Q2 2025 Liberty Latin America Ltd Earnings Call
Speaker #1: Good morning, ladies and gentlemen, and thank you for standing by. Today's call is being recorded. I'll now turn the call over to Sumit Data, VP of vestor Relations, for Liberty Latin America.
Speaker #2: Good morning and welcome to Liberty Latin America's second quarter 2025 investor call. At this time, all participants are listen-only mode. Today's former presentation materials can be found under the Investor Relations section of Liberty Latin America's website, at www.lla.com.
Speaker #2: Following today's formal presentation, instructions will be given for a question and answer session. As a reminder, this call is being recorded. Today's remarks may include forward-looking statements, including the company's expectations with respect to its outlook and future growth prospects, and other information and statements that are not historical fact.
Speaker #2: Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by these statements. For more information, please refer to the risk factors discussed in Liberty Latin America's most recently filed annual report on Form 10K and quarterly report on Form 10Q, along with the associated press release.
Speaker #2: Liberty Latin America disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements or information to reflect any change in its expectations or in the conditions on which any such statement or information is based.
Speaker #2: In addition, on this call, we will refer to certain non-GAAP financial measures which are reconciled to the most comparable GAAP financial measures, which can be found in the appendices to this presentation which is accessible under the Investor section of our website.
Speaker #2: I would now like to turn the call over to our CEO, Mr. Balan Nair.
Speaker #3: Thank you, Sumit. And welcome, everybody, to Liberty Latin America's second quarter and first half 2025 results presentation. I'll begin with our group highlights. And an overview of our operating results by credit silo.
Speaker #3: Chris Noyes, our CFO, will then follow with a review of the company's financial performance. After that, we will get straight to your questions. As always, I'm joined by my talented executive team from across our operations, and I will invite them to contribute as needed during the Q&A following our prepared remarks.
Speaker #3: Let's point a housekeeping we will both be working from slides, which you can find on our website at www.lla.com. Starting on slide four, in our highlights, today, we believe our share price does not fully reflect the intrinsic value of our underlying business.
Speaker #3: The unlock is value for our shareholders we plan to perceive with a separation of liberty Puerto Rico from LLA. It is essential that Liberty Puerto Rico is positioned with a strong and sustainable capital structure for separation.
Speaker #3: To that end, we are actively working towards this goal, through a targeted liability management exercise. Chris will provide more details on this in his section.
Speaker #3: We also continue to grow our high-speed broadband and poor-speed mobile base in the first half, adding 70,000 subscribers in total across the group. This was over 100,000 additions excluding Puerto Rico with the main contributor being Costa Rica, Panama, and Jamaica.
Speaker #3: We reported 2.2 billion of revenue in the first half of 2025. In the same period, residential revenue was up 2% in Liberty Caribbean and Costa Rica, and 8% in CNW Panama, year over year on a rebase basis.
Speaker #3: We expect these businesses to continue their momentum in the second half, following the launch of new customer value propositions, which should resonate well in our markets.
Speaker #3: In addition, and after last favorable phasing through H1, we anticipate better momentum on B2B revenue in the second half across a number of regions.
Speaker #3: We posted adjusted EBITDA of $822 million reflecting a rebase year over year growth rate of 8% in the first half. This includes double-digit rebase growth in Liberty Caribbean, Panama, and Puerto Rico.
Speaker #3: We maintain our focus on lowering capital intensity. This effort led to a 23% expansion in adjusted EBITDA last P&E, additions year over year, bringing us to a margin of 25% of revenue in first half of the group and 29% excluding Puerto Rico.
Speaker #3: These are strong numbers, reflecting the focus of management on profitable growth, which is expected to drive strong cash conversion in the second half. Turning to slide six, I'll begin our operating review with our cable and wireless credit silo, which had another very solid quarter.
Speaker #3: This silo includes Liberty Caribbean, CNW Panama, and our Liberty Networks segment. Starting with our Caribbean operations, now named Liberty Caribbean, we've rebranded this segment in the second quarter with a refresh identity and signaling a renewed focus on driving digital transformation.
Speaker #3: Particularly in the B2B space, on the left of the slide, we present our mobile KPIs. Poor-speed mobile ads remain strong, led by another solid quarter in Jamaica.
Speaker #3: That represents 20 consecutive quarters of subscriber growth. Mobile ARPU reported growth both sequentially and year over year. Supported by prepaid price increases, implemented earlier this year, and in the first half of last year.
Speaker #3: This resulted in 6% mobile rebase revenue growth in Q2 year over year. Moving to the center of the slide to our fixed KPIs. Broadband subscriber growth was flat in Q2 with gains in Jamaica offset by declines mainly in Trinidad.
