SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 6-K
Report of Foreign Private Issuer
pursuant to Rule 13a-16 or 15d-16 of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
for the month of March 2004
Commission file number for securities registered
pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: 0-32245
Commission file number for securities registered
pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: 1-16269
AMERICA MOVIL, S.A. DE C.V.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
America Mobile
(Translation of registrants name into English)
Lago Alberto 366, Colonia Anahuac, 11320 Mexico, D.F., Mexico
(Address of principal executive offices)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover Form 20-F or Form 40-F:
Form 20-F x Form 40-F ¨
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting this 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 this Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7)
Yes ¨ No x
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant by furnishing the information contained in this Form 6-K 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
Exhibits
99.1 | Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation and Information on the Company. | |
99.2 | Audited consolidated financial statements, for the years ended December 31, 2001, 2002 and 2003 and as at December 31, 2002 and 2003. |
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This report contains forward-looking statements. Examples of forward-looking statements include the following:
| projections of operating revenues, net income (loss), net income (loss) per share, capital expenditures, dividends, capital structure or other financial items or ratios; |
| statements of our plans, objectives or goals, including those relating to competition, regulation and rates; |
| statements about our future economic performance or that of Mexico or other countries in which we operate; |
| competitive developments in the telecommunications sector in each of the markets where we currently operate; |
| other factors or trends affecting the telecommunications industry generally and our financial condition in particular; and |
| statements of assumptions underlying the foregoing statements. |
We use words such as believe, anticipate, plan, expect, intend, target, estimate, project, predict, forecast, guideline, should and other similar expressions to identify forward-looking statements, but they are not the only way we identify such statements.
Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. We caution you that a number of important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from the plans, objectives, expectations, estimates and intentions expressed in such forward-looking statements. These factors include economic and political conditions and government policies in Mexico, Brazil or elsewhere, inflation rates, exchange rates, regulatory developments, technological improvements, customer demand and competition. We caution you that the foregoing list of factors is not exclusive and that other risks and uncertainties may cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements.
Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. We do not undertake any obligation to update such statements in light of new information or future developments.
You should evaluate any statements made by us in light of these important factors.
Exhibit 99.1 | March 2, 2004 |
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with our audited financial statements and the notes to these financial statements included in this offering memorandum. Our financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Mexican GAAP, and presented in Mexican pesos. Mexican GAAP differs in certain respects from U.S. GAAP. When we file our annual report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2003 with the SEC, we will provide a reconciliation to U.S. GAAP of net income and stockholders equity. We have not yet prepared this reconciliation to U.S. GAAP, and accordingly, no such reconciliation is included in this offering memorandum. See Annex ASummary of Principal Differences Between Mexican GAAP and U.S. GAAP, for a description of the principal differences between Mexican GAAP and U.S. GAAP that significantly affected our net income and stockholders equity in 2002.
Pursuant to Mexican GAAP, in our financial statements:
| nonmonetary assets (including plant, property and equipment of Mexican origin) and stockholders equity are restated for inflation based on the Mexican National Consumer Price Index; plant, property and equipment of non-Mexican origin are restated based on the rate of inflation in the country of origin and converted into Mexican pesos using the prevailing exchange rate at the balance sheet date; |
| gains and losses in purchasing power from holding monetary liabilities or assets are recognized in income; and |
| all amounts are restated in constant pesos as of December 31, 2003. |
Background
Effects of Recent Acquisitions
In 2002 and 2003, we acquired a total of seven companies throughout Latin America. The consolidation of these companies affects the comparability of our recent results and will continue to affect comparability in 2004, particularly as the more significant of our 2003 acquisitions were not consolidated until the fourth quarter of 2003.
During 2003, we completed the acquisition of five companies. Our consolidated financial statements reflect the consolidation of these companies as follows:
| Celcaribe (as from February 2003); |
| BSE (as from May 2003); |
| CTE (as from November 2003); |
| CTI (as from November 2003); and |
| BCP (as from December 2003). |
As a result of these acquisitions, we acquired 4.2 million new wireless subscribers during 2003, representing approximately 35% of our subscriber growth during 2003. The revenues of these companies that are included in our consolidated financial statements together accounted for 4.5% of our operating revenues in 2003.
Our 2002 audited financial statements reflect the consolidation of Comcel beginning in February 2002 and Telecom Americas beginning in July 2002. Comcel and Telecom Americas together accounted for 20.0% of consolidated revenues in 2003 and 12.0% in 2002. Prior to their consolidations, our audited financial statements reflected their net results under the equity method. We acquired control of Comcel as part of the reorganization of Telecom Americas in February 2002, and we acquired control of Telecom Americas when we acquired the interests held by our former partners pursuant to a series of transactions ending in July 2002.
The following table sets forth the full-year revenues of the companies we acquired in 2002 and 2003 in millions of constant pesos as of December 31, 2003, as well as the percentage of those revenues that are included
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in our consolidated revenues. The table does not include results of these companies for years prior to the year during which we consummated the respective acquisitions. Revenues for periods prior to the date on which we acquired these companies are not reflected in our consolidated financial statements.
Annual Revenues |
||||||||||
2002 |
% consolidated |
2003 |
% consolidated |
|||||||
Comcel(1) |
4,302 | 91.6 | % | 5,770 | 100.0 | % | ||||
Telecom Americas(2) |
7,032 | 46.8 | 11,397 | 100.0 | ||||||
Celcaribe |
| | 549 | 92.5 | ||||||
BSE |
| | 2,247 | 70.0 | ||||||
CTE |
| | 4,241 | 19.0 | ||||||
CTI |
| | 2,700 | 19.8 | ||||||
BCP |
| | 4,965 | 9.0 |
(1) | Includes Celcaribe (as from February 2003). |
(2) | Includes BSE (as from February 2003) and BCP (as from December 2003). |
Geographic Segments
We have significant operations in nine countries, which are grouped for financial reporting purposes in eight geographic segments. Segment information is presented in Note 21 to our consolidated financial statements included in this offering memorandum. Mexico accounted for 61.0% of our total operating revenues in 2003, down from 71.0% in 2002. This percentage may decrease somewhat in 2004 as a result of a full year of consolidating the companies acquired during 2003.
Our subsidiaries report significantly different operating margins, with Mexico, Central America and Ecuador showing margins higher than or similar to our consolidated operating margin in 2003 and the remainder showing lower margins or, in the case of Brazil, an operating loss.
The factors that drive financial performance can differ for our operations in different countries, depending on the business model, competitive situation, regulatory environment, capital expenditure requirements, debt profile and many other factors. Accordingly, our results of operations in each period accordingly reflect a combination of different effects in the different countries.
Effects of Economic Conditions
Our results of operations are affected by economic conditions in Mexico and in the other countries in which we operate. In periods of slow economic growth, demand for telecommunications services tends to be adversely affected.
Our results of operations are also affected by changes in currency exchange rates. Changes in the value of the various operating currencies of our subsidiaries against the U.S. dollar may result in exchange losses or gains on our net U.S. dollar-denominated indebtedness and accounts payable. In 2003, changes in currency exchange rates led us to report a foreign exchange gain of Ps. 1,355 million (an amount that is equal to 7.5% of our operating income), whereas in 2002 we reported a foreign exchange loss of Ps. 1,526 million.
In addition, currency fluctuations between the Mexican peso and the currencies of our non-Mexican subsidiaries affect our results of operations as reported in Mexican pesos. Our non-Mexican subsidiaries and affiliates accounted for approximately 39% of our 2003 operating revenues and 65% of our year-end 2003 assets, as compared to 29% and 58%, respectively, in 2002.
Trends in Operating Results
Besides acquisitions, the principal factors affecting our operating revenues and operating income relate to growth in subscribers and traffic. The markets we serve provide opportunities for continued growth, and as subscribers and traffic increase, we generally expect to report higher revenue and operating income (before
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depreciation and amortization) as a result of economies of scale. These effects can be partly or wholly offset, however, by the effects of competition on prices and on subscriber acquisition costs. The market and competitive conditions are independent in the different markets in which we operate, and they are sometimes subject to rapid change. As a result, it is difficult to predict overall trends in our operating performance.
At December 31, 2003, we had approximately 43.7 million wireless subscribers, as compared to 31.6 million at December 31, 2002. The 12.1 million, or 38.4%, increase in subscribers in 2003 includes 4.2 million subscribers resulting from acquisitions we consummated in that year.
Composition of Revenues
Most of our revenues (86.0% in 2003) come from the sale of airtime and other services. Of our service revenues, the largest portion is from usage charges, which include airtime charges for outgoing calls and interconnection charges billed to other service providers for calls completed on our network. The primary driver of usage charges is traffic, which, in turn, is driven by the number of customers and by their average usage. Postpaid customers generally have an allotment of airtime each month for which they are not required to pay usage charges. Service revenues also include (1) monthly subscription charges paid by postpaid customers, (2) long-distance charges and (3) charges for other services, such as roaming, call forwarding, call waiting, call blocking and short text messaging.
Revenues from sales of prepaid services are deferred and recognized as airtime is used or when it expires, and are included under usage charges. For postpaid service, monthly fees are billed in the month prior to service, and are deferred and recognized in the month that service is provided. Revenues from airtime used by postpaid subscribers above the amount covered by their monthly fees are recognized as airtime is used.
We also have sales revenues from selling handsets and other equipment. Most of our new subscribers purchase a handset, and although we also sell new handsets to existing customers, changes in sales revenues are driven primarily by the number of new customers. The pricing of handsets is not geared primarily to making a profit from handset sales, because it also takes account of the service revenues that are expected to result when the handset is used.
Consolidated Results of Operations
The discussion below includes the results of our transactions with affiliates, including Telmex. Affiliate transaction information is presented in Note 17 to our consolidated financial statements included in this offering memorandum.
Operating Revenues
Operating revenues increased by 43.9% in 2003 and by 31.4% in 2002. The Ps. 26,198 million increase in revenues in 2003 principally reflects the following factors:
| organic growth in all of our geographic segments, particularly Mexico which reported an increase in revenues of Ps. 10,058 million (or 23.7%); |
| the consolidation of the results of the five companies acquired during 2003, accounting for approximately 14.8% of the increase; and |
| the full-year consolidation of the results of Telecom Americas and Comcel in 2003. |
In 2002, our operating revenues increased by Ps. 14,285 million, or 31.4%, as compared to 2001. This increase was due primarily to an increase in revenues in Mexico (up by Ps. 6,947 million), and the consolidation of revenues from Colombia (Ps. 3,943 million) and Brazil (Ps. 3,377 million). Excluding Brazil and Colombia, which were consolidated for the first time in 2002, operating revenues would have increased by 15.7%.
The increase in operating revenues in 2003 also includes a Ps. 4,874 million, or 67.7%, increase in equipment revenues reflecting subscriber growth and the introduction of GSM services in some of our markets. Equipment revenues as a percentage of total revenues increased from 12% in 2002 to 14% in 2003.
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Operating Costs and Expenses
Cost of services and equipmentCost of services and equipment represented 43.6% of operating revenues in 2003 and 42.5% of operating revenues in 2002. Cost of services and equipment increased by 47.6% in 2003 and by 30.2% in 2002. This increase in 2003 reflects both growth in subscribers and acquisitions.
Cost of equipment was Ps. 19,223 million in 2003, and primarily represents the cost of handsets sold to subscribers. The 59.5% increase in 2003 compares favorably to the 67.7% increase in equipment revenues. Cost of equipment increased more slowly than our equipment revenues, primarily as a result of our efforts to centralize the purchase of handsets leading to lower equipment unit costs and a change in mix from TDMA to GSM equipment, which is generally less expensive than TDMA equipment. Cost of equipment increased by 43.2% in 2002 as compared to 2001.
Cost of services increased by 36.7% in 2003, to Ps. 18,251 million. This increase in cost of services was slower than the growth in service revenues, which increased by 40.6% in 2003. These costs have increased more slowly than our service revenues, as a result of increasing scale, cost control measures and higher usage of GSM services. Cost of services increased by 23.2% in 2002 as compared to 2001.
Commercial, administrative and generalCommercial, administrative and general expenses represented 19.3% of operating revenues in 2003 and 21.3% of operating revenues in 2002. On an absolute basis, commercial, administrative and general expenses increased by 30.6% in 2003 and 4.1% in 2002. This increase in 2003 reflects both growth in subscribers and acquisitions. These costs have increased more slowly than our revenues, as a result of increasing scale and cost control measures in each country in which we operate.
Depreciation and amortizationDepreciation and amortization represented 16.1% of operating revenues in 2003 and 14.5% of operating revenues in 2002. Depreciation and amortization increased by 61.3% in 2003 and by 74.9% in 2002. Apart from the consolidation of our recently acquired companies in 2003, the increases in depreciation and amortization in 2003 and 2002 reflect the substantial investments made in our networks, particularly in connection with the launch of GSM services in Mexico, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador and Guatemala.
Operating Income
Operating income increased by 38.4% in 2003 and 94.5% in 2002, reflecting revenue growth and in 2002 improved operating margins. All of our subsidiaries, except for Telecom Americas, reported operating income in 2003.
Operating margin (operating income as a percentage of operating revenues) was 20.9% in 2003, 21.7% in 2002 and 14.7% in 2001. The significant increase in depreciation and amortization caused our operating margin to decrease slightly in 2003. The improvement in our operating margin in 2002 reflected greater efficiency due to the larger number of customers, cost-control measures and lower subscriber acquisition costs as a percentage of revenues.
Comprehensive Financing (Income) Cost
Under Mexican GAAP, comprehensive financing cost reflects interest income, interest expense, foreign exchange gain or loss, gain or loss attributable to the effects of inflation on monetary assets and liabilities, and other financing costs.
We had comprehensive financing income of Ps. 2,123 million in 2003 and comprehensive financing cost of Ps. 1,023 million in 2002 and Ps. 665 million in 2001. The change between 2003 and 2002 reflects a combination of factorsprincipally, a foreign exchange gain in 2003 as opposed to a foreign exchange loss in 2002 and a decline in other financing costs.
For 2003 and 2002, changes in the components of comprehensive financing cost were as follows:
| In 2003 and 2002, we had net interest expense of Ps. 1,393 million and Ps. 1,095 million, respectively. The increase was attributable primarily to the depreciation of the Mexican peso against the U.S. dollar during 2003, which caused the reported amount of our debt as reported in pesos to increase. |
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| We had a foreign exchange gain of Ps. 1,355 million in 2003, as compared to a loss of Ps. 1,526 million in 2002. The net exchange gain in 2003 was mainly due to the increase in value of the Brazilian real relative to the U.S. dollar. The net exchange loss recorded in 2002 was mainly due to the depreciation of the Mexican peso and the Brazilian real relative to the U.S. dollar. |
| In 2003 and 2002, our average monetary liabilities exceeded our average monetary assets, resulting in a net gain from monetary position. |
| We reported a net other financing cost of Ps. 189 million in 2003 and of Ps. 1,274 million in 2002. Net other financing costs include commissions, fair-value gains and losses on investments, and gains and losses on the sale of investments. |
Income Tax and Employee Profit-Sharing
The statutory rate of Mexican corporate income tax was 34% in 2003 and 35% in 2002 and 2001. Our effective rates of provisions for corporate income tax as a percentage of pretax income were 51.2%, 26.3% and 17.2% for 2001, 2002, and 2003, respectively. In 2001, our effective tax rate exceeded the statutory rate because we had pre-tax losses in our non-Mexican operations that were not deductible against our Mexican taxable income. In 2002 and 2003, our non-Mexican operators reported improved results, and some of them enjoyed benefits from net loss carryforwards. The Mexican corporate income tax rate is scheduled to decrease to 33% in 2004 and 32% in 2005.
Telcel, like other Mexican companies, is required by law to pay to its employees, in addition to their agreed compensation and benefits, profit sharing in an aggregate amount equal to 10% of Telcels taxable income. The amount payable increased by 22.6% to Ps. 247.9 million in 2003 and decreased by 3.5% in 2002.
Equity in Results of Affiliates
Our proportionate share of the results of equity-method affiliates resulted in net losses of Ps. 130 million in 2003 and Ps. 4,170 million in 2002. The net losses in 2002 resulted primarily from an impairment of goodwill recognized by CompUSA and the losses incurred by Telecom Americas before we began to consolidate it in July 2002. In 2003, the net loss reflects principally our share of the net loss reported by CompUSA.
Other Income (Loss), Net
In 2003, we recorded other net loss of Ps. 1,045 million. This loss reflects primarily losses recorded in connection with a sale-leaseback transaction entered into by Telcel and losses recorded in connection with the exchange of our interest in CompUSA for an interest in U.S. Commercial Corp., S.A. de C.V. and cash. See Related Party Transactions.
Majority Net Income
We had majority net income of Ps. 15,032 million in 2003 and Ps. 4,784 million in 2002, compared to a majority net loss of Ps. 910 million in 2001. The significant increase in majority net income in 2003 reflected increased revenues and operating income, as well as improved comprehensive financing income and equity in results of affiliates. The improvement in majority net income in 2002 reflected improvements in revenues and earnings from all our major subsidiaries.
Results of Operations by Geographic Segment
We discuss below the operating results of our subsidiaries that provide telecommunication services in our principal markets other than Argentina and El Salvador. We are not discussing operating results in Argentina and El Salvador because we did not have material operations in those countries in 2002. All amounts discussed below are presented in accordance with Mexican GAAP. Note 2g to our consolidated financial statements included in this offering memorandum describes how we translate the financial statements of our non-Mexican subsidiaries. We restate the financial statements of our foreign subsidiaries for inflationary effects using restatement factors of
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the relevant country and then convert foreign currency amounts into Mexican pesos, using, for items from the statement of operations, the exchange rate between the Mexican peso and the local currency at the end of the applicable year. Accordingly, changes in the rates of inflation in our markets and exchange rate changes between the Mexican peso and those currencies could significantly affect reported results in Mexican pesos and the comparability of reported results with those of prior years. Financial statements for 2001 and 2002 are restated at constant pesos as of December 31, 2003 based on the annual rate of inflation in Mexico.
The following table sets forth the exchange rate used to translate the results of our significant non-Mexican operations, as expressed in Mexican pesos per foreign currency unit, and the change from the rate used in the prior year.
Mexican pesos per foreign currency unit |
||||||||||||
2001 |
2002 |
% Change |
2003 |
% Change |
||||||||
Guatemalan quetzal |
1.1576 | 1.3498 | 16.6 | % | 1.3975 | 3.5 | % | |||||
U.S. dollar(1) |
9.1423 | 10.3125 | 12.80 | 11.2360 | 9.0 | |||||||
Brazilian real |
3.9492 | 2.9161 | (26.15 | ) | 3.8890 | 33.36 | ||||||
Colombian peso |
0.0041 | 0.0035 | (10.33 | ) | 0.0040 | 15.55 |
(1) | The U.S. dollar is the sole monetary instrument and unit of account and the main currency for transaction purposes in Ecuador. |
Note 21 to our consolidated financial statements includes certain financial information of our operations by country. Except as discussed below, the following discussion is based on the segment data included in that note.
Mexico
Operating revenues increased by 23.7% in 2003 and by 19.6% in 2002. In 2003, the number of Telcel subscribers increased by 16.8%, to approximately 23.4 million, and there was an increase in total traffic of 38.5%. In 2002, the number of Telcel subscribers increased by 18.3%, to approximately 20.1 million, and total traffic increased by 29.0%. We have experienced declining rates of subscriber growth in recent years as penetration rates increase in Mexico. We expect this trend to continue in the future. Telcels average monthly revenues per subscriber increased by 10.7% in 2003 as a result of a decrease in the percentage of Telcels subscriber base represented by new subscribers and promotions that led to higher usage. New subscribers tend to have lower usage than existing customers.
Operating income increased by 44.0% in 2003 and by 24.9% in 2002. Our operating margin was 33.7% in 2003 and 29.0% in 2002. The increase in operating margin in 2003 reflects greater efficiency resulting from increasing scale and cost control measures, lower licensing fees and the reversal of a provision established in 2002 in connection with a Mexican tax applicable to certain telecommunication services.
Brazil
We began consolidating the results of Telecom Americas in July 2002, such that our consolidated financial statements do not reflect revenues or operating income from Brazil prior to that date (except for our equity in the net results of Telecom Americas). To measure the operating performance of Telecom Americas, we compare its operating revenues and operating income for continuing operations using its full-year 2002 and 2001 results. On that basis, Telecom Americas operating revenues from continuing operations increased by 55.3% in 2003 and by 44.7% in 2002. The 2003 results include BSE from May 2003 and BCP from December 2003. Approximately 50.0% of the increase in 2003 operating revenues resulted from the consolidation of BSE and BCP. In 2003, the number of Telecom Americas subscribers increased by 4.3 million subscribers, to approximately 9.5 million subscribers, and there was an increase in total traffic of 26.8%. Of the increase in subscribers in 2003, approximately 1.6 million resulted from organic growth and approximately 2.7 million from the acquisition of BCP and BSE. In 2002, the number of Telecom Americas subscribers increased by 19.9%, to approximately 5.2 million, and there was an increase in total traffic of 9%.
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Telecom Americas reported an operating loss of Ps. 2,134 million in 2003, as compared to a Ps. 197 million operating loss in 2002. The increased operating loss in 2003 reflects expenses incurred in connection with the launch of a unified brand name Claro, the deployment of the new GSM network, the integration of BCP and BSE and the start-up of operations in the regions of Bahia-Sergipe and Paraná-Santa Catarina, as well as increased depreciation expenses.
Central AmericaGuatemala and Nicaragua
Operating revenues increased by 22.6% in 2003 and by 4.9% in 2002. In 2003, the number of wireless subscribers in Guatemala increased by 38.5%, to approximately 870,000, and the number of wireless subscribers in Nicaragua reached approximately 100,000. Telgua began providing wireless services in Nicaragua in December 2002. Traffic increased by 44.1% in 2003. In 2002, the number of wireless subscribers increased by 49.4%, to approximately 628,000, and there was an increase in total traffic of 5.1%. The number of Telguas fixed lines in Guatemala reached approximately 929,700 at December 31, 2003, a 15.7% increase from December 31, 2002.
Operating income increased by 36.5% in 2003 and decreased by 6.9% in 2002. Our operating margin was 30.1% in 2003 and 27.0% in 2002. During 2002, we reduced the long distance rates applicable to incoming and outgoing rates.
Colombia
We began consolidating Comcel in February 2002, such that our consolidated financial statements do not reflect revenues or operating income from Colombia prior to that date (except for our equity in the net results of Telecom Americas). To measure the operating performance of Comcel, we compare its operating revenues and operating income using its full-year 2002 and 2001 results. On that basis, Comcels operating revenues increased by 54.4% in 2003 and by 26.2% in 2002. In 2003, the number of Comcel subscribers increased by 30.2%, to approximately 3.7 million, and total traffic increased by 54.6%. The consolidation of Celcaribe accounted for approximately 25% of Comcels subscriber growth in 2003. In 2002, the number of Comcel subscribers increased by 49.7%, to approximately 2.8 million, and there was an increase in total traffic of 43.7%.
Operating income increased by 133.1% in 2003. Operating income was Ps. 592 million in 2003 and Ps. 254 million in 2002, as compared to an operating loss of Ps. 355 million in 2001. Our operating margin was 10.3% in 2003 and 6.7% in 2002.
Ecuador
Operating revenues increased by 108.9% in 2003 and by 52.6% in 2002. In 2003, the number of Conecel subscribers increased by 66.5%, to approximately 1.5 million, and there was an increase in total traffic of 35.0%. During 2003, we reached agreement with cetain operators on interconnection fees for calling party pay and recorded income with respect to fees for prior years and fees accrued after the agreement date. In 2002, the number of Conecel subscribers increased by 90.8%, to approximately 923,000, and total traffic increased by 67%.
Operating income was Ps. 548 million, as compared to losses of Ps. 110 million in 2002 and Ps. 547 million in 2001. Our operating margin was 20.2% in 2003.
United States
Operating revenues increased by 47.3% in 2003 and decreased by 10.7% in 2002. In 2003, the number of TracFone subscribers increased by 50%, to approximately 3.0 million, and total traffic increased by 60.4%. In 2002, the number of TracFone subscribers increased by 2.9%, to approximately 2.0 million, and total traffic increased by 11.6%. The decline in revenues in 2002 resulted in part from a change in TracFones revenue-deferment methodology, implemented in September 2002, meant to ensure that revenues more closely mirror the actual consumption levels of prepaid cards sold by TracFone.
