FORM 6-K

 

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 6-K

 

Report of Foreign Issuer

 

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

of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

For the month of November, 2003

 

Commission File Number: 001-13464

 

Telecom Argentina STET-France Telecom S.A.

(Translation of registrant’s name into English)

 

Alicia Moreau de Justo, No. 50, 1107

Buenos Aires, Argentina

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

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

 

Form 20-F x            Form 40-F ¨

 

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

 

          Yes ¨                        No x

 

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

 

          Yes ¨                        No x

 

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

 

          Yes ¨                        No x

 

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

 



Telecom Argentina STET-France Telecom S.A.

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

Item


    
1.    Press Release titled “Telecom Argentina STET – France Telecom S.A. Announces Consolidated Nine-Month Period (“9M03”) and Third Quarter (“3Q03”) Results for Fiscal Year 2003” dated November 7, 2003

 


          LOGO
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE          
          Market Cap: P$4.6 billion
          (November 7, 2003)
Contacts:          
Pedro Insussarry         Marlene Wechselblatt
Pablo Caride         Golin/Harris International
Telecom Argentina         (212) 697-9191
(54-11) 4968-3627/3626          

 

TELECOM ARGENTINA STET-FRANCE TELECOM S.A.

ANNOUNCES CONSOLIDATED NINE-MONTH PERIOD (“9M03”)

AND THIRD QUARTER (“3Q03”) RESULTS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2003 *

 

MAJOR EVENTS AND DEVELOPMENTS

 

  The devaluation of the Argentine Peso against the US Dollar and the Euro occurred during 3Q03 was the main cause for the net loss of P$509 MM. This confirms the vulnerability of the Company’s earnings results to the fluctuation of the foreign exchange rate.
  During 9M03 the following results were registered:
    Net Revenues amounted to P$2,711MM (-P$440 MM or -14% vs. 9M02)
    Operating Profit amounted to P$24 MM (+P$167 MM vs. 9M02) maintaining the trend evidenced in the previous quarter. It must be noted that the Fixed Telephony business is still generating operating losses.
    Net Profit of P$779 MM (+P$4,916 MM vs 9M02) was mainly due to the Financial & Holding Results of P$529 MM mainly generated by the appreciation of the Argentine Peso and the Debt Restructuring Results originated by the tender offer for the financial debt (P$375 MM), both occurred in the first half of FY2003.
  In spite of the Net Profit registered during 9M03, the Company still maintains an accumulated Net Loss amounted to P$ 2,709 MM.
  Shareholders Equity amounted to P$1,596 MM.
  Net Financial Debt as of September 30, 2003 reached P$7,554 MM.
    The Financial Indebtedness Ratio (Net Financial Debt / Shareholders equity) increased to 4.73 (from 3.55 as of June 30, 2003).
  The operations of the Company are still being influenced by:
    The pesification and freeze of regulated tariffs.
    The evolution of the macroeconomic situation in Argentina.

 

     As of September 30

             
     2003

   2002

    D $

    D %

 

Net revenues (in MM P$)

   2.711    3.151     (440 )   -14 %

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

   1.447    1.419     28     2 %

Operating Profit/(Loss) (in MM P$)

   24    (143 )   167     -117 %

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

   779    (4.137 )   4.916     -119 %

Shareholder’s equity (in MM P$)

   1.596    817     779     95 %

Net financial debt (in MM P$)

   7.554    10.826     (3.272 )   -30 %

Lines in service

   3.623.000    3.610.000     13.000     0 %

Cellular customers (Argentina & Paraguay)

   2.944.000    2.698.000     246.000     9 %

Internet subscribers

                       

Dial-up

   154.000    148.000     6.000     4 %

ADSL

   39.600    28.000     11.600     41 %

Fixed traffic (in MM minutes)

   17.410    16.796     614     4 %

Cellular traffic (in MM minutes)

   1.809    1.485     324     22 %

Fixed ARPU (non-adjusted P$)

   40    36     4     11 %

Cellular ARPU (non-adjusted P$)

   32    26     6     23 %

CAPEX (in MM P$)

   65    242     (177 )   -73 %

 

* Non-financial data unaudited.

 

1


Buenos Aires, November 7, 2003 – Telecom Argentina STET-France Telecom S.A. (BASE: TECO2, NYSE: TEO), one of Argentina’s largest telecommunications companies, announced today a consolidated net loss for the third quarter of fiscal year 2003 (“3Q03”) of P$509 million, under Argentine GAAP. Comparatively, consolidated net income for the third quarter of fiscal year 2002 (“3Q02”) was P$494 million. For the nine-month period ended September 30, 2003 (“9M03”) consolidated net income was P$779 million. Comparatively, consolidated net loss for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2002 (“9M02”) was P$4,137 million.

 

Earnings per share and ADR for the nine-month period of fiscal year 2003 amounted to P$0.79 and P$3.95, respectively. In comparison, the loss per share and ADR for the similar period of fiscal year 2002, were P$4.20 and P$21, respectively. The loss per share and ADR for 3Q03 amounted to P$0.52 and P$2.58 respectively. In comparison, earnings per share and ADR for 3Q02 were P$0.50 and P$2.51, respectively.

 

Gross profit/(loss), operating profit before depreciation and amortization, operating profit/(loss) and net income/(loss) for the nine month period of fiscal year 2003 represented 29%, 53%, 1% and 29% of net sales, respectively; compared with 30%, 45%, (5%) and (131%), respectively, for the similar period of fiscal year 2002. Gross profit/(loss), operating profit before depreciation and amortization, operating profit/(loss) and net income/(loss) for 3Q03 represented 29%, 52%, 3% and (53%) of net sales, respectively compared with 21%, 46%, (14%) and 58%, respectively, for 3Q02.

 

LOGO

 

As indicated in Note 3.1.e of the Financial Statements, such statements have been prepared in accordance to the legal accounting rules established by the Comisión Nacional de Valores (“CNV”), that recognizes the inflationary effect up to February 28, 2003, date in which the CNV has required the Companies under its supervision to discontinue the inflation adjustment method. Accordingly, the figures as of September 30, 2002 have been adjusted using the adjustment factor of 0.9938 that corresponds to the Wholesale Price Index for the period September 2002 to February 2003.

 

Moreover, in Point 9 of the financial tables included herein, the Company is including additional information in order to provide a better understanding of the business including figures that have not been adjusted by inflation and which were used as the base for the information presented in constant pesos. Comments related to variations in revenues and costs for the different activities correspond to figures “non-adjusted by inflation” or “current pesos” and are related to the mentioned tables.

 

Company Activities

 

Consolidated Net Revenues

 

Consolidated net revenues for the nine-month period of fiscal year 2003 totaled P$2,711 million, a decrease of P$440 million or 14%, compared with P$3,151 million for the same period of fiscal year 2002. Revenues for the period, without the adjustment for inflation, would have reached P$2,710 million, an increase of P$342 million or 14% compared to the same period of fiscal year 2002 (P$2,368 million). The increase can be largely attributed to higher prices in the data transmission, Internet and Domestic Long Distance services and to the recovery in the demand, particularly in the cellular business in Argentina.

