SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
ANNUAL REPORT
FILED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12, 13 or 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 25, 2021
February 28, 2022
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 20-F
☐REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) |
OR
(g) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
OR
☒ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020
2021
OR
☐TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from _______________________ to ___________
____________
OR
☐SHELL COMPANY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Date of event requiring this shell company report ___________
____________
Commission file number 1-14968
PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY LTD.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)
ISRAEL
(Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization)
8 AMAL STREETAFEQ
AFEK INDUSTRIAL PARK
ROSH-HA’AYIN 48103
ISRAEL
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
Sarit Hecht, Adv.
Vice President, Chief Legal Counsel & Corporate Secretary
Telephone: +972-54-7813888
Partner Communications Company Ltd.
8 Amal Street
Afek Industrial Park
Rosh-Ha’ayin 48103
ISRAEL
ExecutiveOffices@partner.co.il
(Name, Telephone, E-mail and/or facsimile Number and Address of Company Contact Person)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class | Trading Symbol | Name of each exchange on which registered | ||
American Depositary Shares, each | ||||
PTNR | The NASDAQ Global Select Market | |||
Ordinary Shares, nominal value NIS 0.01 per share* | The NASDAQ Global Select Market |
* Not for trading, but only in connection with the registration of American Depositary Shares representing such ordinary shares, pursuant to the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
NONE
Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act:
NONE
Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the issuer’s classes of capital or common stock as of the close of the period covered by the Annual Report:
ORDINARY SHARES OF NIS 0.01 EACH 182,826,973
183,678,220
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.
Yes ☐ `NO No ☒
If this report is an annual or transition report, indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act 1934.
Yes ☐ `NO No ☒
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days:
Yes ☒ NONo ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).
Yes ☒ NONo ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer.filer, or an emerging growth company. See definition of “accelerated“large accelerated filer,"accelerated filer,” and large accelerated filer”"emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large Accelerated Filer ☐ | Accelerated Filer ☒ | Non-Accelerated Filer ☐ | ||
Emerging Growth Company ☐ |
If an emerging growth company that prepares its financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report. ☒
Indicate by check mark which basis of accounting the registrant has used to prepare the financial statements included in this filing:
U.S. GAAP ☐ | ||
International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board ☒ | ||
Other ☐ |
If “Other” has been checked in response to the previous question, indicate by check mark which financial statement item the Registrant has elected to follow:
Item 17 ☐ ITEMItem 18 ☐
If this is an annual report, indicate by checkmark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined by Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes ☐ `NO No ☒
2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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3
INTRODUCTION
As used herein, references to “we,” “our,” “us,” the “Group,” “Partner” or the “Company” are references to Partner Communications Company Ltd. and (i) its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Partner Future Communications 2000 Ltd., Partner Land-Line Communications Solutions LP, Partner Business Communications Solutions LP, Get Cell Communication Products LP (formerly Partner Communication Products 2016 LP), 012 Smile Telecom Ltd. ("012 Smile"), (ii) 012 Smile's wholly-owned subsidiary, 012 Telecom Ltd., and (iii) PHI (as defined below), and (iv) Iconz Holdings Ltd., except as the context otherwise requires. Partner Future Communications 2000 Ltd. serves as the general partner and the Company serves as the limited partner of each of the limited partnerships.
Pursuant to a 15-year Network Sharing Agreement that the Company entered into with HOT Mobile Ltd. ("HOT Mobile") in November 2013, the parties created a 50-50 limited partnership, P.H.I. Networks (2015) Limited Partnership ("PHI"). Starting January 1, 2019, we began to account for PHI as a joint operation. See “Item 4B.64B.8 OUR NETWORK ”, "Item 5A.1d5A.1c Network Sharing Agreement with HOT Mobile"and note 9 to our financial statements.
In the context of cellular services, references to "our network" refer to Partner's cellular telecommunications network which includes our core network, as well as the shared radio access network with HOT Mobile which is operated by PHI and any other Company infrastructure which enables our cellular service.
In addition, references to our “financial statements” are to our consolidated financial statements, unless the context requires otherwise.
The Company currently provides telecommunications services in the following two segments: (1) cellular telecommunications services (“Cellular Services”) and (2) fixed-line communication services (“Fixed-Line Services”), which include: (a) Internet services including access to the internet through both fiber-optics and wholesale broadband access; internet services provider (“ISP”) services; internet Value Added Services (“VAS”) such as cyber protection, anti-virus and anti-spam filtering; and fixed-line voice communication services provided through Voice Over Broadband (“VOB”); (b)described in Item 4B. Business solutions including Session Initiation Protocol ("SIP") voice trunks and Network Termination Point Services ("NTP") – under which the Group supplies, installs, operates and maintains endpoint network equipment and solutions, including providing and installing equipment and cabling, within a subscriber's place of business or premises, hosting services, transmission services, Primary Rate Interface (“PRI”) and other fixed-line communications solution services; (c) International Long Distance services (“ILD”): outgoing and incoming international telephony, hubbing, roaming and signaling and calling card services; and (d) Television services over the Internet ("TV"). Sales of equipment include sales and leasing of telecommunications, audio-visual, and internet-related devices including cellular handsets, phones, tablets, laptops, modems, data cards, domestic routers, servers and related peripherals, equipment and integration projects.Overview. Unless the context indicates otherwise, expressions such as “our business,” “Partner’s business” and “the Company’s business” or “industry” refer to both Cellular and Fixed-Line Services.
In this document, references to “$,” “US$,” “US dollars,” “USD” and “dollars” are to United States dollars, and references to “NIS” and “shekels” are to New Israeli Shekels. We maintain our financial books and records in shekels. This Annual Report contains translations of NIS amounts into US dollars at specified rates solely for the convenience of the reader. No representation is made that the amounts referred to in this Annual Report as convenience translations could have been or could be converted from NIS into US dollars at these rates, at any particular rate or at all. The translations of NIS amounts into US dollars appearing throughout this Annual Report have been made at the exchange rate on December 31, 2020,2021, of NIS 3.2153.110 = US$1.00 as published by the Bank of Israel, unless otherwise specified. See “Item 3A. Key Information – Selected Financial Data – Exchange Rate Data”.
INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL REPORTING STANDARDS
Our financial statements included in this Annual Report are prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) published by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”). See “Item 18. Financial Statements” and “Item 5A. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects – Operating Results”.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS |
This Annual Report includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the US Securities Act of 1933, as amended, Section 21E of the US Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the safe harbor provisions of the US Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as “believe,” “anticipate,” “expect,” “intend,” “seek,” “will,” “plan,” “could,” “may,” “project,” “goal,” “target” and similar expressions often identify forward-looking statements but are not the only way we identify these statements. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this Annual Report, including the statements in the sections of this Annual Report entitled “Item 3D. Key Information – Risk Factors,” “Item 4. Information on the Company” and “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects” and elsewhere in this Annual Report regarding our future performance, revenues or margins, market share or reduction of expenses, regulatory developments, and any statements regarding other future events or our future prospects, are forward-looking statements.
We have based these forward-looking statements on our current knowledge and our present beliefs and expectations regarding possible future events. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions about Partner, consumer habits and preferences in cellular and fixed-line telephone usage, trends in the Israeli telecommunications industry in general, the impact of current global economic conditions and possible regulatory and legal developments. For a description of some of the risks see “Item 3D Risk Factors,”Factors”, “Item 4 Information On The Company”, “Item 5 Operating And Financial Review And Prospects,”Prospects”, “Item 8A.1 Legal And Administrative Proceedings” and “Item 11 Quantitative And Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk”. In light of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, the forward-looking events discussed in this Annual Report might not occur, and actual results may differ materially from the results anticipated. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
4
ITEM 1.
IDENTITY OF DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND ADVISERS
Not applicable.
Not applicable.
3A. Selected Financial Data
Our consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2020,2021, have been prepared in accordance with the International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”).
The tables below at and for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 20202021 set forth selected consolidated financial data under IFRS. The audited consolidated financial statements at December 31, 20192020 and 20202021 and for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2020,2021, appear at the end of this report and have been audited by Kesselman & Kesselman, our independent registered public accounting firm in Israel and a member of PricewaterhouseCoopers International Limited.
Year ended December 31, | Year ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2016 | 2017 ** | 2018 ** | 2019 *** | 2020 *** | 2020 *** | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2021 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
New Israeli Shekels in millions (except per share data) | US$ in millions(1) | New Israeli Shekels in millions (except per share data) | US$ in millions(1) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Consolidated Statement of Income Data | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Revenues, net | 3,544 | 3,268 | 3,259 | 3,234 | 3,189 | 992 | 3,234 | 3,189 | 3,363 | 1,081 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cost of revenues | 2,924 | 2,627 | 2,700 | 2,707 | 2,664 | 829 | 2,707 | 2,664 | 2,732 | 878 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gross profit | 620 | 641 | 559 | 527 | 525 | 163 | 527 | 525 | 631 | 203 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Selling and marketing expenses | 426 | 269 | 293 | 301 | 291 | 90 | 301 | 291 | 323 | 104 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| General and administrative expenses | 181 | 144 | 148 | 149 | 145 | 45 | 149 | 145 | 164 | 52 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Credit losses | 82 | 52 | 30 | 18 | 23 | 7 | 18 | 23 | 9 | 3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Income with respect to Settlement agreement with Orange | 217 | 108 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other income, net | 45 | 31 | 28 | 28 | 30 | 9 | 28 | 30 | 28 | 9 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating profit | 193 | 315 | 116 | 87 | 96 | 30 | 87 | 96 | 163 | 53 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Finance income | 13 | 4 | 2 | 7 | 8 | 2 | 7 | 8 | 4 | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Finance expenses | 118 | 184 | 55 | 75 | 77 | 24 | 75 | 77 | 68 | 22 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Finance costs, net | 105 | 180 | 53 | 68 | 69 | 22 | 68 | 69 | 64 | 21 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Profit before income tax | 88 | 135 | 63 | 19 | 27 | 8 | 19 | 27 | 99 | 32 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income tax expenses | 36 | 21 | 7 | * | 10 | 3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income tax income (expenses) | * | (10 | ) | 16 | 5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Profit for the year | 52 | 114 | 56 | 19 | 17 | 5 | 19 | 17 | 115 | 37 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Earnings per ordinary share and per ADS | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Basic: | 0.33 | 0.70 | 0.34 | 0.12 | 0.09 | 0.03 | 0.12 | 0.09 | 0.63 | 0.20 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Diluted: | 0.33 | 0.69 | 0.34 | 0.12 | 0.09 | 0.03 | 0.12 | 0.09 | 0.62 | 0.20 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Weighted average number of shares outstanding (in thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Basic: | 156,268 | 162,733 | 165,979 | 162,831 | 182,331 | 182,331 | 162,831 | 182,331 | 183,203 | 183,203 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Diluted (for calculation above): | 158,096 | 164,537 | 166,962 | 163,608 | 183,188 | 183,188 | 163,608 | 183,188 | 184,334 | 184,334 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(*) Representing an amount of less than 1 million.
5
Year ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
2016 | 2017 * | 2018 * | 2019 ** | 2020 ** | 2020 ** | |||||||||||||||||||
New Israeli Shekels in millions | US$ in millions(1) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other Financial Data | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Capital expenditures (2) | 202 | 417 | 499 | 578 | 595 | 185 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Adjusted EBITDA (3) | 834 | 917 | 722 | 853 | 822 | 256 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Statement of Cash Flow Data | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net cash provided by operating activities | 945 | 973 | 625 | 837 | 786 | 244 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Net cash used in investing activities | (639 | ) | (72 | ) | (351 | ) | (1,181 | ) | (581 | ) | (180 | ) | ||||||||||||
| Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities | (516 | ) | (750 | ) | (725 | ) | 227 | (128 | ) | (40 | ) | |||||||||||||
| Financial Position Data (at year end) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Current assets | 2,339 | 2,009 | 1,254 | 1,664 | 1,496 | 465 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Non current assets | 2,858 | 2,709 | 2,722 | 3,351 | 3,629 | 1,129 | ||||||||||||||||||
Lease - right of use (**) | 582 | 663 | 206 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Property and equipment | 1,207 | 1,180 | 1,211 | 1,430 | 1,495 | 465 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Intangible and other assets | 793 | 697 | 617 | 538 | 521 | 162 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Goodwill | 407 | 407 | 407 | 407 | 407 | 127 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Deferred income tax asset | 41 | 55 | 38 | 41 | 29 | 9 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Total assets | 5,197 | 4,718 | 3,976 | 5,015 | 5,125 | 1,594 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Current liabilities (4) | 1,607 | 1,811 | 1,150 | 1,489 | 1,334 | 414 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Non current liabilities (4) | 2,479 | 1,473 | 1,420 | 2,109 | 2,068 | 644 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Total liabilities | 4,086 | 3,284 | 2,570 | 3,598 | 3,402 | 1,058 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Total equity | 1,111 | 1,434 | 1,406 | 1,417 | 1,723 | 536 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Total liabilities and equity | 5,197 | 4,718 | 3,976 | 5,015 | 5,125 | 1,594 | ||||||||||||||||||
Year ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||
2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2021 | |||||||||||||
New Israeli Shekels in millions | US$ in millions(1) | |||||||||||||||
| Capital expenditures (2) | 578 | 595 | 680 | 219 | ||||||||||||
| Adjusted EBITDA (3) | 853 | 822 | 922 | 296 | ||||||||||||
| Statement of Cash Flow Data | ||||||||||||||||
| Net cash provided by operating activities | 837 | 786 | 774 | 249 | ||||||||||||
| Net cash used in investing activities | (1,181 | ) | (581 | ) | (727 | ) | (234 | ) | ||||||||
| Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities | 227 | (128 | ) | (115 | ) | (37 | ) | |||||||||
| Financial Position Data (at year end) | ||||||||||||||||
| Current assets | 1,664 | 1,496 | 1,489 | 480 | ||||||||||||
| Non current assets | 3,351 | 3,629 | 3,904 | 1,255 | ||||||||||||
| Lease - right of use | 582 | 663 | 679 | 218 | ||||||||||||
| Property and equipment | 1,430 | 1,495 | 1,644 | 529 | ||||||||||||
| Intangible and other assets | 538 | 521 | 472 | 152 | ||||||||||||
| Goodwill | 407 | 407 | 407 | 131 | ||||||||||||
| Deferred income tax asset | 41 | 29 | 34 | 11 | ||||||||||||
| Total assets | 5,015 | 5,125 | 5,393 | 1,735 | ||||||||||||
| Current liabilities (4) | 1,489 | 1,334 | 1,422 | 457 | ||||||||||||
| Non current liabilities (4) | 2,109 | 2,068 | 2,112 | 680 | ||||||||||||
| Total liabilities | 3,598 | 3,402 | 3,534 | 1,137 | ||||||||||||
| Total equity | 1,417 | 1,723 | 1,859 | 598 | ||||||||||||
| Total liabilities and equity | 5,015 | 5,125 | 5,393 | 1,735 | ||||||||||||
| (1) | The NIS figures at December 31, |
| (2) | Capital Expenditures represent additions to property and equipment (see note 10 to our consolidated financial statements) and intangible assets (see note 11 to our consolidated financial statements). |
| (3) | Adjusted EBITDA |
| (4) | See Note 15 to the consolidated financial statements for information regarding long-term liabilities and current maturities of long-term borrowings and notes payable. |
6
The tables below at and for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2020,2021, set forth a reconciliation between Profit and Adjusted EBITDA.
| Year ended December 31, | Year ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2016 | 2017 ** | 2018 ** | 2019 *** | 2020 *** | 2020 *** | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2021 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| New Israeli Shekels in millions | US$ in millions (1) | New Israeli Shekels in millions | US$ in millions (1) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Reconciliation Between Profit and Adjusted EBITDA | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Profit | 52 | 114 | 56 | 19 | 17 | 5 | 19 | 17 | 115 | 37 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization expenses | 595 | 580 | 592 | 751 | 714 | 222 | 751 | 714 | 744 | 239 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Finance costs, net | 105 | 180 | 53 | 68 | 69 | 22 | 68 | 69 | 64 | 21 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income tax expenses | 36 | 21 | 7 | * | 10 | 3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other (****) | 46 | 22 | 14 | 15 | 12 | 4 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income tax income (expenses) | * | (10 | ) | 16 | 5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other (**) | 15 | 12 | 15 | 4 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Adjusted EBITDA (2) | 834 | 917 | 722 | 853 | 822 | 256 | 853 | 822 | 922 | 296 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (*) | Representing an amount of less than 1 million. |
| (**) | Mainly amortization of employee share-based compensation. |
| (1) | The translations of NIS amounts into US dollars appearing throughout this Annual Report have been made at the exchange rate on December 31, |
| (2) | Adjusted EBITDA |
| At December 31, | ||||||||||||
| 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | ||||||||||
| Cellular Industry Data | ||||||||||||
| Estimated population of Israel (in millions) (1) | 9.0 | 9.1 | 9.3 | |||||||||
| Estimated Israeli cellular telephone subscribers (in millions) (2) | 10.6 | 10.6 | 10.4 | |||||||||
| Estimated Israeli cellular telephone penetration (3) | 118 | % | 116 | % | 112 | % | ||||||
| Year ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | ||||||||||||||||
| Company's Data | ||||||||||||||||||||
Cellular subscribers (000’s) (at period end) (4) (5) | 2,686 | 2,662 | 2,646 | 2,657 | 2,836 | |||||||||||||||
Pre-paid cellular subscribers (000’s) (at period end) (4) | 445 | 354 | 285 | 291 | 341 | |||||||||||||||
Post-paid cellular subscribers (000’s) (at period end) (4) | 2,241 | 2,308 | 2,361 | 2,366 | 2,495 | |||||||||||||||
Share of total Israeli cellular subscribers (at period end) (5) | 26 | % | 25 | % | 25 | % | 25 | % | 27 | % | ||||||||||
Average monthly revenue per cellular subscriber including roaming (“ARPU”) (NIS) (6) | 65 | 62 | 58 | 57 | 51 | |||||||||||||||
| Churn rate for cellular subscribers (7) | 40 | % | 38 | % | 35 | % | 31 | % | 30 | % | ||||||||||
TV subscribers (000’s) (at period end) (8) | 43 | 122 | 188 | 232 | ||||||||||||||||
Infrastructure-based internet subscribers (000’s) (at period end) (9) | 268 | 329 | ||||||||||||||||||
Fiber-optic subscribers (000’s) (at period end) (10) | 76 | 139 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Homes Connected (HC) to the fiber-optic infrastructure (000’s) (at period end) (11) | 324 | 465 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Estimated cellular coverage of Israeli population (at period end) (12) | 99 | % | 99 | % | 99 | % | 99 | % | 99 | % | ||||||||||
| Number of employees (full time equivalent) (at period end) (13) | 2,686 | 2,797 | 2,782 | 2,834 | 2,655 | |||||||||||||||
| At December 31, | ||||||||||||
| 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | ||||||||||
| Cellular Industry Data | ||||||||||||
| Estimated population of Israel (in millions) (1) | 9.1 | 9.3 | 9.4 | |||||||||
| Estimated Israeli cellular telephone subscribers (in millions) (2) | 10.4 | 10.4 | 10.9 | |||||||||
| Estimated Israeli cellular telephone penetration (3) | 114 | % | 113 | % | 116 | % | ||||||
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
| 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | ||||||||||
| Company's Data | ||||||||||||
Cellular subscribers (000’s) (at period end) (4) (5) | 2,657 | 2,836 | 3,023 | |||||||||
Pre-paid cellular subscribers (000’s) (at period end) (4) | 291 | 341 | 352 | |||||||||
Post-paid cellular subscribers (000’s) (at period end) (4) | 2,366 | 2,495 | 2,671 | |||||||||
Share of total Israeli cellular subscribers (at period end) (5) | 25 | % | 27 | % | 28 | % | ||||||
| Average monthly revenue per cellular subscriber including roaming (“ARPU”) (NIS) (6) | 57 | 51 | 48 | |||||||||
| Churn rate for cellular subscribers (7) | 31 | % | 30 | % | 28 | % | ||||||
TV subscribers (000’s) (at period end) (8) | 188 | 232 | 226 | |||||||||
Infrastructure-based internet subscribers (000’s) (at period end) (9) | 268 | 329 | 374 | |||||||||
Fiber-optic subscribers (000’s) (at period end) (10) | 76 | 139 | 212 | |||||||||
Homes Connected (HC) to the fiber-optic infrastructure (000’s) (at period end) (11) | 324 | 465 | 700 | |||||||||
Estimated cellular coverage of Israeli population (at period end) (12) | 99 | % | 99 | % | 99 | % | ||||||
Number of employees (full time equivalent) (at period end) (13) | 2,834 | 2,655 | 2,574 | |||||||||
| (1) | The population estimates are as published by the Central Bureau of Statistics in Israel as of December 31, |
| (2) | We have estimated the total number of Israeli cellular telephone subscribers based on Partner subscriber data as well as information contained in published reports and public statements issued by operators and data regarding the number of subscribers porting between operators. |
| (3) | Total number of estimated Israeli cellular telephone subscribers expressed as a percentage of the estimated population of Israel. The total number of estimated cellular telephone subscribers includes dormant subscribers as well as other subscribers who are not included in the Israeli population figures, such as Palestinians, visitors, and foreign workers, as well as SIM cards used in modems, datacards and other cellular devices. |
| (4) | In accordance with general practice in the cellular telephone industry, we use the term “subscriber”, unless the context otherwise requires, to indicate a subscription that provides access to the PSTN using cellular technology, rather than either a bill-paying customer who may have a number of subscriptions, or a cellular device user who may share the device with a number of other users. Subscribers include customers of both post-paid and pre-paid services under the Partner and 012 Mobile brands, and also include subscribers to dedicated data packages for use with data cards or USB modems. A pre-paid subscriber is recognized as such only following the actual use of his pre-paid SIM card and only once they have generated revenues in the amount of at least one shekel (excluding VAT). |
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In view of the expected growing impact of M2M (machine(Machine to machine)Machine) activity on our business, as from Q4 2018, M2M subscriptions are included in the post-paid subscriber base on a standardized basis, according to which the number of M2M subscriptions included is calculated by dividing total revenues from M2M subscriptions by the average revenue from a dedicated data package subscriber for the relevant period. This change had the effect of increasing the post-paid subscriber base at December 31, 2018, by approximately 34,000 subscribers.
References to the number of subscribers are stated net of subscribers who leave or are disconnected from the network, or who have not generated revenue for the Company for a period of over six consecutive months ending at a reporting date.
| (5) | Total number of Partner subscribers expressed as a percentage of the estimated total number of Israeli cellular subscribers. |
| (6) | We have calculated our average monthly revenue per cellular subscriber by (i) dividing, for each month in the relevant year, the total cellular segment service revenues during the month by the average number of our cellular subscribers during that month, and (ii) dividing the sum of all such results by the number of months in the relevant period. |
| (7) | We define the “churn rate” as the total number of cellular subscribers (excluding M2M |
| (8) | TV subscribers – active subscriptions to Partner TV, each of which may have a number of users over a number of different platforms. TV subscribers include subscriptions within time-limited trial periods without charge to the customer. |
| (9) | Infrastructure-based internet subscribers – active subscribers to an end-to-end service including both infrastructure |
| (10) | Fiber-optic subscribers – active subscribers to an end-to-end service including both Partner’s fiber-optic infrastructure and access to the internet. |
| (11) | Homes Connected (HC) to the fiber-optic infrastructure – The total number of residential households within buildings connected to Partner's fiber-optic infrastructure. |
| (12) | We measure cellular coverage using computerized models of our network, radio propagation characteristics and topographic information to predict signal levels at two meters above ground level in areas where we operate a network site. According to these coverage results, we estimate the population serviced by our network and divide this by the estimated total population of Israel. Population estimates are published by the Central Bureau of Statistics in Israel. |
| (13) | A full-time employee is contracted to work a standard 182 hours per month. Part-time employees are converted to full-time equivalents by dividing their contracted hours per month by the full-time standard. The result is added to the number of full-time employees to determine the number of employees on a full-time equivalent basis. Starting in 2019, the number of full-time employees also includes the number of full-time employees of PHI on a proportional basis of Partner's share in the subsidiary (50%). See also "Item 6D Employees". |
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Exchange Rate Data
On December 31, 2020,2021, the exchange rate was NIS 3.2153.110 per US$1.00 as published by the Bank of Israel. Changes in the exchange rate between the shekel and the US dollar could materially affect our financial results.
3B. Capitalization and Indebtedness
Not applicable.
3C. Reasons for the Offer and Use of Proceeds
Not applicable.
3D. Risk Factors
You should carefully consider the risks described below and the other information in this Annual Report. Depending on the extent to which any of the following risks materializes, our business, financial condition, cash flow or results of operations could suffer, and the market price of our shares may be negatively affected. The risks below are not the only ones we face, and other risks currently not affecting our business or industry, or which are currently deemed insignificant, may arise.
RISK FACTOR SUMMARY
Our business is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including those risks discussed at length below. These risks include among others the following:
RISKS RELATING TO THE REGULATION OF OUR INDUSTRY
We operate in a highly regulated telecommunications market. The regulator:
| - | imposes limitations on our flexibility in managing our business and seeks to increase industry competition; |
| - | limits our ability to compete by, among other measures, giving preference to new competitors; and |
| - | also limits our ability to expand our business and develop our network. |
Such measures may adversely affect our business and results of operations.
We set forth below examples of the principal regulatory risks we face:
| - | It is not certain that the regulator will effectively prevent other telecommunications companies from abusing their competitive positions, in particular as regards service providers which, for historical reasons, have highly developed fixed-line infrastructures in addition to mobile networks. |
| - | The regulator might limit our use of spectrum ranges already allocated or which we require. |
| - | The regulator may add new regulatory burdens, including on TV content. |
| - | The regulator may limit our ability to charge customers for certain services, such as interconnect or roaming charges. |
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Other regulatory risks include:
| - | possible early termination of our agreement for a shared network; |
| - | possible failure to comply with data protection requirements; |
| - | possible disagreements with the regulator over the interpretation of applicable regulations; and |
| - | possible non-compliance with building or environmental permits applicable to our cellular network sites. |
RISKS RELATING TO OUR BUSINESS OPERATIONS
Largely as a result of changes in our regulatory and business environment, our results of operations have declined significantly. Should existing trends continue, our operating results may continue to decline.
We set forth below examples of the principal business risks we face:
| - | intense competition has caused significant price erosion both in cellular services and profits from equipment sales; |
| - | competition may continue to decrease service tariffs and increase subscriber acquisition and retention costs or otherwise adversely affect our business and results of operations; |
| - | cyber attacks could have an adverse effect on our business; |
| - | further downward pressure on prices may also cause impairment in the value of our assets; |
| - | the Coronavirus ("COVID-19") crisis may have a material harmful effect on our results of operations and financial position for 2022 and create difficulties in the recruitment and retention of personnel; |
| - | Covid-induced work patterns and changes in the labor market due to competition for technical and professional personnel have also created substantial difficulties in the recruitment and retention of personnel; |
| - | equipment or system failures, natural disasters and hostile events may materially adversely affect our results of operations; and |
| - | we are exposed to, and currently engaged in, a variety of legal proceedings, including class actions and requests to approve lawsuits as class actions. |
Other business risks include:
| - | our level of indebtedness, |
| - | dependence on a limited number of suppliers, |
| - | relations with our employees and their union, |
| - | purchase commitments for i-Phones, and |
| - | the possible early termination of our network sharing agreement. |
3D.1 RISKS RELATING TO THE REGULATION OF OUR INDUSTRY
We operate in a highly regulated telecommunications market in which the regulator imposes substantial limitations on our flexibility in managing our business and continues to seek to increase industry competition. At the same time, the regulator limits our ability to compete by, among other measures, giving preference to new competitors, and limits our ability to expand our business and develop our network. Such measures may continue to increase our costs, decrease our revenues and adversely affect our business and results of operations.
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3D.1a If the structural separation provisions which apply to Bezeq are not enforced or are removed (in part or in whole) before we have established ourselves in the fixed-line and TV markets, this would adversely affect our business and results of operations.
Bezeq-The Israel Telecommunication Corp., Ltd. ("Bezeq") owns and operates the largest fixed-line infrastructure in Israel, and is also one of the largest providers of mobile telephone, internet connection, and other telecommunications services, such as television. Bezeq’s license provides that it maintain structural separation between itself and its subsidiaries (Pelephone Communications Ltd. ("Pelephone"), DBS broadcastingSatellite Services (1998) Ltd. ("Yes") and Bezeq International). This requires, inter alia, that Bezeq keep its management, assets and employees fully segregated from those of its subsidiaries.
On June 30, 2020, the Ministry of Communications ("MoC") published the report of the inter-departmental team (“the Team”(the "Team”) tasked with examining the structural separation provisions applicable to the Bezeq and Hot Telecom LP ("HOT Telecom") groups. The Team found that the time is not yet ripe for the total removal of structural separation provisions in the Bezeq group. The Team’s MoC members stated that the current provisions applicable to Bezeq have been effective thus far and cancelling them would severely harm competition and the welfare of consumers.
However, the Team found that it is possible to make certain changes in the overall regulation that could potentially improve the service provided to the public and which will influence the structural separation provision applicable to Bezeq. Within this scope, the Team has recommended that the Minister of Communications consider changing the current separation in Israel between the infrastructure service and ISP (internet service providers) service.
Following this recommendation, the MoC published a hearing regarding a reform in the structure of the Internet market. The hearing was aimed at ending the separation between the infrastructure service and the ISP service, thus allowing Bezeq and Hot Telecom to market a unified product (comprised of both infrastructure and ISP components). This proposed
In June 2021, the MoC published its decision in this hearing. See "Item 4B.12e - v Decision regarding a reform will not apply to broadband services to business subscribers. According to the hearing document, the proposed reform will enter into force on January 1, 2022, allowing ISPs to prepare for the change in the structure of this market. The Company has filedthe Internet Market". In its position regarding this hearing. The Company agrees withdecision, the consumer benefitsMoC outlined a process for ending the split of the Internet market into two tiers and allowing Bezeq and Hot Telecom to market a unified service but has arguedproduct, while ensuring that Bezeq and HOT Telecom should not be allowedHot provide the wholesale Internet service at non-discriminatory terms (in relation to market this service themselves, but rather through their subsidiaries (which would purchase the infrastructure component fromretail Internet services provided by Bezeq and HOT at the same pricesHot). Allowing Bezeq and terms as all other competitors). If the MoC allows Bezeq itselfHot Telecom to market a unified service (as opposed to the marketing of such marketingservices separately by its subsidiaries), it may be ableenable them to offer bundled services more effectively than we can, and thereby gain a competitive advantage which could adversely affect our results of operations.
At this stage, the Company is unable to fully evaluate the impact of the decision on the Company's business due to, among others, the dependence of such impact on the results of the calibration stage and on the enforcement of the key performance indicators ("KPIs") and compensation mechanisms by the MoC.
Furthermore, if the MoC removes the structural separation provisions applicable to Bezeq altogether, before we have firmly established ourselves in the fixed-line telecommunications services market (in both fixed-line telephony, passive infrastructures and broadband) and the multi-channel TV market, Bezeq may be able to offer bundled services more effectively than we, and thereby gain a competitive advantage which could adversely affect our results of operations.
The current structural separation provisions also require Bezeq to equally market all ISPs (internet service providers) when selling service bundles which include its infrastructure services and ISP services. Bezeq has failed to provide the relevant ISPs with the customer information required to continue service provision once Bezeq stops billing for the ISPs (after the first year of the bundle). If the MoC fails to enforce its decisions on this matter, this may adversely affect our results of operations.
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3D.1b The MoC might require us to terminate the use of certain spectrum ranges which have been allocated to us, limit our use of such spectrum, fail to respond to our demands for the allocation of additional spectrum, or conduct the tender for additional frequencies in an unsuitable format. Such eventualities may adversely affect our business and results of operations.
The MoC might prevent us from using some of our existing spectrum, may limit our ability to use such spectrum (whether by demanding we share such use with others or placing other limits on such use) or may fail to respond to our demands for the allocation of additional spectrum or for the refarming of our existing spectrum (the conversion of existing frequencies to a different technology). The MoC might also require us to cease use of certain bands and require us to shift to other bands, which may involve investment in new radio infrastructure.
The MOCMoC has recently stated, as part of its consultationpublished a call for comments regarding the shutdownpossibility of 2G and 3G networks, that it may terminate the use of thegranting spectrum awarded to us and which is currently used for 2G and 3G. We strongly oppose such moves. For further details seeprivate 5G networks. See "Item 4B.12e - xxi Hearings and Examinations - HearingExaminations- Call for comments regarding a proposed framework5G private networks". Such private 5G networks may decrease our revenues, reduce the availability of new spectrum for the shutdownour own 5G services and adversely affect our business and results of 2G and 3G cellular networks".operations.
Such actions may interfere with our ability to effectively manage our licensed spectrum, reduce our ability to adequately provide services to our subscribers, increase our costs due to evacuation of such spectrum and place us at a competitive disadvantage. These possible eventualities may adversely affect our business and results of operations.
3D.1c If the Ministry of Communications fails to enforce its fixed-line wholesale market reforms on Bezeq and HOT Telecom, fails to lower the wholesale price for use of their fixed-line networks, or fails to prevent Bezeq or HOT Telecom from lowering their retail prices for fixed-line services (to the point of not allowing the necessary margin for its competitors in this segment), our business and results of operations may be materially adversely affected.
The implementation of the Telecommunications Law, 1982, ("Telecommunications Law"), the Wireless Telegraph Ordinance [New Version], 1972 (" Wireless Telegraph Ordinance") and other laws and regulations, as well as the provisions of our licenses, are all subject to interpretation and change. New laws, regulations or government policies, changes to current regulations, or a change to the interpretation thereof, may be adopted or implemented in a manner which damages our business and operating results. Such measures may include new limits on our ability to market our services, new safety and health related requirements, new limits on the construction and operation of cell towers, new requirements, standards, consumer protection provisions, privacy provisions, cyber provisions, roaming services regulation, coverage termterms and other conditions or limits applicable to the services we provide. Such measures may negatively affect our business and results of operations. Furthermore, if such measures would benefit our competitors or are applied only to us (and not to our competitors), we may be placed at a competitive disadvantage. For information regarding the principal regulations and regulatory developments affecting our business, see "Item 4B.10e4B.12e Regulatory Developments".
The State (through the MoC and/or the Council for Cable and Satellite Broadcasting) may impose regulations on nascent TV content services which are provided over the Internet ("OTT") and which are currently unregulated. The MoC has published a draft bill which proposes that OTT services will be regulated in stages, according to annual income of the relevant operator (the “Draft Bill”). According to the Draft Bill, no regulation will be imposed on local OTT services with an annual income of less than NIS 350 million. Our annual income from local OTT services is not expected to exceed such a level in 2021.
In September 2020, the Minister of Communications appointed a new committee assigned with re-examining the overall regulatory regime applicable to the broadcasting segment in Israel (the “Folkman Committee”). In November 2020,July 2021, the Folkman Committee published a consultation document which listedsubmitted its recommendations to the topics which are due to be discussed by it.Minister of Communications. These included imposing regulation on OTT services (which may include local production quotas) and therecommendations would increase regulation of sportsthe audio-visual content (including the possibility of requiring sports channels to allow all broadcasting platforms to access their content). The Company presented its position to theproviders which could increase our costs and impact our competitive position. See "Item 4B.12e - iv Folkman Committee and its sub-committee on sports broadcasts. The Folkman Committee was due to publish its recommendations by the end of January 2021, however to date it has not done so.Recommendations".
If the State places burdensome regulations on our OTT services (such as a requirement to invest a percentage of our income from this activity in original local productions), this might increase our costs, raise the cost of operations in this segment and, if applied only to Israeli OTT providers, place us at a competitive disadvantage, in each case with potential negative effects on our business and results of operations.
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3D.1e The Network Sharing Agreement we entered into with HOT Mobile may be terminated earlier than we expected due to regulatory intervention. In such case we will be required to split the shared network with HOT Mobile, and theMobile. The resources, time and expense it may take us to have our own network on a nation-wide coverage may be substantial and could also materially harm our business and the results of operations at such time. Network sharing and similar agreements entered into by our competitors may place us at a competitive disadvantage.
In November 2013, we entered into a 15-yearlong term network sharing agreement (“Network Sharing Agreement”) with HOT Mobile pursuant to which the parties created a limited partnership, under the name P.H.I. Networks (2015) Limited Partnership ("PHI"). The purpose of PHI is to operate and develop a radio access network to be shared by both parties.
In May 2014 and 2015, respectively, the Competition Commissioner resolved to approveand the Ministry of Communications approved the Network Sharing Agreement, subject in each case to a number of conditions ("Competition(respectively, the "Competition Commissioner Approval") and in April 2015, the Ministry of Communications resolved to approve the Network Sharing Agreement, subject to a number of conditions as well ("MoU"MoU Approval").
However, the Network Sharing Agreement may terminate or expire prior to the lapse of the said 15-year period due to regulatory intervention in one of the following circumstances:
| 1) | Pursuant to the Competition Commissioner Approval - as of April 22, 2021, the Competition Commissioner will be entitled to notify Partner and HOT Mobile that the network sharing is terminated, if at that time the Competition Commissioner will be of the opinion that PHI or its activities may adversely affect competition, in which case the parties will be required to cease sharing the active part of the shared network within two years and the passive parts within five years from the Competition Commissioner's notice to that effect; |
| 2) | In the event we are found to be in breach of any of the conditions set out in the Competition Commissioner Approval or in the MoU's Approval, the Competition Commissioner Approval or the MoU Approval might be terminated, which could create significant uncertainty as to the management of the shared radio access network; |
| 3) | PHI is operating under a special license granted by the Ministry of Communications on August 9, 2015. The term of the license is 10 years from the grant thereof. If the term of the license will not be extended, we may not be able to continue sharing the network. |
If and when the network sharing will end, we will need to split the shared network with HOT Mobile and the resources, time and expense it may take to have our own network on a nation-wide coverage, may be substantial and could materially harm our business and results of operations at such time. See also "Item "3D.2l3D.2m If the network sharing agreementNetwork Sharing Agreement entered into with HOT Mobile is unilaterally terminated by HOT Mobile earlier than we expect, we will be required to split the shared network with HOT Mobile and the resources, time and expense it may take us to have our own network in a nationwide coverage would be substantial and could also materially harm our business and the results of operations at such time." and “Item 4B.8a Overview - Cellular Network Sharing Agreement”.
3D.1f If the Ministry of Communications fails to enforce its fixed-line wholesale market reforms on Bezeq and HOT Telecom, fails to lower the wholesale price for use of their fixed-line networks, or fails to prevent Bezeq or HOT Telecom from lowering their retail prices for fixed-line services (to the point of not allowing the necessary margin for their competitors in this segment), our business and results of operations may be materially adversely affected.
In the past, the MoC has failed to enforce its fixed-line wholesale market reforms ("Wholesale Market Reform") on Bezeq and HOT Telecom, the two largest fixed-lineinfrastructure operators in Israel. If the MoC fails to enforce the most important components of its wholesale market reform, or if it rolls back (partially or in-whole), or fails to enforce, its decisions regarding wholesale access to Bezeq and HOT Telecom's networks, or adopts other regulation unfavorable to companies, such as Partner, which must rely on the two wholesale suppliers for access to their fixed line networks, such actions may negatively affect our business and results of operations.
The wholesale tariffs for the BSA services on Bezeq and HOT Telecom's existing networks, as well as wholesale tariffs for use of Bezeq's Fiber to the Home (FTTH) network, are set by the MoC. If the MoC fails to set these prices according to their costs, fails to update or lower these tariffs in accordance with relevant developments, this may adversely affect our business and results of operations. See "Item 4B.12e Regulatory Developments".
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In addition, the infrastructure owners (Bezeq and HOT Telecom) may lower their infrastructure retail prices thereby narrowing the margin between their retail prices and the wholesale price which we are required to pay them to use their fixed-line infrastructure. This may erode our margin to the point of eradicating the economic feasibility of continuing such operations. If the MoC fails to prevent such conduct by the infrastructure owners, this may adversely affect our business and results of operations.
3D.1g The Ministry of Communications has published a hearing outlining its intention to reduce and ultimately cancel interconnection charges, which would negatively affect our income.
In September 2021, the MoC published a hearing outlining its intention to gradually reduce interconnection tariffs (for both mobile and fixed-line calls) over a period of three years, after which interconnection payments will be cancelled and each operator will bear its own costs for calls terminating on its network (a "bill and keep" regime). The starting date for the 3-year period has not yet been announced.
The Company filed its position regarding this hearing and argued against the change to the current tariff regime and against the suggested reduction timeline. The Company’s results of operation may be negatively affected if the actions described in this hearing are carried out.
3D.1h Data protection legislation and the evolving legal environment regarding privacy protection, which hashave imposed and may continue to impose a heavier regulatory burden on us, could negatively affect our business and results of operation.
Data protection regulations impose wide obligations with respect to data privacy protection. Our business requires us to hold and use certain personal data of our customers, and we believe we are in compliance with all currently applicable laws, regulations, policies and legal obligations, although they are all subject tofuture interpretation and change. Howeverof these measures we have implemented in order to protectby the relevant authorities may vary from our customers' data may not result in full compliance with applicable laws and regulations.own interpretation. In addition, measures to ensure compliance may require us to invest additional modifications to our solutions to comply with such regulations and might delay offerings of new products and services.
If we fail or are unable to comply with applicable privacy and data security laws, regulations, self-regulatory requirements or industry guidelines, or our terms of use with our customers, we may be subject to penalties, fines, legal proceedings by governmental entities or other enforcement actions, loss of reputation, legal claims by individuals and customers and significant legal and financial exposure, any of which could materially and adversely affect our business and our results of operations. See the claim number 6 alleging harm to customer privacy disclosed in "Item 8A.1 LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEEDINGS".
3D.1i We are subject to monitoring and enforcement measures by the Ministry of Communications and other relevant authorities, which may adversely affect our business and results of operations.
Although we believe that we are currently in compliance with all material requirements of the relevant legislation and our licenses, disagreements have arisen and may arise in the future between the MoC and us regarding the interpretation and application of the requirements set out in relevant legislation and our licenses. The MoC is authorized to levy significant fines on us for breaches of the Telecommunications Law, relevant regulations and our licenses. Our operations are also subject to the regulatory and supervisory authority of other Israeli regulators which have the authority to impose criminal and administrative sanctions against us.
We currently have several enforcement proceedings pending or in process. We may not always be successful in our defense, and should we be found in violation of these regulations, we and our management may be subject to civil or criminal penalties, including the loss of our operating license as well as administrative sanctions. All such enforcement measures may adversely affect our financial condition or results of operations.For information regarding on-going litigation and legal proceedings, see “Item 8A.1 Legal and Administrative Proceedings”.
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3D.1j We have had difficulties obtaining some of the building and environmental permits required for the erection and operation of our cellular network sites, and some building permits have not been applied for or may not be fully complied with. These difficulties could have an adverse effect on the coverage, quality and capacity of our network. Operating network sites without building or other required permits, or in a manner that deviates from the applicable permit, may result in criminal or civil liability to us or to our officers and directors.
Network site operation without required permits or that deviatesdeviate from the permit has in some cases resulted in the filing of criminal charges and civil proceedings against us and our officers and directors, and monetary penalties against the Company, as well as demolition orders. See “Item 8A.1 Legal and Administrative Proceedings”. In the future, we may face additional demolition orders, monetary penalties (including compensation for loss of property value) and criminal charges. The prosecutor’s office has a national unit that enforces planning and building laws. The unit has stiffened the punishments regarding violations of planning and building laws, particularly against commercial companies and its directors. If we continue to experience difficulties in obtaining approvals for the erection and operation of network sites and other network infrastructure, this could have an adverse effect on the extent, coverage and capacity of our network, thus impacting the quality of our cellular voice and data services, and on our ability to continue to market our products and services effectively. In addition, as we seek to improve the range and quality of our services, we need to further expand our network, and difficulties in obtaining required permits may delay, increase the costs or prevent us from achieving these goals in full. Our inability to resolve these issues could prevent us from maintaining the quality requirements contained in our license.
Uncertainties regarding requirements for repeaters and other small devices. We, like the other cellular operators in Israel, provide repeaters, also known as bi-directional amplifiers, to subscribers seeking an interim solution to weak signal reception within specific indoor locations. In light of the lack of a clear policy of the local planning and building authorities, and in light of the practice of the other cellular operators, we have not requested permits under the Planning and Building Law, 1965 (“Planning and Building Law”) for the repeaters. However, we have received an approval to connect the repeaters to our communications network from the Ministry of Communications and have received from the Ministry of Environmental Protection permit types for all our repeaters. If the local planning and building authorities determine that permits under the Planning and Building Law are also necessary for the installation of these devices, or any other receptors that we believe do not require a building permit, it could have a negative impact on our ability to obtain permits for our repeaters.
In addition, we construct and operate microwave links as part of our transmission network. The various types of microwave links receive permits from the Ministry of Environmental Protection in respect of their radiation level. Based on an exemption in the Telecommunications Law, we believe that building permits are not required for the installation of most of these microwave links on rooftops, but to the best of our knowledge, there is not yet a determinative ruling on this issue by the Israeli courts. If the courts determine that building permits are necessary for the installation of these sites, it could have a negative impact on our ability to obtain environmental permits for these sites and to deploy additional microwave links, and could hinder the coverage, quality and capacity of our transmission network.
3D.1k We can only operate our business for as long as we have licenses from the Ministry of Communications.
We conduct our operations pursuant to licenses granted to us by the Ministry of Communications, which may be extended for additional periods upon our request to the Ministry of Communications and confirmation from the Ministry that we have met certain performance requirements. OurOn November 18, 2021, the Ministry of Communications informed the Company that our cellular license was originally valid for a period of ten years (until April 2008), but hashad been extended until 2022; a further extension is currently pending with the MoC.February 2032. We cannot be certain that our licenses will not be revoked, will be extended when necessary, or, if extended, on what terms an extension may be granted. See “Item 4B.12f Our Mobile Telephone License ”.
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3D.1l Our cellular telephone license imposes certain obligations on our shareholders and restrictions on who can own our shares. Ensuring compliance with these obligations and restrictions may be outside our control. If the obligations or restrictions are not respected by our shareholders, we could be subject to significant monetary sanctions or lose our license.
As with other companies engaged in the telecommunications business in Israel, our license requires that a minimum economic and voting interest in, and other defined means of control of our company be held by Israeli citizens and residents or entities under their control. If this requirement is not complied with, we could be found to be in breach of our license and be subject to significant monetary sanctions, even though ensuring compliance with this restriction may be beyond our control. See “Item 4B.12f Our Mobile Telephone License”.
Our general mobile telephone license requires that our "founding shareholders or their approved substitutes", as defined in the license, hold at least 26% of the means of control in the Company, includingCompany.
Until February 2021, our general mobile telephone license included two additional obligations (which are also included in the Company’s Articles of Association):
at least 5% which must beof our issued and outstanding share capital and of each of our means of control had to have been held by Israeli entities from among our founding shareholders (Israeli citizens and residents), who weretheir approved as such by the Minister of Communications. Notwithstanding the aforesaid, following the sale of the controlling stake of the Phoenix Group (one of the Company's approved Israeli founding shareholders) to foreign entities, on November 12, 2019, the MoC issued a temporary order (ending on November 1, 2020) (the “Temporary Order”) amending the above holding requirement in our License and reducing the percentage that the approved Israeli entities are required to hold from 5% to 3.82% of the means of control in the Company.substitutes;
in addition, at least 10% of our Board of Directors had to be appointed by Israeli entities, provided that if the Board of Directors was comprised of up to 14 members, only one such director must be so appointed, and if the Board of Directors was comprised of between 15 and 24 members, only two such directors must be so appointed.
However, on July 7, 2020, the MoC published an amendment to our cellular license which provides that the license terms applicable to Israeli shareholdersthese two obligations may be replaced by an order issued by virtue of the Communications Law (Telecommunications and Broadcasting), 1982. Since the regulatory procedure allowing the above-mentioned license amendment to take place was still ongoing at the time, on October 26, 2020, the MoC extended the term of its Temporary Order (extending its term to March 1, 2021). The temporary order allowed the MoC and the Company sufficient time in which to resolve the issue of holdings of approved Israeli shareholders in the Company. During February 2021, the regulatory procedure allowing the above-mentioned license amendment to take place has been completed.Company was issued with such an order.
In addition, according to our license, no transfer or acquisition of 10% or more of any of such means of control, or the acquisition of control of our company, may be made without the consent of the Minister of Communications. Nevertheless, under certain licenses granted, directly or indirectly, to Partner, a notice to the Minister of Communications may be required for holding any means of control in Partner. Our license also restricts cross-ownership and cross-control among competing mobile telephone operators, including the ownership of 5% or more of the means of control of both our company and a competing operator, without the consent of the Minister of Communications, which may limit certain persons from acquiring our shares. Shareholdings in breach of these restrictions relating to transfers or acquisitions of means of control or control of Partner could result in the following consequences: the shares will be converted into “dormant” shares as defined in the Israeli Companies Law, 1999 (“Israeli Companies Law”), with no rights other than the right to receive dividends or other distributions to shareholders, and to participate in rights offerings until such time as the consent of the Minister of Communications has been obtained and our license may be revoked. In addition, under certain licenses of the Company’s subsidiaries, approval of, or notice to, the Minister of Communications may be required for holding of less than 5% of means of control. Because of this lack of consistency, Partner may be in breach of its licenses in this regard.
3D.2 RISKS RELATING TO OUR BUSINESS OPERATIONS
3D.2a Largely asAs a result of substantial and continuing changes in our regulatory and business environment, our operating financial results, profitability and cash flows have declined significantlyremained at relatively low levels in recent years, including a loss for the year 2015. In 2020 we earned profits of NIS 17 million (US$ 5 million) compared with profits of NIS 19 million for 2019 and over NIS 50 million for each of the years between 2016 and 2018. Should existing trends continue, ouryears. Our operating financial results may continue to decline further in 2021 and possibly beyond, andthe future, which may also result in losses, which would adversely affect our financial condition.
Profit before income tax for the year 2021 totaled NIS 3,18999 million (US$ 992 million), a decrease of 1% from NIS 3,234 million in 2019; we recorded a profit in 2020 of NIS 17 million (US$532 million), compared with a profit before income tax of NIS 1927 million for the year 2020, the increase largely reflecting the positive impact of the growth in 2019the cellular subscriber base in 2021 and the negative impact of NIS 56 million in 2018.the COVID-19 crisis on the results for 2020. Net Cashcash provided by operating activities totaled NIS 786774 million (US$244 249 million) in 20202021 compared with NIS 837786 million in 2019.2020, a decrease of 2%. The principal factor leading to the overall declinerelatively low profit levels in operating results over the past severalrecent years has been the intense competition resulting largely from regulatory developments intended to enhance competition in the Israeli communications market, including both the cellular and fixed-line markets. These developments have caused, over
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Because the past several years, significant price erosion in cellular services dueregulatory and business environment continues to heightenedevolve, generally with the objective of further increasing competition from new entrants in the Israeli cellularvarious markets in which we operate, depending on past and future regulatory and market and increasing pressure on gross profits from equipment sales.
3D.2b Competition resulting from the full service offers by telecommunications groups and additional entrants into the telecommunications market, as well as other actual and potential changes in the competitive environment and communications technologies, may continue to cause a further decrease in mobile and fixed-line service tariffs as well as an increase in subscriber acquisition and retention costs, and may reduce our subscriber base and increase our churn rate, each of which could adversely affect our business and results of operations.
Competition in the cellular market. Over the past few years, the entrance of new operators and regulatory changes at the time of their entrance which removed portability barriers between cellular operators, combined with various benefits and leniencies awarded to themnew entrants by the MoC, have resulted in increased competition in the market and hashave continued to lead to high levels of portability of cellular subscribers between cellular operators, which has negatively affected, and may continue to negatively affect, our results of operations.
Recently, in October 2021, Cellcom Israel Ltd. ("Cellcom"), Golan Telecom Ltd. ("Golan Telecom") and reported that as part of the insolvency proceedings of Marathon 018 Xfone Ltd. ("Xfone") have a, its network sharing agreement with Xfone has been updated. According to Cellcom's report, under the updated agreement, Cellcom's revenue from Xfone may be reduced. Such reduction may lower Xfone's costs, thereby enabling it to compete more effectively, which enabled Xfone to enter the market as the sixth facility-based operator. Xfone's entry into the market has increased competition levels in the cellular market, thuscould negatively affectingaffect our results of operations.In June 2020, the Competition Authority approved Cellcom's purchase of Golan's entire share capital and in August 2020 Cellcom completed the purchase of Golan Telecom's entire share capital.
Competitive advantages of the two fixed-line infrastructure groups. The Bezeq Group and the HOT Groupare the only Israeli telecommunications providers that have their own nationwide fixed-line telecommunications infrastructures. See "Item 3D.1a If the structural separation provisions which apply to Bezeq are not enforced or are removed (in part or in whole) before we have established ourselves in the fixed-line and TV markets, this would adversely affect our business and results of operations."
Because the Bezeq Group and the HOT Group operate their own nationwide broadband internet access and transmission infrastructures, they do not depend on any third party for broadband internet access. Partner (and other telecommunications services providers who do not have their own nationwide independent broadband internet access infrastructure) is unable to independently provide these services to most households, and is dependent on Bezeq and HOT in providing these services, substantially limiting our ability to compete.
Fixed-line infrastructure market. Our participation in the fixed-line infrastructure market since August 2017 entails ongoing significant long-term investments associated with infrastructure deployment, for which a positive return on the investment is not expected in the short term.deployment. Bezeq has executed a substantial part of the investments required for the deployment and operation of its own fiber-optic network, and commenced services in March 2021, which might substantially increase competition in this market.In addition, IBC Israel Broadband (2013) Ltd. ("IBC") is expected to continue its fiber rollout, which will also increase competition. See also "Item 4B.9b Competitors in Fixed-line Services".
ISP market. The fixed internet access market in Israel was historically divided into two tiers of services: infrastructure services and ISP (internet service provider) service. In June 2021, the MoC has published a hearingits decision regarding a reform in the structuring of the Internet market. See "Item 4B.12e - x Hearings and Examinations- Hearingsv Decision regarding a reform in the structure of the Internet MarketMarket.". The hearing is aimed at In its decision, the MoC outlined a process for ending the separation between the infrastructure service and the ISP service, thus allowing Bezeq and Hot Telecom to market a unified product (comprised of both infrastructure and ISP components). This maywill allow Bezeq and Hot to offer bundled services more effectively than we, and thereby gain a competitive advantage which could adversely affect our results of operations. See "Item 3D.1a If the structural separation provisions which apply to Bezeq are not enforced or are removed (in part or in whole) before we have established ourselves in the fixed-line and TV markets, this would adversely affect our business and results of operations.".
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TV market. The entranceKeshet Broadcasting Ltd., producer of additional players has increased competitionIsrael's leading commercial channel, and R.G.E Group Ltd., producer of leading Israeli sports and children channels, have announced their intention of entering the local multi-channel TV market as part of their merger. Disney Plus announced in February 2022 that they will be launching their streaming services in Israel in the market whichsummer of 2022. According to local media reports, Disney has caused a declinesigned an exclusive agreement with YES TV, that may increase YES TV's competitiveness in the ratemarket. The entry of growth ofnew players into the TV market may increase competition and negatively affect our market share. The reduced rate of growth may continueshare in the future.this segment.
Competition in Roaming Services. Some competing service providers use alternative technologies for roaming that bypass the existing method of providing roaming services. See "Item 3D.2n3D.2p The telecommunications industry is subject to rapid and significant changes in technology and industry structure which could reduce demand for our services."
Cyber-attacks against telecommunications companies targeting their infrastructure and economic assets as well as their reputation have increased, and are intensifying in their frequency and complexity. These attacks have significant potential to lead to prevent the provision of services to customers, cause breaches of our customers' data privacy and damage to the business continuity of the Company and its financial situation. In the event we are unable to provide services to our customers for any period of time, there may be a material negative impact on our results of operations and financial condition.
Like many other telecommunication companies, we have experienced an increase in cyber incidents over the past few years, which are increasing in their frequency, sophistication and intensity, some of which penetrated our cyber defenses, although no significant damage or loss of customer data resulted. Moreover, the Company implements third-party vendor systems, and cyber-attacks against these vendors, their products and services might adversely affect the Company, its daily operations and financial condition. We have integrated protective systems and prepared Disaster Recovery Plans (“DRP”) to mitigate such and other related risks, and we regularly consider our defensive systems and evaluate their effectiveness, including through simulated cyber penetrations; however, it is not possible to determine in advance whether our defense systems and recovery plans will continue to be entirely effective, or how quickly we will be able to restore any affected service.
Furthermore, we cannot be sure that our insurance policies with respect to cyber risk will adequately cover or include the damages or losses (whether direct or consequential) resulting from successful cyber attacks or if we will be able to renew such insurance.
3D.2d Continued increases in the level of competition may bring further downward pressure on prices, which has caused us in the past, and might cause us in the future, to recognize substantial impairment in the value of our assets.
Continued increases in the level of competition for cellular or fixed-line services may bring further downward pressure on prices which may require us to perform further impairment tests of our assets. Such impairment tests may lead to recording additional significant impairment charges, which could have a material negative impact on our operating profit and profit.
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3D.2eThe Coronavirus ("COVID-19") crisis had a material harmful effect on the Company's business in 2020. As of the date of this Annual Report,2020 and 2021,including a significant reduction in revenues from roaming services continue to be significantly restrained.services. Should existing trends continue or worsen, this may have a material harmful effect on our results of operations and financial position for 2021.2022.
As for other telecommunications companies in Israel and around the world, the novel COVID-19 disease has had a harmful effect on the Company's business from March 2020, due in particular due to the significant fall in the volume of international travel by our customers, which caused a very significant decrease in revenues from roaming services. In addition, the closure of shopping malls for limited periods during 2020 and changes in general consumer behavior negatively affected the volume of sales of equipment and the increase in the number of people working from home caused increases in internet traffic and in demand for customer services.addition:
| - | the closure of shopping malls for limited periods during 2020 and changes in general consumer behavior negatively affected the volume of sales of equipment; |
| - | delays in global shipping and shortages in raw materials and production have negatively affected our supply chain and increased our costs for handsets, spare parts, accessories, fixed-line network equipment, fixed-line products, terminal equipment, and other items sold or relied upon as part of our normal business; |
| - | we have experienced human resource shortages due to employee absences from illness or the need for quarantine. In addition, Covid-induced changes in work patterns have created new difficulties in recruiting and retaining personnel. See also “Item 3D.2f Covid-induced work patterns and changes inthe labor market due to competition for technical and professional personnel have created substantial difficulties inthe recruitment and retention of personnel.” |
The net impact on the Company's results for the year 2020 was material, but was partially mitigated by a set of measures implemented by the Company, including cutting costs in a number of areas and temporarily reducing the workforce by sending a significant number of employees on temporary unpaid leave during the year and by an increase in other revenue streams, in particular in the fixed-line market.
3D.2f Covid-induced work patterns and changes in the labor market due to competition for technical and professional personnel have created substantial difficulties in the recruitment and retention of personnel.
Covid-induced changes in work patterns, in particular the significant expansion of working on-line from home, have changed employee expectations. New and existing personnel have expressed a resistance to accepting or resuming traditional on-site employment practices. As a result, the Company’s ability to fill open positions on-site and maintain its normal processes of business and employee management has been negatively affected.
If this trend continues, and we are unable to hire and retain employees, or if mitigation measures we may take to respond to a decrease in labor availability do not succeed, our business could be adversely affected.
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3D.2g Equipment failures, system failures, natural disasters and hostile events such as acts of war or terror events may materially adversely affect our results of operations."
Our ability to provide ongoing services to our subscribers, bill for services rendered and protect company and subscriber data are all vulnerable to various types of risks.
Such risks may include equipment failures, network and infrastructure failures, cyber attacks on our infrastructure, data or services or on one of our important supply chain partners, computer and IT system failures (including failures to End of Life/End of Support systems, maintained by the Company), transmission outages, spectral interferences, failures or dysfunctions at third-party systems and networks and colocation data centers, natural disasters (such as fire, extreme weather and earthquakes), hostile events (such as acts of war, terror-attacks, see “Item 3D.2q3D.2r The political and military conditions in Israel may adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.”), and data breaches whether by employees or other third parties. If any such events do occur, they could have a material adverse effect on our operations.
System upgrade and moving into virtualized architecture of the network. During 2021,2022, we will continue to upgrade our LTE and 5G mobile core networks into a virtualized solution provided by Mavenir Systems Limited ("Mavenir"). See "10C Material Contracts". During the upgrade, we plan to operateare operating our existing Ericsson network and the new Mavenir network in parallel to aid in the transition to the upgraded network until all phases of the upgrade are completed. During the upgrade we will experience an increased risk of major system or business disruptions. Interruptions and/or failure of this upgraded network could disrupt our operations and impact our ability to provide our services, retain customers, attract new customers, or negatively impact overall customer experience, damage our reputation and result in legal proceedings and as a result might adversely affect our business and results of operations.Seeoperations. See "Item 3D.2i3D.2j We depend on a limited number of suppliers and vendors for key equipment and services. Our results of operations could be adversely affected if our suppliers and vendors fail to provide us with needed services and adequate supplies of network equipment, handsets and other devices or maintenance support on a timely and cost effective basis.”
As threats to our network, services and data continue to evolve, we may be required to expend significant efforts and resources to enhance our control environment, processes, practices and other protective measures.
If despite such efforts, we are unable to operate our networks even for a limited period of time or provide some or all of the telecommunications services to a substantial portion of our customers, whether temporarily or for an extended period of time, or if data of our customers and others is lost or accessed by third parties, we may be exposed to legal claims and liability, we may be found to be in breach of our legal obligations towards our customers, our brand and reputation may be damaged, we may suffer a loss of customers, our ability to attract new customers may be impaired, and we may be required to compensate our customers (see "Item 8A.1 LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEEDINGS). Such eventualities may negatively affect our business, and our short- and long- term results of operations may be materially adversely affected. See also "Item 3D.2e3D.2c Cyber attacks impacting our networks or systems could have an adverse effect on our business."
In addition tothe ordinary course of business, we are involved in a significant number of legal and administrative proceedings, arising in the ordinary course of our business,and we have been named as defendants in a number of civil and criminal proceedings related to our network infrastructure. These proceedings may result in civil liabilities or criminal penalties against us or our officers and directors. We also must defend ourselves againsagainst customer claims, including class actions and requests to approve lawsuits as class action suits, regarding, among other matters, alleged breaches of the Consumer Protection Law and the Telecommunications Law as well as breaches of provisions of our licenses. Such claims and lawsuits are costly to defend and may result in significant monetary damages. See also "Item 3D.1i We are subject to monitoring and enforcement measures by the Ministry of Communications and other relevant authorities, which may adversely affect our business and results of operations." During the last few years, additional requests to approve lawsuits as class actions have been filed against the Company and we expect this trend to continue in light of various amendments to the Consumer Protection Law and the stricter regulatory policies that have been adopted. In cases where the courts have accepted the plaintiff's position, it may determine that we have breached our licenses or the law, which may adversely affect our financial results. The costs that may result from these lawsuits are only accrued when it is more likely than not that a liability, resulting from past events, will be incurred and the amount of that liability can be quantified or estimated within a reasonable range. The amount of the provisions recorded is based on a case-by-case assessment of the risk level, and events arising during the course of legal proceedings may require a reassessment of this risk. The Company’s assessment of risk is based both on the advice of legal counsel and on the Company’s estimate of the financial exposure if the verdict is in favor of the plaintiff. If the requests to certify lawsuits against us as class actions are approved and succeed or if we underestimate the potential exposure, our financial results will be adversely affected. See “Item 8A.1 Legal and Administrative Proceedings".
We are also subject to the risk of intellectual property rights claims against us, including in relation to innovations we develop ourselves and the right to use content, including television, video and music content, which we have purchased or licensed from third parties who present themselves as the owners or official licensors (or as the representatives of owners or licensors) of the intellectual property rights included in the content, when in fact they may not be. TheseAny potential claims may require us to initiate or defend protracted and costly litigation, regardless of the merits of these claims. IfShould any of these potential claims succeed, we may be forced to pay damages or may be required to obtain licenses for the infringing content, product or service, which may affect our financial results. If we cannot obtain all necessary licenses on commercially reasonable terms, we may be forced to cease using, distributing or selling the relevant products and services.
As of December 31, 2020,2021, total borrowings and notes payables amounted to NIS 1,5951,676 million, (US$ 539 million) compared to NIS 1,780 million as of December 31, 2019. In addition, options to issue Series G notes are recorded on our balance sheet as a financial liability at fair value of NIS 41,595 million as of December 31, 2020. See also “Item 5B.4 Total net financial debt ”. The terms of the Company’s borrowings and notes payable require the Company to comply with financial covenants and other stipulations for existing borrowings. The existing borrowingagreements allow the lenders to demand an immediate repayment of the borrowings in certain events (events of default), including, among others, a material adverse change in the Company’s business and non-compliance with the financial covenants set in those agreements. These events of default include non-compliance with the financial covenants, as well as other customary terms. See “Item 5B.2 Long-Term Borrowings ”.
In addition, our need for cash to service our substantial existing debt may in the future restrict our ability to continue offering long-term installment plans to promote sales of equipment. As a result, our ability to continue benefiting from one of the current contributors to total Company profits may be limited. (See also “ITEM 5 OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS” and specifically “Item 5D.2 Outlook”).
Our indebtedness could also adversely affect our financial condition and profitability by, among other things:
requiring us to dedicate a substantial portion of our cash flow from operations to service our debt, thereby reducing the funds available for financing ongoing operating expenses and future business development;
limiting our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our industry and business as well as in the economy generally;
increasing the likelihood of a downgrade in the rating of our notes by the rating company;
increasing the risk of a substantial impairment in the value of our telecommunications assets; and
limiting our ability to obtain the additional financing we may need to serve our debt, operate, develop and expand our business on acceptable terms or at all.
If our financial condition is affected to such an extent that our future cash flows are not sufficient to allow us to pay principal and interest on our debt, we might not be able to satisfy our financial and other covenants, and may be required to refinance all or part of our existing debt, use existing cash balances or issue additional equity or other securities. We cannot be sure that we will be able to do so on commercially reasonable terms, if at all.
Network suppliers. Our network equipment, such as switching equipment, base station controllers and base transceiver stations and network software were purchased from LM Ericsson Israel Ltd. (“Ericsson”). See “Item 4B.8g Suppliers”. In January 2019, we entered into an agreement with Mavenir Systems Limited ("Mavenir") for the upgrade and improvement of the performance of our LTE network. As a result of our equipment having been provided by Ericsson and our current reliance on Mavenir, we are substantially dependent on these vendors and our operations and business results could be materially adversely affected if they cannotdo not provide us with the required service and maintenance. See "Item 3D.2f3D.2g Equipment failures, system failures, natural disasters and hostile events such as acts of war or terror events may materially adversely affect our results of operation” and "Item 10C Material Contracts"operations.
"Handset, infrastructure and other equipment suppliers. We purchase the majority of our handsets and other equipment from a limited number of suppliers.
TV equipment, content services and content services. core network. We purchase our TV set top boxes and applicationsfrom a single supplier, and we purchase the rights to distribute sports content and premium content and our TV core network systems, such as encoding, back office and content management and video content systems, from a limited number of suppliers. See "Item 4B.8g Suppliers."
We cannot be certain that we will be able to obtain contracted services, equipment or handsets from one or more alternative suppliers on a timely basis in the event that any of our suppliers is unable to satisfy our requirements for services, equipment or handsets, or that the equipment provided by such alternative supplier or suppliers will be compatible with our existing equipment. Our handset and equipment suppliers may experience inventory shortages from time to time.
Our results of operations could be adversely affected if any of our key suppliers fails to provide us with contracted services or adequate supplies of handsets, equipment, as well as ongoing maintenance and upgrade support, in a timely manner. In addition, our results of operations could be adversely affected if the price of network equipment rises significantly. In our experience, suppliers from time to time extend delivery times, limit supplies and increase the prices of supplies due to their supply limitations and other factors. If the availability of handsets and other equipmentfurnished by our suppliers is insufficient to meet our customers’ demands, we may lose opportunities to benefit from demand for this product,these products, and our unserved customers may purchase the equipment independentlyfrom other suppliers, which may adversely affect our revenues. In addition, the constant development of new handsets and other equipment can render existing handsets and other equipment obsolete resulting in high levels of slow moving inventory.
The 3-year collective employment agreementsagreement that we signed on March 13, 2016 and on December 12,in 2016 with the employees' representatives and the Histadrut, the labor union representing the Company’s employees, was renewed in March 2019, and that were validagain in December 2021 for a period of three years (2016-2018) were renewed in March 2019. Accordingly, the renewed agreement is valid from January 1, 2019 for a period of three years until December 31, 2021. Similar to the previous agreements, the organizational chapter includes, among other terms, provisions regarding manning and changing of positions, termination of employment and tenure and the economic chapter includes, among others, provisions regarding terms of employment, benefits and welfare. See "Item 6D Employees"(2022-2024). The unionization of our employees has resulted in increased costs and negatively affected our financial results, and may continue to do so in the future. It may also lead to disruptions in our operations or cause work stoppages and has limited management’s flexibility to efficiently run our business and adjust operations to market conditions, including the ability to execute organizational and personnel changes. It has resulted in increased costs and negatively affected our financial results, and may continue to do so
In addition, the provisions in the future. The2022-2024 employment agreement regarding salary increases and participation in the Company's profits mechanism are valid for a period of only one year and are to be renegotiated for the years 2023 and 2024 towards the end of each preceding year. Furthermore, in the event of a change of control of the Company, is expected to begin negotiations duringIsraeli labour law, as well as the last quarterprovisions of 2021 to renewthe employment agreement, does not prevent employees from raising for negotiation any matters of collective interest (“claims”) regardless of whether they have been covered by the collective employment agreement. IfIn January 2022, a letter from the labor union and the employees' representatives stating various claims was presented to the Company reaches understandingsin light of the possible Transaction by the Offerer (as defined below) described in Item 3D.3a. The Company responded that the claims presented are only relevant in light of a change of control, which has not yet occurred. Satisfaction of employee demands for salary increases and participation in profits, or of collective claims by employees as a result of a change of control, or a failure to reach agreement with the employee representativesemployees, could have a material negative effect on the Company’s business results and the Histadrut, the Company may incur further expenses which could increase operating expenses and reduce profitability. Failure to reach an understanding with the employee representatives may lead to disruptions in our operations or cause work stoppages.financial condition.
We entered into a non-exclusive agreement with Apple Distribution International, effective April 1, 2021, for the purchase and resale of iPhone handsets in Israel and the purchase of a minimum quantity of iPhone handsets per year, for a period of three years. These purchases represent a significant portion of our expected handset purchases over that period. If we fail to meet the minimum quantities and do not reach an agreement with Apple regarding this matter, we may be in breach of the agreement which may involve payment of damages, which would increase our costs.
Pursuant to the terms of the Network Sharing Agreement that we entered into with HOT Mobile, as of April 2022, either party is entitled to notify of termination of the Network Sharing Agreement for convenience by notifying the other party to that effect two years in advance. See "Item 3D.1g The Network Sharing Agreement we entered into with HOT Mobile may be terminated earlier than we expected due to regulatory intervention. In such case we will be required to split the shared network with HOT Mobile, and the resources, time and expense it may take us to have our own network on a nation-wide coverage may be substantial and could also materially harm our business and the results of operations at such time. Network sharing and similar agreements entered into by our competitors may place us at a competitive disadvantage."
If and when the network sharing will end, we will need to split the shared network with HOT Mobile and the resources, time and expense it may take to have our own network on a nation-wide coverage would be substantial and could materially harm our business and results of operations at such time.
3D.2n We could be subject to legal claims due to discrepancies between our marketing offerings and the bills processed by our information systems.
In order to attract and retain the maximum number of subscribers in our highly competitive market, we design specific tariff plans to suit the preferences of various subscriber groups. We require sophisticated information systems to record accurately subscriber usage pursuant to the particular terms of each subscriber plan, as well as accurate database management and operation of a very large number of tariff plans. From time to time, we have detected some discrepancies between certain tariff plans and the information processed by our internal information systems, such as applying an incorrect rebate or applying an incorrect tariff to a service, resulting in a higher or lower charge. We have invested substantial resources to refine and improve our information and control systems and ensure that our tariff plans are appropriately processed by our information systems. We have also taken steps to remedy the identified discrepancies. Despite our investments, we may experience discrepancies in the future due to the multiplicity of our plans and the scope of the processing tasks. Further, while we invest substantial efforts in monitoring our employees and third-party distributors and dealers that market our services, it is possible that some of our employees, distributors or dealers may offer terms and make (or fail to make) representations to existing and prospective subscribers that do not fully conform to applicable law, our license or the terms of our tariff plans. As a result of these discrepancies, we may be subject to subscribers’ claims, including class action claims, and substantial sanctions for breach of our license that may materially adversely affect our results of operations.
A number of studies have been conducted to examine the health effects of wireless phone use and network sites, and some of these studies have been construed as indicating that radiation from wireless phone use causes adverse health effects. Media reports have suggested that radio frequency emissions from network sites, wireless handsets and other mobile telecommunication devices may raise various health concerns.
The Ministry of Health published in July 2008 recommendations regarding precautionary measures when using cellular handsets. The Ministry of Health indicated that although the findings of an international study on whether cellular phone usage increases the risk of developing certain tumors were not yet finalized, partial results of several of the studies were published, and a relationship between prolonged cellular phone usage and tumor development was observed in some of these studies. These studies, as well as the precautionary recommendations published by the Ministry of Health, have increased concerns of the Israeli public with regards to the connection between cellular phone exposure and illnesses.
In May 2011, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (“IARC”), which is part of the World Health Organization (“WHO”), published a press release according to which it classified radiofrequency electromagnetic fields as possibly carcinogenic to humans based on an increased risk for adverse health effects associated with wireless phone use.
In June 2011, WHO published a fact sheet (no. 193) in which it was noted that “A large number of studies have been performed over the last two decades to assess whether mobile phones pose a potential health risk. To date, no adverse health effects have been established as being caused by mobile phone use”.use. It was also noted by WHO that “While an increased risk of brain tumors is not established, the increasing use of mobile phones and the lack of data for mobile phone use over time periods longer than 15 years warrant further research of mobile phone use and brain cancer risk in particular, with the popularity of mobile phone use among younger people, and therefore a potentially longer lifetime of exposure”.exposure.” WHO notified that in response to public and governmental concern it will conduct a formal risk assessment of all studied health outcomes from radio frequency fields exposure by 2014. We are not aware that such an assessment has been published.
We have complied and are committed to continue to comply with the rules of the authorized governmental institutions with respect to the precautionary rules regarding the use of cellular telephones. We refer our customers to the precautionary rules that have been recommended by the Ministry of Health, as may be amended from time to time.
While, to the best of our knowledge, the handsets that we market comply with the applicable laws that relate to acceptable Specific Absorption Rate (“SAR”) levels, we rely on the SAR levels published by the manufacturers of these handsets and do not perform independent inspections of the SAR levels of these handsets. As the manufacturers’ approvals refer to a prototype handset, and not for each and every handset, we have no information as to the actual level of SAR of the handsets along the lifecycle of the handsets, including in the case of repaired handsets. See also “Item 4B.10g4B.12g Other Licenses”. Furthermore, our network sites comply with the International Council on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection standard, a part of the World Health Organization,WHO, which has been adopted by the Israeli Ministry of Environmental Protection.
Several lawsuits have been filed in the past against operators and other participants in the wireless industry alleging adverse health effects and other claims relating to radio frequency transmissions from sites, handsets and other mobile telecommunications devices, including lawsuits against us.
A class action was filed against us and three other operators alleging, among other things, that health effects were caused due to a lack of cell sites, resulting in elevated levels of radiation, mainly from handsets. The plaintiffs stressed that health damages are not a part of the claim. Another class action was also filed against us and three other operators alleging, among other things, that the supply of accessories that are intended for carrying cellular handsets on the body are sold in a manner that contradicts the instructions and warnings of the cellular handset manufacturers and the recommendations of the Ministry of Health, and without disclosing the risks entailed in the use of these accessories when they are sold or marketed. In these two class actions, Partner and the plaintiff filed a settlement agreement, which the court approved.
In February 2009, a municipal court ruled against one of our competitors, stating that there is no need for the standard burden of proof to prove damages from a cellular network site, and that under certain circumstances it would be sufficient to prove the possibility of damage in order to transfer the burden of proof to the cellular companies. To the best of our knowledge, the defendant appealed the ruling and the ruling was dismissed as part of a settlement between the parties. Although we were not a party to this proceeding, such rulings could have an adverse effect on our ability to contend with claims of health damages as a result of the erection of network sites.
The perception of increased health risks related to network sites may cause us increased difficulty in obtaining leases for new network site locations or renewing leases for existing locations or otherwise in installing mobile telecommunication devices. If it is ever determined that health risks existed or that there was a deviation from radiation standards which would result in a health risk from sites, other telecommunication devices or handsets, this would have a material adverse effect on our business, operations and financial condition, including through exposure to potential liability, a reduction in subscribers and reduced usage per subscriber. Furthermore, we do not expect to be able to obtain insurance with respect to such liability.
We face competition from existing or future technologies that have the technical capability to handle mobile, fixed-line and international long distance telephone calls, and to interconnect with local and international telephone networks and the Internet. Such new and evolving technologies include fixed-line and broadband wireless access services, Over the Top or Internet-based voice and multimedia services, Wi-Fi technologies andVoC. For example, the use of Global SIM cards and internet-based services that provide user experience largely equivalent to our offerings, such as Voice over IP (“VoIP”), messaging services (such as WhatsApp and Skype), and video services (YouTube, video portals) are already available. The rapid development in recent years of technologies that allow international calls to be placed over the Internet without the need to use the services of an ILD has caused a decrease in the amount of international call minutes placed through the ILD services and also serve as an alternative for fixed-line communications. In particular, the risk posed by VoIP is that the purchase of a data package alone will partially replace the provision of most cellular voice, data and messaging services. In addition, the eSIM technology, which allows for a simple switch to a local operator SIM card in mobile phones, might adversely affect our revenues from the cellular segment and increase volatility in the telecommunications sector.
The effect of emerging and future technological changes, including the convergence of technologies, on the viability or competitiveness of our network cannot be accurately predicted. The technologies we employ or intend to employ may become obsolete or subject to competition from new disruptive technologies in the future. Competition from new technologies in the future may have a material adverse impact on our business and results of operations.
Moreover, global equipment vendors and Internet providers have expressed their interest in penetrating the cellular telephone industry and strengthening their position along the value chain. They have expressed their intention, and some have already begun, to provide direct access to the end-user to a wide variety of applications and services (e.g Apple with iTunes and Google with the Android market). This has already changed our competitive position and may further increase the dominance of those new providers at the expense of cellular service providers. Changes in the industry value chain structure might result in an increase in our expenses as well as a decrease in our revenues.
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3D.2q We are dependent upon our ability to interconnect with other telecommunications carriers. We also depend on Bezeq and other suppliers for transmission services and some of our Fixed-Line Services are dependent on our having access to Bezeq and the HOT Group’s fixed-line network. The failure of these carriers to provide these services on a consistent and cost effective basis could have a material adverse effect on us.
Our ability to provide commercially viable fixed-line and cellular telephone services depends upon our ability to interconnect with the telecommunications networks of existing and future fixed-line, cellular telephone and international operators in Israel in order to complete calls between our customers and parties on the fixed-line or other cellular telephone networks. All fixed-line, cellular telephone and international operators in Israel are legally required to provide interconnection to, and not to discriminate against, any other licensed telecommunications operator in Israel. We have interconnect relations with all the Israeli operators, including Bezeq and HOT Telecom, and we also depend on their internet broadband access infrastructure in order to provide TV, ISP services and VoB fixed telephony services. See “Item 3D.1c3D.1f If the Ministry of Communications fails to enforce its fixed-line wholesale market reforms on Bezeq and HOT Telecom, fails to lower the wholesale price for use of their fixed-line networks, or fails to prevent Bezeq or HOT Telecom from lowering their retail prices for fixed-line services (to the point of not allowing the necessary margin for itstheir competitors in this segment), our business and results of operations may be materially adversely affected.” and "Item 3D.1a If the structural separation provisions which apply to Bezeq are not enforced or are removed (in part or in whole) before we have established ourselves in the fixed-line and TV markets, this would adversely affect our business and results of operations."
We are also dependent on the submarine infrastructure made available by TI Sparkle Israel (formerly Med Nautilus), which provides mutual international transmission based on fiber-optics between Israel and other countries. See “10C Material Contracts”countries, as well as Tamares Telecom Ltd. We also depend on foreign operators that provide us with interconnection to the global internet network.
We also rely on agreements to provide ILD services to our subscribers. However, we cannot control the quality of the service that other foreign telecommunication companies provide or whether they will be able to provide the services at all, and it may be inferior to our quality of service.
Our television services are provided over the internet. Because a significant proportion of our television subscribers are also subscribers to our wholesale internet infrastructure service, any growth in the volume of data such television subscribers (as well as ISP and wholesale market subscribers) consume during peak hours translates into an increase in the payment to the infrastructure holders for access to their infrastructure.
We have no control over the quality and timing of the investment and maintenance activities that are necessary for these entities to provide us with interconnection to their respective telecommunications networks. Disruptions, stoppages, strikes and slowdowns experienced by them may significantly affect our ability to provide telecommunication services. The failure by our suppliers to provide reliable interconnections and transmission services to us on a cost effective and consistent basis could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.
