Form 6-K
Table of Contents

 

 

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, 2009

Commission File Number: 001-13464

 

 

Telecom Argentina S.A.

(Translation of registrant’s name into English)

 

 

Alicia Moreau de Justo, No. 50, 1107

Buenos Aires, Argentina

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

 

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

Form 20-F  x            Form 40-F  ¨

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

Yes  ¨            No  x

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

Yes  ¨            No  x

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

Yes  ¨            No  x

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

 

 

 


Table of Contents

Telecom Argentina S.A.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

Item    
1.
  Press Release, dated November 9, 2009, entitled “Telecom Argentina S.A. announces consolidated nine-month period (‘9M09’) and third quarter results for fiscal year 2009 (‘3Q09’)”


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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Market Cap: P$13.0 billion

November 9, 2009

Contacts:

Pedro Insussarry

Solange Barthe Dennin

(54-11) 4968-3743/3752

Telecom Argentina S.A. announces

consolidated nine-month period (´9M09´) and

third quarter results for fiscal year 2009 (´3Q09´)*

 

   

Consolidated Net Revenues amounted to P$8,861 million (+14% vs. 9M08); Internet +47% vs. 9M08; Mobile business in Argentina +15% vs. 9M08.

 

   

Mobile subscribers: 15.8 million (+15% vs. 9M08); Broadband subscribers: 1.2 million (+21% vs. 9M08); Fixed lines in service: 4.3 million (+1% vs. 9M08).

 

   

Operating Profit Before Depreciation and Amortization (“OPBDA”) reached P$2,855 million (+14% vs. 9M08), 32% of Net Revenues. Growth was mainly fueled by mobile services and broadband in Argentina.

 

   

Operating Profit amounted to P$2,035 million (+32% vs. 9M08), 23% of Net Revenues.

 

   

Net Income reached P$1,006 million (+21% vs. 9M08).

 

   

Investments (excluding materials) totaled P$1,022 million.

 

   

Net Financial Debt (before NPV effect) reached P$143 million (-P$1,048 million vs. 9M08). Net Financial Debt to OPBDA ratio declined from 0.4x as of the end of September 2008 to 0.04x as of the end of September 2009.

 

   

As of October 15, 2009 Telecom Argentina S.A. has paid off all its outstanding financial debt.

 

     As of September 30             

(in million P$, except where noted)

   2009    2008    D    $     D    %  

Consolidated Net Revenues

   8,861    7,789    1,072      14

Voice, Data & Internet

   3,043    2,683    360      13

Mobile

   5,818    5,106    712      14

Operating Profit before D&A

   2,855    2,502    353      14

Operating Profit

   2,035    1,540    495      32

Net Income

   1,006    831    175      21

Shareholder’s equity

   5,024    3,901    1,123      29

Net Financial Debt - Before NPV effect

   143    1,191    (1,048   -88

CAPEX (excluding materials)

   1,022    1,156    (134   -12

Fixed lines in service (in thousand lines)

   4,347    4,292    54      1

Mobile customers (in thousands)

   15,778    13,759    2,019      15

Personal (Argentina)

   13,994    11,941    2,053      17

Núcleo (Paraguay)

   1,784    1,818    (34   -2

Broadband customers (in thousands)

   1,179    976    203      21

 

(*) Unaudited financial data

 

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Buenos Aires, November 9, 2009 – Telecom Argentina (NYSE: TEO; BASE: TECO2), one of Argentina’s leading telecommunications groups, announced today Net Income of P$1,006 million for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2009 or +21% when compared to the same period last year.

 

     9M09     9M08     D    $    D    %  

Net Revenues (MMP$)

   8,861      7,789      1,072    14

Net Income (MMP$)

   1,006      831      175    21

Earnings per Share (P$)

   1.02      0.84      0.18   

Earnings per ADR (P$)

   5.11      4.22      0.89   

OPBDA *

   32   32     

Operating Profit *

   23   20     

Net Income*

   11   11     

*  As a percentage of Net Revenues

         

 

During 9M09, Consolidated Net Revenues increased by 14% (+P$1,072 million vs. 9M08) to P$8,861 million, mainly fueled by the Mobile and Broadband businesses. Moreover, Operating Profit increased by 32% (+P$495 million vs. 9M08) to P$2,035 million.

Consolidated Operating Revenues

 

Fixed Telephony (Voice, Data Transmission & Internet)

 

During 9M09, revenues generated by these services amounted to P$3,043 million, +13% vs. 9M08, where in relative terms Internet revenues have grown the most (+47% vs. 9M08).

