VimpelCom Reports 4Q13 And FY13 Results

AMSTERDAM, March 6, 2014 /PRNewswire/ --

KEY RESULTS AND DEVELOPMENTS IN 2013

"VimpelCom Ltd" ("VimpelCom", "Company" or "Group") (NASDAQ: VIP), a leading global provider of telecommunications services, today announces financial and operating results for the quarter and financial year ended December 31, 2013.

JO LUNDER, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, COMMENTS:

"The net loss in the fourth quarter, and for 2013, was due to non-cash impairment charges taken on our assets in Ukraine and Canada. The underlying performance in 2013 was stable, with a small increase in our Group EBITDA margin to 42.7%, highlighting our continuing focus on cost control and the benefits resulting from procurement savings. Operating cash flows of USD 5.4 billion for the year remained strong. We remain committed to executing on our Value Agenda with a focus on customer experience, cost control and capital efficiency."

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL AND OPERATING HIGHLIGHTS

¹⁾ Revenue and EBITDA organic growth are non-GAAP financial measures that exclude the effect of foreign currency movements and certain items such as liquidations and disposals
²⁾ CAPEX FY13 excludes EUR 136 million of non-cash increase in Intangible Assets related to the contract with Terna in relation to the Right of Way of WIND's backbone
³⁾ The customer numbers for 2012 have been adjusted to remove customers in operations that have been sold and to reflect revised customer numbers in Algeria, due to the reported technical issue, and Ukraine where the definition of customers has been aligned to the group definition
⁴⁾ The 2012 statements of income have been restated to reflect a fair value adjustment of USD 606 million in relation to Euroset

For all definitions please see Attachment E

ORGANIC GROWTH REVENUE AND EBITDA

MOBILE CUSTOMERS

¹⁾  The customer numbers for 2012 have been adjusted to remove customers in operations that have been sold and to reflect revised customer numbers in Algeria, due to the reported technical issue, and Ukraine where the definition of customers has been aligned to the group definition

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

• VimpelCom provided annual targets for 2014 at its Analyst & Investor Conference in January 2014
• New dividend policy announced in January 2014 to support investments in future growth and deleveraging
• VimpelCom added to the NASDAQ-100® Index in October 2013
• 3G services launched in Bangladesh
• 3G license in Algeria awarded in December 2013 and launch planned in 2Q14

VimpelCom provided the following annual targets¹ for 2014 at its annual Analyst & Investor Conference on January 28-29, 2014 in London:

• Stable Revenue YoY
• Stable EBITDA YoY
• Net Debt to EBITDA of approximately 2.3x and
• CAPEX (excluding licenses) to Revenue of approximately 21%.

During this Conference, VimpelCom also provided an update on its strategic Value Agenda at both the Group and Business Unit level. The Value Agenda is focused on increasing Cash Flows from four main pillars: Profitable Growth, Customer Excellence, Operational Excellence and Capital Efficiency.

On January 28, 2014 the Company announced a new dividend policy aiming to pay 3.5 USD cents per share per annum until the target level of less than 2.0x Net Debt to EBITDA has been achieved. The main reason for the dividend reduction is the need to invest in high-speed networks to drive future growth from mobile data revenue, while deleveraging to our target ratio. The Board also decided not to pay a final 2013 dividend.

As part of VimpelCom's regular review of its external auditor, the Board performed a tender process, which resulted in a recommendation to appoint PwC as the new external auditor of the Company. This appointment will be subject to shareholder approval at the next AGM.

VimpelCom switched the listing of its ADSs to the NASDAQ Global Stock Market from the NYSE on September 10 and achieved another major milestone with inclusion in the NASDAQ-100® Index on October 29, 2013.

In October 2013, the Company's operating unit in Bangladesh, banglalink, launched 3G services after it was awarded a 3G license in September 2013.

The Company's subsidiary in Algeria, Orascom Telecom Algerie (OTA), was granted one of the three 3G licenses in December. OTA has started to import 3G equipment, under an exceptional approval from the Bank of Algeria, allowing OTA to make foreign payments to acquire equipment exclusively dedicated to 3G technologies. This approval is a conditioned exception to the current ban on foreign payments. OTA expects to launch 3G services in 2Q14.

The Supervisory Board has authorized the Company to extend the maturity of the loan to Global Telecom Holding ("GTH"), due in May 2014, in the amount of approximately USD 3.2 billion, reflecting the principal amount plus accrued interest as of the amendment date. The extended loan will have a term of up to 37 months and an interest rate of up to 13% per annum. The extension of the shareholder loan will be subject to approval by a majority of the minority shareholders participating at the next GTH shareholders meeting.

