Form 6-K
Table of Contents

 

 

FORM 6-K

 

 

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

Report of Foreign Issuer

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

of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For the month of August, 2008

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 August 5, 2008, entitled “Telecom Argentina S.A. Announces Consolidated Six-Month Period (“1H08”) and Second Quarter Results for Fiscal Year 2008 (“2Q08”)”
2.    English translation of letter to the Bolsa de Valores de Buenos Aires (the Buenos Aires Stock Exchange —“BCBA”), dated August 6, 2008, regarding the appointment of the new General Director of Operations, the resignation of a Director, incorporation of an Alternate Director and the appointment of a Alternate Director.


Table of Contents
   LOGO            
   Official Sponsor of Argentine Olympic Committee

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   
   Market Cap: P$8.1 billion
   August 5, 2008
Contacts:   
Pedro Insussarry   
Solange Barthe Dennin   
    (54-11) 4968-3743/3752   

TELECOM ARGENTINA S.A. ANNOUNCES CONSOLIDATED SIX-MONTH PERIOD

(“1H08”) and SECOND QUARTER RESULTS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2008 (“2Q08”)*

 

   

Telecom Argentina Group continued the expansion of its business in the six-month period ended June 30, 2008. Net Revenues grew 20% when compared to same period of the previous year (“1H07”), amounting to P$5,051 million. Revenues generated by the Cellular business grew 26% and by the Internet business 36%.

 

   

The cellular subscribers totaled 13.1 million (+16%), while broadband subscribers reached 902,000 (+50%). Fixed lines in service also increased by 3% to 4.3 million.

 

   

Operating Profit before Depreciation and Amortization (“OPBDA”) reached P$1,687 million (+19% vs. 1H07), equivalent to 33% of Net Revenues, mainly fueled by the cellular telephony growth. On the contrary, fixed telephony profitability continues to weaken due to frozen tariffs of regulated services and the inflation effect on the cost structure.

 

   

Operating Profit amounted P$1,049 million (+44%), equivalent to 21% of Net Revenues (+400 bps. vs. 1H07).

 

   

Net Income reached P$613 million (+58% vs. 1H07).

 

   

Investments (excluding materials) totaled P$716 million during 1H08 (+67% vs. 1H07), where P$337 million were allocated to fixed telephony (+48% vs. 1H07).

 

   

Net Financial Debt (before NPV effect) declined to P$1,330 million (-P$1,455 million vs. June 2007). The Net Financial Debt to OPBDA ratio declined from 1.0x as of the end of June 2007, to 0.4x as of the end of June 2008.

 

   

On May 15, 2008 Standard & Poor’s International Ratings LLC upgraded the long-term debt rating of Telecom Argentina and Telecom Personal to AA- from A+ on the local scale.

 

* Non-audited Financial data

 

   1    www. telecom.com.ar


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   LOGO            
   Official Sponsor of Argentina Olympic Mission

 

     As of June-30    LOGO      LOGO %  
     2008    2007     

Consolidated Net Revenues (in MM P$)

   5,051    4,202    849     20 %

Voice, Data & Internet

   1,764    1,589    175     11 %

Cellular

   3,287    2,613    674     26 %

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

   1,687    1,414    273     19 %

Operating Profit (in MM P$)

   1,049    727    322     44 %

Net Income (in MM P$)

   613    387    226     58 %

Shareholder’s equity (in MM P$)

   3,677    2,511    1,166     46 %

Net Financial Debt—Before NPV effect (in MM P$)

   1,330    2,785    (1,455 )   -52 %

Net Financial Debt—Book value (in MM P$)

   1,299    2,671    (1,372 )   -51 %

CAPEX (in MM P$)

   716    429    287     67 %

Lines in service (Fixed lines—in thousands)

   4,253    4,138    115     3 %

Cellular customers (in thousands)

   13,125    11,286    1,839     16 %

Personal (Argentina)

   11,379    9,881    1,498     15 %

Núcleo (Paraguay)

   1,746    1,405    341     24 %

ADSL customers (in thousands)

   902    602    301     50 %

Fixed line traffic (in MM minutes, Internet & Public Telephony not incl.)

   8,036    8,220    (183 )   -2 %

Incoming/Outgoing cellular voice traffic in Arg. (in MM minutes)

   5,536    4,589    947     21 %

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

   39    38    —       0 %

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

   40    37    3     8 %

 

   2    www. telecom.com.ar


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   LOGO            
   Official Sponsor of Argentine Olympic Committee

 

Buenos Aires, August 5, 2008 – Telecom Argentina (BASE: TECO2, NYSE: TEO), one of Argentina’s leading telecommunications groups, announced today a Net Income of P$613 million for the six-month period ended June 30, 2008 or +58% when compared to same period of the previous year, which included P$102 million that resulted from discontinued operations.

 

     1H 08     1H 07     LOGO    LOGO %  

Net Revenues (MMP$)

   5,051     4,202     849    20 %

Net Income (MMP$)

   613     387     226    58 %

Earnings per Share (P$)

   0.62     0.39     0.23   

Earnings per ADR (P$)

   3.11     1.97     1.15   

OPBDA *

   33 %   34 %     

Operating Profit *

   21 %   17 %     

Net Income *

   12 %   9 %     

 

* As a percentage of Net Revenues

During 1H08, Consolidated Net Revenues increased by 20% (+P$849 million vs. 1H07) to P$5,051 million, mainly fueled by the cellular and broadband businesses.