Speaker #3: Trinidad is the only Caribbean market we operate in where there are three national fixed players and where we lack a mobile offering. Fixed ARPU per customer relationship increased both on a sequential and year over year basis, reflecting the benefit of pricing changes.
Speaker #3: Lastly, for Liberty Caribbean, besides our corporate rebranding, we launched a new residential campaign titled "Let Your Rhythm Flow." This initiative strengthens our convergence strategy with a particular emphasis on accelerating poor-speed mobile adoption.
Speaker #3: The redesigned platform introduced a striking new visual identity that is both distinctive and deeply rooted in local cultures, traditions, and values. Enabling us to build a stronger emotional connection with our customers.
Speaker #3: Moving to slide seven, and our CNW Panama segment. Starting on the left of the slide, we delivered another quarter of strong poor-speed ads, which supported robust mobile rebase revenue growth of 6% year over year.
Speaker #3: This performance continues to reflect the positive subscriber momentum we built following our competitors' exit from the market last year. Mobile ARPU remains stable both sequentially and year over year.
Speaker #3: Impacted by lower prepaid recharges during the quarter, largely due to nationwide protests which have since subsided. Moving to the center of the slide, we delivered a solid quarter of internet subscriber ads.
Speaker #3: This growth reflected the effectiveness of our broadband strategy and high-speed connectivity. On the other hand, fixed ARPU declined both sequentially and year over year.
Speaker #3: This was primarily driven by retention discounts and lower acquisition ARPU. As we responded to offers from competitors, our go-to-market strategy remained focused on delivering consistent results across our high-speed networks.
Speaker #3: This commitment was recently recognized by ANPERF, which named us the best performing fixed network in the country. In the B2B space, I'm pleased to highlight, among other recent wins, a major milestone.
Speaker #3: We were awarded a contract with the Ministry of Education of Panama, Maduca, to provide high-speed internet to all public schools nationwide. This marks a significant step forward in advancing digital and educational inclusion across the country.
Speaker #3: Overall, we are building a strong platform in Panama. After a tough comparison in the first half, we are well-positioned to carry better momentum into the second half of the year.
Speaker #3: Next, slide eight, and our final segment within the CNW credit silo. Liberty Networks. On the left of the slide, we present our first half year over year revenue evolution.
Speaker #3: While revenue declined year over year due to the acceleration of non-cash IRU revenue in the first half of 2024, our subsidy business continues to demonstrate resilience.
Speaker #3: Excluding IRUs, the underlying wholesale revenue grew 8% on a rebase basis year over year. Driven by new lease capacity sales, this reflects the strength of our core operations and the growing demand for bandwidth across the region.
Speaker #3: Enterprise remains a key growth engine, with continued momentum in IT as a service and connectivity solutions. Particularly in Dominican Republic and El Salvador. These services are helping us build a strong base of monthly recurring revenue, which supports long-term stability and positions us well for the future.
Speaker #3: On the right of the slide, we highlight the core strength of our subsidy and terrestrial infrastructure, which underpinned the competitive edge of Liberty Networks.
Speaker #3: Our unique mesh network, connecting over 30 countries with 50,000 kilometers of cable, formed the backbone of a diversified revenue portfolio. Predominantly denominated in US dollars.
Speaker #3: Despite elevated capital expenditures associated with project Manta, our new subsidy cable system in partnership with Sparkle and Goldata we continue to deliver robust adjusted EBITDA last P&E additions of over 35% of revenue.
Speaker #3: Reflecting the low capital intensity of the business and its ability to generate strong cash returns. Looking ahead, our focus remains on the successful execution of project Manta.
Speaker #3: On track for completion in 2027, the initiative is expected to establish a solid foundation of monthly recurring revenue. Enhancing long-term profitability and positioning Liberty Networks as the region's primary data hub.
Speaker #3: Turning to slide 10. And Liberty Costa Rica. Starting on the left of the slide, mobile continues to perform strongly. With growth concentrated in the high-value poor-speed segment.
Speaker #3: Reinforcing our leadership in the market and driving 5% rebase revenue growth year over year. According to the latest regulator report, we remain the number one mobile operator overall in Costa Rica throughout 2024.
Speaker #3: In poor-speed specifically, we gained two percentage points in market share year over year. Mobile ARPU was flat sequentially, but grew year over year supported by poor-speed price increases and a higher proportion of poor-speed subscribers.
Speaker #3: Moving to the center of the slide, we delivered modest broadband net ads and fixed ARPU declined both sequentially and year over year. As referenced in previous calls, the competitive backdrop in Costa Rica's fixed market remained challenging.
Speaker #3: To defend our fixed position, and differentiate our offering, we have also revamped our video proposition. Since July 15th, new and existing customers have accessed to the most popular over-the-top platforms, including in their home plan.
Speaker #3: This bold and meaningful value proposition, unique for the Costa Rican market, is anchored by a new brand claim. You want it, you got it.