VIMPELCOM GROUP – FINANCIAL AND OPERATING RESULTS 4Q13

• Revenue of USD 5.6 billion, an organic decline of 6% YoY, impacted by MTR cuts in Italy, governmental and regulatory measures, unstable macro environment and market slowdown in certain markets
• EBITDA of USD 2.4 billion, an organic decline of 2% YoY, primarily due to MTR cuts in Italy, VoIP deactivations in Bangladesh and ongoing limitations in Algeria
• Strong EBITDA margin of 42.7%, up 1.6 percentage points YoY
• CAPEX¹ increased 11% YoY to USD 1.8 billion due to investments for future growth
• Net debt / EBITDA of 2.3x at the end of 4Q13
• Total mobile customer base up 4%² YoY to 220 million

OPERATING FINANCIALS PER BUSINESS UNIT

¹⁾ FY13 CAPEX excludes EUR 136 million of non-cash increase in Intangible Assets related to the contract with Terna in relation to the Right of Way of WIND's backbone
²⁾ Following the sale of Vietnam and Cambodia the customer numbers for 2012 exclude these customers. The 2012 numbers for Algeria have been adjusted for the technical issue and in Ukraine for the definition alignment as communicated in 2Q13 earnings release

FINANCIAL AND OPERATING PERFORMANCE OVERVIEW 4Q13

4Q13 revenue was negatively impacted by regulatory and governmental actions in the business unit Africa & Asia, MTR cuts and price competition in Italy, the ongoing limitations in Algeria, unstable macro situations in Pakistan and Bangladesh and market slowdown in some markets.

Total mobile customers increased by 4%² YoY to 220 million at the end of the fourth quarter. The customer base grew in all business units with the largest absolute contribution coming from a substantial increase in customers in Africa & Asia.

EBITDA decreased organically 2% YoY to USD 2,372 million, reflecting the negative impact of the reduction of MTR and price competition in Italy, the VoIP effect in Bangladesh and the ongoing ban in Algeria.

In Russia, the Company experienced a slowdown in revenue and ARPU. Revenue was down 4% YoY to RUB 70.7 billion, while mobile service revenue declined 2% YoY to RUB 56.2 billion. Mobile data revenue increased 25% YoY to RUB 8.8 billion. Mobile broadband customers in Russia increased 18% YoY to 3.1 million. EBITDA declined organically 6% YoY to RUB 28.5 billion due to the revenue decrease and the costs related to investments in the mobile data network and in owned monobrand stores.

In Italy, WIND continued to outperform its peers and further strengthened its position in a market that showed the first signs of stabilization, albeit at a lower level than before the summer campaigns. Mobile service revenue declined 10% YoY to EUR 800 million, mainly due to summer price competition and double MTR cuts. Excluding these MTR cuts, mobile service revenue declined 3% YoY. Mobile broadband revenue increased 30% YoY to EUR 131 million and fixed broadband revenue increased 6% YoY to EUR 135 million. EBITDA declined organically 3% YoY to EUR 500 million mainly due to the pressure on service revenue, as a result of intense price competition and the MTR cuts, partially compensated by cost savings. As a result, EBITDA margin increased 2.9 percentage points YoY to a strong 40.4%.

The Africa & Asia Business Unit was impacted by regulatory and governmental actions in several countries. As a consequence, revenue declined organically 5% YoY to USD 863 million in 4Q13 and mobile service revenue declined organically 5% YoY to USD 830 million. EBITDA declined organically 3% YoY to USD 403 million due to governmental and regulatory actions in Pakistan and Bangladesh, the continued outages in Pakistan, the national strikes in Bangladesh and the ongoing limitations in Algeria. The customer base in the Africa & Asia business unit increased 7% YoY to approximately 89 million.

In Algeria, Djezzy maintained its leadership position, but revenue was down 3% YoY to DZD 36 billion as a result of ongoing restrictions in the country. In Pakistan, revenue was down 6% YoY to PKR 26 billion, impacted by several government-forced cellular network closures and regular power outages. In Bangladesh, the 11% YoY decline to BDT 10 billion in revenue was mainly due to the ongoing deactivation of suspected VoIP customers in compliance with new regulations. In addition, revenue was negatively impacted by the unstable macro environment, evidenced by 32 days of national strikes.

The Ukraine Business Unit increased its customer base by 3% YoY to 26 million. Total revenue decreased 9% YoY to UAH 3.1 billion. Fixed-line revenue was up 15% YoY mainly due to a 24% YoY increase in fixed residential broadband customers. Mobile service revenue declined 9% YoY to UAH 2.9 billion, due to customers switching to lower priced bundled tariff plans, difficulties in up-selling of the customer base to higher bundles and a decrease in interconnect revenue. EBITDA declined organically 18% YoY to UAH 1.5 billion, mainly due to lower revenue, higher commercial costs resulting from an increase in mobile gross additions and growth in network & IT costs. Although the EBITDA margin was down YoY, it remained strong at 47.2%. Kyivstar has launched a transformation program to address the current performance.

The CIS Business Unit delivered 5% YoY organic growth of revenue to USD 503 million, with results benefiting from the two-player market in Uzbekistan. The Company continues to face particularly strong competition in Kazakhstan, as well as in Armenia and Kyrgyzstan. In Kazakhstan, VimpelCom is transitioning its customer base to bundled tariff plans and the Company's competitive position improved as a result of this new attractive value proposition. The mobile customer base increased 5% YoY to 25 million with a positive YoY trend in most countries. EBITDA increased organically 5% YoY to USD 244 million driven primarily by a strong performance in Uzbekistan following the continued closure of a competitor's network by the Uzbek authorities, which began in 3Q12. EBITDA margin increased 0.3 percentage points YoY to 48.4%.