Moreover, OPBDA increased by 19% (+P$273 million) to P$1,687 million (33% of Consolidated Net Revenues).

Company Activities

Consolidated Net Revenues

The evolution in Consolidated Net Revenues by reportable segment was as follows:

Voice, Data Transmission & Internet

During the first six-month period of 2008, revenues generated by these services amounted to P$1,764 million, +11% vs. 1H07.

Voice

Total Revenues for this service reached P$1,322 million (+5% vs. 1H07). The results of this line of business are still affected by frozen tariffs of regulated services.

During this three-month period, Telecom continued with the marketing of innovative handsets and equipment and value-added services, which before were available only for cellular telephony such as fixed SMS services and video calls. An example is the fixed-line handset that integrates photo frame, video and MP3. Bundling promotions of equipments plus SMS packages were also successfully marketed. Other offered products combine voice minutes packages and broadband internet access.

Moreover, during this period Telecom continued with the deployment of the next generation network (NGN) in its fixed telephony network that will allow the offering of convergent state-of-the-art services.

Simultaneously, Telecom set up a project oriented to improve the quality of voice and data transmission services.

Monthly Charges and Supplementary Services increased by P$27 million, or 7%, to P$393 million, as a consequence of a higher number of lines in service (+3%), reaching 4.3 million of lines.

LOGO

Revenues generated by traffic (Local Measured Service, Domestic Long Distance and International Telephony) totaled P$605 million, an increase of 1% vs. 1H07, partially affected by a slight decrease in local traffic volume.

 

   3    www. telecom.com.ar


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   LOGO            
   Official Sponsor of Argentina Olympic Committee

 

LOGO

Interconnection revenues amounted to P$190 million (+9%), mainly as a consequence of traffic originated in cellular lines but transported by and terminated in the Company’s fixed-line network.

Other revenues, including public telephony reached P$134 million (+12% vs. 1H07). This amount is the consequence of an increase in billing and collection fees as well as voice, data and internet handset sales despite a decrease in Public Telephony revenues (-P$15 million).

Data Transmission and Internet

Revenues generated by Data transmission amounted to P$103 million, (+27% vs. 1H07).

Related to the corporate market, during 2Q08, Telecom continued enhancing its position as integrated provider of innovative ICT solutions or Information and Communication Technology, conceived to satisfy specific needs from each business segments, medium and large companies and oriented to contribute in the improvement of governmental administration at the different national, provincial and municipal levels.

In addition, Telecom Argentina was selected by the provincial government of Corrientes to implement the 911 Urban Emergencies Integral Management System and the Control & Tracing Urban System in the city of Corrientes. Both systems are turnkey integral solutions that include the reception and administration of police emergencies as well as the control and video- surveillance tracking. The solution also includes the subsequent capitalization of statistic information and capture of images in order to optimize the human and material resources and delinquency preventive actions.

Revenues related to Internet reached P$339 million (+36% vs. 1H07), mainly due to the substantial expansion of broadband service, driven by better network coverage, commercial promotions and innovation of the service portfolio.

Telecom recently renewed the offer of broadband products with two innovative options: one is Arnet Recargable (Arnet Rechargeable), the first internet service in the market that is prepaid and without monthly charge. The other product is Arnet Go, which make possible both in-house broadband access and mobile internet. This is the first broadband service that combines ADSL technology with the benefit coming from the domestic internet access by Wi-Fi modem and the mobile internet access through Telecom Personal’s 3G network.

Moreover, as part of the CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) program, Telecom participates in the initiative Internet en Familia (Family Internet), developed by the National Ministry of Education oriented to making parents aware of the importance of monitoring their children when they use internet. Telecom, as a company that supports the development of internet in Argentina, promotes the responsible use of this tool, which modifies not only changes adults communication habits, but also, that of today’s youth, who were born into the modern technological world.

 

   4    www. telecom. com. ar


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   LOGO            
   Official Sponsor of Argentina Olympic Committee

 

LOGO

Telecom’s broadband subscribers reached 902,000 as of June 30, 2008 (+50% vs. 1H07). Therefore, lines with this type of connections represent approximately 21% of Telecom’s fixed-lines in service.

Cellular Telephony

Cellular Telephony continues with its expansion, increasing its participation in the Group’s total revenues (65% vs. 62% in 1H07 and 0.5 million or 5% vs. 1Q08). During 1H08 this business generated revenues of P$3,287 million (+26% vs. 1H07). As of the end of June 2008 total subscribers reached 13.1 million.

Telecom Personal in Argentina

As of the end of June 2008, Personal’s subscribers reached 11.4 million in Argentina (+1.5 million or +15% vs. 1H07). Approximately 66% of the overall subscriber base is prepaid and 34% is postpaid.

LOGO

Total voice traffic increased by 21% vs. 1H07 while outgoing SMS traffic increased from a monthly average of 784 million messages in 1H07 to 1,062 million (+35%) in 1H08. Because of this enhancement in traffic and the use of value-added services, the Average Monthly Revenue per User (“ARPU”) increased to P$40 in 1H08, compared to P$37 in 1H07.

LOGO

Revenues totaled P$3,072 million (+P$636 million or +26% vs. 1H07). Service revenues increased by P$580 million or 27% vs. 1H07, reaching P$2,749 million; furthermore, value-added services totaled P$790 million (+P$249 million or 46%, vs. 1H07), 29% of service revenues. In addition handset sales grew by P$56 million (+21%) compared to 1H07, reaching P$323 million.

