Liberty Latin America(LILA) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q1 2025, the company reported revenue of $1.1 billion, a 2% decrease on a rebased basis compared to the previous year [22] - Adjusted OIBDA increased by 8% year over year to $407 million, with a margin improvement of over 300 basis points [23] - Adjusted OIBDA less P and E additions rose to $286 million, representing 26% of revenue compared to 22% in the previous year [23][24] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - C and W Caribbean reported $364 million in revenue with flat rebased growth, driven by a 5% increase in mobile revenue [25] - C and W Panama generated $177 million in revenue, reflecting a 5% rebased growth, with mobile revenue up 16% [26] - Liberty Networks achieved $110 million in revenue, with a 3% rebased growth, while adjusted OIBDA declined by 2% [27] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company added 44,000 broadband and postpaid mobile subscribers in Q1 2025, with significant growth in Costa Rica and the Caribbean [6][7] - FMC penetration in successful markets exceeded 30%, contributing to lower churn rates and more predictable revenue [7] - In Puerto Rico, revenue declined by 11% year over year, primarily due to lower mobile and B2B revenues [29] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on fixed-mobile convergence (FMC) to drive subscriber growth and reduce churn [10][20] - A joint venture with TIGO in Costa Rica aims to consolidate the competitive fixed market [17] - Cost management initiatives are being implemented to improve margins and operational efficiency across all segments [7][36] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged challenges in Puerto Rico but expressed optimism about future recovery and improvements in operational performance [36][92] - The company has withdrawn its three-year guidance due to the slower-than-expected recovery in Puerto Rico [36] - There is a strong focus on reducing costs and improving cash flow in the second half of 2025 [37] Other Important Information - The company has a total debt of $8.2 billion with a net leverage of 4.6 times, and a cash balance of approximately $600 million [31][32] - The refinancing activities have improved the maturity schedule, with about 50% of debt maturing in 2031 and beyond [32] Q&A Session Summary Question: Competitive environment in Puerto Rico - Management noted that T-Mobile is the most aggressive competitor in terms of handset subsidies, but overall competition remains rational [44][45] Question: CapEx guidance - The company confirmed that it expects to maintain a CapEx of 14% of sales in 2025 and 2026, distributed evenly across regions [42][43] Question: CapEx sustainability in Puerto Rico - Management indicated that CapEx in Puerto Rico is trending towards the mid to high 15% range, with ongoing investments in mobile network upgrades [50][51] Question: Funding for Puerto Rico business - The company treats each credit silo independently and will make funding decisions based on capital allocation methodologies [59] Question: Macroeconomic outlook in Puerto Rico - Management expressed confidence in the competitive environment and the potential for growth, emphasizing the need to resolve internal operational issues [66][70]