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In 2003, for the first time in its history, TracFone reported operating income, of Ps. 200.2 million. In addition to subscriber growth, the improvement reported in 2003 reflects certain discounts on airtime obtained by TracFone as a result of achieving certain operating targets. TracFones digital traffic continues to expand, and digital traffic is more profitable than analog traffic. Operating loss decreased by 177.9% in 2002.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Capital Requirements
Our capital requirements are primarily for the following purposes:
| We must make substantial capital expenditures to continue expanding and improving our networks in each country in which we operate. In 2003 and 2002, we invested approximately Ps. 13.7 billion and Ps. 11.3 billion in plant, property and equipment. We have budgeted capital expenditures for 2004 to be approximately U.S.$1.4 billion (Ps. 15.7 billion). See BusinessCapital Expenditures. |
| We pay dividends, and we also repurchase our own shares from time to time. We paid Ps. 794 million in dividends in 2003 and Ps. 618 million in 2002, and we are paying dividends quarterly in 2004. We also spent (including commissions and value-added taxes) Ps. 975 million repurchasing our own shares in the open market in 2003 and Ps. 2,192 million in 2002. Our shareholders have authorized additional repurchases, and whether we do so will depend on considerations including market price and our other capital requirements. We have made additional repurchases in 2004. |
| During 2003, we spent approximately Ps. 18.2 billion in order to acquire new companies and increase our interest in some of our subsidiaries. |
The following table summarizes certain contractual liabilities as of December 31, 2003. The table does not include accounts payable or pension liabilities:
Payments Due by Period | ||||||||||||||||
Total |
Less than 1 year |
1-3 years |
4-5 years |
After 5 years | ||||||||||||
(millions of constant pesos as of December 31, 2003) | ||||||||||||||||
Contractual obligations as of December 31, 2003: |
||||||||||||||||
Equipment leases |
Ps. | 993 | Ps. | 37 | Ps. | 956 | | | ||||||||
Real estate leases |
6,820 | 752 | 2,360 | Ps. | 1,311 | Ps. | 2,397 | |||||||||
Long-term debt |
40,156 | 3,917 | 30,191 | 5,101 | 947 | |||||||||||
Short-term debt |
8,164 | 8,164 | | | | |||||||||||
Other |
6,919 | 393 | 6,526 | (1) | | | ||||||||||
Total
|
Ps. | 63,052 | Ps. | 13,263 | Ps. | 40,033 | Ps. | 6,412 | Ps. | 3,344 | ||||||
(1) | See discussion below. |
We have entered into agreements to purchase equipment for the rollout of GSM networks in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia and Ecuador. Total amounts payable under those contracts that are not reflected in our accounts payable or paid are approximately U.S.$580 million (Ps. 6,526 million). We recognize a liability in our financial statements under these agreements when we have tested and accepted the equipment. We estimate that, assuming compliance by our suppliers with the agreements, amounts payable under the agreements will become due within the next two years. A significant portion of these amounts may become payable within one year, depending on the duration of the testing periods. América Móvil guarantees amounts payable by our subsidiaries under these agreements. Other than the amounts described in the table above, we had no other outstanding material purchase commitments as of December 31, 2003. We enter into a number of supply, advertising and other contracts in the ordinary course of business, but we do not believe that any of those contracts are material to our liquidity.
We could have opportunities in the future to invest in other telecommunications companies outside Mexico, especially in Latin America, because we believe the telecommunications sector in Latin America will continue to
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undergo consolidation. We can give no assurance as to the extent, timing or cost of such investments. Some of the assets that we acquire may have substantial debt and may require significant funding for capital expenditures.
Working Capital
At December 31, 2003, we had a working capital deficit (excess of current liabilities over current assets) of Ps. 10,230 million, as compared to a working capital deficit of Ps. 4,643 million at December 31, 2002. This increase in 2003 principally reflected the extension of favorable payment terms obtained by us from equipment suppliers during 2003. We have substantial capital resources, including funds generated from operations and borrowing capacity, to meet our short-term obligations as they become due and payable.
Capital Resources
We generate substantial resources from our operations. On a consolidated basis, operating activities provided Ps. 29,038 million in 2003 and Ps. 19,408 million in 2002. All of our geographic segments (other than the United States in 2002 and Brazil in 2003) generated net resources from operations in 2003 and 2002.
In addition to funds generated from operations, we have used new borrowings to fund acquisitions and investments. We have relied on a combination of equipment financing, other borrowings from international banks, and borrowings in the Mexican capital markets. Many of the companies we acquired during 2002 had substantial indebtedness. During 2002 and 2003, we sought to reduce their indebtedness by incurring additional debt at our Mexican companies, which reduces our borrowing costs.
We were able to fund our capital requirements during 2003 principally through resources generated by our operations, and acquisitions made during 2003 did not significantly increase our indebtedness.
If we seek to raise funds by issuing capital stock, our bylaws require that we issue capital stock of each class in the same proportion. This would limit our ability to issue more L Shares, which are the most liquid class of our capital stock, unless we issue more AA Shares, which are an unlisted class of voting shares currently held only by América Telecom and SBCI.
Outstanding Indebtedness
At December 31, 2003, we had total consolidated indebtedness of Ps. 49,313 million, as compared to Ps. 48,036 million at December 31, 2002. Cash and cash equivalents amounted to Ps. 10,082 million at December 31, 2003 and Ps. 11,023 million at December 31, 2002. Approximately 76% of our indebtedness at December 31, 2003 was denominated in currencies other than Mexican pesos (approximately 67% in U.S. dollars and 9% in other currencies, principally in reais), and approximately 42% of our consolidated debt obligations (after taking into account interest swaps) bore interest at floating rates. The weighted average cost of all our third-party debt at December 31, 2003 (including interest, commissions and reimbursement of certain lenders for Mexican taxes withheld) was approximately 5.19%.
Our major categories of indebtedness are as follows:
| Equipment financing facilities with support from export development agencies. We have a number of equipment financing facilities, under which export development agencies provide support for financing to purchase exports from their respective countries. These facilities are generally medium- to long-term, with periodic amortization and interest at a spread over LIBOR. They are extended to us or to operating subsidiaries, usually with guarantees from one or more of América Móvil, Telcel or Sercotel. The aggregate amount outstanding under equipment financing facilities at December 31, 2003 was U.S.$795 million (Ps. 8,933 million). |
| Other bank loans. At December 31, 2003, we had approximately U.S.$1.7 billion (Ps. 19.1 billion) outstanding under a number of dollar-denominated bank facilities bearing interest at LIBOR plus a |
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spread. For certain of the facilities, the spread over LIBOR can vary if there is a deterioration in our financial condition. The facilities have similar terms as to covenants, and under all of the facilities América Móvil, Sercotel and Telcel are either borrowers or guarantors. For certain of these facilities, Telgua is also a guarantor. At December 31, 2003, we also had bank loans denominated in currencies other than U.S. dollars, including pesos, in an aggregate amount of Ps. 3,409 million. |
| Peso-denominated notes. At December 31, 2003, we had Ps. 11.25 billion in senior notes that had been sold in the Mexican capital markets. These senior notes were issued by us with a guarantee from Telcel. |
| BNDES. ATL, Tess and Americel have outstanding syndicated loans provided with resources of the Banco Nacional de Desenvolvimento Econômico e Social, or BNDES, the Brazilian federal development bank. These loans are principally denominated in reais, with a portion indexed to U.S. dollars. At December 31, 2003, the aggregate principal amount of these loans was approximately R$618 million plus the equivalent in reais of approximately U.S.$60 million in foreign currencies. |
We are subject to financial and operating covenants under our loan agreements. They limit our ability to pledge our assets, to effect a merger or a sale of all or substantially all of our assets, and to permit restrictions on the ability of our subsidiaries to pay dividends or make distributions to us. The most restrictive financial covenants require us to maintain a consolidated ratio of debt to EBITDA (as defined in the loan agreements) not greater than 3.5 to 1 and a consolidated ratio of EBITDA to interest expense not less than 2.5 to 1 (using terms defined in the loan agreements). Telcel is subject to financial covenants similar to those applicable to América Móvil. A number of our financing instruments are subject to either acceleration or repurchase at the holders option if there is a change of control. In the event of a default under certain material provisions of some of our bank loans, we are prohibited from paying dividends to our shareholders.
At December 31, 2003, Telcel had, on an unconsolidated basis, unsecured and unsubordinated obligations under indebtedness and guarantees of parent company and subsidiary indebtedness of approximately Ps. 42,832 million (U.S.$3,812 million), excluding debt owed to us or our other subsidiaries. At such date, Sercotel, our wholly-owned subsidiary that holds directly or indirectly the shares of all our operating subsidiaries, had, on an unconsolidated basis, unsecured and unsubordinated obligations under indebtedness and guarantees of parent company and subsidiary indebtedness of approximately Ps. 28,896 million (U.S.$2,572 million). In addition, at December 31, 2003, our operating subsidiaries other than Telcel had indebtedness of Ps. 5,336 million (U.S.$474.9 million).
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We have obligations to purchase additional shares of our subsidiaries Telecom Americas and CTI at the option of their minority shareholders. In the case of Telecom Americas, the minority shareholder has the right to sell half of its shares to us beginning in 2006 for U.S.$150 million plus interest. In the case of CTI, the minority shareholder has the right to sell all of its shares to us within a specified period after the completion of the restructuring of the indebtedness of CTI for U.S.$17.1 million.
In connection with an investment in a small Spanish company that was transferred to us in our spin-off from Telmex, we have agreed to indemnify Telmex for up to euro 13.7 million in respect of a guarantee given by Telmex to other interest holders in that company. In 2001, we wrote off the entire balance of our investment in that company.
Except for the obligations described above, as of December 31, 2003, we had no off-balance sheet arrangements that require disclosure under applicable SEC regulations.
Hedging and Derivatives
We are exposed to market risk from changes in interest rates and currency exchange rates. Interest rate risk exists principally with respect to our net financial liabilities bearing interest at floating rates. Interest rate risk also exists with respect to the fair value of fixed-rate financial assets and liabilities. Exchange rate risk exists with respect to our financial assets and liabilities denominated in currencies other than Mexican pesos. We are also subject to exchange rate risks with respect to our investments outside Mexico.
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At December 31, 2003, we had approximately Ps. 6.3 billion in financial assets denominated in currencies other than Mexican pesos, principally consisting of cash, short-term investments and marketable securities, and approximately Ps. 37.3 billion in financial liabilities denominated in currencies other than Mexican pesos, consisting of debt. Approximately 88.1% of our non-peso indebtedness was denominated in U.S. dollars.
We regularly assess our interest rate and currency exchange exposures and determine whether to adjust or hedge our position. We may use derivative instruments to hedge or adjust our exposures. For example, during 2003, we entered into interest rate swaps to hedge interest payments under our U.S. dollar and Mexican Peso denominated indebtedness bearing interest at floating rates and with maturity dates starting in 2005. See Note 11 to our consolidated financial statements included in this offering memorandum. We have only used derivative instruments to hedge exposures associated with financial assets and liabilities.
During 2003, we also entered into currency swaps between the Mexican peso and the U.S. dollar in order to finance some of our U.S. dollar obligations and assets at more attractive rates than we could have obtained by accessing the U.S. dollar market directly.
The potential increase in net debt and corresponding foreign exchange loss that would have resulted from a hypothetical, instantaneous 10% depreciation of all of our operating currencies against the U.S. dollar, would have been approximately Ps. 2.97 billion. Such depreciation would have also resulted in additional interest expense of approximately Ps. 96.1 million per annum, reflecting the increased costs of servicing foreign currency indebtedness.
A hypothetical, immediate increase of 100 basis points in the interest rates applicable to our floating rate financial assets and liabilities at December 31, 2003 would have resulted in additional interest expense of approximately Ps. 133.2 million per year, assuming no change in the principal amount of such indebtedness. The potential loss in the fair value of our fixed-rate financial assets at December 31, 2003, that would have resulted from the hypothetical, immediate increase of 100 basis points in the interest rates applicable to such financial instruments would have been approximately Ps. 85.5 million. This potential loss would have been offset by the potential reduction in the fair value of our fixed-rate financial liabilities at December 31, 2003 of approximately Ps. 818.1 million, which would have resulted from that same increase in interest rates.
The above sensitivity analyses are based on the assumption of unfavorable movements in exchange or interest rates applicable to each homogeneous category of financial assets and liabilities. A homogeneous category is defined according to the currency in which financial assets and liabilities are denominated and assumes the same exchange rate or interest rate movement with each homogeneous category. As a result, exchange rate risk and interest rate risk sensitivity analysis may overstate the impact of exchange rate or interest rate fluctuations for such financial instruments, as consistently unfavorable movements of all exchange rates or interest rates are unlikely.
Critical Accounting Estimates
In preparing our financial statements, we make estimates concerning a variety of matters. Some of these matters are highly uncertain, and our estimates involve judgments we make based on the information available to us. In the discussion below, we have identified several of these matters for which our financial presentation would be materially affected if either (1) we used different estimates that we could reasonably have used or (2) in the future we change our estimates in response to changes that are reasonably likely to occur.
The discussion addresses only those estimates that we consider most important based on the degree of uncertainty and the likelihood of a material impact if we used a different estimate. There are many other areas in which we use estimates about uncertain matters, but the reasonably likely effect of changed or different estimates is not material to our financial presentation.
Estimated useful lives of plant, property and equipment
We estimate the useful lives of particular classes of plant, property and equipment in order to determine the amount of depreciation expense to be recorded in each period. Depreciation expense is a significant element of
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our costs and expenses, amounting in 2003 to Ps. 9,727 million, or 14.3% of our operating costs and expenses. See Note 7 to our consolidated financial statements included in this offering memorandum.
The estimates are based on our historical experience with similar assets, anticipated technological changes and other factors, taking into account the practices of other telecommunications companies. We review estimated useful lives each year to determine whether they should be changed, and at times, we have changed them for particular classes of assets. We may shorten the estimated useful life of an asset class in response to technological changes, changes in the market or other developments. This results in increased depreciation expense, and in some cases, it can result in our recognizing an impairment charge to reflect a write-down in value.
Impairment
We carry substantial balances on our balance sheet for plant, property and equipment and for goodwill that are based on historical costs net of accumulated depreciation and amortization. We are required to evaluate each year whether these assets are impaired, that is, whether their future capacity to generate cash does not justify maintaining them at their carrying values. If they are impaired, we are required to recognize a loss by writing off part of their value. The analysis we perform requires that we estimate the future cash flows attributable to these assets, and these estimates require us to make a variety of judgments about our future operations. Changes in these judgments could require us to recognize impairment losses in future periods. Our evaluations in 2003 and 2002 did not result in any significant impairment of our plant, property and equipment or consolidated goodwill.
Our equity-method affiliate CompUSA wrote-off goodwill by U.S.$410 million in 2002 upon adopting Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.
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March 2, 2004
INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY
GENERAL
With 43.7 million wireless subscribers in nine countries at December 31, 2003 (compared to 31.6 million at year-end 2002), we are the largest provider of wireless communications services in Latin America and one of the ten largest in the world. Because our focus is on Latin America, a substantial majority of our wireless subscribers are prepaid customers. We also had approximately 1.6 million fixed lines in Guatemala and El Salvador at December 31, 2003, making us the largest fixed-line operator in Central America. We have recently deployed GSM networks in Mexico, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guatemala and Nicaragua and are in the process of deploying a GSM network in Argentina.
Our principal operations are:
| Mexico. Through Radiomóvil Dipsa, S.A. de C.V., which operates under the name Telcel, we provide cellular telecommunications service in all nine regions in Mexico, with a network covering approximately 35% of the geographical area of Mexico, including all major cities, and approximately 81% of Mexicos population. At December 31, 2003, Telcel had 23.4 million subscribers, and Telcel is the largest provider of wireless telecommunications services in Mexico. |
| Argentina. In 2003, we acquired CTI, the fourth largest wireless operator in Argentina measured by the number of subscribers. CTI provides nationwide wireless services in Argentina. |
| Brazil. With approximately 9.5 million subscribers at December 31, 2003, we are the second largest provider of wireless telecommunications services in Brazil. We operate in Brazil through our subsidiary, Telecom Americas, and a number of operating companies, under a unified brand name, Claro. During 2003, we significantly expanded our coverage in Brazil by acquiring BCP S.A. and BSE S.A. BCP is the second largest wireless provider in the São Paulo metropolitan area. Our network covers the principal cities in Brazil (including São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro) and approximately 140 licensed points of presence. |
| Central America. We provide fixed-line and wireless services in Guatemala and El Salvador, through our subsidiaries Telgua and CTE. We provide wireless services in Nicaragua through our subsidiary Sercom Nicaragua. The wireless business of Telgua and Sercom Nicaragua operate under the PCS Digital and, for prepaid services, Alo brands. We acquired a controlling interest in CTE in 2003. CTE operates under the Telecom brand. In January 2004, we acquired a non-controlling 49% interest in ENITEL. ENITEL provides fixed, mobile and other telecommunications services in Nicaragua. |
| Colombia. Our three operating subsidiaries in ColombiaComcel, Occel and Celcaribeoperate under the Comcel brand. We are the largest wireless operator in the country measured by the number of subscribers. |
| Ecuador. Conecel, our subsidiary in Ecuador, is the largest wireless operator in Ecuador measured by the number of subscribers. Conecel operates under the Porta brand. |
| United States. Our U.S. subsidiary, TracFone, is engaged in the sale and distribution of prepaid wireless services and wireless phones throughout the United States, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. |
América Móvil, S.A. de C.V. is a corporation (sociedad anónima de capital variable) organized under the laws of Mexico with its principal executive offices at Lago Alberto 366, Edificio Telcel I, Piso 2, Colonia Anáhuac, 11320, México D.F., México. Our telephone number at this location is (5255) 2581-4411.
Our Markets
We operate pursuant to concessions or licenses to provide wireless telecommunications services in each of the countries in which we operate. We seek to provide a full range of wireless telecommunications services in each of our markets. Our networks are consistently optimized to try to ensure maximum coverage and high
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quality service. We have recently deployed GSM networks in Mexico, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guatemala and Nicaragua, and we are in the process of deploying a GSM network in Argentina. In 2003, we invested Ps. 13.7 billion in our networks in capital expenditures. We also seek to expand market share by exploring strategic acquisition opportunities in Latin America.
Our principal markets of operations are Mexico and Brazil, the two largest economies in Latin America. We are the largest provider of wireless communication services in Mexico and the second largest in Brazil, based on the number of subscribers at December 31, 2003. Telcel and Telecom Americas combined represented 74.3% of our operating revenues in 2003. In 2003, the Mexican Finance Ministry estimates that the Mexican economy grew at a rate of 1.5% per annum and has projected economic growth of 3.5% for 2004. In Brazil, the economy contracted at a rate of 0.2% in 2003 according to the Brazilian Ministry of Economy, and economic growth in 2004 is projected at 3.5%. We believe that economic growth in these two key countries will enhance our operating revenues.
We believe our countries of operation offer considerable growth potential. Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala and Nicaragua represent a combined estimated population of 362 million, or 67% of the total estimated population of Latin America of 540 million in 2003. Our markets are characterized by relatively low fixed line and wireless penetration rates as compared to the United States and Europe.
In most of our markets, the regulatory environment has become increasingly more open and flexible over the past decade. These changes have increased competition as markets have become more open to new entrants. In Mexico, these changes have exposed us to competition from domestic competitors and from international operators. In other markets, these changes have allowed us an opportunity to enter as a competitor and capture market share from local providers.
Our Strategy
We intend to capitalize on our position as the leader in wireless telecommunications in Latin America to continue to expand our subscriber base, both by development of our existing businesses and selected strategic acquisitions in the region. We seek to become a leader in each of our markets by providing better coverage and services and benefiting from economies of scale. We closely monitor our costs and expenses, and we will continue to explore alternatives to further improve our operating margins.
History
We were established in September 2000 in a spin-off from Teléfonos de México, S.A. de C.V., also known as Telmex, the largest provider of local and long-distance telephone services in Mexico. The spin-off was implemented using a procedure under Mexican corporate law called escisión or split-up. The shares of our company were delivered to Telmex shareholders on February 7, 2001.
Our wireless business in Mexico is conducted through our wholly-owned subsidiary Telcel, which traces its history to the establishment in 1956 of Publicidad Turística, S.A., an affiliate of Telmex that published telephone directories. In 1981, the Mexican Ministry of Communications and Transportation granted Publicidad Turística a concession for the installation and operation of a wireless telephone system in Mexico City. In 1984, Publicidad Turística changed its name to Radiomóvil Dipsa, S.A. de C.V., and in 1989, the company began operating under the trademark Telcel.
Between 1988 and 1990, Telcel expanded its cellular network on the 800 megahertz (Band B) frequency spectrum to cover the Mexico City metropolitan area and the cities of Cuernavaca, Guadalajara, Monterrey, Tijuana and Toluca, and in 1990, Telcel began offering cellular services in all nine geographic regions of Mexico. In 1998, Telcel was awarded the 1900 megahertz (Band D) frequency spectrum for personal communications services (PCS) in all nine regions in Mexico in an auction held by the Mexican government. Telcel launched a PCS system in Mexico City in 1999 and currently offers the service in all nine geographic
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regions of Mexico. In October 2002, Telcel launched its GSM network, which covered approximately 400 cities as of December 31, 2003. In December 2002, the Communications Ministry granted Telcel a new concession to install, operate and exploit a telecommunications network to provide national and international long-distance services, as well as data transmission services. This concession limits Telcel to provide these services to its wireless subscribers for the first two years, which term can be extended by Cofetel.
In 1999, we began acquiring our international subsidiaries and investing in Telecom Americas and our other international affiliates.
See Mexican Operations, Non-Mexican Operations and Other Investments.
Major Subsidiaries and Affiliates
The table below sets forth our principal subsidiaries and affiliates, our percentage ownership in each such entity and the main activity of such entity as of the date of this offering memorandum.
Name of Company |
Jurisdiction |
Ownership Interest(1) |
Main Activity | ||||
Sercotel, S.A. de C.V. |
Mexico | 100.0 | % | Holding company | |||
Telcel (Radiomóvil Dipsa, S.A. de C.V.) |
Mexico | 100.0 | Wireless | ||||
SubDipsa Treasury LLC |
Delaware | 100.0 | Treasury | ||||
CTI Holdings, S.A. |
Argentina | 92.0 | Holding company | ||||
CTI PCS, S.A. |
Argentina | 92.0 | Wireless | ||||
CTI Compañía de Teléfonos del Interior, S.A. |
Argentina | 92.0 | Wireless | ||||
AM Latin America LLC |
Delaware | 100.0 | Holding company | ||||
Telecom Americas Ltd. |
Bermuda | 97.5 | Holding company | ||||
ATL-Algar Telecom Leste S.A. |
Brazil | 97.5 | Wireless | ||||
Tess S.A. |
Brazil | 97.5 | Wireless | ||||
Americel S.A. |
Brazil | 96.0 | Wireless | ||||
Telet S.A. |
Brazil | 96.5 | Wireless | ||||
BSE S.A. |
Brazil | 97.5 | Wireless | ||||
BCP S.A. |
Brazil | 97.5 | Wireless | ||||
Albra Telecomunicações Ltda. |
Brazil | 97.5 | Wireless | ||||
Stemar Telecomunicaões Ltda. |
Brazil | 97.5 | Wireless | ||||
Alecan Telecomunicações Ltda. . |
Brazil | 97.5 | Wireless | ||||
Telecomunicaciones de Guatemala, S.A. |
Guatemala | 99.0 | Fixed-line | ||||
Servicios de Comunicaciones Personales Inalámbricas, S.A. |
Guatemala | 99.0 | Wireless | ||||
Servicios de Comunicaciones de Nicaragua, S.A |
Nicaragua | 99.0 | Wireless | ||||
Compañía de Telecomunicaciones de El Salvador (CTE) |
El Salvador | 52.2 | Fixed-line/Wireless | ||||
Empresa Nicaragüense de Telecomunicaciones, S.A. (ENITEL) |
Nicaragua | 49.0 | Fixed-line/Wireless | ||||
Comunicación Celular S.A. (Comcel) |
Colombia | 95.7 | Wireless | ||||
Occidente y Caribe Celular S.A. (Occel) (2) |
Colombia | 93.4 | Wireless | ||||
Celcaribe S.A.(3) |
Colombia | 94.0 | Wireless | ||||
Consorcio Ecuatoriano de Telecomunicaciones, S.A. (CONECEL) |
Ecuador | 100.0 | Wireless | ||||
TracFone Wireless, Inc. |
Florida | 98.2 | Wireless | ||||
U.S. Commercial Corp, S.A. de C.V. |
Mexico | 29.7 | Holding company | ||||
CompUSA, Inc. |
Delaware | 29.7 | Technology solutions/Retailer |
(1) | Percentage of equity owned by América Móvil directly or indirectly through subsidiaries or affiliates. |
(2) | Comcel holds directly 93.8% of Occel, and América Móvil holds indirectly 3.6% of Occel. |
(3) | Comcel holds directly 93.3% of Celcaribe, and América Móvil holds indirectly 4.7% of Celcaribe. |
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MEXICAN OPERATIONS
Our subsidiary Telcel is the leading provider of wireless communications services in Mexico. As of December 31, 2003, Telcels cellular network covered 35% of the geographical area of Mexico, including all major cities, and 81% of Mexicos population. Telcel holds concessions to operate a wireless network in all nine geographic regions in Mexico using both the 800 megahertz (Band B) and 1900 megahertz (Band D) radio spectrums. As of December 31, 2003, Telcel had approximately 23.4 million cellular subscribers and, according to Cofetel, as of October 2003, an approximately 79% share of the Mexican wireless market. Approximately 15.6 million or 29.8% of Telcels total cellular subscribers are located in the Mexico City area.