 

Voice

 

Total Revenues for this service reached P$2,078 million in 9M09 (+4% vs. 9M08). The results of this line of business are still affected by frozen tariffs of regulated services.

 

Monthly Charges and Supplementary Services increased by P$33 million, or 6% vs. 9M08, to P$628 million, as a consequence of a higher number of lines in service (+1%), which reached more than 4.3 million, and a 15% increase in supplementary services.

 

Revenues generated by traffic (Local Measured Service, Domestic Long Distance and International Telephony) totaled P$945 million, an increase of 3% vs. 9M08. Revenues from International traffic increased 12% vs. 9M08 while local traffic revenues increased +3% vs. 9M08. Otherwise, revenues from domestic long distance traffic slightly decreased 2% vs. 9M08.

 

Interconnection revenues amounted to P$319 million (+11% vs. 9M08), mainly as a consequence of traffic originated in cellular lines from other operators but transported by and terminated in the Company’s fixed-line network.

 

Other revenues reached P$186 million (-7% vs. 9M08). This reduction was mainly a consequence of a decrease in Public Telephony revenues (-P$13 million or -20% vs. 9M08).

  

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Data Transmission and Internet

 

Data transmission revenues amounted to P$197 million (+24% vs. 9M08), generated by the offer of innovative solutions for the corporate market focused in both satisfying the enterprises´ internal infrastructure needs and enhancing the offer of ICT services (connectivity, housing and hosting, among others).

 

Revenues related to Internet reached P$768 million (+P$246 million or 47% vs. 9M08), mainly due to the substantial expansion of the broadband service, driven by an increase in the subscriber base, better network coverage, commercial promotions and innovations in the service portfolio. In addition, ARPU reached $68 in 3Q09, +21% when compared to 3Q08 due to the implementation of an efficient pricing strategy and the expiration of promotions together with reduction of churn.

 

As of September 30, 2009, Telecom reached 1.2 million ADSL customers (+21% vs. 9M08). These connections represent approximately 27% of Telecom’s fixed lines in service.

 

Data Transmission and Internet both have significantly increased their contribution to net consolidated revenues reaching an 11% participation (vs. 9% in 9M08) and representing 32% of fixed telephony segment revenues (vs. 25% in 9M08).

 

Commercial Initiatives

 

During the quarter Telecom extended throughout its entire area of operation the promotion denominated “Superpack”, a bundle of services that includes broadband access, flat rates for local calls and satellite TV through a commercial agreement with DirectTV, the leading company in digital TV. This offer presents to clients the opportunity to have a complete home package for communications and entertainment at an attractive price.

 

Telecom has continued developing complementary services. Consequently it is marketing a promotion of Pack Arnet together with a new line including flat rates for local calls.

 

Oriented for the corporate market, Telecom launched its virtualization service, for wholesale and government segments, enhancing its offer of ICT services. These comprise Hosting Virtual y Virtual Desktop on Next Generation Data Center, offering clients more efficiency in the cost-benefit relationship with IT infrastructure.

 

Telecom relies on a competitive advantage to offer these types of services: its Data Center in Pacheco Tier IV, one of the most complete and modern information centres in the country, which allows the integration of all the virtual solution components: data centre, connectivity, hardware and software. Also remarkable are its data network and its background oriented toward the corporate and government segments.

  

 

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It is important to point out that the privileged position as integral supplier of ICT solutions was achieved thanks to the acquisition of Cubecorp a data center that provides IT world class services occurred in July, 2008.

 

Mobile Services

 

In the quarter, clients have significantly increased, reaching 15.8 million as of the end of September 2009, representing an increase of 0.4 million since June 2009 and 2.0 million since September 2008.

 

During 9M09, net revenues reached P$5,818 million (+14% vs. 9M08).

 

Telecom Personal in Argentina

 

As of the end of September 2009, Personal reached 14 million subscribers in Argentina (+2.1 million, or +17% vs. 9M08), which allowed the Company to enhance its market position and strengthen its potential for future revenue growth. During 9M09 the strong increase in net additions continued with the incorporation of about 1.4 million subscribers (vs. +1.3 million net additions in 9M08).

 

Approximately 31% of the overall subscriber base is postpaid (including “Cuentas claras” plans) and 69% is prepaid.

 

Personal continued with consistent growth in Total Revenues (including handset sales) reaching P$5,516 million (+15% vs. 9M08), supported by the increase in overall voice traffic minutes by 15% vs. 9M08 and in value-added services (VAS) revenues by 35% vs. 9M08. Service revenues reached P$4,968 million (+17% vs. 9M08) where 34% corresponds to VAS revenues. Also noteworthy is SMS traffic performance, which climbed from a monthly average of 1,239 million messages in 9M08 to 2,923 million in 9M09 (+136% vs. 9M08), with similar service quality levels.