The political and military conditions in Israel directly influence us. Since the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948, a number of armed conflicts have taken place between Israel and its Arab neighbors. Hostilities involving Israel, the interruption or curtailment of trade between Israel and its trading partners and political instability within Israel or its neighboring countries are likely to cause our revenues to fall and harm our business. During the last decade, there has been a high level of violence between Israel and the Palestinians, including missile strikes by Hamas against Israel, which led to an armed conflict between Israel and the Hamas over the past few years. In the last few years, Iran has threatened to attack Israel with nuclear weapons. There is evidence that Iran has a strong influence among extremist groups in areas that neighbor Israel, such as Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon and Syria. This situation may potentially escalate in the future to violent events which may affect Israel and us. Ongoing violence between Israel and its Arab neighbors and Palestinians may have a material adverse effect on the Israeli economy, in general, and on our business, financial condition or results of operations. During such periods, incoming and outgoing tourism may be affected which consequently may have an adverse effect on our financial results. In particular, in recent conflicts, missile attacks have occurred in civilian areas, which could cause substantial damage to our infrastructure network, reducing our ability to continue serving our customers as well as our overall network capacity. In addition, in the event political unrest and instability in the Middle East, including changes in some of the governments in the region, causes investor concerns resulting in a reduction in the value of the shekel, our expenses in non-shekel currencies may increase, with a material adverse effect on our financial results.
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Some of our directors, officers and employees are currently obligated to perform annual reserve duty. Additionally, all reservists are subject to being called to active duty at any time under emergency circumstances. In addition, some of our employees may be forced to stay at home during emergency circumstances in their area. We cannot assess the full impact of these requirements on our workforce and business if conditions should change.
During an emergency, including a major communications crisis in Israel’s national communications network, a natural disaster, or a special security situation in Israel, control of our network may be assumed by a lawfully authorized person in order to protect the security of the State of Israel or to ensure the provision of necessary services to the public. During such circumstances, the government also has the right to withdraw temporarily some of the spectrum granted to us. Under the Equipment Registration and Mobilization to the Israel Defense Forces Law, 1987, the Israel Defense Force may mobilize our engineering equipment for their use, compensating us for the use and damage. This may materially harm our ability to provide services to our subscribers in such emergency circumstances, and would thus have a negative impact on our revenues and results of operations.
Moreover, the Prime Minister of Israel may, under powers which the Telecommunications Law grants him for reasons of state security or public welfare, order us to provide services to the security forces, to perform telecommunications activities and to set up telecommunications facilities required by the security forces to carry out their duties. While the Telecommunications Law provides that we will be compensated for rendering such services to security forces, the government is seeking a change in the Telecommunications Law which would require us to bear some of the cost involved with complying with the instructions of security forces. Such costs may be significant and have a negative impact on our revenues and results of operations.
There is an inherent risk of potential abuse by individuals, groups, businesses or other organizations that use our telecommunications services and avoid paying for them entirelypartially or at all. The effects of such fraudulent activities may be, among others, a loss of revenue and out-of-pocket expenses which we will have to pay to third parties in connection with those services, such as interconnect fees, payments to international operators or to operators overseas and payments to content providers. Such payments may be non-recoverable. Although we are taking measures in order to prevent fraudulent activities, we have suffered from these activities in the past, and we may suffer from them in the future. The financial impact of fraudulent activities that have occurred in the past has not been material. However, fraudulent activities may in the future materially affect our financial condition and results of operations.
Nearly all of our revenues and a majority of our operating expenses are denominated in shekels. However, in recent years, approximately one quarter of our operating expenses (excluding depreciation and amortization), including a substantial majority of our equipment purchases, were linked to or denominated in non-shekel currencies, mainly the US dollar. These expenses, where the price paid by us is based mainly in US dollars, included the acquisition of equipment and devices sold, payments for roaming services and payments to content suppliers. In addition, our capital expenditures include payments that are incurred in, or linked to, non-shekel currencies, mainly US dollars. A decline in the value of the shekel against the dollar (or other foreign currencies) could have an adverse impact on our results, which may be material if we are unable to pass on higher costs to our customers in the Israeli market. Material changes in exchange rates may cause the amounts that we must invest to increase materially in shekel terms.
We have also entered into a number of operating leases whose rental payments are linked to the Israeli CPI. A significant increase in the rate of inflation may therefore have a material adverse impact upon us by increasing our financial expenses. See “ITEM 11 QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK” for more information regarding the Company’s exposure to exchange rate fluctuations and inflation.
Our efforts to comply with the requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 relating to the evaluation of our internal control over financial reporting require substantial resources, management time and attention. We expect these efforts to require a continued commitment of resources. If we fail to maintain the adequacy of our internal controls, we may not be able to conclude on an ongoing basis that we have effective internal control over financial reporting. Although our management has concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2020,2021, we may identify material weaknesses or other disclosable conditions relating to internal control over financial reporting in the future. Failure to maintain effective internal control over financial reporting could result in investigation or sanctions by regulatory authorities and significant effort and expense, and could have a material adverse effect on our operating results and on the market price of our ordinary shares.
There is no assurance that we will declare dividend distributions in the future or regarding the level of any dividend distribution which may be declared. No dividends have been distributed since 2013, although we repurchased 6,501,588 shares of the Company in 2018 for a cost of NIS 100 million. A distribution of dividends that may result in a significant reduction of our future reserves could prevent us from complying with existing or future financial covenants, or limit our ability to fund capital expenditures. We may also be required to increase our financial indebtedness to obtain needed liquidity, which may not be possible on commercially reasonable terms or at all.
If we are unable to pay dividends at levels anticipated by our shareholders, the market price of our shares may be negatively affected and the value of our investors’ investment may be reduced.
We are subject to taxation in Israel, and significant judgment is required in determining our provisions for taxes on income. We are also subject to audits by the Israeli tax authorities, including in relation to VAT payments. In such audits, it is possible to present our case according to our interpretation of tax legislation, and the relevant tax authorities may disagree, and then also challenge the amount of our profits subject to tax in Israel.
While we believe that our estimates are reasonable, the final outcome of these audits and related legal litigations, in so much as they may occur, may differ from the amount of our provisions for taxes and therefore may affect our operating results. See also note 25 to our consolidated financial statements and "Item 5A.1c Settlement Agreement with Orange Brand Services Ltd."
3D.3 RISKS RELATED TO OUR PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDER
3D.3aApproximately 27.12%27% of our issued and outstanding shares and voting rights are held by a receiver (under Israeli law). The purchase of these shares by a third party has been approved by the Court and is pending MoC approval.
On November 12, 2019, the District Court of Tel Aviv ("the Court"(the "Court") issued a court order ("the Court(the "Court Order") under which attorney Ehud Sol (the “Receiver") was appointed as receiver for 49,862,800 of the Company's shares, representing as of MarchFebruary 1, 2021,2022, approximately 27.12%27% of our issued and outstanding share capital and the largest block of shares held by a single shareholder. The shares (the “Pledged Shares”) had been purchased by S.B. Israel Telecom Ltd. ("S.B. Israel Telecom") from Advent Investments Pte Ltd (“Advent”) in 2013; in connection with the purchase, S.B. Israel Telecom assumed certain debt owed to Advent, and agreed that such debt would be secured by, among other things, the Pledged Shares. S.B. Israel Telecom defaulted on the payment, and on November 11, 2019, consented to enforcement and foreclosure proceedings with respect to the Pledged Shares.
The Court Order was issued due to an application filed by Advent ("Advent's Application") and granted the Receiver substantial rights related to the Pledged Shares, including the right to participate in our shareholders’ meetings, to vote the Pledged Shares, to receive dividends, and any contractual right related to the Pledged Shares, although as noted below, the Receiver may not sell or transfer the Pledged Shares without the Court’s approval. Without derogating from those rights of the Receiver, S.B. Israel Telecom remains the holder of legal title to the Pledged Shares. On December 9, 2019, the Ministry of Communications granted, within its powers, a permit to the Receiver to exercise means of control of the Company by himself. As a result, the Receiver has the power to substantially influence the nomination of the Company’s Board of Directors and to play a preponderant if not decisive role in other decisions taken at meetings of our shareholders. The Receiver is expected to hold such rights until the Pledged Shares are sold or transferred to Advent, actions that would require the Court’s approval according to the Court Order and Advent's Application. S.B. Israel Telecom has agreed that it would not raise an objection to such a transfer to Advent if it occured within 9 months of November 11, 2019, the date of its consent; On December 9, 2020, Advent submitted an application to exercise means of control of the Company, but to the best of our knowledge, such application has not yet been answered.
On December 14, 2021, the Court granted an approval in principle, effective as of December 15, 2021, for the purchase of the Pledged Shares by a group of parties led by the Phoenix group, Mr. Avi Gabbay and Mr. Shlomo Rodav (jointly, the “Offeror”), on an “as is” basis, in consideration for US $ 300,000,000 (the “Transaction"), as proposed by the Offeror. On January 9, 2022, the Competition Authority granted its approval. The Transaction is still subject to the approval of the Ministry of Communications.
The Receiver is to exercise the rights associated with the Pledged Shares based on its judgment and subject to the Court’s orders and approvals. Neither the Receiver nor Advent, as applicable, is obligated to provide us with financial support or to exercise its rights as a shareholder in our best interests or in the best interests of our other shareholders and noteholders, and it may engage in activities that conflict with such interests. If the interests of the Receiver or Advent, as applicable, conflict with the interests of our other shareholders and noteholders, those shareholders and noteholders could be disadvantaged by the actions that it may pursue. However, the Receiver or Advent, as applicable, are subject to the fairness duty of a controlling shareholder under the Israeli Companies Law, and, in the context of related party transactions, to vote for the approval of transactions which are in favor of the Company. See "Item 6C.9 Duties of a Shareholder".
4A. History and Development of the Company
We were incorporated in Israel under the laws of the State of Israel on September 29, 1997, as Partner Communications Company Ltd. Our products and services were marketed under the “Orange” brand until February 16, 2016, when it was replaced with the “Partner” brand. Our principal executive offices are located at 8 Amal Street, Afeq Industrial Park, Rosh Ha’ayin 48103, Israel (telephone: +972-54-7814-888). Our website addresses are www.partner.co.il, www.012mobile.co.il and https://www.012.net/. Information contained on our websites does not constitute a part of this Annual Report. Our authorized U.S. representative is Puglisi and Associates, 850 Library Avenue, Suite 204, Newark, Delaware, 19711 and our agent for service in the United States is CT Corporation System, 28 Liberty St., New York, New York 10005.
Since our incorporation, we have achieved a number of important milestones:
In April 1998, we received our license to establish and operate a cellular telephone network in Israel.
In January 1999, we launched full commercial operations with approximately 88% population coverage and established a nationwide distribution.
In October 1999, we completed our initial public offering of ordinary shares in the form of American Depositary Shares, and received net proceeds of approximately NIS 2,092 million, with the listing of our American Depositary Shares on NASDAQ and the London Stock Exchange. We used part of these net proceeds to repay approximately NIS 1,494 million in indebtedness to our principal shareholders, and the remainder to finance the continued development of our business. (In March 2008, we voluntarily delisted our ADSs from the London Stock Exchange.)
In August 2000, we completed an offering, registered under the US Securities Act of 1933, as amended, of $175 million (approximately $170.5 million after deducting commissions and offering expenses) in 13% unsecured senior subordinated notes due 2010. These notes were redeemed in August 2005.
In July 2001, we registered our ordinary shares for trading on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange.
In December 2001, the Ministry of Communications awarded us two bands of spectrum: one band of GSM 1800 spectrum and one band of 2100 UMTS third generation spectrum.
In June 2002, our cellular license was extended until February 2022.
In December 2004, we commercially launched our 3G network.
In March 2005, we completed a debt offering, raising NIS 2.0 billion in a public offering in Israel of notes due 2012.
In April 2005, we repurchased approximately 33.3 million shares from our Israeli founding shareholders, representing approximately 18.1% of our outstanding shares immediately before the repurchase.
In the third quarter of 2005, our Board of Directors and shareholders approved the distribution of our first cash dividend, in the amount of NIS 0.57 per share, totaling approximately NIS 86.4 million.
In March 2006, we launched services based on the High Speed Downlink Packet Access (“HSDPA”) technology.
In July 2006, we purchased Med-1 I.C.–1 (1999) Ltd.’s fiber-optic transmission business for approximately NIS 71 million, in order to enable us to reduce our transmission costs as well as to provide our business customers with bundled services of transmission of data and voice and fixed-line services.
In January 2007, we were granted a domestic fixed license by the Ministry of Communications, and in February 2007 we were granted a network termination point license.
In December 2008 and January 2009, we launched three additional non-cellular business lines: VoB telephony services, ISP services and Web VOD (video on demand).
In October 2009, Scailex Corporation Ltd. ("Scailex') became our principal shareholder through acquiring the entire interest in the Company of our previous controlling shareholder.
In February 2010, following the District Court’s approval, a total amount of NIS 1.4 billion or approximately NIS 9.04 per share was paid on March 18, 2010, to shareholders and ADS holders of record on March 7, 2010, as a special dividend distribution.
In March 2011, we acquired all of the outstanding shares of 012 Smile Telecom Ltd., a leading provider of broadband and traditional telecommunications services in Israel. The acquisition of 012 Smile supported our strategy of becoming a leading comprehensive communications group, expanding our range of services and products.
In January 2013, S.B. Israel Telecom Ltd. ("S.B. Israel Telecom"), an affiliate of Saban Capital Group, a private investment firm, based in Los Angeles, California, specializing in the media, entertainment and communications industries, became our principal shareholder through acquiring 30.87% of our issued and outstanding shares, principally from our previous controlling shareholder, Scailex.
In November 2013, we entered into a 15-year Network Sharing Agreement with HOT Mobile pursuant to which the parties agreed to create a 50-50 limited partnership to operate and develop a cellular network to be shared by both parties (among others, as a result of pooling both parties’ radio access network infrastructures to create a single radio access network). The Network Sharing Agreement was approved by the Israeli anti-trust authorities, subject to conditions in May 2014, and by the Ministry of Communications in April 2015. Following approval by the Minister of Communications, the Network Sharing Agreement with HOT Mobile entered into effect. See “Item 4B.8 Our Network”.
In July 2014, we commercially launched limited 4G services in Israel over a frequency band of only 5 MHz in the 1800 spectrum.
In March 2015, the acting Minister of Communications approved the results of the tender bid process in which we won an additional 5 MHz in the 1800 spectrum (in addition to our 10 MHz frequency bands in the 1800 spectrum).
In February 2016, we rebranded our products and services that were previously under the “Orange” brand to be under the new “Partner” brand. See "Item 5A.1c Settlement Agreement with Orange Brand Services Ltd."
In June 2017, we launched Partner TV service based on Over the Internet (OTT) platform which completed our offering as a comprehensive communications company.
In August 2017, we launched the commercial phase and accelerated deployment of our fiber-optic infrastructure in residential areas throughout the country.
| • | In November 2019, the MoC appointed a permanent receiver for the Company shares held by S.B. Israel Telecom and granted the receiver a permit to exercise means of control of the Company by himself. See "Item 3D.3a Approximately 27% of our issued and outstanding shares and voting rights are held by areceiver (under Israeli law)." |
In August 2020, the Company acquired through an MoC tender 2x5 MHz in the 700 band, 2x10 MHz in the 2600 band and 50 MHz in the 3500 band (as the 5G frequency).
In February 2022, our cellular license was extended until February 2032.
For information on our capital expenditures for the last three financial years, and for the principal capital expenditures currently in progress, see “Item 4B.8 Our Network” and “Item 5B.4 Total Net Financial Debt- Capital Expenditures”.
4B. Business Overview
Partner Communications Company Ltd. is a leading Israeli telecommunications company, providing a wide integrated and customized range of cellular and fixed-line telecommunicationcommunication services, including infrastructure, international long distance (ILD), internet services provider (ISP), television and other services as well as related equipment. We offer our subscribers a full range of products and services to address a broad range of communications needs based on advanced technologies and competitive tariff plans.
As a comprehensive communications group, we supply our services through two business segments:
| - | the cellular segment, our main business, which represents the largest portion of our total revenues. The cellular business segment includes cellular communications services such as airtime calls, international roaming services, text messaging, internet browsing, value-added and content services, handset repair services and services provided to other operators that use the Company's cellular network. The Company also sells and leases a range of equipment related to cellular services. See "Item 4B.5a Cellular Services and Products". |
At December 31, 2020,2021, we had approximately 2,8363,023 thousand cellular subscribers, representing an estimated 27%28% of total Israeli cellular telephone subscribers at that date. As of that date, approximately 88% of our subscriber base (approximately 2,4952,671 thousand subscribers) subscribed to post-paid tariff plans and 12% (approximately 341352 thousand subscribers) subscribed to pre-paid tariff plans. (For a definition of “subscriber”, see “Item 3A Selected Financial Data”).
Our GSM/UMTS3G and 4G network covers 99% of the Israeli population, and our LTE5G network covers 99%30% of the Israeli population in line with the deployment milestones in our license. We currently operate our GSM network in the 900 MHz and 1800 MHz bands, the UMTS network in the 900 MHz and 2100 MHz band, and the LTE network in the 700, 1800, 2100 and 2600 MHz bands.bands and 5G (NSA) on the 3.5 MHz band. We already deployed 800 LTE sites in the 700MHz band. Our services provided on our network include standard and enhanced services, as well as value-added services and products. See “Item 4B.5 SERVICES AND PRODUCTS".
We market our cellular services and products mainly under the Partner brand as well as under the 012 Mobile brand;
and
| - | the fixed-line segment, which includes a number of services provided over fixed-line networks including (a) Internet services including access to the internet through both fiber-optics and wholesale broadband access, ISP services, internet Value Added Services (“VAS”) such as cyber protection, anti-virus and anti-spam filtering, and fixed-line voice communication services provided through Voice Over Broadband (“VOB”); (b) Business solutions including SIP voice trunks, Network Termination Point Services ("NTP") – under which the Group supplies, installs, operates and maintains endpoint network equipment and solutions, including providing and installing equipment and cabling within a subscriber's place of business or premises, hosting services, transmission services, Primary Rate Interface (“PRI”) and other fixed-line communications solution services; (c) International Long Distance services (“ILD”): outgoing and incoming international telephony, hubbing, roaming and signaling and calling card services; |
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Our fixed-line services are marketed under the Partner and 012 brands.
In 2020,2021, Partner was named by Marketest, a multi-discipline research and consulting firm, as the leading company among the largest telecommunications companies in Israel for its customer service.
In 2020,2021, we were named by the Maala organization in their highest platinum plus category for corporate social responsibility ESG for the thirteenthfourteenth consecutive year.
In 2021, Partner was awarded the diversity award from the Lautman Foundation for employment of people with disabilities.
4B.1 SPECIAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE CELLULAR TELECOMMUNICATIONS INDUSTRY IN ISRAEL
We believe that the following special characteristics differentiate the Israeli market from other developed cellular telecommunications markets.In particular, as noted below, on-going, significant changes in regulations applicable to cellular operators have created a complex environment specifically intended to substantially increase competition:
| • | High Rate of Unlimited Packages. Israeli cellular operators provide, among other price-competitive offers, a particularly high rate of unlimited voice and text packages, and various data packages consisting of relatively high volumes of data at competitive prices. |
| • | Lack of Migration Barriers, High Churn and Recruitment Rate of Subscribers. The Israeli cellular market to date has limited migration barriers. There is full number portability. Operators are prohibited from selling SIM locked handsets and are no longer able to link the sale of handsets to services. In addition, operators are no longer allowed to charge exit fees from residential or small business customers or offer better tariff plans to new customers. As a result of this, as well as the entrance of new competitors, there is a high rate of churn and recruitment rate of subscribers in the Israeli cellular market. |
| • | Multiple Operators in a Small Market. The regulatory changes in the telecommunications industry, particularly with respect to additional entrants that include cellular operators and MVNOs, have created multiple operators in a relatively small market, which has led to a high level of competition in the industry. |
| • | Favorable Geography. Israel covers an area of approximately 8,000 square miles (20,700 square kilometers) and its population tends to be centered in a small number of densely populated areas. In addition, the terrain of Israel is relatively flat. These factors facilitate the roll out, maintenance and subsequent upgrades of a cellular network in a cost effective manner. |
4B.2 SPECIAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE FIXED-LINE TELECOMMUNICATIONS INDUSTRY IN ISRAEL
Bezeq and HOT Telecom are the only telecommunications services providers with their own nationwide fixed-line infrastructure. IBC, along with the infrastructure that it acquired from Cellcom, is deploying its fiber-based fixed-line services and is obligated to reach a 68% deployment withinby February 2026, five years offrom the grant of its license. Partner is deploying its fiber-optic lines in someselected areas across Israel.
Fixed-line telephony Services
Bezeq is the incumbent provider of fixed-line telephony services in Israel and holds a majority of the market. The remaining portion of the market is divided between HOT Telecom, the next largest provider, Cellcom and Partner.
Broadband and Internet services. The fixed-line internet access market used to be divided into two tiers of services: infrastructure services and ISP service. Since February 2015, with the launch of the wholesale market reform, ISPs have begun to market bundled packages which include both (Bezeq's) infrastructure and ISP components. Since 2019, HOT Telecom began to offer wholesale services on its cable infrastructure.
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The Ministry of Communications declared its intention to provide an incentive for Bezeq to implement the wholesale market by reducing the regulations requiring Bezeq to maintain a “structural separation” between its fixed-line and its TV services and other telecommunications operations.See “Item 3D.1a If the structural separation provisions which apply to Bezeq are not enforced or are removed (in part or in whole) before we have established ourselves in the fixed-line and TV markets, this would adversely affect our business and results of operations. "
In September 2020, Cellcom announced that, it, together with the Israel Infrastructure Fund, it had entered into an investment transaction with Hot Telecommunication Systems Ltd ("HOT") in IBC. According to Cellcoms’ announcement, HOT shall become an equal partner in IBC, and hold indirectly 23.3% of IBC’s share capital. This merger was approved by the Competition Authority and approved subject to certain conditions by the MoC. See "Item 4B.9b Competitors in Fixed-line Services".
Internet access is currently provided by three major Internet service providers, or ISPs: Netvision from the Cellcom Group, Bezeq International, and Partner, as well as some other niche players. All three major providers are also suppliers of ILD services (see below).
International long distance services
The three major players in ILD services in Israel are: Partner, Bezeq International and Cellcom. The other players are Xfone and Telzar 019 International Telecommunications Services Ltd., which commenced operations in 2011, and Hashikma Communications Marketing Ltd., Golan Telecom and HOT Mobile, that commenced operations in 2012. Beginning in 2012, as part of the unlimited packages that the cellular companies began offering their customers, most of them, including the Company, included ILD services to certain destinations in these packages. Proposed regulations intend, among others, to allow all general telecommunications licensees (including MVNOs) to provide international call services to international destinations included in their subscribers’ tariff plans and only calls to destinations not included in the subscriber’s plans would be routed through ILD providers. See “Item 4B.12e - x Hearings and Examinations-Intervention in international call market”. Such regulations may alter the ILD market structure in Israel and decrease the volume of international calls routed through ILD providers.
4B.3 OUR STRATEGY
Partner’s strategy is to further reinforce its position as a comprehensive telecommunications company that offers an entire range of telecommunication solutions to a variety of customers, and we strive to lead the market in service as well as technology. The most recent elements in pursuit of this strategy that continued to be pursued during 2020 were the launch of the 5G network, further rapid deployment of our fiber-optic infrastructure and the continued increase in our market shareleader in the television market. The successIsraeli telecommunications market by striving to provide the best service and synergies ofcutting-edge technology. Our objective is to create, protect and promote fixed and mobile connections for our customers helping them to smartly manage their digital lifestyle. Therefore, we primarily offer our customers the variety ofconnectivity they need through simple products and services that we offer, particularly from TVwhile protecting their data and fiber, strengthens customer loyalty and increases customer satisfaction. Along with the challenges that the COVID-19 crisis has presented for the Company, wemanaging it in a responsible way. We also see opportunities due to the broadened understanding created by the COVID-19 crisis of the importance of quality communication services, with an emphasis on stable and fast internet services as well as changes in TV viewing habits, including an increase in bundled packages which offer streaming services.and acceleration of the Company's independent fiber-optic infrastructure and 5G deployment.
Fiber and 5G deployment – In fiber, the Company is accelerating its independent fiber-optic infrastructure deployment with the goal of reaching approximately 1 million connected households by the end of 2022. In 5G, the Company is continuing the deployment of our business strategy are as follows:
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Connectivity - This is the enabler for all digital services. Partner provides a wide range of services over connectivity through a fixed and mobile bundled offer which includes video and digital services. We offer our customers a wide integrated and customized range of cellular and fixed-line telecommunications services. In addition, we offer our customers tailored value-added services that combine an entire array of solutions including: network andadditional data infrastructures, advanced information security solutions, integration solutions, and for our business customers, designated services for customers with multiple branches and commercial networks, business information storage in a secured and advanced data center and cloud services. Our value strategy, ‘Partner More’, allows us to offer our customers for each of our products, packages that include value-added services and provide the customer with a richer experience than the basic services. This strategy generates more revenue per customer. This strategy of offering our customers higher value services at competitive prices has proven itself since the cellular churn rate in 2020 was the lowest since 2011, which attests to our customers' satisfaction and loyalty.
Customer service - Focusing on customers’ needs, to grow our TV serviceimprove their experience and as of year end 2020, we reached approximately 232,000 subscribers.
4B.4 MARKETING AND BRAND
We are primarily a B2C (Business - to- Consumer) company, and therefore rely heavily on branding and our ability to make a difference.
Our brand promise is to bring a better future to our customers. The better future concept has been the core idea of our branding since its inception. Our brand values are innovation, optimism, simplicity and fairness. In our opinion, these are the values and attributes which appeal to our customers and the type of customers we want to attract.
The Partner brand stands for high quality networks, fair prices and great customer service. We believe in providing great service to customers who appreciate the level of service and network performance that we provide.
We continuously utilize a variety of marketing tools, techniques and channels in order to strengthen our brand presence in the marketimage and promote sales.
loyalty. We advertise our brand and services in a variety of media channels including press, television, radio, digital and social networks.media. Our advertising emphasizes leading and innovative product services and technologies and is targeted toat various market segments using several languages.segments. Our marketing work features high value production, futuristic scenes, and good vibe and atmosphere that celebrate our products and entice customers to choose us as their telecom providers.
In 2021, we formulated a new branding strategy in order to bolster our positioning as the most innovative telecommunications company in Israel. We formed a new iconic language and adopted the 5G icon, integrating it with our brand name, which is now Partner 5G.
4B.5 SERVICES AND PRODUCTS
In 2020,2021, approximately 69%68% of our revenues (excluding inter-segment revenues) was derived from our cellular segment and approximately 31%32% of our revenues (excluding inter-segment revenues) was derived from our fixed-line segment.
4B.5a Cellular Services and Products
Cellular Services
Our main business is cellular telephony - including the basic cellular telephony services of voice calls, text messaging, internet browsing and data transfer,transfer-- as well as a variety of content services, roaming services, M2M and IOT services, handset repair services, and services provided to other operators that are permitted to use the Company's cellular network.network and Machine to Machine (M2M) and Internet of Things (IOT) services. Cellular content and value-added services offered include but are not limited to multimedia messaging, cyber protection, cloud backup, ringtones, music streaming serviceservices and a range of business services.
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International Roaming
We offer our customers roaming services abroad, which allow a mobile phone subscriber to place and to receive cellular services while in the coverage area of foreign networks owned by operators with whom we have commercial roaming agreements. Our roaming packages allow our customers to benefit from attractive rates in nearlyover 180 destinations. We offer data-only packages as well as packages that combine calls, data and SMS.
At December 31, 2020,2021, we had commercial roaming relationships with 541564 operators in 183181 countries or jurisdictions, 335 3G roaming agreements in 177 countries, and 145 4G roaming agreements in 7278 countries and 22 5G roaming agreements in 22 countries. Creating roaming relationships with multiple operators in each country increases potential incoming roaming revenue for us and gives our subscribers more choice in coverage, services and prices in that country. The 3G and 4G roaming agreements enable our 3G roamers to initiate video calls, high speed data and video and audio content while abroad.
Although GSM (2G), UMTS (3G), LTE (4G) and LTE (4G)5G are standardized, the frequency allocation perfor each technology varies from one country to another. Currently we operate our GSM services on the 900 MHz and 1800 MHz bands, UMTS on 900 MHz and 2100 MHz bands, and LTE on 700, 1800, 2100 and 2600 MHz bands.bands and 5G (NSA) on the 3.5 MHz band. All 4G and 5G handsets which we sell, support all the above listed technologies and bands while 2G and 3G handsets support the above listed bands for GSM and UMTS. Most of the handsets support 700 Mhz, depending on the vendor. While roaming, there is a possibility that a subscriber’s handset will not support all the technologies due to lack of support of a country’s specific frequency bands; however, this is rare in GSM and UMTS, due to technology maturity. Standardization bodies allow for more than 27 different LTE bands and since LTE in many countries utilizes reframed GSM and UMTS bands, there may be cases where handsets do not support the frequency allocated for LTE and 5G in specific countries.
Cellular Equipment and Devices
Equipment and device sales in the cellular segment include sales and leases of cellular handsets and related cellular devices and accessories, mainly to retail customers but also to some wholesale customers. Until 2017, some sales of digital audio-visual devices and other cellular related devices were also recorded under the cellular segment. However, as from 2017, in view of updates to our sales strategy and the launch of television services, sales of Wi-Fi only devices and other devices not directly related to cellular services, including televisions, are recorded under the fixed-line segment instead of the cellular segment.
4B.5b Fixed-line Services and Products
Fixed-Line Services and Infrastructure
We offer fixed-line services that include internet services, ILD services, transmission services, telephony services (including SIP services), TV services and high speed broadband fiber-optic infrastructure.
| • | ISP services. As an internet service provider providing access to the World Wide Web, we offer our customers, in addition to access, additional ISP services including email accounts, Wi-Fi networking as well as additional value added services such as anti-virus and anti-spam filtering. We also offer a bundled package that includes infrastructure and ISP access services following the wholesale market reform, a triple package that includes in addition to the bundled package also TV services and since 2017, we also offer access services over our own fiber-optic fixed-line infrastructure in certain parts of the country, with speeds up to 3 GB. |
| • | ILD services. As an international long distance provider, we offer our residential and business customers international telephony services including direct international dialing services, international and domestic pre-paid and post-paid calling cards, and call-back services. Most of the pre-paid calling cards are sold to foreign workers in Israel. In addition, we offer our business customers international toll-free numbers that offer fixed rates on calls from many countries around the world. As an international long distance provider, we also provide hubbing traffic routing between network operators for termination of long distance calls outside of Israel. |
| • | Transmission. We provide fixed-line transmission and data capacity services. Our fixed-line capacity also includes capacity which we lease from other fixed-line telecommunications service providers as well as inland fiber-optic infrastructure and complimentary micro wave radio links. The services we offer include primarily connectivity services, on an SDH (Synchronous Digital Hierarchy) transmission network, by which we provide high quality, dedicated, point-to-point connection for business customers and telecommunications providers, as well as fixed-line services to business customers. We also provide international transmission services to our business customers between Israel and other countries. |
| • | VoB and PRI. The VOB service allows business and residential customers to make and receive telephone calls over the Internet through an internet connection. The PRI is a landline network service connecting organizational switchboards to Partner's network and allows business customers to make multiple calls simultaneously. We offer traditional voice services to business customers throughout Israel. |
| • | Television services. In June 2017, we launched our OTT television services that provide our customers with an enhanced user interface experience of television services based on an open platform, Android TV. Partner TV service offers our customers dozens of live linear channels, including "catch up" capability of up to 14 days, video on demand library, Network Personal Video Recorder (NPVR), direct access to YouTube, Netflix, Spotify and Amazon Prime Video content through a dedicated button on our remote control allowing our customers to access their favorite show with a simple click. We also enable customers to subscribe and pay for Netflix and Amazon Prime Video through the Partner TV bill. Our TV service also includes a fully supported 4K set-top box with an Android TV operating system which enables the viewer to add content, games and music applications directly from the Google Play store. Our full TV service can also be accessed by smartphones, tablets, Apple TV boxes, Smart TVs and personal computers (“TV everywhere”) and we continue to work on developing our smart TV offerings. Over 80% of our TV subscribers have bundled offerings with internet services. Since 2019, we offer an addressable TV advertisement system based on an integrated advertising management platform-Google Ad manager that enables the targeting of specific audiences and maximizes the ability of the Android TV set top boxes. Our strategy is to offer our customers unique television services, by partnering with world-leading media service providers, at attractive prices. As part of our strategy, we continue to be a super aggregator which enables our customers the ability to access the leading streaming services in the world including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Spotify and YouTube, using a single interface as well as cloud gaming services. |
| • | High speed broadband fiber-optic based network. In 2017 we launched the commercial phase and acceleration of our fiber-optic infrastructure in residential areas throughout the country, which provided for the first time a more advanced and cost-effective alternative to the existing fixed infrastructure in Israel. As of year-end 2021, 700 thousand households were able to connect to Partner's fiber services and the number of fiber-optic subscribers totaled 212 thousand. As of the date of this Annual Report, 740 thousand households were able to connect to Partner's fiber services and the number of fiber-optic subscribers totaled 225 thousand. See "Item 4B.8d Fiber-optic infrastructure". In February 2022, we signed an agreement with two wholesale telecommunication suppliers, which enables them to provide fiber services on our fiber-optic network to their subscribers. In addition, we have entered into IRU (Indefeasible Right of Use) agreements with international telecommunications operators and large international business customers for the sale of IRUs and lease of certain fiber-optics in our fiber-optic infrastructure ("dark fibers"), as well as maintenance and operation services with respect to such fibers. See "Item 4B.8d Fiber-optic infrastructure". |
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Value-Added Services
In addition to standard fixed-line value-added services, we offer a variety of value-added services such as defense and security services for the computer and e-mail that include, among others, parental monitoring control, firewall, web hosting, anti-virus and site filtering based on the customer’s restriction definition, and other valuevalue- added internet services including hosting, cloud-based hosted services and virtual switchboard. We also offer an upgraded data center that provides customers with business solutions on a secure site including hosting services (storage and maintenance of physical and virtual servers, website hosting, information storage and disaster recovery site), management communication services, and integrated services.
Fixed-Line Equipment and Devices
Equipment and device sales in the fixed-line segment include sales and rental of modems, domestic routers, servers and related equipment, including a device to increase wi-fi coverage, tv screens, integration project hardware and a variety of digital audio-visual devices, audio accessories and related devices. In addition, we provide our business customers with office communication Private Branch Exchanges (PBX). This service, available on the premises or cloud-based, provides all telephony services including unified communication features as well as Direct Inward Dialing (DID), which provides a block of telephone numbers for calling into the customer’s PBX system. DID allows us to offer our customers individual phone numbers for each person or workstation within the company without requiring a physical line into the PBX for each possible connection.
4B.5c Tariff Plans
Cellular service tariff plans
As of December 31, 2020,2021, approximately 88% of our cellular subscriber base (approximately 2,4952,671 thousand subscribers) subscribed to post-paid tariff plans, and 12% (approximately 341352 thousand subscribers) subscribed to pre-paid tariff plans. Revenues from post-paid subscribers representaccounted for over 90% of total cellular service revenues.revenues in the year 2021.
The Company also markets post-paid cellular tariff plans under an alternative brand, “012 Mobile”. Under this brand, the Company offers plans mainly under a digital self-service model through a dedicated website (including web-chat with customer representatives) at competitive prices. These
Pre-paid cellular tariff plans were launched in order to compete with offers of new operators launched in 2012.plans. Under our pre-paid plans, upon purchase of a SIM card or phone card or prepayment by credit card or cash, customers can use our network, including some of our value-added services, without the need to register with us or enter into any contract. Our pre-paid plans enable us to compete in the pre-paid cellular services market.
Fixed-line tariff plans.
For our Fixed-Line Services,services, we have a wide range of diverse plans and bundles to meet the needs of the various sub-markets-ISP, ILD, transmission, TV, fiber, VOB and PRI. . In the ILD services market we have tariff plans based on call destinations and level of use. Our Internet Service prices and our wholesale infrastructure and fiber-optic infrastructure services prices are based on bandwidth speed. We offer a variety of internet solutions for home and business use according to each customer's needs.
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4B.6 SALES AND DISTRIBUTION
4B.6a Customer Care
We apply a multi-channel approach to target various market segments and to coordinate our cellular and fixed-line sales and services strategy for both our business as well as private customers. Our customer support and service provides several channels for our customers: call centers, Interactive Voice Response (“IVR”), walk-in centers, digitalservice through Whatsapp, self services by Web and mobile applications and service through social media such as Facebook, Instagram and self-service support, which include web-based services, including Facebook, mobile application, automated SMS messaging and digital chat.Twitter.
Call Centers. Guided by our aim to provide high quality service, our call-center services are divided into several sub-centers including business, private and pre-paid for cellular and fixed-line services, and specialized support and services (finance, network, international roaming, TV services and support and infrastructure fiber internet service and support). The call center services are provided in several languages and also provide digital and self services through the Company’s websites and SMS services.mobile applications. These services are provided internally by company employees as well as by outsourcing services.
Walk-in Centers. We currently operate 2220 service and sales centers across Israel and 21 Partner stands in shopping centers throughout the country. These centers provide a face-to-face, uniformly designed, contact channel and offer all services that we provide to customers: sales, handset upgrade, handset maintenance, fixed-line sales, accessories sales fixed-line services (such as Internet and TV) and other services (such as finance, rate-plan changes and subscription to new services). Lease agreements for our retail stores and service centers are for periods of two to ten years. We have the option to extend the lease agreements for different periods including the initial lease period. See also note 19 to the consolidated financial statements.
Self-Service. We provide our customers with various self-service channels, such as IVR, web-based services, and services via SMS, mobile, smartphone applications and WhatsApp. The services provided through these channels include general and specific information, tariff plan information and the ability to update them, account balance, billing-related information, roaming tariffs and payment of past due bills. They also provide customers with information regarding trouble shooting and handset operation, and enable customers to activate services as well as to purchase various services.
Technical support. The Company's technicians provide our customers with support services and initial TV and fiber installation and repair services.
All of our service channels are monitored and analyzed regularly in order to ensure the quality of our services and to detect areas that require improvement.
Management Systems. Our management systems are certificated and monitored by IQC (The Institute for Quality Control, an RVA accredited Certification Body authorized by Bureau Veritas Quality International) to the appropriate international standards:
ISO 9001:2015, which focuses on fulfillment of clients and legal requirements;
ISO 14001:2015, which coordinates our commitment to habitat and environment;
ISO 45001:2018, which directs our efforts to provide a safe and healthy work environment at our premises; and
ISO 27001:2013, which focuses on the management of information security.
4B.6b Sales and Distribution Channels
We distribute our services and products through direct sales channels and indirect sales channels.
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| 4B.6b - i | Direct Sales Channels |
Sales and Service Centers: Our walk-in centers in stores and malls also serve as sales centers. The face-to-face contact enables customers to get the “touch and feel” of new handsets, tablets, accessories and services demonstrated by our representatives.
Direct Sales Force: Our sales force is comprised of sales and service representatives.
A team of representatives and customer account managers that support small to medium-sized businesses;
A team of corporate representatives and customer account managers who support large corporate customers;
A Small Medium Enterprises (“SME”) sales-force team focuses on individual and small business customers;
A telemarketing department conducts direct sales by phone (to private and business customers) and initiates contacts with prospective customers.
Our sales force undergoes regular training to improve their skills in selling advanced solutions such as cellular data, intranet extension and connectivity, virtual private networks, location based services, M2M services, TV, fiber, internet infrastructure and other value-added services that appeal to corporate customers.
| 4B.6b - ii | Indirect Sales Channels |
We have agreements with many traditional dealers that provide over 4138 points of sale, selling a range of our products. The private dealer network is an important distribution channel because of its ability to attract existing cellular users to our network. Our dealer network focuses primarily on sales to individual customers and, to a lesser extent, small business customers. These dealers specialize in sales for post-paid customers, handset sales, TV, fiber, infrastructure and internet.
In addition, we have agreements with prepaid distributors that specialize in sales for pre-paid customers and distribution of pre-paid plans to sub-dealers.
We also have specific dealers that target different segments of the Israeli population with the appropriate style, language and locations. We provide regular training to employees of our dealers to update them on our products and services. Our managers visit dealers on a regular basis to provide information and training, answer questions and solve any problems that may arise. We pay our dealers commissions; however, dealers are not entitled to commissions for any customers that terminate their service within 90 days of activation.
| 4B.6b - iii | Online Sales Channels |
Our cellular and fixed-line services are also available to be purchased online. We also manage an online service for the purchase of handsets and other equipment.
4B.7 POST-PAID CUSTOMER CONTRACTS AND CREDIT POLICY
Our standard customer agreements with most of our private customers do not include commitment periods, since they are generally not permitted under Israeli law. Some of our business customers that have more than 100 cellular subscribers enter into an agreement with a commitment period of up to 36 months, as do some of our fixed-line customers with monthly invoices of over NIS 5,000.7,000. Customers are billed monthly for charges per services. Roaming access for direct debit cellular customers is subject to credit scoring by our credit supervisors with the assistance of outside credit agencies and may require additional guarantees or deposits.
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Our customers pay for their services by credit card or by direct bank debit. All credit card accounts are subject to an initial maximum credit limit each month, which varies depending upon the type of credit card and for which we obtain prior approval from the card issuer. When a customer account reaches this limit, we may seek approval from the card issuer. If the card issuer does not grant the approval, we may require the customer to provide other means of payment or arrange an increase in the approved limit from his credit card issuer. If this does not occur, the customer’s usage may be limited or suspended, after receiving our prior notice of such limitation or suspension, until we receive a cash deposit or guarantee from the customer.
Most of our customers pay for equipment devices with long termlong-term financing plans whereby the customer pays for the equipment through monthly payments (generally between 12 and 36 months), which are charged directly to their credit card or to their monthly bill. Where the customer opts to pay the monthly payments via their monthly bill, the outstanding installment payments are not secured. Customers acquiring more than a certain number of device sales are subject to a credit scoring review performed by Partner’s credit supervisors with the assistance of outside credit agencies. During 2019, changes were made to the credit scoring review process whereby stricter requirements were imposed for customers to be accepted for long termlong-term financing plans. These changes significantly reduced the level of sales of equipment with long termlong-term financing plans.
4B.8 OUR NETWORK
4B.8a Overview
We have built an extensive, resilient and advanced cellular networksnetwork to provide cellular, fixed-line, ISP and TV services in Israel. We have also developed and are continuing to expand a fiber-optic infrastructure network to improve nationwide communications. Through these networks, we offer our customers extensive coverage and consistently high quality services. During the years ended December 31, 20192020 and 2020,2021, we made capital expenditures of NIS 237251 million and NIS 251338 million ($78109 million), respectively, in our network infrastructure, including in our fiber-optic infrastructure. See "Item 5B.4 Total net financial debt-Capital expenditures”.
Our network is a converged fixed and mobile telecommunications network. For mobile services we built a multi generation (2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G) wireless network, which offers full interactive multimedia capabilities. This technology brings wire-free networks significantly closer to the capabilities of fixed-line networks. Improvements in coding and data compression technology provide better voice quality and more reliable data transmission. 5G is the most advanced mobile network technology which is currently available in more than 250400 of the macro base stations as well as our LTE network, which has nationwide coverage based on the existing spectrum of 1800 and 2100 MHz bands.band. For our fixed-line services we have built a geographical redundant network in case of a network malfunction.
Cellular Network Sharing Agreement. In 2013, we entered into a 15-year Network Sharing Agreement with HOT Mobile that was approved by the Antitrust Authority Commissioner in 2014 and by the Ministry of Communications in 2015.2015 (there is a termination provision beginning April 20, 2023 with a prior 2 year termination notice). Pursuant to the agreement, the parties created a 50-50 limited partnership in the form of a limited partnership under the name P.H.I. Networks (2015) Limited Partnership ("PHI"), the purpose of which is to operate and develop the radio access network that is shared by both partiesbasedparties based on both parties’ radio access network infrastructures to create a single shared pooled radio access network (“Shared Network”). The parties have also established a 50-50 company limited by shares under the name Net 4 P.H.I Ltd. that is the general partner of the limited partnership. In 2015, we were allocated a frequency bandwidth of 5MHz in the 1800MHz spectrum as a result of the 4G frequencies tender conducted by the Ministry of Communications in 2015. PHI started to operate in 2015, at which time each of Partner and HOT Mobile transferred to PHI certain employees who were previously engaged in their respective radio operations. Both companies continue to compete and differentiate their services and be responsible for providing cellular telecommunication services to its own customers, including the provision of customer service, value-added services, marketing and sales. Each company continues to retain and operate its own core network. In August 2020, we acquired through a MoC tender 2x5 MHz in 700 band, 2x10 MHz in 2600 band and 50 MHz in 3500 band (as the 5G frequency). HOT Mobile acquired the same bandwidths.
According to the Network Sharing Agreement, HOT Mobile paid Partner a onetime amount of NIS 250 million (“Lump Sum”), and since April 1, 2016, (i) each party bears half of the expenditures relating to the Shared Network, and (ii) responsibility for the operating costs of the Shared Network is apportioned according to a pre-determined mechanism, according to which one half of the operating costs areis shared equally by the parties, and one half areis divided according to the relative volume of traffic of each party in the Shared Network (“Capex-Opex Mechanism”). See “Item 5A.1d5A.1c Network Sharing Agreement with HOT Mobile" and notes 9 and 26(d) to the consolidated financial statements with respect to balances and transaction with PHI.
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In 2014, the Antitrust Commissioner approved the Network Sharing Agreement, subject to conditions, the most important of which are set forth below:
Prohibition on exchange of information that is not required for the activities of PHI under the Restrictive Trade Practices Law, 1988 ("Restrictive Trade Practices Law"). See 4B.12e - xixii Anti-Trust Regulation."Regulation";
Limitations with respect to serving as an officer or employee in either Partner or HOT Mobile concurrent with serving as an officer or employee of PHI and certain cooling off periods were set in case of transition of officers and employees from PHI to the companies. However, this should not prevent PHI from employing employees or officers, who are currently serving as employees or officers in the companies and does not prevent an office holder in Partner or HOT Mobile from serving as a director in PHI's general partner's board of directors;
Rules regarding the administration and documentation of the meetings of PHI organsmanagement bodies were set;
Either of the companies shall be allowed, at any time and at its sole discretion, to engage in an agreement with a third party for the provision of cellular telecommunications services that involves use of the core network of that company. All of the rights and obligations deriving from such service agreement shall apply solely to that company and PHI shall not be a party to such service agreement and will not be entitled to payments payable pursuant to it;
After a period of seven years from the date of the Commissioner’s approval or after a period of six years from the issue date of all the approvals of the Ministry of Communications, whichever is earlier, the Commissioner shall be allowed to notify the companies of the cancellation of his resolution, if he has concluded that the establishment of PHI, its existence or operations are liable to be substantively detrimental to the competition (“Cancellation Notice”). If a Cancellation Notice is issued, a graduated layout of dismantling PHI activity was set in the Commissioner resolution, as follows:
| a. | at the end of two years after the issuance of the Cancellation Notice, PHI shall cease all activity apart from the management, maintenance and operation of the passive elements of the network. |
| b. | at the end of five years after the issuance of the Cancellation Notice, the companies shall dismantle PHI and shall separate their assets fully and entirely. |
In April 2015, the Ministry of Communications also approved the Network Sharing Agreement.
4B.8b Infrastructure
As of December 31, 2020,2021, our Shared Network consisted of the following main elements:
Our radio access network domain consists of 1,9502,054 macro GSM base transceiver stations, 2219 micro GSM base transceiver stations and 104 indoor GSM transceiver stations, all linked to 7 base station controllers (HDBSC);
Our core network domain consists of 2 DRP switching centers nationwide, in which the cellular, fixed-line, ISP, TV and the fiber networks reside.
Ericsson was initially our sole radio and core network equipment supplier,supplier; however, in January 2019, we entered into an agreement with Mavenir Systems Limited for the replacement and modernization of our packet core network (EPC- Evolved Package Core) and the IMS (IP Multimedia Sub System) supporting VOLTE and WiFi calling technologies into a virtualized solution provided by Mavenir. As part of the transition to the modernized network, we are continuing to integrate Mavenir's EPC (virtualized EPV) and Vims (virtualized IMS) equipment with the Ericsson equipment. See “Item 4B.8g Suppliers”.
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Our cellular networks covered 99% of the Israeli population at year-end 2020.2021. We are continuing to expand and improve the coverage, capacity and quality of our 4G and 5G radio accesses.
Our fixed-line network domain consists of circuit-switched and Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) platforms. Ericsson, Dialogic Networks, Broadsoft, AudioCode and ACME Packet supplies our VoIP solution, whereas the circuit-switched services utilize the mobile switching center platforms alongside Dialogic Network’s switches. The International Long Distance network domain consists of Dialogic ILD Switch, together with NSN’s Signaling Transit Point.
In addition, our network is interconnected with two public switched telephone companies, Bezeq and HOT Telecom, in several locations across Israel. Our network is also connected to all of the cellular networks, all the Israeli international operators, the fixed-line telephone network of the Palestine Telecommunication Co. Ltd. (“Paltel”), and the cellular network of Wataniya Palestine Mobile Telecommunication Company (“Wataniya”), and indirectly to the cellular network of Palestine Cellular Communications Ltd. (“Jawwal”). Our transmission network is made up by our own microwave links and fiber-optic infrastructure, including our multi protocol label switching (MPLS) network, while for sites that are unreachable with our own transmission, we lease lines from Bezeq and other operators. Currently approximately 5%3% of our transmission network consists of leased lines. Our fiber-optic/MPSL network and microwave transmission network enables us to reduce our transmission costs as well as to provide our customers with bundled services of data and voice transmission and fixed-line services. Currently, our transmission network has more than 2,3743,911 kilometers of fiber-optics (Partner and Bezeq infrastructure) and more than 13 hundred1,350 microwave links. See "Item 4B.8d Fiber-optic infrastructure".
4B.8c Network Design
Our primary cellular network design objective is to further expand and improve our network to provide HD (high definition) voice quality, video streaming and internet browsing with high reliability, and the best user experience based on high capacity and nationwide coverage. In formulating our network design objectives, we have been guided by our business strategy to continue to broaden the highest quality network by best network standards. In order to enhance user experience, starting in the fourth quarter of 2018, we launched a project to expand coverage and capacity for a 4G network based on the 700 MHz frequency temporarily received from the Ministry of Communications, and in the second half of 2020 we launched the 5G new radio (NR).
We use monitoring probes and counters to ensure network quality.
In our Fixed-Line business we offer telephony lines using VoB technology, SIP voice trunks, PRI, Internet Services, FTTH and ILD services targeting households and business customers in the Israeli market. These services are provided mainly over our existing network infrastructure. In order to provide the Fixed-line Services in the residential market, we developed a variety of CPEs (all in one router and modem), that provides the customer with a setup of a home network Wi-Fi, Voice FXS and DECT supported phones, Internet services and built-in firewall.
4B.8d Fiber-optic infrastructure
In 2006, we purchased Med-1 I.C.–1 (1999) Ltd.'s fiber-optic transmission business. Since then we have continued to expand our fiber-optic infrastructure and to provide services to our business customers through our fiber-optic infrastructure, and in 2017, we commercially launched services provided through the network.network to connect the fiber optic networks to private households. Our investment in the expansion of our fiber-optic infrastructure is part of our strategy to maintain our technological leadership in the market, compared to current market offerings. As of March 2021,the date of this Annual Report, we have reached already more than 760,000connected 740 thousand households withto our independent fiber-optic infrastructure (FTTH), and we expectare on track to completeconnect around 1 million households by the major phaseend of the deployment during the year 2023.2022.
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The fiber-optic infrastructure enables us as a comprehensive communications group to offer increased internet speeds compared to current market offerings, manage the quality of service and customer experience, and offer additional advanced services. The combination of the fiber-optic infrastructure together with Partner TV Service, which is also offered over our fiber-optic infrastructure, provides us with a unique advantage and reduces our dependency on the 3PTYthird party fixed-line infrastructure operators.
Partner recently announced its intention to deploy additional fiber-optic infrastructure within Israel, which will provide international telecommunications operators with connections and data transfer services between the Far East/Gulf countries and Europe, thereby offering a sustainable alternative to the existing undersea cable connections, including through the Suez Canal. The first agreement for such services was completed in January 2022, and we intend to further extend this line of business in the future.
MoC Regulations and an amendment to the Telecommunications Law now allow us to make use of the ducts and manholes (and other passive network elements) deployed by landline domestic operators (including Bezeq and HOT) in order to deploy our own fiber-optic cables.
4B.8e Spectrum Allocation and Capacity
Spectrum availability is limited and is allocated by the Ministry of Communications through a licensing process. Pursuant to the terms of our license and subsequent allocations, we were allocated 2x10.4 MHz in the 900 MHz frequency band, of which 2 x 2.4 MHz are shared with Jawwal which operates in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip and an additional 2 x 2.4 MHz of Jawwal’s spectrum is partially available to us.
We were also allocated twofour additional bands of spectrum: 2 x 10 MHz of UMTS/HSDPA third generation in the 2100 MHz frequency band. We operate GSM 900 MHz band base transceiver stations that enhance the capacity of our network’s quality. In May 2012, we shifted 5MHz of our 900MHz spectrum from the 2G GSM network to the 3G HSPA+ network. In July 2014, we shifted 10MHz of our 1800MHz spectrum from the 2G GSM network to the 4G LTE network. In March 2015, the Minister of Communications approved the results of the tender bid process in which we won an additional 2x5 MHz in the 1800 spectrum. HOT Mobile was also awarded two bandwidths of 5 MHz of frequencies in the 1800 band, both of which are used for the limited partnership created by the companies. Now that we have been allocated these frequencies, and have successfully refarmed our existing frequency bands and successful implemented the Network Sharing Agreement with HOT Mobile, our total spectrum available for 4G is 50 MHz, which allows us to offer full 4G services. See “Item 4B.8a Overview – Cellular Network Sharing Agreement”. We have amended the technical annex to our license in order to allow us to refarm some of our existing spectrum (in the 2100 MHz band) for the implementation of LTE Advanced and carrier aggregation technologies. In February 2017, the MoC approved the refarming (the conversion of existing frequencies to a different technology) of these frequencies. In August 2020, we acquired through an MoC tender 2x5 MHz in 700 band, 2x10 MHz in 2600 band and 50 MHz in 3500 band. The total bandwidth in our 4G network is comprised of the existing10 MHz in 700 band and in addition 20 MHz in 2600 band as well as an additional100 MHz in 3500 band to 5G network.
| 1. | 2100MHz (Band1) -2 x 10 MHz of UMTS/HSDPA third generation in the 2100 MHz frequency band. We operate GSM 900 MHz band base transceiver stations that enhance the capacity of our network’s quality. In 2012, we shifted 5MHz of our 900MHz spectrum from the 2G GSM network to the 3G HSPA+ network. In 2014, we shifted 10MHz of our 1800MHz spectrum from the 2G GSM network to the 4G LTE network. In 2015, the Minister of Communications approved the results of the tender bid process in which we won an additional 2x5 MHz in the 1800 spectrum. HOT Mobile was also awarded two bandwidths of 5 MHz of frequencies in the 1800 band, both of which are used for the limited partnership created by the companies. Now that we have been allocated these frequencies, and have successfully refarmed our existing frequency bands and successful implemented the Network Sharing Agreement with HOT Mobile, our total spectrum available for 4G is 50 MHz, which allows us to offer full 4G services. See “Item 4B.8a Overview – Cellular Network Sharing Agreement”. We have amended the technical annex to our license in order to allow us to refarm some of our existing spectrum (in the 2100 MHz band) for the implementation of LTE Advanced and carrier aggregation technologies. In February 2017, the MoC approved the refarming (the conversion of existing frequencies to a different technology) of these frequencies. |
| 2. | 700 MHz (Band28) -In 2020, we acquired through an MoC tender 2x5 MHz in 700 band. We operate this frequency on our shared 4G network together with 2*5MHz acquired by Hot-Mobile. |
| 3. | 2600 MHz (Band 7) - In 2020, we acquired through an MoC tender 2x10 MHz in 2600 band, we operate this frequency on our shared 4G network together with 2*10MHz acquired by Hot-Mobile. |
| 4. | 3500 Mhz (Band 78) - In 2020, we acquired through an MoC tender 50 MHz in 3500 band. we operate this frequency on our shared 4G network together with 50 aquired by Hot-Mobile. |
For a discussion of the risks associated with regulatory developments in spectrum allocation, see “Item 3D.1b The MoC might require us to terminate the use of certain spectrum ranges which have been allocated to us, limit our use of such spectrum, fail to respond to our demands for the allocation of additional spectrum, or conduct the tender for additional frequencies in an unsuitable format. Such eventualities may adversely affect our business and results of operations.”
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4B.8f Site Procurement
Once a new coverage area has been identified, professional staff determines the optimal base station location and the required coverage characteristics. The area is then surveyed to identify network sites. In urban areas, typical sites are building rooftops. In rural areas, masts are usually constructed. Professional staff also identifies the best means of connecting the base station to the network, for example, via leased or owned and operated microwave or fiber links or wired links leased from Bezeq. Once a preferred site has been identified and the exact equipment configuration for that site decided, the process of obtaining necessary approvals begins.
The erection of most of these network sites requires building permits from local or regional authorities, as well as a number of additional permits from governmental and regulatory authorities, such as:
erection and operating permits from the Ministry of Environmental Protection;
permits from the Civil Aviation Authority, in certain cases; and
permits from the Israeli Defense Forces.
See “Item 4B.12h Network Site Permits”for a description of the approvals that are required for the erection and operation of network sites and the requirement to provide indemnification undertakings to local committees.
4B.8g Suppliers
Suppliers for our cellular network. We purchased our network equipment, such as switching equipment, base station controllers and base transceiver stations and network software, from Ericsson, who was our sole supplier of cellular core equipment and systems.During 2020, we entered into a maintenance and support agreement with a third party that provides maintenance for Ericsson equipment. In January 2019,For the replacement and upgrade of our EPC and IMS we entered into an agreement with Mavenir Systems Limited for the replacement and upgrade of our EPC and IMS. in 2019. See "Item 3D.2i3D.2j We depend on a limited number of suppliers and vendors for key equipment and services. Our results of operations could be adversely affected if our suppliers and vendors fail to provide us with needed services and adequate supplies of network equipment, handsets and other devices or maintenance support on a timely and cost effective basis." See also “Item 10C Material Contracts”.
We continue to purchase certain network components, for our cellular, fixed and ISP services, from various other key suppliers.For example,Juniper Networks provides the Company with solutions for ISP and MPLS network segments.
Handset and other equipment suppliers. We entered into a non-exclusive agreement with Apple effective April 1, 2021, for the purchase and resale of iPhone handsets in Israel for a three-year period. See “Item 10C Material Contracts”. During 2020,2021, we purchased the majority of the Company’s handsets from Apple and Samsung. We also purchase handsets and other equipment, including tablets and laptops, from other vendors.
Suppliers for TV content and equipment. In 2017, we partnered with Netflix, the world leading internet entertainment network, to make its services directly accessible through our TV service. Furthermore, in April 2018, we announced a unique collaboration with Amazon Prime Video, making Partner TV the first and only television service in Israel to offer Amazon Prime Video application on a set top box and the first Over the Top service in the world to support this application on an Android TV set top box.
In addition, we have agreements with well known suppliers in the industry for the provision of the following:
sports and kids content channels;
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set top boxes for our TV service manufactured by Technicolor SA;
back office & content management system(CMS)system (CMS) manufactured by SeaChange International Inc.;
video content distribution system (CDN) manufactured by Broadpeak;
encoding systems manufactured by Harmonic & AWS Elemental;
TV application installed on set top boxes, PCs Apple TV boxes, tablets and cellular devices manufactured by I Feel Smart.
Suppliers for our fixed-line network. Bezeq and HOT Groups own the majority of the fixed-line telecommunications infrastructures in Israel. As a result, we use interconnection with the Bezeq and HOT Groups’ infrastructure. Most of our broadband customers use Bezeq and Hot infrastructure which connects to Partner's ISP network. In addition, for international connectivity to all major Western European countries and the United States, we use Tamares Telecom Ltd. and TI Sparkle Israel (formerly Med Nautilus), who supply the Company with transmission services through their submarine infrastructures. See “Item 10C Material Contracts”.
Dialogic Inc. and Broadsoft Inc. supply us with switches for the fixed-line telephony services based on Internet Protocol (“VoIP”) and circuit switched calls.
4B.8h Interconnection
All telecommunications providers with general licenses in Israel have provisions in their licenses requiring them to connect their networks with all other telecommunications networks in Israel. Currently, our network iscellular and land-line networks are connected directly with all other telecommunications networks operating in Israel.
4B.9 COMPETITION
An overview of our principal competitors and of some aspects of the competitive environment for telecommunications services is set forth below. For further information regarding the impact of regulation and regulatory changes on competition, including measures to enable new service providers to enter the market, and the competitive pressures arising from the development of full-service telecommunications providers and new technologies, see “Item 3D.1 Risks Relating To The Regulation Of Our Industry.” and “Item 3D.2a Largely asAs a result of substantial and continuing changes in our regulatory and business environment, our operating financial results, profitability and cash flows have declined significantlyremained at relatively low levels in recent years, including a loss for the year 2015. In 2020 we earned profits of NIS 17 million (US$ 5 million) compared with profits of NIS 19 million for 2019 and over NIS 50 million for each of the years between 2016 and 2018. Should existing trends continue, ouryears. Our operating financial results may continue to decline further in 2021 and possibly beyond, andthe future, which may also result in losses, which would adversely affect our financial condition.”
Within the Israeli telecommunications market there are 4four major communication groups: Bezeq, HOT, Cellcom and Partner, as well as a number of smaller operators. See "Item 3D.2b Competition resulting from the full service offers by telecommunications groups and additional entrants into the telecommunications market, as well as other actual and potential changes in the competitive environment and communications technologies, may continue to cause a further decrease in mobile and fixed-line service tariffs as well as an increase in subscriber acquisition and retention costs, and may reduce our subscriber base and increase our churn rate, each of which could adversely affect our business and results of operations."
4B.9a Competitors in the Cellular Services market
There are currently five cellular telephone network operators in Israel: Partner, Cellcom, Pelephone, HOT Mobile, and Xfone. Except for Xfone, these cellular operators are part of the four main telecommunications groups. In addition, there are sixfive active MVNO operators – Golan Telecom,Rami Levy Hashikma Communications Marketing Ltd., (“Rami Levy”), Telzar 019 International Telecommunications Services Ltd. ("Telzar"), Free Telecom Ltd. ("Free Telecom"), Cellact Communications Ltd. ("Cellact") and Lev Anatel Ltd.
We compete principally on the basis of telecommunications servicenetwork quality, brand identity, variety of handsetscustomer service and other equipment, tariffs, value-added services and the quality of customer services.
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The table below sets forth an estimate of each operator’s share of total subscribers in the Israeli cellular market at year-end for the years 20162019 to 2020.2021.
| Estimated Market Shares* | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Estimated Market Shares (%)* | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Partner | 26 | % | 25 | % | 25 | % | 25 | % | 27 | % | 25 | 27 | 28 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Cellcom** | 28 | % | 27 | % | 27 | % | 26 | % | 31 | % | 26 | 31 | 30 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Pelephone | 23 | % | 23 | % | 21 | % | 22 | % | 23 | % | 22 | 23 | 24 | |||||||||||||||||||
| HOT Mobile | 14 | % | 15 | % | 15 | % | 13 | % | 13 | % | 13 | 13 | 13 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Others | 9 | % | 10 | % | 12 | % | 14 | % | 6 | % | 14 | 6 | 5 | |||||||||||||||||||
* Based on Partner subscriber data, as well as information contained in published reports, and public statements issued by other operators.
** Includes Golan Telecom as of 2020.
Cellcom. Cellcom is an Israeli corporation founded in 1994 that is traded both on the Tel Aviv stock exchange as well as NYSE.exchange. Cellcom’s major beneficial shareholder is Discount Investment Corporation Ltd. In August 2011, Cellcom acquired Netvision, an Israeli fixed-line operator. Cellcom operates nationwide cellular telephone networks as well as fixed-line telephony, transmission and data services and has partially deployed LTE.services. In 2014, Cellcom launched OTT television services. In March 2017, Cellcom announced that it received regulatory approval for a networking sharing and hosting services agreement with Xfone. In April 2017, Cellcom announced that following receipt of regulatory approvals, its 3G and 4G networking sharing and 2G hosting services greementagreement with Golan Telecom, came into effect. In March 2019, Cellcom reported entering into definitive agreements for investment in IBC and indefeasible right of use in IBC's fiber-optic infrastructure and a term sheet for the sale of fiber-optic infrastructure in residential areas to IBC, which was approved by the Competition Authority in January 2021 and by the MoC in February 2021. In July 2019, Cellcom reported the completion of the transaction. In June 2020, the Competition Authority approved Cellcom'sCellcom’s purchase of Golan Telecom'sTelecom’s entire share capital. We cannot yet assessTo date, Cellcom’s acquisition of Golan Telecom has not made a significant change in the full impactcompetitive landscape. On February 20, 2022 and on February 21, 2022, Cellcom announced that the MoC and the Competition Authority respectively, approved the transfer of these transactions on our resultsXfone's means of operations.control to the Buyers (as defined below) and the amendment to the network sharing agreement between Cellcom and Xfone.
Pelephone. Pelephone is an Israeli corporation that is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Bezeq, Israel’s largest telecommunications provider and the primary fixed-line operator that is controlled by B Communications Ltd. Unlike Cellcom, Hot and Partner, Pelephone does not sell Internet or TV services.
HOT Mobile. HOT mobile is held indirectly by the Altice Group, a French media group, controlled by Mr. Patrick Drahi, who also holds control of HOT Telecommunications Systems Ltd. (“HOT Telecommunications”). The HOT Group’s main areas of activity are multi-channel television services, fixed-line telephony services, PRI, internet broadband access, transmission and data communications services as well as ISP services through its subsidiary HOT-NET. In January and February 2021, the Competition Authority and the Minister of Communications respectively approved a transaction whereby HOT Telecommunications became an equal partner in IBC, holding indirectly 23.3% of IBC’s share capital. We cannot yet assess the full impact of this transaction on our results of operations.
In April 2015, the MoC approved a 15-year network sharing agreement between Partner and HOT Mobile pursuant to which the parties created a limited partnership to operate and develop a radio access network to be shared by both parties. See “Item 4B.8 Our Network- Cellular Network Sharing Agreement”.
Other Operators
Golan Telecom. Since April 2017, Golan Telecom, is held by Electra Consumer Products Ltd., ("Electra") following the acquisition from Michael Golan, Xavier Niel and the Parienti family. In April 2017, Electra announced that following receipt of regulatory approvals, it finalized the acquisition of Golan Telecom and the 3G and 4G networking sharing and 2G hosting services agreement with Cellcom which came into effect. Golan Telecom began operations in early 2012 after winning a Ministry of Communications’ tender offer for frequencies in the 2100 MHz spectrum. In addition, in2017, Golan Telecom was fully acquired by Electra Consumer Products Ltd., ("Electra"). In August 2020, Cellcom completed the purchase of Golan Telecom's entire share capital.capital from Electra. Following approval of this purchase by the MoC, Golan Telecom was awarded an MVNO license in August 2020, which replaced its cellular license.
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Xfone. Xfone is a privately owned telecommunications company that provides telecommunications services,services. Xfone was awarded a 5MHz frequency band in the 1800 spectrum and entered the market as the sixthfacility-based cellular operator in 2018. Xfone offers cellular services as well as ISP and ILD services.services at competitive prices. In 2021, Xfone was acquired by an investment consortium led by the Clearmark Fund, a local private equity fund (the "Buyers"). At this point in time, there is no way to estimate the impact of this purchase on the competitive landscape.
MVNOs. The Ministry of Communications has granted MVNO licenses to various companies, some of which have entered into hosting agreements with cellular operators. The major MVNOs are Golan Telecom, which is now fully owned by Cellcom; Rami Levy, which is a subsidiary of a major Israeli discount supermarket chain; Telzar, an ILD operator, and Cellact which is owned by Cellact Ltd., a communications group active also in the content field.
In May 2013, we signed an MVNO agreement with Telzar with respect to their use of Partner’s network as an MVNO.
In addition, Paltel operates a GSM mobile telephone network under the name “Jawwal” in the Palestinian Administered Areas.Areas, Paltel and Wataniya operate GSM mobile telephone networka. Paltel also operates a fixed-line network. Paltel’s GSM network, which operates under the name "Jawwal", competes with our network in some border coverage overlap areas. A second Palestinian operator, Wataniya launched its GSM network during 2009.
Several service providers offer competitive roaming solutions. The service is offered, among others, by the International Long Distance vendors as well as by specialized enterprises.
Market Saturation.Because the Israeli cellular market has reached a level of full saturation, except for natural market growth through the growth of population, any acquisition of new subscribers by any service provider typically results in a loss of market share for its competitors. This zero sum game (set-aside for population growth), together with the minimal switching complexity, is the main driver of the fierce competitive nature of the local mobile market.
4B.9b Competitors in Fixed-line Services
In the fixed-line market, our main competitors are Bezeq, Israel’s largest telecommunications provider and the primary fixed-line operator, HOT Telecom, and other telecommunication services providers, including Cellcom who operate in the fixed-line market. The Bezeq Group, the HOT Group and Cellcom provide cellular telephony services, ILD services, PRI, internet broadband access, ISP services, transmission and data communications services and multi-channel television services.
We compete principally on the basis of the variety of telecommunications services and offers which include bundled and triple service packages, service quality, brand identity, the variety of handsets and other equipment, tariffs and value-added services.
The Bezeq Group. The Bezeq Group is under structural separation rules which apply to management, employees, assets, marketing and finance, and data systems. Starting in 2010, the Ministry of Communications has allowed the Bezeq Group to market bundled telecommunications services to the private sector, subject to certain conditions and limitations, including provisions which prevent Bezeq from discounting the price of bundled services from their unbundled prices and from including its fixed-line telephony service within bundles. See “Item 4B.2- Broadband and Internet services.” Following implementation of the broadband wholesale market, the requirement for structural separation may be removed or eased, which would allow Bezeq to take advantage of its nationwide presence and cross-subsidization to market and sell more competitive and attractive offers than we will be able to offer. Bundled offerings have become more frequent in Israel and have caused price erosion in the services included. See “Item 3D.1a If the structural separation provisions which apply to Bezeq are not enforced or are removed (in part or in whole) before we have established ourselves in the fixed-line and TV markets, this would adversely affect our business and results of operations.”
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The HOT Group. The HOT Group may offer a bundle of services only including fixed-line telephony, broadband infrastructure and multi-channel television (“Triple”). The bundle of services currently offered by the HOT Group may also include Cellular and ILD services, subject to the MoC's approval.
The Ministry of Communications allowed HOT Telecom LLP, HOT Telecommunication and HOT Mobile to sell and market each other’s services and exchange information regarding such marketing activities.
Once an effective wholesale fixed-line market is operating, the Ministry of Communications may cancel the structural separation imposed on the Bezeq and HOT Groups. This will allow the groups to offer attractive bundles that include all of the above services that may result in a loss of market share by Partner in all relevant telecom markets. See “Item 3D.1a If the structural separation provisions which apply to Bezeq are not enforced or are removed (in part or in whole) before we have established ourselves in the fixed-line and TV markets, this would adversely affect our business and results of operations.”
The Cellcom Group. Cellcom provides landline telephony, transmission, PRI, ISP and data services through inland fiber-optic transmission and complementary microwave links to business customers and private sectors. Since February 2015, Cellcom began marketing an ADSL infrastructure product (wholesale Bit Stream Access service provided over Bezeq's network). During 2015, Cellcom entered the television market using hybrid OTT-DTT television services which may be bundled with additional IP TV or over the top (OTT) offerings. In August 2020, Cellcom completed the purchase of Golan Telecom's entire share capital.
In the ILD services market, we compete with Netvision from the Cellcom Group, Bezeq International, Xfone, Hashikma Communications Marketing Ltd., Telzar 019 International Telecommunication Service Ltd, Golan Telecom International Ltd. and HOT Mobile International Telecommunications Ltd.
In the ISP services market, we compete with Netvision, Bezeq International, HOT Net from the HOT Group, Xfone, Triple C Cloud Computing Company Ltd., Telzar 019 International Telecommunication Service Ltd, Qwick linq 011 International Ltd., and 099 Primo Communications Ltd.
In the TV services market, we compete with Yes, a subsidiary of Bezeq, which offers TV services provided via satellite and via OTT; In 2019 Bezeq announced that Yes will migrate its satellite based broadcasting TV services to OTT, HOT that offers TV services provided via cable and via OTT and Cellcom that offers hybrid OTT-DTT TV services and Triple C Cloud Computing Company Ltd. that offers TV services via OTT. services.
In addition, there are international VOD content providers that offer complementary TV content. See also “Item 4B.2 Special characteristics of the Fixed-Line Telecommunications Industry in Israel”. Specifically, we anticipate the launch of several subscription video on demand (SVOD) services in Israel in the next few years, including, but not restricted to, Disney+, Paramount+, HBO Max and others. These services are expected to increase the intensity of competition in the market for TV services in Israel.
Israel Broadband Company (IBC). IBC received a general license for the provision of fixed-line telecom services (infrastructure) and for the establishment of a nationwide fiber-optic network using the Israeli Electric Company’s infrastructure in August 2013. Although IBC is in principle permitted to provide its services only to other telecommunications licensees on a wholesale basis, IBC has introduced a new business model which enables it to reach the retail market through the services of ISPs who sign agreements with them. Initially, IBC had agreements with the relatively small ISPs, however in March 2019, Cellcom reported entering into definitive agreements for investment in IBC and indefeasible right of use in IBC's fiber-optic infrastructure and a term sheet for the sale of fiber-optic infrastructure in residential areas to IBC, which was completed in July 2019. In August 2018, the MoC announced its decision to allow IBC to apply for a new license, thereby replacing its universal deployment obligation with an obligation to reach only 40% of Israel's households within 10 years from the grant of such license. In January 2020, the MOCMoC published a consultation in which it proposed that IBC would be allowed to offer its infrastructure services directly to end-users in bundles which include the ISP services of other suppliers. The MOCMoC also proposed that IBC would be allowed to offer its infrastructure services and ISP services directly to the business segment. However, the MOCMoC did not cancel IBC's exclusive right to use the Israeli Electric Company’s infrastructure nor did it require IBC to pay back the NIS 150 million grant which it received from the State. In January 2021, the Competition Authority approved HOT's acquisition of a 23.3% stake in IBC which was approved by the MoC in February 2021 and which will require IBC among other things to expand its universal deployment obligation to reach 68% of Israel's households within 5 years from the grant of its license. See "Item 4B.12e - ix Approval of the HOT-IBC Merger".
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4B.10 INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
We depend upon a wide range of information technology systems to support network management, subscriber registration and billing, customer service, marketing and management functions. These systems execute critical tasks for our business, from rating and billing of calls, to monitoring our points of sale and network sites, to managing highly segmented marketing campaigns. We have devoted resources to expanding and enhancing our information technology systems, including Customer Relations Management (“CRM”) systems, which have contributed to our customers’ satisfaction with our service, as well as updating our financial management and accounting system. We believe these systems are an important factor in our business success.
While many of our systems have been developed by third-party vendors, all of them have been modified and refined to suit our particular needs. In certain instances, we have developed critical information technology capabilities internally to meet our specific requirements. In connection with our transformation into a diversified multi-service communications provider, we have completed significant milestones in our CRM upgrade project. In addition, the Company invested resources to improve the quality of the IT processes and billing accuracy.
4B.11 INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
We are the registered owners of the trademark “Partner”in Israel with respect to telecommunications-related devices and services, as well as additional trademarks. We have also registered several internet Web domain names, including, among others: www.partner.co.il.012 Smile is the registered owner of several trademarks in Israel with respect to telecommunications-related services that include the numbers “012”. In addition, 012 Smile has registered several internet Web domain names, including, among others, www.012.net and www.012.net.il. Partner is the assignee in a patent application filed in 2012 that claims a method for delivering short messages originated by roaming prepaid subscribers. A Notice of Allowance was issued for the application in 2013 and a patent was issued in 2014.
In addition, we are a full member of the GSMA Association. In conjunction with the promotion and operation of our GSM network, we have the right to use their relevant intellectual property, such as the GSM trademark and logo, security algorithms, roaming agreement templates, and billing transfer information file formats. We are eligible to remain a member of the GSMA Association for as long as we are licensed to provide GSM service.
4B.12 REGULATION
4B.12a Overview
We operate within Israel primarily under the Telecommunications Law, the Wireless Telegraphy Ordinance (New Version), 1972 (the “Wireless Telegraphy Ordinance”), the regulations promulgated by the Ministry of Communications and our telecommunication licenses. The Ministry of Communications issues the licenses which grant the right to establish and operate mobile telephone and other telecommunication services in Israel, and sets the terms by which such services are provided. The regulatory framework under which we operate consists also of the Companies Law, the Securities Law, the Planning and Building Law, the Consumer Protection Law, 1981, and the Non-Ionizing Radiation Law. Additional areas of Israeli law may be relevant to our operations, including antitrust law, specifically the Economic Competition Law, 1988 (previously titled the Restrictive Trade Practices Law, 1988) the Class Actions Law, 2006, the Centralization Law, 2013 and administrative law.
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4B.12b Telecommunications Law
The principal law governing telecommunications in Israel is the Telecommunications Law and related regulations. The Telecommunications Law prohibits any entity, other than the State of Israel, from providing public telecommunications services without a license issued by the Ministry of Communications.
General licenses, which relate to telecommunications activities over a public network or for the granting of nationwide services or international telecommunications services, have been awarded to the Bezeq Group, to the HOT Group, to other cellular operators besides Partner and to the international operators. In addition, the Ministry of Communications has granted MVNO licenses to a number of companies. During 2015 and 2016, the Ministry of Communications substituted almost all of the MVNO licenses and all general licenses for ILD services and unique-general licenses for fixed line services, with a single type of general unified license which governs all the services regulated under all of such licenses.
The Ministry of Communications has the authority to amend the terms of any license. The grounds to be considered in connection with such an amendment are government telecommunications policy, public interest, the suitability of the licensee to perform the relevant services, the promotion of competition in the telecommunications market, the level of service and changes in technology. The Ministry of Communications may also make the award of certain benefits, such as new spectrum, conditional upon the licensee’s consent to a license amendment. The Ministry of Communications also has the authority to revoke, limit or suspend a license at the request of the licensee or when the licensee is in breach of a fundamental condition of the license, when the licensee is not granting services under the license or is not granting services at the appropriate grade of service or when the licensee has been declared bankrupt or an order of liquidation has been issued with respect to the licensee. Public interest may also be grounds for the rescission or suspension of a license.
The Ministry of Communications, with the consent of the Ministry of Finance, may also promulgate regulations to determine interconnect tariffs, or formulae for calculating such tariffs. Moreover, the Ministry of Communications may, if interconnecting parties fail to agree on tariffs, or if regulations have not been promulgated, set the interconnect tariff based on cost plus a reasonable profit, a benchmark (derived from relevant retail prices in Israel or abroad), or based on each of the interconnecting networks bearing its own costs.
The Telecommunications Law also includes certain provisions which may be applied by the Ministry of Communications to general licensees, including rights of way which may be accorded to general licensees to facilitate the building of telecommunications networks or systems and a partial immunity against civil liability which may be granted to a general licensee, exempting the licensee, among others, from tort liability with the exception of direct damage caused by the suspension of a telecommunications service and damage stemming from intentional or grossly negligent acts or omissions of the licensee. The Ministry of Communications has applied the partial immunity provisions to us, including immunity in the event that we cause a mistake or change in a telecommunication message, unless resulting from our intentional act or gross negligence. The Ministry of Communications initiated a review to re-evaluate the scope of the immunity provisions.
The Ministry of Communications is authorized to impose significant monetary sanctions on a license holder that breaches a provision of the Telecommunications Law or of its license.
Frequency Fees. In August 2020, the Ministry of Communications informed the Company of the results of the frequencies tender published by the MoC and the award of 10 MHz in the 700 MHz frequency band, 20 MHz in the 2600 MHz frequency band and 100 MHz in the 3500 MHz frequency band to the Company and HOT Mobile, at a total price of NIS 62.38 million which shall be paid equally by the Company and HOT Mobile in September 2022. The frequencies were received in September 2020, and as a result, the Company recognized an intangible asset at a discounted amount of NIS 30 million against other non-current liabilities. The tender documents entitled the Company to a grant of NIS 37 million which is expected to be received in October 2022. As of December 31, 2020, an immaterial amount was recognized thereof in non-current prepaid expenses and other assets against property and equipment. Under the Telegraph Regulations, the Company is committedobliged to pay an annual fixed fee for each frequencyband of frequencies used. Following the above mentioned tender completion,for 5G frequencies, the Telegraph Regulations were amended, reducing the frequency fees for existing frequencies, subject to certain conditions, and establishing fees for the new frequencies received.received as part of the tender. Under the above regulations should the Company choose to return a frequency, such payment iswould no longer be due. For the years 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2020,2021, the Company recorded frequency fee expenses in a total amount of approximately NIS 7679 million, NIS 7975 million and NIS 7566 million, respectively.Therespectively. The total amount of frequency fees of both the Company and HOT Mobile under the regulations are divided between the Company and HOT Mobile, through PHI, according to the OPEX-CAPEX mechanism (see also note 9 to the consolidated financial statements).
Royalties. Pursuant to the Communications Regulations (Telecommunications and Broadcasting) (Royalties), 2001, royalties may be payable to the State of Israel calculated as a percentage of relevant revenues. However, since 2013 the royalty rate has been set at 0%.
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4B.12c Fair Competition and the Economic Competition Law
Provisions prohibiting Partner from engaging in anti-competitive practices can be found in our license and in the licenses of the other telecommunications operators, in the various telecommunications regulations and in the Economic Competition Law. Our license emphasizes the principle of granting users equal access to the systems of each of the operators upon equitable terms. The Telecommunications Law also provides certain protection against disruption of telecommunications services.
The Economic Competition Law is the principal statute concerning restrictive practices, mergers and monopolies. This law prohibits a monopoly from abusing its market position in a manner that might reduce competition in the market or negatively affect the public. The law empowers the Director General of the Competition Authority to instruct a monopoly abusing its market power to perform certain acts or to refrain from certain acts in order to prevent the abuse. Bezeq has been declared a monopoly in certain markets. HOT has been declared a monopoly in the multi-channel television market.
