298    134.439    40.334    3.655.859    65.575     33.110  

Customer lines

   3.484.394    123.053    31.368    3.361.341    67.389     33.827  

Public telephony lines

   83.847    3.720    561    80.127    315     681  

Digitalization (%)

   100    0    100    100    0     0  

Fixed lines in service per 100 inhabitants (northern region)

   20,1    1    0    19,6    0,2     0,2  

Investment in fixed assets (1)

   0    0    0    0    0     0  

(1) Cumulative since the start of activities.
(1) Includes direct inward dialing numbers connected to digital trunk lines.

 

16


TELECOM ARGENTINA S.A.

Unconsolidated Information

 

TWELVE MONTH PERIOD AND FOUR QUARTER- FISCAL YEAR 2004.

(In millions of Argentine pesos)

 

10-

 

Balance Sheet

 

                      
         Dec-31

   Dec-31

  
   
 
         2004

   2003

   D $

    D%

 
   

Cash, equivalents and investments

   3.578    2.028    1.550     76 %
   

Trade receivables

   327    317    10     3 %
   

Other current assets

   59    119    (60 )   -50 %
        
  
  

 

   

TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS

   3.964    2.464    1.500     61 %
        
  
  

 

   

Fixed & Intangible assets

   5.469    6.552    (1.083 )   -17 %
   

Investments

   1.068    874    194        
   

Other non-current assets

   143    106    37     35 %
        
  
  

 

   

TOTAL NON-CURRENT ASSETS

   6.680    7.532    (852 )   -11 %
        
  
  

 

   

TOTAL ASSETS

   10.644    9.996    648     6 %
        
  
  

 

   

Accounts payable

   315    243    72     30 %
   

Loans

   9.418    8.206    1.212     15 %
   

Reserves

   11    10    1     10 %
   

Other current liabilities

   151    166    (15 )   -9 %
        
  
  

 

   

TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES

   9.895    8.625    1.270     15 %
        
  
  

 

   

Accounts payable

   7    —      7     —    
   

Compensation and social benefits payable

   33    30    3     10 %
   

Others liabilities

   64    34    30     88 %
   

Reserves

   143    139    4     3 %
        
  
  

 

   

TOTAL NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES

   247    203    44     22 %
        
  
  

 

   

TOTAL LIABILITIES

   10.142    8.828    1.314     15 %
        
  
  

 

   

Shareholders’ equity

   502    1.168    (666 )   -57 %
        
  
  

 

   

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

   10.644    9.996    648     6 %
        
  
  

 

 

11-

 

Income Statement

Twelve-Month Comparison

 

                        
         31-Dec

             
         2004

    2003

    D $

    D %

 
   

Net revenues

   2.876     2.672     204     8 %
   

Cost of services provided

   (1.911 )   (1.973 )   62     3 %
        

 

 

 

   

GROSS PROFIT

   965     699     266     38 %
        

 

 

 

   

Administrative expenses

   (148 )   (136 )   (12 )   -9 %
   

Selling expenses

   (556 )   (583 )   27     5 %
        

 

 

 

   

OPERATING (LOSS)/PROFIT

   261     (20 )   281     1405 %
        

 

 

 

   

Equity income from related companies

   173     334     (161 )   -48 %
   

Net financial & holding results

   (1.016 )   (125 )   (891 )   -713 %
   

Debt Restructuring Results

   (21 )   280     (301 )   -108 %
   

Other incomes & expenses

   (63 )   (118 )   55     47 %
        

 

 

 

   

RESULTS FROM ORDINARY OPERATIONS

   (666 )   351     (1.017 )   -290 %
        

 

 

 

   

Taxes on income

   —       —       —       —    
        

 

 

 

   

NET (LOSS)/INCOME

   (666 )   351     (1.017 )   -290 %
        

 

 

 

   

Operating (Loss)/Profit before D&A

   1.543     1.483     60     4 %
        

 

 

 

   

As a % of Net Revenues

   54 %   56 %            
        

 

           

 

   

Income Statement

Three-Month Comparison

 

                        
        

31-Dec


             
         2004

    2003

    D $

    D %

 
   

Net revenues

   771     697     74     11 %
   

Cost of services provided

   (466 )   (487 )   21     4 %
        

 

 

 

   

GROSS PROFIT

   305     210     95     45 %
        

 

 

 

   

Administrative expenses

   (37 )   (35 )   (2 )   -6 %
   

Selling expenses

   (127 )   (152 )   25     16 %
        

 

 

 

   

OPERATING (LOSS)/PROFIT

   141     23     118     513 %
        

 

 

 

   

Equity income from related companies

   243     36     207     575 %
   

Net financial & holding results

   (533 )   (454 )   (79 )   -17 %
   

Debt Restructuring Results

   (21 )   —       (21 )   0 %
   

Other incomes & expenses

   (5 )   (33 )   28     85 %
        

 

 

 

   

RESULTS FROM ORDINARY OPERATIONS

   (175 )   (428 )   253     59 %
        

 

 

 

   

Taxes on income

   —       —       —       —    
        

 

 

 

   

NET (LOSS)/INCOME

   (175 )   (428 )   253     -59 %
        

 

 

 

   

Operating (Loss)/Profit before D&A

   419     385     34     9 %
        

 

 

 

   

As a % of Net Revenues

   54 %   55 %            
        

 

           

 

 

17


TELECOM PERSONAL S.A.

