Liberty Latin America(LILA) - 2024 Q3 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Reported revenue for Q3 2024 was $1.1 billion, a 3$403 million [37] - Year-over-year, revenue decreased by 4% on a rebased basis, and adjusted OIBDA declined by 6% [38] - Total debt at the end of Q3 was 8.2 billion, with gross leverage at 5.2 times and net leverage at 4.8 times, showing a modest improvement from Q2 [54] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - C&W Caribbean reported 360 million in revenue, flat year-over-year on a rebased basis, with mobile revenue growing by 7% offset by declines in fixed and B2B [41] - C&W Panama generated $188 million in revenue, a 1$308 million, reflecting a 13% rebased decline year-over-year, driven by lower mobile subscriber base and retention-related discounts [46] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company added over 50,000 high-speed broadband and postpaid mobile subscribers year-to-date, with a robust 225,000 adds excluding Puerto Rico [6] - In Panama, the company became the first operator to launch 5G, highlighting its technology leadership in the market [13] - The Peruvian market presents significant growth potential with low Internet penetration at around 40% [35] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on operational recovery in Puerto Rico through cost cuts and targeted commercial acquisitions, without expecting support from other segments [64] - In Peru, the company has invested approximately $100 million over three years, targeting areas outside Lima for broadband penetration [65] - The strategy includes leveraging converged product offerings across various markets to enhance customer value [70] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged the slower-than-expected recovery in Puerto Rico but remains optimistic about future growth and operational improvements [58][99] - The company is focused on regaining commercial momentum and anticipates improved adjusted OIBDA performance in Q4 [58] - Management expressed confidence in the long-term plans and opportunities for growth in Puerto Rico and other markets [29][99] Other Important Information - The company successfully refinanced$1 billion of its Cable & Wireless credit silo senior notes, reflecting the strength of its financial position [7] - The new pan-regional subsea cable system will enhance the company's infrastructure and support growth in demand from hyperscalers [20] Q&A Session Summary Question: Capital allocation for Puerto Rico operations - Management intends to operate on cash flow without external support, focusing on cost cuts and revenue growth [64][65] Question: Strategy for the Peruvian business - The company has invested about $100 million in Peru, targeting low-competition areas outside Lima for broadband expansion [65] Question: Opportunities in converged bundles - The company is advancing converged offers in various markets, achieving a 25% penetration rate on average [73] Question: 5G upgrade progress - 5G has been launched in Puerto Rico, Costa Rica, Panama, and Cayman, with careful capital spending based on market readiness [72] Question: Currency exposure and implications - The company has a high percentage of revenue in U.S. dollars, with hedging strategies in place to manage currency risks [91][93]