In 2003, Telcel had revenues of Ps. 52,466 million (U.S.$4,669 million), representing 61.0% of our consolidated revenues for such period. In 2003, Telcel had net income of Ps. 9.7 billion, representing 63.0% of our consolidated net income. At December 31, 2003, Telcel had total assets of Ps. 56,593 million, representing 37.7% of our total assets as of such date.
The following table sets forth information on Telcels subscriber base, coverage and related matters at the dates and for the periods indicated:
December 31, |
||||||||||||||||
1999 |
2000 |
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
||||||||||||
(peso amounts in millions of constant pesos as of December 31, 2003) | ||||||||||||||||
Revenues |
Ps. | 16,221 | Ps.25,861 | Ps.35,461 | Ps.42,408 | Ps.52,466 | ||||||||||
Average monthly revenues per subscriber during preceding 12 months(1) |
324 | 244 | 201 | 165 | 176 | |||||||||||
Total assets(2) |
19,836 | 69,556 | 75,143 | 80,072 | 56,593 | |||||||||||
Total debt with third parties(3) |
318 | 2,178 | 2,719 | 3,012 | 3,022 | |||||||||||
Capital leases |
| | | | 950 | |||||||||||
Stockholders equity |
10,550 | 24,431 | 27,556 | 33,092 | 12,723 | |||||||||||
Cellular lines in service (in thousands) |
5,272 | 10,462 | 16,965 | 20,067 | 23,444 | |||||||||||
Subscriber growth during preceding 12 months |
149.4 | % | 98.4 | % | 62.2 | % | 18.3 | % | 16.8 | % | ||||||
Company penetration(4) |
5.4 | % | 10.7 | % | 16.9 | % | 19.7 | % | 22.1 | % | ||||||
Average monthly minutes of use per subscriber during preceding 12 months |
90 | 86 | 73 | 67 | 81 | |||||||||||
Cellular call minutes for the preceding 12 months (in millions) |
3,513 | 7,891 | 11,677 | 15,062 | 20,858 | |||||||||||
Employees |
4,510 | 6,452 | 7,644 | 7,943 | 8,624 |
(1) | Average for the year of the amount obtained each month by dividing service revenues by the number of customers. The figure includes both prepaid and postpaid customers and excludes equipment sales revenue. |
(2) | Includes assets with related parties, including us and our subsidiaries. |
(3) | Excludes guarantees. At December 31, 2003, Telcel had Ps. 39,809 million of indebtedness as guarantor of debt of América Móvil or other of our subsidiaries. |
(4) | Number of Telcel cellular lines in service divided by the population of Mexico based on the latest census data available. |
The business of Telcel is subject to comprehensive regulation and oversight by the Mexican Communications Ministry, Cofetel and Cofeco. The Communications Ministry is part of the executive branch of the Mexican federal government, and Cofetel is an independent agency of the Communications Ministry. Cofeco is an independent agency of the Ministry of Economy. Regulation and oversight are governed by the General Communications Law, the Federal Law of Telecommunications, the Telecommunications Regulations adopted under both the General Communications Law and the Federal Law of Telecommunications, the Federal Economic Competition Law, and the concessions and license agreements granted by the Communications Ministry. See Regulation.
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Services and Products
Voice services
Telcel offers voice services under a variety of rate plans to meet the needs of different user segments. The rate plans are either postpaid, where the customer is billed monthly for the previous month or prepaid, where the customer pays in advance for a specified volume of use over a specified period.
Telcels postpaid plans include the following charges:
| monthly charges, which usually include a number of minutes of use that are included in the monthly service change; |
| usage charges, for usage in excess of the specified number of minutes included in the monthly charge; and |
| additional charges, including charges for data services, voicemail, caller ID, call waiting, call blocking, short text messaging and general information. |
Certain plans include the cost of roaming and long-distance in the price per minute so that all calls within Mexico cost the same amount per minute. Some postpaid plans are designed for high and moderate usage subscribers, who are typically willing to pay higher monthly fees in exchange for larger blocks of minutes that are included in the monthly service charge, services such as voicemail, call forwarding, call waiting, caller ID and three-way calling, and lower per minute airtime charges under a single contract. To satisfy the more limited needs of low-usage postpaid subscribers, Telcel also offers plans which provide a moderately priced, fixed monthly charge coupled with a high per minute airtime charge and relatively few included minutes. Postpaid customers, which include many corporate accounts and professionals, often subscribe for additional digital services such as voicemail, call forwarding, call waiting, caller ID and three-way calling, which are all included in the monthly fee. The minimum term of our postpaid plans is one year.
Telcel adjusts its rates based on competitive conditions, inflation rates and international standards. In July 1998, Telcel increased its nominal rates for monthly charges by 7% and usage charges by 5%, and in April 1999, it increased its nominal rates for monthly charges by 12%. Rates for postpaid plans have not increased since April 1999 and are expected to remain stable as long as the Mexican economic environment remains stable. Telcel offers discounts that reduce the effective rates paid by its customers based on the time of use, so that calls made during off-peak hours (10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. during the week or anytime on weekends) are less expensive than calls made during the remaining, or peak, hours. During 2003, Telcel offered promotions that included effective price-per-minute reductions. These promotions helped increase Telcels average monthly revenues per subscriber during 2003.
Telcel also offers several prepaid plans, none of which includes activation or monthly charges. Prepaid customers purchase a prepaid card for a specific amount of airtime and also receive additional services such as voicemail and caller ID, although these services are less comprehensive than those available under postpaid plans. Telcel began to offer cellular digital packet data (CDPD) services to prepaid customers in October 2001, short message services (SMS) to its own customers (prepaid and postpaid) in January 2002 and GSM data services over circuit switched technology (CSD) in October 2002 and to exchange SMS services with other cellular operators in December 2003.
Prepaid customers typically generate low levels of cellular usage and are often unwilling to make a fixed financial commitment or do not have the credit profile to purchase postpaid plan. Prepaid plans serve the needs of distinct consumer segments such as the youth market, families, customers with variable income who otherwise would not be able to obtain service due to their credit profile, and customers who prefer to pay in cash. Prepaid customers also include parents who wish to control costs for their children.
Telcel believes the prepaid market represents a large and growing under-penetrated market in Mexico and an opportunity to improve margins because, compared to the average postpaid plan, prepaid plans involve higher
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average per minute airtime charges, lower customer acquisition costs and no billing expenses, credit or payment risk. However, prepaid customers on average have substantially lower minutes of use than postpaid customers and do not pay monthly fees and, as a result, generate substantially lower average monthly revenues per customer.
Mexico uses the calling party pays system for cellular service, under which subscribers only pay for outgoing calls. This replaced mobile party pays, under which subscribers also paid for incoming calls, in May 1999. Subscribers have the option of retaining the mobile party pays system but must change their cellular telephone number to do so.
Data services
Short Message Services (SMS)
In January 2002, Telcel began to offer two-way SMS to its customers as part of its value-added services. Since the launch of two-way SMS, Telcel has experienced significant growth in traffic. Through arrangements with other operators, Telcel began to offer to its customers the ability to send and receive short messages to and from users of networks of other carriers throughout Mexico in the fourth quarter of 2003.
Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS)
As an enhanced version of SMS, MMS allows customers the capability to send, in a single message, multiple color images, sounds and different size text to another mobile phone or e-mail account. Telcel began to offer MMS through GSM technology to postpaid and prepaid customers in March 2003.
Premium SMS and Content Community
In April 2002, Telcel became the first Mexican operator to offer premium information services through its SMS capabilities, including weather reports, financial quotes and entertainment news. Other premium services include personalized ring tones and games. To further enhance its premium SMS offerings with well-known brands and content, Telcel has built a Content Community through agreements and special alliances with other companies, such as MTV, Universal Music, the Cartoon Network and the Discovery Channel.
Internet
Wireless application protocol (WAP) is a global standard designed to make Internet services available to mobile telephone users. At present, Telcel offers WAP include e-mail, data and information services and electronic commerce transactions. The standard allows a micro browser in a mobile phone to link into a gateway service in Telcels network enabling users to scroll through different pages of information on the Internet.
Telcel launched its WAP gateway in September 2000, enabling its prepaid and postpaid users in those regions to access e-mail, banking, and a variety of reservation and other types of electronic commerce services.
Data transmission
In September 2000, Telcel rolled out a data service network based on the cellular digital packet data (CDPD) platform available to postpaid subscribers in the major cities in all nine regions in Mexico. As of November 2001, these services were available to Telcels prepaid customers. The CDPD network is a packet-switched network that takes advantage of the fact that, in many data applications, information is sent in bursts of activity, with intermittent quiet periods. Unlike data services carried over circuit-switched analog or digital wireless networks, the CDPD platform provides a significantly more cost-effective means of sending data for the majority of applications, as it allows many users to share the network channel. Instead of dialing in, subscribers to the CDPD system always remain connected to a network service that provides access to packet data networks.
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Telcels CDPD services are able to accommodate such industry-specific applications as:
| TelemetryWireless networks will allow companies such as gas and electric suppliers to track customer usage via wireless connection between the field meter and a central control. Telemetry can also be applied in medicine to monitor patients within and away from the hospital. |
| Wireless credit card validationTerminal equipment allows merchants to verify credit/debit cards. With CDPD, the validation terminals can remain online wirelessly, substantially reducing the time required to process a validation and eliminating the need for a separate telephone line at the verification terminal. This can open up a variety of new applications in remote service industries, such as fast food and delivery. |
| Dispatch applicationsCourier companies, delivery companies, and companies with large field installation and repair groups use the CDPD technology to support their employees. Workers can be dispatched with detailed work orders, can access customer databases from the field and can close out work orders online. |
| Public safety applicationsStates and municipalities can use CDPD as the primary means of data communication with public safety vehicles. |
| Automated vehicle locationUtilizing a small device containing a CDPD modem and a global positioning system, or GPS, device, users can track vehicle fleets on the Internet, allowing rapid, cost-effective access to the information necessary to route and dispatch vehicles and packages. |
Telcel offers circuit switch data (CSD) to all its users and general packet radio services (GPRS) to its postpaid users through its new GSM network. Telcel extended its GPRS services to prepaid users in October 2002. See Wireless Network.
Products
Telcel offers a variety of products as complements to its wireless service, including handsets and accessories such as chargers, headsets, belt clips and batteries. As part of its basic prepaid service offering, Telcel provides new customers with an Amigo Kit, which includes a handset, a charger and other accessories at a discounted price. New postpaid customers also receive a handset at a discounted price, if they enter into a long-term contract with Telcel.
In the past, Telcel has offered a variety of handset types, including analog, digital and dual-mode dual-band devices. Most of the handsets that Telcel currently offers are dual-mode dual-band, which can operate in both analog and digital modes and can switch between the 800 and 1900 megahertz radio spectrums.
Interconnection
Telcel earns interconnection revenues from calls to any of its subscribers, or to an international roaming subscriber of another cellular service provider located within the region covered by Telcel, that originates with another service provider (cellular or fixed). Telcel charges the service provider from whose network the call originates an interconnection charge for every minute Telcels network is used in connection with the call. The current interconnection charge in Mexico for calls made from either a fixed line or a cellular line to another cellular line is Ps. 1.90 per minute. The current interconnection charge for calls made from a cellular line to a fixed line, which Telcel pays to Telmex, is U.S.$0.00975 per minute.
Telcel has interconnection agreements with Telmex and other service providers. The interconnection agreements specify a number of connection points, locations of interconnection points, the method by which signals must be transmitted and received and the costs and fees of interconnection. See RegulationInterconnection.
Roaming
Telcel offers international roaming services to its subscribers. Subscribers paying the international roaming fees are able to roam outside of Mexico, using the networks of cellular service providers with which Telcel has
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entered into roaming agreements. Telcel has entered into approximately 270 such agreements covering TDMA and GSM networks around the world. Roaming payments are channeled through Telecommunication Services International for TDMA and Electronic Data Systems Corporation for GSM, which function as central international clearing houses that collect and redistribute roaming fees from and to the participating providers.
Marketing
Telcel develops customer awareness through its marketing and promotion efforts and high-quality customer care. It builds upon the strength of its well-recognized brand name to increase consumer awareness and customer loyalty, employing continuous advertising efforts through print, radio, television, sponsorship of sports events and other outdoor advertising campaigns. In addition, Telcel employs concentrated advertising efforts to promote specific products and services such as the Amigo Kit, its Internet services and certain value-added services such as SMS.
Telcel targets groups of customers who share common characteristics or have common needs. Telcel then assembles a packet of services that meets the particular needs of that targeted group through one of its various pricing plans. As part of its promotional efforts, Telcel offers its new prepaid and postpaid subscribers either a complimentary handset or a handset at a discounted price when they subscribe, which the postpaid customers may keep when their service agreement expires in accordance with its terms.
Telcel has designed promotional packages, including free handsets and low monthly fees, to encourage new customers and current prepaid customers to subscribe to postpaid plans that include services such as voicemail, call waiting and caller ID.
Sales and Distribution
Telcel markets its wireless services primarily through exclusive distributors located throughout Mexico. In the year ended December 31, 2003, approximately 90% of Telcels sales of handsets were generated by cellular distributors, with approximately 9% from sales in company-owned stores, and approximately 1% from direct sales to corporate accounts. Telcel also sells and distributes its products and services over the Internet.
Telcel has relationships with a network of approximately 912 exclusive distributors, who sell Telcels services and products and receive commissions. Telcel operates permanent training and evaluation programs for distributors to help maintain the level of service quality.
Telcels company-owned retail stores offer one-stop shopping for a variety of cellular services and products. Walk-in customers can subscribe for postpaid plans, purchase prepaid cards and purchase handsets and accessories. Company-owned stores also serve as points of customer service and payment centers. Telcel owns and operates 129 customer sales and service centers throughout the nine regions of Mexico and will continue to open new service centers as necessary in order to offer its products directly to subscribers in more effective ways.
Telcel also distributes prepaid cards and handsets, the latter as part of the Amigo Kit consisting of handsets and free airtime ranging from 25 to 250 minutes, through distributors that include Telmex, Sears, Sanborns and its network of retail outlets. Telmex purchases the Telcel prepaid cards and handsets on the same or similar commercial terms offered to other cellular distributors.
To service the needs of its large corporate and other high-usage customers, Telcel has a dedicated corporate sales group.
Billing and Collection
Telcel bills its postpaid customers through monthly invoices, which detail itemized charges such as usage, services such as voicemail, call forwarding, call waiting, caller ID and three-way calling, and long-distance and roaming charges, in addition to applicable taxes. Customers may pay their bills with a credit card, through a bank
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(including its Internet website), in person at Telcel retail stores and, since July 2001, through Telcels Internet website.
If a postpaid customers payment is overdue, service may be suspended until full payment for all outstanding charges is received. If the subscribers payment is more than 60 days past due, service may be discontinued. Accounts that are more than 90 days past due are considered doubtful accounts.
A prepaid customer who purchases a prepaid card has 60 days from the date of activation of the card to use the airtime. After 60 days, the customer can no longer use that airtime for outgoing calls unless the customer activates a new card. After 180 days, unless the customer activates a new card, the service is discontinued and the balance on the card, if any, is recognized as revenue.
Customer Service
Telcel places a high priority on providing its customers with quality customer care and support. Approximately 48.2% of Telcels employees are dedicated to customer service. Customers may call a toll-free telephone number or go to one of the customer sales and service centers located throughout the nine regions for inquiries regarding their service or plan options. In addition, using Telcels website, subscribers may learn about the various offered rate plans, products and promotions, as well as subscribe for additional services and pay bills on line.
Wireless Network
Telcels wireless networks use principally digital technologies. As a proportion of total traffic, digital traffic measured 83.4% in December 2003. Over the last several years, Telcel has converted its network from analog to digital, and most of its customers have migrated to digital service. Telcel uses time division multiple access (TDMA) digital technology in the 800 megahertz (Band B) and the 1900 megahertz (Band D) frequency spectra. TDMA is a digital technology that divides radio spectrum into assigned time slots to transmit signals. In October 2002 Telcel launched a new network using global system for mobile communications (GSM) digital technology in the 1900 megahertz (Band D) frequency spectrum. GSM is a digital standard used in Europe, North America and elsewhere. Because it is so widely used, it provides higher quality and faster availability of new products and services and a wider variety of suppliers than TDMA technology. In addition, GSM provides access to a better developed path toward third generation wireless technologies.
An alternative digital technology, CDMA, divides radio spectrum using codes rather than time slots. Compared to TDMA and GSM, it permits more subscribers to use the same spectrum but is less mature and less well supported by suppliers. Because of GSMs advantages over both TDMA and CDMA technologies, Telcel considers developing a GSM network to be the logical step to maintaining its leadership in the wireless market.
TDMA network
Telcel has a nationwide TDMA network. TDMA permits the use of advanced dual-mode dual-band handsets that allow for roaming across analog and digital systems and across 800 megahertz and 1900 megahertz spectrums. TDMA digital technology also allows for enhanced services and features, such as short alphanumeric message service, extended battery life, added call security and improved voice quality. TDMA equipment is available from leading telecommunications vendors such as Lucent, Ericsson and Nortel.
GSM network
Telcel has built and installed a GSM network in the 1900 megahertz frequency spectrum in all nine regions in Mexico, which began commercial operation in October 2002. The new GSM network allows Telcel to augment its digital capacity and progress in its evolution toward the third generation of wireless technology. GSM technology supports a wide range of voice and data services, including SMS, CSD, high-speed CSD and GPRS, and is currently the most widely used and tested wireless system in the world. GSM technology, which is used in all nine regions, is expected to yield global economies of scale in developing network equipment and handsets, as well as seamless global roaming capabilities.
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Currently, in its first stage of deployment, Telcels GSM network offers service in all nine regions in Mexico, but does not provide coverage in all cities in those regions. As of December 31, 2003, Telcel covered approximately 400 cities with the GSM network, and Telcels GSM subscriber base amounted to approximately four million. As Telcel continues to roll out the GSM network, it plans to expand GSM coverage throughout the nine regions. Telcel expects that many customers will choose GSM equipment when they replace their existing TDMA equipment.
CSD and HSCSD technology
Circuit switch data (CSD) is an alternative system based on circuit switch platforms that provides data services by integrating the existing voice infrastructure. Like CDPD, CSD is considered to be the first level of 2.5G technology.
High-speed CSD (HSCSD) offers the same service as CSD, using voice channels for data transmission, but by joining several slots of information, it offers increased capacity and speed, making it better suited to the needs of users transmitting large amounts of information. Telcel plans to offer CSD as well as HSCSD services in all nine regions through its new GSM network.
GPRS technology
General packet radio services (GPRS) is a system for the transmission of data in packets using the GSM platform. It allows for the high-speed transmission of information and accommodates a variety of handsets, offering some third generation services but using different bands, hardware and software. GPRS allows GSM operators to offer new Internet protocol services and provide more attractive wireless internet Applications to a wide group of users. It offers customers efficient access to the Internet, allowing several users to share the same air-interface resources. Operators using GPRS are able to charge their customers based on the amount of transferred data rather than airtime, making GPRS a more attractive option for short transmissions of data. GPRS is similar to the CDPD technology offered through Telcels TDMA network, but it allows greater capacity than CDPD. Together with CSD and HSCSD services, GPRS services allow Telcels GSM subscribers to select data services suited to their specific needs.
Third generation development strategy
Third generation technologies will provide high-speed wireless packet data services and ultimately voice services over the Internet. Any successful third generation strategy must allow the wireless provider to achieve a pervasive footprint quickly and cost effectively and on a global scale through international roaming capacities. While third generation networks are currently under development and evaluation, transitional technologies including CDPD, CSD and GSM/GPRS have begun to bridge the gap between second and third generation technologies by offering enhanced high-speed data services.
Telcel is considering choosing enhanced data rates for global evolution (EDGE) as the intergeneration wireless architecture that will facilitate its ultimate deployment of third generation technology. One benefit of EDGE is that it can be deployed in existing spectrum. As customers upgrade their equipment to EDGE, Telcel expects that all the applications developed and deployed today will be able to operate at higher speeds and in more places. EDGE is currently being developed by Ericsson, Nokia, Nortel, Lucent and Motorola.
The evolution from 2.5G to third generation technology is expected to make wireless networks capable of transmitting voice, data and video over a single network. The wireless industry has recently agreed to converge towards a common standard called wideband CDMA (W-CDMA) for the development of third generation technology. W-CDMA offers configurations that allow multifaceted processing and enable the transmission of large volumes of data, such as video data, at high speeds.
As part of its strategic evaluation concerning the deployment of EDGE technology, Telcel is engaged in discussions with suppliers and plans to test the technology with heavy-use consumers or corporate users. Telcel expects to launch EDGE with the existing cellular or PCS technologies and migrate to the W-CDMA third
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generation technology once a new set of broadband frequencies is made available by Cofetel and there is demand in Mexico for services requiring this technology.
Spectrum
Telcel currently holds concessions in each of the nine regions of Mexico in both the 800 megahertz and 1900 megahertz radio spectrums and is the only wireless provider in Mexico with a functioning nationwide network. Two other companies also hold concessions for nationwide service using the 1900 megahertz spectrum. The Mexican government has announced that it intends to auction 1900 megahertz spectrum during 2004. Telcel expects to actively participate in such auction whenever it occurs to ensure that its network meets consumer demand and that we retain our leading competitive position. We cannot be sure, however, that we will be granted additional spectrum in any such auction or that Cofeco will authorize Telcel to participate in any such auction. In 1998, Cofeco did not allow Telcel to participate in certain spectrum auctions, but we believe that the reasons for Cofecos denial are no longer applicable given the entry of new competitors in the Mexican market and our spin-off from Telmex.
In September 2003, Telcel entered into a service agreement with Mexican wireless operator Operadora Unefon, S.A. de C.V. (Unefon) to acquire capacity services from Unefon in the 1900 megahertz spectrum. The agreement has a 16-year term, and in September and October 2003, Telcel made two payments to Unefon amounting in the aggregate to U.S.$267.7 million, in prepayment of all amounts owed by Telcel to Unefon over the life of the agreement. Telcel is currently negotiating an amendment to this service agreement in order to receive more services from Unefon. Telcel does not expect to make any additional payments for these additional services.
Fixed wireless
Fixed wireless technology provides wireline quality voice telephony available over cellular networks. Voice channels are delivered over the existing telephone wiring within the residence or small business premises, allowing customers to utilize their existing telephones.
Telcel provides fixed wireless voice services to, among others, Telmexs Ladafon shared telephone network, under which a line is available for public use by the residents of multi-unit dwellings. Telephone service is provided at a discount through existing wire lines within the residential premises, which are then connected to Telcels cellular network. Telcel also provides fixed wireless service to Telmexs Ladatel public telephone network.
Property
Telcels wireless network includes transport and computer equipment, as well as exchange and transmission equipment consisting primarily of switches (which set up and route telephone calls either to the number called or to the next switch along the path, and which may also record information for billing and control purposes), cellular base stations (radio transmitters or receivers that maintain communications with the cellular telephones within given geographical areas or cells), microcells (small cells covered by low-power base stations), and local links and repeaters (equipment for radio or fiberoptic transmission between network elements). Telcel owns all of its network equipment, except for certain equipment that Telcel sold for Ps. 950 million to an unrelated financial institution during 2003 and subsequently leased back for a period of three years. Telcel has the option to reacquire such property at the end of the lease period. Telcel owns certain properties for commercial and administrative offices, the installation of some of its equipment, and 129 customer sales and service centers, while it leases other locations. Telcel operates certain equipment on Telmex property under a co-location agreement. See Related Party Transactions.
Telcel currently relies on Ericsson for the supply of more than 60% (measured in terms of cost) of its switch and cell site equipment. Telcel purchases handsets and other customer equipment primarily from the major vendors, including Nokia, Sony-Ericsson, Motorola, Siemens and Samsung.
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Competition
Telcel faces competition from other cellular providers using the 800 megahertz (Band A) spectrum and from providers with PCS licenses that have developed and continue to develop wireless service on the 1900 megahertz (Bands A, D and F) spectrum. Telcels competitors in Mexico include Grupo Iusacell, S.A. de C.V. (which is controlled by Movil@ccess, an affiliate of Grupo Salinas, S.A. de C.V. and Unefon), Movistar (a brand used by a group of companies controlled by Telefónica Móviles and Unefon, which is an affiliate of Grupo Iusacell, S.A. de C.V.). We also compete with Nextel in certain segments. According to Cofetel, Telcels share of the Mexican cellular market was approximately 79% in October 2003.
Concessions in the nine regions of Mexico have also been granted to permit the provision of PCS services using the A, B, D and E bands. Telcel uses Band D to provide PCS services and competes with other PCS services providers using the A, B and E bands in each of the nine regions of Mexico.
The effects of competition on Telcel depend, in part, on the business strategies of its competitors and the general economic and business climate in Mexico, including demand growth, interest rates, inflation and exchange rates. The effects could include loss of market share and pressure to reduce rates. Telcel believes that its strategies to meet competition will continue to help limit its loss of market share and that any loss of market share will be partly offset by increasing demand.