Unconsolidated Information

 

TWELVE MONTH PERIOD AND FOUR QUARTER- FISCAL YEAR 2004.

(In millions of Argentine pesos)

 

12- Balance Sheet

 

     Dec-31

   Dec-31

            
     2004

   2003

   D $

    D %

 

Cash, equivalents and investments

   71    452    (381 )   -84 %

Trade receivables

   227    173    54     31 %

Other current assets

   104    41    63     154 %
    
  
  

 

TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS

   402    666    (264 )   -40 %
    
  
  

 

Trade receivables

   101    77    24     31 %

Fixed & Intangible assets

   1.891    1.942    (51 )   -3 %

Other non-current assets

   76    68    8     12 %
    
  
  

 

TOTAL NON-CURRENT ASSETS

   2.068    2.087    (19 )   -1 %
    
  
  

 

TOTAL ASSETS

   2.470    2.753    (283 )   -10 %
    
  
  

 

Accounts payable

   256    212    44     21 %

Loans

   14    1.681    (1.667 )   -99 %

Reserves

   17    3    14     467 %

Other current liabilities

   58    49    9     18 %
    
  
  

 

TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES

   345    1.945    (1.600 )   -82 %
    
  
  

 

Reserves

   65    64    1     2 %

Loans

   1.168    59    1.109     1,880 %

Other non-current liabilities

   12    4    8     200 %
    
  
  

 

TOTAL NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES

   1.245    127    1.118     880 %
    
  
  

 

TOTAL LIABILITIES

   1.590    2.072    (482 )   -23 %
    
  
  

 

Temporary differences from transaltion

   24    21    3     14 %

Shareholders’ equity

   861    660    201     30 %
    
  
  

 

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

   2.475    2.753    (278 )   -10 %
    
  
  

 

 

13- Income Statement

Twelve-Month Comparison

 

     31-Dec

             
     2004

    2003

    D $

    D %

 

Net revenues

   1.580     1.015     565     56 %

Cost of services provided

   (1.055 )   (656 )   (399 )   -61 %
    

 

 

 

GROSS PROFIT

   525     359     166     46 %
    

 

 

 

Administrative expenses

   (66 )   (57 )   (9 )   -16 %

Selling expenses

   (318 )   (170 )   (148 )   -87 %
    

 

 

 

OPERATING (LOSS)/PROFIT

   141     132     9     7 %
    

 

 

 

Equity income from related companies

   (7 )   43     (50 )   -116 %

Financial & holding results

   (169 )   127     (296 )   -233 %

Debt Restructuring Results

   253     90     163     181 %

Other incomes & expenses

   (11 )   (37 )   26     70 %
    

 

 

 

RESULTS FROM ORDINARY OPERATIONS

   207     355     (148 )   -42 %
    

 

 

 

Taxes on income

   (6 )   —       (6 )   —    
    

 

 

 

NET (LOSS)/INCOME

   201     355     (154 )   -43 %
    

 

 

 

Operating (Loss)/Profit before D&A

   420     424     (4 )   -1 %
    

 

 

 

As a % of Net Revenues

   27 %   42 %            
    

 

           

 

Income Statement

Three -Month Comparison

 

     Dec-31

             
     2004

    2003

    D $

    D %

 

Net revenues

   486     301     185     61 %

Cost of services provided

   (332 )   (207 )   (125 )   -60 %
    

 

 

 

GROSS PROFIT

   154     94     60     64 %
    

 

 

 

Administrative expenses

   (14 )   4     (18 )   -450 %

Selling expenses

   (100 )   (46 )   (54 )   -117 %
    

 

 

 

OPERATING (LOSS)/PROFIT

   40     52     (12 )   -23 %
    

 

 

 

Equity income from related companies

   (2 )   16     (18 )   -113 %

Financial & holding results

   (39 )   (35 )   (4 )   -11 %

Debt Restructuring Results

   253     —       253     0 %

Other incomes & expenses

   —       3     (3 )   -100 %
    

 

 

 

RESULTS FROM ORDINARY OPERATIONS

   252     36     216     600 %
    

 

 

 

Taxes on income

   (6 )   —       (6 )   —    
    

 

 

 

NET (LOSS)/INCOME

   246     36     210     583 %
    

 

 

 

Operating (Loss)/Profit before D&A

   114     123     (9 )   -7 %
    

 

 

 

As a % of Net Revenues

   23 %   41 %            
    

 

           

 

18


SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

       

Telecom Argentina S.A.

Date:

 

March 9, 2005

 

By:

 

/s/ Carlos Alberto Felices


       

Name:

 

Carlos Alberto Felices

       

Title:

 

Chief Executive Officer