INCOME STATEMENT ELEMENTS

¹⁾ FY13 CAPEX excludes EUR 136 million of non-cash increase in Intangible Assets related to the contract with Terna in relation to the Right of Way of WIND's backbone
²⁾ The 2012 statements of income have been restated to reflect a fair value adjustment of USD 606 million in relation to Euroset

EBIT in 4Q13 decreased to a loss of USD 1.9 billion reflecting non-cash impairments of USD 2.9 billion following the Company's annual impairment valuation of its assets. The impairment on the assets in Ukraine was related to macro-economic developments, an increase in the country risk premium and weakened operational performance. The Company fully impaired its assets in Canada, mainly relating to the challenges the Company is facing in the country, which resulted in the strategic decision to withdraw from the 700 MHz spectrum auction and the reassessment of the prospects for continuing operations in the country. These were partly offset by the positive impact of declining amortization applied to intangible assets associated with customer relationships as part of the Wind Telecom acquisition.

Profit before tax decreased to a loss of USD 2.6 billion, compared to profit before tax of USD 158 million in the same period a year ago. The decrease was primarily the result of the aforementioned impairments, as well as tax contingencies and losses from investment in Euroset and Canada.

The Net loss attributable to VimpelCom shareholders was USD 2.7 billion in 4Q13 compared to a net income of USD 195 million in 4Q12. The decrease was mainly the result of lower profit before tax and higher tax expenses. The higher tax expenses were primary due to non-deductible provisions on uncertain positions regarding interest expenses and charges of withholding tax on dividends from CIS.

CAPEX increased 11% YoY to USD 1.8 billion in 4Q13, reflecting the continued investments for future growth, including the acquisition of a 3G license in Algeria, the roll out of mobile networks in Russia, Bangladesh and CIS, as well as the continued roll out of HSPA+ and backbone capacity to support data growth in Italy.

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION & CASH FLOW 4Q13

Total assets decreased 5% QoQ in 4Q13 to USD 50.4 billion, primarily reflecting the aforementioned impairments, partly offset by investments in property and equipment. Gross debt was slightly down QoQ in 4Q13 to USD 27.5 billion. Net debt was slightly up QoQ to USD 22.6 billion due to FX movements, leading to a stable Net debt to EBITDA ratio of 2.3x at the end of the fourth quarter.

Net cash from operating activities was USD 2.0 billion in 4Q13, a decrease of 13% YoY, explained by lower EBITDA, higher tax payment and less positive movements in working capital compared to the same period a year ago that was partially offset by lower interest paid. Net cash used in investing activities tripled to USD 1.5 billion in 4Q13 compared to USD 0.5 billion in 4Q12 mainly as a result of higher CAPEX and net cash placed on deposit in 4Q13 compared to the net withdrawal from deposits in 4Q12. The increase in net cash used in financing activities in 4Q13 compared to 4Q12 was primarily caused by the dividend payment of USD 0.8 billion in December 2013.

VIMPELCOM GROUP – FINANCIAL RESULTS FULL YEAR 2013

• Stable underlying Revenue and EBITDA, excluding MTR cuts and one-off charges
• Revenue reached USD 22.5 billion; organic decline of 2% YoY
• EBITDA of USD 9.6 billion; organic decline of 1% YoY
• EBITDA margin increased 0.3 percentage points YoY to 42.7%
• Net loss of USD 1.4 billion reflecting USD 3.0 billion of non-cash impairments
• CAPEX¹ of USD 4.2 billion leading to CAPEX/Revenue of 19%
• Operating cash flow (EBITDA – CAPEX) decreased 5% to USD 5.4 billion

FULL YEAR 2013

Total operating revenue in FY13 decreased organically by 2% YoY to USD 22.5 billion. Revenue was impacted by regulatory and governmental measures, unstable macro environments and economic slowdown in some of our markets, as well as the MTR cuts and severe price competition in Italy. Excluding one-off charges and MTR cuts, the Company would have had stable revenue compared to FY12.

In Russia, revenue decreased 1% to USD 9.1 billion and increased 2% to RUB 290 billion. In Italy, revenue decreased 5% to USD 6.6 billion and decreased 8% to EUR 5.0 billion as a result of the sharp MTR cuts and severe price competition, especially during the summer campaigns. Excluding the MTR effect, total operating revenue declined 1% in local currency. The Africa & Asia Business Unit realized a 3% YoY organic decline in revenue and in reported revenue a decline of 6% to USD 3.5 billion, while the Ukraine Business Unit revenue declined by 4% to USD 1.6 billion and to UAH 12.9 billion. The CIS Business Unit continued to deliver a strong performance with a revenue increase of 11% YoY to USD 1.9 billion (12% organically), primarily as a result of the network closure of a competitor by the Uzbek authorities.

EBITDA decreased 2% YoY to USD 9.6 billion. Excluding one-off charges and MTR cuts, the Company would have had stable EBITDA compared to FY12. The one-off charges in EBITDA, amounting to USD 82 million, mainly relate to a settlement, restructuring charges, rebranding in Pakistan and M&A related costs. EBITDA in the Russia Business Unit grew organically by 1% YoY to RUB 121 billion, while in USD it declined by 2% to USD 3.8 billion. In Italy, EBITDA decreased 3% to USD 2.6 billion and declined by 6% to EUR 1.9 billion mainly due to the impact of the MTR cuts and severe competition. The EBITDA of the Africa & Asia Business Unit declined 4% to USD 1.7 billion and realized an organic decline of 1% YoY. In the Ukraine Business Unit, EBITDA decreased by 9% to USD 0.8 billion and to UAH 6.2 billion. EBITDA organic growth in the CIS Business Unit was 18%, reaching USD 949 million.