 

2


LOGO

 

Measured service, the main component of revenues in the basic telephony business, decreased by P$132 million, or 16%, to P$673 million during the nine-month period of fiscal year 2003 compared to the same period of fiscal year 2002 (P$797 million). Non-adjusted figures would have shown an increase of P$79 million, or 13%. Revenues from domestic long distance increased as a consequence of higher traffic and higher average rates prompted by the reduction in promotional discounts. Revenues from local telephony also increased due to higher traffic.

 

Total traffic volume (Local and DLD), measured in minutes, increased by 3% for the nine-month period of fiscal year 2003 when compared to the same period of fiscal year 2002. However, the outgoing international long distance traffic, measured in minutes, decreased by 18%, when compared to the same period of fiscal year 2002.

 

LOGO

 

Monthly charges decreased by P$162 million, or 27%, to P$448 million for the nine-month period of fiscal year 2003 when compared to the same period of fiscal year 2002. Non-adjusted figures would have shown an increase of P$10 million, or 2%, mainly due to the increase in revenues from Supplementary Services. Lines in services as of September 30, 2003 increased to approximately 3,623,000, due to the slight recovery in demand, compared to approximately 3,610,000 as of September 30, 2002. Moreover, monthly charges remained stable after the “pesification” and freeze enforced by the Government in January 6, 2002.

 

Revenues from installation fees paid by new customers increased by P$4 million, or 25%, to P$20 million for the nine-month period of fiscal year 2003 when compared to the same period of fiscal year 2002. Non-adjusted figures would have shown an increase of P$8 million or 67%, largely due to a higher number of lines connected.

 

Public telephony revenues decreased by P$25 million or 17% to P$126 million for the nine-month period of fiscal year 2003 when compared to the same period of fiscal year 2002. Non-adjusted figures would have shown an increase of P$16 million, or 15%, as a consequence of the higher traffic generated by public telephony telecommunication centers (“Telecentros”).

 

LOGO

 

Revenues generated by interconnection services during the nine-month period of fiscal year 2003 decreased by P$22 million, or 16%, to P$119 million. Non-adjusted figures would have shown an increase of P$14 million, or 13% mainly due to the application of the Reference Stabilization Index (“Coeficiente de Estabilización de Referencia” or “CER”) to the prices of these services.

 

Regarding the international telephony business, during the nine-month period of fiscal year 2003,

 

3


revenues decreased by P$55 million, or 26%, to P$156 million when compared to the same period of fiscal year 2002. Non-adjusted figures would have shown no changes.

 

LOGO

 

Revenues generated by the data transmission business totaled P$247 million during the nine month period of fiscal year 2003, representing a decrease of P$25 million, or 9%, when compared to the same period of fiscal year 2002. Non-adjusted figures would have shown an increase of P$34 million, or 16%, as a consequence of higher revenues generated by the ground networks and lease of data circuits. Additionally, internet dial-up measured services increased as a consequence of the higher number of Internet subscribers that use local numbers with 4004 or similar numbering to access Telecom’s network. As of September 30, 2003 Internet minutes represented 33% of total traffic measured in minutes transported over the fixed-line network.

 

LOGO

 

Internet revenues from the Arnet unit showed no changes remaining at P$44 million during the nine-month period of fiscal year 2003. Non-adjusted figures would have shown an increase of P$12 million or 38%, mainly due to the higher number of subscribers and the increase in ADSL high-speed access and dial-up monthly fees. As of September 30, 2003, the number of Arnet’s ADSL subscribers reached approximately 39,600. Furthermore, Internet dial-up customers reached approximately 154,000.

 

LOGO

 

The revenues generated by the cellular business during the nine-month period of fiscal year 2003 increased by P$2 million, or 0.1%, to P$817 million when compared to the same period of fiscal year 2002. Non-adjusted figures would have shown an increase of P$173 million or 27%.

 

LOGO

 

Non-adjusted revenues of Telecom Personal in Argentina would have increased by P$214 million, or 43%, to P$706 million compared to the similar period of fiscal year 2002 mainly due to the higher number of subscribers, higher sales of pre-paid cards, higher Calling Party Pays revenues (CPP), the increase in revenues originated by charges for the termination of calls coming from other cellular operators, and the increase in national and international roaming charges.

 

4


LOGO

 

Furthermore, the average revenue per user increased by 26% (to P$30 per customer, denominated in current pesos). Total cellular subscribers of Telecom Personal in Argentina reached approximately 2,425,000 at September 30, 2003, representing an increase of approximately 273,000 customers, or 13%, compared to September 30, 2002.

 

LOGO

 

The customer base as of September 30, 2003 amounted to approximately 1,996,000 prepaid subscribers, representing 82% of the total customer base, and approximately 429,000 post-paid subscribers, representing the remaining 18% of the total customer base.

 

Núcleo, Telecom Personal’s subsidiary that provides cellular and PCS services in Paraguay, generated P$111 million in revenues during the nine-month period of fiscal year 2003, which are consolidated into the revenues of Telecom Personal. This represented a decrease of P$41 million or 27% as compared to the similar period of fiscal year 2002. Non-adjusted figures would have shown a similar decrease. The decrease can be mainly attributed to the appreciation of the peso against the guaraní as these revenues are denominated in Paraguayan currency, and to the slight decrease in the customer base.

 

LOGO

 

As of September 30, 2003, Núcleo had approximately 519,000 cellular and PCS customers, a decrease of approximately 27,000 customers, or 5%, when compared to September 30, 2002.

 

In the telephone directories’ publishing business, revenues from the affiliated company Publicom decreased by P$2 million or 33% million for both nine-month period of fiscal years 2003 and 2002. Non-adjusted figures would have shown an decrease of P$1 million.

 

Operating Costs

 

The cost of services provided, administrative expenses and selling expenses for the nine-month period of fiscal year 2003 decreased by P$607 million, or 18%, to P$2,687 million when compared to the same period of fiscal year 2002, mainly as a result of the inflation adjustment of figures as of September 30, 2002 and to cost reduction plans implemented by the Company. In the case of not applying the inflationary adjustment to the operating costs before depreciation and amortization, such costs would

 

5


have decreased for the nine-month period of fiscal year 2003 to P$1,261 million or P$33 million or 3%.

 

Salaries and social security contributions decreased by P$108 million, or 23%, to P$363 million for the nine-month period of fiscal year 2003. Non-adjusted figures would have shown an increase of P$12 million or 3%, primarily due to the increase in social security contributions since March 1, 2003 and the extraordinary bonuses and salary increase for unionized and non-unionized employees. This effect was partially offset by the reduction in headcount. As of September 30, 2003, the headcount totaled 12,873 as compared to 14,112 as of September 30, 2002.

 

LOGO

 

Expenses related to taxes decreased by P$24 million or 11% to P$189 million for the nine month period of fiscal year 2003. Non-adjusted figures would have shown an increase in taxes of P$29 million or 18%, mainly due to the increase in the turnover tax in the fixed telephony and the cellular business as a consequence of the increase in sales.

 

Materials and supplies charges decreased by P$32 million, or 23%, to P$108 million for the nine-month period of fiscal year 2003. Non-adjusted figures would have shown an increase of P$4 million, or 4%, reaching P$108 million mainly due to higher expenses associated with the installation of new lines and maintenance of the network in the fixed business.