Speaker #3: It's a promise that brings us closer to our customers, showing that we listen, we care, and we deliver. Moving to slide 12, and our third credit silo.
Speaker #3: Liberty Puerto Rico. Starting on the left of the slide, mobile performance showed signs of improvement. Poor-speed losses were lower compared to Q1, with a better run rate in May and June.
Speaker #3: And mobile ARPU increased sequentially. Resulting in relatively flat sequential mobile subscription revenue. We continue to be focused on the mobile segment and 'm pleased to report that in June, we successfully expanded our network through the integration of low-band 600 megahertz spectrum alongside AWS3 and AWS4 bands.
Speaker #3: These strategic enhancements marked a significant step forward in service quality, capacity, and coverage. This combination of spectrum bands is instrumental in meeting the surging demand for mobile data.
Speaker #3: Ensuring we remain well-positioned to support future growth. As a reminder, we were honored with both the best-in-class and the most reliable network awards from GWS earlier this year.
Speaker #3: Further validating the strength and consistency of our network performance. Moving to the fixed sites in the center of the slide, following the price increase implemented earlier this year, we reported 7,000 internet subscriber net losses.
Speaker #3: But fixed ARPU increased both sequentially and year over year. Fixed revenue was slightly negative year over year as ARPU growth was more than offset by a lower subscriber base impacted by the discontinuation of the ACP program in Q2 2024.
Speaker #3: We are now close to 20% profit at home and have invested to upgrade our HFC network to DOCSIS 3.1. This enhancement has significantly boosted performance and enabled us to win the fastest fixed network award from UCLA, achieving the highest speed scores and Wi-Fi performance on the island.
Speaker #3: Slide 13. Provides a deeper look into poor-speed net ads. The evolution of mobile NPS. The launch of our new poor-speed CVP, Liberty Mix, and other initiatives.
Speaker #3: On the left of the slide, we break down poor-speed activity into gross ads and disconnections. Gross ads over the past two quarters have remained consistent with pre-migration levels.
Speaker #3: Underscoring the resilience and appeal of our product offering. Poor-speed churn continues to improve, marking the fourth consecutive quarter of positive momentum. Moving to the center of the slide, we show NPS progression, a key leading indicator of customer satisfaction and brand perception.
Speaker #3: Compared to one year ago, we've made significant strides in rebuilding customer trust, with NPS showing strong recovery. While our mobile NPS have returned to positive territory, it remains below pre-migration levels.
Speaker #3: Indicating further room for improvement. On the top right of the slide, we wanted to share more detail on Liberty Mix. In July, we launched ur new poor-speed customer value proposition, Liberty Mix.
Speaker #3: This innovative mobile plan offers three tiers enabling customers to tailor each line to the specific needs individuals' families or group members within a multi-line bundle.
Speaker #3: Liberty Mix marks the first step in our brand relaunch strategy and we anticipate it will drive gross ads in the second half of the year.
Speaker #3: On the bottom right of the slide, now that we have strengthened our network, IT systems, and internal processes, we are applying the same playbook used across the Liberty Latin America group where FMC has proven very successful.
Speaker #3: With over 30% penetration in a number of markets, to lean into convergence in Puerto Rico. Our combination of best-in-class fixed and wireless infrastructure should allow us to differentiate in a competitive marketplace.
Speaker #3: Being part of the wider group, Liberty Puerto Rico benefited from shared platforms and expertise. We've been developing solutions that use AI to improve our operations across our entire value chain, with strong focus on commercial activities and top-line growth.
Speaker #3: Specifically in Puerto Rico, we have been focusing on billing quality assurance and churn prediction. Moreover, we have made a significant number of changes to the management team including leveraging experience and expertise from across the LLA footprint.
Speaker #3: Lastly, we continue to reshape the company's cost base to reflect the smaller scale of the business, conducting a disciplinary review of each cost line.
Speaker #3: We expect additional measures will deliver greater margin impact in the second half of the year. Finally, on slide 14, we summarize our strategic vision and outline the key drivers that set us up for growth in H2.
Speaker #3: Firstly, the residential space where we are well-positioned. We are operating in countries with healthy market structures across both fixed and mobile services and we pursue consolidation opportunities to deliver value to customers and markets.
Speaker #3: For ample, last year we agreed to acquire Tigo's business in Costa Rica, which has brought growth in that market. We are working with regulators to approve that transaction and now expect this to close in early 2026.
Speaker #3: Our focus on fixed mobile convergence continues to pay off with penetration rates exceeding 30% in several markets. Supported by our robust fixed and mobile infrastructure.
Speaker #3: We have also introduced several new customer value propositions in recent weeks, reinforcing our commercial momentum, heading into the second half. Our second area of focus is B2B, which accounts for nearly one-third of group revenue.