CAPEX¹ stood at USD 4.2 billion, with investments in the further roll out of the mobile networks in Russia, Bangladesh, Pakistan and the CIS. The CAPEX/Revenue for FY13 was 19%, while the Company expects FY14 CAPEX, excluding licenses, to be approximately 21% of revenue.

¹⁾  FY13 CAPEX excludes EUR 136 million of non-cash increase in Intangible Assets related to the contract with Terna in relation to the Right of Way of WIND's backbone
²⁾ The 2012 statements of income have been restated to reflect a fair value adjustment of USD 606 million in relation to Euroset

BUSINESS UNITS PERFORMANCE IN 4Q13

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

RUSSIA – FINANCIAL AND OPERATING RESULTS 4Q13

• Mobile service revenue increased 0.3 % YoY excluding one-off adjustments
• Mobile data revenue grew 25% YoY with a 30% YoY improvement in data revenue from small screens
• EBITDA decreased 6% YoY, leading to an EBITDA margin of 40.3%
• Mobile customers increased 1% YoY to 56.5 million; mobile broadband customers grew 18% to 3.1 million

The Russian business unit has entered its next phase of transition in a multi-faceted process, involving customer excellence, data network parity and distribution, that is expected to run over the coming three years. The management team is building a customer-centric organization, which focuses on Customer Excellence and implementing a cultural transformation in customer service. Beeline introduced a new customer value proposition supported by clear communications to improve customer perception. As part of this, Beeline is simplifying its tariff portfolio, reducing the number of different options while addressing specific needs. In addition, Beeline is rejecting SMS spam and unrequested services from content providers, currently impacting revenue negatively. The actions undertaken are expected to improve customer perception over time with a positive effect on future growth.

Mobile service revenue declined 2% YoY to RUB 56.3 billion mainly due to one-off adjustments in 4Q13 totaling RUB 1.4 billion related to roaming discounts and a change in presentation related to content revenue. Excluding these one-offs, mobile service revenue grew 0.3% YoY. The mobile customer base of Beeline increased 1% YoY to 56.5 million in 4Q13 and ARPU declined 4% YoY to RUB 327. 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. The mobile voice revenue decline was offset by increasing mobile data revenue from strong growth in mobile data traffic, which more than doubled YoY. Mobile data revenue increased 25% YoY to RUB 8.8 billion, while data revenue from small screens increased 30% YoY.

Fixed-line service revenue increased 5% YoY to RUB 12.4 billion due to the growth in FTTB and voice revenue. The fixed-line broadband customer base declined 3% YoY to 2.3 million, while fixed-line broadband ARPU increased 1% YoY. The Company´s strategy in the fixed-line business continues to be centered on profitability in regions where it currently has significant market share, thereby focusing on CAPEX and OPEX efficiency and increasing ARPU in the FTTB segment.

EBITDA decreased 6% YoY to RUB 28.5 billion and EBITDA margin decreased 1.0 percentage points YoY to 40.3% due to lower revenue and the increased demand-driven network investments, as well as an increase in HR costs due to the expansion of owned monobrand stores. Beeline will continue its Operational Excellence 2.0 program in 2014, focusing on simultaneously improving both customer service and efficiency.

Beeline continued to focus on improving its distribution network in 4Q13. The number of owned monobrand stores more than tripled during the year, expanding to 1,240 at year-end. 39% of sales were from owned monobrand stores in 4Q13, compared to 21% in 4Q12. Through owned monobrand stores, the Company is better able to educate the customer about its services, increase smartphone penetration, enhance the level of service and reduce churn.

In addition, Beeline continued its mobile data network improvement program in 4Q13, bringing the quality of its network to parity with competitors in the key regions. In Russia, the number of 3G base stations increased more than 40% YoY while in Moscow the number grew 190%. Approximately 80% to 90% of base stations are now connected via IP in the key regions, while for Moscow it is 99%. All of the IP-connected 3G base stations are upgraded with HSPA+ technology, which increases customer throughput to 21 Mbps. In Moscow, the Company began the activation of dual carrier HSPA+ technology, which increases customer throughput to 42 Mbps. Beeline launched 4G/LTE in 6 regions and Moscow Oblast in 2013 and will accelerate the 4G/LTE roll out in 2014. The Company offers dual bands of 4G/LTE in Moscow (2,600 MHz and 800 MHz) and these two frequency bands support the capital efficiency objective through more efficient investment.

FY13 CAPEX to revenue increased to 20% from 18% in FY12 due to increased investments in the mobile data network and owned monobrand stores. Beeline expects CAPEX to revenue of 22% in Russia for FY14 as a result of continued mobile data network improvements. Operating cash flow margin in FY13 was 22% compared to a margin of 24% in FY12.

RUSSIA KEY INDICATORS

ITALY – FINANCIAL AND OPERATING RESULTS 4Q13

• Continued outperformance in a highly competitive market
• Mobile customer base increased 3% YoY to 22.3 million
• Total revenue at EUR 1,237 million, down 10% YoY; mobile service revenue excl. MTR declined 3%
• Strong data revenue growth: mobile broadband up 30% YoY and fixed broadband up 6% YoY
• EBITDA at EUR 500 million with margin growing to 40.4% YoY

WIND continued to outperform its competitors in a market that remained challenging despite signs of a more rational environment. The price competition during the summer months of 2013 caused a significant impact on 4Q13 results.