4B.12d Securities Administrative Enforcement and Antitrust Enforcement
The Israeli Securities Authority, or ISA may impose various civil enforcement measures, including financial sanctions, payment to the harmed party, prohibition of the violator from serving as an executive officer for a certain period of time, annulment or suspension of licenses, approvals and permits granted under securities and securities-related laws and adopt an agreed settlement mechanism as an alternative for a criminal or administrative proceeding. In case of a violation by a corporation, the Israeli Securities laws provide for additional responsibility of the Chief Executive Officer in some cases, unless certain conditions have been met, including the existence of procedures for the prevention of the violation, as part of an internal enforcement plan. The Company is prohibited from insuring, paying or indemnifying directors or senior officers for financial sanctions imposed on them subject to certain exemptions set forth in the law.
The Company has implemented an internal enforcement plan and has implemented an internal antitrust enforcement plan intended to ensure that all relevant parties in the Company comply with antitrust laws and regulations. The Company provides ongoing guidance and training to the Company's directors, office holders and relevant employees.
4B.12e Regulatory Developments
See also “Item 3D.1 RISKS RELATING TO THE REGULATION OF OUR INDUSTRY” for a discussion of how recent regulatory developments create risks for our financial condition, business and results of operations.
| 4B.12e - i |
In February 2022, the Ministry of Communications renewed the Company's cellular license for an additional period of ten years until February 1, 2032.
| 4B.12e - ii | Decision regarding the shutdown of |
In August 2020,June 2021, the Ministry of Communications published its decision regarding the framework for the shutdown of 2G and 3G networks (the "Old Technologies"). The MoC's decision has set the following rules, among other things: (a) the termination of Old Technologies services on December 31, 2025 (or on an earlier date, at the Company's request, subject to certain conditions); (b) a ban on the import of cellular devices that support the Old Technologies as of January 1, 2022; (c) prohibition of connecting an existing subscriber or a new subscriber with equipment operating on the Old Technologies as of January 1, 2023 (except for security forces equipment). As part of its decision regarding the shutdown of the Old Technologies networks, the MoC informeddecided that the Companyallotment of the results of the frequencies tender and the award of 10 MHz in the 700 MHz frequency band, 20 MHz in the 2600 MHz frequency band and 100 MHz in the 3500 MHz frequency band to the Company and HOT Mobile, at a total price of NIS 62,380,000 million which shall be paid in equal partspreviously used by the Company for the Old Technologies (in the 900, 1800 and HOT Mobile. The tender documents entitled2100 Mhz bands) shall not expire during the year 2022 but be extended until December 31, 2030. According to the decision, this extension is intended to allow the Company to invest in newer technologies (4G and 5G) for use in these frequencies.
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| 4B.12e - iii | Approval of the Bezeq – Yes merger |
In March 2014, the Competition Commissioner approved a grant of NIS 37 million which is expected to be received in October 2022merger between Bezeq and its subsidiary, Yes, a multi-channel pay TV provider, subject to certain conditions. During the approvalyear 2020, the Bezeq group requested that the Competition Authority cancel some of the MoC. Partner operatesconditions set in the merger decision, due to the changes that have taken place in the relevant markets since 2014. In April 2021, and after it conducted a joint radio network with Hot Mobile., throughpublic consultation on this matter, the joint venture P.H.I. Networks (2015) LP, in accordanceCompetition Commissioner decided to allow Bezeq's subsidiaries (Pelephone, Yes and Bezeq International) to sell communication packages that include Internet infrastructure, Internet service provider (ISP) and TV services without the obligation to sell the TV services at a separate price that will be uniform for package buyers and non-package buyers. These changes may allow Bezeq’s subsidiaries to better market and package their services with the network sharing agreement betweenservices provided by Bezeq. With regard to exclusivity arrangements, the two companies.Commissioner decided to amend the terms of its merger approval so that Bezeq and Yes would be allowed greater flexibility in purchasing foreign content (excluding sports content, to which the ban on exclusivity shall remain in force).
| 4B.12e - | Folkman Committee Recommendations |
In September 2020, the Minister of Communications appointed a committee assigned with re-examining the overall regulatory regime applicable to the broadcasting segment in Israel (the “Folkman Committee”). In July 2021, the Folkman Committee submitted its recommendations to the Minister of Communications. The Folkman Committee's report includes, among other things, recommendations regarding the following issues:
The establishment of a single regulatory authority for commercial broadcasting (which would replace the Council for Cable and Satellite Broadcasting and the Second Authority Council);
The single regulatory authority will regulate all audiovisual content providers, including TV content services which are provided over the Internet ("OTT"), such as those of the Company, and which are currently unregulated;
Regulation would be applied to audiovisual content providers in a gradual manner, in accordance with their annual income: (1) all audiovisual content providers (regardless of their annual income) would be subject to rules regarding ethics and a ban on exclusivity in sports programming, rules concerning accessibility would be applied gradually (in accordance with annual income); (2) an audiovisual content provider with an annual income of more than NIS 300 million would be subject to a license and would be required to invest between 4% to 6.5% of its annual income in specific local production genres; (3) an audiovisual content provider with an annual income of more than NIS 600 million would be required to invest 6.5% of its annual income in specific local production genres.
The Folkman Committee's recommendations have been adopted by the Minister of Communications and their implementation would involve various amendments to legislation. The Ministry of Communications is due to prepare a draft bill for this purpose during the first half of 2022.
| 4B.12e - v | Decision regarding a reform in the structure of the Internet Market |
The fixed internet access market in Israel is currently divided into two tiers of services: infrastructure services and ISP service. This split was intended to allow entry of new competitors, which provide services over Bezeq's and HOT Telecom’s infrastructure.
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In June 2021, the Minister of Communications published its decision regarding the abolition of the split between the infrastructure service and the ISP service. The decision is aimed at ending the split of this segment into two tiers and allowing Bezeq and Hot Telecom to market a unified product (comprised of both infrastructure and ISP components). The decision lays out several stages for implementation, as follows:
Bezeq and Hot Telecom are to submit an agreement containing Key Performance Indicators (“KPIs”) and agreed compensation provisions with an access seeker (an ISP licensee with at least 10,000 active subscribers in the wholesale market;(
In September, 2021 the MoC announced that the agreement submitted by Bezeq (after the MoC made several alterations to its terms) is reasonable and therefore is approved as a binding "shelf offer" which will apply to all access seekers. In this announcement the MoC also informed that a separate announcement will be made in relation to the process regarding Hot Telecom (no such announcement has been made to date);
From September to December 2021, a "calibration stage" will apply, during which Bezeq and access seekers shall report on the KPIs on a monthly basis. In January 2022, the MoC announced the completion of the "calibration stage".
At the end of the calibration stage, a "preparation stage" of three months will apply during which the agreed compensation mechanism will be first implemented (alongside the KPIs;(
At the end of the "preparation stage", on April, 3, 2022, Bezeq will be allowed to market a unified product (comprised of both infrastructure and ISP components) to household subscribers (the “Effective Date").
From the Effective Date onwards, all new subscribers (and any existing subscribers who wish to alter their existing service plans) may only be offered a unified product. This decision does not apply to the business sector, where the split between the infrastructure services and ISP service shall remain.
| 4B.12e - vi | First annual incentive tender for the deployment of FTTH networks |
In October 2021, the MoC published its first annual incentive tender for the rollout of FTTH (fiber to the home) networks in non-economically feasible areas where Bezeq has decided not to deploy its FTTH network. The tender process is due to take place at the end of February 2022. The Company is formulating its strategy regarding the incentive tender and has registered to participate in it.
| 4B.12e - vii | First annual payment to the incentive fund for deployment of FTTH networks |
The MoC has established a fund for incentivizing the rollout of FTTH networks in non-economically feasible areas where Bezeq has decided not to deploy its FTTH network (the "Incentive Fund"). The Incentive Fund is funded by a tax on all relevant telecommunications operators (including Bezeq and Partner) at an annual rate of 0.5% of income (deducting Interconnection fees and fees paid for use of other operators’ networks). In October 2021, the MoC notified the Company that its first annual payment to the Incentive Fund was to be NIS 12 million, to be paid by the end of the year.
| 4B.12e - viii | Reform regarding communication devices |
A recent reform of the MoC that amended the Planning and Building Law with respect to communication devices, is intended to facilitate cellular operators' ability to deploy telecommunication infrastructure. As part of the reform, the cellular infrastructure has been classified as a national infrastructure and as such the Licensing Authority of the National Infrastructure Committee has been authorized to discuss and approve communication devices. The reform includes exemptions from building permits in the following cases (subject to various conditions):
for communication devices that do not exceed 6 meters or 2/3 of the height of the building on which it is placed (the lower of the two);
for replacement of broadcasting devices; and
for the addition of an antenna to an existing device which has been granted a permit.
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| 4B.12e - ix | MoC’s update to Bezeq's wholesale BSA tariffs applicable to its existing copper network |
In December 2020,2021, the MoC published an update to Bezeq’s wholesale tariffs applicable to the BSA (bit stream access) service provided over its existing copper network. The tariffs for this service are composed of a fixed monthly per-line tariff and a variable monthly tariff (which depends on the cumulative peak capacity of data consumed by the relevant subscribers during said month). In its update of these tariffs, the MoC reducedraised the fixed per-line tariff from 36 NIS 30.6 per month to 30.6 NIS 32.7 per month, and substantially reducedraised the capacity tariff from 10.2 NIS 6.5 per Mbps per month to 6.5 NIS 8.2 per Mbps per month.
| 4B.12e - |
| Approval of the HOT-IBC Merger |
In September 2020, Cellcom announced that it, together with the Israel Infrastructure Fund, entered into an investment transaction with Hot Telecommunication Systems Ltd ("HOT") in IBC Israel Broadband (2013) Ltd (“IBC”). According to Cellcom’s announcement, HOT shall become an equal partner in IBC, and hold indirectly 23.3% of IBC’s share capital. In January 2021, the Competition Commissioner granted its approval for the transaction. In February 2021, The Minister of Communications granted its approval for the transaction under the following conditions, among others:
IBC will be required to deploy its network to 1.7 million households within 5 years;
IBC will be required to provide a "shelf offer" to any operator interested in purchasing its services. This shelf offer will include the services and the terms specified in IBC’s IRU Agreements with Cellcom and HOT and be subject to a minimum obligation regarding the number of lines to be purchased and offer a reduced tariff to any operator purchasing 5% or more of lines from the total number of households accessible to IBC’s network;
IBC would also be obliged to offer up to a 10% discount on its wholesale prices to any operator who would purchase over 15,000 lines.
| 4B.12e - | Hearings and Examinations |
The Ministry of Communications and other regulators have also conducted hearings and examinations on various matters related to our business, such as:
| • | Hearing regarding a potential reduction in interconnection tariffs. In September 2021, the MoC published a hearing outlining its intention to gradually reduce interconnection tariffs (for both mobile and fixed-line calls) over a period of three years, after which interconnection payments will be cancelled and each operator will bear its own costs for calls terminating on its network (a "bill and keep" regime). The Company filed its position regarding this hearing and argued against the change to the current tariff regime and against the suggested reduction timeline. |
| • |
| 4B.12e - | Anti-Trust |
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4B.12f Our Mobile Telephone License
On April 7, 1998, the Ministry of Communications granted to us a general license to establish and operate a mobile telephone network in Israel as well as offer roaming services outside the State of Israel.
Under the terms of the license, we have provided a NIS 5 million (US$ 2 million) guarantee to the State of Israel to secure the Company’s adherence to the terms of the license.
Our license allocates to us specified frequencies and telephone numbers.
Term. Our license was originally valid for a period of ten years (until April 2008), but has beenand after being extended until 2022. 2022, the Ministry of Communications renewed the license in November 2021 for an additional period of ten years until February 2032.
At the end of this period, the license may be extended for additional ten-year periods upon our request to the Ministry of Communications, and a confirmation from the MoC that we have met the following performance requirements:
observing the provisions of the Telecommunications Law, the Wireless Telegraphy Ordinance, the regulations and the provisions of our license;
acting to continuously improve our mobile telephone services, their scope, availability, quality and technology, and that there has been no act or omission by us harming or limiting competition in the mobile telephone sector;
having the ability to continue to provide mobile telephone services of a high standard and to implement the required investments in the technological updating of our system in order to improve the scope of such services, as well as their availability and quality; and
using the spectrum allocated to us efficiently, compared to alternative applications.
We believe that we will be able to receive an extension to the license upon request.
Our license may also be revoked, limited or altered by the Ministry of Communications if we have failed to uphold our obligations under the Telecommunications Law, the Wireless Telegraphy Ordinance or the regulations, or have committed a substantial breach of the license conditions. Examples of the principal undertakings identified in our license in this connection are:
We have illegally ceased, limited or delayed any one of our services;
Any means of control in Partner or control of Partner has been transferred in contravention of our license;
We fail to invest the required amounts in the establishment and operation of the mobile radio telephone system in accordance with our undertakings to the Ministry of Communications;
We have harmed or limited competition in the area of mobile radio telephone services;
A receiver or temporary liquidator is appointed for us, an order is issued for our winding up or we have decided to voluntarily wind up; or
| • | Partner, an Office Holder in Partner or an Interested Party in Partner or an Office Holder in an Interested Party of Partner is an Interested Party in a competing mobile radio telephone operator or is an Office Holder in a competing mobile radio telephone operator or in an interested party in a competing mobile radio telephone operator without first obtaining a permit from the Ministry of Communications to do so or has not fulfilled one of the conditions included in such permit. See “Item 4B.12f Our Mobile Telephone License-Our Permit Regarding Cross Ownership.” |
Our license authorizes us on a non-exclusive basis to establish and operate a mobile telephone network in Israel. The Ministry of Communications amended our license in August 2020 to include the provision of 4G and 5G services in the 700, 900, 1800, 2100, 2600 and 3500 MHZ spectrum and to allow us access network sharing with HOT Mobile, another cellular operator.
License Conditions. Our license imposes many conditions on our conduct.
We must at all times be a company registered in Israel.
Our founding shareholders and their approved substitutes must hold, in the aggregate, at least 26% of each of our means of control. Furthermore, the maintenance of at least 26% of our means of control by our founding shareholders and their approved substitutes allows Partner to be protected from a license breach that would result from a transfer of shares for which the authorization of the Ministry of Communications was required, but not obtained.
Until February 2021, our general mobile telephone license included two additional obligations:
at least 5% of our issued and outstanding share capital and of each of our means of control had to have been held by Israeli entities from among our founding shareholders and their approved substitutes See "Item 3D.1l Our cellular telephone license imposes certain obligations on our shareholders and restrictions on who can own our shares. Ensuring compliance with these obligations and restrictions may be outside our control. If the obligations or restrictions are not respected by our shareholders, we could be subject to significant monetary sanctions or lose our license." “Israeli entities” are defined as individuals who are citizens and residents of Israel and entities formed in Israel and controlled, directly or indirectly, by individuals who are citizens and residents of Israel, provided that indirect control is only through entities formed in Israel, unless otherwise approved by the Israeli Prime Minister or Minister of Communications.substitutes;
However, on July 7, 2020, the MoC published an amendment to our cellular telephone license imposes certainwhich provides that these two obligations on our shareholders and restrictions on who can own our shares. Ensuring compliance with these obligations and restrictions may be outside our control. Ifreplaced by an order issued by virtue of the obligations or restrictions are not respected by our shareholders, we could be subject to significant monetary sanctions or lose our license.
Communications Law (Telecommunications and Broadcasting), 1982. During February 2021, the Company was issued with such an order, replacing the two abovementioned obligations.Matters relating to national security shall be dealt with only by a Board of Directors' committee that has been formed for that purpose. The committee includes at least 4 members, of which at least one is an external director. Only directors with the required clearance and those deemed appropriate by Israel’s General Security Service may be members of this committee. Resolutions approved by this committee shall be deemed adopted by the Board of Directors.
The Ministry of Communications shall be entitled to appoint an observer to the Board of Directors and its committees, subject to certain qualifications and confidentiality undertakings.
Contracting with Customers. Pursuant to our license, we have submitted our standard agreement with customers to the Ministry of Communications for their examination. To date, we have not received any comments from the Ministry of Communications regarding this agreement.
Tariffs. Our license requires us to submit to the Ministry of Communications information regarding our tariffs (and any changes in our tariffs) before they enter into effect. Our license allows us to set and change our tariffs for outgoing calls and any other service without approval of the Ministry of Communications. However, the Ministry of Communications may intervene in our tariffs if it finds that our tariffs unreasonably harm consumers or competition.
Payments. Our license specifies the payments we may charge our subscribers. These include one-time installation fees, one-time SIM card payments, fixed monthly payments, airtime fees, payments for the use of other telecommunication systems, payments for handset maintenance and payments for additional services. In some of our tariff plans we have chosen to charge only for airtime and use of services. See “Item 4B.5c Tariff Plans.”
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Interconnection. Like the licenses of Pelephone, Cellcom and HOT Mobile, our license requires that we interconnect our mobile telephone network to other telecommunications networks operating in Israel, including that of Bezeq and other domestic fixed-line operators, the other mobile telephone operators and the international operators.
Conversely, we must allow other network operators to interconnect to our network. See “Item 4B.6h4B.8h Interconnection”.
Service Approval. The Ministry of Communications has the authority to require us to submit for approval details of any of our services (including details concerning tariffs). In addition, we are required to inform the Ministry of Communications prior to the activation of any service on a specified list of services.
Access to Infrastructure. The Ministry of Communications has the power to require us, like the other telephone operators in Israel, to offer access to our network infrastructure to other operators. We may also be required to permit other operators to provide value-added services using our network.
Universal Service. We are required to provide any service with the same coverage as our existing network. According to our license, we are required to meet certain coverage requirements for our 3G, 4G and 5G services.
Territory of License. In May 2000, we were also granted a license from the Israeli Civil Administration, to provide mobile services to the Israeli populated areas in the West Bank. The license is effective until February 1, 2022.2023. The provisions of the general license described above, including as to its extension, generally apply to this license, subject to certain modifications. We believe that that we will be able to receive an extension to this license upon request.
Transfer of license, assets and means of control. Our license may not be transferred, mortgaged or attached without the prior approval of the Ministry of Communications.
We may not sell, lease or mortgage any of the assets which serve for the implementation of our license without the prior approval of the Ministry of Communications, other than in favor of a banking corporation which is legally active in Israel, and in accordance with the conditions of our license.
Our license provides that no direct or indirect control of Partner may be acquired, at one time or through a series of transactions, and no means of control may be transferred in a manner which results in a transfer of control, without the consent of the Ministry of Communications. Furthermore, no direct or indirect holding of 10% or more of any means of control may be transferred or acquired at one time or through a series of transactions, without the consent of the Ministry of Communications. In addition, no shareholder of Partner may permit a lien to be placed on shares of Partner if the foreclosure on such lien would cause a change in the ownership of 10% or more of any of Partner’s means of control unless such foreclosure is made subject to the consent of the Ministry of Communications. For purposes of our license, “means of control” means any of:
voting rights in Partner;
the right to appoint a director or managing director of Partner;
the right to participate in Partner’s profits; or
the right to share in Partner’s remaining assets after payment of debts when Partner is wound up.
Each of our ordinary shares and ADSs is considered a means of control in Partner.
In addition, Partner, any entity in which Partner is an Interested Party, as defined below, an Office Holder, as defined below, in Partner or an Interested Party in Partner or an Office Holder in an Interested Party in Partner may not be a party to any agreement, arrangement or understanding which may reduce or harm competition in the area of mobile telephone services or any other telecommunications services.
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In connection with our initial public offering, our license was amended to provide that our entering into an underwriting agreement for the offering and sale of shares to the public, listing the shares for trading, and depositing shares with the depositary or custodian will not be considered a transfer of any means of control, as defined below. Pursuant to the amendment, if the ADSs (or other “traded means of control,” that is, means of control which have been listed for trade or offered through a prospectus and are held by the public) are transferred or acquired in breach of the restrictions imposed by the license with respect to transfer or acquisition of 10% or more of any means of control, we must notify the Ministry of Communications and request the Ministry’s consent within 21 days of learning of the breach. In addition, should a shareholder, other than a founding shareholder, breach these ownership restrictions, or provisions regarding acquisition of control or cross-ownership or cross-control with other mobile telephone operators or shareholdings or agreements which may reduce or harm competition, its shareholdings will be marked as exceptional shares and will be converted into dormant shares, as long as the Ministry’s consent is required but not obtained, with no rights other than the right to receive dividends and other distributions to shareholders, and to participate in rights offerings.
The dormant shares must be registered as dormant shares in our share registry. Any shareholder seeking to vote at a general meeting of our shareholders must notify us prior to the vote, or, if the vote is by deed of vote, must so indicate on the deed of vote, whether or not the shareholder’s holdings in Partner or the shareholder’s vote requires the consent of the Ministry of Communications due to the restrictions on transfer or acquisition of means of control, or provisions regarding cross-ownership or cross-control with other mobile telephone operators or shareholders. If the shareholder does not provide such certification, his instructions shall be invalid and his vote not counted.
The existence of shareholdings which breach the restrictions of our license in a manner which could cause them to be converted into dormant shares and may otherwise provide grounds for the revocation of our license will not serve in and of themselves as the basis for the revocation of our license so long as:
the founding shareholders or their approved substitutes of Partner continue to hold in the aggregate at least 26% of the means of control of Partner;
our Articles of Association include the provisions described in this paragraph;
we act in accordance with such provisions;
our Articles of Association provide that an ordinary majority of the voting power at the general meeting of Partner is entitled to appoint all the directors of Partner other than external directors.
The dormant share mechanism does not apply to our founding shareholders.
The provisions contained in our license are also contained in our Articles of Association. In addition, our Articles of Association contain similar provisions in the event the holdings of shares by a shareholder breaches ownership limits contained in our license.
Revoking, limiting or altering our license. Our license contains several qualifications that we are required to meet. These conditions are designed primarily to ensure that we maintain at least a specified minimum connection to Israel. Other eligibility requirements address potential conflicts of interest and cross-ownership with other Israeli telecommunications operators. The major eligibility requirements are set forth below. A failure to meet these eligibility requirements may lead the Ministry of Communications to revoke, limit or alter our license, after we have been given an opportunity and have failed to remedy it.
Founding shareholders or their approved substitutes must hold at least 26% of the means of control of Partner.
Until February 2021, our general mobile telephone license included two additional obligations:
at least 5% of our issued and outstanding share capital and of each of our means of control had to have been held by Israeli entities from among our founding shareholders and their approved substitutes. See "Item 3D.1l Oursubstitutes;
in addition, at least 10% of our Board of Directors had to be appointed by Israeli entities, provided that if the Board of Directors was comprised of up to 14 members, only one such director must be so appointed, and if the Board of Directors was comprised of between 15 and 24 members, only two such directors must be so appointed.
However, on July 7, 2020, the MoC published an amendment to our cellular telephone license imposes certainwhich provides that these two obligations on our shareholders and restrictions on who can own our shares. Ensuring compliance with these obligations and restrictions may be outside our control. Ifreplaced by an order issued by virtue of the obligations or restrictions are not respected by our shareholders, we could be subject to significant monetary sanctions or lose our license.
Communications Law (Telecommunications and Broadcasting), 1982. During February 2021, the company was issued with such an order, replacing the two abovementioned obligations.60
The majority of our directors, and our general manager, must be citizens and residents of Israel.
Neither the general manager of Partner nor a director of Partner may continue to serve in office if he has been convicted of certain legal offenses.
No trust fund, insurance company, investment company or pension fund that is an Interested Party in Partner may: (a) hold, either directly or indirectly, more than 5% of any means of control in a competing mobile radio telephone operator without having obtained a permit to do so from the Ministry of Communications, or (b) hold, either directly or indirectly, more than 5% of any means of control in a competing mobile radio telephone operator in accordance with a permit from the MoC, and in addition have a representative or appointee who is an Office Holder in a competing mobile radio telephone operator, unless it has been legally required to do so, or (c) hold, either directly or indirectly, more than 10% of any means of control in a competing mobile radio telephone operator, even if it received a permit to hold up to 10% of such means of control.
No trust fund, insurance company, investment company or a pension fund that is an Interested Party in a competing mobile radio telephone operator may: (a) hold, either directly or indirectly, more than 5% of any means of control in Partner, without having obtained a permit to do so from the Ministry of Communications; or (b) hold, directly or indirectly, more than 5% of any means of control in Partner in accordance with a permit from the Ministry of Communications, and in addition have a representative or appointee who is an Office Holder in Partner, unless it has been legally required to do so; or (c) hold, either directly or indirectly, more than 10% of any means of control in Partner, even if it received a permit to hold up to 10% of such means of control.
Partner, an Office Holder or Interested Party in Partner, or an Office Holder in an Interested Party in Partner does not control a competing mobile radio telephone operator, is not controlled by a competing mobile radio telephone operator, by an Office Holder or an Interested Party in a competing mobile radio telephone operator, by an Office Holder in an Interested Party in a competing mobile radio telephone operator, or by a person or corporation that controls a competing mobile radio telephone operator.
Change in license conditions. Under our license, the Ministry of Communications may change, add to, or remove conditions of our license if certain conditions exist, including:
A change has occurred in the suitability of Partner to implement the actions and services that are the subject of our license.
A change in our license is required in order to ensure effective and fair competition in the telecommunications sector.
A change in our license is required in order to ensure the standards of availability and grade of service required of Partner.
A change in telecommunications technology justifies a modification of our license.
A change in the electromagnetic spectrum needs justifies, in the opinion of the Ministry of Communications, changes in our license.
Considerations of public interest justify modifying our license.
A change in government policy in the telecommunications sector justifies a modification of our license.
A change in our license is required due to its breach by Partner.
During an emergency period, control of Partner’s mobile radio telephone system may be assumed by any lawfully authorized person for the security of the State of Israel to ensure the provisions of necessary service to the public, and some of the spectrum granted to us may be withdrawn. In addition, our license requires us to supply certain services to the Israeli defense and security forces. Furthermore, certain of our senior officers are required to obtain security clearance from Israeli authorities.
For the purposes of this discussion, the following definitions apply:
| • | “Office Holder” means a director, manager, company secretary or any other senior officer that is directly subordinate to the general manager. |
| • | “Control” means the ability to, directly or indirectly, direct the activity of a corporation, either alone or jointly with others, whether derived from the governing documents of the corporation, from an agreement, oral or written, from holding any of the means of control in the corporation or in another corporation, or which derives from any other source, and excluding the ability derived solely from holding the office of director or any other office in the corporation. Any person controlling a subsidiary or a corporation held directly by him will be deemed to control any corporation controlled by such subsidiary or by such controlled corporation. It is presumed that a person or corporation controls a corporation if one of the following conditions exist: (1) such person holds, either directly or indirectly, fifty percent (50%) or more of any means of control in the corporation; (2) such person holds, either directly or indirectly, a percentage of any means of control in the corporation which is the largest part in relation to the holdings of the other Interested Parties in the corporation; or (3) such person has the ability to prevent the taking of business decisions in the corporation, with the exception of decisions in the matter of issuance of means of control in a corporation or decisions in the matters of sale or liquidation of most businesses of the corporation, or fundamental changes of these businesses. |
| • | “Controlling Corporation” means a company that has control, as defined above, of a foreign mobile radio telephone operator. |
| • | “Interested Party” means a person who either directly or indirectly holds 5% or more of any type of means of control, including holding as an agent. |
Our Permit Regarding Cross Ownership
Our license generally prohibits cross-control or cross-ownership among competing mobile telephone operators without a permit from the Ministry of Communications. In particular, Partner, an Office Holder or an Interested Party in Partner, as well as an Office Holder in an Interested Party in Partner may not control or hold, directly or indirectly, 5% or more of any means of control of a competing mobile radio telephone operator. Our license also prohibits any competing mobile radio telephone operator or an Office Holder or an Interested Party in a competing mobile radio telephone operator, or an Office Holder in an Interested Party in a competing mobile radio telephone operator or a person or corporation that controls a competing mobile radio telephone operator from either controlling, or being an Interested Party in us.
However, our license, also provides that the Ministry of Communications may permit an Interested Party in Partner to hold, either directly or indirectly, 5% or more in any of the means of control of a competing mobile radio telephone operator if the Ministry of Communications is satisfied that competition will not be harmed, and on the condition that the Interested Party is an Interested Party in Partner only by virtue of a special calculation described in the license and relating to attributed holdings of shareholders deemed to be in control of a corporation.
4B.12g Other Licenses
Unified License. Partner Land-Line, which is fully owned by the Company, was granted a general-unified license in 2016 for the provision of domestic fixed-line telecommunications services, including VoB services using the infrastructure of Bezeq and HOT Telecom to access customers as well as ILD services, ISP services and end-point services. See Exhibit 4.(a).2.1, which is incorporated herein by reference. The license expires in 2027 but may be extended by the Ministry of Communications for successive periods of ten years provided that the licensee has complied with the terms of the license and has acted consistently for the enhancement of telecom services and their enhancement. The general conditions of the mobile telephone license described above, generally apply to this license, subject to certain modifications.
We also have a general-unified license to provide fixed-line services to the Israeli populated areas in the West Bank which is valid until January 2027. The general conditions of the general-unified license granted to Partner Land-Line by the MoC, generally apply to this license, subject to certain modifications.
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ISP License. In March 2001, we received a special license granted by the Ministry of Communications, allowing us through our own facilities to provide internet access to fixed-line network customers. The license is valid until March 2023. We began supplying commercial ISP services beginning in January 2009. We were also granted a special license to provide ISP services to the Israeli populated areas in the West Bank which is valid until March 2023.
PHI License. In 2015, P.H.I Networks (2015) Limited Partnership, the limited partnership that we entered into with Hot Mobile received a special license for the provision of radio cellular infrastructure services to other licensees which is valid until August 2025.The license enables PHI to operate the joint network. PHI was also granted a special license to provide these services to the Israeli populated areas in the West Bank which is valid until August 2025.
Electricity License. In October 2021, we were granted a license from the Ministry of Energy to supply electricity without means of production. The License will allow the Company to purchase electricity for sale to consumers that have online meters. The license is valid until October 2026.
Other Licenses. The Ministry of Communications has granted us a trade license pursuant to the Wireless Telegraphy Ordinance. This license regulates issues of servicing and trading in equipment, infrastructure and auxiliary equipment for our network. We have also been granted a number of encryption licenses that permit us to deal with means of encryption, as provided in the aforementioned licenses, within the framework of providing mobile radio telephone services to the public.
4B.12h Network Site Permits
Permits of the Ministry of Environmental Protection
On January 1, 2006, the Non-Ionizing Radiation Law (5766-2006), which replaced the Pharmacists (Radioactive Elements and Products) Regulations, 1980 regarding matters that pertain to radiation from cellular sites, was enacted. This law defines the various powers of the Ministry of Environmental Protection as they relate, among others, to the grant of permits for network sites and sets standards for permitted levels of non-ionizing radiation emissions and reporting procedures. Pursuant to this law, most of which entered into effect on January 1, 2007, a request for an operating permit from the Ministry of Environmental Protection with respect to either new sites or existing sites would require a building permit for such site(s). The Ministry of Environmental Protection has adopted the International Radiation Protection Agency’s standard as a basis for the consents it gives for the erection and operation of our antennas. This standard is an international standard based upon a number of years of scientific study.
If we continue to face difficulties in obtaining building permits from the local planning and building committee, we may fail to obtain also operation permits from the Ministry of Environmental Protection. Operation of a network site without a permit from the Ministry of Environmental Protection may result in criminal and civil liability to us or to our officers and directors.
Local Building Permits
The Planning and Building Law requires that we receive a building permit for the construction of most of our antennas. The local committee or local licensing authority in each local authority is authorized to grant building permits, provided such permits are in accordance with National Building Plan No. 36 which came into effect on June 15, 2002. The local committee is made up of members of the local municipal council. The local committee is authorized to delegate certain of its powers to subcommittees on which senior members of the local authority may sit.
The local committee examines the manner in which an application for a building permit conforms to the plans applying to the parcel of land that is the subject of the application, and the extent to which the applicant meets the requirements set forth in the Planning and Building Law. The local committee is authorized to employ technical, vista, and aesthetic considerations in its decision-making process. The local committee may grant building permits that are conditioned upon the quality of the construction of the structure, the safety of flight over the structure, and the external appearance of the structure. Every structure located on a certain parcel of land must satisfy the requirements and definitions set forth in the building plan applicable to such parcel.
On January 3, 2006, the National Council for Planning and Building added a new requirement for obtaining a building permit for network sites: the submission of an undertaking to indemnify the local committee for claims relating to the depreciation of the surrounding property value as a result of the construction or existence of the antenna.
A decision by a local committee not to grant a building permit may be appealed to the District Appeals Committee. A person harmed by the ruling of the District Appeals Committee may have such ruling examined judicially by means of an administrative petition to the District Court sitting as an Administrative Affairs Tribunal.
National Building Plan No. 36
National Building Plan No. 36 which came into effect on June 15, 2002 regulates the growth of telecommunications infrastructure in Israel. Chapter A of National Building Plan No. 36 sets forth the licensing requirements for the construction of mobile radio telephone infrastructure. National Building Plan No. 36 also adopts the radiation emission standards set by the International Radiation Protection Agency which were also previously adopted by the Ministry of Environmental Protection. We believe that we currently comply with these standards regarding our sites. National Building Plan No. 36 is in the process of being changed. On June 1, 2010, the National Council for Planning and Building approved the National Building Plan No. 36/A/1 version that incorporates all of the amendments to National Building Plan No. 36 (“the Amended Plan”).
Current proposed changes impose additional restrictions and/or requirements on the construction and operation of network sites, however the Supreme Court accepted the position of the cellular companies and ruled that in accordance with the Amended Plan, network sites may be approved even if these sites are operating in frequencies not specifically detailed in the frequency charts attached to the Amended Plan.
Under the Non-Ionizing Radiation Law, the National Council for Planning and Building was granted the power to determine the level of indemnification for reduction of property value to be undertaken as a precondition for a cellular company to obtain a building permit for a new or existing network site. As a result, the National Council for Planning and Building has decided that until National Building Plan 36 is amended to reflect a different indemnification amount, cellular companies will be required to undertake to indemnify the building and planning committee for 100% of all losses resulting from claims against the committee. Thus, at present, in order to obtain a building permit for a new or existing network site, we must provide full indemnification for the reduction of property value.
The Amended Plan sets forth the indemnification amounts as a percentage of the value of the depreciated property claims in accordance with the manner in which the licenses were granted as follows: If the license was granted in an expedited licensing route, which is intended for installations that are relatively small in accordance with the Amended Plan criteria, then the cellular companies will be required to compensate the local planning committees in an amount of 100% of the value of the depreciated property claim. If the license was granted in a regular licensing route, which is intended for larger installations in accordance with the Amended Plan criteria, then the cellular companies will be required to compensate the local planning committees in an amount of 80% of the value of the depreciated property claim. The Amended Plan is subject to governmental approval, in accordance with the Planning and Building Law. It is unknown when the government intends to approve the Amended Plan.
Other Approvals
The construction of our antennas may be subject to the approval of the Civil Aviation Administration which is authorized to ensure that the construction of our antennas does not interfere with air traffic, depending on the height and location of such antennas. The approval of the Israeli Defense Forces is required in order to coordinate site frequencies so that our transmissions do not interfere with the communications of the Israel Defense Forces.
We, like other cellular operators in Israel, provide repeaters, also known as bi-directional amplifiers, to subscribers seeking an interim solution to weak signal reception within specific indoor locations. In light of the lack of a clear policy of the local planning and building authorities, and in light of the practice of the other cellular operators, we have not requested permits under the Planning and Building Law for the repeaters. However, we have received from the Ministry of Communications an approval to connect the repeaters to our communications network. We have also received from the Ministry of Environmental Protection, the permits that are necessary for the repeaters.
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In addition, we construct and operate microwave links as part of our transmission network. The various types of microwave links receive permits from the Ministry of Environmental Protection in respect of their radiation level. Based on an exemption in the Telecommunications Law, we believe that building permits are not required for the installation of most of these microwave links on rooftops, but if in the future the courts or the relevant regulator determine that building permits are necessary for the installation of these sites, it could have a negative impact on our ability to deploy additional microwave links, and could hinder the coverage, quality and capacity of our transmission network and our ability to continue to market our Fixed-Line Services effectively.
We have received approval from the MoC for selling and distributing all of the handsets and other terminal equipment we sell. The Ministry of Environmental Protection also has authority to regulate the sale of handsets in Israel, and under the Non-Ionizing Radiation Law, certain types of devices, which are radiation sources, including cellular handsets, have been exempted from requiring an approval from the Ministry of Environmental Protection so long as the radiation level emitted during the use of such handsets does not exceed the radiation level permitted under the Non-Ionizing Radiation Law. Since June 2002, we have been required to provide information to purchasers of handsets on the Specific Absorption Rate (“SAR”) levels of the handsets as well as its compliance with certain standards pursuant to a regulation under the Consumer Protection Law. We attach a brochure to each handset that is sold that includes the SAR level of the specific handset. Such brochures are also available at our service centers and the information is also available on the Company’s website. SAR levels are a measurement of non-ionizing radiation that is emitted by a hand-held cellular telephone at its specific rate of absorption by living tissue. While, to the best of our knowledge, the handsets that we market comply with the applicable laws that relate to acceptable SAR levels, we rely on the SAR published by the manufacturer of these handsets and do not perform independent inspections of the SAR levels of these handsets. As the manufacturers’ approvals refer to a prototype handset and not for each and every handset, we have no information as to the actual SAR level of each specific handset and throughout its lifecycle, including in the case of equipment repair.
Under a December 2005 amendment to this procedure, in the event that the SAR level is not measured after the repair of a handset, the repairing entity is required to notify the customer by means of a label affixed to the handset that the SAR may have been altered following the repair, in accordance with the provisions relating to the form of such label set forth in the procedure. A consultant had been retained by the MoC to formulate a recommendation regarding the appropriate manner to implement the procedure for repairing handsets but to date the MoC has not yet issued any guidelines and given the continued delay we inform our customers that there may be changes in the SAR levels.
In November 2005, a procedure was adopted by the MoC with regard to the importation, marketing, and approval for 2G and 2.5G handsets. Prior to the implementation of the procedure, suppliers of 2G and 2.5G handsets in Israel were required to obtain an interim, non-binding approval of the handset type from the relevant cellular operators before receiving final approval from the MoC to supply such handsets in Israel to such operators. Under the procedure, handsets that have already received international certification, such as the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) declaration of conformity and the Conformité Européene (CE), prior to their importation into Israel are now exempt from the requirement of receiving an interim, non-binding approval from the relevant cellular operators in Israel. This could expose us to the risk that handsets not reviewed and approved by us may interfere with the operation of our network.
In addition, this procedure also called for repaired handsets to comply with all applicable standards required for obtaining handset type approval, including standards relating to the safety, electromagnetic levels, and SAR levels.
4C.Organizational Structure
We currently have (i) five directly held wholly-owned subsidiaries, Partner Future Communications 2000 Ltd., an Israeli corporation; Partner Land-Line Communications Solutions LP, an Israeli limited partnership; Partner Business Communications Solutions, LP, an Israeli limited partnership; Get Cell Communication Products LP (formerly Partner Communication Products 2016 LP); and 012 Smile; and Iconz Holdings Ltd;Smile (ii) 012 Smile's wholly-owned subsidiary, 012 Telecom Ltd.; and (iii) a 50% interest in PHI. Partner Future Communications 2000 Ltd. serves as the general partner and the Company serves as the limited partner of each of the limited partnerships.
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In 2013, the Company entered into a 15-year Network Sharing Agreement with HOT Mobile. Pursuant to the Network Sharing Agreement, the parties created a 50-50 limited partnership - P.H.I. Networks (2015) Limited Partnership, which will operate and develop a cellular network to be shared by both parties, starting with a pooling of both parties’ radio access network infrastructures to create a single shared radio access network. The parties have also established a 50-50 company under the name Net 4 P.H.I Ltd. to be the general partner of the limited partnership. See “Item 4B.8 Our Network”.
4D. Property, Plant and Equipment
Headquarters
We lease our headquarter facilities in Rosh Ha-ayin, Israel, with a total of approximately 51,177 gross square meters (including parking lots). A recentAn amendment to the lease agreements for its headquarters facility in Rosh Ha’ayin was signed, according to which the lease term is extended until the end of 2034. The rental payments are linked to the Israeli CPI. We also lease call centers in several cities. The leases for each site have different lengths and specific terms. We believe that our current call center facilities are adequate for the foreseeable future, and that we will be able to extend the leases or obtain alternate or additional facilities, if needed, on acceptable commercial terms.
Network
For a description of our telecommunications network, see “Item 4B.8 Our Network” above.
We lease most of the sites where our mobile telecommunications network equipment is installed throughout Israel. At December 31, 2020,2021, we had 3,0443,181 network sites (including micro-sites). The lease agreements relating to our network sites are generally for periods of two to ten years. We have the option to extend the lease periods up to ten years (including the original lease period).
The erection and operation of most of these network sites requires building permits from local or regional zoning authorities, as well as a number of additional permits from governmental and regulatory authorities, and we have had difficulties in obtaining some of these permits.
Difficulties obtaining required permits could continue and therefore affect our ability to maintain cell network sites. In addition, as we grow our subscriber base and seek to improve the range and quality of our services, we need to further expand our network, and difficulties in obtaining required permits may delay, increase the costs or prevent us from achieving these goals in full. See “Item 3D.1j We have had difficulties obtaining some of the building and environmental permits required for the erection and operation of our cellular network sites, and some building permits have not been applied for or may not be fully complied with. These difficulties could have an adverse effect on the coverage, quality and capacity of our network. Operating network sites without building or other required permits, or in a manner that deviates from the applicable permit, may result in criminal or civil liability to us or to our officers and directors.” and “Item 4B.12 Regulation”.
In November 2013, the Company entered into a 15-year Network Sharing Agreement with HOT Mobile. Pursuant to the Network Sharing Agreement, the parties created a 50-50 limited partnership, which is intended to operate and develop a cellular network to be shared by both companies, starting with a pooling of both companies’ radio access network infrastructures to create a single shared pooled radio access network. See “Item 4B.8 Our Network”.
Service Centers and Points of Sale
Lease agreements for our retail stores and service centers are for periods of two to ten years. We have the option to extend the lease agreements for different periods of up to ten additional years (including the original lease period). The average size of our retail stores and service center is approximately 250 square meters. See also note 19 to the consolidated financial statements.
Not applicable.
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The following operating and financial review and prospects is based upon and should be read in conjunction with our financial statements and selected financial data, which appear elsewhere in this report. You should also read the risk factors appearing in Item 3D of this Annual Report for a discussion of a number of factors that affect and could affect our financial condition and results of operations.
5A. Operating Results
5A.1 OVERVIEW
5A.1a Key Financial and Operating Data
The table below sets forth a summary of selected financial and operating data for the years ended December 31, 20192020 and 2020.2021.
| Year ended December 31, | Year ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||
| 2019 | 2020 | 2020 | 2021 | |||||||||||||
| Revenues (NIS million) | 3,234 | 3,189 | 3,189 | 3,363 | ||||||||||||
| Operating profit (NIS million) | 87 | 96 | 96 | 163 | ||||||||||||
| Profit before income taxes (NIS million) | 19 | 27 | 27 | 99 | ||||||||||||
| Profit for the year (NIS million) | 19 | 17 | 17 | 115 | ||||||||||||
| Capital expenditures (additions) (NIS million) | 578 | 595 | 595 | 680 | ||||||||||||
| Net cash provided by operating activities (NIS million) | 837 | 786 | ||||||||||||||
| Net cash used in investing activities (NIS million) | (1,181 | ) | (581 | ) | ||||||||||||
| Cash flows from operating activities (NIS million) | 786 | 774 | ||||||||||||||
| Cash flows used in investing activities (NIS million) | (581 | ) | (727 | ) | ||||||||||||
| Cellular Subscribers (end of period, thousands) | 2,657 | 2,836 | 2,836 | 3,023 | ||||||||||||
| Annual cellular churn rate (%) | 31 | % | 30 | % | 30 | % | 28 | % | ||||||||
| Average monthly revenue per cellular subscriber (ARPU) (NIS) | 57 | 51 | 51 | 48 | ||||||||||||
| TV subscribers (end of period, thousands) | 188 | 232 | 232 | 226 | ||||||||||||
| Infrastructure-based internet subscribers (end of period, thousands) | 268 | 329 | 329 | 374 | ||||||||||||
| Fiber-optic subscribers (end of period, thousands) | 76 | 139 | 139 | 212 | ||||||||||||
| Homes Connected (HC) to the fiber-optic infrastructure (end of period, thousands) | 324 | 465 | 465 | 700 | ||||||||||||
NON-GAAP MEASURES
The following non-GAAP measures are used in this report. These measures are reviewed by management in assessing our performance and in making decisions regarding our performance, liquidity and financial stability. These measures are not financial measures under IFRS and may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures for other companies. Further, the measures may not be indicative of the Company’s historic operating results norresults. The measures are theynot meant to be predictive of potential future results.results, nor should they be interpreted without taking into account the Company’s financial statements, the notes thereto, and the discussion in “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects”.
| Non-GAAP Measure | How Measures May Be Used | Calculation | Most Comparable IFRS |
Adjusted EBITDA Adjusted EBITDA margin (%) | • For assessing ongoing operating performance excluding depreciation and amortization expenses which are primarily related to past capital expenditures. • Commonly reported and widely used among analysts, investors and other stakeholders in the sector. • Management uses to track performance and to make decisions regarding the ongoing operations of the business. • Also an input to debt covenant ratio calculations for Company’s notes payable and borrowings. | Profit add Income tax Finance costs, net, Depreciation and amortization expenses (including amortization of intangible assets, deferred expenses-right of use and impairment charges), Other expenses (mainly amortization of share-based compensation). Adjusted EBITDA divided by Total revenues | Profit |
| Adjusted Free Cash Flow | • Management uses to manage and control the level of cash | Cash flows from operating activities add deduct deduct Lease principal payments deduct Lease interest payments | add |
| Total Operating Expenses (OPEX) | • For assessing ongoing expenses of service revenues, excluding depreciation and amortization expenses which are primarily related to past capital expenditures, and excluding the costs of equipment sales. • Management uses to track current expenses related to service revenues and to make decisions regarding the ongoing operations of our business. | Cost of service revenues add Selling and marketing expenses add General and administrative expenses add Credit losses deduct Depreciation and amortization expenses deduct Other expenses (mainly amortization of employee share-based compensation) | Sum of: Cost of service revenues, Selling and marketing expenses, General and administrative expenses, Credit losses |
| Net Debt | • For assessing financial stability, leverage and flexibility. • Management uses in assessments and planning of capital structure, liquidity and financial flexibility. • Also an input to debt covenant ratio calculations for Company’s notes payable and borrowings. | Current maturities of notes payable and borrowings add Notes payable add Borrowings from banks add Financial liability at fair value deduct Cash and cash equivalents deduct Short-term and long-term deposits | Sum of: Current maturities of notes payable and borrowings, Notes payable, Borrowings from banks, Financial liability at fair value Less Sum of: Cash and cash equivalents, Short-term deposits, Long-term deposits |
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5A.1b Business Developments in 20202021
The results of the year 2020 were2021 continued to be materially negatively affected by the COVID-19 crisis which caused a very significant reduction incontinued to significantly restrain revenues from roaming services, and also negatively affected equipment sales duealthough to the closure of sales points at certain times during the year. Whilst the Company succeededa lesser extent than in mitigating a proportion of the aforementioned effects through proactive cost-cutting measures as well as adjustments in a variety of business areas, including capitalizing on the increase in demand for some of the Company's services as a result of the crisis and shifting our focus towards alternative sales channels, the overall net impact remained materially negative.2020.
Competition in the Israeli telecommunications market remainedcontinued to remain intense, across both cellular segment services and fixed-line segment services, as well as in the market for equipment and device sales, althoughsales. However, the levelnegative impact of intensity competition on the Companyacross cellular segment services declined compared withcontinued to decline, as demonstrated by the previous year. As a result, the continued price erosionincrease in our principal markets had a further significant negative impact on2021 of 187,000, or 7%, in the Company’s business results.cellular subscriber base. In the fixed-line segment, the Company’s infrastructure-based internet subscriber base increased by 45,000 subscribers, or 14%, which was due to the increase of 73,000, or 53%, in the Company’s fiber-optic subscriber base.
Cellular market.As an illustration of the level of competition in the cellular market, approximately 1.91.5 million cellular subscribers are estimated to have switched operators within the Israeli market (with number porting) during 2020;2021 compared with approximately 2.21.9 million subscribers switched in 2019 and approximately 2.4 million switched in 2018. While our annual churn rate for cellular subscribers decreased marginally in 2020 to 30% compared with 31% in 2019 and 35% in 2018, competition in the cellular subscriber market remained intense. Significant price erosion continued to be caused by the number of cellular subscribers who moved between different rate plans or airtime packages (generally with a lower monthly fee) within the Company.2020.
Over 2020,2021, the Company's cellular subscriber base increased, net, by approximately 179,000.187,000. The pre-paid subscriber base increased by approximately 50,000,11,000, compared with an increase of approximately 6,00050,000 in 2019, while2020. However, the post-paid subscriber base increased by approximately 129,000,176,000, compared with an increase of approximately 5,000129,000 in 2019.2020. The increase in the post-paid subscriber base in 2021 included an increase of approximately 25,00050,000 subscribers to a twelve-month data package for modemspackages provided to students by the Ministry of Education (“Ministry of Education subscribers”) as part of their COVID-19 crisis program. As part of the same program, a further approximate 42,000The annual churn rate for cellular subscribers are expecteddecreased in 2021 to join the post-paid subscriber base during the first half of 2021.28% compared with 30% in 2020.
At the end of December 2020,2021, the Company’s cellular subscriber base (including cellular data, 012 Mobile subscribers and M2M subscriptions) was approximately 2.843.02 million, including approximately 2.52.67 million post-paid subscribers or 88% of the base, and approximately 341,000352,000 pre-paid subscribers, or 12% of the subscriber base. The post-paid subscriber base at the end of December 2021 included approximately 75,000 Ministry of Education subscribers, compared with approximately 25,000 Ministry of Education subscribers at the end of December 2020. Total cellular market share in Israel (based on the number of subscribers) at the end of 20202021 was estimated to be approximately 27%28%, compared with 25%27% in 2019.2020.
The monthly Average Revenue Per User (ARPU) for cellular subscribers for the year 20202021 was NIS 5148 (US$ 16)15), a decrease of approximately 11%6% from NIS 5751 in 2019.2020. The decrease mainly reflected the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on roaming service revenues and the continued price erosion of cellular services due to the continued competitive market conditions, albeit at a lower rate than in previous years. In addition, the decrease reflected the impact of a decrease in interconnect revenues in 2021 following the particularly high incoming call volumes in 2020 which were related to the COVID-19 crisis. These downward effects were partially offset by an increasethe impact of the moderate recovery in interconnectroaming service revenues due to the significant increase in incoming call volumes related to the COVID-19 crisis and the contribution of Partner's value strategy, ‘Partner More’.2021. Overall, cellular service revenues decreasedincreased by 8%2% in 20202021 compared with 2019.2020, despite the lower ARPU, as a result of the increased subscriber base.
Fixed line market. Total fixed line segment service revenues increased by 7% in 2020,2021, largely as a result of increased revenues from TVinternet and internetTV services. Over 2020, the Company's TV subscriber base increased, net, by approximately 44,000 from approximately 188,000 subscribers at the end of December 2019 to approximately 232,000 subscribers at the end of December 2020. In addition,2021, the number of infrastructure-based internet subscribers increased, net, by approximately 61,00045,000 from approximately 268,000 subscribers at the end of December 2019 to approximately 329,000 subscribers at the end of December 2020 within which the number of fiber-optic subscribers increased net, byto approximately 63,000 from approximately 76,000374,000 subscribers at the end of December 20192021. The increase was explained by the increase of 73,000, or 53%, in the Company’s fiber-optic subscriber base, partially offset by a decrease of 28,000 customers to whom access had been provided through Partner’s connection to Bezeq or Hot’s infrastructure. The Company's TV subscriber base decreased, net, by approximately 139,0006,000 from approximately 232,000 subscribers at the end of December 2020.2020 to approximately 226,000 subscribers at the end of 2021. The decrease largely reflected the removal during 2021 of approximately 21,000 subscribers who had joined the Company at various times in trial periods of over six months without charge or usage. It also reflected the impact of the strategic business change in TV services in the second half of 2021 towards a focus on improving results through disciplined growth. The increase in revenues from TVinternet and internetTV services was partially offset by the continued decrease in revenues from international calling services (including the market for wholesale international traffic) which continuecontinued to be adversely affected by the increased penetration of internet-based solutions.
Equipment sales. Revenues Gross profit from equipment sales increased by 5% in 2021, largely reflecting an increase in the volume of retail cellular equipment sales compared with the lower sales volumes in 2020 by 1%, principally reflecting significant increases in sales to wholesale customers and in sales of fixed-line equipment for both business and private customers, partially offset by lower volumes of retail sales reflectingresulting from the closure of sales points during certain COVID-19-related lockdown periods during the year.periods.
Total operating expenses. Total operating expenses decreasedincreased by NIS 1430 million, or one percent,2%, in 20202021 compared with 20192020 to a total of NIS 1,8711,901 million (US$ 582611 million) (including cost of service revenues (NIS 2,1282,156 million in 2020)2021) and selling, marketing, administrative expenses and credit losses (NIS 459496 million in 2020)2021), and excluding depreciation, amortization and impairment expenses and other expenses (mainly amortization of employee share-based compensation) (NIS 716751 million in 2020)2021); this measure is not a financial measure under IFRS and may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures for other companies. For reconciliation to GAAP measures see Item 5A.2.) The decreaseincrease mainly reflected a decreasean increase in workforce expenses compared with the lower workforce expenses in 2020 as part of the cost-cutting measures taken in 2020 to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on revenues,revenues. The increase also reflected increases in TV content expenses and a decreaseexpenses related to the government-mandated fiber incentive fund from 2021. These increases were offset by decreases in wholesale internet infrastructure access expenses, following receipt of a government-mandated refund from Bezeq of approximately NIS 20 million of payments for access to the wholesale internet infrastructure in previous years. The decreases in these expenses were partially offet by increasescredit losses and in interconnect expenses due to the significant increase in outgoing call volumes related to the COVID-19 crisis (in parallel to the increase in incoming call volumes discussed above).expenses. See also Items 5A.2a and 5A.2b for a breakdown of total operating expenses by segment.
Profitability. Profit for the year 20202021 was NIS 115 million (US$ 37 million), an increase of NIS 98 million, compared with NIS 17 million (US$ 5 million),in 2020, mainly reflecting the increase in operating profit of NIS 67 milion and a decreaseone-time income of 11% compared with NIS 1943 million recorded in 2019.income tax income; see Note 25 e (1) to our consolidated financial statements and Item 5A.2 for further information. Adjusted EBITDA in 20202021 totaled NIS 922 million (US$ 296 million), an increase of NIS 100 million, or 12%, from NIS 822 million (US$ 256 million), a decrease of 4% from NIS 853 million in 2019,2020, primarily reflecting the material negative impact of the COVID-19 onincrease in service revenues, partially offset by the decreaseincrease in total operating expenses.
In November 2013, the Company entered into a 15-year Network Sharing Agreement with HOT Mobile. Pursuant to the Network Sharing Agreement, the parties created a 50-50 limited partnership - P.H.I. Networks (2015) Limited Partnership, which operates and develops a radio access network shared by both parties, starting with a pooling of both parties’ radio access network infrastructures creating a single shared pooled radio access network. See “4B.8 OUR NETWORK.” The Parties also established a 50-50 company limited by shares under the name Net 4 P.H.I Ltd., to be the general partner of the limited partnership.
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In February 2016, HOT Mobile exercised its option under the Network Sharing Agreement (“NSA”) to advance the payment date of a onetime amount of NIS 250 million ("Lump Sum"), which was received in 2016. Therefore according to the NSA from April 2016 onward (i) each party bears half of the expenditures relating to the Shared Network, and (ii) the operating costs of the Shared Network are borne according to a pre-determined apportionment mechanism, according to which one half of the operating costs is shared equally by the parties, and one half is divided between the parties according to the relative volume of their respective traffic consumption in the Shared Network ("Capex-Opex Mechanism").
The Lump Sum is recognized as deferred revenue for the cellular segment amortized quarterly in the income statement over a period of eight years, starting with the second quarter of 2016. Eight years has been determined to be the shorter of the expected period of the arrangement or the expected life of the related assets. Accordingly, approximately NIS 23 million was amortized to revenues in the income statement during 2016, and approximately NIS 31 million (US$ 10 million) was amortized to revenues in the Company's income statement for each of the years 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2020.2021.
The Network Sharing Agreement provides material financial benefits to Partner in terms of both recognition of the amortized Lump Sum payments and savings in operational expenses and capital investments; however, such financial benefits are dependent on factors set forth in the related risk factor. See “Item 3D.2l3D.2m If the network sharing agreementNetwork Sharing Agreement entered into with HOT Mobile is unilaterally terminated by HOT Mobile earlier than we expect, we will be required to split the shared network with HOT Mobile and the resources, time and expense it may take us to have our own network in a nationwide coverage would be substantial and could also materially harm our business and the results of operations at such time.”
The activities of the joint arrangement are primarily designed for the provision of output to the Parties. The joint arrangement terms give the Parties rights to the assets, and obligations for the liabilities and expenses of PHI. Furthermore, the Parties have rights to substantially all of the economic benefits of PHI's assets. PHI's liabilities are in substance satisfied by the cash flows received from the Parties, as the Parties are substantially the source of cash flows contributing to the continuity of the operations of PHI. Starting January 1, 2019, theThe Company accounts for its rights in the assets of PHI and obligations for the liabilities and expenses of PHI as a joint operation, recognizing its share in the assets, liabilities, and expenses of PHI, instead of the equity method. Starting January 1, 2019 payments with respect to rights to use PHI's fixed assets are presented in the statement of cash flows as cash used in investing activities instead of cash payments for deferred expenses used in operating activities. For the years 2016 to 2018, costs of Right of Use (ROU) in PHI’s shared network were presented as deferred expenses. As a result, these costs were included in the cash flows statement under cash flows from operating activities rather than under cash flows used in investing activities. See also notes 2(g) and 9 to the financial statements.PHI.
New Israeli Shekels in millions | ||||||||||||
January 1, 2019 | ||||||||||||
Company's share (50%) in PHI's accounts** | Intercompany elimination | Total | ||||||||||
| CURRENT ASSETS | ||||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | * | * | ||||||||||
| Current assets | 69 | (62 | ) | 7 | ||||||||
| NON CURRENT ASSETS | ||||||||||||
| Property and equipment and intangible assets | 142 | 142 | ||||||||||
| Lease-right of use | 355 | 355 | ||||||||||
| CURRENT LIABILITIES | ||||||||||||
| Current borrowings from banks | 13 | 13 | ||||||||||
| Trade payables and other current liabilities | 55 | 55 | ||||||||||
| Other current liabilities | 65 | 65 | ||||||||||
| NON CURRENT LIABILITIES | ||||||||||||
| Lease liabilities | 290 | 290 | ||||||||||
| Deferred revenues | 142 | (142 | ) | |||||||||
| EQUITY | 1 | (1 | ) | - | ||||||||
Goodwill in the fixed-line segment is allocated to a single group of CGUsCash Generating Units (CGUs) which constitute all the operations of the fixed-line segment, in an amount of NIS 407 million.
For the purpose of the goodwill impairment tests in the fixed-line segment as of December 31, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2020,2021, the recoverable amount was assessed by management with the assistance of an external independent expert (BDO Ziv Haft Consulting & Management Ltd.)based on value-in-use calculations.The value-in-use calculations use pre-tax cash flow projections covering a five-year period. Cash flows beyond the five-year period to be generated from continuing use are extrapolated using estimated growth rates. The terminal growth rate represents the long-term average growth rate of the fixed-line communications services business. The key assumptions used are as follows:
As of December 31, | As of December 31, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Terminal growth rate | 0.9 | % | 1 | % | 1 | % | 1 | % | 0.9% | 1.0% | 1.0% | 1.0% | 1.0% | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| After-tax discount rate | 9.3 | % | 9.5 | % | 8.0 | % | 7.5 | % | 9.3% | 9.5% | 8.0% | 7.5% | 7.0% | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Pre-tax discount rate | 11.2 | % | 11.5 | % | 9.6 | % | 9.0 | % | 11.2% | 11.5% | 9.6% | 9.0% | 8.5% | |||||||||||||||||||||||
The impairment tests in the fixed-line segment as of December 31, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2020,2021, were based on assessments of financial performance and future strategies in light of current and expected market and economic conditions. Trends in the economic and financial environment, competition and regulatory authorities'authorities’ decisions, or changes in competitors’ behavior in response to the economic environment may affect the estimate of recoverable amounts.
As a result of the impairment tests, the Group determined that no goodwill impairment existed as of December 31, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2020.2021. See also note 4(3) and note 2(h) to our consolidated financial statements.
Sensitivity Analysis:
The headroom of the fixed line segment recoverable amount over the carrying amount as of December 31, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 20202021 was approximately 21%42%, 42%37% and 37%52% respectively. Sensitivity analysis was performed for the recoverable amount as of December 31, 20202021 for a change of the after-tax discount rate within the range of ± 10% multiplied by the variable 7.5% (6.75%7% (6.3% to 8.25%7.7%), assuming all other variables constant. Sensitivity analysis was also performed for a change of the terminal permanent growth rate within the range of ± 1% of the variable 1.0% (0% to 2%), assuming all other variables constant. Results showed that no impairment charge is required for both analyses.
Interim impairment testsof non-financial assets
The economic slowdown in the markets triggered in March 2020 the identification of indicators for impairment of non-financial assets. In particular, the significant fall in the volume of international travel by the Company'sCompany’s customers has caused a significant decrease in revenues from roaming services, which affected the cellular segment. In addition, the temporary closures of shopping malls and changes in general consumer behavior adversely affected the volume of sales of equipment, which affected the cellular and the fixed-line segments.
The Company tested the recoverable amount of the fixed line segment as of March 31, 2020, based on value-in-use calculations. The recoverable amount was assessed by management with the assistance of an external independent expert (BDO Ziv Haft Consulting & Management Ltd.). The value-in-use calculations use pre-tax cash flow projections covering a five-year period. Cash flows beyond the five-year period to be generated from continuing use are extrapolated using estimated growth rates. The terminal growth rate represents the long-term average growth rate of the fixed-line communications services business. The key assumptions used are as follows:
March 31, 2020 | |
| Terminal growth rate | 1.0% |
| After-tax discount rate | 8.25% |
| Pre-tax discount rate | 9.9% |
As a result of the impairment test, the Group determined that no impairment existed as of March 31, 2020.
The Company tested as of March 2020 the impairment of the cellular segment assets with the assistance of an external independent expert (BDO Ziv Haft Consulting & Management Ltd.), using a reasonable approximation of its fair value less costs of selling as its recoverable amount, and determined that no impairment was required. No other adverse changes have been identified since March 2020 with the continuation of the crisis and therefore the Company determined that no impairment indicators existed in respect of the cellular segment assets as of December 31, 2020.
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5A.1e Significant regulatory developments
For information regarding developments which have had and may have a significant impact on our operating results, see “Item 3D.1 RISKS RELATING TO THE REGULATION OF OUR INDUSTRY”and “Item 4B.12 REGULATION”.
We derive revenues from both providing services and selling equipment. See also “Item 4B.5 SERVICES AND PRODUCTS”.
Our principal source of revenues is the cellular segment, deriving from the provision of cellular communications services such as airtime calls, international roaming services, text messaging, internet browsing, value-added and content services, handset repair services and services provided to other operators that use the Company'sCompany’s cellular network.
The fixed-line business segment derives revenues from a variety of fixed-line services that include data and internet services, ILD services, transmission services, telephony services (including SIP services) and, from 2017, TV services.
Equipment revenues are derived from the sale and leasing of a variety of communications, digital audio visual and internet-related equipment and other related equipment, including cellular handsets and related cellular devices and accessories, business communications equipment, modems, domestic routers, servers and related equipment and more. See also "Item 4B.5 SERVICES AND PRODUCTS".
New Israeli Shekels in millions | ||||||||||||
As at January 1, 2019 | ||||||||||||
Previous accounting policy | Effect of change | According to IFRS16 as reported | ||||||||||
| Non-current assets - Lease – right of use | - | 656 | 656 | |||||||||
| Non-current assets - Deferred income tax asset | 38 | 6 | 44 | |||||||||
| Current liabilities - Lease liabilities | - | 137 | 137 | |||||||||
| Non-current liabilities - Lease liabilities | - | 546 | 546 | |||||||||
| Equity | 1,406 | (21 | ) | 1,385 | ||||||||
The principal components of our cost of revenues are:
Transmission, communication and content providers
Depreciation and amortization
Cost of equipment and accessories
Wages, employee benefits expenses and car maintenance
Internet infrastructure and service providers
Network and cable maintenance
Operating lease, rent and overhead expenses
Costs of handling, replacing or repairing equipment
IT support and other operating expenses
Amortization of deferred expenses - rights of use
Starting in 2021, expenses related to the government-mandated fiber incentive fund
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5A.1h Selling and Marketing Expenses
The principal components of our selling and marketing expenses are:
Depreciation and amortization
Wages, employee benefits expenses and car maintenance
Advertising and marketing
Selling commissions, net
Operating lease, rent and overhead expenses
The principal components of our general and administrative expenses are:
Wages, employee benefits expenses and car maintenance
Professional fees
Depreciation
Credit card and other commissions
Credit losses are equivalent to net impairment losses on financial and contract assets under IAS1(82).
The principal component of our other income, net, is:
Unwinding of trade receivables
The principal components of our finance expenses are:
Interest expenses
Interest for lease liabilities
Finance charges for financial liability
The principal components of our finance income are:
Interest income from cash, cash equivalents and deposits
Net foreign exchange rate gains
5A.1m Key Business Indicators (Operating Data)
Our primary key business indicators for the cellular segment are as follows. These indicators are widely used in the cellular telephone service industry to evaluate performance.
Cellular subscriber base
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Cellular average monthly revenue per subscriber (ARPU)
Cellular Churnchurn rate
Our primary key business indicators for the fixed-line segment are as follows:
TV subscriber base
Infrastructure-based internet subscribers
Fiber-optic subscribers
Homes Connected (HC) to the fiber-optic infrastructure
For the Company’s Critical Accounting Estimates and judgments are continually evaluated and are based on historical experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. The Company makes estimates and assumptions concerning the future. The resulting accounting estimates will, by definition, seldom equal actual results. The estimates and assumptions that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year are addressed below. See also noteJudgments, see Note 4 to theour consolidated financial statements.statements, which have been prepared in accordance with IFRS.
5A.2 RESULTS OF CONSOLIDATED OPERATIONS FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2021 COMPARED TO THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020
New Israeli Shekels | ||||||||||||||||
Year ended December 31, 2021 | ||||||||||||||||
In millions | ||||||||||||||||
Cellular segment | Fixed-line segment | Elimination | Consolidated | |||||||||||||
| Segment revenue – Services | 1,687 | 948 | 2,635 | |||||||||||||
| Inter-segment revenue – Services | 12 | 118 | (130 | ) | ||||||||||||
| Segment revenue – Equipment | 602 | 126 | 728 | |||||||||||||
| Total revenues | 2,301 | 1,192 | (130 | ) | 3,363 | |||||||||||
| Segment cost of revenues – Services | 1,204 | 952 | 2,156 | |||||||||||||
| Inter-segment cost of revenues - Services | 117 | 13 | (130 | ) | ||||||||||||
| Segment cost of revenues – Equipment | 498 | 78 | 576 | |||||||||||||
| Cost of revenues | 1,819 | 1,043 | (130 | ) | 2,732 | |||||||||||
| Gross profit | 482 | 149 | 631 | |||||||||||||
| Operating expenses (1) | 302 | 194 | 496 | |||||||||||||
| Other income, net | 17 | 11 | 28 | |||||||||||||
| Operating profit (loss) | 197 | (34 | ) | 163 | ||||||||||||
| Reconciliation of profit for the year to Adjusted EBITDA | ||||||||||||||||
| Profit for the year | 115 | |||||||||||||||
| Finance costs, net | 64 | |||||||||||||||
| Income tax income | (16 | ) | ||||||||||||||
| Sub Total | 163 | |||||||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 410 | 334 | 744 | |||||||||||||
| Other (2) | 9 | 6 | 15 | |||||||||||||
Adjusted EBITDA (3) | 616 | 306 | 922 | |||||||||||||
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New Israeli Shekels | ||||||||||||||||
Year ended December 31, 2020 | ||||||||||||||||
In millions | ||||||||||||||||
Cellular segment | Fixed-line segment | Elimination | Consolidated | |||||||||||||
| Segment revenue – Services | 1,647 | 861 | 2,508 | |||||||||||||
| Inter-segment revenue – Services | 16 | 132 | (148 | ) | ||||||||||||
| Segment revenue – Equipment | 545 | 136 | 681 | |||||||||||||
| Total revenues | 2,208 | 1,129 | (148 | ) | 3,189 | |||||||||||
| Segment cost of revenues – Services | 1,272 | 856 | 2,128 | |||||||||||||
| Inter-segment cost of revenues - Services | 131 | 17 | (148 | ) | ||||||||||||
| Segment cost of revenues – Equipment | 451 | 85 | 536 | |||||||||||||
| Cost of revenues | 1,854 | 958 | (148 | ) | 2,664 | |||||||||||
| Gross profit | 354 | 171 | 525 | |||||||||||||
| Operating expenses (1) | 300 | 159 | 459 | |||||||||||||
| Other income, net | 19 | 11 | 30 | |||||||||||||
| Operating profit | 73 | 23 | 96 | |||||||||||||
| Reconciliation of profit for the year to Adjusted EBITDA | ||||||||||||||||
| Profit for the year | 17 | |||||||||||||||
| Finance costs, net | 69 | |||||||||||||||
| Income tax expenses | 10 | |||||||||||||||
| Sub Total | 96 | |||||||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 450 | 264 | 714 | |||||||||||||
| Other (2) | 10 | 2 | 12 | |||||||||||||
Adjusted EBITDA (3) | 533 | 289 | 822 | |||||||||||||
(1) | Operating expenses include selling and marketing expenses, general and administrative expenses and credit losses. |
| (2) | Mainly amortization of employee share-based compensation. |
| (3) | Adjusted EBITDA represents Earnings Before Interest (finance costs, net), Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization (including amortization of intangible assets, deferred expenses-right of use and impairment charges) and Other expenses (mainly amortization of share-based compensation). Adjusted EBITDA is not a financial measure under IFRS and may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures for other companies. Adjusted EBITDA may not be indicative of the Group's historic operating results nor is it meant to be predictive of potential future results. See “Item 5A.1a - NON-GAAP MEASURES” above. The usage of the term "Adjusted EBITDA" is to highlight the fact that the Amortization includes amortization of deferred expenses – right of use and amortization of employee share-based compensation and impairment charges. |
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Total revenues.In 2021, total revenues were NIS 3,363 million (US$ 1,081 million), an increase of the Group's property and5% from NIS 3,189 million in 2020.
Revenues from services. Service revenues in 2021 totaled NIS 2,635 million (US$ 847 million), an increase of 5% from NIS 2,508 million in 2020.
Revenues from equipment aresales. Equipment revenues in 2021 totaled NIS 728 million (US$ 234 million), an estimate determined by management. The Group defines useful economic lifeincrease of its assets7% from NIS 681 million in terms of the assets' expected utility to the Group. This estimation is based on assumptions of future changes in technology or changes2020, largely reflecting an increase in the Group's intended usevolume of these assets, experienceretail cellular equipment sales compared with the lower sales volumes in 2020 resulting from the closure of sales points during certain COVID-19-related lockdown periods. The increase was partially offset by decreases in the Groupvolume of fixed-line equipment sales and of cellular equipment sales to wholesale customers.
Gross profit from service revenues. The gross profit from service revenues in 2021 was NIS 479 million (US$ 154 million), compared with similar assets, and legal or contract periods where relevant.NIS 380 million in 2020, an increase of 26%. The useful economic lives ofincrease reflected an increase in gross profit from service revenues for the Group's intangible assets are an estimate determinedcellular segment, partially offset by management based on assumptions of future changesa decrease in technology, legal rights, experience of customer's behavior, and experience ofgross profit from service revenues for the Group with similar assets where relevant. The assets estimated economic useful lives are reviewed, and adjusted if appropriate, at least annually.fixed-line segment. See also note 2(e) and note 2(f) to the financial statements.
Gross profit from equipment sales. Gross profit from equipment sales in 2021 was NIS 152 million (US$ 49 million), compared with NIS 145 million in 2020, an increase of 5%. As with revenues from equipment sales, the markets triggered in March 2020increase largely reflected the identification of indicators for impairment of non-financial assets. In particular, the significant fallincrease in the volume of international travel by the Company's customers has caused a significant decrease in revenues from roaming services, which affected theretail cellular segment. In addition, the temporary closures of shopping malls and changes in general consumer behavior adversely affected the volume ofequipment sales of equipment, which affected the cellular and the fixed-line segments.
Selling, marketing, general and administrative expenses and credit losses. Selling, marketing, general and administrative expensesand credit losses totaled NIS 496 million (US$ 159 million) in 2021, an increase of 8% compared with NIS 459 million in 2020. The Company testedincrease mainly reflected an increase in workforce expenses compared with the lower workforce expenses in 2020 as of March 2020 the impairmentpart of the cellularcost-cutting measures taken in 2020 to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on revenues. The increase also reflected an increase in amortization expenses of customer contract costs, as the number of customer contracts increased.
Total operating expenses ("OPEX"). Total operating expenses increased by NIS 30 million, or 2%, in 2021 compared with 2020 to a total of NIS 1,901 million (US$ 611 million); this measure is not a financial measure under IFRS and may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures for other companies, see reconciliation below. The increase mainly reflected the increase in workforce expenses in the fixed-line segment assetscompared with the assistance of an external independent expert (BDO Ziv Haft Consulting & Management Ltd.), using a reasonable approximation of its fair value less costs of sellinglower workforce expenses in 2020 as its recoverable amount, and determined that no impairment was required. No other adverse changes have been identified since March 2020 with the continuationpart of the crisis and thereforecost-cutting measures taken in 2020 to mitigate the Company determined that no impairment indicators existed in respectimpact of the cellular segment assets asCOVID-19 crisis on revenues. The increase also reflected increases in TV content expenses and expenses related to the government-mandated fiber incentive fund from 2021. These effects were partially offset by decreases in wholesale internet infrastructure access expenses, credit losses and interconnect expenses. See Items 5A.2a and 5A.2b for a breakdown of December 31, 2020.total operating expenses by segment.
| Reconciliation of Segment Information to Total Operating Expenses | Year ended December 31, | |||||||
| 2020 | 2021 | |||||||
| NIS in millions | ||||||||
| Segment cost of revenues – Services | 2,128 | 2,156 | ||||||
| Add Operating expenses | 459 | 496 | ||||||
| Deduct depreciation, amortization and impairment expenses and other expenses (mainly amortization of employee share-based compensation) | (716) | (751) | ||||||
| Total Operating Expenses | 1,871 | 1,901 | ||||||
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Including depreciation, amortization and other expenses (mainly amortization of employee share-based compensation), total operating expenses in the economic and financial environment, competition and regulatory authorities' decisions,2021 amounted to NIS 2,652 million (US$ 853 million), an increase of 3%, or changesNIS 65 million, compared with NIS 2,587 million in competitors’ behavior in response to the economic environment may affect the estimate of recoverable amounts in future periods.2020. See also note 2(i)22 to our consolidated financial statements.
Operating profit. Operating profit for 2021 was NIS 163 million (US$ 52 million), an increase of 70% compared with operating profit of NIS 96 million in 2020. The increase in operating profit mainly reflected the increase in service revenues which more than offset the increase in operating expenses including depreciation and amortization expenses.
Finance costs, net. Finance costs, net in 2021 were NIS 64 million (US$ 21 million), a decrease of 7% compared with NIS 69 million in 2020. The decrease mainly reflected the one-time expense in 2020 of approximately NIS 7 million relating to the partial early repayment of the Company’s Notes Series F during the year. See also “Item 5B Liquidity and Capital Resources.”
Profit before income tax. Profit before income taxes for 2021 was NIS 99 million (US$ 32 million), an increase of NIS 72 million compared with NIS 27 million in 2020, mainly reflecting the increase in operating profit.
Income taxes on profit. The Company recorded income tax income of NIS 16 million (US$ 5 million) for 2021, compared with income tax expenses of NIS 10 million for 2020.
In 2021, the Company recorded one-time income of NIS 43 million in income tax reflecting the impact of the signing of a tax assessment with the tax authority for the years 2016 to 2019.
The overall effective tax rate of the Company was minus 16% in 2021 compared with 37% in 2020, largely as a result of the one-time income tax income in 2021.
Excluding the one-time income, the effective tax rate of the Company in 2021 would have been 27% compared with the regular corporate tax rate in Israel of 23%, reflecting disallowable deductions. The Company’s effective tax rate is expected to continue to be higher than the general Israeli corporate tax rate (excluding one-time effects) mainly due to disallowable deductions.See also note 25 to our consolidated financial statements.
Profit. Profit in 2021 was NIS 115 million (US$ 37 million), an increase of NIS 98 million compared with NIS 17 million in 2020. Based on the weighted average number of shares outstanding during 2021, basic earnings per share or ADS was NIS 0.63 (US$ 0.20), compared with NIS 0.09 in 2020.
For information regarding potential downward impacts on profits in 2022, see “Item 5D.2 Outlook.”
Adjusted EBITDA. Adjusted EBITDA in 2021 totaled NIS 922 million (US$ 296 million), an increase of 12% or NIS 100 million from NIS 822 million in 2020. As a percentage of total revenues, Adjusted EBITDA in 2021 was 27%, compared with 26% in 2020.
5A.2a Cellular Segment
Total revenues. Total revenues for the cellular segment in 2021 were NIS 2,301 million (US$ 740 million), an increase of 4% from NIS 2,208 million in 2020.
Revenues from services. Service revenues for the cellular segment in 2021 totaled NIS 1,699 million (US$ 546 million), an increase of 2% from NIS 1,663 million in 2020. The increase was mainly the result of growth in the levelcellular subscriber base of competition for187,000 subscribers, or 7%, in 2021 and a moderate increase in revenues from roaming services following the significant negative impact of the COVID-19 crisis on revenues from roaming services in 2020. The increase was partially offset by a decrease in interconnect revenues following the significant increase in incoming call volumes in 2020 related to the COVID-19 crisis. It was also partially offset by the continued price erosion of cellular and fixed-line services may bring further downward pressure on pricesdue to on-going competitive market conditions which may require us to perform further impairment tests of our assets. Such impairment tests may lead to recording additional significant impairment charges, which could have a materialremain intense, although with less negative impact on our operating and profit.
78
Revenues from equipment. Revenues from equipment sales for the cellular segment in 2021 totaled NIS 602 million (US$ 194 million), an increase of 10% from NIS 545 million in 2020, mainly reflecting the increase in the December, 31,volume of retail cellular equipment sales as a result of the closure of sales points during certain COVID-19-related lockdown periods in 2020, test were as follows:partially offset by a decrease in the volume of cellular equipment sales to wholesale customers.
5A.2b Fixed-Line Segment
Total revenues. Total revenues in 2021 for the fixed-line segment were NIS 1,192 million (US$ 383 million), an increase of 6% compared with NIS 1,129 million in 2020.
Revenues from services. Service revenues for the fixed-line segment totaled NIS 1,066 million (US$ 343 million) in 2021, an increase of 7% compared with NIS 993 million in 2020. This increase mainly reflected the increase in revenues resulting from the growth in internet and TV services, which was partially offset by a change ofdecline in revenues from international calling services (including the after-tax discount rate within the range of ± 10% multipliedmarket for wholesale international traffic) which continue to be adversely affected by the variable 7.5% (6.75%increased penetration of internet-based solutions. See also "Item 3D.2p The telecommunications industry is subject to 8.25%), assuming all other variables constant. Sensitivity analysis was also performedrapid and significant changes in technology and industry structure which could reduce demand for a change of the terminal permanent growth rate within the range of ± 1% of the variable 1.0% (0% to 2%), assuming all other variables constant. Results showed that no impairment charge is required for both analyses.our services."
Revenues from equipment. Revenues from equipment sales for the fixed-line segment in 2021 totaled NIS 126 million (US$ 41 million), a decrease of 7% compared with NIS 136 million in 2020, mainly reflecting a decrease in the volume of sales of fixed-line equipment for both business and private customers. The allowancedecrease in the volume of sales for credit losses for financial assets is based on assumptions about risk of default and expected loss rates. The Group uses judgment in making these assumptions and selecting the inputsprivate customers was largely related to the impairment calculation, based onCompany’s decision in the Group’s past history, existing market conditions as well as forward-looking estimates at the endfinal quarter of each reporting period. Individual receivables which are known2021 to be uncollectable are written off by reducing the carrying amount directly. The other receivables are assessed collectively, grouped based on shared credit risk characteristics and the days past due.cease selling internet routers to private customers.
Gross profit from equipment sales. The Group assesses ongross profit from equipment sales for the fixed-line segment in 2021 was NIS 48 million (US$ 15 million), compared with NIS 51 million in 2020, a forward-looking basisdecrease of 6%, again largely a reflection of the expected credit losses associated with its debt instruments carried at amortized cost.impact of the decrease in sales recorded from sales of of fixed-line equipment for both business and private customers.
Cost of service revenues. The impairment methodology applied depends on whether there has beencost of service revenues for the fixed-line segment increased by 11% from NIS 873 million in 2020 to NIS 965 million (US$ 310 million) in 2021. This increase mainly reflected a significant increase in credit risk. For trade receivablesdepreciation and contractamortization expenses related to the fiber-optic network, customer equipment and the costs of obtaining contracts with customers. In addition, the Company recorded, in Q3 2021, a provision for an impairment of fixed-line assets within an amount of NIS 10 million, following a strategic business change in TV services which the Company estimated would likely lead to the churn of certain fixed-line service subscribers. The increase in cost of service revenues also reflected an increase in workforce and without significant financing components,related expenses which was partially explained by the Group applies IFRS 9 simplified approachlower workforce expenses in 2020 as part of the cost-cutting measures taken in 2020 to measuring expectedmitigate the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on revenues) and an increase in TV content expenses.
