VimpelCom Reports 2Q14 Results

AMSTERDAM, Aug. 6, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- 

KEY RESULTS AND DEVELOPMENTS

• Revenue declined organically¹ by 6% YoY to USD 5.1 billion
• Strong mobile data revenue organic growth of 19% YoY, supported by increased demand for mobile data services
• EBITDA² declined organically¹ by 9% YoY to USD 2.1 billion
• Strong EBITDA margin² of 41.0%
• Total mobile customer base increased by 5.2 million YoY to 220.6 million
• Continued investment in high speed data networks with CAPEX excl. licenses up 29% YoY
• Total annual net income improvement of ~USD 0.5 billion, from refinancing of WIND and resolution in Algeria
• 2014 targets confirmed

"VimpelCom Ltd" ("VimpelCom", "Company" or "Group") (NASDAQ: VIP), a leading global provider of telecommunications services, today announces financial and operating results for the quarter ended June 30, 2014.

JO LUNDER, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, COMMENTS:

"As previously indicated, we expect 2014 to be a challenging year for our Group.  The results for the second quarter were impacted by a weaker operational performance in some markets, but also by the macro-economic situation in Russia and Ukraine. In Italy we continue to outperform competitors in a weak market. We are seeing improved financial performance in Kazakhstan and Bangladesh, with year-on-year service revenue growing by 8% in both markets. The improvements are due both to the investments we are making in our networks and to our focus on delivering the best customer experience. Our operating cash flows remain strong, enabling us to maintain our investment program in high-speed data networks in order to benefit from the growth in mobile data revenue, which was a solid 19% in the quarter.  Finally, our successful refinancing of Wind and the expected resolution in Algeria will together generate substantial savings and improve annual net income by approximately USD 0.5 billion."

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL AND OPERATING HIGHLIGHTS

PRESENTATION OF FINANCIAL RESULTS

VimpelCom results presented in this earnings release are based on IFRS and have not been audited. Certain amounts and percentages that appear in this earnings release have been subject to rounding adjustments.
As a result, certain numerical figures shown as totals, including in tables may not be an exact arithmetic aggregation of the figures that precede or follow them.

STRATEGIC UPDATE AND MAIN EVENTS

• Refinancing of WIND resulted in ~USD 0.4 billion in annual interest savings
• USD 4.0 billion net proceeds from Algeria resolution targeted for debt repayment with annual interest savings of ~USD 0.3 billion
• 3G launched in Algeria and Pakistan
• VimpelCom strengthened its management team with several notable appointments
• VimpelCom's Annual General Meeting elected new Supervisory Board
• 2014 targets confirmed

The Company continues to expect that the previously announced Algeria transaction will close by the end of 2014. The total dividends and proceeds due to GTH at closing are expected to amount to USD 4.0 billion net of all taxes and after the settlement of all outstanding disputes between the parties, as well as the payment of associated fines. All proceeds will be used to pay down the outstanding shareholder loans provided by VimpelCom to GTH. VimpelCom intends to use the total proceeds to repay existing debt, with estimated annual interest savings of approximately USD 0.3 billion.

In July, VimpelCom completed the second step of WIND's refinancing with the issuance of approximately EUR 4.1 billion Senior Secured Notes in a combination of EUR 575 million Floating Rate Notes due in 2020 and EUR 3,495 million (equivalent) Fixed Rate Notes due in 2020. The total refinancing, including the Senior Secure Notes Issuance completed in April, will result in approximately USD 0.4 billion in annual interest savings, improved capital structure, and enhanced cash flow, all of which is expected to facilitate a deleveraging trajectory.

In total, the WIND refinancing and the repayment of debt with the expected proceeds from the resolution in Algeria will result in annual net income improvement of approximately USD 0.5 billion.

VimpelCom recently launched 3G in Algeria and Pakistan:

• On July 5, 2014, Djezzy launched 3G services in seven provinces, including the largest four provinces in terms of population.
• On July 18, 2014, Mobilink launched 3G services in 11 Pakistani cities.

VimpelCom strengthened its management team with several notable appointments:

• Rene Schuster was appointed as Group Chief Operating Officer and a member of the Group Management Board in July. Rene has direct responsibility for the operational and financial performance of the Business Units.
• Jan Edvard Thygesen decided to retire at the conclusion of his contract in December 2014 and will focus on certain designated strategic projects during his remaining tenure with VimpelCom.
• Peter Chernyshov was appointed as CEO of VimpelCom's Ukrainian Business Unit, Kyivstar, in June. Peter succeeded Igor Lytovchenko, the founder of Kyivstar, who retired from the Company after 20 years in the role of CEO.
• Jeffrey Hedberg was appointed Chief Executive Officer of Mobilink in Pakistan in July. Jeffrey succeeds Rashid Khan, who retired after over 14 years in leading positions with Mobilink and banglalink.

VimpelCom's Annual General Meeting (AGM) was held on July 28, at which shareholders elected nine members: Jon Fredrik Baksaas, Mikhail Fridman, Andrei Gusev, Sir Julian Horn-Smith, Kjell Morten Johnsen, Leonid Novoselsky, Alexey Reznikovich, Ole Bjorn Sjulstad and Trond O Westlie. The Board re-elected Mr. Reznikovich as Chairman. The AGM also resulted in the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers Accountants NV as the Company's auditor.

VimpelCom confirms its annual targets¹ for 2014:

• Revenue decline of low to mid-single digit YoY;
• EBITDA decline of low to mid-single digit YoY;
• Net debt to EBITDA of approximately 2.4x; and
• CAPEX (excluding licenses) to revenue of approximately 21%.

