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, | |
OR | |
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 | |
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
FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM TO
COMMISSION FILE NUMBER 1-12610
Grupo Televisa, S.A.B. |
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter) |
N/A |
(Translation of Registrant’s name into English) |
United Mexican States |
(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) |
Av. Vasco de Quiroga No. 2000 Colonia Santa Fe 01210 Mexico City Mexico |
(Address of principal executive offices) |
Luis Alejandro Bustos Olivares Grupo Televisa, S.A.B. Av. Vasco de Quiroga No. 2000 Colonia Santa Fe 01210 Mexico City
Mexico Telephone: (011-52) (55) 5022-5899 Facsimile: (011-52) (55) 5261-2546 E-mail: labustoso@televisa.com.mx |
(Name, Telephone, E-mail and/or Facsimile number and Address of Company Contact Person) |
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class | Trading Symbol | Name of each exchange on which registered |
Series “A” Shares, without par value (“Series “A” Shares”) | New York Stock Exchange (for listing purposes only) | |
Series “B” Shares, without par value (“Series “B” Shares”) | New York Stock Exchange (for listing purposes only) | |
Series “L” Shares, without par value (“Series “L” Shares”) | New York Stock Exchange (for listing purposes only) | |
Dividend Preferred Shares, without par value (“Series “D” Shares”) | New York Stock Exchange (for listing purposes only) | |
Global Depositary Shares (“GDSs”), each representing five Ordinary Participation Certificates (Certificados de Participación Ordinarios) (“CPOs”) | TV | New York Stock Exchange |
CPOs, each representing twenty-five Series “A” Shares, twenty-two Series “B” Shares, thirty-five Series “L” Shares and thirty-five Series “D” Shares | New York Stock Exchange (for listing purposes only) |
Securities registered or to be 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.
The number of outstanding shares of each of the issuer’s classes of capital
or common stock as of December 31, 20192020 was:
116,223,846,867113,019,216,542 Series “A” Shares52,852,735,29750,928,412,611 Series “B” Shares84,083,838,84181,022,416,386 Series “L” Shares84,083,838,84181,022,416,386 Series “D” Shares
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.
☒x Yes ☐¨ 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 of 1934.
☐¨ Yes ☒x 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.
☒x Yes ☐¨ No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted 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 such files).
☒x Yes ☐¨ No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or an emerging growth company. See definition of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large accelerated filerx | 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.¨☐
† The term “new or revised financial accounting standard” refers to any update issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board to its Accounting Standards Codification after April 5, 2012.
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.
x Yes ¨ No
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 Boardx | 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 ☐¨ Item 18
If this is an annual report, indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
☐¨ Yes ☒x No
We publish our financial statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards, or IFRS, as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board, or IASB, which differ in some significant respects from generally accepted accounting principles in the United States, or U.S. GAAP, and accounting procedures adopted in other countries.
Unless otherwise indicated, (i) information included in this annual report is as of December 31, 20192020 and (ii) references to “Ps.” or “Pesos” in this annual report are to Mexican Pesos and references to “Dollars,” “U.S. Dollars,” “U.S. dollars,” “$” or “U.S.$” are to United States dollars.
In this annual report, “we,” “us,” “our���“our,” “Company,” “Grupo Televisa” or “Company”“Televisa” refer to Grupo Televisa, S.A.B. and, where the context requires, its consolidated entities. “Group” refers to Grupo Televisa, S.A.B. and its consolidated entities.
Forward-Looking Statements and Risk Factors Summary
This annual report and the documents incorporated by reference into this annual report contain forward-looking statements. In addition, we may from time to time make forward-looking statements in reports to the SEC, on Form 6-K, in annual reports to stockholders, in prospectuses, press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by our officers, directors or employees to analysts, institutional investors, representatives of the media and others. Words such as “believe”, “anticipate”, “plan”, “expect”, “intend”, “seek”, “potential”, “target”, “estimate”, “project”, “predict”, “forecast”, “guideline”, “may”, “should”, “could”, “will” and similar words and expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, but are not the exclusive means of identifying these statements. Examples of these forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to:
2
We have based these forward-looking statements on our current expectations, assumptions, estimates and projections. While we believe these expectations, assumptions, estimates and projections are reasonable, such forward-looking statements are only predictions and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control. We caution you that a number of important risks and uncertainties including those discussed under “— Risk Factors”, could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by these forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the following risks, uncertainties and other factors:
We are not obliged to update these statements or publicly release the result of any revisions to them to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this report or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. New factors emerge from time to time and it is not possible for us to predict all of these factors. Further, we cannot assess the impact of each such factor on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to be materially different from those contained in these forward-looking statements.
We caution you that the foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive and that other risks and uncertainties may cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements. You should evaluate any statements made by us in light of these important factors and you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and we do not undertake any obligation to update them in light of new information, future developments or other factors.
Item 1. | Identity of Directors, Senior Management and Advisers |
Not applicable.
Item 2. | Offer Statistics and Expected Timetable |
Not applicable.
Item 3. | Key Information |
Thefollowing tables present our selected consolidated financial information as of and for each of the periods indicated. This information is qualified in its entirety by reference to, and should be read together with, our audited consolidated year-end financial statements. The following data for each of the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017 2016 and 20152016 has been derived from our audited consolidated year-end financial statements, including the consolidated statements of financial position as of December 31, 20192020 and 2018,2019, the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, changes in stockholders’ equity and cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 2018 and 2017,2018, and the accompanying notes appearing elsewhere in this annual report.
The selected consolidated financial information as of December 31, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017 2016 and 2015,2016, and for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017 2016 and 2015,2016, was prepared in accordance with IFRS, as issued by the IASB.
The exchange rate used in translating Pesos into U.S. Dollars for calculating the convenience translations included in the following tables,, except capital expenditures, is determined by reference to the interbank free market exchange rate, or the Interbank Rate, as reported by Banco Nacional de México, S.A., or CitiBanamex, as of December 31, 2019,2020, which was Ps.18.8838Ps.19.9493 per U.S. Dollar. This annual report contains translations of certain Peso amounts into U.S. Dollars at specified rates solely for the convenience of the reader. The exchange rate translations contained in this annual report should not be construed as representations that the Peso amounts actually represent the U.S. Dollar amounts presented or that they could be converted into U.S. Dollars at the rate indicated. The interbank free market rate, or the Interbank Rate, as reported by Banco Nacional de Mexico, S.A., or Citibanamex,CitiBanamex, as of March 31, 2020,2021, was Ps.23.8642Ps.20.4692 per U.S. Dollar.
Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||
2019 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | |||||||||||||
(Millions of U.S. Dollars or millions of Pesos)(1) | ||||||||||||||||||
Income Statement Data: | ||||||||||||||||||
Net sales | U.S.$ 5,389 | Ps. 101,757 | Ps.101,282 | Ps.94,274 | Ps.96,287 | Ps.88,052 | ||||||||||||
Operating income | 901 | 17,005 | 20,253 | 14,243 | 16,598 | 18,745 | ||||||||||||
Finance expense net(2) | (467 | ) | (8,811 | ) | (8,780 | ) | (5,305 | ) | (9,532 | ) | (123 | ) | ||||||
Net income | 323 | 6,107 | 7,615 | 6,578 | 5,333 | 12,325 | ||||||||||||
Net income attributable to stockholders of the Company | 245 | 4,626 | 6,009 | 4,524 | 3,721 | 10,899 | ||||||||||||
Net income attributable to non-controlling interests | 78 | 1,481 | 1,606 | 2,053 | 1,612 | 1,426 | ||||||||||||
Basic earnings per CPO attributable to stockholders of the Company(3) | — | 1.60 | 2.07 | 1.54 | 1.28 | 3.77 | ||||||||||||
Year Ended December 31 | ||||||||||||||||||
2019 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | |||||||||||||
Diluted earnings per CPO attributable to stockholders of the Company(3) | — | 1.53 | 1.96 | 1.46 | 1.20 | 3.52 | ||||||||||||
Weighted-average number of shares outstanding (in millions)(3)(4) | — | 338,375 | 340,445 | 344,033 | 341,017 | 338,291 | ||||||||||||
Cash dividend per CPO(3) | — | 0.35 | 0.35 | 0.35 | 0.35 | 0.35 | ||||||||||||
Comprehensive Income Data: | ||||||||||||||||||
Total comprehensive income | U.S.$202 | Ps.3,816 | Ps. 6,594 | Ps. 7,162 | Ps. 4,144 | Ps.11,982 | ||||||||||||
Total comprehensive income attributable to stockholders of the Company | 125 | 2,357 | 5,010 | 5,162 | 2,426 | 10,478 | ||||||||||||
Total comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interests | 77 | 1,459 | 1,584 | 2,000 | 1,718 | 1,504 | ||||||||||||
Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
2020 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | |||||||||||||||||||
(Millions of U.S. Dollars or millions of Pesos)(1) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Income Statement Data: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net sales | U.S.$ 4,880 | Ps.97,362 | Ps. 101,757 | Ps. 101,282 | Ps. 94,274 | Ps. 96,287 | ||||||||||||||||||
Operating income | 878 | 17,525 | 17,005 | 20,253 | 14,243 | 16,598 | ||||||||||||||||||
Finance expense net(2) | (314 | ) | (6,255 | ) | (8,811 | ) | (8,780 | ) | (5,305 | ) | (9,532 | ) | ||||||||||||
Net income | 15 | 303 | 6,107 | 7,615 | 6,578 | 5,333 | ||||||||||||||||||
Net (loss) income attributable to stockholders of the Company | (63 | ) | (1,250 | ) | 4,626 | 6,009 | 4,524 | 3,721 | ||||||||||||||||
Net income attributable to non-controlling interests | 78 | 1,553 | 1,481 | 1,606 | 2,053 | 1,612 | ||||||||||||||||||
Basic (loss) earnings per CPO attributable to stockholders of the Company(3) | — | (0.44 | ) | 1.60 | 2.07 | 1.54 | 1.28 |
Year Ended December 31 | ||||||||||||||||||
2019 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | |||||||||||||
Financial Position Data: | ||||||||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | U.S.$1,454 | Ps.27,452 | Ps.32,068 | Ps.38,735 | Ps.47,546 | Ps.49,397 | ||||||||||||
Temporary investments | — | — | 31 | 6,014 | 5,498 | 5,330 | ||||||||||||
Total assets | 15,375 | 290,344 | 297,171 | 297,220 | 309,054 | 281,474 | ||||||||||||
Short-term debt and current portion of long-term debt (5) | 26 | 492 | 988 | 307 | 851 | 2,980 | ||||||||||||
Interest payable(5) | 103 | 1,944 | 1,120 | 1,797 | 1,827 | 1,184 | ||||||||||||
Long-term debt, net of current portion(6) | 6,378 | 120,445 | 120,984 | 121,993 | 126,147 | 107,431 | ||||||||||||
Customer deposits and advances | 306 | 5,780 | 13,638 | 18,798 | 21,709 | 20,985 | ||||||||||||
Capital stock | 260 | 4,908 | 4,908 | 4,978 | 4,978 | 4,978 | ||||||||||||
Total equity (including non-controlling interests) | 5,582 | 105,404 | 104,531 | 99,657 | 96,284 | 99,522 | ||||||||||||
Shares outstanding (in millions)(4) | — | 337,244 | 338,329 | 342,337 | 341,268 | 338,468 | ||||||||||||
Year Ended December 31 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
2020 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | |||||||||||||||||||
Diluted (loss) earnings per CPO attributable to stockholders of the Company(3) | — | (0.41 | ) | 1.53 | 1.96 | 1.46 | 1.20 | |||||||||||||||||
Weighted-average number of shares outstanding (in millions)(3)(4) | — | 330,686 | 338,375 | 340,445 | 344,033 | 341,017 | ||||||||||||||||||
Cash dividend per CPO(3) | — | — | 0.35 | 0.35 | 0.35 | 0.35 | ||||||||||||||||||
Comprehensive Income Data: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total comprehensive (loss) income | U.S.$ | (830 | ) | Ps. | (16,559 | ) | Ps. | 3,816 | Ps. | 6,594 | Ps. | 7,162 | Ps. | 4,144 | ||||||||||
Total comprehensive (loss) income attributable to stockholders of the Company | (909 | ) | (18,127 | ) | 2,357 | 5,010 | 5,162 | 2,426 | ||||||||||||||||
Total comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interests | 79 | 1,568 | 1,459 | 1,584 | 2,000 | 1,718 |
Year Ended December 31 | ||||||||||||||||||
2019 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | |||||||||||||
Cash Flow Data: | ||||||||||||||||||
Net cash provided by operating activities | U.S.$1,444 | Ps.27,269 | Ps.33,714 | Ps.25,100 | Ps.36,657 | Ps.31,286 | ||||||||||||
Net cash used in investing activities | (901 | ) | (17,005 | ) | (23,898 | ) | (17,331 | ) | (29,000 | ) | (23,782 | ) | ||||||
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities | (757 | ) | (14,302 | ) | (16,505 | ) | (16,469 | ) | (9,991 | ) | 12,033 | |||||||
(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents | (217 | ) | (4,098 | ) | (6,667 | ) | (8,811 | ) | (1,851 | ) | 19,668 | |||||||
Other Financial Information: | ||||||||||||||||||
Capital expenditures(7) | U.S.$1,012 | Ps.19,108 | Ps.18,500 | Ps. 16,760 | Ps.27,942 | Ps.25,524 | ||||||||||||
Other Data (unaudited): | ||||||||||||||||||
Magazine circulation (millions of copies)(8) | — | 32 | 51 | 72 | 90 | 103 | ||||||||||||
Number of employees (at year end) | — | 42,900 | 39,100 | 39,900 | 42,200 | 43,900 | ||||||||||||
Number of Sky RGUs (in thousands at year end)(9) | — | 7,817 | 7,729 | 8,003 | 8,027 | 7,284 | ||||||||||||
Number of Pay Television RGUs (in thousands at year end)(10) | — | 4,319 | 4,384 | 4,185 | 4,206 | 4,061 | ||||||||||||
Number of Broadband Internet RGUs (in thousands at year end)(10) | — | 4,696 | 4,479 | 3,797 | 3,412 | 3,067 | ||||||||||||
Number of Digital Telephony RGUs (in thousands at year end)(10) | — | 3,638 | 2,979 | 2,122 | 2,113 | 1,891 | ||||||||||||
Year Ended December 31 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
2020 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | |||||||||||||||||||
Financial Position Data: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | U.S.$ | 1,457 | Ps. | 29,058 | Ps. | 27,452 | Ps. | 32,068 | Ps. | 38,735 | Ps. | 47,546 | ||||||||||||
Temporary investments | — | — | — | 31 | 6,014 | 5,498 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total assets | 13,597 | 271,246 | 290,344 | 297,171 | 297,220 | 309,054 | ||||||||||||||||||
Short-term debt and current portion of long-term debt (5) | 31 | 617 | 492 | 988 | 307 | 851 | ||||||||||||||||||
Interest payable(5) | 97 | 1,935 | 1,944 | 1,120 | 1,797 | 1,827 | ||||||||||||||||||
Long-term debt, net of current portion(6) | 6,112 | 121,936 | 120,445 | 120,984 | 121,993 | 126,147 | ||||||||||||||||||
Customer deposits and advances | 298 | 5,936 | 5,780 | 13,638 | 18,798 | 21,709 | ||||||||||||||||||
Capital stock | 246 | 4,908 | 4,908 | 4,908 | 4,978 | 4,978 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total equity (including non-controlling interests) | 4,408 | 87,939 | 105,404 | 104,531 | 99,657 | 96,284 | ||||||||||||||||||
Shares outstanding (in millions)(4) | — | 325,992 | 337,244 | 338,329 | 342,337 | 341,268 |
Year Ended December 31 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
2020 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | |||||||||||||||||||
Cash Flow Data: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net cash provided by operating activities | U.S.$ | 1,662 | Ps. | 33,161 | Ps. | 27,269 | Ps. | 33,714 | Ps. | 25,100 | Ps. | 36,657 | ||||||||||||
Net cash used in investing activities | (798 | ) | (15,920 | ) | (17,005 | ) | (23,898 | ) | (17,331 | ) | (29,000 | ) | ||||||||||||
Net cash used in financing activities | (812 | ) | (16,195 | ) | (14,302 | ) | (16,505 | ) | (16,469 | ) | (9,991 | ) | ||||||||||||
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents | 52 | 1,034 | (4,098 | ) | (6,667 | ) | (8,811 | ) | (1,851 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Other Financial Information: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Capital expenditures(7) | U.S.$ | 1,009 | Ps. | 20,132 | Ps. | 19,108 | Ps. | 18,500 | Ps. | 16,760 | Ps. | 27,942 | ||||||||||||
Other Data (unaudited): | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Magazine circulation (millions of copies)(8) | — | 12 | 32 | 51 | 72 | 90 | ||||||||||||||||||
Number of employees (at year end) | — | 43,200 | 42,900 | 39,100 | 39,900 | 42,200 | ||||||||||||||||||
Number of Sky Pay Television RGUs (in thousands at year end)(9) | — | 7,478 | 7,431 | 7,637 | 8,003 | 8,027 | ||||||||||||||||||
Number of Sky Broadband Internet RGUs (in thousands at year end)(9) | — | 666 | 386 | 92 | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||
Number of Cable Pay Television RGUs (in thousands at year end)(10) | — | 4,285 | 4,319 | 4,384 | 4,185 | 4,206 | ||||||||||||||||||
Number of Cable Broadband Internet RGUs (in thousands at year end)(10) | — | 5,431 | 4,696 | 4,479 | 3,797 | 3,412 | ||||||||||||||||||
Number of Cable Digital Telephony RGUs (in thousands at year end)(10) | — | 4,296 | 3,638 | 2,979 | 2,122 | 2,113 | ||||||||||||||||||
Number of Cable Mobile RGUs (in thousands at year end)(10) | — | 76 | — | — | — | — |
Notes to Selected Consolidated Financial Information:
(1) | Except perCertificado de Participación Ordinario, or CPO, magazine circulation, employees, Revenue Generating Units, or RGUs. An RGU is defined as individual service subscriber who is billable under each service (satellite pay television, broadband internet and voice). |
Includes interest expense, interest income, foreign exchange loss or gain, net, and other finance income or expense, net. See Note 23 to our consolidated year-end financial statements. |
For further analysis of net earnings per CPO (as well as corresponding amounts per Series “A” Share not traded as CPOs), see Note 25 to our consolidated year-end financial statements. In April 2021, 2019, 2018, 2017 |
(4) | As of December 31, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, |
The figures set forth in this line item are presented at amortized cost (principal amount, net of finance costs). Interest payable is included in current portion of long-term debt in the consolidated statements of financial position as of December 31, |
The figures set forth in this line item are presented at amortized cost (principal amount, net of finance costs). See “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects — Results of Operations — Liquidity, Foreign Exchange and Capital Resources — Indebtedness” and Note 14 to our consolidated year-end financial statements. |
Capital expenditures are those investments made by us in property, plant and equipment. The exchange rate used in translating Pesos into U.S. Dollars for calculating the convenience translation for capital expenditures is determined by reference to the Interbank Rate on the dates on which a given capital expenditure was made. See “Information on the Company — Capital Expenditures”. |
The figures set forth in this line item represent total circulation of magazines that we publish independently and through joint ventures and other arrangements and do not represent magazines distributed on behalf of third parties. |
Sky has operations in Mexico, the Dominican Republic and Central America. The figures set forth in this line item represent the total number of RGUs (pay television, or pay-TV, broadband internet and digital telephony services) for |
An RGU provided by Empresas Cablevisión, S.A.B. de C.V., or Cablevisión, Cablemás, S.A. de C.V., or Cablemás, Televisión Internacional, S.A. de C.V., or TVI, Grupo Cable TV, S.A. de C.V., or Cablecom, Cablevisión Red, S.A. de C.V., or Telecable and FTTH de México, S.A. de C.V., or FTTH |
Decisions regarding the payment and amount of dividends are subject to approval by holders of a majority of the Series “A” Shares and Series “B” Shares voting together, generally, but not necessarily, on the recommendation of the Board of Directors, as well as a majority of the Series “A” Shares voting separately. Emilio Azcárraga Jean indirectly controls the voting of the majority of the Series “A” Shares and, as a result of such control, both the amount and the payment of dividends require his affirmative vote. See “Major Stockholders and Related Party Transactions — The Major Stockholders”. On March 25, 2004, our Board of Directors approved a dividend policy under which we currently intend to pay an annual ordinary dividend of Ps.0.35 per CPO. On April 28, 2016, at our general stockholders’ meeting, our stockholders approved a cash distribution to stockholders of up to Ps.1,084.2 million, which represents the payment of our ordinary dividend of Ps.0.35 per CPO, equivalent to Ps.0.002991452991 per share. On April 28, 2017, at our general stockholders’ meeting, our stockholders approved a cash distribution to stockholders of up to Ps.1,084.2 million, which represents the payment of our ordinary dividend of Ps.0.35 per CPO, equivalent to Ps.0.002991452991 per share. On April 27, 2018, at our general stockholders’ meeting, our stockholders approved a cash distribution to stockholders of up to Ps.1,073.4 million, which represents the payment of our ordinary dividend of Ps.0.35 per CPO, equivalent to Ps.0.002991452991 per share. On April 29, 2019, at our general stockholders’ meeting, our stockholders approved a cash distribution to stockholders of up to Ps1,068.9Ps.1,068.9 million, which represents the payment of our ordinary dividend of Ps.0.35 per CPO, equivalent to Ps.0.002991452991 per share. To further maximize liquidity and as a precautionary measure, the Company's Board of Directors did not propose the payment of a 2020 dividend for approval of the Company's general stockholders’ meeting held on April 28, 2020. On April 28, 2021, at our general stockholders’ meeting, our stockholders approved a cash distribution to stockholders of up to Ps.1,053.4 million, which represents payment of our ordinary dividend of Ps0.35 per CPO, equivalent to Ps0.002991452991 per share. All of the recommendations of the Board of Directors related to the payment and amount of dividends were voted on and approved at the applicable general stockholders’ meetings.
Since 1991, Mexico has had a free market for foreign exchange and, since 1994, the Mexican government has allowed the Peso to float freely against the U.S. Dollar. There can be no assurance that the government will maintain its current policies with regard to the Peso or that the Peso will not depreciate or appreciate significantly in the future.
In the past, the Mexican economy has had balance of payment deficits and decreases in foreign exchange reserves. While the Mexican government does not currently restrict the ability of Mexican or foreign persons or entities to convert Pesos to U.S. Dollars, we cannot assure you that the Mexican government will not institute restrictive exchange control policies in the future, as has occurred from time to time in the past. To the extent that the Mexican government institutes restrictive exchange control policies in the future, our ability to transfer or to convert Pesos into U.S. Dollars and other currencies for the purpose of making timely payments of interest and principal of indebtedness, as well as to obtain foreign programming and other goods, would be adversely affected. See “— Risk Factors — Risk Factors Related to Mexico — Currency Fluctuations or the Devaluation and Depreciation of the Peso Could Limit the Ability of Our Company and Others to Convert Pesos into U.S. Dollars or Other Currencies, Which Could Adversely Affect Our Business, Financial Condition or Results of Operations”.
The following is a discussion of risks associated with our company and an investment in our securities. Some of the risks of investing in our securities are general risks associated with doing business in Mexico. Other risks are specific to our business. The discussion below contains information, among other things, about the Mexican government and the Mexican economy obtained from official statements of the Mexican government as well as other public sources. We have not independently verified this information. Any of the following risks, if they actually occur, could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations or the price of our securities.
Risk FactorsFactors Related to the COVID-19 Pandemic
The COVID-19 Pandemic May Have a Material Adverse Effect on Our Business, Financial Position and Results of Operations
The COVID-19 pandemic may have a material adverse effect onhas affected our business, financial position and results of operations althoughfor the year ended December 31, 2020, and it is currently difficult to predict the degree of the impact. The COVID-19 pandemic is significantly affectingimpact in the global economy due to the disruption or slowdown of supply chains and the increase in economic uncertainty, as evidenced by the increase in volatility of asset prices, exchange rates and decreases in long-term interest rates.future.
We cannot guarantee that conditions in the bank lending, capital and other financial markets will not continue to deteriorate as a result of the pandemic, or that our access to capital and other sources of funding will not become constrained, which could adversely affect the availability and terms of future borrowings, renewals or refinancings. In addition, the deterioration of global economic conditions as a result of the pandemic may ultimately reduce the demand of our products across our segments as our clients and customers reduce or defer their spending.
The Mexican Government is still implementing the plan to reactivate economic activities in accordance with color-based phases determined on a weekly basis in every state of the country.
Pursuant to the above mentioned plan, as of the date of this report, some non-essential economic activities are open with some limitations, mainly on capacity and hours of operation. However, a significant part of the population is still implementing social distancing and shelter-in-place policies. As a result, during the year ended December 31, 2020, this has affected, and other policies to limit the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic that have been implemented or recommended by governmental entities in Mexico and other areas around the world have beenis still affecting the ability of our employees, suppliers and customers to conduct their functions and businesses in their typical manner. The Mexican Government ordered
As of the suspensiondate of all non-essential economic activities from March 30, 2020 through April 30, 2020, and later extended such suspension until May 30, 2020 for most parts of Mexico, including the largest metropolitan areas. Media and telecommunications are not included in the suspension asthis report, given that they are considered essential economic activities. Notwithstanding the foregoing,activities, we have continued operating our essentialmedia and telecommunications businesses promotinguninterrupted to continue benefiting the “stay at home” policy whenever possible, in order to take safetycountry with connectivity, entertainment and cautionary measures for our employees, alonginformation, and, during most of the year ended December 31, 2020, we continued with the corporate campaign “Televisa is with you/Stay at Home with Televisa.” We have taken strictproduction of new content following the requirements and health controls and precautions for the personnel who need to work on-site for the operation of our essential businesses. For more details on the Company’s efforts related to this, please see “Information on the Company—Business Overview—Business Strategy—Commitment to Sustainability.”
Furthermore, as the pandemic evolves in Mexico, additional restrictions are being and may continue to be enacted, such as, among others, the reduction of public transportation as well as restrictions on private transportation, recently enacted in the Mexico City metropolitan area, in which we operate most of our businesses.
As a result of the social distancing policies implemented or recommended by governmental entities in Mexico, our Cable and Sky operations have shown, during the first days of the recommended restrictions, an increase in gross additions and/or sales, which may or may not be temporary. Notwithstanding the foregoing, we may see a decline in these businesses if there are adverse macroeconomic conditions in Mexico and the rest of the markets where we operate.
With regards to our content business, the demand for advertising has been and may continue to be affectedguidelines imposed by the reduction in the level of economic activity in the jurisdictions in which our customers are located, as well as by the uncertainty caused by the pandemic and its duration.Mexican Government. We are partially dependent on the demand for advertising from consumer-focused companies, and the COVID-19 pandemic has caused, and could further cause, advertisers to reduce postpone or in a few cases, eliminatepostpone their advertisement spending on our platforms, or to re-negotiate the terms and conditions of their existing agreements with us. Much of our production of new content has been curtailed or suspended in response to social distancing and shutdown requirements and health guidelines.platforms.
In addition,our Other Businesses segment, sporting orand other entertainment events for which we have broadcast rights, or which we organize, promote and/or are located in venues we own, are operating with some limitations and taking the corresponding sanitary measures, and to date most of our casinos have been, orresumed operations with reduced capacity and hours of operation. When local authorities approve the re-opening of the venues that are still not operating, rules may be cancelled or postponed. Moreover, local authorities have enacted, several rules pursuant toincluding restrictions on capacity and operating hours, which they have instructedmay affect the temporary closingresults of non-essential businesses, including casinos, and as a result our gaming operations have been suspended until the cancellations of governmental measures imposedOther Businesses segment in the regions wherefollowing months.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the authorities may impose further restrictions on essential and non-essential activities, based on then existing circunstances, including, but not limited to, temporary shutdowns or additional guidelines which could be expensive or burdensome to implement, which may affect our casinos are located.operations.
The magnitude of the impact on our business will depend on the duration and extent of the COVID-19 pandemic and the impact of federal, state, local and foreign governmental actions, including continued or future social distancing, and consumer behavior in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and such governmental actions. Due to the evolving and uncertain nature of this situation, we are not able to estimate the full extent of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, but it may have a material adverse effect oncontinue affecting our business, financial position and results of operations over the near, medium or long-term.
To the extent the COVID-19 pandemic and the measures adopted by the authorities to contain it adversely affect our business and financial results, they may also have the effect of heightening many of the other risks described in this “Risk Factors” section.
We cannot predict what effects the COVID-19 relief plan recently announced by the Mexican Federal Government will have in our results of operations and the overall economy
On March 30, 2020, the Mexican General Health Council declared a public health emergency, and on March 31, 2020, the Mexican Ministry of Health announced extraordinary actions to deal with the health emergency caused by the outbreak of the COVID-19 virus. The announcement by the Mexican Ministry of Health ordered the suspension of all non-essential economic activities from March 30, 2020 through April 30, 2020 and was laterhas been extended until May 30, 2020 for most parts of Mexico, including the largest metropolitan areas.several times since then. Media and telecommunications are not included in the suspension as they are considered essential economic activities. Such suspension has already caused negative impacts on the Mexican economy that cannot currently be quantified, and as a result of such, many of our customers’ businesses will be materially and negatively affected and will encounter significant difficulties in terms of maintaining profitability. Although vaccination efforts have started countrywide since January 2021, the Mexican Government is still implementing the plan to reactivate economic activities in accordance with color-based phases determined on a weekly basis in every state of the country.
On April 6, 2020, Mexico’s Federal Government unveiled a plan to provide relief from the COVID-19 crisis. This plan consists mainly of increases in public investment and social spending, providing loans to small businesses and individuals and adopting additional austerity measures. However,The abovementioned plan suffered a significant number of changes as the pandemic progressed, with the last one announced on January 19, 2021, and there remains substantial uncertainty as to the mechanics and processes necessary to implement some of the measures provided for in this plan. Furthermore, the plan currently doeshas not includeincluded bailouts, tax cuts or increases in public debt, although such measures could be adopted in the future.debt. The success of these strategies is uncertain as well as the effect that the pandemic will have on our customers and on our business, financial position and results of operations over the near, medium or long-term.
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Risk Factors Related to Mexico
Economic and Political Developments in Mexico May Adversely Affect Our Business, Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Most of our operations and assets are located in Mexico. As a result, our financial condition, results of operations and business may be affected by the general condition of the Mexican economy, the depreciation or appreciation of the Peso as compared to the U.S. Dollar and other currencies, Mexican inflation, interest rates, regulation, taxation, social instability and other political, social and economic developments in or affecting Mexico over which we have no control.
Mexico Has Experienced Adverse Economic Conditions, Which Could Have a Negative Impact on Our Results of Operations and Financial Condition
Mexico has historically experienced uneven periods of economic growth. Mexican gross domestic product, or GDP, increased by2.0% in 2017, increased by 2.0% in 2018, and decreased by 0.1% in 2019.2019 and decreased by 8.5% in 2020. Mexican GDP growth fell short ofshowed a larger contraction than the Mexican government forecasts in 20192020 and, according to analysts, Mexican GDP is expected to decreaseincrease in a range between -3.7%4.5% – 9.0%4.7% in 2020.2021. We cannot assure you that these estimates and forecasts will prove to be accurate.
Any future economic downturn, including downturns in the United States, Europe, Asia or anywhere else in the world, could affect our financial condition and results of operations. For example, demand for advertising may decrease both because consumers may reduce expenditures for our advertisers’ products and because advertisers may reduce advertising expenditures and demand for publications, cable television, direct-to-home, or DTH, satellite services, pay-per-view programming, telecommunications services and other services and products may decrease because consumers may find it difficult to pay for these services and products. Additionally, there can be no assurance that the recent Mexican sovereign debt rating downgrade will not adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations or the price of our securities. Finally, the economic recovery is uncertain due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Developments and the Perception of Risk in other Countries, Especially in Europe, China, the United States and Emerging Market Countries, May Materially Adversely Affect the Mexican Economy, the Market Value of Our Securities and Our Results of Operations
The market value of securities of Mexican companies, the social, economic and political situation in Mexico and our financial condition and results of operations are, to varying degrees, affected by economic and market conditions in other countries, including the United States, China and other Latin American and emerging market countries. Therefore, investors’ reactions to developments in any of these other countries may have an adverse effect on the market value or trading price of securities of Mexican issuers. Crises in the United States, Europe, China or emerging market countries may reduce investor interest in securities issued by Mexican companies, including those issued by us.
Recent turmoilTurmoil in other large economies, such as those in Europe,, China and the United States, could have the effect of a downturn in the global economy, such as the recession in 2008.economy. Further, our operations, including the demand for our products or services, and the price of our securities, have also historically been adversely affected by increases in interest rates in the United States and elsewhere.
Any of these factors, would negatively affect the market value of oursecurities and make it more difficult for us to access capital markets and finance our operations in the future, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, prospects and the market price of our securities.
In addition, in recent years economicEconomic conditions in Mexico have become increasinglyare significantly correlated with economic conditions in the United States as a result ofthe North American Free Trade Agreement, or NAFTA, and increased economic activity between the two countries. Adverse economic conditions in the United States or other related events could have a significant adverse effect on the Mexican economy, which could adversely affect our business.business, financial condition and results of operations. As a result of talks to renegotiate NAFTA, on November 30, 2018 (and as amended on December 10, 2019), the United States, Canada, and Mexico signed the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). The USMCA was finally, which has been approved by the Mexican Senate, on June 19, 2019, by the U.S. Senate, on January 16, 2020, and by Canada on March 13, 2020.Canada. In addition, increased or perceptions of increased economic protectionism in the United States and other countries could potentially lead to lower levels of trade and investment and economic growth, which could have a similarly negative impact on the Mexican economy. These economic and political consequences could adversely affect our business, financial condition and our results of operations.
We cannot assure you that events in other emerging market countries, in the United States or elsewhere will not materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, prospects and the market price of our shares. In addition, there ismay be lingering uncertainty in global markets stemmingresulting from the departure of the United Kingdom’s exitKingdom from the European Union (“Brexit”). The formal notification by the United Kingdom to the European Council under Article 50 of the Treaty on European Union was made on March 29, 2017, triggering a two-year period during which the terms of Brexit were negotiated. On January 21, 2020, the agreement of transitional provisions for Brexit prepared under European Union law was approved in the British Parliament and, with this vote, the United Kingdom officially began its departure fromleft the European Union on January 31, 2020. Trade laws of the European Union will continue to apply until the expiration of2020 and the transition period which will takethat was in place between them ended on December 31, 2020. This deadline may be extended in light of COVID-19 disruptions toOn December 24, 2020, the European Union/United Kingdom and European Union agreed to a post-Brexit trade negotiations.and cooperation agreement that contains new rules governing (inter alia) trade, travel and immigration. Brexit is likely to have a significant impact on the macroeconomic conditions of the United Kingdom, the European Union and the rest of the world. In the days following Brexit, the performance of global financial markets, particularly international stock markets, could be significantly affected, since immediately following the Brexit vote, there were significant devaluations of the British pound. The long-term effects of Brexit on capital markets, foreign exchange markets and on the overall political and macroeconomic situation globally remain uncertain and, as a consequence, there will likely continue to be a period of instability and volatility in global financial markets. As a result, Brexit may adversely affect political regulatory, economic and market conditions and contribute to the instability of global political institutions, regulatory agencies and financial markets, negatively impacting our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Our profitability is affected by numerous factors including reductions in demand for the services provided in our cable and sky divisions, changes in viewing preferences, priorities of advertisers and reductions in advertisers’ budgets. Historically, advertising in most forms of media has correlated positively with the general condition of the economy and thus, is subject to the risks that arise from adverse changes in domestic and global economic conditions, consumer confidence and spending. The demand for our products and services in Mexico, the U.S. and in the other countries in which we operate may be adversely affected by the tightening of credit markets and economic downturns. As a global company that operates in different countries, we depend on the demand from customers in Mexico, the U.S. and the other countries in which we operate, and reduced consumer spending that falls short of our projections could adversely impact our revenues and profitability.
Uncertainty in Global Financial Markets Could Adversely Affect Our Financing Costs and Exposure to Our Customers and Counterparties
The global financial markets continue to be uncertain and it is hard to predict for how long the effects of the global financial stress of recent years will persist and what impact it will have on the global economy in general, or the economies in which we operate, in particular, and whether slowing economic growth in any countries could result in decreased consumer spending affecting our products and services. If access to credit tightens further and borrowing costs rise, our borrowing costs could be adversely affected. Difficulties in financial markets may also adversely affect some of our customers. In addition, we enter into derivative transactions with large financial institutions, including contracts to hedge our exposure to interest rates and foreign exchange, and we could be affected by severe financial difficulties faced by our counterparties.
Currency Fluctuations or the Devaluation and Depreciation of the Peso Could Limit the Ability of Our Company and Others to Convert Pesos into U.S. Dollars or Other Currencies, Which Could Adversely Affect Our Business, Financial Condition or Results of Operations
The Peso has been subject to significant depreciation against the U.S. Dollar in the past and may be subject to significant fluctuations in the future.A significant portion of our indebtedness and a significant amount of our costs are U.S. Dollar-denominated, while our revenues are primarily Peso-denominated. As a result, decreases in the value of the Peso against the U.S. Dollar could cause us to incur foreign exchange losses, which could reduce our net income.
Severe devaluation or depreciation of the Peso may also result in governmental intervention, or disruption of international foreign exchange markets. This may limit our ability to transfer or convert Pesos into U.S. Dollars and other currencies for the purpose of making timely payments of interest and principal on our indebtedness and adversely affect our ability to obtain foreign programming and other imported goods. The Mexican economy has suffered current account balance of payment deficits and shortages in foreign exchange reserves in the past.While the Mexican government does not currently restrict the right or ability of Mexican or foreign persons or entities to convert Pesos into U.S. Dollars or to transfer other currencies outside of Mexico, there can be no assurance that the Mexican government will not institute restrictive exchange control policies in the future. To the extent that the Mexican government institutes restrictive exchange control policies in the future, our ability to transfer or convert Pesos into U.S. Dollars or other currencies for the purpose of making timely payments of interest and principal on indebtedness, as well as to obtain imported goods would be adversely affected. Devaluation or depreciation of the Peso against the U.S. Dollar or other currencies may also adversely affect U.S. Dollar or other currency prices for our debt securities or the cost of imported goods.
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The public decisions and announcements of the presidential administration in the United States have had, and may continue to have, an adverse effect on the value of the Peso against other currencies, particularly the U.S. Dollar. The decision by the U.S. Federal Reserve to increase applicable interest rates for bank reserves could also affect the exchange rate of the Peso relative to the U.S. Dollar. The economic instability caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a high volatility of the foreign exchange rate, including a significant devaluation of the Peso with respect to the U.S. Dollar. See “— Risk Factors Related to the COVID-19 Pandemic—The COVID-19 Pandemic May Have a Material Adverse Effect on Our Business, Financial Position and Results of Operations.”
An Increase in Interest Rates in the United States Could Adversely Impact the Mexican Economy and May Have a Negative Effect on Our Financial Condition or Performance
A decision by the U.S. Federal Reserve to increase applicable interest rates for banks’ reserves may lead to a general increase in interest rates in the United States. This, in turn, may redirect the flow of capital from emerging markets into the United States because investors may be able to obtain greater risk-adjusted returns in larger or more developed economies than in Mexico. Thus, companies in emerging market economies such as Mexico could find it more difficult and expensive to borrow capital and refinance existing debt. This may negatively affect our potential for economic growth and our ability to refinance our existing debt and could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, prospects and the market price of our shares.
Renegotiation of the Trade Agreements or Other Changes in Foreign Policy by the New or Current Presidential Administration in the United States Could Adversely Affect Imports and Exports Between Mexico and the United States and Other Economic and Geopolitical Effects may Adversely Affect Us
During the last few years there has been uncertainty regarding U.S. policies related to trade, tariffs, immigration and foreign affairs, including with respect to Mexico. The presidential election to be held on November 3, 2020 in the United States and the new U.S. administration either stemming from President Trump's possible re-election or from a new president, in the event of a Democratic party victory, could lead to a number of changes in the relationship between Mexico and the United States.
Additionally, other government policies in the United States that the current Trump administration may adopt could also adversely affect economic conditions in Mexico. The current relationship between the Mexican and U.S. governments, as well as political and economic factors in each country, could lead to changes in international trade and investment policies, including new or higher taxes on products imported from Mexico to the United States. The events described above could affect our activities, financial situation, operating results, cash flows and/or prospects, as well as the market price of our shares. Other economic and geopolitical effects could adversely affect us.
Given that the Mexican economy is heavily influenced by the economy of the United States, the implementation of the USMCA and/or other government policies in the United States that the Federal administration may adopt could adversely affect economic conditions in Mexico. On September 30, 2018, Mexico, Canada and the United States reached an agreement on the terms and conditions of the USMCA, replacing NAFTA. On June 19, 2019, Mexico became the first country to ratify the USMCA, followed by the United States on January 16, 2020 and Canada on March 13, 2020. The USMCA includes a 16-year sunset clause, under which the terms of the agreement expire, or are suspended, after 16 years and is subject to review every six years, at which time the United States, Mexico and Canada may decide whether to extend the USMCA. The implementation of the new terms of the USMCA could have an adverse effect on the Mexican economy,including the level of imports and exports, which could in turn adversely affect our business, financial condition and operating results.results of operations. Other economic and geopolitical effects, including those related to United States policy on trade, tariffs and immigration, may also adversely affect us.
In addition, in June 2019, the Trump administration announced plans to impose an escalating series of tariffs on Mexico unless the Mexican government enacted certain immigration policy changes. While the Mexican and U.S. governments were able to reach an understanding, we cannot assure you that such understanding will remain in place or that the U.S. government will not impose other tariffs on Mexico in the future and that we will not be materially adversely affected by such tariffs or policies.
High Inflation Rates in Mexico May Decrease Demand for Our Services While Increasing Our Costs
In the past,, Mexico has experienced high levels of inflation. The annual rate of inflation, as measured by changes in the Mexican National Consumer Price Index, or NCPI, was 6.8% in 2017, 4.8% in 2018, 2.8% in 2019, 3.2% in 2020 and is projected to be 3.2%4.1% in 2020.2021. An adverse change in the Mexican economy may have a negative impact on price stability and result in higher inflation than its main trading partners, including the United States. High inflation rates can adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations in, among others, the following ways:
High Interest Rates in Mexico Could Increase Our Financing Costs
In the past, Mexico had, and may year, Mexican interest rates have decreased in the future have, high real and nominal interest rates.line with global market movements. The interest rates on 28-day Mexican government treasury securities averaged 6.7%7.6%, 7.6%7.9% and 7.8%5.3% for 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2019,2020, respectively. High interest rates in Mexico could increase our financing costs and thereby impair our financial condition, results of operations and cash flow.flow and we cannot assure that this trend will remain in the future.
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Political Events in Mexico Could Affect Mexican Economic Policy and Our Business, Financial Condition and Results of Operations
TheThe last Mexican presidential and congressional elections took place in July 2018. Andrés Manuel López Obrador, presidential candidate for the National Regeneration Movement Party (Movimiento de Regeneración Nacional) (“Morena”), was elected President of Mexico and took office on December 1, 2018. Additionally, Mexican congressional elections tookwill take place in July 2018, resulting in Morena being part ofon June 6, 2021. In these elections, it will be determined whether the coalition led by Morena, “Together we will make history” (Juntos HaremosHacemos Historia), together with the Labor Party (Partido del Trabajo) and the Social Encounter Party (Partido Encuentro Social), obtaining an absolutewill maintain their current majority. Mexico’s next federal legislative election will be in July 2021.
TheMexican government has reduced public spending insince 2019. On July 2, 2019, the new Mexican Republican Austerity Law (Ley de Austeridad Republicana) was approved by the Mexican Senate. Our business, financial condition and results of operations may be adversely affected by changes in governmental policies or regulations involving or affecting our management, operations and tax regime. Tax policy in Mexico, in particular, is subject to continuous change.
Wecannot predict the government’s future policies, considering thator whether the coalition which currently has control of an absolute majority of congress could maintain it and, if such coalition or any political force may implement substantial changes in law, policies and regulations in Mexico, which could have a significant effect on our business, activities, financial condition, operating results, cash flows and/or prospects. As happens with any new governmental policies and regulations, we cannot ascertain whether, and to what extent, such policies and regulations may affect our operations, financial condition, results of operations or the legal framework in which we operate.
Mexico has Experienced a Period of Increased Criminal Activity and Such Activities Could Adversely Affect Our Financing Costs and Exposure to Our Customers and Counterparties
During recent years, Mexico has experienced a period of increased criminal activity and violence, primarily due to organized crime. These activities, their escalation and the violence associated with them could have a negative impact on the business environment in which we operate, and therefore on our financial condition and results of operations.
Imposition of Fines by Regulators and Other AuthoritiesCould Adversely Affect Our Business, Financial Condition and Results of Operations
A significant portion of our business, activities and investments occur in heavily regulated sectors. The Mexican regulators and other authorities, including tax authorities, have increased their supervision and the frequency and amounts of fines and assessments have increased significantly. Although we intend to defend our positions vigorously when procedures are brought or fines are imposed by authorities, there can be no assurance that we will be successful in such defense. Accordingly, we may in the future be required to pay fines and assessments that could be significant in amount, which could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Existing Mexican Laws and Regulations or Changes Thereto or the Imposition of New Ones May Negatively Affect Our Operations and Revenue
Our business, activities and investments are subject to various Mexican federal, state and local statutes, rules, regulations, policies and procedures, which are subject to change and are affected by the actions of various Mexican federal, state and local government authorities. Such changes could materially adversely affect our operations and our revenue.
Mexico’s Federal Antitrust Law and theLey Federal de Telecomunicaciones y Radiodifusión, or Telecommunications and Broadcasting Federal Law, or LFTR, including their regulations, may affect some of our activities, including our ability to introduce new products and services, enter into new or complementary businesses or joint ventures and complete acquisitions. In addition, the Federal Antitrust Law and its regulations, as well as the conditions and measures imposed by theInstituto Federal de Telecomunicaciones, or Federal Telecommunications Institute, or IFT, an institute with constitutional autonomy responsible for overseeing the broadcasting (radio and television) and telecommunications industries and their antitrust matters, or by theComisión Federal de Competencia Económica, or Mexican Antitrust Commission, or COFECE, may adversely affect our ability to determine the rates we charge for our services and products or the manner in which we provide our products or services. Approval of IFT or the COFECE, as applicable, is required to acquire certain businesses or enter into certain joint ventures. There can be no assurance that in the future IFT or the COFECE, as the case may be, will authorize certain acquisitions or joint ventures related to our businesses, the denial of which may adversely affect our business strategy, financial condition and results of operations. IFT or COFECE, as applicable, may also impose conditions, obligations and fines that could adversely affect some of our activities, our business, strategy, our financial condition and results of operations. See “— Imposition of Fines by Regulators and Other Authorities Could Adversely Affect Our Business, Financial Condition and Results of Operations”.
As a result of the amendments to the Mexican Constitution and the LFTR relating to telecommunications, television, radio and antitrust, concessions for the use of spectrum are now only granted through public bid processes.
In March 2015, IFT issueda ruling announcing Grupo Radio Centro, S.A.B. de C.V., or Grupo Radio Centro, and Cadena Tres I, S.A. de C.V., or Imagen Television as winning bidders for two free to air broadcasting licenses with separate national coverage. Imagen Television has completed the process, has received its license and began broadcasting on October 17, 2016. However, since Grupo Radio Centro failed to pay the amount they bid for their free to air broadcasting license, the IFT’s ruling announcing them as a winning bidder was declared null and void and they did not receive the license. As a result, the auction of the portion of the spectrum that was going to be assigned to Grupo Radio Centro took place during 2017. The new bid was for 148 channels for Digital Terrestrial Television, including at least 123 channels that were not allocated in the IFT-1 bidding process for the two national digital broadcast television networks. At the end of the process, offers were received for 32 channels located in 29 different coverage areas located in 17 States and covering about 45 percent of the country’s total population. The bidding process concluded in December 2017 with the issuance of the corresponding concession titles in favor of Compañía Periodística Sudcaliforniana, S.A. de C.V., Comunicación 2000, S.A. de C.V., Francisco de Jesús Aguirre Gómez, Intermedia de Chihuahua, S.A. de C.V., José Guadalupe Manuel Trejo García, Multimedios Televisión, S.A. de C.V., Quiero Media, S.A. de C.V., Radio Comunicación Gamar, S.A. de C.V., Radio Operadora Pegasso, S.A. de C.V., Radio-Televisión de Nayarit, S.A. de C.V., Tele Saltillo, S.A. de C.V., Televisión Digital, S.A. de C.V. and Telsusa Televisión México, S.A. de C.V.
Article 15-A of theLey del Seguro Social,, or the Social Security Law, could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. Article 15-A provides that a company that receives personnel servicesfrom a third party, on any of the company’s premises with such personnel under its control, is jointly bound to comply with the obligations related to social security that have to be fulfilled by such personnel services providers for the benefit of their respective employees. Article 15-A also requires the Company to send a list to theInstituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, or the Social Security Mexican Institute, of all agreements entered into with personnel services providers.
In addition to the foregoing, certain provisions of theLey Federal del Trabajo, or the Federal Labor Law, could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. The Federal Labor Law, as amended in November 2012,April 2021, provides, among other things, that subcontracting personnel is prohibited and only will be permitted if the personnel services provider performs specialized services or specialized work; however such specialized services or work shall not be contemplated in the company’s corporate purpose or be related with the company’s main activities. Companies that provide outsourcing agreements must meet certain requirements.services will be required to complete a registration before the Mexican Ministry of Labor (Secretaría del Trabajo y Previsión Social). If these requirements are not met, the company that receives the benefit of the outsourced services mightshall be deemed to be the employer of the personnel performing the services and thus required to comply withjointly liable for all the obligations applicable to employers pursuant to the Federal Labor Law in respect of such personnel. Fines and penalties may be imposed on companies that do not comply with all applicable obligations, and the use of simulated schemes of rendering specialized services or execution of specialized work, as well as subcontracting personnel, will be treated as a criminal offense.
The amendment approved in April 2021 brings, as a consequence, changes to the social security, tax and labor laws. The objective of such amendment is to avoid the subcontracting schemes.
This amendment also stated that the amount of profit sharing to be paid to employees will be capped to three months of salary or the average amount received by the employee in the last three years, whichever is more favorable to the employee. A tax implication of this amendment is that invoices issued for disallowed subcontracting of personnel will not have tax effects (i.e., non-deductible expense for income tax purposes and inability to claim a value added tax credit on such expense).
In December 2018, the Mexican Federal Congress approved the economic plan for 2019. The new plan did not include material changes in the tax legislation like tax amnesty or new taxes. The tax reforms revoked the ability to offset overpayments of different type of taxes and granted some incentives for certain taxpayers, as follows:
Limitation to use overpayments of VAT and income tax to offset other taxes: Prior to December 2018, taxpayers were able to offset overpayments of different type of taxes against each other and against taxes withheld. With the tax reform, this ability was eliminated and taxpayers are only allowed to offset tax overpayments that derive from the same type of tax. This limitation may affect some of our subsidiaries that recurrently have VAT or Income Tax overpayments but could offset those overpayments against each other (i.e. VAT against income tax). As of January 2019, taxpayers will only be able to (i) request a refund of the overpayment or (ii) offset tax overpayments against the same type of tax.
Tax incentives for taxpayers operating in the Northern Border Region of Mexico:The objective of these incentives is to promote productivity and create new sources of employment in the Northern Border Region of Mexico. These tax incentives became effective on January 1, 2019 and willwere expected to remain in force until December 2020. Nevertheless, on December 30, 2020, the decree in which these incentives were granted was amended to extend its validity until December 2024.
Income tax reduction: Mexican individuals and entities, and residents abroad with permanent establishment in Mexico that receive income exclusively in the Northern Border Region of Mexico from their business activities will be able to apply a tax credit equal to one-third of the income tax corresponding to that income. In order to apply this tax incentive, an authorization must be obtained from the corresponding tax authority. Once the authorization is obtained, several rules shall be taken into consideration in order to retain the tax incentive.
VAT rate reduction: Mexican individuals and entities that sell goods, render independent services, or grant the temporary use of goods in establishments located within the Northern Border Region of Mexico, may apply a tax credit equivalent to 50% of the VAT ordinary rate (16% to be reduced to 8%). In order to be able to apply the tax credit, taxpayers must submit an application notice to the corresponding tax authority.
In December 2019, the Mexican Federal Congress approved some additional reforms to the economic plan for 2020. These 2020 tax reforms include amendments to the Income Tax Law, the Value Added Tax Law, the Special Tax on Production and Services Law and the Federal Tax Code, they became effective as of January 2020. Some of the most relevant changes to the Mexican tax legislation incorporated some of the Actions included in the Base Erosion and Profit Shifting Final Report (BEPS) published by the OrganisationOrganization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) in February 2013, such as: (i) limitations to the deduction of interests as well as to some other deductions, (ii) update of the Controlled Foreign Corporation (CFC) Rules, (iii) new provisions to tax transparent entities, (iv) modification of the definition of permanent establishment, and (v) incorporation of new rules to tax digital economy. Some other relevant amendments to avoid tax evasion include (i) a new obligation of tax advisors and taxpayers to disclose reportable schemes and (ii) inclusion of general anti-avoidance rule. The following are some of such tax reforms, which some of them impact us:
Limitation of the deductibility of net interest expense. In accordance with the recommendations of Action 4 “Limiting Base Erosion Involving Interest Deductions and Other Financial Payments” of the BEPS Final Project and in addition to the existing thin capitalization rules, the interest deduction is limited to 30% of the adjusted tax profit. The limitation applies to the amount of interests that derive from debt exceeding Ps.20 million considering all interests of all companies that are members of the same corporate group. This limitation applies regardless of whether the debt or loan was acquired before January 2020. The amount of interest not deductible in a given year because of this limitation can be carried forward to the following 10 years, provided that certain requirements are met. There are some exceptions provided in this rule for debt financing public infrastructure work projects, real estate construction, and productive governmental enterprises.
Controlled foreign companies rules. The complete provisions of this regime were changed to apply some of the recommendations included in the Action 3 “Designing Effective Controlled Foreign Company Rules”. The changes include a new definition of effective control and the strengthening of the requirements needed for not considering income subject to a preferential tax regime. In addition, new provisions were added to set new rules for taxing income obtained through foreign transparent entities or figures, and therefore avoid differing the payment of tax derived from this type of vehicle.
New rules to tax digital economy. As part of the measures to increase the efficiency in the collection of VAT and according to the recommendations of Action 1 “Tax Changes Arising from Digitalization” of the BEPS Final Project, a new chapter was included in the Value Added Tax Law to include the VAT treatment applicable to certain digital services provided in Mexico from non-Mexican residents with no permanent establishment. Beginning June 2020, non-Mexican residents providing digital services in Mexico will have to collect the VAT derived from such services and will have several obligations, among others, registering in the Federal Taxpayers Registry, filling periodical VAT returns and issuing invoices.
Reportable schemes. Taxpayers and their tax advisors will be required to disclose to tax authorities certain reportable schemes that are listed in the Federal Tax Code. Tax advisors will be required to register and to disclose any reportable scheme in case they participate in its design, organization, implementation, or management. Taxpayers will be required to disclose a reportable scheme if the scheme is designed, organized, managed, or implemented by themselves and if the tax advisor does not report the scheme.
General anti-avoidance rule. A general anti-avoidance rule was enacted to identify transactions that lack a business reason and that generate a tax benefit, once it identifies the transactions, the authority could consider them as non-existent or characterize them as a different transaction for tax purposes only. A transaction is considered lacking a business reason when (i) the expected quantifiable economic benefit is lower than the tax benefit received and (ii) when the expected quantifiable economic benefit could have been obtained through fewer transactions and the tax effect may result in a higher tax burden. A tax benefit includes any reduction, deferral, or elimination of a contribution.
In December 2020, the Mexican Federal Congress approved amendments to the Income Tax Law, Value Added Tax and Federal Tax Code as part of the economic plan for 2021.
Regarding the Income Tax Law, several changes were made to the general regime applicable to tax-exempt organizations that aimed to control and restrict the application of such regime to ensure that only the companies that perform non-profit activities benefit from the dispositions of such regime. Another important amendment was the decrease of the rate of annual withholding tax applicable to the capital that produces interest paid by the financial system, which changed from 1.45% to 0.97%.
In terms of value added tax, derived from the entry into force of the tax digital economy dispositions, some more dispositions were included to specify the way to comply with those obligations, as well as penalties to ensure such compliance.