LOGO

During 2Q08, Personal continued focusing its commercial efforts in customer caring outreach as well as in offers to stimulate consumption by existing clients.

Moreover, an upgrade handset campaign was implemented, helping clients to use the wide variety of value-added services offered by the company.

 

   5    www. telecom. com. ar


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   LOGO            
   Official Sponsor of Argentina Olympic Committee

 

For the retail segment, Personal launched a line of packages for calls, SMS messages and internet, all within an innovative and flexible offer oriented to satisfy the client’s communication needs yet without changing the subscriber’s current plan. The launch, also furthered by the national communication campaign under the idea “Personal te conviene” (Personal suits you), was accepted positively by the market.

Regarding the corporate segment, “Personal Soluciones Express” (Personal Express Solutions) was introduced, an application oriented to SME’s and large company sales forces. This tool covers connectivity and on-line information exchange needs among the company and its on-field personnel.

Personal also implemented a campaign oriented to expanding BlackBerry use permitting the increase of smartphone sales in customer offices.

In addition, Personal continued the expansion of its commercial network by opening two new customer offices (one in Posadas and the other in Bahia Blanca), together with extension of 3G network coverage. As well, the remaining client migration from TDMA to GSM technology, ended in June, 2008.

Núcleo

Personal’s controlled subsidiary that operates in Paraguay generated revenues equivalent to P$215 million during 1H08 (+21% vs. 1H07).

By the end of June 2008, the subscriber base reached approximately 1.7 million, +24% vs. 1H07. Prepaid and Postpaid customers represented 90% and 10%, respectively.

LOGO

Consolidated Operating Costs

The Cost of Services Provided, Administrative Expenses and Selling Expenses totaled P$4,002 million in 1H08, which represents an increase of P$527 million, or +15%, vs. 1H07.

The cost breakdown is as follows:

 

 

Salaries and Social Security Contributions: totaled P$563 million (+22%), affected by increases in salaries and, marginally, in personnel (+364 employees vs. 1H07).

LOGO

 

 

Taxes: reached P$402 million (+25%), in line with the general evolution of revenues.

 

 

Agents and Prepaid Card Commissions: were P$350 million (+3%), mainly due to the increase in prepaid card commissions, partially compensated by reduction in total commission paid to commercial agents.

 

 

Advertising: amounted P$190 million (+48%) oriented to strengthen institutional brand and to support the commercial activity in the cellular telephony and internet.

 

   6    www. telecom.com.ar


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   LOGO            
   Official Sponsor of Argentina Olympic Committee

 

 

Cost of handsets sold: totaled P$448 million (+9%) mainly due to increased handset unit cost. Despite this, handset subsidy represented P$102 million (-P$32 million vs. 1H07).

 

 

TLRD and Roaming: P$449 million (+29%) due to increased traffic among cellular operators.

 

 

Depreciation of Fixed and Intangible Assets: reached P$ 638 million (-7% vs. 1H07). Fixed-line telephony totaled P$391 million (-7%) and Cellular telephony P$247 million (-8%), due to TDMA technology depreciation charges ended in 1H08.

Consolidated Financial and Holding Results

Financial and Holding Results resulted in a loss of P$8 million, (-P$210 million vs. 1H07). Such improvement was due to positive effect of foreign currency exchange generated by liabilities and a reduction in net interests.

Consolidated Net Financial Debt

As of June 30, 2008, Net Financial Debt (Loans before the effect of NPV valuation, minus Cash, Cash Equivalents and Other credits from derivative Investments) amounted to P$1,330 million, a reduction of P$1,455 million as compared to June 2007.

In April 2008, Telecom Argentina made a principal payment of Notes in the amount equivalent to $822 million. Consequently, it has cancelled up to 45% of the principal amortization payment scheduled for October 15, 2011.

In addition, on May 15, 2008, Standard & Poor’s International Ratings LLC upgraded the long-term debt rating of Telecom Argentina and Telecom Personal to AA- from A+ on the local scale.

Consolidated Capital Expenditures

During 1H08, the Company invested P$716 million (excluding materials), in fixed and intangibles assets. This amount was allocated to the Voice, Data and Internet businesses (P$337 million) and the cellular business (P$379 million).

LOGO

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

Other Commercial Initiatives

Telecom, as Official Sponsor of Argentine Olympic Committee Beijing 2008, will provide communication and networking technology that will accompany the Argentina Olympic Mission. Such technology will not only assist in logistic issues related with the games (check in, medical schedule requirement, meeting schedule, among others) but will also permit athletes to be closer to their relative and friends, receiving their support which is the key to their physical preparation.

Recent Relevant Matters

Cubecorp Argentina S.A. (“Cubecorp”) Acquisition: On July 15, 2008 Telecom acquired the shares of Cubecorp for a maximum amount of US$ 35 million (subject to a price adjustment process). As of the date of the Financial Statements, Telecom has transferred 5% of such shares to Telecom Personal S.A.

 

   7    www. telecom. com. ar


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   LOGO            
   Official Sponsor of Argentina Olympic Committee

 

Within the brand positioning of the Company as an integrated ICT solutions provider for the corporate wholesale segment and for Government segment Telecom acquires with Cubecorp a Data Center that provides IT world class outsourcing services which include: equipment, connectivity, information security, monitoring, storage, backboard and data recovery, support, operation and administration.