These increases were partly offset by a decrease in wholesale internet infrastructure expenses reflecting both the impact of the decrease in the regulated wholesale access tariff at the beginning of 2021 and the decrease in the number of Company subscribers using Bezeq or Hot’s infrastructure. The increases in cost of service revenues were also partly offset by and decreases in international calling services expenses and in interconnect expenses.
Selling, marketing, general and administrative expenses and credit losses which uses a lifetime expected loss allowance. To measure the expected. Selling, marketing, general and administrative expenses and credit losses trade receivables have been grouped basedfor the fixed-line segment in 2021 amounted to NIS 194 million (US$ 62 million), an increase of 22% from NIS 159 million in 2020. The increase mainly reflected increased workforce and related expenses, partially explained by the lower workforce expenses in 2020 as part of the cost-cutting measures taken in 2020 to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on shared credit risk characteristicsrevenues, and period past due.increased depreciation and amortization expenses related to the growth in fixed-line segment services.
Total operating expenses ("OPEX"). Total operating expenses (OPEX is not a financial measure under IFRS and not necessarily comparable to similarly titled measures for other companies; see Item 5A.2 for reconciliation on a consolidated basis) for the fixed-line segment totaled NIS 819 million (US$ 263 million) in 2021, an increase of 7% or NIS 53 million from NIS 766 million in 2020. See also note 22 to our consolidated financial statements. The expectedincrease principally reflected the increases in workforce and related expenses, partially explained by the lower workforce expenses in 2020 as part of the cost-cutting measures taken in 2020 to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on revenues, and in TV content expenses, partially offset by the decrease in wholesale internet infrastructure expenses. Including depreciation, amortization and impairment expenses and other expenses (mainly amortization of employee share-based compensation), total operating expenses for the fixed-line segment totaled NIS 1,159 million (US$ 373 million), an increase of 12% compared with NIS 1,032 million in 2020.
Operating profit/loss. Operating loss rates are basedfor the fixed-line segment was NIS 34 million (US$ 11 million) in 2021, a decrease of NIS 57 million compared to operating profit of NIS 33 million in 2020. The decrease mainly reflected the impact of the growth in fixed-line segment services on the payment profiles of sales,depreciation and amortization expenses and the corresponding historical credit losses experienced. The historical loss rates are adjusted to reflect currentincrease in workforce and forward-looking information on factors affectingrelated expenses, which was partially explained by the abilitylower workforce expenses in 2020 as part of the customerscost-cutting measures taken to settlemitigate the receivables. See notes 7, 6(a)(3), 2(j) toimpact of the financial statements.COVID-19 crisis on revenues.
Adjusted EBITDA. Adjusted EBITDA for the fixed-line segment was NIS 306 million (US$ 98 million) in 2021, an increase of 6% from NIS 289 million in 2020. The increase resulted from the growth in services revenues, which was partially offset by the increase in total operating expenses (excluding depreciation, amortization and impairment expenses and other expenses (mainly amortization of employee share-based compensation)). As a percentage of total fixed-line revenues, Adjusted EBITDA for the fixed-line segment in 2021 was 26%, unchanged from 2020.
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5A.3 RESULTS OF CONSOLIDATED OPERATIONS FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020, COMPARED TO THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019
New Israeli Shekels | New Israeli Shekels | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Year ended December 31, 2020 | Year ended December 31, 2019 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
In millions | In millions | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cellular segment | Fixed-line segment | Elimination | Consolidated | Cellular segment | Fixed line segment | Elimination | Consolidated | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Segment revenue – Services | 1,647 | 861 | 2,508 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Inter-segment revenue – Services | 16 | 132 | (148 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Segment revenue – Equipment | 545 | 136 | 681 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Segment revenue - Services | 1,783 | 777 | 2,560 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Inter-segment revenue - Services | 15 | 148 | (163 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Segment revenue - Equipment | 571 | 103 | 674 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total revenues | 2,208 | 1,129 | (148 | ) | 3,189 | 2,369 | 1,028 | (163 | ) | 3,234 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Segment cost of revenues – Services | 1,272 | 856 | 2,128 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Segment cost of revenues - Services | 1,367 | 810 | 2,177 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Inter-segment cost of revenues - Services | 131 | 17 | (148 | ) | 147 | 16 | (163 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Segment cost of revenues – Equipment | 451 | 85 | 536 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Segment cost of revenues - Equipment | 464 | 66 | 530 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cost of revenues | 1,854 | 958 | (148 | ) | 2,664 | 1,978 | 892 | (163 | ) | 2,707 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gross profit | 354 | 171 | 525 | 391 | 136 | 527 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating expenses (1) | 300 | 159 | 459 | 334 | 134 | 468 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other income, net | 19 | 11 | 30 | 20 | 8 | 28 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating profit | 73 | 23 | 96 | 77 | 10 | 87 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Adjustments to presentation of Segment Adjusted EBITDA | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| –Depreciation and amortization | 450 | 264 | 714 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| –Other (2) | 10 | 2 | 12 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Segment Adjusted EBITDA (3) | 533 | 289 | 822 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Reconciliation of profit for the year to Adjusted EBITDA | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Profit for the year | 17 | 19 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 714 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Finance costs, net | 69 | 68 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income tax expenses | 10 | * | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sub Total | 87 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 542 | 209 | 751 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other (2) | 12 | 16 | (1 | ) | 15 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Adjusted EBITDA (3) | 822 | 635 | 218 | 853 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
New Israeli Shekels | ||||||||||||||||
Year ended December 31, 2019 | ||||||||||||||||
In millions | ||||||||||||||||
Cellular segment | Fixed line segment | Elimination | Consolidated | |||||||||||||
| Segment revenue - Services | 1,783 | 777 | 2,560 | |||||||||||||
| Inter-segment revenue - Services | 15 | 148 | (163 | ) | ||||||||||||
| Segment revenue - Equipment | 571 | 103 | 674 | |||||||||||||
| Total revenues | 2,369 | 1,028 | (163 | ) | 3,234 | |||||||||||
| Segment cost of revenues - Services | 1,367 | 810 | 2,177 | |||||||||||||
| Inter-segment cost of revenues - Services | 147 | 16 | (163 | ) | ||||||||||||
| Segment cost of revenues - Equipment | 464 | 66 | 530 | |||||||||||||
| Cost of revenues | 1,978 | 892 | (163 | ) | 2,707 | |||||||||||
| Gross profit | 391 | 136 | 527 | |||||||||||||
| Operating expenses (1) | 334 | 134 | 468 | |||||||||||||
| Other income, net | 20 | 8 | 28 | |||||||||||||
| Operating profit | 77 | 10 | 87 | |||||||||||||
Adjustments to presentation of segment Adjusted EBITDA | ||||||||||||||||
| –Depreciation and amortization | 542 | 209 | 751 | |||||||||||||
| –Other (2) | 16 | (1 | ) | 15 | ||||||||||||
| Segment Adjusted EBITDA (3) | 635 | 218 | 853 | |||||||||||||
Reconciliation of profit for the year to Adjusted EBITDA | ||||||||||||||||
| Profit for the year | 19 | |||||||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 751 | |||||||||||||||
| Finance costs, net | 68 | |||||||||||||||
| Income tax expenses | * | |||||||||||||||
| Other (2) | 15 | |||||||||||||||
Adjusted EBITDA (3) | 853 | |||||||||||||||
(1) Operating expenses include selling and marketing expenses, general and administrative expenses and credit losses.
(2) Mainly amortization of employee share-based compensation.
(3) Adjusted EBITDA as reviewed by the CODM represents Earnings Before Interest (finance costs, net), Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization (including amortization of intangible assets, deferred expenses-right of use and impairment charges) and Other expenses (mainly amortization of share-based compensation). Adjusted EBITDA is not a financial measure under IFRS and may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures for other companies. Adjusted EBITDA may not be indicative of the Group's historic operating results nor is it meant to be predictive of potential future results. See “Item 5A.1a - NON-GAAP MEASURES” above. The usage of the term "Adjusted EBITDA" is to highlight the fact that the Amortization includes amortization of deferred expenses – right of use and amortization of employee share-based compensation and impairment charges.
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Total revenues. In 2020, total revenues were NIS 3,189 million, (US$ 992 million), a decrease of 1% from NIS 3,234 million in 2019.
Revenues from services. Service revenues in 2020 totaled NIS 2,508 million, (US$ 780 million), a decrease of 2% from NIS 2,560 million in 2019.
Revenues from equipment. Equipment revenues in 2020 totaled NIS 681 million, (US$ 212 million), an increase of 1% from NIS 674 million in 2019, principally reflecting significant increases in sales of cellular equipment to wholesale customers and of fixed-line equipment for both business and private customers. These increases in sales were partially offset by lower volumes of retail sales of cellular equipment following the closure of some sales points during certain COVID-19-related lockdown periods during the year.
Gross profit from service revenues. The gross profit from service revenues in 2020 was NIS 380 million, (US$ 118 million), compared with NIS 383 million in 2019, a decrease of 1%. This decrease largely reflected the negative impact of the COVID-19 on revenues from roaming services, which was partially offset by the positive contribution from the growth in internet and TV services. In addition, the decrease in revenues was partially offset by a decrease in depreciation and amortization expenses, the cost-cutting measures taken to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 crisis, and the receipt in 2020 of a government-mandated refund from Bezeq of approximately NIS 20 million of payments for access to the wholesale internet infrastructure in previous years. See also note 22 to our consolidated financial statements.
Gross profit from equipment sales. Gross profit from equipment sales in 2020 was NIS 145 million, (US$ 45 million), compared with NIS 144 million in 2019, an increase of 1%. The increase mainly reflected an increase in gross profit from sales of fixed-line equipment, partially offset by a decrease in gross profit from sales of cellular equipment.
Selling, marketing, general and administrative expenses and credit losses. Selling, marketing, general and administrative expensesand credit losses totaled NIS 459 million (US$ 142 million) in 2020, a decrease of 2% compared with NIS 468 million in 2019. This decrease mainly reflected the cost-cutting measures on workforce expenses, whose effect was partially offset by an increase in amortization expenses related to the costs of obtaining contracts with customers under IFRS 15 and an immaterial increase in credit losses reflecting an increase in the provision for expected credit losses as a result of the COVID-19 crisis.
Total operating expenses ("OPEX"). Total operating expenses amounted to NIS 1,871 million (US$ 582 million) in 2020, a decrease of 1%, or NIS 14 million, from 2019 (OPEX is not a financial measure under IFRS and not necessarily comparable to similarly titled measures for other companies. It includes cost of service revenues (NIS 2,128 million in 2020) and selling, marketing, general and administrative expenses and credit losses (NIS 459 million in 2020), and excludes depreciation, amortization and impairment expenses and other expenses (mainly amortization of employee share-based compensation) (NIS 716 million in 2020)). The decrease mainly reflected a decrease in workforce and related expenses as part of the cost-cutting measures taken to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on revenues, and a decrease in wholesale internet infrastructure access expenses following receipt of a government-mandated refund from Bezeq of approximately NIS 20 million of payments for access to the wholesale internet infrastructure in previous years and a decrease in international calling services expenses. The decreases in these expenses were partially offet by increases in interconnect expenses due to the significant increase in outgoing call volumes related to the COVID-19 crisis. See also Items 5A.2a and 5A.2b for a breakdown of total operating expenses by segment.
Including depreciation, amortization and other expenses (mainly amortization of employee share-based compensation), total operating expenses in 2020 amounted to NIS 2,587 million, (US$ 805 million), a decrease of 2%, or NIS 58 million, compared with NIS 2,645 million in 2019. See also note 22 to our consolidated financial statements.
Other income, net. Other income, net, totaled NIS 30 million (US$ 9 million) in 2020, an increase of 7% compared with NIS 28 million in 2019. See also note 23 to our consolidated financial statements.
Operating profit. Operating profit for 2020 was NIS 96 million, (US$ 30 million), an increase of 10% compared with operating profit of NIS 87 million in 2019. The increase in operating profit mainly reflected the decrease in operating expenses including depreciation and amortization expenses, which more than offset the decrease in service revenues.
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Finance costs, net. Finance costs, net in 2020 were NIS 69 million, (US$ 22 million), an increase of 1% compared with NIS 68 million in 2019. The increase mainly reflected the one-time expense of approximately NIS 7 million relating to the partial early repayment of the Company’s Notes Series F during the year, partially offset by a decrease in lease interest and an increase in interest from cash and deposits. See also “Item 5B Liquidity and Capital Resources.”
Profit before income tax. Profit before income taxes for 2020 was NIS 27 million, (US$ 8 million), an increase of 42% compared with NIS 19 million in 2019, reflecting the increase in operating profit.
Income taxes on profit. The Company recorded income tax expenses of NIS 10 million (US$ 3 million) for 2020, compared with no income tax expenses for 2019.
In 2019, the Company recorded a one-time income of NIS 6 million in income tax expenses.
The effective tax rate of the Company was 37% in 2020 compared with 0% in 2019, and compared with the regular corporate tax rate in Israel of 23% for 2019 and 2020, largely as a result of non-deductible expenses and the one-time factor in 2019 described immediately above.
Excluding the one-time factor in 2019, the effective tax rate of the Company in 2019 would have been 32%.
Profit. Profit in 2020 was NIS 17 million, (US$ 5 million), a decrease of 11% compared with NIS 19 million in 2019. Based on the weighted average number of shares outstanding during 2020, basic earnings per share or ADS was NIS 0.09, (US$ 0.03), compared with NIS 0.12 in 2019.
Adjusted EBITDA. Adjusted EBITDA in 2020 totaled NIS 822 million, (US$ 256 million), a decrease of 4% or NIS 31 million from NIS 853 million in 2019. As a percentage of total revenues, Adjusted EBITDA in 2020 was 26%, unchanged from 2019.
Total revenues. Total revenues for the cellular segment in 2020 were NIS 2,208 million, (US$ 687 million), a decrease of 7% from NIS 2,369 million in 2019.
Revenues from services. Service revenues for the cellular segment in 2020 totaled NIS 1,663 million, (US$ 517 million), a decrease of 8% from NIS 1,798 million in 2019. The decrease was mainly the result of the negative impact of the COVID-19 crisis, which caused a very significant reduction in revenues from roaming services, and the continued price erosion of cellular services due to on-going competitive market conditions. These decreases in service revenues were partially offset by an increase in interconnect revenues due to the significant increase in incoming call volumes related to the COVID-19 crisis and an increase in revenues due to the growth of the cellular subscriber base.
As an illustration of the level of competition in the cellular market, approximately 1.9 million cellular subscribers are estimated to have switched operators within the Israeli market (with number porting) during 2020; similarly, approximately 2.2 million subscribers switched in 2019 and approximately 2.4 million in 2018. While our annual churn rate for cellular subscribers decreased marginally in 2020 to 30% compared with 31% in 2019 and 35% in 2018, competition in the cellular subscriber market remained intense. Significant price erosion continued to be caused by the number of cellular subscribers who moved between different rateplans or airtime packages (generally with a lower monthly fee) within the Company.
Revenues from equipment. Revenues from equipment sales for the cellular segment in 2020 totaled NIS 545 million, (US$ 170 million), a decrease of 5% from NIS 571 million in 2019, mainly reflecting a decrease in the volume of retail sales of cellular equipment following the closure of some sales points during certain COVID-19-related lockdown periods during the year, partially offset by a significant increase in cellular equipment sales to wholesale customers.
Gross profit from equipment sales. The gross profit from equipment sales for the cellular segment in 2020 was NIS 94 million, (US$ 29 million), compared with NIS 107 million in 2019, a decrease of 12%. This decrease mainly reflected the decrease in the volume of equipment sales, as described above, in addition to a decrease in profit margins from sales due to a change in the product mix.
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Cost of service revenues. The cost of service revenues for the cellular segment decreased by 7% from NIS 1,514 million in 2019 to NIS 1,403 million (US$ 436 million) in 2020. This decrease mainly reflected the decrease in depreciation and amortization expenses related to the cellular network, as well as the decrease in workforce and related expenses and in roaming expenses, partially offset by the increase in interconnect expenses due to the significant increase in outgoing call volumes related to the COVID-19 crisis (in parallel to the increase in incoming call volumes discussed above). See also note 22 to our consolidated financial statements.
Selling, marketing, general and administrative expenses and credit losses. Selling, marketing, general and administrative expenses and credit losses for the cellular segment in 2020 amounted to NIS 300 million, (US$ 93 million), a decrease of 10% from NIS 334 million in 2019. The decrease mainly reflected the decrease in workforce and related expenses, which were partially offset by increases in amortization expenses and credit losses. See also note 22 to our consolidated financial statements.
Total operating expenses ("OPEX"). Total operating expenses (OPEX is not a financial measure under IFRS and not necessarily comparable to similarly titled measures for other companies; see "Item 5A.2" for reconciliation on a consolidated basis) for the cellular segment totaled NIS 1,253 million (US$ 390 million) in 2020, a decrease of 4% or NIS 45 million from NIS 1,298 million in 2019, principally due to the decrease in workforce and related expenses, partially offset by the increase in interconnect expenses discussed above. See also note 22 to our consolidated financial statements. Including depreciation and amortization expenses and other expenses (mainly amortization of employee share-based compensation), total operating expenses totaled NIS 1,703 million, (US$ 530 million), a decrease of 8% compared with NIS 1,848 million in 2019.
Operating profit. Overall, operating profit for the cellular segment in 2020 was NIS 73 million, (US$ 23 million), a decrease of 5% compared with NIS 77 million in 2019, mainly reflecting the decrease in cellular segment service revenues and the decrease in gross profit from equipment sales which were partially offset by the decrease in operating expenses including depreciation and amortization expenses and other expenses.
Adjusted EBITDA. Adjusted EBITDA for the cellular segment was NIS 533 million (US$ 166 million) in 2020, a decrease of 16% from NIS 635 million in 2019, largely for the same reasons as the decrease in operating profit (excluding depreciation and amortization expenses and other expenses). As a percentage of total cellular revenues, Adjusted EBITDA for the cellular segment in 2020 was 24% compared with 27% in 2019.
Total revenues. Total revenues in 2020 for the fixed-line segment were NIS 1,129 million, (US$ 351 million), an increase of 10% compared with NIS 1,028 million in 2019.
Revenues from services. Service revenues for the fixed-line segment totaled NIS 993 million (US$ 309 million) in 2020, an increase of 7% compared with NIS 925 million in 2019. This increase mainly reflected the increase in revenues resulting from the growth in internet and TV services, which was partially offset by a decline in revenues from international calling services (including the market for wholesale international traffic) which continue to be adversely affected by the increased penetration of internet-based solutions. See also "Item 3D.2o3D.2p The telecommunications industry is subject to rapid and significant changes in technology and industry structure which could reduce demand for our services."
Revenues from equipment. Revenues from equipment sales for the fixed-line segment in 2020 totaled NIS 136 million, (US$ 42 million), an increase of 32% compared with NIS 103 million in 2019, mainly reflecting an increase in the volume of sales of fixed-line equipment for both business and private customers.
Gross profit from equipment sales. The gross profit from equipment sales for the fixed-line segment in 2020 was NIS 51 million, (US$ 16 million), compared with NIS 37 million in 2019, an increase of 38%, again largely a reflection of the impact of an increase in sales recorded from sales of internet-related equipment and devices.
Cost of service revenues. The cost of service revenues for the fixed-line segment increased by 6% from NIS 826 million in 2019 to NIS 873 million (US$ 272 million) in 2020. This increase mainly reflected increased expenses related to the growth in fixed-line segment services (including workforce and related expensesand depreciation and amortization expenses) and an increase in interconnect expenses (in parallel to the increase in incoming call volumes discussed in the cellular segment above), partially offset by receipt of a government-mandated refund from Bezeq of approximately NIS 20 million of payments for access to the wholesale internet infrastructure in previous years and a decrease in international calling services expenses. See also note 22 to our consolidated financial statements.
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Selling, marketing, general and administrative expenses and credit losses. Selling, marketing, general and administrative expenses and credit losses for the fixed-line segment in 2020 amounted to NIS 159 million, (US$ 49 million), an increase of 19% from NIS 134 million in 2019. The increase mainly reflected increased workforce and related expenses and depreciation and amortization expenses related to the growth in fixed-line segment services. See also note 22 to our consolidated financial statements.
Total operating expenses ("OPEX"). Total operating expenses (OPEX is not a financial measure under IFRS and not necessarily comparable to similarly titled measures for other companies; see "Item 5A.25A.2" for reconciliation on a consolidated basis) for the fixed-line segment totaled NIS 766 million (US$ 238 million) in 2020, an increase of 2% or NIS 16 million from NIS 750 million in 2019. See also note 22 to our consolidated financial statements. Including depreciation, amortization and impairment expenses and other expenses (mainly amortization of employee share-based compensation), total operating expenses for the fixed-line segment totaled NIS 1,032 million, (US$ 321 million), an increase of 8% compared with NIS 960 million in 2019.
Operating profit. Operating profit for the fixed-line segment was NIS 23 million (US$ 7 million) in 2020, an increase of 130% compared to NIS 10 million in 2019, mainly reflecting the impact of the growth in TV and internet services and the increase in gross profit from fixed-line segment equipment sales, which more than offset the increase in total operating expenses including depreciation, amortization expenses and other expenses (mainly amortization of employee share-based compensation).
Adjusted EBITDA. Adjusted EBITDA for the fixed-line segment was NIS 289 million (US$ 90 million) in 2020, an increase of 33% from NIS 218 million in 2019. The increase resulted from the growth in TV and internet services and the increase in gross profit from fixed-line equipment sales, which were partially offset by the increase in total operating expenses (excluding depreciation, amortization and impairment expenses and other expenses (mainly amortization of employee share-based compensation)). As a percentage of total fixed-line revenues, Adjusted EBITDA for the fixed-line segment in 2020 was 26%, compared with 21% in 2019.
| New Israeli Shekels | ||||||||||||||||
| Year ended December 31, 2018* | ||||||||||||||||
| In millions | ||||||||||||||||
Cellular segment | Fixed-line segment | Elimination | Consolidated | |||||||||||||
| Segment revenue – Services | 1,827 | 697 | 2,524 | |||||||||||||
| Inter-segment revenue – Services | 16 | 155 | (171 | ) | ||||||||||||
| Segment revenue – Equipment | 643 | 92 | 735 | |||||||||||||
| Total revenues | 2,486 | 944 | (171 | ) | 3,259 | |||||||||||
| Segment cost of revenues – Services | 1,435 | 696 | 2,131 | |||||||||||||
| Inter-segment cost of revenues - Services | 154 | 17 | (171 | ) | ||||||||||||
| Segment cost of revenues – Equipment | 509 | 60 | 569 | |||||||||||||
| Cost of revenues | 2,098 | 773 | (171 | ) | 2,700 | |||||||||||
| Gross profit | 388 | 171 | 559 | |||||||||||||
| Operating expenses (1) | 343 | 128 | 471 | |||||||||||||
| Other income, net | 23 | 5 | 28 | |||||||||||||
| Operating profit | 68 | 48 | 116 | |||||||||||||
Adjustments to presentation of Segment Adjusted EBITDA | ||||||||||||||||
| –Depreciation and amortization | 442 | 150 | 592 | |||||||||||||
| –Other (2) | 14 | 14 | ||||||||||||||
Segment Adjusted EBITDA (3) | 524 | 198 | 722 | |||||||||||||
Reconciliation of profit for the year to Adjusted EBITDA | ||||||||||||||||
| Profit for the year | 56 | |||||||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 592 | |||||||||||||||
| Finance costs, net | 53 | |||||||||||||||
| Income tax expenses | 7 | |||||||||||||||
| Other (2) | 14 | |||||||||||||||
Adjusted EBITDA (3) | 722 | |||||||||||||||
5A.4 SEASONALITY OF SERVICE REVENUES
Historically, our cellular service revenues and profitability tend to show some seasonal trends over the year, resulting mainly from revenues from roaming services which tend to increase during Jewish holiday periods and during the summer months. TheseThe seasonal trends did not materialize in the yearyears 2020 due toand 2021 were significantly disrupted by the impact of the COVID-19 crisis.crisis on roaming service revenues.
There is no assurance that these trends will continuereturn in the future.
| Three months ended | Three months ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| NIS in millions | March 31 | June 30 | Sept. 30 | Dec. 31 | March 31 | June 30 | Sept. 30 | Dec. 31 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (Unaudited) | (Unaudited) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Service Revenues | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2018 | 625 | 620 | 654 | 625 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2019 | 624 | 642 | 658 | 636 | 624 | 642 | 658 | 636 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2020 | 629 | 616 | 631 | 632 | 629 | 616 | 631 | 632 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | 639 | 649 | 672 | 675 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
5A.5 IMPACT OF EXCHANGE RATE FLUCTUATIONS AND INFLATION
Substantially all of our revenues and a majority of our operating expenses are denominated in shekels. However, in recent years, approximately one quarter of our operating expenses (excluding depreciation), including a substantial majority of our device and equipment purchases related to end sales to customers, were linked to non-NIS currencies, mainly the US dollar. In addition, part of our capital expenditures are incurred in, or linked to, non-NIS currencies, mainly the US dollar. See “ITEM 11 QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK”.
5B. Liquidity and Capital Resources
The discussion below first describes our financial indebtedness (Notes payable, long-term borrowings and total financial debt) and capital expenditures, then our dividend payments, and finally our main sources of liquidity.
5B.1 NOTES PAYABLE
As further described below, we have over the years issued a number of series of Notes payable, which we have occasionally repurchased.
According to agreements the Company entered into in December 2017 and January 2018, the Company issued in December 2019, in a framework of a private placement, an aggregate principal amount of NIS 226.75 million of additional Series F Notes to certain Israeli institutional investors.
In January 2019, the Company issued a new Series G Notes, in a principal amount of NIS 225 million, payable as follows: 4 annual installments of NIS 22.5 million each, payable in June of each of the years 2022 through 2025, NIS 45 million payable in June 2026 and NIS 90 million payable in June 2027. The principal bears fixed annual interest of 4%, payable annually on June 25 of each year.
In 2019, 2020 and 2020,2021, following partial exercises of option warrants exercisable for Series G Notes (see also "Private placement of option warrants" below), the Company issued Series G Notes in a total principal amount of NIS 125 million, NIS 174.3 and NIS 174.326.5 million respectively.
In July 2020, the Company issued in a private placement (not related to the option warrants mentioned above) additional Series G Notes in a principal amount of NIS 300 million, under the same conditions as the original series.
In July 2020, the Company also executed a partial early redemption of Series F Notes in a total principal amount of NIS 305 million. The total amount paid was NIS 313 million. The early redemption resulted in additional finance costs of NIS 7 million recorded in July 2020.
In December 2021, the Company issued Series H Notes, in a principal amount of NIS 198.4 million, payable in five annual installments as follows: NIS 39.7 million payable in June 2025, NIS 19.8 million payable in June 2026, NIS 39.7 million payable in June of each of the years 2028 through 2029 and NIS 59.5 million payable in June 2030. The principal bears fixed annual interest of 2.08%, payable annually on June 25 of each year.
All Series Notes payable are unsecured non-convertible and listed for trading on the TASE.
All Series Notes payable have been rated ilA+, on a local scale, by Standard & Poor’s Maalot.
Members of our Board of Directors and senior management may have purchased a portion of the various Series Notes through stock exchange transactions.
The table below sets forth the composition and terms of the Notes payable issued by the Company and outstanding at December 31, 2020:2021:
| Principal amount | Annual interest rate | Interest payment terms | Original issuance date | |||||
| Notes payable series | ||||||||
| 2.16% fixed | Semi-annual | July 2017 | ||||||
| Notes payable series G(*) | 4% fixed | Annual | January 2019 | |||||
| Notes payable series H | 198 | 2.08% fixed | Annual | December 2021 |
(*) Includes Series G Notes issued pursuant to the option warrants described below.
The table below sets forth the payments of principal to be made on our Notes payable at December 31, 20202021 (for payments including interest payments, see "Item 5F Aggregate Contractual Obligations”5B.5 MAIN SOURCES OF LIQUIDITY"):
2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 to 2025 | 2026 and thereafter | Total | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 to 2026 | 2027 and thereafter | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
New Israeli Shekels in millions | New Israeli Shekels in millions | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Principal payments of long-term indebtedness: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Notes payable series D | 109 | 109 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Notes payable series F | 128 | 128 | 128 | 128 | 512 | 128 | 128 | 128 | 384 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Notes payable series G | 82 | 82 | 165 | 495 | 824 | 85 | 85 | 85 | 255 | 341 | 851 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Notes payable series H | 60 | 138 | 198 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 237 | 210 | 210 | 293 | 495 | 1,445 | 213 | 213 | 213 | 315 | 479 | 1,433 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Private placement of option warrants
In April 2019, the Company issued in a private placement 2 series of untradeable option warrants that arewere exercisable for the Company's Series G Notes. The exercise period of the first series was between July 1, 2019 and May 31, 2020 and of the second series iswas between July 1, 2020 and May 31, 2021. The exercise price iswas NIS 88 for each Series G notes principal amount of NIS 100. The Series G Notes allotted upon the exercise of an option warrant will bewere identical in all their rights to the Company's Series G Notes immediately upon their allotment, and will bewere entitled to any payment of interest or other benefit, the effective date of which is due after the allotment date. The Notes allotted as a result of the exercise of option warrants will bewere registered on the TASE. The total amount received by the Company on the allotment date of the option warrants (in April 2019) was NIS 37 million.
In 2019, 2020 and 2020,2021, following partial exercises of option warrants which arewere exercisable for Series G Notes, the Company issued Series G Notes in a total principal amount of NIS 125 million, and NIS 174.3 million and NIS 26.5 million, respectively.
As of the date of approval of these financial statements, the total remaining consideration expected to be received (after the exercises described above), excluding consideration already received for the allotment of the options, in respect of full exercise of remainingDecember 31, 2021, no option warrants (and assuming that there will be no change to the exercise price) is approximately NIS 23 million.were outstanding.
5B.2 LONG-TERM BORROWINGS
The Company has received borrowings from leading Israeli commercial banks. The Company may, at its discretion, prepay the borrowings, subject to certain conditions, including that the Company shall reimburse the lenders for losses sustained by the lenders as a result of the prepayment. The reimbursement is mainly based on the difference between the interest rate that the Company would otherwise pay and the current market interest rate on the prepayment date.
Borrowings as of December 31, 2020 are set forth below:
2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | Total | ||||||||||||||||
New Israeli Shekels in millions | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Borrowing P | 30 | 29 | 59 | |||||||||||||||||
| Borrowing Q | 23 | 23 | 23 | 10 | 79 | |||||||||||||||
53 | 52 | 23 | 10 | 138 | ||||||||||||||||
Borrowing P: In December 2017, the Company received a long-term borrowing from a commercial bank in the principal amount of NIS 125 million. The borrowing bears unlinked interest at the rate of 2.38% per annum and is paid in quarterly payments over 5 years. The principal is paid in quarterly equal payments commencing in December 2018.
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Borrowing Q: In December 2017, the Company received a long-term borrowing from a commercial bank in the principal amount of NIS 125 million. The borrowing bears unlinked interest at the rate of 2.5% per annum and is paid in quarterly payments over 6.5 years. The principal is paid in quarterly equal payments commencing March 2019.
Borrowing R: In December 2021, the Company received a long-term loan from a commercial bank in the principal amount of NIS 150 million. The borrowing bears unlinked interest at the rate of 2.55% per annum and will be paid in 5 annual installments, NIS 30 million payable in June 2025, NIS 15 million payable in June 2026, NIS 30 million payable in June of each of the years 2028 through 2029 and NIS 45 million payable in June 2030. The principal bears fixed annual interest of 2.55%, payable on June 30 and December 31 of each year.
Borrowings as of December 31, 2021 are set forth below:
| Annual interest rate | Interest payment terms | Original reception date | ||||
| Borrowing P | 2.38% fixed | Quarterly | December 2017 | |||
| Borrowing Q | 2.5% fixed | Quarterly | December 2017 | |||
| Borrowing R | 2.55% fixed | Semi-annual | December 2021 |
The Company did not receive new long-termtable below sets forth the payments of principal to be made on our borrowings, in the years 2018 through 2020.as of December 31, 2021 (for payments including interest payments see "Item 5B.5 MAIN SOURCES OF LIQUIDITY":
2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 to 2026 | 2027 and thereafter | Total | |||||||||||||||||||
New Israeli Shekels in millions | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Borrowing P | 29 | 29 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Borrowing Q | 23 | 23 | 11 | 57 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Borrowing R | 45 | 105 | 150 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 52 | 23 | 11 | 45 | 105 | 236 | |||||||||||||||||||
5B.3 FINANCIAL COVENANTS
Regarding Series F Notes, Series G Notes, Series H Notes, and borrowingsborrowing P, borrowing Q and Q,borrowing R, the Company is required to comply with financial covenants that the ratio of Net Debt to Adjusted EBITDA shall not exceed 5. Compliance will be examined and reported on a quarterly basis. For the purpose of the covenants, Adjusted EBITDA is calculated as the sum total for the last 12 month period, excluding adjustable one-time items. As of December 31, 2020,2021, the ratio of Net Debt to Adjusted EBITDA was 0.8.0.8
Additional stipulations mainly include:
Shareholders' equity shall not decrease below NIS 400 million and no dividends will be declared if shareholders' equity will be below NIS 650 million regarding Series F notes, borrowing P and borrowing P. Q;
Shareholders' equity shall not decrease below NIS 600 million and no dividends will be declared if shareholders' equity will be below NIS 750 million regarding Series G notes. The Companynotes and borrowing R;
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Shareholders' equity shall not create floating liens subject to certain terms. The Company has the right for early redemption under certain conditions. decrease below NIS 700 million and no dividends will be declared if shareholders' equity will be below NIS 850 million regarding Series H notes;
With respect to notes payable series F, series G and series G:H: the Company shall pay additional annual interest of 0.5% in the case of a two-notch downgrade in the Notes rating and an additional annual interest of 0.25% for each further single-notch downgrade, up to a maximum additional interest of 1%; the Company shall pay additional annual interest of 0.25% during a period in which there is a breach of the financial covenants;covenant; debt rating will not decrease below BBB- for a certain period. In any case, the total maximum additional interest for Series F, Series G and G,Series H, shall not exceed 1.25%, 1% or 1%, respectively. 1.25% respectively; and
The Company shall not create floating liens subject to certain terms. The Company has the right for early redemption under certain conditions regarding all notes and borrowings.
The Group was in compliance with the financial covenants and the additional stipulations for the year 2020.2021.
5B.4 TOTAL NET FINANCIAL DEBT
At December 31, 2020,2021, total net financial debt (the sum total of current notes payable and borrowings (NIS 268 million) and non-current borrowings and notes payable (NIS 1,408 million) less cash and cash equivalents (NIS 308 million) and less short-term and long-term deposits (NIS 624 million)) amounted to NIS 744 million, compared to NIS 657 million (the sum total of current notes payable and borrowings (NIS 290 million) and non-current borrowings and notes payable (NIS 1,305 million) and financial liability at fair value (NIS 4 million) less cash and cash equivalents (NIS 376 million) and less short-term and long-term deposits (NIS 566 million)) amounted to NIS 657 million, compared to NIS 957 million (the sum total of current notes payable and borrowings (NIS 367 million) and non-current borrowings and notes payable (NIS 1,413 million) and financial liability at fair value (NIS 28 million) less cash and cash equivalents (NIS 299 million) and less short-term deposits (NIS 552 million)) at December 31, 2019.2020.
At December 31, 2020,2021, the current portion of our total financial debt (including future interest payments during 2021)2022) amounted to NIS 337314 million, as compared to NIS 407337 million at December 31, 2019,2020, and was composed of the amounts set forth in the table below. We intend to fund the repayment of the current portion of our Notes payable, borrowings and interest in 2021,2022, through available cash or operational cash flow, issuance of deferred notes payable, new borrowings, issuance or sale of corporate notes, issuance of shares or a combination of one or more of these resources.available cash, short term deposits and operational cash flow.
| Current Portion Payable in | NIS in millions | |||
| Principal on notes payable | ||||
| Principal on borrowings | ||||
| Accrued interest on notes payable | ||||
| Accrued interest on borrowings | ||||
| Total | ||||
Capital Expenditures. The communications business is highly capital intensive, requiring significant capital to acquire licenses, to construct and maintain communications networks and to purchase and install subscriber-end equipment. In 2020,2021, capital expenditures also included expenditures on fiber-optics and related assets, subscriber equipment and installation, licenses, computer and information systems, property, leasehold improvements, furniture and equipment, costs of obtaining contracts with customers (under IFRS 15), and computer software.
In the years ended December 31, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2020,2021, our capital expenditures as represented by additions to property and equipment and intangible assets, amounted to NIS 499578 million, NIS 578595 million and NIS 595680 million, respectively. The increase in capital expenditures from 20192020 to 20202021 mainly reflected the increased investment in the fiber-optic infrastructure the increase in the costs of licenses including the cost of the new 5G frequencies following receipt of the frequencies during the year and the increase in the costs of obtaining contracts with customers.computers and information systems.
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During the years ended December 31, 20192020 and 2020,2021, the capital expenditures noted above included NIS 237251 million and NIS 251338 million (US$78109 million), respectively, in our network infrastructure, including in ourcellular and fiber-optic infrastructure.
networks.At December 31, 2020,2021, our capital expenditure commitments totaled NIS 64117 million, and were related almost entirely to our cellular and fixed-line networks and IT systems. For further informationregarding our capital expenditure commitments at December 31, 2020,2021, see “Item 5F Aggregate Contractual Obligations”"Item 5B.5 MAIN SOURCES OF LIQUIDITY". For our current outlook on the short-term trend in capital expenditures, see "5D.2 Outlook".
Dividend payments. For the year ending December 31, 2020,2021, the Company did not distribute any dividends.
5B.5 MAIN SOURCES OF LIQUIDITY
Cash on hand;
Operating cash flows, net of cash flows used for investing activities;
| • | Issuance of notes payable and long-term borrowings; |
Share issuance;
Short-term deposits; and
Long-term deposits; anddeposits.
Cash on hand. At December 31, 2020,2021, we had NIS 376308 million in cash on hand, compared to NIS 299376 million at December 31, 2019.2020.
Short-term deposits. At December 31, 2020,2021, we had short-term deposits in an amount of NIS 411344 million, compared to NIS 552411 million at December 31, 2019.2020.
Long-term deposits. At December 31, 2020,2021, we had long-term deposits for a periodperiods ending in March 2023 and June 2022,2023, in an aggregate amount of NIS 280 million, compared to NIS 155 million. We did not have long-term depositsmillion at December 31, 2019.2020.
Cash flows from operating activities. Cash flows from operating activities totaled NIS 786774 million (US$ 244249 million) in 2020,2021, a decrease of 6%2% compared to NIS 837786 million in 2019.2020. The decrease mainly reflected the impact of the increases in accounts receivables, following the advance payment of frequency fees to the Ministry of Communications in an amount of NIS 55 million, and in inventories, as well as a decrease in deferred revenues and other, partially offset by the impact of the increases in Adjusted EBITDA.EBITDA and in trade and other payables and provisions.
Adjusted Free Cash Flow for 20202021 was negative NIS 43 million (US$ 14 million), a decrease of NIS 115 million compared to NIS 72 million (US$ 22 million), an increase of 47% compared to NIS 49 million for 20192020 (Adjusted Free Cash Flow is calculated as cash flows from operating activities, net of cash flows from investment activities less proceeds from (investment in)investment in deposits, net, and net of lease principal payments and lease interest payments; Adjusted Free Cash Flow is not a financial measure under IFRS and may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures for other companies).
| Reconciliation of cash flows to Adjusted Free Cash Flow | Year ended December 31, | |||||||
| 2019 | 2020 | |||||||
| NIS in millions | ||||||||
| Net cash provided by operating activities | 837 | 786 | ||||||
| Net cash used in investing activities | (1,181 | ) | (581 | ) | ||||
| Less investment in deposits, net | 552 | 14 | ||||||
| Lease principal payments | (139 | ) | (129 | ) | ||||
| Lease interest payments | (20 | ) | (18 | ) | ||||
| Adjusted Free Cash Flow | 49 | 72 | ||||||
| Reconciliation of cash flows to Adjusted Free Cash Flow | Year ended December 31, | |||||||
| 2020 | 2021 | |||||||
| NIS in millions | ||||||||
| Cash flows from operating activities | 786 | 774 | ||||||
| Add Cash flows from investing activities | (581 | ) | (727 | ) | ||||
| Deduct investment in deposits, net | 14 | 58 | ||||||
| Deduct lease principal payments | (129 | ) | (130 | ) | ||||
| Deduct lease interest payments | (18 | ) | (18 | ) | ||||
| Adjusted Free Cash Flow | 72 | (43 | ) | |||||
Existing credit facilities. As of December 31, 2020,2021, PHI had a short-term credit facility with a leading Israeli commercial bank in the amount of NIS 100 million. The Group's share in this facility is 50%. The facility is restricted for use by PHI only. As of December 31, 20202021, no funds were drawn from this facility.
Notes payable issuance commitments. In April 2019, the Company issued in a private placement two series of untradeable option warrants that are exercisable for the Company's Series G Notes. The exercise period of the first series was between July 1, 2019 and May 31, 2020 and of the second series is between July 1, 2020 and May 31, 2021. In 2019, 2020 and 2021, following partial exercises of option warrants exercisable for Series G Notes, the Company issued Series G Notes in a total principal amount of NIS 125 million, NIS 174.3 million and NIS 26.5 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2021, no option warrants were outstanding.
The Series G Notes allotted upon the exercise of an option warrant will beare identical in all their rights to the Company's Series G Notes immediately upon their allotment, and will beare entitled to any payment of interest or other benefit, the effective date of which is due after the allotment date. The Notes allotted as a result of the exercise of option warrants will behave been registered on the TASE. The total amount received by the Company on the allotment date of the option warrants was NIS 37 million.
Share issuance. In January 2020, the Company issued 19,330,183 shares of the Company to institutional investors, following a tender under a shelf offering, and by way of a private placement. The total net consideration received was approximately NIS 276 million and was used for general corporate purposes. The offering expenses totaled NIS 10 million.
| Payments due by period (NIS in millions) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Contractual Obligations | Total | 2022 | 2023-2024 | 2025-2026 | 2027 and thereafter | |||||||||||||||
| Notes Series F* | 396 | 135 | 261 | |||||||||||||||||
| Notes Series G* | 1,001 | 119 | 229 | 299 | 354 | |||||||||||||||
| Notes Series H* | 225 | 2 | 8 | 67 | 148 | |||||||||||||||
| Long term borrowings* | 264 | 58 | 43 | 51 | 112 | |||||||||||||||
| Lease liabilities | 784 | 139 | 216 | 151 | 278 | |||||||||||||||
| Trade payables | 705 | 705 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Payables in respect of employees | 99 | 99 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Other payables | 45 | 45 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Commitments to pay for inventory purchases** | 458 | 231 | 227 | |||||||||||||||||
| Commitments to pay for property, equipment purchases and software elements purchases (capital expenditures)** | 117 | 117 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Commitments to pay for rights of use of capacities and maintenance** | 91 | 63 | 26 | 2 | ||||||||||||||||
| Total Contractual Cash Obligations | 4,185 | 1,713 | 1,010 | 570 | 892 | |||||||||||||||
* The figures include expected payments of interest on our long-term debt (borrowings and notes payable).
** See note 17 to the consolidated financial statements
The Company currently believes that its cash flows from our operations, together with ourits cash on hand, and our short-termshort and long-term deposits, will provide us with enoughsufficient liquidity and resources to fund our on-going operations, expected capital expenditure needs, payment of amounts due on our notes and borrowings, as well as other existing material commitments at leastas of December 31, 2021, for the next 12 months (see also "Item 5F Aggregate Contractual Obligations").forseeable future. However, the actual amount and timing of our future requirements may differ materially from our current estimates. See also “Item 5D.2 Outlook".
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5C. Research and Development, Patents and Licenses
We are primarily a user rather than a developer of technology. Accordingly, we did not engage in any significant research and development activities during the past three years.
5D. Trend Information
5D.1 RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
See “Item 5D.2 Outlook”. See also recent regulatory developments in “Item 4B.12e Regulatory Developments” and “Item 3D.1 RISKS RELATING TO THE REGULATION OF OUR INDUSTRY”.
5D.2 OUTLOOK
The increase in profits in 2021 also partly reflected a moderate increase in revenues from roaming services, which will continue to be significantly restrained. Should existing trends continue or worsen, this may have a material harmful effecthighly dependent on our resultsthe trajectory of operations and financial position for 2021.” For the first quarter of 2021, COVID-19 is expected to continue to have a negative impact on our results as a result of continued near-complete cessation of international travel and the effects of the lockdown in part of the quarter; however, the impact is not expected to differ materially from that in the final quarter of 2020.2022.
As in 2021, the Company's continued investment in the 5G cellular network is not expected to have a significant impact on capital expenditures payments in 2021. The Company’s intention is to complete the major phase of deployment of our fiber-optic infrastructure during the year 2023.2022.
Adjusted Free Cash Flow for 20202021 was negative NIS 43 million (US$ 14 million), a decrease of NIS 115 million compared to NIS 72 million (US$ 22 million), an increase of 47% compared to NIS 49 million for 2019 (as2020 (which as shown in "Item 5B.5 MAIN SOURCES OF LIQUIDITY" is calculated as the sum of net cash provided byflows from operating activities and net cash used inflows from investing activities less proceeds from (investment in)investment in deposits, net and net of lease principal payments and lease interest payments; Adjusted Free Cash Flow is not a financial measure under IFRS and may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures for other companies).
The statements above under this section regarding trends are “forward-looking” statements. We have based these forward-looking statements on our current knowledge and our present beliefs and expectations regarding possible future events. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions about Partner, consumer habits and preferences in mobile telephonecellular and fixed-line usage, trends in the Israeli telecommunications industry in general, possible regulatory and legal developments and trends in general economic conditions. For a description of some of the risks we face, see “Item 3D. Key Information – Risk Factors”, “Item 4. Information on the Company”, “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects” and “Item 8A. Consolidated Financial Statements and Other Financial Information – Legal and Administrative Proceedings”. In light of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, the forward-looking events discussed above might not occur, and actual results may differ materially from the results anticipated.
| Payments due by period (NIS in millions) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Contractual Obligations | Total | 2021 | 2022-2023 | 2024-2025 | 2026 and thereafter | |||||||||||||||
| Notes Series D* | 110 | 110 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Notes Series F* | 534 | 138 | 267 | 129 | ||||||||||||||||
| Notes Series G* | 1,003 | 33 | 227 | 215 | 528 | |||||||||||||||
| Long term borrowings* | 143 | 56 | 77 | 10 | ||||||||||||||||
| Lease liabilities | 786 | 135 | 206 | 149 | 296 | |||||||||||||||
| Trade payables | 666 | 666 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Payables in respect of employees | 38 | 38 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Other payables | 12 | 12 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Other non-current liabilities | 32 | 32 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Contribution to defined benefit plan | 7 | 7 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Commitments to pay for inventory purchases** | 265 | 265 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Commitments to pay for property, equipment purchases and software elements purchases (capital expenditures)** | 64 | 64 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Commitments to pay for rights of use of capacities** | 119 | 51 | 63 | 5 | ||||||||||||||||
| Commitment to pay for capacities maintenance** | 13 | 4 | 9 | |||||||||||||||||
| Total Contractual Cash Obligations | 3,792 | 1,579 | 881 | 508 | 824 | |||||||||||||||
6A. Directors and Senior Management
6A.1 DIRECTORS
Below is a list of the directors of the Company as of the date of this Annual Report.
| Name of Director | Age | Position | ||
Osnat Ronen (5) (6) | ||||
| Richard Hunter | Director | |||
Roly Klinger(1)(2)(3)(4) | Director | |||
Jonathan Kolodny(1)(2)(3)(4) | Director | |||
Michal Maron-Brikman(1)(2)(3)(4) | Director | |||
| Yehuda Saban | Director | |||
| Yossi Shachak | Director | |||
| Ori Yaron | Director | |||
Shlomo Zohar(1)(2)(4) | Director |
| (1) | Member of the Audit Committee |
| (2) | Member of the Compensation Committee |
| (3) | External Director under the Israeli Companies Law (See “Item 6C Board Practices”) |
| (4) | Independent Director under NASDAQ rules and under the Israeli Companies Law |
| (5) | Independent Director under NASDAQ rules |
| (6) | Appointed by the Israeli founding shareholders |
Osnat Ronen has been a director in the Company since December 2009 and was appointed to serve as Chairman of the Board of Directors in November 2019. She is also a member of the Security Committee. Ms. Ronen currently serves on the Board of Directors of Discount Capital Underwriters. She also volunteers as a director of the College for Management (Michlala Le-Minhal). Ms. Ronen serves as one of the founders of Wecheck Ltd. and serves on the Board of Directors and as President. Ms. Ronen founded FireWind 01 GP in 2015 and has since served as its general partner until 2019. Ms. Ronen has also served as an advisor to Liquidnet, Inc. from 2013 to 2015. Until March 20, 2021, Ms. Ronen served on the Board of Directors of Fox-Wizel Ltd. Between 2013 and 2018, Ms. Ronen served on the Board of Directors of Mizrahi Tefahot Bank Ltd. as Head of the Audit Committee. Ms. Ronen also served on the Board of Directors of Perion Networks Ltd. during 2016-2017. Ms. Ronen also served as a volunteer on the Board of Directors of Yissum Research Development Company of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem until December 2018. Previously she served as a General Partner of Viola Private Equity from 2008 until 2013. From 1994 to 2007, Ms. Ronen served in various positions at Bank Leumi Le Israel BM, including as the Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Leumi Partners Ltd. from 2001 to 2007 and as Deputy Head of the Subsidiaries Division of the Leumi Group from 1999 to 2001. Between 2004 and 2007, Ms. Ronen also led the strategic planning, deployment and execution of the Bachar Reform, one of Israel’s largest financial reforms, at Leumi Group. As part of the implementation, Ms. Ronen managed the sale of Leumi’s holdings in mutual, provident and training funds. Ms. Ronen served on the Board of Directors of several portfolio companies of Viola including: Amiad Water Systems Ltd., Orad Hi-tech Ltd., Aeronautics Ltd., Degania Medical Ltd. and Matomy Media Group Ltd. Ms. Ronen holds a B.Sc. in mathematics and computer science from Tel Aviv University and an M.B.A. from the Recanati School of Business Administration at Tel Aviv University.
Richard Hunter was appointed to the Board of Directors of Partner in November 2019. He is Chairman of the Board of Directors of Holmes Place International Ltd., serves on the Board of Directors of Delta Galil Industries Ltd., Samelt MCA Ltd. and Trigo Vision, and served as a director at SodaStream International Ltd. until their sale to Pepsi Co. Currently Mr. Hunter is a founding partner in Green Lantern, a private equity fund. Previously he served as CEO of McCann Erickson Israel from 2012 until 2016. During the years 2010 until 2012, Mr. Hunter served as Chief Operating OfficerCEO of Shufersal Ltd. and as CEO of 013 Netvision from 2007 until 2010. Prior to that Mr. Hunter was a Partner at Mckinsey and Company from 1999-2007. Mr. Hunter is an accounting and financial expert, holds an LL.B from the College of Management, Tel-Aviv and an M.B.A from INSEAD Business School.
Roly Klinger was appointed to the Board of Directors of Partner in October 2020. She has served sincefrom 2018 until 2021 as an External Director in Delek Royalties (2012) Ltd. (Tomer Energy Royalties (2012) Ltd.), as Chairman of the Audit Committee and the Compensation Committee and a member of the finance committee. Ms. Klinger served from 2017 until 20192020 as the Director of Refinance, Vice President Legal Counsel& Regulatory Affairs and Company Secretary of IBC Israel Broadband Company (2013) Ltd. Ms. Klinger served as Partner's Chief Legal Counsel and Company Secretary from 1998 until 2012 and in 2012 was appointeduntil the end of 2015 she served as Vice President, Business Development, Legal & Regulatory Affairs. During this period she continued to serve as Partner Corporate Secretary until 2015. Ms. Klinger served as Vice President Legal & Regulatory Affairs Business Development and CorporateCompany Secretary of Keshet Broadcasting Ltd. from 1994 until 2015.1998. Ms. Klinger is a Member of the Israeli Bar Association. Ms. Klinger holds an LL.B degree from Tel Aviv University, M.A. in Conflict Research Management and Resolution (Research Track), graduated with honors, from Thethe Hebrew University ofin Jerusalem. Ms. Klinger attendedgraduated from the Advanced Management Program (AMP).(AMP 182) - Harvard Business School.
Jonathan Kolodny was appointed to the Board of Directors of Partner effective May 6, 2018. Dr. Kolodny is a General Partner in ION Crossover Partners, a late-stage technology investment fund, which he joined in March of 2018. He also serves on the Board of Directors of BlueVine Capital, Inc. since 2019, and the Board of Directors of Resident Home, Inc. since 2020. Dr. Kolodny served as the CEO of the Keter Group from 2016 to February 2018. Prior to that, he served from 2013 until 2016 as the CEO of Jardin International Holding. During the years 1994 until 2013, Dr. Kolodny served in various senior positions at McKinsey & Company in their overseas as well as local offices founding their office in Israel in 2000 and elected as a Director (senior Partner)partner) of the Firm in 2007. He also served on the Board of Directors of Sodastream International Ltd. from 2015 until its sale to Pepsico at the end of 2018. Dr. Kolodny received a B.A. in Computer Science summa cum laude from Harvard College and a Ph.D. in Cognitive Neuroscience from the University of Cambridge.
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Michal Marom-Brikman was appointed to the Board of Directors of Partner effective January 2021. She serves on the Board of Directors of a variety of companies traded both in Israel as well as abroad including, Halman Aldubi Investment House Ltd,Ltd., OPC Energy Ltd., Panaxia Pharmaceutical IndustriesCipia Vision Ltd., Dan Transportation and The Moinian Group. Ms. Marom-Brikman served in the past as a director in various companies including: Israel Union Bank Ltd., Arko Holdings Ltd., BiondVax Pharmaceuticals Ltd., and Electreon Wireless Ltd. Ms. Marom-Brikman is a certified public accountant in Israel. Ms. Marom-Brikman holds a B.A in Business Management and Economics specializing in accounting from the College of Management Academic Studies and an M.A in Finance from the Baruch College of Management, NYU.
Yehuda Saban was appointed to the Board of Directors of Partner in April 2015. Mr. Saban served between 2011- mid 2015 as Vice President Economics & Regulation and FLNG (Floating Liquefied Natural Gas) manager at Delek Drilling & Avner oil exploration. Previously, Mr. Saban served over 6 years in various capacities with the budget department of the Ministry of Finance as Manager of the Telecommunications and Tourism Unit, Manager of the Budget and Macroeconomics unit and as an economist in the Energy unit. During those years, Mr. Saban was also an active partner in a number of committees and authorities in the energy, telecommunications and infrastructure fields. Mr. Saban servesserved on the Board of Directors of Israel Opportunity Energy Resources LP and as Chairman of its Compensation and Audit Committee as of June 2015.from mid 2015 until July 2021. Mr. Saban also serves as manager of Israeli operations and EVP of Business Development at Ellomay Capital Ltd. Mr. Saban holds a B.A. in Economics & Business Management (graduated with honors) and an M.B.A specializing in Financing, both from the Hebrew University in Jerusalem.
Yossi Shachak was appointed to the Board of Directors of Partner in November 2019. Mr. Shachak is a consultant to boards of directors, and a board member of public and private companies including, the Azrieli Group Ltd., Tefron Ltd., Southern Properties Ltd. and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Emilia Development (O.F.G) Ltd. Mr. Shachak served as President of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants from 1988 to 1992 and as a director on behalf of the public at the Tel-Aviv Stock Exchange from 1980 to 1986 and from 2000 to 2006. Mr. Shachak is a certified public accountant and is a graduate of accounting from the Hebrew University in Jerusalem.
Ori Yaron was appointed to the Board of Directors of Partner by S.B. Israel Telecom in May 2014. Mr. Yaron practices law and manages Ilan Yaron Law Offices that specializes in the areas of insurance and torts. Mr. Yaron served from 2010 until 2016 as a member of the Board of Directors of the Geophysics Institute and served from 2006 until 2007 as a member of the Board of Directors of Mekorot Development & Enterprise and from 2011 until 2014 as a member of the Board of Directors of Hozei Israel Ltd. Mr. Yaron holds a B.A. in economics and an LL.B. both from Tel-Aviv University and is a member of the Israeli Bar Association.
Shlomo Zohar was appointed to the Board of Directors of Partner in October 2020. He serves as a director at Delek USA Energy, Inc., Ham-Let (Israel –Canada) Ltd. and Isras Investment Company Ltd. Between January 2006 and December 2009, Mr. Zohar served as a member and chairman of the boards of directors of Israel Discount Bank Ltd., Mercantile Discount Bank Ltd., Israel Discount Capital Markets & Investments Ltd. and Israel Credit Cards, Ltd. During this time, Mr. Zohar also served as a member and vice chairman of the board of directors of Israel Discount Bank of New York and as a member of the board of directors of Discount Bancorp, Inc. Mr. Zohar served as Chief Executive Officer of A.D.O. Group Ltd. from July 2011 until December 2018 and served as an executive vice chairman of the Board of ADO Properties SA. Mr. Zohar served from 2018 until October 2020 as a director at B Communications Ltd. Since June 2018, he serves as chairman of the executive committee at Bar Ilan University. From 1980 to December 2005, he was a partner in the accounting firm of Zohar, Zohar & Co., CPA (Isr). Mr. Zohar is a certified public accountant in Israel. He holds a B.A. in Economics and Accounting from Bar-Ilan University and an MBA degree from McGill University.
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6A.2 SENIOR MANAGEMENT
Below is a list of the Senior Management of the Company as of the date of this Annual Report:
| Name of Officer | Age | Position | ||
| Tamir Amar | ||||
| 48 | ||||
Chief Operating Officer & Vice President Human Resources | ||||
| 47 | Vice President, Chief Legal Counsel & Corporate Secretary | |||
| Vice President, Marketing | ||||
| Yael Gaoni | 50 | Vice President, Communications | ||
| Yigal Giladi* | 46 | Vice President, Engineering Division | ||
| Snir Niv | 35 | Vice President, Regulations Division | ||
| Galit Shakalo Offenberg | 44 | Vice President, Customer Service Division | ||
| Yakov Truzman | 51 | Vice President, Deputy CEO-Sales | ||
| Roi Zohar* | 44 | Vice President, Information Technology Division |
*Effective November 2020, Snir Niv28, 2021, Yigal Giladi replaced Noach HackerYaron Eisenstein as the Company's Vice President RegulationEngineering Division and effective January 16, 2022, Roi Zohar replaced Yaron Eisenstein as the Company's Vice President IT Division.
Tamir Amar was appointed as Chief Financial Officer of Partner effective February 1, 2018 and in2018. In June 2020, he also assumed the position of Vice President Fiber-Optics.Fiber-Optics and in June 2021 he was also appointed as Deputy CEO of the Company. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Amar served since 2013 as the CEO of Vaporjet ltd.Ltd., a leading and global manufacturer of nonwoven hydroentangled spunlace goods. From 2005 until 2013 he served as the CFO of Raval ACS Ltd., a global public company that fully owns 12 subsidiaries in Israel and abroad and develops, manufactures and sells unique products for the global automotive industry. Mr. Amar holds a B.A. in Economics and Accounting and an M.B.A. specializing in finance from Ben Gurion University.
Addie Koren was appointed as Chief Operating Officer & Vice President Human Resources in June 2021. Before joining Partner, Ms. Koren served for ten years as COO of Reshet, a major commercial broadcaster in Israel. Prior to that she served as VP HR and COO at Netvision and in various HR positions at Strauss and MATAV communications. Ms. Koren has a B.A. from Tel Aviv University and a Management (MSM), M.S. from the Polytechnic NY.
Ori Gal joined Partner as Vice President Marketing in October 2021. Prior to joining Partner, Mr. Gal served as CEO of Leo Burnett Israel, a leading creative agency from 2020 until joining the Company and as VP Marketing & Business Development for Yes from 2013 until 2018. He also served as Head of Strategy at Partner from 2005 until 2010 and as a consultant at Shaldor Consulting from 2003 until 2005. Mr. Gal holds an LL.B degree from the Hebrew University in Jerusalem and an M.B.A from the Wharton School.
Yael Gaoniwas appointed as Vice President StrategyCommunications in July 2021. Prior to joining Partner, she served since 2009 as VP Communications and Business Development in October 2015, after having served from 2012 until 2015 as the Director of the Public Diplomacy and MediaSpokeswoman at the Prime Minister’s office. Prior to that, he heldcommercial broadcaster Reshet 13. Ms. Gaoni has a series of executive positions at Channel 2 News. In his last position, asB.A in Communications from Ramat Gan Academic College and an M.A in Communications from the V.P. Digital Media, he established the digital desk of Channel 2 News. Mr. Dan holds an Executive M.B.A. degree from Tel-Aviv University, and a B.A. in political science and history from Bar-IlanReichman University.
Sarit Hecht joined Partner as Vice President, Chief Legal Counsel and Corporate Secretary in 2017.June 2021. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. EisensteinMs. Hecht served from 2016 until 2017 as CTO and co-founder of binj.tv and led the creation of a video platform to create advanced live broadcasts. Previously, he served as Director of Services and Products department in the technologies division at Bezeq and was responsible for the advancement and development of the company’s digital products, systems development and VoIP services and the BI and data worlds. Mr. Eisenstein has an M.B.A. from the Hebrew University and an M.A. from the Michlala l’Minhal, Rishon L’Zion and Baruch College, New York.
Snir Niv was appointed as Vice President of Regulation in October 2020. Before joining Partner, he leadled for the past 7 years significant reforms in a variety of areas in the Budget Department of the Ministry of Finance, such as, the reform of the ports, the dairy sector, the electricity sector and in the Mekorot company. In his last position, he was managing the country’s budgets for transportation, energy, water and agriculture. Snir hasMr. Niv holds a B.A in Economics with honors (Magna Cum Laude) and a M.B.A. with honors (Summa Cum Laude) in the excellence program at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem.
Galit Shakalo-Offenberg was appointed as Vice President Customer Services in October 2021. Prior to joining the Company, she served as chief manager of the customer service division of Cellcom since March 2015. Previously she served for 7 years as head of customer service at Netvision Ltd. Ms. Shakalo- Offenberg holds a B.A majoring in statistics from Haifa University.
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Yakov Truzman was appointed in May 2019 as Vice President Business and Sales Division, after having served as Vice President Business Division from March 2018. In June 2021, he was appointed as Deputy-CEO Sales of the Company. Prior to that, Mr. Truzman served as Vice President Business Division at Bynet Data Communications from 2016 until joining the Company. Prior to that, Mr. Truzman served from 2011 until 2015 as the Vice President of Sales of the HOT Group. During the years 2001 until 2011, Mr. Truzman served in several managerial positions in the Cellcom Group, including department manager of business customers. Mr. Truzman holds a B.A. in behavioral sciences, management and economics from Ben Gurion University.
Appointments and Resignations
None of the above directors has any family relationship with any other director or senior manager of the Company. None of the above members of senior management has any family relationship with any other director or senior manager of the Company.
Mr. Arik SteinbergBarry Ben Zeev resigned from our Board of Directors effective FebruaryNovember 1, 2021.
In April 2021, Mr.Isaac Benbenisti resigned as Chief Executive Officer, and in May 2021 Mr. Avi Zvi was appointed as the Company’s Chief Executive Officer effective June 1, 2021.
6B. Compensation
The terms of employment of the CEO are approved by the compensation committee, the Board of Directors and the general meeting of shareholders (by a special majority) and must comply with the Company’s Compensation Policy for Office Holders (as this term is defined in Item 6C.7 below) (except for certain exceptions, as set by the Israeli Companies Law). The “special majority” requires the approval of a majority of the Company’s shareholders participating at the general meeting and voting on the matter and at least one of the following conditions: (i) such majority includes a majority of the votes cast by shareholders who are not controlling parties (as defined in the Israeli Companies Law) in the Company and who do not have a personal interest in the resolution, and who are present and voting (abstentions are disregarded), or (ii) the votes cast against the resolution by shareholders who are not controlling parties and who do not have a personal interest in the resolution, who are present and voting, constitute two percent or less of the outstanding voting power in the Company. The terms of employment of other senior management (Office Holders) are approved by the compensation committee and the Board of Directors, and must comply with the Company’s Compensation Policy (except for certain exceptions, as set by the Israeli Companies Law). See “Item 6C.5c COMPENSATION COMMITTEE”. Senior management is generally appointed by the CEO with the approval of the Board of Directors for an indefinite term of office and may be removed by the CEO with the approval of the Board of Directors at any time.
Pursuant to the provisions of the Israeli Companies Law, the compensation policy of a company shall be submitted for the approval of the general meeting of shareholders, at least once every three years. We first adopted a compensation policy that sets forth the guidelines and framework for the mode of compensation of the Company’s Office Holders following the approval of the Company’s shareholders, at the extraordinary general meeting of shareholders, held on October 17, 2013 (the “Former Compensation Policy”). A new Compensation Policy was approved by the Company’s shareholders at the annual general meeting of shareholders ("AGM"(“AGM”) held on October 29, 2019 and was amended by the extraordinary meeting of shareholders held on March 18, 2020 and by the annual general meeting of shareholders held on October 29, 2020 (the “Compensation Policy”). The Compensation Policy sets forth the principles and procedures for determining Office Holders’ compensation, including ongoing remuneration, bonuses (including annual bonuses, severance bonuses and special bonuses), equity compensation, indemnification, insurance and release. The Compensation Policy revises the Former Compensation Policy with respect to various matters and issues that needed to be updated and amended since the adoption of the Former Compensation Policy, due to changes in market practices since then, as well as adaption to legislative changes. See Exhibit 15.(b).1.
According to the Compensation Policy, annual bonus payments for our senior management are determined with respect to a given year based on targets set for the Company as a whole, targets set for each of the Company divisions as well as on personal evaluations. The targets for the CEO and the senior management are set by the compensation committee and the Board of Directors generally in accordance with the overall Company objectives. Upon the approval of the Company’s annual results, bonus payments are determined based on the extent to which the Company and division targets have been met, as well as on the personal evaluation of each Office Holder at the discretion of the compensation committee and the Board of Directors, in light of the recommendations made by the Chairman of the Board of Directors with respect to the CEO, and, in light of recommendations made by the CEO, with respect to senior management reporting to the CEO.
Compensation for senior management may also be provided in the form of equity-based compensation which includes stock options to purchase our ordinary shares and restricted shares. In 2020,2021, options were granted to our senior management under the 2004 Amended and Restated Equity Incentive Plan (as this term is defined in Item 6E.2 below) to purchase up to 464,1422,861,879 of our ordinary shares at a weighted average exercise price of NIS 13.9415.39 (US$ 4)4.95) per option with some of the options vesting at the earliest in February 2021.March 2022, unless vesting is accelerated due to a change of control event, as currently anticipated by the Company. These options will expire at the latest by October 2026.November 2027. In addition, in 2020, 180,8732021, 596,745 restricted shares were granted to our senior management under the 2004 Amended and Restated Equity Incentive Plan, with some of the restricted shares vesting at the earliest in January 2020.March 2022. For more information, see “Item 6E.2 Equity Incentive Plan”.
The aggregate compensation paid, and benefits in kind granted to or accrued on behalf of all our directors and senior management for their services in all capacities to the Company and its subsidiaries during the year ended December 31, 2020,2021, was approximately NIS 3141 million (US$ 1013 million). This amount included approximately NIS 36 million (US$ 0.91.9 million) set aside or accrued to provide pension and retirement benefits on behalf of all our senior management during the year ended December 31, 2020.2021.
Highest Office Holder Compensation
| A. | The table below sets forth information regarding compensation on an individual basis for the five Office Holders with the highest compensation for the year |
| Details of the Compensation Recipient | Compensation for services (the compensation amounts are displayed in terms of cost for the Company) (NIS thousands) | Other compensation & vehicle (the compensation amounts are displayed in terms of cost for the Company) (NIS thousands) | Total (NIS thousands) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Name | Position | Payroll & Related expenses | Annual & Special Bonus | Share-based payments(9) | Other | |||||||||||||||||
| Avi Zvi | Chief Executive Officer | 1,131 | 750 | 3,552 | (1) | 1,550 | (2) | 6,983 | ||||||||||||||
| Tamir Amar | Deputy CEO & Chief Financial Officer | 1,604 | 968 | 1,335 | (3) | 336 | (2) | 4,243 | ||||||||||||||
| Yakov Truzman | Vice President Business & Sales Division | 1,386 | 868 | 1,317 | (4) | 372 | (2) | 3,943 | ||||||||||||||
| Isaac Benbenisti | Former Chief Executive Officer | 1,071 | (5) | 1,286 | (6) | (352 | )(7) | 268 | (2) | 2,273 | ||||||||||||
| Addie Koren | Chief Operating Officer& Vice President Human Resources | 650 | 243 | 1,003 | (8) | 443 | (2) | 2,339 | ||||||||||||||
| Details of the Compensation Recipient | Compensation for services (the compensation amounts are displayed in terms of cost for the Company) (NIS thousands) | Other compensation & vehicle (the compensation amounts are displayed in terms of cost for the Company) (NIS thousands) | Total (NIS thousands) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Name | Position | Payroll & Related expenses | Annual Bonus | Share-based payments | Other | |||||||||||||||||
| Isaac Benbenisti | Chief Executive Officer | 2,458 | 1,707 | 1,872 | (1) | 194 | (2) | 6,231 | (3) | |||||||||||||
| Yuval Keinan | Deputy Chief Executive Officer | 1,818 | 1,200 | 766 | (4) | 128 | (2) | 3,912 | ||||||||||||||
| Tamir Amar | Chief Financial Officer&VP Fiber-Optics | 1,488 | 611 | 388 | (5)(8) | 194 | (2) | 2,681 | ||||||||||||||
| Yakov Truzman | Vice President Business & Sales Division | 1,306 | 515 | 424 | (6)(8) | 127 | (2) | 2,372 | ||||||||||||||
| Hadar Vismunski-Weinberg | Legal Counsel & Corporate Secretary | 1,092 | 413 | 734 | (7)(8) | 128 | 2,367 | |||||||||||||||
| (1) | In |
| (2) | “Other compensation” includes: expenses for retirement that were accumulated during the reporting period of this Annual Report and will be paid only upon retirement and vehicle expenses. |
| (3) | In 2018, 245,887 share options and 79,118 restricted shares were granted to Mr. Tamir Amar with a vesting period of up to three years and subject to the fulfillment of performance targets. The theoretical fair value of the In 2021, 280,814 share options and 60,182 restricted shares were granted to Mr. Tamir Amar with a vesting period of up to three years and subject to the fulfillment of performance targets. The theoretical fair value of the share options (according to Black-Scholes model) was approximately NIS 1.2 million and the fair value of the restricted shares was approximately NIS 1.0 million. |
| (4) | In 2018, 272,968 share options and 86,451 restricted shares were granted to Mr. Yakov Truzman with a vesting period of up to three years and subject to the fulfillment of performance targets. The theoretical fair value of the share options (according to Black-Scholes model) was approximately NIS 0.9 million and the fair value of the restricted shares was approximately NIS 1.4 million. In 2021, 285,979 share options and 60,329 restricted shares were granted to Mr. Yakov Truzman with a vesting period of up to three years and subject to the fulfillment of performance targets. The theoretical fair value of the share options (according to Black-Scholes model) was approximately NIS 1.2 million and the fair value of the restricted shares was approximately NIS 1.0 million. |
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| (5) | Mr. Benbenisti's monthly salary (gross) was in an amount of NIS 150 thousand, linked to the CPI as of the index June 2015 (at the end of April 2021 the monthly salary (gross) was NIS 152.5 thousand). In addition, Mr. Benbenisti was entitled to reimbursement for the cost of vehicle use and maintenance as well as accepted related terms that are usually granted to the other office holders and other benefits in accordance with the Company's compensation policy and procedures (including indemnification, release and insurance arrangements as customary in the Company) and social benefits including sick days, vacation and allocations to plans and funds. |
| (6) | The annual bonus for the months during 2021 for which Mr. Benbenisti served as CEO was based on two elements: (a) 90% - Company targets (see below) while using the main performance indices determined by the compensation committee and Board of Directors after approval of the Company's annual budget, and (b) 10% - CEO performance evaluation for that year by the compensation committee and Board of Directors, based on qualitative and quantitative criteria. The minimum criterion for receiving the annual bonus was that the Company achieved as least 80% of the Company's targets for 2021 and that the total EBITDA of 2021 shall not have decreased by more than 35% of the EBITDA from 2020. With respect to the amount of the annual bonus, tiers were set to calculate the amount of the bonus according to the former CEO's global achievement rate with respect to all of the elements of the annual bonus (a weighted score of the Company targets and an evaluation of the former CEO's performances), as follows: achievement at a rate lower than 80% will not entitle the CEO to an annual bonus; achievement at a rate between 80%-120% will entitle the CEO to 80%-120% of the annual bonus budget; achievement at a rate that exceed 120% will entitle the CEO to 120% of the annual bonus budget. The former CEO's Company targets for the year 2021 were determined by the Board of Directors of the Company in March 2021, based on the annual work plan of the Company for the year. They included eight individual targets: (1) Company EBITDA target with a weight of 30% of the Company's targets (2021 achievement rate: 101%); (2) Free Cash flow target with a weight of 15% of the Company's targets (2021 achievement rate: 137%); (3) Cellular ARPU Base (2021 achievement rate: 79%) and subscriber target (2021 achievement rate: 200%) with a weight of 15% of the Company's targets; (4) Sale of equipment profits target with a weight of 5% of the Company's targets (2021 achievement rate: 91%); (5) Fixed line income target with a weight of 10% (2021 achievement rate: 99%); (6) TV combined index target ARPU (2021 achievement rate: 97%) and subscriber target (2021 achievement rate: 75%) with a weight of 10% of the Company's targets; (7) Fiber combined index ARPU (2021 achievement rate: 100%) and subscriber target with a weight of 10% of the Company's targets (2021 achievement rate: 105%); (8) Reducing customer complaint target with a weight of 5% of the Company's targets (2021 achievement rate: 79%). With respect to the above Company targets, a threshold and upper limit for achieving the target were determined as follows: achievement at a rate lower than 20% of the target will not allow eligibility for a bonus for that criteria; achievement at a rate between 20% - 200% of the target will allow eligibility at a rate of 20% - 200% for that criteria; achievement at a rate above 200% will allow eligibility of 200% for that criteria. The global achievement rate of the former CEO of all of the elements of the annual bonus for the relative portion of 2021 for which Mr. Benbenisti served as CEO was 102%. |
| (7) | In 2018, 810,027 share options and 194,064 restricted shares were granted to Mr. Isaac Benbenisti, in his capacity as the Company's CEO with a vesting period of up to four years. The exercise price of the options is NIS 18.86 which constitutes a premium of 5% on the average share price of the Company on the Tel-Aviv Stock Exchange, during the 30 days preceding the grant date. The theoretical fair value of the share options (according to Black-Scholes model) rest were forfeited. With respect to the restricted shares, of each year. |
In |
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| These sums represent the relative portion of the expenses of all option and restricted share allocations recorded during the reported period and include expenses for the In accordance with the 2004 Amended and Restated Equity Incentive Plan, under certain conditions, the share options and the restricted shares are entitled to vesting acceleration upon a change in control event. As of December 31, 2021, the Company estimated that a future change of control event was probable as a result of the possible Transaction by the Offerer referred to in Item 3D.3a and the table above reflects such vesting acceleration. The Transaction is subject to MOC approval. |
All options and restricted shares noted above were granted pursuant to the terms of the 2004 Amended and Restated Equity Incentive Plan, among others, with respect to the exercise or earning periods and the expiration date of the options. See “Item 6E.2 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN ”.
6C. Board Practices
References in this Annual Report to “external directors” are to those directors who meet the definition of external directors under the Israeli Companies Law (“dahatz”), and references in this Annual Report to “US independent directors” are to those directors who meet the definition of independence under applicable listing requirements of NASDAQ. References in this Annual Report to “Israeli independent directors” are to any director who meets the definition of independence under the Israeli Companies Law (“bilty taluy”).
6C.1 TERMS OF DIRECTORS
Directors are generally elected by the annual general meeting of shareholders to serve (i) for three years, in the case of external directors under the Israeli Companies Law, or (ii) until the next annual general meeting of the shareholders (unless their office becomes vacant earlier, in accordance with the provisions of our Articles of Association). An extraordinary general meeting of shareholders may elect any person as a director, to fill an office which became vacant, or to serve as an additional member to the then existing Board of Directors, or to serve as an external director, or in any event in which the number of the members of the Board of Directors is less than the minimum set in the Articles of Association (seven directors), provided that the maximum number of seventeen directors is not exceeded. Any director elected in such manner (excluding an external director) shall serve in office until the coming annual general meeting of shareholders. The Articles of Association also provide that the Board of Directors, with the approval of a simple majority of the directors, may appoint an additional director to fill a vacancy or to serve as an additional member to the then existing Board of Directors, provided that the maximum number of seventeen directors is not exceeded. Any director elected in such manner shall serve in office until the coming annual general meeting of shareholders and may be re-elected.
Israeli directors are appointed by the Israeli founding shareholders, generally upon a written notice signed by at least two of the Israeli founding shareholders who are the record holders of (i) at least 50% of minimum Israeli holding shares or (ii), who hold in the aggregate the highest number of minimum Israeli holding shares among the Israeli founding shareholders. Any Israeli founding shareholders who have specified connections to a competing mobile radio telephone operator (as defined in the license) of the Company are prohibited from participation in any such appointment. The notice is addressed to our company secretary indicating the appointment until the appointee’s successor is elected by a similar notice. See “10B.3 Rights Attached to Shares”. In 2009, Ms. Osnat Ronen was appointed as a director on behalf of the Israeli founding shareholders.
No director has a service contract with the company or its wholly-owned subsidiaries providing for benefits upon termination of employment.
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Our Office Holders (generally senior managers) serve at the discretion of the Board of Directors or until their successors are appointed. See “Item 4B.12f Our Mobile Telephone License” for a description of additional requirements of the composition of our Board of Directors and the appointment of its members.
6C.2 ALTERNATE DIRECTORS
Our Articles of Association provide that a director may appoint an individual to serve as an alternate director. An alternate director may not serve as such unless such person is qualified to serve as a director. In addition, no person who already serves as a director or an alternate director on the Company’s Board of Directors may serve as an alternate director of another director on the Company’s Board of Directors. Under the Israeli Companies Law, an alternate director is generally treated as a director. Under our Articles of Association, an alternate director shall have all the authorities of the director appointing him. The alternate director may not vote at any meeting at which the director appointing him is present. Unless the time period or scope of any such appointment is limited by the appointing director, such appointment shall be effective for all purposes and for an indefinite time, but will expire upon the expiration of the appointing director’s term.
6C.3 EXTERNAL DIRECTORS UNDER THE ISRAELI COMPANIES LAW
The Israeli Companies Law generally requires that Partner shall have at least two external directors on its Board of Directors who meet the independence criteria set by the Israeli Companies Law. The appointment of an external director (for the initial term of three years) under the Israeli Companies Law must be approved by the general meeting of shareholders provided that either: (a) the majority of votes in favor of the appointment shall include at least a majority of the votes of shareholders not constituting controlling parties (as stated in the Israeli Companies Law) in the Company, or those having a personal interest (as defined in the Israeli Companies Law) (other than a personal interest not resulting from their relations with the controlling parties) in the approval of the appointment participating in the vote, which votes shall not include abstaining votes; or (b) the total number of objecting votes of the shareholders mentioned in clause (a) does not exceed 2% of the total voting rights in the company.
In general, external directors may be re-appointed for two additional three-year terms by one of the following mechanisms:
(i) the Board of Directors proposed the nominee and his appointment is approved by the shareholders in the manner required to appoint external directors for their initial term (described above);
(ii) one or more shareholders that hold at least 1% or more of the company’s voting rights proposed the external director for re-appointment, and the nominee is approved by a majority of the votes cast at the shareholders meeting, provided that: (A) the total number of shareholders’ votes at the shareholders meeting shall not include the votes of shareholders who are controlling parties and those having a personal interest in the appointment approval (other than a personal interest not resulting from their relations with the controlling parties) and abstaining votes; (B) the aggregate votes cast by shareholders who are not excluded under clause (A) above in favor of the appointment exceed 2% of the voting rights in the company; and (B) the external director (a) is not a related or competing shareholder, or the relative of such a shareholder, at the time of the appointment and (b) is not affiliated with a related or competing shareholder at the time of the appointment or the two years preceding the appointment (the term “related or competing shareholder” is defined as a shareholder who nominated the external director for reappointment or a material shareholder (a shareholder that holds more than 5% of the shares or voting rights in the company), if at the date of such appointment, any of either such shareholder, the controlling shareholder of such shareholder, or a company controlled by either of them, has business with the company or is a competitor of the company); and
(iii) the external director proposed himself or herself and is approved by the process under clause (ii) above.
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Under regulations promulgated under the Israeli Companies Law, certain companies, including dual listed companies, like Partner, may re-appoint external directors for additional terms of up to three years each (beyond the three terms of three years each), provided that all of the following conditions are fulfilled: (1) the Audit Committee and, subsequently, the Board of Directors, approves that, considering the external director’s expertise and special contribution to the work of the Board of Directors and its committees, his re-appointment for an additional term of office is in the best interest of the Company; (2) the re-appointment for the additional term of office is done in conformity with one of the mechanisms described above; (3) prior to approving the re-appointment, the general meeting of shareholders is informed of the duration of the external director’s service as an external director and is presented with the rationale of the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors for extending the external director’s term of office.