The AmendmentAmendments to the Regulations of the General Health Law on Advertising Could Materially Affect Our Business, Results of Operations and Financial Condition
On February 14, 2014, the Mexican Ministry of Health published in the Official Gazette of the Federation an amendment to the Regulations of the General Health Law on Advertising, pursuant to which advertisers of certain high-caloric foods and non-alcoholic beverages are required to obtain prior permission from the health authorities in order to advertise their products on radio, broadcast television, pay-TV and in movie theaters (the “Health Law Amendment”). The Health Law Amendmentbecame effective on April 16, 2014 and comprehensive guidelines entitled “Guidelines with nutritional and advertising criteria for advertisers of food and non-alcoholic beverages for obtaining permission for the advertising of their products with respect to the provisions of Articles 22 bis and 79 of the Regulations of the General Health Law on Advertising” (the “Health Law Guidelines”) were published in the Official Gazette of the Federation on April 15, 2014 and became effective on July 7, 2014 for the advertisement of the following products: snacks, flavored drinks, candies, chocolates, or foods similar to chocolates and became effective for the remaining products on January 1, 2015.
The Health Law Guidelines restrict the hours that certain high-caloric foods and non-alcoholic drinks can be advertised. These restrictions do not apply when the advertisement is aired during certain programs such as sports, dramas, news programs, series officially rated as unsuitable for children, films with ratings of B, B15, C and D, and programs where the advertiser certifies through audience research that people between the ages of 4 and 12 represent no more than 35% of the audience and receives the prior consent from the Federal Commission for the Protection Against Health Risks.
On March 27, 2020, the Mexican Ministry of Economy published in the Official Gazette of the Federation an amendment to the Mexican Official Standard NOM-051-SCFI/SSA1-2010 (General labeling specifications for pre-packaged food and non-alcoholic beverages – commercial and health information) (the “NOM-051 Amendment”), which incorporates new prohibitions and guidelines in the front design of food and non-alcoholic beverage labels. The NOM-051 Amendment establishes a five-year transition period, coming into force in three phases. As of April 1, 2021, the use of characters, drawings, celebrities, athletes or pets in labels of pre-packaged food and non-alcoholic beverages to promote their consumption is prohibited, and the use of warning labels for pre-packaged products with saturated fats, high sugars or sweeteners that have one or more warning labels of saturated fats, high sugars or the legend of sweeteners is mandatory.
We cannot predict the impact or effect that suchthe NOM-051 Amendment and/or the Health Law Amendment might have or continue to have on our results of operations in the future.
The Reform and Addition of Various Provisions of the Mexican Constitution Related to Telecommunications, the LFTR, and Other Recent Actions of IFT May Significantly and Adversely Affect the Business, Results of Operations and Financial Results of Some of Our Business Segments
Any regulations related to the LFTR that could be issued by the President of Mexico and IFT, as applicable, or amendments to the LFTR and certain actions recently taken by IFT, or to be taken by IFT from time to time, affect or could significantly and adversely affect the business, results of operations and financial condition of certain of our subsidiaries that provide services in the areas of broadcasting, cable and telecommunications.
The LFTR provides that measures taken or decisions issued by IFT are not subject to judicial stay. Therefore, subject to limited exceptions, until a decision, action or omission by IFT is declared void or unconstitutional by a competent court through a binding and final judgment, IFT’s decision, action or omission will be valid and will have full legal effect.
As a result of the reforms to the Mexican Constitution and the must-offer and must-carry regulations issued by IFT, starting on September 10, 2013, our concessionaries of broadcast services have been required to permit pay-TV concessionaries to retransmit broadcast signals, free of charge and on a non-discriminatory basis, within the same geographic coverage area simultaneously and without modifications, including advertising, and with the same quality of the broadcast signal, except in certain specific cases provided in the transitory Articles of the June 2013 Telecom Reform (the “Telecom Reform”). Also, since September 10, 2013, our pay-TV concessionaires are required to retransmit broadcast signals of free television concessionaires, free of charge and on a non-discriminatory basis, subject to certain exceptions and additional requirements provided for in the Telecom Reform.
Certain pay-TV concessionaries benefit from the free use of broadcast for retransmission to their subscribers. Consequently, the business that licenses to pay-TV concessionaires our television signals and our subsidiary that is the owner and/or licensor of the audiovisual works that we have produced or distributed, jointly or separately by us and some of our subsidiaries, have ceased receiving significant income from licensing retransmission rights, which has affected and will continue to affect their results of operations.
On February 27, 2014, the “General Guidelines Regarding the Provisions of Section 1 of the Eighth Article of the Transitory Decree Amending and Supplementing a Number of Provisions of Articles 6, 7, 27, 28, 73, 78, 94 and 105 of the Mexican Constitution in Telecommunications,” or the Guidelines, were published in the Official Gazette of the Federation, which include, among other obligations, the obligation of concessionaires of broadcast television licenses to permit the retransmission of their broadcast signals and the obligation of pay-TV concessionaires to perform such retransmission (without requiring the prior consent of the broadcast television concessionaires) in the same geographic coverage zone for free (subject to certain exceptions) and in a non-discriminatory manner in its entirety, simultaneously and without modifications, including advertising, and with the same quality of the broadcast signal without requiring consent from the broadcast television concessionaires.
On March 6, 2014, IFT issued a decision (the “Preponderance Decision”) whereby it determined that we, together with other entities with concessions to provide broadcast television, including some of our subsidiaries, are preponderant economic agents in the broadcasting sector in Mexico (together, the “Preponderant Economic Agent”). The Preponderance Decision imposes on the Preponderant Economic Agent various measures, terms, conditions and restrictive obligations, some of which are described below, that may significantly and adversely affect the activities and businesses of our broadcasting businesses, as well as the results of operations and financial condition:
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• | Infrastructure sharing— The Preponderant Economic Agent must make its passive broadcasting infrastructure available to third-party concessionaires of broadcast television for commercial purposes in a non-discriminatory and non-exclusive manner, with the exception of broadcasters that, at the time the measures enter into force, have 12 MHz or more of radio-electric spectrum in the geographic area concerned. Such passive broadcasting infrastructure includes, among others, non-electronic elements at transmitting locations, rights of way, ducts, masts, trenches, towers, poles, security, sites, land, energy sources and air conditioning system elements. This action may result in the Preponderant Economic Agent being bound to incur substantial additional costs and obligations in complying with this requirement, as well as affecting the results of operations. Furthermore, this measure will facilitate the entry and expansion of new competitors in the broadcasting industry without such competitors having to incur costs or investment expenses that new businesses in this industry otherwise would have made and which we incurred in the past and will continue incurring in the future in order to remain competitive. A first infrastructure offer with the terms and conditions to make our passive broadcasting infrastructure available to third-party concessionaires was published on our website on December 19, 2014 and was valid until December 31, 2016. This was succeeded by a second infrastructure offer, which we published on our website on November 30, 2016 and which was effective as of January 1, 2017. This was succeeded by a third infrastructure offer, which we published on our website on November 30, 2017 and was valid from January 1, 2018 until December 31, 2019, which was declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court on November 26, 2019. This was succeeded by a fourth infrastructure offer, which we published on our website on November 30, 2019, to be effective from January 1, 2020 through December 31, 2021. The fourth infrastructure offer includes the offer of the signal emissions in terms set forth in the new Preponderance Measures described below. The price to be paid by the concessionaires for the use of our infrastructure is subject to the tariffs approved by IFT, applicable to the fourth infrastructure offer. As of the date of this |
• | Advertising sales— According to the Preponderance Decision, the Preponderant Economic Agent must deliver to IFT the terms and conditions of its broadcast advertising services and fee structures, including commercials, packages, discount plans and any other commercial offerings and publish them on its webpage. The Preponderant Economic Agent also must make publicly available on its website its forms of contracts and terms of sale for each service. Based on this decision, the Preponderant Economic Agent is expressly prohibited from refusing to sell advertising and/or discriminate with respect to the advertising spaces being offered. If IFT considers that the Preponderant Economic Agent has failed to comply with the foregoing, IFT may order the Preponderant Economic Agent to make its advertising spaces available, which, in turn, could affect the ability of the Preponderant Economic Agent to carry out its advertising sales plans in an efficient and competitive manner, affecting its operating results. This provision may also affect the ability of the Preponderant Economic Agent to offer competitive rates to its customers. This provision, may give a competitive advantage to, among others, our broadcast television competitors, TV Azteca, S.A.B. de C.V., or TV Azteca, Imagen Television, and new concessionaires of broadcast television spectrum. |
• | Prohibition on acquiring certain exclusive content— The Preponderant Economic Agent may not acquire transmission rights, on an exclusive basis, for any location within Mexico with respect to certain relevant content, determined by IFT in the “Ruling whereby IFT identifies the relevant audiovisual contents in terms and for the purposes of the fourth measure and the second transitory article of the fourth attachment of the Telecommunication Preponderance Decision and the Broadcasting Preponderance Decision”, or the Relevant Content Ruling, which list may be updated every two years by IFT. Relevant content is defined as programs with a high expected level of regional or national audience and with unique characteristics that in the past have generated high levels of national or regional audiences. The Relevant Content Ruling identified certain programs that would be considered relevant content, namely, Mexican national soccer team games, the opening and closing ceremonies of the Olympic Games, the opening and closing ceremonies and semifinals and finals of the FIFA World Cup, and the finals of the Mexican Soccer League. Also on November 14, 2018, IFT updated the list, eliminating the opening and closing ceremonies of the Olympic Games and adding 16 matches of the FIFA World Cup, semifinals of the Mexican Soccer League and the Super Bowl. This Ruling applies to broadcasting Preponderant Economic Agents and may limit the ability of Preponderant Economic Agents to negotiate and have access to this content and could affect its ability to acquire content in the medium and long term, which could significantly and adversely affect its revenues and results of operations from the sale of advertising, as well as the quality of the programming offered for its audiences. These audiences may move to other broadcast television transmissions or other technological platforms that transmit such content, or to other leisure activities such as browsing the internet or playing videogames, among others. |
• | Over-the-air channels— When the Preponderant Economic Agent offers any of its over-the-air channels, or channels that have at least 50% of the programming that is broadcast daily between 6:00 a.m. and midnight on such channels, to its affiliates, subsidiaries, related parties or third parties, for distribution through a different technological platform than over-the-air broadcast television, the Preponderant Economic Agent must offer these channels to any other person that asks for distribution over the same platform as the Preponderant Economic Agent has offered, on the same terms and conditions. Also, if the Preponderant Economic Agent offers a package of two or more of these channels, it must also offer them in an unpackaged form upon request. This may significantly affect our ability to commercialize our programming, including programming that is not produced for broadcast television, which could affect our revenues and results of operations. Likewise, our ability to make more efficient use of other technological platforms could be significantly affected. |
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• | Prohibition on participating in “buyers’ clubs” or syndicates to acquire audiovisual content, without IFT’s prior approval— The Preponderant Economic Agent may not enter into or remain a member of any “buyers’ club” or syndicates of audiovisual content unless it has received the prior approval of IFT. A “buyers’ club” is defined as any arrangement between two or more economic agents to jointly acquire broadcast rights to audiovisual content in order to obtain better contractual terms. This may result in the Preponderant Economic Agent not having exclusive access to certain audiovisual content and consequently its audiences may move to other broadcast television transmissions or other technological platforms that transmit such content. It may also result in its acquisition costs significantly increasing, which can affect business strategy, financial condition and results of operations. This provision, when applied, will award a competitive advantage to, among others, our broadcast television competitors, TV Azteca, Imagen Television, and to new licensees of broadcast television spectrum. This measure will also prevent other domestic players and the Preponderant Economic Agent from obtaining content together at competitive prices and taking advantage of economies of scale which may be available to international players. |
On February 27, 2017, as part of thebiannual review of the broadcasting sector preponderance rules, IFT amended various measures, terms, conditions and restrictive obligations (the “New Preponderance Measures”) as follows:
• | Infrastructure sharing— In addition to the previously imposed obligations regarding the sharing of passive infrastructure, the New Preponderance Measures have (i) included the service of signal emissions in the event that no passive infrastructure exists on the relevant requested site, which was declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court on November 26, 2019; (ii) strengthened the supervision of services provided by the Preponderant Economic Agent and tariff arrangements made with its clients; (iii) included certain rules relating to publicity of its tariffs; and (iv) included a new electronic management system. Under the new Preponderance Measures, the IFT determined specific tariffs for our third and fourth infrastructure offers. |
• | Prohibition on acquiring certain exclusive content— This measure has been modified by enabling the Preponderant Economic Agent to acquire relevant content under certain circumstances as long as it obtains the sublicense of such transmission rights to the other broadcasters of over-the-air television in Mexico on non-discriminatory terms. |
• | Advertising sales— IFT modified this measure by including specific requirements to the Preponderant Economic Agent in its provision of over the air advertising services, particularly to telecommunications companies, which include (i) publishing and delivering to IFT specific information regarding tariffs, discount plans, contracting and sales terms and conditions, contract forms and other relevant practices; and (ii) prohibiting discrimination, refusals to deal, conditioned sales and other conditions that inhibit competition. The Preponderant Economic Agent also has to provide very detailed information to IFT on a recurrent basis of over the air advertising services related to telecommunications companies. |
• | Accounting separation— We, as the Preponderant Economic Agent, are required to implement an accounting separation methodology following the criteria defined by IFT for those purposes, which criteria were published in the Diario Oficial de la Federación, or the Official Gazette of the Federation, on December 29, 2017. Such criteria were amended by a first amendment published on October 29, 2018, where IFT simplified some reporting obligations for accounting separation for entities that are part of the Preponderant Economic Agent, other than our subsidiaries. Furthermore, a second amendment was published on December 19, 2019, where IFT deferred the deadline for the filing of the accounting separation exercises for the fiscal years 2017 and 2018 to July 31, 2019, which we filed timely. We timely filed the accounting separation methodology for fiscal year 2019 and have begun the process of the accounting separation methodology for fiscal year |
The most recent biannual review of the broadcasting sector preponderance rules began in 2019 and a new resolution, which may amend the New Preponderance Measures, will be issued in 2020.
On March 28, 2014, we, together with our subsidiaries determined to be the Preponderant Economic Agent in the broadcasting sector, filed anamparoproceeding challenging the constitutionality of the Preponderance Decision. On November 21, 2019, the Supreme Court resolved theamparo proceeding. The Court declared the constitutionality of the Preponderance Decision, which, therefore, remains in force.
Additionally, on March 31, 2017, we, together with our subsidiaries, filed anamparo proceeding challenging the constitutionality of the New Preponderance Measures. The final resolution is still pending.On November 21, 2019, the Second Chamber of the Supreme Court of Justice granted the amparo and revoked the New Preponderance Measures. As a result, the applicable and valid measures that are in force are those issued under the Preponderance Decision.
The most recent biannual review of the broadcasting sector preponderance rules that began in 2019 was concluded due to the resolution of the amparo.
The Telecom Reform provided for a public bid or auction to grant licenses to establish the National Digital Networks. The “Auction Program for Digital Television Broadcast Frequencies” took place in 2014 and the first part of 2015.See “— Existing Mexican Laws and Regulations or Changes Thereto or the Imposition of New Ones May Negatively Affect Our Operations and Revenue”.
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Imagen Television’s National Digital Networks and the new 148 channels of Digital Terrestrial Television compete and will compete with our broadcasting subsidiaries for advertising revenues, which together with the measures previously described, can affect revenues and operating results and our ability to have access to competitive content or content of interest to advertisers and audiences. As a result, these advertisers and audiences may move to other broadcast television stations or other technological platforms, and our audience share may be reduced. Likewise, we may incur additional costs in order to meet other obligations of IFT as previously described and which may be imposed on us as a result of the LFTR and the secondary regulations issued by the executive power and IFT, as applicable.
In addition to competition from the National Digital Networks, we could also be subject to additional competition from new competitors in the broadcast, cable and telecommunications markets in which we participate, including pay-TV, broadband, telephone services, cable providers, DTH television, telephone operators and other participants as a result of the elimination on the restrictions on foreign investment in telecommunications services and satellite communication, the increase in the maximum permitted foreign-ownership in broadcasting (television and radio) to 49%, as well as from online video distributors (“OVDs”), as a result of the advancement of technology.
The LFTR provides that integrated sole concessions will be renewed for terms equal to the maximum terms for which they could be granted, namely, up to 30 years. To request the renewal of a concession, a concession holder must: (i) file its request with IFT one year prior to the beginning of the fifth period of the term of the concession; (ii) comply with its obligations established in the applicable laws and in the concession title; and (iii) accept the new conditions that IFT may impose. In such cases, IFT will issue its ruling within 180 days following the date the concession holder files the renewal request. If IFT does not issue its ruling within 180 days the renewal will be automatically granted.
In the case of concessions for the use of radio-electric spectrum, the maximum term of renewal is 20 years. Renewal of concessions for the use of spectrum require, among others: (i) to request such renewal to IFT in the year prior to the last fifth period of the fixed term of the related concession; (ii) to be in compliance with the concession holder’s obligations under the LFTR, other applicable regulations, and the concession title; (iii) a declaration by IFT that there is no public interest in recovering the spectrum granted under the related concession; and (iv) the acceptance by the concession holder of any new conditions for renewing the concession as set forth by IFT, including the payment of a related fee. To our knowledge, no spectrum granted for broadcasting services in Mexico has been recovered by the Mexican government in the past several years for public interest reasons; however, the Company is unable to predict the outcome of any action by IFT in this regard.
IFT has approved the renewal of the concession titles for the use of spectrum for the broadcast television signals known as Las Estrellas, Canal 5, NU9VE, Foro TV and other local television stations, for a term of 20 years after the existing expiration dates, as well as the issuance of concessions that grant the authorization to provide digital broadcasting television services.
As part of our expansion of our cable business, on December 17, 2018, we acquired FTTH under the provisions set forth in transitory Article 9 of LFTR. On May 8, 2019, the IFT launched an investigation in order to analyze if, as a result of the transaction, the Company acquired substantial power in the market of telecommunications networks providing voice, data or video services. On September 4, 2019, the IFT Investigative Authority issued a preliminary opinion, whereby it assessed that there were elements to determine that the Company had substantial power in 35 relevant markets of the telecommunications networks that provide restricted television and audio services. Those 35 relevant markets comprise 35 municipalities in the following States: Aguascalientes, Chihuahua, Ciudad de México, Estado de México, Jalisco, Nuevo León and San Luis Potosí. As a response to the preliminary opinion, the Company presented its position and provided evidence to prove that the Company does not hold substantial power in the relevant markets established in the preliminary opinion. TheOn November 26, 2020, the IFT notified the Company of the final resolution is still pending. Therefore,confirming the existence of substantial power in the 35 relevant markets of restricted television and audio services. Consequently, on December 17, 2020, the Company filed three amparos challenging the constitutionality of the resolution, which are now under review by the competent court. However, we are unable to predict the outcome of this proceeding. If the Governing Board (Plenum)these procedures. Some of the consequences derived from the determination of substantial market power, are applicable as a matter of law and others may be imposed by IFT determines that the Company has substantial power in the restricted television and audio services market, the IFT may conduct a new procedure in order to establish specific obligations to the Company in accordance with the LFTR. WeLFTR; these may take legal actions against both final decisions, includingconsist of: (i) the measures, conditions, termsobligation to obtain IFT’s approval and restrictive covenants with which agentsto register the rates for our services; (ii) to inform the IFT in case of the adoption of new technology or modifications to the network; (iii) the agent with substantial power shall comply; however, there canmay not be no assurance thatentitled to the outcomebenefits of such actions will be favorable to us.some rules of the “must carry” and “must offer” provisions; and (iv) the implementation of accounting separation.
Overall, the Telecom Reform, the LFTR and secondary regulationsalready issued and to be issued by the executive power or IFT, as applicable, as well as any actions taken by IFT, may increase our operating costs and interfere with our ability to provide, or prevent us from offering, some of our current or future services. Moreover, the entry of new market participants (including OVDs) and the introduction of new products (including over-the-top (“OTT”) services) could result in an impairment to the prices of some of our products and/or costs and adversely affect our results in some business segments in future periods.
The resolutions issued by IFT under the Telecom Reform significantly and adversely affect certain areas related to some of our activities, including broadcasting, cable and telecommunications, as well as our ability to introduce new products, infrastructure and services, to enter into new businesses or complementary businesses, to consummate acquisitions or joint ventures, to determine the rates we charge for our products, services and use of our infrastructure, to acquire broadcast rights to exclusive content, and to charge market rates for the licensing of copyrights we hold.
See “Information on the Company — Business Overview — Regulation — Telecom Reform and Broadcasting Regulations”.
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Risk Factors Related to Our Major Stockholders
Emilio Azcárraga JeanHas and Will Have Substantial Influence Over Our Management and the Interests of Mr. Azcárraga Jean may Differ from Those of Other Stockholders
We have four classes of common stock:Series “A” Shares, Series “B” Shares, Series “D” Shares, and Series “L” Shares. A trust for the benefit of Emilio Azcárraga Jean, or the Azcárraga Trust, currently holds 43.8% of the outstanding Series “A” shares, 0.1% of the outstanding Series “B” shares, 0.1% of the outstanding Series “D” shares and 0.1% of the outstanding Series “L” shares of the Company. As a result, Emilio Azcárraga Jean controls the vote of most of the shares held through the Azcárraga Trust. The Series “A” Shares held through the Azcárraga Trust constitute a majority of the Series “A” Shares whose holders are entitled to vote because non-Mexican holders of CPOs and GDSs are not permitted to vote the underlying Series “A” Shares in accordance with the trust agreement governing the CPOs and the Company’s bylaws. Accordingly, and so long as non-Mexicans own more than a minimal number of Series “A” Shares, Emilio Azcárraga Jean will have the ability to direct the election of 11 out of 20 members of our Board of Directors, as well as prevent certain actions by the stockholders, including dividend payments, mergers, spin-offs, changes in corporate purpose, changes of nationality and amendments to the anti-takeover provisions of our bylaws. See “Major Stockholders and Related Party Transactions — The Major Stockholders”.
As Controlling Stockholder, Emilio Azcárraga JeanHas the Ability to Limit Our Ability to Raise Capital, Which Would Require Us to Seek Other Financing Arrangements
Emilio Azcárraga Jean has the voting power to prevent us from raising money through equity offerings. Mr. Azcárraga Jean has informed us that if we conduct a primary sale of our equity, he would consider exercising his pre-emptive rights to purchase a sufficient number of additionalSeries “A” Shares in order to maintain such power. In the event that Mr. Azcárraga Jean is unwilling to subscribe for additional shares and/or prevents us from raising money through equity offerings, we would need to raise money through a combination of debt or other forms of financing, which we may not obtain, or if so, possibly not on favorable terms.
Risk Factors Related to Our Business
The Operation of Our Business May BeAdversely Affected if the Mexican Government Does Not Renew or Revokes Our Broadcast or Other Concessions
In June 2013, the Mexican Federal Congress passed the Telecom Reform which, among other things, created IFT.IFT has the authority to grant concessions for radio and television stations as well as for telecommunications services.
Under Mexican law, we need concessions from IFT (previously from SCT) to broadcast our programming over our television stations, and Radiópolis’ radio stations (classified as a held-for-sale operation), and to provide telecommunication services. In November 2018, all of our digital broadcast television concessions were renewed until 2042. The expiration datesand, as a consequence, IFT delivered to the Company concessions (i) for the concessions for Radiópolis’ radio stations, which have been classified as a held-for-sale operation as described in “Information onuse of spectrum until 2042 and (ii) that grant the Company — Business Overview — Our Operations — Held-for-Sale Operations,” range from 2020authorization to 2046.provide digital broadcasting television services until 2052. See “— Risk Factors Related to Mexico — Existing Mexican Laws and Regulations or Changes Thereto or the Imposition of New Ones May Negatively Affect Our Operations and Revenue”. The expiration dates of our Cable and Telecommunications concessions range from 2022 to 2048 and our DTH concessions expire between 2021 and 2027. Cablevisión obtained a telecommunications concession that expires in 2029, which changed to an integrated sole concession in 2019, but keeping its original term. Before the Telecom Reform in 2013, the SCT typically renewed the concessions of those concessionaires that complied with the applicable renewal procedures under Mexican law and with their obligations under the concession. In July 2014, the Mexican Federal Congress enacted the LFTR, which provides that integrated sole concessions will be renewed for terms equal to the maximum terms for which they could be granted, namely, up to 30 years, except for spectrum which will be renewed for terms of 20 years, and in case of concessions for the use of radio-spectrum, the maximum term for renewal is 20 years.
Under Mexican law, we need a permit, or Gaming Permit, from theSecretaría de Gobernación, or Mexican Ministry of the Interior, to operate our gaming business. The operation of our gaming business may be terminated or interrupted if the Mexican Government does not renew or revokes our Gaming Permit. The Gaming Permit was granted to us on May 25, 2005 andits expiration date is May 24, 2030. We are unable to predict if we will obtain a renewal of the Gaming Permit.
See “— Risk Factors Related to Mexico — Existing Mexican Laws and Regulations or Changes Thereto or the Imposition of New Ones May Negatively Affect Our Operations and Revenue” and “— Risk Factors Related to Mexico — The Reform and Addition of Various Provisions of the Mexican Constitution Related to Telecommunications, the LFTR, and Other Recent Actions of IFT May Significantly and Adversely Affect the Business, Results of Operations and Financial Results of Some of Our Business Segments”.
We Face Competition in Each of Our Markets That We Expect Will Intensify
We face competition in all of our businesses, including broadcasting, advertising sales,cable, pay-TV, telecommunications and all other businesses. The entities in which we have strategic investments and the joint ventures in which we participate also face competition. We expect that competition in our different businesses will intensify.
This competition arises in part from the growth of the convergent market, pursuant to which certain concessionaries of telecommunication services are allowed to provide other services not included in their original concessions.
In television broadcasting, we face substantial competition from TV Azteca and other broadcasters such asImagen Television and Multimedios, among others. See “Information on the Company — Business Overview — Our Operations — Content — Television Industry in Mexico” and “Information on the Company — Business Overview — Our Operations — Programming — Television Networks”.
Over-the-air broadcasting television also faces increased competition from other audiovisual platforms, including a great variety of pay-television channels distributed in Mexico,, OTT providers, and audiovisual content distributed over the internet and videogame systems.
At the end of 2017, IFT completed the auction process for several local over-the-air television licenses in Mexico. As a result, 13 groups and/or individuals have a license (concession) to operate in different cities throughout Mexico. This has resulted in additional competition for our local channels.
In radio broadcasting, classified as a held-for-sale operation, as described in “Information on the Company — Business Overview — Our Operations — Held-for-Sale Operations,” Radiópolis competes with other radio stations in their respective markets. Among the main competitors in the radio broadcast business are Grupo Radio Centro S.A.B. de C.V., NRM Comunicaciones, S.A. de C.V. and Grupo Acir, S.A. de C.V.
With respect to advertising, ourtelevision stations and Radiópolis’ radio stations (classified as a held-for-sale operation) compete with other radio and television stations in their respective markets, as well as with other advertising media, such as pay-TV, newspapers, magazines, internet (including AVOD services) and outdoor advertising.
Our DTH satellite business faces competition from various competitors, including Dish Mexico, a DTH satellite pay-TV platform which launched its services in Mexico at the end of 2008,, Star TV, a Dish Satellite pay-TV platform, Mega Cable Comunicaciones, S.A. de C.V., or Megacable, Total Play, cable television companies which are subsidiaries of the Company, as well as from Digital TV and OTT and AVOD platforms. In addition, the DTH market competes with other media with respect to advertising and sales, including Pay-TV, outdoor advertising and publishing, among others.
In addition, the entertainment and telecommunications industries in which we operate are changing rapidly because of new participants and evolving distribution technologies, including the internet.
Thecable industry in Mexico has become highly competitive and we face significant competition. Most cable operators are authorized to provide pay-TV, internet broadband services and voice services, including Voice over Internet Protocol, or VoIP, which poses a risk to us. We also face competition from the Preponderant Economic Agent in telecommunications, particularly in the provision of data and fixed telephony services. The cable business is also capital intensive.
Our pay-TV companies face competition from IPTV, AVOD orOTT providers such as Netflix, Disney+, Claro Video and Prime Video (Amazon), as well as from other pay-TV operators such as Dish Mexico, Total Play, Megacable and other cable television companies. Additionally, our cable television companies face competition from Sky.
We also face competition in our publishing business, where each of our magazine publications competes for readership and advertising revenues with other magazines of a general character and with other forms of print and non-print media.
The production and distribution of feature films is a highly competitive and complex business in Mexico. The various producers compete for the services of recognized talent and for film rights to scripts and other literary property. We compete with other feature film producers, Mexican and non-Mexican, and global distributors such as Amazon, Disney and Netflix in the distribution of films in Mexico, the U.S. and in Latin America. We also face competition in our other businesses. See “Information on the Company — Business Overview — Competition”.
Our principal competitors in the gaming industry are Codere S.A., or Codere, Grupo Caliente S.A. de C.V., or Grupo Caliente, Grupo Cirsa, S.A. de C.V., or Grupo Cirsa, Atracciones y Emociones Vallarta, S.A. de C.V., or Grupo Logrand and Palacio de los Números, S.A. de C.V., or Palacio de los Números.
Our future success will be affected by changes in the broadcasting, advertising sales,cable, telecommunications, entertainment, gaming and other industries where we participate, which we cannot predict, and consolidation in such industries could further intensify competitive pressures. We expect to face competition from an increasing number of sources in Mexico, including emerging technologies that provide new services to pay-TV customers and new entrants in the public and pay-TV industries, which will require us to make significant capital expenditures in new technologies and will result in higher costs in the acquisition of content or may impair our ability to renew rights to special events, including sporting and entertainment events. Our business may require substantial capital to pursue additional acquisitions and capital expenditures, which may result in additional incurrence of leverage, issuance of additional capital or a combination thereof.
The Seasonal Nature of Our Business Affects Our Revenue and a Significant Reduction in Fourth Quarter Net Sales Could Impact Our Results of Operations
Our business reflects seasonal patterns of advertising expenditures, which is common in the television broadcast industry, as well as cyclical patterns in periodic events such as theFIFA World Cup and the Olympic Games. We typically recognize a disproportionately large percentage of our Content advertising net sales in the fourth quarter in connection with the holiday shopping season. For example, in 2017, 2018, 2019 and 20192020 we recognized 32.9%31.0%, 31.0%34.0% and 34.0%40.5%, respectively, of our net sales in the fourth quarter of the year. Accordingly, a significant reduction in fourth quarter advertising revenue could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
DIRECTV Has Certain Governance and Veto Rights Over Some Operations of Innova
We own a 58.7% interest in Innova, our DTH venture in Mexico, Central America and the Dominican Republic. The remaining balance of Innova’s equity is indirectly owned by The DIRECTV Group, Inc., or DIRECTV, through its subsidiaries DTH (Mexico) Investment, LTD, DIRECTV Latin America Holdings LLC and DIRECTV MPR Holdings, LLC. Although we hold a majority of Innova’s equity and designate a majority of the members of Innova’s Board of Directors, DIRECTV has certain governance and veto rights in Innova, including the right to block certain transactions between us and Innova. DIRECTV was acquired by AT&T Inc. in July 2015.
Loss of Transmission or Loss of the Use of Satellite Transponders Could Cause a Business Interruption in Innova, Which Would Adversely Affect Our Net Income
Media and telecom companies, including Innova, rely on satellite transmissions to conduct their day-to-day business. Any unforeseen and sudden loss of transmission or non-performance of the satellite for Innova can cause huge losses to Innova’s business. The unforeseen loss of transmission may be caused due to the satellite’s loss of the orbital slot or the reduction in the satellite’s functional life.
The size of the business interruption impact for Innova in the case of a satellite loss exceeds the insurance we have acquired to cover this risk. In order to reduce the possibility of financial consequences resulting from an unforeseen loss of transmission, Innova entered into an agreement to launch a backup satellite jointly with Sky Brasil Servicos Ltda., or Sky Brasil, which was launched in the first quarter of 2010. In the third quarter of 2013, Sky entered into an agreement with DirecTV for the acquisition and launch of a satellitenamed SM-1, which started operations in June 2015. In the future, we may have to invest in additional satellite capacity. We cannot predict the extent of losses to Innova in the case of current or new satellite loss or the effectiveness of any alternative strategy.
Any Incidents Affecting Our Network and Information Systems or Other Technologies Could Have an Adverse Impact on Our Business, Reputation and Results of Operations
Our business operations rely heavily on network and information systems and other technology systems.systems, including cloud computing. Incidents affecting these systems, including cyber-attacks, viruses, other destructive or disruptive software or activities, process breakdowns, outages, or accidental release of information could result in a disruption of our operations, improper disclosure of personal data of clients, subscribers, or employees, or other privileged or confidential information, or unauthorized access to our digital content or any other type of intellectual property. It is common for a company such as ours to be subjected to continuous attempted cyber-attacks orand other malicious efforts that could cause cybersecurity incidents, and we have in the past experienced, and expect to cause acontinue to experience cybersecurity incident.incidents, although we have not identified any such incidents that we have determined to be material to our operations as of the date of this report. Any such incident could damage our reputation and may require us to expend substantial resources on litigation, regulatory investigation, and remediation costs, and could therefore have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations. We continue to work closely with our outside advisors to prevent cybersecurity incidents, and to invest in maintaining and improving cybersecurity resilience. The company’s cybersecurity risks and mitigation actions are monitored by our Audit Committee and reported to our Board of Directors. Nevertheless, because of the nature of the threats and the cloud computing environment, there can be no assurance that our preventative efforts can fully prevent or mitigate all such incidents or be successful in avoiding harm to our business in the future.
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The Results of Operations of Univision Holdings, Inc. May Affect Our Results of Operations and the Value of Our Investment in that CompanyCompany; Key Members of Our Management Team Will Participate in the Management of the Mexican Content Business of Televisa-Univision after the Closing of the 2021 Transaction
We have a substantial investment in Univision Holdings, Inc., or UHI (formerly known as Broadcasting Media Partners, Inc., or BMP), the parent company of Univision Communications Inc., or Univision. As previously announced, on April 13, 2021, we entered into a definitive transaction agreement (the “2021 Transaction Agreement”) with UHI and, for the limited purposes set forth therein, affiliates of Searchlight Capital Partners, LP (“Searchlight”), ForgeLight LLC (“ForgeLight”) and Liberty Global plc, through its venture investment vehicle (“Liberty Global”), pursuant to which, among other things, we will contribute our content business (other than certain assets relating to our news business, real estate and Mexican over-the-air broadcast concessions) to UHI. In consideration for the contribution of such business, we will receive U.S.$4.5 billion in a combination of cash (U.S.$3 billion) and U.S.$1.5 billion of common and preferred shares of UHI. In addition, we have entered into commercial arrangements with UHI pursuant to which we will receive additional consideration valued at approximately U.S.$300 million in the aggregate (all such transactions collectively, the “2021 Transaction”). Our investment in UHI would increase as a result of the 2021 Transaction. However, we do not, and would not following the 2021 Transaction, control and do not, and would not following the 2021 Transaction, consolidate the results of UHI. Our investment in UHI is currently held in the form of common stock and, warrants that are exercisable forif the 2021 Transaction is completed, will include additional shares of common stock and shares of a new series of convertible preferred stock. The value of the common stock and preferred stock of UHI, mayneither of which are or at the closing of the 2021 Transaction will be publicly traded, will fluctuate and could materially increase or decrease the value of our investment in UHI, including the carryingUHI.
The value of the warrants. In addition, the results of operations of UHIthose shares, and Univision may affectthus the value of our investment in UHI and our reported results of operations.operations, will be affected by the results of operations of UHI and Univision. The business, financial condition and results of operations of Univision could be materially and adversely affected by risks including, but not limited to: (i) inability or failure to service debt; (ii) cancellation, reductions or postponements of advertising; (iii) adverse global economic conditions; (iv) an increase in the preference among Hispanics for English-language programming;programming on platforms other than those of Univision; (v) an increase in the cost of, andand/or decrease in the supply, quality of andand/or demand for, Univision’s content; (vi) changes in the rules and regulations of the Federal Communications Commission, or the FCC, as well as other federal, state and local regulations; (vii) competitive pressures from other broadcasters, media distributors and other entertainment and news media; (viii) failure to retain the rights to popular programming, including sports programming; (ix) failure to renew existing carriage agreements or reach new carriage agreements with MVPDs; (x) possible strikes or other union job actions; and (xi) the impact of new technologies.technologies; and (xii) failure to develop, produce or acquire content for, attract customers for and/or profitably commercialize a Spanish-language streaming platform.
The COVID-19 pandemic has had, and will continue to have, an adverse impact on Univision, due to, among other things, the negative impact on advertising trends and advertising revenue, suspension of sporting events and curtailment or suspension of other programming production thatto which Univision has broadcast rights, to, reductions or delays in the production of programming by Univision’s partners, including Televisa,the Company, and general COVID-19 related disruptions to business and operations. Due to the evolving and uncertain nature of developments related to the COVID-19 pandemic, we cannot estimate the impact on Univision´sUnivision’s business, financial condition or near or longer-term financial or operational results with certainty.
In addition, following the completion of the 2021 Transaction, as described below under “Information on the Company—Business Overview—Univision—2021 Transaction Agreement”, pursuant to which and subject to certain exceptions, our content business will be combined with UHI, UHI may not be able to successfully integrate our content business with its existing content business or realize the anticipated benefits of the 2021 Transaction. If the integration process takes longer than expected or is more costly than expected, existing business and operational relationships with customers, employees and other counterparties are not maintained, required change in control or anti-assignment consents and waivers are not obtained, or unforeseen expenses or liabilities arise, the anticipated benefits of the 2021 Transaction may not be realized fully or at all, or may take longer to realize than expected, and the value of our investment in UHI may decline.
There can be no assurance that the results of operations ofUHI and its respective subsidiaries will be sufficient to maintain or increase the value of our investment in such company,UHI, or that such results will not materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, no public market exists for UHI’s shares, and such shares are subject to transfer restrictions, so there can be no assurance that we will be able to realize value from our investment in UHI at a time when it may be beneficial for us to do so, or at all. For a discussion of our investment in UHI, see “Information on the Company— Business Overview — Univision”.
In addition, in order to facilitate the orderly integration of our content business and UHI’s existing business, Messrs. Emilio Fernando Azcárraga Jean, Bernardo Gómez Martínez and Alfonso de Angoitia Noriega will participate in the management team of the Mexican content business of Televisa-Univision from and after the closing of the 2021 Transaction. These individuals will also continue in their current roles at the Company. As a result of these and other relationships between us and UHI, certain of our directors and officers will assume additional responsibilities and may have interests in the 2021 Transaction that are different from those of our shareholders and/or conflicts of interest between us and UHI may arise following the completion of the 2021 Transaction.
The Pendency of the 2021 Transaction, Including Any Delays In Completing or Failure to Complete the 2021 Transaction, May Affect Our Results of Operations
The closing of the 2021 Transaction is subject to closing conditions, as described below under “Information on the Company—Business Overview—Univision—2021 Transaction Agreement”. The failure to obtain any required approvals or satisfy other conditions to closing at all or in a timely manner could result in a delay or uncertainty as to when or whether the 2021 Transaction will occur, which could lead to greater uncertainty for us and our employees, commercial counterparties and other stakeholders, could significantly reduce or delay achievement of the expected benefits of the 2021 Transaction and could have other negative effects. In addition, UHI will need to obtain debt and equity financing to complete the 2021 Transaction, for which it has obtained financing commitments, but which has not been obtained as of the date of this filing. We cannot provide assurance that all conditions to the 2021 Transaction will be satisfied or waived, or that UHI will be able to obtain the financing required to complete the 2021 Transaction, and therefore there can be no assurance that the 2021 Transaction will be consummated.
If the 2021 Transaction is not consummated, we would not realize the anticipated benefits of the 2021 Transaction and may be subject to additional risks, including that (i) the price of our CPOs and/or ADRs may decline, (ii) time and resources, financial or otherwise, committed by our management to the 2021 Transaction could otherwise have been devoted to pursuing other beneficial opportunities, and (iii) we may experience negative reactions from the financial markets or other commercial counterparties or employees.
We expect to incur certain nonrecurring costs in connection with the consummation of the 2021 Transaction, including separation, advisory, legal and other transaction costs. Many of these costs have already been incurred or will be incurred regardless of whether the 2021 Transaction is completed. Moreover, additional unanticipated costs may be incurred in connection with the 2021 Transaction. Although we expect that the realization of benefits related to the 2021 Transaction will offset such costs and expenses over time, no assurances can be made that this net benefit will be achieved in the near term, or at all.
In connection with the pendency of the 2021 Transaction, it is possible that some of our customers, suppliers, partners and other persons with whom we have a business relationship may delay or defer certain business decisions. In addition, completion of the 2021 Transaction may trigger change in control, anti-assignment or other provisions in certain agreements to which the Company is a party. These risks could negatively affect our business, financial condition and results of operations, as well as our share price, regardless of whether or when the 2021 Transaction is completed.
Under the terms of the 2021 Transaction Agreement, we are subject to certain restrictions, customary to these types of transactions, on the conduct of our content business prior to completing the 2021 Transaction, which restrictions may adversely affect our ability to execute certain of business strategies, including the ability in certain cases to acquire or dispose of assets, incur indebtedness or settle claims, in each case with respect to our content business. Such limitations could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations, whether or not the 2021 Transaction is completed.
In addition, the amount of the cash consideration and the number of shares of UHI common and preferred stock that we will receive in the 2021 Transaction will not be adjusted to reflect developments after the date of the 2021 Transaction Agreement (other than customary adjustments relating to working capital and net indebtedness), and as a result, we will not receive additional consideration in the event that the value of content business increases, or the value of UHI’s equity declines, during the pendency of the transaction. Each of these risks may be exacerbated by delays or other adverse developments with respect to the completion of the 2021 Transaction. For a discussion of the 2021 Transaction, see “Information on the Company—Business Overview—Univision—2021 Transaction Agreement”.
Following the 2021 Transaction, We Will Be A Less Diversified Company that is Focused On Our Cable, Sky and Other Businesses segments, which in Turn Will Have Significant Contractual Arrangements With UHI to Provide Content For Our Operations
Upon completion of the 2021 Transaction, we will have less diversified revenue sources as a result of the combination of our content business with UHI, as a result of which our results of operations will be more reliant on our Cable, Sky and Other Businesses segments, which will increase our exposure to the risks of such businesses.
In addition, following the 2021 Transaction, our remaining businesses will have significant contractual arrangements with UHI to provide content for our Sky and Cable platforms. These contractual arrangements may not be as effective as direct ownership in providing us control over such content. For example, UHI could pursue a content development and production strategy that is different from the strategy we would have pursued or could breach its contractual arrangements with us or otherwise take actions that are detrimental to our interests. In addition, if any dispute relating to our contractual arrangements with UHI remain unresolved, we may have to enforce our rights under these contracts through litigation or other legal proceedings, which would be subject to uncertainties inherent in the legal system. As the composition of the businesses of Grupo Televisa will be different following the 2021 Transaction, the business, financial condition, and results of operations, as well as the market price of Grupo Televisa’s CPOs and or ADRs will be affected by factors different from those affecting Grupo Televisa prior to the completion of the 2021 Transaction.
We May Identify Material Weaknesses in Our Internal Controls Over Financial Reporting in the Future, and Any Future Material Weaknesses or Failure to Achieve an Effective System of Internal Controls, May Cause Us Not To Be Able to Report Our Financial Results Accurately. In Addition, the Trading Price of Our Securities May Be Adversely Affected by a Related Negative Market Reaction.Reaction
In connection with the preparation of our financial statements,, we may identify material weaknesses (as defined under standards established by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board) in our internal controls over financial reporting in the future. A material weakness is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the Company’s annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis.
If any future material weaknesses occur, it could affect the accuracy of our reporting on the future results of operations and our ability to make our required filings with government authorities, including the SEC. Furthermore, our business and operating results and the price of our securities may be adversely affected by related negative market reactions. While we have no reason to believe there will be any future material weaknesses identified, we cannot be certain that in the future additional material weaknesses will not exist or otherwise be discovered.
Changes in U.S. Tax Law Might Adversely Affect the Results of Operations of Our U.S. Subsidiaries and Joint Venture Entities
On December 22, 2017, the United States enacted into law Public Law No. 115-97 (the “Tax Act”). The Tax Act introduced significant changes to U.S. federal income tax laws applicable to our U.S. subsidiaries, affiliates and joint venture entities including the reduction of the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate from a maximum rate of 35% to a flat rate of 21%, limitation of the tax deduction for interest expense, limitation of the tax deduction for net operating losses, enactment of an immediate deduction for certain new investments, repeal of the corporate alternative minimum tax, and modification or elimination of many business deductions and credits.
The Tax Act also imposes a new minimum tax called the Base Erosion and Anti-Abuse Tax (the “BEAT”) on certain U.S. corporations. The BEAT is imposed on certain deductible amounts paid by a U.S. corporation that (i) has aggregate gross receipts of at least $1.5 billion over its three prior taxable years and (ii) is at least 25%-owned by a non-U.S. person (or otherwise related to a non-U.S. person in specified circumstances). The BEAT taxes “modified taxable income” of a U.S. corporation described above at a rate of 5% beginning in 2018, increasing to 10% in 2019 and 12.5% in 2026. In general, modified taxable income is calculated by adding back to the U.S. corporation’s regular taxable income the amount of certain “base erosion tax benefits” with respect to payments to foreign affiliates, as well as the “base erosion percentage” of any net operating loss deductions. The BEAT applies only to the extent it exceeds the U.S. corporation’s regular corporate income tax liability (determined without regard to certain tax credits). At present, we do not expect the BEAT to apply to our U.S. subsidiaries, affiliates and joint ventures, however, it is possible that the BEAT could apply in future years.
There is significant uncertainty regarding how these and other provisions of the Tax Act will be interpreted, and guidance in certain areas may not be forthcoming. Any changes to, clarifications of, or guidance under the Tax Act could add significant expense and have an adverse effect on the results of operations of our U.S. subsidiaries, affiliates and joint venture entities. Further, it is unclear how foreign governments and U.S. state and local jurisdictions will incorporate the U.S. federal income tax law changes and such jurisdictions may enact tax laws in response to the Tax Act that could result in further changes to global taxation and adversely affect our business, financial positioncondition and results of operations.
Risk Factors Related to Our Securities
Any Actions Stockholders May Wish to Bring Concerning Our Bylaws or the CPO Trust Must Be Brought in a Mexican Court
Our bylaws provide that a stockholder must bring any legal actions concerning our bylaws in courts located in Mexico City. All parties to the trust agreement governing the CPOs, including the holders of CPOs, have agreed to submitany legal actions concerning the trust agreement only to Mexican courts.
Non-Mexicans May Not Hold Series “A” Shares, Series “B” Shares or Series “D” Shares Directly and Must Have Them Held in a Trust at All Times
Although, as a result of the Telecom Reform, the regulatory framework for foreign direct investment allows foreign investors to hold up to 100% of the equity interest of Mexican companies doing business in telecommunications and satellite communications, and up to 49% in the broadcasting sector, subject to reciprocity from the country of the ultimate investor. The trust governing the CPOs and our bylaws nevertheless restrict non-Mexicans from directly owning Series “A” Shares, Series “B” Shares or Series “D” Shares. Non-Mexicans may hold Series “A” Shares, Series “B” Shares or Series “D” Shares indirectly through the CPO Trust, which will control the voting of such shares. Under the terms of the CPO Trust, a non-Mexican holder of CPOs or GDSs may instruct the CPO Trustee to request that we issue and deliver certificates representing each of the shares underlying its CPOs so that the CPO Trustee may sell, to a third party entitled to hold the shares, all of these shares and deliver to the holder any proceeds derived from the sale.
Non-Mexican Holders of Our Securities Forfeit Their Securities if They Invoke the Protection of Their Government
Pursuant to Mexican law, our bylaws provide that non-Mexican holders of CPOs and GDSs may not ask their government to interpose a claim against the Mexican government regarding their rights as stockholders. If non-Mexican holders of CPOs and GDSs violate this provision of our bylaws, they will automatically forfeit theSeries “A” Shares, Series “B” Shares, Series “L” Shares and Series “D” Shares underlying their CPOs and GDSs to the Mexican government.
Non-Mexican Holders of Our Securities Have Limited Voting Rights
In accordance with the bylaws and trust governing the CPOs of the Company, non-Mexican holders ofCPOs or GDSs are not entitled to vote the Series “A” Shares, Series “B” Shares and Series “D” Shares underlying their securities. The Series “L” Shares underlying CPOs or GDSs, the only series of our Shares that can be voted by non-Mexican holders of CPOs or GDSs, have limited voting rights. These limited voting rights include the right to elect two directors and limited rights to vote on extraordinary corporate actions, including the delisting of the Series “L” Shares and other actions which are adverse to the holders of the Series “L” Shares. For a brief description of the circumstances under which holders of Series “L” Shares are entitled to vote, see “Additional Information — Bylaws — Voting Rights and Stockholders’Stockholders��� Meetings”.
Our Antitakeover Protections May Deter Potential Acquirers and May Depress Our Stock Price
Certain provisions of our bylaws could make it substantially more difficult for a third party to acquire control of us. These provisions in our bylaws may discourage certain types of transactions involving the acquisition of our securities. These provisions may also limit our stockholders’ ability to approve transactions that may be in their best interests and discourage transactions in which our stockholders might otherwise receive a premium for their Shares over the then current market price and could possibly adversely affect the trading volume in our equity securities. As a result, these provisions may adversely affect the market price of our securities. Holders of our securities who acquire Shares in violation of these provisions will not be able to vote, or receive dividends, distributions or other rights in respect of these securities and would be obligated to pay us a penalty. For a description of these provisions, see “Additional Information — Bylaws — Antitakeover Protections”.
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GDS Holders May Face Disadvantages When Attempting to Exercise Voting Rights as Compared to Other Holders of Our Securities
In situations where we request that The Bank of New York Mellon, the depositary for the securities underlying the GDSs, ask GDS holders for voting instructions, the holders may instruct the depositary to exercise their voting rights, if any, pertaining to the deposited securities. The depositary will attempt, to the extent practical, to arrange to deliver voting materials to these holders. We cannot assure holders of GDSs that they will receive the voting materials in time to ensure that they can instruct the depositary how to vote the deposited securities underlying their GDSs, or that the depositary will be able to forward those instructions and the appropriate proxy request to the CPO Trustee in a timely manner. For stockholders’ meetings, if the depositary does not receive voting instructions from holders of GDSs or does not forward such instructions and appropriate proxy request in a timely manner, if requested in writing from us, it will provide a proxy to a representative designated by us to exercise these voting rights. If no such written request is made by us, the depositary will not represent or vote, attempt to represent or vote any right that attaches to, or instruct the CPO Trustee to represent or vote, the shares underlying the CPOs in the relevant meeting and, as a result, the underlying shares will be voted in the manner described under “Additional Information — Bylaws — Voting Rights and Stockholders’ Meetings — Holders of CPOs”. For CPO Holders’ meetings, if the depositary does not timely receive instructions from a Mexican or non-Mexican holder of GDSs as to the exercise of voting rights relating to the underlying CPOs in the relevant CPO holders’ meeting, the depositary and the custodian will take such actions as are necessary to cause such CPOs to be counted for purposes of satisfying applicable quorum requirements and, unless we in our sole discretion have given prior written notice to the depositary and the custodian to the contrary, vote them in the same manner as the majority of the CPOs are voted at the relevant CPOs holders’ meeting.
This means that holders of GDSs may not be able to exercise their right to vote and there may be nothing they can do if the deposited securities underlying their GDSs are not voted as they request.
The Interests of Our GDS Holders Will Be Diluted if We Issue New Shares and These Holders Are Unable to Exercise Preemptive Rights for Cash
Under Mexican law and our bylaws, our stockholders have preemptive rights with respect to capital increases. This means that in the event that we issue new Shares for cash, our stockholders will have a right to subscribe and pay the number of Shares of the same series necessary to maintain their existing ownership percentage in that series. U.S. holders of our GDSs cannot exercise their preemptive rights unless we register any newly issued Shares under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act, or qualify for an exemption from registration. If U.S. holders of GDSs cannot exercise their preemptive rights, the interests of these holders will be diluted in the event that we issue new Shares for cash. We intend to evaluate at the time of any offering of preemptive rights the costs and potential liabilities associated with registering any additional Shares. We cannot assure you that we will register under the Securities Act any new Shares that we issue for cash. In addition, although the Deposit Agreement provides that the depositary may, after consultation with us, sell preemptive rights in Mexico or elsewhere outside the U.S. and distribute the proceeds to holders of GDSs, under current Mexican law these sales are not possible. See “Directors, Senior Management and Employees — Stock Purchase Plan and Long-Term Retention Plan” and “Additional Information — Bylaws — Preemptive Rights”.
The Protections Afforded to Minority Stockholders in Mexico Are Differentfrom Those in the U.S.
Under Mexican law, the protections afforded to minority stockholders are different from those in the U.S. In particular, the law concerning fiduciary duties of directors is not well developed, there is no procedure for class actions or stockholder derivative actions and there are different procedural requirements for bringing stockholder lawsuits. As a result, in practice, it may be more difficult for our minority stockholders to enforce their rights against us or our directors or major stockholders than it would be for stockholders of a U.S. company.
TheLey del Mercado de Valores, or the Mexican Securities Market Law, provides additional protection to minority stockholders, such as (i) providing stockholders of a public company representing 5% or more of the capital stock of the public company, an action for liability against the members and secretary of the Board and relevant management of the public company, and (ii) establishing additional responsibilities on the audit committee in all issues that have or may have an effect on minority stockholders and their interests in an issuer or its operations.
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It May Be Difficult to Enforce Civil Liabilities Against Us or Our Directors, Executive Officers and Controlling Persons
We are organized under the laws of Mexico. Substantially all of our directors, executive officers and controlling persons reside outside the U.S., all or a significant portion of the assets of our directors, executive officers and controlling persons, and substantially all of our assets, are located outside of the U.S., and some of the parties named in this annual report also reside outside of the U.S. As a result, it may be difficult for you to effect service of process within the United States upon these persons or to enforce against them or us in U.S. courts judgments predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the federal securities laws of the U.S. We have been advised by our Mexican counsel, Mijares, Angoitia, Cortés y Fuentes, S.C., that there is doubt as to the enforceability, in original actions in Mexican courts, of liabilities predicated solely on U.S. federal securities laws and as to the enforceability in Mexican courts of judgments of U.S. courts obtained in actions predicated upon the civil liability provisions of U.S. federal securities laws.
This annual report and the documents incorporated by reference into this annual report contain forward-looking statements. In addition, we may from time to time make forward-looking statements in reports to the SEC, on Form 6-K, in annual reports to stockholders, in prospectuses, press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by our officers, directors or employees to analysts, institutional investors, representatives of the media and others.Words such as “believe”, “anticipate”, “plan”, “expect”, “intend”, “seek”, “potential”, “target”, “estimate”, “project”, “predict”, “forecast”, “guideline”, “may”, “should”, “could”, “will” and similar words and expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, but are not the exclusive means of identifying these statements. Examples of these forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to:
We have based these forward-looking statements on our current expectations, assumptions, estimates and projections. While we believe these expectations, assumptions, estimates and projections are reasonable, such forward-looking statements are only predictions and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control. We caution you that a number of important factors, including those discussed under “— Risk Factors”, could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by these forward-looking statements. Some of the factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by the forward-looking statements include:
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We caution you that the foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive and that other risks and uncertainties may cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements. You should evaluate any statements made by us in light of these important factors and you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and we do not undertake any obligation to update them in light of new information, future developments or other factors.
Item 4. | Information on the Company |
History and Development of the Company
Grupo Televisa, S.A.B. iswas originally incorporated as asociedad anónima, or limited liability corporation under the laws of Mexico in accordance with the Ley General de Sociedades Mercantiles, or Mexican Companies Law and later adopted the form of sociedad anónima bursátil, or limited liability stock corporation which was organized under the laws of Mexico in accordance with theLey Generaldel Mercado de Sociedades MercantilesValores, or the Mexican CompaniesSecurities Market Law. Grupo TelevisaIt was incorporated under Public Deed Number 30,200, dated December 19, 1990, granted before Notary Public Number 73 of Mexico City, and registered with the Public Registry of Commerce in Mexico City on Commercial Page (folio mercantil) Number 142,164. Pursuant to the terms of ourestatutos sociales, or bylaws, our corporate existence continues through 2106. Our principal executive offices are located in Mexico City at Avenida Vasco de Quiroga, No. 2000, Colonia Santa Fe, 01210 Ciudad de México, México. Our telephone number at that address is (52) (55) 5261-2000.