 

As a consequence of the traffic increase and higher usage of value-added services (mainly due to a significant increase in SMS per client), Average Monthly Revenue per User (“ARPU”) remained stable at approximately P$40 during 9M09, even though level of penetration is significant. Meanwhile, ARPU in 3Q09 reached P$41.

 

Personal’s contribution to consolidated margins has improved since 9M08 thanks to the activities focused to expand its subscriber base and to retain the high-value segment.

 

Initiatives

 

During the quarter, Personal continued its strategy in terms of value and convenience to clients, through the offer of “All inclusive”, packs and promotions combining minutes, SMS and Internet in the same monthly fee.

  

 

 

 

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Furthermore, it continued expanding the offer of Packs – flat or limited- of Internet, calls, SMS, roaming and access to social networks. It also provides more benefits for prepaid clients such as unlimited SMS with each recharge of credits.

 

Also noteworthy, revenues from 3G devices had a remarkable performance in the quarter, increasing 75% when compared to last quarter.

 

One of the most remarkable launches of this quarter – in a strategic partnership with Microsoft – is SMS Messenger. This product allows access to Windows Live Messenger through the use of text messages, regardless of the handset used. Personal is the first operator in the world providing this service.

 

The digital music store Personal Musica, incorporated innovations such as an integral platform that allows the acquisition of digital music simultaneously with chat through Microsoft Messenger. The success of this strategy was reflected in the continuous increase of VAS in total service revenues. In addition, Personal increased its area of influence in the youth segment, becoming the market share leader of this attractive target.

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Telecom Personal in Paraguay

 

By the end of September 2009, Nucleo’s subscriber base reached approximately 1.8 million customers. During the year, Nucleo adopted the same client disconnection policy as in the Argentina market. Prepaid and Postpaid customers represented 89% and 11%, respectively.

 

Personal’s controlled subsidiary in Paraguay generated revenues equivalent to P$302 million during 9M09 (-7% vs. 9M08), affected by the reduction of interconnection revenues–which intensified the competition between operators- and the change in measured service charges criteria, from a base of minutes to seconds.

  

Consolidated Operating Costs

 

The Cost of Services Provided, Administrative Expenses and Selling Expenses totaled P$6,826 million in 9M09, which represents an increase of P$577 million, or +9%, vs. 9M08. The increase in costs is a consequence of a higher volume of revenues, inflationary effects on the cost structure, and greater expenses related to competition in mobile and internet businesses.

 

The cost breakdown is as follows:

 

- Salaries and Social Security Contributions totaled P$1,075 million (+23% vs. 9M08), affected by increases in salaries and higher social security charges imposed by law. Regarding personnel, the decrease in headcount in fixed segment (-244 employees vs. 9M08) was partially compensated by the incorporation of 82 employees in the same period in the mobile business. The total headcount at the end of 9M09 was 15,368 employees.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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- Taxes reached P$720 million (+17% vs. 9M08), influenced mainly by higher rates in turnover taxes, municipal taxes and a higher volume of revenues.

 

- Network access costs (includes TLRD, Roaming, Interconnection, international settlement charges and lease of circuits) amounted to P$1,015 million, maintaining similar levels as 9M08. These costs are associated with traffic generated among mobile operators.

 

- Agents, prepaid card commissions and other commissions were P$778 million (+16% vs. 9M08), mainly due to the increase in commissions paid to commercial agents and card distribution costs, as higher subscriber volumes and sales of cards were registered.

 

- Advertising amounted to P$247 million (-15% vs. 9M08) oriented towards supporting the commercial activity in mobile services and Internet, and to strengthening the brand position of the Telecom Group. It is important to consider that last year costs related to the Sponsorship of the Argentine Olympic Committee were incurred.

 

- Cost of handsets sold totaled P$804 million (+10% vs. 9M08) mainly due to an increase in subscriber additions and in the number of upgraded terminals.

 

- Depreciation of Fixed and Intangible Assets reached P$820 million (-15% vs. 9M08). Fixed-line telephony totaled P$490 million (-19% vs. 9M08) and mobile services P$330 million (-7% vs. 9M08), mainly due to reestimation of the useful lives of certain technical assets in 2Q09 and also since TDMA technology depreciation charges ended in March 2008.

 

- Others Costs totaled P$1,367 million (+25% vs. 9M08). The increase was mainly due to the inflationary effects on related services.