The Israeli Companies Law requires that at least one external director has accounting and financial expertise, and that the other external director(s) have professional competence, as determined by the company’s Board of Directors. Under promulgated regulations, a director having accounting and financial expertise is a person who, due to his education, experience and talents, is highly skilled in respect of, and understands, business-accounting matters and financial reports in a manner that enables him to understand in depth the company’s financial statements and to stimulate discussion regarding the manner in which the financial data is presented. Under the regulations, a director having professional competence is a person who has an academic degree in either economics, business administration, accounting, law or public administration or has another academic degree or has other higher education, all in the main business sector of the company or in a relevant area for the Board of Directors position, or has at least five years’ experience in one or more of the following (or a combined five years’ experience in at least two or more of the following): a senior position in the business management of a corporation with a substantial scope of business, a senior public officer or a senior position in the public service or a senior position in the field of the company’s business.
6C.4 FINANCIAL EXPERTS UNDER THE ISRAELI COMPANIES LAW
In accordance with the Israeli Companies Law, Partner’s Board of Directors has determined that the minimum number of directors with “accounting and financial expertise” that Partner believes is appropriate, in light of the particulars of Partner and its activities, is three. Under the Israeli Companies Law, only one of such “experts” is required to be an external director. The Board of Directors has determined that eightseven of our current directors have “accounting and financial expertise”: Ms. Osnat Ronen, Dr. Jonathan Kolodny, Mr. Barry Ben-Zeev (Woolfson), Mr. Richard Hunter, Ms. Michal Marom-Brikman, Mr. Yossi Shachak, Mr. Yehuda Saban and Mr. Shlomo Zohar.
6C.5 NASDAQ CORPORATE GOVERNANCE RULES AND OUR PRACTICES
Under NASDAQ Rule 5615(a)(3), a foreign private issuer such as the Company may follow its home country practice in lieu of the requirements of the NASDAQ Rule 5600 Series (“Corporate Governance Requirements”), with certain exceptions, provided that it discloses each requirement that it does not follow and describes the home country practice followed in lieu of such requirement. We describe below the areas where we follow our home country practice rather than the NASDAQ Corporate Governance Requirements:
| – | In order to comply with the conditions and restrictions imposed on us by the Ministry of Communications, including in our mobile license, in relation to ownership or control over us, under certain events specified in our Articles of Association, the Board of Directors may determine that certain ordinary shares are dormant shares. Consequently, we received an exemption from NASDAQ with respect to its requirement (now under NASDAQ Rule 5640) that voting rights of existing shareholders of publicly traded common stock registered under Section 12 of the US Securities Exchange Act cannot be disparately reduced or restricted through any corporate action or issuance. |
| – | As permitted under Israeli Companies Law, the Company’s Board of Directors generally proposes director nominees for shareholder approval. The conditions of NASDAQ Rule 5605(e), that director nominees must either be selected or recommended to the Board by the independent directors or a nomination committee comprised solely of independent directors, are thus not satisfied. |
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| – | According to applicable Israeli legal requirements, the establishment or amendment of certain stock option or purchase plans requires the approval of the company’s Board of Directors and approval of the shareholders’ meeting only for the grant of equity compensation to the Chief Executive Officer, directors or controlling partners. We received an exemption from the requirement set out in NASDAQ Rule 5635(c) that listed companies receive shareholder approval when certain stock option or purchase plans are to be established or materially amended, or certain other equity compensation arrangement made or materially amended, based on the fact that the NASDAQ requirement is inconsistent with the applicable Israeli legal requirements described above. |
| – | The Israeli Companies Law, requires that at least two members of the Board of Directors satisfy the conditions of ”external directors”, which also satisfies the conditions of an Israeli independent director (“bilty taluy”). |
6C.5a BOARD COMMITTEES
The Company’s Articles of Association provide that the Board of Directors may delegate its authorities or any part of them to committees of the Board of Directors as it deems appropriate, subject to the provisions of the Israeli Companies Law. Our Board of Directors has established an audit committee, a compensation committee, and a security committee and an investment committee.
6C.5b AUDIT COMMITTEE
Pursuant to the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and the listing requirements of the NASDAQ Global Select Market, as a foreign private issuer, we are required to establish an audit committee consisting only of members who are U.S. “independent” directors as defined by SEC rules. In accordance with the Company’s Audit Committee Charter, our audit committee is responsible among other things, for overseeing the Company’s financial reporting process and the audits of the Company’s financial statements, including monitoring the integrity of the Company’s financial statements and the independence and performance of the Company’s internal and external auditors. Our audit committee is also directly responsible for the appointment, remuneration and oversight of our independent auditor and for establishing procedures for receiving and handling complaints received by the Company regarding accounting, internal controls and audit matters. The Audit Committeeaudit committee also assists the Board in conducting periodic reviews of the Company’s management of cyber risk.
The Israeli Companies Law requires public companies, including Partner, to appoint an audit committee comprised of at least three Board of Directors members, including all the company’s external directors, the majority of whom must be Israeli independent directors and the chairman of the audit committee is required to be an external director. Under the Israeli Companies Law neither the controlling party or his relative, the chairman of the Board of Directors, any director employed by the company or by its controlling party or by an entity controlled by the controlling party, any director who regularly provides services to the company, to its controlling party or to an entity controlled by the controlling party, nor any director who derives most of its income from the controlling party, may be eligible to serve as a member of the audit committee.
The responsibilities of our audit committee under the Israeli Companies Law include, among others, identifying irregularities in the management of the company’s business and approving related party transactions as required by law, determining whether certain related party actions and transactions are “material” or “extraordinary” in connection with their approval procedures (See 6C.8 APPROVAL OF RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS AND COMPENSATION), assessing the scope of work and remuneration of the company’s independent auditor, assessing the company’s internal audit system and the performance of its internal auditor and making arrangements regarding the handling of complaints by employees about company’s business management deficiencies and regarding the protection given to employees who have made complaints.
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The Company’s audit committee was appointed by our Board of Directors to review our financial statements, in compliance with U.S. legal requirements (as described above) and in compliance with Israeli regulations (from which we are exempt).
Our audit committee is comprised of four Board of Directors members: Mr. Barry Ben ZeevDr. Jonathan Kolodny (committee chairman; external director), Ms. Roly Klinger (external director), Dr. Jonathan Kolodny (external director) and Ms. Michal Marom-Brikman (external director). and Mr. Shlomo Zohar. All of the audit committee members meet the SEC’s definition of independent directors for the purpose of serving as audit committee members as well as the Israeli Companies Law’s definition of Israeli independent directors. In accordance with the SEC definition of “independent” director, none of them is an affiliated person of Partner or any subsidiary of Partner.
The Board of Directors has determined that three of our four audit committee members are “audit committee financial experts” as defined by applicable SEC regulations. See “Item 16A Audit Committee Financial Expert” below.
6C.5c COMPENSATION COMMITTEE
The Israeli Companies Law requires public companies, including Partner, to appoint a compensation committee comprised of at least three Board of Directors members, including all the company’s external directors who must constitute the majority of its members. Other members of the committee should be directors whose terms of compensation are the same as external directors and the chairman of the compensation committee is required to be an external director.
Under the Israeli Companies Law, the compensation committee’s responsibilities include, among others, recommending to the Board of Directors, a compensation policy for office-holders to be approved by the shareholders of the Company, seeCompany. See “6B Compensation”. The compensation committee also makes recommendations to the Board of Directors once every three years regarding the continuing effectiveness of the compensation policy, reviews modifications to the compensation policy from time to time and its implementation and approves the actual compensation terms of Office Holders which require the compensation committee’s approval according to the relevant provisions of the Israeli Companies Law.
Our compensation committee is comprised of four Board of Directors members: Mr. Barry Ben ZeevDr. Jonathan Kolodny (committee chairman; external director), Ms. Roly Klinger ((external(external director), Dr. Jonathan Kolodny (external director) and Ms. Michal Marom-Brikman (external director). and Mr. Shlomo Zohar. All of the compensation committee members meet the SEC’s definition of independent directors for the purpose of serving as the compensation committee members as well as the Israeli Companies Law’s definition of Israeli independent directors. In accordance with the SEC definition of “independent” director, none of them is an affiliated person of Partner or any subsidiary of Partner.
| 6C.5d | SECURITY COMMITTEE |
Pursuant to an amendment to our license from April 2005, a Board of Directors committee has been formed to deal with security matters. Only directors with the required clearance and those deemed appropriate by Israel’s General Security Service may be members of this committee. The committee must consist of at least four members, who are subject to the clearance required from the Israeli General Security Service and at least one external director. Where any matter requires a Board of Directors’ resolution and it is a security matter, then the committee should be authorized to discuss and to resolve such security matter and the resolution should bind the Company. However, in cases where the security matter concerned requires review by the Board of Directors or the audit committee according to the Israeli Companies Law or other applicable law, such as a transaction with a related party, it should be submitted for approval in accordance with the requirements of the applicable U.S. law, the Israeli Companies Law and any other applicable laws, provided that, in any case, only directors with security clearance can participate in any forum which will deal with security matters. In April 2005, our Board of Directors approved the formation of the security committee to consist of four Israeli directors, who are subject to Israeli security clearance and security compatibility to be determined by the General Security Service. Currently, Ms. Osnat Ronen (committee chairman), Dr. Jonathan Kolodny, Ms. Osnat Ronen, Mr. Richard Hunter and Mr. Ori Yaron are members of the security committee.
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| 6C.5e | Investment Committee |
In July 2021, our Board of Directors appointed an investment committee. The investment committee is authorized to discuss and recommend to the Board of Directors of the Company regarding policy on the following matters: working capital management and liquidity, use of financial instruments and CAPEX investments, and to approve activities within the framework of the policy rules to be approved by the Board of Directors. Our investment committee is comprised of five Board of Directors members: Mr. Shlomo Zohar (committee chairman), Ms. Osnat Ronen, Mr. Yehuda Saban, Mr. Ori Yaron and Ms. Michal Marom-Brikman.
6C.6 INTERNAL AUDITOR
The Israeli Companies Law requires the Board of Directors of a public company to appoint an internal auditor nominated by the audit committee. A person who does not satisfy certain independence requirements may not be appointed as an internal auditor. The role of the internal auditor is to examine, among other things, the compliance of the company’s conduct with applicable law and orderly business procedures. Our internal auditor is Mr. Yehuda Motro, formerly the internal auditor of the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange.
6C.7 FIDUCIARY DUTIES OF AN OFFICE HOLDER
The Israeli Companies Law governs the duty of care and duty of loyalty which an Office Holder owes to the company. An “Office Holder” is defined in the Israeli Companies Law as a director, general manager, chief executive officer, executive vice president, vice president, or any other person assuming the responsibilities of any of the foregoing positions without regard to such person’s title and other managers directly subordinated to the general manager.
The duty of loyalty requires the Office Holder to act in good faith and in the company’s favor and to avoid any conflict of interest between the Office Holder’s position in the company and personal affairs, and proscribes any competition with the company or the exploitation of any business opportunity of the company in order to receive personal advantages for him or others. This duty also requires him to reveal to the company any information or documents relating to the company’s affairs that the Office Holder has received due to his position as an Office Holder. The duty of care requires an Office Holder to act in a way that a reasonable Office Holder would have acted in the same position and under the same circumstances. This includes the duty to utilize reasonable means to obtain information regarding the advisability of a given action submitted for his approval or performed by virtue of his position and all other relevant information.
6C.8 APPROVAL OF RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS AND COMPENSATION
6C.8a Approval of Related Party Transactions
The Israeli Companies Law requires that a transaction between the company and its Office Holder, and also a transaction between the company and another person in which an Office Holder has a personal interest, requires the approval of the Board of Directors if such a transaction is not an “extraordinary transaction”, although, as permitted by law and subject to any relevant stock exchange rule, our Articles of Association allow our audit committee to approve such a transaction, without the need for approval from the Board of Directors. If such a transaction is an extraordinary transaction (that is, a transaction not in the ordinary course of business, not on market terms, or that is likely to have a material impact on the company’s profitability, assets or liabilities), generally in addition to audit committee approval, the transaction also must be approved by our Board of Directors, and, in certain circumstances, also by the general meeting of shareholders. Under the Israeli Companies Law, an extraordinary transaction between a public company and a controlling party of the company or an extraordinary transaction between a public company and another person, in which the controlling party has a personal interest (including a private placement), and a transaction between a public company and a controlling party or his relative, directly or indirectly, including, without limitation, via an entity controlled by the controlling party, for receiving services by the company (and if the controlling party is also an Office Holder in the company for his terms of service, and if he is an employee of the company (but not an Office Holder in it) his employment in the company) must be approved by the audit committee or the compensation committee if relates to terms of employment (as the case may be), the Board of Directors and the general meeting of shareholders, provided that either: (a) the majority of votes in favor of the transaction shall include at least a majority of the votes of shareholders who do not have a personal interest in approval of the transaction, who participate in the voting, or (b) the total number of objecting votes of the shareholders mentioned in clause (a) does not exceed 2% of the total voting rights in the company.
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The audit committee is also authorized to determine, with respect to related party transactions with a controlling shareholder or in which the controlling shareholder has a personal interest, even if they are not extraordinary transactions, an obligation to conduct a competitive process (to be supervised by the audit committee, or any person authorized on its behalf or via any other method approved by the audit committee) or to determine that other processes will be conducted prior to the engagement in such transactions and all in accordance with the type of transaction. The specific criteria for such a process may be determined by the audit committee annually in advance. In addition, the audit committee is authorized to determine the approval process for transactions that are not negligible, as well as determine which types of said transactions would require the approval of the audit committee. “Non-negligible transactions” are defined as related party transactions with a controlling shareholder or in which the controlling shareholder has a personal interest, that the audit committee has deemed not to be an extraordinary transaction, but which have also been classified by the audit committee as a non-negligible transaction. Additionally, the audit committee may decide on such classifications for these types of transactions, based on criteria set annually in advance.
The Israeli Companies Law requires that an Office Holder or a controlling party promptly disclose any personal interest that he has and all related material information known to him, in connection with any existing or proposed transaction by the company. The company may then approve the transaction in accordance with the provisions of its Articles of Association and the Israeli Companies Law. Under the Israeli Companies Law, if the Office Holder or a controlling party has a personal interest in the transaction, an approval that the transaction is in the best interest of the company is required.
In most circumstances, the Israeli Companies Law restricts Office Holders who have a personal interest in a matter which is considered at a meeting of the Board of Directors or the audit committee from being present at such meeting, participating in the discussions or voting on any such matter. An exemption exists in the event that a majority of the directors in the meeting have a personal interest in the matter provided, that in case a majority of the Board of Directors has a personal interest in the matter, the transaction will require the approval of the general meeting of shareholders.
For information concerning the direct and indirect personal interests of certain of our Office Holders and principal shareholders in certain transactions, see “ITEM"Item ITEM 7 MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS”TRANSACTIONS".
6C.8b Compensation
The terms of employment of Office Holders including compensation, equity awards, severance and other benefits, exemption from liability and indemnification require the approval of the compensation committee and the Board of Directors. The terms of employment of directors and the Chief Executive Officer must also be approved at the general meeting of shareholders by a majority of the Company’s shareholders, provided that (i) such majority includes at least a majority of the shareholders who are not controlling shareholders and who do not have a personal interest in the matter, who participate in the voting (abstentions are disregarded), or (ii) the total number of objecting votes of the shareholders mentioned in clause (i) does not exceed 2% of the total voting rights in the company. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a company may be exempted from receiving shareholder approval with respect to the terms of employment of a candidate for a Chief Executive Officer position, if such candidate meets certain independence criteria, the terms are in line with the Compensation Policy and the compensation committee has determined for specified reasons that shareholder approval would prevent the engagement. See “Item 6C.5c COMPENSATION COMMITTEE”.
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Changes to existing terms of employment of Office Holders (other than directors) can be made with the approval of the compensation committee only (following adoption of the Compensation Policy), if the committee determines that the change is not substantially different from the existing terms.
Under the Israeli Companies Law and related regulations, the compensation payable to external directors and Israeli independent directors is subject to certain further limitations.
6C.9 DUTIES OF A SHAREHOLDER
Under the Israeli Companies Law, a shareholder has a general duty to act in good faith and in a customary manner towards the company and the other shareholders and to refrain from improperly exploiting his power in the company, particularly when voting in the general meeting of shareholders on (a) any amendment to the articles of association, (b) an increase of the company’s authorized share capital, (c) a merger, or (d) approval of related party transactions which require shareholder approval. A shareholder should also avoid deprivation of other shareholders' rights. In addition, any controlling party, any shareholder who knows that it possesses power to determine the outcome of a shareholder vote and any shareholder that, pursuant to the provisions of the articles of association, has the power to appoint or prevent an appointment of an Office Holder in the company or any other power towards the company, is under a duty to act in fairness towards the company under the Israeli Companies Law.
6C.10 INDEMNIFICATION AND RELEASE
6C.10a Indemnification
As permitted by the Israeli Companies Law, our Articles of Association provide that Partner may indemnify an Office Holder of Partner to the fullest extent permitted by law.
Without derogating from the foregoing, and subject to limitations set forth in the Israeli Securities Law, our Articles of Association specifically provide that Partner may indemnify an Office Holder of Partner for liability or expense he incurs or that is imposed upon him as a result of an action or inaction by him (or together with other Office Holders of Partner) in his capacity as an Office Holder of Partner including (subject to specified conditions) also in advance, as follows:
| 1. | Financial liability incurred by, or imposed upon the Office Holder in favor of another person in accordance with a judgment, including a judgment given in a settlement or a judgment of an arbitrator, approved by an authorized court; |
| 2. | Reasonable legal expenses, including attorney fees, incurred by the Office Holder or which he was ordered to pay by an authorized court in the context of a proceeding filed against him by Partner or on Partner’s behalf or by a third party, in a criminal proceeding in which he was acquitted or in a criminal proceeding in which he was convicted of an offense which does not require criminal intent; |
| 3. | Reasonable legal expenses, including attorney fees, incurred by the Office Holder due to an investigation or proceeding conducted against him by an authority authorized to conduct such investigation or proceeding and which ended without filing of an indictment against him and without the imposition of a financial liability as a substitute for a criminal proceeding or that was ended without filing of an indictment against him but for which he was subject to a financial liability as a substitute for a criminal proceeding relating to an offense which does not require criminal intent, within the meaning of the relevant terms under the law or in connection with a financial sanction(“itzum caspi”); |
| 4. | Payment to an injured party as a result of a violation set forth in Section 52.54(a)(1)(a) of the Israeli Securities Law, including by indemnification in advance or expenses incurred in connection with a proceeding (“halich”) under Chapters H3, H4 or I1 of the Israeli Securities Law, or under Chapter 4 of Part 9 of the Israeli Companies Law, in connection with any affairs, including reasonable legal expenses, which term includes attorney fees, including by indemnification in advance; and |
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| 5. | Expenses, including reasonable legal fees, including attorney fees, incurred by an Office Holder with respect to a proceeding in accordance with the Restrictive Trade Practices Law- 1988 ("Restrictive Trade Practices Law"). |
Our Articles of Association also permit us to indemnify any Office Holders of Partner for any other liability or expense in respect of which it is permitted or will be permitted under applicable law to indemnify an Office Holder of Partner.
The Israeli Companies Law and our Articles of Association also permit us to undertake in advance to indemnify an Office Holder with respect for items (2), (3) and (4) above, or any other matter permitted by law. The Israeli Companies Law and our Articles of Association also permit us to undertake in advance to indemnify an Office Holder with respect to item (1) above, provided however, that the undertaking to indemnify is restricted to events which in the opinion of the Board of Directors are anticipated in light of Partner’s activities at the time of granting the undertaking to indemnify, and is limited to a sum or measurement determined by the Board of Directors to be reasonable under the circumstances. The undertaking to indemnify shall specify the events that, in the opinion of the Board of Directors are expected in light of the Company’s actual activity at the time of grant of the undertaking and the sum or measurement which the Board of Directors determined to be reasonable under the circumstances.
The Israeli Companies Law combined with our Articles of Association also permits us to indemnify an Office Holder retroactively for all kinds of events, subject to any applicable law.
In no event may we indemnify an Office Holder for any of the following:
| 1. | a breach of the duty of loyalty toward us, unless the Office Holder acted in good faith and had reasonable grounds to assume that the action would not harm Partner’s interest; |
| 2. | a breach of the duty of care done intentionally or recklessly (“pzizut”) other than if made only by negligence; |
| 3. | an act intended to unlawfully yield a personal profit; |
| 4. | a fine, a civil fine (“knas ezrahi”), a financial sanction (“itzum kaspi”) or a penalty (“kofer”) imposed on him; and |
| 5. | a proceeding (“halich”). |
We have undertaken to indemnify our Office Holders, subject to certain conditions as aforesaid. We consider from time to time the indemnification of our Office Holders, which indemnification will be subject to approval of our compensation committee, Board of Directors and in certain cases, such as indemnification of directors and the CEO, also of our shareholders.
Under the indemnification letters granted to Office Holders prior to the extraordinary general meeting of shareholders held on October 17, 2013 (“October 2013 EGM”), the aggregate indemnification amount payable by us to Office Holders and other indemnified persons pursuant to all letters of indemnification issued to them by us will not exceed the higher of (i) 25% of shareholders equity and (ii) 25% of market capitalization, each measured at the time of indemnification (the “Combined Maximum Indemnity Amount”, and “the Original Indemnification Letter”).
Under the indemnification letters granted to Office Holders after the October 2013 EGM, the aggregate indemnification amount payable by us to Office Holders (including, among others, Office Holders nominated on behalf of Partner in subsidiaries) pursuant to all letters of indemnification issued or that may be issued to them by Partner on or after the October 2013 EGM, for any occurrence of an event set out in such a letter (including an attachment thereto) will not exceed 25% of shareholders equity (according to the latest reviewed or audited financial statements approved by Partner’s Board of Directors prior to approval of the indemnification payment) (“the Revised Indemnification Letter”). However, under the circumstances where indemnification for the same event is to be made in parallel under the Revised Indemnification Letter and to one or more indemnified persons under the Original Indemnification Letter, the maximum indemnity amount for the indemnified persons that received the Revised Indemnification Letter shall be adjusted so it does not exceed the Combined Maximum Indemnity Amount to which any other indemnified person is entitled under the Original Indemnification Letter.
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6C.10b RELEASE
The Companies Law and our Articles of Association authorize the Company, subject to obtaining the required approvals (of our compensation committee, Board of Directors and in certain cases, such as release of directors and the CEO, also of our shareholders), to release our Office Holders, in advance, from such persons’ liability, entirely or partially, for damage in consequence of the breach of the duty of care toward us as set forth in accordance with any law, including the liabilities and expenses for which the Company may indemnify Office Holders as set forth above, see Item 6C.10a Indemnification. Furthermore, the Company may release Office Holders that are controlling shareholders or their relatives, subject to the receipt of the approvals in accordance with any law. Said release will not apply to a resolution or transaction in which the controlling shareholder or any Office Holder in the Company (including other Office Holders than the Office Holder being granted the release) has a personal interest.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, we may not release such person from such person’s liability, resulting from any of the following events: (i) the breach of duty of loyalty towards us; (ii) the breach of duty of care made intentionally or recklessly (“pzizut”), other than if made only by negligence; (iii) an act intended to unlawfully yield a personal profit; (iv) a fine (“knass”), a civil fine (“knass ezrahi”), a financial sanction (“itzum caspi”) or a penalty (“kofer”) imposed upon such person; and (v) the breach of duty of care in a distribution (“haluka”).
In addition to the Original Indemnification Letter and the Revised Indemnification Letter, the Company granted new indemnification and release letters to our Office Holders at the annual general meeting of shareholders held on September 28, 2016.
6C.11 INSURANCE
The Israeli Companies Law and the Company’s Articles of Association authorize the Company (subject to certain exceptions) to enter into an insurance contract, and to arrange and pay all premiums in respect of an insurance contract, for the insurance of the liability of our Office Holders for liabilities the Office Holder incurs as a result of a direct or indirect action or inaction undertaken by such person (or together with other Office Holders of the Company) in his capacity as an Office Holder of the Company for any of the following:
| (1) | The breach of the duty of care towards the Company or towards any other person; |
| (2) | The breach of the duty of loyalty towards the Company provided that the Office Holder has acted in good faith and had reasonable grounds to assume that the action would not harm the Company; |
| (3) | A financial liability imposed on him in favor of another person; |
| (4) | A payment which the office holder is obligated to pay to an injured party as set forth in section 52.54(a)(1)(a) of the Securities Law and expenses that the Office Holder incurred in connection with a proceeding under Chapters H3, H4 or I1 of the Securities Law, or under Chapter 4 of Part 9 of the Israeli Companies Law, in connection with any affairs, including reasonable legal expenses, which term includes attorney fees. |
| (5) | Expenses, including reasonable legal expenses fees, including attorney fees, incurred by the Office Holder with respect to a proceeding in accordance with the Restrictive Trade Practices Law. |
| (6) | Any other matter in respect of which it is permitted or will be permitted under any law to insure the liability of an Office Holder in the Company. |
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6D. Employees
The number of full-time equivalent employees at year-end 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2020,2021, according to their activity, was as follows:
| 2018 | 2019** | 2020 | 2019 | ** | 2020 | 2021 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Customer service* | 1,452 | 1,456 | 1,370 | 1,456 | 1,370 | 1,257 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Sales and sales support* | 550 | 541 | 491 | 541 | 491 | 537 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Information technology | 379 | 403 | 388 | 403 | 388 | 372 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Marketing and Content | 55 | 56 | 52 | 56 | 52 | 48 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Finance | 83 | 88 | 85 | 88 | 85 | 86 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Human Resources, Administration & Security | 87 | 91 | 86 | 91 | 86 | 86 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Operations & Logistics | 124 | 136 | 122 | 136 | 122 | 121 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Remaining operations | 52 | 63 | 61 | 63 | 61 | 67 | ||||||||||||||||||
| TOTAL | 2,782 | 2,834 | 2,655 | *** | 2,834 | *** 2,655 | **** 2,574 | |||||||||||||||||
*Many positions in Customer service and Sales and sales support are filled by more than one part-time employee so that the employee headcount for those activities is about 12% greater than the number of full-time equivalents set forth above.
** Starting in 2019, the number of full-time employees also includes the number of full-time employees of PHI on a proportional basis of the Company's share in PHI (50%).
*** During the first half of 2020, in light of the COVID-19 crisis the Company temporarily reduced the workforce by putting a significant number of employees on unpaid leave. As of December 31, 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic,crisis, an additional 90 full time employees arewere on unpaid leave from the Company.
****See "Item 3D.2f Covid-induced work patterns and changes in the labor market due to competition for technical and professional personnel have created substantial difficulties in the recruitment and retention of personnel.”
The 3-year collective employment agreementsagreement that we signed on March 13, 2016 and on December 12,in 2016 with the employees' representatives and the Histadrut, the employees' union, was renewed in March 2019 and that were validagain in December 2021 for a period of three years (2016-2018) were renewed in March 2019. The renewed agreement is valid from January 1, 2019 for a period of three years until December 31, 2021. The Company is expected to begin negotiations during the last quarter of 2021 to renew the collective employment agreement(2022-2024).As in the previous agreements, the organizational chapter includes, among others, provisions regarding manning and changing of positions, termination of employment tenure and a dispute resolution mechanism. The economic chapter includes, among others, provisions regarding terms of employment, benefits and welfare and provides for annual bonuses to employees and a profit sharing mechanism provision under certain conditions. The agreement applies to the Company's employees, excluding certain managerial and specific positions. See also “3D.2j"Item 3D.2k The unionization of our employees has negatively affected and may continueto negatively affect our financial results.”
In addition, we are subject to various Israeli labor laws and practices, as well as orders extending certain provisions of collective bargaining agreements between the Histadrut and the Coordinating Bureau of Economic Organizations, the federation of employers’ organizations. Such laws, agreements and orders cover a wide range of areas and impose minimum employment standards including, working hours, minimum wages, vacation and severance pay, and special issues, such as equal pay for equal work, equal opportunity in employment, and employment of women, youth, disabled persons and army veterans. We believe that our relations with our employees are good.
Our employees are entitled to a pension insurance in the following amounts as follows (amounts vary according to choice of a pension fund or a manager’s insurance fund): employer provision for pension and compensation: 12.5% - 17.33% of the employee’s salary and employee provision for pension: 6% -7% of the employee’s salary.
We also offer some of our employees the opportunity to participate in a “Continuing Education Fund,” which also functions as a savings plan. Each of the participating employees contributes an amount equal to 2.5% of their salary and we contribute between 5% - 7.5% of such employee’s salary. In addition, in accordance with the collective employment agreement, employees that have been employed for 36 months or more by the Company are entitled to participate in a “Continuing Education Fund,” by contributing an amount equal to 2.5% of their salary and we contribute 7.5% of such employee’s salary.
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According to the National Insurance Law, Israeli employers and employees are required to pay predetermined sums to the National Insurance Institute. These contributions entitle the employees to health insurance and benefits in periods of unemployment, work injury, maternity leave, disability, reserve military service, and bankruptcy or winding-up of the employer. We believe that our relations with our employees are good.
Most of our employees participate in a Health Insurance Program which provides additional benefits and coverage which the public health system does not provide. Eligibility to participate in the policy does not depend on seniority or position.
Israeli labor law subjects employers to increased liability, including monetary sanctions and criminal liability, in cases of violations of certain labor laws and certain violations by contractors providing maintenance, security and cleaning services.
6E. Share Ownership
6E.1 SHARE OWNERSHIP OF DIRECTORS AND SENIOR MANAGEMENT
As of MarchFebruary 1, 2021,2022, to the best of the Company’s knowledge, none of our directors or senior management held more than 1%one percent of our issued and outstanding ordinary shares, including restricted shares, restricted share units (see below for an explanation), and options to acquire ordinary shares, except as set forth in the following paragraph.shares. Directors and senior management do not have different voting rights than other shareholders of the Company.
As of MarchFebruary 1, 2021,2022, our senior management held, in the aggregate, outstanding options to purchase up to 4,061,3783,037,249 of our ordinary shares, of which 2,369,83577,659 options were vested and exercisable as of that date, in addition to 546,634655,329 “restricted shares” of which 163,66221,778 restricted shares were vested as of that date (as described in "Item 6E.2 Equity Incentive Plan" below). As of such date, the Company's CEO, Mr. Isaac Benbenistino senior management member held options and restricted shares together to purchase 1.05%one percent or more of our issued and outstanding shares. No options or restricted shares have been granted to our directors.
The table below sets forth the number of outstanding options held by our senior management of the Company, including the CEO of the Company, according to exercise price and expiration date as of MarchFebruary 1, 2021:2022:
| Option expiration year (*) | Number of outstanding options held | Weighted average exercise price (NIS) | ||||
| 2022 | 437,726 | 15.15 | ||||
| 2023 | 2,332,996 | 15.39 | ||||
| 2026 | 175,370 | 13.94 | ||||
| 2027 | 91,157 | 16.61 | ||||
| TOTAL | 3,037,249 | 15.31 |
| Option expiration Year | Number of outstanding options held | Weighted average exercise price (NIS) | ||||||
| 2021 | 1,240,971 | 17.99 | ||||||
| 2023 | 357,766 | 19.39 | ||||||
| 2024 | 1,605,078 | 18.63 | ||||||
| 2025 | 393,421 | 16.61 | ||||||
| 2026 | 464,142 | 13.94 | ||||||
| TOTAL | 4,061,378 | 17.77 | ||||||
Option expiration Year | Number of outstanding options held | Weighted average exercise price (NIS) | ||||||
| 2021 | 971,971 | 18.08 | ||||||
| 2024 | 810,027 | 18.86 | ||||||
| TOTAL | 1,781,998 | 18.43 | ||||||
6E.2 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
The Amended and Restated 2004 Equity Incentive Plan (formerly known as the 2004 Equity Incentive Plan) (the “Plan”) is intended to promote the interests of the Company and its shareholders by providing employees, directors, office holders and advisors of the Company with appropriate incentives and rewards to encourage them to enter into and continue in the employ of, or service to, the Company and to acquire a proprietary interest in the long-term success of the Company.
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The Plan’s principal terms include:
Exercise price determination. The compensation committee shall determine the option and restricted share unit ("RSU") (as further explained below)exercise price per ordinary share, subject to applicable law, regulations and guidelines. Unless otherwise provided in the grant instrument, the option exercise price shall be paid in NIS and the RSU exercise price shall be zero.
Exercise price adjustment. The exercise price of options shall be reduced in the following events: (1) dividend distribution other than in the ordinary course: by the gross dividend amount so distributed per share, and (2) dividend distribution in the ordinary course: With respect to certain options (depending on the date of the granting of the options), the exercise price shall be reduced by the amount of a dividend in excess of 40% of the Company’s net income for the relevant period per share, or else by the gross dividend amount so distributed per share.
Cashless exercise. Most of the options may be exercised only through a cashless exercise procedure; while holders of other options may choose between cashless exercise and the regular option exercise procedure. In accordance with such cashless exercise, the option holder would receive from the Company, without payment of the exercise price, only the number of shares whose aggregate market value equals the economic gain which the option holder would have realized by selling all the shares purchased at their market price, net of the option exercise. Unless otherwise determined by the committee in the grant instrument, the Company at its sole and absolution discretion may obligate the grantee to pay the nominal value of the ordinary shares issued and in such event the ordinary shares will not be issued (and the options and RSUs will not be exercised) prior to the payment of such nominal value.
Exercise Period. The option holder may exercise all or part of his options at any time after the date of vesting but no later than the expiration of the exercise period, which will not exceed ten years from the date of option grant (considering, if applicable, among others, the provisions of the Compensation Policy) unless shortened pursuant to the terms of the Plan.
Vesting. The vesting schedule of granted securities will be determined by the compensation committee and Board of Directors at their sole discretion and will be detailed in the grant instrument. The committee may set performance targets as a vesting criterion (independently or in combination with other criteria).
Acceleration of vesting and adjustment.upon Change in Control. In the event that within six months after a Change in Control of the Company, as defined in the Plan, the employee's employment is terminated for any reason (other than termination for Cause as defined in the Plan), whether by the Company or by the employee, or if a notice of such termination was provided during the said six month period (even where the actual termination of employment occurs following a change of control,such six month period), the vesting of granted securities and exercisability of outstanding granted securities shall be immediately accelerated.
Adjustments. Upon the occurrence of any merger, consolidation, reorganization or similar event or transaction (e.g., subdivision or consolidation), equitable changes or adjustments to the number of shares subject to each outstanding option and RSU will be made in order to prevent dilution or enlargement of the option and RSU holders’ rights and appropriate adjustments shall be made in the number and other pertinent elements of any outstanding restricted shares, with respect to which restrictions have not yet lapsed prior to any such change.
Restricted Shares. The Company may grant “restricted shares” to beneficiaries of the Plan. Restricted shares awarded to a grantee are held by the Plan’s trustee in custody for the benefit of the grantee generally until the restrictions thereon have lapsed (e.g., earning period and the other applicable conditions and restrictions under the Plan and the grant instrument under which these restricted shares were awarded). In accordance with the Plan, as long as the restricted shares are held by the trustee, the trustee shall not exercise the voting rights of the underlying ordinary shares at the general meetings of shareholders unless requested to do so by the Company. In such event, the trustee shall vote the underlying ordinary shares proportionally to the shareholders vote and if the vote of public shareholders is counted separately, proportionally to the public shareholders vote. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company has reserved the right, upon recommendation of legal counsel, to request the grantee to exercise individually his or her voting rights. In addition, any dividend distributed during the period in which the restricted shares are held by the trustee, is accumulated and transferred to the grantee when the shares have been earned (i.e. when the restrictions lapse).
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Except as provided in the immediately preceding paragraph and in the Plan and subject to the terms of the grantee’s relevant grant instrument, the grantee shall have, with respect to his or her restricted shares, all of the rights of a shareholder of the Company, including the right to vote the ordinary shares (endorsed to the trustee as long as the restricted shares are held by the trustee), and the right to receive any dividend thereon (accumulated together with the underlying restricted shares).
Restricted Share Units. The Company may grant “restricted share units” to beneficiaries of the Plan. Restricted share units are options, bearing an exercise price of no more than the underlying share’s nominal value. Upon the lapse of the vesting period of a RSU, such RSU shall automatically become an issued and outstanding share of the Company, subject to certain applicable conditions and restrictions under the Plan and the grant instrument and unless otherwise determined by the Board of Directors, the grantee shall pay to the Company its nominal value as a precondition to the issuance of such share.
Amendment and termination of the Plan. The Plan may generally be altered or amended in any respect by a resolution of the Board of Directors of the Company, subject to the Plan, applicable law and the rules and regulations of any stock exchange applicable from time to time to the Company, by reason of their applicability to its shareholders or otherwise. The Board of Directors may, at any time and from time to time, terminate the Plan in any respect, subject to any applicable approvals or consents that may be otherwise required by law, regulation or agreement, including by reason of their applicability to the shareholders or otherwise, and provided that no termination of the Plan shall adversely affect the terms of any granted security which has already been granted.
Administration of the Plan. The Plan is administered by the compensation committee of the Board of Directors. Subject to the restrictions of the Companies Law, the compensation committee is authorized, among other things, to exercise all the powers and authorities, either specifically granted to it under the Plan or necessary or advisable for the administration of the Plan.
The description of the Plan above is only a summary and is qualified by reference to the full text thereof which has been included as an annex to this Annual Report. See Exhibit 15.(a).1 incorporated by reference in this Annual Report. On March 13, 2016, the Board of Directors approved certain amendments to the Plan. The main amendments to the Plan include: (a) amendment to the cashless exercise formula; (b) the ability to allocate restricted share units to the Company’s employees and office holders; (c) automatic extension of the exercise period due to black-out periods; (d) adjustments to the grantee’s rights under any granted securities due to the occurrence of certain events, including a rights offering; (e) a provision allowing the Company's management bodies to decide to pay a grantee the financial benefit embedded in his equity compensation in cash compensation instead of equity compensation, in certain events in which the Company is unable to issue shares resulting from exercise of options or RSUs or to release any restricted share to a grantee; (f) extension of the exercise period as a result of a change of control event;Change in Control; (g) a provision that allows the Company to limit a grantee from making transactions in the granted securities in connection with any underwritten public offering of the Company and (h) certain exercise restrictions in accordance with the Tel Aviv stock exchange rules. Share options and restricted shares (collectively, “granted securities”) have been granted to employees in accordance with the Plan. Upon exercise each option provides the right to acquire one ordinary share that confers the same rights as the other ordinary shares of the Company. On November 20, 2018, the Company’s Board of Directors approved the increase in the number of shares which may be granted under the Plan by one million shares, which represented approximately 0.61% of the Company’s issued share capital as of November 20, 2018, up to a total of 26,917,000 ordinary shares.
In 2020,2021, following the approval of the Company’s Board of Directors, 1,035,6353,827,782 share options and 398,055820,059 restricted shares were granted to senior office holders, managers and other employees of the Company and its subsidiary, compared to 1,232,2261,035,635 share options and 397,476398,055 restricted shares granted during 2019.2020. The vesting of the options and the earning of the restricted shares granted after June 2014 are subject to vesting or restriction periods and are also subject to performance conditions set by the Company’s organs.management bodies.
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As of December 31, 2020,2021, options to acquire a total of 7,029,4236,934,999 ordinary shares and 1,007,4231,347,817 restricted shares (allocated to a trustee on behalf of the employees under the plan) are outstanding.
Ordinary shares issuance and repurchase:
In June 2017, the Company issued 10,178,211 shares of the Company, of which 508,911 shares were issued as Israeli founding shareholder shares. The total net consideration received was approximately NIS 190 million.
In January 2020, the Company issued 19,330,183 shares of the Company of which 937,283 shares were issued as Israeli founding shareholder shares. The total net consideration received was approximately NIS 276 million. The offering expenses totaled NIS 10 million.
Through December 31, 2008, the Company purchased its own 4,467,990 shares at the cost of NIS 351 million, and during 2018, the Company purchased its own 6,501,588 shares at the cost of NIS 100 million (upon repurchase the shares were recorded as "treasury shares"). In accordance with the Israeli Companies Law, the treasury shares are considered dormant shares as long as they are held by the Company, and as such, they do not bear any rights (including the right to vote in general meetings of shareholders and to receive dividends) until they are transferred to a third party. Some of the treasury shares were offered to employees under the Plan as restricted shares awards ("RSAs").
As of December 31, 2020,2021, a total of 7,741,7847,337,759 treasury shares remained of which 1,008,7351,349,119 were allocated as RSAs to a trustee on behalf of the employees under the Plan. The RSAs offered under the Plan are under the control of the Company until vested under the Plan and therefore are not presented in the financial statements as outstanding shares until vested.
Information in respect of options and restricted shares granted under the Plan is set forth below:
Through December 31, 2020 | Through December 31, 2021 | |||||||||||||||
Number of options | Number of RSAs | Number of options | Number of RSAs | |||||||||||||
| Granted | 36,108,430 | 5,907,609 | 39,936,212 | 6,727,668 | ||||||||||||
| Shares issued upon exercises and vesting | (6,574,778 | ) | (3,229,106 | ) | (7,022,000 | ) | (3,633,131 | ) | ||||||||
Cancelled upon net exercises, expiration and forfeitures | (22,504,229 | ) | (1,671,080 | ) | (25,979,213 | ) | (1,746,720 | ) | ||||||||
| Outstanding | 7,029,423 | 1,007,423 | 6,934,999 | 1,347,817 | ||||||||||||
| Of which: | ||||||||||||||||
| Of which (*): | ||||||||||||||||
| Exercisable | 4,071,714 | 2,189,520 | 201,225 | |||||||||||||
| Vest in 2021 | 1,788,172 | 611,551 | ||||||||||||||
| Vest in 2022 | 800,789 | 263,183 | 2,540,988 | 640,912 | ||||||||||||
| Vest in 2023 | 368,748 | 132,689 | 1,852,136 | 424,467 | ||||||||||||
| Vest in 2024 | 352,355 | 81,213 | ||||||||||||||
(*) The vesting schedule includes probable acceleration, see footnote 9 to the table in Item 6B- Highest Office Holder Compensation and note 21(b)(1) of the consolidated financial statements.
7A. Major Shareholders
The following table, together with the notes hereto setthereto, sets forth certain information as of March 1, 2021,January 31, 2022, with respect to each person whom we believe to be the beneficial or, if so indicated, registered owner of 5% or more of our ordinary shares. Except where otherwise indicated, we believe, based on information publicly filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") or furnished to us by the principal shareholders, that the beneficial owners of the ordinary shares listed below have sole investment and voting power with respect to such ordinary shares. None of our major shareholders has any different voting rights than any other shareholder. See “Item 10B.3 Rights Attached to Shares”.
| Name | Shares beneficially owned | Issued Shares (1)% | Issued and Outstanding Shares (1)% | |||||||||
| S.B. Israel Telecom Ltd.(2) | 49,862,800 | 26.17 | 27.12 | |||||||||
| Phoenix-Excellence Group (3) | 14,706,330 | 7.72 | 8.00 | |||||||||
| Meitav Dash Group (4) | 14,612,353 | 7.67 | 7.95 | |||||||||
| Menora Mivtachim Group (5) | 13,589,742 | 7.13 | 7.39 | |||||||||
| Harel Group (6) | 12,945,310 | 6.79 | 7.04 | |||||||||
| Clal Insurance Group (7) | 12,669,049 | 6.65 | 6.89 | |||||||||
| Psagot Investment House (8) | 9,488,171 | 4.98 | 5.16 | |||||||||
| Treasury shares (9) | 6,733,049 | 3.53 | - | |||||||||
| Public (10) | 55,961,953 | 29.36 | 30.45 | |||||||||
| Total | 190,568,757 | 100.00 | 100.00 | |||||||||
| Name | Shares beneficially owned | Issued Shares (1)% | Issued and Outstanding Shares (1)% | |||||||||
| S.B. Israel Telecom Ltd.(2) | 49,862,800 | 26.10 | 26.95 | |||||||||
| Phoenix-Excellence Group (3) | 17,400,660 | 9.11 | 9.40 | |||||||||
| Meitav Dash Group (4) | 16,993,673 | 8.90 | 9.18 | |||||||||
| Menora Mivtachim Group (5) | 13,353,537 | 6.99 | 7.22 | |||||||||
| Harel Group (6) | 13,576,166 | 7.11 | 7.34 | |||||||||
| Clal Insurance Group (7) | 13,249,633 | 6.94 | 7.16 | |||||||||
| Treasury shares (8) | 5,988,640 | 3.135 | - | |||||||||
| Public (9) | 60,593,070 | 31.72 | 32.75 | |||||||||
| Total | 191,018,179 | 100.00 | 100.00 | |||||||||
| (1) | As shown above and used throughout this Annual Report, the term “Issued and Outstanding Shares” does not include any treasury shares held by the Company. Treasury shares, which are included in “Issued Shares”, have no voting, dividend or other rights under the Israeli Companies Law, as long as they are held by the Company (“dormant shares”). |
| (2) | S.B. Israel Telecom, an affiliate of Saban Capital Group LLC, a private investment firm, based in Los Angeles, California, specializing in the media, entertainment and communications industries, is the registered owner of 49,862,800 shares in the Company’s share register. On November 11, 2019, S.B. Israel Telecom filed an amendment to its Schedule 13D with the SEC stating that it had no sole or shared voting or dispositive power over any shares of the Company, and that as a result of the Receiver Appointment (as defined in the filed amendment), as of November 12, 2019, the Reporting Persons (as defined in the filed amendment) ceased to beneficially own any ordinary shares of the Company. On November 12, 2019, the District Court of Tel Aviv issued a judicial order which appointed attorney Ehud Sol as receiver (the "Receiver") for all of the Company’s shares held by S.B. Israel Telecom. |
| (2a) | On December 14, 2021, the Court granted an approval in principle, effective as of December 15, 2021, for the purchase of the shares held by the Receiver by a group of parties led by the Phoenix group, Mr. Avi Gabbay and Mr. Shlomo Rodav (jointly, the “Offeror”), on an “as is” basis, in consideration for US $ 300,000,000 (the “Transaction"), as proposed by the Offeror. The Transaction is still subject to the approval of the MoC. See "Item 3D.3a Approximately 27% of our issued and outstanding shares and voting rights are held by a receiver(under Israeli law)." |
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| (3) | Phoenix Holdings Ltd., an Israeli corporation listed on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange (“Phoenix”), and Excellence Investments Ltd., an Israeli corporation listed on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange (“Excellence”), which is controlled by Phoenix, hold shares in the Company directly and through its wholly owned subsidiaries. (Phoenix, Excellence and their subsidiaries collectively, the “Phoenix-Excellence Group”). These holdings are held according to the following segmentation: |
| (4) | Meitav Dash Investments Ltd., an Israeli corporation listed on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange, holds shares in the Company directly and through its wholly owned subsidiaries (Meitav Dash and their subsidiaries collectively, the “Meitav Dash Group”). These holdings are held according to the following segmentation: |
| (5) | Menora Mivtachim Holdings Ltd., an Israeli corporation listed on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange, holds shares in the Company directly and through its subsidiaries (Menora Mivtachim Holdings Ltd. and their subsidiaries collectively, the “Menora Mivtachim Group”). These holdings are held according to the following segmentation: |
| (6) | Harel Insurance Investments & Financial Services Ltd., an Israeli corporation listed on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange, holds shares in the Company directly and through its subsidiaries (the "Harel Group"). These holdings are held according to the following segmentation: 479,190 ordinary shares are held by "Mivtach"; |
| (7) | Clal Insurance Company Ltd. an Israeli corporation listed on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange, holds shares in the Company directly and through its subsidiaries. (Clal Insurance Company Ltd. and their subsidiaries collectively, the “Clal Group”). These holdings are held according to the following segmentation: |
| (8) |
Treasury shares do not have a right to dividends or to vote. During 2008, the Company repurchased 4,467,990 of the Company's shares and during 2018, the Company repurchased an additional 6,501,588 of the Company's shares, as part of buy-back plans. Since March 1, |
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The shares under “Public” include 6,254,995 shares held by Israeli founding shareholders from among our founding shareholders and their approved substitutes including 937,283 Israeli founding shareholders shares which were issued following a public issuance of the Company shares during January 2020 and were approved by the Ministry of Communications on March 16, 2020. These shares, together with 1,935,000 shares held by the Phoenix-Excellence Group and 1,313,911 shares held by the Meitav Dash Group, represent approximately |
As of March 1, 2021,January 31, 2022, to the best of the Company’s knowledge, none of our directors and senior management held more than 1%one percent of our outstanding ordinary shares; their holdings have been included under “Public” in the table above. For information regarding options held by our senior management to purchase ordinary shares, see “6E- Share Ownership”.
7A.1 OTHER
On MarchFebruary 1, 2021, 4,866,3542022, 4,417,065 ADSs (equivalent to 4,866,3544,417,065 ordinary shares) or approximately 2.64%2.39% of our total Issued and Outstanding ordinary shares, were held of record by 2428 registered holders in the United States. There were 53 registered holder accounts in addition tooutside the 24United States and 25 accounts with registered addresses outside ofwithin the United States. Certain accounts of record with registered addresses other than in the United States may hold our ordinary shares, in whole or in part, beneficially for United States persons. We are aware that many ADSs and ordinary shares are held of record by brokers and other nominees and accordingly the above numbers are not necessarily representative of the actual number of persons who are beneficial holders of ADSs and ordinary shares, or the number of ADSs and ordinary shares beneficially held by such persons.
7B. Related Party Transactions
7B.1 RELATIONSHIP AGREEMENT
Our Israeli founding shareholders and S.B. Israel Telecomare parties to a Relationship Agreement in relation to their direct holdings of our shares and the rights associated with such holdings. (The Receiver exercising rights over the S.B.Telecom shares has the same rights and responsibilities as S.B. Telecom under the agreement. See "Item 3D.3a Approximately 27.12%27% of our issued and outstanding shares and voting rights are held by a receiver (under(under Israeli law), who might not act in the best interests of the Company or its shareholders.." See Exhibit 4.(a).1. incorporated by reference in this Annual Report.
License Conditions: Required Minimum Israeli and Founding Shareholder Percentages
The parties to the Relationship Agreement have agreed that they shall at all times comply with the terms of our license requiring that our founding shareholders or their approved substitutes hold in aggregate at least 26% of our means of control, and thatcontrol. In addition, our Israeli founding shareholders or their approved substitutes (from among the founding shareholders and their approved substitutes) must hold at least 5% of our means of control unless the Company be issued with an order which will replace this requirement. In February 2021, the Company was issued with such an order. See "Item 3D.1l Our cellular telephone license imposes certain obligations on our shareholders and restrictions on who can own our shares. Ensuring compliance with these obligations and restrictions may be outside our control. SeeIf the obligations or restrictions are not respected by our shareholders, we could be subject to significant monetary sanctions or lose our license. and “Item 4B.12f Our Mobile Telephone License.”
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Compulsory Transfer in the Event of Default
If a party to the Relationship Agreement commits certain events of default described in the agreement, it may be required to offer its shares to the other parties on a pre-emptive basis. Events of default for this purpose include a breach of the Relationship Agreement which has a material adverse effect on Partner, and in the case of such breach, the purchase price at which the shares are to be sold will be market value less a 17.5% discount.
Term and Termination
The Relationship Agreement continues in full force and effect until we are wound up or cease to exist unless terminated earlier by the parties. The Relationship Agreement will terminate in relation to any individual party after it ceases to hold any share beneficially if it is required to comply with the minimum holding requirements for founding shareholders or Israeli founding shareholders, as applicable, and the transfer of the shares was not made in breach of the Relationship Agreement.
Related agreement among Israeli founding shareholders
A shareholders agreement among the Israeli founding shareholders, or their approved substitutes, purports to establish the procedures, rights and obligations with respect to the appointment of the Israeli director. The Company’s position, which is based among others upon a legal opinion from outside counsel, is that the arrangement set in this agreement with respect to the procedures, rights and obligations pertaining to the appointment of the Israeli director is not valid and the Company does not give effect to that arrangement and it acts according to the provision of its license and Articles of Association in connection with the appointment of the Israeli director. In November 2014, the agreement was amended and among other things, Israeli founding shareholders were removed from the Shareholders Agreement, leaving only ScailexSuny Cellular Communications Ltd. ("Suny Cellular", formerly "Scailex") (whose shares in the Company that constitute the holdings of Israeli founding shareholders are controlled by a court appointed receiver in light of Scailex’sSuny Cellular’s failure to comply with its obligations to its noteholders for the benefit of Scailex’sSuny Cellular’s noteholders) and Suny Electronics Ltd. (whose shares in the Company are mortgaged to a trustee on behalf of Suny's noteholders and constitute part of the holdings of Israeli founding shareholders) as parties to the Shareholders Agreement.
7B.2 TRANSACTIONS WITH PHI
Pursuant to the Network Sharing Agreement between the Company and the limited partnership PHI, the Company has transactions during the normal course of business with PHI. See "Item 4B.6a4B.8a Overview- cellular network sharing", "Item 5B.4 Total net financial debt "debt" and also note 9 to the consolidated financial statements.
7C. Interests of Experts and Counsel
Not applicable.
8A. Consolidated Financial Statements and Other Financial Information
Audited financial statements for the three fiscal years ended December 31, 2020,2021, are included under “Item 18. Financial Statements.”
8A.1 LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEEDINGS
We are party to a number of legal and administrative proceedings arising in the ordinary course of our business, in addition to the legal proceedings specifically discussed below. We do not currently expect the outcome of such matters individually or in the aggregate to have a material adverse effect upon our business and financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
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We have been named as defendants in a number of civil and criminal proceedings related to our network infrastructure which may result in civil liabilities or criminal penalties against us or our office holders and directors. In addition, we have also been named as defendants in a number of proceedings regarding breaches of our license and legal provisions of various laws including the Consumer Protection Law, Privacy Act and others. Plaintiffs in some of these proceedings have successfully sought or are seeking certification as class actions. The costs that may result from these lawsuits are only accrued for when it is more likely than not that a liability, resulting from past events, will be incurred and the amount of that liability can be quantified or estimated within a reasonable range. The amount of the provisions recorded is based on a case-by-case assessment of the risk level, and events arising during the course of legal proceedings may require a reassessment of this risk. The Company’s assessment of risk is based both on the advice of counsel and on the Company’s estimate of the probable amounts that are expected to be incurred. Based on its best judgment of the merits or lack thereof of the class actions described in the first three lists below, the likely range of damages which may be involved, and any provisions made in respect thereof in the Company’s balance sheet, the Company does not currently believe that the outcome of these class actions, individually or in the aggregate, will have a material negative effect on its financial condition, or results of operation.operation or cash flows. See note 20 to the consolidated financial statements for further information regarding litigation and proceedings of which we are currently aware. See also “Item 3D.2g3D.2h We are exposed to, and currently engaged in, a variety of legal proceedings, including class actions and requests to approve lawsuits as class actions.”
The litigations described below involve claims for which requests for certification as class actions and class actions were filed and which specify a material amount of damages or have been previously reported by the Company. The total amount of pending claims (claims which have not been dismissed by the Court or settled) made by plaintiffs in the litigations described below is NIS 2.051.87 billion.
| 1. | On July 15, 2014, a claim and a motion to certify the claim as a class action were filed against the Company and against additional cellular operators and content providers. The claim alleges that the cellular operators, including the Company, breached legal provisions and provisions of their licenses and thereby created a platform that led to the customers’ damages alleged in the claim. The total amount claimed against all of the defendants is estimated by the applicant to be approximately NIS 300 million. The claim is still in its preliminary stage of the motion to be certified as a class action. |
| 2. | On November 12, 2015, a claim and a motion to certify the claim as a class action were filed against the Company. The claim alleges that Partner required their customers to purchase a Smartbox device which is terminal equipment as a condition for using its fixed-line telephony services, an action which would not be in accordance with the provisions of its licenses. The total amount claimed against Partner is estimated by the plaintiff to be approximately NIS 116 million. In February 2019, the Court approved the request to certify the claim as a class action with certain changes. In March 2019, the Company filed an appeal of this decision. In February 2020, the Supreme Court dismissed the appeal request that was filed and the claim was reverted back to the District Court and the proceedings have resumed. |
| 3. | On November 12, 2015, a claim and a motion to certify the claim as a class action were filed against 012 Smile. The claim alleges that 012 Smile required their customers to purchase a Smartbox device which is terminal equipment as a condition for using its fixed-line telephony services, an action which would not be in accordance with the provisions of its licenses. The total amount claimed against 012 Smile is estimated by the plaintiff to be approximately NIS 64 million. In February 2019, the Court approved the request to certify the claim as a class action with certain changes. In March 2019, the Company filed an appeal of this decision. In February 2020, the Supreme Court dismissed the appeal request that was filed and the claim was reverted back to the District Court and the proceedings have resumed. |
| 4. | On January 4, 2016, a claim and a motion to certify the claim as a class action were filed against the Company. The claim alleges that Partner charges its customers the full price of telecommunication packages that are intended for use abroad despite the fact that the packages are not fully utilized and does not allow customers to transfer the balance to the next trip abroad or to receive a credit for the balance. The total amount claimed against Partner is estimated by the applicant to be approximately NIS 234 million. In April 2020, the Court dismissed the case and in June 2020 the plaintiffs filed an appeal of this decision. |
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| 5. | On November 20, 2016, a claim and a motion to certify the claim as a class action were filed against the Company. On February 17, 2021, the applicant filed an amended motion that claimed, among other things, that the Company breached legal provisions when it does not update its customers who purchased equipment from the Company in a credit transaction regarding the required interest rate and/or that it does not specify the cash price and/or that it notes an incorrect interest rate. The total amount claimed against Partner is estimated by the applicant to be approximately NIS 157.5 million. The claim is still in its preliminary stage of the motion to be certified as a class action. |
| 6. | On October 24, 2017, a claim and a motion to certify the claim as a class action were filed against the Company and another cellular operator. The claim alleges that Partner harms the privacy of its customers by unlawfully using their location data. The total amount claimed against Partner is estimated by the applicant to be approximately NIS 1 billion. The claim is still in its preliminary stage of the motion to be certified as a class action. |
| On November 2, 2020, a claim and a motion to certify the claim as a class action were filed against the Company and two of its subsidiaries, 012 Smile Telecom Ltd. and 012 Telecom Ltd. as well as against another operator. The claim alleges that the Company as well as the other respondents charged its customers a fee for ISP service after they began receiving this service from another company and that the respondents did not provide the service in return for payment. The total amount claimed from the Company was estimated by the applicants to be approximately NIS 2.5 million (however the claim was estimated by the applicants to be tens of millions of Shekels). The claim is still in its preliminary stage of the motion to be certified as a class action. | |
| On December 15, 2020, a claim and a motion to certify the claim as a class action were filed against the Company and 012 Smile Telecom Ltd. The claim alleges that the Company charged its customers a fee for anti-virus and/or anti- spam services for email boxes while they did not use these services and that the Company does not keep records of their requests to receive these services. The total amount claimed against the Company was not stated by the applicant (however the claim was estimated by the applicant to be over NIS 2.5 million). The claim is still in its preliminary stage of the motion to be certified as a class action. |
With respect to the following claims that have previously been reported, the Company has reached settlement agreements or agreed upon withdrawals or the applicant has unilaterally withdrawnfiled a withdrawal (as noted below, some of whichthe withdrawals are still subject to Court approval).
| 1. | On September 7, 2010, a claim and a motion to certify the claim as a class action were filed against the Company. The claim alleges that the Company unlawfully charges its customers for services of various content providers, which are sent through text messages (SMS). The total amount claimed from the Company was estimated by the plaintiffs to be approximately NIS 405 million. The claim was certified as a class action in December 2016. In January 2017, the plaintiffs filed an appeal to the Supreme Court, regarding the definition of the group of customers. In November 2018, the Supreme Court dismissed the appeal and the claim was reverted back to the District Court. In February 2020, a settlement agreement was filed |
| 2. | On July 14, 2010, a claim and a motion to certify the claim as a class action were filed against the Company. The claim alleges that Partner is breaching its contractual and/or legal obligation and/or is acting negligently by charging V.A.T for roaming services that are consumed abroad. The applicant demands to return the total amount of V.A.T that was charged by Partner for roaming services that were consumed abroad. The applicant also pursued an injunction that will order Partner to stop charging VA.T for roaming services that are consumed abroad. In August 2014, the claim was dismissed and in October 2014, the applicant filed an appeal with the Supreme Court. The hearing was held in May 2016 before an expanded panel of seven judges and the Supreme Court accepted the appeal in July 2017 and dismissed the District Court's decisions. The claim was reverted back to the District Court. In March 2020, a settlement agreement was filed for the Court's |
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| 3. | On |
| 4. | |
On November 17, 2019, a claim and a motion to certify the claim as a class action were filed against the Company and two additional cellular operators. The claim alleges that the Company, as well as the other respondents collected money from its customers for content services for third parties, by using the means of payment that were given to the Company for the purpose of the cellular invoice payment for content services, without receiving consent from these customers prior to the charge, and/or without having documentation with respect to the customers' consent, unlawfully and against its license provisions and/or without the Company first ensuring that the customers received a document that complies with the Consumer Protection Law regarding the specific transaction for which it intends to collect money from them. The total amount claimed from each of the respondents if the lawsuit is recognized as a class action is NIS 400 million in addition to compensation in the amount of NIS 500 for each one of the group members for non-monetary damages which were allegedly caused to them. The group on whose behalf the claim was filed is all Partner subscribers who made such payments from September 2003 until the date that Partner is found to have stopped charging customers for such content services (from this group, a group of customers charged for certain content services were excluded in light of other court decisions). In December 2020, the applicants notified that they wish to withdraw from the proceedings and the Court | |
| 5. | On September 15, 2020, a claim and a motion to |
| 6. | On November 1, 2020, a claim and a motion to certify the claim as a class action were filed against the Company. The claim alleges that the Company unlawfully displays advertising POP UP messages before and during TV services that constitute spam. The total amount claimed against the Company is estimated by the applicants to be approximately NIS 175 million. The parties filed a withdrawal settlement which was approved by the Court in December 2021. |
| 7. | On November 2, 2020, a claim and a motion to certify the claim as a class action were filed against the Company and 012 Telecom Ltd. The claim alleges that the Company charged its customers a fee for ISP service after they began receiving this service from another company and that the respondents did not provide the service in return for payment. The total amount claimed against the Company was not stated by the applicants (however the claim was estimated by the applicants to be over NIS 2.5 million). In April 2021, the motion was dismissed in accordance with the plaintiff's request. |
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The litigations described below involve claims for which requests for certification as class actions were filed and which do not claim any specific aggregate amount of damages to the relevant group in the claim.
| 1. | On May 4, 2015, a claim and a motion to certify the claim as a class action were filed against the Company. The claim alleges that Partner |
| 2. | On April 21, 2016, a claim and a motion to certify the claim as a class action were filed against 012 Smile. The claim alleges that the infrastructure included in the 012 Smile's plans does not support data speeds that the Company publishes to its customers. The total amount claimed against the Company if the lawsuit is certified as a class action was not stated by the plaintiffs. In January 2021, the Court approved the request to certify the claim as a class action. |
| 3. | On September |
| On August 6, 2018, a claim and a motion to certify the claim as a class action were filed against the Company and 012 Smile and at a later date, following a revision to the motion, also against Partner Land-Line. The claim alleges that the respondents unlawfully charge its customers different and higher rates for international calls that are not included in their tariff plans, than those set forth in its customer tariff chart on the 012 Smile website. The applicants noted that it cannot estimate the total amount claimed in the lawsuit, should the lawsuit be certified as a class action. The claim is still in its preliminary stage of the motion to be certified as a class action. | |
On April 11, 2019, a claim and a motion to certify the claim as a class action were filed against the Company and additional telecommunication service companies. The claim alleges that the Company, as well as the other respondents, breached their obligations under the law and their license and does not inform its customers as required regarding a free content filtering service and prioritizes a paid service over a free service and the filtering service does not meet the legal requirements and those of the license and is ineffective. The total amount claimed against the respondents, if the lawsuit is recognized as a class action, was not stated by the applicants. The claim is still in its preliminary stage of the motion to be certified as a class action. | |
On July 4, 2019, a claim and a motion to certify the claim as a class action were filed against the Company and two additional cellular operators. The claim alleges that the Company charges its customers for voicemail service without receiving their prior express consent for this service and for its charge and without a contractual right. The total amount claimed against the respondents, if the lawsuit is recognized as a class action, was not stated by the applicants. The claim is still in its preliminary stage of the motion to be certified as a class action. | |
On April 1, 2020, a claim and a motion to certify the claim as a class action were filed against the Company. The claim alleges that the Company unlawfully charges its customers for anti-virus services |
On November 26, 2020, a claim and a motion to certify the claim as a class action were filed against the Company and three of its subsidiaries. The claim alleges that the Company unlawfully reduced the operating hours of its customer service centers. The total amount claimed against the Company, if the lawsuit is recognized as a class action, was not stated by the applicants. The claim is still in its preliminary stage of the motion to be certified as a class action. | |
| On January 25, 2021, a claim and a motion to certify the claim as a class action were filed against the Company. The claim alleges that the Company does not disclose interest rates to customers that purchase items in credit transactions prior to the conclusion of the transaction. The total amount claimed against the Company was not stated by the applicant (however the claim was estimated by the applicant to be over NIS 2.5 million). The claim is still in its preliminary stage of the motion to be certified as a class action. | |
| On February 25, 2021, a claim and a motion to certify the claim as a class action were filed against the Company. The claim alleges, among others, that the Company provided its customers with TV service for viewing through a free application, as an ancillary benefit to other services and that the Company began charging customers for the TV service upon the cancellation of the ancillary service. The total amount claimed against the Company was not stated by the applicant (however the claim was estimated by the applicant to be over NIS 2.5 million). The claim is still in its preliminary stage of the motion to be certified as a class action. | |
| 11. | On January 27, 2022, a claim and a motion to certify the claim as a class action were filed against the Company. The claim alleges that the Company breached legal provisions with respect to accessibility to its website and various documents located in the personal area and/or anywhere else on the website. The total amount claimed against the Company was not stated by the applicant (however the claim was estimated by the applicant to be over NIS 2.5 million). The claim is still in its preliminary stage of the motion to be certified as a class action. |
Finally, as we reported on March 19, 2019, the Israeli Tax Authority ("ITA") is conducting an investigation that involves document collection and the questioning of among others, several current and former Company employees. The investigation is seeking to determine whether there have been violations of the Eilat Free Trade Zone Law regarding the sale of cellular phones in the city of Eilat. The Company is fully cooperating with the ITA. At this stage, the Company is unable to estimate the impact of the investigation on the Company, its results and its financial condition, if any.
As of December 31, 2020,2021, one criminal proceeding was pending against us concerning the erection of network sites without building permits. We are currently negotiating with the relevant local authorities to reach a settlement regarding the relocation of affected sites or obtaining building permits for those sites. Settlements of previous criminal proceedings brought against us resulted in Partner, but not its office holders or directors, admitting guilt and paying a fine, and also resulted in the imposition of demolition orders for the relevant sites, the execution of which have been stayed for a period of time to allow us to obtain the necessary permits or to relocate the relevant network site.
8A.2 DIVIDEND DISTRIBUTION POLICY
Our Articles of Association allow for our Board of Directors to approve all future dividend distributions, without the need for shareholder approval, subject to the provisions governing dividends under the Israeli Companies Law.
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No dividends have been distributed since 2013. For risks relating to future payments of dividends, see “Item 3D.2u3D.2v There can be no assurance that dividends will be declared or, if they are, at what level. No dividends have been distributed since 2013,although we repurchased 6,501,588 shares of the Company in 2018 for a cost of NIS 100 million.”
We intend to pay any dividends which may be declared in shekels. Under current Israeli regulations, any dividends or other distributions paid in respect of ordinary shares may be freely repatriated in non-Israeli currencies at the rate of exchange prevailing at the time of conversion, provided that Israeli income tax has been paid on or withheld from such dividends. Because exchange rates between the shekel and the US dollar fluctuate continuously, a holder of ADSs will be subject to currency fluctuation generally and, particularly, between the date when dividends are declared and the date dividends are paid.
8B. Changes
No significant change has occurred since December 31, 2020,2021, except as otherwisefor the possible Transaction disclosed in thisAnnual Report.footnote 9 to the table in Item 6B-Highest Office Holder Compensation. See also "Item 3D.2d3D.2e The Coronavirus ("COVID-19") crisis had a material harmful effect on the Company's business in 2020. As of the date of this Annual Report,2020 and 2021, including a significant reduction in revenues from roaming services continue to be significantly restrained.services. Should existing trends continue or worsen, this may have a material harmful effect on our results of operations and financial position for 2021.2022.", and “Item 5D.2 Outlook”.
9A. Offer and Listing Details
Our capital consists of ordinary shares, which are traded on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange under the symbol “PTNR”. American Depositary Shares (“ADSs”), each representing one of the Company’s ordinary shares, are quoted on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “PTNR”. The ADSs are evidenced by American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”). Citibank serves as our depositary for ADSs.
9B. Plan of Distribution
Not applicable.
9C. Markets
Our ADSs are quoted on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “PTNR”. Our ordinary shares are traded on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange under the symbol “PTNR”.
9D. Selling Shareholders
Not applicable.
9E. Dilution
Not applicable.
9F. Expenses of the Issue
Not applicable.
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10A. Share Capital
Not applicable.
10B. Memorandum and Articles of Association
10B.1 PURPOSES AND OBJECTS OF THE COMPANY
We are a public company registered under the Israeli Companies Law as Partner Communications Company Ltd., registration number 52-004431-4.
Pursuant to our Articles of Association, we were formed for the purpose of participating in the auction for the granting of a license to operate cellular radio telephone services in Israel, to provide such services, and without derogating from the above, we are also empowered to hold any right, obligation or legal action and to operate in any business or matter approved by the Company.
Pursuant to section three of our Articles of Association, our purpose is to operate in accordance with business considerations to generate profits; provided, however, that the Board of Directors is entitled to donate reasonable amounts to worthy causes, even if such donation is not within the frame of these business considerations.
Pursuant to section four of our Articles of Association, our objective is to engage in any legal business.
10B.2 THE POWERS OF THE DIRECTORS
The power of our directors to vote on a proposal, arrangement or contract in which the director is personally interested is limited by the relevant provisions of the Israeli Companies Law and our Articles of Association. In addition, the power of our directors to vote compensation to themselves or any members of their body, requires the approval of the compensation committee, the Board of Directors and the general meeting of shareholders. Generally, the Annual Meeting of the Shareholders must be convened to elect directors and a shareholders meeting could terminate the term of office of directors. In addition, our Articles of Association provide that, in certain circumstances relating to our compliance with the license, our Board of Directors may remove any director from the Board of Directors by a resolution passed by 75% or more of the directors present and voting at the relevant meeting. See also “Item 6C Board Practices”.
10B.3 RIGHTS ATTACHED TO SHARES
Our registered share capital consists of a single class of 235 million ordinary shares, par value NIS 0.01 per share, of which 190,568,757191,018,179 ordinary shares were issued and 183,835,708185,029,539 shares (does not include treasury shares) and 182,826,973183,680,420 shares (does not include treasury shares and unearned shares held by trustee on behalf of employees under share-based payment plan) were issued and outstanding as of March 1, 2021.January 31, 2022. All issued and outstanding ordinary shares are validly issued and registered. The rights attached to our ordinary shares are described below.
Dividend Rights
Holders of ordinary shares are entitled to the full amount of any cash or share dividend subsequently declared. The Board of Directors may propose and approve distribution of a dividend with respect to any fiscal year or quarter only out of profits, subject to the provisions of the Israeli Companies Law. See “Item 10E Taxation.”
Shares which are treated as dormant under section 44.6 of our Articles of Association (under circumstances relating to compliance with our license) retain the rights to receive dividends or other distributions to shareholders, and to participate in rights offerings, but no other rights. See “Item 4B.12f Our Mobile Telephone License”.
One year after a dividend has been declared and is still unclaimed, the Board of Directors is entitled to invest or utilize the unclaimed amount of the dividend in any manner to the benefit of the Company until it is claimed. We are not obligated to pay interest or linkage on an unclaimed dividend.
Voting Rights
Holders of issued and outstanding ordinary shares have one vote for each ordinary share held on all matters submitted to a vote of shareholders either in person or by proxy. Such voting rights may be affected by the grant of any special voting rights to the holders of a class of shares with preferential rights that may be authorized in the future. The quorum required for a general meeting of shareholders consists of at least two shareholders present in person or by proxy who hold or represent, in the aggregate, at least one third of the voting rights of the issued share capital. In the event that a quorum is not present within thirty minutes of the scheduled time, the shareholders’ meeting will be adjourned to the same day of the following week, or the next business day thereafter, at the same time and place, or such time and place as the Board of Directors may determine. If at such reconvened meeting a quorum is not present after the lapsing of 30 minutes from the time appointed for holding the meeting, one or more shareholders present in person or by proxy holding or representing in the aggregate at least 10% of the voting rights in the Company will generally constitute a quorum. Any shareholder seeking to vote at a general meeting of our shareholders must first notify us if any of the shareholder’s holdings in the Company requires the consent of the Ministry of Communications. The instructions of a shareholder will not be valid unless accompanied by a declaration by the shareholder as to whether or not the shareholder’s holdings in the Company or the shareholder’s vote requires the consent of the Ministry of Communications due to a breach by the shareholder of the restrictions on transfer or acquisition of means of control, or provisions regarding cross-ownership with other mobile telephone operators or shareholdings or agreements which may reduce or harm competition. If the shareholder does not provide such certification declaration, his instructions will be invalid and his vote not counted.
An ordinary resolution, such as a resolution for the election of directors (excluding external directors), or the appointment of auditors, requires approval by the holders of a majority of the voting rights represented at the meeting, in person or by proxy, and voting thereon. Under our Articles of Association, resolutions such as a resolution amending our Articles of Association or approving any change in the share capital, liquidation, changes in the objectives of the company, or the name of the company, or other changes as specified in our Articles of Association, requires approval of a special majority, representing the holders of no less than 75% of the voting rights represented at the meeting, in person or by proxy, and voting thereon.
Under our Articles of Association our directors are generally elected by an ordinary majority of the shareholders at each duly convened annual meeting, and serve until the next annual meeting, and our external directors are elected in accordance with applicable law and/or relevant stock exchange rules applicable to us; or until their respective successors are elected and qualified, whichever occurs first, or in the case of Israeli directors who are appointed by the founding Israeli shareholders, generally upon a written notice signed by at least two of the founding Israeli shareholders who are the record holders of (i) at least 50% of minimum Israeli holding shares or (ii), who hold in the aggregate the highest number of minimum Israeli holding shares among the Israeli founding shareholders. Any Israeli founding shareholders who have specified connections to a competing mobile radio telephone operator (as defined in the license) of the Company are prohibited from participation in any such appointment. The notice is addressed to the Company’s company secretary indicating his appointment, until their respective successors are elected upon such notice. In each annual meeting the directors that were elected at the previous annual meeting are deemed to have resigned from their office, excluding the external directors, who according to the Israeli Companies Law, are elected for a period of three years and the Israeli director whose appointment is terminated generally by a written notice by himself or by the founding Israeli shareholders. A resigning director may be reelected. Each ordinary share represents one vote. No director may be elected or removed on the basis of a vote by dormant shares. The ordinary shares do not have cumulative voting rights in the election of directors.
Under our Articles of Association our shareholders discuss our annual consolidated financial statements, at the annual general meeting of shareholders.
Directors may be appointed also in certain circumstances by an extraordinary general meeting and by the Board of Directors upon approval of a simple majority of the directors. Such director, excluding the external directors, shall serve for a term ending at the next annual general meeting.
Rights in the Company’s Profits
Our shareholders have the rights to share in our profits distributed as a dividend and any other permitted distribution. See “Item 10B.3 Rights Attached to Shares-–Dividend Rights.”
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Rights in the Event of Liquidation
All of our ordinary shares confer equal rights among them with respect to amounts distributed to shareholders in case of liquidation.
Rights in the Event of Reorganization
Upon the sale of the property of the Company, the Board of Directors or the liquidators (in case of a liquidation) may receive and, if the Company’s profits so permit, distribute among the shareholders fully or partially paid up shares, bonds or securities of another company or any other property of the Company without selling them or depositing them with trustees on behalf of the shareholders, provided, however, that they have received the prior authorization adopted by a special majority of the shareholders of the Company (representing at least 75% of the votes of shareholders participating and voting in the relevant general meeting). Such special majority may also decide on the valuation of such securities or property, unless the Company is in or beginning a liquidation process.
Limitations on Ownership and Control
Ownership and control of our ordinary shares are limited by the terms of our licenses and our Articles of Association. See “Item 4B.12f Our Mobile Telephone License-License Conditions” and “Revoking, limiting or altering our license.”
In order to comply with the conditions and restrictions imposed on us by the Ministry of Communications or under our licenses in relation to ownership or control over us, under certain events specified in our Articles of Association, the Board of Directors may determine that certain ordinary shares are dormant shares. According to our Articles of Association, dormant shares bear no rights as long as they are dormant shares, except for the right to receive dividends and other distributions to shareholders. Consequently, we have received an exemption from the requirement set out in NASDAQ’s Marketplace Rule 4351 that voting rights of existing shareholders of publicly traded common stock registered under Section 12 of the US Securities Exchange Act cannot be disparately reduced or restricted through any corporate action or issuance. In addition, the Board of Directors shall not register a person as a holder of a share before receipt of their declaration that they are not a “relevant person” as defined in our Articles of Association.
Our Compensation Policy allows us to allocate in addition to shares, restricted shares. For rights attached to restricted shares see “Item 6E.2 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN”.
10B.4 CHANGING RIGHTS ATTACHED TO SHARES
According to our Articles of Association, in order to change the rights attached to any class of shares, the general meeting of the shareholders must adopt a resolution to change such rights by a special majority, representing at least 75% of the votes of shareholders participating and voting in the general meeting, and in case of changing the rights attached to certain class of shares, the approval by special majority of each class meeting, is required.
10B.5 ANNUAL AND EXTRAORDINARY GENERAL MEETINGS
The Board of Directors must convene an annual general meeting of shareholders at least once every calendar year, within fifteen months of the last annual general meeting. In accordance with our Articles of Association, notice of a general meeting must be sent to each registered shareholder no later than five days after the record date set by the Board of Directors for that meeting, unless a different notice time is required under applicable law. An extraordinary meeting may be convened by the Board of Directors, as it decides or upon a demand of any two directors or 25% of the directors, whichever is lower, or of one or more shareholders holding in the aggregate at least 5% of our issued capital and at least 1% of the voting rights of the Company; or (ii) at least 5% of the voting right of the Company, can seek to convene a shareholders meeting or as otherwise permitted by the Israeli Companies Law. See “Item 10B.3 RIGHTS ATTACHED TO SHARES–Voting Rights.”
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One or more shareholders holding (alone or in the aggregate), 1% or more of the share capital of the Company may request that the Board of Directors include an issue on the agenda of a general meeting of shareholders (including the nomination of a candidate to the board of directors), provided that such issue is suitable to be discussed in the general meeting of shareholders. Pursuant to an amendment to regulations promulgated under the Israeli Companies Law, effective from July 2014, said shareholder request should be submitted to the company within three or seven days (depending on the type of resolution dealt with in the convened meeting) following publication of the Company’s notice with respect to its general meeting of shareholders, or, if the Company publishes a preliminary notice stating its intention to convene such meeting and the agenda thereof, within fourteen days of such preliminary notice. Any such proposal must further comply with the information requirements and time frames under Israeli law.
10B.6 LIMITATIONS ON THE RIGHTS TO OWN OUR SECURITIES
For limitations on the rights to own our securities see “Item 4B.12f Our Mobile Telephone License– License Conditions,” “ – Our Permit Regarding Cross Ownership” and “Item 10B.3 Rights Attached to Shares – Limitations on Ownership and Control.”
10B.7 LIMITATIONS ON CHANGE IN CONTROL AND DISCLOSURE DUTIES
For limitations on change in control see “Item 4B.12f Our Mobile Telephone License– License Conditions” and “– Our Permit Regarding Cross Ownership”.
10B.8 CHANGES IN OUR SHARE CAPITAL
Changes in our share capital are subject to the approval of the shareholders at a general meeting of shareholders by a special majority of 75% of the votes of shareholders participating and voting in the general meeting of shareholders.
10B.9 OUR LICENSE PREVAILS IN CASE OF AN INCONSISTENCY
If any article of our Articles of Association is found to be inconsistent with the terms of our mobile telephone license granted by the Ministry of Communications (see “Item 4B.12f Our Mobile Telephone License”) or of any other telecommunications license we hold, the provisions of such Article shall be deemed null and void.
10C. Material Contracts
Network sharing agreement. In April 2015, the Ministry of Communications approved the 15-15 year Network Sharing Agreement that we entered into with HOT Mobile. Pursuant to the Network Sharing Agreement, the parties created a 50-50 limited partnership, the purpose of which is to operate and develop a cellular network to be shared by both parties, starting with a pooling of both parties’ radio access network infrastructures to create a single shared radio access network. The limited partnership began operations in August 2015. See “Item 4B.8 OUR NETWORK”.
i-Phone Agreement. Following the expiration of a previous agreement, we entered into a non-exclusive agreement with Apple Distribution International, effective April 1, 2021, for the purchase and resale of iPhone handsets in Israel. Pursuant to the agreement, we agreed to purchase a minimum quantity of iPhone handsets per year, for a period of three years.
TI Sparkle Israel (formerlyMed Nautilus) Agreement. We have an agreement with TI Sparkle for the provision of international capacity services through submarine infrastructure, which connects countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea to all major Western European countries and from there to the rest of the world until 2023 with an option to extend the agreement until 2030.
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Upgrade of LTE network. In January 2019, we entered into an agreement with Mavenir Systems Limited for the upgrade and improvement of the performance of our LTE network moving into virtualized architecture of the network, alongside new functionalities and capabilities, and preparation for 5G. See "Item 4B.8g Suppliers".
10D. Exchange Controls
There are no Israeli government laws, decrees or regulations that restrict or that affect our export or import of capital or the remittance of dividends, interest or other payments to non-resident holders of our securities, including the availability of cash and cash equivalents for use by us and our wholly-owned subsidiaries, except or otherwise as set forth under "Item 10E Taxation".