VIMPELCOM GROUP – FINANCIAL AND OPERATING RESULTS 2Q14

• Revenue of USD 5.1 billion, an organic decline of 6% YoY, mainly due to continued market weakness in Italy and underperformance and market slowdown in Russia, Ukraine and Pakistan
• EBITDA of USD 2.1 billion, an organic decline of 9% YoY, mainly due to the decline in revenue
• Strong EBITDA margin of 41.0%
• CAPEX excl. licenses up 29% YoY to USD 1.0 billion driven by investments to support mobile data growth
• Net debt/EBITDA of 2.6x at the end of 2Q14 impacted by an increase in Net debt and lower LTM EBITDA
• 5.2 million new customers YoY leading to 220.6 million mobile customers

OPERATING FINANCIALS PER BUSINESS UNIT

FINANCIAL AND OPERATING PERFORMANCE OVERVIEW 2Q14

Total revenue in 2Q14 was negatively impacted by operational performance and macro-economic slowdown in Russia, Ukraine and Pakistan, the rolling effect from the 2013 price competition in Italy and delayed 3G launch in Algeria.

Total mobile customers increased by 5.2 million YoY to 220.6 million at the end of the second quarter with the largest absolute contribution coming from a substantial increase in the Africa & Asia Business Unit.

EBITDA decreased organically 9% YoY to USD 2.1 billion reflecting the aforementioned decline in revenue, higher infrastructure and distribution costs in Russia, increasing frequency and utility costs in Ukraine and additional network costs in the Africa & Asia Business Unit due to 3G expansion in Algeria, Pakistan and Bangladesh.

As expected, the Russian Business Unit continued to see pressure on its results as the Company executes the second phase of its transformation, focusing on Customer Excellence and implementing a cultural shift to a customer-centric organization. Revenue was down 7% YoY to RUB 68.7 billion, while mobile service revenue declined 5% YoY to RUB 54.9 billion. Mobile data revenue increased 17% YoY to RUB 9.0 billion, supported by high demand for mobile data services, evidenced by a strong increase in mobile data traffic and a 20% YoY increase in mobile broadband customers. EBITDA declined organically 10% YoY to RUB 28.5 billion due to the revenue decrease, the incremental costs related to the higher investments in 3G and 4G/LTE and in owned monobrand stores. EBITDA margin decreased to 41.4%. Although the first signs of improvements in customer perception became evident during the quarter, the Company expects that the pressure on results will continue for the remainder of 2014.

In Italy, WIND continued to outperform its peers in what remains a weak market, in particular in the mobile segment due to the rolling effect of the intense price competition of 2013 and the continued material decline in SMS usage, in line with the trends witnessed in other mature markets. The competitive environment continued to stabilize during the second quarter as most operators maintained a more benign approach to promotions. Mobile service revenue in 2Q14 decreased 11% to EUR 737 million driven by price pressure, MTR reduction and further contraction of SMS revenue. However, these headwinds were partially mitigated by solid results in mobile data with mobile broadband revenue up 18% YoY to EUR 137 million. EBITDA declined organically 8% YoY to EUR 435 million due to the decline in revenue, partially offset by cost efficiency measures, which increased EBITDA margin by 0.4 percentage points YoY to 38.0%. The Company expects the market to remain challenging in the second half of the year, but with an improving YoY trend.

The Africa & Asia Business Unit performance was impacted by a slowdown in Algeria and Pakistan. As a consequence, revenue decreased 4% YoY organically to USD 879 million and EBITDA decreased organically 11% YoY to USD 392 million.

In Algeria, Djezzy maintained its leadership position in the market, but revenue declined 6% YoY to DZD 34 billion due to lower interconnect revenue and the impact of competitors launching 3G in January 2014 ahead of the Company's 3G launch in July. The Company expects to stabilize Djezzy's market-leading position in 2H14 now that it has launched 3G. In Pakistan, revenue declined 8% YoY to PKR 26 billion due to strong competition from attractive bundles and the macro-economic situation. In Bangladesh, the Company showed the results of its successful turnaround with a 9% YoY increase in revenue, a 10% YoY growth in customers and a 12% YoY increase in EBITDA.

Due to the ongoing turbulence in Ukraine and the very difficult environment, Kyivstar's financial results were negatively impacted by more conservative spending behavior from its customers. Total revenue decreased 5% YoY to UAH 3.0 billion. Mobile service revenue declined 4% YoY to UAH 2.7 billion primarily due to lower mobile voice and VAS revenue partly offset by solid mobile data revenue growth of 11% YoY. Fixed-line service revenue increased 5% YoY due to solid growth in fixed residential broadband (FTTB) revenue. EBITDA decreased 12% YoY to UAH 1.3 billion due to lower mobile voice and VAS revenue, while the Company faced cost pressures resulting from a 15% YoY increase in electricity tariffs and a doubling of frequency fees in 2Q14. The devaluation of Hryvnia against the USD caused additional pressure on EBITDA margin. Consequently, EBITDA margin declined 3.5 percentage points YoY to 44.5%. The Company is implementing cost efficiency measures as part of its Operational Excellence program to support EBITDA margins. Kyivstar's transformation program is delivering improvement in performance, but the operating and economic environment is expected to remain challenging for the remainder of this year.

Competition in the CIS Business Unit continued to increase during 2Q14, but VimpelCom improved its strong market positions in four out of the six countries. Revenue increased 5% YoY organically reaching USD 464 million, driven by strong mobile data revenue growth of 24%. In Kazakhstan, Beeline continued its successful turnaround and improved its market position against its main competitors despite the highly competitive market. EBITDA in CIS increased organically 5% YoY to USD 231 million, with stable EBITDA margin of 49.8%.

INCOME STATEMENT ELEMENTS & CAPITAL EXPENDITURES 2Q14

EBIT in 2Q14 decreased 23% YoY to USD 938 million due to the decline in EBITDA, partly offset by the positive impact of declining amortization of intangible assets associated with the Wind Telecom acquisition.

Profit before tax decreased to USD 479 million, compared to profit before tax of USD 762 million in the same period a year ago. The decrease was primarily the result of the decline in operational performance and negative fair value movements on derivatives offset by profits related to the Italy refinancing.