 

The allowance for doubtful accounts decreased by P$178 million or 90% to P$19 million for nine-month period of fiscal year 2003. Non-adjusted figures would have shown a decrease of P$114 million or 86%. The decrease was evidenced in the fixed lines business (P$77 million) that is related to the decrease in customer lines as a consequence of the crisis of year 2002 and in the cellular business (P$37 million).

 

Commissions paid to vendors and card sales increased by P$16 million, or 31%, to P$68 million for the nine-month period of fiscal year 2003. Non-adjusted figures would have shown an increase of P$24 million, or 55%, as a consequence of higher commissions paid for new cellular customers and sales of prepaid card.

 

Interconnection costs decreased by P$12 million or 11% to P$100 million for the nine-month period of fiscal year 2003. Non-adjusted figures would have shown an increase of P$17 million, or 20%, mainly as a result of higher charges paid for local and long distance access, circuit rentals and termination charges for traffic related to 4004 services in the Internet business and the application of the Reference Stabilization Index (“Coeficiente de Estabilización de Referencia” or “CER”) to the prices of these services.

 

Service fees decreased by P$14 million or 16% to P$75 million for the nine-month period of fiscal year 2003. Non-adjusted figures would have shown an increase of P$6 million or 9%, principally due to higher fees related to information systems.

 

Management services fees arising mainly from special missions decreased by P$20 million, or 91%, to P$2 million for the nine-month period of fiscal year 2003. Non-adjusted figures would have shown a decrease of P$11 million or 85%, as the Company and the Operators agreed to suspend certain provisions of both parties of the management contract, starting April 1º, 2002. As a consequence, the accrual and the payment of the management fee (except for the services related to the special missions requested by the Company) have been suspended from such day and until the

 

6


termination of the Management Contract provided in point 7.2. of such contract (October 2004). Only the special services requested by Telecom have been paid.

 

Costs related to advertising decreased by P$8 million, or 33%, to P$16 million for the nine-month period of fiscal year 2003. Non-adjusted figures would have shown a decrease of P$1 million or 6%. This is mainly due to lower media advertising and promotional and institutional campaigns expenses resulting from the cost control plan.

 

Cost of cellular handsets decreased by P$7 million or 58% to P$5 million. Non-adjusted figures would have shown a decrease of P$4 million, or 44%, mainly due to the lower number of cellular handsets sold.

 

Other expenses decreased by P$59 million, or 21%, for the nine-month period of fiscal year 2003, reaching P$226 million. Non-adjusted figures would have shown an increase of P$6 million, or 3%, mainly due to higher charges for the termination of calls coming from other cellular operators and higher roaming charges.

 

LOGO

 

Depreciation of fixed assets decreased by P$137 million or 9%, to P$1,342 million during the nine-month period of fiscal year 2003 as a consequence of the end of the amortization period of some assets and lower depreciation of capitalized foreign currency exchange differences originated by financial debt.

 

Finally, amortization of intangible assets decreased by P$2 million or 2% to P$81 million for the nine-month period of fiscal year 2003, mainly due to lower charges related to exclusivity rights and information systems development in the cellular business.

 

Financial and Holding Results

 

The gains resulting from financial and holding results reached P$529 million for the nine-month period of fiscal year 2003 as compared to the loss of P$5,862 million for the same period of fiscal year 2002. This improvement can be largely attributed to the $P1,006 million gain arising from currency exchange differences derived from the appreciation of the Peso during the nine-month period of 2003, which affected the Company’s net foreign currency monetary position. Additionally, as a consequence of the lower exchange rate, the interest on foreign currency liabilities decreased by $203 million when compared with the same period of fiscal year 2002.

 

Other Expenses

 

Other expenses (net) increased P$23 million, or 20%, to P$138 million for the nine-month period of fiscal year 2003 compared to the same period of fiscal year 2002 due to higher reserves for lawsuits and contingencies and higher severance and termination charges.

 

Cash flow and Net Financial Debt

 

Net Financial Debt (Loans – Cash and banks plus Current Investments) decreased by P$3,272 million or 30% to P$7,554 million for the nine-month period of fiscal year 2003 compared with the same period of fiscal year 2002 (P$10,826 million in current pesos), as a consequence of the lower foreign exchange rate, the results of the Cash Tender Offer and the cash generation from operations.

 

Investment Plan

 

Telecom has made investments in fixed assets of P$20,857 million, since the start of operations on November 8, 1990, of which P$60 million corresponds to the nine-month period of fiscal year 2003. Likewise, a P$ 5 million investment was made in Intangible Assets. As of September 30,

 

7


2003, the net book value of fixed assets and intangible assets totaled P$9,169 million.

 

LOGO

 

Of the total amount invested during the nine-month period of fiscal year 2003, P$36 million, or 55%, corresponds to basic telephony, data transmission and Internet (public telephony 8%, transmission 25% and outside plant 36%, switching 14% and computer equipment 11%) and P$29 million or 45% to cellular telephony.

 

LOGO

 

Other Matters

 

Nortel Inversora

 

On September 9, 2003, France Telecom announced the sale of its stake in Nortel Inversora (the controlling shareholder of Telecom Argentina) to W de Argentina, an affiliate of the Los W Group for the amount of US$ 125 million. This transaction is subject to regulatory approval.

 

Telecommunications Fund

 

The Argentine Government has launched a Fund for the Development of the National Telecommunications Industry aimed to grant credits to vendor companies in the telecommunications sector.

 

Telecom Argentina, among other companies in the telecommunication sector, has committed contributions to the Fund.

 

Project for a new Telecommunications Law

 

The Secretariat of Communications has called for a National Congress of Telecommunications to all participants of the telecommunication sector. The aim of the meetings is to exchange ideas that will serve as the foundation for the project of the new Telecommunications Law. The sector is actually regulated by a law that dates from 1972 and several decrees issued after that date.

 

Telecom Personal launched MMS

 

Telecom Personal is the first cellular operator in Argentina to provide Multimedia Mobile Services using the GSM technology.

 

MMS allows customers to take pictures with cellular phones and send them instantly to other terminals or to e-mail addresses. Other services to be provided include the possibility to send and receive text, image and audio among GSM clients of Personal.

 

New Employees

 

During last September Telecom announced the incorporation of 1.393 employees that previously were working for the Company but under contracts with third parties. These employees are in charge of the client attention services (mainly the Call Center, 110 Information Service, 112 Service repair, Back-office. International Service, and client attention services in Personal and Arnet among others.

 

Telecom decided that since October 1st all these employees were part of its workforce and had all the benefits of such condition.

 

It is important to mention that the years that these employees had worked as contracted by third parties will be taken into consideration.

 

*****

 

8


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

 

Nortel Inversora S.A. (“Nortel”), which acquired the majority of the Company from the Argentine government, holds 54.74% of Telecom’s common stock. Nortel is a holding company where the common stock (approximately 68% of capital stock) is owned in equal parts by the Group Telecom Italia and France Telecom (recent developments are described in “Other Matters”). Additionaly, the capital stock of Nortel is comprised of preferred shares that are held by minority shareholders.

 

On September 30, 2003, Telecom had 984,380,978 shares outstanding.