Total revenue in 4Q13 decreased 10% YoY to EUR 1,237 million, primarily due to the aforementioned competitive dynamics coupled with the two cuts in mobile termination rates (MTR), which occurred earlier in 2013. Excluding the MTR impact, total revenue declined 5% YoY.

Mobile service revenue in 4Q13 decreased 10% to EUR 800 million as a combined result of the intense price competition and the MTR cuts. Excluding the MTR cuts, mobile service revenue would have declined 3% YoY. In 4Q13, WIND delivered strong results in its mobile data offerings with mobile broadband revenue up 30% YoY to EUR 131 million driven by a 50% YoY growth in mobile broadband customers to 8.3 million.

Despite the challenging environment, WIND's commercial performance in 4Q13 remained strong with a 3% YoY increase in its mobile customer base to 22.3 million, driven by the continued success of its renewed All-Inclusive bundles characterized by simplicity and transparency. The more rational mobile market also resulted in lower churn in 4Q13 compared to both prior year and prior quarter.

Mobile ARPU declined 13% to EUR 12 due to the competitive pressure, the MTR cuts and the increased number of "data only" SIM cards, which don't provide voice revenue.

In fixed-line, service revenue decreased 8% YoY to EUR 320 million mainly due to the decline in the fixed-line customer base, mostly in the indirect segment, as a result of the focus on higher margin customers and more efficient sales channels. Fixed broadband revenue increased 6% YoY to EUR 135 million. WIND's fixed-line strategy continued to deliver consistent results with a solid 6.5 percentage points YoY increase in EBITDA margin to 30.1%. As a result of the above-mentioned strategy LLU broadband customers and dual play customers showed a 1% YoY growth.

Despite the pressure on revenue, EBITDA in 4Q13 declined only 3% YoY, reaching EUR 500 million, as a result of the significant cost saving measures undertaken in all cost lines, in particular in commercial costs and OPEX. The focus on efficiency resulted in a 2.9 percentage points increase in EBITDA margin to 40.4%.

In order to monetize and support the significant increase in data traffic, WIND continued to invest a substantial portion of its cash flows in 4Q13 in order to increase both the capacity and coverage of its existing HSPA+ network, as well as to launch its 4G/LTE services in certain areas of Rome and Milan and in the main Italian airports. 4Q13 CAPEX was EUR 291 million and FY13 CAPEX was 16% of revenue.

In FY13, WIND's operating cash flow increased YoY to EUR 1.16 billion.

ITALY KEY INDICATORS

¹⁾ CAPEX excludes EUR 136 million of non-cash increase in Intangible Assets related to the contract with Terna in relation to the Right of Way of WIND's backbone in 2013. CAPEX 2012 includes 4G/LTE license costs
²⁾ Mobile broadband include consumer customers that have performed at least one mobile Internet event in the previous month on 2.5G/3G/3.5G

AFRICA & ASIA – FINANCIAL AND OPERATING RESULTS 4Q13

• Revenue of USD 863 million, an organic decline of 5%, negatively impacted by regulatory measures, unstable macro situations in Pakistan and Bangladesh and ongoing limitations in Algeria
• EBITDA decreased organically 3% YoY to USD 403 million, with EBITDA margin up 1.2 pp YoY to 46.7%
• Customer base grew 7%¹ YoY to 89 million, mainly driven by strong additions in Bangladesh
• Launched 3G services in Bangladesh
• Awarded 3G license in Algeria in December; 3G launch expected in 2Q14

Revenue in the Africa & Asia business unit decreased organically 5% YoY to USD 863 million, negatively impacted by regulatory and governmental measures, unstable macro situations in Pakistan and Bangladesh, as well as continued regulatory restrictions in Algeria. The customer base in the Africa & Asia business unit increased 7%¹ YoY to 89 million, supported by strong additions in Bangladesh and steady growth in Algeria, Pakistan and Sub-Saharan Africa.

EBITDA decreased organically 3% YoY. Reported results in US dollar terms continued to be adversely affected by local currency devaluation against the US dollar, mainly in Algeria and Pakistan, which resulted in a reported revenue decline of 8% YoY and an EBITDA decline of 5% YoY to USD 403 million.

CAPEX in FY13 increased by 53% YoY to USD 610 million due to investments in 3G in Algeria and Bangladesh (including 3G licenses of USD 38 million in Algeria and USD 110 million in Bangladesh) coupled with modernization programs in order to prepare for customer demand.

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

ALGERIA ("DJEZZY")

Djezzy's revenue decreased 3% YoY to DZD 36 billion as a result of the ongoing restrictions on its commercial activities and propositions. Djezzy grew its customer base 5% YoY to 18 million and maintained a strong market share of 52.6%¹.

Djezzy launched a distribution incentive in mid-November 2013 for one month, which resulted in strong gross additions, but has not yet launched any data offers due to capacity limitations. Following the 3G launch by competitors, the regulator approved some of Djezzy's 2G commercial offers targeting high value customers, which were subsequently launched in 1Q14.

EBITDA decreased 4% YoY to DZD 21 billion due to the continued lack of regulatory approval of competitive pricing plans for B2B and high value customers, together with the increase in network and IT costs.