Speaker #3: While we face year over year B2G revenue headwinds through Q2 and first half, particularly in Panama, we expect improved performance in the second half across several geographies to drive improving revenue momentum.
Speaker #3: Governments are investing in digitization, security, and cloud computing. And we are the right trusted partner for them. Along those lines, ICT continues to be a source of future growth opportunity as we develop more encompassing cloud and cybersecurity solutions.
Speaker #3: Focus on mission-critical operations for our ustomers. We partnered with the hyperscalers to deliver computational and AI models for our customers. The Manta bill, which progressed steadily through the first half, is expected to contribute meaningfully to Liberty Networks' revenue and adjusted EBITDA over the medium term.
Speaker #3: Lastly, costs. We have delivered strong margin progression in recent quarters. Especially within our CNW silo. Across the group, we continue to see upside as we focus on higher margin residential products.
Speaker #3: Our initiatives around copper migration, digitization, and AI adoption have significantly enhanced workforce efficiency, leading to meaningful labor cost reductions. Additionally, we anticipate healthy synergies following the expected completion of the Tigo merger in Costa Rica.
Speaker #3: With that, I'll pass you to Chris Noyes, our Chief Financial Officer, who will take you through our financial performance before we move on to your questions.
Speaker #3: Chris?
Speaker #4: Thanks, Balan. Let me now take you through our financial performance in greater detail starting on slide 16. Q2 2025 revenue was 3% lower on a rebase basis totaling $1.1 billion.
Speaker #4: This decline was primarily driven by the phasing of project-related B2B revenues across several geographies. Importantly, we have good visibility into stronger delivery in the second half of the year.
Speaker #4: However, residential revenue grew 1% year over year on a rebase basis reflecting the strength of our core consumer business. Turning to adjusted EBITDA, we reported a rebase increase of 7% to $415 million building on the solid 8% growth in Q1.
Speaker #4: Among our segments, only Liberty Networks saw a year over year decline in adjusted EBITDA largely due to the timing of non-cash IRU accelerations. Which have now largely normalized.
Speaker #4: Supporting this growth is operating leverage as we continue to execute on a range of cost-out initiatives across our operations. These efforts have contributed to an improvement in our consolidated adjusted EBITDA margin which expanded by $340 basis points year over year.
Speaker #4: Moving to the last section, we highlight an important metric for us which is adjusted EBITDA last P&E additions. This increased by 26% to $265 million in Q2 representing 24% of revenue compared to 19% last year.
Speaker #4: The year over year improvement is reflective of the higher adjusted EBITDA margin and lower capital intensity with P&E additions amounting to 14% of revenue in the quarter.
Speaker #4: Although we were up year over year on adjusted EBITDA last P&E additions, our reported adjusted FCF before partner distributions was negative $41 million in Q2 as compared negative $7 million in the prior year a decline of $34 million.
Speaker #4: This was attributable to working capital swings, including timing on key collections from our government customers. As in previous years, we anticipate a robust second half in cash flow generation, principally in the fourth quarter.
Speaker #4: Slide 17 recaps our Q2 results for CNW credit silo which consists of Liberty Caribbean, CWP, and Liberty Networks. Starting with Liberty Caribbean, in Q2 we reported $366 million in revenue with flat rebase growth year over year.
Speaker #4: This result reflects 6% growth in residential mobile offset by a rebase decline of 3% and 1% year over year in B2B and residential fixed respectively.
Speaker #4: The strength in mobile was driven by higher prepaid ARPU helped in part by selected price increases and a larger post-paid subscriber base supported by our successful FMC and prepaid to post-paid migration strategy.
Speaker #4: Fixed residential revenue declined driven by lower volumes mainly due to the impact of Hurricane Beryl in Q3 2024 and lower non-subscription revenue. B2B was impacted by lower project revenue particularly in Bahamas.
Speaker #4: Adjusted EBITDA came in at $174 million representing 11% rebase growth year over year fueled by optimization initiatives across our island geographies. And our operating cost categories including our network and commercial expenses.
Speaker #4: Our efforts have translated into an adjusted EBITDA margin improvement of nearly $500 basis points year over year reaching $47%. Next, moving to cable and wireless Panama.
Speaker #4: CWP generated $177 million of revenue and $69 million of adjusted EBITDA with a 10% rebase revenue decline and 6% rebase adjusted EBITDA growth year over year.
Speaker #4: The rebase top-line decline was driven by 30% lower B2B revenue partly offset by increases of 6% and 2% in residential mobile and residential fixed respectively.
Speaker #4: The year over year decline in B2B revenue reflects an exceptionally strong prior year comparison driven by high volume of government project wins in Q2 2024 we expect to catch up in the second half of the year supported by a solid pipeline.