 

LOGO

 

LOGO

 

LOGO

 

9


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

Pedro Insussarry

  www.telecom.com.ar

54-11-4968-3743

   

pinsussa@ta.telecom.com.ar

  www.telecompersonal.com.ar

Moira Colombo

  www.telecominternet.com.ar

54-11-4968-3628

   

mcolombo@ta.telecom.com.ar

  www.arnet.com.ar

Martin Heine

  e-company.telecom.com.ar

54-11-4968-3701

   

mheine@ta.telecom.com.ar

  epymes.com.ar

Mensajes: 54-11-4968-3627

  www.tstore.com.ar

Fax: 54-11-4313-5842

   
    www.highway.arnet.com.ar
    www.paginasamarillas.com.ar

 

Disclaimer

 

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

 

10


*******

 

(Financial tables follow)

 

*******

 

Amadeo R. Vázquez

President

 

*******

 

11


TELECOM ARGENTINA STET-FRANCE TELECOM S.A.

 

NINE MONTH PERIOD AND THIRD QUARTER - FISCAL YEAR 2003 .

(In millions of Argentine constant pesos as of February 28, 2003, except statistical data and table 9)

 

1 - Consolidated Balance Sheet

 

     09/30/03

   03/31/02 (1)

   D$

    D%

 

Cash, equivalents and investments

   1.902    1.415    487     34 %

Trade receivables

   530    600    (70 )   -12 %

Other current assets

   157    88    69     78 %
    
  
  

 

TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS

   2.589    2.103    486     23 %
    
  
  

 

Trade receivables

   —      1    (1 )   -100 %

Fixed assets

   8.300    9.689    (1.389 )   -14 %

Other non-current assets

   1.081    1.148    (67 )   -6 %
    
  
  

 

TOTAL NON-CURRENT ASSETS

   9.381    10.838    (1.457 )   -13 %
    
  
  

 

TOTAL ASSETS

   11.970    12.941    (971 )   -8 %
    
  
  

 

Accounts payable

   342    394    (52 )   -13 %

Loans

   9.412    11.135    (1.723 )   -15 %

Other current liabilities

   227    213    14     7 %
    
  
  

 

TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES

   9.981    11.742    (1.761 )   -15 %
    
  
  

 

Accounts payable

   —      —      —       —    

Loans

   86    145    (59 )   -41 %

Other non-current liabilities

   257    200    57     29 %
    
  
  

 

TOTAL NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES

   343    345    (2 )   -1 %
    
  
  

 

TOTAL LIABILITIES

   10.324    12.087    (1.763 )   -15 %
    
  
  

 

Minority Interest

   23    9    14     156 %

Temporary differences from transaltion

   27    28    (1 )   -4 %

Shareholders’ equity

   1.596    817    779     95 %
    
  
  

 

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

   11.970    12.941    (971 )   -8 %
    
  
  

 

 

2 - Consolidated Loans

 

     09/30/03

   03/31/02 (1)

   D$

    D%

 

Corporate Bonds

   4.574    5.407    (833 )   -15 %

Banks

   1.624    2.097    (473 )   -23 %

On purchase of fixed assets and inventories

   2.553    3.033    (480 )   -16 %

Accrued interest

   584    564    20     4 %

Penalties or default interest

   77    34    43     126 %
    
  
  

 

TOTAL CURRENT LOANS

   9.412    11.135    (1.723 )   -15 %
    
  
  

 

Banks

   86    142    (56 )   -39 %

Accrued interest

   —      3    (3 )   -100 %
    
  
  

 

TOTAL NON-CURRENT LOANS

   86    145    (59 )   -41 %
    
  
  

 

TOTAL LOANS

   9.498    11.280    (1.782 )   -16 %
    
  
  

 

 

(1) As a consequence of the application of the new accounting rules, the comparative information for intermediate periods of Financial Statements should be the one corresponding to the last completed fiscal year. The comparative information of the Income Evolution of Shareholder’s Equity, and Cash Flow Statement should be the one corresponding to the equivalent of the previous fiscal year.

 

 

12


3 - Consolidated Income Statement

Nine-Month Comparison

 

     As of
September 30


             
     2.003

    2.002

    D $

    D%

 

Net revenues

   2.711     3.151     (440 )   -14 %

Cost of services provided

   (1.929 )   (2.211 )   282     -13 %
    

 

 

 

GROSS PROFIT

   782     940     (158 )   -17 %
    

 

 

 

Administrative expenses

   (182 )   (230 )   48     -21 %

Selling expenses

   (576 )   (853 )   277     -32 %
    

 

 

 

OPERATING (LOSS)/PROFIT

   24     (143 )   167     -117 %
    

 

 

 

Equity income from related companies

   2     (18 )   20     -111 %

Amortization of goodwill

   —       (10 )   10     -100 %

Financial & holding results

   529     (5.862 )   6.391     -109 %

Debt Restructuring Results

   375     —       375     —    

Other incomes & expenses

   (138 )   (115 )   (23 )   20 %
    

 

 

 

RESULTS FROM ORDINARY OPERATIONS

   792     (6.148 )   6.940     -113 %
    

 

 

 

Taxes on income

   —       1.990     (1.990 )   -100 %

Minority interest

   (13 )   21     (34 )   -162 %
    

 

 

 

NET (LOSS)/INCOME

   779     (4.137 )   4.916     -119 %
    

 

 

 

Operating (Loss)/Profit before D&A

   1.447     1.419     28     2 %
    

 

 

 

As a % of Net Revenues

   53 %   45 %            
    

 

           

 

Consolidated Income Statement

Three-Month Comparison

 

     As of
September 30


             
     2.003

    2.002

    D $

    D %

 

Net revenues

   961     857     104     12 %

Cost of services provided

   (685 )   (681 )   (4 )   1 %
    

 

 

 

GROSS PROFIT

   276     176     100     57 %
    

 

 

 

Administrative expenses

   (45 )   (57 )   12     -21 %

Selling expenses

   (200 )   (241 )   41     -17 %
    

 

 

 

OPERATING (LOSS)/PROFIT

   31     (122 )   153     -125 %
    

 

 

 

Equity income from related companies

   2     (2 )   4     -200 %

Amortization of goodwill

   —       (3 )   3     -100 %

Financial & holding results

   (490 )   1.059     (1.549 )   -146 %

Debt Restructuring Results

   1     —       1     —    

Other incomes & expenses

   (52 )   (30 )   (22 )   73 %
    

 

 

 

RESULTS FROM ORDINARY OPERATIONS

   (508 )   902     (1.410 )   -156 %
    

 

 

 

Taxes on income

   —       (400 )   400     -100 %

Minority interest

   (1 )   (8 )   7     -88 %
    

 

 

 

NET (LOSS)/INCOME

   (509 )   494     (1.003 )   -203 %
    

 

 

 

Operating (Loss)/Profit before D&A

   504     397     107     27 %
    

 

 

 

As a % of Net Revenues

   52 %   46 %            
    

 

           

 

 

13


4 - Consolidated Statement of Cash Flow

Nine-Month Comparison

 

     As of September 30

             
     2.003

    2.002

    D $

    D %

 

Net income

   779     (4.137 )   4.916     -119 %

Depreciation and Amortization

   1.423     1.562     (139 )   -9 %

Increase in provisions

   114     260     (146 )   -56 %

(Increase)/decrease in assets

   (307 )   1.107     (1.414 )   -128 %

(Decrease)/increase in liabilities

   250     (837 )   1.087     -130 %

Others, net

   (881 )   3.310     (4.191 )   -127 %
    

 