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The table below sets forth ourexpected capital expenditures for the year ended December 31, 20202021 and our actual capital expenditures, investments in joint ventures and associates, and acquisitions for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 2018 and 2017.2018.
Year Ended December 31,(1)(2) | Year Ended December 31,(1)(2) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2020 (Expected) | 2019 (Actual) | 2018 (Actual) | 2017 (Actual) | 2021 (Expected) | 2020 (Actual) | 2019 (Actual) | 2018 (Actual) | |||||||||||||||||||||
(Millions of U.S. Dollars) | (Millions of U.S. Dollars) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Capital expenditures | U.S.$750.0 | U.S.$ 992.2 | U.S.$ 969.9 | U.S.$ 884.7 | U.S.$ 1,170.0 | U.S.$ 939.4 | U.S.$ 992.2 | U.S.$ 969.9 | ||||||||||||||||||||
GTAC(3) | 6.7 | 8.8 | 3.0 | 11.1 | 6.5 | 6.3 | 8.8 | 3.0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Acquisition of assets of Axtel | — | — | 272.1 | — | — | — | — | 272.1 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Other acquisitions and investments(4) | — | — | 281.7 | 9.9 | — | 27.8 | — | 281.7 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Total capital expenditures and investments | U.S.$756.7 | U.S.$1,001.0 | U.S.$1,526.7 | U.S.$905.7 | U.S.$ 1,176.5 | U.S.$ 973.5 | U.S.$ 1,001.0 | U.S.$ 1,526.7 | ||||||||||||||||||||
(1) | Amounts in respect of some of the capital expenditures, investments and acquisitions we made in 2020, 2019 |
(2) | See “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects — Results of Operations — Liquidity, Foreign Exchange and Capital Resources |
(3) | See “— Business Overview — Our Operations—Cable”, and “— Business Overview — Investments” for a discussion of GTAC, Cablecom, Telecable and TVI. |
(4) | In November 2018, we paid for the renewal of our broadcasting concessions in the aggregate cash equivalent amount of U.S.$281.7 million. |
In 2019,2020, 2019 and 2018, and 2017, we relied on a combination of operating revenues, borrowings and net proceeds from dispositions to fund our capital expenditures, acquisitions and investments. We expect to fund our capital expenditures in 20202021 and potential capital expenditures, investments and/or acquisitions going forward, which could be substantial in size, through a combination of cash from operations, cash on hand, equity securities, and/or the incurrence of debt, or a combination thereof.
For a more detailed description of our capital expenditures, investments and acquisitions in prior years, see “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects — Results of Operations — Liquidity, Foreign Exchange and Capital Resources — Liquidity” and “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects — Results of Operations — Liquidity, Foreign Exchange and Capital Resources — Capital Expenditures, Acquisitions and Investments, Distributions and Other Sources of Liquidity”.
TelevisaThe Company is a leading media company in the Spanish-speaking world,an important cable operator, an operator of a leading direct-to-home satellite pay television system and a broadband provider in Mexico.
TelevisaThe Company distributes the content it produces through several broadcast channels in Mexicoand in over 70 countries through 2527 pay-tv-brands, television networks, cable operators and over-the-top or “OTT” services.
In the United States, Televisa’sthe Company’s audiovisual content is distributed through Univision Communications Inc. (“Univision”) thea leading media company serving the Hispanic market. Univision broadcasts Televisa’sthe Company’s audiovisual content through multiple platforms in exchange for a royalty payment. In addition, Televisathe Company has equity and warrants which upon their exercise would representrepresenting approximately 36% on a fully-diluted as-converted basis of the equity capital in Univision Holdings, Inc., the controlling company of Univision.
Televisa’sThe Company’s cable business offers integrated services, including video, high-speed data and voice and mobile services to residential and commercial customers as well as managed services to domestic and international carriers.
TelevisaThe Company owns a majority interest in Sky, a leading direct-to-home satellite pay television system and broadband provider in Mexico, operating also in the Dominican Republic and Central America.
TelevisaThe Company also has interests in magazine publishing and distribution, professional sports and live entertainment, feature-film production and distribution, and gaming.
Business Strategy
We intend to leverage our position asare a leading media company in the Spanish-speaking world, and we intend to continue expanding our business while maintaining profitability and financial discipline. We intend to do so by maintaining ourcurrently have a leading position in the Mexican television market by continuing toand produce high quality programming and by improving our sales and marketing efforts while maintaining high operating margins and expanding ourcable business.programming.
We also intend to continue developing and expanding Sky, ourhave a DTH platform, Sky, and our cable business. We will continuea Cable business, and we intend to strengthen our position and will continue makingin these businesses by continuing to make additional investments, which could be substantial in size, in the cable industry in accordance with the consolidation of the cable market in Mexico.size.
We
In addition, we intend to continue to expand our business by developing new business initiatives and/or through business acquisitions and investments. However, we also continue to evaluate our portfolio of assets,assets. In connection with the foregoing, on April 13, 2021, we entered into a definitive transaction agreement pursuant to which, subject to certain exceptions, our content business will be combined with UHI, creating a premier global Spanish-language media company to be called “Televisa-Univision.” See “Information on the Company—Business Overview —Univision — 2021 Transaction Agreement” for a summary of the 2021 Transaction Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to be completed in order2021. Following the completion of the transaction, subject to determine whether to dispose of select non-core operations.certain exceptions, we will no longer own our content business and will own an additional equity interest in UHI.
Maintaining Our Leading Position in the Mexican Television Market
Continuing to Produce High Quality Programming.We aim to continue producing the type of high quality television programming that in the past has propelled many of our programs to be among the most watched in Mexico. We have launched a number of initiatives in creative development, program scheduling and on-air promotion. These initiatives include improved production of our highly rated dramas, new comedy and game show formats and the development of reality shows and new series. We have improved our scheduling to be better aligned with viewer habits by demographic segment while improving viewer retention through more dynamic on-air graphics and pacing. We have enhanced tune-in promotion both in terms of creative content and strategic placement. We also plan to continue expanding and leveraging our Spanish-language video library, rights to soccer games and other events, as well as cultural, musical and show business productions. In addition, our strategic alliance with Telemundo allows us to broadcast more than 1,170 hours per year of Telemundo’s original programming on Channel 9 and distribute Telemundo content in Mexico on an exclusive basis across multiple platforms including broadcast television, pay television and our emerging digital platforms.
Maintaining High Operating Segment Income Margins.Our Content operating segment income margins for 2017, 2018, 2019 and 20192020 were 37.7%37.9%, 37.9%36.1% and 36.1%37.9%, respectively. We aim to continue maintaining high operating segment income margins in our Content businesses by increasing revenues and controlling costs and expenses to the extent that we can without impacting the quality and appeal of our content.
Continue Building OurCable and DTH Platforms
CableCable. .We are a shareholder of several Mexican cable companies. For example:
With aconsolidated 5.86.3 million subscriber base and 15.315.8 million homes passed as of December 31, 2019,2020, these companies are important service providers in Mexico. “Homes passed” refers to any residential homes or businesses that are connected to telecommunications systems, or those prepared to be connected to telecommunications systems but are not currently connected or require some type of investment in order to be connected. For instance, each apartment located in a building that is prepared to be connected to telecommunications systems represents one home passed. It is generally understood that a home or business counts as a home passed when it can be connected to a telecommunications network without additional extensions to the main transmission lines. Our cable strategy aims to increase our subscriber base, average monthly revenues per subscriber and penetration rate by:
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• | continuing the roll out of advanced digital set-top boxes which allow the transmission of high definition programming and recording capability, including OTT services; | |
• | continuing to grow our mobile product, bundling it with our other services; and |
Our cable companies have introduced a variety of new services over the past years, such as interactive television and other enhanced program services, including high-speed internet access through cable modem and fiber-to-the-home, as well as IP telephony. In November 2014, we launched a unified commercial offer under the izzi brand for residential customers. Currently, izzi offers telecommunication services packages including unlimited telephony services, high-speed data access and pay-TV programming for residential customers and micro and small-sized enterprises. In June 2016, we launched “izzi TV”, a new entertainment platform, which among other services, provides customers live channels, SVOD (Subscription Video on Demand), as well as access to all of the Company’s content. Recently the bundle packages include access to Netflix and blim. izzi TV is available through the “izzi TV” set-top-box and through “izzi go”, which is a TV Everywhere application for authenticated subscribers that enables users to access TV channels, movies and series on demand, compatible with iOS and Android platforms. izzi go also features remote control functions compatible with our izzi TV set-top-boxes, and allows subscribers to rent additional content through the application, all for a fixed price. For an additional cost, subscribers can choose from different add-ons to the “izzi TV” service, such as TVOD (Transactional Video on Demand) titles, HBO and Fox Premium, among others. In addition to the izzi brand, our cable companies also provide telecommunication services under the wizz and wizzplus brands in certain municipalities. In July 2018, our cable companies launched “afizzionados”, our first proprietary sports channel dedicated to soccer, broadcasting selected sport content and exclusive matches. In November 2018, we launched “izzi flex” (wireless internet for homes) and “izzi pocket” (mobile internet), which offer speeds of 5 Mbps and up to 20 Mbps. In 2018 and 2019, we renewed our triple play product with packaging benefits of voice, broadband and video. In June 2020, we launched our mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) service, “izzi móvil”, providing a mobile service for broadband subscribers, which offers calls, SMS and Gigabytes for a competitive price through a reseller agreement with Altan Redes, S.A.P.I. de C.V. (“Altan Redes”). We also provide mobile services through “Bestel móvil”, which offers calls, SMS and Gigabytes according to the coverage area for enterprise, corporate, and government customers through a reseller agreement with Altan Redes and Radiomóvil Dipsa, S.A. de C.V. Likewise, we recently launched our new STB “izzi smart” that allow us to become one of the largest OTT aggregators in Mexico. It allows us to include in our offerings access to the main OTT platforms in the market and the possibility to bundle our pay-TV service with Netflix, Blim and Disney+, among others.
As of December 31, 2019,2020, our cable companies had 4.3million cable television, or video RGUs, 4.75.4 million broadband RGUs and 3.64.3 million IP telephone lines in service, or voice RGUs. In addition, we currently have 76,000 mobile service RGUs. The growth in our subscriber base has been driven primarily by the upgrade of our networks and the launch of competitive broadband offerings.
DTH.We believe that Ku-band DTH satellite services offer an enhanced opportunity for expansion of pay television services into households seeking to upgrade reception of broadcasting signals and in areas not currently serviced by operators of cable or multi-channel, multi-point distribution services. We own a 58.7% interest in Innova, or Sky, our venture with DIRECTV. Innova is a DTH company with services in Mexico, Central America and the Dominican Republic with more than 7.4 million video subscribers, of which 2.8%3% were commercial subscribers as of December 31, 2019.2020.
The key components of our DTH strategy include:
Continue Expanding the Portfolio of Channel Offerings in Mexico and Abroad
Network Subscription.Through our 2527 pay-TV brands and 7465 national and international feeds, we reached more than 4642 million subscribers throughout Latin America, the Caribbean, the United States, Canada, Europe, Africa and Australia in 2019.2020. Our pay-TV channels include, among others, three music channels, five movie channels, eight variety and entertainment channels, threetwo sports channels and one news channel. All of our sports channels offer 24 hour a day programming 365 days a year. Popular channels include, among others, De Película, Distrito Comedia, TLNovelas, De Película and Golden.
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Transforming Our Publishing Business
Despite thecontinuing challenges facing the industry, including the COVID-related global economic crisis, we continue to be among the leaders of the publishing business in Mexico and maintained a total approximate circulation of 31.511.7 million magazines during 2019. We believe our subsidiary, Editorial Televisa, S.A. de C.V., or Editorial Televisa, is the most important Spanish-speaking publishing company in the world in number of magazines distributed.2020. Editorial Televisa publishes 6032 titles, with 13 wholly-ownedfive wholly owned trademarks and 2512 licensed trademarks from world renowned publishing houses, including Spanish language editions of some of the most prestigious brands in the world. Editorial Televisa distributes its titlesDuring 2020, we rightsized our publishing business to seven countries, including Mexico, the United States and countries throughout Latin America.focus our efforts on a multiplatform content generation model (print & digital) for our profitable brands.
Increasing Our International Programming Sales Worldwide and Strengthening Our Position in the Growing U.S.-Hispanic Market
We license our programs to television broadcasters and pay-TV providers in the United States, Latin America, Asia, Europe and Africa. Excluding the United States, in 2019,2020, we licensed 84,56574,209 hours of programming in 71over 70 countries throughout the world. We intend to continue exploring ways of expanding our international programming sales.
According to the “Annual Estimates of the Resident Population by Sex, Age, Race, and Hispanic Origin for the United States: April 1, 2010 to July 1, 2018”States” issued by the U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division, the U.S.-Hispanic population is estimated to be59.87 60.5 million, or approximately 18.2%18.4% of the U.S. population, and is currently one of the fastest growing segments in the U.S. population, with the growth among Hispanics responsible for over half of the U.S. population gains between 20002010 and 2010.2019. The U.S. Census Bureau projects that the Hispanic population will be approximately 21% of the U.S. population by the year 2030.
We intend to leverage our unique and exclusive content, media assets and long-term associations with others to benefit from the growing demand for entertainment among the U.S.-Hispanic population.
We supply television programming for the U.S.-Hispanic market through Univision,the leading Spanish-language content and media company serving Hispanic America.in the United States. In exchange for this programming, during 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2019,2020, Univision paid us U.S.$313.9383.6 million, U.S.$383.6389.1 million and U.S.$389.1379.6 million respectively, in royalties. For a description of our arrangements with Univision, see “— Univision”.
On April 13, 2021, we entered into a definitive transaction agreement with UHI, among others, in which, subject to certain exceptions, our content business will be combined with UHI, creating a premier global Spanish-language media company to be called “Televisa-Univision.” See “Information on the Company—Business Overview —Univision” for a summary of the 2021 Transaction Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby.
Developing New Businesses and Expanding through Acquisitions
We plan to continue leveraging our strengths and capabilities to develop new business opportunities and expand through acquisitions. We are constantly seeking investment opportunities that complement ourbusiness strategy. We may identify and evaluate opportunities for strategic acquisitions of complementary businesses, technologies or companies. We may also consider joint ventures, minority investments and other collaborative projects and investments. Any such acquisition or investment could be funded using cash on hand, our equity securities and/or the incurrence of debt, or a combination thereof.
Our recent acquisitions and investments include our acquisition on December 17, 2018 of the residential fiber-to-the-home business and related assets fromAxtel in Mexico City, Zapopan, Monterrey, Aguascalientes, San Luis Potosi and Ciudad Juarez, through the acquisition of 100% of the equity interests of FTTH.
For a further discussion of some of our recent investments, see“— “— Investments”.
Wehave grown our gaming business, which consists of casinos and an online gaming site. As of December 31, 2019,2020, we had 18 casinos in operation, under the brand name “PlayCity”. Due to the global pandemic, the casinos have opened and closed intermittently, following guidance from the relevant authorities. In accordance with our permit, we may continueopen more casinos until May 2021. We plan to open casinos.seek an extension of such period. In 2017, we launched our online sports betting site. The casinos and the online sports betting site are operated under the Gaming Permit obtained from the Mexican Ministry of the Interior, to establish, among other things, up to 45 casinos and number draws throughout Mexico.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company continues to evaluate its portfolio of assets in order to determine if it should dispose select non-core operations.
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Expanding Our Business in the Mexican Telecommunications Markets by Taking Advantage of the Telecom Reform and Implementing Legislation
Pursuant to the Telecom Reform (see “— Regulation — Telecom Reform and Broadcasting Regulations”), a “preponderant economic agent” (agente económico preponderante) in the telecommunications market means an economic agent that has, directly or indirectly, more than 50% of the national market share in telecommunications services, calculated based on the number of users, subscribers, network traffic or used capacity according to the data available to IFT. We are aware from the public records that, on March 7, 2014, IFT notified América Móvil, S.A.B. de C.V., or América Móvil, of a resolution which determined that América Móvil and its operating subsidiaries Radiomóvil Dipsa, S.A de C.V., or Telcel, and Teléfonos de México, S.A.B. de C.V., or Telmex, TelefonosTeléfonos del Noreste, S.A. de C.V. or Telnor, as well as Grupo Carso, S.A.B. de C.V. and Grupo Financiero Inbursa, S.A.B. de C.V., are a preponderant economic agent in the telecommunications market, and imposed on them certain specific asymmetrical regulations which América Móvil reported publicly in the following areas:
• | Interconnection: Regulation on interconnection, including the imposition of (a) asymmetric rates to be determined by IFT and (b) the implementation of an interconnection framework agreement (convenio marco de interconexión); |
• | Content: IFT has issued the Relevant Content Ruling applicable for Preponderant Economic Agents, which contains a prohibition to acquire transmission rights for any territory within Mexico on an exclusive basis, relating to relevant content (contenidos audiovisuales relevantes), including without limitation national soccer play-offs (liguilla), FIFA world cup soccer finals and, any other event where high-audiences are expected at a national or regional level. The IFT may update the relevant content list every two years; and |
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• | Information and Quality of Service Obligations: Several obligations related to information and quality of service, including the publication of a series of reference terms (ofertas públicas de referencia) of the wholesale and interconnection services subject of the asymmetric regulation imposed by IFT and accounting separation. |
OnOn March 8, 2017, IFT issued a resolution to the preponderant economic agent in the telecommunications market that modifies the asymmetrical regulations described above. The most relevant modifications are the following:
The wholesale division within the existing companies will provide the other wholesale services subject to the aforementioned measures that are not provided by the newly created legal entity;
According to public records,América Móvil and its operating subsidiaries, Telcel, Inbursa, Telmex and Telnor, filed amparo proceedings against IFT’s original resolution. The courts issued a ruling confirming the constitutionality of IFT’s resolution, with the exception of Telcel’s proceeding that is pending before the Supreme Court.
In March 2018, América Móvil received a resolution from IFT determining the terms under which Telmex and Telnor shall, legally and functionally, separate the provision of wholesale regulated fixed services by incorporating new legal entities with their own corporate governance, independent from those of América Móvil’s subsidiaries holding a concession, and by creating a wholesale business unit within Telmex and Telnor. Telmex and Telnor will havehad two years to implement the separation ordered by the IFT. The resolution establishesestablished a calendar for implementation and obligations to deliver periodic information to the IFT. In March 2020, the two-year period granted to the preponderant economic agent to implement the functional separation of Telmex and Telnor ended.
On December 2, 2020, IFT issued a resolution on its evaluation of the asymmetrical regulations imposed on Telmex, as preponderant economic agent in March 2014. Some of the most relevant modifications are: (i) the use of a long-run average incremental costs model to determine the local loop indirect access services rates, and that IFT may determine competitive geographic zones where such rates will be determined by Telmex; (ii) for dedicated-link leasing services, the IFT may determine competitive geographic zones where rates will be determined pursuant to a price cap methodology; and (iii) certain operative and informational modifications to the electronic management system. The resolution may be challenged by América Móvil.
The measures imposed on the preponderant economic agent, if properly implemented, will represent an opportunity for us to increase our coverage and product diversity, while reducing our costs and capital expenditures requirements as a result of the access to the network of the preponderant economic agent and the regulation of the terms and conditions, on competitive terms, of such access. Moreover, asymmetric regulations may create a beneficial economic and regulatory environment in the telephony and broadband markets and may further enhance our ability to compete in the telecommunications industry.
All of these measures, if properly implemented, could create a beneficial economic and regulatory environment, level the playing field for all participants in the telecommunications market and foster competition, representing an opportunity for the growth of ourSky and cable businesses; nevertheless, in the Company’s view, the preponderant economic agent is not complying with its obligations under such measures and the Company has filed several complaints before IFT.
In August 2017, the Supreme Court of Justice of the Nation (SCJN) determined that the interconnection rate regime relating to mobile termination by the Preponderant Economic Agent in Telecommunications Network, which contained a limitation on the Preponderant Economic Agent’s ability to charge for traffic termination in its mobile network, was unconstitutional. As a result, the SCJN ordered that the IFT issue a tariff. In November 2017, IFT resolved that the tariff for traffic termination in the mobile network of the Preponderant Economic Agent willwould be Ps.0.028562 per minute of interconnection from January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2018. In November 2018, the IFT determined that the tariff for traffic termination in the mobile network of the Preponderant Economic Agent would be Ps.0.028313 per minute of interconnection from January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2019. For 2019,2020 and 2021, the IFT determined a lower tariff for traffic termination in the mobile network of the Preponderant Economic Agent being Ps.0.028313 and Ps.0.018489 per minute of interconnection.interconnection, respectively.
In April 2018, the SCJN determined that the interconnection rate regime relating to fixed termination by the Preponderant Economic Agent in Telecommunications Network, which contained a limitation on the Preponderant Economic Agent’s ability to charge for traffic termination in its fixed network, was unconstitutional. As a result, the SCJN ordered the IFT to issue a tariff for traffic termination in the fixed network of the Preponderant Economic Agent applicable from January 1 to December 31, 2019. In November 2018, the IFT determined that the tariff for traffic termination in the fixed network of the Preponderant Economic Agent will be Ps.0.003151 per minute of interconnection from January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2019. For 2020 and 2021, the tariff for traffic termination in the fixed network of the Preponderant Economic Agent will be Ps.0.003331 and Ps.0.002842 per minute of interconnection.interconnection, respectively.
In January 2020, IFT imposed a fine on Telnor in the amount of Ps.1,311.8 million for a breach of the availability of information of certain passive infrastructure (post, duct) in the electronic management system (Sistema Electrónico de Gestión, or “SEG”), used to request wholesale services from Telnor.
Additionally, the Telecom Reform (1) permits 100% foreign ownership in satellite and telecommunications services and increases to up to 49% the level of permitted foreign ownership in television and radio services, subject to reciprocity of the originating foreign investment country, and (2) provides that the Mexican government will build a national network to facilitate effective access for the Mexican population to broadband and other telecommunications services. These amendments may provide opportunities for us to enter into joint ventures with foreign investors with proven international experience in these markets and also to work with the Mexican government in the development of this new network.
Commitment to Sustainability
At Televisa,As we are committedstrive to takingproduce some of the leadbest Spanish-language content globally and broadcast it through the most relevant platforms, and leverage on sustainability through tangibleour extensive telecommunications infrastructure to provide entertainment and measurable sustainability programs that improve the environment and our corporate governance. At the same time,connect people, we have been focused on strengthening communities while working to inspire and develop human potential through innovative education and cultural initiatives.
This commitment to sustainability begins with our philanthropic arm, Fundación Televisa, which has developed a range of social programs designed to benefit society. At the same time, we have made sustainable development a key part of our offerings and commercial strategy as a way to create value and better meet the expectations of our shareholders.
We have concentrated on ways to limit greenhouse gas emissions, strengthen alliances with renewable energy generators and meet or exceed compliance with the General Law on Climate Change, with a special focus on making sustainability gains through our in-house Environmental Management Systems (EMS).
Another one of our strengths is the depth of experience possessed by our sustainability team members. Through their leadership, we leverage our corporate structure to embed sustainability throughout our lines of businesses.
Our achievements in sustainability are the result of a regular review and enhancement of internal policies, procedures and management systems to improve corporate performance. Key performance indicators are continually refined and monitored in environmental, social and corporate governance spheres and the impact of the programs is constantly evaluated in a culture of continuous improvement.
But perhaps most importantly, we understand the crucial need to gain the support of key constituencies for our sustainability efforts by offering key stakeholders regular reports on the progress ofmanaging our environmental, social, and corporate governance programs.(ESG) performance. We aim to develop a consistent, transparent, and comparable ESG reporting framework to inform our stakeholders. As part of that communications effort, we put special effort into producingannually publish a comprehensive sustainability report pursuant to the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) standards and compelling annual sustainability report.also look to integrate incrementally other external standards, including the provisions of the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) and the recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosure (TCFD).
During 2019,We acknowledge the importance of targeting climate change-related issues. For that reason, we continuedare committed to reducing our environmental impact and greenhouse gas emissions through specific programs, training, and monitoring and reporting of emissions. We have also set ecological targets such as clean energy generation, energy consumption reduction, water consumption reduction, and greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions reduction. Our commitment to conserving natural capital is reflected in our Environmental Management Policy and Statement on Biodiversity and Environment, which acknowledges the importance of preserving and protecting ecosystems and biodiversity and reducing our environmental impact. To help protect Mexico’s vast natural wealth and biodiversity, we (along with certain other Mexican companies and NGOs) established the Mexican Alliance for Biodiversity and Business to implement projects to promote conservation, sustainable use, and restoration. These targets align with public sector efforts, such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Furthermore, we focus on our social performance. Growth of our employees is an important topic for us. We further enhance careers with training programs (ethics, anti-corruption, human rights, information security, and data protection), performance evaluations, and additional benefits. To help maintain the physical wellbeing of our employees, we manage, monitor and enhance key performance indicators, maintain policies, and conduct regular training and periodic audits on health and safety at work under the guidance of our Committee on Safety and Civil Protection and the Health and Safety Commission. We apply fair labor practices in our operations and adhere to best practices. We are committed to offering stable labor conditions to our employees by respecting their human and collective rights and providing a working environment that enables them to improve their performance and increase their engagement.
Additionally, we focus on achieving local community engagement through assessment and planning, to understand their potential, expectations, and needs. We create opportunities in education, culture, entrepreneurship, health, and environmental protection to improve communities and help build better and more sustainable societies through our social programs.
Sustainability and ESG-related risks are evaluated by our management on a regular basis. We embed sustainability at multiple levels of our business, with our Sustainability Coordination and Analysis Unit being responsible for ESG-related issues under the supervision of the Vice President of Investor Relations (who is responsible for advancing our ESG initiatives). Our Sustainability Committee (which is comprised of senior executives from different areas, such as Legal, Internal Audit, Human Resources, Risk Management and others) reviews and approves our sustainability strategy, monitors ESG initiatives, evaluates annual results and sets objectives aligned with our business strategy, programs for our growth, and sustainable development.
Our sustainability achievements result from a regular enhancement of policies and programs to improve corporate performance. During 2020, the Company's many sustainability efforts in ordercontinued to be recognized aroundglobally. For example, the world. For example:
Besides, the Company was selected as one of only five Mexican companies to be included in the 2020 Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index. Also, the Company was selected as a constituent of the 2019 FTSE4Good Emerging MarketsESG index, launched by S&P, Dow Jones and Emerging Latin America Indices.
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Sustainability is a high priority for us and a key component in the formulation of our business strategy.
Our notable achievements in advancingIn summary, we understand our sustainability strategy as a commitment to enhancing the cause of sustainability are the resultlives of the consistent reviewcommunities we serve, and continual enhancement of our programs, our emphasis on corporate social responsibility as a critical business focus and the establishment of key performance indicators in the environment, social and corporate governance matters. To sum up, we view our deep and abiding commitment to sustainability as more than just an effort to do good, but as a central part of our business thatbelieve by doing so, we will also contribute to our growth and success. Never satisfied, we remain firmly committed to continually improving and aligning our operations with international standards and best practices for the long-term.
We reaffirm the Company’s steadfast commitment to ensuring the health and safety of our employees, collaborators, partners, and the greater community, as we closely monitor the quickly evolving novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Throughout our corporate operations and facilities, we continue to refine and implement detailed policies, procedures, and protocols closely aligned with guidelines issued by the Government of Mexico and the World Health Organization (WHO). This includes aggressively maintaining proper hygiene measures and upgraded security and health screenings at entrances to all properties and minimizing the number of individuals present at all facilities at any given time.
We have also adopted new labor practices to help restrict public movements and stem the spread of the virus, including imposing flexible hours and work-at-home arrangements for nearly all employees. Highly trained members of the Company’s medical service are also closely monitoring the health and well-being of the entire workforce and are positioned to assist anyone presenting symptoms of the virus.
Since media and telecommunications have been considered by the Mexican Government as essential economic activities under regulations enacted for purposes of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have continued operating our essential businesses uninterrupted to continue benefiting the country with connectivity, entertainment and information during the COVID-19 pandemic, while also promoting the “stay at home” policy whenever possible, in order to take safety and cautionary measures for our employees. We have taken strict health controls and precautions for the personnel who need to work on-site for the operation of our essential businesses. Notwithstanding the foregoing, some of our activities, such as the production of new content, have been curtailed or suspended in response to social distancing and shutdown requirements and health guidelines.
As Mexico’s leading provider of television news, we are serious about our responsibility to keep the country’s citizens well-informed about the spread of the virus and its serious implications. We also recognize the important role we play in providing high-quality educational and entertainment content across our many platforms to best serve the millions of families who are avoiding nonessential outside contact. Over the years, we have invested deeply in improving and maintaining our connectivity systems and will continue to do all that we can to maintain our services to all of our customers in homes, businesses and public institutions.
The "Televisa is with you/Stay at home with Televisa" action plan aims to provide a comprehensive solution for two basic society member groups: audiences and Televisa’s brands and sub-brands. It promotes solidarity and support through promoting serenity, entertainment, and social union; facilitating staying at home.
We will continue to do everything we can to assist during these extraordinary times. In the meantime, we will rely on our platforms and maintain high-quality service for our customers and business partners.
Commitment to Social Responsibility
AtIn a challenging 2020, Fundación Televisa (or “Fundación”) was committed to helping those most in need. We continued our existing programs, while we aimalso developed new programs to enhancerespond to the potentialCOVID-19 pandemic. As a result, in 2020, we were able to impact the lives of people924,900 children and adults in both Mexico and the United States, while inspiring others to join forces. investing (together with our allies) more than Ps.368.5 million.
Our innovative programs in education, culture, entrepreneurship, and environmental protection provide an empowering platform for hundreds of thousands of people to improve their lives, transform their communities, and build better and more sustainable societies. Our approach combines an effective leverageleveraging of Televisathe Company’s communication channels with state of the art digital tools, financial support and on-the-ground multidisciplinary teams.
In 2019 we impacted the life of991,017 children, youth and adults in both Mexico and the United States, investing with our allies together more than Ps.388 million. We directly contributed to the following 11 of 17 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals:Goals.
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WeIn 2020, we managed to have more than 192.4 million of media impacts. We have reachedimpacts, reaching more than 15351 million people with our messages, benefitingmessages. Some of those impacts related to safety measures regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, like staying at home and wearing safety masks campaigns, among others. At the same time, we helped more than 7764 institutions and organizations through communication campaigns with television spaces.
Our causesWe generated more than 1.5 million followers on social networks and more than 64 million people to our digital platforms.
Fundación programs work along different life stages. Empieza Temprano focuses on early childhood development by providing parents and families information and practical tips. To enhance the skills of K-12 students, Fundación has a civic values program called Valores. Aprende con el Chavo is a free platform for online learning and Cuantrix teaches computer science and coding. Technolochicas empowers young women through STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics) and Bécalos works to increase high-school and college completion while improving the student’s employability. POSiBLE helps to expand high impact innovation-driven entrepreneurship through training, networking, resources, visibility and acceleration for high potential startups. In addition, Fundación’s cultural and environmental programs cut across ages serving the general public in specific locations and more broadly through the digital and media space. Since 2020 was an atypical year, we adapted our programs and actions to the “new normal”, using media and digital assets to be closer to our programs’ recipients. Also, through our disaster relief program, we supported actions tailored to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Our numbers:numbers and recognitions include the following:
• | We established a partnership with Schmidt Futures and Rhodes Trust to launch their RISE scholarship program in Mexico. This program provides a lifetime support to exceptional teenagers that want to change the world. |
• | We participated with far-reaching communication campaigns, including teenage pregnancy prevention and also Valores, promoting civic values, and Cero Violencia, preventing domestic violence against women. |
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• | We received the
By responsibly leveraging media, talent, partnerships and financial assets, the efforts led by Fundación reflect the commitment of
Our Operations
As of December 31,
Cable
The Cable Television Industry in Mexico.Cable television offers multiple channels of entertainment, news and informational programs to subscribers who pay a monthly fee. These fees are based on the package of channels the subscribers receive. According to IFT, there were approximately
Digital Cable Television Services.Our cable companies offer on-screen interactive programming guide with direct access to blim and Netflix through the “izzi TV” platform, video on demand, high definition channels as well as other services throughout Mexico. Along with their digital pay-TV service, our cable companies offer high speed internet and a competitive digital telephone service. Through their network, they are able to distribute high quality video content, new services, interactivity with video on demand, 1080i high definition, impulse and order pay-per-view, a-la-carte programming, among other products and services, with added value features and premium solutions for consumers, and telephony and internet. Likewise, our cable companies offer mobile applications such as “izzi go”, which is a TV Everywhere application for authenticated subscribers through compatible PCs, iOS and Android platforms, that enables subscribers to access channels, movies and series on demand. “izzi go” also features remote control functionalities compatible with our “izzi TV” set-top-boxes, and allows subscribers to watch additional content through the application. In November 2020, izzi partnered with Disney+ to distribute the service both a la-carte and as a bundle in select triple play packages and with payment integration services for izzi customers.
Revenues.Our cable companies generate revenues from their pay-TV, broadband and telephony services, from additional services such as video on demand, and from sales of advertising to local and national advertisers. Subscriber revenues come from monthly service and rental fees and, to a lesser extent, one-time installation fees.
Cable Initiatives.
Enhanced programming services, including video on demand, subscription video on demand, high definition and bundled
Broadband internet services, including fixed/mobile solutions;
Cablevisió
TVI.In March 2016, we acquired the remaining 50% of the equity interest of TVI and its subsidiaries and as a result, TVI is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company. The transaction amounted to Ps.6,750 million, including the assumption of long-term liabilities in the aggregate amount of Ps.4,750.0 million, with maturities between 2017 and 2020, and a cash payment of Ps.2,000.0 million. TVI offers cable television, internet access, telephony services and bidirectional data transmission in the metropolitan area of Monterrey and other areas of northern Mexico.
Cablemás.We own Cablemás, which operates in approximately 105 cities in Mexico where it offers cable television, high speed internet access and telephony services.
Cablecom.On July 31, 2013, we invested Ps.7,000 million in convertible debt instruments, which in August 2014 we converted into 95% of the equity interest in Ares, the owner of 51% of the equity interest in Cablecom, a cable company that offers cable television, internet access and telephony services in Mexico. As part of the 2013 transaction, we also invested U.S.$195 million in a debt instrument issued by Ares. In August 2014, we acquired, pursuant to applicable regulations, the remaining 5% of the equity interest in Ares and the remaining 49% of the equity interest of Cablecom for an additional consideration of Ps.8,550 million, which consisted of the capitalization of the U.S. dollar debt instrument issued by Ares in the amount of Ps.2,642 million, and cash in the amount of Ps.5,908 million.
Telecable.On January 8, 2015, through a series of transactions, we acquired 100% of the equity interest of Telecable for an aggregate consideration of Ps.10,002 million. Telecable is a cable company that provides cable television, internet access and telephony services in Mexico, primarily in the states of Guanajuato, Jalisco, Aguascalientes, Queretaro, Tamaulipas, and Colima, among others.
Bestel.Currently, the Company indirectly holds 66.1% of the equity of Bestel (35.3% through
Background.We operate “Sky”, our DTH satellite venture in Mexico, Central America and the Dominican Republic, through Innova. We indirectly own 58.7% of this venture. The remaining 41.3% of Innova is owned by DIRECTV. For a description of capital contributions and loans we have made to Innova, see “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects — Results of Operations — Liquidity, Foreign Exchange and Capital Resources — Capital Expenditures, Acquisitions and Investments, Distributions and Other Sources of Liquidity”.
Innova’s Social Part Holders Agreement provides that neither we nor News Corp. nor DIRECTV may directly or indirectly operate or acquire an interest in any business that operates a DTH satellite system in Mexico, Central America and the Dominican Republic (subject to limited exceptions).
As of December 31,
During
In
As of December 31,
Sky devotes
The installation fee is based on the number of set up boxes and the method of payment chosen by the subscriber. The monthly cost consists of a programming fee plus a rental fee for each additional box.
In 2018, Sky launched Fixed Wireless Broadband services under the brand name Blue Telecomm. Sky offers five, 10 or
Programming.We are a major source of programming content for our DTH venture and have granted our DTH venture DTH satellite service broadcast rights to most of our existing and future program services (including pay-per-view services on DTH), subject to some pre-existing third party agreements and other exceptions and conditions. Through its relationships with us and DIRECTV, we expect that the DTH satellite service in Mexico will be able to continue to negotiate favorable terms for programming both with third parties in Mexico and with international suppliers from the United States, Europe and Latin America.
Content
Television Industry in Mexico
General.There are 18 television stations operating in Mexico City and approximately
We estimate that approximately
Programming
Programming We Produce.We produce a significant part of the Spanish-language television programming in the world. In
We produce a variety of programs, including dramas, newscasts, situation comedies, game shows, reality shows, children’s programs, comedy and variety programs, musical and cultural events, movies and educational programming. Our dramas are broadcast either dubbed or subtitled in a variety of languages throughout the world.
Our programming also includes broadcasts of special events and sports events in Mexico promoted by us and others. Among the sports events that we broadcast are soccer games and professional wrestling matches. See “— Other Businesses — Sports and Show Business Promotions”. For 2020, we had secured the broadcasting rights of some CONCACAF minor events, but due to the ongoing COVID-19 global pandemic, CONCACAF decided to reschedule the events for 2021. In October 2019, we secured from the International Olympic Committee (“IOC”) the broadcasting rights for the Olympic Games to be held in Tokyo originally scheduled for July 2020. However, due to the ongoing COVID-19 global pandemic, the IOC decided to postpone the games to a later date, tentatively July 2021.
Our programming is produced primarily at our32 studios in Mexico City. We also operate 23 fully equipped remote control units
Foreign-Produced Programming.We license and broadcast television programs produced by third parties outside Mexico. Most of this foreign programming is from the United States and includes television series, movies and sports events, including coverage of Major League Baseball games and National Football League games. Foreign-produced programming represented approximately
Talent Promotion.We operate Centro de Educación Artística, a school in Mexico City, to develop and train actors. We provide instruction free of charge, and a substantial number of the actors appearing on our programs have attended the school. We also promote writers and directors through a writers’ school as well as various contests and scholarships.
Television Networks.We operate three television networks that can be viewed throughout parts of Mexico depending on the schedules and programming on our affiliated television stations through Channels 2, 5 and 9 in Mexico City. The following table indicates the total number of operating television stations in Mexico affiliated with each of our three networks, as well as the total number of local affiliates, as of December 31,
Channel 2 Network. Channel 2, which is known as “Las Estrellas”, or “The Stars”, together with its affiliated stations, is the leading television network in Mexico and the leading Spanish-language television network in the world, as measured by the size of the audience capable of receiving its signal. Channel 2’s programming is broadcast 24 hours a day, seven days a week, on 128 television stations located throughout parts of Mexico. The affiliate stations generally retransmit the programming and advertising transmitted to them by Channel 2 without interruption. Such stations are referred to as “repeater” stations. We estimate that the Channel 2 Network reaches approximately
The Channel 2 Network targets the average Spanish-speaking family as its audience. Its programs includedramas, news, entertainment, comedy and variety programs, movies, game shows, reality shows and sports. The dramas make up the bulk of the prime time lineup and consist of romantic dramas that unfold over the course of 70 to 120 half-hour episodes. Substantially all of Channel 2’s programming is aired on a first-run basis and much of it is produced by
Channel 5 Network.In addition to its anchor station, Channel 5 is affiliated with
Channel 9 Network.In addition to its anchor station, Channel 9 is affiliated with
The Channel 9 Network targetsviewers 30 years and older. Its programs include movies, sports, sitcoms, game shows, dramas produced by third parties, news, an entertainment newscast and re-runs of popular programs from Channel
Channel 4.Channel 4 broadcasts in the Mexico City metropolitan area and to some other areas of the country through a network of repeater stations, and according to our estimates, reached over
ForoTV targets young adults between 30 and 40 years old, and adults more than 55 years old. Its programs consist primarily of journalist content, news, and round table programs in which the participants analyze the national and international news.
Local Affiliates.There are currently
Network Subscription.We produce or license a suite of Spanish and English-language television channels for pay-TV systems in Mexico, Latin America, the Caribbean, Europe, the United States, Canada, Africa and Australia. These channels include programming such as general entertainment, dramas, movies, news and music-related shows, interviews and videos. Some of the programming included in these channels is produced by us while other programming is acquired or commissioned from third parties. We commercialize
In
Licensing and Syndication.We license our programs and our rights to programs produced by other television broadcasters and pay-TV providers in the United States, Canada, Latin America, Asia, Europe and Africa. We collect licensing fees based on the size of the market for which the license is granted or on a percentage of the advertising sales generated from the programming. In addition to the programming licensed to Univision, we licensed
Expansion of Programming Reach.Our programs can be seen in the United States, Canada, Latin America, Asia, Europe, Africa and Australia. We intend to continue to expand our sales of Spanish-language programming internationally through pay-TV services.
Televisa Digital.
In addition to its suite of owned and operated properties,
Televisa Digital has emerged as a top player in the advertising industry by offering its clients a curated slate of products ranging from traditional digital inventory to advanced programmatic solutions, targeted audience buying, TV extension video strategies, social media amplification and custom branded content development.
OTT Platform. In January 2014, we launched an over-the-top platform under the brand “VEO”, which in February 2016 was relaunched as “blim” and recently renamed “blim tv”. Blim tv is fully operated by Televisa, S.A. de C.V. and it provides a Subscription Video-On-Demand (“SVOD”) service and TV Everywhere in Mexico, with an extensive catalogue of domestic and foreign entertainment (including a library of original productions, movies, series, documentaries, programs, dramas and children’s content; and recently carrying
Advertising Sales Plan.Our sales force is organized into separate teams, each of which focuses on groups of clients, in order to provide multi-platform offers that include free-to-air television, pay television, local stations and digital services. In 2018, we began billing our clients on a cost-per-rating-point basis rather than on a fixed pricing scheme. Most of our sales were made through “Modular 2.0” or “packages” that have a pre-determined allocation through national channels and dayparts through which we optimize the use of our inventory while committing to deliver certain amounts of gross rating points. The majority of our sales were made through these mechanisms. This strategy remained largely unchanged in 2019. In 2020, we began billing our clients on a cost-per-thousand-basis, rather than a cost-per-rating-point basis, while keeping the Modular 2.0 Strategy. In addition to this change, we also aligned prices and reduced the number of target audiences that could be requested by clients. In order to have additional time to explain these changes to advertisers, we also changed the closing period for the upfront option to the first quarter of 2020, instead of the end of 2019, as in previous years. As a result, it took us a longer time to close the up front negotiations and the advertising revenues for the first quarter of 2020 were also negatively impacted. We sell commercial time in two ways: upfront and on a scatter basis. Advertisers that
We currently sell a significant portion of our available television advertising time. We use the remaining portion of our television advertising time primarily to satisfy our legal obligation to the Mexican government to provide up to 18 minutes per day of our broadcast time between 6:00 a.m. and midnight for public service announcements and 30 minutes per day for public programming (referred to in this annual report as Official Television Broadcast Time), and our remaining available television advertising time to promote, among other things, our products. See “Regulation — Television — Mexican Television Regulations — Government Broadcast Time”. We sold approximately
Other Businesses
Publishing.Notwithstanding the challenges facing the publishing industry, we believe we have maintained our position as the most important publisher and distributor of magazines in Mexico,
With a total circulation of approximately
We publish the Spanish-language edition of several magazines, includingCosmopolitan,Harper’s Bazaar
Our digital advertising revenue increased from 45 Publishing Distribution.We estimate that we distribute more than 50%, in terms of volume, of the magazines circulated in Mexico through our subsidiary, Distribuidora Intermex, S.A. de C.V., or Intermex. We believe that our distribution network, including independent distributors, reaches over
Sports and Show Business Promotions.We actively promote a wide variety of sports events and cultural, musical and other entertainment productions in Mexico. Most of these events and productions are broadcast on our television stations, cable television system and DTH satellite
Soccer.We own Club de Fútbol América S.A. de C.V., or Club América, which currently plays in the Mexican First Division and is one of the most popular and successful soccer teams in Mexico. In the Mexican First Division, each team plays two tournaments of 17 games per regular annual season. The best teams of each regular season engage in post-season championship play.
We own the Azteca Stadium, which has hosted two World Cup Inaugurations and Final Games (1970 and 1986). In 2016, the Azteca Stadium underwent major renovations, adding new premier zones (suites and club
National Football League. The Company entered into a contract with the National Football League, or the NFL, to host one regular season game each year beginning in 2016 through 2018. Due to field conditions, the 2018 NFL game was relocated to Los Angeles and postponed. It took place in 2019. The parties agreed for the stadium to host two regular season games in Mexico City during the 2020 and 2021 seasons, subject to certain conditions being met. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the game to take place in 2020 was postponed.
Promotions.We promote a wide variety of concerts and other shows, including beauty pageants, song festivals and shows of popular Mexican and international artists. These are mostly done in relation to our content production and distribution businesses to promote our audiovisual properties.
Feature Film Production and Distribution.We produce and co-produce first-run Spanish- and English-language feature films, some of which are among Mexico’s top films based on box office receipts.
We distribute our films to movie theaters in Mexico, the United States and Latin America, and later release them for broadcast on video on demand, cable and network television; some of those films have been partially financed by us and are among the highest grossing Mexican films in Mexico, such asNo Manches Frida, Hazlo Como Hombre, 3 Idiotas, La Boda De Valentina, No Manches Frida 2, Mirreyes vs Godinez, Cindy la Regia and the Spanish language film that broke audience and box office records in Mexico and the United States during its release year, Instructions Not Included, which became the second highest film in Mexico in terms of number of viewers. We distribute feature films produced by non-Mexican producers in Mexico. In
At December 31,
Gaming Business.In 2006, we launched our gaming business, which consists of casinos and an online gaming site. As of December 31,
Held-for-Sale Operations
Radio Stations.
Investments
OCEN.We own a 40% stake in OCEN, a subsidiary of CIE, which owns all of the assets related to CIE’s live entertainment business unit in Mexico. OCEN’s business includes the production and promotion of a wide variety of live entertainment events such as concerts, theatrical, family and cultural events, as well as the operation of entertainment venues, the sale of entrance tickets (under an agreement with Ticketmaster Corporation), food, beverages and merchandising, and the booking and management of Latin artists. OCEN is ranked
During
During The significant drop in number of events and tickets issued during 2020 was due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
On July 24, 2019, we announced that Live Nation Entertainment, Inc. (“Live Nation”) had agreed to purchase our unconsolidated 40% equity participation in OCEN. In consideration for the sale, we
Imagina.We owned equity participations equivalent to 19.05% of the capital stock of Imagina Media Audiovisual S.L., or Imagina, one of the main providers of content and audiovisual services for the media and entertainment industry in Spain. On June 26, 2018, we closed on the sale of our 19.05% stake in Imagina. From the total proceeds paid to us of approximately U.S.$341.0 million, 11% was retained in escrow. In December 2018, approximately U.S.$18.2 million (approximately 43% of the relevant amount) was released from escrow, plus an additional U.S.$1.7 million that were paid to Imagina’s controlling shareholders as part of the agreement. In 2019, an additional U.S.$12.1 million
Grupo de Telecomunicaciones de Alta Capacidad, S.A.P.I. de C.V.In March 2010, Telefónica, Editora Factum, S.A. de C.V., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company which was merged into CVQ in May 2015, and Megacable agreed to jointly participate, through a consortium known as Grupo de Telecomunicaciones de Alta Capacidad, S.A.P.I. de C.V. (“GTAC”), in the public bid for a pair of dark fiber wires held by the CFE (Comisión Federal de Electricidad). In June 2010, the SCT granted GTAC a favorable award in the bidding process for a 20 year contract for the lease of up to 19,457 kilometers of dark fiber-optic capacity, along with a corresponding concession, granted in July 2010, to operate a public telecommunications network using DWDM technology. In June 2010, one of our subsidiaries entered into a long-term credit facility agreement to provide financing to GTAC in an amount up to Ps.688.2 million. Under the terms of this agreement, principal and interest are payable at dates agreed by the parties, between 2013 and 2021. In addition, a subsidiary of the Company entered into supplementary long-term loans to provide additional financing to GTAC for an aggregate principal amount of
We have investments in several other businesses. See Notes 3 and 10 to our consolidated year-end financial statements. 47
Univision
We have a number of arrangements with Univision, the leading Spanish-language content and media company in the United States that owns and operates the following: Univision Network, which is among the most-watched Spanish-language television networks in the United States; UniMás Network; Univision Cable Networks, including Galavisión and TUDN;
On December 20, 2010, Univision, we, UHI and other parties affiliated with theother investor groups that at the time owned a majority of the shares of UHI (the “Univision Sponsor Group”)
In December 2011, we made an additional investment of U.S.$49.1 million in cash in common stock of UHI by which we increased our equity interest in UHI from 5% to 7.1%. In August 2012, we made an additional investment of U.S.$22.5 million in cash in common stock of UHI by which we increased our equity interest in UHI from 7.1% to 8.0%. On January 30, 2014, a group of institutional investors made a capital contribution to UHI. As Effective as of December 29, 2020, the Univision Sponsor Group
PLA and MLA Under the PLA, we have granted Univision exclusive Spanish-language broadcast and digital rights to our audiovisual programming (subject to certain exceptions) in the United States and all territories and possessions of the United States, including Puerto Rico, which includes the right to use our online, network and pay-television programming on Univision’s current and future Spanish-language television networks (with certain exceptions), including the Univision, UniMás and Galavision cable television networks, owned or controlled by Univision and current and future Univision Spanish-language online and interactive platforms (such as PrendeTV, Univision Now, Univision.com and Video on Demand). Univision also has rights under the PLA to broadcast in the United States Mexican First Division soccer league games for which we own or control the United States rights, which began with select teams in 2011 and which expanded in 2015 to all teams to which we own or control United States rights. We have agreed to provide Univision with at least 8,531 hours of programming per year for the term of the PLA.
Under the MLA,
On July 1, 2015, the Company, UHI and Univision, together with Univision’s then major shareholders, entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (the “MOU”) and Univision and a subsidiary of the Company entered into an amendment to the existing PLA (the “PLA Amendment”). Under the PLA Amendment, the terms of the existing strategic relationship between Univision and the Company were amended, including to revise the royalty computation. Under the computation as
Pursuant to the 2021 Transaction Agreement (as defined below), upon completion of the 2021 Transaction, the PLA and the MLA will be FCC Matters
On January 3, 2017, the FCC
2021 Transaction Agreement As previously announced, on April 13, 2021, we entered into a definitive transaction agreement (the “2021 Transaction Agreement”) with UHI and, for the limited purposes set forth therein, affiliates of Searchlight, ForgeLight and Liberty Global, pursuant to which, among other things, we will contribute our content business (other than certain assets relating to our news business, real estate and Mexican over-the-air broadcast concessions) to UHI. In consideration for the contribution of such business, we will receive U.S.$4.5 billion in a combination of cash (U.S.$3 billion) and U.S.$1.5 billion of common and preferred shares of UHI. In addition, we have entered into commercial arrangements with UHI pursuant to which we will receive additional consideration valued at approximately U.S.$300 million in the aggregate (all such transactions collectively, the “2021 Transaction”). The combined company following the closing of the 2021 Transaction will be called “Televisa-Univision.” The cash consideration and expenses of UHI in the 2021 Transaction are expected to be financed by UHI through a new Series C preferred equity investment of U.S.$1 billion in the aggregate led by the SoftBank Latin American Fund, along with ForgeLight, with participation from Google and The Raine Group; and a debt commitment of U.S.$2.1 billion. In addition, following the completion of the 2021 Transaction, Televisa-Univision’s news content production for Mexico will be outsourced from a company owned by the Azcárraga family, while Televisa-Univision will hold all assets, IP and library related to our news division. The obligations of the parties to the 2021 Transaction Agreement to consummate the 2021 Transaction are subject to closing conditions, including, among others, (i) the authorization or non-objection of the Mexican Federal Antitrust Commission (Comisión Federal de Competencia Económica) and the Mexican Federal Telecommunications Institute (Instituto Federal de Telecomunicaciones) (the “IFT”) under Mexican antitrust laws being obtained, (ii) the grant by the FCC of the applications, requests for waivers and petitions for declaratory ruling (if any) required to be filed with the FCC to obtain the approvals, waivers and declaratory rulings of the FCC pursuant to the applicable U.S. communications laws necessary to consummate the 2021 Transaction and such grant being in effect as issued by the FCC or extended by the FCC, (iii) the approval of the IFT under Mexican telecommunications laws being obtained, (iv) the approval or non-objection of the Committee for the Assessment of Foreign Participation in the United States Telecommunications Services Sector being obtained (if filings with such committee are made in connection with the 2021 Transaction), (v) the authorization of the Mexican Foreign Investment Commission under Mexican foreign investment laws being obtained, (vi) the termination or expiration of any applicable waiting period or periods under the U.S. Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended, (vii) certain other approvals or consents from governmental entities being obtained, (viii) the approval of the 2021 Transaction by our shareholders being obtained, (ix) with respect to Grupo Televisa, subject to materiality qualifications, the accuracy of representations and warranties made by UHI and, with respect to UHI, subject to materiality qualifications, the accuracy of representations and warranties made by Grupo Televisa, (x) the absence of any court order or law preventing or declaring unlawful the consummation of the 2021 Transaction and (xi) the performance and compliance by us and UHI in all material respects of or with their respective obligations under the 2021 Transaction Agreement. The 2021 Transaction is expected to be completed in 2021, but there can be no assurance that it will be completed within such timeframe or at all. Following the completion of the 2021 Transaction, our equity stake in UHI is expected to increase from approximately 36% to approximately 45%, and we will enter into new governance arrangements with the other shareholders of UHI, pursuant to which, among other things, we will be entitled to designate five of the 13 members of the Board of Directors of UHI, have at least proportionate membership on board committees and be afforded consent rights over certain matters. In addition, immediately following the closing of the 2021 Transaction, Messrs. Emilio Fernando Azcárraga Jean, Bernardo Gómez Martínez and Alfonso de Angoitia will participate in the management team of the Mexican content business of the combined Televisa-Univision for a transitional period. The foregoing summary of the 2021 Transaction Agreement does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the 2021 Transaction Agreement, a copy of which has been filed as Exhibit 4.18 to this Form 20-F. For additional information regarding our relationship with Univision, see
Competition
We compete with various forms of media, entertainment and telecommunications companies in Mexico, both Mexican and non-Mexican. See “Key Information — Risk Factors — Risk Factors Related to Our Business — We Face Competition in Each of Our Markets That We Expect Will Intensify”.
Cable
Cablevisión, Cablemás, TVI,
The telecommunications industry in Mexico has become highly competitive. New technologies and technical innovations have been implemented in the telecommunications sector, resulting in a significant increase in competition. We believe that there is a strong correlation between the increase in competition and the adoption of new technologies. Our cable operators face intense competition in the Internet services market and in the fixed telephony services market from several service providers such as Totalplay and other cable companies, but also importantly from the preponderant economic agent in the telecommunications sector, which holds a significant market share, as well as other competitors in fixed-mobile solutions.
Our cable operators also face tough competition from other cable companies and from other pay-TV operators such as Dish Mexico, Total Play, Megacable, Sky and other cable operator companies. Recently, competition in this market has increased due to the growth of IPTV or OTT providers such as Netflix, Disney+, Claro Video and Prime Video (Amazon).
Our cable operators compete as well with other media with respect to advertising sales, including DTH, social media, outdoor advertising and publishing among others. The information technologies are changing and we expect will continue to change the consumption of advertising in the communications media. 50 Sky
Innova currently competes with, or expects to compete with, among others, cable television operators, MMDS systems, national broadcast networks (including our three free-to-air networks and Channel 4), regional and local broadcast stations,OTT content providers, internet video websites and other DTH concessions such as Dish Mexico, which as of the
In October 2008, Dish Mexico, a subsidiary of a U.S. based DTH company operating with certain arrangements with Telmex, started operations in Mexico through a DTH concession. Dish Mexico currently operates nationwide.
Content
Our television stations compete for advertising revenues and for the services of recognized talent and qualified personnel with other television stations (including the stations owned by TV Azteca and Imagen Television) in their markets, as well as with other advertising media, such as pay television networks, radio, newspapers, magazines, outdoor advertising, cable television and a multi-channel, multi-point distribution system, or MMDS, OTT content providers, internet websites and DTH satellite services. Our content also competes with other forms of entertainment and leisure time activities. We generally compete with
In addition to the foregoing channels, there are additional operating channels in Mexico with which we also compete, including Channel 11, which has
We are a major supplier of Spanish-language programming in the United States and throughout the world. We face competition from other international producers of Spanish-language and English-language programming and other types of programming.