Djezzy was awarded a 3G license in December 2013 and expects to launch 3G services during 2Q14. Djezzy commenced the import of 3G equipment, with the first batch of 3G equipment cleared by customs in December 2013. However, the ban on 2G equipment remains in place. CAPEX excluding licenses in FY13 surged 78% YoY to USD 84 million due to the commencement of 3G deployment activities.

PAKISTAN ("MOBILINK")

Mobilink's revenue decreased 6% YoY to PKR 26 billion, adversely impacted by an unstable security situation, higher withholding taxes and government requested network shutdowns during religious events. Mobilink's customers grew 4% YoY to 38 million as a result of launching attractive reactivation and acquisition offers focused on bundles and data products.

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority imposed new International Mobile Station Equipment Identity (IMEA) based SIM sale regulations resulting in a slowdown in SIM sales. Despite the strict regulatory requirements for new SIM sales, Mobilink implemented several competitive acquisition and dormant revival campaigns. Mobilink continued its focus on mobile data with new offers and multiple data bundles, which include attractive offers of Whatsapp, Facebook, Pakistan Idol and Gameloft usages.

EBITDA decreased by 18% YoY to PKR 10 billion due to the revenue decline, power outages and costs related to sales increases, partially offset by lower interconnect cost as result of on-net offers.

As a result of a tender executed during 2012, CAPEX in FY13 increased by 10% to USD 190 million as the network modernization program neared completion. With this investment, Mobilink expects not only to further enhance the data and voice services it provides to its customers, but also to pave the way to introducing 3G services as soon as these are licensed.

BANGLADESH ("BANGLALINK")

banglalink's revenue decreased 11% YoY to BDT 10 billion, negatively impacted by the unstable macro situation that led to 32 days of nationwide strikes during 4Q13, where the capital city of Dhaka was effectively isolated from the rest of the country. In addition, the disconnection of suspected VoIP customers contributed to the pressure on top line. The Company generated 86% YoY growth in mobile data revenue, driven by attractive customer acquisition and OTT partnerships such as Facebook Zero, Facebook pack, Wikipedia Zero and the Whatsapp campaign. banglalink is capitalizing on mobile data as a tool for reactivation and mass market customer acquisition.

The Company achieved 40% YoY growth in Mobile Financial Services ("MFS") revenue, driven by increasing partnerships and ensuring its fair share of growth in the country. The customer base grew 11% YoY to 29 million customers, driven by the launch of different channel and customer promotions.

The Company continued to launch attractive campaigns and initiatives to further enhance the customer experience, establishing "banglalink Play" as a package of choice in the urban-youth segment.

In October 2013, banglalink launched 3G with 360 degree offers in 3G packs, 3G devices, and a 3G content portal within a very short period of time. To further enhance acquisition in the high value consumer postpaid segment, banglalink expanded its successful tele-sales capabilities. To combat the unstable macro situation, the Company launched different usage stimulation campaigns in B2C based on top-ups such as "beat the KPI" and "Winter recharge campaign".

EBITDA decreased 20% to BDT 3 billion mostly as result of revenue decline, higher customer acquisition costs and the ongoing implementation of regulatory measures.

CAPEX excluding licenses increased 14% in FY13 to USD 133 million due to the 3G roll out and 2G network modernization.

SOUTH EAST ASIA

After the sale of Vietnam in 2012 and Cambodia in April 2013, Laos is the only operator remaining in the South East Asia cluster. Revenue in Laos decreased 49% YoY due to a lower customer base, resulting in lower voice revenue alongside the impact of international termination traffic. EBITDA was positive in 4Q13 and amounted to USD 1.7 million.

AFRICA & ASIA² KEY INDICATORS

¹⁾ Following the sale of Vietnam and Cambodia the customer numbers for 2012 exclude Vietnam and Cambodia customers. In addition, the customer base in Algeria has been adjusted retroactively for the technical issue
²⁾ Africa & Asia operations include operations in Algeria, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sub-Saharan Africa and South East Asia
For details per country unit please see Attachment B
³⁾ CAPEX including 3G licenses in Bangladesh and Algeria of USD 110 million and USD 38 million respectively

AFRICA & ASIA BUSINESS UNIT: COUNTRY DETAIL

ALGERIA

PAKISTAN

BANGLADESH

¹⁾ CAPEX excluding licenses

UKRAINE – FINANCIAL AND OPERATING RESULTS 4Q13

• Mobile customer base¹ grew 3% YoY to 25.8 million
• Launched transformation program
• Mobile service revenue decreased 9% YoY to UAH 2.9 billion, primarily due to the transition to lower priced bundled tariff plans
• EBITDA declined 18% YoY to UAH 1.5 billion, EBITDA margin of 47.2%
  

The Ukraine Business Unit delivered strong EBITDA and operating cash flow margins in the fourth quarter, but it continued to experience significant pressure on results due to the transition to lower priced bundled tariff plans.

Total service revenue decreased 7% YoY to UAH 3.1 billion due to a decline in mobile revenue. Mobile service revenue decreased 9% YoY to UAH 2.9 billion primarily due to lower mobile voice revenue following reconnection of existing customers to previously launched bundled tariff plans, partly offset by solid mobile data revenue growth of 12% YoY to UAH 239 million. Kyivstar´s mobile customer base increased 3%¹ YoY to 25.8 million and mobile ARPU declined 12% YoY to UAH 36.