 

 

Total Funds generated by Operating Activities

   1.378     1.265     113     9 %
    

 

 

 

Total Funds applied to Investing Activities

   (285 )   (318 )   33     -10 %
    

 

 

 

Interests and financial expenses

   (332 )   (439 )   107     -24 %

Increase in financial debt, net

   (429 )   (41 )   (388 )   946 %
    

 

 

 

Total Funds applied to Financing Activities

   (761 )   (480 )   (281 )   59 %
    

 

 

 

Increase/(decrease) of Funds

   332     467     (135 )   -29 %
    

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flow

Three-Month Comparison

 

     As of September 30

             
     2.003

    2.002

    D $

    D %

 

Net income

   (509 )   494     (1.003 )   -203 %

Depreciation and Amortization

   473     519     (46 )   -9 %

Increase in provisions

   46     59     (13 )   -22 %

(Increase)/decrease in assets

   (71 )   (168 )   97     -58 %

(Decrease)/increase in liabilities

   82     52     30     58 %

Others, net

   573     (637 )   1.210     -190 %
    

 

 

 

Total Funds generated by Operating Activities

   594     319     275     86 %
    

 

 

 

Total Funds applied to Investing Activities

   (258 )   (20 )   (238 )   1190 %
    

 

 

 

Interests and financial expenses

   (4 )   (8 )   4     -50 %

Increase in financial debt, net

   (3 )   2     (5 )   -250 %
    

 

 

 

Total Funds applied to Financing Activities

   (7 )   (6 )   (1 )   17 %
    

 

 

 

Increase/(decrease) of Funds

   329     293     36     12 %
    

 

 

 

 

 

14


5 - Consolidated Revenues Breakdown

Nine-Month Comparison

 

     As of September 30

            
     2.003

   2.002

   D $

    D %

 

National Basic Telephony

   1.443    1.803    (360 )   -20 %
    
  
  

 

Measured service

                      

Local

   358    447    (89 )   -20 %

DLD

   315    358    (43 )   -12 %

Monthly charges

   448    610    (162 )   -27 %

Installation fees

   20    16    4     25 %

Public telephones

   126    151    (25 )   -17 %

Interconnection

   119    141    (22 )   -16 %

Lease of lines and circuits

   24    34    (10 )   -29 %

Others

   33    46    (13 )   -28 %
    
  
  

 

International Telephony

   156    211    (55 )   -26 %
    
  
  

 

Data transmission

   247    272    (25 )   -9 %
    
  
  

 

Data transmission Services

   145    147    (2 )   -1 %

Monthly charges & Internet Traffic

   95    105    (10 )   -10 %

Others

   7    20    (13 )   -65 %
    
  
  

 

Internet

   44    44    —       0 %
    
  
  

 

Internet monthly fee

   44    44    —       0 %
    
  
  

 

Cellular Telephony

   817    815    2     0 %
    
  
  

 

Telecom Personal

   706    663    43     6 %
    
  
  

 

Monthly fee and measured service

   185    237    (52 )   -22 %

Pre-paid card

   177    107    70     65 %

Calling Party Pays

   261    221    40     18 %

Others

   83    98    (15 )   -15 %
    
  
  

 

Núcleo

   111    152    (41 )   -27 %
    
  
  

 

Monthly fee and measured service

   26    44    (18 )   -41 %

Pre-paid card

   26    24    2     8 %

Calling Party Pays

   48    70    (22 )   -31 %

Others

   11    14    (3 )   -21 %
    
  
  

 

Telephone Directories (Publicom)

   4    6    (2 )   -33 %
    
  
  

 

TOTAL NET REVENUES

   2.711    3.151    (440 )   -14 %
    
  
  

 

 

Consolidated Revenues Breakdown

Three-Month Comparison

 

     As of September 30

            
     2.003

   2.002

   D $

    D %

 

National Basic Telephony

   503    472    31     7 %
    
  
  

 

Measured service

                      

Local

   124    119    5     4 %

DLD

   115    102    13     13 %

Monthly charges

   151    143    8     6 %

Installation fees

   8    5    3     60 %

Public telephones

   42    40    2     5 %

Interconnection - fixed

   49    38    11     29 %

Lease of lines and circuits - fixed

   10    8    2     25 %

Others

   4    17    (13 )   -76 %
    
  
  

 

International Telephony

   54    63    (9 )   -14 %
    
  
  

 

Data transmission

   81    78    3     4 %
    
  
  

 

Terrestrial Networks

   45    42    3     7 %

Monthly charges & Internet Traffic

   33    29    4     14 %

Others

   3    7    (4 )   -57 %
    
  
  

 

Internet

   16    13    3     0  
    
  
  

 

Internet monthly fee

   16    13    3     23 %
    
  
  

 

Cellular Telephony

   305    227    78     34 %
    
  
  

 

Telecom Personal

   264    183    81     44 %
    
  
  

 

Monthly fee and measured service

   68    61    7     11 %

Pre-paid card

   63    37    26     70 %

Calling Party Pays

   103    61    42     69 %

Others

   30    24    6     25 %
    
  
  

 

Núcleo

   41    44    (3 )   -7 %
    
  
  

 

Monthly fee and measured service

   9    14    (5 )   -36 %

Pre-paid card

   11    7    4     57 %

Calling Party Pays

   18    21    (3 )   -14 %

Others

   3    2    1     50 %
    
  
  

 

Telephone Directories (Publicom)

   2    4    (2 )   -50 %
    
  
  

 

TOTAL NET REVENUES

   961    857    104     12 %
    
  
  

 

 

 

15


6- Consolidated Income Statement by Activities

Nine-month period FY 2003 (01/01/03 – 09/30/03)

 

     In million of Argentine constant pesos as of February 28, 2003

 
     Activities

    Variation *

 
     Fixed Tel.
Data &
Internet


    Cellular
Telephony


    Publishing
Directories


    Consolidated
Activities


    D $

    D %

 

NET REVENUES

   1.890     817     4     2.711     (440 )   -14 %
    

 

 

 

 

 

Salaries and social security contributions

   (304 )   (54 )   (5 )   (363 )   108     -23 %

Agent commissions and card sales

   (17 )   (51 )   —       (68 )   (16 )   31 %

Taxes

   (112 )   (77 )   —       (189 )   24     -11 %

Materials and supplies

   (83 )   (23 )   (2 )   (108 )   32     -23 %

Allowance for doubtful accounts

   (4 )   (11 )   (4 )   (19 )   178     -90 %

Interconnection cost

   (100 )   —       —       (100 )   12     -11 %

Settlement charges

   (57 )   —       —       (57 )   25     -30 %

Lease of lines and circuits

   (22 )   (14 )   —       (36 )   (3 )   9 %

Service fees

   (65 )   (9 )   (1 )   (75 )   14     -16 %

Management fees

   (2 )   —       —       (2 )   20     -91 %

Advertising

   (9 )   (7 )   —       (16 )   8     -33 %

Cost of cellular handsets

   —       (5 )   —       (5 )   7     -58 %

Others

   (101 )   (124 )   (1 )   (226 )   59     -21 %
    

 

 

 

 

 