Other Businesses
Publishing
Each of our magazine publications competes for readership and advertising revenues with other magazines of a general character and with other forms of print and non-print media. Competition for advertising is based on circulation levels, reader demographics and advertising rates.
Feature Film Production and Distribution
Production and distribution of feature films is a highly competitive business in Mexico. The various producers compete for the services of recognized talent and for film rights to scripts and other literary property. We compete with other feature film producers, Mexican and non-Mexican, and distributors in the distribution of films in Mexico, 51 Gaming Business
Our principal competitors in the gaming industry are, with respect to casinos, Codere, Grupo Caliente,
Regulation
Our business, activities and investments are subject to various Mexican federal, state and local statutes, rules, regulations, policies and procedures, which are constantly subject to change and are affected by the actions of various Mexican federal, state and local governmental authorities.See “Key Information — Risk Factors — Risk Factors Related to Mexico — Imposition of Fines by Regulators and Other Authorities Could Adversely Affect Our Financial Condition and Results of Operations”, “Key Information — Risk Factors — Risk Factors Related to Mexico — Existing Mexican Laws and Regulations or Changes Thereto or the Imposition of New Ones May Negatively Affect Our Operations and Revenue” and “Key Information
Cable
Concessions.Cable television operators apply for a concession from IFT in order to operate their networks and provide cable television services and other multimedia communications services. Applications are submitted to IFT and, after a formal review process, a concession is granted for an initial term of up to 30 years. Cablevisión obtained a telecommunications concession, which expires in 2029; in 2019 such concession became an integrated sole concession. Pursuant to its public telecommunications concession, Cablevisión can provide any telecommunication services in Mexico, including cable television, limited audio transmission services, bidirectional internet access and unlimited data transmission services in Mexico City and surrounding areas in the State of Mexico (Estado de México). The scope of Cablevisión’s integrated sole concession is much broader than the scope of its former public telecommunications concession, which covered certain telecommunications services in Mexico City and its metropolitan area.
Cablemás
TVI operates under
Cablecom and its affiliates operate under 25 concessions, which cover 15 Mexican states. Through these concessions, Cablecom provides cable television services, bidirectional data transmission and internet and telephony services. Each concession granted by the SCT or IFT allows Cablecom to install and operate a public telecommunications network. The expiration dates for Cablecom’s concessions range from 2025 to 2045. Cablecom holds two concession titles that allows it to provide any telecommunications service all around Mexico.
Telecable operates under32 concessions, which cover 10 Mexican states. Through these concessions, Telecable provides cable television services, bidirectional data transmission and internet and telephony
FTTH operates under one concession, which covers six Mexican states. Through this concession, FTTH provides cable television services, bidirectional data transmission and internet and telephony services. This concession granted by IFT allows FTTH to install and operate a public telecommunications network. The expiration date for FTTH’s concession is 2046. This concession title allows for the provision of any telecommunications service all around Mexico.
According to the LFTR, a public telecommunications concession may be renewed upon its expiration, or revoked or terminated prior to its expiration for a variety of circumstances, including:
unauthorized interruption or termination of service;
interference by the concessionaire with services provided by other operators;
non-compliance with the terms and conditions of the public telecommunications concession (which has expressly established that failure to comply will result in the revocation of the concession);
the concessionaire’s refusal to interconnect with other operators;
loss of the concessionaire’s Mexican nationality;
unauthorized assignment, transfer or encumbrance, in whole or in part, of the concession or any rights or assets;
the liquidation or bankruptcy of the concessionaire; and
ownership or control of the capital stock of the concessionaire by a foreign government.
In addition, IFT may establish under any public telecommunications concession further events which could result in revocation of the concession. Under current Mexican laws and regulations, upon the expiration or termination of a public telecommunications concession, the Mexican government has the right to purchase those assets of the concessionaire that are directly related to the concession, at market value.
Cable television operators are subject to theLFTR. Under current Mexican law, cable television operators are classified as public telecommunications networks, and must conduct their business in accordance with Mexican laws and regulations applicable to public telecommunications networks.
Under the applicable Mexican law, the Mexican government, through the SCT, may also temporarily seize or even expropriate all of a public telecommunications concessionaire’s assets in the event of a natural disaster, war, significant public disturbance or threats to internal peace and for other reasons related to preserving public order or for economic reasons. The Mexican government is obligated by Mexican law to compensate the concessionaire, both for the value of the assets seized and related profits.
Supervision of Operations.IFT regularly inspects the operations of cable systems and cable television operators must file
Under Mexican law, programming broadcast on cable networks is not subject to judicial or administrative censorship. However, this programming is subject to various regulations, including prohibitions on foul language, programming which is against good manners and customs or programming which is against the nationalsecurity or against public order. Mexican law also requires cable television operators to broadcast programming that promotes Mexican culture, although cable television operators are not required to broadcast a specified amount of this type of programming.
In addition to broadcasting programming that promotes Mexican culture, Mexican
Restrictions on Advertising.Mexican law restricts the type of advertising that may be broadcast on cable television. These restrictions are similar to those applicable to advertising broadcast on over-the-air Channels 2, 4, 5 and 9. See “— Regulation — Television — Mexican Television Regulations — Restrictions on Advertising”.
Forfeiture of Assets.Under Mexican regulations, at the end of the term of a public telecommunications concession, assets of concessionaires may be purchased by the Mexican government at market value.
Non-Mexican Ownership of Public Telecommunications Networks
Under current Mexican law, non-Mexicans may currently own up to 49%, subject to reciprocity by the relevant foreign country, of the outstanding voting stock of Mexican companies with a broadcast television or radio concession. However, non-Mexicans may currently own up to all of the outstanding voting stock of Mexican companies with a public telecommunications concession to provide cellular telephone, fixed-line telephone, pay-TV and data services.
Application of Existing Regulatory Framework to Internet Access and IP Telephony Services
Cablevisión, TVI,
To the extent that a cable television operator has any available capacity on its network, as a public telecommunications network, Mexican law requires the operator to offer third party providers access to its network. Our cable operators currently do not have any capacity available on their networks to offer to third party providers and do not expect that they will have capacity available in the future given the broad range of services they plan to provide over their networks.
Satellite Communications
Mexican Regulation of DTH Satellite Services.Under LFTR, concessions to broadcast DTH satellite services are for an initial term of up to 30 years, and are renewable for up to 30 years. We received a 30-year concession to operate DTH satellite services in Mexico utilizing SatMex satellites in May 1996. In November 2018, such concession transitioned into a unique concession which authorizes Sky to render the following services: DTH Pay TV; Private Satellite Link Services; and Fixed Telephony and Internet Access.
In November 2000, we received an additional 20-year concession to operate our DTH satellite service in Mexico using the IS-9 satellite system, a foreign-owned satellite system. Our use of the IS-16,
Like a public telecommunications network concession, a
The failure to use the concession within 180 days after it was granted;
A declaration of bankruptcy of the concessionaire;
Failure to comply with the obligations or conditions specified in the concession;
Unlawful assignments of, or encumbrances on, the concession; or
Failure to pay to the government the required fees.
At the termination of a concession, the Mexican government has the preemptive right to acquire the assets of a DTH satellite service concessionaire. In the event of a natural disaster, war, significant public disturbance or for reasons of public need or interest, the Mexican government may temporarily seize and expropriate all assets related to a concession, but must compensate the concessionaire for such seizure. The Mexican government may collect fees based on DTH satellite service revenues of a satellite concessionaire. Under the LFTR, DTH satellite service concessionaires may freely set customer fees but must notify IFT of the amount, except that if a concessionaire has substantial market power, IFT may determine fees that may be charged by such concessionaire. The LFTR specifically prohibits cross-subsidies.
There is currently no limitation on the level of non-Mexican ownership of voting equity of DTH satellite system concessionaires.
Regulation of DTH Satellite Services in Other Countries.Our current and proposed DTH ventures in other countries are and will be governed by laws, regulations and other restrictions of such countries, as well as treaties that such countries have entered into, regulating the delivery of communications signals to, or the uplink of signals from, such countries. In addition, the laws of some other countries establish restrictions on our ownership interest in some of these DTH ventures as well as restrictions on programming that may be broadcast by these DTH ventures.
Television
Mexican Television Regulations
Concessions.The LFTR regulates, on a convergent basis, the use and exploitation of the radio-electric spectrum, and the telecommunications networks, as well as the rendering of broadcasting, cable, satellite pay-TV and telecommunications services.
Pursuant to the Telecommunications and Broadcasting Federal Law, concessionaires will now only have one integrated sole concession to provide telecommunication and broadcasting services. Integrated sole concessions will be granted for a term of up to 30 years with the possibility to renew them, for the same term originally granted. Renewal of integrated sole concessions require, among others: (i) to request its renewal to IFT within the year prior to the last fifth period of the fixed term of the related concession; (ii) to be in compliance with the concession holder’s obligations under the LFTR, other applicable regulations, and the concession title; and (iii) the acceptance by the concession holder of any new conditions for renewing the concession as set forth by IFT. IFT shall resolve any request for renewal of the telecommunications concessions within 180 business days of its request. Failure by IFT to respond within such period of time shall be interpreted as if the request for renewal has been granted.
In May 2018, applications for the renewal of the Group´s 70 broadcasting concessions (comprising 225 TV stations), were timely filed under the LFTR and the terms set on the concessions, and as part of the renewal process, the Company regrouped its concessions to create (i) three concessionaires, each one specialized on broadcasting the National TV Networks ofLas Estrellas, Canal 5 and Canal Nu9ve, respectively, and (ii) three concessionaires specialized on local TV content.
On November 6, 2018, IFT notified the Company the grant of the renewal of its concessions, the new conditions under which they will operate, as well as the relevant fee to be paid for such renewals.
On November 26, 2018, the Company timely accepted the new conditions for the renewal of the concessions and performed the payment of the relevant fee for a total amount of Ps.5,753 million, as a consequence, the IFT delivered to the Company (i) 23 concessions for the use of spectrum that comprise the Company 225 TV stations, for a term of 20 years, starting in January 2022, and ending in January 2042, and (ii) six concessions that grant the authorization to provide digital broadcasting television services of such 225 TV stations, for a term of 30 years, starting in January 2022 and ending in January 2052.
On March 7, 2014, IFT published in the Official Gazette of the Federation an invitation to a public auction for the concession for the two new National Digital Networks. The invitation provided that the concessions for the National Digital Networks would be granted for a term of 20 years for the operation of stations with, among other characteristics, mandatory geographic coverage in 123 locations corresponding to 246 channels within the Mexican territory.
The Company was prevented from participating as a bidder in the 2014 public auction. See “Key Information — Risk Factors Related to Mexico — The Reform and Addition of Various Provisions of the Mexican Constitution Related to Telecommunications, the LFTR, and Other Recent Actions of IFT May Significantly and Adversely Affect the Business, Results of Operations and Financial Results of Some of Our Business Segments” and “Key Information — Risk Factors Related to Our Business — The Operation of Our Business May Be Adversely Affected if the Mexican Government Does Not Renew or Revokes Our Broadcast or Other Concessions”. In March 2015, IFT issued its ruling announcing Grupo Radio Centro and Imagen Television as winning bidders for two free to air broadcasting licenses with separate national coverage. Imagen Television has completed the process and received its license. However, since Grupo Radio Centro failed to pay the amount they bid for their free to air broadcasting license, the IFT’s ruling announcing them as a winning bidder was declared null and void and they will not receive the license. As a result, the auction of the portion of the spectrum that was going to be assigned to Grupo Radio Centro took place during 2017. The new bid was for 148 channels for Digital Terrestrial Television, including at least 123 channels that were not allocated in the IFT-1 bidding process for the two national digital broadcast television networks. At the end of the process, offers were received for 32 channels located in 29 different coverage areas, located in 17 States and covering about 45 percent of the country’s total population. The bidding process concluded in December 2017 with the issuance of the corresponding concession titles in favor of Compañía Periodística Sudcaliforniana, S.A. de C.V., Comunicación 2000, S.A. de C.V., Francisco de Jesús Aguirre Gómez, Intermedia de Chihuahua, S.A. de C.V., José Guadalupe Manuel Trejo García, Multimedios Televisión, S.A. de C.V., Quiero Media, S.A. de C.V., Radio Comunicación Gamar, S.A. de C.V., Radio Operadora Pegasso, S.A. de C.V., Radio-Televisión de Nayarit, S.A. de C.V., Tele Saltillo, S.A. de C.V., Televisión Digital, S.A. de C.V. and Telsusa Televisión México, S.A. de C.V. See “Key Information — Risk Factors — Risk Factors Related to Mexico — The Reform and Addition of Various Provisions of the Mexican Constitution Related to Telecommunications, the LFTR, and Other Recent Actions of IFT May Significantly and Adversely Affect the Business, Results of Operations and Financial Results of Some of Our Business Segments”.
None of our over-the-air television concessions has ever been revoked or otherwise terminated and, except for an immaterial concession to transmit an UHF restricted television service which expired in November 2010, all of our concessions have been renewed. See “Information on the Company — Business Overview —Regulation — Cable — Concessions”.
We believe that we have operated our television concessions substantially in compliance with their terms and applicable Mexican law. If a concession is revoked or terminated, the concessionaire could be required to forfeit to the Mexican government all of its assets or the Mexican government could have the right to purchase all the concessionaire’s assets. In our case, the assets of our licensee subsidiaries generally consist of transmitting facilities and antennas. See “Key Information — Risk Factors — Risk Factors Related to Our Business — The Operation of Our Business May Be Adversely Affected if the Mexican Government Does Not Renew or Revokes Our Broadcast or Other Concessions”.
As a result of the Telecom Reform, certain provisions of the LFTR and Guidelines related to the distribution of more than one channel of programming on the same transmission channel, or multiplexing, were passed. Such provisions optimize the use of the spectrum; for example, where the 6MHz spectrum was used entirely to broadcast only one channel of programming analog standard, now based on new technologies, more than one channel of programming digital standard on the same transmission channel can be broadcast. The Company, as a Preponderant Economic Agent has a restrictive obligation related to multiplexing. The IFT shall not authorize the Preponderant Economic Agent to broadcast channels in excess of 50% of the total channels authorized to other broadcasters in the same geographic coverage. The IFT has granted
Supervision of Operations.To ensure that broadcasting is performed in accordance with the provisions established in the concession title, the LFTR and Guidelines, IFT is entitled to monitor compliance by exercising powers of supervision and verification: for example, the IFT can perform technical inspections of the television stations and the concessionaire must file annual reports with IFT.
OnAugust 21, 2018, the Mexican Ministry of Interior published in the Official Gazette of the Federation an amendment to the regulations of broadcast television and pay-TV programming guidelines that provides for different age classifications for programming (the “Programming Guidelines Amendment”), which became effective on August 22, 2018, substituting in full force and effect the previous amendment published on February 15, 2017. The Programming Guidelines Amendment for broadcast television is as follows: (i) programs classified “D” extreme and adult only may broadcast after midnight to 5:00 am; (ii) programs classified “C” not suitable for people under the age of 18 may broadcast only after 9:00 p.m. to 5:59 am; (iii) programs classified “B15” for teenagers over 15 years old may be broadcast only after 7:00 p.m. to 5:59 am; (iv) programs classified “B” for teenagers may be broadcast only after 4:00 p.m. to 5:59 am; and (v) programs classified “A” and “AA” suitable for all age groups may be broadcast at any time. The same age classifications apply for pay-TV programming and the age classifications must be shown to the audience, but there are no applicable broadcasting time limitations.
Content for Children and Teenagers. The LFTR includes new criteria for programming addressed for children and teenagers. Each concessionaire is also required to transmit each day, free of charge, up to 30 minutes of programming promoting cultural, educational, family counseling and other social matters, using programming provided by the Mexican government. Historically, the Mexican government has not used a significant portion of this time.
Restrictions on Advertising.Mexican law regulates the type and content of advertising broadcast on television. In order to prevent the transmission of misleading advertising, without affecting freedom of expression and dissemination, the broadcasting of advertisements presented as journalistic news or information is prohibited. Under current law, advertisements of alcoholic beverages (other than beer and wine) may be broadcast only after 9:00 p.m. and advertisements for tobacco products are prohibited. Advertising for alcoholic beverages must not be excessive and must be combined with general promotions of nutrition and general hygiene. Health Law Guidelines were published in the Official Gazette of the Federation on April 15, 2014 and became effective on July 7, 2014, for the advertisement of the following products: snacks, flavored drinks, candies, chocolates, or foods similar to chocolates and became effective for the remaining products on January 1, 2015. See “Key Information — Risk Factors — Risk Factors Related to Mexico — The
TV advertisement will not take up more than 18% of the broadcast time on any day in TV. However, this percentage can be increased by an additional 2% when at least 20% of the content programmed is national production. Another 5% of advertisement time can be added when at least 20% of the content programmed is independent national production.There are no restrictions on maximum rates. See “Key Information — Risk Factors — Risk Factors Related to Mexico — Existing Mexican Laws and Regulations or Changes Thereto or the Imposition of New Ones May Negatively Affect Our Operations and Revenue”, “— The
Additional Rights for Audiences. Among others, the LFTR imposes new obligations on concessionaires. On November 29, 2016, IFT issued the Guidelines for the Defense of the Audiences, which were published on December 21, 2016, in the Federal Official Gazette. These guidelines and some related provisions of the LFTR were constitutionally challenged by the Executive Branch and the Senate particularly for concerns that they restrict freedom of speech. These procedures were dismissed by the Supreme Court of Justice by the entry into force of the reform of the LFTR published in the Official Gazette on October 31, 2017. The amendment to the LFTR includes among other things: (i) restricts the power of the IFT to regulate a large portion of the provisions established by the Guidelines for the Defense of the Audience; (ii) increases the ability of all broadcasting and telecommunications concessionaries to self-regulate themselves by granting them the ability to regulate their programming content and the way in which they decide to respect and promote the rights of the audiences through their code of ethics without being subject to IFT’s approval; (iii) removes the obligation to make sure that, when broadcasting news, the reporting of factual material is clearly distinguished from commentaries and personal analysis; and (iv) makes clear that the appointment of an Ombudsman is not subject to special specifications and procedures set by IFT. As a result, the legal provisions that are contrary to this amendment were repealed.
Government Broadcast Time.
In April 2020, the President of Mexico issued a decree amending the rules on government broadcast time starting on May 2020. For the periods where no electoral pre-campaigns and campaigns are in place,
Foreign Ownership.Non-Mexican ownership of shares of Mexican enterprises is restricted in some economic sectors, including broadcast television, and radio. As a result of the Telecom Reform, the participation of foreign investors can be up to 49% in free to air radio and television, subject to reciprocity requirements, and up to 100% in telecommunications services and satellite communications. Such amendments are reflected in the LFTR and Mexico’s Ley de Inversión Extranjera, or Foreign Investment Law, and the Reglamento de la Ley de Inversión Extranjera y del Registro Nacional de Inversiones Extranjeras, or the Regulation of the Foreign Investment Law and the Foreign Investment National Registry. See “— Satellite Communications — Mexican Regulation of DTH Satellite Services”.
Mexican Gaming Regulations
Pursuant to Mexico’sLey Federal de Juegos y Sorteos, or Federal Law of Games and Draws, or Gaming Law, and its accompanying regulations, theReglamento de la Ley Federal de Juegos y Sorteos, or Gaming Regulations, the Mexican Ministry of the Interior has the authority to permit the operation of games and lotteries that involve betting. This administrative authorization is defined as a permit under the Gaming Regulations. Under the Gaming Regulations, each permit establishes the terms and conditions for the operation of the respective activities authorized under the permit and the specific periods for operation of those activities. Permits for games and lotteries that involve betting have a maximum term of 25 years. The holder of the relevant permit must comply with all the terms provided in the permit, the Gaming Law and the Gaming Regulations. We were granted a Gaming Permit on May 25, 2005, which expires on May 24, 2030.
Mexican Antitrust Law
The Federal Antitrust Law became effective on July 7, 2014. It should be noted that IFT is entitled to review antitrust matters related to the telecommunications and broadcasting sectors, while the COFECE is in charge of all other antitrust matters. IFT or COFECE must authorize mergers and acquisitions before they take place. In addition, one of the thresholds was modified to only apply to sales or assets of economic agents in Mexico and not worldwide economic agents.
The Antitrust Law provides that the following reportable transactions, among others, are exempt from being reviewed by IFT or
According to transitory Article 9 of the LFTR, as long as there is a Preponderant Economic Agent in the telecommunications and broadcasting sectors, in order to promote competition and develop viable competitors in the future, it is not required to obtain IFT approval of mergers and acquisitions carried out by concession holders when the following requirements are
Notwithstanding the above, concession holders involved in the transaction shall inform IFT of the transaction within ten days following the completion of the transaction and IFT will then have 90 calendar days to investigate the transaction and in case it determines the existence of substantial market power in therelevant market, it may impose the necessary measures to protect and encourage free competition and concurrency in such market.
As part of our expansion of our cable business, on December 17, 2018, we acquired FTTH under the provisions set forth in transitory Article 9 of LFTR. On May 8, 2019, the IFT launched an investigation
Other relevant provisions provided in the Antitrust Law, are the following:
The above mentioned provisions may significantly and adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition. Mexican Electoral Amendment
In 2007, the Mexican Federal Congress published an amendment to the Mexican Constitution (referred to in this annual report as the 2007 Constitutional Amendment), pursuant to which, among other things, theInstituto Federal Electoral, or the Federal Electoral Institute, or IFE, has the exclusive right to manage and use the Official Television Broadcast Time
The
In addition to the foregoing, pursuant to the 2007 Constitutional Amendment political parties are forbidden to purchase or acquire advertising time directly or through third parties, from radio or television stations; likewise, third parties shall not acquire advertising time from radio or television stations for the broadcasting of advertisements which may influence the electoral preferences of Mexican citizens, nor in favor or against political parties or candidates to offices elected by popular vote.
Telecom Reformand Broadcasting Regulations
On June 12, 2013, the Telecom Reform came into force. The Telecom Reform, theLFTR and secondary regulations issued by the President and IFT, as applicable, and certain actions recently taken by IFT, an organization with constitutional autonomy responsible for overseeing the radio and television broadcasting industries and telecommunications, including all aspects of economic competition, affect or could significantly and adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial position. See “Key Information — Risk Factors — Risk Factors Related to Mexico — The Reform and Addition of Various Provisions of the Mexican Constitution Related to Telecommunications, the LFTR, and Other Recent Actions of IFT May Significantly and Adversely Affect the Business, Results of Operations and Financial Results of Some of Our Business Segments”.
The Telecom Reform created two regulatory bodies that are independent from the executive branch of government:
IFT is empowered, among other things, to (i) oversee the Mexican telecommunications (including cable and satellite pay-TV) and broadcasting (television and radio) industries, including all antitrust matters related to these industries; (ii) set limits to national and regional frequencies that can be exploited by a concession holder, or to the cross-ownership of telecommunications, television or radio businesses that serve the same market or geographical zone that may include the divestment of certain assets to comply with such limits; (iii) issue asymmetric regulation; (iv) grant and revoke telecommunications, television and radio concessions; (v) approve any assignment or transfer of control of such concessions; (vi) revoke a concession for various reasons, including in the case of a breach by a concessionaire of a non-appealable decision confirming the existence of illegal antitrust conduct (“practica monopólica”); and (vii) determine the payment to be made to the government for the granting of concessions.
Concessionsfor the use of spectrum will only be granted through public bid processes. On March 7, 2014, IFT published in the Official Gazette of the Federation an invitation to a public auction for the concession for the two National Digital Networks which would be granted for a term of 20 years for the operation of stations with, among other characteristics, mandatory geographic coverage in 123 locations corresponding to 246 channels within the Mexican territory.
In March 2015, IFT issued its ruling announcing Grupo Radio Centro and Imagen Television as winning bidders for two free to air broadcasting licenses with separate national coverage.Imagen Television has completed the process and received its license. However, since Grupo Radio Centro failed to pay the amount they bid for their free to air broadcasting license, the IFT’s ruling announcing them as a winning bidder was declared null and void and they will not receive the license. As a result, the auction of the portion of the spectrum that was going to be assigned to Grupo Radio Centro took place during 2017. The new bid was for 148 channels for Digital Terrestrial Television, including at least 123 channels that were not allocated in the IFT-1 bidding process for the two national digital broadcast television networks. At the end of the process, offers were received for 32 channels located in 29 different coverage areas, located in 17 States and covering about 45% of the country’s total population. The bidding process concluded in December 2017 with the issuance of the corresponding concession titles in favor of Compañía Periodística Sudcaliforniana, S.A. de C.V., Comunicación 2000, S.A. de C.V., Francisco de Jesús Aguirre Gómez, Intermedia de Chihuahua, S.A. de C.V., José Guadalupe Manuel Trejo García, Multimedios Televisión, S.A. de C.V., Quiero Media, S.A. de C.V., Radio Comunicación Gamar, S.A. de C.V., Radio Operadora Pegasso, S.A. de C.V., Radio-Televisión de Nayarit, S.A. de C.V., Tele Saltillo, S.A. de C.V., Televisión Digital, S.A. de C.V. and Telsusa Televisión México, S.A. de C.V. See “Key Information — Risk Factors — Risk Factors Related to Mexico — The Reform and Addition of Various Provisions of the Mexican Constitution Related to Telecommunications, the LFTR, and Other Recent Actions of IFT May Significantly and Adversely Affect the Business, Results of Operations and Financial Results of Some of Our Business Segments.”
Access to information and communication technologies, as well as broadcasting and telecommunications services (including broadband), is established as a constitutional right. The Telecom Reform further requires that such information be diverse and timely, and that any person may search, receive and disclose information and ideas of any kind through any media. Among other things, the LFTR contemplates the right of audiences to be able to receive content that reflects ideological pluralism, and to have the right to replicate the news.
The Telecom Reform permits 100% foreign ownership in satellite and telecommunications services and increases to up to 49% the level of permitted foreign ownership in television and radio services, subject to reciprocity of the originating foreign investment country.
As a result of the Telecom Reform and LFTR, starting on September 10, 2013, concessionaries of broadcast services have been required to permit pay-TV concessionaries to retransmit broadcast signals, free of charge and without discrimination, within the same geographic coverage area simultaneously and without modifications, including advertising, and with the same quality of the broadcast signal, except in certain specific cases provided in the Telecom Reform. Also, since September 10, 2013, our pay-TV licensees are required to retransmit broadcast signals of others, free of charge and on a non-discriminatory basis, subject to certain exceptions and additional requirements provided for in the Telecom Reform.
On February 27, 2014, the Guidelines were published in the Official Gazette of the Federation, which include, among other obligations, the obligation of concessionaries of broadcast television licenses to permit the retransmission of their broadcast signals and the obligation of pay-TV concessionaries to allow such retransmission (without requiring the prior consent of the broadcast television concessionaries) in the same geographic coverage zone for free (subject to certain exceptions) and in a non-discriminatory manner in its entirety, simultaneously and without modifications by the broadcasting concessionaire, including advertising, and with the same quality of the broadcast signal without requiring consent from the broadcast television concessionaries.
The Telecom Reform calls for the National Development Plan. The National Development Plan includes a program for installing broadband connections in public facilities, which would identify the number of sites to be connected per year to promote access to broadband in public buildings dedicated to investigation, health, education, social services and in other facilities owned by the government. See “Key Information — Risk Factors — Risk Factors Related to Mexico — The Reform and Addition of Various Provisions of the Mexican Constitution Related to Telecommunications, the LFTR, and Other Recent Actions of IFT May Significantly and Adversely Affect the Business, Results of Operations and Financial Results of Some of Our Business Segments”. The LFTR establishes a renewal procedure that would result in the granting of a renewal of an integrated sole concession (when involving radio-electric spectrum or orbital resources, a concession to exploit such spectrum is required) in order to provide telecommunications and broadcasting services. The integrated sole concession would be awarded for renewable 30 year terms. Renewal of integrated sole concessions require, among others: (i) to request its renewal to IFT within the year prior to the last fifth period of the fixed term of the related concession; (ii) to be in compliance with the concession holder’s obligations under the LFTR, other applicable regulations, and the concession title; and (iii) the acceptance by the concession holder of any new conditions for renewing the concession as set forth by IFT. IFT shall resolve any request for renewal of the concessions within 180 business days of its request. Failure by IFT to respond within such period of time shall be interpreted as if the request for renewal has been granted.
TheLFTR also contemplates that concession holders that operate a public network of telecommunications must: (i) abstain from charging long distance fees for calls made by users to any national destination; (ii) if there was no other concession holder providing similar services in a certain territory, the concession holder providing the service in such territory shall have to continue providing the services; and (iii) concession holders must adopt the open architecture designs for the network to guarantee the interconnection and interoperation of their network.
TheLFTR establishes the maximum amount of time that a concession holder providing broadcasting services with commercial purposes can use for commercial advertising. The maximum amount of advertising time is set at 18% of the total broadcasting time for each television channel
The LFTR establishes that those concession holders providing broadcasting services shall offer broadcasting services and advertising spaces to any person or corporation that requires them on a non-discriminatory basis and on market terms granting the terms, packages, conditions, and rates in force at the time of the request.Additionally, the law provides that balance shall be maintained between advertising and programming. Advertising shall be subject to several rules, including the maximum time allowed for advertising (i.e. 18% of the total available time per channel in free to air television;
Significant Subsidiaries
The table below sets forth our significant subsidiaries as of December 31,
Property, Plant and Equipment
Broadcasting, Office and Production Facilities.Our properties consist primarily of broadcasting, production facilities, television and repeater stations, technical operations facilities, workshops, studios and office facilities, most of which are located in Mexico. We own most of our properties or lease offices and facilities through indirect wholly owned and majority owned subsidiaries. There are no major encumbrances on any of our properties and we currently do not have any significant plans to construct any new properties or expand or improve our existing properties. Our principal offices, which we own, are located in Santa Fe in Mexico City. Each of our television stations has individual transmission facilities located in Mexico, substantially all of which we own. Our television production operations are concentrated in four locations in Mexico City, 14 studios in San Angel, 12 studios located in Chapultepec, three studios in Santa Fe and one studio in Rojo Gomez. We own substantially all of these studios. The local television stations wholly or majority owned by us have in the aggregate 45 production studios. We own other properties used in connection with our operations, including a training center, technical operations facilities, studios, workshops, television and repeater stations, and office facilities. We beneficially own Azteca Stadium, which seats approximately 84,500 people, through a trust arrangement that was renewed in 1993 for a term of 30 years and that may be extended for additional periods. In the aggregate, these properties, excluding Azteca Stadium, currently represent approximately
Our cable television, publishing and Mexican DTH satellite service businesses
We also own or lease over a total of
Satellites.We currently use transponder capacity on ten satellites: Eutelsat 117 West A (formerly Satmex 8), which reaches Mexico, the United States, Latin America, and the Caribbean; Eutelsat 115 West A (formerly Satmex 5), which reaches Mexico, the United States and Latin America; Intelsat IS-11, replacement of PAS 3-R (renamed in February 2007 IS-3R), which started operations in July 2009 and reaches North America, Western Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean; Galaxy 16 (formerly Galaxy IVR), which reaches Mexico, the United States and Canada; Galaxy 19, which reaches Mexico, the United States and Canada; Intelsat IS-35e, replacement of IS-905, which reaches Western and Eastern Europe; SES-14 (formerly NSS-806), which reaches North America, Western Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean; IS-21, which reaches Central America, Mexico, the Southern United States and the Caribbean; IS-16, which reaches Central America, Mexico, the Southern United States and the Caribbean; and SM-1, which reaches Central America, Mexico, the Southern United States and the Caribbean. In March 2010, Sky reached an agreement with a subsidiary of Intelsat to lease 24 transponders on the Intelsat IS-21 satellite which is mainly used for signal reception and retransmission services over the satellite’s estimated 15-year service life. IS-21 started service in the third quarter of 2012, replacing Intelsat IS-9 as Sky’s primary transmission satellite. In April 2010, Intelsat released the IS-16 satellite, where Sky has an additional twelve transponders to deliver new DTH-HD channels and more DTH SD channels; this satellite is also a back-up satellite for our DTH venture operations. For a description of guarantees related to our DTH venture transponder obligations, see Note 14 to our consolidated year-end financial statements. Since 1996, we have been working with PanAmSat (now Intelsat) as our satellites services provider, which provided to In December 2005, we signed an extension with PanAmSat, for the use of three transponders on the PAS-3R satellite until 2009 and 2012 and two transponders on the Galaxy IVR (replaced by Galaxy 16) satellite until 2016. In October 2015, we signed a new contract with SES S.A. until June 2019 for the replacement of two transponders of Galaxy 16. The new contract included three transponders and a full service migration to the new satellite, AMC-9. On June 17, 2017, AMC-9 experienced a technical issue that impacted the satellite and thus, we entered into a new contract until June 30, 2022 to transition the full service of 147 Mhz to Intelsat’s satellites, Galaxy 16 and Galaxy 19.
In February 2007, Intelsat renamed some of its satellite fleet acquired with its 2006 merger with PanAmSat: current names for PAS-9 and PAS-3R are IS-9 and IS-3R, respectively. Intelsat kept the name of Galaxy 16. In December 2007, Sky and Sky Brasil reached an agreement with Intelsat Corporation and Intelsat LLC to build and launch a new 24-transponder satellite, IS-16, for which service will be dedicated to Sky and Sky Brasil over the satellite’s estimated 15-year life. The satellite was successfully launched in February 2010 and started operations in April 2010. In the third quarter of 2013, Sky entered into an agreement with DirecTV for the acquisition and launch of the SM-1 satellite, which was successfully launched in May 2015 and started operations on June 2015. See Note 12 to our consolidated year-end financial statements.
In August 2009, the contract on two remaining transponders of the IS-3R satellite expired (end of life of the satellite). We negotiated a new contract for the transponder on the IS-905 satellite until August 31, 2015, for the distribution of our content in Europe. In September 2015, the contract was renewed with Intelsat until August 2018. Migration from IS-905 to IS-35e took place from June to August 2018, and we renewed the contract with Intelsat from November 1, 2018 until October 31, 2021.
In February 2012, we renewed the contract with Satélites Mexicanos, S.A. de C.V., or Satmex, on Satmex 5 until January 31, 2015. In March 2014, Satélites Mexicanos, S.A. de C.V. was renamed Eutelsat Americas, as a part of Eutelsat Group. In February 2015, we renewed our contracts with Eutelsat Americas until January 2018, and also contracted for a new transponder on Eutelsat 117 West A from April 2015 until March 2018. In February and April 2018, we renewed our contracts with Eutelsat America until December 2022. In January 2019, we contracted for a new transponder on Eutelsat 117 West A from January 2019 until December 2021. In August 2020, we renegotiated and renewed the contracts for the three transponders with Eutelsat Americas until December 2024.
On October 31, 2012, the contract on one of the three transponders of the Galaxy 16 satellite expired. In November 2012, we entered into a new contract with SES, S.A., or SES, for a new transponder on the AMC-9 satellite until October 31, 2017, as a replacement of the previous one.
On November 15, 2016, we contracted a half transponder on SES NSS-806 until January 31, 2018. On September 5, 2018, SES NSS-806 was replaced with SES-14 and the contract was renewed with SES until January 31, 2019. On February 1, 2019, the contract with SES was renewed until January 31, 2020. In this renewal, the bandwidth was decreased from 18 MHz to 6 MHz. On February 1, 2020, the contract was renewed with SES until January 31, 2021. On February 1, 2021, the contract was renewed with SES until January 31, 2022. The bandwidth remained at 6 Mhz.
With several new domestic and international satellites having been launched recently, and with several others scheduled for launch in the next few years, including those scheduled for launch by Intelsat, Eutelsat Americas (formerly Satmex) and SES, we believe that we will be able to secure satellite capacity to meet our needs in the future, although no assurance can be given in this
Insurance.We maintain comprehensive insurance coverage for our offices, equipment, transmission lines networks and other property for risks including fire, earthquake, flooding, storm, and other similar events and the resulting business interruption losses, subject to some limitations. In addition, we maintain a cyber-insurance policy that covers certain types of cyber-related losses. We do not maintain insurance for our DTH business in case of loss of satellite transmission. We cannot provide any assurance that our insurance coverage is sufficient to cover any losses that we may sustain, or that we will be able to successfully claim our losses under our insurance policies on a timely basis or at all. If we incur any loss not covered by our insurance policies, or the compensated amount is significantly less than our actual loss or is not timely paid, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.
You should read the following discussion together with our consolidated year-end financial statements and the accompanying notes, which appear elsewhere in this annual report. This annual report contains forward-looking statements that reflect our plans, estimates and beliefs. Our actual results could differ materially from those discussed in these forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to these differences include, but are not limited to, those discussed below and elsewhere in this annual report, particularly in “Key Information — Risk Factors”. See “Key Information — Forward-Looking Statements” for further discussion of the risks and uncertainties inherent in forward-looking statements. In addition to the other information in this annual report, investors should consider carefully the following discussion and the information set forth under “Key Information — Risk Factors” before evaluating us and our business.
COVID-19 Impact
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected our business, financial position and results of operations for the
We cannot guarantee that conditions in the bank lending, capital and other financial markets will not continue to deteriorate as a result of the pandemic, or that our access to capital and other sources of funding will not become constrained, which could adversely affect the availability and terms of future borrowings, renewals or refinancings. In addition, the deterioration of global economic conditions as a result of the pandemic may ultimately reduce the demand of our products across our segments as our clients and customers reduce or defer their spending.
As of the
In our Other Businesses segment, sporting and other entertainment events for which we have broadcast rights, or which we organize, promote and/or are located in venues we own, are operating with some limitations and taking the corresponding sanitary measures, and to date most of our casinos have
operations.
The magnitude of the impact on our business will depend on the duration and extent of the COVID-19 pandemic and the impact of federal, state, local and foreign governmental actions, including continued or future social distancing, and consumer behavior in response to the
2021 Transaction On April 13, 2021, we and Univision Holdings, Inc., or UHI, announced a definitive transaction agreement in which our content and media assets will be combined with UHI to create the largest Spanish-language media company in the world. We will continue to participate in UHI’s growth potential by remaining the largest shareholder in UHI, with an equity stake of approximately 45% following the transaction. We will also retain ownership of our Cable, Sky and Other Businesses segments, as well as the main real estate associated with the production facilities, the broadcasting concessions and transmission infrastructure in Mexico. We will contribute the assets specified in the 2021 Transaction Agreement, including, subject to certain exceptions, our Content business included in our Content business segment to UHI for U.S.$4.5 billion in a combination of cash (U.S.$3 billion) and U.S.$1.5 billion of common and preferred shares of UHI. In connection with the transaction, UHI will receive all assets, IP and library related to the News division of our Content business, but will outsource production of news content for Mexico to a company owned by the Azcárraga family. The Boards of Directors of the Company and UHI have approved the combination. The transaction is expected to close in 2021, subject to customary closing conditions, including receipt of regulatory approvals in the United States, Mexico and Colombia, among others, and approval of the Company’s shareholders. As a result of the transaction, we expect that our cash and cash equivalents will increase by U.S.$3,000 million, and our investment in common and preferred shares of UHI will increase by U.S.$1,500 million when the transaction is completed. We expect to recognize a net gain on disposition of discontinued operations in our consolidated statement of income in connection with the disposition of our Content business segment and the related assets specified in the 2021 Transaction Agreement. Additionally, after the transaction is completed, we expect increases in our consolidated share of income in associates derived from a larger ownership in UHI and in consolidated finance income derived from the returns from our investments in preferred shares issued by UHI to us in the transaction. These expected effects will be partially offset in our consolidated statement of income by a reduction in our consolidated operating income resulting primarily from the disposal of our Content business segment. We will continue to consolidate the results of our Content business segment until we cease to have control of this business segment, in accordance with the terms of the 2021 Transaction Agreement. Preparation of Financial Statements
As required by regulations issued byComisión Nacional Bancaria y de Valores, or the Mexican Banking and Securities Commission, for listed companies in Mexico, our financial information is presented in accordance with the IFRS as issued by the IASB for financial reporting purposes.
For segment reporting purposes, our consolidated cost of sales, selling expenses and administrative expenses for the years ended December 31,
The following table sets forth our segment net sales data for the indicated periods as a percentage of total segment net sales:
The following table sets forth our consolidated operating income as a percentage of our total consolidated net sales:
Summary of Business Segment Results
The following tables set forth the net sales and operating segment income of each of our reportable business segments and intersegmentoperations, corporate expenses, depreciation and amortization, other income (expense)
Seasonality
Our results of operations are seasonal. We typically recognize a disproportionately large percentage of our overall consolidated net sales (principally advertising) in the fourth quarter in connection with the holiday shopping season. For example, in
Preponderant Economic Agent Status
For a discussion of the consequences regarding IFT’s March 6, 2014 decision determining that we, together with other entitieswith concessions to provide broadcast television, are preponderant economic agents in the broadcasting sector in Mexico see “Key Information — Risk Factors — Risk Factors Related to Mexico — The Reform and Addition of Various Provisions of the Mexican Constitution Related to Telecommunications, the LFTR, and Other Recent Actions of IFT May Significantly and Adversely Affect the Business, Results of Operations and Financial Results of Some of Our Business Segments”. For a discussion regarding the opportunities and options for us as a result of IFT’s determination that Grupo Carso, S.A.B de C.V., Grupo Financiero Inbursa, S.A.B. de C.V., and other entities are preponderant economic agents in the telecommunications market in Mexico see “Information on the Company — Business Overview — Business Strategy — Expanding our Business in the Mexican Telecommunications Markets by Taking Advantage of the Telecom Reform and Implementing Legislation”.
Results of Operations for the Year Ended December 31, Compared to the Year Ended December 31, Total Segment Results
Net Sales
Net sales
Cost of Sales
Cost of salesdecreased by
Selling Expenses
Selling expenses
Administrative and Corporate Expenses
Administrative and corporate expenses
Corporate Share-based compensation expense in
Cable
Cable net sales are derived from the provision ofcable and telecommunication services, as well as advertising sales. Net sales relating to pay-TV services generally consist of monthly subscription fees for basic and premium service packages, fees charged for pay-per-view programming and, to a significantly lesser extent, monthly rental and one-time installation fees, broadband internet and telephone services subscription. The voice and data business derives revenues from providing data and long-distance services solutions to carriers and other telecommunications service providers through its fiber-optic network. Net sales relating to pay-TV advertising consist of revenues from the sale of advertising on Cablevisión, Cablemás, TVI, Cablecom and Telecable. Rates are based on the day and time the advertising is aired, as well as the type of programming in which the advertising is aired. Pay-TV subscription and advertising rates are adjusted periodically in response to inflation and in accordance with market conditions.
Cable net sales, representing Total revenue generating units or RGUs reached 14.1 million. Total net additions for the year were more than 1.4 million. Cable operating segment income increased by Ps.1,100.7 million, or 6.2%, to Ps.18,898.3 million for the year ended December 31,
These favorable variances were partially offset by higher programming and personnel costs and expenses.
The following table sets forth the breakdown of RGUs per service type for our Cable segment as of December 31,
Sky
Sky net sales are primarily derived from program services, activation fees and equipment rental to subscribers,
Sky net sales, representing
The following table sets forth the breakdown of RGUs per service type for Sky as of December 31,
Sky operating segment income
Content
We categorize our sources of revenue in our Content segment as follows:
Advertising,
Network Subscription, and
Licensing and Syndication.
Given the cost structure of our Content segment, operating segment income is reported as a single line item.
The Advertising revenue is derived primarily from the sale of advertising time on our television broadcast operations, which include the production of television programming and broadcasting of Channels 2, 4, 5 and 9 (“television networks”), as well as the sale of advertising time on programs provided to pay television companies in Mexico and in our internet business, and the production of television programming and broadcasting for local television stations in
The Network Subscription revenue is derived from domestic and international programming services provided to independent cable television systems in Mexico and our direct-to-home (“DTH”) satellite and cable television businesses. These programming services for cable and pay-per-view television companies are provided in Mexico, other countries in Latin America, the United States and Europe. The programming services consist of both programming produced by us and programming produced by third parties.
The Licensing and Syndication revenue is derived from international program licensing and syndication fees. Our television programming is licensed and syndicated to customers abroad, including Univision.
The following table presents net sales and operating segment income in our Content segment, and the percentage of change when comparing
Content net sales, representing
Advertising revenue decreased by
Network Subscription Revenue increased by
Licensing and Syndication revenue increased by
Content operating segment income decreased by
Advertising Rates and Sales
In 2018, we began billing our clients on a cost-per-rating-point basis rather than on a fixed pricing scheme. Most of our sales were In 2020, we began billing our clients on a cost-per-thousand, or CPM, basis rather than a cost-per-rating-point basis, while keeping the Modular 2.0 Strategy. In addition to We sell commercial time in two ways: upfront and on a scatter basis. Advertisers that
We sold approximately
We moved the closing of the 2021 and 2020 up-front
Other Businesses
Other Businesses net sales are primarily derived from the promotion of sports and special events in Mexico, the distribution of feature films, gaming,publishing and publishing distribution.
Other Businesses net sales, representing Other Businesses operating segment income decreased by Ps.1,347.7 million, or 92.0%, to Ps.116.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2020 from Ps.1,464.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2019. This decrease was due to the decrease in net sales in all our businesses. The sale of the Company’s Radio business was concluded on July 2, 2020. Accordingly, the net sales and the operating segment income associated with the Radio business, which was part of the Company’s Other Businesses segment, are presented separately as disposed operations for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 Depreciation and Amortization Depreciation and amortization expense increased by Ps.252.0 million, or 1.2%, to Ps.21,260.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2020 from Ps.21,008.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2019. This change primarily reflected an increase in depreciation and amortization expense in our Sky and Content segments. Other Income or Expense, Net Other income or expense, net, changed by Ps.1,550.3 million to other income, net of Ps.233.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2020, from other expense, net of Ps.1,316.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2019. This favorable change reflected primarily: (i) a pre-tax gain on disposition of our 50% equity stake in our former Radio business, the sale of which was concluded in July 2020; (ii) a non-recurring income related to the cancellation of a related-party provision in the fourth quarter of 2020; and (iii) a lower non-recurring severance expense in connection with the dismissal of personnel in our Content segment. These favorable variances were partially offset by: (i) a higher expense related to legal and financial advisory and professional services; and (ii) a loss on disposition of investment. Non-operating Results Finance Income or Expense, Net Finance income or expense, net, significantly impacts our consolidated financial statements in periods of currency fluctuations. Under IFRS, finance income or expense, net, reflects:
Our foreign exchange position is affected by our assets or liabilities denominated in foreign currencies, primarily U.S. dollars. We record a foreign exchange gain or loss if the exchange rate of the Peso to the other currencies in which our monetary assets or liabilities are denominated varies. Finance expense, net, decreased by Ps.2,555.8 million to Ps.6,255.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2020, from Ps. 8,810.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2019. This decrease reflected primarily: (i) a Ps.2,069.6 million increase in foreign exchange gain, net, resulting primarily from a higher U.S. dollar average net liability position beginning in March 31, 2020, in conjunction with a decrease in the carrying value of our hedged investments in shares and warrants of UHI, and a 16.4% appreciation of the Mexican peso against the U.S. dollar from that date through December 31, 2020, the effect of which was partially offset by a 5.6% depreciation of the Mexican peso against the U.S. dollar for the year ended December 31, 2020, in comparison with a 4.0% appreciation for the year ended December 31, 2019; and (ii) a Ps.962.5 million favorable change in other finance income or expense, net, resulting primarily from changes in fair value of our derivative contracts. These favorable variances were partially offset by: (i) a Ps.80.2 million increase in interest expense, primarily due to a higher average principal amount of long-term debt in 2020; and (ii) a Ps.396.1 million decrease in interest income, primarily explained by a lower average amount of cash equivalents as well as a reduction in interest rates. Share of Income of Associates and Joint Ventures, Net This line item reflects our equity participation in the operating results and net assets of unconsolidated businesses in which we maintain an interest, but which we do not control. We recognize equity in losses of associates and joint ventures up to the amount of our initial investment, subsequent capital contributions and long-term loans, or beyond that amount when we have made guaranteed commitments in respect of obligations incurred by associates and joint ventures. Share of income or loss of associates and joint ventures, net, changed by Ps.6,320.8 million, to a share of loss of Ps.5,739.7 million in 2020, from a share of income of Ps.581.1 million in 2019. This unfavorable change reflected mainly: (i) a Ps.5,455.4 million impairment adjustment to the carrying value of our investment in shares of UHI during the first quarter of 2020; (ii) a lower share of income of UHI, and (iii) a share of loss of Ocesa Entretenimiento, S.A. de C.V. (“OCEN”), a live entertainment company with operations primarily in Mexico, in which we maintain a 40% interest. Income Taxes Income taxes increased by Ps.2,559.4 million, or 95.9%, to Ps.5,227.9 million in 2020, compared with Ps.2,668.5 million in 2019. This increase reflected an increased tax base (income before share of loss of associates and joint ventures) as well as a higher effective income tax rate. The effective income tax rate increased primarily in connection with the cancellation of deferred tax assets related to unused tax losses, income tax adjustments from prior years, and an inflationary tax gain resulting from a higher net monetary liability position of our significant companies for the year ended December 31, 2020. The Mexican corporate income tax rate was 30% in each of the years 2020, 2019 and 2018, and will be 30% in 2021. Net Income Attributable to Non-controlling Interests Net income attributable to non-controlling interests reflects that portion of operating results attributable to interests held by third parties in businesses, which are not wholly-owned by us, including our Cable and Sky segments. Net income attributable to non-controlling interests increased by Ps.72.4 million, or 4.9%, to Ps.1,553.1 million in 2020, compared with Ps.1,480.7 million in 2019. This increase reflected primarily a higher portion of net income attributable to non-controlling interests in our Cable segment, which was partially offset by a lower portion of net income attributable to non-controlling interests in our Sky and Other Businesses segments. Net Income or Loss Attributable to Stockholders of the Company Net income or loss attributable to stockholders of the Company amounted to a loss of Ps.1,250.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2020, compared with a net income of Ps.4,626.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2019. The unfavorable net change of Ps.5,876.4 million, reflected:
These changes were partially offset by:
Results of Operations for the Year Ended December 31, 2019 Total Segment Results Net Sales Net sales increased by Ps.474.9 million, or 0.5%, to Ps.101,757.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2019 from Ps.101,282.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2018. This increase was mainly attributable to revenue growth in the Cable segment. Cost of Sales Cost of sales decreased by Ps.573.1 million, or 1.3%, to Ps.43,563.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2019 from Ps.44,136.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2018. This decrease was due to lower costs primarily in our Content segment. Selling Expenses Selling expenses increased by Ps.74.9 million, or 0.8%, to Ps.9,403.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2019 from Ps.9,328.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2018. This increase was attributable to higher selling expenses, primarily in our Cable segment. Administrative and Corporate Expenses Administrative and corporate expenses increased by Ps.167.2 million, or 1.8%, to Ps.9,459.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2019 from Ps.9,292.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2018. The growth reflects an increase in administrative expenses, primarily in our Cable segment. Corporate expenses decreased by Ps.266.3 million, or 12.4%, to Ps.1,888.4 million in 2019, from Ps.2,154.7 million in 2018. The decrease reflected primarily a lower share-based compensation expense. Share-based compensation expense in 2019 and 2018 amounted to Ps.1,129.6 million and Ps.1,327.5 million, respectively, and was accounted for as corporate expenses. Share-based compensation expense is measured at fair value at the time the equity benefits are conditionally sold to officers and employees, and is recognized over the vesting period. Cable Cable net sales, representing 39.2% and 34.5% of our segment net sales for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, increased by Ps.5,469.0 million, or 15.1%, to Ps.41,702.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2019 from Ps.36,233.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2018. Total RGUs reached 12.7 million, the net additions for the year were approximately 811,137. Cable operating segment income increased by Ps.2,495.1 million, or 16.3%, to Ps.17,797.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2019 from Ps.15,302.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2018, and the operating segment income margin reached 42.7%, 50 basis points (“bps”) above the margin reached in 2018. These favorable variances were partially offset by higher programming and personnel costs and expenses. The following table sets forth the breakdown of RGUs per service type for our Cable segment as of December 31, 2019 and 2018.
Sky Sky net sales, representing 20.1% and 20.9% of our segment net sales for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, decreased by Ps.655.1 million, or 3.0%, to Ps.21,347.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2019 from Ps.22,002.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2018. At the end of 2019, the number of video RGUs had decreased by 207,689, compared with 2018. This is mainly due to a lower number of video RGUs given the disconnections in the fourth quarter of 2018 and first quarter of 2019 that followed Sky’s transmission of the FIFA World Cup in 2018. Subsequent to this effect, Sky added video RGUs in each of the last three quarters of 2019 and closed 2019 with 7.4 million. In addition, Sky closed 2019 with 169,692 video RGUs in Central America and the Dominican Republic. During 2019, Sky continued expanding its broadband operations with the addition of 294,273 broadband RGUs. It closed the year with 386 thousand broadband RGUs. The following table sets forth the breakdown of RGUs per service type for Sky as of December 31, 2019 and 2018.
Sky operating segment income decreased by Ps.646.1 million, or 6.6%, to Ps.9,121.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2019 from Ps.9,767.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2018, and the operating segment income margin was 42.7%. The decrease in operating segment income, was due to the decrease in revenues and an increase in programming and broadband costs. Content The following table presents net sales and operating segment income in our Content segment, and the percentage of change when comparing 2019 with 2018:
Content net sales, representing 33.0% and 37.3% of our total segment net sales for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, decreased by Ps.4,163.2 million, or 10.6%, to Ps.35,060.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2019 from Ps.39,223.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2018. Advertising revenue decreased by 8.0%. The decrease is substantially explained by a significant drop in government advertising. Core private sector advertising sales were down by 1.8%. Network Subscription Revenue increased by 3.7%. The increase is mainly due to a price increase. Licensing and Syndication revenue increased by 0.8%. The increase was due to higher royalties from Univision by 1.4%, reaching U.S.$389.1 million dollars, achieving a record high; and was partially offset by lower contract revenues in Europe and Asia. In 2018, Content net sales benefited from the sublicensing of certain broadcasting and digital rights for the FIFA World Cup Russia 2018 in Latin American markets, by Ps.2,733.6 million; and the income for this operation was Ps.1,410.5 million. Content operating segment income decreased by Ps.2,206.0 million, or 14.9%, to Ps.12,649.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2019 compared with Ps.14,855.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2018. Excluding the non-recurring licensing revenue, content operating segment income decreased by 5.9% to Ps.12,649.1 million compared with Ps.13,444.6 million in 2018. The margin was 36.1%, in line with the previous year. Other Businesses Other Businesses net sales, representing 7.7% and 7.3% of our segment net sales for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, increased by Ps.484.8 million, or 6.3%, to Ps.8,200.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2019 from Ps.7,715.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2018. The increase in revenues was mainly driven by performance in our soccer and gaming businesses, partially offset by our publishing and film distribution businesses.
Other Businesses operating segment income increased by Ps.1,053.7 million, or 256.7%, to Ps.1,464.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2019 from Ps.410.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2018, mainly reflecting an increase in soccer, gaming and film distribution businesses, partially offset by the performance of our publishing business.
The assets and related liabilities of the
Depreciation and Amortization
Depreciation and amortization expense increased Ps.1,174.6 million, or
Other Income or Expense, Net
Other income or expense, net, changed by Ps.2,878.9 million to other expense, net of Ps.1,316.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2019, from other income, net of Ps.1,562.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2018. This unfavorable change reflected primarily: (i) the absence in 2019 of a Ps.3,513.8 million pre-tax gain due to the disposition of our 19.9% stake in Imagina Media Audiovisual, S.L. (“Imagina”), a Spanish media group, the sale of which closed in June 2018, and (ii) a higher expense related to legal, financial and accounting advisory and professional services. These unfavorable variances were mainly offset by: (i) the absence in 2019 of other taxes paid by Sky in Central America in 2018; (ii) a lower loss on disposition of property and equipment, and (iii) interest income on asset tax recovered from prior years.
Non-operating Results
Finance Income or Expense, Net
Finance income or expense, net, significantly impacts our consolidated financial statements in periods of currency fluctuations. Finance income or expense, net, reflects:
interest expense; interest income; foreign exchange gain or loss attributable to monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies; and other finance income or expense, net, including gains or losses from derivative instruments.
Our foreign exchange position is affected by our assets or liabilities denominated in foreign currencies, primarily U.S. dollars. We record a foreign exchange gain or loss if the exchange rate of the Peso to the other currencies in which our monetary assets or liabilities are denominated varies.