  

 

Consolidated Financial and Holding Results

 

Financial and Holding Results resulted in a loss of P$317 million, an increase of P$205 million vs. 9M08. This was mainly due to the loss registered in net foreign currency exchange equivalent to P$293 million in 9M09 (vs. a gain of P$26 million in 9M08). The result was affected by losses from financial debt denominated in Euros and in US dollars. It is important to point out that since December 2008, the Argentine Peso devaluated against the US Dollar and Euro currencies 10% and 15% respectively. Moreover, the result as of 9M09 includes losses of P$73 million due to changes in market value of Financial Derivative Instruments.

 

Nevertheless, these results were partially compensated by lower net interest (-P$90 million vs. 9M08) and lower losses from holding results generated by inventories (-P$22 million vs. 9M08).

  

 

Financial and Holding Results

(In million P$)

     9M08   9M09
   Net Interests   -$112   -$  22
   FX results   $  26   -$293
   Others   -$  26   -$    2
          
   Total   -$112   -$317
          

 

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Consolidated Net Financial Debt

 

As of September 30, 2009, Net Financial Debt (Loans before the effect of NPV valuation, minus Cash, Cash Equivalents and Other credits from derivative Investments for Notes) amounted to P$143 million, a reduction of P$1,048 million as compared to September 2008 and P$769 million when compared to December 2008.

 

During 9M09, Personal purchased a nominal amount of US$8.77 million Series 3 Notes due 2010. Furthermore, Telecom Argentina purchased Notes in a nominal amount of Euros 18.5 million of Telecom’s Series A Euro Notes due 2014 (equivalent to an outstanding amount of Euros 6.97 million). These operations were made through market purchases and with liquid funds from each company. The Notes acquired were cancelled according to the terms and conditions of the respective Indentures.

 

Consolidated Capital Expenditures

 

During 9M09, the Company invested P$1,022 million (excluding materials) in fixed and intangible assets. This amount was allocated to Voice, Data and Internet businesses (P$520 million) and mobile services (P$502 million). In relative terms, capex reached 12% of the revenues.

 

Main capex projects are related to the expansion of broadband services and to the upgrade of the network for next generation services (NGN), improvement of the network (capacity, coverage and 3G), and the launch of new and innovative value-added services.

 

Other Initiatives

 

During the period Telecom continued with the development of solutions oriented toward satisfying private neighborhood and real state development needs. The Company announced the provision of technological infrastructure and telecommunications services in the first intelligent urban centre of Argentina: “Area 60”, located 64 km from Buenos Aires city. It will rely on the first GPON network (Gigabit Passive Optical Network) in the country. This is an optic fiber network reaching each client’s house. With this kind of next generation technology, clients will be able to access to the most advanced services in voice, high velocity Internet, and VAS such as video calls and videoconferences, security services and domotic, among others.

 

Other Relevant Matters

 

The Court of Appeals in Commercial Matters N°2 resolved to suspend the Ordinary and Extraordinary Telecom Argentina Shareholders meeting to be held on September 9, 2009.

  

 

 

 

 

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Recent Relevant Matters

As of October 15, 2009 Telecom Argentina has paid off the remaining portion of the debt issued on August 31, 2005 for an amount equivalent to US$ 1.9 billion in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Acuerdo Preventivo Extrajudicial (APE). The debt was prepaid 5 years in advance of the repayment schedule originally agreed upon the financial creditors. Outstanding principal amount together with accrued interest equivalent to US$ 352 million was paid.

Since October 16, 2009 until today, Telecom Personal purchased a nominal amount of US$ 6.33 million Series 3 Notes due 2010. These operations were made through market purchases and with liquid funds of the company. The Notes acquired were cancelled according to the terms and conditions of the Indenture.

On October 22, 2009 Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services revised the local rating on Telecom Personal Notes and upgraded it to AA from AA-.

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

 

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

 

As of September 30, 2009, Telecom had 984,380,978 shares outstanding.

 

(*) Employee Stock Ownership Program

 

For more information, please contact the Investor Relations Department:

 

 

 

  Pedro Insussarry

  54-11-4968-3743

 

  

 

Solange Barthe Dennin

54-11-4968-3752

 

  

 

Evangelina Sánchez

54-11-4968-3718

 

  

 

Ruth Fuhrmann

54-11-4968-4448

 

  

 

Horacio Nicolás del Campo  

54-11-4968-6236

 

Voice Mail: 54-11-4968-3628

Fax: 54-11-4313-5842

E-mail: relinver@ta.telecom.com.ar

For information about Telecom Group services, visit:

www.telecom.com.ar

www.personal.com.ar

www.personal.com.py

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

(Financial tables follow)

*******

Enrique Garrido

Chairman

 

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TELECOM ARGENTINA S.A.