Consequently, with this acquisition Telecom strengthens its market position , while it can count with world class infrastructure in Data Center services, which permits it to offer its clients high reliability, availability and scalability customized to their needs.

***********

 

   8    www. telecom. com. ar


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   LOGO            
   Official Sponsor of Argentine Olympic Committee

 

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.

LOGO

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 June 30, 2008, Telecom had 984,380,978 shares outstanding.

 

(*) Employee Stock Ownership Program

For more information, please contact the Investor Relations Department:

 

Pedro Insussarry   Solange Barthe Dennin   Evangelina Sánchez   Ruth Fuhrmann
54-11-4968-3743   54-11-4968-3752   54-11-4968-3718   54-11-4968-4448

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

*******

 

   9    www. telecom. com. ar


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   LOGO            
   Official Sponsor of Argentina Olympic Committee

 

Consolidated information

SIX MONTH PERIOD AND SECOND QUARTER—FISCAL YEAR 2008

(In millions of Argentine pesos, except statistical data )

 

1- Consolidated Balance Sheet

 

     Jun-30
2008
    Dec-31
2007
    LOGO $     LOGO %  

Cash, equivalents and investments

   870     992     (122 )   -12 %

Trade receivables

   901     898     3     0 %

Other current assets

   731     494     237     48 %
                        

TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS

   2,502     2,384     118     5 %
                        

Fixed & Intangible assets

   6,638     6,498     140     2 %

Other non-current assets

   73     289     (216 )   -75 %
                        

TOTAL NON-CURRENT ASSETS

   6,711     6,787     (76 )   -1 %
                        

TOTAL ASSETS

   9,213     9,171     42     0 %
                        

Accounts payable

   1,633     1,640     (7 )   0 %

Loans

   1,531     1,474     57     4 %

Reserves

   48     49     (1 )   -2 %

Other current liabilities

   665     480     185     39 %
                        

TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES

   3,877     3,643     234     6 %
                        

Loans

   897     1,724     (827 )   -48 %

Reserves

   272     243     29     12 %

Other non-current liabilities

   405     452     (47 )   -10 %
                        

TOTAL NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES

   1,574     2,419     (845 )   -35 %
                        

TOTAL LIABILITIES

   5,451     6,062     (611 )   -10 %
                        

Minority Interest

   85     79     6     8 %

Shareholders’ equity

   3,677     3,030     647     21 %
                        

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

   9,213     9,171     42     0 %
                        

2-      Consolidated Loans

        
     Jun-30
2008
    Dec-31
2007
    LOGO $     LOGO %  

Corporate Bonds

   1,437     1,372     65     5 %

Banks and others

   106     69     37     54 %

Accrued interest

   19     30     (11 )   -37 %

Derivatives

   —       3     (3 )   -100 %

Net Present Value

   (31 )   —       (31 )   —    
                        

TOTAL CURRENT LOANS

   1,531     1,474     57     4 %
                        

Corporate Bonds

   897     1,781     (884 )   -50 %

Banks and others

   —       5     (5 )   -100 %

Net Present Value

   —       (62 )   62     -100 %
                        

TOTAL NON-CURRENT LOANS

   897     1,724     (827 )   -48 %
                        

TOTAL LOANS

   2,428     3,198     (770 )   -24 %
                        

Derivatives valuation effect (Other Current Credits)

   254     212     42     20 %

Cash and cash equivalents

   875     993     (118 )   -12 %
                        

NET FINANCIAL DEBT (without NPV effect)

   1,299     2,055     (756 )   -37 %
                        
      Jun 30
2008
    Jun 30
2007
    LOGO$     LOGO%  

Financial and Holding results

        

Financial results generated by assets

        

Interest on short term investments

   45     45     —       0 %

Foreign currency exchange gains

   (34 )   7     (41 )   -586 %

Holding results generated by inventories

   (15 )   (26 )   11     -42 %

Other financial results

   —       3     (3 )   -100 %
                        

Total Financial results generated by assets

   (4 )   29     (33 )   -114 %
                        

Financial results generated by liabilities

        

Interest

   (128 )   (183 )   55     -30 %

Foreign currency exchange losses

   119     (64 )   183     -286 %

Others

   5     —       5     —    
                        

Total Financial results generated by liabilities

   (4 )   (247 )   243     -98 %
                        

TOTAL FINANCIAL AND HOLDING RESULTS

   (8 )   (218 )   210     -96 %
                        

 

   10    www. telecom.com.ar


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   LOGO            
   Official Sponsor of Argentina Olympic Committee

 

3-      Consolidated Income Statement

Six-Months Comparison

        
     Jun-30
2008
    Jun-30
2007
    LOGO $     LOGO %  

Net revenues

   5,051     4,202     849     20 %

Cost of services provided

   (2,634 )   (2,318 )   (316 )   14 %
                        

GROSS PROFIT

   2,417     1,884     533     28 %
                        

Administrative expenses

   (179 )   (161 )   (18 )   11 %

Selling expenses

   (1,189 )   (996 )   (193 )   19 %
                        

OPERATING PROFIT

   1,049     727     322     44 %
                        

Financial and holding results

   (8 )   (218 )   210     -96 %

Other expenses, net

   (91 )   (58 )   (33 )   57 %
                        

RESULTS FROM ORDINARY OPERATIONS

   950     451     499     111 %
                        

Taxes on income

   (328 )   (158 )   (170 )   108 %

Minority interest

   (9 )   (8 )   (1 )   13 %
                        

NET INCOME BEFORE DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

   613     285     328     115 %
                        

RESULTS FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

   —       102     (102 )   -100 %
                        

NET INCOME

   613     387     226     58 %
                        

OPERATING (LOSS)/PROFIT BEFORE D & A

   1,687     1,414     273     19 %
                        

As a % of Net Revenues

   33 %   34 %    

4-      Consolidated Income Statement

        