Regulation
The following is a summary of certain provisions of the General Communications Law, the Telecommunications Law and the Telecommunications Regulations applicable to Telcel and of the various concessions held by Telcel.
General
The General Communications Law, the Telecommunications Law and the Telecommunications Regulations provide the general legal framework for the regulation of telecommunications services in Mexico. The Telecommunications Law replaced certain provisions of the General Communications Law and established that only those provisions of the General Communications Law not opposed to the Telecommunications Law would remain in effect. Other regulations implementing particular provisions of the Telecommunications Law have been adopted or are pending. The main objectives of the Telecommunications Law are to promote the efficient development of the telecommunications industry, to encourage fair competition in the provision of quality, low-priced services and to assure satisfactory breadth of coverage of the Mexican population.
Under the Telecommunications Law, an operator of public telecommunications networks, such as Telcel, must operate under a concession granted by the Communications Ministry. Such a concession may only be granted to a Mexican citizen or corporation and may not be transferred or assigned without the approval of the Communications Ministry. A concession to provide services which utilize electro-magnetic frequencies, such as cellular telecommunications services, may have a term of up to twenty years and may be extended for additional terms of equal duration.
The Telecommunications Law requires public telecommunications concessionaires to establish open network architecture which permits interconnection and interoperability. Operators of private networks that do not use electro-magnetic frequencies or provide services to the public are not required to obtain a concession, permit or registration.
The Mexican Congress is in the process of considering a new Telecommunications Law. Some of the draft proposals for this new law include provisions aimed at strengthening the regulatory power of Cofetel, stimulating increased investment in telecommunications and increasing competition. If passed, the new Telecommunications Law could have a material effect on our operations. We are unable to predict whether or when such new law may be enacted and its effect on our business. As of the date of this offering memorandum, a new Telecommunications Law has not been enacted.
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Furthermore, the executive branch of the Mexican government also is considering the enactment of a new decree and regulations pertaining to Cofetel. If enacted, the provisions of this proposed decree and these regulations would limit Cofetels current authority and transfer some of Cofetels oversight to the Communications Ministry.
Regulatory oversight
The Mexican Communications Ministry, through Cofetel, is the government agency principally responsible for regulating telecommunications services. The Ministrys approval is required for any change in Telcels bylaws. It also has broad powers to monitor Telcels compliance with the concessions, and it can require Telcel to supply it with such technical, administrative and financial information as it may request. Telcel is required to publish its annual network expansion program and must advise the Ministry of the progress of its expansion and modernization program on a quarterly basis.
Cofetel is an independent agency within the Communications Ministry, with four commissioners appointed by the Communications Ministry on behalf of the President of Mexico, one of whom is appointed as chairman. Cofetels mandate is to regulate the Mexican telecommunications sector. Many of the powers and obligations of the Communications Ministry under the Telecommunications Law and the Telecommunications Regulations have been delegated to Cofetel.
The Telecommunications Law gives certain rights to the Mexican government in its relations with concessionaires, including the right to take over the management of an operators networks, facilities and personnel in cases of imminent danger to national security, internal peace or the national economy, natural disasters and public unrest. The Telecommunications Law also provides that at the expiration of Telcels concessions, the Mexican government has a right of first refusal to acquire Telcels assets. See Termination of the Concessions.
The Telecommunications Law provides that if a company is determined to be dominant in a relevant market according to the Federal Law of Economic Competition, the Communications Ministry has the power to adopt specific regulations on rates, quality of service and information provided by a dominant provider. To date, Telcel has not been declared a dominant provider, although there can be no assurance that such a determination will not be made in the future.
Rates
The Telecommunications Law provides that concessionaires may freely determine the rates for telecommunications services. Cellular rates are not subject to a price cap or any other form of price regulation. However, Telcel and other cellular carriers operating in Mexico are required to disclose to, and register with, Cofetel their rates for cellular service. The Communications Ministry is authorized to impose specific rate requirements on any operator that is determined to have substantial market power under the Federal Law of Economic Competition. Although no such determination has been made with respect to the market for cellular telecommunications services, there can be no assurance that such a determination will not be made in the future.
Concessions
Telcel operates under several different concessions covering particular frequencies and regions. It holds nine separate regional concessions, which together cover all of Mexico, to provide cellular telecommunications services using the 800 megahertz (Band B) radio spectrum. It also holds nationwide concessions to use the 1900 megahertz (Band D) radio spectrum and a related concession to provide cellular telecommunications services on that frequency. The Band B concessions require Telcel to pay fees (aprovechamientos) determined as a percentage of gross revenues derived from the concessioned services. The percentage is 5% for the Mexico City area and the states of Mexico, Morelos and Hidalgo and between 5% and 10% in other regions. The 1900 megahertz concessions were purchased for a fixed amount in 1998 and do not require Telcel to pay continuing fees (aprovechamientos).
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Pursuant to the Federal Contributions Law (Ley Federal de Derechos), owners of concessions granted before January 1, 2003 and acquired for a fixed amount are not required to pay continuing fees (derechos) for the use and exploitation of radio spectrum bands. However, owners of concessions granted or renewed on or after January 1, 2003 are required to pay annual fees (derechos) for the use and exploitation of radio spectrum bands. The amount of annual fees (derechos) charged would depend on the relevant region and radio spectrum band. Such annual fees (derechos) can be substantially high in amount and are payable irrespective of the amount of fees (approvechamientos) paid.
The eight Band B concessions covering regions other than the Mexico City area were granted for initial terms of twenty years that will expire in 2010 and 2011. The Band B concession covering the Mexico City area (Region 9) was renewed effective October 2000 for a term of fifteen years that will expire in October 2015. The 1900 megahertz concessions were granted in 1998 for an initial term of 20 years that will expire in 2018.
In December 2002, the Communications Ministry granted Telcel a new concession to install, operate and exploit a telecommunications network to provide national and international long distance services, as well as data transmission services. The concession was granted for an initial term of 15 years, and it is subject to extension for an additional 15-year period. The concession limits Telcel to provide these services to its wireless subscribers for the first two years, which term can be extended by Cofetel.
Expansion and modernization requirements
Telcels concessions impose a number of requirements for expansion and modernization of its network. The concessions establish certain minimum network capacities that Telcel must achieve, to extend service coverage to a targeted percentage of population. Telcel is in compliance with these requirements.
Service quality requirements
The concessions also set forth extensive requirements for the quality and continuity of Telcels service, including, in some cases, maximum rates of incomplete and dropped calls and connection time. In May 2003, Cofetel issued the Fundamental Technical Plan for Quality of Local Mobile Services Networks, applicable to all operators, including Telcel. Due to the fast growth in cellular services, Telcel, like all Mexican cellular carriers, has faced some service problems. Service problems have not, however, had any material adverse regulatory impact. Telcel monitors service quality for compliance with the requirements of the concessions and has shown marked improvement according to recent measurements conducted by Cofetel. Telcel has filed an injunction against the application to it of the Fundamental Technical Plan for Quality of Local Mobile Services and other related laws and acts promulgated by Cofetel, seeking protection from the provisions of this Technical Plan. It remains uncertain that Telcel will succeed in obtaining an injunction, and currently, Telcel remains subject to the provisions of the Technical Plan.
Competition
The Telecommunications Regulations and the concessions contain various provisions designed to introduce competition in the provision of communications services. In general, the Mexican Communications Ministry is authorized to grant concessions to other parties for the provision of any of the services provided by Telcel under the concessions.
Interconnection
Terms of interconnection (including fees) are negotiated between Telcel and other public telecommunications providers. In the event they are unable to agree, Cofetel may impose terms on Telcel and the other public telecommunications networks. The current interconnection charge payable to us by another operator for a call from its customer to our cellular line is Ps. 1.90 per minute. The current interconnection charge for calls made from a cellular line to a fixed line, which Telcel pays to Telmex, is U.S.$0.00975 per minute.
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Termination of the concessions
The General Communications Law, the Telecommunications Law and the concessions include various provisions under which the concessions may be terminated before their scheduled expiration dates. Under the Telecommunications Law, the Communications Ministry may cause early termination of any of the concessions in certain cases, including:
| failure to exercise rights under a concession during the 180 days after that concession is granted; |
| failure to expand telephone services at the rate specified in the concession; |
| interruption of all or a material part of the services provided by Telcel; |
| acts by Telcel with the effect of impeding the operations of other concessionaires; |
| refusing interconnection arrangements with other concessionaires; |
| change of jurisdiction by Telcel; |
| transfer, assignment of, or grant of liens to, Telcels concessions or any asset used to provide service without Ministry approval; |
| failure to pay certain government fees; |
| violation of the prohibition against ownership of shares of Telcel by foreign states; |
| any material modification of the nature of Telcels services without prior Ministry approval; and |
| breach of certain other obligations under the General Communications Law. |
In addition, the concessions provide for early termination by the Communications Ministry following administrative proceedings in the event of:
| a material and continuing violation of any of the conditions set forth in the concessions; |
| material failure to meet any of the service expansion requirements under the concessions; |
| material failure to meet any of the requirements under the concession for improvement in the quality of service; |
| engagement in any telecommunications business not authorized under the concession and requiring prior approval of the Communications Ministry; |
| following notice and a cure period, failure without just cause to allow other concessionaires to interconnect their networks to Telcels network; or |
| bankruptcy of Telcel. |
The General Communications Law (and one of Telcels cellular concessions in respect of that concession) provide that in the event of early termination of Telcels cellular concessions, all assets that are the subject of such concession would revert to the Government without compensation to Telcel. In the event of early termination of one of Telcels PCS concessions, the Government would have the option to purchase the equipment, installations and other assets used directly for the exploitation of the frequencies which are the subject of such concession. There is doubt as to whether the provisions of the concessions and the Telecommunications Law regarding the consequences of expiration of the concessions would apply to mitigate the provisions of the General Communications Law in the event of early termination. In the case of foreign investors, NAFTA and other similar international treaties may require compensation as mitigation for provisions of the General Communications Law that could result in measures tantamount to expropriation.
Speedy Móvil
Speedy Móvil, S.A. de C.V. is a Mexican company that develops mobile data solutions for SMS, wireless Internet (WAP) and voice-activated data applications for Telcel and our other subsidiaries and investments.
In addition to developing mobile data applications, Speedy Móvil evaluates content and application providers and enters into contracts with them in order to provide our wireless providers with content and applications. No concessions or licenses are necessary for Speedy Móvils operations.
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NON-MEXICAN OPERATIONS
We have subsidiaries or businesses in the telecommunications sector in Argentina, Brazil, Central America (El Salvador, Guatemala and Nicaragua), Colombia, Ecuador and the United States. Our principal subsidiaries outside Mexico are described below. The revenues of our subsidiaries other than Telcel represented 39.0% of our consolidated revenues for 2003.
In addition, we expect to have opportunities to invest in other telecommunications companies outside Mexico, especially in Latin America, because we believe that the telecommunications sector will continue to be characterized by growth, technological change and consolidation. We may take advantage of these opportunities through direct investments or other strategic alliances. We can give no assurance as to the extent, timing or cost of future international investments, and such investments may involve risks to which we have not previously been exposed.
The following table sets forth financial and operating information for certain of our non-Mexican operations for the periods indicated. For some countries, as specified in the notes to the table, we have included data for periods prior to dates on which we acquired these operations. We provide this information to show the trends in these businesses, but it is not reflected in our financial statements, which consolidate each operation from the date on which we acquired it. We have presented separately the results of the companies acquired during 2003CTI, BCP, BSE, CTE and Celcaribe. The table presents full year 2003 data for these companies, although we did not own these companies on January 1, 2003 and did not consolidate them in our financial statements until after their respective acquisition dates.
December 31, |
||||||||||||
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
||||||||||
(in constant Mexican pesos as of December 31, 2003, except lines in service) |
||||||||||||
ARGENTINA |
||||||||||||
CTI(1) (full year 2003 data) |
||||||||||||
Operating revenues (millions) |
| | Ps. | 2,700 | ||||||||
Average monthly revenues per subscriber during preceding 12 months(2) |
| | Ps. | 182 | ||||||||
Operating income (millions) |
| | Ps. | 677 | ||||||||
Cellular lines in service (thousands) |
| | 1,411 | |||||||||
BRAZIL |
||||||||||||
Telecom Americas(3) |
||||||||||||
Consolidated operating revenues from continuing operations (millions) |
Ps. | 5,074 | Ps. | 7,340 | Ps. | 11,397 | ||||||
Average monthly revenues per subscriber during preceding 12 months(2) |
Ps. | 149 | Ps. | 123 | Ps. | 119 | ||||||
Operating income (loss) (millions) |
Ps. | (525 | ) | Ps. | (197 | ) | Ps. | (2,134 | ) | |||
Cellular lines in service (thousands) |
4,333 | 5,192 | 9,521 | |||||||||
BCP and BSE (combined full year 2003 data)(4) |
||||||||||||
Combined operating revenues (millions) |
| | Ps. | 7,212 | ||||||||
Average monthly revenues per subscriber during preceding 12 months(2) |
| | Ps. | 121 | ||||||||
Operating income (loss) (millions) |
| | Ps. | (419 | ) | |||||||
Cellular lines in service (thousands) |
| | 3,050 | |||||||||
CENTRAL AMERICA |
||||||||||||
Telgua (Guatemala and Nicaragua)(5) |
||||||||||||
Combined operating revenues (millions) |
Ps. | 4,406 | Ps. | 4,620 | Ps. | 5,663 | ||||||
Average monthly revenues per subscriber during preceding 12 months(2) |
Ps. | 154 | Ps. | 152 | Ps. | 178 | ||||||
Operating income (loss) (millions) |
Ps. | 1,343 | Ps. | 1,250 | Ps. | 1,706 | ||||||
Lines in service (thousands): |
||||||||||||
Fixed |
715 | 804 | 930 | |||||||||
Cellular |
420 | 628 | 970 |
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December 31, | |||||||||||
2001 |
2002 |
2003 | |||||||||
(in constant Mexican pesos as of December 31, 2003, except lines in service) | |||||||||||
CTE (El Salvador)(6) |
|||||||||||
Combined operating revenues (millions) |
| | Ps. | 4,241 | |||||||
Average monthly revenues per subscriber during preceding 12 months(2) |
| | Ps. | 209 | |||||||
Operating income (millions) |
| | Ps. | 1,139 | |||||||
Lines in service (thousands): |
|||||||||||
Fixed |
| | 704 | ||||||||
Cellular |
| | 216 | ||||||||
COLOMBIA |
|||||||||||
Comcel, Occel and Celcaribe (as from February 2003)(7) |
|||||||||||
Combined operating revenues (millions) |
Ps. | 2,962 | Ps. | 3,738 | Ps. | 5,770 | |||||
Average monthly revenues per subscriber during preceding 12 months(2) |
Ps. | 136 | Ps. | 147 | Ps. | 123 | |||||
Operating income (loss) (millions) |
Ps. | (355 | ) | Ps. | 254 | Ps. | 592 | ||||
Cellular lines in service (thousands) |
1,884 | 2,822 | 3,674 | ||||||||
Celcaribe(8) |
|||||||||||
Operating revenues (millions) |
| | Ps. | 549 | |||||||
Average monthly revenues per subscriber during preceding 12 months(2) |
| | Ps. | 125 | |||||||
Operating income (loss) (millions) |
| | Ps. | 3 | |||||||
Cellular lines in service (thousands) |
| | 414 | ||||||||
ECUADOR |
|||||||||||
Conecel |
|||||||||||
Operating revenues (millions) |
Ps. | 852 | Ps. | 1,301 | Ps. | 2,717 | |||||
Average monthly revenues per subscriber during preceding 12 months(2) |
Ps. | 139 | Ps. | 116 | Ps. | 130 | |||||
Operating income (loss) (millions) |
Ps. | (547 | ) | Ps. | (110 | ) | Ps. | 549 | |||
Cellular lines in service (thousands) |
484 | 923 | 1,537 | ||||||||
UNITED STATES |
|||||||||||
TracFone |
|||||||||||
Operating revenues (millions) |
Ps. | 4,748 | Ps. | 4,242 | Ps. | 6,246 | |||||
Average monthly revenues per subscriber during preceding 12 months(2) |
Ps. | 209 | Ps. | 167 | Ps. | 189 | |||||
Operating income (loss) (millions) |
Ps. | (1,694 | ) | Ps. | (257 | ) | Ps. | 200 | |||
Cellular lines in service (thousands) |
1,913 | 1,968 | 2,952 |
(1) | We began consolidating the results of CTI in November 2003. |
(2) | Average for the year of the amount obtained each month by dividing service revenues by the number of customers. The figure includes both prepaid and postpaid customers and excludes equipment sales revenue. |
(3) | Financial information is presented as if the acquisition of Tess had occurred on January 1, 2001, and all assets transferred by Telecom Americas pursuant to the 2002 restructuring are treated as discontinued operations. Accordingly, continuing operations consist of Tess, ATL, Telet and Americel, and starting in 2003, include BSE (as from May 2003), BCP (as from December 2003) and new operations started in the states of Santa Catarina, Paraná (excluding the municipalities of Londrina and Tamarana), Bahia and Sergipe. We began consolidating the results of Telecom Americas in July 2002. |
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(4) | We began consolidating the results of BSE and BCP in May and December 2003, respectively. |
(5) | Includes Sercom Nicaragua, which began operations in December 2002. |
(6) | We began consolidating the results of CTE in November 2003. |
(7) | Includes Comcel, Occel and Celcaribe (as from February 2003). We began consolidating Comcel and Occel in February 2002. |
(8) | We began consolidating the results of Celcaribe in February 2003. |
Argentina (CTI)
CTI Holdings provides nationwide PCS wireless service in Argentina under the CTI Móvil brand name, through its wholly-owned subsidiaries CTI Interior and CTI PCS. We own a 92% interest in CTI, which we acquired through a series of transactions in 2003, and the remaining 8% interest is owned by Techint Compañía Técnia Internacional S.A.C.I., or Techint Group, one of Argentinas largest industrial groups. We began including the results of CTI in our consolidated financial statements in November 2003. The Techint Group has the right to require us to purchase all of their interest in CTI for U.S.$17.1 million at any time during the two years following the completion of the restructuring of CTIs unsecured indebtedness. We have the right to require the Techint Group to sell us their interest in CTI at any time during such period for U.S.$18.8 million.
We paid approximately U.S.$221.5 million for the acquisition of our interests in CTI Holdings. This transaction involved the purchase by us and our partner of approximately U.S.$600 million in principal amount of secured indebtedness of CTIs operating subsidiaries. At the time of the acquisition, CTI had U.S.$263 million in principal amount of senior notes due 2008, which were in default. These notes are subject to an out-of-court reorganization agreement (Acuerdo Preventivo Extrajudicial) in Argentina, which was approved by the court in December 2003. Pursuant to this agreement, the notes will be cancelled in exchange for an aggregate cash payment of approximately U.S.$37.1 million. The judgment approving the APE has been challenged by a creditor of one of CTIs operating subsidiaries. We believe that the appeal has no merit. In February 2004, the judge allowed the appeal to proceed but did not suspend the effect of his order approving the APE. Accordingly, we have decided to make payment under the APE, and we expect to make this payment on or about March 2, 2004. If the appeal were successful, CTIs obligations under the notes would be reinstated, but as of the date of this offering memorandum only U.S.$43.5 million in principal amount of the notes remain outstanding in the hands of third parties.
At December 31, 2003, CTI had approximately 1.4 million subscribers, and CTI had approximately a 19.8% share of the Argentine wireless market as of October 2003. Approximately 81% of CTIs subscribers at December 31, 2003 resided in the interior of Argentina and the balance in the greater Buenos Aires region. During 2003, CTI reported consolidated revenues of Ps. 2,700 million and operating income of Ps. 677 million, based on Mexican GAAP.
CTI began providing services in the interior of Argentina in 1994 and in Greater Buenos Aires in 2000. CTI offers basic cellular service through a variety of rate plans and also offers prepaid services. In addition, CTI offers long distance and value added services.
CTIs cellular network uses analog and CDMA technology and covers approximately 95% of Argentinas population. CTI has been authorized to develop a GSM network, and in December 2003 CTI reached an agreement with Nokia to deploy a nationwide GSM network. We have already deployed the GSM network in Buenos Aires and currently expect the network to be fully deployed by the summer of 2005. At December 31, 2003, CTI had 1,215 full-time employees.
CTIs principal competitors are: Telecom Personal, a subsidiary of Telecom Argentina, the principal telecom operator in Argentina, which is controlled by Telecom Italia; Unifon, a subsidiary of Telefónica Móviles of Spain; and Movicom, which is controlled by BellSouth.
CTI Interior and CTI PCS hold licenses covering the entire Argentine territory. These licenses contain coverage, reporting and service requirements, but do not have a fixed expiration date. The Communications
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Ministry (Secretaría de Comunicaciones de la Nación) is in charge of supervising the telecommunications industry in Argentina. It is authorized to foreclose and sell the shares of a licensee in case of specified breaches of the terms of a license.
Brazil (Telecom Americas)
General
Telecom Americas is the second largest provider of wireless telecommunication services in Brazil, with an estimated nationwide market share in Brazil at December 31, 2003, of approximately 21%. Telecom Americas provides services in Brazil under a unified brand name, Claro, and it offers a variety of rate plans to its postpaid customers and offers prepaid services in all of its markets. At December 31, 2003, Telecom Americas served approximately 9.5 million subscribers compared to 5.2 million subscribers at December 31, 2002 and covered approximately 140 million licensed points of presence (POPs).
Telecom Americas owns and operates cellular networks that use TDMA digital technology. In addition, in 2003, it launched a new GSM network in certain major urban areas. We continue rolling out the GSM network with the goal of providing similar coverage as the Band A incumbent providers in the major markets. We intend to focus our commercial and marketing efforts towards encouraging use of GSM technology by new subscribers and existing subscribers renewing their contracts. We expect GSM to gradually become our principal wireless technology.
Telecom Americas has owned companies with operations in Brazil since shortly after Brazil allowed competition in the wireless industry in 1997 and 1998 and recently began to operate in two other regions in Brazil pursuant to new licenses acquired in November 2002. As discussed further below, these companies were acquired by Telecom Americas in a number of transactions commencing in 2000 and ending with the acquisitions of BSE and BCP during 2003. Until the fall of 2003, these companies were required to operate under different brands, but they now operate under the unified Claro brand. We are in the process of integrating their marketing efforts and product offerings, but each company is required by law to maintain certain separate administrative and reporting functions. At December 31, 2003, the Telecom Americas operating companies had approximately 5,705 employees.
Telecom Americas wireless properties in Brazil include ATL, Tess, Telet, Americel, BSE and BCP. We acquired our interests in BSE and BCP during 2003. All of these companies are licensed to operate under the PCS (Serviço Móvel Pessoal) regime. ATL operates in the states of Rio de Janeiro and Espírito Santo; Tess operates in the state of São Paulo (other than the city and metropolitan region of São Paulo); Telet operates in the state of Rio Grande do Sul; Americel operates in seven states in the central-west and northern regions of Brazil; BSE operates in the states of Ceará, Piauí, Rio Grande do Norte, Paraiba, Pernambuco and Alagoas; and BCP operates in the metropolitan area of São Paulo. In addition, in 2003, Telecom Americas, through its subsidiaries, Stemar Telecomunicações Ltda. and Albra Telecomunicações Ltda., began operating in the states of Santa Catarina, Paraná (excluding the municipalities of Londrina and Tamarana), Bahia and Sergipe pursuant to new PCS licenses acquired in November 2002. BCP is the second largest wireless provider in the metropolitan region of São Paulo. As a result of the acquisition of our interests in BCP, Alecan Telecomunicações Ltda., a subsidiary of Telecom Americas, waived its rights to the PCS license that it acquired in November 2002 for the 1800 megahertz radio spectrum (Bands D and E) in the state of São Paulo.
All of these companies are wholly-owned and controlled subsidiaries of Telecom Americas, except for each of Americel and Telet in which BNDESPar (the private equity arm of BNDES, the Brazilian development bank) holds in the aggregate approximately 1.5% and 1.0% of the share capital, respectively. In November 2003, the National Telecommunications Agency of Brazil, or ANATEL, approved the acquisition of voting control by Telecom Americas of ATL, Tess, Americel and Telet, and Telecom Americas has by now acquired voting control of all these companies. Prior to that time, Telecom Americas owned substantially all of their economic interests (other than certain minority interests in each of Americel and Telet), but was not permitted to acquire control of the majority of their voting shares.
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We are currently implementing a major restructuring of our ownership of Telecom Americas. As a part of this restructuring; in November 2003, Alecan Telecomunicações spun off its equipment assets to Americel, and Albra Telecomunicações merged into Telet.
