TV AZTECA ANNOUNCES 17% GROWTH IN NET SALES, TO A 2Q RECORD HIGH

Transcription

1 TV AZTECA ANNOUNCES 17% GROWTH IN NET SALES, TO A 2Q RECORD HIGH Azteca America Launches Pre-sale Campaign with National Network Status, under Nielsen Standards TV Azteca Accumulates Distributions to Shareholders of US$473 Million FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Mexico City, July 24, 2006 TV Azteca, S.A. de C.V. (BMV: TVAZTCA; Latibex: XTZA), one of the two largest producers of Spanish-language television programming in the world, announced today net sales of Ps.2,653 million, up 17% from the same period of Second quarter EBITDA was Ps.1,147 million, 7% above the same period a year ago. EBITDA margin for the quarter was 43%. Outstanding revenue this quarter reflects solid sales in the domestic and in the US Hispanic markets, where we generate top quality content and increasingly competitive programming grids, said Mario San Roman, Chief Executive Officer of TV Azteca. On the strategic front, we made further progress on our cash-usage plan, with a distribution to shareholders of US$68 million this period, accumulating distributions of US$473 million in three years. As has been previously detailed, the company s plan for uses of cash entails distributions to shareholders above US$500 million within a six-year period that began in Second Quarter Results Net sales grew 17% to a record high of Ps.2,653 million, up from Ps.2,271 million for the same quarter of Total costs and expenses rose 25% to Ps.1,506 million, from Ps.1,202 million in the same period last year. As a result, the company reported EBITDA of Ps.1,147 million, 7% above Ps.1,069 million for the second quarter of Net income was Ps.655 million, 28% higher than Ps.513 million in the same period of 2005.

2 Net Sales 2Q Q 2006 Change Ps. % Net Sales Ps. 2,271 Ps. 2,653 Ps % EBITDA Ps. 1,069 Ps. 1,147 Ps.78 +7% Net Income Ps. 513 Ps. 655 Ps % Pesos of constant purchasing power as of June 30, EBITDA is Operating Profit Before Depreciation and Amortization under Mexican GAAP. The popularity of our content was remarkable during the quarter, which translated into a 41% share of the commercial audience in the full day, said Mr. San Roman. Our programming grid was complemented with transmissions related to the World Cup during the period, which attracted quality audiences, and translated into higher domestic sales. Second quarter revenue includes net sales from Azteca America the company s wholly owned broadcasting network focused on the US Hispanic market of Ps.106 million, a 22% increase from Ps.87 million for the same period a year ago. TV Azteca also reported programming sales to other countries of Ps.24 million, compared with Ps.35 million in the same period a year ago. This quarter s programming exports were driven by the company s novelas Amor sin Condiciones and Amor en Custodia, sold in Latin America and Europe. Barter sales were Ps.111 million, compared with Ps.70 million in the same period of last year. Inflation adjustment of advertising advances was Ps.31 million, compared with Ps.39 million for the second quarter of Costs and Expenses The 25% increase in costs and expenses during the second quarter, resulted from the combined effect of a 36% rise in programming, production and transmission costs to Ps.1,235 million, from Ps.911 million in the prior year period, and a 7% decrease in administrative and selling expenses to Ps.271 million, from Ps.291 million in the same quarter a year ago. The cost increase primarily reflects extraordinary outlays from exhibition rights and production costs associated with programming related to the World Cup, added Mr. San Roman. Higher costs were congruent with incremental revenue related to the World Cup; however, sales of non-sports programming decreased, which moderated income and EBITDA growth in the quarter. 2

3 The 7% decrease in administrative and selling expense reflects reductions in operating, services and travel expenses, despite increased operations in Mexico and the US Hispanic market. EBITDA and Net Income The net sales increase during the quarter, combined with the rise in costs and expenses, resulted in EBITDA of Ps.1,147 million, 7% above Ps.1,069 million a year ago. The EBITDA margin this quarter was 43%. Below EBITDA, the company recorded depreciation and amortization of Ps.95 million from Ps.111 million a year ago. The decrease mainly reflects a reduction of Ps.11 million in the company s amortization account, due to the implementation of accounting Bulletin B-7, which allows making impairment tests in the company s goodwill, instead of periodic amortizations. The company recorded other expense of Ps.130 million, compared with Ps.143 million a year ago. Other expense this period was primarily comprised of charitable donations of Ps.57 million, legal fees of Ps.28 million, pre-operating expense of Azteca America of Ps.10 million. TV Azteca also recorded Ps.35 million from the net effect of the recognition of participation, through the equity method, of the losses of Proyecto 40, net income from Todito Card and losses from Monarcas TV Azteca s soccer team among other items. Net comprehensive financing cost during the quarter was Ps.159 million compared with Ps.263 million a year ago. There was a Ps.41 million decrease in paid interests resulting from lower interest rates from the debt with cost. Other financial expense increased Ps.10 million due to payments of interest rate hedging. Interest income decreased Ps.3 million due to reductions in the yield obtained by the company s cash position. TV Azteca recorded foreign exchange gain of Ps.19 million, compared with a Ps.50 million loss a year ago. The exchange gain this quarter resulted from the combination of a 4% depreciation of the peso against the US dollar in the quarter, and a net asset US dollar monetary position of the company. There was a Ps.2 million gain in monetary position, compared with a Ps.5 million loss in the prior year. The gain this quarter is due to a liability monetary position in TV Azteca this quarter. Provision for income tax was Ps.93 million, compared with Ps.38 million in the same period of the prior year, reflecting a larger taxable base this quarter Net income was Ps.655 million, 28% higher than Ps.513 million for the same period of Azteca America Launches Upfront Campaign During the quarter, Azteca America Network began its national upfront campaign for the term that goes from October 2006 to September For the first time, Azteca America began the campaign as an official national network, under Nielsen standards. 3