Under Israeli law (and our Memorandum and Articles of Association), persons who are neither residents nor nationals of Israel may freely hold, vote and transfer ordinary shares in the same manner as Israeli residents or nationals.
10E. Taxation
Israeli Tax Considerations
The following discussion is not intended, and should not be construed, as legal or professional tax advice and should not be relied on any specific case since it does not exhaust all possible tax considerations.
The following is a summary of the current tax laws of the State of Israel as they relate to us and to our shareholders (in relation to their investments in the Company) and also includes a discussion of the material Israeli tax consequences for persons purchasing our ordinary shares or ADSs, both referred to below as the “Shares”. To the extent that the discussion is based on legislation yet to be subject to judicial or administrative interpretation, there can be no assurance that the views expressed herein will accord with any such interpretation in the future. This discussion is not intended and should not be construed as legal or professional tax advice and does not cover all possible tax considerations.
Potential investors are urged to consult their own tax advisors as to the Israeli or other tax consequences of the purchase, ownership and disposition of our Shares, including, in particular, the effect of any foreign, state or local taxes.
General Corporate Tax Structure
Israeli companies are generally subject to corporate tax on their taxable income (including capital gains). In general, the regular corporate tax rate in Israel for 2014 and 2015 was 26.5%, for 2016 was 25%, for 2017 was 24% and 23% for 2018 and thereafter.
Tax on Capital Gains of Shareholders
General.
Israeli law generally imposes a capital gains tax on the sale of capital assets by residents of Israel as defined for Israeli tax purposes, and on the sale of capital assets located in Israel or the sale of direct or indirect rights to assets located in Israel, including on the sale of our Shares by some of our shareholders (see discussion below). The Israeli Income Tax Ordinance distinguishes between “Real Capital Gain” and “Inflationary Surplus”. Real Capital Gain is the excess of the total capital gain over Inflationary Surplus computed on the basis of the increase in the CPIIsraeli Consumer Price Index ("CPI") between the date of purchase and the date of sale. In 2020, the real capital gain accrued on the sale of our Shares was generally taxed at a rate of 23% for corporations (25% for 2016, 24% for 2017 and 23% for 2018 and thereafter) and a rate of up to 25% for individuals. Additionally, if such individual shareholder is considered a “Significant Shareholder” at the time of the sale or at at any time during the 12-month period preceding such sale (i.e., if such individual shareholder holds directly or indirectly, alongalone or with others, at least 10% of any means of control in the company, including, among other things, the right to receive profits of the company, voting rights, the right to receive the company’s liquidation proceeds and the right to appoint a director), the tax rate will be up to 30%.
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However, the foregoing tax rates will not apply to (i) dealers in securities, whose income from the sale of securities is considered "business income"; and (ii) shareholders who have acquired their shares prior to an initial public offering (that may be subject to a different tax arrangement). Inflationary surplus that accrued after December 31, 1993, is exempt from tax.
Generally, a semi-annual detailed return, including a computation of the tax due should be submitted to the Israeli Tax Authorities and a tax advance amounting to the tax liability arising from the capital gain is payable.payable on January 31 and July 31 of every tax year in respect of sales of securities made within the previous six months. At the sale of traded securities, the aforementioned detailed return may not be submitted and the tax advance should not be paid, if all tax due was withheld at source according to applicable provisions of the Israeli Tax Ordinance (“ITO”) and regulations promulgated thereunder.
Capital gains are also reportable on annual income tax returns.
Taxation of Israeli Residents
The following is a summary of the most significant Israeli capital gains tax implications arising with respect to the sale of our Shares by shareholders who are not engaged in the business of trading in securities.
Individuals
Corporations
Shareholders who are corporations will be generally subject to tax at the corporate tax rate on the realized real capital gain as described in “General Corporate Tax Structure” in Item 10E above.
Different taxation rules may apply to shareholders who purchased the Shares prior to January 1, 2009, or prior to the listing on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange or the Nasdaq Global Market. Such Shareholders should consult with their own tax advisors for the tax consequences upon sale.
In general, a partnership will be a transparent entity for Israeli tax purposes and its partners will be subject to tax with respect to their share in accordance with each of their applicable tax status and rates.
In general, under the Israel Tax Ordinance, public institutions are exempt from tax.
Taxation of Non-Israeli Residents
As mentioned above, Israeli law generally imposes a capital gains tax on sales of capital assets, including securities and any other direct or indirect rights to capital assets located in Israel. This tax is also applicable to non-Israeli residents of Israel as follows:
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Under Israeli law, the capital gain from the sale of shares by non-Israeli residents is tax exempt in Israel as long as our Shares are listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market or any other stock exchange recognized by the Israeli Ministry of Finance (this condition shall not apply to shares purchased on or after January 1, 2009) and provided that certain otherthe following cumulative conditions are met, the most relevant of which are:met: (A) the capital gain is not attributed to the foreign resident’s permanent establishment in Israel, (B) the shares were acquired by the foreign resident upon or after the company’s shares had been listed for trading on the foreignstock exchange and (C)in Israel.
However, non-Israeli corporations will not be entitled to the foregoing exemption if the seller isIsraeli residents: (i) have, directly or indirectly, along or together with another, a corporation, lesscontrolling interest of more than 25% of itsany of the means of control in such non-Israeli corporation or (ii) are held by Israeli residents. It should be noted that with respectthe beneficiaries of, or are entitled to, shares which are listed on25% or more of the Israeli stock exchange market, a tax exemption may apply under certain different conditions.revenues or profits of such non-Israeli corporation, whether directly or indirectly.
In addition, the sale of shares may be exempt from Israeli capital gains tax under the provisions of an applicable tax treaty subject to the receipt in advance of a valid certificate from the Israeli Tax Authorities ("ITA") (for example, please refer to the discussion below with respect to the Convention Between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the State of Israel with Respect to Taxes on Income).
Different taxation rules may apply to shareholders who purchased their shares prior to the listing on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange. Such shareholders should consult with their tax advisors for the precise treatment upon sale.
Regardless of whether non-Israeli shareholders may be liable for Israeli capital gains tax on the sale of our ordinary shares, the payment of the consideration for such sale may be subject to withholding of Israeli tax at source and holders of our ordinary shares may be required to demonstrate that they are exempt from tax on their capital gains in order to avoid withholding at source at the time of sale. Specifically, the ITA may require shareholders who are not liable for Israeli capital gains tax on such a sale to sign declarations in on forms specified by the ITA, provide documentation (including, for example, a certificate of residency) or obtain a specific exemption from the ITA confirming their status as non-Israeli residents (and, in the absence of such declarations or exemptions, the ITA may require the purchaser of the shares to withhold tax at source).
Taxation of Investors Engaged in a Business of Trading Securities
Individual and corporate dealers in securities in Israel are taxed at tax rates applicable to business income.
Withholding at Source from Capital Gains from Traded Securities
The purchaser, the Israeli stockbrokers and any financial institution through which the sold securities are held, are obliged, subject to certain exemptions, to withhold tax on the amount of consideration paid with respect to such sale (or on the real capital gain realized on the sale, if known) at the Israeli corporate tax rate as described in “General Corporate Tax Structure” in Item 10E above.
Where the seller is an individual, the applicable withholding tax rate would be 25%, or 30% where the seller is a significant shareholder.
The individual or the company may provide an approval from the ITA for a reduced tax withholding rate, according to the applicable rate.
Dividends
The following Israeli tax consequences shall apply in the event of actual payment of any dividends on the Shares.
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Non-residents of Israel (both individuals and corporations) are subject to income tax on income accrued or derived from sources in Israel, including dividends from Israeli corporations. The distribution of dividend income, other than bonus shares (stock dividends), to non-residents of Israel will generally be subject to income tax at a rate of 25% (or 30% for a shareholder that is considered a Significant Shareholder (as defined above) at the time of distribution or any time during the 12-month period preceding such distribution), unless a lower rate is stipulated by a double tax treaty between the State of Israel and the shareholder’s country of residence. In addition, an additional tax at a rate of 3% may be imposed upon individual shareholders whose annual income from all sources that are taxable in Israel exceedexceeds NIS 647,640 in 2021, unless relief is provided in a certain amount.treaty between Israel and shareholder's country of residence and subject to receipt in advance of a valid certificate from the ITA.
In the event of actual payment of any dividends on our Shares the following withholding rates will be applied: (i) Israeli resident corporations – 0%, (ii) Israeli resident individuals – 25% (iii) non-Israeli residents – 25%, subject to a reduced tax rate under an applicable double tax treaty; (iv) Israeli resident individual who is a Significant Shareholder – 30%; and (v) non -Israeli resident who is a Significant Shareholder – 30%, subject to a reduced tax rate under an applicable double tax treaty. Nevertheless, if the Shares are held through a Nominee Company, as defined in the Israel Securities Act, the withholding tax rate for shareholders under (iv) and (v) above shall be 25% (subject to a reduced tax rate under an applicable double tax treaty for non-Israeli residents). However, a distribution of dividends, in respect of which a limited tax rate was prescribed under any statute, is subject to Israeli withholding tax at the rate prescribed.
A non-resident of Israel that has received a dividend income derived from an Israeli corporation, from which tax was withheld at the source, is generally exempt from the duty to file tax returns in Israel in respect of such income, provided that (1) such income was not connected to or derived from a trade or business conducted in Israel by such a person and providednon-Israeli resident; (2) the personnon-Israeli resident has no other taxable sources of income in Israel with respect to which a tax return is required to be filed.filed; and (3) the non-Israeli resident is not obligated to pay additional surtax.
Repatriation
Non-residents of Israel who acquire any of the Shares of the Company will be able to repatriate dividends, liquidation distributions and the proceeds from the sale of such shares in non-Israeli currencies at the rate of exchange prevailing at the time of repatriation provided that any applicable Israel income tax has been paid, or withheld, on such amounts. US holders should refer to the “United States Federal Income Considerations” section below with respect to the US federal income tax treatment of foreign currency gain or loss.
The foregoing discussion is intended only as a summary and does not purport to be a complete analysis or listing of all potential Israeli tax effects of holding of our shares. We recommend that shareholders consult their tax advisors concerning the Israeli and non-Israeli tax consequences to them of holding our shares.
Taxation of Residents of the United States under the US Treaty
Residents of the United States generally will be subject to withholding tax in Israel on dividends paid, if any, on Shares (including ADSs). Generally, under the Convention Between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the State of Israel with Respect to Taxes on Income (the “US Treaty”), the maximum rate of withholding tax on dividends paid to a holder of Shares (including ADSs) who is a resident of the United States (as defined in the US Treaty) will be 25%. Under the US Treaty, the withholding tax rate on dividends will be reduced to 12.5% if (i) the shareholder is a U.S. resident corporation which holds during the portion of the taxable year which precedes the date of payment of the dividend, and during the whole of its prior taxable year, at least 10% of the outstanding shares of the voting stock of the Israeli resident paying corporation and (ii) not more than 25% of the gross income of the Israeli resident paying corporation for such prior taxable year consists of certain types of interest or dividends.
The US Treaty exempts from taxation in Israel any capital gains realized on the sale, exchange or other disposition of Shares (including ADSs) provided that the following cumulative conditions are met: (a) the seller is a resident of the United States for purposes of the US Treaty; (b) the seller owns, directly or indirectly, less than 10% of our voting stock at all times during the 12-month period preceding such sale, exchange or other disposition; (c) the seller, being an individual, is present in Israel for a period or periods of less than 183 days during the taxable year; and (d) the capital gain from the sale was not generated through a permanent establishment of the seller in Israel.
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Subject to the exemptions from capital gains prescribed in the Israeli Income Tax Ordinance (as described above), purchasers of Shares (including ADSs) who are residents of the United States and who hold 10% or more of the outstanding Shares at any time during such 12-month period will be subject to Israeli capital gains tax. However, under the US Treaty, residents of the United States (as defined in the US Treaty) generally would be permitted to claim a credit for this tax against US federal income tax imposed on the sale, exchange or other disposition, subject to the limitations in US laws applicable to the utilization of foreign tax credits generally.
The application of the US Treaty provisions to dividends and capital gains described above is conditioned upon the fact that such income is not effectively connected with a permanent establishment (as defined in the US Treaty) maintained by the non-Israeli resident in Israel.
United States Federal Income Tax Considerations
The following discussion is a summary of certain material US federal income tax considerations applicable to a US holder (as defined below) regarding the acquisition, ownership and disposition of Shares or ADSs. This summary is based on provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), existing and proposed US Treasury regulations, administrative pronouncements, rulings and judicial decisions as of the date of this Annual Report. All of these authorities are subject to change, possibly with retroactive effect, and to change or changes in interpretation. In addition, this summary does not discuss all aspects of US federal income taxation that may be applicable to investors in light of their particular circumstances or to investors who are subject to special treatment under US federal income tax law, including certain former citizens or residents of the United States, insurance companies, banks, regulated investment companies, securities broker-dealers, financial institutions, tax-exempt organizations, persons holding Shares or ADSs as part of a straddle, hedging or conversion transaction, persons subject to the foreign tax credit splitting events rules, persons subject to the alternative minimum tax, persons who acquired their Shares or ADSs pursuant to the exercise of employee stock options or otherwise as compensation, US holders having a functional currency other than the US dollar, persons owning (directly, indirectly or by attribution) 10% or more of our outstanding share capital or voting stock and persons not holding the Shares or ADSs as capital assets. This discussion also does not address the consequences of the Medicare tax on net investment income or any aspect of state, local or non-US tax law or any other aspect of US federal taxation other than income taxation. There can be no assurances that the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) will not take a different position concerning the tax consequences of the acquisition, ownership and disposition of our shares or that such a position would not be sustained. This summary is not intended to be, and should not be considered to be, legal or tax advice.
As used herein, the term “US holder” means a beneficial owner of an ordinary share or an ADS who is eligible for benefits as a US resident under the limitation on benefits article of the US Treaty (as defined above in “–Taxation of Residents of the United States under the US Treaty”), and is:
a citizen or individual resident of the United States for US federal income tax purposes;
a corporation (or an entity taxable as a corporation for US federal income tax purposes) created or organized in or under the laws of the United States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia;
an estate whose income is subject to US federal income taxation regardless of its source; or
a trust if (A) a US court is able to exercise primary supervision over the trust’s administration and (B) one or more US persons have the authority to control all of the trust’s substantial decisions.
If a partnership (including entities classified as partnerships for US federal income tax purposes, or other pass-through entities, or holders that will hold our shares through such an entity) or S corporations, holds Shares or ADSs, the tax treatment of a partner generally will depend upon the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. A partnership or a partner in a partnership that holds Shares or ADSs is urged to consult its own tax advisor regarding the specific tax consequences of owning and disposing of Shares or ADSs.
For US federal income tax purposes, US holders of ADRs will be treated as owners of the ADSs evidenced by the ADRs and the Shares represented by the ADSs. Furthermore, deposits or withdrawals by a US holder of Shares for ADSs, or of ADSs for Shares, will not be subject to US federal income tax. The statement of US federal income tax law set forth below assumes that each obligation in the Deposit Agreement and any related agreement will be performed in accordance with its terms.US holders should review the summary above under “Israeli Tax Considerations” and “Taxation of Residents of the United States under the US Treaty” for a discussion of the Israeli taxes which may be applicable to them.
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Holders of Shares or ADSs should consult their own tax advisors concerning the specific Israeli, US federal, state and local tax consequences of the ownership and disposition of the Shares or ADSs in light of their particular situations as well as any consequences arising under the laws of any other taxing jurisdiction. In particular, US holders are urged to consult their own tax advisors concerning whether they will be eligible for benefits under the US Treaty.
Dividends
A US holder generally will be required to include in gross income as ordinary dividend income the amount of any distributions paid on the Shares and ADSs, including the amount of any Israeli taxes withheld in respect of such dividend. Dividends paid by us will not qualify for the dividends-received deduction applicable in certain cases to US corporations.
The amount of any distribution paid in NIS, including the amount of any Israeli withholding tax thereon, will be included in the gross income of a US holder of Shares in an amount equal to the US dollar value of the NIS calculated by reference to the spot rate of exchange in effect on the date the distribution is received by the US holder or, in the case of ADSs, by the Depositary. If a US holder converts dividends paid in NIS into US dollars on the day such dividends are received, the US holder generally should not be required to recognize foreign currency gain or loss with respect to such conversion. If the NIS received in the distribution are not converted into US dollars on the date of receipt, any foreign currency gain or loss recognized upon a subsequent conversion or other disposition of the NIS will be treated as US source ordinary income or loss. Special rules govern and special elections are available to accrual method taxpayers to determine the US dollar amount includible in income in the case of taxes withheld in a foreign currency. Accrual basis taxpayers are urged to consult their own tax advisors regarding the requirements and the elections applicable in this regard. Dividends paid with respect to Shares may be subject to rules applicable where US persons own or are treated as owning 50% or more (by vote or value) of a foreign corporation, and such rules could adversely affect the US shareholders’ ability to use US foreign tax credits.
Any dividends paid by us to a US holder on the Shares or ADSs will be treated as foreign source income and generally will be categorized as “passive income” for US foreign tax credit purposes. Subject to the limitations in the Code, as modified by the US Treaty, a US holder may elect to claim a foreign tax credit against its US federal income tax liability for Israeli income tax withheld from dividends received in respect of Shares or ADSs. US holders who do not elect to claim the foreign tax credit may instead claim a deduction for Israeli income tax withheld, but only for a year in which the US holder elects to do so with respect to all foreign income taxes. A deduction does not reduce US tax on a dollar-for-dollar basis like a tax credit. The deduction, however, is not subject to the limitations applicable to foreign tax credits. The rules relating to the determination of the foreign tax credit are complex. Accordingly, if you are a US holder of Shares or ADSs, you should consult your own tax advisor to determine whether and to what extent you would be entitled to the credit.
Certain US holders (including individuals) are eligible for reduced rates of US federal income tax in respect of “qualified dividend income”. For this purpose, qualified dividend income generally includes dividends paid by a non-US corporation if, among other things, the US holders meet certain minimum holding period requirements and the non-US corporation satisfies certain requirements, including that either (i) the shares (or ADSs) with respect to which the dividend has been paid are readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States, or (ii) the non-US corporation is eligible for the benefits of a comprehensive US income tax treaty (such as the US Treaty) which provides for the exchange of information. We currently believe that dividends paid with respect to our Shares and ADSs should constitute qualified dividend income for US federal income tax purposes. We anticipate that our dividends will be reported as qualified dividends on Forms 1099-DIV delivered to US holders. In computing foreign tax credit limitations, non-corporate US Holders may take into account only a portion of a qualified dividend to reflect the reduced US tax rate applicable to such dividend. Individual US holders of Shares or ADSs are urged to consult their own tax advisors regarding the availability of the reduced dividend tax rate in light of their own particular situation and regarding the computations of their foreign tax credit limitation with respect to any qualified dividend income paid by us, as applicable.
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Sale, Exchange or Other Taxable Disposition
Upon the sale, exchange or other taxable disposition of Shares or ADSs, a US holder generally will recognize capital gain or loss equal to the difference between the US dollar value of the amount realized on the sale, exchange or other taxable disposition and the US holder’s adjusted tax basis, determined in US dollars, in the Shares or ADSs. Any gain or loss recognized upon the sale, exchange or other taxable disposition of the Shares or ADSs will be treated as long-term capital gain or loss if, at the time of the sale, exchange or other taxable disposition, the holding period of the Shares or ADSs exceeds one year. In the case of individual US holders, capital gains generally are subject to US federal income tax at preferential rates if specified minimum holding periods are met. The deductibility of capital losses by a US holder is subject to significant limitations. US holders should consult their own tax advisors in this regard.
In general, gain or loss recognized by a US holder on the sale, exchange or other taxable disposition of Shares or ADSs will be US source income or loss for US foreign tax credit purposes. Pursuant to the US Treaty, however, gain from the sale or other taxable disposition of Shares or ADSs by a holder who is a US resident, for US Treaty purposes, and who sells the Shares or ADSs within Israel may be treated as foreign source income for US foreign tax credit purposes.
US holders who hold Shares or ADSs through an Israeli stockbroker or other Israeli intermediary may be subject to an Israeli withholding tax on any capital gains recognized if the US holder does not obtain approval of an exemption from the Israeli Tax Authorities. See “Israeli Tax Considerations” above. US holders are advised that any Israeli tax paid under circumstances in which an exemption from such tax was available will not give rise to a deduction or credit for foreign taxes paid for US federal income tax purposes. US holders are advised to consult their Israeli stockbroker or intermediary regarding the procedures for obtaining an exemption.
If a US holder receives NIS upon the sale of Shares, that US holder may recognize ordinary income or loss as a result of currency fluctuations between the date of the sale of the Shares and the date the sales proceeds are converted into US dollars.
Passive Foreign Investment Company Rules
A non-US corporation will be classified as a Passive Foreign Investment Company (a “PFIC”) for any taxable year if (i) at least 75% of its gross income consists of passive income (such as dividends, interest, rents, royalties (other than rents or royalties derived in the active conduct of a trade or business and received from an unrelated person) and gains on the disposition of certain minority interests) or (ii) at least 50% of the average value of its assets consist of assets that produce or are held for the production of, passive income. We currently believe that we were not a PFIC for the year ended December 31, 2020.2021. However, this conclusion is a factual determination that must be made at the close of each year and is based on, among other things, a valuation of our Shares, ADSs and assets, which will likely change from time to time. If we were characterized as a PFIC for any taxable year, a US holder would suffer adverse tax consequences. These consequences may include having the gains that are realized on the disposition of Shares or ADSs treated as ordinary income rather than capital gains and being subject to punitive interest charges with respect to certain dividends and gains and on the sale or other disposition of the Shares or ADSs. Furthermore, dividends paid by a PFIC are not eligible to be treated as “qualified dividend income” (as discussed above). In addition, if a US holder holds Shares or ADSs in any year in which we are treated as a PFIC, such US holder will be subject to additional tax form filing and reporting requirements.
Application of the PFIC rules is complex. A US holder of a PFIC may be required to file an IRS Form 8621. The failure to file this form when required could result in substantial penalties. US holders should consult their own tax advisors regarding the potential application of the PFIC rules to the ownership of our Shares or ADSs.
Information Reporting and Backup Withholding
Dividend payments with respect to Shares or ADSs and proceeds from the sale, exchange or other disposition of Shares or ADSs may be subject to information reporting to the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) and possible US backup withholding at a current rate of 24%. Backup withholding will not apply, however, to a holder who furnishes a correct taxpayer identification number or certificate of foreign status and makes any other required certification or who is otherwise exempt from backup withholding. US persons who are required to establish their exempt status generally must provide IRS Form W-9 (Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification). Non-US holders generally will not be subject to US information reporting or backup withholding. However, such holders may be required to provide certification of non-US status (generally on IRS Form W-8BEN or IRS W-8BEN-E) in connection with payments received in the United States or through certain US-related financial intermediaries.
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Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Amounts withheld as backup withholding may be credited against a holder’s US federal income tax liability, and a holder may obtain a refund of any excess amounts withheld by filing the appropriate claim for refund with the IRS and furnishing any required information in a timely fashion.
In addition, certain US holders who are individuals that hold certain foreign financial assets as defined in the Code (which may include Shares or ADSs) are required to report information relating to such assets, subject to certain exceptions.
10F. Dividends and Paying Agents
Not applicable.
10G. Statement By Experts
Not applicable.
10H. Documents on Display
Reports and other information of Partner filed electronically with the US Securities and Exchange Commission may be found at www.sec.gov. They can also be inspected without charge and copied at prescribed rates at the public reference facilities maintained by the SEC in Room 1024, 450 Fifth Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549.
10I. Subsidiary Information
Not applicable.
11A. General
We are exposed to market risk, including movements in foreign currency exchange and inflation-indexed interest rates. We do not enter into any derivative transactions to hedge underlying exposure to foreign currencies. As a matter of policy, we do not enter into transactions of a speculative or trading nature. Interest rate and foreign exchange exposures are monitored by tracking actual and projected commitments and through the use of sensitivity analysis.
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The following table provides information derived from the financial statements about these liabilities as of December 31, 20192020 and 2020.2021.
Non-Derivative Instruments
| As of December 31, (NIS equivalent in millions, except percentages) | As of December 31, (NIS equivalent in millions, except percentages) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2019 | 2020 | 2020 | 2021 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fair Value | Book Value | Fair Value | Book Value | Fair Value | Book Value | Fair Value | Book Value | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| NIS-denominated debt linked to the CPI | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Trade payables (1) | 17 | 17 | 29 | 29 | 29 | 29 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Lease liabilities | 619 | 613 | 699 | 699 | 699 | 699 | 707 | 718 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| NIS-denominated debt not linked to the CPI | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Long-term variable interest Notes payable series D due 2021 | 219 | 218 | 110 | 109 | 110 | 109 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Weighted average interest rate payable | 1.53 | % | 1.31 | % | 1.31 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Long-term fixed Notes payable series F due 2024 | 1,040 | 1,021 | 524 | 512 | 524 | 512 | 392 | 384 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Weighted average interest rate payable | 2.16 | % | 2.16 | % | 2.16 | % | 2.16 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Long-term fixed Notes payable series G due 2027 | 383 | 350 | 939 | 824 | 939 | 824 | 952 | 851 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Weighted average interest rate payable | 4 | % | 4 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Long-term fixed Notes payable series H due 2030 | 199 | 198 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Weighted average interest rate payable | 2.08 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Long-term borrowing bearing fixed interest | 60 | 59 | 30 | 29 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Weighted average interest rate payable | 4 | % | 4 | % | 2.38 | % | 2.38 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Long-term borrowing bearing fixed interest | 90 | 89 | 60 | 59 | 82 | 79 | 58 | 57 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Weighted average interest rate payable | 2.38 | % | 2.38 | % | 2.5 | % | 2.5 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Long-term borrowing bearing fixed interest | 105 | 102 | 82 | 79 | 150 | 150 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Weighted average interest rate payable | 2.5 | % | 2.5 | % | 2.55 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Financial liability at fair value (1) | 28 | 28 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Debt denominated in foreign currencies (1) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Trade payables denominated in USD | 194 | 194 | 92 | 92 | 92 | 92 | 127 | 127 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Trade payables denominated in other foreign currencies (mainly Euro) | 12 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 13 | 13 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Lease liabilities denominated in USD | 4 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 2,711 | 2,648 | 2,553 | 2,421 | 2,553 | 2,421 | 2,630 | 2,529 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
(1) Book value approximates fair value.
11B. Foreign Exchange and Inflation
Substantially all of our revenues and a majority of our operating expenses are denominated in NIS. However, in 2020,2021, approximately one quarter of our operating expenses (excluding depreciation), including a substantial majority of our device and equipment purchases related to end sales to customers, were linked to non-NIS currencies, mainly the US dollar. We do not enter into derivative transactions and thus we are exposed to the aforementioned foreign currency fluctuations. We do not hold or issue derivative financial instruments for trading purposes. In addition, part of our capital expenditures are incurred in, or linked to, non-NIS currencies, mainly the US dollar. See note 6 to the consolidated financial statements for description of the market risks.
As of December 31, 2020,2021, most of our leases are linked to the CPI. We may not be able to raise our tariffs pursuant to our license in a manner that would fully compensate for a significant increase in the CPI. Therefore, a significant increase in the rate of inflation may also have a material adverse impact upon us by increasing our lease payments without an offsetting increase in revenue. In 2020,2021, the CPI effective as of December 31, 2020, decreased2021, increased by 0.6%2.4%, compared to the CPI effective as of December 31, 2019,2020, which caused an increasea decrease in equity and profit or loss of approximately NIS 13 million.
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Sensitivity analysis
A change of the USD exchange rate as at December 31, 2020,2021, would increase (decrease) equity and profit in 20202021 by the amounts shown below regarding assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2020,2021, and expected capital expenditure purchases in 2021.2022. The analysis below does not take into account the effect of any change in USD with respect to possible future commitments and other future expected purchases in US dollars, since the Company believes that it will be able to adjust NIS prices for goods and services it sells in the Israeli market to reflect any significant increases in cost resulting from changes in the NIS-USD exchange rate. This analysis assumes that all other variables remain constant.
| Change | Equity | Profit | Change | Equity | Profit | |||||||||||||||||||
| New Israeli Shekels in millions | New Israeli Shekels in millions | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| December 31, 2020 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| December 31, 2021 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Increase in the USD of | 10 | % | (7 | ) | (7 | ) | 10 | % | (9 | ) | (9 | ) | ||||||||||||
| Decrease in the USD of | (10 | )% | 7 | 7 | (10 | )% | 9 | 9 | ||||||||||||||||
A change of the CPI as at December 31, 2020,2021, would increase (decrease) equity and profit or loss by the amounts shown below. This analysis assumes that all other variables remain constant.
| Change | Equity | Profit | Change | Equity | Profit | |||||||||||||||||||
| New Israeli Shekels in millions | New Israeli Shekels in millions | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| December 31, 2020 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| December 31, 2021 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Increase in the CPI of | 2 | % | (2 | ) | (2 | ) | 2 | % | (2 | ) | (2 | ) | ||||||||||||
| Decrease in the CPI of | (2 | )% | 2 | 2 | (2 | )% | 2 | 2 | ||||||||||||||||
Fees and charges payable by ADR holders
Citibank serves as the depositary (the “Depositary”) for our American Depositary Receipt (“ADR”) program. Pursuant to the deposit agreement between the Company, the Depositary and owners and holders of ADRs (the “Deposit Agreement”), ADR holders may be required to pay various fees to the Depositary. In particular, the Depositary, under the terms of the Deposit Agreement, may charge the following fees: (i) Issuance Fee: to any person depositing shares or to whom ADSs are issued upon the deposit of shares, a fee not in excess of $5.00 per 100 ADSs (or fraction thereof) (excluding issuances as a result of distributions described in paragraph (iv) below); (ii) Cancellation Fee: to any person surrendering ADSs for cancellation and withdrawal of deposited securities or to any person to whom deposited securities are delivered, a fee not in excess of $5.00 per 100 ADSs (or fraction thereof) surrendered;(iii) Cash Distribution Fee: to any holder of ADS(s), a fee not in excess of $5.00 per 100 ADSs (or fraction thereof) held for the distribution of cash dividends or other cash distributions (i.e., sale of rights and other entitlements); (iv) Stock Distribution/Rights Exercise Fee: to any holder of ADS(s), a fee not in excess of $5.00 per 100 ADSs (or fraction thereof) held for (a)stock dividends or other free stock distributions or (b)exercise of rights to purchase additional ADSs; (v) Other Distribution Fee: to any holder of ADS(s), a fee not in excess of $5.00 per 100 ADSs (or fraction thereof) held for the distribution of securities other than ADSs or rights to purchase additional ADSs (i.e., spin-off shares); and (vi) Depositary Services Fee: to any holder of ADS(s), a fee not in excess of $5.00 per 100 ADSs (or fraction thereof) held on the applicable record date(s) established by the Depositary. The parties agreed to allow Citibank to charge an additional $1.00 per 100 ADSs (a fee not in excess of $6.00 in aggregate) in the event that the Company does not pay cash or stock dividends.
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Owners, beneficial owners, persons depositing shares and persons surrendering ADSs for cancellation and for the purpose of withdrawing deposited securities shall be responsible for the following charges: (a) taxes (including applicable interest and penalties) and other governmental charges; (b) such registration fees as may from time to time be in effect for the registration of shares or other deposited securities on the share register and applicable to transfers of shares or other deposited securities to or from the name of the custodian, the Depositary or any nominees upon the making of deposits and withdrawals, respectively; (c) such cable, telex and facsimile transmission and delivery expenses as are expressly provided in the Deposit Agreement to be at the expense of the person depositing or withdrawing shares or owners and beneficial owners of ADSs; (d) the expenses and charges incurred by the Depositary in the conversion of foreign currency; (e) such fees and expenses as are incurred by the Depositary in connection with compliance with exchange control regulations and other regulatory requirements applicable to Shares, deposited securities, ADSs and receipts; and (f) the fees and expenses incurred by the Depositary, the Custodian, or any nominee in connection with the delivery or servicing of deposited securities.
Amounts received from the Depository
During 2020,2021, the Company received from Citibank payments in the amount of approximately $161,292.US$142,000.
None.
None.
(a) Disclosure Controls and Procedures. Our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, carried out an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of December 31, 2020.2021. Disclosure controls and procedures means controls and other procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports that we file under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the rules and forms of the SEC. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
There are inherent limitations to the effectiveness of any system of disclosure controls and procedures, including the possibility of human error and the circumvention or overriding of the controls and procedures. Accordingly, even effective disclosure controls and procedures can only provide reasonable assurance of achieving their control objectives. Nevertheless, our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives. Based upon our evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures in place as of December 31, 2020,2021, were effective.
(b) Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our management, under the supervision of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over our financial reporting, as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The Company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Internal control over financial reporting includes policies and procedures that:
pertain to the maintenance of our records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect our transactions during the year;
provide reasonable assurance that our transactions are recorded as necessary to permit the preparation of our financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
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provide reasonable assurance that our receipts and expenditures are made only in accordance with authorizations of our management and Board of Directors (as appropriate); and
provide reasonable assurance regarding the prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of our assets that could have a material effect on our financial statements.
Due to its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect all misstatements. In addition, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020,2021, based on the framework for Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013) set forth by The Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Based on this assessment, management concluded that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2020.2021.
Our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020,2021, has been audited by Kesselman & Kesselman, an independent registered public accounting firm in Israel and a member of PricewaterhouseCoopers International Limited, as stated in their report which is included under Item 18.
(c) Attestation report of the registered public accounting firm. The attestation report of Kesselman & Kesselman, an independent registered public accounting firm in Israel and a member of PricewaterhouseCoopers International Limited, regarding the Company’s internal control over financial reporting is included under Item 18.
(d) Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. During the year ended December 31, 2020,2021, no changes materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
16A.AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT
The Board of Directors has determined that Mr. Barry Ben-Zeev, Dr. Jonathan Kolodny and Ms. Michal Marom-Brikman are “audit committee financial experts” as defined in Item 16A of Form 20-F. All the members of the audit committee are “independent directors” as defined in the SEC requirements applicable to us.
In 2019, we reviewed and updated our Code of Ethics. As previously, the revised Code of Ethics applies to our directors, office holders and employees. The principal modifications to our Code of Ethics adopted in 2019 include: our commitment to community and environment protection, rules of conduct on social media, an updated statement setting forth the values underlying the Code of Ethics and an updated detailed guide to appropriate behavior toward interested parties, including customers, suppliers, employees, directors, shareholders, franchisers and the community in which the Company operates.
A copy of our Code of Ethics is posted on our website at www.partner.co.il under “Investor Relations-Corporate Governance-Code of Ethics”.
Kesselman & Kesselman, our independent registered public accounting firm in Israel and a member of PricewaterhouseCoopers International Limited (“PwC”), have served as our independent public accountants for each of the fiscal years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2020,2021, for which audited financial statements appear in this Annual Report on Form 20-F.
The following table presents the aggregate fees for professional services rendered by PwC to the Company in 20192020 and 2020.2021.
| 2019 | 2020 | 2020 | 2021 | |||||||||||||
| (NIS thousands) | (NIS thousands) | (NIS thousands) | (NIS thousands) | |||||||||||||
| Audit Fees (1) | 2,200 | 2,220 | 2,220 | 2,457 | ||||||||||||
| Audit-related Fees (2) | 210 | 385 | 385 | 286 | ||||||||||||
| Tax Fees (3) | 491 | 448 | 448 | 513 | ||||||||||||
| TOTAL | 2,901 | 3,053 | 3,053 | 3,256 | ||||||||||||
| (1) | Audit Fees consist of fees billed for the annual audit services engagement and other audit services, which are those services that only the external auditor can reasonably provide, and include the group audit; statutory audits; comfort letters and consents; and assistance with and review of documents filed with the SEC. |
| (2) | Audit-related Fees consist of fees billed for assurance and related services that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of our financial statements and include consultations concerning financial accounting and reporting standards, as well as the purchase of an accounting database. |
| (3) | Tax Fees include fees billed for tax compliance services, including the preparation of tax returns and claims for tax refund; tax consultations, such as assistance and representation in connection with tax audits and appeals, and requests for rulings or technical advice from the taxing authority. |
Audit Committee Pre-approval Policies and Procedures
Our audit committee’s specific responsibilities in carrying out its oversight of the quality and integrity of the accounting, auditing and reporting practices of the Company include the approval of audit and non-audit services to be provided by the external auditor. The audit committee approves in advance the particular services or categories of services to be provided to the Company during the following yearly period and also sets forth a specific budget for such audit and non-audit services. Additional non-audit services may be pre-approved by the audit committee.
Not applicable.
Not applicable
Not applicable.
See “Item 6C.5 NASDAQ Corporate Governance Rules and Our Practices”, and also “Item 10B Memorandum and Articles of Association”.
16H.MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE
Not applicable.
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16I.DISCLOSURE REGARDING FOREIGN JURISDICTIONS THAT PREVENT INSPECTIONS
Not applicable.
The company has responded to “Item 18. Financial Statements” in lieu of responding to this item.
The following financial statements are filed as part of this Annual Report.
| Page | |
| REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM | F-3-F-4 |
| CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS: | |
| Statements of Financial Position | F5-F-6 |
| Statements of Income | F-7 |
| Statements of Comprehensive Income | F-8 |
| Statements of Changes in Equity | F-9 |
| Statements of Cash Flows | F-10-F-11 |
| Notes to financial statements |
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Pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission, we have filed certain agreements as exhibits to this Annual Report on Form 20-F. These agreements may contain representations and warranties by the parties. These representations and warranties have been made solely for the benefit of the other party or parties to such agreements and (i) may have been qualified by disclosures made to such other party or parties, (ii) were made only as of the date of such agreements or such other date(s) as may be specified in such agreements and are subject to more recent developments, which may not be fully reflected in our public disclosure, (iii) may reflect the allocation of risk among the parties to such agreements and (iv) may apply materiality standards different from what may be viewed as material to investors. Accordingly, these representations and warranties may not describe our actual state of affairs at the date hereof and should not be relied upon.
| **4.(a).9 | Lease Agreement with Mivnei Taasia dated July 2, 1998 | ||
| 4.(a).14-60 | [Reserved] | ||
| +++4.(a).65 | [Reserved] | ||
| 4.(a).68 | [Reserved] | ||
| >>>>4.(a).69 | [Reserved] | ||
| 4.(a).70 | [Reserved] | ||
| 4.(a).71 | [Reserved] | ||
| 4.(a).74-97 | [Reserved] | ||
| >>>>4.(b).2 | [Reserved] | ||
| +>>>4.(b).3 | [Reserved] | ||
| +>>6. | See note 2x to the consolidated financial statements for information explaining how earnings (loss) per share information was calculated. | ||
145
| ** | Incorporated by reference to our registration statement on Form F-1 (No. 333-10992). | |
| ++ | Incorporated by reference to our annual report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002. | |
| +++ | Incorporated by reference to our annual report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003. | |
| ^ | Incorporated by reference to our annual report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004. | |
| ^^ | Incorporated by reference to our registration statement on Form F-6 (No. 333-132680). | |
| ^^^ | Incorporated by reference to our annual report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005. | |
| ^^^^ | Incorporated by reference to our registration statement on Form F-6 (No. 333-177621). | |
| >> | Incorporated by reference to our annual report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007. | |
| >>>> | Incorporated by reference to our annual report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009. | |
| >>>>> | Incorporated by reference to our annual report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010. | |
| +> | Incorporated by reference to our annual report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011. | |
| +>> | Incorporated by reference to our annual report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012. | |
| +>>> | Incorporated by reference to our annual report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013. | |
| +>>>>> | Incorporated by reference to our annual report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015. | |
| ++** | Incorporated by reference to our annual report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016 | |
| # | Confidential treatment requested. |
Confidential material has been redacted and has been separately filed with the Securities and Exchange
SIGNATURES
The Company hereby certifies that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form 20-F and that it has duly caused and authorized the undersigned to sign this annual report on its behalf.
| Partner Communications Company Ltd. | ||
| By: /s/ | ||
| Chief Executive Officer | ||
| By: /s/ Tamir Amar | ||
| Tamir Amar | ||
| Deputy CEO & Chief Financial Officer | ||
147
PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
2021 ANNUAL REPORT
PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
2021 ANNUAL REPORT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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(PCAOB ID 1309)
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS: | |
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The amounts are stated in New Israeli Shekels (NIS) in millions.
F - 2
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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM |
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Partner communications companyCommunications Company Ltd.
Opinions on the Financial Statements and Internal Control over Financial Reporting
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheetsstatements of financial position of Partner Communications Company Ltd. and its subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 20202021 and 2019,2020, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, changes in equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2020,2021, including the related notes (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). We also have audited the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020,2021, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 20202021 and 2019,2020, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 20202021 in conformity with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020,2021, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the COSO.
Basis for Opinions
The Company's management is responsible for these consolidated financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting appearing under Item 15b. Our responsibility is to express opinions on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud, and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.
Our audits of the consolidated financial statements included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.
F - 3
Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Critical Audit Matters
The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the consolidated financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that (i) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the consolidated financial statements and (ii) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.
Goodwill Impairment Assessment – Fixed line segment
As described in Notes 4(3) and 13 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company’s goodwill balance in respect of the fixed line segment was NIS 407 million as of December 31, 2020.2021. Management conducts an impairment test at each year end, or more frequently if events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of goodwill may be impaired. Potential impairment is identified by comparing the carrying amount of the relevant cash-generating unit to its recoverable amount, including goodwill. The recoverable amount is the higher of an asset's fair value less costs to sellof disposal and its value-in-use. In the first quarter of 2020, the Company concluded that due to negative effects of COVID-19 pandemic on revenues, a triggering event existed for the fixed line segment as of March 31, 2020 therefore it performed a goodwill impairment test as of that date as well. The recoverable amount of the fixed-line segment to which the goodwill has been allocated was estimated by management using a discounted cash flow model. Management’s cash flow projections for the Fixed line segment included significant judgments and assumptions relating to the cash flow projections,revenue growth rate, the terminal growth rate, and the discount rate.
The principal considerations for our determination that performing procedures relating to the goodwill impairment assessment of the fixed line segment is a critical audit matter are (i) the significant judgment by management when developing the value-in-use measurement of the fixed line segment; (ii) a high degree of auditor judgment, subjectivity and effort in performing procedures and evaluating management’s significant assumptions related to cash flows projections,revenue growth rate, terminal growth rate and discount rate; (iii) the audit effort involved the use of professionals with specialized skill and knowledge.
Addressing the matter involved performing procedures and evaluating audit evidence in connection with forming our overall opinion on the consolidated financial statements. These procedures included obtaining an understanding, evaluating the design and testing the effectiveness of controls over the Company's goodwill impairment review process including controls over managements review of the significant assumptions described above. These procedures also included, among others, evaluating the appropriateness of the discounted cash flow model; testing the completeness and accuracy of underlying data used in the model; comparing projected cash flows to the Company's historical cash flows; evaluating the significant assumptions used by management related to the projected cash flows,revenue growth rate, terminal growth rates and discount rate;rate by amongst others: assessing the historical accuracy of managements estimates;estimates, performing sensitivity analyses and reviewing the changes of the Company's regulatory environment and consumers' market. Professionals with specialized skill and knowledge were used to assist in the evaluation of the Company’s discounted cash flow model and the discount rate assumption.
/s/ Kesselman & Kesselman
Certified Public Accountants (Isr.)
A member of PricewaterhouseCoopers International Limited
Tel-Aviv, Israel
February 28, 2022
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 1998.
F - 4
PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION
New Israeli Shekels | Convenience translation into U.S. dollars (note 2b3) | |||||||||||
December 31, | ||||||||||||
2020 | 2021 | 2021 | ||||||||||
Note | In millions | |||||||||||
CURRENT ASSETS | ||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | 376 | 308 | 99 | |||||||||
Short-term deposits | 6 | 411 | 344 | 111 | ||||||||
Trade receivables | 7 | 560 | 571 | 184 | ||||||||
Other receivables and prepaid expenses | 14 | 46 | 152 | 49 | ||||||||
Deferred expenses – right of use | 12 | 26 | 27 | 9 | ||||||||
Inventories | 8 | 77 | 87 | 28 | ||||||||
1,496 | 1,489 | 480 | ||||||||||
| ||||||||||||
NON CURRENT ASSETS | ||||||||||||
Long-term deposits | 6 | 155 | 280 | 90 | ||||||||
Trade receivables | 7 | 232 | 245 | 79 | ||||||||
Deferred expenses – right of use | 12 | 118 | 142 | 45 | ||||||||
Lease – right of use | 19 | 663 | 679 | 218 | ||||||||
Property and equipment | 10 | 1,495 | 1,644 | 529 | ||||||||
Intangible and other assets | 11 | 521 | 472 | 152 | ||||||||
Goodwill | 13 | 407 | 407 | 131 | ||||||||
Deferred income tax asset | 25 | 29 | 34 | 11 | ||||||||
Other non-current receivables | 9 | 1 | 0* | |||||||||
3,629 | 3,904 | 1,255 | ||||||||||
| ||||||||||||
TOTAL ASSETS | 5,125 | 5,393 | 1,735 | |||||||||
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* Representing an amount of less than 1 million | ||||||||||||
New Israeli Shekels | Convenience translation into U.S. dollars (note 2b3) | |||||||||||||||
| December 31, | ||||||||||||||||
2019 | 2020 | 2020 | ||||||||||||||
Note | In millions | |||||||||||||||
| CURRENT ASSETS | ||||||||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | 299 | 376 | 117 | |||||||||||||
| Short-term deposits | 6 | 552 | 411 | 128 | ||||||||||||
| Trade receivables | 7 | 624 | 560 | 174 | ||||||||||||
| Other receivables and prepaid expenses | 39 | 46 | 14 | |||||||||||||
| Deferred expenses – right of use | 12 | 26 | 26 | 8 | ||||||||||||
| Inventories | 8 | 124 | 77 | 24 | ||||||||||||
1,664 | 1,496 | 465 | ||||||||||||||
| NON CURRENT ASSETS | ||||||||||||||||
| Long-term deposits | 6 | 155 | 48 | |||||||||||||
| Trade receivables | 7 | 250 | 232 | 72 | ||||||||||||
| Deferred expenses – right of use | 12 | 102 | 118 | 37 | ||||||||||||
| Lease – right of use | 19 | 582 | 663 | 206 | ||||||||||||
| Property and equipment | 10 | 1,430 | 1,495 | 465 | ||||||||||||
| Intangible and other assets | 11 | 538 | 521 | 162 | ||||||||||||
| Goodwill | 13 | 407 | 407 | 127 | ||||||||||||
| Deferred income tax asset | 25 | 41 | 29 | 9 | ||||||||||||
| Prepaid expenses and other assets | 1 | 9 | 3 | |||||||||||||
3,351 | 3,629 | 1,129 | ||||||||||||||
| TOTAL ASSETS | 5,015 | 5,125 | 1,594 | |||||||||||||
The financial statements were authorized for issue by the board of directors on February 28, 2022. | ||||||||||
Avi Zvi | Tamir Amar | Jonathan Kolodny | ||||||||
Chief Executive Officer | Deputy CEO & Chief | Director | ||||||||
Financial Officer | ||||||||||
F - 5
PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION
New Israeli Shekels | Convenience translation into U.S. dollars (note 2b3) | |||||||||||
December 31, | ||||||||||||
2020 | 2021 | 2021 | ||||||||||
Note | In millions | |||||||||||
CURRENT LIABILITIES | ||||||||||||
Current maturities of notes payable and borrowings | 6,15 | 290 | 268 | 86 | ||||||||
Trade payables | 666 | 705 | 227 | |||||||||
Other payables and provisions | 14 | 127 | 185 | 59 | ||||||||
Current maturities of lease liabilities | 19 | 120 | 125 | 40 | ||||||||
Deferred revenues and other | 9,14 | 131 | 139 | 45 | ||||||||
1,334 | 1,422 | 457 | ||||||||||
| ||||||||||||
NON CURRENT LIABILITIES | ||||||||||||
Notes payable | 6,15 | 1,219 | 1,224 | 394 | ||||||||
Borrowings from banks | 6,15 | 86 | 184 | 59 | ||||||||
Financial liability at fair value | 6,15 | 4 | ||||||||||
Liability for employee rights upon retirement, net | 16 | 42 | 35 | 12 | ||||||||
Lease liabilities | 19 | 582 | 595 | 191 | ||||||||
Deferred revenues from HOT mobile | 9,14 | 71 | 39 | 13 | ||||||||
Non-current liabilities and provisions | 14 | 64 | 35 | 11 | ||||||||
2,068 | 2,112 | 680 | ||||||||||
| ||||||||||||
TOTAL LIABILITIES | 3,402 | 3,534 | 1,137 | |||||||||
| ||||||||||||
EQUITY | 21 | |||||||||||
Share capital – ordinary shares of NIS 0.01 par value: | ||||||||||||
authorized – December 31, 2020 and 2021 – 235,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding - | 2 | 2 | 1 | |||||||||
December 31, 2020 – *182,826,973 shares | ||||||||||||
December 31, 2021 – *183,678,220 shares | ||||||||||||
Capital surplus | 1,311 | 1,279 | 411 | |||||||||
Accumulated retained earnings | 606 | 742 | 239 | |||||||||
Treasury shares, at cost – | ||||||||||||
December 31, 2020 – **7,741,784 shares | ||||||||||||
December 31, 2021 – **7,337,759 shares | (196 | ) | (164 | ) | (53 | ) | ||||||
TOTAL EQUITY | 1,723 | 1,859 | 598 | |||||||||
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY | 5,125 | 5,393 | 1,735 | |||||||||
* | Net of treasury shares. |
** | Including shares held by trustee under the Company's Equity Incentive Plan, see note 21(a), such shares will become outstanding upon completion of vesting conditions, see note 21(b). |
New Israeli Shekels | Convenience translation into U.S. dollars (note 2b3) | |||||||||||||||
December 31, | ||||||||||||||||
2019 | 2020 | 2020 | ||||||||||||||
Note | In millions | |||||||||||||||
| CURRENT LIABILITIES | ||||||||||||||||
| Current maturities of notes payable and borrowings | 6,15 | 367 | 290 | 90 | ||||||||||||
| Trade payables | 716 | 666 | 207 | |||||||||||||
| Payables in respect of employees | 103 | 58 | 18 | |||||||||||||
| Other payables (mainly institutions) | 23 | 29 | 9 | |||||||||||||
| Income tax payable | 30 | 27 | 8 | |||||||||||||
| Lease liabilities | 19 | 131 | 120 | 37 | ||||||||||||
| Deferred revenues from HOT mobile | 9,22 | 31 | 31 | 10 | ||||||||||||
| Other deferred revenues | 22 | 45 | 100 | 31 | ||||||||||||
| Provisions | 14 | 43 | 13 | 4 | ||||||||||||
1,489 | 1,334 | 414 | ||||||||||||||
| NON CURRENT LIABILITIES | ||||||||||||||||
| Notes payable | 6,15 | 1,275 | 1,219 | 379 | ||||||||||||
| Borrowings from banks | 6,15 | 138 | 86 | 27 | ||||||||||||
| Financial liability at fair value | 6,15 | 28 | 4 | 1 | ||||||||||||
| Liability for employee rights upon retirement, net | 16 | 43 | 42 | 13 | ||||||||||||
| Lease liabilities | 19 | 486 | 582 | 181 | ||||||||||||
| Deferred revenues from HOT mobile | 9,22 | 102 | 71 | 22 | ||||||||||||
| Provisions and other non-current liabilities | 14,22 | 37 | 64 | 21 | ||||||||||||
2,109 | 2,068 | 644 | ||||||||||||||
| TOTAL LIABILITIES | 3,598 | 3,402 | 1,058 | |||||||||||||
| EQUITY | 21 | |||||||||||||||
| Share capital – ordinary shares of NIS 0.01 par value: | ||||||||||||||||
| authorized – December 31, 2019 and 2020 – 235,000,000 | ||||||||||||||||
| shares; issued and outstanding - | 2 | 2 | 1 | |||||||||||||
| December 31, 2019 – *162,915,990 shares | ||||||||||||||||
| December 31, 2020 – *182,826,973 shares | ||||||||||||||||
| Capital surplus | 1,077 | 1,311 | 408 | |||||||||||||
| Accumulated retained earnings | 576 | 606 | 188 | |||||||||||||
| Treasury shares, at cost – | ||||||||||||||||
| December 31, 2019 – **8,275,837 shares | ||||||||||||||||
| December 31, 2020 – **7,741,784 shares | (238 | ) | (196 | ) | (61 | ) | ||||||||||
| TOTAL EQUITY | 1,417 | 1,723 | 536 | |||||||||||||
| TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY | 5,015 | 5,125 | 1,594 | |||||||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
F - 6
PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
New Israeli Shekels | Convenience translation into U.S. dollars (note 2b3) | ||||||||||||||
Year ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||
2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2021 | ||||||||||||
Note | In millions (except earnings per share) | ||||||||||||||
Revenues, net | 5,22 | 3,234 | 3,189 | 3,363 | 1,081 | ||||||||||
Cost of revenues | 5,22 | 2,707 | 2,664 | 2,732 | 878 | ||||||||||
Gross profit | 527 | 525 | 631 | 203 | |||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||
Selling and marketing expenses | 22 | 301 | 291 | 323 | 104 | ||||||||||
General and administrative expenses | 22 | 149 | 145 | 164 | 52 | ||||||||||
Credit losses | 7 | 18 | 23 | 9 | 3 | ||||||||||
Other income, net | 23 | 28 | 30 | 28 | 9 | ||||||||||
Operating profit | 87 | 96 | 163 | 53 | |||||||||||
Finance income | 7 | 8 | 4 | 1 | |||||||||||
Finance expenses | 24 | 75 | 77 | 68 | 22 | ||||||||||
Finance costs, net | 68 | 69 | 64 | 21 | |||||||||||
Profit before income tax | 19 | 27 | 99 | 32 | |||||||||||
Income tax income (expense) | 25 | 0* | (10 | ) | 16 | 5 | |||||||||
Profit for the year | 19 | 17 | 115 | 37 | |||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||
Earnings per share | |||||||||||||||
Basic | 27 | 0.12 | 0.09 | 0.63 | 0.20 | ||||||||||
Diluted | 27 | 0.12 | 0.09 | 0.62 | 0.20 | ||||||||||
* | Representing an amount of less than 1 million. |
| Convenience | ||||||||||||||||||||
| translation | ||||||||||||||||||||
| into U.S. dollars | ||||||||||||||||||||
New Israeli Shekels | (note 2b3) | |||||||||||||||||||
Year ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||
2018** | 2019 | 2020 | 2020 | |||||||||||||||||
Note | In millions (except earnings per share) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Revenues, net | 5,22 | 3,259 | 3,234 | 3,189 | 992 | |||||||||||||||
| Cost of revenues | 5,22 | 2,700 | 2,707 | 2,664 | 829 | |||||||||||||||
| Gross profit | 559 | 527 | 525 | 163 | ||||||||||||||||
| Selling and marketing expenses | 22 | 293 | 301 | 291 | 90 | |||||||||||||||
| General and administrative expenses | 22 | 148 | 149 | 145 | 45 | |||||||||||||||
| Credit losses | 7 | 30 | 18 | 23 | 7 | |||||||||||||||
| Other income, net | 23 | 28 | 28 | 30 | 9 | |||||||||||||||
| Operating profit | 116 | 87 | 96 | 30 | ||||||||||||||||
| Finance income | 24 | 2 | 7 | 8 | 2 | |||||||||||||||
| Finance expenses | 24 | 55 | 75 | 77 | 24 | |||||||||||||||
| Finance costs, net | 24 | 53 | 68 | 69 | 22 | |||||||||||||||
| Profit before income tax | 63 | 19 | 27 | 8 | ||||||||||||||||
| Income tax expenses | 25 | 7 | * | 10 | 3 | |||||||||||||||
| Profit for the year | 56 | 19 | 17 | 5 | ||||||||||||||||
| Attributable to: | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Owners of the Company | 57 | 19 | 17 | 5 | ||||||||||||||||
| Non-controlling interests | (1 | ) | * | |||||||||||||||||
| Profit for the year | 56 | 19 | 17 | 5 | ||||||||||||||||
| Earnings per share | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Basic | 27 | 0.34 | 0.12 | 0.09 | 0.03 | |||||||||||||||
| Diluted | 27 | 0.34 | 0.12 | 0.09 | 0.03 | |||||||||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
F - 7
PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
New Israeli Shekels | Convenience translation into U.S. dollars (note 2b3) | ||||||||||||||
Year ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||
2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2021 | ||||||||||||
Note | In millions | ||||||||||||||
Profit for the year | 19 | 17 | 115 | 37 | |||||||||||
Other comprehensive income, items that will not be reclassified to profit or loss | |||||||||||||||
Remeasurements of post-employment benefit obligations | 16 | (2 | ) | 1 | 8 | 3 | |||||||||
Income taxes relating to remeasurements of post-employment benefit obligations | 25 | 0* | 0* | (2 | ) | (1 | ) | ||||||||
Other comprehensive income (loss) for the year, net of income taxes | (2 | ) | 1 | 6 | 2 | ||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||
TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME FOR THE YEAR | 17 | 18 | 121 | 39 | |||||||||||
* | Representing an amount of less than 1 million. |
New Israeli Shekels | Convenience translation into U.S. dollars (note 2b3) | |||||||||||||||||||
Year ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||
2018** | 2019 | 2020 | 2020 | |||||||||||||||||
Note | In millions | |||||||||||||||||||
| Profit for the year | 56 | 19 | 17 | 5 | ||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive income, items | ||||||||||||||||||||
| that will not be reclassified to profit or loss | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Remeasurements of post-employment benefit | ||||||||||||||||||||
| obligations | 16 | 1 | (2 | ) | 1 | * | ||||||||||||||
| Income taxes relating to remeasurements of | ||||||||||||||||||||
| post-employment benefit obligations | 25 | * | * | * | * | |||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive income (loss) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| for the year, net of income taxes | 1 | (2 | ) | 1 | * | |||||||||||||||
| TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME | ||||||||||||||||||||
| FOR THE YEAR | 57 | 17 | 18 | 5 | ||||||||||||||||
| Total comprehensive income attributable to: | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Owners of the Company | 58 | 17 | 18 | 5 | ||||||||||||||||
| Non-controlling interests | (1 | ) | * | |||||||||||||||||
| TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME FOR THE YEAR | 57 | 17 | 18 | 5 | ||||||||||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
F - 8
PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
Share capital |
| |||||||||||||||||||||||
Number of | Capital | Accumulated | Treasury | Total |
| |||||||||||||||||||
Shares** | Amount | surplus | earnings | shares | equity |
| ||||||||||||||||||
| NIS In millions | |||||||||||||||||||||||
New Israeli Shekels: |
| |||||||||||||||||||||||
BALANCE AT JANUARY 1, 2019 | 162,628,397 | 2 | 1,102 | 542 | (261 | ) | 1,385 |
| ||||||||||||||||
CHANGES DURING THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019 |
| |||||||||||||||||||||||
Profit for the year | 19 | 19 |
| |||||||||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive loss for the year, net of income taxes | (2 | ) | (2 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Total comprehensive income for the year | 17 | 17 |
| |||||||||||||||||||||
Exercise of options and vesting of restricted shares granted to employees | 287,593 | (23 | ) | 23 |
| |||||||||||||||||||
Employee share-based compensation expenses | 17 | 17 |
| |||||||||||||||||||||
Transactions with non-controlling interests | (2 | ) | (2 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||
BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 2019 | 162,915,990 | 2 | 1,077 | 576 | (238 | ) | 1,417 |
| ||||||||||||||||
CHANGES DURING THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020 |
| |||||||||||||||||||||||
Profit for the year | 17 | 17 |
| |||||||||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive income for the year, net of income taxes | 1 | 1 |
| |||||||||||||||||||||
Total comprehensive income for the year | 18 | 18 |
| |||||||||||||||||||||
Issuance of shares to shareholders (see note 21) | 19,330,183 | * | 276 | *** | 276 |
| ||||||||||||||||||
Exercise of options and vesting of restricted shares granted to employees | 580,800 | (42 | ) | 42 |
| |||||||||||||||||||
Employee share-based compensation expenses | 12 | 12 |
| |||||||||||||||||||||
BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 2020 | 182,826,973 | 2 | 1,311 | 606 | (196 | ) | 1,723 |
| ||||||||||||||||
CHANGES DURING THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2021 |
| |||||||||||||||||||||||
Profit for the year | 115 | 115 |
| |||||||||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive income for the year, net of income taxes | 6 | 6 |
| |||||||||||||||||||||
Total comprehensive income for the year | 121 | 121 |
| |||||||||||||||||||||
Exercise of options and vesting of restricted shares granted to employees | 851,247 | (32 | ) | 32 |
| |||||||||||||||||||
Employee share-based compensation expenses | 15 | 15 |
| |||||||||||||||||||||
BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 2021 | 183,678,220 | 2 | 1,279 | 742 | (164 | ) | 1,859 |
| ||||||||||||||||
Convenience translation into U.S. Dollars (note 2b3): |
| |||||||||||||||||||||||
BALANCE AT JANUARY 1, 2021 | 182,826,973 | 1 | 421 | 195 | (63 | ) | 554 |
| ||||||||||||||||
CHANGES DURING THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2021 |
| |||||||||||||||||||||||
Profit for the year | 37 | 37 |
| |||||||||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive income for the year, net of income taxes | 2 | 2 |
| |||||||||||||||||||||
Total comprehensive income for the year | 39 | 39 |
| |||||||||||||||||||||
Exercise of options and vesting of restricted shares granted to employees | 851,247 | (10 | ) | 10 |
| |||||||||||||||||||
Employee share-based compensation expenses | 5 | 5 |
| |||||||||||||||||||||
BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 2021 | 183,678,220 | 1 | 411 | 239 | (53 | ) | 598 |
| ||||||||||||||||
* | Representing an amount of less than 1 million. |
** | Net of treasury shares. |
*** | Net of issuance costs. |
Share capital | Non-controlling | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Number of | Capital | Accumulated | Treasury | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares** | Amount | surplus | earnings | shares | Total | interests | Total equity | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
NIS In millions | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| New Israeli Shekels: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| BALANCE AT JANUARY 1, 2018 | 168,243,913 | 2 | 1,164 | 491 | (223 | ) | 1,434 | 1,434 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| CHANGES DURING THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Profit for the year | 56 | 56 | (1 | ) | 55 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive income for the year, net of income taxes | 1 | 1 | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Exercise of options and vesting of restricted shares granted to employees | 886,072 | (62 | ) | 62 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Employee share-based compensation expenses | 15 | 15 | 15 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Acquisition of treasury shares (note 21) | (6,501,588 | ) | (100 | ) | (100 | ) | (100 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Non-controlling interests on acquisition of subsidiary | 1 | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 2018 | 162,628,397 | 2 | 1,102 | 563 | (261 | ) | 1,406 | * | 1,406 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Adoption of IFRS 16 (notes 2 and 19) | (21 | ) | (21 | ) | (21 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| BALANCE AT JANUARY 1, 2019 | 162,628,397 | 2 | 1,102 | 542 | (261 | ) | 1,385 | * | 1,385 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| CHANGES DURING THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Profit for the year | 19 | 19 | * | 19 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive loss for the year, net of income taxes | (2 | ) | (2 | ) | (2 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Exercise of options and vesting of restricted shares granted to employees | 287,593 | (23 | ) | 23 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Employee share-based compensation expenses | 17 | 17 | 17 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Transactions with non-controlling interests | (2 | ) | (2 | ) | * | (2 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 2019 | 162,915,990 | 2 | 1,077 | 576 | (238 | ) | 1,417 | - | 1,417 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| CHANGES DURING THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Profit for the year | 17 | 17 | 17 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive income for the year, net of income taxes | 1 | 1 | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Issuance of shares to shareholders (see note 21) | 19,330,183 | * | 276*** | 276 | 276 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Exercise of options and vesting of restricted shares granted to employees | 580,800 | (42 | ) | 42 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Employee share-based compensation expenses | 12 | 12 | 12 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 2020 | 182,826,973 | 2 | 1,311 | 606 | (196 | ) | 1,723 | - | 1,723 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Convenience translation into U.S. Dollars (note 2b3): | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| BALANCE AT JANUARY 1, 2020 | 162,915,990 | 1 | 335 | 179 | (74 | ) | 441 | - | 441 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| CHANGES DURING THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Profit for the year | 5 | 5 | 5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive income for the year, net of income taxes | * | * | * | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Issuance of shares to shareholders (see note 21) | 19,330,183 | * | 86*** | 86 | 86 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Exercise of options and vesting of restricted shares granted to employees | 580,800 | (13 | ) | 13 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Employee share-based compensation expenses | 4 | 4 | 4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 2020 | 182,826,973 | 1 | 408 | 188 | (61 | ) | 536 | - | 536 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
F - 9
(Continued)– 1
PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
New Israeli Shekels | Convenience translation into U.S. dollars (note 2b3) | ||||||||||||||
Year ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||
2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2021 | ||||||||||||
Note | In millions | ||||||||||||||
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: | |||||||||||||||
Cash generated from operations (Appendix) | 838 | 787 | 791 | 254 | |||||||||||
Income tax paid | 25 | (1 | ) | (1 | ) | (17 | ) | (5 | ) | ||||||
Net cash provided by operating activities | 837 | 786 | 774 | 249 | |||||||||||
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: | |||||||||||||||
Acquisition of property and equipment | (462 | ) | (409 | ) | (519 | ) | (167 | ) | |||||||
Acquisition of intangible and other assets | (167 | ) | (164 | ) | (153 | ) | (49 | ) | |||||||
Acquisition of a business, net of cash acquired | (3 | ) | |||||||||||||
Investment in deposits, net | (552 | ) | (14 | ) | (58 | ) | (19 | ) | |||||||
Interest received | 1 | 6 | 3 | 1 | |||||||||||
Consideration received from sales of property and equipment | 23 | 2 | 0* | 0* | 0* | ||||||||||
Net cash used in investing activities | (1,181 | ) | (581 | ) | (727 | ) | (234 | ) | |||||||
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: | |||||||||||||||
Lease principal payments | 19 | (139 | ) | (129 | ) | (130 | ) | (42 | ) | ||||||
Lease interest payments | 19 | (20 | ) | (18 | ) | (18 | ) | (6 | ) | ||||||
Share issuance, net of issuance costs | 21 | 276 | |||||||||||||
Proceeds from issuance of notes payable, net of issuance costs | 6,15 | 562 | 466 | 220 | 71 | ||||||||||
Proceeds from issuance of option warrants exercisable for notes payables | 15 | 37 | |||||||||||||
Interest paid | 24 | (37 | ) | (49 | ) | (48 | ) | (15 | ) | ||||||
Proceeds from non-current bank borrowing received | 6,15 | 150 | 48 | ||||||||||||
Repayment of borrowings | 15 | (65 | ) | (52 | ) | (52 | ) | (17 | ) | ||||||
Repayment of notes payable | 15 | (109 | ) | (620 | ) | (237 | ) | (76 | ) | ||||||
Settlement of contingent consideration | (2 | ) | |||||||||||||
Transactions with non-controlling interests | (2 | ) | |||||||||||||
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities | 227 | (128 | ) | (115 | ) | (37 | ) | ||||||||
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS | (117 | ) | 77 | (68 | ) | (22 | ) | ||||||||
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF YEAR | 416 | 299 | 376 | 121 | |||||||||||
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF YEAR | 299 | 376 | 308 | 99 | |||||||||||
* | Representing an amount of less than 1 million. |
New Israeli Shekels | Convenience translation into U.S. dollars (note 2b3) | |||||||||||||||||||
Year ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||
2018** | 2019 | 2020 | 2020 | |||||||||||||||||
Note | In millions | |||||||||||||||||||
| CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash generated from operations (Appendix) | 627 | 838 | 787 | 244 | ||||||||||||||||
| Income tax paid | 25 | (2 | ) | (1 | ) | (1 | ) | * | ||||||||||||
| Net cash provided by operating activities | 625 | 837 | 786 | 244 | ||||||||||||||||
| CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Acquisition of property and equipment | (343 | ) | (462 | ) | (409 | ) | (127 | ) | ||||||||||||
| Acquisition of intangible and other assets | (159 | ) | (167 | ) | (164 | ) | (51 | ) | ||||||||||||
| Acquisition of a business, net of cash acquired | (3 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Proceeds from (investment in) deposits, net | 150 | (552 | ) | (14 | ) | (4 | ) | |||||||||||||
| Interest received | 24 | 1 | 1 | 6 | 2 | |||||||||||||||
| Consideration received from sales of property and equipment | 23 | 3 | 2 | * | * | |||||||||||||||
| Payment for acquisition of subsidiary, net of cash acquired | (3 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Net cash used in investing activities | (351 | ) | (1,181 | ) | (581 | ) | (180 | ) | ||||||||||||
| CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Lease principal payments | 19 | (139 | ) | (129 | ) | (40 | ) | |||||||||||||
| Lease interest payments | 19 | (20 | ) | (18 | ) | (6 | ) | |||||||||||||
| Share issuance, net of issuance costs | 21 | 276 | 86 | |||||||||||||||||
| Acquisition of treasury shares | 21 | (100 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
| Proceeds from issuance of notes payable, net of issuance costs | 6,15 | 150 | 562 | 466 | 145 | |||||||||||||||
| Proceeds from issuance of option warrants exercisable for notes payables | 15 | 37 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Interest paid | 24 | (69 | ) | (37 | ) | (49 | ) | (15 | ) | |||||||||||
| Repayment of non-current borrowings | 15 | (382 | ) | (52 | ) | (52 | ) | (16 | ) | |||||||||||
| Repayment of current borrowings | (13 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Repayment of notes payable | 15 | (324 | ) | (109 | ) | (620 | ) | (193 | ) | |||||||||||
| Settlement of contingent consideration | (2 | ) | (1 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
| Transactions with non-controlling interests | (2 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities | (725 | ) | 227 | (128 | ) | (40 | ) | |||||||||||||
| INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH | ||||||||||||||||||||
| EQUIVALENTS | (451 | ) | (117 | ) | 77 | 24 | ||||||||||||||
| CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING | ||||||||||||||||||||
| OF YEAR | 867 | 416 | 299 | 93 | ||||||||||||||||
| CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF | ||||||||||||||||||||
| YEAR | 416 | 299 | 376 | 117 | ||||||||||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
F - 10
(Concluded)– 2
PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Appendix – Cash generated from operations and supplementary information
New Israeli Shekels | Convenience translation into U.S. dollars (note 2b3) | ||||||||||||||
Year ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||
2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2021 | ||||||||||||
Note | In millions | ||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||
Cash generated from operations: | |||||||||||||||
Profit for the year | 19 | 17 | 115 | 37 | |||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||
Adjustments for: | |||||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 10,11 | 723 | 683 | 713 | 229 | ||||||||||
Amortization of deferred expenses - Right of use | 12 | 28 | 31 | 31 | 10 | ||||||||||
Employee share based compensation expenses | 21 | 17 | 12 | 15 | 5 | ||||||||||
Liability for employee rights upon retirement, net | 16 | 1 | (1 | ) | 2 | 1 | |||||||||
Finance costs, net | 24 | 5 | (2 | ) | (4 | ) | (1 | ) | |||||||
Lease interest payments | 19 | 20 | 18 | 18 | 6 | ||||||||||
Interest paid | 24 | 37 | 49 | 48 | 15 | ||||||||||
Interest received | 24 | (1 | ) | (6 | ) | (3 | ) | (1 | ) | ||||||
Deferred income taxes | 25 | 4 | 12 | (7 | ) | (2 | ) | ||||||||
Income tax paid | 25 | 1 | 1 | 17 | 5 | ||||||||||
Capital loss from property and equipment | (2 | ) | 0* | 0* | 0* | ||||||||||
Changes in operating assets and liabilities: | |||||||||||||||
Decrease (increase) in accounts receivable: | |||||||||||||||
Trade | 7 | 42 | 82 | (24 | ) | (8 | ) | ||||||||
Other | (1 | ) | (6 | ) | (70 | ) | (23 | ) | |||||||
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and accruals: | |||||||||||||||
Trade | 63 | (57 | ) | 3 | 1 | ||||||||||
Other payables and provisions | 14,25 | (14 | ) | (70 | ) | 27 | 8 | ||||||||
Deferred revenues and other | 9 | (27 | ) | 24 | (24 | ) | (7 | ) | |||||||
Increase in deferred expenses - Right of use | 12 | (51 | ) | (47 | ) | (56 | ) | (18 | ) | ||||||
Decrease (increase) in inventories | 8 | (26 | ) | 47 | (10 | ) | (3 | ) | |||||||
Cash generated from operations: | 838 | 787 | 791 | 254 | |||||||||||
* | Representing an amount of less than 1 million. |
New Israeli Shekels | Convenience translation into U.S. dollars (note 2b3) | |||||||||||||||||||
Year ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||
2018** | 2019 | 2020 | 2020 | |||||||||||||||||
Note | In millions | |||||||||||||||||||
| Cash generated from operations: | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Profit for the year | 56 | 19 | 17 | 5 | ||||||||||||||||
| Adjustments for: | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 10,11 | 545 | 723 | 683 | 212 | |||||||||||||||
| Amortization of deferred expenses - Right of use | 12 | 47 | 28 | 31 | 10 | |||||||||||||||
| Employee share based compensation expenses | 21 | 15 | 17 | 12 | 4 | |||||||||||||||
| Liability for employee rights upon retirement, net | 16 | 1 | 1 | (1 | ) | * | ||||||||||||||
| Finance costs, net | 24 | (7 | ) | 5 | (2 | ) | (1 | ) | ||||||||||||
| Lease interest payments | 19 | 20 | 18 | 6 | ||||||||||||||||
| Interest paid | 24 | 69 | 37 | 49 | 15 | |||||||||||||||
| Interest received | 24 | (1 | ) | (1 | ) | (6 | ) | (2 | ) | |||||||||||
| Deferred income taxes | 25 | 16 | 4 | 12 | 4 | |||||||||||||||
| Income tax paid | 25 | 2 | 1 | 1 | * | |||||||||||||||
| Capital loss from property and equipment | * | (2 | ) | * | * | |||||||||||||||
| Changes in operating assets and liabilities: | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Decrease (increase) in accounts receivable: | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Trade | 7 | 124 | 42 | 82 | 26 | |||||||||||||||
| Other | 16 | (1 | ) | (6 | ) | (2 | ) | |||||||||||||
| Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and accruals: | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Trade | (69 | ) | 63 | (57 | ) | (18 | ) | |||||||||||||
| Other payables | (18 | ) | 12 | (37 | ) | (12 | ) | |||||||||||||
| Provisions | 14 | (11 | ) | (21 | ) | (30 | ) | (9 | ) | |||||||||||
| Deferred revenues from HOT mobile | 9 | (31 | ) | (31 | ) | (31 | ) | (10 | ) | |||||||||||
| Other deferred revenues | * | 4 | 55 | 17 | ||||||||||||||||
| Increase in deferred expenses - Right of use | 12 | (107 | ) | (51 | ) | (47 | ) | (15 | ) | |||||||||||
| Current income tax | 25 | (15 | ) | (5 | ) | (3 | ) | (1 | ) | |||||||||||
| Decrease (increase) in inventories | 8 | (5 | ) | (26 | ) | 47 | 15 | |||||||||||||
| Cash generated from operations: | 627 | 838 | 787 | 244 | ||||||||||||||||
Supplementary information
At December 31, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2020,2021, trade and other payables, net include NIS 157115 million, NIS 115139 million and NIS 139157 million (US$ 4350 million), respectively, in respect of acquisition of intangible assets and property and equipment; payments in respect thereof are presented in cash flows from investing activities.
These balances are recognized in the cash flow statements upon payment. For non-cash movements in lease liabilities and lease right of use assets see note 19.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
F - 11
PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY LTD. |
(An Israeli Corporation) |
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
NOTE 1 -GENERAL
a.Reporting entity
Partner Communications Company Ltd. ("the Company", "Partner") is a leading Israeli provider of telecommunications services (cellular, fixed-line telephony, internet and television services) under the Partner brand, and cellular services also under the 012 Mobile brand. The Company is incorporated and domiciled in Israel and its principal executive office’s address is 8 Amal Street, Afeq Industrial Park, Rosh-Ha'ayin 48103, Israel. The Company's business and non-current assets are concentrated in Israel.
The Company's share capital consists of ordinary shares, which are traded on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange Ltd. ("TASE") under the symbol "PTNR". American Depositary Shares ("ADSs"), each representing one of the Company’s ordinary shares, are quoted on the NASDAQ Global Select Market™, under the symbol "PTNR". See also note 21(a).
Regarding the Company's principal shareholder and holdings of approved Israeli shareholders in the Company, see note 26.
These consolidated financial statements of the Company as of December 31, 2020,2021, are comprised of the Company and its subsidiaries and consolidated partnerships (the "Group"). See the list of subsidiaries and consolidated partnerships and principles of consolidation in note 2(c)(1). See also 2(c)(2) with respect to investment in PHI.
The coronavirus ("COVID-19") crisispandemic began to have a harmful effect on the Company's business from the beginning of March 2020, due in particular to the significant fall in the volume of international travel by the Company's customers which caused a very significant decrease in revenues from roaming services. In addition the closure of shopping malls for limited periods during 2020 and changes in general consumer behavior negatively affected the volume of sales of equipment,equipment.
Beginning in the second quarter of 2021, shopping malls reopened and the extent of general domestic economic activity largely returned to levels experienced prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Regarding roaming services, revenues from roaming services began to increase moderately in the second half of 2021 as a result of a moderate increase in the numbervolume of people working from home caused increases in internet traffic and in demand for customer services.
impact of the Omicron variant on international travel, and remain significantly below pre-COVID-19 pandemic levels.
The Company reviewed the effecteffects of the COVID-19 crisispandemic on its critical accounting estimates and judgments as of December 31, 2020 as follows:
F - 12
PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY LTD. |
(An Israeli Corporation) |
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
NOTE 1 -GENERAL
(continued)b.Operating segments
The operating segments were determined based on the reports reviewed by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) who is responsible for allocating resources and assessing performance of the operating segments, and therefore is the Chief Operating Decision Maker ("CODM"), and supported by budget and business plans structure, different regulations and licenses (see (c) below). The CEO considers the business from two operating segments, as follows (see also note 5):
(1)Cellular segment:
Services in the cellular segment include basic cellular telephony services, text messaging, internet browsing and data transfer, content services, roaming services, M2M (Machine to Machine) and IOT (Internet of Things) services, handset repair services, cellular content and value-added services, and services provided to other operators that use the Company's cellular network. The two payment methods offered to our customers are pre-paid and post-paid. Pre-paid services are offered to customers that purchase credit in advance of service use. Post-paid services are offered to customers with bank and credit arrangements. Most of the cellular tariff plans are bundles which include unlimited volumes of calls time and text messaging (with fair use limits), as well as limited data packages. Cellular content and value-added services offered include multimedia messaging, cyber protection, cloud backup, ringtones, and a range of advanced business services. International roaming services abroad for the Company’s customers include airtime calls, text messaging and data services on networks with which the Company has a commercial roaming relationship. Partner also provides inbound roaming services to the customers of foreign operators with which the Company has a commercial roaming relationship.
In addition, the cellular segment includes wholesale cellular services provided to virtual operators who use the Partner cellular network to provide services to their customers.
Optional services such as equipment extended warranty plans and international calling plans are also provided for an additional monthly charge or included in specific tariff plans. The Company also provideprovides warranty repair plans and services for cellular phone repair services for ourand electronic devices to both retail customers and for independent merchants.
merchants and parallel importers.
(2)Fixed-line segment
segment:
Services in the fixed-line segment include: (a) Internet services that provide access to the internet through both fiber-optics and wholesale broadband access, internet services provider (“ISP”) services; internet Value Added Services (“VAS”) such as cyber protection, anti-virus and anti-spam filtering; and fixed-line voice communication services provided through Voice Over Broadband (“VOB”); (b) Business solutions including Session Initiation Protocol (“SIP”) voice trunks and Network Termination Point Services (“NTP”) – under which the Group supplies, installs, operates and maintains endpoint network equipment and solutions, including providing and installing equipment and cabling within a subscriber's place of business or premises, hosting services, transmission services, Primary Rate Interface (“PRI”) and other fixed-line communications solution services; (c) International Long Distance services (“ILD”): outgoing and incoming international telephony, hubbing, roaming and signaling and calling card services; (d) Television services over the Internet (“TV”).
; (e) Connections and data transfer services provided to international telecommunications operators over the fiber-optic infrastructure.
The cellular segment and the fixed-line segment also include sales and leasing of telecommunications, audio visual and related devices: mainly cellular handsets, tablets (handheld computers), laptops, landline phones, modems, datacards, domestic routers, servers and related equipment, integration project hardware and a variety of digital audio visual devices and small household appliances including smart watches, car dashboard cameras, televisions, digital cameras, games consoles, audio accessories and other devices.
Each segment is divided into services and equipment revenues, and the related cost of revenues. The operating segments include the following measures: revenues, cost of revenues, operating profit and segment Adjusted EBITDA (see note 5(2)). The CODM does not examine assets or liabilities for the segments separately for the purposes of allocating resources and assessing performance of the operating segments and they are not therefore presented in note 5 segment information.
F - 13
PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY LTD. |
(An Israeli Corporation) |
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
NOTE 1 -GENERAL
(continued)c.Group license
licenses
* Including guarantees of NIS 16 million with respect to the frequencies tender, see note 17(1).
The Company made in 2019 an annual examination of the estimated useful life of the license. Based on Company's judgment described above, the Company expects that the license will be renewed at a high level of certainty: the Company estimated in 2019 that based on its experience and acquaintance with the communications market in Israel, if current conditions continue, there was a high probability that the license would be extended for the additional term of 6 years. Following this examination, the estimated useful life of the 2G and 3G frequencies was re-evaluated in 2019 for an additional period of 6 years, thereby ending on February 1, 2028.
