Telefónica invoices nearly €3,000MN more in LATAM than Europe

Juan Fernandez Gonzalez | 28-02-2014

Telefónica has confirmed that Latin America has the biggest share of its global business, representing an income of €29,193 million, compared to €26,840 million from Europe.

During 2013, the Spanish telco earned 17% more than in 2012 and will pay a €0.75 dividend per share.

For Telefónica, debt reduction is still its main objective. The debt stands at €45,381 million, although the company's increase in income led to a reduction of debt greater than had been expected. The company's net profit in 2013 was €4,593 million, a number Telefónica intends to increase during 2014 while cutting the debt to under €43,000 million.

The figures presented by the telco don't include the latest sales of its Czech Republic and Ireland subsidiaries. Taking these into account, Telefónica's debt would be €42,325 million, meaning a debt ratio of 2:31.

Regarding operations, mobile communications and Internet are still leading the telco's business, although in Latin America the DTH services, both directly to customers through Movistar TV and as a wholesaler through B2B unit Media Networks, are also reporting profits.

The telco is still strong in Spain – where it was once the public monopoly – invoicing nearly €13,000 million last year. But this figure represents an 11.9% drop with respect to the previous year, although the pay-TV and fibre businesses reported profits.