Speaker #4: The healthy mobile revenue uplift was supported by post-paid subscriber growth and higher handset sales though prepaid was partially impacted by nationwide protests during the quarter.
Speaker #4: The residential fixed revenue rebase growth was mainly driven by broadband RGU additions. Year over year adjusted EBITDA performance was driven by improved gross margin helped in part by lower B2B project-related revenue.
Speaker #4: And a reduction in operating expenses year over year. As a result, these factors led to an adjusted EBITDA margin expansion of almost $600 basis points to 39%.
Speaker #4: Turning to Liberty Networks, which delivered $115 million in revenue and $61 million in adjusted EBITDA resulting in a rebase decline of 3% in both metrics.
Speaker #4: Specifically, wholesale revenue fell by 3% on a rebase basis due to an $8 million reduction in non-cash IRU revenue amortization as compared to the prior year.
Speaker #4: Enterprise revenue declined by 1% on a rebase basis mainly due to lower project-related revenue which more than offset gains in IT as a service and connectivity.
Speaker #4: Adjusted EBITDA was mainly impacted by the aforementioned decrease in IRU revenue. Aggregating all three operating segments within the CNW credit silo, we generated $636 million in revenue reflecting a 3% rebase decline and $330 million in adjusted EBITDA resulting in 7% rebase growth.
Speaker #4: Moving to slide 18 and the Q2 results for our other two credit silos, Liberty Puerto Rico and Liberty Costa Rica. On the left, Liberty Puerto Rico.
Speaker #4: Revenue was $301 million representing a 5% year over year rebase decline. Residential fixed revenue declined 1% primarily due to lower volumes following the discontinuation of the ACP program partially offset by higher broadband and video ARPU driven by price increases implemented earlier this year.
Speaker #4: Mobile residential revenue declined by 3% on a rebase basis driven by lower post-paid subscriber base post-migration. This was partially mitigated by higher non-subscription revenue while prepaid revenue remained broadly flat.
Speaker #4: B2B revenue declined 18% on a rebase basis mainly due to lower mobile service revenue resulting from a reduced subscriber base and ARPU decline. Adjusted EBITDA increased by 21% year over year on a rebase basis reaching $87 million.
Speaker #4: The improvement was primarily driven by lower bad debt expense to phase out of integration and TSA costs and reduced labor costs. P&E additions were $38 million representing 12% of revenue a $340 basis point decrease over prior year levels as the business actively managed its capital intensity.
Speaker #4: Concluding with Costa Rica on the right, we delivered Q2 revenue of $151 million and adjusted EBITDA of $54 million reflecting a 1% rebase revenue growth and flat rebase adjusted EBITDA growth year over year.
Speaker #4: Mobile residential revenue grew 5% on a rebase basis supported by higher post-paid volumes from our prepaid to post-paid migration strategy and strong equipment sales.
Speaker #4: Fixed revenue was down 3% year over year on a rebase basis driven by lower ARPU primarily due to our buy-to-own CPE model which is in turn increasing non-subscription revenue.
Speaker #4: B2B revenue was down 5% year over year on a rebase basis mainly due to lower service revenue. Adjusted EBITDA remained flat as revenue gains were offset by higher equipment costs and increased bad debt.
Speaker #4: Next to slide 19 and our balance sheet metrics by credit silo and in aggregate for LLA as of June 30. The CNW silo accounts for approximately $5 billion of LLA's total debt of $8.2 billion.
Speaker #4: And has covenant leverage of $3.9 times. Given the refinancings, we completed over the last nine or so months, we have linked in the silo's average life to about six years.
Speaker #4: Turning to Costa Rica, we have about $500 million of debt and the business has covenant leverage of $2.1 times. With a debt stack due in 2031.
Speaker #4: Importantly, we would expect to be in position post-closing the Tigo acquisition in 2026 to refinance our debt to more attractive levels given the low leverage and underlying strong performance of the business.
Speaker #4: And finally, Liberty Puerto ico has $2.8 billion of debt covenant leverage at $7.9 times and debt maturities largely between 2027 to 2029. We'll discuss our approach with the near-dated stack on the next slide.
Speaker #4: At the consolidated level, we have no debt at the holding company and thus in aggregating our three credit silos, our $8.2 billion of debt reflects consolidated net leverage of $4.7 times.
Speaker #4: Moving to slide 20, today we wanted to highlight two key strategic initiatives that we have recently embarked upon at LLA and its operating businesses.
Speaker #4: Liability management at LPR and a concerted effort at LLA to unlock the underlying value of our operating assets. First, turning to the left side of the slide and building upon the balance sheet discussion from the prior slide, and the commentary that we have shared over the last year.
Speaker #4: Our local operating team and LLA more broadly have been highly focused on stabilizing LPR and improving all aspects of the underlying business as balance noted today we are seeing green shoots of a recovery.