Consolidated information

Nine month period and Third Quarter - Fiscal Year 2009

(In millions of Argentine pesos, except statistical data)

1- Consolidated Balance Sheet

 

     9/30/2009    12/31/2008    D $     D %  

Cash, equivalents and investments

   2,133    1,125    1,008      90

Trade receivables

   1,057    1,009    48      5

Other current assets

   512    466    46      10

Total Current Assets

   3,702    2,600    1,102      42

Fixed & Intangible assets

   7,240    6,960    280      4

Other non-current assets

   88    97    (9   -9

Total Non Current Assets

   7,328    7,057    271      4

Total Assets

   11,030    9,657    1,373      14

Accounts payable

   1,805    1,769    36      2

Loans

   1,488    1,355    133      10

Reserves

   37    36    1      3

Other current liabilities

   932    909    23      3

Total Current Liabilities

   4,262    4,069    193      5

Accounts payable

   25    27    (2   -7

Loans

   802    688    114      17

Reserves

   384    319    65      20

Other non-current liabilities

   454    453    1      0

Total Non Current Liabilities

   1,665    1,487    178      12

Total Liabilities

   5,927    5,556    371      7

Minority Interest

   79    81    (2   -2

Shareholders’ equity

   5,024    4,020    1,004      25

Total Liabilities, Minority Interest and Equity

   11,030    9,657    1,373      14
                      

2- Consolidated Loans

 

     9/30/2009    12/31/2008    D $     D %  

Corporate Bonds

   1,291    1,255    36      3

Banks and other financial institutions

   71    89    (18   -20

Bank overdraft

   1    —      1      —     

Accrued interest

   60    20    40      200

Derivatives

   67    —      67      —     

Total Current Loans

   1,490    1,364    126      9

Corporate Bonds

   734    688    46      7

Banks and other financial institutions

   67    —      67      —     

Derivatives valuation effect

   1    —      1      —     

Total Non Current Loans

   802    688    114      17

Total Loans (without NPV effect)

   2,292    2,052    240      12
                      

Derivatives valuation effect for notes (Other Current Credits)

   2    9    (7   -78

Cash and cash equivalents

   2,147    1,131    1,016      90

NET FINANCIAL DEBT (without NPV effect)

   143    912    (769   -84
                      

 

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3- Consolidated Income Statement

 

Nine-Months Comparison

(In million of Argentine pesos)

   9/30/2009     9/30/2008     D $     D %  

Net revenues

   8,861      7,789      1,072      14

Cost of services

   (4,420   (4,186   (234   6

Gross Profit

   4,441      3,603      838      23

Administrative expenses

   (313   (262   (51   19

Selling expenses

   (2,093   (1,801   (292   16

Operating Profit

   2,035      1,540      495      32

Equity income from related companies

   13      —        13      —     

Financial and holding results

   (317   (112   (205   183

Other expenses, net

   (157   (141   (16   11

Results from ordinary operations

   1,574      1,287      287      22

Taxes on income

   (560   (446   (114   26

Minority interest

   (8   (10   2      -20

Net Income

   1,006      831      175      21
                        

Operating Profit before D & A

   2,855      2,502      353      14

As a % of Net Revenues

   32   32    
Financial and Holding results         
     9/30/2009     9/30/2008     D $     D %  

Financial results generated by assets

        

Interest on short term investments

   98      68      30      44

Foreign currency exchange results

   107      (1   108      —     

Holding results generated by inventories

   (8   (30   22      -73

Other financial results

   3      2      1      50

Total Financial results generated by assets

   200      39      161      —     

Financial results generated by liabilities

        

Interest

   (120   (180   60      -33

Foreign currency exchange results

   (400   27      (427   —     

Others

   3      2      1      50

Total Financial results generated by liabilities

   (517   (151   (366   —     

Total Financial and holding results

   (317   (112   (205   183
                        

4- Consolidated Income Statement

 

Three Months Comparison

(In million of Argentine pesos)

   9/30/2009     9/30/2008     D $     D %  

Net revenues

   3,107      2,738      369      13

Cost of services

   (1,540   (1,497   (43   3

Gross Profit

   1,567      1,241      326      26

Administrative expenses

   (114   (94   (20   21

Selling expenses

   (729   (656   (73   11

Operating Profit

   724      491      233      47

Financial and holding results

   (166   (104   (62   —     

Other expenses, net

   (85   (50   (35   70

Results from ordinary operations

   473      337      136      40

Taxes on income

   (166   (118   (48   41

Minority interest

   (4   (1   (3   —     

Net Income

   303      218      85      39
                        

Operating Profit before D & A

   1,014      815      199      24

As a % of Net Revenues

   33   30    

 