Fixed-line service revenue grew by 15% YoY to UAH 282 million as a result of strong growth in fixed residential broadband (FTTB) revenue. As reported in previous quarters, FTTB revenue continued to outgrow the market, increasing 30% YoY to UAH 107 million. The increase was driven by growth in the fixed broadband customer base of 24% YoY to 762 thousand and growth of fixed broadband ARPU by 2% YoY to UAH 48.

Taking into account that the Company operates the highest quality network in Ukraine, Kyivstar continues to take further commercial measures to improve mobile service revenue trends. Through its transformation program, the Company is refocusing its commercial strategy from volume-based to value-based management with a customer centric approach and concentrating on Customer Excellence.

During 4Q13, Kyivstar discontinued sales under the Djuice brand, which focused on low-usage customers, and the Company will entice customers to move to Kyivstar by offering more value plans, which will limit the cannibalization effect. Kyivstar also introduced a new tariff plan "Freedom", which is a flexible mobile bundled tariff plan for voice, SMS and data services with no monthly commitment. This approach optimizes offers to each client segment's needs. Also, in order to stimulate mobile data consumption, the Company continued to develop Mobile Financial Services and has started a co-branding campaign with Samsung to stimulate smartphone penetration in its network.

EBITDA decreased 18% YoY to UAH 1.5 billion mainly due to lower mobile voice revenue, increase in G&A and Network and IT costs, which led to a 5.3 percentage points reduction in margin, which however remained a solid 47.2%.

In addition to commercial measures, Kyivstar is optimizing the Company's organizational structure in order to improve efficiency and effectiveness and maximize operating cash flows. The Company is modernizing its network to prepare for future mobile data growth. CAPEX totaled UAH 447 million in 4Q13 and FY13 CAPEX to revenue was at an efficient level of 13%. Operating cash flow declined by 14% YoY to UAH 1.0 billion, leading to a strong margin of 33%.

UKRAINE KEY INDICATORS

CIS – FINANCIAL AND OPERATING RESULTS 4Q13

• Mobile service revenue increased organically by 4% YoY
• EBITDA reached USD 244 million with organic growth of 5% YoY
• EBITDA margin increased marginally YoY to 48.4%
• Mobile customers increased 5% YoY to 25.4 million
• Mobile data customer base grew 11% YoY; mobile data revenue growth of 39% YoY

Total revenue increased organically by 5% YoY while total reported revenue grew by 3% YoY to USD 503 million. Mobile service revenue increased 3% YoY to USD 458 million driven by strong mobile data revenue growth of 39%. Fixed-line service revenue increased organically 12% YoY due to strong growth in Kazakhstan. The CIS business unit increased its mobile customer base 5% YoY to 25.4 million, primarily driven by 7% YoY growth in Kazakhstan.

EBITDA grew 5% organically and 4% on a reported basis to USD 244 million mainly due to strong mobile revenue growth in Uzbekistan. FY13 CAPEX increased 19% to USD 457 million, primarily related to investments in the network in Uzbekistan to support the traffic growth.

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

KAZAKHSTAN

The telecommunications market in Kazakhstan remained highly competitive and, in response, Beeline continued to transition its customer base to bundled tariff plans. The Company's competitive market position improved as a result of its attractive value proposition in the market and customer transition progressed according to plan.

Total service revenue in Kazakhstan increased 5% YoY in 4Q13 to KZT 34 billion driven by 2% YoY growth in mobile service revenue and a 41% YoY increase in fixed-line service revenue. Fixed-line service revenue growth was supported by strong growth in FTTB revenue. The mobile customer base increased 7% YoY to 9.2 million and mobile ARPU decreased 4% YoY to KZT 1,110 due to declining voice revenue, partly offset by strong mobile data revenue growth. Mobile data revenue increased 28% YoY as a result of both an increase in data users and data ARPU. Churn improved during the quarter supported by the introduction of a revenue share model with distributors. EBITDA grew 9% YoY and EBITDA margin increased 1.5 percentage points to 47.7% as a result of efficiencies realized by the Operational Excellence program.

UZBEKISTAN

The primary focus of the Company in this two-player market is to maintain quality of service and further improve network capacity while maintaining its customer base. Beeline continued to deliver strong YoY results in 4Q13, although it was the first quarter without the YoY effect of the transition to a two-player market which started in 3Q12. Service revenue increased 11% YoY to USD 175 million driven by a 3% YoY growth in the customer base to 10.5 million, a 3% YoY improvement in ARPU to USD 5 due to growth in high value customers and a 61% YoY increase in mobile data revenue to USD 27 million. EBITDA grew 18% YoY to USD 112 as a result of growing revenue and EBITDA margin was 63.8%, a 3.5 percentage points YoY increase, supported by increased on-net traffic and cost control. CAPEX increased 58% YoY to USD 68 million, due to network capacity investments.