We currently own approximately 97.5% of Telecom Americas. Telecom Americas was organized in November 2000 as a joint venture among us, Bell Canada International Inc. (BCI) and SBC International, Inc. (SBCI). Telecom Americas was initially organized to hold certain of the partners telecom interests throughout South America, but was reorganized in February 2002 to focus on the Brazilian wireless sector. In July 2002, we acquired all of BCIs shares of Telecom Americas. We paid approximately U.S.$370 million for the shares, of which U.S.$194 million was paid in 2002 and the remainder was paid in March 2003. Also in July 2002, we acquired SBCIs interest in Telecom Americas pursuant to a transaction in which we also sold our 50% interest in Cellular Communications of Puerto Rico, Inc. to SBCI.
In April 2002, Telecom Americas issued to a financial investor 1,844 nonvoting convertible preferred shares, representing approximately 2% of the capital stock of Telecom Americas. The preferred shares may be converted to common shares at the holders option at any time. The preferred shares are entitled to dividends per share equal to 1.5 times the amount of any dividends per share declared on the common shares and to preference over the common shares in the return of capital upon liquidation up to an aggregate amount of U.S.$300 million. The preferred shares have no voting rights and no right to representation on the board of directors. A holder has the right to require that half of these shares be included for sale in a registered offering by Telecom Americas, including demand registration rights exercisable beginning in 2006, and in some circumstances to require that half of these shares be included if we sell more than 20% of the shares of Telecom Americas. Holders have the right to sell half of the shares to us beginning in 2006 at a price based on the amount of the liquidation preference for such shares plus interest at a nominal interest rate, and we have the right to acquire half of the shares at the same price beginning in 2006 and until July 31, 2007.
Competition
Although the number of competitors has decreased primarily as a result of consolidation, competition in the Brazilian wireless industry is substantial and varies by region. In addition to us, there are two other groups in Brazil with significant nationwide coverage. The largest is Vivo, a joint venture between Telefónica Móviles of Spain and Portugal Telecom. The joint venture or one of its partners owns interests in some of the companies that were created upon the breakup of Telebrás. The other is Telecom Italia Mobile (TIM). Oi, which is owned by Telemar, is also an important competitor, with a significant presence in Rio de Janeiro and other areas. We also face competition from Nextel, a joint venture between Motorola and Nextel Communications, Inc., for trunking services to the corporate segment in urban areas.
Recent acquisitions
Telecom Americas acquired its interests in ATL, Americel and Telet primarily through contributions from us and our former partners in transactions that were undertaken in 2000 and 2002. Telecom Americas acquired its interests in Tess from Telia Overseas AB, Telia AB and Algar Telecom S.A. in 2001 for U.S.$950.0 million, consisting of U.S.$318.7 million in cash and U.S.$631.3 million in promissory notes. The remaining principal amount of the promissory notes is U.S.$30.9 million and is due in April 2004. The notes are held by certain affiliates of América Telecom.
In May 2003, Telecom Americas acquired 97.5% of the shares of BSE S.A. from a subsidiary of BellSouth Corporation and from holding companies of the Safra family. The purchase price was based on a net enterprise value of BSE of U.S.$180 million. Later in 2003, Telecom Americas acquired the remaining interests in BSE held by minority investors, thereby increasing its interest to 100%. In 2003, BSE reported consolidated revenues of Ps. 2,247 million and consolidated operating income of Ps. 108 million, based on Mexican GAAP. We began including the results of BSE in our consolidated financial statements in May 2003. BSE had approximately one million subscribers at the time of the acquisition.
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In November 2003, Telecom Americas acquired 100% of the shares of BCP S.A. from certain lenders to BCP, who had acquired the shares formerly held by affiliates of BellSouth and the Safra family and local minority investors. The purchase price was U.S.$643 million. All of BCPs outstanding long-term indebtedness prior to the acquisition was cancelled or acquired by us in connection with the transaction. In 2003, BCP reported consolidated revenues of Ps. 4,965 million and consolidated operating loss of Ps. 525 million, based on Mexican GAAP. We began including the results of BCP in our consolidated financial statements in December 2003. BCP had approximately 1.7 million subscribers at the time of the acquisition. In connection with our bid for BCP, we granted Telemar an option to acquire a minority interest in BCP, subject to certain conditions. In October 2003, the option was cancelled, and we agreed to pay Telemar U.S.$35 million during the second quarter of 2004.
Regulatory environment
In conjunction with the breakup and privatization of the Telecomunicações Brasileiras S.A.Telebrás telecommunications monopoly, Brazil opened its cellular mobile telephone service industry to private enterprises. Starting in 1997, ten cellular licenses covering all of Brazil were auctioned to wireless operators to compete against the eight incumbent providers that emerged from the Telebrás breakup and that were subsequently auctioned to private enterprises. Accordingly, there were two cellular service providers in all markets in Brazil, including the city of São Paulo, one operating in subfrequency Band A and another in subfrequency Band B. Starting in 1999, the entire Brazilian telecommunications sector has been open to competition.
In 1997, Brazil enacted the General Telecommunications Law (Lei Geral de Telecomunicações) to promote competition among service providers and establish an independent regulatory agency, ANATEL, to regulate its telecommunications industry. ANATEL issues licenses for both wireless and wireline operators. ANATEL has the authority to grant concessions and licenses for all telecommunications services, except for broadcasting services.
In September 2000, ANATEL published guidelines for the implementation of PCS (Serviço Móvel Pessoal) operations in Brazil. Under the guidelines, Brazil is divided into three regions for PCS operation within the 1800 megahertz frequency, as opposed to ten regions for the cellular service providers. Under the September 2000 guidelines, the Band A and Band B cellular providers have the option to switch to PCS, and migration to PCS is a condition for the extension of their concessions. All concessionaires in Brazil have migrated to the PCS regime. Upon migration to PCS, the Band A and Band B cellular providers have the right to apply for long distance services licenses and are no longer subject to cellular regulations that restricted them from operating in more than two regions per Band. Regulations require that migrating companies adopt PCS service plans and provide for the establishment of charges for the use of one operators network by another. During 2003, all of the Telecom Americas operating companies exchanged their original concessions for 15-year PCS authorizations. The 15-year period started from the time the original concessions were granted, generally in 1997 or 1998. This change will allow the operating companies to extend the life of the license for an additional 15 years, upon the payment of a fee.
The September 2000 guidelines also established rules regarding the selection of up to three additional wireless providers per region, corresponding to Bands C, D and E. Any company organized and based in Brazil, even if foreign-owned, was allowed to bid for a PCS license. Interested companies were permitted to bid for PCS licenses in each of the three regions, and were permitted to acquire PCS licenses for all three regions. However, each provider, whether cellular or PCS, is limited to only one license per service area.
Beginning in February 2001, ANATEL initiated a series of auctions through which it sold rights to D-Band and E-Band licenses. After canceling the auction of new licenses under the C-Band, ANATEL implemented procedures in May 2002 for the sale of C-Band bandwidth in installments not to exceed 45 megahertz per service provider, through which each of Telecom Americas principal operating companies acquired bandwidth.
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In Brazil, rates for telecommunications services are regulated by ANATEL. In general, PCS licensees are authorized to increase rates only for inflation and on an annual basis. Under extraordinary conditions, licensees can request ANATEL for approval of real increases in rates, but there is no assurance that ANATEL would grant such authorization.
There have been recent press reports about the possibility of ANATEL enacting new regulations regarding the method of determining interconnection fees by cellular providers. Currently, operators determine interconnection fees by agreement, subject to ANATEL approval of the agreed rates. It is anticipated that, if enacted, these new regulations would provide for a cost-based method of determining interconnection fees and include a transition period. Because ANATEL has not published any information regarding these possible new regulations, we are not able to determine the impact, if any, that these possible new regulations may have on our results or operations.
Central America
Guatemala (Telgua)
Telecomunicaciones de Guatemala, S.A. (Telgua) is a fixed-line telecommunications operator in Guatemala that was privatized in November 1998. Subsidiaries of Telgua also provide wireless, Internet, cable television, paging, data transmission and other services in Guatemala. We own approximately 98.8% of the stock of Telgua. We acquired a portion of our interest in the subsidiaries in May 1999. We acquired the majority of our interest in Telgua and the balance of our interest in the subsidiaries in March 2000 and increased these interests to their present levels through a series of acquisitions of shares from minority shareholders during 2001, 2002 and 2003. We use the term Telgua below to refer to Telgua and the affiliates together.
At December 31, 2003, Telgua had approximately 930,000 fixed-line subscribers compared to 804,000 at December 31, 2002, a market share of approximately 95%.
Telguas wireless business is operated by its affiliate Servicios de Comunicaciones Personales Inalámbricas, S.A. (Sercom). Sercoms cellular network uses CDMA digital technology and, as of October 2003, overlaid GSM technology, which covers approximately 78% of its population. At December 31, 2003, Sercom had approximately 870,000 wireless subscribers, representing a market share of approximately 45.3%.
Telgua offers a variety of services through its fixed-line and wireless networks, including Internet access, data transmission, cable television, two-way communication systems used mainly for group communication, and dispatch applications, or trunking, and also sells handsets and related products. Telgua markets and distributes its services and products directly to customers and also employs a network of independent distributors for services and products other than basic telephony, such as prepaid calling cards and handsets.
Telgua continues to be the principal provider of fixed-line and mobile services in Guatemala. Telguas principal competitors in the wireless sector are Millicom (Comcel), Telefónica of Spain and BellSouth.
Telguas business is subject to comprehensive regulation and oversight by the Guatemalan Telecommunications Agency (Superintendencia de Telecomunicaciones de Guatemala) under the General Telecommunications Law (Ley General de Telecomunicaciones). Telgua holds a license from the Guatemalan government to operate its nationwide fixed-line network and numerous licenses to operate its cellular network on different frequencies and in different regions. See Legal Proceedings for a discussion of certain proceedings that the Guatemalan government has commenced against Telgua.
Nicaragua (Sercom and ENITEL)
We own a 99.0% interest in Servicios de Comunicaciones de Nicaragua, S.A. (Sercom) and launched wireless services in Nicaragua in December 2002. Sercoms cellular network uses GSM technology to provide service to its customer base. As of December 31, 2003, Sercom had approximately 100,000 subscribers.
Sercom entered the market as the third mobile operator, joining BellSouth and ENITEL Móvil, the cellular branch of ENITEL, the incumbent fixed line operator in Nicaragua. Sercoms business is subject to comprehensive regulation and oversight by the Nicaraguan Telecommunications Agency (Instituto Nicaragüense de Telecommunicaciones y Correos) under the General Telecommunications and Postal Services Law (Ley General de Telecomunicaciones y Servicos Postales).
In December 2003, the Nicaraguan Government accepted our bid to acquire a 49% interest in Empresa Nicaragüense de Telecomunicaciones, S.A. (ENITEL) for a price of U.S.$49.6 million. ENITEL provides fixed,
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mobile and other telecommunications services in Nicaragua. The controlling interest in ENITEL is held by a group of local investors. At December 31, 2003, ENITEL had approximately 120,000 wireless and 200,000 fixed-line subscribers. We consummated the acquisition of the 49% interest in ENITEL in January 2004.
El Salvador (CTE)
Compañía de Telecomunicaciones de El Salvador (CTE) provides fixed, mobile and other telecommunications services in El Salvador. We acquired a 51% interest in CTE from France Telecom and certain other investors in October 2003 for an aggregate purchase price of U.S.$417 million. Subsequently, we acquired an additional 1.2% interest in CTE from minority shareholders at the end of 2003 and the beginning of 2004. As part of the acquisition, we acquired the right to receive a management fee equal to 5% of CTEs EBITDA and 2% of CTEs net sales until at least 2008. For the purpose of calculating the fee, each of EBITDA and net sales is defined in the management agreement. The Salvadoran government holds approximately 43% of CTEs share capital, and approximately 6% is held by employees or former employees. During 2003, CTE reported consolidated sales of Ps. 4,241 million and consolidated operating income of Ps. 209 million, based on Mexican GAAP. We began including the results of CTE in our consolidated financial statements in November 2003.
At December 31, 2003, CTE had approximately 704,000 fixed-line subscribers and a market share of approximately 90%.
CTEs wireless business is operated by its subsidiary CTE Telecom Personal S.A. de C.V. Personals cellular network uses GSM digital technology and covers approximately 67% of the Salvadorean population. At December 31, 2003, Personal had approximately 212,000 wireless subscribers, which we estimate represents a market share of approximately 24%. Personal offers both prepaid and postpaid plans.
CTE offers a variety of services through its fixed-line and wireless networks, including Internet access, data transmission and satellite television, and also sells handsets and related products. CTE also operates a telephone directory business in El Salvador and offers fixed-line services in Guatemala. CTE markets and distributes its services and products directly to customers and also employs a network of independent distributors for services and products other than basic telephony, such as prepaid calling cards and handsets. At December 31, 2003, CTE and its subsidiaries had approximately 2,563 employees.
CTE is the principal provider of fixed-line services in El Salvador. CTEs principal competitor in the wireless sector is Telemovil, an affiliate of Millicom International, with a market share of approximately 44%. CTE also competes with Telefónica de El Salvador, an affiliate of Telefónica Móviles of Spain, and Digicel, which is owned by a consortium of international investors.
CTEs business is subject to comprehensive regulation and oversight by the Salvadorean Energy and Telecommunications Agency (Superintendencia General de Electricidad y Telecomunicaciones). CTE holds a concession from the Salvadorean government to operate its nationwide fixed-line network and a nationwide PCS 1900 license to operate its cellular network.
Colombia (Comcel, Occel and Celcaribe)
Comunicación Celular S.A. (Comcel), Occidente y Caribe Celular S.A. (Occel) and Empresa Regional de Communicaciones Celulares de la Costa Atlántica S.A. (Celcaribe) provide wireless telecommunications services in Colombia, Comcel in the eastern region of the country, Occel in the western region, and Celcaribe principally in the Caribbean region. We acquired our interests in Comcel and Occel in 2002 from Telecom Americas and certain other shareholders and increased them to their present levels through a series of capitalized investments in 2002. Comcel acquired its interest in Celcaribe from Millicom International Cellular in February 2003. This acquisition allowed us to provide nationwide coverage in Colombia. We hold a 95.7% interest in Comcel, a 93.4% interest in Occel and a 94.0% interest in Celcaribe. Occel and Celcaribe operate under the Comcel brand, and we use the term Comcel below to refer to Comcel, Occel and Celcaribe together.
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Comcels network uses analog and TDMA digital technology and covers approximately 74.0% of Colombias population. In late 2003, Comcel completed the overlay of a GSM network and can now offer GSM services nationwide. At December 31, 2003, Comcel had approximately 3.7 million subscribers, compared to 2.8 million subscribers at December 31, 2002, and believed it had a 59.0% share of the wireless market.
Comcel offers basic cellular service through a variety of rate plans and also offers prepaid service. Purchasers of Comcels Amigo kit for prepaid service receive a cellular phone together with a prepaid calling card, enabling the customer to activate wireless service without contracts, monthly fees or credit checks. Comcel markets its services through independent local distributors and a direct sales force. In addition, Comcel and its distributors have arrangements with various supermarkets for the distribution of all of Comcels basic services and products as well as the provision of technical service and assistance. The Amigo prepaid card is available in various chain stores nationwide. Comcels strategy is to continue to expand its customer base through the build-out of its network.
In each of the three regions of Colombia, we compete with BellSouth and Colombia Móvil, a consortium of two Colombian public-sector, fixed-line operators. Colombia Móvil started nationwide commercial operations in November 2003. Comcel also competes with traditional fixed-line telephone service operators. In addition, Comcel faces competition from alternative wireless services, including mobile radio and paging services, rural wireless operators and trunking services. These competing wireless services are widely used in Colombia as a substitute for fixed-line services.
The Ministry of Communications of Colombia and the Telecommunications Regulation Commission are responsible for regulating and overseeing the telecommunications sector, including cellular operations. The Ministry of Communications, which granted the cellular concessions in 1994, supervises and audits the performances of the concessionaires legal and contractual obligations. The activities of Comcel are also supervised by the Colombian Superintendency of Industry and Commerce, which enforces antitrust regulations, promotes free competition in the marketplace and protects consumer rights.
Comcel, Occel and Celcaribe hold ten-year concessions, acquired in 1994, to provide wireless telecommunications services in the eastern, western and Caribbean regions of Colombia. Under the terms of the concessions, each of Comcel, Occel and Celcaribe is required to make quarterly royalty payments to the Ministry of Communications based on its revenues. Under the terms of an agreement entered into in January 1997, the Ministry of Communications has agreed to renew their concessions through 2014.
Ecuador (Conecel)
Consorcio Ecuatoriano de Telecomunicaciones, S.A. CONECEL (Conecel) is a wireless telecommunications operator in Ecuador. We acquired a 60% interest in Conecel in March 2000 and gave the other investors certain rights to sell us their shares. In April 2002, the other investors exercised their first put rights, and we paid approximately U.S.$70.3 million to increase our interest to 80.6%. In July 2003, we acquired the remaining interests in Conecel for an identical amount, increasing our interest in Conecel to 100%.
At December 31, 2003, Conecel had approximately 1.5 million subscribers, compared to approximately 923,000 at December 31, 2002, representing a 64% share of the Ecuadorian wireless market.
Conecel owns and operates a cellular network that uses TDMA digital technology, and in May 2003, it launched a new GSM network. The two networks cover the same areas, which account for approximately 80% of the geographic area of Ecuador. Conecel is focusing its commercial and marketing efforts towards encouraging use of GSM technology by new subscribers and existing subscribers renewing their contracts and expects GSM to become its principal wireless technology within the next five to ten years.
Conecels principal competitor is BellSouth Ecuador, which offers wireless local, national and international long-distance and public telephone services in Ecuador. At December 31, 2003, BellSouth Ecuador had approximately 860,000 subscribers, representing a 35% share of the Ecuadorian wireless market.
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Conecel is subject to regulation from:
| the National Telecommunications Counsel (Consejo Nacional de Telecomunicaciones, or Conatel), which is responsible for policy-making in the telecommunications area; |
| the National Telecommunications Secretariat (Secretaría Nacional de Telecomunicaciones), which is responsible for executing Conatels resolutions; and |
| the Telecommunications Agency (Superintendencia de Telecomunicaciones), which monitors the use of authorized frequencies and compliance with concession provisions. |
Conecel holds nationwide concessions, which have been fully paid, to operate its wireless network on the 800 megahertz (Band A) radio spectrum. These include a concession for cellular telephone service that expires in 2008, and concessions for data transmission and Internet services that expire in 2017.
United States (TracFone)
TracFone Wireless, Inc. is engaged in the sale and distribution of prepaid wireless service and wireless phones throughout the United States, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. We own 98.2% of the capital stock of TracFone. We first acquired a controlling interest in TracFone in February 1999.
TracFone currently offers its prepaid wireless service and wireless handsets throughout the United States using an extensive distribution network. At December 31, 2003, TracFone had approximately 3.0 million subscribers and is one of the three largest operators in the U.S. prepaid cellular market. TracFones subscriber base increased by 50.0% in 2003.
TracFone does not own any wireless telecommunications facilities or hold any licenses. Instead, it purchases airtime through agreements with approximately 40 wireless service providers and resells airtime to customers. Through these agreements, TracFone has a nationwide network covering all areas in which wireless services are available. Customer usage is monitored using patented, proprietary software installed in each phone TracFone sells, and TracFone provides customer service and manages customers as though it were a network-based carrier. TracFone has entered into agreements with Nokia and Motorola to enable them to include TracFones software in various handsets they produce. TracFones business model does not require any significant capital expenditure. TracFone sells handsets through a variety of U.S. retail stores and sells its prepaid airtime through a large number of independent retailers throughout the United States. TracFone competes with the major U.S. wireless operators. TracFone expects that many of these carriers will increase their focus on prepaid wireless services in the future. TracFone is subject to the jurisdiction of the U.S. Federal Communications Commission, or FCC, and to U.S. telecommunications laws and regulations. TracFone is not required to procure licenses to carry out its business.
OTHER INVESTMENTS
Our principal investments in affiliates other than our subsidiaries are described below. Financial information provided for these affiliates has been prepared in accordance with local accounting principles and restated in constant pesos as of December 31, 2003. We can give no assurance as to the extent, timing or cost of future international investments, and such investments may involve risks to which we have not previously been exposed.
Techtel (Argentina)
Techtel-LMDS Comunicaciones Interactivas, S.A. operates a local multipoint distribution services (LMDS) and fiber optic network in Argentina, providing voice, data and video transfer services and other related telecommunications services. LMDS is a wireless broadband technology that uses radio signals to transmit voice, video and data. Techtel began providing long-distance fixed-line voice services and call center support in December 2000 and launched local fixed-line voice services in August 2001. We own a 60% interest in Techtel through a company in which the remaining interest is owned by an affiliate of Techint Compañía Técnica Internacional S.A.C.I., one of Argentinas largest industrial groups. We acquired our interest pursuant to the February 2002 reorganization of Telecom Americas.
38
Telstar (Uruguay)
Telstar S.A. has completed an LMDS network to provide data transmission services in Montevideo, Uruguay. We own a majority interest in Telstar through the same company that holds Techtel. We acquired our interest pursuant to the February 2002 reorganization of Telecom Americas. Telstar holds non-exclusive licenses to install and operate a wireless broadband network throughout Uruguay to provide data transmission services, international data transmission services and long distance services. Telstar is authorized to operate on the 10.5 gigahertz (Band A) radio spectrum.
U.S. Commercial Corp.CompUSA
We acquired a 49% interest in CompUSA, Inc. in March 2000. In December 2003, as a result of a series of transactions, we exchanged our 49% interest in CompUSA for a 29.7% interest in US Commercial Corp., S.A. de C.V. and Ps. 180 million. U.S. Commercial Corp. is a Mexican company with shares listed on the Mexican stock exchange. Its principal asset is 100% of the shares of CompUSA. We recorded a loss of Ps. 279 million on the transaction. In 2004, we reclassified our investment in U.S. Commercial Corp. as available for sale. The controlling shareholder of US Commercial Corp. is an affiliate of América Telecom, our controlling shareholder. See Related Party Transactions.
CompUSA is a provider of technology solutions and a retailer of personal computing equipment, based in Dallas, Texas, and operates a number of CompUSA Computer Superstores throughout the United States. CompUSA competes with a variety of resellers of personal computers and related products and services, including large format computer retailers, Internet-based retailers, manufacturers and distributors that sell directly to the public, and other personal computer retailers. In addition, CompUSA has numerous competitors in its training and technical service businesses.
Telvista
We own an indirect 44.2% interest in Telvista, which we acquired in June 2001 from Technology and Internet Holding Co., a company in which we, Telmex and Grupo Carso have a joint interest. Telvista is a Delaware corporation that operates call centers in the United States.
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES
The following table sets forth our consolidated capital expenditures for the three years ended December 31, 2003.
Year ended December 31, | |||||||||
2001 |
2002 |
2003 | |||||||
(millions of constant pesos as of December 31, 2003) | |||||||||
Transmission and switching equipment |
Ps. | 13,398 | Ps. | 9,379 | Ps. | 11,685 | |||
Other |
3,661 | 1,871 | 1,968 | ||||||
Total capital expenditures |
Ps. | 17,059 | Ps. | 11,250 | Ps. | 13,653 | |||
Our capital expenditures during 2003 related primarily to the completion of the rollout of a GSM network in Mexico and the rollout of new GSM networks in Brazil, Colombia and Ecuador. We have budgeted capital expenditures of approximately U.S.$1.4 billion for the year ending December 31, 2004, but this budgeted amount could change as we re-evaluate our expenditure needs during the year. We expect that our capital expenditures during 2004 will primarily relate to the completion of the rollout of a new GSM network in Argentina and the expansion of GSM coverage in Mexico and Brazil. We expect to make approximately 35% of our 2004 budgeted capital expenditures in Mexico, which represents a decrease from prior years.
LITIGATION AND ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEEDINGS
In each of the countries in which we conduct operations, we are party to various legal proceedings in the ordinary course of business. These proceedings include, without limitation, tax, labor, antitrust and contractual
39
claims and claims regarding interconnection practices or agreements. Our concessions are generally subject to early termination for violations of certain service, quality and coverage standards and in the case of our fixed-line operations, of certain interconnection obligations. We are also party to a number of proceedings regarding our compliance with concession standards. As of the date of this offering memorandum, we believe that none of these proceedings is likely to result in the revocation of any of our material concessions. Below is a summary of the most significant legal proceedings in which we are currently involved.
Telcel
In November 1995, a competitor of Telcel that provides cellular telephone services reported Telmex and Telcel to Cofeco, the Federal Competition Commission, for alleged monopolistic practices. In July 2001, Cofeco ruled that Telmex was responsible for the alleged monopolistic practices. The ruling did not find Telcel responsible for such practices.
Administrative proceedings were commenced in January and June 2001 by Cofeco against Telcel for alleged anti-competitive behavior in connection with actions by certain distributors of Telcel in 2001. In May 2002, Cofeco ruled against Telcel in connection with the proceeding begun in January. Telcel appealed this ruling in June 2002. In September 2002, Cofeco ruled against this appeal. Telcel filed a lawsuit (demanda de nulidad) against this ruling in January 2003, the resolution of which is still pending. With respect to the administrative proceedings commenced in June 2001, Cofeco ruled against Telcel in December 2002, and Telcel appealed this ruling. In May 2003, Cofeco ruled against this appeal. In August 2003, Telcel filed a lawsuit (demanda de nulidad) against this ruling, the ruling of which is pending. If we are unsuccessful in challenging these proceedings, they may result in fines or specific regulations applicable to Telcel.