Upon the abovementioned license amendment on September 29, 2020, and with respect to the high probability judgment that remained the same, the estimated life of the 2G and 3G frequencies were increased for an additional period of 4 years, thereby ending on February 1, 2032. See also note 2(f) for additional information with respect to the change in accounting estimate.
(An Israeli Corporation)NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY LTD.(An Israeli Corporation)NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY LTD.(An Israeli Corporation)NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Through December 31, 2018
From January 1, 2019 following a changePHI. The Company accounts for its rights in the governanceassets of PHI and obligations for the Company accounts forliabilities and expenses of PHI as a joint operation. Therefore, the Company recognizesoperation, recognizing its direct right toshare in the assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses of PHI and its share of any jointly held or incurred assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses.PHI. See also note 9.
F - 17
PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY LTD.(An Israeli Corporation)NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSNOTE 2 - SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)
(An Israeli Corporation)NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY LTD.(An Israeli Corporation)NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
:
The Group operates under the following licenses that were received from the Israeli Ministry of Communications ("MOC") and from, the Israeli Civil Administration ("CA") and the Israeli Electricity Authority ("EA"):
Type of services | Area of service | License owner | Granted by | License valid through | Guarantees made Dec 31, 2021 (NIS millions) | |
(1) | Cellular | Israel | Partner Communications Company Ltd. | MOC | Feb, 2032 | 21** |
(2) | Cellular | West Bank | Partner Communications Company Ltd. | CA | Feb, 2032 | 4 |
(3) | Cellular infrastructure | Israel | P.H.I Networks (2015) Lp. | MOC | Aug, 2025 | |
(4) | ISP | Israel | Partner Communications Company Ltd. | MOC | Mar, 2023 | |
(5) | ISP | West Bank | Partner Communications Company Ltd. | CA | Mar, 2023 | |
(6) | Fixed (incl. ISP, ILD, NTP) | Israel | Partner Land-line Communication Solutions - Limited Partnership | MOC | Jan, 2027 | 2 |
(7) | Fixed (incl. ISP, ILD, NTP) | West Bank | Partner Land-line Communication Solutions - Limited Partnership | CA | Jan, 2027 | * |
(8) | Electric Energy | Israel | Partner Communications Company Ltd. | EA | Oct, 2026 | 2 |
* | Representing an amount of less than 1 million. |
** | Including guarantees of NIS 16 million with respect to the frequencies tender, see note 17(1). |
| Type of services | Area of service | License owner | Granted by | License valid through | Guarantees made (NIS millions) | |
| (1) | Cellular | Israel | Partner Communications Company Ltd. | MOC | Feb, 2022 | 21* |
| (2) | Cellular | West Bank | Partner Communications Company Ltd. | CA | Feb, 2022 | 4 |
| (3) | Cellular infrastructure | Israel | P.H.I Networks (2015) Lp. | MOC | Aug, 2025 | |
| (4) | ISP | Israel | Partner Communications Company Ltd. | MOC | Mar, 2023 | |
| (5) | ISP | West Bank | Partner Communications Company Ltd. | CA | Mar, 2023 | |
| (6) | Fixed (incl. ISP, ILD, NTP) | Israel | Partner Land-line Communication Solutions - Limited Partnership | MOC | Jan, 2027 | 2 |
| (7) | Fixed (incl. ISP, ILD, NTP) | West Bank | Partner Land-line Communication Solutions - Limited Partnership | CA | Jan, 2027 | 0.25 |
The Group also has a trade license that regulates issues of servicing and trading of equipment, and a number of encryption licenses that permits dealing with means of encryption within the framework of providing radio telephone services to the public.
On October 18, 2021, the Minister of Energy granted Partner a license to supply electricity without means of production (the "License"). The License will allow the Company to purchase electricity for sale to consumers that have online meters. The License is granted to Partner for a period of 5 years.
With respect to license (1) ,: On November 2021 the cellular license was amended on September 29, 2020 (amendment number 107), whereby the Company is entitled to request an extension of the license for additional periods of ten years instead of six years, at the discretion ofextended by the MOC and CA. Should the licenses not be renewed, the new license-holder is obligedfor an additional 10 year period until February 1, 2032. See also note 2(f) with respect to purchase the communications network and all the rights and obligations of the subscribers for a fair price, as agreed between the parties or as determined by an arbitrator. For a renewal the MOC ischanges in accounting estimate made to consider, among other things: if the Company has met the regulatory requirements, provided improved and technology updated services, Company's actions did not harm or restrict competition, is able to continue provide quality service and make the investments required for it, and made efficient use of its cellular frequencies.
frequencies. License (2) follows license (1).
The other licenses may be extended for various periods, at the discretion of the MOC, CA or CA,EA, respectively.
See also note 17(5) as to additional guarantees made to third parties.
F - 14
PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY LTD. |
(An Israeli Corporation) |
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
NOTE 2 -SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
a.Basis of preparation of the financial statements
(1)Basis of preparation
The consolidated financial statements of the Company ("the financial statements") have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs), as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB).
The principal accounting policies set out below have been consistently applied to all periods presented unless otherwise stated.
(2)Use of estimates and judgments
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with IFRS requires the use of certain critical accounting estimates, and requires management to exercise its judgment in the process of applying the Group's accounting policies. Areas involving a higher degree of judgment or complexity, or areas where assumptions and estimates are significant to the financial statements are disclosed in note 4.
F - 15
PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY LTD. |
(An Israeli Corporation) |
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
NOTE 2 -SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
(continued)b.Foreign currency translations
(1)Functional and presentation currency
The consolidated financial statements are measured and presented in New Israeli Shekels ("NIS"), which is the Group's functional and presentation currency as it is the currency of the primary economic environment in which the Group operates. The amounts presented in NIS millions are rounded to the nearest NIS million.
(2)Transactions and balances
Foreign currency transactions are translated into NIS using the exchange rates prevailing at the dates of the transactions or valuation where items are re-measured. Foreign exchange gains and losses resulting from the settlement of such transactions and from the translation at year-end exchange rates of monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are recognized in the income statement in finance costs, net.
(3)Convenience translation into U.S. Dollars (USD or $ or dollar)
The NIS figures at December 31, 20202021 and for the period then ended have been translated into dollars using the representative exchange rate of the dollar at December 31, 20202021 (USD 1 = NIS 3.215)3.110). The translation was made solely for convenience, is supplementary information, and is distinguished from the financial statements. The translated dollar figures should not be construed as a representation that the Israeli currency amounts actually represent, or could be converted into, dollars.
c.Interests in other entities
(1)Subsidiaries
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and entities controlled by the Company. Control exists when the Company has the power over the investee; has exposure, or rights, to variable returns from involvement in the investee; and has the ability to use its power over the investee to affect its returns. Subsidiaries and partnerships are fully consolidated from the date on which control is transferred to the Company.
Inter-company transactions, balances, income and expenses on transactions between Group companies are eliminated in preparing the consolidated financial statements.
Non-controlling interests in the results and equity of a subsidiary are shown separately in the consolidated statements of profit or loss, statement of comprehensive income, statement of changes in equity and balance sheet respectively.
List of wholly owned Subsidiaries and partnerships:
■
012 Smile Telecom Ltd.
■
012 Telecom Ltd.
■
Partner Land-Line Communication Solutions - Limited Partnership
■
Partner Future Communications 2000 Ltd. ("PFC")
■
Get Cell Communication Products Limited Partnership
■
Partner Business Communications Solution - Limited Partnership – not active
F - 16
PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY LTD. |
(An Israeli Corporation) |
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
NOTE 2 -SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
(continued)c.Interests in other entities
(continued)(2)Investment in PHI
In November 2013, the Company and Hot Mobile Ltd. entered into a network sharing agreement ("NSA") and a right of use agreement. Pursuant to the NSA, the parties created a 50-50 limited partnership - P.H.I. Networks (2015) Limited Partnership ("PHI"), which operates and develops a radio access network shared by both parties, starting with a pooling of both parties' radio access network infrastructures creating a single shared pooled radio access network. PHI began its operations in July 2015, managing the networks.
The control over PHI is borne 50-50 by the Company did not controland Hot Mobile, each nominates an equal number of directors (3 directors). Decisions about the relevant activities of PHI nor did it have joint control over it. The investment in PHI was accounted for usingrequire the equity method of accounting. Under the equity method, the investment was initially recognized at cost, and adjusted thereafter to recognize the investor’s shareunanimous consent of the post-establishment profits or lossesParties, PHI is considered a joint arrangement controlled by the Company and Hot Mobile (joint control). The activities of the investee in profit or loss,joint arrangement are primarily designed for the provision of output to the Parties. The joint arrangement terms give the Parties rights to the assets, and obligations for the Group’s shareliabilities and expenses of movements in other comprehensive incomePHI. Furthermore the Parties have rights to substantially all of the investeeeconomic benefits of PHI's assets. PHI's liabilities are in other comprehensive income. Unrealized gains on transactions betweensubstance satisfied by the Group andcash flows received from the associateParties, as the Parties are eliminatedsubstantially the source of cash flows contributing to the extentcontinuity of the Group’s interest in these entities. Unrealized losses are also eliminated unless the transaction provides evidenceoperations of an impairment of the asset transferred.
d.Inventories
Inventories of equipment: cellular handsets and fixed telephones, tablets, laptops, datacards, servers, spare parts, ISP modems, related equipment, accessories and other inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Cost is determined on the "first-in, first-out" basis. The Group determines its allowance for inventory obsolescence and slow moving inventory based upon past experience, expected inventory turnover, inventory ageing and current and future expectations with respect to product offerings.
e.Property and equipment
Property and equipment are initially stated at cost.
Costs are included in the assets' carrying amounts or recognized as separate assets, as appropriate, only when it is probable that future economic benefits associated with the item will flow to the Group and the cost of the item can be measured reliably. All other repairs and maintenance that do not meet the above criteria are charged to the statement of income during the financial period in which they are incurred.
Costs include expenditures that are directly attributable to the acquisition of the asset. The cost of self-constructed assets includes the cost of materials and direct labor, any other costs directly attributable to bringing the asset to a working condition for its intended use, and until December 31, 2018, the costs of dismantling and removing the items and restoring the site on which they are located. From January 1, 2019 the costs of dismantling and removing the items and restoring the site on which they are located are included in the lease-right of use asset under IFRS16, see note 2(o).
use. Purchased software that is integral to the functionality of the related equipment is capitalized as part of that equipment.
Property and equipment isare presented less accumulated depreciation, and accumulated impairment losses. An asset’s carrying amount is written down immediately to its recoverable amount if the asset’s carrying amount is greater than its estimated recoverable amount (see (i)note 2(i)). The useful economic lives of the Group's non-financial assets are reviewed annually, see note 4(1).
F - 18
PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY LTD. |
(An Israeli Corporation) |
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
NOTE 2 -SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
(continued)e.Property and equipment (continued)
Depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, as follows:
years | ||
Communications network: | ||
Physical layer and infrastructure | 10 - 25 (mainly 15, 10) | |
Other Communication network | 3 - 15 (mainly 5, 10, 15) | |
Computers, software and hardware for | ||
| information systems | 3-10 (mainly 3-5) | |
Office furniture and equipment | 7-15 | |
Optic fibers and related assets | 7-25 (mainly 25) | |
Subscribers equipment and installations | 2 - 5 | |
Property | 25 |
Leasehold improvements are depreciated by the straight-line method over the term of the lease (including reasonably assured option periods), or the estimated useful life (between 5 to 10 years) of the improvements, whichever is shorter.
f.Licenses and other intangible assets
(1)Licenses costs and amortization (see also note 1(c)):
(a)The licenses to operate cellular communication services (and related frequencies purchase costs) were recognized at cost (mainly the costs of frequencies allocated to to the Company). Borrowing costs which served to finance the license fee - incurred until the commencement of utilization of the license - were capitalized to cost of the license.
The costs of the 2G and 3G frequencies allocated to the Company are depreciated up to Dec 31, 2030; see also change in estimate below. The costs of certain 4G frequencies allocated to the Company are depreciated up to Aug 9, 2025. The costs of the other frequencies allocated to the Company following the 5G frequencies tender (see note 17(1)) are depreciated up to Sep 29, 2035 and Sep 29, 2030.
(b)Partner Land-line Communication solutions – limited partnership's license for providing fixed-line communication services is stated at cost.
The other licenses of the Group were received with no significant costs.
F - 19
PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY LTD. |
(An Israeli Corporation) |
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
NOTE 2 -SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
(continued)f.Licenses and other intangible assets (continued)
Changes in an accounting estimate
estimate:
Management has updated an accounting estimate in 2019 as follows: The estimated useful life of the cellular license was determined in the past to end by February 1, 2022. According to applicable law existed in 2019, the Company's cellular license could be extended for additional 6-year periods, subject to the requirements set in the license.
The MOC published a tender during 2019 for the award of frequencies, including frequencies for 5G services. Following the tender published, Management made an annual examination of the estimated useful life of the license in the fourth quarter of 2019 with the expectation that conditions necessary to obtain renewal of the license will be satisfied and that the cost of renewal will not be significant. The tender includes 2x30 MHz in the 700 MHz Band, 2x60 MHz in the 2,600MHz band and 300 MHz in the 3,500-3,800 MHz band. The frequencies in the 700 MHz band were offered for a period of 15 years and the rest of the frequencies offered in the tender were offered for a period of 10 years. See also note 17 (1)17(1) for the results of the frequencies tender.
Based on Company's judgment described above, the Company expected in 2019 that the license would be renewed at a high level of certainty: the Company estimated in 2019 that based on its experience and acquaintance with the communications market in Israel, if current conditions continue, there is a high probability that the license will be extended for the additional term of 6 years. Following this examination, the estimated useful life of the 2G and 3G frequencies was re-evaluated for an additional period of 6 years, thereby ending on February 1, 2028. The effect of these changes on the consolidated financial statements were as follows: the amortization expenses of the cellular license were reduced by NIS 15 million in the fourth quarter of 2019, by NIS 60 million in 2020, and were expected to be reduced in 2021 by approximately NIS 60 million.
million in 2021.
F - 20
PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY LTD.(An Israeli Corporation)NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 2 - SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)
f. Licenses and other intangible assets (continued)
The Company has recognized as intangible assets customer relationships that were acquired in a business combination and recognized at fair value as
PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY LTD.(An Israeli Corporation)NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY LTD.(An Israeli Corporation)NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY LTD.(An Israeli Corporation)NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY LTD.(An Israeli Corporation)NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY LTD.(An Israeli Corporation)NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY LTD.(An Israeli Corporation)NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
See also note 21.
PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY LTD.(An Israeli Corporation)NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY LTD.(An Israeli Corporation)NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY LTD.(An Israeli Corporation)NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY LTD.(An Israeli Corporation)NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY LTD.(An Israeli Corporation)NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY LTD.(An Israeli Corporation)NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Through December 31, 2018 the Group applied IAS 17
The Group applied IFRS 16 Leases, from its mandatory adoption date January 1, 2019.the Group applies a single recognition and measurement approach for all leases, except for low-value assets. The Group applied the simplified transition approachrecognizes lease liabilities to make lease payments and did not restate comparative amounts for the year prior to first adoption. Right-of-use assets for certain property leases were measured on transition as if the new rules had always been applied. All other right-of-use assets were measured atrepresenting the amount equalright to use the lease liability on adoption (adjusted for any prepaid or accrued lease expenses, dismantling and restoring obligations). The reclassifications and the adjustments arising from the new leasing rules are therefore recognized in the opening balance sheet on January 1, 2019.
On adoption of IFRS 16 on January 1, 2019, the Group recognized lease liabilities in relation to leases which had previously been classified as ‘operating leases’ and corresponding right-of-useunderlying assets. These liabilities were measured at the present value of the remaining lease payments, discounted using the lessee’s incremental borrowing rate as of January 1, 2019.
PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY LTD.(An Israeli Corporation)NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Lease
anydirect costs incurred, and lease payments made at or before the commencement date, estimated dismantling and restoring costs, less any lease incentives receivedany initial direct costs (except for initial application), andrestoration costs
PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY LTD.(An Israeli Corporation)NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY LTD.(An Israeli Corporation)NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY LTD.(An Israeli Corporation)NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
:
Definition of Material - Amendments to IAS 1 and IAS 8
In October 2018, the IASB issued amendments to IAS 1 Presentation of Financial Statements and IAS 8 to align the definition of ‘material'. The new definition states that, ’Information is material if omitting, misstating or obscuring it could reasonably be expected to influence decisions that the primary users of general purpose financial statements make on the basis of those financial statements, which provide financial information about a specific reporting entity. The new definition is effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2020. The application of the new definition did not have a material effect on the financial statements.
PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY LTD.(An Israeli Corporation)NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Change in accounting estimate:The Company expected in 2019 that the license would be renewed at a high level of certainty: the Company estimated in 2019 that based on its experience and acquaintance with the communications market in Israel, if current conditions continue, there is a high probability that the license will be extended for the additional term of 6 years. Following this examination, the estimated useful life of the 2G and 3G frequencies was re-evaluated for an additional period of 6 years, thereby ending on February 1, 2028. The effect of these changes on the consolidated financial statements were as follows: the amortization expenses of the cellular license were reduced by NIS 15 million in the fourth quarter of 2019, by NIS 60 million in 2020, and are expected to be reduced in 2021 by approximately NIS 60 million.
On September 29, 2020 the Company's cellular license was amended (amendment number 107), whereby the Company is entitled to request an extension of the license for additional periods of ten years instead of six years, at the discretion of the MOC and CA. See information with respect to the extension provisions in note 1 (c). On receipt of the license amendment, and with respect to the high probability judgment that remained the same, the estimated life of the 2G and 3G frequencies were re-valuated for an additional period of 4 years, thereby ending on February 1, 2032. The effect of these changes on the consolidated financial statements (in addition to the 2019 abovementioned change in estimate) were as follows: the amortization expenses of the cellular license were reduced in the fourth quarter of 2020 by NIS 2 million, and are expected to be reduced by an annual amount of approximately NIS 8 million in 2021. See also note 2(f)(1) and note 11.
F - 38
PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY LTD.(An Israeli Corporation)NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 4 – CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES AND JUDGEMENTS (continued)
The economic slowdown in the markets triggered in March 2020 the identification of indicators for impairment of non-financial assets. In particular, the significant fall in the volume of international travel by the Company's customers has caused a significant decrease in revenues from roaming services, which affected the cellular segment. In addition, the temporary closures of shopping malls and changes in general consumer behavior adversely affected the volume of sales of equipment, which affected the cellular and the fixed-line segments.
The Company tested the recoverable amount of the fixed line segment as of March 31, 2020, based on value-in-use calculations. The recoverable amount was assessed by management with the assistance of an external independent expert (BDO Ziv Haft Consulting & Management Ltd.). The value-in-use calculations use pre-tax cash flow projections covering a five-year period. Cash flows beyond the five-year period to be generated from continuing use are extrapolated using estimated growth rates. The terminal growth rate represents the long-term average growth rate of the fixed-line communications services business. The key assumptions used are as follows:
As a result of the impairment test, the Group determined that no impairment existed as of March 31, 2020.
The Company tested as of March 2020 the impairment of the cellular segment assets with the assistance of an external independent expert (BDO Ziv Haft Consulting & Management Ltd.), using a reasonable approximation of its fair value less costs of selling as its recoverable amount, and determined that no impairment was required. No other adverse changes have been identified since March 2020 with the continuation of the crisis and therefore the Company determined that no impairment indicators existed in respect of the cellular segment assets as of December 31, 2020.
PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY LTD.(An Israeli Corporation)NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY LTD.(An Israeli Corporation)NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(An Israeli Corporation)NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
F - 42
PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY LTD.(An Israeli Corporation)NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSNOTE 5 – SEGMENT INFORMATION
* Representing an amount of less than NIS 1 million.
F - 43
PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY LTD.(An Israeli Corporation)NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSNOTE 5 – SEGMENT INFORMATION (continued)
* See Note 2(o) regarding the adoption of IFRS16, Leases. The Company adopted IFRS 16, Leases from the beginning of 2019.
F - 44
PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY LTD.(An Israeli Corporation)NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSNOTE 5 – SEGMENT INFORMATION (continued)
PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Furthermore, the Group's notes payable bearing variable interest rate cause cash flow risks. Based on simulations performed, an increase (decrease) of 1% interest rates during 2020 in respect of the abovementioned financial instruments would have resulted in an annual increase (decrease) in interest expenses of NIS 2 million.
PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY LTD.(An Israeli Corporation)NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY LTD.(An Israeli Corporation)NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY LTD.(An Israeli Corporation)NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY LTD.(An Israeli Corporation)NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The2021:
PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY LTD.(An Israeli Corporation)NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Trade payables as of December 31, 2020 include balances in respect of reverse factoring of NIS 1 million that are due between January 2021 and March 2021.
(An Israeli Corporation)NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(An Israeli Corporation)NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(*) Equivalent to net impairment losses on financial and contract assets, as presented in the statement of income as credit losses.
Allowance for credit losses resulting from services provided under operating lease are not separately disclosed due to immateriality.
PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY LTD.(An Israeli Corporation)NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY LTD.(An Israeli Corporation)NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY LTD.(An Israeli Corporation)NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSNOTE 9 – INVESTMENT IN PHI (continued)
Change in PHI's governance
At the beginning of January 2019 an amendment to the NSA agreement between the Company and Hot Mobile was signed and communicated to the MoC and Anti-trust regulator which, among other things, cancelled the position of the independent director who acted as a chairman, and no consideration was transferred between the Parties in relation to this matter. The amendment did not change ownership shares, nor the CAPEX-OPEX mechanism described above. As a result of the amendment the control over PHI thereafter is borne 50-50 by the Company and Hot Mobile, each nominates an equal number of directors (3 directors). Since, thereafter, decisions about the relevant activities of PHI require the unanimous consent of the Parties, PHI is considered a joint arrangement controlled by the Company and Hot Mobile (joint control).
The activities of the joint arrangement are primarily designed for the provision of output to the Parties. The joint arrangement terms give the Parties rights to the assets, and obligations for the liabilities and expenses of PHI. Furthermore the Parties have rights to substantially all of the economic benefits of PHI's assets. PHI's liabilities are in substance satisfied by the cash flows received from the Parties, as the Parties are substantially the source of cash flows contributing to the continuity of the operations of PHI. Starting January 1, 2019 the Company accounts for its rights in the assets of PHI and obligations for the liabilities and expenses of PHI as a joint operation, recognizing its share in the assets, liabilities, and expenses of PHI, instead of the equity method. Starting January 1, 2019 payments with respect to rights to use PHI's fixed assets (see note 2(g)) are presented in the statement of cash flows as cash used in investing activities instead of cash payments for deferred expenses used in operating activities.
The following table presents the Company's share (50%) in PHI's statement of financial position items that are consolidated to the financial statements as the Company’s share in a joint operation:
* Representing an amount of less than NIS 1 million.** Certain intercompany balances were eliminated in the presentation of Company's share in PHI's accounts.
F - 56
PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY LTD.(An Israeli Corporation)NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY LTD.(An Israeli Corporation)NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(2) Change
(An Israeli Corporation)NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
See also note 2(g) and note 17(4).
See also note 2(g) and note 17(4).
PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY LTD.(An Israeli Corporation)NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY LTD.(An Israeli Corporation)NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 14 – PROVISIONS
* Representing an amount of less than NIS 110 million, following a business change in TV services which the Company estimated would likely lead to the churn of certain fixed-line service subscribers.
PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY LTD.(An Israeli Corporation)NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
2021:
(*) 'Makam' is a variable interest that is based on the yield of 12 month government bonds issued by the Government of Israel. The interest is updated on a quarterly basis. The interest rates paid (in annual terms, and including the additional interest of 1.2%) for the period from October 1, 2020 to December 30, 2020 was 1.252%.
(**) See also note 15(3) and 15(5). (***) See also note 15(2) and 15(6).
PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY LTD.(An Israeli Corporation)NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
** Representing an amount of less than NIS 1 million.
PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY LTD.(An Israeli Corporation)NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The early repayments resulted in additional finance costs of NIS 9 million recorded in March 2018.
F - 64
PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY LTD.(An Israeli Corporation)NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSNOTE 15 –BORROWINGS AND NOTES PAYABLE (continued)
(6) Private placement(continued)
In 2019, following partial exercise of option warrants,which are exercisable for Series G Notes, the Company issued Series G Notes in a total principal amount of NIS 125 million. In 2020, following partial exercisemillion, NIS 174.3 million and NIS 26.5 million, respectively.
As of May 31, 2020, option warrants from the first series were fully exercised. As of the date of approval of these financial statements, the total remaining consideration expected to be received (after the exercises described above), excluding consideration already received for the allotment of the options, in respect of full exercise of remaining option warrants from the second series (and assuming that there will be no change to the exercise price) is approximately NIS 23 million.
2021.
PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY LTD.(An Israeli Corporation)NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(An Israeli Corporation)NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY LTD.(An Israeli Corporation)NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
After3 years.
PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY LTD.(An Israeli Corporation)NOTES TO COSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
In January 2020, HOT Telecommunication Systems-COOPERATION AGREEMENT
approvals required by law. There is no certainty that such approvals will be received.
PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY LTD.(An Israeli Corporation)NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
In 2018 rent expenses in amounts of NIS 169 million were recorded according to the previous accounting policy under IAS 17.
liability.
PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY LTD.(An Israeli Corporation)NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
With respect to one claim mentioned in the table above in a total amount of NIS 400 million, in December 2020, the applicants notified that they wish to withdraw from the proceedings and the Court has yet to rule on the matter.
With respect to six5 claims mentioned above, the court approved these claims as class actions as follows:
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PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY LTD.(An Israeli Corporation)NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSNOTE 20 – LAWSUITS AND LITIGATIONS (continued)
F - 72
PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY LTD.(An Israeli Corporation)NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS NOTE 20 – LAWSUITS AND LITIGATIONS (continued)
With respect to one additional claim, the court approved a settlement agreement which was fully implemented by the Company:
On April 3, 2012, a claim and a motion to certify the claim as a class action were filed against Partner. The claim alleges that Partner breachedrequired their customers to purchase a Smartbox device which is terminal equipment as a condition for using its license conditionsfixed-line telephony services, an action which would not be in connectionaccordance with benefits provided to customers that purchased handsets from third parties.the provisions of its licenses. The total amount claimed against Partner is estimated by the plaintiff to be approximately NIS 116 million. In February 2019, the Court approved the request to certify the claim as a class action with certain changes. In March 2019, Partner filed an appeal of this decision. In February 2020, the Supreme Court dismissed the appeal request that was filed and the claim was reverted back to the District Court and the proceedings have resumed. Partner estimates that the claim will not have a material effect on the Company's financial statements.
With respect to five additional claims (not included in the table above), the court approved settlement agreements and withdrawals whichJune 2021, the Company is implementing.
On September 29, 2020 the Company's cellular license was amended (amendment number 107), whereby the Company is entitled to request an extension of the license for additional periods of ten years instead of six years, at the discretion of the MOC and CA. See information with respect to the extension provisions in note 1 (c)1(c). On receipt of the license amendment, and with respect to the high probability judgment that remained the same, the estimated life of the 2G and 3G frequencies were re-valuated for an additional period of 4 years, thereby ending on February 1, 2032. The effect of these changes on the consolidated financial statements (in addition to the 2019 abovementioned change in estimate) were as follows: the amortization expenses of the cellular license were reduced in the fourth quarter of 2020 by NIS 2 million, and are expected to bewere reduced by an annual amount of approximately NIS 8 million 2021. See also note 4(1).
F - 19
PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY LTD. |
(An Israeli Corporation) |
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
NOTE 2 -SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)
f.Licenses and other intangible assets (continued)
Changes in an accounting estimate (continued)
In June 2021 the Company received a decision of the MOC setting the frequencies allotments that were allocated at the time for the 2G and 3G networks (in the 900, 1800 and 2100 Mhz bands) for usage that will also be allowed with more advanced technologies, until December 31, 2030. Following the decision the Company revised the useful life of the 2G and 3G frequencies to end by December 31, 2030. The change in estimate did not have a material effect on the amortization expenses. The decision also included the termination of the 2G and 3G networks by December 31, 2025. The decision to terminate the 2G and 3G networks by the end of December 31, 2025 did not have a material effect on depreciation expenses.
The other licenses are amortized by the straight-line method over their useful lives (see note 1(c)) which exclude any ungranted possible future extensions that are not under the Group's control.
The amortization expenses are included in the cost of revenues.
(2)Computer software:
Acquired computer software licenses are capitalized on the basis of the costs incurred to acquire and to bring to use the specified software.
Development costs, including employee costs, that are directly attributable to the design and testing of identifiable and unique software products controlled by the Group are recognized as intangible assets when the capitalization criteria under IAS 38 are met. Other development expenditures that do not meet the capitalization criteria, such as software maintenance, are recognized as expenses as incurred.
Computer software costs are amortized over their estimated useful lives (3 to 10 years, mainly 3 years) using the straight-line method, see also note 11.
(3)Capitalization of the acquisition date. Customer relationships are amortizedcosts to selling and marketing expenses over their estimated useful economic lives (5 to 10 years) based on the straight line method.
obtaining customers contracts:
Costs of obtaining contracts with customers are recognized as assets when the costs are incremental to obtaining the contracts, and it is probable that the Group will recover these costs. The assets are amortized to selling and marketing expenses in accordance with the expected service period (mainly over 2-3 years), using the portfolio approach, see also notes 4(1) and 11. Other costs incurred that would arise regardless of whether a contract with a customer was obtained are recognized as an expense when incurred.
F - 21
PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY LTD. |
(An Israeli Corporation) |
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
NOTE 2 -SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
(continued)g.Deferred expenses - Right Of Use (ROU)
Right of use (ROU) of capacity over international fiber optic cables was acquired in a business combination, subsequent additions and right of use in PHI's assets are recognized at cost. The ROU with respect of fiber optic cables is presented as deferred expenses (current and non-current) and is amortized to cost of revenues on a straight line basis over a period beginning each acquisition of additional ROU in this framework and until 2030 (including expected contractual extension periods). See also notes 12 and 17(4). Until December 31, 2018 other costs of right to use PHI's assets are presented as deferred expenses and amortized on a straight line basis over the assets' useful lives, see note 9.
h.Goodwill
Goodwill acquired in a business combination represents the excess of the consideration transferred over the net fair value of the identifiable assets acquired, and identifiable liabilities and contingent liabilities assumed. The goodwill has an indefinite useful economic life and is not subject to amortization; rather is measured at cost less accumulated impairment losses. For the purpose of impairment testing, goodwill is allocated to a group of cash-generating units (CGUs) under the fixed line segment that is expected to benefit from the synergies of the combination. The group of CGUs represents the lowest level within the entity which the goodwill is monitored for internal management purposes.
Goodwill impairment reviews are undertaken annually or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. Any impairment loss would be recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount of goodwill exceeded its recoverable amount. The recoverable amount is the higher of value-in-use and the fair value less costs to sell.of disposal. Value-in-use is determined by discounting expected future cash flows using a pre-tax discount rate. Any impairment is recognized immediately as an expense and is not subsequently reversed. See also note 13(1) with respect to impairment tests.
F - 22
PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY LTD. |
(An Israeli Corporation) |
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
NOTE 2 -SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
(continued)i.Impairment tests of non-financial assets with finite useful economic lives
Assets that are subject to depreciation and amortization are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. If such indications exist an impairment loss is recognized for the amount by which the asset's carrying amount exceeds its recoverable amount. The recoverable amount is determined for an individual asset, unless the asset does not generate cash inflows that are largely independent of those from other assets or groups of assets. If this is the case, recoverable amount is determined for the cash-generating unit (CGU) to which the asset belongs. The recoverable amount is the higher of an asset's fair value less costs to sellof disposal and value-in-use. Value-in-use is determined by discounting expected future cash flows using a pre-tax discount rate.
An impairment loss recognized for an asset (or CGU) other than goodwill shall be reversed if, and only if, there has been a change in the estimates used to determine the asset's (or CGU's) recoverable amount since the last impairment loss was recognized. If this is the case, the carrying amount of the asset (or CGU) shall be increased to its recoverable amount. The increased carrying amount of an asset (or CGU) other than goodwill attributable to a reversal of an impairment loss shall not exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined (net of amortization or depreciation) had no impairment loss been recognized for the asset (or CGU) in prior years. A reversal of an impairment loss is recognized immediately in the statement of income.
j.Financial instruments
The Group applies IFRS 9 and classifies its financial instruments in the following categories: (1) amortized cost (AC), (2) at fair value through profit or loss (FVTPL: Financial liability at fair value (see note 15) and embedded derivatives). The classification depends on the business model for managing the financial instruments and the contractual terms of the cash flows. See note 6(c) as to classification of financial instruments to the categories.
At initial recognition, the Group measures a financial asset at its fair value plus, in the case of a financial asset not at fair value through profit or loss (FVTPL), transaction costs that are directly attributable to the acquisition of the financial asset. Financial assets are classified as current if they are expected to mature within 12 months after the end of the reporting period; otherwise they are classified as non-current.
Financial liabilities are included in current liabilities, except for maturities greater than 12 months after the end of the reporting period, which are classified as non-current liabilities. See also note 15.
F - 23
PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY LTD. |
(An Israeli Corporation) |
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
NOTE 2 -SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
(continued)j.Financial instruments
(continued)(1)FVTPL category:
Gains or losses arising from changes in the fair value of embedded derivative financial instruments and financial liability at fair value are presented in the income statement within "finance costs, net" in the period in which they arise. These financial instruments are classified into 3 levels based on their valuation method (see also notes 6(c), 6(a)(2)(c)):
Level 1: quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2: inputs other than quoted prices included within level 1 that are observable for the assets or liabilities, either directly (as prices) or indirectly (derived from prices).
Level 3: If one or more of the significant inputs is not based on observable market data, the instrument is included in level 3. This is the case for financial liability at fair value.
(2)Amortized cost category:
category:
The Group classifies its financial assets, such as trade receivables, at amortized cost only if both of the following criteria are met: (1) the asset is held within a business model whose objective is to collect the contractual cash flows, and (2) the contractual terms give rise to cash flows that are solely payments of principal and interest. Financial assets with embedded derivatives are considered in their entirety when determining whether their cash flows are solely payment of principal and interest.
Amortized cost: Assets that are held for collection of contractual cash flows where those cash flows represent solely payments of principal and interest are measured at amortized cost. Interest income from trade receivables is included in the income statement under other income, net (see note 23) using the effective interest rate method. Any gain or loss arising on derecognition is recognized directly in profit or loss and presented in finance income/expense together with foreign exchange gains and losses. Impairment expenses (credit losses) are presented as separate line item in the statement of profit or loss.
Cash and cash equivalents are short-term, highly liquid investments that are readily convertible to known amounts of cash and which are subject to an insignificant risk of changes in value, which include short-term bank deposits (up to 3 months from date of deposit) that are not restricted as to withdrawal or use.
Short term deposits, are deposits in commercial banks for periods of more than 3 months from date of deposit and less than 12 months from the reporting date.
Long term deposits, are deposits in commercial banks for periods of more than 12 months from the reporting date.
F - 24
PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY LTD. |
(An Israeli Corporation) |
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
NOTE 2 -SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
(continued)j.Financial instruments
(continued)Financial assets at amortized cost are presented net of impairment losses:
The Group assesses at the end of each reporting period whether there is objective evidence that a financial asset or group of financial assets is impaired based on the expected credit loss model. The assets that are subject to the expected credit loss model are mainly the trade receivables. While cash and cash equivalents, short-term and long-term deposits and contract assets are also subject to the impairment requirements of IFRS 9, the identified impairment loss was immaterial.
The Group assesses on a forward looking basis the expected credit losses associated with its debt instruments carried at amortized cost. The impairment methodology applied depends on whether there has been a significant increase in credit risk. For trade receivables and contract assets the Group applies IFRS 9 simplified approach to measuring expected credit losses which uses a lifetime expected loss allowance.
To measure the expected credit losses, trade receivables have been grouped based on shared credit risk characteristics and period of payments and period past due. The expected loss rates are based on the payment profiles of sales, and the corresponding historical credit losses experienced. The historical loss rates are adjusted to reflect current and forward-looking information on factors affecting the ability of the customers to settle the receivables.
Trade receivables and contract assets are written off where there is no reasonable expectation of recovery. Indicators that there is no reasonable expectation of recovery include, amongst others, the failure of a debtor to engage in a repayment plan, and results of legal proceedings.
Financial liabilities, such as borrowings and notes payable, are initially recognized at fair value, net of transaction costs incurred, and subsequently measured at amortized cost. Any difference between the fair value (net of transaction costs) and the redemption amount is recognized in profit or loss over the period of the borrowings using the effective interest method.
Offsetting:
Financial assets and liabilities are offset and the net amount reported in the statement of financial position when the Group has currently a legal enforceable right to offset the recognized amounts and has an intention to settle on a net basis or realize the asset and settle the liability simultaneously. The legal enforceable right must not be contingent on future events and must be enforceable in the normal course of business and in the event of default, insolvency or bankruptcy of the company or the counterparty.
F - 25
PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY LTD. |
(An Israeli Corporation) |
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
NOTE 2 -SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
(continued)k.Employee benefits
(i)Post-employment benefits
1.Defined contribution plan
According to Section 14 of the Israeli Severance Pay Law the Group's liability for some of the employee rights upon retirement is covered by regular contributions to various pension schemes. The schemes are generally funded through payments to insurance companies or trustee-administered funds. These plans are defined contribution plans, since the Group pays fixed contributions into a separate and independent entity. The Group has no legal or constructive obligations to pay further contribution if the fund does not hold sufficient assets to pay all employees the benefit relating to employee service in the current or prior periods. The amounts funded as above are not reflected in the statement of financial position. Obligations for contributions to defined contribution pension plans are recognized as an expense in the statement of income when they are due.
2.Defined benefit plan
Labor laws, agreements and the practice of the Group, require paying retirement benefits to employees dismissed or retiring in certain other circumstances (except for those described in 1 above), measured by multiplying the years of employment by the last monthly salary of the employee (i.e. one monthly salary for each year of tenure), the obligation of the Group to pay retirement benefits is treated as a defined benefit plan.
The liability recognized in the statement of financial position in respect of the defined benefit plan is the present value of the defined benefit obligation at end of the reporting period less the fair values of plan assets.
The defined benefit obligation is calculated annually by independent actuaries using the projected unit credit method. According to IAS 19 employee benefits, the present value of the defined benefit obligation is determined by discounting the estimated future cash outflows using interest rates of deep market for high-quality corporate bonds.
Remeasurement gains and losses arising from experience adjustments and changes in actuarial assumptions are charged or credited to equity in other comprehensive income in the period in which they arise. Interest costs in respect of the defined benefit plan are charged or credited to finance costs. See also note 16.
F - 26
PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY LTD. |
(An Israeli Corporation) |
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
NOTE 2 -SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
(continued)k.Employee benefits
(continued)(ii)Termination benefits
Termination benefits are payable when employment is terminated by the Group before the normal retirement date, or whenever an employee accepts voluntary redundancy in exchange for these benefits. The Group recognizes termination benefits when it is demonstrably legally or constructively committed to either: terminating the employment of current employees according to a detailed formal plan without possibility of withdrawal; or providing termination benefits as a result of an offer made to encourage voluntary redundancy.
(iii)Short term employee benefits
1.Vacation and recreation benefits
The employees are legally entitled to vacation and recreation benefits, both computed on an annual basis. This entitlement is based on the term of employment. This obligation is treated as a short term benefit under IAS 19. The Group charges a liability and expense due to vacation and recreation pay, based on the benefits that have been accumulated for each employee, on an undiscounted basis.
2.Profit-sharing and bonus plans
The Group recognizes a liability and an expense for bonuses based on consideration of individual performance and the Group's overall performance. The Group recognizes a provision where contractually obliged or where there is a past practice that has created a constructive obligation.
3.Other short term benefits
The Group recognized expenses for other short term benefits provided by the collective employment agreement (see also note 22(e)).
l.Share based payments
The Group operates an equity-settled share-based compensation plan to its employees, under which the Group receives services from employees as consideration for equity instruments of the Group. The fair value of the employee services received in exchange for the grant of the equity instruments is recognized as an expense. The total amount to be expensed is determined by reference to the fair value of the equity instruments granted, at the grant date. Non-market vesting conditions (performance conditions) are included among the assumptions used to estimate the number of options expected to vest. The total expense is recognized during the vesting period, which is the period over which all of the specified vesting conditions of the share-based payment are to be satisfied. At the end of each reporting period, the Group revises its estimates of the number of equity instruments that are expected to vest based on the vesting conditions, and recognizes the impact of the revision of original estimates, if any, in the statement of income, with corresponding adjustment to accumulated earnings.
F - 27
PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY LTD. |
(An Israeli Corporation) |
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
NOTE 2 -SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
(continued)m.Provisions
Provisions are recognized when the Group has a present legal or constructive obligation as a result of past events, it is probable that an outflow of resources will require settling the obligation, and the amount has been reliably estimated. See note 14.
(1)In the ordinary course of business, the Group is involved in a number of lawsuits and litigations. The costs that may result from these lawsuits are only accrued for when it is probable that a liability, resulting from past events, will be incurred and the amount of that liability can be quantified or estimated within a reasonable range. The amount of the provisions recorded is based on a case-by-case assessment of the risk level, and events arising during the course of legal proceedings that may require a reassessment of this risk, and where applicable discounted at a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the liability. The Group's assessment of risk is based both on the advice of legal counsel and on the Group's estimate of the probable settlements amount that are expected to be incurred, if any. See also note 20.
(2)The Company is required to incur certain costs in respect of a liability to dismantle and remove assets and to restore sites on which the assets were located. The dismantling costs are calculated according to best estimate of future expected payments discounted at a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the liability. The increase in the provision due to the passage of time is recognized as finance costs.
(3)Provisions for equipment warranties include obligations to customers in respect of equipment sold and maintenance contracts. Where there are a number of similar obligations, the likelihood that an outflow will be required in a settlement is determined by considering the class of obligations as a whole. A provision is recognized even if the likelihood of an outflow with respect to any item included in the same class of obligations may be small.
F - 28
PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY LTD. |
(An Israeli Corporation) |
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
NOTE 2 -SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
(continued)n.Revenues
The revenue recognition standard IFRS 15, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, and its clarifications ("IFRS 15", "The Standard") outlines a single comprehensive model of accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers. The model includes five steps for analyzing transactions so as to determine when to recognize revenue and at what amount:
1)
Identifying the contract with the customer.
2)
Identifying separate performance obligations in the contract.
3)
Determining the transaction price.
4)
Allocating the transaction price to separate performance obligations.
5)
Recognizing revenue when the performance obligations are satisfied.
(1) Identifying the contract with the customer
Two or more contracts entered into at or near the same time with the same customer (or related parties of the customer) are accounted for as a single contract if one or more of the following criteria are met:
a.
The contracts are negotiated as a package with a single commercial objective;
b.
The amount of consideration to be paid in one contract depends on the price or performance of the other contract;
c.
The goods or services promised in the contracts (or some goods or services promised in each of the contracts) are a single performance obligation.
Additions of distinct goods or services at their stand-alone sale price are treated as separate contracts.
(2) Identifying performance obligations
The Group assesses the goods or services promised in the contract with the customer and identifies as performance obligation any promise to transfer to the customer one of the following:
(a)
Goods or services (or a bundle of goods or services) that are distinct; or
(b)
A series of distinct goods or services that are substantially the same and have the same pattern of transfer to the customer.
Goods or services are identified as being distinct when the customer can benefit from the good or service on its own or together with other resources that are readily available to the customer and the Group’s promise to transfer the good or service to the customer is separately identifiable from other promises in the contract. An option that grants the customer the right to purchase additional goods or services constitutes a separate performance obligation in the contract only if the options grant the customer a material right it would not have received without the original contract.
The performance obligations are mainly services, equipment and options to purchase additional goods or services that provide a material right to the customer.
F - 29
PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY LTD. |
(An Israeli Corporation) |
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
NOTE 2 -SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
(continued)n.Revenues
(continued)(3) Determining the transaction price
The transaction price is the amount of consideration that the Group expects to receive for the transfer of the goods or services specified in a contract with the customer, taking into account rebates and discounts, excluding amounts collected on behalf of third parties, such as value added taxes.
The transaction price is also adjusted for the effects of the time value of money if the contract includes a significant financing component (such as sales of equipment with non-current credit arrangements, mainly in 36 monthly installments). The Group applies a practical expedient in the standard and does not adjust the transaction price for the effects of a significant financing component if, at contract inception, the Group expects the period between customer payment and the transfer of goods or services to be one year or less. The financing component is recognized in other income-net over the period which is calculated according to the effective interest method. See also note 23 – unwinding of trade receivables and note 7(a).
(4) Allocating the transaction price to separate performance obligations
In a transaction that constitutes a revenue arrangement with multiple performance obligations, the transaction price is allocated to separate performance obligations based of their relative stand-alone selling prices.
A discount is allocated to one or more, but not all, performance obligations in the contract if (a) the Group regularly sells each distinct good or service (or each bundle of distinct goods or services) in the contract on a stand-alone basis, (b) the Group also regularly sells on a stand-alone basis a bundle (or bundles) of some of those distinct goods or services at a discount to the stand-alone selling prices of the goods or services in each bundle; and (c) the discount attributable to each bundle in 'b' above is substantially the same as the discount in the contract and an analysis of the goods or services in each bundle provides observable evidence of the performance obligation (or performance obligations) to which the entire discount in the contract belongs.
(5) Satisfaction of performance obligations
The Group recognizes revenue when it satisfies performance obligations by transferring control over the goods or services to the customers.
Revenues from services and from providing rights to use the Group's assets, (see note 1(b)) (either month-by-month or long term arrangements) are recognized over time, as the services are rendered to the customers, since the customer receives and uses the benefits simultaneously, and provided that all other revenue recognition criteria are met.
Revenue from sale of equipment (see note 1(b)) is recognized at a point of time when the control over the equipment is transferred to the customer (mainly upon delivery) and all other revenue recognition criteria are met.
F - 30
PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY LTD. |
(An Israeli Corporation) |
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
NOTE 2 -SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
(continued)n.Revenues
(continued)(6) Principal – Agent consideration
The Group determines whether it is acting as a principal or as an agent for each performance obligation. The Group is acting as a principal if it controls a promised good or service before they are transferred to a customer. Indicators for acting as a principal include: (1) the Group is primarily responsible for fulfilling the promise to provide the specified good or service, (2) the Group has inventory risk in the specified good or service and (3) the Group has discretion in establishing the price for the specified good or service. On the other hand, the Group is acting as an agent or an intermediary, if these criteria are not met. When the Group is acting as an agent, revenue is recognized in the amount of any fee or commission to which the Group expects to be entitled in exchange for arranging for the other party to provide its goods or services. A Group’s fee or commission might be the net amount of consideration that the Group retains after paying the other party the consideration received in exchange for the goods or services to be provided by that party. The Group determined that it is acting as an agent in respect of certain content services provided by third parties to customers; therefore the revenues recognized from these services are presented on a net basis in the statement of income.
(7) Recognition of receivables
Trade receivables are amounts due from customers for goods sold or services performed in the ordinary course of business. Trade receivables are recognized when the control over the goods or services is transferred to the customer, and at the amount that is unconditional because only the passage of time is required before the payment is due. The Group holds the trade receivables with the objective to collect the contractual cash flows, and the contractual terms give rise to cash flows that are solely payments of principal and interest. Therefore they are subsequently measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method. See also note 7 and also note 6(a)(3) regarding trade receivables credit risk.
(8) Recognition of contract assets and contract liabilities
A contract asset is a Group’s right to consideration in exchange for goods or services that the entity has transferred to a customer when that right is conditioned on something other than the passage of time (for example, the Group’s future performance).
A contract liability is a Group’s obligation to transfer goods or services to a customer for which the entity has received consideration (or the amount is due) from the customer; therefore the Group records contract liabilities for payments received in advance for services, such as transmission services and pre-paid calling cards, as deferred revenues until such related services are provided.
Contract assets and contract liabilities arising from the same contract are offset and presented as a single asset or liability.
F - 31
PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY LTD. |
(An Israeli Corporation) |
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
NOTE 2 -SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
(continued)n.Revenues
(continued)(9) Other practical expedients implemented:
The Group applies IFRS 15 practical expedient to the revenue model to a portfolio of contracts with similar characteristics if the Group reasonably expects that the financial statement effects of applying the model to the individual contracts within the portfolio would not differ materially.
The Group applies a practical expedient in the standard and measures progress toward completing satisfaction of a performance obligation and recognizes revenue based on billed amounts if the Group has a right to invoice a customer at an amount that corresponds directly with its performance to date; for which, or where the original expected duration of the contract is one year or less, the Group also applies the practical expedient in the standard and does not disclose the transaction price allocated to unsatisfied, or partially unsatisfied, performance obligations, such as constrained variable consideration.
The Group applies in certain circumstances where the customer has a material right to acquire future goods or services and those goods or services are similar to the original goods or services in the contract and are provided in accordance with the same terms of the original contract, a practical alternative to estimating the stand-alone selling price of the customer option, and instead allocates the transaction price to the optional goods or services by reference to the goods or services expected to be provided and the corresponding expected consideration.
(10) Capitalization of contract costs
The main effect of the Group’s application of IFRS 15 is the accounting treatment for the incremental costs of obtaining contracts with customers, which in accordance with IFRS 15, are recognized as assets under certain conditions, see notes 2(f)(4),(3) and 11. Contract costs that were recognized as assets are presented in the statements of cash flows as part of cash flows used in investing activities.
See additional information with respect to revenues in note 22(a).
F - 32
PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY LTD. |
(An Israeli Corporation) |
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
NOTE 2 -SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
(continued)o.Leases
The Group assesses at contract inception whether a contract is, or contains, a lease. That is, if the contract conveys the right to control the use of an identified asset for a period of time in exchange for consideration.
Group as lessee:
According to account for leases whereby a significant portion of the risks and rewards of ownership were retained by the lessor were classified as operating leases. Therefore the Group's leases were primarily operating leases which were charged to income statements on a straight-line basis over the lease term, including extending options which were reasonably certain.
The Group applied the following practical expedients:
Non-lease components:
practical expedient by class of underlying asset not to separate non-lease components (services) from lease components and, instead, account for each lease component and any associated non lease components as a single lease component.Discount rate:
The lease payments are discounted using the lessee’s incremental borrowing rate, since the interest rate implicit in the lease cannot be readily determined. The lessee’s incremental borrowing rate is the rate that the lessee would have to pay to borrow the funds necessary to obtain an asset of similar value to the right-of-use asset in a similar economic environment with similar terms, security and conditions. However, the Group is using the practical expedient of accounting together a portfolio of leases with similar characteristics provided that it is reasonably expected that the effects on the financial statements of applying this standard to the portfolio would not differ materially from applying this Standard to the individual leases within that portfolio. And using a single discount rate to a portfolio of leases with reasonably similar characteristics (such as leases with a similar remaining lease term for a similar class of underlying asset in a similar economic environment). The discount rates were estimated by management with the assistance of an independent external expert.Low-value leases:
The low-value leases practical expedient is applied and these leases are recognized on a straight-line basis as expense in profit or loss.The practical expedient for short-term leases is not applied.
F - 33
PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY LTD. |
(An Israeli Corporation) |
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
NOTE 2 -SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
(continued)o.Leases
(continued)Group as lessee
(continued):Lease liabilities measurement:
At the commencement date of the lease, the Group recognizes lease liabilities were initially measured on aat the present value basis of lease payments to be made over the following lease payments:
term. The lease payments include: fixed payments (including in-substance fixed payments), less any lease incentives receivable,
variable lease payment that are based on an index or a rate (such as CPI)
, amounts expected to be payable by the lessee under residual value guarantees,
the exercise price of a purchase option if the lessee is reasonably certain to exercise that option,
payments of penalties for terminating the lease, if the lease term reflects the lessee exercising that option, and
lease payments (principal and interest) to be made under reasonably certain extension options
options.
The lease liability is subsequently measured according to the effective interest method, with interest costs recognized in the statement of income as incurred. The amount of lease liabilities is increased to reflect the accretion of interest and reduced for the lease payments made. In addition, the carrying amount of lease liabilities is remeasured if there is a modification, a change in the lease term, a change in the lease payments (e.g., changes to future payments resulting from a change in an index or rate used to determine such lease payments) or a change in the assessment of an option to purchase the underlying asset.
The Group is exposed to potential future changes in lease payments based on linkage to the CPI index, which are not included in the lease liability until they take effect. When adjustments to lease payments based on an index or rate take effect, the lease liability is reassessed and adjusted against the right-of-use asset.
Lease payments are presented in the statement of cash flows under the cash used in financing activities. Lease payments are allocated between principal and finance cost. The finance cost is charged to the statement of income over the lease period so as to produce a constant periodic rate of interest on the remaining balance of the liability for each period.
Right-of-use assets measurement:
The Group recognizes right-of-use assets at the commencement date of the lease. Right-of-use assets wereare measured at cost, comprising the following:
less any accumulated depreciation and impairment losses, and adjusted for any remeasurement of lease liabilities. The cost of right-of-use assets includes the amount of thelease liabilities recognized, initial measurement of lease liability
received.
Right-of-use assets are generally depreciated over the shorter of the asset's useful life and the lease term (including reasonably certain extension periods) on a straight-line basis, and adjusted for any remeasurements of lease liabilities. As of the adoption date of IFRS 16, the average remaining amortization period is as follows:
Buildings 2 – 15 years
Cell sites 4.52 – 10 years buildings 6
Vehicles 1 – 3 years vehicles 2 years. The right-of-use assets are also subject to impairment, see note 2(i).
F - 34
PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY LTD. |
(An Israeli Corporation) |
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
NOTE 2 -SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
(continued)o.Leases
(continued)Group as lessor:
The cellular segment and the fixed-line segment also include leasing of telecommunications, audio visual and related devices (see note 1(b)). Leases in which the Group does not transfer substantially all the risks and rewards incidental to ownership of an asset are classified as operating leases. Lease income from operating leases where the Group is a lessor is recognized in income on a straight-line basis over the lease term. The respective leased assets are included in the balance sheet based on their nature. The Group did not need to make any adjustments to the accounting for assets held as lessor as a result of adopting IFRS 16.
See note 22(a).
p.Tax expenses
The tax expense for the period comprises current and deferred tax. Tax is recognized in the income statement except to the extent that it relates to items recognized in other comprehensive income or directly in equity. In this case, the tax is also recognized in other comprehensive income or directly in equity, respectively. The current income tax charge is calculated on the basis of the tax laws enacted or substantially enacted as of the end of the reporting period. Management periodically evaluates positions taken with respect to situations in which applicable tax regulation is subject to interpretation. It establishes provisions where appropriate on the basis of amounts expected to be paid to the tax authorities.
Deferred income tax is recognized on temporary differences arising between that tax bases of assets and liabilities and their carrying amounts in the financial statements. However, deferred tax liabilities are not recognized if they arise from initial recognition of goodwill. Deferred income tax is determined using the tax rates (and laws) that have been enacted or substantially enacted by the end of the reporting period and are expected to apply when the related deferred income tax is realized or the deferred income tax liability is settled. Deferred income tax assets are recognized only to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profit will be available against which the temporary differences can be utilized. Deferred income tax assets are presented as non-current, see also note 25. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are offset when there is a legally enforceable right to offset current tax assets against current tax liabilities and when the deferred income taxes assets and liabilities relate to income taxes levied by the same taxation authority on the same taxable entity where there is an intention to settle the balances on a net basis.
F - 35
PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY LTD. |
(An Israeli Corporation) |
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
NOTE 2 – -SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
q.Share capital
Ordinary shares are classified as equity.
Company's shares acquired by the Company (treasury shares) are presented as a reduction of equity, at the consideration paid, including any incremental attributable costs, net of tax. Treasury shares do not have a right to receive dividends or to vote. See also note 21(a).
r.Earnings Per Share (EPS)
Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing the profit attributable to equity holders of the Company by the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during the year excluding ordinary shares purchased by the Company and held as treasury shares.
Diluted earnings per share is calculated by adjusting the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding to assume exercise of all dilutive potential ordinary shares. The instruments that are potential dilutive ordinary shares are equity instruments granted to employees, see note 21(b). A calculation is done to determine the number of shares that could have been acquired at fair value (determined as the average annual market share price of the company's shares) based on the monetary value of the subscription rights attached to outstanding share options. The number of shares calculated as above is compared with the number of shares that would have been issued assuming the exercise of the share options (see also note 27).
s.Government grants
Government grants relating to the purchase of assets (see note 17, in respect of the frequencies tender) are presented in the statement of financial position as a deduction to the carrying amount of the asset and they are credited to profit or loss on a straight-line basis over the expected lives of the related assets.
F - 36
PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY LTD. |
(An Israeli Corporation) |
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
NOTE 3 – -RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
(1)The following relevant new standards, amendments to standards or interpretations have been issued, and were effective for the first time for financial periods beginning on or after January 1, 2020
2021:
Covid-19-Related Rent Concessions – amendments to IFRS 16
In May 2020, the IASB amended IFRS 16 Leases which provides lessees with an option to treat qualifying rent concessions in the same way as they would if they were not lease modifications. The expedient initially only applied to reductions in lease payments due on or before June 30, 2021, but that date was subsequently extended to June 30, 2022 through further amendments made in March 2021. This resulted in accounting for concessions received in an immaterial amount as variable lease payments in the period in which they are granted. The expedient was applied to all qualifying rent concessions.
(2)The following new standards and amendments to standards are not effective in 2020
2021
Classifying liabilities as current or non-current
In January 2020, the IASB issued amendment to IAS 1 to specify the requirements for classifying liabilities as current or non-current. The amendments clarify: the definition of a right to defer a settlement, that a right to defer must exist at the end of the reporting period, that classification is unaffected by the likelihood that an entity will exercise its deferral right, that only if an embedded derivative in a convertible liability is itself an equity instrument would the terms of a liability not impact its classification. The amendment is effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2023. At this stage the Company cannot evaluate the effect of the amendment on the financial statements.
Disclosure of Accounting Policies
In February 2021, the IASB issued amendments to IAS 1 and IFRS Practice Statement 2 Making Materiality Judgments, in which it provides guidance to help entities apply materiality judgments to accounting policy disclosures. The amendments aim to help entities provide accounting policy disclosures that are more useful by replacing the requirement for entities to disclose their ‘significant’ accounting policies with a requirement to disclose their ‘material’ accounting policies and adding guidance on how entities apply the concept of materiality in making decisions about accounting policy disclosures. The amendments to IAS 1 are applicable for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2023 with earlier application permitted. The Group is currently assessing the impact of the amendments to determine the impact they will have on the Group’s accounting policy disclosures.
Assessing contingent liabilities
In May 2020, the IASB issued amendments to IAS 37, ‘Provisions, contingent liabilities and contingent assets’ specify which costs a company includes when assessing whether a contract will be loss-making. The amendment is effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2022. The amendment is not expected to have a material effect on the financial statements.
Deferred tax assets and liabilities
In May 2020, the IASB issued Amendment to IAS 12 – deferred tax related to assets and liabilities arising from a single transaction. These amendments require companies to recognize deferred tax on transactions that, on initial recognition give rise to equal amounts of taxable and deductible temporary differences. The amendment is effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2023. The amendment is not expected to have a material effect on the financial statements.
F - 37
PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY LTD. |
(An Israeli Corporation) |
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
NOTE 4 – -CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES AND JUDGEMENTS
Estimates and judgments are continually evaluated and are based on historical experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. The Group makes estimates and assumptions concerning the future. The resulting accounting estimates will, by definition, seldom equal actual results. The estimates and assumptions that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year are addressed below.
(1)Assessing the useful lives of non-financial assets:
The useful economic lives of the Group's property and equipment are an estimate determined by management. The Group defines useful economic life of its assets in terms of the assets' expected utility to the Group. This estimation is based on assumptions of future changes in technology or changes in the Group's intended use of these assets, experience of the Group with similar assets, and legal or contract periods where relevant.
The useful economic lives of the Group's intangible assets are an estimate determined by management based on assumptions of future changes in technology, legal rights, experience of customer's behavior, and experience of the Group with similar assets where relevant.
The assets estimated economic useful lives are reviewed, and adjusted if appropriate, at least annually. See also note 2(e) and note 2(f).
(2)Assessing the recoverable amount for impairment tests of non-financial assets :
The Group is required to determine at the end of each reporting period whether there is any indication that an asset may be impaired. If indicators for impairment are identified the Group estimates the assets' recoverable amount, which is the higher of an asset's fair value less costs to sell and value in use. The value-in-use calculations require management to make estimates of the projected future cash flows. Determining the estimates of the future cash flows is based on management past experience and best estimate for the economic conditions that will exist over the remaining useful economic life of the Cash Generating Unit (CGU). See also notes 2(i), 13.
13.
Trends in the economic and financial environment, competition and regulatory authorities' decisions, or changes in competitors’ behavior in response to the economic environment may affect the estimate of recoverable amounts in future periods. See also note 2(i).
Continued increases in the level of competition for cellular and fixed-line services may bring further downward pressure on prices which may require us to perform further impairment tests of our assets. Such impairment tests may lead to recording additional significant impairment charges, which could have a material negative impact on our operating and profit.
F - 39
PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY LTD. |
(An Israeli Corporation) |
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
NOTE 4 – -CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES AND JUDGEMENTS
(3)Assessing the recoverable amount for impairment tests of goodwill:
Goodwill impairment reviews are undertaken annually or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. The recoverable amount is the higher of an asset's fair value less costs to sellof disposal and value in use. The recoverable amount of the fixed-line segment to which goodwill has been allocated has been determined based on value-in-use calculations. For the purpose of the goodwill impairment tests as of December 31, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 20202021 the recoverable amount was assessed by management with the assistance of external independent experts (BDO Ziv Haft Consulting & Management Ltd.) based on value-in-use calculations. The value-in-use calculations use pre-tax cash flow projections covering a five-year period. Cash flows beyond the five-year period to be generated from continuing use are extrapolated using estimated growth rates. The terminal growth rate represents the long-term average growth rate of the fixed-line communications services business.
The key assumptions used in the December 31, 20202021 test were as follows:
Terminal growth rate | 1 | % | ||
After-tax discount rate | 7 | % | ||
Pre-tax discount rate | 8.5 | % |
The impairment test as of December 31, 20202021 was based on assessments of financial performance and future strategies in light of current and expected market and economic conditions. Trends in the economic and financial environment, competition and regulatory authorities' decisions, or changes in competitors’ behavior in response to the economic environment may affect the estimate of recoverable amounts. See also note 13(1) and note 2(h). No impairment charges were recognized with respect to goodwill in 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2020.
2021.
Sensitivity Analysis:
The headroom of the fixed line segment recoverable amount over the carrying amount as of December 31, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 20202021 was approximately 21%42%, 42%37% and 37%52% respectively.
Sensitivity analysis was performed for the recoverable amount as of December 31, 20202021 for a change of the after-tax discount rate within the range of ± 10% multiplied by the variable 7.5% (6.75%7% (6.3% to 8.25%7.7%), assuming all other variables constant. Sensitivity analysis was also performed for a change of the terminal growth rate within the range of ± 1% of the variable 1.0% (0% to 2%), assuming all other variables constant. Results showed that no impairment charge is required for both analyses.
F - 40
PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY LTD. |
(An Israeli Corporation) |
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
NOTE 4 – -CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES AND JUDGEMENTS
(4)Assessing impairment of financial assets:
The allowance for credit losses for financial assets is based on assumptions about risk of default and expected loss rates. The Group uses judgment in making these assumptions and selecting the inputs to the impairment calculation, based on the Group’s past history, existing market conditions as well as forward looking estimates at the end of each reporting period. Individual receivables which are known to be uncollectable are written off by reducing the carrying amount directly. The other receivables are assessed collectively, grouped based on shared credit risk characteristics and the days past due.
The Group assesses on a forward looking basis the expected credit losses associated with its debt instruments carried at amortized cost. The impairment methodology applied depends on whether there has been a significant increase in credit risk. For trade receivables and contract assets with and without significant financing components, the Group applies IFRS 9 simplified approach to measuring expected credit losses which uses a lifetime expected loss allowance. To measure the expected credit losses, trade receivables have been grouped based on shared credit risk characteristics and period past due. The expected loss rates are based on the payment profiles of sales, and the corresponding historical credit losses experienced. The historical loss rates are adjusted to reflect current and forward-looking information on factors affecting the ability of the customers to settle the receivables. See notes 7, 6(a)(3), 2(j).
(5)Considering the likelihood of contingent losses and quantifying possible legal settlements:
Provisions are recorded when a loss is considered probable and can be reasonably estimated. Judgment is necessary in assessing the likelihood that a pending claim or litigation against the Group will succeed, or a liability will arise, quantifying the best estimate of final settlement. These judgments are made by management with the support of internal specialists, or with the support of outside consultants such as legal counsel. Because of the inherent uncertainties in this evaluation process, actual results may be different from these estimates. See notes 2(m), 14 and 20.
F - 41
PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY LTD. |
(An Israeli Corporation) |
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
NOTE 5 – -SEGMENT INFORMATION
New Israeli Shekels | ||||||||||||||||
Year ended December 31, 2021 | ||||||||||||||||
In millions | ||||||||||||||||
Cellular segment | Fixed-line segment | Elimination | Consolidated | |||||||||||||
Segment revenue - Services | 1,687 | 948 | 2,635 | |||||||||||||
Inter-segment revenue - Services | 12 | 118 | (130 | ) | ||||||||||||
Segment revenue - Equipment | 602 | 126 | 728 | |||||||||||||
Total revenues | 2,301 | 1,192 | (130 | ) | 3,363 | |||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||
Segment cost of revenues - Services | 1,204 | 952 | 2,156 | |||||||||||||
Inter-segment cost of revenues- Services | 117 | 13 | (130 | ) | ||||||||||||
Segment cost of revenues - Equipment | 498 | 78 | 576 | |||||||||||||
Cost of revenues | 1,819 | 1,043 | (130 | ) | 2,732 | |||||||||||
Gross profit | 482 | 149 | 631 | |||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||
Operating expenses (1) | 302 | 194 | 496 | |||||||||||||
Other income, net | 17 | 11 | 28 | |||||||||||||
Operating profit (loss) | 197 | (34 | ) | 163 | ||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||
Reconciliation to profit for the year: | ||||||||||||||||
Finance costs, net | (64 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Income tax income | 16 | |||||||||||||||
Profit for the year | 115 | |||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization included in the segment's operating profit | 410 | 334 | 744 | |||||||||||||
New Israeli Shekels | ||||||||||||||||
Year ended December 31, 2020 | ||||||||||||||||
In millions | ||||||||||||||||
Cellular segment | Fixed-line segment | Elimination | Consolidated | |||||||||||||
| Segment revenue - Services | 1,647 | 861 | 2,508 | |||||||||||||
| Inter-segment revenue - Services | 16 | 132 | (148 | ) | ||||||||||||
| Segment revenue - Equipment | 545 | 136 | 681 | |||||||||||||
| Total revenues | 2,208 | 1,129 | (148 | ) | 3,189 | |||||||||||
| Segment cost of revenues - Services | 1,272 | 856 | 2,128 | |||||||||||||
| Inter-segment cost of revenues- Services | 131 | 17 | (148 | ) | ||||||||||||
| Segment cost of revenues - Equipment | 451 | 85 | 536 | |||||||||||||
| Cost of revenues | 1,854 | 958 | (148 | ) | 2,664 | |||||||||||
| Gross profit | 354 | 171 | 525 | |||||||||||||
Operating expenses (3) | 300 | 159 | 459 | |||||||||||||
| Other income, net | 19 | 11 | 30 | |||||||||||||
| Operating profit | 73 | 23 | 96 | |||||||||||||
| Adjustments to presentation of segment | ||||||||||||||||
| Adjusted EBITDA | ||||||||||||||||
| –Depreciation and amortization | 450 | 264 | ||||||||||||||
–Other (1) | 10 | 2 | ||||||||||||||
Segment Adjusted EBITDA (2) | 533 | 289 | ||||||||||||||
(1) | ||||
New Israeli Shekels | ||||||||||||||||
Year ended December 31, 2019 | ||||||||||||||||
In millions | ||||||||||||||||
Cellular segment | Fixed-line segment | Elimination | Consolidated | |||||||||||||
| Segment revenue - Services | 1,783 | 777 | 2,560 | |||||||||||||
| Inter-segment revenue - Services | 15 | 148 | (163 | ) | ||||||||||||
| Segment revenue - Equipment | 571 | 103 | 674 | |||||||||||||
| Total revenues | 2,369 | 1,028 | (163 | ) | 3,234 | |||||||||||
| Segment cost of revenues - Services | 1,367 | 810 | 2,177 | |||||||||||||
| Inter-segment cost of revenues- Services | 147 | 16 | (163 | ) | ||||||||||||
| Segment cost of revenues - Equipment | 464 | 66 | 530 | |||||||||||||
| Cost of revenues | 1,978 | 892 | (163 | ) | 2,707 | |||||||||||
| Gross profit | 391 | 136 | 527 | |||||||||||||
Operating expenses (3) | 334 | 134 | 468 | |||||||||||||
| Other income, net | 20 | 8 | 28 | |||||||||||||
| Operating profit | 77 | 10 | 87 | |||||||||||||
| Adjustments to presentation of segment | ||||||||||||||||
| Adjusted EBITDA | ||||||||||||||||
| –Depreciation and amortization | 542 | 209 | ||||||||||||||
–Other (1) | 16 | (1 | ) | |||||||||||||
Segment Adjusted EBITDA (2) | 635 | 218 | ||||||||||||||
New Israeli Shekels | ||||||||||||||||
Year ended December 31, 2018* | ||||||||||||||||
In millions | ||||||||||||||||
Cellular segment | Fixed-line segment | Elimination | Consolidated | |||||||||||||
| Segment revenue - Services | 1,827 | 697 | 2,524 | |||||||||||||
| Inter-segment revenue - Services | 16 | 155 | (171 | ) | ||||||||||||
| Segment revenue - Equipment | 643 | 92 | 735 | |||||||||||||
| Total revenues | 2,486 | 944 | (171 | ) | 3,259 | |||||||||||
| Segment cost of revenues - Services | 1,435 | 696 | 2,131 | |||||||||||||
| Inter-segment cost of revenues- Services | 154 | 17 | (171 | ) | ||||||||||||
| Segment cost of revenues - Equipment | 509 | 60 | 569 | |||||||||||||
| Cost of revenues | 2,098 | 773 | (171 | ) | 2,700 | |||||||||||
| Gross profit | 388 | 171 | 559 | |||||||||||||
Operating expenses (3) | 343 | 128 | 471 | |||||||||||||
| Other income, net | 23 | 5 | 28 | |||||||||||||
| Operating profit | 68 | 48 | 116 | |||||||||||||
| Adjustments to presentation of segment | ||||||||||||||||
| Adjusted EBITDA | ||||||||||||||||
| –Depreciation and amortization | 442 | 150 | ||||||||||||||
–Other (1) | 14 | |||||||||||||||
Segment Adjusted EBITDA (2) | 524 | 198 | ||||||||||||||
Operating expenses include selling and marketing expenses, general and administrative expenses and credit losses. |
F - 45
PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY LTD. |
(An Israeli Corporation) |
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
NOTE 5 -SEGMENT INFORMATION (continued)
New Israeli Shekels | ||||||||||||||||
Year ended December 31, 2020 | ||||||||||||||||
In millions | ||||||||||||||||
Cellular segment | Fixed-line segment | Elimination | Consolidated | |||||||||||||
Segment revenue - Services | 1,647 | 861 | 2,508 | |||||||||||||
Inter-segment revenue - Services | 16 | 132 | (148 | ) | ||||||||||||
Segment revenue - Equipment | 545 | 136 | 681 | |||||||||||||
Total revenues | 2,208 | 1,129 | (148 | ) | 3,189 | |||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||
Segment cost of revenues - Services | 1,272 | 856 | 2,128 | |||||||||||||
Inter-segment cost of revenues- Services | 131 | 17 | (148 | ) | ||||||||||||
Segment cost of revenues - Equipment | 451 | 85 | 536 | |||||||||||||
Cost of revenues | 1,854 | 958 | (148 | ) | 2,664 | |||||||||||
Gross profit | 354 | 171 | 525 | |||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||
Operating expenses (1) | 300 | 159 | 459 | |||||||||||||
Other income, net | 19 | 11 | 30 | |||||||||||||
Operating profit | 73 | 23 | 96 | |||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||
Reconciliation to profit for the year: | ||||||||||||||||
Finance costs, net | (69 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Income tax expenses | (10 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Profit for the year | 17 | |||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization included in the segment's operating profit | 450 | 264 | 714 | |||||||||||||
(1) | Operating expenses include selling and marketing expenses, general and administrative expenses and credit losses. |
F - 41
PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY LTD. |
(An Israeli Corporation) |
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
NOTE 5 -SEGMENT INFORMATION (continued)
New Israeli Shekels | ||||||||||||||||
Year ended December 31, 2019 | ||||||||||||||||
In millions | ||||||||||||||||
Cellular segment | Fixed-line segment | Elimination | Consolidated | |||||||||||||
Segment revenue - Services | 1,783 | 777 | 2,560 | |||||||||||||
Inter-segment revenue - Services | 15 | 148 | (163 | ) | ||||||||||||
Segment revenue - Equipment | 571 | 103 | 674 | |||||||||||||
Total revenues | 2,369 | 1,028 | (163 | ) | 3,234 | |||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||
Segment cost of revenues - Services | 1,367 | 810 | 2,177 | |||||||||||||
Inter-segment cost of revenues- Services | 147 | 16 | (163 | ) | ||||||||||||
Segment cost of revenues - Equipment | 464 | 66 | 530 | |||||||||||||
Cost of revenues | 1,978 | 892 | (163 | ) | 2,707 | |||||||||||
Gross profit | 391 | 136 | 527 | |||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||
Operating expenses (1) | 334 | 134 | 468 | |||||||||||||
Other income, net | 20 | 8 | 28 | |||||||||||||
Operating profit | 77 | 10 | 87 | |||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||
Reconciliation to profit for the year: | ||||||||||||||||
Finance costs, net | (68 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Income tax expense | 0* | |||||||||||||||
Profit for the year | 19 | |||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization included in the segment's operating profit | 542 | 209 | 751 | |||||||||||||
* | Representing an amount of less than NIS 1 million. |
(1) | Operating expenses include selling and marketing expenses, general and administrative expenses and credit losses. |
F - 42
PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY LTD. |
(An Israeli Corporation) |
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
NOTE 6 – -FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT
a.Financial risk factors
The Group is exposed to a variety of financial risks: credit, liquidity and market risks as part of its normal course of business. The Group's risk management objective is to monitor risks and minimize the possible influence that results from this exposure, according to its evaluations and expectations of the parameters that affect the risks. The Group did not enter into hedging transactions in 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2020.
2021.
1.Risk Management
Risk management is carried out by the financial division under policies and/or directions resolved and approved by the audit and investment committee and the board of directors.
2.Market risks
(a) Description of market risks
Cash flow risk due to interest rate changes and CPI changes
The Group is exposed to fluctuations in the Israeli Consumer Price index (CPI). See with respect to lease obligations, see also note 19.
Foreign exchange risk
The Group's operating profit and cash flows are exposed to currency risk, mainly due to trade receivables and trade payables denominated in USD.
F - 46
PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY LTD. |
(An Israeli Corporation) |
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
NOTE 6 – -FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT
a.Financial risk factors
(continued)2.Market risks
(continued)(a)Description of market risks
(continued)Data regarding the US Dollar and Euro exchange rate and the Israeli CPI:
Exchange | Exchange | |||||||||||
rate of one | rate of one | Israeli | ||||||||||
Dollar | Euro | CPI* | ||||||||||
At December 31: | ||||||||||||
2021 | NIS 3.110 | NIS 3.520 | 229.37 points | |||||||||
2020 | NIS 3.215 | NIS 3.944 | 223.11 points | |||||||||
2019 | NIS 3.456 | NIS 3.878 | 224.67 points | |||||||||
Increase (decrease) during the year: | ||||||||||||
2021 | (3.3)% | (10.8)% | 2.8% | |||||||||
2020 | (7.0)% | 1.7% | (0.7)% | |||||||||
2019 | (7.8)% | (9.6)% | 0.6% | |||||||||
| Exchange | Exchange | |||||||||||
| rate of one | rate of one | Israeli | ||||||||||
Dollar | Euro | CPI* | ||||||||||
| At December 31: | ||||||||||||
| 2020 | NIS 3.215 | NIS 3.944 | 223.11 points | |||||||||
| 2019 | NIS 3.456 | NIS 3.878 | 224.67 points | |||||||||
| 2018 | NIS 3.748 | NIS 4.292 | 223.33 points | |||||||||
| Increase (decrease) during the year: | ||||||||||||
| 2020 | (7.0 | )% | 1.7 | % | (0.7 | )% | ||||||
| 2019 | (7.8 | )% | (9.6 | )% | 0.6 | % | ||||||
| 2018 | 8.1 | % | 3.3 | % | 0.8 | % | ||||||
* Index for each reporting period's last month, on the basis of 1993 average = 100 points.
Sensitivity analysis:
An increase (decrease) of 2% in the CPI as at December 31, 2019,2020, and 20202021 would have decreased (increased) equity and profit by NIS 2 million, for each of the years ended December 31, 20192020 and 2020,2021, assuming all other variables remain constant.
An increase (decrease) of 5% in the USD exchange rate as at December 31, 20192020 and 20202021 would have decreased (increased) equity and profit by NIS 5 million and NIS 3 million, for each of the years ended December 31, 20192020 and 2020 respectively,2021, assuming that all other variables remain constant.
F - 47
PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY LTD. |
(An Israeli Corporation) |
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
NOTE 6 – -FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT
a.Financial risk factors
(continued)2.Market risks
(continued)(b)Analysis of linkage terms of financial instruments balances
December 31, 2021 | ||||||||||||||||||||
In or linked to USD | In or linked to other foreign currencies (mainly EURO) | NIS unlinked | Linked to the CPI | Total | ||||||||||||||||
New Israeli Shekels in millions | ||||||||||||||||||||
Current assets | ||||||||||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | 2 | 3 | 303 | 308 | ||||||||||||||||
Short term deposits | 14 | 330 | 344 | |||||||||||||||||
Trade receivables** | 35 | 3 | 533 | 571 | ||||||||||||||||
Other receivables | 46 | 46 | ||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||
Non- current assets | ||||||||||||||||||||
Long term deposits | 280 | 280 | ||||||||||||||||||
Trade receivables | 245 | 245 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total assets | 51 | 6 | 1,737 | 0- | 1,794 | |||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||
Current liabilities | ||||||||||||||||||||
Current maturities of notes payable and borrowings | 268 | 268 | ||||||||||||||||||
Trade payables** | 127 | 13 | 565 | 705 | ||||||||||||||||
Other payables | 133 | 133 | ||||||||||||||||||
Current maturities of lease liabilities | 0* | 125 | 125 | |||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||
Non- current liabilities | ||||||||||||||||||||
Notes payable | 1,224 | 1,224 | ||||||||||||||||||
Borrowings from banks | 184 | 184 | ||||||||||||||||||
Lease liabilities | 2 | 593 | 595 | |||||||||||||||||
Total liabilities | 129 | 13 | 2,374 | 718 | 3,234 | |||||||||||||||
December 31, 2020 | ||||||||||||||||||||
In or linked to USD | In or linked to other foreign currencies (mainly EURO) | NIS unlinked | Linked to the CPI | Total | ||||||||||||||||
New Israeli Shekels in millions | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Current assets | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | 2 | 4 | 370 | 376 | ||||||||||||||||
| Short term deposits | 411 | 411 | ||||||||||||||||||
Trade receivables* | 29 | 7 | 524 | 560 | ||||||||||||||||
| Other receivables | 7 | 7 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Non- current assets | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Long term deposits | 155 | 155 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Trade receivables | 232 | 232 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Total assets | 31 | 11 | 1,699 | - | 1,741 | |||||||||||||||
| Current liabilities | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Current maturities of notes payable and | ||||||||||||||||||||
| borrowings | 290 | 290 | ||||||||||||||||||
Trade payables* | 92 | 11 | 534 | 29 | 666 | |||||||||||||||
| Payables in respect of employees | 52 | 52 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Other payables | 18 | 18 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Lease liabilities | 1 | 119 | 120 | |||||||||||||||||
| Non- current liabilities | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Notes payable | 1,219 | 1,219 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Borrowings from banks | 86 | 86 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Financial liability at fair value | 4 | 4 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Other non-current liabilities | 30 | 30 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Lease liabilities | 2 | 580 | 582 | |||||||||||||||||
| Total liabilities | 95 | 11 | 2,233 | 728 | 3,067 | |||||||||||||||
* | Representing an amount of less than 1 million |
In or linked to foreign currencies | ||||
New Israeli Shekels in millions | ||||
**Accounts that were set-off under enforceable netting arrangements | ||||
Trade receivables gross amounts | 111 | |||
Set-off | ( | ) | ||
Trade receivables, net | 38 | |||
Trade payables gross amounts | 213 | |||
Set-off | ( | ) | ||
Trade payables, net | 140 | |||
F - 48
PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY LTD. |
(An Israeli Corporation) |
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
NOTE 6 – -FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT
a.Financial risk factors
(continued)2.Market risks
(continued)(b)Analysis of linkage terms of financial instruments balances
(continued)December 31, 2020 | ||||||||||||||||||||
In or linked to USD | In or linked to other foreign currencies (mainly EURO) | NIS unlinked | Linked to the CPI | Total | ||||||||||||||||
New Israeli Shekels in millions | ||||||||||||||||||||
Current assets | ||||||||||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | 2 | 4 | 370 | 376 | ||||||||||||||||
Short term deposits | 411 | 411 | ||||||||||||||||||
Trade receivables* | 29 | 7 | 524 | 560 | ||||||||||||||||
Other receivables | 7 | 7 | ||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||
Non- current assets | ||||||||||||||||||||
Long term deposits | 155 | 155 | ||||||||||||||||||
Trade receivables | 232 | 232 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total assets | 31 | 11 | 1,699 | 0- | 1,741 | |||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||
Current liabilities | ||||||||||||||||||||
Current maturities of notes payable and borrowings | 290 | 290 | ||||||||||||||||||
Trade payables* | 92 | 11 | 534 | 29 | 666 | |||||||||||||||
Other payables | 70 | 70 | ||||||||||||||||||
Current maturities of lease liabilities | 1 | 119 | 120 | |||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||
Non- current liabilities | ||||||||||||||||||||
Notes payable | 1,219 | 1,219 | ||||||||||||||||||
Borrowings from banks | 86 | 86 | ||||||||||||||||||
Financial liability at fair value | 4 | 4 | ||||||||||||||||||
Other non-current liabilities | 30 | 30 | ||||||||||||||||||
Lease liabilities | 2 | 580 | 582 | |||||||||||||||||
Total liabilities | 95 | 11 | 2,233 | 728 | 3,067 | |||||||||||||||
December 31, 2019 | ||||||||||||||||||||
In or linked to USD | In or linked to other foreign currencies (mainly EURO) | NIS unlinked | Linked to the CPI | Total | ||||||||||||||||
New Israeli Shekels in millions | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Current assets | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | 35 | 264 | 299 | |||||||||||||||||
| Short term deposits | 552 | 552 | ||||||||||||||||||
Trade receivables* | 45 | 12 | 567 | 624 | ||||||||||||||||
| Other receivables | 15 | 15 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Non- current assets | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Trade receivables | 250 | 250 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Total assets | 80 | 12 | 1,648 | - | 1,740 | |||||||||||||||
| Current liabilities | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Current maturities of notes payable and | ||||||||||||||||||||
| borrowings | 366 | 366 | ||||||||||||||||||
Trade payables* | 194 | 12 | 493 | 17 | 716 | |||||||||||||||
| Payables in respect of employees | 79 | 79 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Other payables | 12 | 12 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Lease liabilities | 1 | 130 | 131 | |||||||||||||||||
| Non- current liabilities | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Notes payable | 1,276 | 1,276 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Borrowings from banks | 138 | 138 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Financial liability at fair value | 28 | 28 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Lease liabilities | 3 | 483 | 486 | |||||||||||||||||
| Total liabilities | 198 | 12 | 2,392 | 630 | 3,232 | |||||||||||||||
In or linked to foreign currencies | ||||
New Israeli Shekels in millions | ||||
*Accounts that were set-off under enforceable netting arrangements | ||||
Trade receivables gross amounts | 104 | |||
Set-off | ( | ) | ||
Trade receivables, net | 36 | |||
Trade payables gross amounts | 171 | |||
Set-off | ( | ) | ||
Trade payables, net | 103 | |||
F - 49
PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY LTD. |
(An Israeli Corporation) |
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
NOTE 6 – -FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT
a.Financial risk factors
(continued)2.Market risks
(continued)(c) Details regarding financial liability at fair value
As of December 31, 2021 there are no notional amounts of financial liability at fair value (see note 15(6)) with respect to Notes series G option warrants as at December 31, 2020 is NIS 27 million. The fair value was estimated assuming the options will be exercised on the last day possible.option. The following table describes the changes in the liability during 20192020 and 2020:
New Israeli Shekels in millions | ||||
Balance as at January 1, | 28 | |||
Finance costs | 3 | |||
Exercise | (27 | ) | ||
Balance as at December 31, 2020 | 4 | |||
Finance costs | 0* | |||
Exercise | (4 | ) | ||
Balance as at December 31, 2021 | 0- | |||
* | Representing an amount of less than NIS 1 million. |
3.Credit risk
Credit risk is the risk of financial loss to the Group if a customer or counterparty to a financial instrument fails to meet its contractual obligations, and arises principally from the Group's trade receivables, from cash and cash equivalents, short-term and long-term deposits and other receivables. Management has a credit policy in place and the exposure to credit risk is monitored on an ongoing basis. The Group conducts credit evaluations on receivables of certain types over a certain amount, and requires collaterals against them. The impairment requirements are based on an expected credit loss model. Accordingly, the financial statements include appropriate allowances for expected credit losses. See also note 2(j)(2).