Three-Months Comparison

        
     Jun-30
2008
    Jun-30
2007
    LOGO $     LOGO %  

Net revenues

   2,571     2,144     427     20 %

Cost of services provided

   (1,345 )   (1,184 )   (161 )   14 %
                        

GROSS PROFIT

   1,226     960     266     28 %
                        

Administrative expenses

   (76 )   (87 )   11     -13 %

Selling expenses

   (635 )   (504 )   (131 )   26 %
                        

OPERATING PROFIT

   515     369     146     40 %
                        

Financial and holding results

   52     (86 )   138     -160 %

Other expenses, net

   (44 )   (26 )   (18 )   69 %
                        

RESULTS FROM ORDINARY OPERATIONS

   523     257     266     104 %
                        

Taxes on income

   (179 )   (106 )   (73 )   69 %

Minority interest

   (3 )   (3 )   —       —    
                        

NET INCOME BEFORE DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

   341     148     193     130 %
                        

RESULTS FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

   —       104     (104 )   -100 %
                        

NET INCOME

   341     252     89     35 %
                        

OPERATING (LOSS)/PROFIT BEFORE D & A

   808     726     82     11 %
                        

As a % of Net Revenues

   31 %   34 %    

 

   11    www. telecom.com.ar


Table of Contents
   LOGO            
   Official Sponsor of Argentine Olympic Committee

 

5-      Consolidated Revenues Breakdown

Six-Months Comparison

          
     Jun-30
2008
   Jun-30
2007
   LOGO $     LOGO %  

Fixed Telephony

   1,193    1,130    63     6 %
                      

Measured service Local

   226    227    (1 )   0 %

Measured service DLD

   250    243    7     3 %

Monthly charges

   393    366    27     7 %

Public telephones

   46    61    (15 )   -25 %

Interconnection

   190    174    16     9 %

Others

   88    59    29     49 %
                      

International Telephony

   129    128    1     1 %
                      

Data transmission & Internet

   442    331    111     34 %
                      

Data

   103    81    22     27 %

Internet

   339    250    89     36 %

Measured service

   27    33    (6 )   -18 %

Monthly charges

   310    215    95     44 %

Modems

   2    2    —       0 %
                      

Cellular Telephony

   3,287    2,613    674     26 %
                      

Telecom Personal

   3,072    2,436    636     26 %
                      

Monthly fee and measured service

   677    541    136     25 %

Pre-paid card

   443    366    77     21 %

Calling Party Pays

   271    265    6     2 %

TLRD *

   378    267    111     42 %

VAS

   790    541    249     46 %

Handset sales

   323    267    56     21 %

Others

   190    189    1     1 %
                      

Núcleo

   215    177    38     21 %
                      

Monthly fee and measured service

   30    30    —       0 %

Pre-paid card

   120    95    25     26 %

Calling Party Pays

   15    19    (4 )   -21 %

TLRD *

   27    23    4     17 %

VAS

   4    2    2     100 %

Handset sales

   4    3    1     33 %

Others

   15    5    10     200 %
                      

TOTAL NET REVENUES

   5,051    4,202    849     20 %
                      

 

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

          

6-      Consolidated Revenues Breakdown

Three-Months Comparison

          
     Jun-30
2008
   Jun-30
2007
   LOGO $     LOGO %  

Fixed Telephony

   608    572    36     6 %

Measured service

   249    238    11     5 %

Local

   117    116    1     1 %

DLD

   132    122    10     8 %

Monthly charges

   197    184    13     7 %

Public telephones

   20    29    (9 )   -31 %

Interconnection

   96    87    9     10 %

Others

   46    34    12     35 %
                      

International Telephony

   63    60    3     5 %
                      

Data transmission & Internet

   230    171    59     35 %
                      

Data

   49    40    9     23 %

Internet

   181    131    50     38 %

Measured service

   14    16    (2 )   -13 %

Monthly charges

   166    114    52     46 %

Modems

   1    1    —       0 %
                      

Cellular Telephony

   1,670    1,341    329     25 %
                      

Telecom Personal

   1,562    1,256    306     24 %
                      

Monthly fee and measured service

   425    342    83     24 %

Pre-paid card

   145    124    21     17 %

Calling Party Pays

   137    137    —       0 %

TLRD *

   194    140    54     39 %

VAS

   398    277    121     44 %

Handset sales

   174    143    31     22 %

Others

   89    93    (4 )   -4 %
                      

Núcleo

   108    85    23     27 %
                      

Monthly fee and measured service

   14    16    (2 )   -13 %

Pre-paid card

   61    46    15     33 %

Calling Party Pays

   7    9    (2 )   -22 %

TLRD *

   13    11    2     18 %

VAS

   3    1    2     200 %

Handset sales

   2    1    1     100 %

Others

   8    1    7    
                      

TOTAL NET REVENUES

   2,571    2,144    427     20 %
                      

 