KYRGYZSTAN

Mobile service revenue growth in Kyrgyzstan was 8% YoY to KGS 2.2 billion, primarily supported by the strong growth in international interconnect revenue and 36% YoY growth in mobile data revenue to KGS 200 million as a result of initiatives aimed at stimulating data usage for small screens. Voice revenue declined as a result of fierce competition, while the customer base increased 7% YoY as a result of attractive on-net and data offerings. ARPU increased 2% YoY to KGS 274. EBITDA decreased 21% and EBITDA margin declined by 16 percentage points to 42.8% due to the strong increase in international interconnect costs, increase of customer acquisition costs and commercial OPEX caused by the strong competitive pressure.

ARMENIA

Mobile service revenue in Armenia increased 2% YoY to AMD 6.6 billion in 4Q13, primarily due to increased mobile interconnection revenue and 11% YoY growth in mobile data revenue to AMD 553 million. Total revenue fell 2% YoY to AMD 15.4 billion as a result of a decline in sales of mobile equipment. The mobile customer base declined 13% YoY to 0.7 million and mobile ARPU increased 16% YoY to AMD 3,093. EBITDA declined 4% YoY and EBITDA margin decreased 1.0 percentage points to 38.7% due to the increase in interconnect costs and a decrease in mobile voice revenue.

TAJIKISTAN

In Tajikistan, mobile service revenue increased 32% YoY to USD 36 million in 4Q13 as a result of increased international interconnect revenue and 13% YoY growth in customer base to 1.3 million. Mobile ARPU increased 9% to USD 10 mainly due to growth in interconnect revenue. EBITDA increased 36% YoY and EBITDA margin increased 3.5 percentage points to 49.4% in 4Q13.

GEORGIA

Despite the fact that Beeline has no 3G in Georgia, mobile service revenue increased 4% YoY to GEL 33 million and total revenue increased 7% YoY to GEL 38 million. The Company grew its customer base 13% YoY to 1.1 million, while mobile ARPU declined 9% YoY to GEL 10. EBITDA increased 6% YoY to GEL 11 million and EBITDA margin decreased 0.3 percentage points YoY to 28.6%.

CIS¹ KEY INDICATORS

¹⁾ CIS operations include operations in Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Armenia, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Georgia
For details per country unit please see Attachment B

CIS BUSINESS UNIT: COUNTRY DETAIL

KAZAKHSTAN

UZBEKISTAN

CONFERENCE CALL INFORMATION

On March 6, 2014, the Company will host an analyst & investor conference call on its fourth 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

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

The conference call replay and the slide presentations webcast will be available until March 14, 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: 12744637

International Replay Number: +1 (404) 537-3406
Confirmation Code: 12744637

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 the Company's anticipated performance, expected capital expenditures, 2014 annual targets, network development, refinancing plans, potential future dividend payments 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, 2012 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 753 million people. VimpelCom provides services under the "Beeline", "Kyivstar", "WIND", "Infostrada" "Mobilink", "Leo", "banglalink", "Telecel", and "Djezzy" brands. As of December 31, 2013 VimpelCom had 220 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.

The Company's corporate website (www.vimpelcom.com) was awarded the 'Investor Relations Standard of Excellence' in the Web Marketing Association's 2013 WebAwards and the Gold Award in the telecommunications category at the 2013 Stevie International Business Awards.

CONTENT OF THE ATTACHMENT TABLES

For more information on financial and operating data for specific countries, please refer to the supplementary file Factbook4Q2013.xls on VimpelCom's website at http://vimpelcom.com/ir/financials/results.wbp

ATTACHMENT A: VIMPELCOM LTD FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

VIMPELCOM LTD UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

¹⁾  The 2012 statements of income have been restated to reflect a fair value adjustment of USD 606 million in relation to Euroset, which impacted Profit before tax

ATTACHMENT A: VIMPELCOM LTD FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

VIMPELCOM LTD UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION

¹⁾  The 2012 statements of income have been restated to reflect a fair value adjustment of USD 606 million in relation to Euroset

ATTACHMENT A: VIMPELCOM LTD FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

VIMPELCOM LTD UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

¹⁾  The net interest paid was amended to reflect its proper classification without any impact on Net cash from operating activities. The 2012 Financial Statements have been restated for the Euroset fair value adjustment of USD 606 million

ATTACHMENT B: COUNTRY UNITS KEY INDICATORS

AFRICA & ASIA BUSINESS UNIT: COUNTRY DETAIL

ALGERIA

PAKISTAN

BANGLADESH

SUB SAHARAN AFRICA (TELECEL GLOBE)

SEA (CONSOLIDATED)

1)  CAPEX excluding licenses

CIS BUSINESS UNIT: COUNTRY DETAIL

KAZAKHSTAN

ARMENIA

UZBEKISTAN

TAJIKISTAN

GEORGIA

KYRGYZSTAN

CANADA: COUNTRY DETAIL

ATTACHMENT C: RECONCILIATION TABLES

RECONCILIATION OF CONSOLIDATED EBITDA OF VIMPELCOM

¹⁾  The 2012 statements of income have been restated to reflect a fair value adjustment of USD 606 million in relation to Euroset

ATTACHMENT C: RECONCILIATION TABLES

RECONCILIATION OF VIMPELCOM CONSOLIDATED NET DEBT

RATES OF FUNCTIONAL CURRENCIES TO USD¹

¹⁾ Functional currencies in Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Cambodia are USD.

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 consumer customers that have performed at least one mobile Internet event in the previous month on 2.5G/3G/3.5G. 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.

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 cuts 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, CIS and Ukraine 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, represents 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, represents 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.