We have received requests for information from the Mexican Banking and Securities Commission (the Comisión Nacional Bancaria y de Valores or the CNBV) and the SEC regarding Telcels entry into a capacity services agreement with Operadora Unefon in September 2003. To our knowledge, the investigation regards the alleged use by Operadora Unefon of the U.S.$267.7 million paid by Telcel to Operadora Unefon under the agreement and related public disclosures made by an affiliate of Operadora Unefon. We are cooperating with the authorities.
Under the terms of its concessions for the 800 megahertz spectrum, Telcel must pay a royalty on gross revenues from concessioned services. The royalty is levied at rates that vary from region to region but average approximately 8%. We believe that short message services are value-added services, which are not concessioned services, and that revenues from short message services should not be subject to this royalty. In related proceedings, Cofetel has ruled that short text messages are subject to the interconnection regulatory regime and that such services do not constitute value-added services. We are currently disputing these issues in an administrative proceeding, but have made provisions in our financial statements with respect to this potential liability.
Telgua
In June 2000, the executive branch of the Guatemalan government issued declarations concerning Empresa Guatemalteca de Telecomunicaciones (Guatel), a Guatemalan state agency that conducted the privatization of Telgua. The declarations stated that certain actions of Guatel relating to the privatization of Telgua were contrary to the interests of the Guatemalan State. In September 2000, the Guatemalan government commenced judicial proceedings against Guatel, Telgua and certain other parties involved in the privatization of Telgua seeking reversal of the privatization.
In October 2001, the Guatemalan State announced a governmental accord issued by the President of Guatemala and the Cabinet Ministers establishing the principal terms and conditions of a settlement agreement among the Guatemalan State, Telgua, Guatel and America Central Tel S.A. (ACT), and ordering the Attorney General of Guatemala to enter into such agreement in the name and on behalf of the Guatemalan State. Under the terms of the settlement agreement, which was executed on October 2001, Telgua agreed, among other things, to
40
undertake a fixed, mobile, rural and Internet telephone development project within Guatemala, to be completed within a period of three years and to consist of an investment of at least 1,950 million quetzals (approximately U.S.$246 million), and to establish a total of 380,000 public, mobile and rural telephone lines. Pursuant to the settlement agreement, the Guatemalan State, ACT and Telgua agreed to abandon all litigation and related actions with respect to this matter. While the competent court held that as a procedural matter the attorney for the Guatemalan State could not withdraw the States claims, it recognized the settlement agreement and ordered the files closed. During 2002, certain former government officials presented claims to the Guatemalan courts challenging the validity of the October 2001 settlement agreement on the grounds that they should have been included as parties. These actions are pending.
In addition, judicial proceedings were commenced in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York in March 2001 by International Telecom, Inc. (ITI) against Generadora Eléctrica de Oriente, S.A. (GEDO), Antonio Jorge Álvarez and Telgua, alleging breach of contract, tortious interference with contract and fraud in connection with an international telecommunications service agreement. In March 2002, the court granted Telguas motion to dismiss the case against it for lack of personal jurisdiction, holding that Telgua had insufficient contacts with New York to subject it to jurisdiction in that forum. After a final judgment is issued, ITI, GEDO or Mr. Álvarez may appeal the decision dismissing Telgua from the litigation to the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit.
Comcel
The Colombian tax authorities have demanded that Comcel and Occel pay additional value-added taxes arising from cellular activation fees in 1995 and 1996. Comcel and Occel have challenged these claims before the corresponding administrative authorities. The administrative authorities have reviewed several of the bi-monthly tax periods in question and have decided all of them in favor of Comcel and Occel. The amount claimed by the tax authorities (including fines and interest) relating to the tax periods for which challenges were still pending as of December 31, 2003 totaled approximately Colombian Ps. 19.6 billion for Comcel and Colombian Ps. 2.7 billion for Occel (approximately Ps. 79.2 million and Ps. 10.9 million, respectively). In the opinion of its management, Comcel and Occel have appropriately filed and paid the value-added tax for all of the periods in question and has made no provisions in its financial statements as of December 31, 2003 against these proceedings.
In March 2000, the Colombian Superintendencia de Industria y Comercio (SIC) issued Resolution No. 4954, requiring Comcel to pay a fine of Colombian Ps. 234 million for alleged anti-competitive behavior. In addition to this administrative fine, the SIC ordered Comcel to pay damages to other long distance operators. The long distance operators estimated their damages to be U.S.$70 million. Comcel requested an administrative review of the damages decision, which was denied in June 2000. Comcel appealed, and the appeal was rejected in November 2000. Comcel resubmitted the appeal in February 2001.
Comcel also filed a special action in court challenging the denial of the administrative review. Following a series of court proceedings, a Colombian appeals court in June 2002 ordered that Comcels February 2001 appeal be granted and that the administrative decision against Comcel be reviewed. After additional proceedings, the Consejo Superior de la Judicatura ratified this decision. However, in 2003, an appeals court decided to revoke the decision of the Consejo Superior de la Judicatura, and the Tribunal Superior de Bogotá currently is reverting the procedure back to the SIC in order to continue the damages claim.
Telecom Americas
ANATEL has challenged each of Tess and ATL regarding the calculation of inflation-related adjustments due under these companies concession agreements with ANATEL. Forty percent of the concession price under each of these agreements was due upon execution and 60% was due in three equal annual installments (subject to inflation-related adjustments and interest) beginning in 1999. Both companies have made these concession payments, but ANATEL has rejected the companies calculation of the inflation-related adjustments and requested payment of the alleged deficiencies. The companies have filed declaratory and consignment actions in Brazilian courts seeking resolution of the disputes. The court of first instance ruled against ATLs filing for
41
declaratory action in October 2001 and ATLs filing for consignment action in September 2002. Subsequently, ATL filed appeals, which are pending. In September 2003, the court of first instance ruled against Tess filing for consignment action. Subsequently, Tess filed an appeal, which is still pending. No ruling has been made to date in respect of the declaratory action filed by Tess. The aggregate contested amounts were approximately Reais 422 million (including potential penalties and interest) (U.S.$146 million) at December 31, 2003. We have made provisions in our financial statements for these potential liabilities.
Prior to our acquisition of Telet and Americel, BNDESPar, a subsidiary of BNDES, the Brazilian development bank, had entered into investment and other shareholder agreements with Americel, Telet and certain of their significant shareholders. Under these agreements, BNDESPar had the right, among others, to participate in the sale of shares of Telet and Americel in the event of certain transfers of control, for so long as BNDESPar held 5% of the share of capital in those companies. In October 2003, we increased the capital of each of Telet and Americel and BNDESPars ownership fell below 5% from approximately 20% in each as it elected not to exercise its preemptive rights. Subsequently, BNDESPar sent official notices to Telet and Americel reserving its rights under the agreements in respect of certain past transfers of shares. To our knowledge, BNDESPar has not commenced judicial action against us or any of our subsidiaries. We do not believe that BNDESPar has a valid claim against us or our subsidiaries under the agreements. Moreover, we do not believe that any such possible actions, even if successful, could result in a material adverse effect on our business, results or liquidity, but it is difficult for us to predict the outcome of any such possible actions since a lawsuit has not yet been filed.
In Brazil, our operating subsidiaries are subject to certain significant legal proceedings affecting the wireless telecommunications industry in general regarding property rights over caller id technology and the application of certain gross revenue taxes. We believe that the likelihood of these claims being resolved against our interest is remote. However, any such adverse resolution may have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition. We have made no provisions in our financial statements with respect to these proceedings.
CTI
At the time of our acquisition of CTI, CTI had U.S.$263 million in principal amount of senior notes due 2008, which were in default. These notes are subject to an out-of-court reorganization agreement (Acuerdo Preventivo Extrajudicial, or APE) in Argentina, which was approved by the court in December 2003. Pursuant to this agreement, the notes will be cancelled in exchange for an aggregate cash payment of approximately U.S.$37.1 million. The judgment approving the APE has been challenged by a creditor of one of CTIs operating subsidiaries. We believe the appeal has no merit. In February 2004, the judge allowed the appeal to proceed but did not suspend the effect of his order approving the APE. Accordingly, we have decided to make payment under the APE, and we expect to make this payment on or about March 2, 2004. If the appeal were successful, CTIs obligations under the notes would be reinstated, but as of the date of this offering memorandum only U.S.$43.5 million in principal amount of the notes remain outstanding in the hands of third parties.
CompUSA
In January 2000, a lawsuit was filed in Texas against CompUSA on behalf of COC Services, Ltd. (COC) alleging, among other things, breach of contract, tortious interference and conspiracy in connection with a letter of intent for the franchising of retail stores in Mexico. The lawsuit also named as defendants James Halpin, CompUSAs former chief executive officer, Mr. Carlos Slim Helú, our chairman, and certain other persons. The jury trial concluded in February 2001 with a jury verdict against CompUSA in the amount of U.S.$90 million in actual damages. The verdict also awarded punitive damages in the amount of U.S.$94.5 million against CompUSA and U.S.$175.5 million against Mr. Halpin. Damages were also awarded against the remaining defendants.
In March 2001, CompUSA and the other defendants filed a motion with the trial court for judgment notwithstanding the verdict. In May 2001, the trial court granted the motion for judgment notwithstanding the verdict, vacating the award against CompUSA and Mr. Halpin and reducing significantly the amount of damages. COC has appealed the judgment, and the Court of Appeals heard arguments in April 2003. The case has been
42
briefed and argued and awaits the decision of the Court of Appeals. Despite the significant reduction in damages, Mr. Slim Helú and the other defendants have appealed seeking discharge from all claims.
EMPLOYEES
The following table sets forth the number of employees and a breakdown of employees by main category of activity and geographic location as of December 31, 2001, 2002 and 2003:
December 31, | ||||||
2001 |
2002 |
2003 | ||||
Number of employees |
14,786 | 17,553 | 24,860 | |||
Category of activity: |
||||||
Wireless |
11,942 | 14,949 | 20,165 | |||
Fixed |
2,844 | 2,604 | 4,695 | |||
Geographic location: |
||||||
Mexico |
7,644 | 7,943 | 8,624 | |||
United States |
646 | 466 | 356 | |||
Other Latin America |
6,496 | 9,144 | 15,880 |
As of December 31, 2003, the Sindicato Progresista de Trabajadores de Comunicación y Transporte de la República Mexicana (Progressive Union of Communication and Transport Workers of the Mexican Republic) represented approximately 83% of the employees of Telcel. All management positions at Telcel are held by non-union employees. Salaries and certain benefits are renegotiated every year. In May 2003, Telcel and the union agreed to a 4.9% nominal increase in basic wages, retroactive to March 2003. Telcel will renegotiate salaries with the union in March 2004.
Under our labor agreements and Mexican labor law, we are obligated to pay seniority premiums to retiring employees and pension and death benefits to retired employees. Retirees will be entitled to receive pension increases whenever salary increases are granted to current employees.
Some of our foreign subsidiaries, including Telecom Americas, Telgua, CTE and CTI, also have active employee unions.
We believe that we have good current relations with our workforce.
43
Exhibit 99.2
INDEX TO THE AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Page | ||
Report of Mancera, S.C., a Member Practice of Ernst & Young Global |
F-2 | |
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2001, 2002 and 2003 |
F-3 | |
Consolidated Balance Sheets as at December 31, 2002 and 2003 |
F-4 | |
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders Equity for the years ended December 31, 2001, 2002 and 2003 |
F-5 | |
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Financial Position for the years ended December 31, 2001, 2002 and 2003 |
F-7 | |
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements |
F-8 |
F-1
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
To the Stockholders of
América Móvil, S.A. de C.V.
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of América Móvil, S.A. de C.V. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2002 and 2003 and the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in stockholders equity and changes in financial position for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2003. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Companys management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We did not audit the financial statements of América Central Tel, S.A. and subsidiaries, which statements collectively account for 10% of total assets at December 31, 2002, and 10% and 8% of total operating revenues for the years ended December 31, 2001 and 2002, respectively, of the related consolidated amounts, as well as the financial statements of Telecom Americas, Ltd in which the Companys equity in their net loss is stated at P. 3,660,197 in 2001. Those financial statements, presented in accordance with International Accounting Standards and accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, respectively, were examined by other independent auditors whose reports have been furnished to us, and our opinion, insofar as it relates to the financial information utilized by Companys management (before conversion to accounting principles generally accepted in Mexico) of such subsidiaries and investees in the consolidated financial statements of América Móvil, S.A. de C.V. and subsidiaries, is based solely on the reports of the other independent auditors.
We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in Mexico and the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts (including the Companys conversion of the financial statements of América Central Tel, S.A. and Telecom Americas, Ltd to accounting principles generally accepted in Mexico) and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits and the reports of other independent auditors provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, based on our audits and the reports of the other independent auditors, the accompanying consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of América Móvil, S.A. de C.V. and subsidiaries at December 31, 2002 and 2003, and the consolidated results of their operations, changes in stockholders equity and changes in their financial position for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2003, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in Mexico.
Mancera, S.C.
A Member Practice of
Ernst & Young Global
C.P.C. Francisco Alvarez Del Campo
Mexico City, Mexico
February 23, 2004
F-2
AMÉRICA MÓVIL, S.A. DE C.V. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Amounts in thousands of Constant Mexican Pesos as of December 31, 2003, except for earnings per share)
Year ended December 31, |
||||||||||||||||
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
Millions of U.S. dollars 2003 |
|||||||||||||
Operating revenues: |
||||||||||||||||
Services: |
||||||||||||||||
Usage charges |
P. | 28,223,945 | P. | 32,855,080 | P. | 48,849,771 | $ | 4,348 | ||||||||
Monthly rent |
5,594,442 | 10,764,349 | 11,639,345 | 1,036 | ||||||||||||
Long-distance |
4,232,224 | 4,951,114 | 7,385,984 | 657 | ||||||||||||
Other services |
3,429,410 | 3,976,896 | 5,996,308 | 534 | ||||||||||||
Sales of handsets and accessories |
3,977,383 | 7,195,157 | 12,069,564 | 1,074 | ||||||||||||
45,457,404 | 59,742,596 | 85,940,972 | 7,649 | |||||||||||||
Operating costs and expenses: |
||||||||||||||||
Cost of sales |
15,675,640 | 21,744,132 | 33,572,259 | 2,988 | ||||||||||||
Cost of sales and services with related parties (Note 17) |
3,821,476 | 3,637,594 | 3,902,024 | 347 | ||||||||||||
Commercial, administrative and general |
11,869,136 | 12,076,188 | 16,099,680 | 1,433 | ||||||||||||
Commercial, administrative and general with related parties (Note 17) |
363,824 | 657,215 | 529,053 | 47 | ||||||||||||
Impairment of investments in affiliates (Note 10) |
2,132,600 | 40,793 | | | ||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization (Notes 7 to 10) (includes P. 3,690,186, P. 6,006,324 and P.10,295,050 for the years ended December 31, 2001, 2002 and 2003, respectively not included in cost of sales) |
4,920,248 | 8,606,263 | 13,877,861 | 1,235 | ||||||||||||
38,782,924 | 46,762,185 | 67,980,877 | 6,050 | |||||||||||||
Operating income |
6,674,480 | 12,980,411 | 17,960,095 | 1,599 | ||||||||||||
Comprehensive financing (cost) income: |
||||||||||||||||
Interest income |
884,160 | 1,401,503 | 2,382,557 | 212 | ||||||||||||
Interest expense |
(1,138,433 | ) | (2,439,159 | ) | (3,780,072 | ) | (336 | ) | ||||||||
Interest (expense) income with related parties, net (Note 17) |
(6,588 | ) | (57,215 | ) | 4,706 | | ||||||||||
Exchange (loss) gain, net |
(382,034 | ) | (1,526,419 | ) | 1,354,786 | 121 | ||||||||||
Monetary (loss) gain |
(817,611 | ) | 2,871,978 | 2,350,798 | 209 | |||||||||||
Other financing income (cost), net |
795,609 | (1,273,744 | ) | (189,395 | ) | (17 | ) | |||||||||
(664,897 | ) | (1,023,056 | ) | 2,123,380 | 189 | |||||||||||
Other income (loss), net |
423,211 | 270,064 | (1,044,944 | ) | (93 | ) | ||||||||||
Income before income tax and employee profit sharing |
6,432,794 | 12,227,419 | 19,038,531 | 1,695 | ||||||||||||
Provisions for: |
||||||||||||||||
Income tax (Note 19) |
3,290,281 | 3,211,308 | 3,277,526 | 292 | ||||||||||||
Employee profit sharing |
209,677 | 202,304 | 247,938 | 22 | ||||||||||||
3,499,958 | 3,413,612 | 3,525,464 | 314 | |||||||||||||
Income before equity in results of affiliates |
2,932,836 | 8,813,807 | 15,513,067 | 1,381 | ||||||||||||
Equity in net results of affiliates |
(4,066,886 | ) | (4,169,755 | ) | (129,582 | ) | (11 | ) | ||||||||
Net (loss) income |
P. | (1,134,050 | ) | P. | 4,644,052 | P. | 15,383,485 | $ | 1,370 | |||||||
Distribution of net (loss) income |
||||||||||||||||
Majority interest |
P. | (910,023 | ) | P. | 4,783,697 | P. | 15,031,636 | $ | 1,338 | |||||||
Minority interest |
(224,027 | ) | (139,645 | ) | 351,849 | 32 | ||||||||||
Net (loss) income |
P. | (1,134,050 | ) | P. | 4,644,052 | P. | 15,383,485 | $ | 1,370 | |||||||
Weighted average of common shares outstanding (in million) |
13,199 | 13,123 | 12,912 | 12,912 | ||||||||||||
Net (loss) income earnings per share |
P. | (0.08 | ) | P. | 0.35 | P. | 1.19 | $ | 0.10 | |||||||
See accompanying notes.
F-3
AMÉRICA MÓVIL, S.A. DE C.V. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Amounts in thousands of Constant Mexican Pesos as of December 31, 2003)
December 31, |
||||||||||||
2002 |
2003 |
Millions of U.S. dollars 2003 |
||||||||||
ASSETS |
||||||||||||
Current assets: |
||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
P. | 9,512,980 | P. | 9,287,162 | $ | 826 | ||||||
Marketable securities (Note 3) |
1,510,101 | 794,873 | 71 | |||||||||
Accounts receivable, net (Note 4) |
6,522,689 | 11,414,686 | 1,016 | |||||||||
Related parties (Note 17) |
609,398 | 647,805 | 58 | |||||||||
Inventories, net (Note 5) |
3,127,193 | 5,229,256 | 465 | |||||||||
Prepaid expenses (Note 6) |
| 184,797 | 16 | |||||||||
Other current assets |
925,554 | 1,994,831 | 178 | |||||||||
Total current assets |
22,207,915 | 29,553,410 | 2,630 | |||||||||
Investments in affiliates and others (Note 10) |
3,290,815 | 2,548,599 | 227 | |||||||||
Plant, property and equipment, net (Note 7) |
62,993,999 | 71,161,642 | 6,333 | |||||||||
Prepaid expenses (Note 6) |
| 2,696,527 | 240 | |||||||||
Licenses, net (Note 8) |
15,984,487 | 25,807,951 | 2,297 | |||||||||
Trademarks (Note 9) |
6,796,530 | 7,884,781 | 702 | |||||||||
Goodwill, net (Note 10) |
6,263,876 | 8,028,349 | 715 | |||||||||
Other non current assets (Note 7) |
| 2,297,288 | 205 | |||||||||
Total assets |
P. | 117,537,622 | P. | 149,978,547 | $ | 13,349 | ||||||
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY |
||||||||||||
Current liabilities: |
||||||||||||
Short-term debt and current portion of long-term debt (Note 14) |
P. | 10,637,007 | P. | 12,108,296 | $ | 1,078 | ||||||
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities (Notes 12 and 13) |
11,375,726 | 19,944,699 | 1,775 | |||||||||
Taxes payable |
1,921,075 | 2,978,044 | 265 | |||||||||
Related parties (Note 17) |
110,204 | 129,523 | 12 | |||||||||
Deferred revenues |
2,807,047 | 4,623,301 | 411 | |||||||||
Total current liabilities |
26,851,059 | 39,783,863 | 3,541 | |||||||||
Long-term debt (Note 14) |
37,399,435 | 37,204,549 | 3,311 | |||||||||
Deferred taxes (Note 19) |
2,140,691 | 3,648,855 | 325 | |||||||||
Deferred credits |
573 | 129,409 | 12 | |||||||||
Total liabilities |
66,391,758 | 80,766,676 | 7,189 | |||||||||
Stockholders equity (Note 18): |
||||||||||||
Capital stock |
31,193,176 | 31,191,463 | 2,776 | |||||||||
Retained earnings: |
||||||||||||
Prior years |
29,948,037 | 32,673,511 | 2,908 | |||||||||
Net income for the year |
4,783,697 | 15,031,636 | 1,338 | |||||||||
34,731,734 | 47,705,147 | 4,246 | ||||||||||
Other accumulated comprehensive loss items |
(16,003,808 | ) | (14,783,458 | ) | (1,316 | ) | ||||||
Total majority stockholders equity |
49,921,102 | 64,113,152 | 5,706 | |||||||||
Minority interest |
1,224,762 | 5,098,719 | 454 | |||||||||
Total stockholders equity |
51,145,864 | 69,211,871 | 6,160 | |||||||||
Total liabilities and stockholders equity |
P. | 117,537,622 | P. | 149,978,547 | $ | 13,349 | ||||||
See accompanying notes.
F-4
AMÉRICA MÓVIL, S.A. DE C.V. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY
(Amounts in thousands of Constant Mexican Pesos as of December 31, 2003)
Retained earnings |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Capital stock |
Reserve for purchase of Companys own shares |
Legal reserve |
Unappropriated |
Total |
Other loss items |
Total majority stockholders equity |
Minority interest |
Comprehensive (loss) income |
Total stockholders equity |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balances at December 31, 2000 |
P. | 31,223,515 | | P. | 320,612 | P. | 41,461,633 | P. | 41,782,245 | P. | (296,469 | ) | P. | 72,709,291 | P. | 2,426,715 | | P. | 75,136,006 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Increase in legal reserve |
| | 90,963 | (90,963 | ) | | | | | | | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Increase in reserve for purchase of Companys own shares |
| P. | 11,220,961 | | (11,220,961 | ) | | | | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dividends paid |
| | | (622,314 | ) | (622,314 | ) | | (622,314 | ) | | | (622,314 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cash purchase of Companys own shares |
(22,756 | ) | (7,499,159 | ) | | | (7,499,159 | ) | | (7,521,915 | ) | | | (7,521,915 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Comprehensive income: |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net loss for the year |
| | | (910,023 | ) | (910,023 | ) | | (910,023 | ) | (224,027 | ) | P. | (1,134,050 | ) | (1,134,050 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive income: |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Effect of translation of foreign entities |
| | | | | (377,675 | ) | (377,675 | ) | | (377,675 | ) | (377,675 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Results from holding nonmonetary assets |
| | | | | (2,214,161 | ) | (2,214,161 | ) | | (2,214,161 | ) | (2,214,161 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Current year deferred income tax on stockholders equity accounts |
| | | | | 348,223 | 348,223 | | 348,223 | 348,223 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Minority interest |
| | | | | | | (1,380,845 | ) | | (1,380,845 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Comprehensive income: |
P. | (3,377,663 | ) | | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balances at December 31, 2001 |
31,200,759 | 3,721,802 | 411,575 | 28,617,372 | 32,750,749 | (2,540,082 | ) | 61,411,426 | 821,843 | | 62,233,269 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dividends paid |
| | | (618,296 | ) | (618,296 | ) | | (618,296 | ) | | | (618,296 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cash purchase of Companys own shares |
(7,583 | ) | (2,184,416 | ) | | | (2,184,416 | ) | | (2,191,999 | ) | | | (2,191,999 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Comprehensive income: |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net income for the year |
| | | 4,783,697 | 4,783,697 | | 4,783,697 | (139,645 | ) | P. | 4,644,052 | 4,644,052 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive income: |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Effect of translation of foreign entities |
| | | | | (15,060,115 | ) | (15,060,115 | ) | | (15,060,115 | ) | (15,060,115 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Results from holding nonmonetary assets |
| | | | | 2,038,736 | 2,038,736 | | 2,038,736 | 2,038,736 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Current year deferred income tax on stockholders equity accounts |
| | | | | (442,347 | ) | (442,347 | ) | | (442,347 | ) | (442,347 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Minority interest |
| | | | | | | 542,564 | | 542,564 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Comprehensive income: |
| | | | | | | | P. | (8,819,674 | ) | | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balances at December 31, 2002 |
31,193,176 | 1,537,386 | 411,575 | 32,782,773 | 34,731,734 | (16,003,808 | ) | 49,921,102 | 1,224,762 | 51,145,864 |
See accompanying notes.