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

 

   12    www. telecom.com.ar


Table of Contents
   LOGO            
   Official Sponsor of Argentine Olympic Committee

 

7-      Consolidated Income Statement by segments

Six Month Period - Fiscal Year 2008

(In million of Argentine pesos )

 

          
     Segments     Variation vs 1H 07  
     Voice, Data
and Internet
    Cellular
Telephony
    Consolidated     LOGO $     LOGO %  

NET REVENUES

   1,764     3,287     5,051     849     20 %

Salaries and social security contributions

   (433 )   (130 )   (563 )   (100 )   22 %

Taxes

   (115 )   (287 )   (402 )   (81 )   25 %

Materials and supplies

   (158 )   (88 )   (246 )   (51 )   26 %

Doubtful accounts

   —       (29 )   (29 )   9     -24 %

Interconnection cost

   (78 )   —       (78 )   (2 )   3 %

Settlement charges

   (67 )   —       (67 )   (6 )   10 %

Lease of lines and circuits

   (28 )   (26 )   (54 )   (2 )   4 %

Service fees

   (79 )   (94 )   (173 )   (41 )   31 %

Advertising

   (59 )   (131 )   (190 )   (62 )   48 %

Agent and Prepaid card commissions

   (42 )   (381 )   (423 )   (83 )   24 %

Cost of voice, data and cellular handsets

   (18 )   (430 )   (448 )   (38 )   9 %

Roaming and TLRD

   —       (449 )   (449 )   (102 )   29 %

Others

   (123 )   (119 )   (242 )   (17 )   8 %
                              

Operating Profit before D&A

   564     1,123     1,687     273     19 %
                              

Operating Profit before D&A Margin

   32 %   34 %   33 %   -2 %   -7 %

Depreciation of fixed assets

   (383 )   (244 )   (627 )   38     -6 %

Amortization of intangible assets

   (8 )   (3 )   (11 )   11     -50 %
                              

OPERATING RESULTS

   173     876     1.049     322     44 %
                              

FINANCIAL AND HOLDING INCOME

   (13 )   5     (8 )   210     -96 %

OTHER EXPENSES, NET

   (68 )   (23 )   (91 )   (33 )   57 %
                              

INCOME FROM ORDINARY OPERATIONS

   92     858     950     499     111 %
                              

Taxes on income

   (117 )   (211 )   (328 )   (170 )   108 %

Minority interest

   —       (9 )   (9 )   (1 )   13 %
                              

NET INCOME BEFORE DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

   (25 )   638     613     328     115 %
                              

RESULTS FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

   —       —       —       (102 )   -100 %
                              

NET INCOME

   (25 )   638     613     226     58 %
                              

8-      Consolidated Income Statement by segments

Six Month Period - Fiscal Year 2007

(In million of Argentine pesos )

 

          
     Segments              
     Voice, Data
and Internet
    Cellular
Telephony
    Consolidated              

NET REVENUES

   1,589     2,613     4,202      

Salaries and social security contributions

   (364 )   (99 )   (463 )    

Taxes

   (96 )   (225 )   (321 )    

Materials and supplies

   (138 )   (57 )   (195 )    

Doubtful accounts

   (9 )   (29 )   (38 )    

Interconnection cost

   (76 )   —       (76 )    

Settlement charges

   (61 )   —       (61 )    

Lease of lines and circuits

   (26 )   (26 )   (52 )    

Service fees

   (60 )   (72 )   (132 )    

Advertising

   (35 )   (93 )   (128 )    

Agent and Prepaid card commissions

   (12 )   (328 )   (340 )    

Cost of voice, data and cellular handsets

   (6 )   (404 )   (410 )    

Roaming and TLRD

   —       (347 )   (347 )    

Others

   (102 )   (123 )   (225 )    
                      

Operating Profit before D&A

   604     810     1,414      
                      

Operating Profit before D&A Margin

   38 %   31 %   34 %    

Depreciation of fixed assets

   (413 )   (252 )   (665 )    

Amortization of intangible assets

   (6 )   (16 )   (22 )    
                      

OPERATING RESULTS

   185     542     727      
                      

FINANCIAL AND HOLDING INCOME

   (124 )   (94 )   (218 )    

Other expenses, Net

   (45 )   (13 )   (58 )    
                      

INCOME FROM ORDINARY OPERATIONS

   16     435     451      
                      

Taxes on income

   (63 )   (95 )   (158 )    

Minority interest

   —       (8 )   (8 )    
                      

NET INCOME BEFORE DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

   (47 )   332     285      
                      

RESULTS FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

   102     —       102      
                      
NET INCOME    55     332     387      
                      

 

   13    www. telecom. com. ar


Table of Contents
   LOGO            
   Official Sponsor of Argentina Olympic Committee

 

9-      Consolidated Income Statement by segments

Second Quarter - FY 2008

(In million of Argentine pesos )

 

        

 

 

       
     Segments     Variation vs
2Q07
 
     Voice, Data
and Internet
    Cellular
Telephony
    Consolidated     LOGO $     LOGO %  