Finance expense, net, increased by Ps.31.1 million to Ps.8,810.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2019, from Ps.8,779.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2018. This increase reflected primarily: (i) a Ps.694.7 million increase in interest expense, primarily due to a higher average principal amount of debt in 2019, as well as interest expense in the amount of Ps.426.5 million related to additional lease liabilities recognized beginning on January 1, 2019, in connection with the adoption of IFRS 16, which became effective on that date; (ii) a Ps.38.0 million decrease in interest income, primarily explained by a lower average amount of cash equivalents and (iii) a Ps.13.6 million increase in other finance expense, net, resulting primarily from changes in fair value of our derivative contracts. These unfavorable variances were partially offset by a Ps.715.2 million increase in foreign exchange gain, net, resulting primarily from the effect of a 4.0% appreciation of the Mexican peso against the U.S. dollar in 2019, in comparison with a 0.2% appreciation in 2018, on our average net U.S. dollar liability position.
Share of Income of Associates and Joint Ventures, Net
This line item reflects our equity participation in the operating results and net assets of unconsolidated businesses in which we maintain an interest, but which we do not control. We recognize equity in losses of associates and joint ventures up to the amount of our initial investment, subsequent capital contributions and long-term loans, or beyond that amount when we have made guaranteed commitments in respect of obligations incurred by associates and joint ventures.
Share of income of associates and joint ventures, net, increased by Ps.48.2 million, or 9.0%, to Ps.581.1 million in 2019, from Ps.532.9 million in 2018. This increase reflected mainly a higher share of income of Univision Holdings, Inc. or UHI, the controlling company of Univision Communications Inc., which was partially offset by the absence of the share of income from
Investments in
In conjunction withthe acquisition of the majority stock of UHI by a group of investors, which was announced on February 25, 2020, we reviewed the assumptions and inputs related to our discounted cash flow model used to determine the fair value of our investment in warrants and shares of UHI as of March 31, 2020. In addition, we retained the services of a third party to perform a valuation analysis. Based on these assessments and reviews, we recognized:
The following table summarizes the carrying value of the investments in UHI as of March 31, 2020, and December 31, 2019, before and after the change in estimated fair value (“FV”), in millions of Mexican pesos.
For additional information regarding our relationship with UHI, see Notes 9, 10, 14 statements.
Income Taxes
Income taxes decreased by Ps.1,722.0 million, or 39.2%, to Ps.2,668.5 million in 2019, compared with Ps.4,390.5 million in 2018. This decrease reflected mainly a lower income tax base, as well as a reduction in effective income tax rate.
The Mexican corporate income tax rate was 30% in each of the years 2019, 2018 and 2017, and
Net Income Attributable to Non-controlling Interests
Net income attributable to non-controlling interests reflects that portion of operating results attributable to the interests held by third parties in the businesses, which are not wholly-owned by us, including our Cable and Sky segments, as well as our
Net income attributable to non-controlling interests decreased by Ps.125.2 million, or 7.8%, to Ps.1,480.7 million in 2019, compared with Ps.1,605.9 million in 2018. This decrease reflected primarily a lower portion of net income attributable to non-controlling interests in our Sky segment.
Net Income Attributable to Stockholders of the Company
Net income attributable to stockholders of the Company reached the amount of Ps.4,626.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2019, compared with Ps.6,009.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2018. The net decrease of Ps.1,383.3 million reflected:
a Ps.2,878.9 million unfavorable changes in other income or expense, net; and a Ps.1,174.6 million increase in depreciation and amortization.
These changes were partially offset by:
a Ps.1,722.0 million decrease in income taxes; a Ps.805.9 million increase in operating income before depreciation and amortization and other income or expenses, net; and a Ps.125.2 million decrease in net income attributable to non-controlling interests.
Effects of Depreciation and Inflation
Thefollowing table sets forth, for the periods indicated:
the percentage that the Peso depreciated or appreciated against the U.S. Dollar;
the Mexican inflation rate;
the U.S. inflation rate; and
the percentage change in Mexican GDP compared to the prior period.
The general condition of the Mexican economy, the depreciation of the Peso as compared to the U.S. Dollar, inflation and high interest rates have in the past adversely affected, and may in the future adversely affect, our:
Advertising and Other Revenues. Inflation in Mexico adversely affects consumers. As a result, our advertising customers may purchase less advertising, which would reduce our advertising revenues, and consumers may reduce expenditures for our other products and services, including pay-TV services.
Foreign Currency-Denominated Revenues and Operating Costs and Expenses. We have substantial operating costs and expenses denominated in foreign currencies, primarily in U.S. Dollars. These costs are principally due to our activities in the United States, the costs of foreign-produced programming and publishing supplies and the leasing of satellite transponders. The following table sets forth our foreign currency-denominated revenues and operating costs and expenses stated in millions of U.S. Dollars for 2020, 2019
On a consolidated basis, in
Finance Expense, Net. The depreciation of the Peso as compared to the U.S. Dollar generates foreign exchange losses relating to our net U.S. Dollar-denominated liabilities and increases the Peso equivalent of our interest expense on our U.S. Dollar-denominated indebtedness. Foreign exchange losses, derivatives used to hedge foreign exchange risk and increased interest expense increase our finance expense, net. We have also entered into and will continue to consider entering into additional financial instruments to hedge against Peso depreciation and reduce our overall exposure to the depreciation of the Peso as compared to the U.S. Dollar, inflation and high interest rates. We cannot assure you that we will be able to enter into financial instruments to protect ourselves from the effects of the depreciation of the Peso as compared to the U.S. Dollar, inflation and increases in interest rates, or if so, on favorable terms. In the past, we have designated, and from time to time in the future we may designate, certain of our investments or other assets as effective hedges against Peso depreciations. See “Key Information — Risk Factors — Risk Factors Related to Mexico”, “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk — Market Risk Disclosures” and Note 4 to our consolidated year-end financial statements.
IFRS
Our consolidated financial information as of December 31,
New and Amended IFRS Standards
Below is a list of the new and amended standards that have been issued by the IASB and are effective for annual periods starting on or after
(1) This new or amended IFRS Standard is not expected to have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements.
(2) This new or amended IFRS Standard is not expected to be applicable to our consolidated financial statements.
Amendments to IFRS 10 and IAS 28Sale or Contribution of Assets between an Investor and its Associate or Joint Venture, were issued in September 2014 and address and acknowledge inconsistency between the requirements in IFRS 10 and those in IAS 28 (2011), in dealing with the sale or contribution of assets between an investor and its associate or joint venture. The main consequence of the amendments is that a full gain or loss is recognized when a transaction involved a business (whether it is housed in a subsidiary or not). A partial gain or loss is recognized when a transaction involved assets that do not constitute a business, even if these assets are housed in a subsidiary. In December 2015, the IASB postponed the effective date of these amendments indefinitely pending the outcome of its research project on the equity method of accounting.
IFRS 17Insurance Contracts
Amendments to IAS 1Classification of Liabilities as Current or Non-current were issued in January 2020, Annual Improvements to IFRS Standards 2018-2020, were issued in May 2020, and make minor amendments to certain IFRS Standards. The amendments are effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2022. Earlier application is permitted. The following table shows the IFRS Standards amended and the subject of the amendments.
Amendments to IFRS 3 Reference to the Conceptual Framework, were issued in May 2020, and update a reference in IFRS 3 Business Combinations to the Conceptual Framework for Financial Reporting without changing the accounting requirements for business combinations. Amendments to IAS 16 Property, Plant and Equipment: Proceeds before Intended Use, were issued in May 2020, and prohibit a company from deducting from the cost of property, plant and equipment amounts received from selling items produced while the company is preparing the asset for its intended use. Instead, a company will recognize such sales proceeds and related cost in income or loss. Amendments to IAS 37 Onerous Contracts – Cost of Fulfilling a Contract, were issued in May 2020, and specify which costs a company includes when assessing whether a contract will be loss-making, under the guidelines of IAS 37 Provisions, Contingent Liabilities and Contingent Assets. Amendment to IFRS 16 Covid-19-Related Rent Concessions was issued in May 2020, and exempts lessees from having to consider individual lease contracts to determine whether rent concessions (i.e. temporary rent reductions) occurring as a direct consequence of the Covid-19 pandemic are lease modifications, and allows lessees to account for such rent concessions as if they were not lease modifications. It applies to Covid-19-related rent concessions that reduce lease payments due on or before June 30, 2021. IFRS 16 specifies how lessees should account for changes in lease payments, including concessions. However, applying those requirements to a potentially large volume of Covid-19-related rent concessions could be practically difficult, especially in the light of the many challenges stakeholders face during the pandemic. This optional exemption gives timely relief to lessees and enables them to continue providing information about their leases that is useful to investors. The amendment does not affect lessors. The amendment is effective for annual reporting periods beginning on or after June 1, Amendments to IFRS 9, IAS 39, IFRS 7, IFRS 4 and IFRS 16 Interest Rate Benchmark Reform – Phase 2, were issued in August 2020 as a complement to those amendments issued in September 2019 (Amendments to IFRS 9, IAS 39 and IFRS 7 Interest Rate Benchmark Reform, which were focused on the accounting effects of uncertainty in the period leading up to the reform). The “interest rate benchmark reform” refers to the market-wide reform of an interest rate benchmark (such as an interbank offered rate or IBOR), including the replacement of an interest rate benchmark with an alternative benchmark rate. Phase 2 amendments focus on the effects on financial statements when a company replaces the old interest rate benchmark with an alternative benchmark rate as a result of the reform. The amendments in this final phase relate to: (i) changes to contractual cash flows – a company will not have to derecognize or adjust the carrying amount of financial instruments for changes required by the reform, but will instead update the effective interest rate to reflect the change to the alternative benchmark rate; (ii) hedge accounting – a company will not have to discontinue its hedge accounting solely because it makes changes required by the reform, if the hedge meets other hedge accounting criteria; and (iii) disclosures – a company will be required to disclose information about new risks arising from the reform and how it manages the transition to alternative benchmark rates.
Amendments to IAS 8 Definition of Accounting Estimates, were issued in February 2021, the amendments introduced the definition of accounting estimates and included other amendments to IAS 8 to help entities distinguish changes in accounting estimates from changes in accounting policies. Amendments to IAS 1 and IFRS Practice Statement 2 Disclosure of Accounting Policies, were issued in February 2021, the Board amended paragraphs 117–122 of IAS 1 Presentation of Financial Statements to require entities to disclose their material accounting policy information rather than their significant accounting policies. To support this amendment the Board also amended IFRS Practice Statement 2 Making Materiality Judgements (Materiality Practice Statement) to explain and demonstrate the application of the ‘four-step materiality process’ to accounting policy disclosures. Critical Accounting Estimates and Assumptions
We have identified certain key accounting policies upon which our consolidated financial condition and results of operations are dependent. The application of these key accounting policies often involves complex considerations and assumptions and the making of subjective judgments or decisions on the part of our management. In the opinion of our management, our most critical accounting policies under IFRS are those related to the accounting for programming, goodwill and other
We produce a significant portion of programming for initial broadcast over
We estimate the expected future benefit periods based on past historical revenue patterns and usage for similar types of programming and any potential future events, such as new outlets through which we can exploit or distribute our programming, including our consolidated subsidiaries and equity investees. To the extent that a given future expected benefit period is shorter than the estimate, we may have to accelerate capitalized production costs sooner than anticipated. Conversely, to the extent that a given future expected benefit period is longer than the estimate, we may have to extend the amortization schedule for the remaining capitalized production costs.
We also enter into license arrangements with various third party programming producers and providers, pursuant to which we receive the rights to broadcast programming produced by third parties over our television networks in Mexico. For programming licensed from third parties, we estimate the expected future benefit period based upon the term of the license. In addition, we may purchase programming from third parties, from time to time. In this case, we estimate
Assuming a hypothetical 10% decrease in expected future revenue from programming as of December 31,
Goodwill and other intangible assets with indefinite useful lives are reviewed for impairment at least annually. When an impairment test is performed, the recoverable amount is assessed by reference to the higher of the net present value of the expected future cash flows (value in use) of the relevant
The recoverable amount of
During
We present certain long-lived assets other than goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets in our consolidated statement of financial position. Long-lived assets are tested for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an asset may no longer be recoverable. An impairment loss is recognized for the amount by which the asset’s carrying amount exceeds its recoverable amount. The recoverable amount is the higher of an asset’s fair value less costs to sell and value in use. Recoverability is analyzed based on projected cash flows. Estimates of future cash flows involve considerable management judgment. These estimates are based on historical data, future revenue growth, anticipated market conditions, management plans, and assumptions regarding projected rates of inflation and currency fluctuations, among other factors. If these assumptions are not correct, we would have to recognize a write-off or write-down or accelerate the amortization schedule related to the carrying value of these assets (see Notes 2 (m), 13 and 22 to our consolidated year-end financial statements). We have not recorded any significant impairment charges
We record our deferred tax assets based on the likelihood that these assets are realized in the future. This likelihood is assessed by taking into consideration the future taxable income. In the event we were to determine that we would be able to realize our deferred tax assets in the future in excess of the net recorded amount, an adjustment to the deferred tax asset would increase income in the period such determination was made. Should we determine that we would not be able to realize all or part of our net deferred tax asset in the future, an adjustment to the deferred tax asset would be charged to income in the period such determination was made.
We have a significant amount of financial assets
Our management applied significant judgment to determine the classification of the warrants issued by
Financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value as of December 31, 2020, 2019
The table below presents the reconciliation for all assets and liabilities measured at fair value using internal models with significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) during the
Non-current Financial Assets
Investments in debt securities or with readily determinable fair values, are classified as non-current investments in financial instruments, and are recorded at fair value with unrealized gains and losses included in consolidated stockholders’ equity as accumulated other comprehensive result.
Non-current financial assets are generally valued using quoted market prices or alternative pricing sources with reasonable levels of price transparency. Such instruments are classified in Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3, depending on the observability of the significant inputs.
We have an investment in an
UHI Warrants
In July 2015, we exchanged our investment in U.S.$1,125 million principal amount of Convertible Debentures due 2025 issued by UHI for 4,858,485 warrants that
We determined the fair value of our investment in warrants by using the income approach based on post-tax discounted cash flows. The income approach requires management to make judgments and involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions include long-term growth rates and operating margins used to calculate projected future cash flows, risk-adjusted discount rates based on weighted average cost of capital within a range of 8% to 9%, among others. Our estimates for market growth were based on historical data, various internal estimates and observable external sources when available, and are based on assumptions that are consistent with the strategic plans and estimates used to manage the underlying business. Since the described methodology is an internal model with significant unobservable inputs, the UHI warrants are classified as Level 3. Additionally, we determined the fair value of our investment in warrants by using the Black-Scholes model (“BSPM”). The BSPM involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions. The assumptions used as of December 29, 2020 and December 31, 2019
Derivative Financial Instruments
Derivative financial instruments include swaps, forwards and options (see Notes 2(w), 4 and 15 to our consolidated year-end financial statements).
Our derivative portfolio is entirely over-the-counter (“OTC”). Our derivatives are valued using industry standard valuation models; projecting future cash flows discounted to present value, using market-based observable inputs including interest rate curves, foreign exchange rates, and forward and spot prices for currencies.
When appropriate, valuations are adjusted for various factors such as liquidity, bid/offer spreads and credit spreads considerations. Such adjustments are generally based on available market evidence. In the absence of such evidence, management’s best estimate is used. All derivatives are classified in Level 2.
Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Non-Recurring Basis
The majority of our non-financial instruments, which include goodwill, intangible assets, inventories, transmission rights and programming and property, plant and equipment, are not required to be carried at fair value on a recurring basis. However, if certain triggering events occur (or at least annually in the fourth quarter for goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets) such that a non-financial instrument is required to be evaluated for impairment, a resulting asset impairment would require that the non-financial instrument be recorded at the lower of carrying amount or its fair value.
The impairment test for goodwill involves a comparison of the estimated fair value of each of our reporting units to its carrying amount, including goodwill. We determine the fair value of a reporting unit using a combination of a discounted cash flow analysis and a market-based approach, which utilize significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) within the fair value hierarchy. The impairment test for intangible assets not subject to amortization involves a comparison of the estimated fair value of the intangible asset with its carrying value. We determine the fair value of the intangible asset using a discounted cash flow analysis, which utilizes significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) within the fair value hierarchy. Determining fair value requires the exercise of significant judgment, including judgment about appropriate discount rates, perpetual growth rates, the amount and timing of expected future cash flows for a period of time that comprises five years, as well as relevant comparable company earnings multiples for the market-based approach. Once an asset has been impaired, it is not remeasured at fair value on a recurring basis; however, it is still subject to fair value measurements to test for recoverability of the carrying amount.
Liquidity, Foreign Exchange and Capital Resources
Liquidity.We generally rely on a combination of cash on hand, operating revenues, borrowings and net proceeds from dispositions to fund our working capital needs, capital expenditures, acquisitions and investments.
We moved the closing of the 2021 and 2020 up-front During the year ended December 31, 2020, we had a net increase in cash and cash equivalents of Ps. 1,034.5 million, as compared to a net decrease in cash and cash equivalents of Ps.4,098.0 million during the year ended December 31, 2019.
Net cash provided by operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2020, amounted to Ps.33,160.9 million. Adjustments to reconcile income before income taxes to net cash provided by operating activities are overall due to depreciation and amortization of Ps.21,260.8 million, interest expense of Ps.10,482.2 million, share of loss of associates and joint ventures of Ps.5,739.7, cancellation of provision of Ps.691.2 million and other amortization of Ps.380.9 million; and partially offset by net unrealized foreign exchange gain of Ps.2,596.2 million, gain on disposition of investments of Ps.789.9 million, other finance income of Ps.89.3 million, income on disposition of property and equipment of Ps.74.2 million, interest income of Ps.72.9 million. Income taxes paid for the year ended December 31, 2020 amounted to Ps.8,681.5 million. Net cash used in investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2020, amounted to Ps.15,919.7 million, and was primarily used for investments in property, plant and equipment of Ps.20,131.7 million; other investments in intangible assets of Ps.1,235.2 million and disposition of other investment of Ps.602.5 million; partially offset by cash provided from disposition of investments in financial instruments of Ps.3,155.6 million; disposition of property, plant and equipment of Ps.1,520.4 million, disposition of Radiópolis of Ps.1,248.0 million and investments in joint ventures of Ps.125.6 million. Net cash used in financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2020, amounted to Ps.16,195.2 million, and was primarily used for interest payment of Ps.9,455.4 million; prepayment of Mexican peso debt related to Sky in the aggregate principal amount of Ps.2,750.0 million; dividends paid and reduction of capital of noncontrolling interest of Ps.1,420.5 million; repayment and prepayment of other notes payable of Ps.1,324.1 million; repayment of debt and lease payments of Ps.2,114.5 million; and repurchases of CPOs under a share repurchase program of Ps.195.6 million which effect was partially offset by cash provided by derivative financial instruments of Ps.1,261.8 million. During the year ended December 31, 2019, we had a net decrease in cash and cash equivalents of Ps.
Net cash provided by operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2019, amounted to Ps.27,269.1 million. Adjustments to reconcile income before income taxes to net cash provided by operating activities are overall due to depreciation and amortization of Ps.21,008.8 million, interest expense of Ps.10,402.0 million, loss on disposition of property and equipment of Ps.270.4 million, loss on derivatives in other finance expense, net of Ps.872.3 million, other amortization of Ps.531.4 million and provision for deferred compensation of Ps.199.2 million; and partially offset by net unrealized foreign exchange gain of Ps.1,121.0 million, share of income of associates and joint ventures of Ps.581.0 million, interest receivable for Asset Tax from prior years of Ps.140.0 million, interest income of Ps.102.7 million and gain on disposition of investments of Ps.1.0 million. Income taxes paid for the year ended December 31, 2019 amounted to Ps.8,816.6 million.
Net cash used in investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2019, amounted to
Net cash used in financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2019, amounted to
Capital Expenditures, Acquisitions and Investments, Distributions and Other Sources of Liquidity
During
expect to make aggregate capital expenditures for property, plant and equipment totaling approximately U.S.$
expect to provide financing to GTAC in connection with long-term credit facilities and our 33.3% interest in GTAC in the aggregate principal amount of Ps.128.8 million (U.S.$6.5 million). During 2020, we: made aggregate capital expenditures for property, plant and equipment totaling approximately U.S.$ 939.4 million, of which approximately U.S.$662.5 million and approximately U.S.$250.2 million are for the expansion and improvements of our Cable and Sky segments, respectively, and the remaining amount is for our Content and Other Businesses segments; and provided financing to GTAC in connection with long-term credit facilities and our 33.3% interest in Grupo de Telecomunicaciones de Alta Capacidad, S.A.P.I. de C.V. (“GTAC”) in the aggregate principal amount of Ps.132.9 million (U.S.$6.3 million).
During 2019, we:
made aggregate capital expenditures for property, plant and equipment totaling approximately U.S.$992.2 million, of which approximately U.S.$675.3 million and approximately U.S.$209.1 million are for the expansion and improvements of our Cable and Sky segments, respectively, and the remaining amount is for our Content and Other Businesses segments; and
provided financing to GTAC in connection with long-term credit facilities and our 33.3% interest in GTAC in the aggregate principal amount of Ps.172.2 million (U.S.$8.8 million).
Refinancings.In October 2017, we concluded the offering of Ps.4,500 million aggregate principal amount of local bonds (Certificados Bursátiles) due 2027 with an interest rate of 8.79%. We used the net proceeds of the offering for general corporate purposes and working capital. In December 2017, we redeemed in full the U.S.$500 million aggregate principal amount of our 6.0% Senior Notes due 2018.
In March 2016, (i) our Sky segment entered into long-term debt agreements with two Mexican banks in the aggregate principal amount of Ps.5,500 million, with maturities between 2021 and 2023, and interest payable on a monthly basis at an annual rate in the range of 7.0% and 7.13%, and prepaid an intercompany long-term loan in the principal amount of Ps.3,500 million; and (ii) we prepaid a portion of our Mexican peso outstanding long-term loans with original maturities between 2016 and 2017 in the aggregate principal amount of Ps.3,532
In November and December 2017, we entered into long-term debt agreements with three Mexican banks in the aggregate principal amount of Ps.6,000 million, with maturities between 2022 and 2023, and interest payable on a monthly basis at an annual rate of 28-day Equilibrium Interbank Interest Rate (“Tasa de Interés Interbancaria de Equilibrio” or “TIIE”) plus a range between 125 and 130 basis points.
In May 2019, we concluded the offering of U.S.$750 million aggregate principal amount of 5.25% Senior Notes due 2049. The net proceeds of the offering were used for general corporate purposes, which may include repayment or repurchase of existing indebtedness.
In June 2019, we entered into a credit agreement for a five-year term loan with a syndicate of banks in the aggregate principal amount of Ps.10,000 million. The funds from this loan were used for general corporate purposes, including the refinancing of the Company’s indebtedness. This loan bears interest at a floating rate based on a spread of 105 or 130 basis points over the 28-day TIIE rate depending on the Company’s net leverage ratio.
In July 2019, we prepaid all of the outstandinglocal bonds (Certificados Bursátiles) due 2021 and 2022, in the aggregate principal amount of Ps.11,000 million.
In October 2019, we prepaid all of the outstandinglocal bonds (Certificados Bursátiles)due 2020, in the aggregate principal amount of Ps.10,000.0 million. Accordingly, we classified this debt as current as of September 30, 2019, net of related finance costs, in the amount of Ps.9,992.4 million.
On March 24, 2020, the Company drew down the U.S.$618 million under the Revolving Credit Facility and fully prepaid the facility on October 6, 2020. The facility remains available through March 26, 2022. Indebtedness.As of December 31, 2020, our consolidated long-term portion of debt amounted to Ps. 121,936.0 million and our consolidated current portion of debt was Ps.2,551.6 million. As of December 31, 2019, our consolidated long-term portion of debt amounted to
In March 2018, the Company entered into a Revolving Credit Facility (“RCF”) with a syndicate of banks for U.S.$583.0 million payable in Mexican pesos, for a three-year term. In December 2018, this facility was increased by U.S.$35.0 million reaching a total amount of U.S.$618.0 million. The funds may be used for the repayment of existing indebtedness and other general corporate purposes as may be authorized by our Board of Directors. In August 2019, the Company extended the RCF for one more year to maintain the total 3-year term. This RCF was available as of December 31, 2019. In March 2020, the Company drew down the RCF as a prudent and precautionary measure in order to increase our cash position and preserve financial flexibility in light of current uncertainty in the global and local markets resulting from the COVID-19 outbreak; the aggregate principal amount was Ps.14,771.0 million, with maturity in the first quarter of 2022, this facility bears interest at a floating rate based on a spread of 87.5 or 112.5 basis points over the 28-day TIIE rate depending on our net leverage ratio, the Company may prepay such amount on the last day of any interest
We may from time to time incur additional indebtedness or repurchase, redeem or repay outstanding indebtedness.
The following table sets forth a description of our outstanding indebtedness as of December 31, 2020, net of unamortized finance costs and interest payable (in millions of Pesos):
Interest Expense.Interest expense for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018
The following table sets forth our interest expense for the years indicated (in millions of U.S. Dollars and millions of Pesos):
Contractual Obligations and Commercial Commitments
Our contractual obligations and commercial commitments consist primarily of
Contractual Obligations on the Balance Sheet
The following table summarizes our contractual obligations on the balance sheet as of December 31,
Contractual Obligations off the Balance Sheet
The following table summarizes our contractual obligations off the balance sheet as of December 31,
Board of Directors
The following table sets forth the names of our current directors
Our Board of Directors
General.The management of our business is
individuals who have significant influence over our decision making processes;
controlling stockholders, in our case, the beneficiary of the Azcárraga Trust;
partners or employees of any company which provides advisory services to us or any company that is part of
significant clients, suppliers, debtors or creditors, or members of the Board or executive officers of any such entities; or
spouses, family relatives up to the fourth degree, or cohabitants of any of the aforementioned individuals.
Our bylaws prohibit the appointment of individuals to our Board of Directors who: (i) are members of the board of directors or other management boards of a company (other than the Company or its subsidiaries) that has one or more concessions to operate telecommunications networks in Mexico; or (ii) directly or indirectly, are shareholders or partners of companies (other than the Company or its subsidiaries), that have one or more concessions to operate telecommunications networks in Mexico, with the exception of ownership stakes that do not allow such individuals to appoint one or more members of the management board or any other operation or decision making board.
Election of Directors.A majority of the members of our Board of Directors must be Mexican nationals and must be elected by Mexican stockholders. All of our current
Quorum; Voting.In order to have a quorum for a meeting of the Board of Directors, generally at least 50% of the directors or their corresponding alternates must be present. However, in the case of a meeting of the Board of Directors to consider certain proposed acquisitions of our capital stock, at least 75% of the directors or their corresponding alternates must be present. In the event of a deadlock of our Board, our Chairman will have the deciding vote.
Meetings; Actions Requiring Board Approval.Our bylaws provide that our Board must meet at least quarterly, and that our Chairman, 25% of the Board members, our Secretary, alternate Secretary, the Chairman of the Audit Committee or the Chairman of the Corporate Practices Committee may call for a Board meeting.
Pursuant to the Mexican Securities Market Law and our bylaws, our Board of Directors must approve, among other matters:
our general strategy;
with input from the Audit Committee, on an individual basis: (i) our financial statements; (ii) unusual or non-recurrent transactions and any transactions or series of related transactions during any calendar year that involve (a) the acquisition or sale of assets with a value equal to or exceeding 5% of our consolidated assets, or (b) the giving of collateral or guarantees or the assumption of liabilities, equal to or exceeding 5% of our consolidated assets; (iii) agreements with our external auditors; and (iv) accounting policies within IFRS;
with input from the Corporate Practices Committee, on an individual basis: (i) any material transactions with related parties, in accordance with the criteria set forth in the Mexican Securities Market Law, subject to certain limited exceptions and (ii) the appointment of our Co-Chief Executive Officers and their compensation;
creation of special committees and granting them the power and authority, provided that the committees will not have the authority, which by law or under our bylaws is expressly reserved for the stockholders or the Board;
matters related to antitakeover provisions provided for in our bylaws; and
the exercise of our general powers in order to comply with our corporate purpose.
Duty of Care and Duty of Loyalty.The Mexican Securities Market Law imposes a duty of care and a duty of loyalty on directors. The duty of care requires our directors to act in good faith and in the best interests of the Company. In carrying out this duty, our directors are required to obtain the necessary information from the Co-Chief Executive Officers, the executive officers, the external auditors or any other person to act in the best interests of the Company. Our directors are liable for damages and losses caused to us and our subsidiaries as a result of violating their duty of care.
The duty of loyalty requires our directors to preserve the confidentiality of information received in connection with the performance of their duties and to abstain from discussing or voting on matters in which they have a conflict of interest. In addition, the duty of loyalty is breached if a stockholder or group of stockholders is knowingly favored or if, without the express approval of the Board of Directors, a director takes advantage of a corporate opportunity. The duty of loyalty is also breached, among other things, by (i) failing to disclose to theAudit Committee or the external auditors any irregularities that the director encounters in the performance of his or her duties; or (ii) disclosing information that is false or misleading or omitting to record any transaction in our records that could affect our financial statements. Directors are liable for damages and losses caused to us and our subsidiaries for violations of this duty of loyalty. This liability also extends to damages and losses caused as a result of benefits obtained by the director or directors or third parties, as a result of actions of such directors.
Our directors may be subject to criminal penalties of up to 12 years imprisonment for certain illegal acts involving willful misconduct that result in losses to us. Such acts include the alteration of financial statements and records.
Liability actions for damages and losses resulting from the violation of the duty of care or the duty of loyalty may be exercised solely for our benefit and may be brought by us, or by stockholders representing 5% or more of our capital stock, and criminal actions only may be brought by the Mexican Ministry of Finance, after consulting with the Mexican National Banking and Securities Commission. As a safe harbor for directors, the liabilities specified above (including criminal liability) will not be applicable if the director acting in good
The members of the board are liable to our stockholders only for the loss of net worth suffered as a consequence of disloyal acts carried out in excess of their authority or in violation of our bylaws.
In accordance with the Mexican Securities Market Law, supervision of our management is entrusted to our Board of Directors, which shall act throughthe Audit and the Corporate Practices Committees for such purposes, and to our external auditor.
Audit Committee.The Audit Committee is currently composed of
The Audit Committee is responsible for, among other things: (i) submit to the Board of Director’s approval, the annual designation and/or ratification of the firm engaged to perform the external audit, as well as the engagement of services other than those related to the external audit to be performed by the external auditors; (ii) evaluating the performance of our external auditors and analyzing their reports, (iii) discussing our financial statements with the persons in charge of their preparation, and based on such discussions, recommending their approval to the Board of Directors, (iv) informing the Board of Directors of the status of our internal controls and their adequacy, (v) requesting reports of executive officers whenever it deems appropriate, (vi) informing the Board of any irregularities that it may encounter as part of the performance of its duties, (vii) receiving and analyzing recommendations and observations made by the stockholders, directors, executive officers, our external auditors or any third party and taking the necessary actions, (viii) review and approve, if applicable, certain related party transactions that are not considered material in accordance with the Mexican Securities Market Law; (ix) calling stockholders’ meetings when requested, (x) providing opinions to our Board of Directors with respect to specific matters required under the Mexican Securities Market Law, (xi) requesting and obtaining opinions from independent third parties, as it deems convenient, in connection with the performance of its duties and (xii) assisting the Board in the preparation of annual reports rendered by the Board to the shareholders and other reporting obligations.
The Chairman of the Audit Committee shall prepare an annual report to our Board of Directors with respect to theactivities of the Audit Committee, which shall include, among other things: (i) the status of the internal controls and internal audits and any deviations and deficiencies thereof, taking into consideration the reports of external auditors and independent experts, (ii) the results of any preventive and corrective measures taken based on results of investigations in respect of non-compliance of operating and accounting policies, (iii) the evaluation of external auditors, (iv) the main results from the review of our financial statements and those of our subsidiaries, (v) the description and effects of changes to accounting policies, (vi) the measures adopted as result of observations of stockholders, directors, executive officers and third parties relating to accounting, internal controls, and internal or external audits, and (vii) compliance with stockholders’ and directors’ resolutions.
Corporate Practices Committee. The Corporate Practices Committee is currently composed of the following independent members: José Luis Fernández Fernández, the Chairman, Guillermo García Naranjo Álvarez and Eduardo Tricio Haro. The Chairman of the Corporate Practices Committee was ratified at our annual stockholders’ meeting held on April 28,
The Corporate Practices Committee is responsible for, among other things: (i) reviewing and approving corporate goals and objectives relevant to the compensation of the Co-Chief Executive Officers, and reviewing the evaluations of the Co-Chief Executive Officers’ performance in light of those goals and objectives, (ii) reviewing and approving the annual base salaries and annual incentive opportunities of the relevant executive, reviewing the parameters evaluating the executive officers’ performance and recommending executive officer compensation policies and guidelines to our Board of Directors, (iii) reviewing all other incentive awards and opportunities (cash-based and equity-based), any employment agreements, any change in control agreements and change in control provisions affecting compensation and benefitsand any special or supplemental compensation and benefits for the relevant executive and individuals who formerly served as executive officers, and (iv) reviewing and recommending certain material transactions entered into with related parties, in accordance with the Mexican Securities Market Law.
The Chairman of the Corporate Practices Committee shall prepare an annual report to the Board of Directors with respect to the activities of the Corporate Practices Committee, which shall include, among other things: (i) observations with respect to the performance of the relevant executive, (ii) material related party transactions entered into during the course of the fiscal year, and (iii) the compensation packages of the relevant executive.
Executive Committee of Our Board of Directors. Our Board of Directors has an Executive Committee. Each member is appointed for a one-year term at each annual general stockholders’ meeting. Our bylaws provide that the Executive Committee may generally exercise the powers of the Board of Directors, except those expressly reserved for the Board in our bylaws or by applicable law. The Executive Committee currently consists of Emilio Azcárraga Jean, Alfonso de Angoitia Noriega and Bernardo Gómez Martínez.
Executive Officers
The following table sets forth the names of our executive officers, their dates of birth, their current position, their prior business experience and the years in which they were appointed to their current positions:
Compensation of Directors and Officers
For the year ended December 31,
On April 28,
As of December 31,
Certain of our officers are entitled to receive performance bonuses. The amount and rules applicable vary among the different divisions and/or officers. The amounts payable under the performance bonus depend on the results achieved, and include certain qualitative and/or quantitative objectives that can be related to revenues and/or EBITDA, budgets, market share and others. We have entered into certain Compensation and Retention Agreements with several executive officers. Such agreements were originally signed in late 2014 and substituted before their original termination with new agreements that will expire in December 2022. The conditions applicable to such contracts were approved by the Board of Directors and include, among other conditions, salary, an annual retention bonus and a performance bonus. In order to be entitled to the performance bonus, certain qualitative and quantitative targets must be met, including parameters related to the growth of revenues and EBITDA. If targets are not met, the amounts to be paid decline, and if targets are exceeded, the bonus can reach up to 120% of the target bonus. The target bonus is set at approximately two times the fixed component established in the relevant agreements.
We have a deferred compensation plan for certain officers of our Cable Division, payable in the event that certain revenue and EBITDA targets of a five-year plan are met. Twenty percent of such deferred compensation was paid in 2020, and since the targets for such plan were below the maximum amount established, only a portion of the remainder A new deferred compensation plan for certain officers of our Cable division, payable in the event that certain annual revenue and EBITDA targets of a five-year plan are met, was approved by the Board of Directors in February, 2021. In the event that the established targets in the plan are fully met, the annual cost during the five years of the deferred compensation plan will amount
In addition, we have granted our executive officers and directors rights to purchase CPOs under the Stock Purchase Plan and the Long-Term Retention Plan. See “— Stock Purchase Plan and Long-Term Retention Plan” below.
Use of Certain Assets and Services
We maintain an overall security program for Mr. Azcárraga and forcertain executive officers, as well as, in some cases, for their families, and for other specific employees and service providers, as permitted under our “Política de Seguridad”, or Security Policy, due to business-related security concerns. We refer to the individuals described above as Key Personnel. Our security program includes the use of our personnel, assets and services to accomplish security objectives.
In accordance with this program, we require, under certain circumstances, that certain authorized Key Personnel use aircrafts, either owned or leased by us, for non-business, as well as business travel for our benefit rather than as a personal benefit. The use of such aircrafts is carried out in accordance with, among others, our “Política de Seguridad” policy, which establishes guidelines under which authorized Key Personnel may use such aircrafts for personal purposes. If the use of such aircrafts for personal purposes exceeds the specified number of hours, the relevant Key Personnel must reimburse us for the cost of operating the aircrafts during the excess time of use. The aggregate amount of compensation set forth in “— Compensation of Directors and Officers” does include the cost to us of providing this service.
In addition, certain Key Personnel are provided with security systems and equipment for their residences and/or automobiles and with security advice and personal protection services at their residences. The use of these security services is provided in accordance with our “Política de Seguridad” policy. The cost of these systems and services are incurred as a result of business-related concerns and are not considered for their personal benefit. As a result, the Company has not included such cost in “— Compensation of Directors and Officers”.
Further, certain Key Personnel are provided with advisory services, including legal, tax and accounting services, through approved company
Stock Purchase Plan and Long-Term Retention Plan
The stock purchase plan has been implemented in several stages since 1999, through a series of conditional sales to plan participants of CPOs. At our general extraordinary and ordinary stockholders’ meeting held on April 30, 2002, our stockholders authorized the creation and implementation of a Long-Term Retention Plan, as well as the creation of one or more special purpose trusts to implement the Long-Term Retention Plan. Pursuant to our Long-Term Retention Plan, we have granted eligible participants, who consist of unionized and non-unionized employees, including key personnel The CPOs, CPO equivalents and underlying shares that are part of the stock purchase plan will be held by the special purpose trust and will be voted with the majority of the CPOs, CPO equivalents and underlying shares are represented at the relevant meeting until these securities are transferred to Plan Participants or otherwise sold in the open market. In accordance with the stock purchase plan, our President and the technical committee of the special purpose trust have broad discretion to make decisions related to, and amendments to, the stock purchase plan, including the ability to accelerate vesting terms, to modify the purchase price, to grant, release or transfer CPOs and/or CPO equivalents, subject to conditional sale agreements, to Plan Participants in connection with sales for purposes of making the payment of the related purchase price.
On October 22, 2020, the Board of Directors of the Company determined that, beginning with the grants to be awarded in respect of fiscal year 2020, a portion of the awards under the Long-Term Retention Plan will be granted at a sale price provided in the preceding paragraph, and the rest at a sale price equal to the nominal value of the CPOs to be sold under such awards. Accordingly, our Board of Directors approved that a portion of the awards for the 2020 grant, which had not yet become effective, will be granted at a sale price equal to the nominal value of the CPOs to be sold under such awards, or Ps.1.60 per CPO, subject to the fulfillment of certain conditions on or before April 30, 2021, which have been met. This is intended to further align the incentives of Plan Participants with our shareholders and the Company, and the Company believes this reflects current market practices. Unless modified in accordance with the Long-Term Retention Plan and the stockholder resolutions granted in connection therewith, we intend to continue providing awards at both the prices described in this paragraph and the preceding paragraph, as approved by our Board of Directors.
In April 2007, the Board of Directors, with input from the then Audit and Corporate Practices Committee, reviewed the compensation of our former Chief Executive Officer and decided to include our former Chief Executive Officer in our Long-Term Retention Plan as well as in any other plan granted to our employees in the future. See “— Compensation of Directors and Officers”.
At our annual general ordinary stockholders’ meeting held on April 2, 2013, our stockholders approved that the number of CPOs that may be granted annually under the Long-Term Retention Plan shall be up to 1.5% of the capital of the Company. As of December 31,
Also, as of March 31,
As we have done in the past, we may consider further capital increases, among other alternatives, to continue replenishing the Long-Term Retention Plan. Any such capital increases would be subject to the appropriate corporate approvals, including stockholders’ preemptive rights as well as the authorization by our stockholders at the stockholders’ meeting.
Share Ownership of Directors and Officers
Share ownership of our directors, alternate directors and executive officers is set forth in the table under “Major Stockholders and Related Party Transactions”. Except as set forth in such table, none of our directors, alternate directors or executive officers is currently the beneficial owner of more than 1% of any class of our capital stock or conditional sale agreements or options representing the right to purchase more than 1% of any class of our capital stock.
Employees and Labor Relations
The following table sets forth the number of employees and a breakdown of employees by main category of activity and geographic location as of the end of each year in the three-year period ended December 31,
As of December 31,
The following table sets forth information about the beneficial ownership of our capital stock by our directors, alternate directors, executive officers and each person who is known by us to own more than 5% of the currently outstanding Series “A” Shares, Series “B” Shares, Series “L” Shares or Series “D” Shares as ofApril 15,
TheAzcárraga Trust, a trust for the benefit of Emilio Azcárraga Jean, currently holds 43.8% of the outstanding Series “A” Shares, 0.1% of the outstanding Series “B” shares, 0.1% of the outstanding Series “D” Shares and 0.1% of the outstanding Series “L” Shares of the Company. As a result, Emilio Azcárraga Jean currently controls the vote of such shares through the Azcárraga Trust. The Series “A” Shares held through the Azcárraga Trust constitute a majority of the Series “A” Shares whose holders are entitled to vote because non-Mexican holders of CPOs and GDSs are not permitted to vote the underlying Series “A” Shares in accordance with the trust agreement governing the CPOs and the Company’s bylaws. Accordingly, and so long as non-Mexicans own more than a minimal number of Series “A” Shares, Emilio Azcárraga Jean will have the ability to direct the election of 11 out of 20 members of our Board of Directors, as well as prevent certain actions by the stockholders, including dividend payments, mergers, spin-offs, changes in corporate purpose, changes of nationality and amendments to the anti-takeover provisions of our bylaws.
Pursuant to our bylaws, holders ofSeries “B” Shares are entitled to elect five out of 20 members of our Board of Directors.
Because the Azcárraga Trust only holds a limited number of Series “B” Shares, there can be no assurance that individuals nominated by the Azcárraga Trust appointees will be elected to our Board.
We believe that as of March 31,
Transactions and Arrangements with Univision.We have in the past and on an ongoing basis
Transactions and
Certain of our executive officers have in the past, and from time to time in the future may, purchase debt securities issued by us and/or our subsidiaries from third parties in negotiated transactions. Certain of our executive officers and directors participate in our stock purchase plan and Long-Term Retention Plan. See “Directors, Senior Management and Employees — Stock Purchase Plan and Long-Term Retention Plan”.
Transactions and Arrangements With Affiliates and Related Parties of Our Directors, Officers and Major Stockholders
Consulting Services.Instituto de Investigaciones Sociales, S.C., a consulting firm which is controlled by Ariana Azcárraga De Surmont, the sister of Emilio Azcárraga Jean, has from time to time during
Citibanamex participation in Syndicated Loan. In June 2019, the Company entered into a long-term credit agreement with a syndicate of banks, including Citibanamex with maturity in 2024. An affiliate of Citibanamex also acted as joint lead arranger and joint book runner with other banks. This loan was made on terms substantially similar to those offered by Citibanamex to third parties. Emilio Azcárraga Jean, our Executive Chairman of the Board, is a member of the Board of Citibanamex. One of our former directors, Roberto Hernández Ramírez, is the Honorary Chairman of the Board of Citibanamex. Mr. Hernández was also a member of the Board of, and the beneficial owner of less than 1% of the outstanding capital stock of, Citigroup, Inc., the entity that indirectly controls Citibanamex. For a description of amounts outstanding under, and the terms of, our existing credit facilities with
Loans from Banorte.In 2015, Banorte and TVI entered into a loan agreement with a maturity date of 2022. This loan was made on terms substantially similar to those offered by Banorte to third parties. Alfonso de Angoitia Noriega, our Executive Vice President,
Advertising Services.Several members of our current Board serve as members of the Boards and/or are stockholders of other companies. See “Directors, Senior Management and Employees”. Some of these companies, including Grupo Comercial Chedraui, Grupo Nacional Provincial, Grupo Palacio de Hierro,
Legal and Advisory Services.During
Since 2011,
For further information about our related party transactions, see Note 20 to our consolidated year-end financial statements.
See “Financial Statements” and pages F-1 through
Since December 1993, the GDSs have been traded on the New York Stock Exchange,
Trading prices of the CPOs and the GDSsare influenced by our results of operations, financial condition, cash requirements, future prospects and by economic, financial and other factors and market conditions. See “Key Information — Risk Factors — Risk Factors Related to Mexico — Economic and Political Developments in Mexico May Adversely Affect Our Business”. We believe that as of March 31,
Trading on the Mexican Stock Exchange
Overview
The Mexican Stock Exchange, located in Mexico City, operating continuously since 1907, is one of the two stock exchanges in Mexico. The other stock exchange in Mexico is the Bolsa Institucional de Valores S.A. de C.V., which began operations in July 2018 (the “Institutional Stock Exchange” and together with the Mexican Stock Exchange, the “Stock Exchanges in Mexico”). The Mexican Stock Exchange is organized as asociedad anónima bursátil de capital variable, or publicly-traded corporation with variable capital. Securities trading on the Mexican Stock Exchange occurs from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Mexico City time, each business day. All trading on the Mexican Stock Exchange is effected electronically. The Mexican Stock Exchange may impose a number of measures to promote an orderly and transparent trading price of securities, including the operation of a system of automatic suspension of trading in shares of a particular issuer when price fluctuation exceeds certain limits. The Mexican Stock Exchange may also suspend trading in shares of a particular issuer as a result of the disclosure of a material event, or when the changes in the volume traded or share price are not consistent with either the historic performance or information publicly available. The Mexican Stock Exchange may resume trading in the shares when it deems that the material events have been adequately disclosed to public investors or when it deems that the issuer has adequately explained the reasons for the changes in the volume traded or prevailing share price. Under current regulations, in certain cases when the relevant securities are simultaneously traded on a stock exchange outside of Mexico, the Mexican Stock Exchange or the Institutional Stock Exchange, as the case may be, may consider the measures adopted by the other stock exchange in order to suspend and/or resume trading in the issuer’s shares. Furthermore, now that the Institutional Stock Exchange has also begun operations, the suspension of trading of a series of a company’s securities on one exchange will automatically trigger the suspension of its trading on the other exchange. Settlement is effected in two business days after a share transaction on both Stock Exchanges in Mexico. Deferred settlement, even by mutual agreement, is not permitted without the approval of the CNBV. Most securities traded on the Mexican Stock Exchange or the Institutional Stock Exchange, including the CPOs, are on deposit with S.D. Indeval, Institución para el Depósito de Valores, S.A. de C.V., or Indeval, a privately owned securities depositary that acts as a clearinghouse, depositary and custodian, as well as a settlement, transfer and registration agent for transactions of the Stock Exchanges in Mexico, eliminating the need for physical transfer of securities.
Although the Mexican Securities Market Law provides for the existence of an over-the-counter market, no such market for securities in Mexico has been developed.
Market Regulation and Registration Standards
To offer securities to the public in Mexico, an issuer must meet specific qualitative and quantitative requirements, and generally only securities for which an application for registration in the National Registry of Securities, or NRS, maintained by the CNBV has been approved by the CNBV may be listed on the Mexican Stock Exchange or on the Institutional Stock Exchange. As of the date of this
The General CNBV Rules have mandated that theStock Exchanges in Mexico adopt minimum requirements for issuers to be registered with the CNBV and have their securities listed on the Mexican Stock Exchange or on the Institutional Stock Exchange. Pursuant to the internal rules of the Stock Exchanges in Mexico, in order to be registered, issuers will be required to have, among other things:
a minimum number of years of operating history;
a minimum financial condition;
a minimum number of shares or CPOs to be publicly offered to public investors;
a minimum price for the securities to be offered;
a minimum of 15% of the capital stock placed among public investors (which percentage may be lowered under certain circumstances);
a minimum of 100 holders of shares or of shares represented by CPOs, who are deemed to be public investors under the General CNBV Rules, upon the completion of the offering; and
complied with certain corporate governance requirements.
To maintain its registration, an issuer will be required to have, among other things:
a minimum of 12% of the capital stock held by public investors;
a minimum of 100 holders of shares or of shares represented by CPOs who are deemed to be public investors under the General CNBV Rules; and
complied with certain corporate governance requirements.
The CNBV has the authority to waive some of these requirements in some circumstances. Also, some of these requirements are applicable for each series of shares of the relevant issuer.
TheStock Exchanges in Mexico must review annually compliance with the foregoing and other requirements, some of which may be further reviewed on a quarterly or semi-annual basis. The Stock Exchanges in Mexico must inform the CNBV of the results of its review and this information must, in turn, be disclosed to investors. If an issuer fails to comply with any of the foregoing requirements, the Stock Exchange in Mexico on which it is listed will request that the issuer propose a plan to cure the violation. If the issuer fails to propose such plan, if the plan is not satisfactory to the relevant Stock Exchange in Mexico or if the issuer does not make substantial progress with respect to the corrective measures, trading of the relevant series of shares on the relevant Stock Exchange in Mexico will be temporarily suspended until the situation is corrected. In addition, if the issuer fails to propose the plan or ceases to follow such plan once proposed, the CNBV may suspend or cancel the registration of the shares. In such event, the issuer must evidence the mechanisms to protect the rights of public investors and market in general. Issuers of listed securities are required to file unaudited quarterly financial statements and audited annual financial statements as well as various periodic reports with the CNBV and the Stock Exchange in Mexico on which it is listed. Issuers of listed securities must prepare and disclose their financial information by an approved system for each Stock Exchange in Mexico known asSistema Electrónico de Envío y Difusión de Información or SEDI and to the CNBV through theSistema de Transferencia de Información sobre Valores, or STIV-2. Immediately upon its receipt, the relevant Stock Exchange in Mexico makes that information available to the public.
The General CNBV Rules and the internal regulations of theStock Exchanges in Mexico require issuers of listed securities to file through EMISNET for the BMV, through DIV for the Institutional Stock Exchange and through and STIV-2 the information on the occurrence of material events affecting the relevant issuer. Material events include, but are not limited to, as long as they have, or could potentially have, an effect on the price of the issuer’s securities:
the entering into or termination of joint venture agreements or agreements with key suppliers;
the creation of new lines of businesses or services;
significant deviations in expected or projected operating performance;
the restructuring or payment of significant indebtedness;
material litigation or labor conflicts;
changes in dividend policy;
the commencement of any insolvency, suspension or bankruptcy proceedings;
changes in the directors; and
any other event that may have a material adverse effect on the results, financial condition or operations of the relevant issuer.
If there is unusual price volatility of the securities listed, the issuer would be obliged to immediately inform the CNBV and thecorresponding Stock Exchange in Mexico of the causes of such volatility or, if the issuer is unaware of such causes, make a statement to that effect, in order for the corresponding Stock Exchange in Mexico to immediately convey that information to the public. In addition, the corresponding Stock Exchange in Mexico must immediately request that issuers disclose any information relating to relevant material events, when it deems the information currently disclosed to be insufficient, as well as instruct issuers to clarify such information when it deems the information to be confusing. The corresponding Stock Exchange in Mexico may request issuers to confirm or deny any material events that have been disclosed to the public by third parties when it deems that the material event may affect or influence the securities being traded. The corresponding Stock Exchange in Mexico must immediately inform the CNBV of any requests made to issuers. The CNBV may also make any of these requests directly to issuers. An issuer may delay the disclosure of material events under some circumstances, including where the information being offered is not related to transactions that have been completed.
The CNBV andany of the Stock Exchanges in Mexico may suspend the dealing in securities of an issuer:
if the issuer does not adequately disclose a material event; or
upon price or volume volatility or changes in the offer or demand in respect of the relevant securities, which are not consistent with the historic performance of the securities and could not be explained solely by the information made publicly available under the General CNBV Rules.
TheStock Exchanges in Mexico must immediately inform the CNBV and the general public of any such suspension. An issuer may request that the CNBV or the relevant Stock Exchange in Mexico resume trading, provided it demonstrates that the causes triggering the suspension have been resolved and that it is in full compliance with the periodic reporting requirements under the applicable law. If its request has been granted, the corresponding Stock Exchange in Mexico will determine the appropriate mechanism to resume trading in its securities. If trading of an issuer is suspended for more than 20 business days and the issuer is authorized to resume trading without conducting a public offering, the issuer must disclose through EMISNET or DIV, as the case may be, and STIV-2, before trading resumes, a description of the causes that resulted in the suspension and reasons why it is now authorized to resume trading.
Likewise, if the securities of an issuer are traded on any of the Stock Exchanges in Mexico and additionally on a foreign securities market, then that issuer must generally file with the CNBV and the corresponding Stock Exchange in Mexico on a simultaneous basis the information that it is required to file pursuant to the laws and regulations of the relevant other jurisdiction.
Pursuant to the Mexican Securities Market Law,stockholders of issuers listed on any of the Stock Exchanges in Mexico must disclose any transactions, through or outside of any of the Stock Exchanges in Mexico that result in a 10% or more ownership stake of an issuer’s capital stock. These stockholders must also inform the CNBV of the results of these transactions the day after their completion. See “Additional Information — Mexican Securities Market Law”.
Additionally, related parties of an issuer who increase or decrease their ownership stake, in one or more transactions, by 5% or more, shall disclose such transactions. The Mexican Securities Market Law also requires stockholders holding 10% or more of the capital stock of companies listed in the registry to notify the CNBV ofcertain ownership changes in shares of the company. Moreover, the CNBV regulations for issuers, require issuers to disclose to the CNBV on an annual basis on or before June 30 of each year: (i) the name and ownership percentage of any Board members and relevant officers that maintain 1% or more of the capital stock of an issuer, (ii) the names and ownership percentage of any other individual or entity that maintains 5% or more of the capital stock of an issuer (regardless of whether such stockholder is an officer or director) and (iii) the names and ownership percentage of the 10 (ten) stockholders with the largest direct ownership stake in an issuer (regardless of the ownership percentage or whether such stockholder is an officer, director, related party or private investor with no relationship to the issuer). Based on the foregoing, Mexican Securities Regulations require that (i) Board members and relevant officers that own 1% or more of the capital stock of an issuer, (ii) any other individual or entity that owns 5% or more of the capital stock of an entity, and (iii) individuals that own 1% of the capital stock of an entity, provide this information to the relevant issuer on or before May 15 of each year.
In addition, in April 2018, the CNBV issued general rules applicable to entities and
Under the Mexican Securities Market Law insiders must abstain from purchasing or selling securities of the issuer within 90 days from the last sale or purchase, respectively.
In addition, under the Mexican Securities Market Law, tender offers may be voluntary or mandatory. All tender offers must be open for at least 20 business days and purchases thereunder are required to be made pro-rata to all tendering stockholders. Any intended purchase resulting in a 30% or greater holding requires the tender to be made for the greater of 10% of the company’s capital stock or the share capital intended to be acquired; if the purchase is aimed at obtaining control, the tender must be made for 100% of the outstanding shares. In calculating the intended purchase amount, convertible securities, warrants and derivatives the underlying security of which are such shares must be considered. The law also permits the payment of certain amounts to controlling stockholders over and above the offering price if these amounts are fully disclosed, approved by the board of directors and paid in connection with non-compete or similar obligations. The law also contemplates exceptions to the mandatory tender offer requirements and specifically provides for the consequences, to a purchaser, of not complying with these tender offer rules (lack of voting rights, possible annulment of purchases, etc.) and other rights available to prior stockholders of the issuer.
The Mexican Securities Market Law permits public companies to insert provisions in their bylaws pursuant to which the acquisition of control of the company, by the company’s stockholders or third parties, may be prevented, if such provisions (i) are approved by stockholders without the negative vote of stockholders representing 5% or more of the outstanding shares, (ii) do not exclude any stockholder or group of stockholders, and (iii) do not restrict, in an absolute manner, the change of
Set forth below is a brief summary of somerelevant provisions of our bylaws and Mexican law. This description does not purport to be complete, and is qualified by reference in its entirety to our bylaws, which have been filed as an exhibit to this annual report, and Mexican law. For a description of the provisions of our bylaws relating to our Board of Directors, Executive Committee, Audit Committee and Corporate Practices Committee, see “Directors, Senior Management and Employees”.
Organization and Register
Grupo Televisa
Our stock registry is maintained by Indeval, and in accordance with Mexican law, we only recognize those holders listed in our stock registry as our stockholders. Our stockholders may hold their share in the form of physical certificates or through book-entries with institutions that have accounts with Indeval. The CPO Trustee is the holder of record for Shares represented by CPOs. Accounts may be maintained at Indeval by brokers, banks and other entities approved by the CNBV.
Voting Rights and Stockholders’ Meetings
Holders of Series “A” Shares.Holders of Series “A” Shares have the right to vote on all matters subject to stockholder approval at any general stockholders’ meeting and have the right, voting as a class, to appoint eleven members of our Board of Directors and the corresponding alternate directors. In addition to requiring approval by a majority of all Shares entitled to vote together on a particular corporate matter, certain corporate matters must be approved by a majority of the holders of Series “A” Shares voting separately. These matters include mergers, dividend payments, spin-offs, changes in corporate purpose, changes of nationality and amendments to the anti-takeover provisions of our bylaws.