Speaker #4: With that being said, it is our view that the capital structure at LPR is unsustainable both in s of quantum of leverage and expected carry cost.
Speaker #4: Hence, with still more than two years until our earliest bond maturity, we believe it is the appropriate time to look to improve and right-size the capital structure.
Speaker #4: This should set LPR up for long-term success. Importantly, LPR has covenant flexibility in its credit documents which will enable LPR to utilize its assets to raise incremental capital to the extent needed to fulfill near-term liquidity gaps.
Speaker #4: For our team on the ground, it remains business as usual with the utmost focus on our employees, customers, and vendors, and ultimately growing the business.
Speaker #4: There is no specific timeline for resolving the capital structure. We'll look to communicate updates as necessary. Finally, LPR has appointed Mollis and Robson Gray to lead the execution of the liability management exercise.
Speaker #4: Moving to the right side of the slide, having previously reiterated the silo principle of the Liberty Latin America group and in order to better highlight and unlock the respective value in our assets, we are announcing our intention to separate Puerto Rico from the rest of the LLA group.
Speaker #4: This will enhance our ability to better position each of the respective businesses and their positive attributes, including market position, growth opportunity, and potential cash flow generation.
Speaker #4: The separation can be effective in several ways including a potential spin-off of LPR, and we are targeting to e into the first half of 2026.
Speaker #4: Importantly, the separation is not dependent on completing the liability management exercise. In terms of the relative size of the two groups of assets, and using 2024 full year results as a xy, revenue and adjusted EBITDA for LLA excluding Puerto Rico would have been approximately $3.2 billion and $1.3 billion respectively.
Speaker #4: After deducting the reported segment results of Puerto Rico, which reported $1.3 billion of revenue and $38 million of adjusted EBITDA. On the same basis and excluding Liberty Puerto Rico, LLA's adjusted FCF before distributions would have been nearly $200 million or almost 70% higher than what was reported as a consolidated group in 2024.
Speaker #4: This is not necessarily reflective of the separate results, but a good indication. We obviously expect FCF to expand from here given the underlying operational strength of the business as we have demonstrated through H1.
Speaker #4: Additionally, the remaining LLA business would be levered roughly one-turn lower from where it is today. Post-separation, LLA expects to have the ability to enhance its capital return strategy including the potential for not only share repurchases but recurring dividends capitalizing on the FCF generation of the LLA assets excluding Liberty Puerto ico.
Speaker #4: City and Lion Tree are working with LLA on asset separation as well as other corporate options to help to unlock equity value at LLA and remove the embedded valuation discount that we believe has been apparent in our equity trading price.
Speaker #4: Moving to slide 21 and our conclusions. In the first half, we delivered solid results. Adjusted EBITDA grew at a high single-digit rate with particularly strong growth in the CNW silo.
Speaker #4: We also saw a year over year decline in P&E additions. This is a lection of our disciplined capital intensity management and improved operational efficiency.
Speaker #4: Looking ahead to the second half, we are optimistic. We have launched new customer value propositions aimed at sustaining residential momentum. On the B2B side, we have a good pipeline that should support stronger revenue performance in addition to these top-line drivers.
Speaker #4: We have substantial cost-out initiatives in flight across each of our businesses and corporate and expect more favorable working capital trends in H2. All of which should set the stage for improved free cash flow performance as we close the year.
Speaker #4: Our operating prospects combined with the actions that we just discussed on both the liability management and separation of Puerto Rico, we believe set the stage for value creation for LLA shareholders.
Speaker #4: We look forward to updating investors over the next quarters as our projects advance and both the operating and corporate teams of LLA are hard at work to deliver continued growth, margin improvement, and cash flow generation.
Speaker #4: With that operator, happy take questions.
Speaker #1: The question and answer session will be conducted electronically. If you would like ask a question regarding the company's operations, please do so by pressing star followed by one to ask a question or star followed zero for operator assistance.
Speaker #1: In order to accommodate everyone, we request that you ask only one question with one follow-up if needed. If you are using a speaker phone, please make sure your mute function is turned off to allow your signal to reach our equipment.
Speaker #1: We'll pause for just a moment to give everyone an opportunity to signal for questions. The first question comes from Vito Tomita of Goldman Sachs.
Speaker #1: Your line is now open. Please go ahead.
Speaker #5: Good morning all and thanks for taking our estions. We have two from our side. They're actually on Panama. The first one is if you could give a bit more color on the B2B headwinds that you saw there.
Speaker #5: If those are related to private or government projects and if there have been any further collections issues on this B2B front. And the second question would also be on Panama, but on the margin side.
Speaker #5: Margins improved a lot, improved a lot there. And to a that EBITDA rose year on year despite the revenue red headwinds. Could you give more color on the OPEX reductions or efficiencies that allowed for that aside from revenue mix effects naturally?
