Liberty Latin America(LILA) - 2025 Q3 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported revenue of $1.1 billion in Q3 2025, marking a return to year-over-year growth driven by improved B2B trends [4][18] - Adjusted EBITDA reached $433 million, reflecting a year-over-year growth of 7% [5][18] - Adjusted EBITDA less P&E additions improved by 22% year-over-year, totaling $284 million [18][29] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Cable & Wireless credit silo, which includes Liberty Caribbean, C&W Panama, and Liberty Networks, generated $662 million in revenue, reflecting a year-over-year rebase increase of 4% [24] - Liberty Caribbean reported $369 million in revenue with 3% growth year-over-year, while adjusted EBITDA was $173 million, representing 10% rebase growth [20][21] - C&W Panama delivered $199 million in revenue and $72 million in adjusted EBITDA, with year-over-year rebase growth of 6% and 4% respectively [22] - Liberty Networks generated $117 million in revenue and $65 million in adjusted EBITDA, with year-over-year rebase increases of 6% and 10% respectively [23] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Postpaid mobile additions exceeded 100,000 across the group, with Costa Rica being a significant contributor [4] - In Puerto Rico, mobile performance showed stability with lower postpaid losses compared to Q2 [16] - The broadband subscriber base in Liberty Caribbean remained flat, with gains in Jamaica offset by declines in Trinidad [6][7] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on organic growth and cash flow generation, aiming to close the embedded discount in its stock price [6][29] - There is a strong emphasis on cost reduction and efficiency programs to support adjusted EBITDA and cash flow into 2026 [29] - The company is also pursuing strategic initiatives and optimizing capital allocation to enhance shareholder value [29] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged the challenges posed by Hurricane Melissa but expressed confidence in the resilience of employees and the recovery efforts [3][28] - The company anticipates adverse impacts on RGUs, revenue, and adjusted EBITDA in Q4 due to the hurricane [22] - Management remains optimistic about the commercial plans for both B2B and residential segments, particularly during the holiday season [29] Other Important Information - The company has a total debt of $8.4 billion and cash of $600 million as of September 30 [26] - A parametric insurance program is in place to mitigate losses from natural disasters, with an expected payout of $81 million from Hurricane Melissa [27][28] Q&A Session Summary Question: Timing and progress of cost-cutting initiatives - Management indicated that cost-cutting initiatives started 20 months ago and are expected to continue into 2026, with a focus on various operational costs [31][32] Question: Margin drivers for Liberty Networks - Management highlighted that margin expansion in Liberty Networks is driven by improved debt management and a shift towards monthly recurring revenue [32][34] Question: Additional margin expansion in Puerto Rico - Management expects continued margin expansion in Puerto Rico through cost management and revenue growth initiatives [35][36] Question: Competition in Puerto Rico's fixed business - Management noted increased competition primarily from traditional cable operators, with a focus on new product launches to enhance competitiveness [39][40] Question: Network rebuilding in Jamaica post-hurricane - Management is still assessing the extent of network damage in Jamaica, with ongoing recovery efforts supported by partners [42][43] Question: Partnership with Starlink - Management described the partnership with Starlink as beneficial for providing connectivity during outages, particularly for B2B customers [43][44]