Holders of Series “B” Shares.Holders of Series “B” Shares have the right to vote on all matters subject to stockholder approval at any general stockholders’ meeting and have the right, voting as a class, to appoint five members of our Board of Directors and the corresponding alternate directors. The five directors and corresponding alternate directors elected by the holders of the Series “B” Shares are elected at a stockholders’ meeting that must be held within the first four months after the end of each year.
Holders of Series “D” Shares and Series “L” Shares.Holders of Series “D” Shares, voting as a class, are entitled to vote at special meetings to elect two of the members of our Board of Directors and the corresponding alternate directors, each of which must be an independent director. In addition, holders of Series “D” Shares are entitled to vote on the following matters at extraordinary general meetings:
our transformation from one type of company to another;
any merger (even if we are the surviving entity);
extension of our existence beyond our prescribed duration;
our dissolution before our prescribed duration (which is currently 99 years from January 30, 2007);
a change in our corporate purpose;
a change in our nationality; and
the cancellation from registration of the Series “D” Shares or the securities which represent the Series “D” Shares with the securities or special section of the NRS and with any other Mexican or foreign stock exchange in which such shares or securities are registered. Holders of Series “L” Shares, voting as a class, are entitled to vote at special meetings to elect two of the members of our Board of Directors and the corresponding alternate directors, each of which must be an independent director. Holders of Series “L” Shares are also entitled to vote at extraordinary general meetings on the following matters:
our transformation from one type of company to another;
any merger in which we are not the surviving entity; and
the cancellation from registration of the Series “L” Shares or the securities that represent the Series “L” Shares with the special section of the NRS.
The two directors and corresponding alternate directors elected by each of the holders of the Series “D” Shares and the Series “L” Shares are elected at a special meeting of those holders which takes place annually. Special meetings of holders of Series “D” Shares and Series “L” Shares must also be held to approve the cancellation from registration of the Series “D” Shares or Series “L” Shares or the securities representing any of such shares with the NRS, as the case may be, and in the case of Series “D” Shares, with any other Mexican or foreign stock exchange in which such shares or securities are registered.
Minority shareholders holdingat least ten percent of the capital stock represented by Series “A” Shares, will be entitled to appoint one director and its corresponding alternate for each such ten percent. Minority shareholders holding at least ten percent of the capital stock represented by Series “B” Shares, will be entitled to appoint one director and its corresponding alternate for each such ten percent. Minority shareholders holding at least ten percent of the capital stock represented by Series “D” Shares or Series “L” Shares, will be entitled to appoint one director and its corresponding alternate for each such ten percent. Any such appointments by minority shareholders will be counted towards the number of directors that the holders of each such Series is entitled to appoint.
Other Rights of Stockholders.Under Mexican law, holders of shares of any series are also entitled to vote as a class in a special meeting governed by the same rules that apply to extraordinary general meetings, as described below, on any action that would prejudice the rights of holders of shares of such series, but not rights of holders of shares of other series, and a holder of shares of such series would be entitled to judicial relief against any such action taken without such a vote. Generally, the determination of whether a particular stockholder action requires a class vote on these grounds could initially be made by the Board of Directors or other party calling for stockholder action. In some cases, under the Mexican Securities Market Law and the Mexican Companies Law, the Board of Directors, the Audit Committee, the Corporate Practices Committee, or a Mexican court on behalf of those stockholders representing 10% of our capital stock
General stockholders’ meetings may be ordinary general meetings or extraordinary general meetings. Extraordinary general meetings are those called to consider specific matters specified in Article 182 of the Mexican Companies Law and our bylaws, including, among others, amendments to our bylaws, our dissolution, liquidation or split-up, our merger and transformation from one form of company to another, increases and reductions in our capital stock, the approval of certain acquisitions of shares, including a change of control, as set forth in the antitakeover provisions in our bylaws and any action for civil liabilities against the members of our Board of Directors, its Secretary, or members of our AuditCommittee or Corporate Practices Committee. In addition, our bylaws require an extraordinary general meeting to consider the cancellation of registration of the Series “D” Shares or Series “L” Shares or the securities representing these Shares with the NRS, as the case may be, and in the case of Series “D” Shares, with any other Mexican or foreign stock exchange in which such Shares or securities are registered. General meetings called to consider all other matters are ordinary meetings which are held at least once each year within four months following the end of each fiscal year. Stockholders may be represented at any stockholders’ meeting by completing a form of proxy provided by us, which proxy is available within fifteen days prior to such meeting, and designating a representative to vote on their behalf. The form of proxy must comply with certain content requirements as set forth in the Mexican Securities Market Law and in our bylaws.
Holders of CPOs.Holders of CPOs who are Mexican nationals or Mexican corporations whose bylaws exclude foreign ownership of their shares are entitled to exercise voting rights with respect to the Series “A” Shares, Series “B” Shares, Series “D” Shares and Series “L” Shares underlying their CPOs. The CPO Trustee will vote such shares as directed by Mexican holders of CPOs, which must provide evidence of Mexican nationality. Non-Mexican holders of CPOs may only vote the Series “L” Shares held in the CPO Trust and are not entitled to exercise any voting rights with respect to the Series “A” Shares, Series “B” Shares and Series “D” Shares held in the CPO Trust. Voting rights in respect of these Series “A” Shares, Series “B” Shares and Series “D” Shares may only be exercised by the CPO Trustee. Series “A” Shares, Series “B” Shares and Series “D” Shares underlying the CPOs of non-Mexican holders or holders that do not give timely instructions as to voting of such Shares,
As described in “Major Stockholders and Related Party Transactions,” Series “A” Shares held through the Azcárraga Trust constitute a majority of the Series “A” Shares whose holders are entitled to vote,
Holders of GDRs.Global Depositary Receipts, or GDRs, evidencing GDSs are issued by The Bank of New York Mellon, the Depositary, pursuant to the Deposit Agreement we entered into with the Depositary and all holders from time to time
The Depositary will mail information on stockholders’ meetings to all holders of GDRs. At least six business days prior to the relevant stockholders’ meeting, GDR holders may instruct the Depositary as to the exercise of the voting rights, if any, pertaining to the CPOs represented by their GDSs, and the underlying Shares. Since the CPO Trustee must also receive voting instructions five business days prior to the stockholders’ meeting, the Depositary may be unable to vote the CPOs and underlying Shares in accordance with any written instructions. Holders of GDSs that are Mexican nationals or Mexican corporations whose bylaws exclude foreign ownership of their Shares are entitled to exercise voting rights with respect to the Series “A” Shares, Series “B” Shares, Series “D” Shares and Series “L” Shares underlying the CPOs represented by their GDSs. Such Mexican holders also must provide evidence of nationality, such as a copy of a valid Mexican passport or birth certificate, for individuals, or a copy of the bylaws, for corporations.
Non-Mexican holders may exercise voting rights only with respect to Series “L” Shares underlying the CPOs represented by their GDSs. They may not direct the CPO Trustee as to how to vote the Series “A” Shares, Series “B” Shares or Series “D” Shares represented by CPOs or attend stockholders’ meetings. Under the terms of the CPO Trust Agreement, the CPO Trustee will vote the Series “A” Shares, Series “B” Shares, Series “D” Shares and Series “L” Shares represented by CPOs held by non-Mexican holders (including holders of GDRs) as described under “— Holders of CPOs”. If the Depositary does not timely receive instructions from a Mexican or non-Mexican holder of GDRs as to the exercise of voting rights relating to the Series “A” Shares, Series “B” Shares, Series “D” Shares or Series “L” Shares underlying the CPOs, as the case may be, in the relevant stockholders’ meeting then, if requested in writing by us, the Depositary will give a discretionary proxy to a person designated by us to vote the Shares. If no such written request is made by us, the Depositary will not represent or vote, attempt to represent or vote any right that attaches to, or instruct the CPO Trustee to represent or vote, the Shares underlying the CPOs in the relevant stockholders’ meeting and, as a result, the underlying shares will be voted in the same manner described under “— Holders of CPOs” with respect to shares for which timely instructions as to voting are not given.
If the Depositary does not timely receive instructions from a Mexican or non-Mexican holder of GDRs as to the exercise of voting rights relating to the underlying CPOs in the relevant CPO holders’ meeting, the Depositary and the Custodian will take such actions as are necessary to cause such CPOs to be counted for purposes of satisfying applicable quorum requirements and, unless we in our sole discretion have given prior written notice to the Depositary and the Custodian to the contrary, vote them in the same manner as the majority of the CPOs are voted at the relevant CPOs holders’ meeting.
Under the terms of the CPO Trust, beginning in December 2008, a non-Mexican holder of CPOs or GDSs may instruct the CPO Trustee to request that we issue and deliver certificates representing each of the Shares underlying its CPOs so that the CPO Trustee may sell, to a third party entitled to hold the Shares, all of those Shares and deliver to the holder any proceeds derived from the sale.
Limitation on Appointment of Directors.Our bylaws prohibit the appointment of individuals to our Board of Directors: who (i) are members of the board of directors or other management boards of a company (other than the Company or its subsidiaries) that has one or more concessions to operate telecommunication networks in Mexico; or (ii) directly or indirectly, are shareholders or partners of companies (other than the Company or its subsidiaries), that have one or more concessions to operate telecommunication networks in Mexico, with the exception of ownership stakes that do not allow such individuals to appoint one or more members of the management board or any other operation or decision making board.
Dividend Rights
At our annual ordinary general stockholders’ meeting, our Board of Directors is required to submit our financial statements from the previous fiscal year to the holders of our Series “A” Shares and Series “B” Shares. Once our stockholders approve these financial statements, they must then allocate our net profits for the previous fiscal year. Under Mexican law, at least 5% of our net profits must be allocated to a legal reserve, until the amount of this reserve equals 20% of our paid-in capital stock. Thereafter, our stockholders may allocate our net profits to any special reserve, including a reserve for share repurchases. After this allocation, the remainder of our net profits will be available for distribution as dividends. The vote of the majority of the Series “A” Shares and Series “B” Shares is necessary to approve dividend payments. As described below, in the event that dividends are declared, holders of Series “D” Shares will have preferential rights to dividends as compared to holders of Series “A” Shares, Series “B” Shares and Series “L” Shares. Holders of Series “A” Shares, Series “B” Shares and Series “L” Shares have the same financial or economic rights, including the participation in any of our profits.
Preferential Rights of Series “D” Shares
Holders of Series “D” Shares are entitled to receive a preferred annual dividend in the amount of Ps.0.00034412306528 per Series “D” Share before any dividends are payable in respect of Series “A” Shares, Series “B” Shares and Series “L” Shares. If we pay any dividends in addition to the Series “D” Share fixed preferred dividend, then such dividends shall be allocated as follows:
first, to the payment of dividends with respect to the Series “A” Shares, the Series “B” Shares and the Series “L” Shares, in an equal amount per share, up to the amount of the Series “D” Share fixed preferred dividend; and
second, to the payment of dividends with respect to the Series “A” Shares, Series “B” Shares, Series “D” Shares and Series “L” Shares, such that the dividend per share is equal.
Upon any dissolution or liquidation of our company, holders of Series “D” Shares are entitled to a liquidation preference equal to:
accrued but unpaid dividends in respect of their Series “D” Shares; plus
the theoretical value of their Series “D” Shares as set forth in our bylaws. See “— Other Provisions — Dissolution or Liquidation”.
Limitation on Capital Increases
Our bylaws provide that, in the event shares of a given series are issued as a result of a capital increase (in respect of a cash capital contribution), each holder of shares of that series will have a preferential right to subscribe to new shares of that series, in proportion to the number of such holder’s existing Shares of that series. In addition, primary issuances of Series “A” Shares, Series “B” Shares, Series “D” Shares and Series “L” Shares in the form of CPOs may be limited under the Mexican Securities Market Law.
Preemptive Rights
In the event of a capital increase, a holder of existing shares of a given series has a preferential right to subscribe to a sufficient number of shares of the same series in order to maintain the holder’s existing proportionate holdings of shares of that series. Stockholders must exercise their preemptive rights within the time period fixed by our stockholders at the meeting approving the issuance of additional shares. This period must continue for at least fifteen days following the publication of notice of the issuance in the Official Gazette of the Federation and in a newspaper of general circulation in Mexico City. Under Mexican law, stockholders cannot waive their preemptive rights in advance or be represented by an instrument that is negotiable separately from the corresponding share.
U.S. holders of GDSs may exercise preemptive rights only if we register any newly issued shares under the Securities Act, as amended, or qualify for an exemption from registration. We intend to evaluate at the time of any offering of preemptive rights the costs and potential liabilities associated with registering additional shares. In addition, if our stockholders’ meeting approves the issuance of shares of a particular series, holders of shares of other series may be offered shares of that particular series.
Limitations on Share Ownership
Through our bylaws and the trust governing the CPOs, we have limited the ownership of our Series “A” Shares and Series “B” Shares to Mexican individuals, Mexican companieswhose charters contain a foreign exclusion clause, credit institutions acting as trustees (such as the CPO Trustee) in accordance with the Foreign Investment Law and the Foreign Investment Law Regulations, and trusts or stock purchase, investment and retirement plans for Mexican employees. A holder that acquires Series “A” Shares or Series “B” Shares in violation of the restrictions in our bylaws regarding non-Mexican ownership will have none of the rights of a stockholder with respect to those Series “A” Shares or Series “B” Shares. The Series “D” Shares are subject to the same restrictions on ownership as the Series “A” Shares and Series “B” Shares. However, the foregoing limitations do not affect the ability of non-Mexican investors to hold Series “A” Shares, Series “B” Shares, Series “D” Shares and Series “L” Shares through CPOs, or Series “L” Shares directly. The sum of the total outstanding number of Series “A” Shares and Series “B” Shares is required to exceed at all times the sum of the total outstanding Series “L” Shares and Series “D” Shares.
Non-Mexican states and governments are prohibited under our bylaws and the LFTR from owning Shares of
The LFTR eliminated the restrictions on foreign investment in telecommunications services and satellite communication and increased the maximum permitted foreign-ownership in broadcasting (television and radio) to 49% subject to reciprocity.
We may restrict transfers or, to the extent permitted under applicable law, cause the mandatory sale or disposition of CPOs and GDRs where such transfer or ownership, as the case may be, might result in ownership of CPOs or GDRs exceeding the limits under applicable law or our bylaws, the CPO Trust Agreement or the CPO indenture. Non-Mexican states and governments are prohibited under our bylaws and the LFTR from owning our Shares and are, therefore, prohibited from being beneficial or record owners of GDRs.
Other Provisions
Forfeiture of Shares.As required by Mexican law, our bylaws provide that for Series “L” Shares and CPOs, our non-Mexican stockholders formally agree with the Foreign Affairs Ministry:
to be considered as Mexicans with respect to the Series “L” Shares and CPOs that they acquire or hold, as well as to the property, rights, concessions, participations or interests owned by us or to the rights and obligations derived from any agreements we have with the Mexican government; and
not to invoke the protection of their own governments with respect to their ownership of Series “L” Shares and CPOs. Failure to comply is subject to a penalty of forfeiture of such a stockholder’s capital interests in favor of Mexico. In the opinion of Mijares, Angoitia, Cortés y Fuentes, S.C., our Mexican counsel, under this provision a non-Mexican stockholder is deemed to have agreed not to invoke the protection of its own government by asking such government to interpose a diplomatic claim against the Mexican government with respect to the stockholder’s rights as a stockholder, but is not deemed to have waived any other rights it may have, including any rights under the U.S. securities laws, with respect to its investment in
Exclusive Jurisdiction.Our bylaws provide that legal action relating to the execution, interpretation or performance of the bylaws shall be brought only in federal courts located in Mexico City.
Duration.Our corporate existence under our bylaws continues until 2106.
Dissolution or Liquidation.Upon any dissolution or liquidation of our company, our stockholders will appoint one or more liquidators at an extraordinary general stockholders’ meeting to wind up our affairs. The approval of holders of the majority of the Series “A” Shares is necessary to appoint or remove any liquidator. Upon a dissolution or liquidation, holders of Series “D” Shares will be entitled to both accrued but unpaid dividends in respect of their Series “D” Shares, plus the theoretical value of their Series “D” Shares (as set forth in our bylaws). The theoretical value of our Series “D” Shares is Ps.0.00688246130560 per share. Thereafter, a payment per share will be made to each of the holders of Series “A” Shares, Series “B” Shares and Series “L” Shares equivalent to the payment received by each of the holders of Series “D” Shares. The remainder will be distributed equally among all stockholders in proportion to their number of Shares and amount paid.
Redemption.Our bylaws provide that we may redeem our Shares with distributable profits without reducing our capital stock by way of a stockholder resolution at an extraordinary stockholders’ meeting. In accordance with Mexican law and our bylaws:
any redemption shall be made on a pro-rata basis among all of our stockholders;
to the extent that a redemption is effected through a public tender offer on the Mexican Stock Exchange, the stockholders’ resolution approving the redemption may empower our Board to specify the number of shares to be redeemed and appoint the related intermediary or purchase agent; and
any redeemed shares must be cancelled.
Share Repurchases.As provided by Mexican law, our bylaws allow us to repurchase our Shares on the Mexican Stock Exchange at then prevailing market prices. The amount of capital stock allocated to share repurchases and the amount of the corresponding reserve created for this purpose is determined annually by our stockholders at an ordinary general stockholders’ meeting. The aggregate amount of resources allocated to share repurchases in any given year cannot exceed the total amount of our net profits in any given year, including retained earnings. Share repurchases must be charged to either our net worth if the repurchased Shares remain in our possession or our capital stock if the repurchased Shares are converted into treasury shares, in which case our capital stock is reduced automatically in an amount equal to the theoretical value of any repurchased Shares, if any. Any surplus is charged to the reserve for share repurchases. If the purchase price of the Shares is less than the theoretical value of the repurchased Shares, our capital stock account will be affected by an amount equal to the theoretical value of the repurchased Shares. Under Mexican law, we are not required to create a special reserve for the repurchase of shares, nor do we need the approval of our Board to effect share repurchases. In addition, any repurchased Shares cannot be represented at any stockholders’ meeting.
Conflicts of Interest.Under Mexican Law, any stockholder that votes on a transaction in which his, her or its interests conflict with our interests may be liable for damages, but only if the transaction would not have been approved without his, her or its vote. In addition, any member of the Board of Directors that votes on a transaction in which his, her or its interests conflict with our interests may be liable for damages. The Securities Market Law also imposes a duty of care and a duty of loyalty on directors as described in “Directors, Senior Management and Employees — Our Board of Directors — Duty of Care and Duty of Loyalty”. In addition, pursuant to the Mexican Securities Market Law, the Board of Directors, with input from the Corporate Practices Committee, must review and approve certain transactions and arrangements with related
Appraisal Rights and Other Minority Protections.Whenever our stockholders approve a change in our corporate purpose or jurisdiction of organization or our transformation from one type of company to another, any stockholder entitled to vote that did not vote in favor of these matters has the right to receive payment for its Series “A” Shares, Series “B” Shares, Series “D” Shares or Series “L” Shares in an amount calculated in accordance with Mexican law. However, stockholders must exercise their appraisal rights within fifteen days after the stockholders’ meeting at which the matter was approved. Because the holders of Series “L” Shares and Series “D” Shares may only vote in limited circumstances, appraisal rights are generally not available to them. See “— Voting Rights and Stockholders’ Meetings”.
Because the CPO Trustee must vote at a general stockholders’ meeting, the Series “A” Shares, Series “B” Shares and Series “D” Shares held by non-Mexicans through the CPO Trust will be voted by the individuals appointed by the Technical Committee of the CPO Trust, in the same manner as the majority of the Series “A” Shares held by Mexican nationals (directly, or through the CPO Trust, as the case may be). As a result, the Series “A” Shares, Series “B” Shares and Series “D” Shares underlying CPOs held by non-Mexicans will not be voted against any change that triggers the appraisal rights of the holders of these Shares. Therefore, these appraisal rights will not be available to holders of CPOs (or GDRs) with respect to Series “A” Shares, Series “B” Shares or Series “D” Shares.
The Mexican Securities Market Law and our bylaws include provisions that permit:
holders of at least 10% of our outstanding capital stock to request our Chairman of the Board or of the Audit Committee or Corporate Practices Committee to call a stockholders’ meeting in which they are entitled to vote;
subject to the satisfaction of certain requirements under Mexican law, holders of at least 5% of our outstanding capital stock to bring an action for civil liabilities against our directors;
holders of at least 10% of our Shares that are entitled to vote and are represented at a stockholders’ meeting to request postponement of resolutions with respect to any matter on which they were not sufficiently informed; and
subject to the satisfaction of certain requirements under Mexican law, holders of at least 20% of our outstanding capital stock to contest and suspend any stockholder resolution.
See “Key Information — Risk Factors — Risk Factors Related to Our Securities — The Protections Afforded to Minority Stockholders in Mexico Are Different From Those in the U.S.”. In addition, in accordance with the Mexican Securities Market Law, we are also subject to certain corporate governance requirements, including the requirement to maintain an audit committee and a corporate practices committee, and to elect independent directors. The protections afforded to minority stockholders under Mexican law are generally different from those in the U.S. and many other jurisdictions. Substantive Mexican law concerning fiduciary duties of directors has not been the subject of extensive judicial interpretation in Mexico, unlike many states in the U.S. where duties of care and loyalty elaborated by judicial decisions help to shape the rights of minority stockholders. Furthermore, despite the fact that recent amendments to the Mexican Federal Code of Civil Procedures have provided for certain types of class actions, these actions are limited to subject matters related to the use of goods or the provision of public or private services, as well as environmental matters. Therefore, Mexican civil procedure does not contemplate class actions or stockholder derivative actions, which permit stockholders in U.S. courts to bring actions on behalf of other stockholders or to enforce rights of the corporation itself. Stockholders in Mexico also cannot challenge corporate actions taken at stockholders’ meetings unless they meet stringent procedural requirements. See “— Voting Rights and Stockholders’ Meetings”. As a result of these factors, it is generally more difficult for our minority stockholders to enforce rights against us or our directors or Major Stockholders than it is for stockholders of a corporation established under the laws of a state of the U.S. In addition, under U.S. securities laws, as a foreign private issuer we are exempt from certain rules that apply to domestic U.S. issuers with equity securities registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act, including the proxy solicitation rules. We are also exempt from many of the corporate governance requirements of the New York Stock Exchange.
Antitakeover Protections
General.Our bylaws provide that, subject to certain exceptions: (i) any person, entity or group of persons and/or entities that intends to acquire beneficial ownership of ordinary Shares (as defined below) which, when coupled with ordinary Shares previously beneficially owned by such persons or their affiliates, represent 10% or more of our outstanding ordinary Shares; (ii) any competitor, or group including one or more competitors, that intends to acquire beneficial ownership of ordinary Shares which, when coupled with Shares previously beneficially owned by such competitor, group or their affiliates, represent 5% or more of our outstanding capital stock; (iii) any person, entity or group of persons and/or entities that wishes to acquire beneficial ownership of ordinary Shares representing 10% or more of our outstanding ordinary Shares; and (iv) any competitor, or group including one or more competitors, that intends to acquire beneficial ownership of ordinary Shares representing 5% or more of our capital stock, must obtain the prior approval of our Board of Directors and/or of our stockholders, as the case may be, subject to certain exceptions summarized below. Holders that acquire Shares in violation of these requirements will not be registered in our stock registry. Accordingly, these holders will not be able to vote such Shares or receive any dividends, distributions or other rights in respect of these Shares. In addition, pursuant to our bylaws, these holders will be obligated to pay us a penalty in an amount equal to the market value of the Shares so acquired. Pursuant to our bylaws, “Shares” are defined as the shares (of any class or series) representing our capital stock, and any instruments or securities that represent such shares or that grant any right with respect to or are convertible into those shares, expressly including CPOs; our Series “A” Shares and Series “B” Shares are our ordinary Shares.
Pursuant to our bylaws, a “competitor” is generally defined as any person or entity dedicated, directly or indirectly, to any of the following businesses or activities: television production and broadcasting, pay-TV production, program licensing, direct-to-home satellite services, publishing (newspaper and/or magazine), publishing distribution, music recording, cable television, the transmission of programming and/or other content by any other means known or to be known, radio broadcasting and production, the promotion of professional sports and other entertainment events, paging services, production, feature film/motion picture production and distribution, dubbing and/or the operation of an Internet portal. A “competitor” is also defined to include any person, entity and/or group that is engaged in any type of business or activity in which we may be engaged from time to time and from which we derive 5% or more of our consolidated income.
Board Notices, Meetings, Quorum Requirements and Approvals.To obtain the prior approval of our Board, a potential acquiror must properly deliver a written notice that states, among other things: (i) the number and class/type of our Shares it beneficially owns; (ii) the percentage of Shares it beneficially owns with respect to both our outstanding capital stock and the respective class/type of our Shares; (iii) the number and class/type of Shares it intends to acquire; (iv) the number and class/type of Shares it intends to grant or share a common interest or right; (v) its identity, or in the case of an acquiror which is a corporation, trust or legal entity, its stockholders or beneficiaries as well as the identity and nationality of each person effectively controlling such corporation, trust or legal entity; (vi) its ability to acquire our Shares in accordance with our bylaws and Mexican law, (vii) its source of financing the intended acquisition; (viii) if it has obtained any financing from one of its related parties for the payment of the Shares; (ix) the purpose of the intended acquisition; (x) if it intends to acquire additional common Shares in the future; which coupled with the current intended acquisition of common Shares and the common Shares previously beneficially owned by the potential acquiror, would result in ownership of 20% or more of our common Shares; (xi) if it intends to acquire control of us in the future; (xii) if the acquiror is our competitor or if it has any direct or indirect economic interest in or family relationship with one of our competitors; and (xiii) the identity of the financial institution, if any, that will act as the underwriter or broker in connection with any tender offer.
Either the Chairman, the Secretary or the Alternate Secretary of our Board of Directors must call a Board meeting within 10 calendar days following the receipt of the written notice and the Board meeting must be held within 45 calendar days following the call. Action by written consent is not permitted. With the exception of acquisitions that must be approved by the general extraordinary stockholders’ meeting as described below in “— Stockholder Notices, Meetings, Quorum Requirements and
Stockholder Notices, Meetings, Quorum Requirements and Approvals.In the event: (i) of a proposed acquisition of Shares that would result in a “change of
Mandatory Tender Offers in the Case of Certain Acquisitions.If either our Board of Directors or our stockholders at a general extraordinary stockholders’ meeting, as the case may be, authorize an acquisition of common Shares which increases the acquiror’s ownership to 20% or more, but not more than 50%, of our outstanding common Shares, without such acquisition resulting in a change of control, then the acquiror must effect its acquisition by way of a cash tender offer for a specified number of Shares equal to the greater of (x) the percentage of common Shares intended to be acquired or (y) 10% of our outstanding capital stock. In the event that our stockholders approve an acquisition that would result in a change of control, the acquiror must effect its acquisition by way of a cash tender offer for 100% of our total outstanding capital stock at a price which cannot be lower than the highest of the following: (i) the book value of the common Shares and CPOs as reported on the last quarterly income statement approved by the Board of Directors, (ii) the highest closing price of the common Shares, on any stock exchange during any of the three hundred-sixty-five (365) days preceding the date of the stockholders’ resolution approving the acquisition; or (iii) the highest price paid for any Shares, at any time by the acquiror. All tender offers must be made in Mexico and the U.S. within 60 days following the date on which the acquisition was approved by our Board of Directors or stockholders’ meeting, as the case may be. All holders must be paid the same price for their common Shares. The provisions of our bylaws summarized above regarding mandatory tender offers in the case of certain acquisitions are generally more stringent than those provided for under the Mexican Securities Market Law. In accordance with the Mexican Securities Market Law, bylaw provisions regarding mandatory tender offers in the case of certain acquisitions may differ from the requirements set forth in such law, provided that those provisions are more protective to minority stockholders than those afforded by law. In these cases, the relevant bylaw provisions, and not the relevant provisions of the Mexican Securities Market Law, will apply to certain acquisitions specified therein.
Exceptions.The provisions of our bylaws summarized above will not apply to (i) transfers of common Shares and/or CPOs by operation of the laws of inheritance, (ii) acquisitions of common Shares and/or CPOs by any person who, directly or indirectly, is entitled to appoint the greatest number of members to our Board of Directors, as well as by (A) entities controlled by such person, (B) affiliates of such person, (C) the estate of such person, (D) certain family members of such person, and (E) such person, when such person acquires any common Shares and/or CPOs from any entity, affiliate, person or family member referred to in (A), (B) and (D) above, and (iii) acquisitions or transfers of common Shares and/or CPOs by us, our subsidiaries or affiliates, or any trust created by us or any of our subsidiaries.
Amendments to the Antitakeover Provisions.Any amendments to these antitakeover provisions must be authorized by the CNBV and registered before the Public Registry of Commerce at our corporate domicile.
Enforceability of Civil Liabilities
We are a publicly traded corporation (sociedad anónima bursátil) organized under the laws of Mexico. Substantially all of our directors, executive officers and controlling persons reside outside of the United States, all or a significant portion of the assets of our directors, executive officers and controlling persons, and substantially all of our assets, are located outside of the U.S. and some of the experts named in this annual report also reside outside of the U.S. As a result, it may not be possible for investors to effect service of process within the U.S. upon these persons or to enforce against them or us in U.S. courts judgments predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the federal securities laws of the United States. We have been advised by our Mexican counsel, Mijares, Angoitia, Cortés y Fuentes, S.C., that there is doubt as to the enforceability, in original actions in Mexican courts, of liabilities predicated solely on U.S. federal securities laws and as to the enforceability in Mexican courts of judgments of U.S. courts obtained in actions predicated upon the civil liability provisions of U.S. federal securities laws. In the past, Mexican courts have enforced judgments rendered in the U.S. by virtue of the legal principles of reciprocity and comity, consisting of the review in Mexico of the U.S. judgment in order to ascertain whether Mexican legal principles of due process and public policy (orden público) have been complied with, without reviewing the merits of the subject matter of the case. See “Key Information — Risk Factors — Risks Factors Related to Our Securities — It May Be Difficult to Enforce Civil Liabilities Against Us or Our Directors, Executive Officers and Controlling Persons”.
We have been granted a number of concessions by the Mexican government that
We operate our DTH satellite service in Mexico, In October 2017, we issued Ps.4,500 million aggregate principal amount of 8.79% local bonds (Certificados Bursátiles) due 2027. In November and December 2017, we entered into long-term debt bilateral agreements, with Scotiabank, HSBC and Santander in the aggregate principal amount of Ps.$2,500, Ps.$2,000 and Ps.$1,500 million, respectively, with maturities between 2022 and 2023 bearing interest at an annual rate of TIIE plus a range between 125 and 130 basis points. In March 2018, the Company entered into a RCF with a syndicate of banks for up to an amount equivalent to U.S.$583 million payable in Mexican pesos, for a three-year term. The RCF was subsequently upsized to U.S.$618 million payable in Mexican pesos, and extended by a year. This facility bears interest at a floating rate based on a spread of 87.5 or 112.5 basis points over the 28-day TIIE rate depending on our net leverage ratio. In March 2020, the Company drew down the RCF as a prudent and precautionary measure in order to increase our cash position and preserve financial flexibility in light of current uncertainty in the global and local markets resulting from the COVID-19 outbreak. The aggregate principal amount was Ps.14,770.7 million, with maturity in the first quarter of 2022. In October 2020, the Company prepaid the RCF in full. We retained the right to reborrow the total amount under the facility, which remains available through March 2022. In May 2019, we issued U.S.$750 million aggregate principal amount of 5.25% Senior Notes due 2049. In June 2019, we entered into a credit agreement for a five-year term loan with a syndicate of banks in an amount of Ps.$10,000 million. For a description of the material terms of the amended indentures related to our 6.625% Senior Notes due 2025, our 4.625% Senior Notes due 2026, our 8.5% Senior Notes due 2032, our 8.49% Senior Notes due 2037, our 6.625% Senior Notes due 2040, our 7.38% local bonds (Certificados Bursátiles) due 2020, our 7.25% Senior Notes due 2043, our 28-day TIIE plus 0.35% local bonds (Certificados Bursátiles) due 2021 and 2022, our 5.0% Senior Notes due 2045, our 6.125% Senior Notes due 2046 and our 8.79% local bonds due 2027, as well as the description of the material terms for the Company’s subsidiaries debt and lease liabilities see “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects — Results of Operations — Liquidity, Foreign Exchange and Capital Resources — Refinancings” and “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects — Results of Operations — Liquidity, Foreign Exchange and Capital Resources — Indebtedness”.
Our transactions and arrangements with related parties are described under “Major Stockholders and Related Party Transactions — Related Party Transactions”.
For a description of our material transactions and arrangements with Univision, see “Information on the Company — Business Overview — Univision”.
On March 5, 2018, a purported stockholder class action lawsuit was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York (the “District Court”) alleging securities law violations in connection with allegedly misleading statements and/or omissions in The Company continues to believe that the lawsuit, and the material allegations and claims therein, are without merit and intends to continue vigorously
There are several legal actions and claims pending against us which are filed in the ordinary course of business. In our opinion, none of these actions and claims
For a description of exchange controls and exchange rate information, see “Key Information — Exchange Rate Information”.
General.The following is a summary of the anticipated material U.S. federal income tax consequences of the purchase, ownership and disposition of GDSs, CPOs and the Series “A” Shares, Series “B” Shares, Series “L” Shares and Series “D” Shares underlying the CPOs (referred to herein as the “Underlying Shares”), in each case, except as otherwise noted, by U.S. Holders (as defined below). This discussion does not address all aspects of U.S. federal income taxation that may be relevant to a particular beneficial owner of GDSs, CPOs or Underlying Shares based on the beneficial owner’s particular circumstances. For example, with respect to U.S. Holders, the following discussion does not address the U.S. federal income tax consequences to a U.S. Holder: that owns, directly, indirectly or through attribution, 2% or more of the total voting power or value of our outstanding Underlying Shares (including through ownership of GDSs and CPOs);
that is a dealer in securities, insurance company, financial institution, tax-exempt organization, U.S. expatriate, broker-dealer or trader in securities; or
whose functional currency is not the U.S. Dollar.
Also, this discussion does not consider:
the tax consequences to the stockholders, partners or beneficiaries of a U.S. Holder; or
special tax rules that may apply to a U.S. Holder that holds GDSs, CPOs or Underlying Shares as part of a “straddle,” “hedge,” “conversion transaction,” “synthetic security” or other integrated investment.
U.S. Holders that use an accrual method of accounting for U.S. federal income tax purposes generally are required to include certain amounts in income no later than the time such amounts are reflected on certain applicable financial statements. The application of this rule may require the accrual of income earlier than would be the case under the general U.S. federal income tax rules described below. U.S. Holders that use an accrual method of accounting for U.S. federal income tax purposes should consult with their tax advisors regarding the potential applicability of this rule to their particular situation.
In addition, the following discussion does not address any aspect of state, local or non-U.S. tax laws other than Mexican tax laws. Further, this discussion generally applies only to U.S. Holders that hold the CPOs, GDSs or Underlying Shares as capital assets within the meaning of Section 1221 of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (referred to herein as the “Code”).
The discussion set forth below is based on the U.S. federal income tax laws as in force on the date of this annual report, including:
the Code, applicable U.S. Treasury regulations and judicial and administrative interpretations; and
the convention between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the United Mexican States for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with respect to Taxes on Income, including the applicable protocols, collectively referred to herein as the “U.S.-Mexico Tax Treaty.”
The discussion is subject to changes to those laws and the U.S.-Mexico Tax Treaty subsequent to the date of this annual report, which changes could be made on a retroactive basis, and is also based, in part, on the representations of the Depositary with respect to the GDSs and on the assumption that each obligation in the Deposit Agreement relating to the GDSs and any related agreements will be performed in accordance with their terms.
As used in this section, the term “U.S. Holder” means a beneficial owner of CPOs, GDSs or Underlying Shares that is, for U.S. federal income tax purposes:
a citizen or individual resident of the United States;
a corporation (or entity treated as a corporation for such purposes) created or organized in or under the laws of the United States, or any State thereof or the District of Columbia;
an estate the income of which is included in gross income for U.S. federal income tax purposes regardless of source; or
a trust, if either (x) it is subject to the primary supervision of a court within the United States and one or more “United States persons” has the authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust or (y) it has a valid election in effect under applicable U.S. Treasury regulations to be treated as a “United States person”.
If a partnership (or an entity or arrangement classified as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes) holds CPOs, GDSs or Underlying Shares, the U.S. federal income tax treatment of a partner in the partnership generally will depend on the status of the partner, the activities of the partnership and certain determinations made at the partner level. Partnerships holding CPOs, GDSs or Underlying Shares, and partners in such partnerships, should consult their own tax advisors regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences of purchasing, owning and disposing of CPOs, GDSs or Underlying Shares. An individual may be treated as a resident of the United States in any calendar year for U.S. federal income tax purposes by being present in the United States on at least 31 days in that calendar year and for an aggregate of at least 183 days during a three-year period ending at the close of that year. For purposes of this calculation, all of the days present in the current year, one-third of the days present in the immediately preceding year and one-sixth of the days present in the second preceding year would be counted. Residents are taxed for U.S. federal income purposes as if they were U.S. citizens.
The application of the U.S.-Mexico Tax Treaty to U.S. Holders is conditioned upon, among other things, the assumptions that the U.S. Holder:
is not a resident of Mexico for purposes of the U.S.-Mexico Tax Treaty;
is an individual who has a “substantial presence” (within the meaning of the U.S.-Mexico Tax Treaty) in the United States;
is entitled to the benefits of the U.S.-Mexico Tax Treaty under the limitation on benefits provision contained in Article 17 of the U.S.-Mexico Tax Treaty; and
does not have a fixed place of business or a permanent establishment in Mexico with which its ownership of CPOs, GDSs or Underlying Shares is effectively connected.
For U.S. federal income tax purposes, U.S. Holders of GDSs and CPOs will be treated as the beneficial owners of the Underlying Shares represented by the GDSs and CPOs.
Dividends.The U.S. Dollar value of any distribution paid by us, including the amount of any Mexican taxes withheld from such distribution, will be included in the gross income of a U.S. Holder as a dividend, treated as ordinary income, to the extent that the distribution is paid out of our current and/or accumulated earnings and profits, as determined under U.S. federal income tax principles. U.S. Holders will not be entitled to claim a dividends received deduction for dividends received from us. Distributions that are treated as dividends received from us by a non-corporate U.S. Holder who meets certain eligibility requirements will qualify for U.S. federal income taxation at a preferential rate of 20% (or lower) if we are a “qualified foreign corporation”. We generally will be a “qualified foreign corporation” if either (i) we are eligible for benefits under the U.S.-Mexico Tax Treaty or (ii) the Underlying Shares or GDSs are listed on an established securities market in the United States. As we are eligible for benefits under the U.S.-Mexico Tax Treaty and the GDSs are listed on the New York Stock Exchange, we presently are a “qualified foreign corporation,” and we generally expect to be a “qualified foreign corporation” in future taxable years, but no assurance can be given that a change in circumstances will not affect our treatment as a “qualified foreign corporation” in any future taxable years. A non-corporate U.S. Holder will not be eligible for the reduced rate (a) if the U.S. Holder has not held the Underlying Shares, CPOs or GDSs for at least 61 days of the 121-day period beginning on the date which is 60 days before the ex-dividend date, (b) to the extent the U.S. Holder is under an obligation to make related payments on substantially similar or related property or (c) with respect to any portion of a dividend that is taken into account as investment income under Section 163(d)(4)(B) of the Code. Any days during which a U.S. Holder has diminished the U.S. Holder’s risk of loss with respect to the Underlying Shares, CPOs or GDSs (for example, by holding an option to sell such Underlying Shares, CPOs or GDSs) are not counted towards meeting the 61-day holding period. Special rules apply in determining the foreign tax credit limitation with respect to dividends subject to U.S. federal income taxation at the reduced rate. U.S. Holders should consult their own tax advisors concerning whether dividends received by them qualify for the reduced rate. In addition, a 3.8% tax may apply to certain investment income recognized by a U.S. Holder. See “— Medicare Tax” below.
To the extent, if any, that the amount of a distribution exceeds our current and/or accumulated earnings and profits, the distribution will first reduce the U.S. Holder’s adjusted tax basis in its Underlying Shares, CPOs or GDSs and, to the extent the distribution exceeds the U.S. Holder’s adjusted tax basis, it will be treated as gain from the sale of the U.S. Holder’s Underlying Shares, CPOs or GDSs. We do not maintain calculations of our earnings and profits under U.S. federal income tax principles. Therefore, a U.S. Holder should expect that a distribution paid by us will be treated as a dividend, even if that distribution would otherwise be treated as reducing such U.S. Holder’s adjusted tax basis in its Underlying Shares, CPOs or GDSs or as gain from the sale of the U.S. Holder’s Underlying Shares, CPOs or GDSs under the rules described above.
The U.S. Dollar value of any distributions paid in Pesos, including the amount of any Mexican taxes withheld, will be calculated by reference to the interbank exchange rate in effect on the date of receipt by the U.S. Holder or, with respect to the GDSs, The Bank of New York Mellon, in its capacity as Depositary, regardless of whether the payment is in fact converted into U.S. Dollars. U.S. Holders should consult their own tax advisors regarding the treatment of any foreign currency gain or loss on any distributions paid in Pesos that are not converted into U.S. Dollars on the day the Pesos are received. For U.S. foreign tax credit purposes, dividends distributed by us on CPOs, GDSs or Underlying Shares generally will constitute foreign source “passive income” or, in the case of some U.S. Holders, foreign source “general category income”. In general, pro rata distributions of additional shares with respect to the Underlying Shares that are part of a pro rata distribution to all of our stockholders generally (including U.S. Holders of GDSs) will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax.
A beneficial owner of CPOs, GDSs or Underlying Shares that is not a U.S. Holder and is not a partnership (or an entity or arrangement classified as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes) will not be subject to U.S. federal income or withholding tax on a dividend paid with respect to the CPOs, GDSs or the Underlying Shares, unless the dividend is effectively connected with the conduct by the beneficial owner of a trade or business in the United States.
Capital Gains.Gain or loss recognized by a U.S. Holder on a taxable sale or exchange of CPOs, GDSs or Underlying Shares will be subject to U.S. federal income taxation as capital gain or loss in an amount equal to the difference between the amount realized on the sale or exchange and the U.S. Holder’s adjusted tax basis in the CPOs, GDSs or Underlying Shares. Such capital gain or loss generally will be long-term capital gain or loss if the CPOs, GDSs or Underlying Shares have been held for more than one year at the time of disposition. Long-term capital gain of non-corporate U.S. Holders, including individual U.S. Holders, is subject to U.S. federal income tax at a preferential rate of 20% (or lower). In addition, a 3.8% tax may apply to certain investment income recognized by a U.S. Holder on a sale or exchange of CPOs, GDSs or Underlying Shares. See “— Medicare Tax” below. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to significant limitations.
Such capital gains generally will be U.S. source income, unless the gains are subject to Mexican taxation, in which case such gains generally will be treated as arising in Mexico under the U.S.-Mexico Tax Treaty. If capital gains are subject to Mexican taxation under the U.S.-Mexico Tax Treaty, a U.S. Holder generally may elect to treat such gains as foreign source income for U.S. foreign tax credit limitation purposes. However, any such Mexican taxes may not be used to offset U.S. federal income tax on any other item of income, and foreign taxes on any other item of income cannot be used to offset U.S. federal income tax on such gains. U.S. Holders should consult their tax advisors regarding the potential applicability of this rule to their particular situation.
Capital losses recognized on the sale or exchange of CPOs, GDSs or Underlying Shares generally will offset U.S. source income. Deposits and withdrawals of CPOs for GDSs and of Underlying Shares for CPOs by U.S. Holders will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax.
A beneficial owner of CPOs, GDSs or Underlying Shares that is not a U.S. Holder and is not a partnership (or an entity or arrangement classified as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes) generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on gain recognized on a sale or exchange of CPOs, GDSs or Underlying Shares unless:
the gain is effectively connected with the beneficial owner’s conduct of a trade or business in the United States; or
the beneficial owner is an individual who holds CPOs, GDSs or Underlying Shares as a capital asset, is present in the United States for 183 days or more in the taxable year of the sale or exchange and meets other requirements.
Medicare Tax.A U.S. Holder that is an individual or estate, or a trust that does not fall into a special class of trusts that is exempt from such tax, will generally be subject to a 3.8% tax on the lesser of (i) the U.S. Holder’s “net investment income” for a taxable year and (ii) the excess of the U.S. Holder’s modified adjusted gross income for such taxable year over U.S.$200,000 (U.S.$250,000 in the case of joint filers). For these purposes, “net investment income” will generally include dividends paid with respect to CPOs, GDSs or Underlying Shares and net gain attributable to the disposition of CPOs, GDSs or Underlying Shares (in each case, unless such CPOs, GDSs or Underlying Shares are held in connection with certain trades or businesses), but will be reduced by any deductions properly allocable to such income or net gain.
U.S. Backup Withholding.A U.S. Holder may be subject to U.S. information reporting and U.S. backup withholding on dividends paid on Underlying Shares, and on proceeds from the sale or other disposition of CPOs, GDSs or Underlying Shares, unless the U.S. Holder:
comes within an exempt category and, if required, certifies its exempt status; or
provides the applicable withholding agent with the U.S. Holder’s taxpayer identification number, certifies as to no loss of exemption from backup withholding tax and otherwise complies with the applicable requirements of the backup withholding rules.
The amount of any backup withholding will be allowed as a credit against the U.S. Holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability and may entitle such holder to a refund, provided, however, that certain required information is timely furnished to the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”). A beneficial owner of CPOs, GDSs or Underlying Shares that is not a U.S. Holder may be required to comply with certification and identification procedures in order to establish its exemption from backup withholding.
Certain Reporting Requirements.U.S. Holders that are individuals (and to the extent specified in applicable U.S. Treasury regulations, certain U.S. Holders that are entities and certain individuals that are not U.S. Holders) and hold “specified foreign financial assets” (as defined in section 6038D of the Code) are required to file a report on IRS Form 8938 with information relating to such assets for each taxable year in which the aggregate value of all such assets exceeds U.S.$75,000 at any time during the taxable year or U.S.$50,000 on the last day of the taxable year (or such higher dollar amount as prescribed by applicable U.S. Treasury regulations). Specified foreign financial assets would include, among other assets, GDSs, CPOs and Underlying Shares that are not held through an account maintained with a U.S. “financial institution” (as defined). Substantial penalties apply to any failure to timely file IRS Form 8938, unless the failure is shown to be due to reasonable cause and not due to willful neglect. Additionally, in the event a U.S. Holder that is required to file IRS Form 8938 does not file such form, the statute of limitations on the assessment and collection of U.S. federal income taxes of such U.S. Holder for the related tax year may not close until three years after the date that the required information is filed. Beneficial owners of GDSs, CPOs or Underlying Shares should consult their own tax advisors regarding their reporting obligations with respect to “specified foreign financial assets”.
Federal Mexican Taxation
General. The following is a general summary of the main tax consequences under the Mexican Income Tax Law, Federal Tax Code and rules as currently in effect (the “Mexican Tax Legislation”), all of which are subject to change or interpretation, and under the U.S.-Mexico Tax Treaty, of the purchase, ownership and disposition of CPOs, GDSs or underlying Series “A” Shares, Series “B” Shares, Series “D” Shares and Series “L” Shares by a person that is not a resident of Mexico for tax purposes, as defined below.
U.S. Holders should consult with their own tax advisors as to their entitlement to benefits afforded by the U.S.-Mexico Tax Treaty. Mexico has also entered into and is negotiating with various countries regarding other tax treaties that may have an effect on the tax treatment of CPOs, GDSs or underlying Series “A” Shares, Series “B” Shares, Series “D” Shares and Series “L” Shares. Holders should consult with their tax advisors as to their entitlement to the benefits afforded by these treaties.
This discussion does not constitute, and shall not be considered as, legal or tax advice to holders.
According to the Mexican Tax Legislation:
an individual is a Mexican tax resident if the individual has established his permanent home in Mexico. When an individual, in addition to his permanent home in Mexico, has a permanent home in another country, the individual will be a Mexican tax resident if his center of vital interests is located in Mexico. This will be deemed to occur if, among other circumstances, either (i) more than 50% of the total income obtained by the individual in the calendar year is Mexican source or (ii) when the individual’s center of professional activities is located in Mexico. Mexican nationals who filed a change of tax residence to a country or jurisdiction that does not have a comprehensive exchange of information agreement with Mexico in which her/his income is subject to a preferred tax regime pursuant to the provisions of the Mexican Income Tax Law, will be considered Mexican residents for tax purposes during the year of filing of the notice of such residence change and during the following three years. Unless otherwise proven, a Mexican national is considered a Mexican tax resident;
a legal entity is considered a Mexican tax resident if it maintains the main administration of its head office, business, or the effective location of its management in Mexico.
a foreign person with a permanent establishment in Mexico will be required to pay taxes in Mexico in accordance with the Mexican Tax Legislation for income attributable to such permanent establishment; and
a foreign person without a permanent establishment in Mexico will be required to pay taxes in Mexico in respect of revenues proceeding from sources of wealth located in national territory.
Dividends. Beginning in 2014, dividends, either in cash or in any other form, coming from our “previously taxed net earnings account”, or “cuenta de utilidad fiscal neta”, generated up to 2013 and paid with respect to the shares underlying the CPOs, including those CPOs represented by GDSs, will not be subject to Mexican withholding tax. On the other hand, the dividends coming from our previously taxed net earnings account generated during or after 2014 will be subject to a 10% Mexican withholding tax. We must first utilize the previously taxed net earnings account generated up to 2013 and when this account no longer has a balance, we must utilize the previously taxed net earnings account generated during or after 2014. The latter dividends will be subject to the 10% Mexican withholding tax.
However, under the U.S.-Mexico Tax Treaty, any U.S. Holder that is eligible to claim the benefits of the U.S.-Mexico Tax Treaty may be exempt from or subject to a lower withholding tax rate on dividends paid with respect to the shares underlying the CPOs, including those CPOs represented by GDSs. The U.S. Holder may be subject to a lower withholding tax rate (5%) under the U.S.-Mexico Tax Treaty if the U.S. Holder is a company that owns directly at least 10% of our voting outstanding shares.
On the other hand, the U.S. Holder may be exempt from withholding tax under the U.S.-Mexico Tax Treaty if the U.S. Holder is either (a) a company that has owned shares representing 80 percent or more of our voting outstanding shares for a 12-month period ending on the date the dividend is declared and that (1) prior to October 1, 1998 owned, directly or indirectly, shares representing 80 percent or more of our voting outstanding shares; or (2) is entitled to the benefits of the U.S.-Mexico Tax Treaty under clauses (i) or (ii) of subparagraph d) of paragraph 1 of Article 17 (Limitation on Benefits); or (3) is entitled to the benefits of the U.S.-Mexico Tax Treaty with respect to the dividends under subparagraph g) of paragraph 1 of Article 17; or (4) has received a determination from the relevant competent authority pursuant to paragraph 2 of Article 17; or (b) a trust, company, or other organization constituted and operated exclusively to administer or provide benefits under one or more plans established to provide pension, retirement or other employee benefits and its income is generally exempt from tax in the United States, provided that such dividends are not derived from the carrying on of a business, directly or indirectly, by such trust, company or organization.
Dividends paid to other Holders that are eligible to receive benefits pursuant to other income tax treaties to which Mexico is a party may be exempt from or subject to a lower withholding tax rate in whole or in part. Non-U.S. Holders should consult their own tax advisors as to their possible eligibility under such other income tax treaties. Appropriate tax residence certifications must be obtained by Holders eligible for tax treaty benefits.
When dividends are paid from our previously taxed net earnings account we will not be required to pay any Mexican corporate income tax on the dividends. During
Sales or Other Dispositions. Deposits and withdrawals of CPOs for GDSs and of underlying Series “A” Shares, Series “B” Shares, Series “D” Shares and Series “L” Shares for CPOs will not give rise to Mexican tax or transfer duties.
Beginning on January 1, 2014, the gains on the sale or other disposition of CPOs, GDSs or underlying Series “A” Shares, Series “B” Shares, Series “D” Shares and Series “L” Shares will be subject to a 10% Mexican withholding tax if the sale is carried out through the Mexican Stock Exchange. This withholding tax will not apply if the Holder is a tax resident of a country that has in effect a Tax Treaty with Mexico, as is the case with the United States; in order to obtain this benefit the Holder must deliver to the withholding agent a letter stating, under oath, (i) that the Holder is resident for purposes of the specific Tax Treaty and (ii) the Holder’s tax identification number.
Sales or other dispositions of CPOs, GDSs or underlying Series “A” Shares, Series “B” Shares, Series “D” Shares and Series “L” Shares made in other circumstances also would be subject to Mexican income tax. However, under the U.S.-Mexico Tax Treaty, any U.S. Holder that is eligible to claim the benefits of the U.S.-Mexico Tax Treaty may be exempt from Mexican tax on gains realized on a sale or other disposition of CPOs and shares underlying the CPOs in a transaction that is not carried out through the Mexican Stock Exchange. The U.S. Holder will be exempt under the U.S.-Mexico Tax Treaty if the U.S. Holder did not own directly or indirectly 25% or more of the our outstanding shares within the 12-month period preceding such sale or disposition. Gains realized by other Holders that are eligible to receive benefits pursuant to other income tax treaties to which Mexico is a party may be exempt from Mexican income tax in whole or in part. Non-U.S. Holders should consult their own tax advisors as to their possible eligibility under such other income tax treaties. Appropriate tax residence certifications must be obtained by Holders eligible for tax treaty benefits.
Other Mexican Taxes. There are no estate, gift, or succession taxes applicable to the ownership, transfer or disposition of CPOs, GDSs or underlying Series “A” Shares, Series “B” Shares, Series “D” Shares and Series “L” Shares. However, a gratuitous transfer of CPOs, GDSs or underlying Series “A” Shares, Series “B” Shares, Series “D” Shares and Series “L” Shares may, in some circumstances, result in the imposition of a Mexican federal tax upon the recipient. There are no Mexican stamp, issuer, registration or similar taxes or duties payable by holders of GDSs, CPOs, or underlying Series “A” Shares, Series “B” Shares, Series “D” Shares and Series “L” Shares.
For further information with respect to us and our CPOs and GDSs, we refer you to the filings we have made with the SEC. Statements contained in this annual report concerning the contents of any contract or any other document are not necessarily complete. If a contract or document has been filed as an exhibit to any filing we have made with the SEC, we refer you to the copy of the contract or document that has been filed. Each statement in this annual report relating to a contract or document filed as an exhibit to any filing we have made with the SEC is qualified in its entirety by the filed exhibit.
The Company is subject to the informational requirements of the Exchange Act and in accordance therewith files reports and other information with the SEC. Reports and other information filed by the Company with the SECare available at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. We maintain a website at http://www.televisair.com/en and make all of our annual, quarterly and current reports and other publicly filed information available, free of charge, on or through our website.
We furnish The Bank of New York Mellon, the depositary for our GDSs, with annual reports in English. These reports contain audited consolidated financial statements that, starting with the annual report for year ended December 31, 2012, have been prepared in accordance with IFRS. The historical financial statements included in these reports have been examined and reported on, with an opinion expressed by, an independent registered public accounting firm. The depositary is required to mail our annual reports to all holders of record of our GDSs. The Deposit Agreement for the GDSs also requires us to furnish the depositary with English translations of all notices of stockholders’ meetings and other reports and communications that we send to holders of our CPOs. The depositary is required to mail these notices, reports and communications to holders of record of our GDSs.
As a foreign private issuer, we are not required to furnish proxy statements to holders of our CPOs or GDSs in the United States.
Market Risk Disclosures
Market risk is the exposure to an adverse change in the value of financial instruments caused by market factors including changes in equity prices, interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates, commodity prices and inflation rates. The following information includes “forward-looking statements” that involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ from those presented.
Risk Management.We are exposed to market risks arising from changes in equity prices, interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates and inflation rates, in both the Mexican and U.S. markets. Our risk management activities are monitored by our Investments, Risk Management and Treasury Committee.
We monitor our exposure to interest rate risk by: (i) evaluating differences between interest rates on our outstanding debt and short-term investments and market interest rates on similar financial instruments; (ii) reviewing our cash flow needs and financial ratios (indebtedness and interest coverage); (iii) assessing current and forecasted trends in the relevant markets; and (iv) evaluating peer group and industry practices. This approach allows us to establish the interest rate “mix” between variable and fixed rate debt.
