Telefónica to accelerate tower monetization

- Telefónica operates through one of the largest portfolios of mobile sites globally, with approximately 130,000 sites of which it owns c. 68,000 sites across 12 markets.

- The creation of Telxius back in 2016 marked Telefónica’s headway in the process of creating value from its mobile network infrastructure.

- Telefónica intends to further capitalise on its infrastructure assets and is analysing different options to monetize an additional portfolio of sites within the next 12 months. Excluding Telxius, Telefonica owns c. 50,000 sites, which could generate an estimated OIBDA of c. €360 million.

- Telefónica will also seek to create synergies through potential sharing agreements with other local operators whilst retaining strategic flexibility for its operations.

Madrid, 10 September 2019.- Telefónica announces today that it is accelerating plans to monetise its extensive tower portfolio as part of a strategy aimed at maximising shareholder value, improving return on capital employed and making a more efficient use of its world-class telecom infrastructure. This was analysed during the Telefónica Board of Directors meeting held today.

One of the Largest Portfolios of Mobile Sites Globally

Telefónica operates through a portfolio of c. 130,000 sites globally, and owns, directly or through its subsidiaries, a unique portfolio of c. 68,000 sites across 12 markets[1]. Telxius, Telefónica’s infrastructure unit, owns approximately c. 18,000 sites and the remaining c. 50,000 sites are owned by other units within Telefónica Group. Over 60% of these sites are located in Telefónica’s 4 major countries of operation (Spain, UK, Germany and Brazil). Based on comparable market benchmarks, this portfolio of c. 50,000 sites could generate approximately €830m in revenues and €360m in OIBDA and could require €25m in maintenance capital expenditure on a full year pro-forma basis.  These figures are illustrative, based on comparable market benchmarks, and will differ depending on the ultimate perimeter and transaction structure to be implemented and the lease rates to be agreed.

In the UK, Telefónica owns c. 7,000 sites through its 50% interest in Cornerstone Telecommunications Infrastructure Limited (Cornerstone). The company was jointly created in 2012 by Telefónica and Vodafone to operate their combined nationwide tower site infrastructure and support their active sharing arrangements. Cornerstone is currently one of the leading network grids in the UK. After years of successfully operating jointly their network in the UK, Telefónica and Vodafone have agreed to extend the agreement to include 5G roll-out and explore potential monetisation options for Cornerstone.

In Germany, Telefónica Deutschland currently owns nationwide c. 19,000 sites, making it one of the largest single country portfolios in Europe.

Telefónica continues expanding its global portfolio and expects to deploy new macro sites over the next years across its markets and to continue growing its existing footprint of small cells to support its network strategy.

Value Creation and Monetisation Strategy to Date

Telefónica has a number of arrangements in place with other telecom operators, tower companies and financial investors in order to drive cost savings and network excellence through sharing of passive infrastructure and active telecom equipment.

As part of this strategy, in 2016, Telefónica created Telxius as a leading dedicated tower operator owning and managing a portfolio of sites across Europe and Latin America, incorporating an experienced management team with a proven track record in delivering growth. Today, Telxius has a portfolio of c.18,000 sites across six markets in Europe and Latin America and also operates, directly or through consortiums,  an international network of 87,000 kms of high capacity optic fiber submarine cables.  In 2018, Telxius generated revenues of €792m (+8.4% YoY) and OIBDA of €370m (+ 7.1% YoY).

Since its creation, Telxius has successfully positioned itself as a leading neutral infrastructure company in the markets where it operates. Telxius’ strong growth and cash flow generation is driven among other things by the remarkable expansion of its third party tenant base (over 40% since inception). It has also accelerated “built-to-suit” projects both for Telefónica Group as well as for other telecommunication operators (c. 20% of BTS projects have been built for third party companies year-to-date in 2019).

Strategy to Crystallise Additional Shareholder Value from Mobile Telecom Infrastructure

Telefónica aims to capture further synergies from network sharing as well as capitalize on the interest for our infrastructure from both public and private market participants. Telefónica’s intention is to monetise an additional portfolio of wireless telecom assets within the next 12 months².  The company is analysing different monetisation options in order to deliver value for its shareholders whilst retaining maximum operational and strategic flexibility. One alternative could be scaling up Telxius by incorporating additional sites from Telefónica units, with the support of our existing minority partners in the company. Other alternatives could also be contemplated.

This announcement, together with the HR plan announced in Spain, is part of the strategy defined by the Company as one of the different initiatives being implemented and on which Telefonica will continue working with determination in the coming months to achieve the best results.

¹Telefónica operates equipment on 130k sites globally, of which 68k are owned by TEF Group (including Telxius) and the remaining sites are owned by Towercos and other operators. These 68k sites are located in Germany, United Kingdom, Spain, Brazil, Argentina, Ecuador, Colombia, Uruguay, Chile, Peru, Mexico and Venezuela. Sites in the UK represent 50% of the total number of sites owned by Cornerstone, consistent with Telefónica’s 50% interest in the 50/50 JV with Vodafone.

Execution of any transaction(s) will be subject to customary approvals and consents.

About Telefónica

Telefónica is one of the largest telecommunications companies in the world by market capitalisation and number of customers with a comprehensive offering and quality of connectivity that is delivered over world class fixed, mobile and broadband networks. As a growing company it prides itself on providing a differential experience based both on its corporate values and a public position that defends customer interests.

The company has a significant presence in 14 countries and 345 million accesses around the world. Telefónica has a strong presence in Spain, Europe and Latin America, where the company focuses an important part of its growth strategy.

Telefónica is a 100% listed company and its shares are traded on the Spanish Stock Market and on those in New York and Lima.