NET REVENUES

   901     1,670     2,571     427     20 %

Salaries and social security contributions

   (226 )   (67 )   (293 )   (44 )   18 %

Taxes

   (55 )   (148 )   (203 )   (43 )   27 %

Materials and supplies

   (79 )   (48 )   (127 )   (27 )   27 %

Doubtful accounts

   (1 )   (16 )   (17 )   2     -11 %

Interconnection cost

   (39 )   —       (39 )   (3 )   8 %

Settlement charges

   (34 )   —       (34 )   (4 )   13 %

Lease of lines and circuits

   (13 )   (14 )   (27 )   4     -13 %

Service fees

   (37 )   (48 )   (85 )   (13 )   18 %

Advertising

   (46 )   (71 )   (117 )   (50 )   75 %

Agent and Prepaid card commissions

   (21 )   (192 )   (213 )   (76 )   55 %

Cost of cellular handsets

   (6 )   (241 )   (247 )   (35 )   17 %

Roaming and TLRD

   —       (230 )   (230 )   (59 )   35 %

Others

   (68 )   (63 )   (131 )   3     -2 %
                              

Operating Profit before D&A

   276     532     808     82     11 %
                              

Operating Profit before D&A Margin

   31 %   32 %   31 %   -2 %   -7 %

Depreciation of fixed assets

   (195 )   (92 )   (287 )   60     -17 %

Amortization of intangible assets

   (4 )   (2 )   (6 )   4     -40 %
                              

OPERATING RESULTS

   77     438     515     146     40 %
                              

FINANCIAL AND HOLDING INCOME

   34     18     52     138     -160 %

Other expenses, net

   (33 )   (11 )   (44 )   (18 )   69 %
                              

INCOME FROM ORDINARY OPERATIONS

   78     445     523     266     104 %
                              

Taxes on income

   (70 )   (109 )   (179 )   (73 )   69 %

Minority interest

   —       (3 )   (3 )   —       0 %
                              

NET INCOME BEFORE DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

   8     333     341     193     130 %
                              

RESULTS FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

   —       —       —       (104 )   -100 %
                              

NET INCOME

   8     333     341     89     35 %
                              

10-   Consolidated Income Statement by Segments

Second Quarter - FY 2007

(In million of Argentine pesos )

 

     

 

 

       
     Segments              
     Voice, Data
and Internet
    Cellular
Telephony
    Consolidated              

NET REVENUES

   803     1,341     2,144      

Salaries and social security contributions

   (197 )   (52 )   (249 )    

Taxes

   (48 )   (112 )   (160 )    

Materials and supplies

   (70 )   (30 )   (100 )    

Doubtful accounts

   (4 )   (15 )   (19 )    

Interconnection cost

   (36 )   —       (36 )    

Settlement charges

   (30 )   —       (30 )    

Lease of lines and circuits

   (17 )   (14 )   (31 )    

Service fees

   (34 )   (38 )   (72 )    

Advertising

   (24 )   (43 )   (67 )    

Agent and Prepaid card commissions

   4     (141 )   (137 )    

Cost of cellular handsets

   (5 )   (207 )   (212 )    

Roaming and TLRD

   —       (171 )   (171 )    

Others

   (58 )   (76 )   (134 )    
                      

Operating Profit before D&A

   284     442     726      
                      

Operating Profit before D&A Margin

   35 %   33 %   34 %    

Depreciation of fixed assets

   (206 )   (141 )   (347 )    

Amortization of intangible assets

   (3 )   (7 )   (10 )    
                      

OPERATING RESULTS

   75     294     369      
                      

FINANCIAL AND HOLDING INCOME

   (36 )   (50 )   (86 )    

Other expenses, Net

   (21 )   (5 )   (26 )    
                      

INCOME FROM ORDINARY OPERATIONS

   18     239     257      
                      

Taxes on income

   (40 )   (66 )   (106 )    

Minority interest

   —       (3 )   (3 )    
                      

NET INCOME BEFORE DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

   (22 )   170     148      
                      

RESULTS FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

   104     —       104      
                      

NET INCOME

   82     170     252      
                      

 

   14    www. telecom. com. ar


Table of Contents
   LOGO            
   Official Sponsor of Argentina Olympic Committee

 

TELECOM ARGENTINA S.A.

Unconsolidated Information

SIX MONTH PERIOD AND SECOND QUARTER—FISCAL YEAR 2008

(In millions of Argentine pesos)

 

11-   Balance Sheet

 

        
     Jun-30
2008
    Dec-31
2007
    LOGO $     LOGO %  

Cash, equivalents and investments

   531     755     (224 )   -30 %

Trade receivables

   464     438     26     6 %

Other current assets

   409     283     126     45 %
                        

TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS

   1,404     1,476     (72 )   -5 %
                        

Other Trade receivables

   37     258     (221 )   -86 %

Fixed & Intangible assets

   4,012     4,073     (61 )   -1 %

Investments

   1,376     1,192     184     15 %

Other non-current assets

   5     5     —       0 %

Assets from discontinued operations

   —       —       —       —    
                        

TOTAL NON-CURRENT ASSETS

   5,430     5,528     (98 )   -2 %
                        

TOTAL ASSETS

   6,834     7,004     (170 )   -2 %
                        

Accounts payable

   691     761     (70 )   -9 %

Loans

   1,401     1,360     41     3 %

Reserves

   36     39     (3 )   -8 %

Other current liabilities

   236     226     10     4 %
                        

TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES

   2,364     2,386     (22 )   -1 %
                        

Loans

   174     967     (793 )   -82 %

Compensation and social benefits payable

   48     43     5     12 %

Taxes Payable

   247     283     (36 )   -13 %

Others liabilities

   105     99     6     6 %

Reserves

   219     196     23     12 %
                        

TOTAL NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES

   793     1,588     (795 )   -50 %
                        

TOTAL LIABILITIES

   3,157     3,974     (817 )   -21 %
                        

Shareholders’ equity

   3,677     3,030     647     21 %
                        

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

   6,834     7,004     (170 )   -2 %
                        

12-   Income Statement

Six-Months Comparison

 