Foreign currency exchange risk is monitored by assessing our net monetary liability position in U.S. Dollars and our forecasted cash flow needs for anticipated U.S. Dollar investments and servicing our U.S. Dollar-denominated debt. Equity price risk is assessed by evaluating the long-term value of our investment in both domestic and foreign affiliates, versus comparable investments in the marketplace. We classify our equity investments in affiliates, both domestic and foreign, as long-term assets.
In compliance with the procedures and controls established by ourInvestments, Risk Management and Treasury Committee, in
Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk and Interest Rate Risk
During January and April 2012, in connection with TVI’s variable rate bank loan with Banorte due 2016, TVI entered into interest rate swap agreements on a notional amount of Ps.500.0 million and Ps.800.0 million, respectively. These agreements involve the exchange of interest payments based on a variable interest rate for amounts based on fixed rates. These agreements allowed us to fix the coupon payments for a period of four years at an interest rate of 6.9315%. In May 2015, the variable rate bank loan was prepaid but this agreement continued because a new variable rate bank loan with Banorte due 2022 was agreed and it covered the same exposure until February 2016. In October 2016,
The net fair value of the interest rate swap was a liability of
During the second semester of 2013 and the second semester of 2014, in connection with TVI’s variable rate bank loans with HSBC due 2019, TVI entered into interest rate swap agreements on notional amounts of Ps.500.0 million and Ps.300.0 million, respectively. These agreements involve the exchange of interest payments based on a variable interest rate for amounts based on fixed rates. In December 2016,
During April 2014 and March 2015, in connection with the local bonds (Certificados Bursátiles) issued by
During June 2015, the first quarter of 2016 and the first quarter of 2017, in connection with the local bonds (Certificados Bursátiles) issued by
During the second half of 2015, in connection with two of TVI’s variable rate bank loans with Santander due 2019 and 2020, TVI entered into interest rate swap agreements on notional amounts of Ps.250.0 million each. These agreements involve the exchange of interest payments based on a variable interest rate for amounts based on fixed rates. In September 2016,
During
As of March 31,
During
During the last quarter of 2017, in connection with the variable rate bank loan with HSBC due 2022, the Company entered into interest rate swap agreements on notional amounts of Ps.2,000.0 million. These agreements involve the exchange of interest payments based on a variable interest rate for amounts based on fixed rates. These agreements allowed us to fix the coupon payments for a period of five years at an interest rate of 8.6275%
The net fair value of the interest rate swap was a liability of
During the last quarter of 2017, in connection with the variable rate bank loan with Santander due 2022, the Company entered into interest rate swap agreements on notional amounts of Ps.1,500.0 million. These agreements involve the exchange of interest payments based on a variable interest rate for amounts based on fixed rates. These agreements allowed us to fix the coupon payments for a period of five years at an interest rate of 8.6%.
The net fair value of the interest rate swap was a liability of
During the last quarter of 2017 and the first quarter of 2018, in connection with the variable rate bank loan with Scotiabank due 2023, the Company entered into interest rate swap agreements on notional amounts of Ps.1,000.0 million and Ps.1,500.0 million respectively. These agreements involve the exchange of interest payments based on a variable interest rate for amounts based on fixed rates. These agreements allowed us to fix the coupon payments for a period of five years at an interest rate of 9.0485%.
The net fair value of the interest rate swap was aliability of
During the third quarter of 2019, in connection with the variable rate syndicate loan due 2024, the Company entered into three interest rate swap agreements on notional amounts of Ps.2,000.0 million each. These agreements involve the exchange of interest payments based on a variable interest rate for amounts based on fixed rates. These agreements allowed us to fix the coupon payments for a period of five years at an interest rate of 7.3873%. During the fourth quarter of 2020, the Company entered into one interest rate swap agreement on the notional amount of Ps.4,000 million. This agreement involves the exchange of interest payments based on a variable interest rate for amounts based on fixed rates. With this last agreement the syndicate loan is fully hedged until its maturity at an interest rate of 6.7620%.
The net fair value of the interest rate swap was a liability of
During the first quarter of 2020, the Company drew down from its RCF for an amount of Ps.14,771 million due 2022. In connection with the RCF, the company entered into interest rate swap agreements for the full amount. These agreements involve the exchange of interest payments based on a variable interest rate for amounts based on fixed rates. These agreements allowed us to fix the coupon payments for a two year period at an interest rate of 6.0738%. The RCF was fully prepaid during the fourth quarter of 2020, during the same quarter we unwound two of the hedges for a notional amount of Ps. 5,385 million. We kept the remaining position until 2022 at an interest rate of 6.0246%.
The net fair value of the interest rate swap was a liability of
During
During
During
Sensitivity and Fair Value Analyses
The sensitivity analyses that follow are intended to present the hypothetical change in fair value or loss in earnings due to changes in interest rates, inflation rates, foreign currency exchange rates and debt and equity market prices as they affect our financial instruments at December 31,
We are also subject to the risk of foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations, resulting from the net monetary position in U.S. Dollars of our Mexican operations, as follows:
At December 31, 2020, a hypothetical 10% appreciation/depreciation in the U.S. dollar to Mexican peso exchange rate would result in a foreign exchange gain/loss, net of hedge, of Ps.5,705.3 million. At December 31, 2019, a hypothetical 10% appreciation/depreciation in the U.S. dollar to Mexican peso exchange rate would result in a foreign exchange gain/loss, net of hedge, of Ps.2,847.5 million.
Global Depositary Shares
The Bank of New York Mellon, the depositary for the securities underlying our GDSs, collects its fees for delivery and surrender of GDSs directly from investors depositing shares or surrendering GDSs for the purpose of withdrawal or from intermediaries acting for them. The depositary collects fees for making distributions to investors by deducting those fees from the amounts distributed or by selling a portion of distributable property to pay the fees. The depositary may collect its annual fee for depositary services by deductions from cash distributions or by directly billing investors or by charging the book-entry system accounts of participants acting for them. The depositary may generally refuse to provide fee-attracting services until its fees for those services are paid.
The following table summarizes the fees and charges that a GDS holder may be required to pay, directly or indirectly, to the depositary pursuant to the terms of the Deposit Agreement, which was filed with the SEC as an exhibit to our Registration Statement on Form F-6 filed on September 17, 2007:
Note that the actual amounts charged by the depositary may differ from those set out in the table above, but may not exceed these levels.
The Bank of New York Mellon, as depositary, pays us an agreed amount as reimbursement for certain expenses we incur related to our being a publicly-listed entity in the United States, including, but not limited to, internal and out-of-pocket investor relations expenses, corporate finance and accounting expenses, legal expenses, annual NYSE listing fees, Sarbanes-Oxley compliance, travel expenses related to presentations to rating agencies and investors, road show presentations, or any other similar or related expenses. There are limits on the amount of expenses for which the depositary will reimburse us, but the amount of reimbursement available to us is not necessarily tied to the amount of fees the depositary collects from investors. In
Not applicable.
Not applicable.
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Based on the evaluation as of December 31,
Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
The Company’s management, including our Co-Chief Executive Officers and Principal Financial Officer, is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting and is responsible for the assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as such terms are defined in Rule 13a-15(f) of the Exchange Act.
Management assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31,
Internal control over financial reporting has inherent limitations. Internal control over financial reporting is a process that involves human diligence and compliance and is subject to lapses in judgment and breakdowns resulting from human failures. Internal control over financial reporting also can be circumvented by collusion or improper management override. Because of such limitations, there is a risk that material misstatements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis by internal control over financial reporting. However, these inherent limitations are known features of the financial reporting process. Therefore, it is possible to design into the process safeguards to reduce, though not eliminate, this risk.
Management concluded that the Company maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31,
The effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31,
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
There has been no change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) that occurred during the year ended December 31,
Our board of directors has determined that Mr. Francisco José Chevez Robelo is our audit committee financial expert. Mr. Francisco José Chevez Robelo is “independent” and meets the requisite qualifications as defined in Item 16A of Form 20-F.
The 2020 amendments consist of (i) improvements to the Code of Ethics’ structure, to provide for a better and simpler understanding thereof, and (ii) updates on key topics. We did not grant any waivers to our Code of Ethics during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020. You may request a copy of our code of ethics, at no cost, by writing to or telephoning us as follows:
Grupo Televisa, S.A.B.
In addition, the English version of the code of ethics can be found at http://www.televisair.com/en/governance/codes-and-bylaws and the Spanish version can be found at http://www.televisair.com/es-ES/governance/codes-and-bylaws.
KPMG Cárdenas Dosal, S.C. acted as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal years ended December 31,
The chart below sets forth the total amount billed by our independent registered public accounting
“Audit Fees” are the aggregate fees billed by our Independent Registered Public Accounting
“Audit-Related Fees” are fees charged by our Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm for assurance and related services that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of our financial statements and are not reported under “Audit Fees”. This category comprises fees billed for independent accountant review of our interim financial statements in connection with the offering of our debt securities, advisory services associated with our financial reporting, and due diligence reviews in connection with potential acquisitions and business combinations.
“Tax Fees” are fees for professional services rendered by the Company’s Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm for tax compliance in connection with our subsidiaries and interests in the United States, as well as tax advice on actual or contemplated transactions.
“Other Fees” are fees charged by our Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm in connection with services rendered other than audit, audit-related and tax services.
We have procedures for the review and pre-approval of any services performed by KPMG Cárdenas Dosal,
Audit Committee Pre-approval Policies and Procedures
Our audit committee is responsible, among other things, for the oversight of our external auditors. On the other hand, our Board of Directors, with the support of our audit committee, is responsible, among other things, for the appointment and compensation of our external auditors. All services other than the audit related services must receive a specific approval from our Board of Directors, with the favorable opinion of the audit committee. Our external auditor,
During
Not applicable.
The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, information regarding purchases of any of our equity securities registered pursuant to Section 12 of the Exchange Act made by us or on our behalf or by or on behalf of any affiliated purchaser (as that term is defined in Rule 10b-18(a)(3) under the Exchange Act):
Purchases of Equity Securities by the Company
Purchases of Equity Securities by Special Purpose Trust Formed in Connection with Long-Term Retention Plan(1)
Not applicable.
As a foreign private issuer with shares listed on the NYSE, we are subject to different corporate governance requirements than a U.S. company under the NYSE listing standards. With certain exceptions, foreign private issuers are permitted to follow home country practice standards. Pursuant to Rule 303.A11 of the NYSE listed company manual, we are required to provide a summary of the significant ways in which our corporate governance practices differ from those required for U.S. companies under the NYSE listing standards.
We are a Mexican corporation with shares, in the form of CPOs listed on theBolsa Mexicana de Valores, or Mexican Stock Exchange. Our corporate governance practices are governed by our bylaws, the Mexican Securities Market Law, and the regulations issued by the CNBV and the Mexican Stock Exchange. Although compliance is not mandatory, we also substantially comply with the Mexican Code of Principles and Best Corporate Governance Practices (Código de Principios y Mejores Prácticas
The table below sets forth a description of the significant differences between corporate governance practices required for U.S. companies under the NYSE listing standards and the Mexican corporate governance standards that govern our practices.
Not applicable.
We have responded to Item 18 in lieu of Item 17.
See pages F-1 through
Documents filed as exhibits to this annual report appear on the following
(a) Exhibits.
EXHIBIT INDEX
Instruments defining the rights of holders of certain issues of long-term debt of the Registrant and its consolidated subsidiaries have not been filed as exhibits to this Form 20-F because the authorized principal amount of any one of such issues does not exceed 10% of the total assets of the Registrant and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis. The Registrant agrees to furnish a copy of each such instrument to the SEC upon request.
(b) Financial Statement Schedules
All financial statement schedules relating to the Registrant are omitted because they are not required or because the required information, if material, is contained in the audited year-end financial statements or notes thereto. SIGNATURE
The registrant 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.
GRUPO TELEVISA, S. A. B. AND SUBSIDIARIES
INDEX TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AS OF
DECEMBER 31,
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Stockholders and Board of Directors Grupo Televisa, S.A.B. :
Opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of financial position of Grupo Televisa, S.A.B. and subsidiaries (the “Group”) as of December 31,
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Group’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31,
Basis for Opinion
These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Group’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Group 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 audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits 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. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Critical Audit Matters (thousands of Mexican pesos)
The critical audit matters communicated below are matters arising from the current period audit of the consolidated financial statements that were communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relate to accounts or disclosures that are material to the consolidated financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of a critical audit matter 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 matters below, providing
Goodwill impairment analysis As The recoverable amount of
We identified the valuation of goodwill for
The following are the primary procedures we performed to address this critical audit
As
We have identified the
The following are the primary procedures we performed to address this critical audit
KPMG Cárdenas Dosal S.C.
We have served as the Group’s auditor since 2018.
Mexico City, Mexico
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Stockholders and Board of Directors
Opinion on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
We have audited Grupo Televisa S.A.B. and
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated statements of financial position of the Group as of December 31,
Basis for Opinion
The Group’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Group’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Group 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 audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. 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 audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
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 (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) 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 (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the group’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.
/s/ KPMG Cárdenas Dosal, S.C.
KPMG Cárdenas Dosal, S.C.
Mexico City, Mexico
Consolidated Statements of Financial Position As of December 31, (In thousands of Mexican pesos) (Notes 1, 2 and 3)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
Consolidated Statements of Income For the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 (In thousands of Mexican pesos, except per CPO amounts) (Notes 1, 2 and 3)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income For the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 (In thousands of Mexican pesos) (Notes 1, 2 and 3)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity For the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 (In thousands of Mexican pesos) (Notes 1, 2 and 3)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows For the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 (In thousands of Mexican pesos) (Notes 1, 2 and 3)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements For the Years Ended December 31, 2020, 2019 (In thousands of Mexican pesos, except per CPO, per share and exchange rate amounts, unless otherwise indicated)
Grupo Televisa, S.A.B. (the “Company”) is a limited liability public stock corporation (“Sociedad Anónima Bursátil” or “S.A.B.”), incorporated under the laws of Mexico. Pursuant to the terms of the Company’s bylaws (“Estatutos Sociales”), its corporate existence continues through 2106. The shares of the Company are listed and traded in the form of “Certificados de Participación Ordinarios”, or
Grupo Televisa, S.A.B., together with its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Group”), is a leading media company in the Spanish-speaking world, an important cable operator in Mexico, and an operator of a leading direct-to-home satellite pay television system in Mexico. The Group distributes the content it produces through several broadcast channels in Mexico and in over 70 countries through 25 pay-tv brands and television networks, cable operators and over-the-top or “OTT” services. In the United States, the Group´s audiovisual content is distributed through Univision Communications Inc. (“Univision”) the leading media company serving the Hispanic market. Univision broadcasts the Group’s audiovisual content through multiple platforms, in exchange for a royalty payment. In addition, beginning on December 29, 2020, the Group has equity
The principal accounting policies followed by the Group and used in the preparation of these consolidated financial statements are summarized below.
The consolidated financial statements of the Group as of December 31,
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a historical cost basis, except for the measurement at fair value of
The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with IFRS Standards, requires the use of certain critical accounting estimates. It also requires management to exercise its judgment in the process of applying the Group’s accounting policies. Changes in assumptions may have a significant impact on the consolidated financial statements in the period the assumptions changed. Management believes that the underlying assumptions are appropriate. The areas involving a higher degree of judgment or complexity, or areas where estimates and assumptions are significant to the Group’s financial statements are disclosed in Note 5 to these consolidated financial statements.
These consolidated financial statements were authorized for issuance on
The financial statements of the Group are prepared on a consolidated basis and include the assets, liabilities and results of operations of all companies in which the Company has a controlling interest (subsidiaries). All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated from the consolidated financial statements.
Subsidiaries
Subsidiaries are all entities over which the Company has control. The Group controls an entity when it is exposed to, or has rights to, variable returns from its involvement with the entity and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the entity. The existence and effects of potential voting rights that are currently exercisable or convertible are considered when assessing whether or not the Company controls another entity. The subsidiaries are consolidated from the date on which control is obtained by the Company and cease to consolidate from the date on which said control is lost.
The Group applies the acquisition method to account for business combinations. The consideration transferred for the acquisition of a subsidiary is the fair
Acquisition-related costs are expensed as incurred.
Goodwill is initially measured as the excess of the aggregate of the consideration transferred and the fair value of non-controlling interest over the net identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed. If this consideration is lower than the fair value of the net assets of the subsidiary acquired, the difference is recognized in income or loss.
Changes in Ownership Interests in Subsidiaries without Change of Control
Transactions with non-controlling interests that do not result in loss of control are accounted for as equity transactions that is, as transactions with the owners in their capacity as owners. The difference between fair value of any consideration paid and the interest acquired of the carrying value of net assets of the subsidiary is recorded in equity. Gains or losses on disposals of non-controlling interests are also recorded in equity.
Loss of Control of a Subsidiary
When the Company ceases to have control of a subsidiary, any retained interest in the entity is remeasured to its fair value at the date when control is lost, with the change in carrying amount recognized in income or loss. The fair value is the initial carrying amount for the purposes of subsequently accounting for the retained interest as an associate, joint venture or financial asset. In addition, any amounts previously recognized in other comprehensive income in respect of that entity are accounted for as if the Group had directly disposed of the related assets or liabilities. This means that amounts previously recognized in other comprehensive income are reclassified to income or loss except for certain equity financial instruments designated irrevocably with changes in other comprehensive income or loss.
At December 31,
The Group’s Cable, Sky and Content segments,
Renewal of concessions for the Content segment (Broadcasting)
Renewal of concessions for the Sky and Cable segments require, among others: (i) to request its renewal to IFT prior to the last fifth period of the fixed term of the related concession; (ii) to be in compliance with the concession holder’s obligations under the LFTR, other applicable regulations, and the concession title; and (iii) the acceptance by the concession holder of any new conditions for renewing the concession as set forth by IFT. IFT shall resolve any request for renewal of the telecommunications concessions within 180 business days of its request. Failure to respond within such period of time shall be interpreted as if the request for renewal has been granted.
The regulations of the broadcasting and the telecommunications concessions (including satellite pay TV) establish that at the end of the concession, the frequency bands or spectrum attached to the services provided in the concessions shall return to the Mexican government. In addition, at the end of the concession, the Mexican government will have the preferential right to acquire infrastructure, equipment and other goods directly used in the provision of the concession. If the Mexican government were to exercise its right to acquire infrastructure, equipment and other goods, it would be required to pay a price that is equivalent to a formula that is similar to fair value. To the knowledge of the Company’s management, no spectrum granted for broadcasting services in Mexico has been recovered by the Mexican government in at least the past three decades for public interest reasons. However, the Company’s management is unable to predict the outcome of any action by IFT in this regard. In addition, these assets, by themselves, would not be enough to immediately begin broadcasting or offering satellite pay TV services or telecommunications services, as no content producing assets or other equipment necessary to operate the business would be included.
Also, the Group’s Gaming business, which is reported in the Other Businesses segment, requires a permit granted by the Mexican Federal Government for a fixed term, subject to renewal in accordance with Mexican law. Additionally, the Group’s Sky businesses in Central America and the Dominican Republic require concessions or permits granted by local regulatory authorities for a fixed term, subject to renewal in accordance with local laws.
The accounting guidelines provided by IFRIC 12Service Concession Arrangements,are not applicable to the Group due primarily to the following factors: (i) the Mexican government does not substantially control the Group’s infrastructure, what services are provided with the infrastructure and the price at which such services are offered; (ii) the Group’s broadcasting service does not constitute a public service as per the definition in IFRIC 12; and (iii) the Group is unable to divide its infrastructure among the public (telephony and possibly Internet services) and non-public (pay TV) service components.
At December 31,
The concessions or permits held by the Group are not subject to any significant pricing regulations in the ordinary course of business.
Associates are those entities over which the Group has significant influence but not control or joint control, generally those entities with a shareholding of between 20% and 50% of the voting rights. Investments in joint arrangements are classified as either joint operations or joint ventures depending on the contractual rights and obligations of each investor. Joint ventures are those joint arrangements where the Group exercises joint control with other stockholder or more stockholders without exercising control individually, and have rights to the net assets of the joint arrangements. Investments in associates and joint ventures are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. Under the equity method, the investment is initially recognized at cost, and the carrying amount is increased or decreased to recognize the investor’s share of the net assets of the investee after the date of acquisition.
The Group’s investments in associates include an equity interest in UHI represented by approximately 35.9% and 10% of the outstanding total shares of UHI as of December 31, 2020 and 2019,
If the Group’s share of losses of an associate or a joint venture equals or exceeds its interest in the investee, the Group discontinues recognizing its share of further losses. The interest in an associate or a joint venture is the carrying amount of the investment in the investee under the equity method together with any other long-term investment that, in substance, form part of the Group’s net investment in the investee. After the Group’s interest is reduced to zero, additional losses are provided for, and a liability is recognized, only to the extent that the Group has incurred legal or constructive obligations or made payments on behalf of the associate or joint venture.
Operating segments are reported in a manner consistent with the internal reporting provided to the Group’s
Functional and Presentation Currency
Items included in the financial statements of each of the Group’s entities are measured using the currency of the primary economic environment in which the entity operates (“functional currency”). The presentation and reporting currency of the Group’s consolidated financial statements is the Mexican peso, which is used for compliance with its legal and tax obligations.
Transactions and Balances
Foreign currency transactions are translated into the functional currency using the exchange rates prevailing at the dates of the transactions or measurement where items are remeasured. 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 statement of income as part of finance income or expense, except when deferred in other comprehensive income as qualifying cash flow hedges and qualifying net investment hedges.
Changes in the fair value of monetary securities denominated in foreign currency classified as investments in financial instruments are analyzed between exchange differences resulting from changes in the amortized cost of the security and other changes in the carrying amount of the security. Translation differences related to changes in amortized cost are recognized in income or loss, and other changes in carrying amount are recognized in other comprehensive income or loss.
Translation of Foreign Operations
The financial statements of the Group’s foreign entities that have a functional currency different from the presentation currency are translated into the presentation currency as follows: (a) assets and liabilities are translated at the closing rate at the date of the statement of financial position; (b) income and expenses are translated at average exchange rates (unless this average is not a reasonable approximation of the cumulative effect of the rates prevailing on the transaction dates, in which case income and expenses are translated at the rate on the dates of the transactions); (c) stockholders' equity accounts are translated at the prevailing exchange rate at the time capital contributions were made and
Goodwill and fair value adjustments arising on the acquisition of a foreign entity are treated as assets and liabilities of the foreign entity and translated at the closing rate. Translation differences arising are recognized in other comprehensive income or loss.
Assets and liabilities in foreign currencies of non-Mexican subsidiaries that use the Mexican Peso as a functional currency are initially converted to Mexican Pesos by utilizing the exchange rate of the statement of financial position date for monetary assets and liabilities, and historical exchange rates for non-monetary items, with the related adjustment included in the consolidated statement of income as finance income or expense.
A portion of the Group’s outstanding principal amount of its U.S. dollar denominated long-term debt (hedging instrument, disclosed in the line item “Long-term debt, net of current portion” of the consolidated statement of financial position) has been designated as a hedge of a net investment in a foreign operation in connection with the Group’s investment in shares of common stock of UHI (hedged item), which amounted to U.S.$1,074.0 million (Ps.21,424,180) and U.S.$433.7 million (Ps.8,189,662)
A portion of the Group’s outstanding principal amount of its U.S. dollar denominated long-term debt (hedging instrument, disclosed in the line item “Long-term debt, net of current portion” of the consolidated statement of financial position) was designated as a fair value hedge of foreign exchange exposure related to its investment in warrants that were exercisable for common stock of UHI (hedged item) through December 29, 2020, the date on which the Group exercised all of these warrants for common stock of UHI, which amounted to Ps.17,387,699 (U.S.$871.6 million) as of December 29, 2020 and Ps.33,775,451 (U.S.$1,788.6 million) as of December 31, 2019. Consequently, any foreign exchange gain or loss attributable to this designated hedging long-term debt was credited or charged directly to other comprehensive income or loss through December 29, 2020, along with the recognition in the same line item of any foreign currency gain or loss of this investment in warrants designated as a hedged item through that date (see Notes 9, 14 and 18). A portion of the Group’s outstanding principal amount of its U.S. dollar denominated long-term debt (hedging instrument, disclosed in the line item “Long-term debt, net of current portion” of the consolidated statement of financial position) has been designated as a fair value hedge of foreign exchange exposure related
Beginning on January 1, 2018, the Group adopted the hedge accounting requirements of IFRS 9Financial Instruments
Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash on hand and all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less at the date of acquisition. Cash is stated at nominal value and cash equivalents are measured at fair value, and the changes in the fair value are recognized in the statement of income.
As of December 31,
Programming is comprised of programs, literary works, production talent advances and films.
Transmission rights and literary works are valued at the lesser of acquisition cost and net realizable value. Programs and films are valued at the lesser of production cost, which consists of direct production costs and production overhead, and net realizable value. Payments for production talent advances are initially capitalized and subsequently included as direct or indirect costs of program production. Transmission rights are recognized from the point of which the legally enforceable license period begins. Until the license term commences and the programming rights are available, payments made are recognized as prepayments.
The Group’s policy is to capitalize the production costs of programs which benefit more than one annual period and amortize them over the expected period of future program revenues based on the Company’s historical revenue patterns and usage for similar productions.
Transmission rights, programs, literary works, production talent advances and films are recorded at acquisition or production cost. Cost of sales is calculated and recorded for the month in which such transmission rights, programs, literary works, production talent advances and films are matched with related revenues.
Transmission rights are recognized in income over the lives of the contracts. Transmission rights in perpetuity are amortized on a straight-line basis over the period of the expected benefit as determined by past experience, but not exceeding 25 years.
Inventories of paper, magazines, materials and supplies for maintenance of technical equipment are recorded at the lower of cost or its net realization value. The net realization value is the estimated selling price in the normal course of business, less estimated costs to conduct the sale. Cost is determined using the average cost method.
Beginning on January 1, 2018, the Group classifies its financial assets in accordance with IFRS 9 which became effective on that date. Under the guidelines of IFRS 9, the Group classifies financial assets as subsequently measured at amortized cost, fair value through other comprehensive income or loss (“FVOCIL”), or
Financial Assets Measured at Amortized Cost
Financial assets are measured at amortized cost when the objective of holding such financial assets is to collect contractual cash flows, and the contractual terms of the financial asset give rise on specified dates to cash flows that are only payments of principal and interest on the principal amount outstanding. These financial assets are initially recognized at fair value plus transaction costs and subsequently carried at amortized cost using the effective interest rate method, with changes in carrying value recognized in the consolidated statement of income in the line which most appropriately reflects the nature of the item or transaction. They are included in current assets, except for maturities greater than 12 months after the end of the reporting period that are included in non-current assets. The Group’s financial assets measured at amortized costs are primarily presented as “trade notes and accounts receivable”, “other accounts and notes receivable”, and “due from related parties” in the consolidated statement of financial position (see Note 7).
Financial Assets Measured at FVOCIL
Financial assets are measured at FVOCIL when the objective of holding such financial assets is both collecting contractual cash flows and selling financial assets, and the contractual terms of the financial asset give rise on specified dates to cash flows that are solely payments of principal and interest on the principal amount outstanding.
The Group’s investments in certain equity instruments have been designated to be measured at FVOCIL, as permitted by IFRS 9 (see Note 28). In connection with this designation, any amounts presented in consolidated other comprehensive income are not subsequently transferred to consolidated income. Dividends from these equity instruments are recognized in consolidated income when the right to receive payment of the dividend is established, and such dividend is probable to be paid to the Group.
Financial Assets at FVIL
Financial assets at FVIL are financial assets held for trading. A financial asset is classified in this category if acquired principally for the purpose of selling in the short term. Derivatives are also categorized as held for trading unless they are designated as hedges. Assets in this category are classified as current assets if expected to be settled within 12 months, otherwise they are classified as non-current.
Impairment of Financial Assets
From January 1, 2018, the Group assesses on a
For trade receivables, the Group applies the simplified approach permitted by IFRS 9, which requires expected lifetime losses to be recognized from initial recognition of the receivables
Offsetting of Financial Instruments
Financial assets are offset against financial liabilities and the net amount reported in the consolidated statement of financial position if, and only when the Group: (i) currently has a legally enforceable right to set off the recognized amounts; and (ii) intends either to settle on a net basis, or to realize the assets and settle the liability simultaneously.
Property, plant and equipment are recorded at acquisition cost.
Subsequent costs are included in the asset’s carrying amount or recognized as a separate asset, 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. The carrying amount of the replaced part is derecognized. All other repairs and maintenance are charged to income or loss during the financial period in which they are incurred.
Land is not depreciated. Depreciation of property, plant and equipment is based upon the carrying value of the assets in use and is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the asset, as follows:
The assets’ residual values and useful lives are reviewed, and adjusted if appropriate, at the end of each reporting period.
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.
Gains and losses on disposals are determined by comparing the proceeds with the carrying amount and are recognized within other income or expense in the consolidated statement of income.
If significant parts of an item of property, plant and equipment have different useful lives, then they are accounted for as separate items (major components) of property, plant and equipment.
Right-of-use assets are measured at cost comprising the following: the amount of the initial measurement of lease liability, any lease payments made at or before the commencement date less any lease incentives received, any initial direct costs and restoration costs.
Right-of-use assets are generally depreciated over the shorter of the asset’s useful life and the lease term on a straight – line basis. If the Group is reasonably certain to exercise a purchase option, the right-of-use asset is depreciated over the underlying asset’s useful life.
Payments associated with short-term leases of equipment and vehicles and mostly leases of low-value assets are recognized on a straight-line basis as an expense in profit or loss. Short-term leases are leases with a lease term of 12 months or less.
Intangible assets and goodwill are recognized at acquisition cost. Intangible assets and goodwill acquired through business combinations are recorded at fair value at the date of acquisition. Intangible assets with indefinite useful lives, which include, trademarks, concessions, and goodwill, are not amortized, and subsequently recognized at cost less accumulated impairment losses. Intangible assets with finite useful lives are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives, as follows:
Trademarks
The Group determines its acquired trademarks to have an indefinite life when they are expected to generate net cash inflows for the Group indefinitely. Additionally, the Group considers that there are no legal, regulatory or contractual provisions that limit the useful lives of trademarks. The Group has not capitalized any amounts associated with internally developed trademarks.
Concessions
The Group defined concessions to have an indefinite life due to the fact that the Group has a history of renewing its concessions upon expiration, has maintained the concessions granted by the Mexican government, and has no foreseeable limit to the period over which the assets are expected to generate net cash inflows. In addition, the Group is committed to continue to invest for the long term to extend the period over which the broadcasting and telecommunications concessions are expected to continue to provide economic benefits.
Any fees paid by the Group to regulatory authorities for concessions renewed are determined to have finite useful lives and are amortized on a straight-live basis over the fixed term of the related concession.
Goodwill
Goodwill arises on the acquisition of a business and represents the excess of the consideration transferred over the Group’s interest in net fair value of the identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities of the acquiree and the fair value of the non-controlling interest in the acquiree.
For the purpose of impairment testing, goodwill acquired in a business combination is allocated to each of the cash generating units (“CGUs”), or groups of CGUs, that are expected to benefit from the synergies of the combination. Each unit or group of units to which the goodwill is allocated represents the lowest level within the entity at 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 a potential impairment. The carrying value of goodwill is compared to the recoverable amount, which is the higher between the value in use and the fair value less costs to sell. Any impairment of goodwill is recognized as an expense in the consolidated statement of income and is not subject to be reversed in subsequent periods.
The Group reviews for impairment the carrying amounts of its long-lived assets, tangible and intangible, including goodwill (see Note 13), at least once a year, or whenever events or changes in business circumstances indicate that these carrying amounts may not be recoverable. An impairment loss is recognized for the amount by which the asset’s carrying amount exceeds its recoverable amount. The recoverable amount is the higher of an asset’s fair value less costs to sell and value in use. To determine whether an impairment exists, the carrying value of the reporting unit is compared with its recoverable amount. Fair value estimates are based on quoted market values in active markets, if available. If quoted market prices are not available, the estimate of fair value is based on various valuation techniques, including discounted value of estimated future cash flows, market multiples or third-party appraisal valuations. Any impairment of long-lived assets other than goodwill may be subsequently reversed under certain circumstances.
Trade accounts payable and accrued expenses are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of business from suppliers. Trade accounts payable and accrued expenses are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less (or in the normal operating cycle of the business if longer). If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities.
Trade accounts payable and accrued expenses are recognized initially at fair value and subsequently measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method.
Trade accounts payable and accrued expenses are presented as a single item of consolidated current liabilities in the consolidated statements of financial position as of December 31,
Debt is recognized initially at fair value, net of transaction costs incurred. Debt is subsequently carried at amortized cost; any difference between the proceeds (net of transaction costs) and the redemption value is recognized in the consolidated statement of income over the period on which the debt is outstanding using the effective interest method.
Fees paid on the establishment of debt facilities are recognized as transaction costs of the loan to the extent that it is probable that some or all of the facility will be drawn down. In this case, the fee is deferred until the draw-down occurs. To the extent there is no evidence that it is probable that some or all of the facility will be drawn down, the fee is capitalized as a pre-payment for liquidity services and amortized over the period of the facility to which it relates.
Current portion of long-term debt and interest payable are presented as a
Debt early redemption costs are recognized as finance expense in the consolidated statement of income.
Customer deposits and advance agreements for advertising services provide that customers receive prices that are fixed for the contract period for advertising time in the Group’s platforms based on rates established by the Group. Such rates vary depending on when the advertisement is made, including the season, hour, day and type of programming.
The Group recognizes customer deposits and advance agreements for advertising services in the consolidated statement of financial position when these agreements are executed either with a consideration in cash paid by customers or with short-term non-interest bearing notes received from customers in connection with annual (“upfront basis”) and from time to time (“scatter basis”) prepayments (see Note 7). In connection with the initial adoption of IFRS 15Revenues from Contracts with Customers(“IFRS 15”) in the first quarter of 2018 (see Note 2 (s)), customer deposits and advances agreements are presented by the Group as a contract liability in the consolidated statement of financial position when a customer pays consideration, or the Group has a right to an amount of consideration that is unconditional, before the Group transfers services to the customer. Under the guidelines of this standard, a contract liability is a Group’s obligation to transfer services or goods to a customer for which the Group has received consideration, or an amount of consideration is due, from the customer. In addition, the Group recognizes contract asset upon the approval of non-cancellable contracts that generate an unconditional right to receive cash consideration prior to services being rendered. The Company’s management has consistently recognized that an amount of consideration is due, for legal, finance and accounting purposes, when a short-term
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 be required to settle the obligation, and the amount has been reliably estimated. Provisions are not recognized for future operating losses.
Provisions are measured at the present value of the expenditures expected to be required to settle the obligation using a pre-tax rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the obligation. The increase in the provisions due to passage of time is recognized as interest expense.
The capital stock and other equity accounts include the effect of restatement through December 31, 1997, determined by applying the change in the Mexican National Consumer Price Index between the dates capital was contributed or net results were generated and December 31, 1997, the date through which the Mexican economy was considered hyperinflationary under the guidelines of IFRS Standards. The restatement represented the amount required to maintain the contributions and accumulated results in Mexican Pesos in purchasing power as of December 31, 1997.
Where any company in the Group purchases shares of the Company’s capital stock (shares repurchased), the consideration paid, including any directly attributable incremental costs is deducted from equity attributable to stockholders of the Company until the shares are cancelled, reissued, or sold. Where such shares repurchased are subsequently reissued or sold, any consideration received, net of any directly attributable incremental transaction costs, is included in equity attributable to stockholders of the Company.
In connection with the initial adoption of IFRS 15, in the first quarter of 2018, the Company’s management: (i) reviewed significant revenue streams and identified certain effects on revenue recognition in the Group’s Cable and Sky segments, as discussed below; (ii) used the retrospective cumulative effect, which consists in recognizing any cumulative adjustment resulting from the new standard at the date of initial adoption in consolidated equity; and (iii) did not restate the comparative information for
Revenue is measured at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable and represents amounts receivable for services provided. The Group recognizes revenue when the amount of revenue can be reliably measured; when it is probable that future economic benefits will flow to the entity; and when specific criteria have been met for each of the Group’s activities, as described below. The Group bases its estimate of return on historical results, taking into consideration the type of customer, the type of transaction and the specifics of each arrangement.
The Group derives the majority of its revenues from media and entertainment-related business activities both in Mexico and internationally. Revenues are recognized when the service is provided and collection is probable. A summary of revenue recognition policies by significant activity is as follows:
In respect to sales of multiple products or services, the Group evaluates whether it has fair value evidence for each deliverable in the transaction. For example, the Group sells cable television, internet and telephone subscription to subscribers in a bundled package at a rate lower than if the subscriber purchases each product on an individual basis. Subscription revenues received from such subscribers are allocated to each product in a pro-rata manner based on the fair value of each of the respective services.
Interest income is recognized using the effective interest method. When a loan and receivable is impaired, the Group reduces the carrying amount to its recoverable amount, being the estimated future cash flow discounted at the original effective interest rate of the instrument, and continues unwinding the discount as interest income. Interest income on impaired loan and receivables is recognized using the original effective interest rate.
Pension and Seniority Premium Obligations
Plans exist for pensions and seniority premiums (post-employment benefits), for most of the Group’s employees funded through irrevocable trusts. Increases or decreases in the consolidated liability or asset for post-employment benefits are based upon actuarial calculations. Contributions to the trusts are determined in accordance with actuarial estimates of funding requirements. Payments of post-employment benefits are made by the trust administrators. The defined benefit obligation is calculated annually using the projected unit credit method. The present value of the defined benefit obligation is determined by discounting the estimated future cash outflows using interest rates of government bonds that are denominated in the currency in which the benefits will be paid, and that have terms to maturity approximating to the terms of the related pension obligation.
Remeasurement of post-employment benefit obligations related to experience adjustments and changes in actuarial assumptions of post- employment benefits are recognized in the period in which they are incurred as part of other comprehensive income or loss in consolidated equity.
Profit Sharing
The employees’ profit sharing required to be paid under certain circumstances in Mexico, is recognized as a direct benefit to employees in the consolidated statements of income in the period in which it is incurred.
Termination Benefits
Termination benefits, which mainly represent severance payments by law, are recorded in the consolidated statement of income. The Group recognizes termination benefits at the earlier of the following dates: (a) when the Group can no longer withdraw the offer of those benefits; and (b) when the entity recognizes costs for a restructuring that involves the payment of termination benefits.
The income tax expense for the period comprises current and deferred income tax. Income tax is recognized in the consolidated statement of income, except to the extent that it relates to items recognized in other comprehensive income or directly in equity. In this case, the income tax is recognized in other comprehensive income.
The current income tax charge is calculated on the basis of the tax laws enacted or substantively enacted at the statement of financial position date in the countries where the Company and its subsidiaries operate and generate taxable income. Management periodically evaluates positions taken in tax returns and establishes provisions where appropriate on the basis of amounts expected to be paid to the tax authorities.
Deferred income tax is recognized, using the balance sheet liability method, on temporary differences arising between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their carrying amounts in the consolidated financial statements. However, deferred income tax liabilities are not recognized if they arise from the initial recognition of goodwill; deferred income tax is not accounted for if it arises from initial recognition of an asset or liability in a transaction (other than in a business combination) that at the time of the transaction affects neither accounting nor taxable income or loss. Deferred income tax is determined using tax rates (and laws) that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the statement of financial position date and are expected to apply when the related deferred income tax asset is
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 and tax loss carryforwards can be utilized. For this purpose, the Group takes into consideration all available positive and negative evidence, including factors such as market conditions, industry analysis, projected taxable income, carryforward periods, current tax structure, potential changes or adjustments in tax structure, and future reversals of existing temporary differences.
Deferred income tax liabilities are provided on taxable temporary differences associated with investments in subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates, except for deferred income tax liabilities where the timing of the reversal of the temporary difference is controlled by the Group and it is probable that the temporary difference will not reverse in the foreseeable future. Deferred income tax assets are provided on deductible temporary differences associated with investments in subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates, to the extent that it is probable that there will be sufficient taxable income against which to utilize the benefit of the temporary difference and it is expected to reverse in the foreseeable future.
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 either the same taxable entity or different taxable entities where there is an intention to settle the balances on a net basis.
The Group recognizes derivative financial instruments as either assets or liabilities in the consolidated statements of financial position and measures such instruments at fair value. The accounting for changes in the fair value of a derivative financial instrument depends on the intended use of the derivative financial instrument and the resulting designation. For a derivative financial instrument designated as a cash flow hedge, the effective portion of such derivative’s gain or loss is initially reported as a component of other comprehensive income or loss and subsequently reclassified into income when the hedged exposure affects income. The ineffective portion of the gain or loss is reported in income immediately. For a derivative financial instrument designated as a fair value hedge, the gain or loss is recognized in income in the period of change together with the offsetting loss or gain on the hedged item attributed to the risk being hedged. When a hedging instrument expires or is sold, terminated or exercised, the cumulative gain or loss on the hedging instrument that has been recognized in other comprehensive income remains in equity until the forecast transaction occurs. When a forecast transaction is no longer expected to occur, the cumulative gain or loss that was reported in equity is immediately reclassified to income or loss. For derivative financial instruments that are not designated as accounting hedges, changes in fair value are recognized in income in the period of change. During the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019
Comprehensive income for the period includes the net income for the period presented in the consolidated statement of income plus other comprehensive income for the period reflected in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income.
Key officers and employees of certain subsidiaries of the Company have entered into agreements for the conditional sale of Company’s shares under the Company’s Long-Term Retention
Through December 31, 2018:
In the first quarter of 2019, the Group adopted IFRS 16Leases(“IFRS 16”), which became effective for annual periods beginning on January 1, 2019 (see Note 28). The Group does not apply this new IFRS Standard to short-term leases and leases for which the underlying asset is of low value, as permitted by the guidelines of IFRS 16.
On adoption of IFRS 16, the Group recognized lease liabilities in relation to leases which had previously been classified as operating leases under the principles of IAS 17Leases(“IAS 17”).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. The average lessee’s incremental borrowing rate applied to the lease liabilities on January 1, 2019 was 4.7% and 10.6% for U.S. dollars leases and Mexican pesos leases, respectively.
The Group adopted IFRS 16 in 2019, which became effective on January 1, 2019 (see Notes 2 (k), 2 (z) and 28). The Group adopted IFRS 15 and IFRS 9 in 2018, which became effective on January 1, 2018 (see Notes 2 (i), 2 (t) and 28). Some other amendments and improvements to certain IFRS Standards became effective on January 1, 2020, 2019 and 2018, and they did not have any significant impact on the Group’s consolidated financial statements.
Below is a list of the new and amended IFRS Standards that have been issued by the IASB and are effective for annual periods starting on or after
(1) This new or amended IFRS Standard is not expected to have a significant impact on the Group’s consolidated financial statements.
(2) This new or amended IFRS Standard is not expected to be applicable to the Group’s consolidated financial statements.
Amendments to IFRS 10 and IAS 28Sale or Contribution of Assets between an Investor and its Associate or Joint Venture, were issued in September 2014 and address and acknowledge inconsistency between the requirements in IFRS 10 and those in IAS 28 (2011), in dealing with the sale or contribution of assets between an investor and its associate or joint venture. The main consequence of the amendments is that a full gain or loss is recognized when a transaction involved a business (whether it is housed in a subsidiary or not). A partial gain or loss is recognized when a transaction involved assets that do not constitute a business, even if these assets are housed in a subsidiary. In December 2015, the IASB postponed the effective date of these amendments indefinitely pending the outcome of its research project on the equity method of accounting.
IFRS 17Insurance Contracts (“IFRS 17”) was issued in May 2017 and amended in June 2020. IFRS 17 supersedes IFRS 4Insurance Contracts (“IFRS 4”), which has given companies dispensation to carry on accounting for insurance contracts using national accounting standards, resulting in a multitude of different approaches. IFRS 17 establishes principles for the recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosures of insurance contracts issued. It also requires similar principles to be applied to reinsurance contracts with discretionary participation features issued. IFRS 17 solves the comparison problems created by IFRS 4 by requiring all insurance contracts to be accounted for in a consistent manner. Under the provisions of IFRS 17, insurance obligations will be accounted for using current values instead of historical cost. Amendments to IFRS 17 were issued in June 2020 aimed at helping companies implement the Standard and making it easier for them to explain their financial performance. The fundamental principles introduced when IFRS 17 was issued in May 2017 remained unaffected. IFRS 17 is effective on January 1,
Amendments to IAS 1
Annual Improvements to IFRS Standards 2018-2020, were issued in May 2020, and make minor amendments to certain IFRS Standards. The amendments are effective for annual
Amendments to IFRS 3 Reference to the Conceptual Framework, were issued in May 2020, and update a reference in IFRS 3 Business Combinations to the Conceptual Framework for Financial Reporting without changing the accounting requirements for business combinations. Amendments to IAS 16 Property, Plant and Equipment: Proceeds before Intended Use, were issued in May 2020, and prohibit a company from deducting from the cost of property, plant and equipment amounts received from selling items produced while the company is preparing the asset for its intended use. Instead, a company will recognize such sales proceeds and related cost in income or loss. Amendments to IAS 37 Onerous Contracts – Cost of Fulfilling a Contract, were issued in May 2020, and specify which costs a company includes when assessing whether a contract will be loss-making, under the guidelines of IAS 37 Provisions, Contingent Liabilities and Contingent Assets. Amendment to IFRS 16 Covid-19-Related Rent Concessions was issued in May 2020, and exempts lessees from having to consider individual lease contracts to determine whether rent concessions (i.e. temporary rent reductions) occurring as a direct consequence of the Covid-19 pandemic are lease modifications, and allows lessees to account for such rent concessions as if they were not lease modifications. It applies to Covid-19-related rent concessions that reduce lease payments due on or before June 30, 2021. IFRS 16 specifies how lessees should account for changes in lease payments, including concessions. However, applying those requirements to a potentially large volume of Covid-19-related rent concessions could be practically difficult, especially in the light of the many challenges stakeholders face during the pandemic. This optional exemption gives timely relief to lessees and enables them to continue providing information about their leases that is useful to investors. The amendment does not affect lessors. The amendment is effective for annual reporting periods beginning on or after June 1, 2020. Earlier application is permitted, including in financial statements not authorized for issue. Amendments to IFRS 9, IAS 39, IFRS 7, IFRS 4 and IFRS 16 Interest Rate Benchmark Reform – Phase 2, were issued in August 2020 as a complement to those amendments issued in September 2019 (Amendments to IFRS 9, IAS 39 and IFRS 7 Interest Rate Benchmark Reform, which were focused on the accounting effects of uncertainty in the period leading up to the reform). The “interest rate benchmark reform” refers to the market-wide reform of an interest rate benchmark (such as an interbank offered rate or IBOR), including the replacement of an interest rate benchmark with an alternative benchmark rate. Phase 2 amendments focus on the effects on financial statements when a company replaces the old interest rate benchmark with an alternative benchmark rate as a result of the reform, The amendments in this final phase relate to: (i) changes to contractual cash flows – a company will not have to derecognize or adjust the carrying amount of financial instruments for changes required by the reform, but will instead update the effective interest rate to reflect the change to the alternative benchmark rate; (ii) hedge accounting – a company will not have to discontinue its hedge accounting solely because it makes changes required by the reform, if the hedge meets other hedge accounting criteria; and (iii) disclosures – a company will be required to disclose information about new risks arising from the reform and how it manages the transition to alternative benchmark rates. Amendments to IAS 8 Definition of Accounting Estimates, were issued in February 2021, the amendments introduced the definition of accounting estimates and included other amendments to IAS 8 to help entities distinguish changes in accounting estimates from changes in accounting policies. Amendments to IAS 1 and IFRS Practice Statement 2 Disclosure of Accounting Policies, were issued in February 2021, the Board amended paragraphs 117–122 of IAS 1 Presentation of Financial Statements to require entities to disclose their material accounting policy information rather than their significant accounting policies. To support this amendment the Board also amended IFRS Practice Statement 2 Making Materiality Judgements (Materiality Practice Statement) to explain and demonstrate the application of the ‘four-step materiality process’ to accounting policy disclosures.
In February 2018, the Company announced an agreement to sell its 19.9% stake in Imagina Media Audiovisual, S.L. (together with its subsidiaries, “Imagina”), a media and telecom company in Spain, which was subject to the fulfillment of certain conditions and regulatory approvals. In June 2018, this transaction was closed and the Company sold its stake in Imagina and received proceeds in the aggregate amount of €284.5 million (Ps.6,603,751), of which €251.3 million (Ps.5,832,360) were in cash and €33.2 million (Ps.771,391) were held in escrow, and will be paid to the Company over time subject to customary terms and conditions under escrow agreements. In the fourth quarter of 2018, a cash amount of €16.1 million (Ps.366,354) was released from escrow and an amount of €1.5 million (Ps.33,558) was used for escrow purposes. As of December 31,
On December 17, 2018, the Group acquired from Axtel, S.A.B. de C.V. (“Axtel”) its residential fiber-to-home business and related assets in Mexico City, Zapopan, Monterrey, Aguascalientes, San Luis Potosi and Ciudad Juárez. The assets acquired comprise 553,226 revenue generating units consisting of 97,622 video, 227,802 broadband and 227,802 voice, revenue generating units. This transaction was paid in cash by the Group in the aggregate amount of Ps.5,466,872, including value added tax. Through this acquisition, the Group continues with its strategy to consolidate a cable company with national coverage that delivers more and better services for the benefit of end users. The following table summarizes the allocation of the total amount of cash paid by the Group in connection with the purchase of tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date. The excess of the purchase price over those fair values was allocated to goodwill in the Cable segment. The Company’s management completed a final purchase price allocation for this acquisition in the first half of 2019, and there was no changes with the preliminary purchase price allocation made as of December 31, 2018.
In July 2019, the Company announced an agreement with Live Nation Entertainment, Inc. (“Live Nation”) to dispose of its 40% equity interest in OCESA Entretenimiento, S.A. de C.V. (“OCEN”), a live entertainment company with operations in Mexico, Central America and Colombia. OCEN is (i) a direct associate of OISE Entretenimiento, S.A. de C.V. (“OISE Entretenimiento”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company; and (ii) a subsidiary of Compañía Interamericana de Entretenimiento, S.A.B. de C.V. (“CIE”). The proposed disposal of OCEN
In July 2019, the Company announced a stock purchase agreement with Corporativo Coral, S.A. de C.V. (“Coral”) and Miguel Alemán Magnani as Obligor to dispose of its 50% equity interest in Radiópolis, a direct subsidiary of the Company at that date which was engaged in the Radio business, for an aggregate amount of
4. Financial Risk Management
Market risk is the exposure to an adverse change in the value of financial instruments caused by market factors including changes in equity prices, interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates, commodity prices and inflation rates.
The Group is exposed to market risks arising from changes in equity prices, interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates and inflation rates, in both the Mexican and U.S. markets. Market risk management activities are monitored by the Investments, Risk Management and Treasury Committee on a quarterly basis.
The Group is exposed to foreign exchange risk arising from various currency exposures, primarily with respect to the U.S. dollar and in those subsidiaries with functional currency other than the Mexican peso. Foreign exchange risk arises from future commercial transactions, recognized assets and liabilities and net investments in foreign operations.
Foreign currency exchange risk is monitored by assessing the net monetary liability position in U.S. dollars and the forecasted cash flow needs for anticipated U.S. dollar investments and servicing the Group’s U.S. dollar-denominated debt.
Management has set up a policy to require Group companies to manage their foreign exchange risk against their functional currency. To manage their foreign exchange risk arising from future commercial transactions and recognized assets and liabilities, entities in the Group use forward contracts. In compliance with the procedures and controls established by the Risk Management Committee, in
Foreign Currency Position The foreign currency position of monetary items of the Group at December 31, 2020, was as follows:
The foreign currency position of monetary items of the Group at December 31, 2019, was as follows:
(1) As of December 31,
As of
The Group is subject to the risk of foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations, resulting primarily from the net monetary position in U.S. dollars and U.S. dollar equivalent amounts of the Group’s Mexican operations, as follows (in millions of U.S. dollars):
(1) As of December 31,
(2) As of December 31,
(3) As of December 31,
At December 31, 2020, a hypothetical 10% appreciation/depreciation in the U.S. dollar to Mexican peso exchange rate would result in a foreign exchange gain/loss, net of hedge, of Ps.5,705,342, in the consolidated statement of income. At December 31, 2019, a hypothetical 10% appreciation/depreciation in the U.S. dollar to Mexican peso exchange rate would result in a foreign exchange gain/loss, net of hedge, of Ps.2,847,471 in the consolidated statement of income.
The Group monitors the exposure to interest rate risk by: (i) evaluating differences between interest rates on its outstanding debt and short-term investments and market interest rates on similar financial instruments; (ii) reviewing its cash flow needs and financial ratios (indebtedness and interest coverage); (iii) assessing current and forecasted trends in the relevant markets; and (iv) evaluating peer Group and industry practices. This approach allows the Group to determine the interest rate “mix” between variable and fixed rate debt.
The Group’s interest rate risk arises from long-term debt. Debt issued at variable rates expose the Group to cash flow interest rate risk which is partially offset by cash and cash equivalents held at variable rates. Debt issued at fixed rates expose the Group to fair value interest rate risk. During recent years the Group has maintained most of its debt in fixed rate instruments (see Note 14).
Based on various scenarios, the Group manages its cash flow interest rate risk by using cross-currency interest rate swaps, exchange rate agreements and floating-to-fixed interest rate swaps. Cross-currency interest rate swap agreements allow the Group to hedge against Mexican peso depreciation on the interest payments for medium-term periods. Interest rate swaps have the economic effect of converting borrowings from floating rates to fixed rates.
Sensitivity and Fair Value
The sensitivity analyses that follow are intended to present the hypothetical change in fair value or loss in earnings due to changes in interest rates, inflation rates, foreign currency exchange rates and debt and equity market prices as they affect the Group’s financial instruments at December 31,
The Group is exposed to equity securities price risk because of investments held by the Group and classified in the consolidated statements of financial position as non-current investments in financial instruments. To manage its price risk arising from investments in equity securities, the Group diversifies its portfolio. Diversification of the portfolio is done in accordance with the limits set by the Group. The Group is not exposed to commodity price risk.
Credit risk is managed on a Group basis, except for credit risk relating to accounts receivable balances. Each local entity is responsible for managing and analyzing the credit risk for each of their new clients before standard payment and delivery terms and conditions are offered. Credit risk arises from cash and cash equivalents, derivative financial instruments and deposits with banks and financial institutions, as well as credit exposure to customers, including outstanding receivables and committed transactions. For banks and financial institutions, only independently rated parties with a minimum rating of “AA” in local scale for domestic institutions and “BBB” in global scale for foreign institutions are accepted. If customers are independently rated, these ratings are used. If there is no independent rating, the Group’s risk control function assesses the credit quality of the customer, taking into account its financial position, past experience and other factors. Individual risk limits are set based on internal or external ratings in accordance with limits set by the Company’s management. See Note 7 for further disclosure on credit risk.
No credit limits were exceeded during the reporting period, and management does not expect any losses from non-performance by the counterparties.
The Group historically has not had significant credit losses arising from customers.
Cash flow forecasting is performed in the operating entities of the Group and aggregated by corporate management. Corporate management monitors rolling forecasts of the Group’s liquidity requirements to ensure it has sufficient cash to meet operational needs while maintaining sufficient headroom on its borrowing facilities at all times so that the Group does not breach borrowing limits or covenants (where applicable) on any of its borrowing facilities. Such forecasting takes into consideration the Group’s debt financing plans, covenant compliance, compliance with internal statement of financial position ratio targets and, if applicable external regulatory or legal requirements.
Surplus cash held by the operating entities over and above balance required for working capital management are transferred to the Group treasury. Group treasury invests surplus cash in interest bearing current accounts, time deposits, money market deposits and marketable securities, choosing investments with appropriate maturities or sufficient liquidity to provide sufficient headroom as determined by the above-mentioned forecasts. At December 31,
The table below analyses the Group’s non-derivative and derivative financial liabilities as well as related contractual interest on debt and lease liabilities into relevant maturity groupings based on the remaining period at the statement of financial position date to the contractual maturity date. Derivative financial liabilities are included in the analysis if their contractual maturities are essential for an understanding of the timing of the cash flows. The amounts disclosed in the table are the contractual undiscounted cash flows.
(1)The amounts of debt are disclosed on a principal amount basis (see Note 14).
(2)Interest to be paid in future years on outstanding debt as of December 31,
Capital Management
The Group’s objectives when managing capital are to safeguard the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern in order to provide returns for stockholders and benefits for other stakeholders and to maintain an optimal capital structure in order to minimize the cost of capital.