F-5
AMÉRICA MÓVIL, S.A. DE C.V. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY(Continued)
(Amounts in thousands of Constant Mexican Pesos as of December 31, 2003)
Retained earnings |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Capital Stock |
Reserve for purchase of companys own shares |
Legal Reserve |
Unappropriated |
Total |
Other Loss items |
Total majority stockholders equity |
Minority interest |
Comprehensive (loss) income |
Total stockholders equity |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cumulative effect of adoption of a new accounting principle (Note 2w) |
| | | (112,074 | ) | (112,074 | ) | | (112,074 | ) | | P. | (112,074 | ) | (112,074 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Excess of the book value over price paid to acquire minority interests |
| | | (178,478 | ) | (178,478 | ) | | (178,478 | ) | | | (178,478 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Increase in reserve for purchase of Companys own shares |
| 5,122,000 | | (5,122,000 | ) | | | | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dividends paid |
| | | (793,915 | ) | (793,915 | ) | | (793,915 | ) | | | (793,915 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cash purchase of Companys own shares |
(1,713 | ) | (973,756 | ) | | | (973,756 | ) | | (975,469 | ) | | | (975,469 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Comprehensive income: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net income for the year |
| | | 15,031,636 | 15,031,636 | | 15,031,636 | 351,849 | 15,383,485 | 15,383,485 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive income: |
| | | | | | | | | | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Effect of translation of foreign entities |
| | | | | 6,991,002 | 6,991,002 | | 6,991,002 | 6,991,002 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Results from holding nonmonetary assets |
| | | | | (5,711,524 | ) | (5,711,524 | ) | | (5,711,524 | ) | (5,711,524 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Current year deferred income tax on stockholders equity accounts |
| | | | | (59,128 | ) | (59,128 | ) | | (59,128 | ) | (59,128 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Minority interest |
| | | | | | | 3,522,108 | | 3,522,108 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Comprehensive income: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | P. | 16,491,761 | | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balances at December 31, 2003 (Note 18) |
P. | 31,191,463 | P. | 5,685,630 | P. | 411,575 | P. | 41,607,942 | P. | 47,705,147 | P. | (14,783,458 | ) | P. | 64,113,152 | P. | 5,098,719 | P. | 69,211,871 | |||||||||||||||||||
See accompanying notes.
F-6
AMÉRICA MÓVIL, S.A. DE C.V. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN FINANCIAL POSITION
(Amounts in thousands of Constant Mexican Pesos as of December 31, 2003)
Year ended December 31, |
||||||||||||||||
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
Millions of U.S. dollars 2003 |
|||||||||||||
Operating activities: |
||||||||||||||||
Net (loss) income |
P. | (1,134,050 | ) | P. | 4,644,052 | P. | 15,383,485 | $ | 1,370 | |||||||
Add (deduct) items not requiring the use of resources: |
||||||||||||||||
Depreciation |
3,921,251 | 6,425,542 | 9,726,756 | 866 | ||||||||||||
Amortization |
998,997 | 2,180,721 | 4,151,105 | 369 | ||||||||||||
Amortization of loss on sale and lease back |
134,042 | 12 | ||||||||||||||
Amortization of prepaid expenses |
75,428 | 7 | ||||||||||||||
Deferred income tax |
(300,288 | ) | (380,958 | ) | 80,235 | 7 | ||||||||||
Impairment in affiliates |
2,132,600 | 40,793 | | | ||||||||||||
Equity in results of affiliates |
4,066,886 | 4,169,755 | 129,582 | 11 | ||||||||||||
Changes in operating assets and liabilities: |
||||||||||||||||
Decrease (increase) in: |
||||||||||||||||
Accounts receivable |
191,477 | (1,705,230 | ) | (4,891,997 | ) | (435 | ) | |||||||||
Prepaid expenses |
(48,053 | ) | (234,534 | ) | (3,051,366 | ) | (268 | ) | ||||||||
Inventories |
321,057 | 618,315 | (2,102,063 | ) | (187 | ) | ||||||||||
Others |
(3,554,066 | ) | (318 | ) | ||||||||||||
Increase (decrease) in: |
||||||||||||||||
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities |
(2,125,157 | ) | 880,604 | 8,568,973 | 763 | |||||||||||
Related parties |
(561,683 | ) | 986,409 | (19,088 | ) | (2 | ) | |||||||||
Deferred revenues and credits |
341,516 | 1,164,845 | 1,945,090 | 173 | ||||||||||||
Taxes payable |
1,005,105 | 618,017 | 2,425,770 | 216 | ||||||||||||
Resources provided by operating activities |
8,809,658 | 19,408,331 | 29,037,886 | 2,584 | ||||||||||||
Financing activities: |
||||||||||||||||
New loans |
21,974,690 | 41,850,901 | 22,512,225 | 2,004 | ||||||||||||
Repayment of loans |
(6,648,718 | ) | (15,433,454 | ) | (19,959,537 | ) | (1,776 | ) | ||||||||
Decrease in capital stock and retained earnings due to purchase of Companys own shares |
(7,521,915 | ) | (2,191,999 | ) | (975,469 | ) | (87 | ) | ||||||||
Cash dividends paid |
(622,314 | ) | (618,296 | ) | (793,915 | ) | (71 | ) | ||||||||
Effect of inflation and exchange rate differences on debt |
(700,393 | ) | (1,983,089 | ) | (1,276,286 | ) | (114 | ) | ||||||||
Resources provided by (used in) financing activities |
6,481,350 | 21,624,063 | (492,982 | ) | (44 | ) | ||||||||||
Investing activities: |
||||||||||||||||
Investment in plant, property and equipment |
(12,164,153 | ) | (25,485,394 | ) | (22,359,571 | ) | (1,991 | ) | ||||||||
Investment in subsidiaries and affiliated companies |
(16,486,290 | ) | 823,587 | (2,112,067 | ) | (188 | ) | |||||||||
Investment in marketable securities |
(9,044,625 | ) | 9,368,493 | 715,228 | 64 | |||||||||||
Minority interest |
3,343,630 | 298 | ||||||||||||||
Initial cash from companies acquired |
1,561,893 | 871,378 | 78 | |||||||||||||
Investments in trademarks |
(6,796,530 | ) | (1,807,928 | ) | (161 | ) | ||||||||||
Investment in licenses |
(290,710 | ) | (13,768,788 | ) | (7,421,392 | ) | (661 | ) | ||||||||
Resources used in investing activities |
(37,985,778 | ) | (34,296,739 | ) | (28,770,722 | ) | (2,561 | ) | ||||||||
Net (decrease) increase in cash and short-term investments |
(22,694,770 | ) | 6,735,655 | (225,818 | ) | (21 | ) | |||||||||
Cash and short-term investments at beginning of the year |
25,472,095 | 2,777,325 | 9,512,980 | 847 | ||||||||||||
Cash and short-term investments at end of the year |
P. | 2,777,325 | P. | 9,512,980 | P. | 9,287,162 | $ | 826 | ||||||||
See accompanying notes.
F-7
AMÉRICA MÓVIL, S.A. DE C.V. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts in thousands of Constant Mexican Pesos as of December 31, 2003)
1. Description of Business and Operations
América Móvil, S.A. de C.V. and subsidiaries (collectively, the Company or América Móvil) is the leading provider of wireless communications services in Latin America. The Company was established in September 2000 in a spin-off from Teléfonos de México, S.A. de C.V. (Telmex).
América Móvil has subsidiaries and equity investments in affiliated companies in the telecommunications sector in Mexico, Guatemala, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Ecuador, Brazil, Argentina, Colombia and the United States. In Mexico, through its subsidiary Radiomóvil Dipsa, S.A. de C.V. which operates under the trademark Telcel, América Móvil provides nationwide cellular telecommunications services.
At December 31, 2002 and 2003 América Móvils equity interest in its principal subsidiaries and affiliated companies is as follows:
Equity interest at December 31, |
||||||||
Name of Company |
Location |
2002 |
2003 |
|||||
Subsidiaries(1) : |
||||||||
Sercotel, S.A. de C.V. |
Mexico | 100.0 | % | 100.0 | % | |||
Radiomóvil Dipsa, S.A. de C.V. |
Mexico | 100.0 | 100.0 | |||||
TracFone Wireless, Inc. |
USA | 97.8 | 98.2 | |||||
Telecom Américas, Ltd(2): |
Bermuda | 96.5 | 97.5 | |||||
ATL-Algar Telecom Leste, S.A. |
Brazil | 96.5 | 97.5 | |||||
Americel, S.A. |
Brazil | 78.1 | 96.0 | |||||
Telet, S.A. |
Brazil | 78.6 | 96.5 | |||||
Tess, S.A. |
Brazil | 96.5 | 97.5 | |||||
BSE, S.A. |
Brazil | 97.5 | ||||||
BCP, S.A. |
Brazil | 97.5 | ||||||
América Central Tel, S.A. (ACT)(3) : |
Guatemala | 96.9 | 100.0 | |||||
Telecomunicaciones de Guatemala, S.A. (TELGUA) |
Guatemala | 96.0 | 98.8 | |||||
Newcotel, S.A. |
Guatemala | 96.0 | 98.8 | |||||
Servicios de Comunicaciones Personales Inalámbricas, S.A., (Sercom) |
Guatemala | 96.0 | 98.8 | |||||
Telglob, S.A. |
Guatemala | 96.0 | 98.8 | |||||
Telefonía Publica de Guatemala, S.A. (Publitel) |
Guatemala | 96.0 | 98.8 | |||||
Estel, LLC |
Delaware | 100.0 | ||||||
Compañía de Telecomunicaciones de El Salvador, S.A. de C.V. (CTE)(4) |
El Salvador | 51.0 | ||||||
CTE Telecom Personal, S.A. de C.V. (Personal) |
El Salvador | 51.0 | ||||||
Cablenet, S.A. de C.V. (Cablenet) |
El Salvador | 51.0 | ||||||
Telecomoda, S.A.de C.V. (Telecomoda) |
El Salvador | 51.0 | ||||||
Publicom, S.A. de C.V. (Publicom) |
El Salvador | 51.0 | ||||||
Comunicación Celular, S.A. (Comcel)(5) : |
Colombia | 95.7 | 95.67 | |||||
Occidente y Caribe Celular, S.A. (Occel) |
Colombia | 95.2 | 93.4 | |||||
Celcaribe, S.A. |
Colombia | 94.0 | ||||||
Consorcio Ecuatoriano de Telecomunicaciones, S.A. (Conecel) |
Ecuador | 80.6 | 100.0 | |||||
Techtel-LMDS Comunicaciones Interactivas, S.A. |
Argentina | 60.0 | 60.0 | |||||
CTI Holdings, S.A.(6) |
Argentina | 92.0 | ||||||
CTI Compañía de Teléfonos del Interior, S.A., (CTI Interior) |
Argentina | 92.0 | ||||||
CTI PCS, S.A. (CTI PCS) |
Argentina | 92.0 | ||||||
Affiliates(1) : |
||||||||
Organización Recuperadora de Cartera, S.A. de C.V. |
Mexico | 45.0 | 45.0 | |||||
US Commercial Corporation, S.A. de C.V. |
Mexico | 29.7 | ||||||
Génesis Telecom., S.A. |
Venezuela | 25.0 | 25.0 | |||||
Iberbanda, S.A. |
Spain | 18.6 | 17.8 | |||||
Network Access Solutions |
USA | 2.0 | 2.0 | |||||
CompUSA, Inc. |
USA | 49.0 |
F-8
AMÉRICA MÓVIL, S.A. DE C.V. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)
(Amounts in thousands of Constant Mexican Pesos as of December 31, 2003)
(1) | See Note 10 for a description of activity in subsidiaries and affiliates. |
(2) | The name Telecom Américas as used hereinafter refers collectively to the companies: ATL, Americel, Telet, Tess, BSE and BCP. |
(3) | Includes Nicaragua operations. |
(4) | The name CTE as used hereinafter refers collectively to the companies: CTE, Personal, Cablenet, Telecomoda and Multicom. |
(5) | The name Comcel as used hereinafter refers collectively to the companies: Comcel, Occel and Celcaribe. |
(6) | The name CTI as used hereinafter refers collectively to the companies: CTI Holdings, CTI Interior and CTI PCS. |
América Móvil through its subsidiaries has licenses to install, operate and manage mobile telecommunications services in Mexico, Guatemala, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Ecuador, Colombia, Argentina and Brazil. These licenses will expire on various dates between the years 2008 and 2018.
Except as mentioned in the following paragraphs, the licenses granted to the Company do not require royalty payments to the respective governments.
As payment for the 800-megahertz (Band B) licenses awarded in Mexico, the Mexican Federal government receives a percentage of Telcels gross annual revenues ranging from 5% to 10%.
Licenses awarded in Brazil, Colombia, Argentina and Ecuador generate the payment of contributions to their respective governments, based in some cases on revenues and in other cases on the number of channels in operation.
Telgua and CTE provide fixed-line telephone services.
TracFone Wireless, Inc. (TracFone) resells cellular airtime on a prepaid basis through retailers to customers who use telephones equipped with TracFone software. TracFone does not own a cellular infrastructure but purchases airtime from carriers throughout the United States. TracFones revenues are also derived from the sale of cellular telephones and accessories. TracFone provides services throughout the United States, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.
In December 2002, the Mexican Federal government awarded Telcel a license to install, operate and manage basic radiotelephone domestic and international long-distance and data transmission services in Mexico. The term of the license is for 15 years, which may be extended at the discretion of the government.
In February 2003, Telecom Américas switched its original Band B cellular concessions, from a mobile cellular communications system (SMC) to mobile access system (PCS). This change will allow these companies to exercise an option to extend the life of the licenses for an additional 15 years, upon payment of a certain fee.
2. Significant Accounting Policies
The most important accounting policies and practices followed in the preparation of these financial statements are described below:
a) Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of América Móvil and those of the subsidiaries referred to in Note 1. All of the companies operate in the telecommunications sector or provide services to companies operating in such sector.
F-9
AMÉRICA MÓVIL, S.A. DE C.V. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)
(Amounts in thousands of Constant Mexican Pesos as of December 31, 2003)
All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in the consolidated financial statements
Minority interest relates to the Companys foreign subsidiaries.
b) Revenue recognition
The Companys revenues include: usage charges, monthly rent, incoming interconnection, long-distance charges, value added services and proceeds from sales of handsets and accessories and charges for other services.
Revenues are generally recognized at the time services are provided. Those services are either under prepaid (calling cards) or under contract (post-paid) plans. In both cases, airtime revenues are recognized as a customer uses the airtime or when the card expires in the case of prepayments for unused airtime.
Except for Mexico and Colombia, monthly basic rent under non-prepaid plans is billed based on the rates approved by the regulatory authorities in the respective countries. For Mexico and Colombia, basic monthly rent is billed one month in advance and recognized as revenues in the month the service is provided.
Revenues from interconnections, which consist of calls of other carriers that enter the Companys own cellular network (incoming interconnections), are recognized at the time the service is provided. Such services are billed based on rates previously agreed with the other carriers, which are regulated by the respective authorities.
Sales of handsets and accessories, which for the most part are made to authorized distributors, are recorded as revenue upon shipment, provided that there are no outstanding Company obligations and that collection of the resulting receivable is deemed probable by management. The cost of telephone equipment delivered to customers under non-prepaid plans is charged to income at the time the respective agreements are signed.
Telgua and CTEs revenues from telephone line installation fees are deferred and recognized over the expected period during which telephone services will be performed.
c) Cost of cellular telephone equipment
Costs related to cellular telephone equipment are charged to operations at the time the telephones are delivered to the distributor or customer.
d) Interconnection costs
Interconnection costs represent the costs of calls of other carriers that enter the Companys own cellular network, the costs of link-ups between fixed and cellular networks, long distance charges and rent paid for use of infrastructure (links and ports), all of which are recognized as costs at the time the service is received.
e) Commissions paid to distributors
Commissions paid to distributors for activations are charged to income at the time of activation of new customers, which corresponds to the time the distributor is paid. Commissions for loyalty and activation volumes are accrued based on factors determined by the Company.
F-10
AMÉRICA MÓVIL, S.A. DE C.V. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)
(Amounts in thousands of Constant Mexican Pesos as of December 31, 2003)
f) Recognition of the effects of inflation
The Company recognizes the effects of inflation on financial information as required by Mexican accounting Bulletin B-10, Accounting Recognition of the Effects of Inflation on Financial Information, issued by the Mexican Institute of Public Accountants (MIPA). Consequently, the amounts shown in the accompanying financial statements and in these notes are expressed in thousands of constant Mexican pesos as of December 31, 2003. Accordingly, the financial statements have been restated as follows:
Plant, property and equipment and construction in progress were restated as described in Note 7. Depreciation is computed on the restated value of telephone plant and equipment using the straight-line method based on the estimated useful lives of the related assets, starting the month after the assets are put into use.
Annual depreciation rates are as follows:
Telephone plant |
10% to 33% | |
System performance monitoring equipment included in telephone plant |
33% | |
Buildings |
3% | |
Other assets |
10 to 25 |
In Mexico, inventories were restated based on factors derived from the Mexican National Consumer Price Index (NCPI) published by Banco de México. Due to the high turnover, it was estimated that inventories were presented at their replacement cost, which was not in excess of market value. Foreign subsidiaries recorded their inventories at replacement value, not in excess of market. Cost of sales represents estimated replacement cost at the time inventories were sold, restated in constant pesos at year-end.
Capital stock, retained earnings and other non-monetary assets were restated based on the NCPI.
Other accumulated comprehensive loss items include the deficit restatement of stockholders equity, which consists of the accumulated monetary position gain determined at the time the provisions of Bulletin B-10 were first applied, which at December 31, 2003 aggregates P. 16,471, the result from holding non-monetary assets, which represents the net difference between restatement by the specific indexation method (see Note 7) and restatement based on the NCPI, deferred taxes allocated to equity, net of inflation and the effect of translation of foreign entities.
The net monetary position (loss) gain represents the effect of inflation on monetary assets and liabilities. The related amounts are included in the statements of operations under the caption Comprehensive financing (cost) income.
Mexican accounting Bulletin B-12, Statement of Changes in Financial Position, issued by the MIPA, specifies the appropriate presentation of the statement of changes in financial position based on financial statements restated in constant Mexican pesos in accordance with Bulletin B-10. Bulletin B-12 identifies the sources and applications of resources representing differences between beginning and ending financial statement balances in constant Mexican pesos. In accordance with this Bulletin, monetary and foreign exchange gains and losses are not treated as non-cash items in the determination of resources provided by operations.
g) Basis of translation of financial statements of foreign subsidiaries
The financial statements of foreign subsidiaries and affiliates, located in Guatemala, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Ecuador, Colombia, Argentina, Brazil and the United States, which in the aggregate account for approximately 22%, 29% and 39% of the Companys total operating revenues in 2001, 2002 and 2003 and approximately 58%
F-11
AMÉRICA MÓVIL, S.A. DE C.V. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)
(Amounts in thousands of Constant Mexican Pesos as of December 31, 2003)
and 65% of the Companys total assets in 2002 and 2003, respectively, are translated into Mexican pesos in conformity with Mexican accounting Bulletin B-15 Transactions in Foreign Currency and Translation of Financial Statements of Foreign Operations, issued by the MIPA, as follows:
| The financial statements as reported by the subsidiaries abroad were adjusted by management in Mexico to conform to Mexican GAAP, which includes, among other, the recognition of the effects of inflation as required by Mexican accounting Bulletin B-10 (as described above), using restatement factors of each country. |
| The financial information already restated to include inflationary effects, is translated to Mexican pesos as follows: 1) all balance sheet amounts, except for stockholders equity accounts, were translated at the prevailing exchange rate at year-end; 2) stockholders equity accounts were translated at the prevailing exchange rate at the time capital contributions were made and earnings were generated, 3) statement of operations accounts were translated at the exchange rate at the end of the reporting period. |
| Exchange rate differences and the monetary effect derived from intercompany monetary items were not eliminated in the consolidated statements of operations. |
At December 31, 2001, 2002 and 2003, translation (loss) income aggregated P. (377,675), P. (15,060,115) and P. 6,991,002, respectively, and is included in stockholders equity under the caption other accumulated comprehensive loss items, effect of translation of foreign entities.
The Companys financial statements at December 31, 2001 and 2002, were restated to constant Mexican pesos with purchasing power at December 31, 2003 based on the annual rate of inflation in Mexico. The effects of inflation and variances in exchange rates were not material.
h) Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities
Cash and cash equivalents are represented principally by bank deposits and highly liquid investments with maturities of three months or less; and marketable securities are represented by equity securities and foreign government bonds held for trading purposes. Both are valued at market.
i) Allowance for doubtful accounts
Doubtful accounts are provided for based on the operating conditions of each subsidiary. Accounts are provided for when they are between 90 and 120 days old.
j) Licenses
Licenses to operate wireless telecommunications networks are amortized using the straight-line method over the term of the license. The licenses to operate wireless mobile (PCS) in Mexico, Guatemala, Ecuador, Colombia, Brazil and Argentina are being amortized over periods ranging from 15 to 20 years.
k) Trademarks
Trademarks were recorded at their market values at the date acquired, as determined by independent expert using the discounted cash-flow techniques and are amortized using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives. Trademarks relate principally to subsidiaries over which the Company acquired control in 2002 and 2003. (See Note 9.)
F-12
AMÉRICA MÓVIL, S.A. DE C.V. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)
(Amounts in thousands of Constant Mexican Pesos as of December 31, 2003)
l) Equity investments in affiliates
The investment in shares of affiliates in which the Company has significant influence and holds an equity interest of 10% or more is accounted for using the equity method. This accounting method consists basically of recognizing the investors equity interest in the results of operations and the stockholders equity of the investees at the time such results are determined. (See Note 10.)
m) Goodwill
Goodwill represents the excess of cost over the fair value of the net assets of subsidiaries and affiliates acquired and is amortized using the straight-line method over a ten-year period.
n) Foreign exchange gains or losses
Transactions in foreign currencies are recorded at the prevailing exchange rate at the time of the related transactions. Foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities are translated at the prevailing exchange rate at the balance sheet date. Exchange rate differences are charged or credited directly to income of the year.
o) Employee benefits obligations
The cost of seniority premiums, where applicable, is recognized during the years of service of employees based on actuarial computations made by independent actuaries using the projected unit-credit method and financial hypotheses net of inflation, as required by Mexican accounting Bulletin D-3, Labor Obligations, issued by the MIPA (see Note 12). Termination payments are charged to income in the year in which the decision to dismiss an employee is made.
p) Income tax and employee profit sharing
Bulletin D-4, Accounting for Income Tax, Asset Tax and Employee Profit Sharing, issued by the MIPA, requires that deferred taxes be determined on virtually all temporary differences in balance sheet accounts for financial and tax reporting purposes, using the enacted income tax rate at the time the financial statements are issued. Accordingly, the provision for income tax includes both the current year tax and the deferred portion. See Note 19 for additional information.
In conformity with Bulletin D-4, deferred employee profit sharing is recognized only on temporary differences that are considered to be non-recurring and that have a known turnaround time.
q) Advertising
All advertising costs are expensed as incurred. Advertising expense amounted to approximately, P. 1,892,861, P. 1,544,918 and P. 2,627,498 for the years ended December 31, 2001, 2002 and 2003, respectively.
r) Comprehensive income (loss)
In conformity with Bulletin B-4, Comprehensive Income, issued by the MIPA, comprehensive income (loss) in América Móvil consists of current year net income or loss shown in the statement of operations plus the current year result from holding non-monetary assets, the effects of translation of foreign entities, minority interest and the effect of deferred taxes applied directly to stockholders equity.
F-13
AMÉRICA MÓVIL, S.A. DE C.V. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)
(Amounts in thousands of Constant Mexican Pesos as of December 31, 2003)
s) Earnings per share
The Company determined earnings per share by dividing net income by the average weighted number of shares issued and outstanding during the period, as specified in Mexican accounting Bulletin B-14, Earnings Per Share, issued by the MIPA. To determine the weighted average number of shares issued and outstanding in 2001, 2002 and 2003, the number of shares held by the Company have been excluded from the computation.
t) Use of estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires the use of estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and in the accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
u) Concentration of risk
The Company invests a portion of its surplus cash in deposits in financial institutions with strong credit ratings and has established guidelines relating to diversification and maturities to maintain safety and liquidity. The Company has not experienced any important losses in its marketable securities. América Móvil does not believe it has significant concentrations of credit risks in its accounts receivable, because the Companys customer base is geographically diverse, thus spreading the trade credit risk.
The Company operates internationally; consequently, it is exposed to market risks for fluctuations in exchange rates.
Approximately 67%, 56% and 34% of the Companys aggregate interconnection expenditures in its cellular network for the years ended December 31, 2001, 2002 and 2003, respectively, represented services rendered from one supplier; approximately 85%, 75% and 75% of the aggregate cost of telephone equipment for such periods represented purchases from three suppliers; and approximately 90%, 90% and 65% of telephone plant purchases were made from two suppliers.