Speaker #5: Thank you.
Speaker #6: Thanks. Good morning. Thanks for the question and I'll ask Rocio to join in here in a second as well. The B2B headwinds primarily one comparison to a very very strong second quarter in 2024.
Speaker #6: But in addition to that, we did deliver a number of projects to the government in the second quarter. This year, that due to a lot of the bureaucracy and signatures required, we did not recognize that revenue and so you'll start seeing that drop in the in the third quarter.
Speaker #6: And but for the most part, it's all B2G. It's business to government. And it was one our largest customers as well. So that's kind of a little bit of the headwind there.
Speaker #6: On the margin expansion, I an, it's actually quite a strong story. You'll see the real margin expansion at the operating free cash flow level.
Speaker #6: And the way we've done that is through both efficiencies at the OPEX level and efficiencies at the CAPEX level. I mean, the we see a significant I think from the last time it's like almost six, seven points.
Speaker #6: And we think there's still plenty of room to grow. If you look at some of our other operating units as well. So we're ite bullish around the margin expansion in Panama.
Speaker #6: The revenue trajectory will change in the third quarter as the phasing issues of B2B, but I would like highlight our mobile business that's been growing.
Speaker #6: Revenue's been growing. And our fixed business grew as well. And the fixed business you know has I ink even more opportunity for us because we do have the smaller market share in that market with a better network of 500 home network.
Speaker #6: So with that, Rocio, would you like to add some color?
Speaker #1: Sure. Absolutely. So on the revenue side, for B2B, the headwinds that we were experiencing this quarter I would say our B2B business is a tale of two cities.
Speaker #1: So one, the recurring business and the other side the non-recurring business which is mostly government revenue. So on the recurring business, we are experiencing quite a strong quarter in fact.
Speaker #1: Just to give ou a bit of comfort, we are seeing our customer base in both mobile and fixed services growing middle to high single digits.
Speaker #1: So we're seeing the recurring business progressing continuing to progress very well with the momentum. On the non-recurring business which is this type of big projects, in this case, 100% government projects, of course it's basically depending on the phasing.
Speaker #1: So you have one big project like we won this quarter of the Meduca project, right? That was like $40 million. However, until you're able to see on your P&L, it takes time.
Speaker #1: And those this lumpiness of the non-recurring business is basically what you are seeing right now. And as Balan and Chris have stated, it's something that we are hoping to see with a very different momentum on the second half of the year.
Speaker #1: So that's your point on revenue. On the increased profitability, I think it's basically two main levers. At the gross margin level, it's basically the tailwinds from our well-performing recurring business.
Speaker #1: The residential business and the recurring part of the B2B business. And then at the OPEX level, we have done significant work over the last quarters in terms of streamlining our labor and our non-labor OPEX.
Speaker #1: And you're starting to see the fruits of that work. So glad to notice. Thank you.
Speaker #6: Thanks, Rocio. Thank you y much.
Speaker #1: The next question comes from Chris Hall of the Street Research. Chris, your line is now open. Please go ahead.
Speaker #7: Yep. Thank you. I just had a couple of estions on the plans around spinning out Puerto Rico. Obviously, ou've mentioned you know that you want to use selected assets.
Speaker #7: I just anted if you could clarify which assets in particular. I an, the key ones from my perspective would seem to be Spectrum and the broadband network, but is there anything else that you think is material enough to be able to utilize?
Speaker #6: Well, as you kind highlighted a lot, including the assets that we have. But we're really not commenting too much around you know how and we're going to approach that liability management.
Speaker #6: The management our team right , we just focus on running the business, improving the operational metrics, and but we as you highlighted, we do have some strong assets within the group that gives us financial flexibility.
Speaker #6: Thanks.
Speaker #7: Okay. Great. And then just to sort of follow up then, as you also mentioned, once Puerto ico is separated, you know the rest of the group leverages significantly lower.
Speaker #7: Would you feel at that point that you would want to delever the rest of the group further? So just trying to think about sort of potential shareholder remuneration as you mentioned, you know the possibility of dividends or share buyback.
Speaker #7: I mean, would there be a further need for delevering of the rest of the group or you think at that point you know, you have flexibility essentially around all of the cash flow to use it either for you know shareholder remuneration or M&A if there was something interesting from that perspective?
Speaker #6: I mean, here's how I would say it. If you look at the separated asset from what remains, just look at the EBITDA growth on that.
Speaker #6: And we will organically delever. That is kind of you know one point. And as Chris highlighted, the actual free cash flow generation of the remaining code, especially if you look at our wholesale business of subsidy business, we're throwing up quite good cash.
Speaker #6: And now certainly dividend stock buybacks and a number of things, the traditional capital allocation strategy we would you ow we would go through it.