The face amount of financial assets represents the maximum credit exposure, see note 6(c).
The cash and cash equivalents and short-term and long-term deposits are held in leading Israeli commercial banks, rated by Standard & Poor's Maalot at ilAAA/stable.
Deposits at December 31, 20202021 are deposited with remaining maturity of 13 to 18 months and bear annual unlinked fixed interest of between 0.4%0.25% and 0.6%0.52%.
The trade receivables are significantly widespread, and include individuals and businesses, and therefore have no representing credit rating.
See also note 7 as to the assessment by aging of the trade receivables and related allowance for credit losses.
F - 50
PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY LTD. |
(An Israeli Corporation) |
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
NOTE 6 – -FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT
a.Financial risk factors
(continued)4.Liquidity risk
Liquidity risk is the risk that the Group will not be able to meet its financial obligations as they fall due. The Group's approach to managing liquidity is to ensure, as far as possible, that it will always have sufficient liquidity to meet its liabilities when due, without incurring unacceptable losses or risking damage to the Group's reputation. The Group's policy is to ensure that it has sufficient cash and cash equivalents to meet expected operational expenses and financial obligations.
Maturities (undiscounted) of financial liabilities as of December 31, 2020:2021:
2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 to 2026 | 2027 and thereafter | Total | |||||||||||||||||||
New Israeli Shekels in millions | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Principal payments of long term indebtedness: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Notes payable series F | 128 | 128 | 128 | 384 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Notes payable series G | 85 | 85 | 85 | 255 | 341 | 851 | ||||||||||||||||||
Notes payable series H | 60 | 138 | 198 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Borrowing P | 29 | 29 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Borrowing Q | 23 | 23 | 11 | 57 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Borrowing R | 45 | 105 | 150 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Expected interest payments of long term borrowings and notes payables | 49 | 44 | 37 | 57 | 30 | 217 | ||||||||||||||||||
Lease liabilities | 139 | 120 | 96 | 151 | 278 | 784 | ||||||||||||||||||
Trade and other payables | 819 | 819 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Total | 1,272 | 400 | 357 | 568 | 892 | 3,489 | ||||||||||||||||||
2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 to 2025 | 2026 and thereafter | Total | |||||||||||||||||||
New Israeli Shekels in millions | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Principal payments of long term indebtedness: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Notes payable series D | 109 | 109 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Notes payable series F | 128 | 128 | 128 | 128 | 512 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Notes payable series G | 82 | 82 | 165 | 495 | 824 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Borrowing P | 30 | 29 | 59 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Borrowing Q | 23 | 23 | 23 | 10 | 79 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Expected interest payments of | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| long term borrowings and notes | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| payables | 47 | 41 | 35 | 51 | 33 | 207 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Lease liabilities | 135 | 111 | 95 | 149 | 296 | 786 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Trade and other payables | 719 | 719 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 1,191 | 414 | 363 | 503 | 824 | 3,295 | ||||||||||||||||||
See note 15 in respect of borrowings and notes payable.
b.Capital risk management
Credit rating: According to Standard & Poor's Maalot ("S&P Maalot") credit rating, of August 10, 2020, S&P Maalot reaffirmed11, 2021, the Company's ilA+/Stable credit rating and updated the Company's rating outlook from “Negative” to “Stable”.
was unchanged.
See note 15(7) regarding financial covenants.
F - 51
PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY LTD. |
(An Israeli Corporation) |
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
NOTE 6 – -FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT
c.Fair values of financial instruments
As detailed in note 2(j) the financial instruments are categorized as following:
Fair Value through Profit or Loss (FVTPL); Amortized Cost (AC). See also note 15 in respect of borrowings and notes payable and note 7 with respect to trade receivables.
The financial instrument that is categorized as FVTPL is a financial liability at fair value. Its fair value is calculated by discounting estimated future cash flows based on the terms and maturity of each contract and using forward rates for a similar instrument at the measurement date. All significant inputs in this technique are observable market data and rely as little as possible on entity specific estimates, see also note 6(a)(2)(c).
There were no transfers between fair value levels during the year.
Carrying amounts and fair values of financial assets and liabilities, and their categories:
December 31, 2020 | December 31, 2021 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Category | Carrying amount | Fair value | Interest rate used (**) | Carrying amount | Fair value | Interest rate used (**) | ||||||||||||||||||||
New Israeli Shekels in millions | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Assets | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | AC | 376 | 376 | 308 | 308 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Short term deposits | AC | 411 | 411 | 344 | 344 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Long term deposits (***) | 155 | 155 | 0.46 | % | 280 | 280 | 0.49 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
Trade receivables | AC | 792 | 794 | 3.60 | % | 816 | 818 | 3.13 | % | |||||||||||||||||
Other receivables (*) | AC | 7 | 7 | 48 | 48 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Other non-current assets (*) | 10 | 10 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Liabilities | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Notes payable series D | AC | 109 | 110 | Market quote | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Notes payable series F | AC | 512 | 524 | Market quote | 384 | 392 | Market quote | |||||||||||||||||||
Notes payable series G | AC | 824 | 939 | Market quote | 851 | 952 | Market quote | |||||||||||||||||||
Notes payable series H | AC | 198 | 199 | Market quote | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Financial liability at fair value | FVTPL Level 3 | 4 | 4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Other non-current liabilities (*) | AC | 30 | 30 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Trade and other payables (*) | AC | 719 | 719 | 819 | 819 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Borrowing P | AC | 59 | 60 | 0.84 | % | 29 | 30 | 0.41 | % | |||||||||||||||||
Borrowing Q | AC | 79 | 82 | 0.93 | % | 57 | 58 | 0.65 | % | |||||||||||||||||
Borrowing R | AC | 150 | 150 | 2.55 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
Lease liabilities | AC | 702 | 702 | 2.04 | % | 720 | 709 | 2.07 | % | |||||||||||||||||
December 31, 2019 | December 31, 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Category | Carrying amount | Fair value | Interest rate used (**) | Carrying amount | Fair value | Interest rate used (**) | ||||||||||||||||||||
New Israeli Shekels in millions | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Assets | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | AC | 299 | 299 | 376 | 376 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Short term deposits | AC | 552 | 552 | 411 | 411 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Long term deposits (***) | 155 | 155 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Trade receivables | AC | 874 | 876 | 4.00 | % | 792 | 794 | 3.60 | % | |||||||||||||||||
| Other receivables (*) | AC | 16 | 16 | 7 | 7 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Liabilities | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Notes payable series D | AC | 218 | 219 | Market quote | 109 | 110 | Market quote | |||||||||||||||||||
| Notes payable series F | AC | 1,021 | 1,040 | Market quote | 512 | 524 | Market quote | |||||||||||||||||||
| Notes payable series G | AC | 350 | 383 | Market quote | 824 | 939 | Market quote | |||||||||||||||||||
| Financial liability at fair value | FVTPL | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| | Level 3 | 28 | 28 | 4 | 4 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Other non-current liabilities (*) | AC | 30 | 30 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Trade and other payables (*) | AC | 800 | 800 | 719 | 719 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Borrowing P | AC | 89 | 90 | 1.42 | % | 59 | 60 | 0.84 | % | |||||||||||||||||
| Borrowing Q | AC | 102 | 105 | 1.42 | % | 79 | 82 | 0.93 | % | |||||||||||||||||
| Lease liabilities | AC | 617 | 623 | 2.12 | % | 702 | 702 | 2.04 | % | |||||||||||||||||
(*) | The fair value of these financial instruments equals their carrying amounts, as the impact of discounting is not significant. |
(**) | The fair values of the notes payable quoted market prices at the end of the reporting period are within level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. The fair values of other instruments under AC categories were calculated based on observable weighted average of interest rates derived from quoted market prices of the Group's notes payable and bank quotes of rates of similar terms and nature, are within level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. |
(***) | At December 31, |
F - 52
PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY LTD. |
(An Israeli Corporation) |
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
NOTE 7 – -TRADE RECEIVABLES
(a) Composition:
New Israeli Shekels | ||||||||
December 31, | ||||||||
2020 | 2021 | |||||||
In millions | ||||||||
Trade (current and non-current) | 963 | 965 | ||||||
Deferred interest income (note 2(n)) | (23 | ) | (21 | ) | ||||
Allowance for credit loss | (148 | ) | (128 | ) | ||||
792 | 816 | |||||||
Current | 560 | 571 | ||||||
Non – current | 232 | 245 | ||||||
New Israeli Shekels | ||||||||
December 31, | ||||||||
2019 | 2020 | |||||||
In millions | ||||||||
| Trade (current and non-current) | 1,061 | 963 | ||||||
| Deferred interest income (note 2(n)) | (25 | ) | (23 | ) | ||||
| Allowance for credit loss | (162 | ) | (148 | ) | ||||
874 | 792 | |||||||
| Current | 624 | 560 | ||||||
| Non – current | 250 | 232 | ||||||
Non-current trade receivables bear no interest. These balances are in respect of equipment sold in installments (13-36 monthly payments (mainly 36)). The amount is computed on the basis of the interest rate relevant at the date of the transaction (2019: 4.00% - 4.66%) (2020: 2.97% - 5.07%) (2021: 2.68% - 3.85%).
See also note 2(j).
(b) Impairment of financial assets:
The changes in the allowance for credit losses for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 20202021 are as follows:
New Israeli Shekels | ||||||||||||
Year ended | ||||||||||||
2019 | 2020 | 2021 | ||||||||||
In millions | ||||||||||||
Balance at beginning of year | 188 | 162 | 148 | |||||||||
Receivables written-off during the year as uncollectible | (44 | ) | (37 | ) | (29 | ) | ||||||
Credit losses | 18 | 23 | 9 | |||||||||
Balance at end of year | 162 | 148 | 128 | |||||||||
New Israeli Shekels | ||||||||||||
Year ended | ||||||||||||
2018 | 2019 | 2020 | ||||||||||
In millions | ||||||||||||
| Balance at beginning of year | 193 | 188 | 162 | |||||||||
| Receivables written-off during the year as | ||||||||||||
| uncollectible | (35 | ) | (44 | ) | (37 | ) | ||||||
| Charge or expense during the year* | 30 | 18 | 23 | |||||||||
| Balance at end of year | 188 | 162 | 148 | |||||||||
See note 6(a)(3) regarding trade receivables credit risk.
The estimate for expected credit losses from customers was considered using forward-looking information (including macro-economic information). Forward-looking information included additional downside scenarios related to the spread of COVID-19: considering increased risk of credit to customers in certain industries most harmed by the slowdown. A general increased provision was recorded in respect of the population as a whole, and a second provision was recorded in the amount of the expected loss based on an average of the impact of the different scenarios assumed. As a result the company increased its provision for expected credit losses in an immaterial amount.
F - 53
PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY LTD. |
(An Israeli Corporation) |
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
NOTE 7 – -TRADE RECEIVABLES
(b) Impairment of financial assets (continued)
The aging of gross trade receivables and their respective allowance for credit losses as at December 31, 20192020 and 20202021 were as follows:
New Israeli Shekels | New Israeli Shekels | |||||||||||||||||||||||
December 31, 2020 | December 31, 2021 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
In millions | In millions | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Average expected loss rate | Gross | Allowance | Average expected loss rate | Gross | Allowance | |||||||||||||||||||
Not passed due | 5 | % | 831 | 45 | 5 | % | 861 | 46 | ||||||||||||||||
Less than one year | 59 | % | 60 | 36 | 62 | % | 53 | 33 | ||||||||||||||||
More than one year | 94 | % | 72 | 67 | 96 | % | 51 | 49 | ||||||||||||||||
963 | 148 | 965 | 128 | |||||||||||||||||||||
New Israeli Shekels | New Israeli Shekels | |||||||||||||||||||||||
December 31, 2019 | December 31, 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
In millions | In millions | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Average expected loss rate | Gross | Allowance | Average expected loss rate | Gross | Allowance | |||||||||||||||||||
| Not passed due | 2 | % | 860 | 20 | 5 | % | 831 | 45 | ||||||||||||||||
| Less than one year | 54 | % | 107 | 58 | 59 | % | 60 | 36 | ||||||||||||||||
| More than one year | 89 | % | 94 | 84 | 94 | % | 72 | 67 | ||||||||||||||||
1,061 | 162 | 963 | 148 | |||||||||||||||||||||
NOTE 8 – -INVENTORY
New Israeli Shekels | ||||||||
December 31, | ||||||||
2020 | 2021 | |||||||
In millions | ||||||||
Handsets and devices | 36 | 36 | ||||||
Accessories and other | 9 | 13 | ||||||
Spare parts | 20 | 22 | ||||||
ISP modems, routers, servers and related equipment | 12 | 16 | ||||||
77 | 87 | |||||||
| ||||||||
Write-downs recorded | 7 | 5 | ||||||
Cost of inventory recognized as expenses and included in cost of revenues for the year ended | 544 | 581 | ||||||
Cost of inventory used as fixed assets | 8 | 33 | ||||||
New Israeli Shekels | ||||||||
December 31, | ||||||||
2019 | 2020 | |||||||
In millions | ||||||||
| Handsets and devices | 73 | 36 | ||||||
| Accessories and other | 10 | 9 | ||||||
| Spare parts | 26 | 20 | ||||||
| ISP modems, routers, servers and related equipment | 15 | 12 | ||||||
124 | 77 | |||||||
| Write-downs recorded | 6 | 7 | ||||||
| Cost of inventory recognized as expenses and included in cost of revenues for the year ended | 539 | 544 | ||||||
| Cost of inventory used as fixed assets | 24 | 8 | ||||||
F - 54
PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY LTD. |
(An Israeli Corporation) |
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
NOTE 9 – -INVESTMENT IN PHI
Network sharing agreement and right of use
On November 8, 2013 the Company and Hot Mobile Ltd. ("Hot Mobile") (together: "the Parties") entered into a 15-year network sharing agreement (“NSA”), which was approved by the Antitrust Commissioner, , subject to certain conditions, and by the Ministry of Communications. Pursuant to the NSA, the Parties created a 50-50 limited partnership - P.H.I. Networks (2015) Limited Partnership (hereinafter "PHI"), which operates and develops a radio access network shared by the Parties, starting with a pooling of the Parties radio access network infrastructures creating a single shared pooled radio access network (the "Shared Network"). The Parties also established a 50-50 company limited by shares under the name Net 4 P.H.I Ltd., to be the general partner of the limited partnership.
In February 2016, HOT Mobile exercised its option under the NSA to advance the payment date of a onetime amount of NIS 250 million ("Lump Sum"), which was received by the Group in 2016. Therefore in accordance the NSA from April 2016 onward (i) each party bears half of the expenditures relating to the Shared Network, and (ii) the bearing of the operating costs of the Shared Network is according to a pre-determined mechanism, according to which one half of the operating costs is shared equally by the Parties, and one half is divided between the Parties according to the relative volume of traffic consumption of each party in the Shared Network (the "Capex-Opex Mechanism"). The Lump Sum is treated by the Group as payments for rights of use of the Group's network and therefore recognized as deferred revenue which is amortized to revenues in the income statement over a period of eight years, which is determined to be the shorter of the expected period of the arrangement or the expected life of the related assets, see note 22(a).
The NSA term will be automatically extended for consecutive terms of five years each, unless either party provided the other party with prior notice of at least two years prior to the commencement of the respective extended term. At any time after the eighth anniversary of the NSA's effective date (i.e. following April 2023), either party may provide the other party with two years termination notice, and terminate the NSA, without cause, effective as of the end of the said two-year period. On the expiry of the NSA, other than following a material breach, the Parties shall divide the network between themselves according to a mechanism provided by the NSA, based on the Parties then-respective interests in PHI, with priority that each party shall first receive its own assets.
The Company provided a guarantee to PHI's debt in an amount of NIS 50 million.
See also note 2(c)(2).
F - 55
PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY LTD. |
(An Israeli Corporation) |
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
New Israeli Shekels in millions | ||||||||||||
January 1, 2019 | ||||||||||||
Company's share (50%) in PHI's accounts** | Intercompany elimination | Total | ||||||||||
| CURRENT ASSETS | ||||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | * | * | ||||||||||
| Current assets | 69 | (62 | ) | 7 | ||||||||
| NON CURRENT ASSETS | ||||||||||||
| Property and equipment and intangible assets | 142 | 142 | ||||||||||
| Lease – right of use | 355 | 355 | ||||||||||
| CURRENT LIABILITIES | ||||||||||||
| Current borrowings from banks | 13 | 13 | ||||||||||
| Trade payables and other current liabilities | 55 | 55 | ||||||||||
| Lease liabilities | 65 | 65 | ||||||||||
| NON CURRENT LIABILITIES | ||||||||||||
| Lease liabilities | 290 | 290 | ||||||||||
| Deferred revenues | 142 | (142 | ) | - | ||||||||
| EQUITY | 1 | (1 | ) | - | ||||||||
NOTE 10 – -PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
Communication network | Computers and information systems | Optic fibers and related assets | Subscribers equipment and installations | Property, leasehold improvements, furniture and equipment | Total | |||||||||||||||||||
New Israeli Shekels in millions | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cost | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at January 1, 2019 | 1,619 | 148 | 715 | 280 | 123 | 2,885 | ||||||||||||||||||
Share in PHI P&E included as of Jan 1, 2019 | 171 | 2 | 173 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Additions in 2019 | 91 | 3 | 146 | 172 | 6 | 418 | ||||||||||||||||||
Disposals in 2019 | 193 | 12 | 1 | 8 | 7 | 221 | ||||||||||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2019 | 1,688 | 141 | 860 | 444 | 122 | 3,255 | ||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Additions in 2020 | 83 | 7 | 168 | 138 | 5 | 401 | ||||||||||||||||||
Disposals in 2020 | 418 | 72 | 9 | 30 | 27 | 556 | ||||||||||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2020 | 1,353 | 76 | 1,019 | 552 | 100 | 3,100 | ||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Additions in 2021 | 79 | 26 | 259 | 151 | 11 | 526 | ||||||||||||||||||
Disposals in 2021 | 285 | 17 | 38 | 19 | 359 | |||||||||||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2021 | 1,147 | 85 | 1,278 | 665 | 92 | 3,267 | ||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Accumulated depreciation | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at January 1, 2019 | 1,116 | 104 | 281 | 94 | 79 | 1,674 | ||||||||||||||||||
Share in PHI P&E included as of Jan 1, 2019 | 33 | 1 | 34 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Depreciation in 2019 | 170 | 13 | 45 | 99 | 9 | 336 | ||||||||||||||||||
Disposals in 2019 | 192 | 11 | 1 | 8 | 7 | 219 | ||||||||||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2019 | 1,127 | 107 | 325 | 185 | 81 | 1,825 | ||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Depreciation in 2020 | 147 | 11 | 55 | 117 | 8 | 338 | ||||||||||||||||||
Disposals in 2020 | 421 | 71 | 10 | 28 | 28 | 558 | ||||||||||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2020 | 853 | 47 | 370 | 274 | 61 | 1,605 | ||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Depreciation in 2021 | 129 | 12 | 75 | 151 | 9 | 376 | ||||||||||||||||||
Disposals in 2021 | 285 | 17 | 37 | 19 | 358 | |||||||||||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2021 | 697 | 42 | 445 | 388 | 51 | 1,623 | ||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Carrying amounts, net | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||
At December 31, 2019 | 561 | 34 | 535 | 259 | 41 | 1,430 | ||||||||||||||||||
At December 31, 2020 | 500 | 29 | 649 | 278 | 39 | 1,495 | ||||||||||||||||||
At December 31, 2021 | 450 | 43 | 833 | 277 | 41 | 1,644 | ||||||||||||||||||
Communication network | Computers and information systems | Optic fibers and related assets | Subscribers equipment and installations | Property, leasehold improvements, furniture and equipment | Total | |||||||||||||||||||
New Israeli Shekels in millions | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cost | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at January 1, 2018 | 1,893 | 154 | 604 | 138 | 137 | 2,926 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Additions in 2018 | 48 | 11 | 122 | 146 | 10 | 337 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Disposals in 2018 | 322 | 17 | 11 | 4 | 24 | 378 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at December 31, 2018 | 1,619 | 148 | 715 | 280 | 123 | 2,885 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Share in PHI P&E included as of Jan 1, 2019 | 171 | 2 | 173 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Additions in 2019 | 91 | 3 | 146 | 172 | 6 | 418 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Disposals in 2019 | 193 | 12 | 1 | 8 | 7 | 221 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at December 31, 2019 | 1,688 | 141 | 860 | 444 | 122 | 3,255 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Additions in 2020 | 83 | 7 | 168 | 138 | 5 | 401 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Disposals in 2020 | 418 | 72 | 9 | 30 | 27 | 556 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at December 31, 2020 | 1,353 | 76 | 1,019 | 552 | 100 | 3,100 | ||||||||||||||||||
Accumulated depreciation | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at January 1, 2018 | 1,263 | 108 | 253 | 31 | 91 | 1,746 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Depreciation in 2018 | 174 | 13 | 39 | 66 | 12 | 304 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Disposals in 2018 | 321 | 17 | 11 | 3 | 24 | 376 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at December 31, 2018 | 1,116 | 104 | 281 | 94 | 79 | 1,674 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Share in PHI P&E included as of Jan 1, 2019 | 33 | 1 | 34 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Depreciation in 2019 | 170 | 13 | 45 | 99 | 9 | 336 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Disposals in 2019 | 192 | 11 | 1 | 8 | 7 | 219 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at December 31, 2019 | 1,127 | 107 | 325 | 185 | 81 | 1,825 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Depreciation in 2020 | 147 | 11 | 55 | 117 | 8 | 338 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Disposals in 2020 | 421 | 71 | 10 | 28 | 28 | 558 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at December 31, 2020 | 853 | 47 | 370 | 274 | 61 | 1,605 | ||||||||||||||||||
Carrying amounts, net | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| At December 31, 2018 | 503 | 44 | 434 | 186 | 44 | 1,211 | ||||||||||||||||||
| At December 31, 2019 | 561 | 34 | 535 | 259 | 41 | 1,430 | ||||||||||||||||||
| At December 31, 2020 | 500 | 29 | 649 | 278 | 39 | 1,495 | ||||||||||||||||||
For depreciation and amortization presentation in the statement of income see note 22.
New Israeli Shekels in millions | ||||||||||||
Year ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
2019 | 2020 | 2021 | ||||||||||
Cost additions include capitalization of salary and employee related expenses | 39 | 41 | 50 | |||||||||
New Israeli Shekels | ||||||||||||
Year ended December 31 | ||||||||||||
2018 | 2019 | 2020 | ||||||||||
In millions | ||||||||||||
| Cost additions include capitalization of salary and employee related expenses | 38 | 39 | 41 | |||||||||
F - 57
PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY LTD. |
(An Israeli Corporation) |
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
NOTE 11 – -INTANGIBLE AND OTHER ASSETS
Intangible assets with finite economic useful lives:
Licenses | Costs of obtaining contracts with customers | Customer relationships and other | Computer software(1) | Total | ||||||||||||||||
New Israeli Shekels in millions | ||||||||||||||||||||
Cost | ||||||||||||||||||||
At January 1, 2019 | 2,123 | 175 | 279 | 492 | 3,069 | |||||||||||||||
Share in PHI's accounts included as of Jan 1, 2019 | 5 | 5 | ||||||||||||||||||
Additions in 2019 | 95 | 6 | 59 | 160 | ||||||||||||||||
Disposals in 2019 | 61 | 61 | ||||||||||||||||||
At December 31, 2019 | 2,123 | 270 | 285 | 495 | 3,173 | |||||||||||||||
Additions in 2020 | 30 | 115 | 49 | 194 | ||||||||||||||||
Disposals in 2020 | 137 | 137 | ||||||||||||||||||
At December 31, 2020 | 2,153 | 385 | 285 | 407 | 3,230 | |||||||||||||||
Additions in 2021 | 99 | 55 | 154 | |||||||||||||||||
Disposals in 2021 | 3 | 277 | 82 | 362 | ||||||||||||||||
At December 31, 2021 | 2,150 | 484 | 8 | 380 | 3,022 | |||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||
Accumulated amortization | ||||||||||||||||||||
At January 1, 2019 | 1,852 | 62 | 273 | 265 | 2,452 | |||||||||||||||
Share in PHI's accounts included as of Jan 1, 2019 | 2 | 2 | ||||||||||||||||||
Amortization in 2019 | 73 | 79 | 2 | 87 | 241 | |||||||||||||||
Disposals in 2019 | 60 | 60 | ||||||||||||||||||
At December 31, 2019 | 1,925 | 141 | 275 | 294 | 2,635 | |||||||||||||||
Amortization in 2020 | 27 | 97 | 3 | 84 | 211 | |||||||||||||||
Disposals in 2020 | 137 | 137 | ||||||||||||||||||
At December 31, 2020 | 1,952 | 238 | 278 | 241 | 2,709 | |||||||||||||||
Amortization in 2021 | 18 | 103 | 1 | 81 | 203 | |||||||||||||||
Disposals in 2021 | 3 | 277 | 82 | 362 | ||||||||||||||||
At December 31, 2021 | 1,967 | 341 | 2 | 240 | 2,550 | |||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||
Carrying amounts, net | ||||||||||||||||||||
At December 31, 2019 | 198 | 129 | 10 | 201 | 538 | |||||||||||||||
At December 31, 2020 | 201 | 147 | 7 | 166 | 521 | |||||||||||||||
At December 31, 2021 | 183 | 143 | 6 | 140 | 472 | |||||||||||||||
New Israeli Shekels | ||||||||||||
Year ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
2019 | 2020 | 2021 | ||||||||||
In millions | ||||||||||||
(1) Cost additions include capitalization of salary and employee related expenses | 57 | 44 | 41 | |||||||||
Licenses | Costs of obtaining contracts with customers | Customer relationships and other | Computer software(1) | Total | ||||||||||||||||
New Israeli Shekels in millions | ||||||||||||||||||||
Cost | ||||||||||||||||||||
| At January 1, 2018 | 2,123 | 86 | 276 | 565 | 3,050 | |||||||||||||||
| Additions in 2018 | 91 | 3 | 68 | 162 | ||||||||||||||||
| Disposals in 2018 | 2 | 141 | 143 | |||||||||||||||||
| At December 31, 2018 | 2,123 | 175 | 279 | 492 | 3,069 | |||||||||||||||
| Share in PHI's accounts included as of Jan 1, 2019 | 5 | 5 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Additions in 2019 | 95 | 6 | 59 | 160 | ||||||||||||||||
| Disposals in 2019 | 61 | 61 | ||||||||||||||||||
| At December 31, 2019 | 2,123 | 270 | 285 | 495 | 3,173 | |||||||||||||||
| Additions in 2020 | 30 | 115 | 49 | 194 | ||||||||||||||||
| Disposals in 2020 | 137 | 137 | ||||||||||||||||||
| At December 31, 2020 | 2,153 | 385 | 285 | 407 | 3,230 | |||||||||||||||
Accumulated amortization | ||||||||||||||||||||
| At January 1, 2018 | 1,764 | 15 | 255 | 319 | 2,353 | |||||||||||||||
| Amortization in 2018 | 88 | 49 | 18 | 86 | 241 | |||||||||||||||
| Disposals in 2018 | 2 | 140 | 142 | |||||||||||||||||
| At December 31, 2018 | 1,852 | 62 | 273 | 265 | 2,452 | |||||||||||||||
| Share in PHI's accounts included as of Jan 1, 2019 | 2 | 2 | ||||||||||||||||||
Amortization in 2019(2) | 73 | 79 | 2 | 87 | 241 | |||||||||||||||
| Disposals in 2019 | 60 | 60 | ||||||||||||||||||
| At December 31, 2019 | 1,925 | 141 | 275 | 294 | 2,635 | |||||||||||||||
Amortization in 2020(2) | 27 | 97 | 3 | 84 | 211 | |||||||||||||||
| Disposals in 2020 | 137 | 137 | ||||||||||||||||||
| At December 31, 2020 | 1,952 | 238 | 278 | 241 | 2,709 | |||||||||||||||
Carrying amounts, net | ||||||||||||||||||||
| At December 31, 2018 | 271 | 113 | 6 | 227 | 617 | |||||||||||||||
| At December 31, 2019 | 198 | 129 | 10 | 201 | 538 | |||||||||||||||
| At December 31, 2020 | 201 | 147 | 7 | 166 | 521 | |||||||||||||||
New Israeli Shekels | ||||||||||||
Year ended December 31 | ||||||||||||
2018 | 2019 | 2020 | ||||||||||
In millions | ||||||||||||
| (1) Cost additions include capitalization of salary and employee related expenses | 54 | 57 | 44 | |||||||||
See notes 2(f)(1) and 4(1) with respect to change in accounting estimate:estimate of the useful life of the cellular license was extended to end by February 1, 2032, see notes 2(f)(1) and 4(1).
license. For depreciation and amortization in the statement of income see note 22.
F - 58
PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY LTD. |
(An Israeli Corporation) |
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
NOTE 12 – -DEFERRED EXPENSES – RIGHT OF USE
New Israeli Shekels in millions | ||||
Cost | ||||
Balance at January 1, | 736 | |||
Share in PHI's accounts included as of Jan 1, 2019 | (169 | ) | ||
Additional payments in 2019 | 51 | |||
Balance at December 31, 2019 | 618 | |||
Additional payments in 2020 | 47 | |||
Balance at December 31, 2020 | 665 | |||
Additional payments in 2021 | 56 | |||
Balance at December 31, 2021 | 721 | |||
Accumulated amortization and impairment | ||||
Balance at January 1, | 500 | |||
Share in PHI's accounts included as of Jan 1, 2019 | (38 | ) | ||
Amortization in 2019 | 28 | |||
Balance at December 31, 2019 | 490 | |||
Amortization in 2020 | 31 | |||
Balance at December 31, 2020 | 521 | |||
Amortization in 2021 | 31 | |||
Balance at December 31, | 552 | |||
Carrying amount, net at December 31, 2019 | 128 | |||
Carrying amount, net at December 31, 2020 | 144 | |||
Current | 26 | |||
Non-current | 118 | |||
Carrying amount, net at December 31, 2021 | 169 | |||
Current | 27 | |||
Non-current | 142 | |||
The amortization and impairment charges are charged to cost of revenues in the statement of income.
F - 59
PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY LTD. |
(An Israeli Corporation) |
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
NOTE 13 – -IMPAIRMENT TESTS
(1)Annual goodwill impairment tests in the fixed-line segment
Goodwill in the fixed-line segment is allocated to a single group of CGUs which constitute all the operations of the fixed-line segment, in an amount of NIS 407 million.
For the purpose of the goodwill impairment tests in the fixed-line segment as of December 31, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 20202021 the recoverable amount was assessed by management with the assistance of an external independent expert (BDO Ziv Haft Consulting & Management Ltd.) based on value-in-use calculations. The value-in-use calculations use pre-tax cash flow projections covering a five-year period. Cash flows beyond the five-year period to be generated from continuing use are extrapolated using estimated growth rates. The terminal growth rate represents the long-term average growth rate of the fixed-line communications services business. The key assumptions used are as follows:
As of December 31, | ||||||||||||
2019 | 2020 | 2021 | ||||||||||
Terminal growth rate | 1.0% | 1.0% | 1.0% | |||||||||
After-tax discount rate | 8.0% | 7.5% | 7.0% | |||||||||
Pre-tax discount rate | 9.6% | 9.0% | 8.5% | |||||||||
As of December 31, | ||||||||||||
2018 | 2019 | 2020 | ||||||||||
| Terminal growth rate | 1.0 | % | 1.0 | % | 1.0 | % | ||||||
| After-tax discount rate | 9.5 | % | 8 | % | 7.5 | % | ||||||
| Pre-tax discount rate | 11.5 | % | 9.6 | % | 9.0 | % | ||||||
The impairment tests in the fixed-line segment as of December 31, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 20202021 were based on assessments of financial performance and future strategies in light of current and expected market and economic conditions. Trends in the economic and financial environment, competition and regulatory authorities' decisions, or changes in competitors’ behavior in response to the economic environment may affect the estimate of recoverable amounts. As a result of the impairment tests, the Group determined that no goodwill impairment existed as of December 31, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2020.2021. See also note 4(3) and note 2(h).
(2)Interim impairment tests of non-financial assets in 2020
The economic slowdown in the markets triggered in March 2020 the identification of indicators for impairment of non-financial assets. In particular, the significant fall in the volume of international travel by the Company's customers has caused a significant decrease in revenues from roaming services, which affected the cellular segment. In addition, the temporary closures of shopping malls and changes in general consumer behavior adversely affected the volume of sales of equipment, which affected the cellular and the fixed-line segments.
The Company tested the recoverable amount of the fixed line segment as of March 31, 2020, based on value-in-use calculations. The recoverable amount was assessed by management with the assistance of an external independent expert (BDO Ziv Haft Consulting & Management Ltd.). The value-in-use calculations use pre-tax cash flow projections covering a five-year period. Cash flows beyond the five-year period to be generated from continuing use are extrapolated using estimated growth rates. The terminal growth rate represents the long-term average growth rate of the fixed-line communications services business. The key assumptions used are as follows:
March 31, 2020 | ||||
Terminal growth rate | 1.0% | |||
After-tax discount rate | 8.25% | |||
Pre-tax discount rate | 9.9% | |||
As a result of the impairment test, the Group determined that no impairment existed as of March 31, 2020.
F - 60
PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY LTD. |
(An Israeli Corporation) |
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
NOTE 13 – -IMPAIRMENT TESTS
(2)Interim impairment tests of non-financial assets
(continued)The Company tested as of March 2020 the impairment of the cellular segment assets with the assistance of an external independent expert (BDO Ziv Haft Consulting & Management Ltd.), using a reasonable approximation of its fair value less costs of selling as its recoverable amount, and determined that no impairment was required. No other adverse changes have been identified since March 2020 with
(3)Impairment of certain fixed-line assets in the continuationthird quarter of the crisis and therefore2021
In addition, the Company determined that norecorded, in the third quarter of 2021, a provision for an impairment indicators existedof fixed-line assets in respect of the cellular segment assets as of December 31, 2020.
Legal claims (see note 20) | Equipment warranty | Dismantling and restoring sites obligation | ||||||||||
New Israeli Shekels in millions | ||||||||||||
| Balance as at January 1, 2020 | 42 | 1 | 23 | |||||||||
| Additions during the year | 3 | 3 | * | |||||||||
| Finance costs | * | |||||||||||
| Decrease during the year | (33 | ) | (3 | ) | (2 | ) | ||||||
| Balance as at December 31, 2020 | 12 | 1 | 21 | |||||||||
| Non-current | 21 | |||||||||||
| Current | 12 | 1 | ||||||||||
| Balance as at December 31, 2019 | 42 | 1 | 23 | |||||||||
| Non-current | 23 | |||||||||||
| Current | 42 | 1 | ||||||||||
NOTE 14 -OTHER RECEIVABLES AND LIABILITIES
New Israeli Shekels | ||||||||
December 31, | ||||||||
2020 | 2021 | |||||||
In millions | ||||||||
Other receivables and prepaid expenses - current | ||||||||
Prepaid expenses | 38 | 103 | ||||||
Grant receivable with respect to frequencies tender | 36 | |||||||
Other current receivables | 8 | 13 | ||||||
46 | 152 | |||||||
| ||||||||
Deferred revenues and other | ||||||||
Deferred revenues from Hot mobile – current and non-current | 102 | 70 | ||||||
Deferred revenues – current | 56 | 58 | ||||||
Other – current | 44 | 50 | ||||||
202 | 178 | |||||||
The reduction in deferred revenues was mainly due to revenue recognized. | ||||||||
| ||||||||
| ||||||||
Other payables and provisions - current | ||||||||
Provisions (mainly legal claims) | 13 | 22 | ||||||
Income tax payable and institutions | 39 | 15 | ||||||
Payables in respect of employees | 58 | 99 | ||||||
Interest payable | 17 | 18 | ||||||
Liability for frequencies | 31 | |||||||
| 127 | 185 | ||||||
Liabilities and provisions – non-current | ||||||||
Non-current provisions for dismantling and restoring sites obligation | 21 | 22 | ||||||
Other non-current liabilities | 13 | 13 | ||||||
Liability for frequencies | 30 | |||||||
64 | 35 | |||||||
F - 61
PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY LTD. |
(An Israeli Corporation) |
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
NOTE 15 –BORROWINGS-BORROWINGS AND NOTES PAYABLE
(1)Borrowings and Notes Payable
The Group's long term debt as of December 31, 20202021 consists of borrowings from leading Israeli commercial banks and notes payable. The Group may, at its discretion, execute an early repayment of the borrowings, subject to certain conditions, including that the Group shall reimburse the lender for losses sustained by it as a result of the early repayment. The reimbursement is mainly based on the difference between the interest rate that the Group would otherwise pay and the current market interest rate on the early repayment date.
The notes payable are unsecured, non-convertible and listed for trade on the TASE.
The notes payable have been rated ilA+, on a local scale, by Standard & Poor’s Maalot.
Composition as of December 31, 2020:
Reference to notes | Annual interest rate | |||
Notes payable series F | 15(3) and 15(5) | 2.16% fixed | ||
Notes payable series G | 15(2) and 15(6) | 4% fixed | ||
Notes payable series H | 15(2) | 2.08% fixed | ||
Borrowing P (received in 2017) | 2.38% fixed | |||
Borrowing Q (received in 2017) | 2.5% fixed | |||
Borrowing R (received in 2021) | 15(4) | 2.55% fixed |
See note 6(a)(4) as to the balances and maturities of the borrowings and the notes payable.
See note 6(c) as to the fair value of the borrowings and the notes payable.
See note 15(7) regarding financial covenants.
As of December 31, 2021, and 2020 PHI hashad a short term credit facility with a leading Israeli commercial bank in the amount of NIS 100 million. The Group's share in this facility is 50%. The facility is restricted for use by PHI only. As of December 31, 2021 and 2020 no funds were drawn from this facility.
F - 62
PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY LTD. |
(An Israeli Corporation) |
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
NOTE 15 –BORROWINGS-BORROWINGS AND NOTES PAYABLE
(1)Borrowings and Notes Payable (continued):
The following table details the changes in financial liabilities, including cash flows from financing activities:
Movements in 2021 | ||||||||||||||||||
As at December 31, 2020 | Cash flows used in financing activities, net | Non cash movements | ||||||||||||||||
CPI adjustments and other | Against lease ROU asset | As at December 31, 2021 | ||||||||||||||||
New Israeli Shekels in millions | ||||||||||||||||||
Non-current borrowings* | 138 | 98 | 236 | |||||||||||||||
Notes payable* | 1,457 | (17) | 1,440 | |||||||||||||||
Financial liability at fair value | 4 | (4) | ||||||||||||||||
Interest payable | 17 | (48) | 49 | 18 | ||||||||||||||
Lease liability | 702 | (148) | 18 | 148 | 720 | |||||||||||||
2,318 | (115) | 63 | 148 | 2,414 | ||||||||||||||
Movements in 2020 | ||||||||||||||||||||
As at December 31, 2019 | Cash flows used in financing activities, net | Non cash movements | As at December 31, 2020 | |||||||||||||||||
CPI adjustments and other | Against lease ROU asset | |||||||||||||||||||
New Israeli Shekels in millions | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Non-current borrowings* | 191 | (52 | ) | (1 | ) | 138 | ||||||||||||||
| Notes payable* | 1,589 | (154 | ) | 22 | 1,457 | |||||||||||||||
| Financial liability at fair value | 28 | (24 | ) | 4 | ||||||||||||||||
| Interest payable | 8 | (49 | ) | 58 | 17 | |||||||||||||||
| Lease liability | 617 | (147 | ) | 18 | 214 | 702 | ||||||||||||||
2,433 | (402 | ) | 73 | 214 | 2,318 | |||||||||||||||
* Including current maturities.
Movements in 2020 | ||||||||||||||||||
As at December 31, 2019 | Cash flows used in financing activities, net | Non cash movements | ||||||||||||||||
CPI adjustments and other | Against lease ROU asset | As at December 31, 2020 | ||||||||||||||||
New Israeli Shekels in millions | ||||||||||||||||||
Non-current borrowings* | 191 | (52) | (1) | 138 | ||||||||||||||
Notes payable* | 1,589 | (154) | 22 | 1,457 | ||||||||||||||
Financial liability at fair value | 28 |
| (24) | 4 | ||||||||||||||
Interest payable | 8 | (49) | 58 | 17 | ||||||||||||||
Lease liability | 617 | (147) | 18 | 214 | 702 | |||||||||||||
2,433 | (402) | 73 | 214 | 2,318 | ||||||||||||||
Movements in 2019 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Non cash movements | ||||||||||||||||||||||
As at December 31, 2018 | Cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities, net | Share in PHI's accounts included as at Jan. 1, 2019 | Adoption of IFRS 16 as at Jan. 1, 2019 | CPI adjustments and other | Against lease ROU asset | As at December 31, 2019 | ||||||||||||||||
New Israeli Shekels in millions | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Current borrowings | (13 | ) | 13 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Non-current borrowings* | 243 | (52 | ) | 191 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Notes payable* | 1,123 | 453 | 13 | 1,589 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Financial liability at fair value | 37 | (9 | ) | 28 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Interest payable | ** | (37 | ) | 45 | 8 | |||||||||||||||||
| Lease liability | (159 | ) | 683 | 20 | 73 | 617 | ||||||||||||||||
1,366 | 229 | 13 | 683 | 69 | 73 | 2,433 | ||||||||||||||||
* Including current maturities.
F - 63
PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY LTD. |
(An Israeli Corporation) |
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
NOTE 15 –BORROWINGS-BORROWINGS AND NOTES PAYABLE
(2)Notes payable issuance
In January 2019, the Company issued a new Series G Notes, in a principal amount of NIS 225 million, payable as follows: 4 annual installments of NIS 22.5 million each, payable in June of each of the years 2022 through 2025, NIS 45 million payable in June 2026 and NIS 90 million payable in June 2027. The principal bears fixed annual interest of 4%, payable annually on June 25 of each year.
In July 2020, the Company issued in a private placement additional Series G Notes in a principal amount of NIS 300 million, under the same conditions of the original series.
In December 2021, the Company issued Series H Notes, in a principal amount of NIS 198.4 million, payable as follows: 5 annual installments, NIS 39.7 million payable in June 2025, NIS 19.8 million payable in June 2026, NIS 39.7 million payable in June of each of the years 2028 through 2029 and NIS 59.5 million payable in June 2030. The principal bears fixed annual interest of 2.08%, payable annually on June 25 of each year.
Regarding exercise of option warrants which are exercisable for Series G Notes see note 15(6).
(3)Early redemption of Notes payable
In July 2020, the Company executed a partial early redemption of Series F Notes in a total principal amount of NIS 305 million. The total amount paid was NIS 313 million. The early redemption resulted in additional finance costs of NIS 7 million.
(4)New borrowings received
Borrowing R: In March 2018December 2021, the Company early repaid borrowings O and Lreceived a long-term loan from a commercial bank in a totalthe principal amount of NIS 300150 million. In addition,The borrowing bears unlinked interest at the Company early repaid borrowing Krate of 2.55% per annum and will be paid in 5 annual installments, NIS 30 million payable in June 2018,2025, NIS 15 million payable in aJune 2026, NIS 30 million payable in June of each of the years 2028 through 2029 and NIS 45 million payable in June 2030. The principal amountbears fixed annual interest payable on June 30 and December 31 of NIS 75 million.
each year.
(5)Notes payable issuance commitments
According to agreements the Company entered into in December 2017 and January 2018, the Company issued in December 2019, in a framework of a private placement, an aggregate principal amount of NIS 226.75 million of additional Series F Notes to certain Israeli institutional investors.
(6)Private placement of option warrants
In April 2019, the Company issued in a private placement two series of untradeable option warrants that arewere exercisable for the Company's Series G Notes. The exercise period of the first series iswas between July 1, 2019 and May 31, 2020 and of the second series iswas between July 1, 2020 and May 31, 2021. The exercise price iswas NIS 88 for each Series G notes principal amount of NIS 100. The Series G Notes that will bewere allotted upon the exercise of an option warrant will bewere identical in all their rights to the Company's Series G Notes immediately upon their allotment, and will beare entitled to any payment of interest or other benefit, the effective date of which is due after the allotment date.
F - 60
PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY LTD. |
(An Israeli Corporation) |
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
NOTE 15 -BORROWINGS AND NOTES PAYABLE (continued)
(6)Private placement of option warrants (continued)
The Notes that will bewere allotted as a result of the exercise of option warrants will bewere registered on the TASE. The total amount received in 2019 by the Company for both series on the allotment date of the option warrants was NIS 37 million.
In 2019, 2020 and 2021, following partial exercises of option warrants
As of December 31, 2021 no option warrants the Company issued Series G Notes in a total principal amount of NIS 174.3 million.
are outstanding.
(7)Financial covenants
Regarding Series F Notes, Series G Notes, Series H Notes and borrowingsborrowing P, borrowing Q and Q,borrowing R the Company is required to comply with a financial covenant that the ratio of Net Debt to Adjusted EBITDA shall not exceed 5. Compliance will be examined and reported on a quarterly basis. For the purpose of the covenant, Adjusted EBITDA is calculated as the sum total for the last 12 month period, excluding adjustable one-time items. As of December 31, 2020,2021, the ratio of Net Debt to Adjusted EBITDA was 0.8.
Additional stipulations mainly include:
Shareholders' equity shall not decrease below NIS 400 million and no dividends will be declared if shareholders' equity will be below NIS 650 million regarding Series F notes, borrowing P and borrowing P.Q. Shareholders' equity shall not decrease below NIS 600 million and no dividends will be declared if shareholders' equity will be below NIS 750 million regarding Series G notes and borrowing R. Shareholders' equity shall not decrease below NIS 700 million and no dividends will be declared if shareholders' equity will be below NIS 850 million regarding Series H notes.
The Company shall not create floating liens subject to certain terms. The Company has the right for early redemption under certain conditions. With respect to notes payable series F, series G and series G:H: the Company shall pay additional annual interest of 0.5% in the case of a two- notch downgrade in the Notes rating and an additional annual interest of 0.25% for each further single-notch downgrade, up to a maximum additional interest of 1%; the Company shall pay additional annual interest of 0.25% during a period in which there is a breach of the financial covenant; debt rating will not decrease below BBB- for a certain period. In any case, the total maximum additional interest for Series F, Series G and G,Series H, shall not exceed 1.25%, 1% or 1%1.25%, respectively.
The Group was in compliance with the financial covenant and the additional stipulations for the year 2020.
F - 65
PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY LTD. |
(An Israeli Corporation) |
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
NOTE 16 -LIABILITY FOR EMPLOYEE RIGHTS UPON RETIREMENT
Israeli labor laws and agreements require payment of severance pay upon dismissal of an employee or upon termination of employment in certain other circumstances. See also note 2(k).
(1)Defined contribution plan
The Group had contributed NIS 2023 million, NIS 2325 million and NIS 2524 million for the years 2018, 2019, 2020 and 20202021 respectively, in accordance with Section 14 of the Israeli Severance Pay Law. See also note 2(k)(i)(1).
(2)Defined benefit plan
Liability for employee rights upon retirement, net is presented as non-current liability.
The amounts recognized in the statement of financial position, in respect of a defined benefit plan (see note 2(k)(i)(2)) and changes during the year in the obligation recognized for post-employment defined benefit plans were as follows:
New Israeli Shekels in millions | ||||||||||||
Present value of obligation | Fair value of plan assets | Total | ||||||||||
At January 1, 2020 | 150 | (107 | ) | 43 | ||||||||
Current service cost | 10 | 10 | ||||||||||
Interest expense (income) | 4 | (2 | ) | 2 | ||||||||
Employer contributions | (8 | ) | (8 | ) | ||||||||
Benefits paid | (8 | ) | 4 | (4 | ) | |||||||
Remeasurements: | ||||||||||||
Experience changes | (2 | ) | (2 | ) | ||||||||
Return on plan assets | 1 | 1 | ||||||||||
At December 31, 2020 | 154 | (112 | ) | 42 | ||||||||
Current service cost | 14 | 14 | ||||||||||
Interest expense (income) | 3 | (2 | ) | 1 | ||||||||
Employer contributions | (8 | ) | (8 | ) | ||||||||
Benefits paid | (16 | ) | 10 | (6 | ) | |||||||
Remeasurements: | ||||||||||||
Experience changes | 8 | 8 | ||||||||||
Return on plan assets | (16 | ) | (16 | ) | ||||||||
At December 31, 2021 | 163 | (128 | ) | 35 | ||||||||
New Israeli Shekels in millions | ||||||||||||
Present value of obligation | Fair value of plan assets | Total | ||||||||||
| At January 1, 2019 | 144 | (104 | ) | 40 | ||||||||
| Current service cost | 12 | 12 | ||||||||||
| Interest expense (income) | 4 | (2 | ) | 2 | ||||||||
| Employer contributions | (9 | ) | (9 | ) | ||||||||
| Benefits paid | (14 | ) | 10 | (4 | ) | |||||||
| Remeasurements: | ||||||||||||
| Experience loss | 4 | 4 | ||||||||||
| Return on plan assets | (2 | ) | (2 | ) | ||||||||
| At December 31, 2019 | 150 | (107 | ) | 43 | ||||||||
| Current service cost | 10 | 10 | ||||||||||
| Interest expense (income) | 4 | (2 | ) | 2 | ||||||||
| Employer contributions | (8 | ) | (8 | ) | ||||||||
| Benefits paid | (8 | ) | 4 | (4 | ) | |||||||
| Remeasurements: | ||||||||||||
| Experience loss | (2 | ) | (2 | ) | ||||||||
| Return on plan assets | 1 | 1 | �� | |||||||||
| At December 31, 2020 | 154 | (112 | ) | 42 | ||||||||
Remeasurements are recognized in the statement of comprehensive income.
The expected contribution to the defined benefit plan during the year ending December 31, 20212022 is approximately NIS 7 million.
F - 66
PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY LTD. |
(An Israeli Corporation) |
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
NOTE 16 -LIABILITY FOR EMPLOYEE RIGHTS UPON RETIREMENT
(continued)(2)Defined benefit plan (continued)
The principal actuarial assumptions used were as follows:
December 31 | ||||||||
2020 | 2021 | |||||||
Interest rate weighted average | 2.12 | % | 3.21 | % | ||||
Inflation rate weighted average | 0.97 | % | 2.41 | % | ||||
Expected turnover rate | 9%-56 | % | 9%-70 | % | ||||
Future salary increases | 1%-6 | % | 1%-6 | % | ||||
December 31 | ||||||||
2019 | 2020 | |||||||
| Interest rate weighted average | 2.33 | % | 2.12 | % | ||||
| Inflation rate weighted average | 1.49 | % | 0.97 | % | ||||
| Expected turnover rate | 9%-56 | % | 9%-56 | % | ||||
| Future salary increases | 1%-6 | % | 1%-6 | % | ||||
The sensitivity of the defined benefit obligation to changes in the principal assumptions is:
December 31, 2021 | ||||||||
NIS in millions | ||||||||
Increase of 10% of the assumption | Decrease of 10% of the assumption | |||||||
Interest rate | (0.3 | ) | 0.5 | |||||
Expected turnover rate | 0.1 | (0.2 | ) | |||||
Future salary increases | 0.4 | (0.4 | ) | |||||
December 31, 2020 | ||||||||
NIS in millions | ||||||||
Increase of 10% of the assumption | Decrease of 10% of the assumption | |||||||
| Interest rate | (0.7 | ) | 0.5 | |||||
| Expected turnover rate | 0.1 | (0.1 | ) | |||||
| Future salary increases | 0.5 | (0.5 | ) | |||||
The above sensitivity analyses are based on a change in an assumption while holding all other assumptions constant. In practice, this is unlikely to occur, and changes in some of the assumptions may be correlated. When calculating the sensitivity of the defined benefit obligation to significant actuarial assumptions the same method has been applied as when calculating the pension liability recognized within the statement of financial position. The methods and types of assumptions used in preparing the sensitivity analysis did not change compared to the previous period.
The defined benefit plan exposes the Group to a number of risks, the most significant are asset volatility, and a risk that salary increases will be higher than expected in the actuarial calculations. The assets are invested in provident funds, managed by managing companies and are subject to laws and regulations, and supervision (including investment portfolio) of the Capital Markets, Insurance and Saving Division of the Israeli Ministry of Finance.
Expected maturity analysis of undiscounted defined benefits as at December 31, 2020:2021:
NIS in millions | ||||
2022 | 25 | |||
2023 | 19 | |||
2024 | 16 | |||
2025 and 2026 | 19 | |||
2027 and thereafter | 96 | |||
175 | ||||
NIS in millions | ||||
| 2021 | 23 | |||
| 2022 | 22 | |||
| 2023 | 13 | |||
| 2024 and 2025 | 21 | |||
| 2026 and thereafter | 86 | |||
165 | ||||
F - 67
PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY LTD. |
(An Israeli Corporation) |
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
NOTE 17 – -COMMITMENTS AND TRANSACTIONS
(1)Results of Frequencies Tender and frequency fees
In August 2020, the Ministry of Communications ("MoC") informed the Company of the results of the frequencies tender published by the MoC and the award of 10 MHz in the 700 MHz frequency band, 20 MHz in the 2600 MHz frequency band and 100 MHz in the 3500 MHz frequency band to the Company and HOT Mobile Ltd. )"("HOT Mobile"), at a total price of NIS 62.38 million which shall be paid equally by the Company and HOT Mobile in September 2022.
The frequencies were received in September 2020, and as a result, the Company recognized in 2020 an intangible asset at a discounted amount of NIS 30 million against other non-current liabilities.
As of December 31, 2021 the liability is presented in current liabilities.
The tender documents entitled the Company to a grant of NIS 37 million which is expected to be received in October 2022for deployment of its 5G network, subject to the approval of the MoC. AsIn October 2021 the Company received a letter from the MOC confirming that the Company has met the criteria entitling it to the grant. The grant shall be received in accordance with the schedule set out in the license and after the Company has paid the 5G license fee, expected in 2022. Since the MOC has confirmed entitlement to the grant and the reception of December 31, 2020, an immaterial amountthe grant is subject only to the Company's payment of the 5G license fee, which is under the Company's control, the grant was recognized thereof in non-current prepaid expenses and other assetsits entirety under current receivables against a reduction in property and equipment.
equipment in its present value amount of NIS 36 million.
Under the Telegraph Regulations the Company is committed to pay an annual fixed fee for each frequency used. Following the above mentioned tender completion, the Telegraph Regulations were amended, reducing the frequency fees for existing frequencies, subject to certain conditions, and establishing fees for the new frequencies received. Under the above Regulations should the Company choose to return a frequency, such payment iswould no longer due.
For the years 2018, 2019, 2020 and 20202021 the Company recorded frequency fee expenses in a total amount of approximately NIS 7679 million, NIS 7975 million and NIS 7566 million, respectively. The total amount of frequency fees of both the Company and Hot Mobile under the regulations are divided between the Company and Hot Mobile, through PHI, ,accordingaccording to the OPEX-CAPEX mechanism (see also note 9).
(2)At December 31, 2021, the balance sheet date theGroup is committed to acquire property and equipment and software elements for approximately NIS 117 million.
(3)The Company entered into a non-exclusive agreement with Apple Distribution International, effective April 1, 2021, for the purchase and resale of iPhone handsets in Israel and the purchase of a minimum quantity of iPhone handsets per year, for a period of three years. These purchases represent a significant portionyears at market prices. The Company also ordered inventories from other suppliers. In total, at December 31, 2021, the Group is committed to acquire inventories in an amount of our expected handset purchasesapproximately NIS 458 million over that period.
F - 68
PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY LTD. |
(An Israeli Corporation) |
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
NOTE 17 – -COMMITMENTS AND TRANSACTIONS
(4)Right of Use (ROU)
The Group signed long-term agreements with service providers to receive indefeasible Rights of Use (ROU) of international capacities through submarine infrastructures (see note 12), most extendable until 2030. As of December 31, 2020,2021, the Group is committed to pay for capacities over the following years an amount of NIS 118.584 million (excluding maintenance fees) as follows:
New Israeli Shekels in millions | ||||
2022 | 60 | |||
2023 | 11 | |||
2024 | 11 | |||
2025 | 2 | |||
84 | ||||
New Israeli Shekels in millions | ||||
| 2021 | 50.5 | |||
| 2022 | 54.8 | |||
| 2023 | 8.4 | |||
| 2024 | 2.4 | |||
| 2025 | 2.4 | |||
118.5 | ||||
In addition, under the terms of the ROU agreements, as of December 31, 20202021 the Group is committed to pay annual maintenance fees during the usage period. The total aggregated expected maintenance fee for the years 20212022 to 2023 is approximately NIS 137 million. Some payments under the ROU agreements are linked to the USD.
(5)Liens and guarantees
As of December 31, 2020,2021, the Group has provided bank guarantees in respect of licenses (see note 1(c)) in an amount of approximately NIS 2830 million, in addition to bank guarantees in favor of other parties in an aggregate amount of approximately NIS 2324 million. Therefore, the total bank guarantees provided by the Group as of December 31, 20202021 is NIS 5154 million. In addition, the Company provided a guarantee to PHI's credit facility in an amount of NIS 50 million. PHI's credit facility is not used as at December 31, 20202021 (see also notes 9 and 15).
(6)Fiber optics infrastructure
The Company signed an agreement in January 2022 to deploy additional fiber-optic infrastructure within Israel to provide to an international telecommunications operator with connections and data transfer services between the Far East/Gulf countries and Europe.
(7)Covenants and negative pledge – see note 15(7).
(8)See note 9 with respect to network sharing and PHI's commitments.
NOTE 18 – OFFER TO BUY 100% OF SHARE CAPITAL BY HOT TELECOMMUNICATION SYSTEMS LTD.
On November 14, 2021, PHI, entered into a framework agreement with Pelephone Communications Ltd. and its controlling shareholder, Altice Europe N.V, (the "Potential Acquirer") proposedCellcom Israel Ltd, to acquire 100%expand the cooperation between the parties in the field of passive infrastructure sharing for cellular sites, which will allow for the unification of existing and new passive infrastructures for cellular sites. A pre-condition for the agreement to enter into force is the receipt of the issued share capital of the Company (the "Proposed Transaction"). On March 31, 2020, the Potential Acquirer informed the Company of the withdrawal of their acquisition proposal.
F - 69
PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY LTD. |
(An Israeli Corporation) |
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
NOTE 19 – -LEASES
The Group leases the following assets (as a lessee) (see also notes 2(o) and 3):
(1)Buildings: The Group leases its headquarter facilities in Rosh Ha-ayin, Israel, with a total of approximately 51,177 gross square meters (including parking lots). The lease term was extended in October 2020 to end on December 31, 2029 and the Company expects to exercise its option to extend it until December 31, 2034. The rental payments are linked to the Israeli CPI.
The Group also leases call centers, retail stores and service centers. The leases for each site have different lengths and specific terms. The lease agreements are for periods of two to ten years. The Group has options to extend some lease contract periods for up to twenty years (including the original lease periods). Substantially all of the rental payments are linked to the Israeli CPI and a few are linked to the dollar. Some of the extension options include an increase of the lease payment in a range of 2%-10%.
(2)Cell sites: Lease agreements in respect of cell sites and switching stations throughout Israel are for periods of two to ten years. The Company has an option to extend some of the lease contract periods for up to ten years (including the original lease periods). Substantially all of the rental payments are linked to the Israeli CPI and a few are linked to the dollar. Some of the extension options include an increase of the lease payment mostly in a range of 2%-10%. Most of cell sites were assigned to PHI.
(3)Vehicles: The Group leases vehicles for periods of up to three years. The rental payments are linked to the Israeli CPI.
The extension options are negotiated by management to provide flexibility in managing the leased asset portfolio and align with the Group's business needs. Management exercised judgment and generally determined that the extension options are reasonably certain to be exercised. Generally, the Group's obligations under its leases are secured by the lessor's title to the leased assets. Set out below are the carrying amounts of right of use assets and lease liabilities recognized and the movements during the year:
New Israeli Shekels in millions | ||||||||||||||||
Lease right of use asset | Lease liability | |||||||||||||||
Buildings | Cell sites | Vehicles | ||||||||||||||
Balance as at January 1, 2020 | 222 | 330 | 30 | 617 | ||||||||||||
Amortization charges | (38 | ) | (71 | ) | (25 | ) | ||||||||||
Accretion of interest | 18 | |||||||||||||||
Non-cash movements | 114 | 65 | 36 | 214 | ||||||||||||
Lease payments (principal) cash outflow | (129 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Lease payments (interest) cash outflow | (18 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Balance as at December 31, 2020 | 298 | 324 | 41 | 702 | ||||||||||||
Amortization charges | (37 | ) | (68 | ) | (29 | ) | ||||||||||
Accretion of interest | 18 | |||||||||||||||
Non-cash movements | 52 | 63 | 35 | 148 | ||||||||||||
Lease payments (principal) cash outflow | (130 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Lease payments (interest) cash outflow | (18 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Balance as at December 31, 2021 | 313 | 319 | 47 | 720 | ||||||||||||
Current | 125 | |||||||||||||||
Non-Current | 313 | 319 | 47 | 595 | ||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||
Balance as at December 31, 2020 | 298 | 324 | 41 | 702 | ||||||||||||
Current | 120 | |||||||||||||||
Non-Current | 298 | 324 | 41 | 582 | ||||||||||||
New Israeli Shekels in millions | ||||||||||||||||
Lease right of use asset | Lease liability | |||||||||||||||
Buildings | Cell sites | Vehicles | ||||||||||||||
| Balance as at January 1, 2019 | 252 | 362 | 42 | 683 | ||||||||||||
| Amortization charges | (41 | ) | (78 | ) | (27 | ) | ||||||||||
| Accretion of interest | 20 | |||||||||||||||
| Non-cash movements | 11 | 46 | 15 | 73 | ||||||||||||
| Lease payments (principal) cash outflow | (139 | ) | ||||||||||||||
| Lease payments (interest) cash outflow | (20 | ) | ||||||||||||||
| Balance as at December 31, 2019 | 222 | 330 | 30 | 617 | ||||||||||||
| Amortization charges | (38 | ) | (71 | ) | (25 | ) | ||||||||||
| Accretion of interest | 18 | |||||||||||||||
| Non-cash movements | 114 | 65 | 36 | 214 | ||||||||||||
| Lease payments (principal) cash outflow | (129 | ) | ||||||||||||||
| Lease payments (interest) cash outflow | (18 | ) | ||||||||||||||
| Balance as at December 31, 2020 | 298 | 324 | 41 | 702 | ||||||||||||
| Current | 120 | |||||||||||||||
| Non-Current | 298 | 324 | 41 | 582 | ||||||||||||
| Balance as at December 31, 2019 | 222 | 330 | 30 | 617 | ||||||||||||
| Current | 131 | |||||||||||||||
| Non-Current | 222 | 330 | 30 | 486 | ||||||||||||
See note 6(a)(4) for maturity analysis of undiscounted lease liability as of December 31, 2020.
F - 70
PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY LTD. |
(An Israeli Corporation) |
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
NOTE 20 – -LAWSUITS AND LITIGATIONS
A.Claims
Total provision recorded in the financial statements in respect of all lawsuits against the Group amounted to NIS 1220 million at December 31, 2020.2021. Provisions regarding the claims below were recognized when appropriate according to the Company's accounting policy (see note 2(m)(1)).
Described below are the main litigation and claims against the Group:
1.Consumer claims
This category includes class actions and motions for the recognition of these lawsuits as class actions with respect to, among others, alleged claims regarding charges and claims regarding alleged breach of the Consumer Protection Law, the Privacy Protection Law, the Communications Law (Telecommunications and Broadcasting), license provisions, other legal provisions and engagement agreements with customers.
Described hereunder are the outstanding consumer class actions and motions for the recognition of these lawsuits as class actions, detailed according to the amount claimed, as of the date of approval of these financial statements:
Claim amount | Number of claims | Total claims amount (NIS million) | ||||||
Up to NIS 100 million | 14 | 315 | ||||||
NIS 101 - 400 million | 5 | 937 | ||||||
NIS 401 million - NIS 1 billion | 1 | 1,000 | ||||||
Unquantified claims | 11 | 0- | ||||||
Total | 31 | 2,252 | ||||||
Claim amount | Number of claims | Total claims amount (NIS million) | ||||||
| Up to NIS 100 million | 16 | 422 | ||||||
| NIS 101 - 400 million | 7 | 1,512 | ||||||
| NIS 401 million - NIS 1 billion | 2 | 1,405 | ||||||
| Unquantified claims | 15 | - | ||||||
| Total | 40 | 3,339 | ||||||
With respect to four claims mentioned in the table above in a total amount of NIS 476 million, the parties filed requests to approve settlement agreements.
1.On November 12, 2015, |
2.On November 12, 2015, a claim and a motion to certify the claim as a class action were filed against 012 Smile. The claim alleges that 012 Smile required their customers to purchase a Smartbox device which is terminal equipment as a condition for using its fixed-line telephony services, an action which would not be in accordance with the provisions of its licenses. The total amount claimed against 012 Smile is estimated by the plaintiff to be approximately NIS 64 million. In February 2019, the Court approved the request to certify the claim as a class action with certain changes. In March 2019, the Company filed an appeal of this decision. In February 2020, the Supreme Court dismissed the appeal request that was filed and the claim was reverted back to the District Court and the proceedings have resumed. The Company estimates that the claim will not have a material effect on the Company's financial statements.
F - 67
PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY LTD. |
(An Israeli Corporation) |
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
NOTE 20 -LAWSUITS AND LITIGATIONS (continued)
A.Claims (continued)
1.Consumer claims (continued)
3.On April 21, 2016, a claim and a motion to certify the claim as a class action were filed against 012 Smile. The claim alleges that the infrastructure included in the 012 Smile's plans does not support data speeds that the Company publishes to its customers. The total amount claimed against the Company if the lawsuit is certified as a class action was not stated by the plaintiffs. In January 2021, the Court approved the motion and recognized the lawsuit as a class action. The Company estimates that the claim will not have a material effect on the Company's financial statements.
4.On November 13, 2017, a claim and a motion to certify the claim as a class action were filed against 012 Smile (initially the motion was filed against Partner and 012 Smile). The claim alleges that Partner and 012 Smile charged their customers for incoming calls while they are abroad, without the calls for which they were charged being made, and without them having given a call forwarding provision. The total amount claimed is estimated by the plaintiff to be approximately NIS 53 million against Partner and approximately NIS 10 million against 012 Smile. In January 2021, the District Court approved the motion against Partner and recognized the lawsuit as a class action and dismissed the motion against 012 Smile. The Company estimates that the claim will not have a material effect on the Company's financial statements.
5.On February 28, 2017, a claim and a motion to certify the claim as a class action were filed against the Company. The claim alleges that the Company charged its cellular service customers who entered into agreements for fixed periods, a higher rate than agreed without receiving prior written notice. The total amount claimed from the Company was estimated by the plaintiffs to be approximately NIS 224.176 million. In September 2014,March 2021, the Court approved the motion and recognized the lawsuit as a class action. In July 2017, the parties filed a request to the Court to approve a settlement agreement. In December 2019, the Court approved the settlement agreement which was fully implemented by Partner. The damages that Partner was required to pay were immaterial.
filed an appeal of this decision. The Company estimates that the claim will not have a material effect on the Company's financial statements.
F - 73
PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY LTD.(AnNOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 20 – LAWSUITS AND LITIGATIONS (continued)
In addition to all the above mentioned claims the Group is a party to various claims arising in the ordinary course of its operations.
F - 68
PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY LTD. | ||
(An Israeli Corporation) | ||
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | ||
NOTE 20 -LAWSUITS AND LITIGATIONS (continued)
B.Contingencies in respect of building and planning procedures
Section 197 of the Building and Planning Law states that a property owner has the right to be compensated by a local planning committee for reductions in property value as a result of a new building plan.
In January 2006, the Non-ionizing Radiation Law was published, amending the Planning and Building Law so that local Planning and Building committees must require indemnification letters against reduction in property value from the cellular operators requesting building permits.
Accordingly, on January 3, 2006, the National Council for Planning and Building published an interim decision conditioning the issuance of building permits for cell site permits by local planning and building councils upon provision of a 100% indemnification undertaking by the cellular operators. This decision shall remain in effect until it is replaced with an amendment to the National Zoning Plan 36. Between January 3, 2006 and December 31, 20202021 the Company provided the local authorities with 444423 indemnification letters as a pre-condition for obtaining building permits.
In case the Company shall be required to make substantial payments under the indemnity letters, it could have an adverse effect on the Company's financial results.
According to the company’s management estimation and based on its legal counsel, a provision in the financial statement was not included.
The Company assumes that the requirement to provide indemnification letters might require it to change locations of sites to different, less suitable locations and to dismantle some of its sites. These changes in the deployment of the sites might have an adverse effect on the extent, quality and capacity of the network coverage.
C.Investigation by the Israeli Corporation)
Tax Authority
PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY LTD.(An Israeli Corporation)NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The total number of Company's shares reserved for issuance upon exercise of all options or upon the earning of the restricted shares granted under the Plan is 26,917,000, of which 9,076,270 remained ungranted as of December 31, 2020. The vesting of the options and the earning of the restricted shares are subject to vesting/restriction periods. The vesting of the options and the earning of the restricted shares are also subject toperiods as well as performance conditions set by the Company's organs.management bodies (The Compensation Committee and The Board of Directors; and in addition, regarding the CEO - The General Assembly of Shareholders). The Company expects that the performance conditions will be met. In accordance with the Plan, under certain conditions, the share options and the restricted shares are entitled to vesting acceleration upon a change in control event. As of December 31, 2021 the company estimated that a future change of control event was probable as a result of the possible transaction referred to in note 26(c). The transaction is subject to MOC approval. The effect of this accounting estimate on the statement of operation was immaterial. The Plan's principal terms of the options include:
The Israeli Tax Authority is conducting an investigation that involves document collection and the questioning of among others, several Company employees, both past and current. The investigation is seeking to determine whether there have been violations of the Eilat Free Trade Zone (Tax Exemptions and Reductions) - 1985 Law regarding the sale of cellular phones in the city of Eilat. The Company is fully cooperating with the Israeli Tax Authority. At this stage, the Company is unable to estimate the impact of the investigation on the Company, its results and its condition, if any.
F - 69
PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY LTD. |
(An Israeli Corporation) |
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
NOTE 21 – -EQUITY AND SHARE BASED PAYMENTS
a.Share capital:
The Company's share capital consists of ordinary shares, which are traded on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange Ltd. under the symbol "PTNR", and are quoted on the NASDAQ Global Select Market™, in the form of American Depositary Shares ("ADSs"), each representing one of the Company’s ordinary shares, under the symbol "PTNR", according to the dual listing regulations. The ADSs are evidenced by American Depositary Receipts ("ADRs"). Citibank, N.A. serves as the Company's depository for ADSs. The holders of ordinary shares are entitled vote in the general meetings of shareholders and to receive dividends as declared.
Under the provisions of the Company's licenses (note 1(c)), restrictions are placed on transfer of the Company's shares and placing liens thereon. The restrictions include the requirement of advance written consent of the Minister of Communications be received prior to transfer of 10% or more of the Company's shares to a third party. Nevertheless, under certain licenses granted, directly or indirectly, to the Company, a notice to, the Minister of Communications may be required for holding any means of control in the Company. The Company's license also restricts cross-ownership and cross-control among competing mobile telephone operators, including the ownership of 5% or more of the means of control of both the Company and a competing operator, without the consent of the Minister of Communications, which may limit certain persons from acquiring our shares. See also note 26 (d) with respect of holdings of approved Israeli shareholders in the Company.
Through December 31, 2008 the Company purchased its own 4,467,990 shares at the cost of NIS 351 million, and during 2018 the Company purchased its own 6,501,588 shares at the cost of NIS 100 million (upon repurchase were recorded as "treasury shares"). In accordance with the Israeli Companies Law, the treasury shares are considered dormant shares as long as they are held by the Company, and as such they do not bear any rights (including the right to vote in general meetings of shareholders and to receive dividends) until they are transferred to a third party. Some of the treasury shares were offered to employees under a share based compensation plan: Company's Equity Incentive Plan as restricted shares awards ("RSAs") (see (b) below).
As of December 31, 20202021 a total of 7,741,7847,337,759 treasury shares remained, of which 1,008,7351,349,119 were allocated to a trustee on behalf of the employees under the plan. The RSAs offered under the plan are under the control of the Company until vested under the plan and therefore are not presented in the financial statements as outstanding shares until vested.
In January 2020, the Company issued 19,330,183 shares of the Company to institutional investors, following a tender under a shelf offering, and by way of a private placement. The total net consideration received was approximately NIS 276 million. The offering expenses totaled NIS 10 million.
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PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY LTD. |
(An Israeli Corporation) |
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
NOTE 21 – -EQUITY AND SHARE BASED PAYMENTS
b.Share based compensation to employees
(1)Description of the Equity Incentive Plan
Share options and restricted shares were granted to employees in accordance with Company's 2004 Amended and Restated Equity Incentive Plan (the "Plan"). It includes allocation of restricted shares ("RSAs") to the Company's employees and officers and determines the right to vote at the general meetings of shareholders and the right to receive dividends distributed with respect to the restricted shares. The committee may set performance targets as a vesting criterion (independently or in combination with other criteria).
-Exercise price adjustment: The exercise price of options shall be reduced in the following events: (1) dividend distribution other than in the ordinary course: by the gross dividend amount so distributed per share, and (2) dividend distribution in the ordinary course: the exercise price shall be reduced the gross dividend amount so distributed per share ("Full Dividend Mechanism"), depending on the date of granting of the options. -Cashless exercise: Most of the options may be exercised only through a cashless exercise procedure, while holders of other options may choose between cashless exercise and the regular option exercise procedure. In accordance with such cashless exercise, the option holder would receive from the Company, without payment of the exercise price, only the number of shares whose aggregate market value equals the economic gain which the option holder would have realized by selling all the shares purchased at their market price, net of the option exercise price. (2)Information in respect of options and restricted shares granted under the Plan:
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NOTE 21 -EQUITY AND SHARE BASED PAYMENTS (continued)b.Share based compensation to employees (continued)(3)Options and RSAs status summary as of December 31, 2019, 2020 and 2021 and the changes therein during the years ended on those dates:
The expected volatility is based on a historical volatility, by statistical analysis of the daily share price for periods corresponding the option's expected life. The expected life is expected length of time until expected date of exercising the options, based on historical data on employees' exercise behavior and anticipated future condition. The fair value of RSAs was evaluated based on the stock price on grant date. F -
NOTE 21 -EQUITY AND SHARE BASED PAYMENTS (continued)b.Share based compensation to employees (continued) (4)Information about outstanding options by expiry dates: Share options outstanding as of December 31,
The expiry schedule takes into account the acceleration of the vesting of certain grants based on a probable future change of control event, see note 21(b)(1) above F -
NOTE 22 (a) Revenues: The aggregate amount of transaction price allocated to performance obligations that were unsatisfied or partially unsatisfied as of December 31,
Disaggregation of revenues:
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NOTE 22
(b)Cost of
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NOTE 22 (c)Selling and marketing expenses
(d)General and administrative expenses
(e)Employee benefit expenses
In In January 2022, a letter from the F -
NOTE 23
NOTE 24
NOTE 25 a.Corporate income tax rates applicable to the Group The Group is taxed according to the regular corporate income tax in Israel. The corporate tax rate in Israel is 23% for the year 2018 and thereafter. F -
NOTE 25 -INCOME TAX EXPENSES (continued)b.Deferred income taxes Balances of deferred tax asset (liability) in NIS millions are attributable to the following items:
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NOTE 25 -INCOME TAX EXPENSES (continued) b.Deferred income taxes (continued)
c.Following is a reconciliation of the theoretical tax expense, assuming all income is taxed at the regular tax rates applicable to companies in Israel (see (a) above), and the actual tax expense:
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NOTE 25 -INCOME TAX EXPENSES (continued) d.Taxes on income included in the income statements:
e.Tax assessments: 1)On December 31,2021 the Company signed a settlement agreement with the Israel tax authority ("ITA") in relation to a tax audit for the income tax years 2016-2019. According to the agreement, the Company paid an amount of
2)A Group's subsidiary received final income tax assessments through the year ended December 31, 2016. 3)As a general rule, income tax self-assessments filed by two other subsidiaries through the year ended December 31, 2016 are, by law, now regarded as final. f.Tax losses carried forward to future years: At December 31, F -
NOTE 26 -TRANSACTIONS AND BALANCES WITH RELATED PARTIES a.Key management compensation Key management personnel are the senior management of the Company and the members of the Company's Board of Directors.
b.In the ordinary course of business, key management or their relatives may have engaged with the Company with immaterial transactions that are under normal market conditions. F -
NOTE 26 -TRANSACTIONS AND BALANCES WITH RELATED PARTIES (continued)c.Principal shareholder: Approximately 27% of the Company issued and outstanding shares and voting rights are held by a receiver (under Israeli law). On November 12, 2019, the District Court of Tel Aviv the (“Court”) issued a court order the (“Court Order”) under which attorney Ehud Sol (the “Receiver”) was appointed as receiver for 49,862,800 of the Company's shares, representing as of February 1, 2022, approximately 27% of the Company's issued and outstanding share capital and the largest block of shares held by a single shareholder. The shares (the “Pledged Shares”) had been purchased by S.B. Israel Telecom Ltd. (“S.B. Israel Telecom“) from Advent Investments Pte Ltd (“Advent”) in 2013; in connection with the purchase, S.B. Israel Telecom assumed certain debt owed to Advent, and agreed that such debt would be secured by, among other things, the Pledged Shares. S.B. Israel Telecom defaulted on the payment, and on November 11, 2019, consented to enforcement and foreclosure proceedings with respect to the Pledged Shares. The Court Order was issued due to an application filed by Advent On December F - 82
NOTE 26 -TRANSACTIONS AND BALANCES WITH RELATED PARTIES (continued) d.Holdings of approved Israeli shareholders in the Company: The provisions of the Company's cellular license require, among others, that the F -
NOTE 27 Following are data relating to the profit and the weighted average number of shares that were taken into account in computing the basic and diluted EPS:
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