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5- Consolidated Revenues Breakdown

 

      Nine-Months Comparison       
(In million of Argentine pesos )    9/30/2009    9/30/2008    D $     D %  

Fixed Telephony

   1,858    1,805    53      3

Measured service Local

   358    346    12      3

Measured service DLD

   367    376    (9   -2

Monthly charges

   628    595    33      6

Public telephones

   53    66    (13   -20

Interconnection

   319    287    32      11

Others

   133    135    (2   -1

International Telephony

   220    197    23      12

Data transmission & Internet

   965    681    284      42

Data

   197    159    38      24

Internet

   768    522    246      47

Measured service

   44    40    4      10

Monthly charges

   720    479    241      50

Modems

   4    3    1      33

MobileTelephony

   5,818    5,106    712      14

Telecom Personal

   5,516    4,780    736      15

Monthly fee and measured service

   1,207    1,014    193      19

Pre-paid card

   782    689    93      13

Calling Party Pays

   421    413    8      2

TLRD *

   573    577    (4   -1

VAS

   1,691    1,257    434      35

Handset sales

   548    523    25      5

Others (Includes Roaming)

   294    307    (13   -4

Núcleo

   302    326    (24   -7

Monthly fee and measured service

   58    43    15      35

Pre-paid card

   151    174    (23   -13

Calling Party Pays

   7    20    (13   -65

TLRD *

   29    41    (12   -29

VAS

   19    18    1      6

Internet

   17    10    7      70

Handset sales

   5    6    (1   -17

Others (Includes Roaming)

   16    14    2      14

Total net revenues

   8,861    7,789    1,072      14
                      

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

          

 

6- Consolidated Revenues Breakdown

 

     Three Months Comparison       
(In million of Argentine pesos )    9/30/2009    9/30/2008    D $     D %  

Fixed Telephony

   630    612    18      3

Measured service Local

   125    120    5      4

Measured service DLD

   124    126    (2   -2

Monthly charges

   211    202    9      4

Public telephones

   17    20    (3   -15

Interconnection

   106    97    9      9

Others

   47    47    —        0

International Telephony

   71    68    3      4

Data transmission & Internet

   352    239    113      47

Data

   70    56    14      25

Internet

   282    183    99      54

Measured service

   16    13    3      23

Monthly charges

   264    169    95      56

Modems

   2    1    1      100

MobileTelephony

   2,054    1,819    235      13

Telecom Personal

   1,942    1,708    234      14

Monthly fee and measured service

   394    360    34      9

Pre-paid card

   267    246    21      9

Calling Party Pays

   146    142    4      3

TLRD *

   191    199    (8   -4

VAS

   643    467    176      38

Handset sales

   209    200    9      5

Others (Includes Roaming)

   92    94    (2   -2

Núcleo

   112    111    1      1

Monthly fee and measured service

   22    13    9      69

Pre-paid card

   55    62    (7   -11

Calling Party Pays

   2    5    (3   -60

TLRD *

   10    12    (2   -17

VAS

   7    7    —        0

Internet

   7    3    4      133

Handset sales

   2    2    —        0

Others (Includes Roaming)

   7    7    —        0

Total net Revenues

   3,107    2,738    369      13
                      

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

          

 

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7- Consolidated Income Statement by segments

 

     Segments     Variation vs 9M08  

Nine month period - Fiscal Year 2009

(In million of Argentine pesos )