        
     Jun-30
2008
    Jun-30
2007
    LOGO $     LOGO %  

Net revenues

   2,035     1,810     225     12 %

Cost of services provided

   (1,084 )   (978 )   (106 )   -11 %
                        

GROSS PROFIT

   951     832     119     14 %
                        

Administrative expenses

   (98 )   (94 )   (4 )   -4 %

Selling expenses

   (415 )   (333 )   (82 )   -25 %
                        

OPERATING PROFIT

   438     405     33     8 %
                        

Equity income from related companies

   370     113     257     227 %

Financial & holding results

   (11 )   (124 )   113     91 %

Other incomes & expenses net

   (67 )   (44 )   (23 )   -52 %
                        

RESULTS FROM ORDINARY OPERATIONS

   730     350     380     109 %
                        

Taxes on income

   (117 )   (63 )   (54 )   86 %
                        

NET INCOME BEFORE DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

   613     287     326     114 %
                        

RESULTS FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

   —       100     (100 )   -100 %
                        

NET INCOME

   613     387     226     58 %
                        

Operating Profit before D&A

   828     823     5     1 %

As a % of Net Revenues

   41 %   45 %    
     Jun-30
2008
    Jun-30
2007
    LOGO $     LOGO %  

Financial and Holding results

        

Financial results generated by assets

        

Interest on short term investments

   33     35     (2 )   -6 %

Foreign currency exchange gains

   (17 )   4     (21 )  
                        

Total Financial results generated by assets

   16     39     (23 )   -59 %
                        

Financial results generated by liabilities

        

Interest

   (85 )   (117 )   32     -27 %

Others

   58     (46 )   104     -226 %
                        

Total Financial results generated by liabilities

   (27 )   (163 )   136     -83 %
                        

TOTAL FINANCIAL AND HOLDING RESULTS

   (11 )   (124 )   113     -91 %
                        

13-   Income Statement

Three-Months Comparison

        
     Jun-30
2008
    Jun-30
2007
    LOGO $     LOGO %  

Net revenues

   1,039     917     122     13 %

Cost of services provided

   (551 )   (501 )   (50 )   10 %
                        

GROSS PROFIT

   488     416     72     17 %
                        

Administrative expenses

   (44 )   (51 )   7     -14 %

Selling expenses

   (233 )   (178 )   (55 )   31 %
                        

OPERATING PROFIT

   211     187     24     13 %
                        

Equity income from related companies

   197     58     139     240 %

Financial & holding results

   35     (36 )   71     -197 %

Other incomes & expenses net

   (32 )   (21 )   (11 )   52 %
                        

RESULTS FROM ORDINARY OPERATIONS

   411     188     223     119 %
                        

Taxes on income

   (70 )   (40 )   (30 )   75 %
                        

NET INCOME BEFORE DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

   341     148     193     130 %
                        

RESULTS FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

   —       104     (104 )   -100 %
                        

NET INCOME

   341     252     89     35 %
                        

Operating Profit before D&A

   390     418     (28 )   -7 %
                        

As a % of Net Revenues

   38 %   46 %    
                

 

   15    www. telecom. com. ar


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LOGO

FREE TRANSLATION

Buenos Aires, August 6, 2008

Bolsa de Comercio de Buenos Aires

 

RE.: The appointment of the new General Director of Operations, the resignation of a Director, incorporation of its Alternate Director and the appointment of a new Alternate Director.

Dear Sir,

In my capacity as Chairman of the Board of Directors of Telecom Argentina S.A. (“the Company”), I hereby inform you the following:

 

  1. Mr. Marco Patuano, who acted as General Director of Operations, has accepted the proposal of Telecom Italia S.p.A to be appointed Chief Financial Officer of such Company in the first days of the current month.

 

       Consequently, the Board of Directors of the Company, in the meeting held yesterday, has designated Mr Franco Bertone as General Director of Operations, in replacement of Mr Marco Patuano.

 

  2. In order to be able to have full dedication to his responsibilities as General Director of Operations, Mr Franco Bertone has presented his resignation as Director of the Board of Directors of the Company.

 

  3. The Board of Directors of the Company has accepted the resignation of Mr Bertone and has decided the appointment as Director of the Alternate Director Mr Jorge Luis Perez Alati.

 

  4. Moreover, and in accordance to Article 258, second paragraph of the Argentine Corporate Law, the Supervisory Committee was requested to designate an Alternate Director in order to cover the vacant position. The members of the Committee have designated Mr Francesco Armato as Alternate Director, who qualifies as “Non-independent Director”, in accordance to the criteria of the Comisión Nacional de Valores, and he will act in this position up to the next Shareholders Meeting.

 

               Yours sincerely,

Enrique Garrido

Chairman of the Board of Directors


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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:   August 7, 2008   By:  

/s/ Enrique Garrido

    Name:   Enrique Garrido
    Title:   Chairman of the Board of Directors