Operating (Loss)/Profit before D&A

   1.014     442     (9 )   1.447     28     2 %

Operating (Loss)/Profit before D&A Margin

   54 %   54 %   -225 %   53 %            

Depreciation of fixed assets

   (1.094 )   (245 )   (3 )   (1.342 )   137     -9 %

Amortization of intangible assets

   (47 )   (34 )   —       (81 )   2     -2 %
    

 

 

 

 

 

OPERATING RESULTS

   (127 )   163     (12 )   24     167     -117 %
    

 

 

 

 

 

EQUITY INCOME FROM RELATED COMPANIES

   —       —       2     2     20     -111 %
    

 

 

 

 

 

AMORTIZATION OF GOODWILL

   —       —       —       —       10     -100 %
    

 

 

 

 

 

Interest on assets

   (19 )   (30 )   10     (39 )   1.539     -98 %

Interest on liabilities

   342     224     2     568     4.852     -113 %
    

 

 

 

 

 

FINANCIAL AND HOLDING RESULTS

   323     194     12     529     6.391     -109 %
    

 

 

 

 

 

DEBT RESTRUCTURING RESULTS

   280     90     5     375     375     —    
    

 

 

 

 

 

OTHER INCOMES AND EXPENSES

   (88 )   (40 )   (10 )   (138 )   (23 )   20 %
    

 

 

 

 

 

RESULTS FROM ORDINARY OPERATIONS

   388     407     (3 )   792     6.940     -113 %
    

 

 

 

 

 

Taxes on income

   —       —       —       —       (1.990 )   -100 %

Minirity interest

   —       (13 )   —       (13 )   (34 )   -162 %
    

 

 

 

 

 

NET (LOSS)/INCOME

   388     394     (3 )   779     4.916     -119 %
    

 

 

 

 

 

 

* Nine month period FY 2003 vs. Nine month period FY 2002

 

Consolidated Income Statement by Activities

Nine-month period FY 2002 (01/01/02 – 09/30/02)

 

     In million of Argentine constant pesos as of February 28, 2003

 
     Activities

 
     Fixed Tel.
Data &
Internet


    Cellular
Telephony


    Publishing
Directories


    Consolidated
Activities


 

NET REVENUES

   2.330     815     6     3.151  
    

 

 

 

Salaries and social security contributions

   (382 )   (74 )   (15 )   (471 )

Agent commissions and card sales

   (19 )   (33 )   —       (52 )

Taxes

   (135 )   (77 )   (1 )   (213 )

Materials and supplies

   (113 )   (26 )   (1 )   (140 )

Allowance for doubtful accounts

   (129 )   (62 )   (6 )   (197 )

Interconnection cost

   (112 )   —       —       (112 )

Settlement charges

   (82 )   —       —       (82 )

Lease of lines and circuits

   (19 )   (14 )   —       (33 )

Service fees

   (76 )   (11 )   (2 )   (89 )

Management fees

   (22 )   —       —       (22 )

Advertising

   (13 )   (11 )   —       (24 )

Cost of cellular handsets

   —       (12 )   —       (12 )

Others

   (175 )   (108 )   (2 )   (285 )
    

 

 

 

Operating (Loss)/Profit before D&A

   1.053     387     (21 )   1.419  

Operating (Loss)/Profit before D&A Margin

   45 %   47 %   -350 %   45 %

Depreciation of fixed assets

   (1.162 )   (313 )   (4 )   (1.479 )

Amortization of intangible assets

   (49 )   (34 )   —       (83 )
    

 

 

 

OPERATING RESULTS

   (158 )   40     (25 )   (143 )
    

 

 

 

EQUITY INCOME FROM RELATED COMPANIES

   (10 )   —       (8 )   (18 )
    

 

 

 

AMORTIZATION OF GOODWILL

   (10 )   —       —       (10 )
    

 

 

 

Interest on assets

   (1.007 )   (519 )   (52 )   (1.578 )

Interest on liabilities

   (3.575 )   (731 )   22     (4.284 )
    

 

 

 

FINANCIAL AND HOLDING RESULTS

   (4.582 )   (1.250 )   (30 )   (5.862 )
    

 

 

 

DEBT RESTRUCTURING RESULTS

   —       —       —       —    
    

 

 

 

OTHER INCOMES AND EXPENSES

   (59 )   (43 )   (13 )   (115 )
    

 

 

 

RESULTS FROM ORDINARY OPERATIONS

   (4.819 )   (1.253 )   (76 )   (6.148 )
    

 

 

 

Taxes on income

   1.577     399     14     1.990  

Minirity interest

   —       21     —       21  
    

 

 

 

NET (LOSS)/INCOME

   (3.242 )   (833 )   (62 )   (4.137 )
    

 

 

 

 

16


Consolidated Income Statement by Activities

Third Quarter FY 2003 (07/01/03 - 09/30/03)

 

    

In million of Argentine constant pesos

as of February 28, 2003


 
     Activities

    Variation *

 
     Fixed Tel.
Data & Internet


    Cellular
Telephony


    Publishing
Directories


    Consolidated
Activities


    D $

    D %

 

NET REVENUES

   654     305     2     961     104     12 %
    

 

 

 

 

 

Salaries and social security contributions

   (113 )   (20 )   (2 )   (135 )   (13 )   11 %

Agent commissions and card sales

   (5 )   (22 )   —       (27 )   (7 )   35 %

Taxes

   (38 )   (26 )   —       (64 )   (6 )   10 %

Materials and supplies

   (29 )   (9 )   (1 )   (39 )   4     -9 %

Allowance for doubtful accounts

   1     (4 )   (3 )   (6 )   29     -83 %

Interconnection cost

   (40 )   —       —       (40 )   (9 )   29 %

Settlement charges

   (20 )   —       —       (20 )   (20 )   —    

Lease of lines and circuits

   (9 )   (4 )   —       (13 )   (5 )   63 %

Service fees

   (20 )   (3 )   —       (23 )   1     -4 %

Management fees

   (1 )   —       —       (1 )   —       0 %

Advertising

   (5 )   (3 )   —       (8 )   (3 )   60 %

Cost of cellular handsets

   —       (2 )   —       (2 )   1     -33 %

Others

   (34 )   (45 )   —       (79 )   6     -7 %
    

 

 

 

 

 

Operating (Loss)/Profit before D&A

   341     167     (4 )   504     107     27 %

Operating (Loss)/Profit before D&A Margin

   52 %   55 %   —       52 %            

Depreciation of fixed assets

   (363 )   (83 )   (1 )   (447 )   33     -7 %

Amortization of intangible assets

   (15 )   (11 )   —       (26 )   13     -33 %
    

 

 

 

 

 

OPERATING RESULTS

   (37 )   73     (5 )   31     153     -125 %
    

 

 

 

 

 

EQUITY INCOME FROM RELATED COMPANIES

   —       —       2     2     4     -200 %
    

 

 

 

 

 

AMORTIZATION OF GOODWILL

   —       —       —       —       3     -100 %
    

 

 

 

 

 

Interest on assets

   64     7     1     72     34     89 %

Interest on liabilities

   (479 )   (83 )   —       (562 )   (1.583 )   -155 %
    

 

 

 

 

 

FINANCIAL AND HOLDING RESULTS

   (415 )   (76 )   1     (490 )   (1.549 )   -146 %
    

 