Net income attributable to VimpelCom shareholders was USD 100 million in 2Q14 compared to a net income of USD 573 million in 2Q13. The decrease was the result of lower profit before tax and tax expenses that increased to USD 421 million. The high effective tax rate in 2Q14 was mainly due to non-cash charges related to the refinancing of WIND, non-deductible interest expenses in Italy, and the change in geographical profit mix with less profit from countries with a lower nominal tax rate.

CAPEX excluding licenses increased 29% YoY to USD 1.0 billion in 2Q14, reflecting the Company's strategy to accelerate its investments in high-speed data networks to capture mobile data growth, including the rollout of 4G/LTE networks in Russia, 3G networks in Algeria, Bangladesh and Pakistan, and continued investments in Italy in HSPA+ and 4G/LTE. In addition, the Company acquired a 3G license in Pakistan for USD 300 million in 2Q14.

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION & CASH FLOW 2Q14

Total assets increased 3% QoQ in 2Q14 to USD 49.0 billion primarily due to the impact of accelerated investments in network in Russia, Algeria and Pakistan. Gross debt increased to USD 29.0 billion in 2Q14 reflecting drawdowns under the term facility from Alfa Bank, the Revolving Credit Facility provided by 11 international banks and currency movements. Net debt increased QoQ to USD 23.2 billion, while LTM EBITDA decreased leading to the increase in the Net debt to EBITDA ratio to 2.6x at the end of the second quarter.

Net cash from operating activities was USD 1.1 billion in 2Q14, a decrease of 21% YoY, explained by lower EBITDA, partly offset by positive movements in working capital compared to the same period a year ago. Net cash used in investing activities increased to USD 1.1 billion in 2Q14 compared to USD 0.7 billion in 2Q13 mainly as a result of higher investments in high-speed data networks and a 3G license in Pakistan. The increase in net cash from financing activities in 2Q14 compared to the decrease in 2Q13 was primarily caused by the call premium and fees related to the first tranche of the WIND refinancing and drawdowns under the credit facilities mentioned above, while in 2Q13 there was a repayment of Eurobond by OJSC VimpelCom for USD 801 million in 2Q13.

BUSINESS UNITS PERFORMANCE IN 2Q14

• Russia
• Italy
• Africa & Asia
• Ukraine
• CIS

RUSSIA – 2Q14

• Mobile data revenue grew 17% YoY
• Mobile service revenue decreased 5.0 % YoY driven by measures taken to reduce unrequested services to improve customer experience
• EBITDA decreased 10% YoY mainly due to continued investments in network and distribution, leading to an EBITDA margin of 41.4%
• Mobile customers declined 1% YoY to 56.3 million, but increased by 1.3 million QoQ; mobile broadband customers grew 20% to 3.3 million
• First signs of improvement in customer experience with lowest quarterly churn level in three years

As expected, the Russian Business Unit continued to see pressure on its results as the Company executes the second phase of its transformation, focusing on Customer Excellence and implementing a cultural shift to a customer-centric organization. Although the first signs of improvements in customer perception became evident during the quarter, the Company expects that the pressure on results will continue for the remainder of 2014.

Mobile service revenue declined 5% YoY to RUB 54.9 billion, negatively affected by the measures taken to eliminate unrequested services from content providers to Beeline customers. Despite the lower inflow of seasonal workers in Russia ("migrants") in 2Q14, Beeline's mobile customers increased by 1.3 million QoQ. The Company reported lower gross additions as a result of an increased focus on the quality of its customer base and churn reduced to its lowest level in 3 years. Consequently, the mobile customer base decreased 1% YoY to 56.3 million. Mobile voice revenue was down YoY due to declining prices and the migration of customers to the Company's new and more attractive price plans. ARPU declined 4% YoY to RUB 326 partly as a result of the measures taken to reject unrequested services from content providers. The mobile voice revenue decline was partially offset by increasing mobile data revenue from strong growth in mobile data traffic, which more than doubled YoY. Mobile data revenue increased 17% YoY to RUB 9.0 billion. Mobile financial services, marketed under the brand name RuRu, also delivered strong results, with revenue increasing by 30% YoY to RUB 267 million.

Fixed-line service revenue increased slightly YoY to RUB 12.4 billion, mainly due to the growth in FTTB revenue. The fixed-line broadband customer base declined 4% YoY to 2.2 million, while fixed-line broadband ARPU increased 7% YoY to RUB 474. The Company´s strategy in the fixed-line business continues to be centered on profitability in regions where it currently has significant market share.

EBITDA decreased 10% YoY to RUB 28.5 billion and EBITDA margin decreased 1.3 percentage points YoY to 41.4% due to lower revenue, the increased demand-driven network investments and the expansion of owned monobrand stores.

Beeline continued its efforts to enhance customer perception and saw the first signs of improvement during the quarter with a decreasing gap to competitors in Net Promoter Score (NPS). As a result of the improving NPS and the lower gross additions while focusing on higher quality customers, quarterly churn decreased to 13% in 2Q14, the lowest level in three years. At the same time, Beeline continued to launch new initiatives and products, such as the Shared Data Service, offering the option of multiple SIM cards for one account, making it convenient for customers to manage their data account across multiple devices. After the successful launch of the most affordable Beeline 3G smartphone in the first quarter, the Company also introduced a 4G/LTE smartphone for RUB 7,990, sold in combination with a data bundle. The Company will continue its Operational Excellence 2.0 program in 2014, focusing on simultaneously improving both customer service and efficiency.

Beeline continued to invest in high-speed data networks and is on track with its plans for the accelerated roll out of 4G/LTE. The Company has launched 4G/LTE in 22 regions at the end of July and increased the number of 3G base stations by 34% YoY in 2Q14. In 2Q14, CAPEX increased 22% YoY and Beeline expects CAPEX to revenue of 22% in Russia for FY14.