If any of these suppliers fails to provide the company with services or equipment on a timely and cost effective basis, the Company business and results of operations could be adversely affected.
v) Financial instruments
The Company follows the requirements of Bulletin C-2, Financial Instruments, issued by the MIPA, which, establishes the rules to be observed by issuers of and investors in financial instruments when valuing, presenting and disclosing these instruments in their financial information. Bulletin C-2 requires that financial instruments (derivatives) be recognized as assets and liabilities and that the determined gains and losses on such instruments be credited and charged, respectively, to income.
With the aim of reducing its financing costs, the Company uses derivatives such as interest-rate swaps and cross currency swaps. Those instruments have been recorded at their market value, and changes in the market value have been taken to income.
w) Recent pronouncements
Intangible Assets. Effective January 1, 2003, the Company adopted the requirements of Mexican accounting Bulletin C-8, Intangible Assets, issued by the MIPA, which, among other things, specifies that project development costs are to be capitalized if they meet certain established requirements with respect to their
F-14
AMÉRICA MÓVIL, S.A. DE C.V. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)
(Amounts in thousands of Constant Mexican Pesos as of December 31, 2003)
recognition as assets. Pre-operating costs are to be recognized as an expense of the period and intangible assets with indefinite useful lives are not to be amortized, but instead evaluated annually for impairment. Unamortized balances of pre-operating expenses capitalized in terms of the previous Bulletin C-8 are to be amortized as specified in such bulletin. The adoption of these new rules did not have any effect on the Companys financial statements.
Liabilities, Provisions, Contingent Assets and Liabilities and Commitments. Effective January 1, 2003, the Company also adopted the requirements of Mexican accounting Bulletin C-9, Liabilities, Provisions, Contingent Assets and Liabilities and Commitments, issued by the MIPA, which is more precise in defining provisions, accrued liabilities and contingent liabilities, and it contains new requirements with respect to the recording of provisions, the use of the present value and the early retirement of debt securities or their replacement by a new issues. Bulletin C-9 also specifies the rules for the valuation, presentation and disclosure of liabilities and provisions.
As a result of the application of Bulletin C-9, the Company recorded a provision at present value of P. 155,830 for costs related to retirement of assets. The amount of such provision was estimated using prevailing prices in each country in which the Company operates. The initial effect of the application of this new accounting pronouncement represented an adjustment of P. 112,074 to the balance of retained earnings at the beginning of the year.
Rates used to discount the provision to present value were computed by each subsidiary considering, among other factors, the economic situation of their respective countries (country risk), cost of debt and free rate risk.
Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets. In March 2003, the MIPA issued Bulletin C-15, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, the observance of which is compulsory for fiscal years beginning on or after January 1, 2004. Bulletin C-15 defines the rules for the computation and recognition of asset impairment losses and their reversal, as well as for the presentation and disclosure of both assets whose values have been impaired and of discontinued operations. The Company early adopted this new Bulletin in 2003. Adoption of this guideline did not affect the Companys earnings or financial position.
x) Convenience translation
U.S. dollar amounts as of December 31, 2003 shown in the financial statements have been included solely for the convenience of the reader and are translated from pesos with purchasing power as of December 31, 2003, as a matter of mathematical computation only, at an exchange rate of P. 11.24 to US$ 1.00, the December 31, 2003 exchange rate. Such translations should not be construed as a representation that the peso amounts have been or could be converted into U.S. dollars at this or any other rate.
y) Reclassifications
Some amounts shown in the 2001 and 2002 financial statements have been reclassified for uniformity of presentation with 2003.
F-15
AMÉRICA MÓVIL, S.A. DE C.V. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)
(Amounts in thousands of Constant Mexican Pesos as of December 31, 2003)
3. Marketable Securities
A summary of marketable securities as of December 31, 2002 and 2003 is as follows:
2002 |
2003 | |||||||
Cost |
Fair Value |
Cost |
Fair Value | |||||
Government bonds |
P.1,214,202 | P.1,297,051 | P.355,439 | P.371,221 | ||||
Equity securities |
481,700 | 213,050 | 469,674 | 423,652 | ||||
P.1,695,902 | P.1,510,101 | P.825,113 | P.794,873 | |||||
At December 31, 2001, 2002 and 2003, net unrealized gains (losses) on marketable securities were P. 411,210, P. (185,801) and P. (30,240), respectively. Net realized gains were P. 274,198, P. 299,771 and P. 487,244, in 2001, 2002 and 2003, respectively.
4. Accounts Receivable
Accounts receivable consists of the following:
2002 |
2003 |
|||||
Subscribers |
P.3,114,416 | P.8,746,157 | ||||
Retailers |
2,602,069 | 1,571,312 | ||||
Cellular operators for interconnections |
407,027 | 949,935 | ||||
Recoverable taxes |
361,366 | 1,178,713 | ||||
Other |
478,446 | 848,984 | ||||
6,963,324 | 13,295,101 | |||||
Less: Allowance for doubtful accounts |
(440,635 | ) | (1,880,415 | ) | ||
Total |
P.6,522,689 | P.11,414,686 | ||||
Activity in the allowance for doubtful accounts for the years ended December 31, 2001, 2002 and 2003 was as follows:
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
||||||||||
Opening balance as of December 31 |
P. | (373,970 | ) | P. | (156,789 | ) | P. | (440,635 | ) | |||
Increases charged to costs and expenses |
(154,063 | ) | (668,723 | ) | (855,969 | ) | ||||||
Effect of acquired companies |
| | (1,252,315 | ) | ||||||||
Decreases to reserve for write-offs |
371,244 | 384,877 | 668,504 | |||||||||
Ending balance |
P. | (156,789 | ) | P. | (440,635 | ) | P. | (1,880,415 | ) | |||
5. Inventories
Inventories consist of the following:
2002 |
2003 |
|||||||
Cellular telephones and accessories |
P. | 3,160,505 | P. | 5,427,107 | ||||
Less: |
||||||||
Reserve for obsolete inventory |
(33,312 | ) | (197,851 | ) | ||||
Net |
P. | 3,127,193 | P. | 5,229,256 | ||||
F-16
AMÉRICA MÓVIL, S.A. DE C.V. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)
(Amounts in thousands of Constant Mexican Pesos as of December 31, 2003)
6. Prepaid Expenses
In September 2003, Telcel entered into an agreement with Operadora Unefon, S.A. de C.V., whereby the latter agrees to provide Telcel exclusive and uninterrupted access to a nationwide wireless network using the 1850-1865 MHz / 1930-1945 MHz (Band A) radio spectrum, for a 16-year period. Under the terms of the agreement, Telcel paid in advance total consideration of P. 2,925 million (US$ 267.7 million) that represented the present value of the amounts due over the term of the agreement and which is being amortized using the straight-line method over a 16-year period.
Current portion of prepaid expenses amounts to P. 184,797 and long-term portion of prepaid expense amounts to P. 2,696,527.
7. Plant, Property and Equipment
a) Plant, property and equipment consist of the following:
2002 |
2003 |
|||||||
Telephone plant and equipment |
P. | 67,846,718 | P. | 83,725,347 | ||||
Land and buildings |
7,030,549 | 7,050,009 | ||||||
Other assets |
12,017,029 | 14,832,107 | ||||||
86,894,296 | 105,607,463 | |||||||
Accumulated depreciation |
(28,921,225 | ) | (40,909,625 | ) | ||||
Net |
57,973,071 | 64,697,838 | ||||||
Construction in progress and advances to equipment suppliers |
4,011,815 | 5,557,136 | ||||||
Inventories for use in construction of the telephone plant |
1,009,113 | 906,668 | ||||||
Total |
P. | 62,993,999 | P. | 71,161,642 | ||||
b) Included in plant, property and equipment are the following assets held under capital leases:
2002 |
2003 |
|||||||
Assets under capital leases |
P. | 45,082 | P. | 1,022,071 | ||||
Accumulated depreciation |
(44,033 | ) | (60,853 | ) | ||||
P. | 1,049 | P. | 961,218 | |||||
c) In 2003, Telcel entered into a three-year P. 950 million sale and lease back agreement of a portion of its telephone plant with an unrelated party. This transaction gave rise to a loss of approximately P. 2,784 million, which in conformity with Mexican accounting Bulletin D-5, Leases, issued by the MIPA, was deferred and is being amortized based on the remaining useful life of the asset. The Company recorded the telephone plant under the sale and leaseback agreement as a capital lease and the corresponding liabilities are represented by minimum future payments (see Note 16). Derived from the transaction mentioned above, the Company also recorded a deferred tax liability of approximately P. 889 million.
Current portion of the deferred charge amounts to P. 397,250 and was included under the caption other current assets and long-term portion of the deferred charge amounts to P. 2,297,288.
d) Depreciation expense for the years ended December 31, 2001, 2002 and 2003 was P. 3,921,251, P. 6,425,542 and P. 9,726,756, respectively.
F-17
AMÉRICA MÓVIL, S.A. DE C.V. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)
(Amounts in thousands of Constant Mexican Pesos as of December 31, 2003)
e) Through December 31, 1996, items comprising the telephone plant in Mexico were restated based on the acquisition date and cost, applying the factor derived from the specific indexes determined by the Company and validated by an independent appraiser registered with the Mexican National Banking and Securities Commission (CNBV).
Effective January 1, 1997, Bulletin B-10 eliminated the use of appraisals to present telephone plant, property and equipment in the financial statements. At December 31, 2002 and 2003, this caption was restated as follows:
| The December 31, 1996 appraisal value of the imported telephone plant, as well as the cost of subsequent additions to such plant, were restated based on the rate of inflation in the respective country of origin and the prevailing exchange rate at the balance sheet date (specific indexation factors). |
| The appraised value of land, buildings and other fixed assets of domestic origin at December 31, 1996, and the cost of subsequent additions to such assets were restated based on the NCPI. |
At December 31, 2003, approximately 89% of the value of the telephone plant, property and equipment (74% in 2002) has been restated using specific indexation factors.
f) Following are the plant, property and equipment amounts at December 31, 2002 and 2003, restated on the basis of the 2003 NCPI (starting with the appraised values at December 31, 1996), to meet NBSC disclosure requirements with respect to the restatement of fixed assets based on specific indexation factors:
2002 |
2003 |
|||||||
Telephone plant and equipment |
P. | 69,698,860 | P. | 93,511,069 | ||||
Land and buildings |
6,261,525 | 6,242,065 | ||||||
Other assets |
12,045,286 | 14,785,466 | ||||||
88,005,671 | 114,538,600 | |||||||
Accumulated depreciation |
(28,887,367 | ) | (44,109,760 | ) | ||||
Net |
59,118,304 | 70,428,840 | ||||||
Construction in progress and advances to equipment suppliers |
4,011,815 | 5,557,136 | ||||||
Inventories for use in construction of the telephone plant |
1,009,113 | 906,668 | ||||||
Total |
P. | 64,139,232 | P. | 76,892,644 | ||||
8. Licenses
As of December 31, 2002 and 2003, licenses are as follows:
2002 |
2003 |
|||||||
Investment: | ||||||||
Opening balance as of December 31 |
P. | 2,719,221 | P. | 16,488,010 | ||||
Effect of acquired companies |
13,768,789 | 8,142,931 | ||||||
Effect of translation of foreign entities |
| 5,204,148 | ||||||
Cancellation |
| (1,479,999 | ) | |||||
Other increases |
| 758,460 | ||||||
16,488,010 | 29,113,550 | |||||||
Amortization: | ||||||||
Opening balance as of December 31 |
| (503,523 | ) | |||||
Amortization of the year |
(503,523 | ) | (2,333,703 | ) | ||||
Effect of translation of foreign entities |
| (468,373 | ) | |||||
(503,523 | ) | (3,305,599 | ) | |||||
Ending balance, net |
P. | 15,984,487 | P. | 25,807,951 | ||||
Amortization expense for the year ended December 31, 2001 was P. 306,118.
F-18
AMÉRICA MÓVIL, S.A. DE C.V. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)
(Amounts in thousands of Constant Mexican Pesos as of December 31, 2003)
9. Trademarks
As of December 31, 2001, 2002 and 2003 trademarks are as follows:
2002 |
2003 |
||||||
Investment: | |||||||
Opening balance as of December 31 |
| P. | 6,796,530 | ||||
Effect of acquired companies |
P. | 6,796,530 | 1,807,928 | ||||
Ending balance |
P. | 6,796,530 | P. | 8,604,458 | |||
Amortization: | |||||||
Opening balance as of December 31 |
| | |||||
Amortization of the year |
| (719,677 | ) | ||||
Ending balance |
| (719,677 | ) | ||||
Ending balance, net |
P. | 6,796,530 | P. | 7,884,781 | |||
10. Investments
An analysis of investments at December 31, 2002 and 2003 is as follows:
2002 |
2003 | |||||
Investments in: |
||||||
Affiliates |
P. | 2,910,623 | P. | 2,192,355 | ||
Other investments |
380,192 | 356,244 | ||||
Total |
P. | 3,290,815 | P. | 2,548,599 | ||
I. Investments in affiliates
An analysis of equity investments in affiliated companies at December 31, 2002 and 2003, and a brief description of major acquisitions is as follows:
2002 |
2003 | |||||
CompUSA, Inc. |
P. | 2,434,589 | | |||
Organización Recuperadora de Cartera S.A. de C.V. (ORCA) |
476,034 | P. | 425,355 | |||
US Commercial Corporation, S.A. de C.V. |
| 1,767,000 | ||||
Total |
P. | 2,910,623 | P. | 2,192,355 | ||
CompUSA
In December 2003, the Company exchanged its 49% equity interest in CompUSA for a 29.69% equity interest in U.S. Commercial Corp, S.A. de C.V. (USCO). The Company received an additional P. 180 million on the exchange.
At the time of the sale, the affiliates book value was P. 2,226,016, and based on the amounts of the transaction described in the preceding paragraph, a loss of P. 279,016, was included as part of other income (loss), net.
In January 2004, the Company changed the classification of its investment in USCO from equity investee to available for sale.
The Companys equity in the net loss of CompUSA at December 31, 2002 includes an impairment on its goodwill of P. 2,137,216, which is included under equity in net results of affiliates in the statement of operations.
F-19
AMÉRICA MÓVIL, S.A. DE C.V. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)
(Amounts in thousands of Constant Mexican Pesos as of December 31, 2003)
SBC International Puerto Rico
In January 2002, the Company sold its 50% equity interest in SBC International Puerto Rico, Inc. to SBC International, Inc. (SBCI) in US$ 106 million in cash and its 11.9% equity interest in Telecom Américas. A gain of P. 11,218 was recognized as a result of this transaction, which is, included under other income (loss), net in the statement of operations.
Empresas Cablevisión
In April 2002, the Company sold its 49% equity interest in Empresas Cablevisión, S.A. de C.V. and subsidiaries in a public offering through the Mexican Stock Exchange for P. 2,065,974, realizing a gain of P. 1,334,070 on the sale, which is included under other income (loss), net in the statement of operations.
Other
At December 31, 2001 and 2002, the Company charged P. 2,132,600 and P. 40,793, respectively, to results of operations for the impairment in the value of non-strategic affiliates ARBROS Communications, Inc, Iberbanda, Network Access and Armillaire in 2001 and Eurotec, S.A. in 2002.
The equity in the 2001 net loss of Telecom Américas includes an impairment to the value of this companys subsidiaries in the amount of P. 1,283,910, which is presented under equity in net results of affiliates in the statement of operations.
II. Investments in subsidiaries
An analysis of the Company most important equity investments in subsidiaries is as follows:
As explained in detail in subsequent paragraphs, during 2003 and 2002, the Company made several acquisitions. The results of operations of the acquired entities were incorporated into the Companys financial statements in the month following the acquisition date.
2003 Acquisitions
All of the Company acquisitions were recorded using the purchase method. The purchase prices of net acquired assets were allocated based on their estimated market values, as follows:
Historical amounts at acquisition date in thousands of US Dollars | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Celcaribe |
BSE |
CTE |
CTI |
BCP |
Total | ||||||||||||||||||
Current assets |
$ | 13,795 | $ | 36,550 | $ | 168,503 | $ | 110,469 | $ | 114,829 | $ | 444,146 | |||||||||||
Fixed assets |
17,696 | 112,714 | 409,011 | 93,331 | 152,713 | 785,465 | |||||||||||||||||
Licenses |
82,205 | 101,602 | 23,640 | 55,271 | 494,417 | 757,135 | |||||||||||||||||
Trademarks |
| | 93,666 | 90,336 | | 184,002 | |||||||||||||||||
Other assets |
| | 25,055 | 2,859 | 5,792 | 33,706 | |||||||||||||||||
Less: |
|||||||||||||||||||||||
Current liabilities |
13,408 | 38,980 | 173,420 | 71,186 | 106,947 | 403,941 | |||||||||||||||||
Long-term debt |
| 2,000 | 51,250 | 40,298 | 17,435 | 110,983 | |||||||||||||||||
Fair value of net assets acquired |
$ | 100,288 | $ | 209,886 | $ | 495,205 | $ | 240,782 | $ | 643,369 | $ | 1,689,530 | |||||||||||
% participation acquired |
98.08 | % | 97.55 | % | 51.00 | % | 92.00 | % | 100.00 | % | | ||||||||||||
Net assets acquired |
98,362 | 204,744 | 252,055 | 221,519 | 643,369 | 1,420,049 | |||||||||||||||||
Amount paid |
98,362 | 204,744 | 417,000 | 221,519 | 643,369 | 1,584,994 | |||||||||||||||||
Goodwill generated |
$ | | $ | | $ | 164,945 | $ | | $ | | $ | 164,945 | |||||||||||
F-20
AMÉRICA MÓVIL, S.A. DE C.V. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)
(Amounts in thousands of Constant Mexican Pesos as of December 31, 2003)
Through appraisals made by independent experts, the Company determined the fair value of trademarks. The Company made estimations in order to determine the fair value of licenses, based on market values of licenses with similar characteristics.
a) CELCARIBE (Colombia)
In February 2003, the Company, through Comcel, acquired from Millicom Cellular International a 98.08% equity interest in Celcaribe, S.A. for approximately US$98.3 million. As a result, América Móvil has expanded its capacity to provide services throughout Colombia. Celcaribe provides in addition to cellular services, data transmission, internet and short-message services.
b) BSE (Brazil)
In May 2003, the Company, through Telecom Americas, acquired from BellSouth Corporation and Verbier a 89.45% equity interest in BSE, S.A., for approximately US$ 180 million. Through additional capitalization of approximately US$25 million in May 2003, the Company increased its equity interest in BSE to 97.55%. BSE provides cellular telecommunications services to approximately one million subscribers in the Ceará, Piauí, Río Grande do Norte, Paraiba, Pernambuco and Alagoas states in Brazil.
c) CTE (El Salvador)
In October 2003, América Móvil acquired from France Telecom and other investors a 51% equity interest in Compañía de Telecomunicaciones de El Salvador (CTE), for approximately US$ 417 million. CTE provides fixed mobile and other telecommunications services in El Salvador and has approximately 700 thousand fixed line subscribers and 166 thousand cellular subscribers.
d) CTI (Argentina)
As a result of the October 2003 debt restructuring agreement in CTI Holdings, S.A. (CTI), the controlling company of CTI PCS, S.A. (CTI PCS) and CTI Compañía de Teléfonos del Interior, S.A. (Interior), América Móvil acquired a 64% equity interest in such companies. In November 2003, América Móvil increased such equity interest to 92% by purchasing additional shares from various minority stockholders. The total purchase price was US$ 221.5 million. The remaining 8% interest in CTI is owned by Techint Compañía Técnica Internacional S.A.C.I., or Techint Group, which has the right to require the Company to purchase all of their interest in CTI for US$17.1 million at any time during the two years following the completion of the restructuring of CTIs unsecured indebtedness. América Móvil has the right to require the Techint Group to sell their interest in CTI at any time during such period for US$18.8 million. CTI provides nationwide PCS wireless services in Argentina.
At the time of the acquisition, CTI had US$263 million in principal amount of senior notes due 2008, which were in default. These notes are subject to an out-of-court reorganization agreement (acuerdo preventivo extrajudicial, or APE) in Argentina, which was approved by the court in December 2003. Pursuant to this agreement, the notes will be cancelled in exchange for an aggregate cash payment of approximately US$37.1 million. The judgment approving the APE has been challenged by a creditor of one of CTIs operating subsidiaries. The Company believes the appeal has no merit. In February 2004, the judge allowed the appeal to proceed but did not suspend the effect of his order approving the APE. Accordingly, the Company decided to make payment under the APE, and expects to make this payment on March 1, 2004. If the appeal were successful, CTIs obligations under the notes would be reinstated. As of the date of this report only US$43.5 million in principal amount of the notes remain outstanding in the hands of third parties.
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AMÉRICA MÓVIL, S.A. DE C.V. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)
(Amounts in thousands of Constant Mexican Pesos as of December 31, 2003)
e) BCP (Brazil)
In November 2003, the Company, through Telecom Americas acquired from certain lenders to BCP, which had acquired the shares formerly held by affiliates of Bell South Corporation, the Safra Family and local minority investors, a 100% equity interest in BCP, S.A., for approximately US$ 643.3 million. BCP provides cellular telecommunications services to approximately 1.7 million subscribers in the Sao Paulo metropolitan area.
f) ENITEL (Nicaragua)
On December 17, 2003, the Nicaraguan government accepted América Móvils public bid to purchase 49% of the shares of Empresa Nicaragüense de Telecomunicaciones, S.A. (ENITEL) for a total purchase price of US$ 49.6 million. The closing date was January 2004. ENITEL is the sole provider of fixed telephone services in Nicaragua and has approximately 200 thousand phone lines. ENITEL also provides cellular telephone services to 120 thousand fixed-wire lines.
2002 Acquisitions
a) Telecom Américas (Brazil)
Telecom Américas was incorporated in November 2000, as a joint venture among América Móvil, Bell Canada International (BCI) and SBC Internacional Inc. (SBCI), as a vehicle that would serve the three parties in their expansion in Latin America, with approximately the following equity interests: América Móvil, 44.3%; BCI, 44.3%; and SBCI, 11.4%.
At December 31, 2001, as a result of a series of transactions involving the cancellation of contributions payable to Telecom Américas and additional capitalizations by the shareholders, the ownership interest was as follows: América Móvil, 45.5%; BCI, 41.7%; and SBCI, 12.8%.
In February of 2002, Telecom Americas was reorganized to maintain investments in cellular companies solely in Brazil. According to an agreement executed for this purpose, América Móvil transferred to Telecom Américas its 41% equity interest in ATL plus US$ 80 million in cash; Telecom Américas transferred its 77.1% and 60% equity interest in Comcel and Techtel respectively to América Móvil; its 76% equity interest in Canbras to BCI; and its 59% equity interest in Genesis equally to América Móvil and BCI. BCI, SBCI and América Móvils equity interest in Telecom Américas did not change as a result of the restructuring.
In April 2002, Telecom Américas issued to a financial investor 1,844 convertible preferred shares with no voting rights, which at that date represented 6.9% of the capital stock of Telecom Américas. The preferred shares may be converted to common shares at any time at the option of the holder. Preferred shares have no voting rights, or right to representation in the board of directors. As of 2006, the holders will have the right to sell one half of the preferred shares back to Telecom Américas for US$ 150 million plus interest at a nominal rate and, likewise, as of 2006, the Company will have the right to purchase half of the shares at the same price.
In May 2002, América Móvil acquired BCI´s 39.1% equity interest for approximately US$ 370 million, and in June 2002, it acquired SBCIs 11.9% equity interests for approximately US$ 173 million.
As a result of the aforementioned transactions, at December 31, 2002, América Móvils equity interest in Telecom Americas increased to 96% approximately from 45.5% at December 31, 2001.
At December 31, 2003, as a result of additional capitalizations by the shareholders, América Móvils ownership interest in Telecom Américas was 97.55%.
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AMÉRICA MÓVIL, S.A. DE C.V. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)
(Amounts in thousands of Constant Mexican Pesos as of December 31, 2003)
At December 31, 2003, Telecom Américas cellular holdings in Brazil include: ATL, Tess, Telet, Americel, BSE and BCP band B cellular operators in the states of Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, Rio Grande do Sul and various states in the northern part of Brazil. During the fourth of quarter 2003, América Móvil launched its new Claro brand throughout Brazil.
b) Comcel (Colombia)
Comunicación Celular S.A. (Comcel) and Occidente y Caribe Celular S.A. (Occel) provide wireless telecommunications service in Colombias eastern and western regions, respectively. América Móvil acquired its investment in Comcel and Occel in 2002 as a result of the restructuring of Telecom Américas and increased its interest to the present levels through a series of capitalized investments made in 2002 and 2003. The Company currently holds a 95.67% equity interest in Comcel and a 93.4% equity investment in Occel.
At December 31, 2003, Comcels cellular holdings in Colombia include: Comcel, Occel and Celcaribe band B cellular operators.
c) TechtelLMDS Comunicaciones Interactivas (Argentina)
América Móvil holds a 60% equity interest in Telcel Wireless Argentina, LLC (Telcel Argentina), which, in turn, wholly owns T