4 At the launch of the upfronts, Azteca America announced that full day audiences, composed of adults between 18 and 49 years, grew 150% in the past year, to a 5% share among US Hispanic viewerships; during the weekends, between 12:00 noon and 7:00 pm, audience share grew to 12% for the same target audiences. Azteca America highlighted that its programming attracts superior quality viewers compared with its competitors. In terms of advertising options, Azteca America produces the vast majority of its programming either through TV Azteca or its facilities in Los Angeles which allows for product integration opportunities like no other Spanish-language network in the US. This translates into increased product recall among audiences, an essential element for a well-rounded media plan. Our extensive coverage together with the increasingly solid programming, as well as unparalleled advertising options offered by our network, substantially strengthens Azteca America s position in the market and enhance income and profitability going forward, added Mr. San Roman. Uses of Cash As was previously announced, the shareholders' meetings held on February 20 and April 28 approved distributions for an aggregate amount of US$90 million to be paid during 2006, under the company s cash-usage plan. During this quarter, US$68 million were paid, and another payment of US$22 million is scheduled for November 22. The distributions under the cash plan made to date since June 2003, represent an aggregate amount of US$473 million, equivalent to a 24% yield based on the July 21, 2006 CPO closing price. Prior distributions include: US$125 million made on June 30, 2003; US$15 million on December 5, 2003; US$33 million on May 13, 2004; US$22 million on November 11, 2004; US$130 million on December 14, 2004; US$59 million on June 9, 2005; US$21 million on December 1, 2005, and US$68 million on May 23, Outstanding Debt As of June 30, 2006, the company s total outstanding debt was Ps.7,412 million. TV Azteca s cash balance was Ps.1,142 million, resulting in net debt of Ps.6,270 million. The total debt to last twelve months (LTM) EBITDA ratio was 1.9 times, and net debt to EBITDA was 1.6 times. LTM EBITDA to net interest expense ratio was 5.5 times. Excluding for analytical purposes Ps.1,365 million debt due 2069, total debt was Ps.6,047 million (US$539 million), and total debt to EBITDA ratio was 1.5 times. 4

5 First Half Results Net sales in the first six months of the year were Ps.4,450 million, 11% higher than Ps.3,992 million in EBITDA increased 5%, reaching Ps.1,813 million, from Ps.1,719 million the previous year. EBITDA margin for the first six months was 41%. Net income was Ps.950 million, 32% higher than Ps. 722 million in H H 2006 Change Ps. % Net Sales Ps. 3,992 Ps. 4,450 Ps % EBITDA Ps. 1,719 Ps. 1,813 Ps.93 +5% Net Income Ps. 722 Ps. 950 Ps % Pesos of constant purchasing power as of June 30, EBITDA is Operating Profit Before Depreciation and Amortization under Mexican GAAP. Company Profile TV Azteca is one of the two largest producers of Spanish-language television programming in the world, operating two national television networks in Mexico, Azteca 13 and Azteca 7, through more than 300 owned and operated stations across the country. TV Azteca affiliates include Azteca America Network, a new broadcast television network focused on the rapidly growing US Hispanic market, and Azteca Web, an Internet portal for North American Spanish speakers. Except for historical information, the matters discussed in this press release are forward-looking statements and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. Other risks that may affect TV Azteca and its subsidiaries are identified in documents sent to securities authorities. Investor Relations: Bruno Rangel Marcia San Roman + 52 (55) (55) jrangelk@tvazteca.com.mx msromang@tvazteca.com.mx Press Relations: Tristan Canales Daniel McCosh + 52 (55) (55) tcanales@gruposalinas.com.mx dmccosh@tvazteca.com.mx (financial tables follow) 5