RUSSIA KEY INDICATORS

ITALY – 2Q14

• Continued outperformance in a weak market
• Strong data revenue growth: mobile broadband up 18% YoY and fixed broadband up 5% YoY
• Mobile customer base slightly declined YoY to 21.9 million
• Total revenue of EUR 1,147 million, down 9% YoY
• EBITDA at EUR 435 million with YoY margin increasing 0.4 p.p. to 38.0%
• Successful refinancing of ~EUR 8 billion of bonds, achieving in excess of EUR 300 million in annual interest savings

In 2Q14, WIND continued to outperform its peers in what remains a weak market, in particular in the mobile segment due to the rolling effect of the intense price competition of 2013 and the continued material decline in SMS usage, in line with the trends witnessed in other mature markets. The competitive environment continued to stabilize during the second quarter as most operators maintained a more benign approach to promotions. As a result, gross additions in the market continued to decline materially leading to a positive impact on churn. In this context, WIND increased its customer market share despite aggressive promotions from competition. As a result of these dynamics WIND expects the market to remain challenging in the second half of the year, but with an improving YoY trend.

Total revenue in 2Q14 decreased 9% YoY to EUR 1,147 million, driven by the 10% YoY reduction in service revenue, primarily due to the aforementioned intense competition in the mobile segment, particularly in the summer of 2013, coupled with the tail end impact of the MTR reductions. 2Q14 is the last quarter affected by the unfavorable YoY comparison determined by the MTR reduction.

Mobile service revenue in 2Q14 decreased 11% to EUR 737 million driven by price pressure, MTR reduction and a further contraction of SMS revenue. However, these headwinds were partially mitigated by solid results in WIND's mobile data offerings with mobile broadband revenue up 18% YoY to EUR 137 million driven by a 27% YoY growth in mobile broadband customers to 9.7 million.

In 2Q14, WIND's mobile customer base declined slightly YoY to 21.9 million, although at a lower rate than that experienced by the overall market, leading to an increase in WIND's customer market share. The customer trend was also impacted by the launch of new MVNOs targeted at the ethnic segment in particular. As a result of the renewed 'All-Inclusive' bundle portfolio, which is now even more simple and transparent, and WIND's leading position in terms of customer satisfaction, the Company improved the negative trend in net additions in 2Q14 over 1Q14.

In July 2014, as a testament to the Company's commitment to remain the leader in customer service and quality, a primary customer satisfaction research observatory classified WIND Infostrada as the most appreciated telecoms operator in Italy in terms of customer experience.

In 2Q14, mobile ARPU declined 10% YoY to EUR 11 driven by the decline in voice ARPU, mainly caused by the 2013 competitive price pressure coupled with the increased number of "data only" SIM cards. Mobile data ARPU increased 3% YoY and now accounts for 39% of total mobile ARPU.

In fixed-line, service revenue decreased 8% YoY to EUR 303 million, mainly due to the decline in the fixed-line customer base, primarily in the less profitable indirect segment. This is the result of the focus on higher margin LLU customers and the ongoing decline in voice volumes resulting from fixed to mobile substitution. Fixed broadband revenue increased 5% YoY to EUR 141 million with broadband LLU customers and dual play customers growing 1% YoY. Fixed EBITDA margin remained stable driven by the focus on the LLU segment and the use of more efficient distribution channels.

WIND's EBITDA in 2Q14 declined 8% YoY, to EUR 435 million, due to the decline in revenue, partially offset by cost efficiency measures which increased EBITDA margin by 0.4 percentage points YoY to 38.0%.

In the second quarter of 2014, WIND continued to invest in increasing the capacity and coverage of the existing HSPA+ network, as well as expanding 4G/LTE services, now available in Milan, Turin, Rome, Padua, Bologna, Naples and Bari. As a result, 2Q14 CAPEX was EUR 173 million, excluding free of charge assets.

Two distinct transactions in April and July resulted in WIND's subsidiary Wind Acquisition Finance S.A. successfully refinancing approximately EUR 8 billion of bonds moving the first significant maturity date to 2019 and reducing the average cost of debt from 9% to 5% approximately. The transactions provide significant interest savings of over EUR 300 million per year and a more stable capital structure.

ITALY KEY INDICATORS

AFRICA & ASIA – 2Q14

• Revenue decreased organically 4% YoY to USD 879 million, driven by a slowdown in Algeria and Pakistan, partly offset by a strong recovery in Bangladesh
• EBITDA decreased organically 11% YoY to USD 392 million, with an EBITDA margin of 44.6%
• Customer base grew 6% YoY to 90.6 million, driven by strong additions in Bangladesh
• Commercial launch of 3G services in Algeria and Pakistan in July 2014

Revenue in the Africa & Asia business unit decreased 4% YoY organically to USD 879 million, while the customer base increased 6% YoY to 90.6 million, supported by strong additions in Bangladesh and solid growth in Algeria and Pakistan. Reported revenue declined by 3% YoY.

EBITDA decreased organically 11% YoY to USD 392 million, primarily due to the decline in Algeria. Reported EBITDA declined also 11% YoY.

CAPEX in 2Q14 increased almost tenfold YoY to USD 616 million due to 3G license in Pakistan of USD 300 million and investments in 3G networks in Algeria, Pakistan and Bangladesh, coupled with network modernization in Pakistan.

The following analysis of the performance of the operating units is in local currencies.

ALGERIA ("DJEZZY")
Djezzy's revenue decreased 6% YoY, as a result of lower interconnect revenue and the impact of competitors launching 3G in January 2014 ahead of the Company's 3G launch. Djezzy's mobile customer base increased 4% YoY to 17.5 million. The Company expects to stabilize its market-leading position in 2H14 now that it has launched 3G.

On July 5, 2014, Djezzy launched 3G services in seven provinces including the largest four provinces in terms of population. In July, the telecom regulator issued regulation allowing for one number for 2G and 3G, which is more convenient for customers; based on this Djezzy's 2G customers can use their SIM cards with their old number for 3G after signing a new contract. In July 2014, Djezzy launched a number of commercial offers including Millennium 3G (a hybrid voice and data product), data dongle promotions, as well as B2B and B2C offers.