Speaker #6: But we actually really excited about the cash flow generation of the business. We think the debt will organically delever as we expand our EBITDA and all the operational efficiencies that we've been working on kicks in.
Speaker #6: So from that sense, I think you ow it's sitting pretty good. So ou're going to have a lower leverage balance sheet. Good cash flow generation.
Speaker #6: And a lot of optionality for for management and the board to consider.
Speaker #3: And I would add that the capital structure on cable and wireless in Costa Rica is long-term in nature. So over you know 80% of the debt is you know 20, 31 or beyond.
Speaker #3: So that provides a huge amount of flexibility for the company.
Speaker #7: Yep. Thank you.
Speaker #1: As a reminder, to ask a estion, please press star followed by one on your telephone keypad now. The next question comes from Gabriel Vaz de Lima from Morgan Stanley.
Speaker #1: Your line is now open. Please go head.
Speaker #8: Okay. Thanks for taking my question. Could you give him a bit more color on the impairment you had on Puerto Rico? That would be it in my end.
Speaker #8: Thank you.
Speaker #6: Sure. The impairment is really around the Spectrum. That we have here in Puerto ico and we had a third-party assessment on that. This is the Spectrum that came to us from the AT&T acquisition.
Speaker #6: And you know as you know, we recently acquired new Spectrum from Dish. Which required you ow a uation peg on the Spectrum that we already own.
Speaker #6: It's an accounting adjustment. Yeah. Brian, you want to add to ?
Speaker #3: No, that's right. The Spectrum was impaired from the AT&T acquisition which had a relatively higher carrying value than the Dish Spectrum. So that ultimately resulted in the loss.
Speaker #6: Thank you. Thanks, Brian.
Speaker #8: Chris, thank ou. Thank you.
Speaker #1: That will conclude today's question and answer session. I'd like to hand back to Balan Nair for any apologies. We do have another question. From David Lopez of New Street Research.
Speaker #1: Your line is now open. Please go ahead.
Speaker #9: Hi. Thank you for taking my question. Just a couple more on Puerto Rico. I think you mentioned a change in management team there. I was ondering if you could give a bit more color and on your new offers mix and match.
Speaker #9: I know it's solid days, but what's the initial impression and initial traction and do customer like it or what are the initial thoughts, please?
Speaker #9: Thank you.
Speaker #6: Sure. You know, there are number of things we were looking at here in Puerto Rico. And the management changes really focus around three specific areas.
Speaker #6: One, our operations and processes. And this is everything from how you sell to how you collect. To how you manage the back office. Second, we were really focused on our network and technology.
Speaker #6: And that was another big management change that we made. So that the network and technology you know improvements that we were looking for get manifested this year, as you saw.
Speaker #6: We fired up new Spectrum. We improved the fixed network. And made significant improvements on our IT systems as well. And then finally, our commercial go-to-market.
Speaker #6: And the commercial go-to-market strategy that we have had over the last year clearly, as you can say, was underwhelming. And so we brought in some really strong talent in that area and you know you can see it manifested really in the last few weeks with our first launch under this new management team.
Speaker #6: And it's catching. ARPUs have actually increased. The MRC has increased over the you know on incoming over the base. And the proposition is catching.
Speaker #6: We've got more traffic into stores etc. So the culmination of all three resulted in better NPS, lower churn, and soon in the second half of this year, you'll start seeing you know the drop in the top line as well.
Speaker #6: That is kind of like how we've been thinking it. This is a project that's going to take a lot longer than it took to get to where we were at.
Speaker #6: And but we are very focused on it. And I ink we have the right team here in Puerto Rico to execute on it. David?
Speaker #6: Thank ou.
Speaker #1: That will conclude today's question and answer session. I'd like to hand back to Balan Nair for any additional or closing remarks.
Speaker #6: Thank you, operator. And thank you everybody on the call. We are actually quite excited about the future here. The future in Puerto Rico and the future in the rest of our businesses.
Speaker #6: Puerto Rico thinks of turning. Green shoots are appearing. And as Chris indicated, you know the capital structure is just not optimal for the business right now.
Speaker #6: So we're going to work on that. And this is going to be a really good business for LLA and future LLA shareholders. And then on the remaining business, you can see the numbers.
Speaker #6: We are very very excited about it. The cash flow generation as well as the organic growth that we are going to see is going to be really clear to all of you, to our investors as well.
Speaker #6: Where you can now have a clear line of sight to both these businesses. And Chris, John, Ray, my whole management team, we are very excited about the future here.
Speaker #6: And some of the changes we're making. So thank you for your support. And look forward to talking to you again.
Speaker #1: Ladies and gentlemen, this concludes Liberty Latin America's second quarter 2025 investor call. As a reminder, a replay of the call will be available in the investor relations section of Liberty Latin America's website at www.lla.com.