6 TV AZTECA, S.A. DE C.V. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Millions of Mexican pesos of June 30, 2006 purchasing power) Second Quarter of : Change Net revenue Ps 2, % Ps 2, % Ps % Programming, production and transmission costs % 1,235 47% % Selling and administrative expenses % % (20) -7% Total costs and expenses 1,202 53% 1,506 57% % EBITDA 1,069 47% 1,147 43% 78 7% Depreciation and amortization (16) Operating profit % 1,052 40% 94 10% Other expense -Net (143) (130) 13 Comprehensive financing cost: Interest expense (214) (173) 41 Other financing expense (16) (26) (10) Interest income (3) Exchange (loss) gain -Net (50) (Loss) gain on monetary position (5) 2 7 Net comprehensive financing cost (263) (159) 104 Income before the following provision % % % Provision for income tax (38) (93) (55) Net income Ps 513 Ps 670 Ps 156 Net income of minority stockholders Ps - Ps 15 Ps 15 Net income of majority stockholders Ps % Ps % Ps % 6

7 TV AZTECA, S.A. DE C.V. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Millions of Mexican pesos of June 30, 2006 purchasing power) Six months ended June 30, Change Net revenue Ps 3, % Ps 4, % Ps % Programming, production and transmission costs 1,701 43% 2,119 48% % Selling and administrative expenses % % (54) -9% Total costs and expenses 2,273 57% 2,637 59% % EBITDA 1,719 43% 1,813 41% 93 5% Depreciation and amortization (31) Operating profit 1,507 38% 1,632 37% 125 8% Other expense -Net (251) (186) 65 Comprehensive financing cost: Interest expense (407) (357) 50 Other financing expense (40) (62) (22) Interest income Exchange (loss) gain -Net (37) Loss on monetary position (5) (0) 5 Net comprehensive financing cost (450) (322) 128 Income before following provision % 1,125 25% % Provision for income tax (85) (137) (53) Net income Ps 722 Ps 987 Ps 265 Net income of minority stockholders Ps - Ps 37 Ps 37 Net income of majority stockholders Ps % Ps % Ps % 7

8 TV AZTECA, S.A. DE C.V. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Millions of Mexican pesos of June 30, 2006 purchasing power) At June 30, Change Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents Ps 1,051 Ps 1,142 Ps 91 Accounts receivable 3,898 3,721 (177) Other current assets 844 1, Total current assets 5,793 6, % Accounts receivable from Unefon 1,597 1,593 (4) Account receivable from Pappas 1,443 1, Exhibition rights (159) Property, plant and equipment-net 2,377 2, Television concessions-net 4,324 4,328 4 Other assets 1,065 1, Goodwill -Net (427) Deferred income tax asset Total long term assets 12,343 12,139 (204) -2% Total assets Ps 18,136 Ps 18,193 Ps 57 0% Current liabilities: Short-term debt Ps 2,677 Ps 2,266 Ps (411) Other current liabilities 1,288 1, Total current liabilities 3,965 3,895 (70) -2% Long-term debt: Loan from Banco Inbursa, S.A. 1,059 - (1,059) Structured Securities Certificates 1,857 2,928 1,071 Long-term debt Total long-term debt 3,347 3, Other long term liabilities: Advertising advances 3,693 3,073 (620) Unefon advertising advance 1,984 1,894 (90) Exhibition rights payable 27 6 (21) American Tower Corporation (due 2019) 1,340 1, Total other long-term liabilities 7,044 6,338 (706) -10% Total liabilities 14,356 14,014 (342) -2% Total stockholders' equity 3,780 4, % Total liabilities and equity Ps 18,136 Ps 18,193 Ps 57 0% 0-8

9 TV AZTECA, S.A. DE C.V. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN FINANCIAL POSITION Millions of Mexican pesos of June 30, 2006 purchasing power Six months ended June 30, Operations: Net income Ps 722 Ps 987 Charges (credits) to results of operation not affecting resources: Amortization of goodwill 21 (5) Depreciation Equity in affiliates 19 (18) Net change in accounts receivable, inventories, exhibition rights, related parties, accounts payable and accrued expenses 1, Unefon advertising advances (108) (119) Todito advertising, programming, and services advances (60) - Advertising advances (1,549) (623) Resources provided by operations 607 1,045 Investment: Acquisition of property, machinery and equipment -Net (331) (368) Reimbursement of premium on issuance of capital stock of Todito.com 15 - Minority interest - - Resources used in investing activities (316) (368) Financing: Bank loans, ATC loans and other debt - Net 1, Stock options exercised Preferred dividend paid (25) (22) Repurchase of shares (40) - Sale of treasury shares Decrease in capital (892) (946) Effects of the merger of Servicios Deportivos TV into TV Azteca (518) - Structured Securities Certificates (223) (399) Banco Inbursa, S.A. (11) - Resources used in financing activities (22) (886) Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 269 (209) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 782 1,351 Cash and cash equivalents at end of period Ps 1,051 Ps 1,142 9