EBITDA decreased 15% YoY, negatively impacted by higher network and IT costs, related to the 3G roll out.

CAPEX increased to USD 162 million mainly due to the investments in the high-speed 3G network.

PAKISTAN ("MOBILINK")
Mobilink's revenue decreased 8% YoY, affected by strong competition from from attractive bundles on the back of increased network capacity as well as unfavorable macro-economic situation. Mobilink's mobile customer base increased 4% YoY to 38.8 million, supported by the introduction of an attractive tariff plan for new customers and a competitive reactivation campaign.

On July 18, 2014, Mobilink launched 3G services in 11 Pakistani cities. The Company had begun offering 3G services on a free trial basis promptly after receiving its license in May 2014. 3G services are now live for prepaid customers, while post-paid customers are still running the free trial.

EBITDA decreased 16% YoY, negatively impacted by higher customer associated cost and higher tax absorption.

CAPEX increased to USD 110 million due to the network modernization project and the 3G roll out. The network modernization project is delayed due to congestions in some of the already modernized areas and is expected to be completed in 1Q15.

BANGLADESH ("BANGLALINK")
In Bangladesh, the Company showed the results of its successful turnaround with a 9% YoY increase in revenue and a 10% YoY increase in customers and the 12% YoY increase in EBITDA.

The revenue increase was driven by higher voice, interconnection and VAS revenue, mostly due to the 10% YoY growth in customers to 29.8 million. During the quarter, banglalink continued to focus on improving its 2G network coverage, expanding its 3G footprint with more than 2,100 3G sites and delivering the best value for its customers.

banglalink continued to focus on the mobile data market by offering different 3G offers to attract more customers and increase usage in the current growing and competitive 3G data market. The offers include new attractive 3G data packages and 3G handsets with bundles.

EBITDA increased 12% YoY, mainly due to higher revenue and cost savings.

CAPEX in 2Q14 increased to USD 43 million driven by the roll out of 3G.

On July 17, 2014, Moody's Investors Service assigned a definitive B1 corporate family rating to Banglalink Digital Communications Limited and a B1 senior unsecured rating to its USD 300 million, five-year senior notes due in 2019. The ratings outlook is stable.

In June 2014, prices of new and reactivation SIMs were revised. New SIM prices were increased from BDT 180 to BDT 200 and the replacement SIM tax is being passed on to customers. The governmental budget includes a SIM tax of BDT 300 for new customers (unchanged) and it introduced a SIM tax for replacement SIMs of BDT 100. Operators are requesting the withdrawal of the 10% customs duty along with the proposed 15% VAT on mobile handset imports, which effectively represents 31.5% of taxes on imported mobile devices. On June 28, 2014, the government imposed 1% surcharge on the price of imported and locally manufactured mobile devices.

AFRICA & ASIA KEY INDICATORS 

AFRICA & ASIA BUSINESS UNIT: COUNTRY DETAIL

ALGERIA

PAKISTAN

BANGLADESH

UKRAINE – 2Q14

• Transformation program on track, with improving NPS and declining churn
• Mobile customer base decreased 1% YoY to 25.4 million
• Mobile service revenue decreased 4% YoY to UAH 2.7 billion, primarily due to lower customer spending
• EBITDA declined 12% YoY to UAH 1.3 billion; EBITDA margin of 44.5%

Due to the ongoing turbulence in Ukraine and the very difficult environment, Kyivstar's financial results were negatively impacted by more conservative spending behavior from its customers. The operating and economic environment in Ukraine is expected to remain challenging for the remainder of this year.

The transformation program, which aims to improve customer excellence and operational performance, is on track and is showing positive results, with improving Net Promoter Scores in 2Q14, particularly in network quality perception. As a result of the improved NPS and a decrease in gross customer additions in the market, annualized churn decreased by 20 percentage points YoY to 25%. In addition, Kyivstar further simplified its offerings by introducing new tariff plans in 2Q14 focused on on-net, off-net, Internet and FTTB.

Total revenue decreased 5% YoY to UAH 3.0 billion due to the decline in mobile revenue. Mobile service revenue decreased 4% YoY to UAH 2.7 billion primarily as a result of lower mobile voice and VAS revenue, mainly due to more conservative spending behavior by customers, in part compensated by increased international interconnect revenue as a result of the increased international interconnect rate. Mobile data revenue growth remained solid at 11% YoY reaching UAH 240 million, as the smartphone penetration among its customers increased to 19% in the second quarter. Kyivstar´s mobile customer base decreased 1% YoY to 25.4 million and mobile ARPU declined 2% YoY to UAH 36.

Fixed-line service revenue increased 5% YoY to UAH 279 million due to solid growth in fixed residential broadband (FTTB) revenue, which continued to outgrow the market, increasing 10% YoY to UAH 111 million. The increase was driven by growth in the fixed broadband customer base of 14% YoY to 790 thousand while fixed broadband ARPU decreased by 5% YoY to UAH 47.1.

EBITDA decreased 12% YoY to UAH 1.3 billion, due to lower mobile voice and VAS revenue, while the Company faced cost pressures resulting from a 15% YoY increase in electricity tariffs and a doubling of the frequency fees in 2Q14. The devaluation of Hryvnia against the USD caused additional pressure on EBITDA margin. Consequently, EBITDA margin declined 3.5 percentage points YoY to 44.5%. Excluding the doubling of the frequency fees, EBITDA margin would have declined by 1.3 percentage points to 46.7%. The Company is implementing cost efficiency measures as part of the Operational Excellence program to support EBITDA margins.

Kyivstar continued modernizing its network to prepare for future mobile data growth. CAPEX totaled UAH 354 million in 2Q14 and LTM 2Q14 CAPEX to revenue was at an efficient level of 13%. Operating cash flow declined by 14% YoY to UAH 1.0 billion. However, the OCF margin remains strong at 33%.