 

 

 

 

DEBT RESTRUCTURING RESULTS

   1     —       —       1     1     —    
    

 

 

 

 

 

OTHER INCOMES AND EXPENSES

   (43 )   (10 )   1     (52 )   (22 )   73 %
    

 

 

 

 

 

RESULTS FROM ORDINARY OPERATIONS

   (494 )   (13 )   (1 )   (508 )   (1.410 )   -156 %
    

 

 

 

 

 

Taxes on income

   —       —       —       —       400     -100 %

Minirity interest

   —       (1 )   —       (1 )   7     —    
    

 

 

 

 

 

NET (LOSS)/INCOME

   (494 )   (14 )   (1 )   (509 )   (1.003 )   -203 %
    

 

 

 

 

 

 

* Second quarter FY 2003 vs. Second Quarter FY 2002

 

Consolidated Income Statement by Activities

Third Quarter FY 2002 (07/01/02 - 09/30/02)

 

    

In million of Argentine constant pesos

as of February 28, 2003


 
     Activities

 
     Fixed Tel.
Data & Internet


    Cellular
Telephony


    Publishing
Directories


    Consolidated
Activities


 

NET REVENUES

   626     227     4     857  
    

 

 

 

Salaries and social security contributions

   (99 )   (17 )   (6 )   (122 )

Agent commissions and card sales

   (8 )   (12 )   —       (20 )

Taxes

   (38 )   (21 )   1     (58 )

Materials and supplies

   (34 )   (8 )   (1 )   (43 )

Allowance for doubtful accounts

   (13 )   (23 )   1     (35 )

Interconnection cost

   (31 )   —       —       (31 )

Settlement charges

   (25 )   —       —          

Lease of lines and circuits

   (4 )   (4 )   —       (8 )

Service fees

   (21 )   (3 )   —       (24 )

Management fees

   (1 )   —       —       (1 )

Advertising

   (3 )   (2 )   —       (5 )

Cost of cellular handsets

   —       (3 )   —       (3 )

Others

   (52 )   (32 )   (1 )   (85 )
    

 

 

 

Operating (Loss)/Profit before D&A

   297     102     (2 )   397  

Operating (Loss)/Profit before D&A Margin

   47 %   45 %   -50 %   46 %

Depreciation of fixed assets

   (364 )   (113 )   (3 )   (480 )

Amortization of intangible assets

   (17 )   (22 )   —       (39 )
    

 

 

 

OPERATING RESULTS

   (84 )   (33 )   (5 )   (122 )
    

 

 

 

EQUITY INCOME FROM RELATED COMPANIES

   (2 )   —       —       (2 )
    

 

 

 

AMORTIZATION OF GOODWILL

   (3 )   —       —       (3 )
    

 

 

 

Interest on assets

   21     17     —       38  

Interest on liabilities

   779     240     2     1.021  
    

 

 

 

FINANCIAL AND HOLDING RESULTS

   800     257     2     1.059  
    

 

 

 

DEBT RESTRUCTURING RESULTS

   —       —       —       —    
    

 

 

 

OTHER INCOMES AND EXPENSES

   (16 )   (11 )   (3 )   (30 )
    

 

 

 

RESULTS FROM ORDINARY OPERATIONS

   695     213     (6 )   902  
    

 

 

 

Taxes on income

   (264 )   (137 )   1     (400 )

Minirity interest

   —       (8 )   —       (8 )
    

 

 

 

NET (LOSS)/INCOME

   431     68     (5 )   494  
    

 

 

 

 

17


7- Ratios

 

     30/09/2003

   31/12/2002

 

Liquidity

   0,3    0,18  

Consolidated Financial Indebtedness(*)

   4,7    11,9  

Total Consolidated Indebtedness

   6,4    14,6  

Return on equity (***)

   1,0    (1,2 )

 

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

 

8- Statistical Data

 

     NATIONAL BASIC TELEPHONY

 
     September 30, 2003

   September 30, 2002

 
TELECOM    Cumulat.

   9 - month
period


    Quarter

   Cumulat.

   9 - month
period


    Quarter

 
     (1)          (1)    (1)             

Installed lines

   3.800.604    (1.860 )   304    3.802.400    2.342     6  

Lines in service (2)

   3.622.749    32.465     44.192    3.610.130    (281.670 )   (22.129 )

Customer lines

   3.327.514    33.562     42.444    3.310.342    (273.280 )   (20.921 )

Public telephony lines

   79.446    (366 )   86    79.497    (2.679 )   (182 )

Digitalization (%)

   100               100          —    

Fixed lines in service per 100 inhabitants (northern region)

   19,4    0,0     0,2    19,6    (1,6 )   (0,1 )

Fixed lines in service per employee

   342    19     10    326    (34 )   (1 )

Investment in fixed assets (3)

   20.857    60     26    20.777    218     28  

 

  (1) Cumulative since the start of activities.
  (2) Includes direct inward dialing numbers connected to digital trunk lines
  (3) Includes deferred exchange differences registered during the present quarter of P$1,144 million.

 

18


9- Detail of principal consolidated Financial Statements captions (Non-adjusted figures plus inflation effect)

Consolidated Revenues Breakdown

 

     Nine-Month Comparison

 
     As of September 30

             
     2.003

   2.002

   D $

     D%

 
     Historical
Figures


   Inflation
Adjustment


   Adjusted
Figures


   Historical
Figures


   Inflation
Adjustment


   Adjusted
Figures


   Historical
Figures


     Historical
Figures


 

National Basic Telephony

   1.442    1    1.443    1.318    485    1.803    124      9 %
    
  
  
  
  
  
  

  

Measured service

                                           

Local

   358    —      358    328    119    447    30      9 %

DLD

   314    1    315    265    93    358    49      18 %

Monthly charges

   448    —      448    438    172    610    10      2 %

Installation fees

   20    —      20    12    4    16    8      67 %

Public telephones

   126    —      126    110    41    151    16      15 %

Interconnection

   119    —      119    105    36    141    14      13 %

Lease of lines and circuits

   24    —      24    23    11    34    1      4 %

Others

   33    —      33    37    9    46    (4 )    -11 %
    
  
  
  
  
  
  

  

International Telephony

   156    —      156    156    55    211    —        0 %
    
  
  
  
  
  
  

  

Data transmission

   247    —      247    213    59    272    34      16 %
    
  
  
  
  
  
  

  

Data transmission Services

   145    —      145    119    28    147    26      22 %

Internet Traffic

   95    —      95    79    26    105    16      20 %

Others

   7    —      7    15    5    20    (8 )    -53 %
    
  
  
  
  
  
  

  

Internet

   44    —      44    32    12    44    12      38 %
    
  
  
  
  
  
  

  

Monthly fee

   44    —      44    32    12    44    12      38 %
    
  
  
  
  
  
  

  

Cellular Telephony

   817    —      817    644    171    815    173      27 %
    
  
  
  
  
  
  

  

Telecom Personal

   706    —      706    492    171    663    214      43 %
    
  
  
  
  
  
  

  

Monthly fee and measured service

   185    —      185    174    63    237    11      6 %

Pre-paid card

   177    —      177    83    24    107    94      113 %

Calling Party Pays

   261    —      261    163    58    221    98      60 %

Others

   83    —      83    72    26    98    11      15 %
    
  
  