   Voice, Data
and Internet
    Mobile
Telephony
    Consolidated     D $     D %  

Net Revenues

   3,043      5,818      8,861      1,072      14

Salaries and social security contributions

   (826   (249   (1,075   (203   23

Taxes

   (189   (531   (720   (107   17

Materials and supplies

   (299   (139   (438   (51   13

Bad debt expenses

   (24   (71   (95   (45   90

Interconnection cost

   (131   —        (131   (12   10

Settlement charges

   (121   —        (121   (13   12

Lease of lines and circuits

   (60   (43   (103   (11   12

Service fees

   (153   (200   (353   (82   30

Advertising

   (82   (165   (247   43      -15

Agent, Prepaid card commissions and other commissions

   (75   (703   (778   (106   16

Cost of voice, data and cellular handsets

   (30   (774   (804   (73   10

Roaming and TLRD

   —        (660   (660   37      -5

Others

   (235   (246   (481   (96   25

Operating Profit before D&A

   818      2,037      2,855      353      14

Depreciation of fixed assets

   (477   (329   (806   140      -15

Amortization of intangible assets

   (13   (1   (14   2      -13

Operating Profit

   328      1,707      2,035      495      32

Equity income from related companies

   —        13      13      13      —     

Financial and Holding Income

   (161   (156   (317   (205   183

Other expenses, net

   (94   (63   (157   (16   11

Income from ordinary operations

   73      1,501      1,574      287      22

Taxes on income

   (204   (356   (560   (114   26

Minority interest

   —        (8   (8   2      -20

Net Income / Loss

   (131   1,137      1,006      175      21
                              

8- Consolidated Income Statement by segments

 

     Segments  

Nine month period - Fiscal Year 2008

(In million of Argentine pesos )

   Voice, Data
and Internet
    Mobile
Telephony
    Consolidated  

Net Revenues

   2,683      5,106      7,789   

Salaries and social security contributions

   (664   (208   (872

Taxes

   (170   (443   (613

Materials and supplies

   (267   (120   (387

Bad debt expenses

   (7   (43   (50

Interconnection cost

   (119   —        (119

Settlement charges

   (108   —        (108

Lease of lines and circuits

   (47   (45   (92

Service fees

   (126   (145   (271

Advertising

   (97   (193   (290

Agent, Prepaid card commissions and other commissions

   (67   (605   (672

Cost of voice, data and cellular handsets

   (29   (702   (731

Roaming and TLRD

   —        (697   (697

Others

   (187   (198   (385

Operating Profit before D&A

   795      1,707      2,502   

Depreciation of fixed assets

   (594   (352   (946

Amortization of intangible assets

   (12   (4   (16

Operating Profit

   189      1,351      1,540   

Financial and Holding Income

   (63   (49   (112

Other expenses, net

   (103   (38   (141

Income from ordinary operations

   23      1,264      1,287   

Taxes on income

   (144   (302   (446

Minority interest

   —        (10   (10

Net Income / Loss

   (121   952      831   
                  

This exposition of the financial statements is not coincident with the individual financial statements for each company due to the eliminations of intercompany operations.

 

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9 - Consolidated Income Statement by segments

 

     Segments     Variation vs 3Q08  

Third Quarter - FY 2009

(In million of Argentine pesos )

   Voice, Data
and Internet
    Mobile
Telephony
    Consolidated     D $     D %  

Net Revenues

   1,053      2,054      3,107      369      13

Salaries and social security contributions

   (297   (90   (387   (78   25

Taxes

   (65   (183   (248   (37   18

Materials and supplies

   (103   (49   (152   (11   8

Bad debt expenses

   (3   (20   (23   (2   10

Interconnection cost

   (44   —        (44   (3   7

Settlement charges

   (36   —        (36   5      -12

Lease of lines and circuits

   (21   (15   (36   (1   3

Service fees

   (56   (72   (128   (30   31

Advertising

   (33   (56   (89   11      -11

Agent, Prepaid card commissions and other commissions

   (28   (248   (276   (27   11

Cost of voice, data and cellular handsets

   (11   (273   (284   (1   0

Roaming and TLRD

   —        (217   (217   31      -13

Others

   (83   (90   (173   (27   18

Operating Profit before D&A

   273      741      1,014      199      24

Depreciation of fixed assets

   (161   (123   (284   35      -11

Amortization of intangible assets

   (5   (1   (6   (1   20

Operating Profit

   107      617      724      233      48

Financial and Holding Income

   (74   (92   (166   (62   60

Other expenses, net

   (60   (25   (85   (35   70

Income from ordinary operations

   (27   500      473      136      40

Taxes on income

   (46   (120   (166   (48   41

Minority interest

   —        (4   (4   (3   —     

Net Income / Loss

   (73   376      303      85      39
                              

10 - Consolidated Income Statement by Segments

 

     Segments  

Third Quarter - FY 2008

(In million of Argentine pesos )