UKRAINE KEY INDICATORS

CIS – 2Q14

• Mobile service revenue increased organically by 5% YoY
• EBITDA reached USD 231 million with organic growth of 5% YoY, with continued strong EBITDA margin of 49.8%
• Mobile customers increased 6% YoY to 25.7 million
• Mobile data customer base grew 8% YoY; mobile data revenue growth of 24% YoY
• Successful turnaround in Kazakhstan

Competition in the CIS continued to increase during 2Q14, but VimpelCom improved its strong market positions in four out of the six countries. Mobile data revenue growth was high in all CIS markets and EBITDA margins and cash flows were strong as a result of efficiencies implemented through the Company´s Operational Excellence and Capital Efficiency programs.

Total revenue increased organically by 5% YoY while total reported revenue declined by 4% YoY to USD 464 million, mainly due to currency devaluation in Kazakhstan. Mobile service revenue increased organically 5% YoY to USD 420 million driven by strong mobile data revenue growth of 24%. The CIS Business Unit grew its mobile customer base 6% YoY to 25.7 million, with increases seen across all operations, supported by strong churn reduction.

EBITDA grew organically 5% YoY leading to a strong margin of 49.8%, mainly due to strong mobile revenue growth in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. On a reported basis EBITDA declined 4% to USD 231 million mainly due to the devaluation of the Kazakhstan tenge against the US dollar.

2Q14 CAPEX decreased YoY to USD 42 million, primarily related to phasing of investments in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan and the high CAPEX for capacity in Uzbekistan in the previous year.

The following analysis of the performance in the operating units is in local currencies, except when stated otherwise.

KAZAKHSTAN
In Kazakhstan, Beeline continued its successful turnaround and improved its market position against its main competitors despite the highly competitive market. Customers continue to be attracted by Beeline´s value proposition as a result of the ongoing transition to bundled tariff plans, as well as its new data products. In 2Q14, the Company introduced packages combining Samsung Galaxy phones with data bundles.

Total service revenue in Kazakhstan increased 8% YoY in 2Q14 to KZT 34 billion driven by 6% YoY growth in mobile service revenue and a 27% YoY increase in fixed-line service revenue. The mobile customer base increased 9% YoY to 9.6 million and mobile ARPU decreased 4% YoY to KZT 1,058, due to a decrease in interconnect revenue. Mobile data revenue increased 22% YoY as a result of both an increase in data users and data ARPU. Annualized churn improved to 44% due to the customer base quality management and retention initiatives. The strong growth in fixed-line service revenue was supported by the increasing traffic termination charge and FTTB revenue.

EBITDA grew 10% YoY and EBITDA margin increased 0.8 percentage points to 48.7% as a result of efficiencies realized as part of the Operational Excellence program.

CAPEX decreased 53% YoY to USD 17 million, due to phasing of CAPEX.

UZBEKISTAN
Mobile service revenue increased 7% YoY to USD 176 million driven by a 2% YoY growth in the customer base to 10.4 million and a 6% YoY improvement in ARPU to USD 6. The ARPU increase was mainly driven by a 46% YoY increase in mobile data revenue to USD 31 million, as Beeline launched smartphone packages combining Samsung Galaxy phones with attractive data bundles. EBITDA grew 6% YoY to USD 115 million leading to an impressive EBITDA margin of 64.2%.

CAPEX decreased 71% YoY, due to phasing of CAPEX and high capacity investments in Uzbekistan in 2013.

Beeline aims to maintain its leading market position in 2014 by focusing on high value customers, while it is expected that a third mobile operator will enter the market in 4Q14.

KYRGYZSTAN
Mobile service revenue decreased 5% YoY to KGS 2.3 billion, due to strong competition and declining prices. This was partly compensated by strong growth in mobile data revenue of 48% YoY to KGS 229 million as a result of initiatives aimed at stimulating data usage for small screens. The mobile customer base increased 12% YoY due to Beeline´s attractive on-net and data offerings. ARPU decreased 16% YoY to KGS 297 as a result of declining prices. EBITDA decreased 11% and EBITDA margin declined by 3.1 percentage points to 53.0% due to the increase in international interconnect costs.

ARMENIA
Mobile service revenue in Armenia decreased 3% YoY to AMD 6.0 billion in 2Q14 due to a decline in voice revenue. Mobile customers increased by 4% due to the reduction of annualized churn to 45% in 2Q14 from 72% in 2Q13 as a result of the focus on quality sales. Fixed service revenue declined 4% due to a fall in voice revenue and a reduction in the customer base.  EBITDA declined 11% YoY and EBITDA margin decreased 3.6 percentage points to 37.1% mainly due to the increase of interconnect costs in mobile and termination costs in fixed-line. Competition remained strong following the introduction of MNP in April 2014.

TAJIKISTAN
In Tajikistan, mobile service revenue decreased 1% YoY to USD 37 million in 2Q14 as a result of ARPU decreasing by 8% to USD 10 mainly due to decreasing prices and declining international calls.

However, this was partly compensated by 5% YoY growth in the mobile customer base to 1.3 million. EBITDA decreased 28% YoY while EBITDA margin decreased 13.5 percentage points to 38.5%, as a result of a one-off non-cash tax charge.

GEORGIA
The Georgian market remained highly competitive in 2Q14 with the Company's mobile service revenue declining by 8% YoY to GEL 30 million, partly as a result of the lack of a 3G license versus competition. Despite this, the Company grew its mobile customer base by 14% YoY to 1.1 million as a result of its attractive price offerings. ARPU declined 19% YoY to GEL 9. EBITDA decreased 29% YoY to GEL 8 million and EBITDA margin decreased 5.8 percentage points YoY to 25.2%.