  
  
  
  

  

Núcleo

   111    —      111    152    —      152    (41 )    -27 %
    
  
  
  
  
  
  

  

Monthly fee and measured service

   26    —      26    44    —      44    (18 )    -41 %

Pre-paid card

   26    —      26    24    —      24    2      8 %

Calling Party Pays

   48    —      48    70    —      70    (22 )    -31 %

Others

   11    —      11    14    —      14    (3 )    -21 %
    
  
  
  
  
  
  

  

Telephone Directories (Publicom)

   4    —      4    5    1    6    (1 )    -20 %
    
  
  
  
  
  
  

  

NET REVENUES

   2.710    1    2.711    2.368    783    3.151    342      14 %

 

     Three month comparison

 
     As of September 30

             
     2.003

   2.002

   D $

     D%

 
     Historical
Figures


   Inflation
Adjustment


     Adjusted
Figures


   Historical
Figures


   Inflation
Adjustment


     Adjusted
Figures


   Historical
Figures


     Historical
Figures


 

National Basic Telephony

   503    —        503    457    15      472    46      10 %
    
  

  
  
  

  
  

  

Measured service

                                               

Local

   125    (1 )    124    115    4      119    10      9 %

DLD

   114    1      115    98    4      102    16      16 %

Monthly charges

   151    —        151    139    4      143    12      9 %

Installation fees

   8    —        8    4    1      5    4      100 %

Public telephones

   42    —        42    38    2      40    4      11 %

Interconnection

   49    —        49    38    —        38    11      29 %

Lease of lines and circuits

   10    —        10    6    2      8    4      67 %

Others

   4    —        4    19    (2 )    17    (15 )    -79 %
    
  

  
  
  

  
  

  

International Telephony

   54    —        54    55    8      63    (1 )    -2 %
    
  

  
  
  

  
  

  

Data transmission

   81    —        81    89    (11 )    78    (8 )    -9 %
    
  

  
  
  

  
  

  

Data transmission Services

   45    —        45    54    (12 )    42    (9 )    -17 %

Internet Traffic

   33    —        33    30    (1 )    29    3      10 %

Others

   3    —        3    5    2      7    (2 )    -40 %
    
  

  
  
  

  
  

  

Internet

   16    —        16    12    1      13    4      33 %
    
  

  
  
  

  
  

  

Monthly fee

   16    —        16    12    1      13    4      33 %
    
  

  
  
  

  
  

  

Cellular Telephony

   305    —        305    235    (8 )    227    70      30 %
    
  

  
  
  

  
  

  

Telecom Personal

   264    —        264    179    4      183    85      47 %
    
  

  
  
  

  
  

  

Monthly fee and measured service

   68    —        68    52    9      61    16      31 %

Pre-paid card

   63    —        63    44    (7 )    37    19      43 %

Calling Party Pays

   103    —        103    61    —        61    42      69 %

Others

   30    —        30    22    2      24    8      36 %
    
  

  
  
  

  
  

  

Núcleo

   41    —        41    56    (12 )    44    (15 )    -27 %
    
  

  
  
  

  
  

  

Monthly fee and measured service

   9    —        9    16    (2 )    14    (7 )    -44 %

Pre-paid card

   11    —        11    9    (2 )    7    2      22 %

Calling Party Pays

   18    —        18    25    (4 )    21    (7 )    -28 %

Others

   3    —        3    6    (4 )    2    (3 )    -50 %
    
  

  
  
  

  
  

  

Telephone Directories (Publicom)

   2    —        2    3    1      4    (1 )    -33 %
    
  

  
  
  

  
  

  

NET REVENUES

   961    —        961    851    6      857    110      13 %

 

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flow

 

     Nine-Month Comparison

 
     As of September 30

   
    
 
     2.003

    2.002

    D $

     D%

 
     Historical
Figures


    Inflation
Adjustment


    Adjusted
Figures


    Historical
Figures


    Inflation
Adjustment


    Adjusted
Figures


    Historical
Figures


     Historical
Figures


 

Collected Interests

   50     —       50     31     7     38     19      61 %

Historical foreign currency exchange differences by cash and cash equivalents

   (79 )   —       (79 )   239     (200 )   39     (318 )    -133 %

Other results and a decrease or increase in assets and liabilities

   1.417     (10 )   1.407     922     266     1.188     495      54 %
    

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

Total Funds generated by Operating Activities

   1.388     (10 )   1.378     1.192     73     1.265     196      16 %
    

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

Fixed asset and intangible asset acquisition

   (103 )   —       (103 )   (250 )   (128 )   (378 )   147      -59 %

Investments not considered as cash or cash equivalents

   (182 )   —       (182 )   74     (14 )   60     (256 )    -346 %
    

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

Total Funds applied to Investing Activities

   (285 )   —       (285 )   (176 )   (142 )   (318 )   (109 )    62 %
    

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

Increase/(decrease) in financial debt, net

   (429 )   —       (429 )   (37 )   (4 )   (41 )   (392 )    1059 %

Interests and financial expenses

   (332 )   —       (332 )   (288 )   (151 )   (439 )   (44 )    15 %
    

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

Total Funds applied to Financing Activities

   (761 )   —       (761 )   (325 )   (155 )   (480 )   (436 )    134 %
    

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

Increase/(decrease) of Funds

   342     (10 )   332     691     (224 )   467     (349 )    -51 %
    

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

     Three month comparison

 
     As of September 30

               
     2.003

     2.002

     D$

     D%

 
     Historical
Figures


     Inflation
Adjustment


     Adjusted
Figures


     Historical
Figures


     Inflation
Adjustment


     Adjusted
Figures


     Historical
Figures


     Historical
Figures


 

Collected Interests

   4      —        4      17           17      (13 )    -76 %

Historical foreign currency exchange differences by cash and cash equivalents

   80      —        80      (1 )    (358 )    (359 )    81      -8100 %

Other results and a decrease or increase in assets and liabilities

   520      (10 )    510      345      316      661      175      51 %
    

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

Total Funds generated by Operating Activities

   604      (10 )    594      361      (42 )    319      243      67 %
    

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

Fixed asset and intangible asset acquisition

   (35 )    —        (35 )    (65 )    (14 )    (79 )    30      -46 %

Investments not considered as cash or cash equivalents

   (223 )    —        (223 )    56      3      59      (279 )    -498 %
    

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

Total Funds applied to Investing Activities

   (258 )    —        (258 )    (9 )    (11 )    (20 )    (249 )    2767 %
    

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

Increase/(decrease) in financial debt, net

   (3 )    —        (3 )    (3 )    5      2      —        0 %

Interests and financial expenses

   (4 )    —        (4 )    —        (8 )    (8 )    (4 )    —    
    

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

Total Funds applied to Financing Activities

   (7 )    —        (7 )    (3 )    (3 )    (6 )    (4 )    133 %
    

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

Increase/(decrease) of Funds

   339      (10 )    329      349      (56 )    293      (10 )    -3 %
    

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

 

19


SIGNATURES

 

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

 

        Telecom Argentina STET-France Telecom S.A.
Date: November 10, 2003       By:  

/s/ Christian Chauvin


               

Name:

 

Christian Chauvin

               

Title:

 

Vice-President