   Voice, Data
and Internet
    Mobile
Telephony
    Consolidated  

Net Revenues

   919      1,819      2,738   

Salaries and social security contributions

   (231   (78   (309

Taxes

   (55   (156   (211

Materials and supplies

   (109   (32   (141

Bad debt expenses

   (7   (14   (21

Interconnection cost

   (41   —        (41

Settlement charges

   (41   —        (41

Lease of lines and circuits

   (19   (16   (35

Service fees

   (47   (51   (98

Advertising

   (38   (62   (100

Agent, Prepaid card commissions and other commissions

   (25   (224   (249

Cost of cellular handsets

   (11   (272   (283

Roaming and TLRD

   —        (248   (248

Others

   (64   (82   (146

Operating Profit before D&A

   231      584      815   

Depreciation of fixed assets

   (211   (108   (319

Amortization of intangible assets

   (4   (1   (5

Operating Profit

   16      475      491   

Financial and Holding Income

   (50   (54   (104

Other expenses, net

   (35   (15   (50

Income from ordinary operations

   (69   406      337   

Taxes on income

   (27   (91   (118

Minority interest

   —        (1   (1

Net Income / Loss

   (96   314      218   
                  

This exposition of the financial statements is not coincident with the individual financial statements for each company due to the eliminations of intercompany operations.

 

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TELECOM ARGENTINA S.A.

Unconsolidated Information

Nine month period and Third Quarter - Fiscal Year 2009

(In million of Argentine pesos)

11- Balance Sheet

     9/30/2009    12/31/2008    D $       D %    
Cash, equivalents and investments    1,790    571    1,219      —     
Trade receivables    591    487    104      21
Other current assets    95    83    12      14
Total Current Assets    2,476    1,141    1,335      117
Other Trade receivables    42    55    (13   -24
Fixed & Intangible assets    4,254    4,069    185      5
Investments    1,630    1,825    (195   -11
Other non-current assets    3    3    —        0
Total Non current Assets    5,929    5,952    (23   0
Total Assets    8,405    7,093    1,312      18
Accounts payable    809    813    (4   0
Loans    1,359    1,263    96      8
Reserves    20    25    (5   -20
Other current liabilities    443    290    153      53
Total Current Liabilities    2,631    2,391    240      10
Accounts payable    25    27    (2   -7
Compensation and social benefits payable    79    82    (3   -4
Taxes Payable    221    212    9      4
Others liabilities    137    116    21      18
Reserves    288    245    43      18
Total Non Current Liabilities    750    682    68      10
Total Liabilities    3,381    3,073    308      10
Shareholders’ equity    5,024    4,020    1,004      25
Total Liabilities and Equity    8,405    7,093    1,312            18
                      

12- Income Statement

        
Nine-Months Comparison    9/30/2009     9/30/2008     D $       D %    
Net revenues    3,525      3,099      426      14
Cost of services    (1,827   (1,722   (105   6
Gross Profit    1,698      1,377      321      23
Administrative expenses    (202   (166   (36   22
Selling expenses    (701   (612   (89   15
Operating Profit    795      599      196      33
Equity income from related companies    665      539      126      23
Financial & holding results    (160   (61   (99   162
Other incomes & expenses net    (91   (102   11      -11
Results from ordinary operations    1,209      975      234      24
Taxes on income    (203   (144   (59   41
Net Income    1,006      831      175            21
                        
Operating Profit before D&A    1,282      1,202      80      7
As a % of Net Revenues    36   39 %     
Financial and Holding results         
Financial results generated by assets    9/30/2009     9/30/2008     D $       D %    

Interest on short term investments

   66      47      19      40

Foreign currency exchange results

   79      2      77      —     

Other financial results

   2      —        2      —     
Total Financial results generated by assets    147      49      98      200
Financial results generated by liabilities         

Interest

   (50   (115   65      -57

Foreign currency exchange results

   (258   5      (263   —     

Other financial results

   1      —        1      —     
Total Financial results generated by liabilities    (307   (110   (197   179
Total Financial and holding results    (160   (61   (99       162
                        

 

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TELECOM ARGENTINA S.A.

Unconsolidated Information

13-Income Statement

 

Three Months Comparison

(In million of Argentine pesos )

   9/30/2009     9/30/2008     D $     D %  

Net revenues

   1,212      1,064      148      14

Cost of services

   (635   (609   (26   4

Gross Profit

   577      455      122      27

Administrative expenses

   (71   (62   (9   15

Selling expenses

   (246   (232   (14   6

Operating Profit

   260      161      99      61

Equity income from related companies

   220      169      51      30

Financial & holding results

   (73   (50   (23   46

Other incomes & expenses net

   (58   (35   (23   66

Results from ordinary operations

   349      245      104      42

Taxes on income

   (46   (27   (19   70

Net Income

   303      218      85      39
                        

Operating Profit before D&A

   425      374      51      14

As a % of Net Revenues

   35   35    

 

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SIGNATURES

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

 

  Telecom Argentina S.A.
Date: November 10, 2009   By:   /S/    ENRIQUE GARRIDO        
    Name:   Enrique Garrido
    Title:   Chairman of the Board of Directors