CIS KEY INDICATORS 

CIS BUSINESS UNIT: COUNTRY DETAIL

CONFERENCE CALL INFORMATION

On August 6, 2014, the Company will host an analyst & investor conference call on its second quarter results at 2:00 pm CET. The call and slide presentation may be accessed at http://www.vimpelcom.com

2:00 pm CET investor and analyst conference call
US call-in number: +1 (877) 616-4476
Confirmation Code: 73473636

International call-in number: + 1 (402) 875-4763
Confirmation Code: 73473636

The conference call replay and the slide presentations webcast will be available until August 13, 2014. The slide presentation will also be available for download on the Company's website.

Investor and analyst call replay
US Replay Number: +1 (855) 859-2056
Confirmation Code: 73473636

International Replay Number: +1 (404) 537-3406
Confirmation Code: 73473636

DISCLAIMER

This press release contains "forward-looking statements", as the phrase is defined in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These statements relate to, among other things, the Company's anticipated performance, its expectation to close and derive benefits from the Algeria transaction, anticipated interest cost savings, its expected capital expenditures, 2014 annual targets, operational and network development and anticipated benefits from network investment and the Company's ability to realize its strategic initiatives in the various countries of operation. The forward-looking statements included in this presentation are based on management's best assessment of the Company's strategic and financial position and of future market conditions and trends. These discussions involve risks and uncertainties. The actual outcome may differ materially from these statements as a result of continued volatility in the economies in our markets, unforeseen developments from competition, governmental regulation of the telecommunications industries, general political uncertainties in our markets and/or litigation with third parties. There can be no assurance that such risks and uncertainties will not have a material adverse effect on the Company. Certain factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed in any forward-looking statements include the risk factors described in the Company's Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2013 filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") and other public filings made by the Company with the SEC, which risk factors are incorporated herein by reference. The Company disclaims any obligation to update developments of these risk factors or to announce publicly any revision to any of the forward-looking statements contained in this release, or to make corrections to reflect future events or developments.

ABOUT VIMPELCOM LTD

VimpelCom is one of the world's largest integrated telecommunications services operators providing voice and data services through a range of traditional and broadband mobile and fixed technologies in Russia, Italy, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Armenia, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Algeria, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Burundi, Zimbabwe, Central African Republic and Canada. VimpelCom's operations around the globe cover territory with a total population of approximately 754 million people. VimpelCom provides services under the "Beeline", "Kyivstar", "WIND", "Infostrada" "Mobilink", "Leo", "banglalink", "Telecel", and "Djezzy" brands. As of June 30, 2014 VimpelCom had 221 million mobile customers on a combined basis. VimpelCom is traded on the NASDAQ Global Stock Market under the symbol (VIP). For more information visit: http://www.vimpelcom.com.

CONTENT OF THE ATTACHMENTS

For more information on financial and operating data for specific countries, please refer to the supplementary file Factbook2Q2014.xls on VimpelCom's website at http://vimpelcom.com/ir/financials/results.wbp.

 

ATTACHMENT A: VIMPELCOM LTD INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

VIMPELCOM LTD UNAUDITED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

ATTACHMENT A: VIMPELCOM LTD INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

VIMPELCOM LTD UNAUDITED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION

ATTACHMENT A: VIMPELCOM LTD INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

VIMPELCOM LTD UNAUDITED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS 

ATTACHMENT B: COUNTRY UNITS KEY INDICATORS

AFRICA & ASIA BUSINESS UNIT: COUNTRY DETAIL

CIS BUSINESS UNIT: COUNTRY DETAIL

CANADA: COUNTRY DETAIL

ATTACHMENT C: RECONCILIATION TABLES

RECONCILIATION OF CONSOLIDATED EBITDA OF VIMPELCOM

ATTACHMENT C: RECONCILIATION TABLES

RECONCILIATION OF VIMPELCOM CONSOLIDATED NET DEBT

RATES OF FUNCTIONAL CURRENCIES TO USD¹

ATTACHMENT D: WIND TELECOMUNICAZIONI GROUP CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

ATTACHMENT E: DEFINITIONS

ARPU (Average Revenue per User) is calculated by dividing service revenue for the relevant period, including revenue from voice-, roaming-, interconnect-, and value added services (including mobile data, SMS, MMS), but excluding revenue from visitors roaming, connection fees, sales of handsets and accessories and other non-service revenue, by the average number of customers during the period and dividing by the number of months in that period. For Business Unit Italy visitors roaming revenue is included into service revenue.

Broadband customers are the customer contracts that served as a basis for revenue generating activity in the three months prior to the measurement date, as a result of activities including monthly Internet access using FTTB and xDSL technologies as well as mobile Internet access via WiFi and USB modems using 2.5G/3G/4G/HSPA+ technologies. Italian Business Unit measure fixed broadband customers based on the number of active contracts signed, mobile broadband include customers that have performed at least one mobile Internet event in the previous month. Russian Business Unit includes IPTV activities. For CIS subsidiaries mobile broadband customers are those who have performed at least one mobile Internet event in the three-month period prior to the measurement date.

Capital expenditures (CAPEX), purchases of new equipment, new construction, upgrades, software, other long lived assets and related reasonable costs incurred prior to intended use of the non-current asset, accounted at the earliest event of advance payment or delivery. Long-lived assets acquired in business combinations are not included in capital expenditures.

EBIT is a non-GAAP measure and is calculated as EBITDA plus depreciation, amortization and impairment loss. Our management uses EBIT as a supplemental performance measure and believes that it provides useful information of earnings of the Company before making accruals for financial income and expenses and Net foreign exchange (loss)/gain and others. Reconciliation of EBIT to net income attributable to VimpelCom Ltd., the most directly comparable IFRS financial measure, is presented above.

EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure. EBITDA is defined as earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization. VimpelCom calculates EBITDA as operating income before depreciation, amortization, loss from disposal of non-current assets and impairment loss and includes certain non-operating losses and gains mainly represented by litigation provisions for all of its Business Units except for its Russia Business Unit. The Russia Business Unit's EBITDA is calculated as operating income before depreciation, amortization, loss from disposal of non-current assets and impairment loss. EBITDA should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for analyses of the results as reported under IFRS. Historically our management used OIBDA (defined as operating income before depreciation, amortization and impairment losses) instead of EBITDA. Following the acquisition of WIND Telecom, our management concluded that EBITDA is a more appropriate measure because it is more widely used amongst European-based analysts and investors to assess the performance of an entity and compare it with other market players. Our management uses EBITDA and EBITDA margin as supplemental performance measures and believes that EBITDA and EBITDA margin provide useful information to investors because they are indicators of the strength and performance of the Company's business operations, including its ability to fund discretionary spending, such as capital expenditures, acquisitions and other investments, as well as indicating its ability to incur and service debt. In addition, the components of EBITDA include the key revenue and expense items for which the Company's operating managers are responsible and upon which their performance is evaluated. EBITDA also assists management and investors by increasing the comparability of the Company's performance against the performance of other telecommunications companies that provide EBITDA information. This increased comparability is achieved by excluding the potentially inconsistent effects between periods or companies of depreciation, amortization and impairment losses, which items may significantly affect operating income between periods. However, our EBITDA results may not be directly comparable to other companies' reported EBITDA results due to variances and adjustments in the components of EBITDA (including our calculation of EBITDA) or calculation measures. Additionally, a limitation of EBITDA's use as a performance measure is that it does not reflect the periodic costs of certain capitalized tangible and intangible assets used in generating revenue or the need to replace capital equipment over time. Reconciliation of EBITDA to net income attributable to VimpelCom Ltd., the most directly comparable IFRS financial measure, is presented above.

EBITDA margin is calculated as EBITDA divided by net operating revenue, expressed as a percentage.

Households passed are households located within buildings, in which indoor installation of all the FTTB equipment necessary to install terminal residential equipment has been completed.

LLU (local loop unbundling), in Italy, this is the regulatory process of allowing multiple telecommunications operators to use connections from Telecom Italia's local exchanges to the customer's premises.

MFS (Mobile financial services): mobile commerce or m-commerce, encapsulates a variety of innovative services that use a mobile phone as the primary payment user interface. With this technology mobile customers can conduct money transfers to pay for goods at an online store, make utility payments, pay fines and state fees, loan repayments, domestic and international remittances, pay mobile insurance and purchase tickets for air and rail travel, all via their mobile phone.

MNP (Mobile number portability) is a facility provided by telecommunications operators which enables customers to keep their telephone numbers when they change operators.

Mobile customers are SIM-cards registered in the system as of a measurement date, users of which generated revenue at any time during the three months prior to the measurement date. This includes revenue coming from any incoming and outgoing calls, subscription fee accruals, debits related to service, outgoing SMS, Multimedia Messaging Service (referred to as MMS), data transmission and receipt sessions, but does not include incoming SMS and MMS sent by VimpelCom or abandoned calls. VimpelCom's total number of mobile customers also includes SIM-cards for use of mobile Internet service via USB modems and customers for WiFi. The number for Italy is based on SIM-cards, users of which generated revenue at any time during the twelve months prior to the measurement date. For the purpose of this earnings release, we include all customers of Zimbabwe, which is accounted for as investment at cost, into Business Unit Africa & Asia and customers of all our Canada equity investee into Business Unit Europe and North America, both of which are included into total customers of VimpelCom.

MOU (Monthly Average Minutes of Use per User) is generally calculated by dividing the total number of minutes of usage for incoming and outgoing calls during the relevant period (excluding guest roamers) by the average number of mobile customers during the period and dividing by the number of months in that period. Africa & Asia Business Unit measures MOU based on billed minutes.

Net debt is a non-GAAP financial measure and is calculated as the sum of interest bearing long-term debt and short-term debt minus cash and cash equivalents, long-term and short-term deposits and fair value hedges. The Company believes that net debt provides useful information to investors because it shows the amount of debt outstanding to be paid after using available cash and cash equivalent and long-term and short-term deposits. Net debt should not be considered in isolation as an alternative to long-term debt and short-term debt, or any other measure of the company financial position. Reconciliation of net debt to long-term debt and short-term debt, the most directly comparable IFRS financial measures, is presented above in the reconciliation tables section.

Net foreign exchange (loss)/gain and others represents the sum of Net foreign exchange (loss)/gain, Equity in net (loss)/gain of associates and Other (expense)/income, net (primarily losses from derivative instruments), and is adjusted for certain non-operating losses and gains mainly represented by litigation provisions. Our management uses Net foreign exchange (loss)/gain and others as a supplemental performance measure and believes that it provides useful information about the impact of our debt denominated in foreign currencies on our results of operations due to fluctuations in exchange rates, the performance of our equity investees and other losses and gains the Company needs to manage to run the business.

OPEX, operational expenses, represents service costs and selling, general and administrative expenses.

Organic growth in revenue and EBITDA are non-GAAP financial measures that reflect changes in Revenue and EBITDA excluding foreign currency movements and other factors, such as businesses under liquidation, disposals, mergers and acquisitions.

Underlying growth Revenue and EBITDA also excludes MTR reductions and one-offs. We believe investors should consider these measures as they are more indicative of our ongoing performance and management uses these measures to evaluate the Company's operational results and trends.

Reportable segments: the Company identified Russia, Italy, Africa & Asia, Ukraine and CIS based on the business activities in different geographical areas. Although Georgia is no longer a member of the CIS, consistent with VimpelCom's historic reporting practice VimpelCom continues to include Georgia in its CIS reporting segment. Intersegment revenue is eliminated in consolidation.

Service costs represent costs directly associated with revenue generating activity such as traffic related expenses, cost of content and sim-cards as well as cost of handsets, telephone equipment and accessories sold.

Selling, general and administrative expenses represent expenses associated with customer acquisition and retention activities, network and IT maintenance, regular frequency payment, professional and consulting support, rent of premises, utilities, personnel and outsourcing as well as other general and administrative expenses. These expenses do not include personnel costs that have been capitalized as part of long-lived assets.

SOURCE VimpelCom Ltd