Estimates and assumptions 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. By definition, the resulting accounting estimates will seldom equal the related actual results. The estimates and assumptions that have a risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of consolidated assets and liabilities within the next financial year are addressed below:
The Group produces a significant portion of programming for initial broadcast over its television networks in Mexico, its primary market. Following the initial broadcast of this programming, the Group then licenses some of this programming for broadcast in secondary markets, such as Mexico, the United States, Latin America, Asia, Europe and Africa. Under IFRS, in order to properly capitalize and subsequently amortize production costs related to this programming, the Group must estimate the expected future benefit period over which a given program will generate revenues (generally, over a five-year period). The Group then amortizes the production costs related to a given program over the expected future benefit period. Under this policy, the Group generally expenses approximately 70% of the production costs related to a given program in its initial broadcast run and defers and expenses the remaining production costs over the remainder of the expected future benefit period (see Note 2 (g)).
The Group estimates the expected future benefit periods based on past historical revenue patterns and usage for similar types of programming and any potential future events, such as new outlets through which the Group can exploit or distribute its programming, including its consolidated subsidiaries and equity investees. To the extent that a given future expected benefit period is shorter than the estimate, the Group may have to accelerate capitalized production costs sooner than anticipated. Conversely, to the extent that a given future expected benefit period is longer than the estimate, the Group may have to extend the amortization schedule for the remaining capitalized production costs.
The Group also enters into license arrangements with various third party programming producers and providers, pursuant to which it receives the rights to broadcast programming produced by third parties over its television networks in Mexico. For programming licensed from third parties, the Group estimates the expected future benefit period based upon the term of the license. In addition, the Group may purchase programming from third parties, from time to time. In this case, the Group estimates the expected future benefit period based on the anticipated number of showings in Mexico. To the extent that a given future expected benefit period is shorter than the estimate, the Group may have to accelerate the amortization of the purchase price or the license fee sooner than anticipated. Conversely, to the extent that a given future expected benefit period is longer than the estimate, the Group may have to extend the amortization schedule for the remaining portion of the purchase price or the license fee.
Assuming a hypothetical 10% decrease in expected future revenue from the Group’s programming as of December 31,
Goodwill and other intangible assets with indefinite useful lives are reviewed for impairment at least annually. When an impairment test is performed, the recoverable amount is assessed by reference to the higher of the net present value of the expected future cash flows (value in use) of the relevant CGU and the fair value less cost to sell.
The recoverable amount of CGUs has been determined based on the higher of value in use and fair value less costs to disposal calculations. These calculations require the use of estimates,
During
The Group presents certain long-lived assets other than goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets in its consolidated statement of financial position. Long-lived assets are tested for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an asset may no longer be recoverable. An impairment loss is recognized for the amount by which the asset’s carrying amount exceeds its recoverable amount. The recoverable amount is the higher of an asset’s fair value less costs to sell and value in use. Recoverability is analyzed based on projected cash flows. Estimates of future cash flows involve considerable management judgment. These estimates are based on historical data, future revenue growth, anticipated market conditions, management plans, and assumptions regarding projected rates of inflation and currency fluctuations, among other factors. If these assumptions are not correct, the Group would have to recognize a write-off or write-down or accelerate the amortization schedule related to the carrying value of these assets (see Notes 2 (m), 13 and 22). The Group has not recorded any significant impairment charges during any of the years presented herein.
The Group records its deferred tax assets based on the likelihood that these assets are realized in the future. This likelihood is assessed by taking into consideration the future taxable income. In the event the Group were to determine that it would be able to realize its deferred tax assets in the future in excess of the net recorded amount, an adjustment to the deferred tax asset would increase income in the period such determination was made. Should the Group determine that it would not be able to realize all or part of its net deferred tax asset in the future, an adjustment to the deferred tax asset would be charged to income in the period such determination was made.
The Group has a significant amount of financial assets that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis. The degree of management’s judgment involved in determining the fair value of a financial asset varies depending upon the availability of quoted market prices. When observable quoted market prices exist, that is the fair value estimate the Group uses. To the extent such quoted market prices do not exist, management uses other means to determine fair value (see Notes 4 and 15).
The Company’s management applied significant judgment to determine the classification of the warrants issued by
Cash and cash equivalents as of December 31,
(1) Highly-liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less at the date of acquisition.
Trade notes and accounts receivable, net as of December 31,
As of December 31,
The carrying amounts of the Group’s trade notes and account receivables denominated in other than peso currencies are as follows:
Movements on the Group for loss allowance of trade notes and account receivables are as follows:
The maximum exposure to credit risk of the trade notes and accounts receivable as of December 31,
At December 31,
Transmission rights and programming charged to consolidated cost of sales for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019
At December 31,
A roll forward of investments in financial assets at FVOCIL for the years ended December 31,
The maximum exposure to credit risk of the investments in financial instruments as of December 31,
At December 31,
A roll forward of investments in associates and joint ventures for the years ended December 31,
IFRS summarized financial information of UHI as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, and for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, including adjustments made by the Group when using the equity method, such as purchase price adjustments at the time of acquisition, impairment adjustments and adjustments for differences in accounting policies, is set forth below. IFRS summarized financial information of UHI as of December 31, 2020 and 2019 (amounts in thousands of U.S. dollars):
The table below reconciles the summarized financial information of UHI to the carrying amount of the Group´s interest in UHI as of December 31, 2020 and 2019 (amounts in thousands of U.S. dollars):
IFRS summarized financial information of UHI for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 (amounts in thousands of U.S. dollars):
The table below reconciles the summarized financial information of UHI to the carrying amount of the Group´s interest in UHI for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 (amounts in thousands of U.S. dollars):
Combined condensed balance sheet information related to the Group’s share in associates
Combined condensed balance sheet information related to the Group’s share in joint ventures as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, including adjustments made by the Group when using the equity method, such as fair value adjustments made at the time of acquisition, is set forth below:
The Group recognized its share of comprehensive (loss) income
The analysis of the changes in property, plant and equipment is as follows:
Depreciation charges are presented in Note 21.
Property, plant and equipment include the following technical equipment leased to subscribers in the Cable and Sky segments as of December 31:
The analysis of the changes of right-of-use assets, net, is as follows:
Depreciation charges are presented in Note 21.
As of December 31,
Changes in intangible assets and goodwill with indefinite useful lives in
Changes in intangible assets with finite useful lives in
(1)Other amortization of the year relates primarily to amortization of soccer player rights, which is included in consolidated cost of sales.
All of the amortization charges are presented in Note 21.
The changes in the net carrying amount of goodwill, indefinite-lived trademarks and concessions for the year ended December 31,
During the second half of The key assumptions used for either fair value or value in use calculations of goodwill and
The key assumptions used for fair value calculations of goodwill and intangible assets in 2019, were as follows (see Note 15):
As described in Note 2 (l), in 2015, the Company’s management estimated the remaining useful life of four years for acquired trademarks in specific locations of Mexico, in connection with the migration to an internally developed trademark in the Group’s Cable segment. Amortization of trademarks with a finite useful life amounted to Ps.321,520,
In the fourth quarter of 2017, the Company’s management reviewed the useful life of certain Group’s television concessions accounted for as intangible assets in conjunction with the payment made in 2018 for renewal of concessions expiring in 2021, which amount was determined by the IFT before the renewal date (see Note 2 (b)). Based on such review, the Group classified these concessions as intangible assets with a finite useful life and began to amortize the related net carrying amount of Ps.553,505 in a period ending in 2021. Amortization of these concessions with a finite useful life amounted to Ps.110,701 for each of the years ended December 31,
Debt, lease liabilities and other notes payable outstanding as of December 31,
As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the outstanding principal amounts of Senior Notes of the Company that have been designated as hedging instruments of the Group’s investments in UHI and the investment in The foreign exchange gain or loss derived from the Company’s U.S. dollar denominated long-term debt designated as a hedge, for the years ended December 31, Maturities of Debt and Lease Liabilities Debt maturities for the years subsequent to December 31, Future minimum payments under lease liabilities for the years subsequent to December 31, A reconciliation of long-term debt and lease liabilities arising from financing activities in the Group’s consolidated statement of cash flows for the year ended December 31, New Debt and Leases New Debt and Leases The Group’s financial instruments presented in the consolidated statements of financial position included cash and cash equivalents, The fair value of long-term loans that the Group borrowed from leading Mexican banks (see Note 14), has been estimated using the borrowing rates currently available to the Group for bank loans with similar terms and average maturities. The fair value of non-current investments in financial instruments, and currency option and interest rate swap agreements were determined by using valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable market data. The carrying and estimated fair values of the Group’s non-derivative financial instruments as of December 31, Liabilities: The carrying values (based on estimated fair values), notional amounts, and maturity dates of the Group’s derivative financial instruments as of December 31, In November 2017, the Company entered into a derivative transaction agreement (interest rate swap) through October 2022, to hedge the variable interest rate exposure resulting from a Mexican peso loan of a total principal amount of Ps.2,000,000. Under this transaction, the Company receives monthly payments based on an aggregate notional amount of Ps.2,000,000, at an annual variable rate of 28 days of TIIE and makes monthly payments based on the same notional amount at an annual fixed rate of 7.3275%. The Company has recognized the change in fair value of this transaction as an accounting hedge, and recorded a cumulative As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the Company had entered into derivative contracts of foreign currency (forwards) to fix the exchange rate for the purchase of U.S.$330.5 million and U.S.$218.7 million, respectively, at an average exchange rate of Ps.22.5859 and Ps.19.9256, respectively. The Company has recognized the change in fair value of this transaction as an accounting hedge, and recorded a cumulative loss of Ps.714,763 and Ps.144,466 for this transaction agreement in other comprehensive income or loss as of December 31, 2020, and 2019, respectively. In 2020 and 2019, the Company recorded a gain (loss) of Ps.308,562 and Ps.(107,440) in consolidated other finance income or expense, respectively. In March 2020, the Company entered into a derivative transaction agreement (interest rate swap) through March 2022, to hedge the variable interest rate exposure resulting from a Mexican peso loan of a total principal amount of Ps.9,385,347. Under this transaction, the Company receives monthly payments based on aggregate notional amounts of F-50 Fair Value Measurement Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
All fair value adjustments as of December 31,
Financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value as of December 31,
The table below presents the reconciliation for all assets and liabilities measured at fair value using internal models with significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) during the years ended December 31,
Non-current Financial Assets
Investments in debt securities or with readily determinable fair values, are classified as non-current investments in financial instruments, and are recorded at fair value with unrealized gains and losses included in consolidated stockholders’ equity as accumulated other comprehensive result.
Non-current financial assets are generally valued using quoted market prices or alternative pricing sources with reasonable levels of price transparency. Such instruments are classified in Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3, depending on the observability of the significant inputs.
The Group has an investment in an
UHI Warrants
In July 2015, the Group exchanged its investment in U.S.$1,125 million principal amount of Convertible Debentures due 2025 issued by UHI for 4,858,485 warrants that The carrying amount of these warrants included the original value of U.S.$1,063.1 million invested by the Group in December 2010 in the form of Convertible Debentures issued by UHI that were then exchanged for these warrants in July 2015.
The Group determined the fair value of its investment in warrants by using the income approach based on post-tax discounted cash flows. The income approach requires management to make judgments and involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions include long-term growth rates and operating margins used to calculate projected future cash flows, risk-adjusted discount rates based on weighted average cost of capital within a range of 8% to 9%, among others. The Group´s estimates for market growth were based on historical data, various internal estimates and observable external sources when available and are based on assumptions that are consistent with the strategic plans and estimates used to manage the underlying business. Since the described methodology is an internal model with significant unobservable inputs, the UHI warrants are classified as Level 3. Additionally, the Group determined the fair value of its investment in warrants by using the Black-Scholes model (“BSPM”). The BSPM involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions. The assumptions used as of December 29, 2020, December 31, 2019
The Company’s management applied significant judgment to determine the classification of the warrants issued by UHI that were exercisable for UHI’s common stock. These warrants did not comply with the definition of a derivative financial instrument because the initial investment that the Group paid to acquire the original instrument (Convertible Debentures) was significant and a derivative requires no initial investment or one that is smaller than would be required for a contract with similar response to changes in market factors; therefore, the Group classified the warrants issued by UHI as equity instruments with changes in fair value recognized in other comprehensive income or loss in consolidated equity. Significant judgment was applied by the Company’s management in assessing that the characteristics of the warrants issued by UHI are closer to an equity instrument in accordance with IAS 32 Financial Instruments: Presentation (see Note 9). Disclosures for Each Class of Assets and Liabilities Subject to Recurring Fair Value Measurements Categorized Within Level 3
The Corporate Finance Department of the Company has established rules for a proper portfolio asset classification according to the fair value hierarchy defined by the IFRS Standards. On a monthly basis, any new assets recognized in the portfolio are classified according to this criterion. Subsequently, there is a quarterly review of the portfolio in order to analyze the need for a change in classification of any of these assets.
Sensitivity analysis is performed on the Group’s investments with significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) in order to obtain a reasonable range of possible alternative valuations. This analysis is carried out by the Corporate Finance Department of the Company.
Derivative Financial Instruments
Derivative financial instruments include swaps, forwards and options (see Notes 2 (w) and 4).
The Group’s derivative portfolio is entirely over-the-counter (“OTC”). The Group’s derivatives are valued using industry standard valuation models; projecting future cash flows discounted to present value, using market-based observable inputs including interest rate curves, foreign exchange rates, and forward and spot prices for currencies.
When appropriate, valuations are adjusted for various factors such as liquidity, bid/offer spreads and credit spreads considerations. Such adjustments are generally based on available market evidence. In the absence of such evidence, management’s best estimate is used. All derivatives are classified in Level 2.
Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Non-Recurring Basis
The majority of the Group’s non-financial instruments, which include goodwill, intangible assets, inventories, transmission rights and programming, property, plant and equipment and right-of-use assets are not required to be carried at fair value on a recurring basis. However, if certain triggering events occur (or at least annually in the fourth quarter for goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets) such that a non-financial instrument is required to be evaluated for impairment, a resulting asset impairment would require that, the non-financial instrument be recorded at the lower of carrying amount or its recoverable amount.
The impairment test for goodwill involves a comparison of the estimated fair value of each of the Group’s reporting units to its carrying amount, including goodwill. The Group determines the fair value of a reporting unit using the higher between the value in use and the fair value less costs to sell, which utilize significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) within the fair value hierarchy. The impairment test for intangible assets not subject to amortization involves a comparison of the estimated fair value of the intangible asset with its carrying value. The Group determines the fair value of the intangible asset using a discounted cash flow analysis, which utilizes significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) within the fair value hierarchy. Determining fair value requires the exercise of significant judgment, including judgment about appropriate discount rates, perpetual growth rates, the amount and timing of expected future cash flows for a period of time that comprise five years, as well as relevant comparable company earnings multiples for the market-based approach.
Once an asset has been impaired, it is not remeasured at fair value on a recurring basis; however, it is still subject to fair value measurements to test for recoverability of the carrying amount.
Certain companies in the Group have collective bargaining contracts which include defined benefit pension plans and other retirement benefits for substantially all of their employees. Additionally, the Group has defined benefit pension plans for certain eligible executives and employees. All pension benefits are based on salary and years of service rendered.
Under the provisions of the Mexican Labor Law, seniority premiums are payable based on salary and years of service to employees who resign or are terminated prior to reaching retirement age. Some companies in the Group have seniority premium benefits which are greater than the legal requirement. After retirement age employees are no longer eligible for seniority premiums.
Post-employment benefits are actuarially determined by using nominal assumptions and attributing the present value of all future expected benefits proportionately over each year from date of hire to age 65.
The Group used actuarial assumptions to determine the present value of defined benefit obligations, as follows:
Had the discount rate of Had the discount rate of 7.0% used by the Group in 2019 been decreased by 50 basis points, the impact on defined benefit obligation would have been an increase to Ps.3,037,398 as of December 31, 2019.
The reconciliation between defined benefit obligations and post-employment benefit liability (asset) in the consolidated statements of financial position as of December 31,
The components of net periodic pensions and seniority premiums cost for the years ended December 31, consisted of the following:
The Group’s defined benefit obligations, plan assets, funded status and balances in the consolidated statements of financial position as of December 31,
The changes in the net post-employment liability (asset) in the consolidated statements of financial position as of December 31,
The post-employment benefits as of December 31,
(1) On defined benefit obligations and plan assets.
Pensions and Seniority Premiums Plan Assets
The plan assets are invested according to specific investment guidelines determined by the technical committees of the pension plan and seniority premiums trusts and in accordance with actuarial computations of funding requirements. These investment guidelines require a minimum investment of 30% of the plan assets in fixed rate instruments, or mutual funds comprised of fixed rate instruments. The plan assets that are invested in mutual funds are all rated “AA” or “AAA” by at least one of the main rating agencies. These mutual funds vary in liquidity characteristics ranging from one day to one month. The investment goals of the plan assets are to preserve principal, diversify the portfolio, maintain a high degree of liquidity and credit quality, and deliver competitive returns subject to prevailing market conditions. Currently, the plan assets do not engage in the use of financial derivative instruments. The Group’s target allocation in the foreseeable future is to maintain approximately 20% in equity securities and 80% in fixed rate instruments.
The weighted average asset allocation by asset category as of December 31,
(1) Included within plan assets at December 31,
The weighted average expected long-term rate of return of plan assets of
This analysis included expected long-term inflation and the risk premiums associated with equity investments and fixed income investments.
The following table summarizes the Group’s plan assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31,
(1) Common stocks are valued at the closing price reported on the active market on which the individual securities are traded. All common stock included in this line item relate to the Company’s CPOs.
(2) Mutual funds consist of fixed rate instruments. These are valued at the net asset value provided by the administrator of the fund.
(3) Money market securities consist of government debt securities, which are valued based on observable prices from the new issue market, benchmark quotes, secondary trading and dealer quotes.
The Group did not make significant contributions to its plan assets in
The weighted average durations of the defined benefit plans as of December 31,
Capital Stock
The Company has four classes of capital stock: Series “A” Shares, Series “B” Shares, Series “D” Shares and Series “L” Shares, with no par value. The Series “A” Shares and Series “B” Shares are common shares. The Series “D” Shares are limited-voting and preferred dividend shares, with a preference upon liquidation. The Series “L” Shares are limited-voting shares.
The Company’s shares are publicly traded in Mexico, primarily in the form of Ordinary Participation Certificates (“CPOs”), each CPO representing 117 shares comprised of 25 Series “A” Shares, 22 Series “B” Shares, 35 Series “D” Shares and 35 Series “L” Shares; and in the United States in the form of Global Depositary Shares (“GDS”), each GDS representing five CPOs. Non-Mexican holders of CPOs do not have voting rights with respect to the Series “A”, Series “B” and Series “D” Shares.
At December 31,
(1) As of December 31,
(2) In
(3) In connection with the Company’s
A reconciliation of the number of shares and CPOs outstanding for the years ended December 31,
(1) In connection with a share repurchase program.
(2) By a Company’s trust in connection with the Company’s Long-Term Retention Plan described below.
Under the Company’s bylaws, the Company’s Board of Directors consists of 20 members, of which the holders of Series “A” Shares, Series “B” Shares, Series “D” Shares and Series “L” Shares, each voting as a class, are entitled to elect eleven members, five members, two members and two members, respectively.
Holders of Series “D” Shares are entitled to receive a preferred dividend equal to 5% of the nominal capital attributable to those Shares (nominal Ps.0.00034412306528 per share) before any dividends are payable in respect of Series “A” Shares, Series “B” Shares or Series “L” Shares. Holders of Series “A” Shares, Series “B” Shares and Series “L” Shares are entitled to receive the same dividends as holders of Series “D” Shares if stockholders declare dividends in addition to the preferred dividend that holders of Series “D” Shares are entitled to. If the Company is liquidated, Series “D” Shares are entitled to a liquidation preference equal to the nominal capital attributable to those Shares nominal Ps.0.00688246130560 per share before any distribution is made in respect of Series “A” Shares, Series “B” Shares and Series “L” Shares.
At December 31,
F-56 Long-Term Retention Plan
The Company has adopted a
At the Company’s annual general ordinary stockholders’ meeting held on April 2, 2013, the Company’s stockholders approved that the number of CPOs that may be granted annually under the
The special purpose trust created to implement the
In the fourth-quarter of 2019, the Company agreed to: (i) cancel 9,490.5 million shares that were conditionally sold to our officers and employees in 2015, 2016 and 2017, which conditions had not been complied with in full yet; and (ii) conditionally sell 4,745.3 million shares to the same officers and employees at a lower price and additional vesting periods of two and three years. In connection with these events, the Company recognized an additional expense that is included in the cost for the year ended December 31, 2019 (see Note 2 (y)).
During the first half of 2020, the trust for the LTRP increased the number of shares and CPOs held for the purposes of this Plan in the amount of: (i) 5,526.3 million shares of the Company in the form of 47.2 million CPOs, and 666.9 million Series “A” Shares, not in the form of CPO units, in connection with the cancellation of these shares in the fourth quarter of 2019, which were conditionally sold to certain of the Company’s officers and employees in 2015 and 2016 and (ii) 1,009.7 million shares in the form of 8.6 million CPOs, in connection with forfeited rights under this Plan. In the fourth quarter of 2020, the trust for the LTRP increased the number of shares and CPOs held for the purposes of this Plan in the amount of: 3,196.1 million shares in the form of 27.4 million CPOs, and 351.0 million Series “A” Shares, not in the form of CPO units, in connection with forfeited rights under this Plan. In the third quarter of 2020, the Company recognized as a decrease to the balance of shares repurchased as a result of a refund in the amount of Ps.100,000, which was made to the Company in 2019 by the trust for the LTRP. In the fourth quarter of 2020, the Company made a funding to the trust for the LTRP for acquisition of shares in the aggregate amount of Ps.197,000. As of December 31,
The Group has determined its share-based compensation expense (see Note 2 (y)) by using the BSPM at the date on which the stock was conditionally sold to personnel under the Company’s
(1) Volatility was determined by reference to historically observed prices of the Company’s CPOs. A summary of the stock conditionally sold to employees as of December 31, is presented below (in Mexican pesos and thousands of CPOs):
As of December 31,
In accordance with Mexican law, the legal reserve must be increased by 5% of annual net profits until it reaches 20% of the capital stock amount. As of December 31,
In April 2018, the Company’s stockholders approved for the payment of a dividend of Ps.0.35 per CPO and Ps.0.002991452991 per share of Series “A”, “B”, “D” and “L” Shares, not in the form of a CPO, which was paid in May 2018 in the aggregate amount of Ps.1,068,868 (see Note 17).
In April 2019, the Company’s stockholders approved for the payment of a dividend of Ps.0.35 per CPO and Ps.0.002991452991 per share of Series “A,” “B,” “D” and “L” Shares, not in the form of a CPO, which was paid in May 2019 in the aggregate amount of Ps.1,066,187 (see Note 17).
In April 2020, to further maximize liquidity and as a precautionary measure, the Company’s Board of Directors did not propose the payment of a 2020 dividend for approval of the Company’s general stockholders’ meeting held on April 28, 2020. In 2020 the Group identified that it had overstated Ps.221,000 of a contingent payout obligation, which was presented as a component of consolidated other current liabilities as of December 31, 2019. This inmaterial correction of prior period financial statements had no impact to the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income. The Company corrected the overstatement retrospectively for prior periods in the accompanying consolidated statements of financial position as of December 31, 2019, and of changes in stockholders equity as January 1, 2018. In February 2021, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a proposal for a dividend of Ps.0.35 per CPO payable in the second quarter of 2021, subject to approval of the Company’s stockholders. Dividends, either in cash or in other forms, paid by the Mexican companies in the Group will be subject to income tax if the dividends are paid from earnings that have not been subject to Mexican income tax computed on an individual company basis under the provisions of the Mexican Income Tax Law. In this case, dividends will be taxable by multiplying such dividends by a 1.4286 factor and applying to the resulting amount the income tax rate of 30%. This income tax will be paid by the company paying the dividends.
In addition, the entities that distribute dividends to its stockholders who are individuals or foreign residents must withhold 10% thereof for income tax purposes, which will be paid in Mexico. The foregoing will not be applicable when distributed dividends arise from the “taxed net earnings account” computed on an individual company basis generated through December 31, 2013.
As of December 31,
Non-controlling interests as of December 31,
(1) In 2020, 2019 (2) In (3) In 2020, the stockholders of Radiopolis approved the payment of a dividend in the amount of Ps.656,346, of which Ps.325,173, were for its non-controlling interests, and of which only Ps.285,669 were paid.
Amounts of consolidated current assets, non-current assets, current liabilities and non-current liabilities of Empresas Cablevisión and Sky as of December 31,
Amounts of consolidated net sales, net income and total comprehensive income of Empresas Cablevisión and Sky for the years ended December 31,
As of December 31,
Amounts of consolidated summarized cash flows of Sky and Empresas Cablevisión for the years ended December 31,
The principal transactions carried out by the Group with affiliated companies, including equity investees, stockholders and entities in which stockholders have an equity interest, for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019
(a) The Group receives royalties from Univision for programming provided pursuant to an amended PLA, pursuant to which Univision has the right to broadcast certain Televisa content in the United States for a term that commenced on January 1, 2011 and ends 7.5 years after the Group has sold two-thirds of its initial investment in UHI made in December 2010. The amended PLA includes a provision for certain yearly minimum guaranteed advertising, with a value of U.S.$42.6 million (Ps.909,159), U.S.$32.3 million (Ps.625,410)
(b) Services rendered to Univision in 2020, 2019
(c) Services rendered to a subsidiary of AT&T, Inc. (“AT&T”) in 2020, 2019
(d) The Group receives revenue from and is charged by affiliates for various services, such as: equipment rental, security and other services, at rates which are negotiated. The Group provides management services to affiliates, which reimburse the Group for the incurred payroll and related expenses.
(e) Advertising services rendered to OCEN and Univision in 2020, OCEN, Univision and Editorial Clío, Libros y Videos, S.A. de C.V. (“Editorial Clío”) in 2019
(f) Includes mainly interest income from GTAC.
(g) In 2020, 2019
(h) Paid mainly to Univision and GTAC in 2020, 2019
Other transactions with related parties carried out by the Group in the normal course of business include the following:
During 2020, 2019
In 2015, the Group established a deferred compensation plan for certain officers of its Cable segment, which
The balances of receivables and payables between the Group and related parties as of December 31,
All significant account balances included in amounts due from affiliates bear interest. In
Customer deposits and advances as of December 31,
In 2012, a subsidiary of the Company entered into an amended lease contract with GTAC for the right to use certain capacity in a telecommunication network. This amended lease agreement contemplates annual payments to GTAC in the amount of Ps.41,400 through 2029, with an annual interest rate of the lower of TIIE plus 122 basis points or 6% (see Notes 10, 11 and 14).
Cost of sales represents primarily the production cost of programming, acquired programming and transmission rights at the moment of broadcasting or at the time the produced programs are sold and became available for broadcast (see Note 8). Such cost of sales also includes benefits to employees and post-employment benefits, network maintenance and interconnections, satellite links, paper and printing, depreciation of property, plant and equipment, leases of real estate property, and amortization of intangible assets.
Selling expenses and administrative expenses include primarily benefits to employees, sale commissions, postemployment benefits, share-based compensation to employees, depreciation of property, plant and equipment, leases of real estate property, and amortization of intangibles.
The amounts of depreciation, amortization and other amortization included in cost of sales, selling expenses and administrative expenses for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019
The amounts of expenses related to IFRS 16 included in cost of sales, selling expenses and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31,
Expenses related to short-term employee benefits, share-based compensation and post-employment benefits and incurred by the Group for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019
Other income (expense) for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019
Finance (expense) income, net, for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018,
The income tax
The Mexican corporate income tax rate was 30% in 2020, 2019
2014 Tax Reform
As a result of a 2014 Mexican Tax Reform (the “2014 Tax Reform”), which included the elimination of the tax consolidation regime allowed for Mexican controlling companies, beginning on January 1, 2014, the Company is no longer allowed to consolidate income or loss of its Mexican subsidiaries for income tax purposes and: (i) accounted for an additional income tax liability for the elimination of the tax consolidation regime in the aggregate amount of Ps.6,813,595 as of December 31, 2013; (ii) recognized a benefit from tax loss carryforwards of Mexican companies in the Group in the aggregate amount of Ps.7,936,044 as of December 31, 2013; and (iii) adjusted the carrying amount of deferred income taxes from temporary differences by recognizing such effects on a separate company basis by using the enacted corporate income tax rate as of December 31, 2013.
The income tax payable as of December 31,
(a) Accounted for as current income taxes payable in the consolidated statement of financial position as of December 31,
(b) Accounted for as non-current income taxes payable in the consolidated statement of financial position as of December 31,
Maturities of income tax payable as of December 31,
The following items represent the principal differences between income taxes computed at the statutory rate and the Group’s provision for income taxes.
The Group has recognized the benefits from tax loss carryforwards of Mexican companies in the Group as of December 31,
As of December 31,
During 2020, 2019
In addition to the tax loss carryforwards of Mexican companies in the Group referred as of December 31,
As of December 31,
The deferred income taxes as of December 31,
The deferred tax assets are in tax jurisdictions in which the Group considers that based on financial projections of its cash flows, results of operations and synergies between subsidiaries, will generate taxable income in subsequent periods.
The gross rollforward of deferred income tax assets, net, is as follows:
The rollforward of deferred income tax assets and liabilities for the year 2020, was as follows:
The rollforward of deferred income tax assets and liabilities for the year 2019, was as follows:
The tax (charge) credit relating to components of other comprehensive income is as follows:
The Group does not recognize deferred income tax liabilities related to its investments in certain associates and joint ventures, as either i) the Group is able to control the timing of the reversal of temporary differences arising from these investments, and it is probable that these temporary differences will not reverse in the foreseeable
In December 2018, the Mexican Federal Congress approved reforms to the Until December 2018, taxpayers were able to offset overpayments of different type of taxes against each other and against taxes withheld. With the tax reform, this ability was eliminated, and taxpayers are only allowed to offset tax overpayments that derive from the same tax. This limitation may affect some of our subsidiaries that recurrently have VAT or Income Tax overpayments but could offset those overpayments against each other (i.e. VAT against Income Tax). Beginning on January 1, 2019, they will only be able to: (i) to request a refund of the overpayment or (ii) to offset tax overpayments against the same tax.
In December 2019, the Mexican Federal Congress approved
In December 2020, the Mexican Federal Congress approved minimum amendments to the Income Tax Law, Value Added Tax Law and Federal Tax Code as part of the Economic Plan for 2021. Regarding the Income Tax Law several changes were made to the general regime applicable to Tax-Exempt Organizations, that aimed to control and restrict the application of such regime to ensure that only the companies that perform non-for-profit activities benefit from the dispositions of such Regime. Another important amendment was the decrease of the rate of annual withholding tax applicable to the capital that produces interest paid by the financial system, which changed from 1.45% to 0.97%. In terms of value added tax, derived from the entry into force of the digital economy dispositions, some more dispositions were included to specify the way to comply with those obligations, as well as penalties to ensure such compliance.
At December 31,
Basic earnings per CPO and per each Series “A”, Series “B”, Series “D” and Series “L” Share (not in the form of a CPO unit) for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019
(*) Series “A”, “B”, “D” and “L” Shares not in the form of CPO units.
Diluted earnings per CPO and per Share attributable to stockholders of the Company calculated in connection with CPOs and shares in the LTRP, are as follows:
Diluted earnings per CPO and per each Series “A”, Series “B”, Series “D” and Series “L” Share (not in the form of a CPO unit) for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019
(*) Series “A”, “B”, “D” and “L” Shares not in the form of CPO units.
Reportable segments are those that are based on the Group’s method of internal reporting.
The Group is organized on the basis of services and products. The Group’s segments are strategic business units that offer different entertainment services and products. The Group’s reportable segments are as follows:
Cable
The Cable segment includes the operation of cable multiple systems covering the Mexico City metropolitan area, Monterrey and suburban areas, and over 200 other cities of Mexico; and the operation of telecommunication facilities through a fiber-optic network that covers the most important cities and economic regions of Mexico and the cities of San Antonio and San Diego in the United States (Bestel).
The cable multiple system businesses derive revenues from cable subscribers, principally from basic and premium television services subscription, pay- per-view fees, installation fees, Internet services subscription, telephone and
The telecommunication facilities business derives revenues from providing data and long-distance services solutions to carriers and other telecommunications service providers through its fiber-optic network.
F-71
Sky
The Sky segment includes DTH broadcast satellite pay television services in Mexico, Central America and the Dominican Republic. Sky revenues are primarily derived from program services, installation fees and equipment rental to subscribers, and national advertising sales.
Content
The Content segment categorizes the Group’s sources of content revenue as follows: (a) Advertising; (b) Network Subscription Revenue; and (c) Licensing and Syndication. Given the cost structure of the Group’s Content business, operating segment income is reported as a single line item.
The Advertising revenue is derived primarily from the sale of advertising time on the Group’s television broadcast operations, which include the production of television programming and broadcasting of Channels 2, 4, 5 and 9 (“television networks”), as well as the sale of advertising time on programs provided to pay television companies in Mexico and advertising revenue in the Group’s Internet business and the production of television programming and broadcasting for local television stations in
The Network Subscription revenue is derived from domestic and international programming services provided to independent cable television systems in Mexico and the Group’s direct-to-home (“DTH”) satellite and cable television businesses. These programming services for cable and pay- per-view television companies are provided in Mexico, other countries in Latin America, the United States and Europe. The programming services consist of both programming produced by the Group and programming produced by others.
The Licensing and Syndication revenue is derived from international program licensing and syndication fees. The Group’s television programming is licensed and syndicated to customers abroad, including Univision.
Other Businesses
The Other Businesses segment includes the Group’s domestic operations in sports and show business promotion, soccer, feature film production and distribution, gaming, publishing and publishing distribution. Through the third quarter of 2019, the Radio business was classified in the Group’s Other Businesses segment. Beginning in the fourth quarter of 2019, the Radio
The table below presents information by segment and a reconciliation to consolidated total for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019
(1)This amount represents income before other income or expense, net.
(2)This amount represents consolidated operating income.
(3)In 2018, Accounting Policies
The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in the Group’s summary of significant accounting policies (see Note 2). The Group evaluates the performance of its segments and allocates resources to them based on operating income before depreciation and amortization.
Intersegment Revenue
Intersegment revenue consists of revenues derived from each of the segments principal activities as provided to other segments.
The Group accounts for intersegment revenues as if the revenues were from third parties, that is, at current market prices. Allocation of Corporate Expenses
Non-allocated corporate expenses primarily include share-based compensation expense for certain key officers and employees in connection with the Company’s
The table below presents segment information about assets, liabilities, and additions to property, plant and equipment as of and for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019
Segment assets reconcile to total assets as of December 31,
(1)Includes goodwill attributable to equity investments of Ps.359,613 in
Equity method loss recognized in income for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 Equity method (loss) gain recognized in income for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and
Equity method gain recognized in income for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019
Segment liabilities reconcile to total liabilities as of December 31,
Geographical segment information:
(1)The United States is the largest country from which revenue is derived.
Net sales are attributed to geographical segment based on the location of customers. Disaggregation of Total Revenues
The table below present total revenues for each reportable segment disaggregated by major service/product lines and primary geographical market for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019
(a)Digital TV Service revenues include revenue from leasing set-top equipment to subscribers in the Cable segment in the amount of Ps.5,514,984, Ps.5,289,996
Net sales from external customers for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019
(1) This line includes primarily revenue from leasing set-top equipment to subscribers in the Cable and Sky segments, which is recognized when services are rendered to such subscribers. Set-top equipment is part of the Group’s property and equipment and is leased to subscribers through operating lease contracts.
27. Commitments and Contingencies
Commitments
As of December 31,
As of December 31,
At December 31,
In connection with a long-term credit facility, the Group expects to provide financing to GTAC in
At December 31,
A reconciliation of the non-cancellable lease commitments as of December 31, 2018 and the initial measurement of the lease liabilities under IFRS 16 were as follow:
Preponderant Economic Agent
On March 6, 2014, the IFT issued a decision whereby it determined that the Company, together with certain subsidiaries with concessions that provide broadcast television, are preponderant economic agents in the broadcasting sector in Mexico (together, the “Preponderant Economic Agent”). The preponderance decision imposes on the Preponderant Economic Agent various measures, terms, conditions and restrictive obligations, some of which may adversely affect the activities and businesses of the Group’s broadcasting businesses, as well as their results of operations and financial condition. Among these measures, terms, conditions and restrictive obligations are included the following:
Infrastructure sharing – The Preponderant Economic Agent must make its passive broadcasting infrastructure (as defined in the preponderance decision) available to third-party concessionaries of broadcast television (as defined in the preponderance decision) for commercial purposes in a non-discriminatory and non-exclusive manner, with the exception of broadcasters that, at the time the measures enter into force, have 12 MHz or more of radio-electric spectrum in the geographic area concerned.
Advertising sales – The Preponderant Economic Agent must deliver to IFT and publish the terms and conditions of certain broadcast advertising services and fee structures, including, without limitation, commercials, packages, bonuses and discount plans and any other commercial practice, and publish them on its webpage.
Prohibition on acquiring certain exclusive content – The Preponderant Economic Agent may not acquire transmission rights, on an exclusive basis, for any location within Mexico with respect to certain relevant content, determined by IFT in the Ruling whereby IFT identifies the relevant audiovisual contents in terms and for the purposes of the fourth measure and the second transitory article of the fourth attachment whereby the Preponderant Economic Agent in the telecommunication sector was resolved and the eighteenth and thirteenth transitory articles of the first attachment of the resolution whereby the Preponderant Economic Agent in the broadcasting sector as resolved (the “Relevant Content Ruling”), which may be updated every two years by IFT.
Over-the-air channels – When the Preponderant Economic Agent offers any of its over-the-air channels, or channels that have at least 50% of the programming broadcasted between 6:00 a.m. and midnight on such channels in the same day, to its affiliates, subsidiaries, related partiers and third parties, for distribution through a different technological platform than over-the-air-broadcast television, the Preponderant Economic Agent must offer these channels to any other person that asks for distribution over the same platform as the Preponderant Economic Agent has offered, on the same terms and conditions.
Prohibition on participating in “buyers’ clubs” or syndicates to acquire audiovisual content, without IFT’s prior approval - The Preponderant Economic Agent may not enter into or remain in any “buyers’ club” or syndicates of audiovisual content unless it has received the prior approval of IFT.
There are currently no
On February 27, 2017, as part of a biennial review of the broadcasting sector preponderance rules, the IFT issued a ruling that amended some of the existing preponderance rules in broadcasting and included some additional obligations on the Company and some of its subsidiaries (the “New Preponderance Measures”), as follows:
Infrastructure sharing – In addition to the previously imposed obligations regarding the sharing of passive infrastructure, the New Preponderance Measures have included the service of signal emissions only in the event that no passive infrastructure exists on the requested site. In addition, the New Preponderance Measures strengthen the supervision of the infrastructure services provided by the Group, including certain rules relating to the publicity of its tariffs. In addition, more specifications for the Electronic Management System as part of the new measures are included. Likewise, the IFT determined specific tariffs for our infrastructure offer.
Prohibition to acquire certain exclusive content for broadcasting – This measure has been modified by enabling the Group to acquire relevant content under certain circumstances, as long as it obtains the right to sublicense such transmission rights to the other broadcasters in Mexico on non-discriminatory terms. In December 2018, the Relevant Content Ruling was updated.
Advertising sales – IFT modified this measure mainly by including specific requirements to the Group in its provision of over-the-air advertising services, particularly, to telecommunications companies. Such requirements include, among others: a) publishing and delivering to IFT specific information regarding tariffs, discount plans, contracting and sales terms and conditions, contract forms and other relevant practices; and b) terms and conditions that prohibit discrimination or refusal to deal, conditioned sales and other conditions that inhibit competition. The Group began the process of providing very detailed information to IFT on a recurrent basis of over the air advertising services related to telecommunications companies.
Accounting separation – The Group, as Preponderant Economic Agent, is required to implement an accounting separation methodology under the criteria defined by IFT, published in the Official Gazette of the Federation on December 29, 2017, as amended.
On March 28, 2014, the Company, together with its subsidiaries determined to be the Preponderant Economic Agent in the broadcasting sector, filed anamparo proceeding challenging the constitutionality of the Preponderance Decision. The Supreme Court resolved theamparo proceeding, resolving the constitutionality of the Preponderance Resolution and therefore, it is still valid.
Additionally, on March 31, 2017, the Company, together with its subsidiaries, filed anamparo proceeding challenging the constitutionality of the New Preponderance Measures. On November 21, 2019 the Second Court of the Supreme Court granted the amparo and revoked the New Preponderance Measures. Consequently, the valid and applicable measures in force are the resolved in accordance with the Preponderance Resolution. The
The Company will continue to assess the extent and impact of the various measures, terms, conditions and restrictive obligations in connection with its designation by IFT as Preponderant Economic Agent, including the New Preponderance Measures, and will analyze carefully any actions and/or remedies (legal, business and otherwise) that the Company should take and/or implement regarding these matters. Substantial Power Economic Agent On November 26, 2020, the Company was declared by IFT to be an economic agent with substantial power in the market of restricted television and audio services in certain municipalities. The ruling does not imply that the Company entered into any anticompetitive practices. The IFT will now begin a new proceeding to determine if any asymmetric measures will be necessary, and the Company will be heard in this proceeding. The Company considers that IFT’s ruling is inconsistent with resolutions previously issued by such institute in other investigations regarding substantial power in the same market. Therefore, it will consider all options in its defense. Contingencies
On March 5, 2018, a purported stockholder class action lawsuit was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York alleging securities law violations in connection with allegedly misleading statements and/or omissions in the Company’s public disclosures. The lawsuit alleges that the Company and two of its executives failed to disclose alleged involvement in bribery activities relating to certain executives of Fédération Internationale de Football Association (“FIFA”), and wrongfully failed to disclose weaknesses in the Company’s internal control over its financial reporting as of December 31, 2016. On May 17, 2018, the Court appointed a lead plaintiff for the putative stockholder class. On August 6, 2018, the lead plaintiff filed an amended complaint. The Company thereupon filed a motion to dismiss the amended complaint. On March 25, 2019, the court issued a decision denying the Company’s motion to dismiss, holding that plaintiff’s allegations, if true, were sufficient to support a claim. The parties
On April 27, 2017, the tax authorities, initiated a tax audit to the Company, with the purpose of verifying compliance with tax provisions for the fiscal period from January 1 to December 31, 2011, regarding federal taxes as direct subject of Income Tax (Impuesto sobre la Renta or ISR), Flat tax (Impuesto Empresarial a Tasa Única) and Value Added Tax (Impuesto al Valor Agregado). On April 25, 2018, the authorities informed the observations determined as a result of such audit, that could entail a default on the payment of the abovementioned taxes. On May 25, 2018, by a document submitted before the authority, the Company asserted arguments and offered evidence to undermine the authority’s observations. On June 27, 2019, the Company was notified of the outcome of the audit, in which a tax liability was determined for an amount of Ps.682 million for ISR, penalties, surcharges and inflation adjustments. On August 22, 2019, the Company filed an administrative proceeding (recurso de revocación) against such tax liability, before the Legal area of the Tax Authorities, which is in the process of being resolved. As of the date of this report, there are no elements to determine if the outcome would be adverse to the Company’s interests.
On June 1, 2016, the tax authority initiated a tax audit to a Company’s indirect subsidiary that carries out operations in the Gaming business, which is presented in the Other Businesses segment, with the purpose of verifying compliance with tax provisions for the period from January 1, to December 31, 2014, regarding federal taxes as direct subject, as well as withholder. On April 24, 2017, the authorities informed the facts and omissions detected during the development of the verification process, that could entail a default on the payment of the abovementioned taxes. On May 30, 2017, by a document submitted before the authorities, the Company’s subsidiary asserted arguments and offered evidence to undermine the facts and omissions included in the authority’s last partial record. On June 21, 2019, such entity was notified of the outcome of the audit, in which a tax liability was determined for an amount of Ps.1,334 million, essentially related to IEPS (Impuesto Especial sobre Producción y Servicios or Excise Tax); on August 16, 2019, an administrative proceeding (recurso de revocación) was filed before the Legal area of the Tax On August 12, 2019 the tax authority initiated a Foreign Trade Audit of one of the Company’s indirect subsidiaries (Cablebox. S.A. de C.V.), with the purpose of verifying the correct payment of the contributions and levies on the import of the merchandise, as well as compliance with non-customs regulations and restrictions applicable to 26 foreign trade operations carried out during fiscal year 2016. On April 30, 2020, the tax authority released the observations determined as a result of the aforementioned review, which could lead to non-compliance with the payment of the referred contributions. On April 30, 2020 the tax authority informed the facts and omissions detected during the development of the verification process, that could entail a default on several provisions of the Customs Act (Ley Aduanera). On June 2 and 29, 2020, by several documents submitted before the authorities, the Company’s subsidiary asserted arguments and offered evidence to undermine the facts and omissions included in the tax authority’s last partial record. On July 16 such entity was notified of the outcome of the audit, in which a tax liability was determined for an amount of Ps.289,821 for a fine consisting on 70% of the commercial value of the merchandise subject to review, due to the alleged failure to comply with the Norma Oficial Mexicana, or Official Mexican Standards (NOM-019-SCFI-1998), as well as on the amount of the commercial value of the merchandise due to the material impossibility of the merchandise becoming property of the Federal Treasury. On August 27, 2020 an administrative proceeding (recurso de revocación) was filed before the Legal department of the Tax Authority, which is in the process of being resolved. As of the date of this report, it is not possible to determine if the outcome would be adverse or favorable to the Company’s interests.
The matters discussed in the three paragraphs referred to above did not require the recognition of a provision as of December 31,
There are several legal actions and claims pending against the Group, which are filed in the ordinary course of business. In the opinion of the Company’s management, none of these actions and claims is expected now to have a material adverse effect on the Group’s financial statements as a whole; however, the Company’s management is unable to predict the outcome of any of these legal actions and claims.
IFRS 9 addresses the classification, measurement and recognition of financial assets and financial liabilities. IFRS 9 requires financial assets to be classified into two measurement categories: those measured at amortized cost and those measured at fair value, with changes in fair value either through income or loss, or through other comprehensive income or loss. The determination is made at initial recognition. The basis of classification depends on the entity’s business model for managing its financial instruments and the contractual cash flow characteristics of the financial assets. For financial liabilities, this IFRS Standard retained most of the IAS 39Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurementrequirements. IFRS 9 considers under a new impairment approach that is no longer necessary for a credit event to have occurred before credit losses are recognized, instead, an entity always accounts for expected credit losses, and change in those expected losses to profit or loss; in respect to hedging activities, IFRS 9 aligns hedge accounting more closely with an entity’s risk management through a principles-based approach, by means of which the range from 0.8 to 1.25 to declare a maintaining hedge is eliminated an in its place, an effective hedging instrument will be declared only if it supports the entity’s risk management strategy and maintain an effective hedge, and in lieu thereof, an instrument of effective hedge could be deemed this way if it is aligned with the entity’s management risks strategy; IFRS 9 establishes that an entity making an irrevocable election to present in other comprehensive income changes in fair value of an investment in an equity instrument that is not held for trading, should not transfer to profit or loss any amounts presented in other comprehensive income, but may transfer the cumulative gain or loss within equity. The Company’s management used the retrospective cumulative effect, which consists in recognizing any cumulative adjustment resulting from the new standard at the date of initial adoption in consolidated equity.
In connection with the initial adoption of IFRS 9 in the first quarter of 2018, and based on the Group’s exist in financial instruments, related contracts on hedge relationships as of December 31, 2017, the implementation of the new standard did not have a material impact on the Group’s consolidated financial statements upon adoption.
The adoption of IFRS 9Financial Instrumentsfrom January 1, 2018 resulted in changes in accounting policies and adjustments to the amounts recognized in the financial statements. The new accounting policies are set out in Note 2 (i) and (w) above.
In connection with expected credit losses of trade notes and accounts receivable, in conformity with the guidelines provided by IFRS 9, the Group applied the IFRS 9 simplified approach to measuring expected credit losses, which uses a lifetime expected loss allowance for all trade receivables, and the Group recognized cumulative adjustments that decreased consolidated retained earnings as of January 1, 2018, as follows:
In connection with the initial adoption of IFRS 9 which became effective on January 1, 2018, the Company classified financial assets as current temporary investments with changes in fair value through income or loss. Beginning on January 1, 2018, the Company classified these financial assets as non-current financial instruments with changes in fair value through other comprehensive income, based on its business model for managing financial assets and the contractual cash flow characteristics of these financial assets. In accordance with IFRS 9, this new classification the Group recognized cumulative adjustments in consolidated retained earnings as of January 1, 2018, as follows:
On January 1, 2018 (the date of initial application of IFRS 9), the Group’s management assessed which business models applied to the financial assets held by the Group and classified its financial instruments into the appropriate IFRS 9 categories. The main effects resulting from this reclassification were as follows:
IFRS 15 provides a single, comprehensive revenue recognition model for all contracts with customers to improve comparability within industries, across industries, and across capital markets. This IFRS Standard contains principles that an entity applies to determine the measurement of revenue and timing of when it is recognized. The underlying principle is that an entity recognizes revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers at an amount that the entity expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services.
In connection with the initial adoption of IFRS 15 in the first quarter of 2018, the Company’s management: (i) reviewed significant revenue streams and identified certain effects on the Group’s revenue recognition in the Cable and Sky segments; (ii) used the retrospective cumulative effect, which consists in recognizing any cumulative adjustment resulting from the new standard at the date of initial adoption in consolidated equity; and (iii) did not restate the comparative information for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, which was reported under the financial reporting standards in effect in those periods. Based on the Group’s existing customer contracts and relationships, the implementation of the new standard did not have a material impact on the Group’s consolidated financial statements upon adoption. The more significant effects to the Group’s revenue recognition are described as follows:
Cable
Sky
Content
The Group recognizes customer deposits and advance agreements for advertising services in the consolidated statement of financial position when these agreements are executed either with a consideration in cash paid by customers or with short-term non-interest bearing notes received from customers in connection with annual (“upfront basis”) and from time to time (“scatter basis”) prepayments. In connection with the initial adoption of IFRS 15, customer deposits and advances agreements are presented by the Group as a contract liability in the consolidated statement of financial position when a customer pays consideration, or the Group has a right to an amount of consideration that is unconditional, before the Group transfers advertising services to the customer. Under the guidelines of IFRS 15, a contract liability is a Group’s obligation to transfer services or goods to a customer for which the Group has received consideration, or an amount of consideration is due, from the customer. The Company’s management has consistently recognized that an amount of consideration is due, for legal, finance and accounting purposes, when a short-term non- interest bearing note is received from a customer in connection with a deposit or advance agreement entered into with the customer for advertising services to be rendered by the Group in the short term. Accordingly, there was no effect in the recognition of a contract liability for deposits and advances agreements with customers in the Group’s consolidated statement of financial position at the adoption date of IFRS 15.
The Group has recognized assets from incremental costs of obtaining a contract with customers, primarily commissions, which are classified as current and non-current other assets in its consolidated financial statements as of January 1 and December 31,
In connection with the assets from incremental costs of obtaining a contract with customers referred to above and the initial adoption of IFRS 15, the Group recognized cumulative adjustments that increased consolidated retained earnings as of January 1, 2018, as follows:
(c) IFRS 16
IFRS 16Leaseswas issued in January 2016, replaced IAS 17, and became effective on January 1, 2019. IFRS 16 sets out the principles for the recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of leases. IFRS 16 introduces a single, on-balance sheet lease accounting model for lessees. A lessee recognizes a right-of-use asset representing its right to use the underlying asset and a lease liability representing its obligation to make lease payments. There are recognition exemptions for short-term leases and leases of low-value items. Lessor accounting remains similar to the former IFRS Standard: lessors continue to classify leases as finance or operating leases.
Beginning in the first quarter of 2019, the Group adopted the guidelines of IFRS 16 by using the retrospective cumulative effect, which consists of recognizing any cumulative adjustment due to the new IFRS Standard at the date of initial adoption in consolidated assets and liabilities. Accordingly, as a lessee, the Group recognized lease liabilities as of January 1, 2019, for leases classified as operating leases through December 31, 2018, and measured these lease liabilities at the present value of the remaining lease payments, discounted using the incremental borrowing rate as of January 1, 2019. The carrying amounts of leases classified as a finance leases through December 31, 2018, became the initial carrying amounts of right-of-use assets and lease liabilities under the guidelines of IFRS 16 beginning on January 1, 2019.
The initial impact of recording lease liabilities, and the corresponding right-of-use assets in accordance with the guidelines of IFRS 16, increased the Group’s consolidated total assets and liabilities as of January 1, 2019, as described below. Also, as a result of the adoption of IFRS 16, the Group recognizes a depreciation of rights-of-use assets for long-term lease agreements, and a finance expense for interest from related lease liabilities, instead of affecting consolidated operating costs and expenses for lease payments made, as they were recognized through December 31, 2018, under the guidelines of the former IFRS Standard.
The Company’s management has concluded the analysis and assessment of any changes to be made in the Group’s accounting policies for long-term lease agreements as a lessee, including the implementation of controls over financial reporting in the different business segments of the Group, in connection with the measurement and disclosures required by IFRS 16.
As a result of the adoption of IFRS 16, the Group recognized as right-of-use assets and lease liabilities in its consolidated statements of financial position as of December 31, 2020, December 31 and January 1, 2019, long-term lease agreements that were recognized as operating leases through December 31, 2018, as follows:
Depreciation of right-of-use assets referred to in the table above and charged to income for the year ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, amounted to
The Group also classified as right-of-use assets and lease liabilities in its consolidated statements of financial position as of December 31, 2020, December 31 and January 1, 2019,property and equipment and obligations under long-term lease agreements that were recognized as finance leases through December 31, 2018, as follows:
Depreciation of right-of-use assets referred to in the table above and charged to income for the years ended December 31,
In applying IFRS 16 for the first time, the Group has used the following practical expedients permitted by the standard:
The Group has also elected not to reassess whether a contract is, or contains a lease at the date of initial application. Instead, for contracts entered into before the transition date the Group relied on its assessment made applying IAS 17 and IFRIC 4Determining whether an Arrangement contains a Lease.
29.
On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared the outbreak of Coronavirus (“ The Company´s management cannot guarantee that conditions in the bank lending, capital and other financial markets will not continue to deteriorate as a result of the pandemic, or that its access to capital and other sources of funding will not become constrained, which could adversely affect the availability and terms of future borrowings, renewals or refinancings. In addition, the deterioration of global economic conditions as a result of the pandemic may ultimately reduce the demand for the Group´s products across its segments, as its clients and customers reduce or defer their spending. The Mexican Government is still implementing the plan to reactivate economic activities in accordance with color-based phases determined on a weekly basis in every state of the country. Most non-essential economic activities are open with some limitations, mainly with reduced capacity and hours of operation. However, a significant part of the population is still implementing social distancing and shelter-in-place policies. As a result, during the quarter ended December 31, 2020, this has affected, and is still affecting the ability of the Group´s employees, suppliers and customers to conduct their functions and businesses in their typical manner. As of this date given that they are considered essential economic activities, the Group has continued operating its media and telecommunications businesses uninterrupted to continue benefiting the country with connectivity, entertainment and information, and during the quarter ended December 31, 2020, the Group continued producing of new content following the requirements and health guidelines imposed by the Mexican Government. During the quarter ended December 31, 2020, the Group´s Content segment recovered in relation to the previous quarters during the pandemic as a result of the easing of lockdown restrictions in some jurisdictions in which its customers are located. Notwithstanding the foregoing, we are partially dependent on the demand for advertising from consumer-focused companies, and the COVID-19 pandemic has caused, and could further cause, advertisers to reduce or postpone their advertisement spending on its platforms. In the Group´s Other Businesses segment, sporting and other entertainment events for which it has broadcast rights, or which it organizes, promotes and/or is located in venues it owns, has started to operate again with some limitations and taking the corresponding sanitary measures, and to date most of its casinos have resumed operations with reduced capacity and hours of operation. When local authorities approve the re-opening of these venues that are still not operating, rules may be enacted including limitations on capacity and operating hours; these may affect the results of its Other Businesses segment in the following months. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the authorities may impose restrictions on non-essential activities, including but not limited to temporary shutdowns or additional guidelines which could be expensive or burdensome to implement, which may affect the Group´s operations. The magnitude of the impact on the Group’s businesses will depend on the duration and extent of the COVID-19 pandemic and the impact of federal, state, local and foreign governmental actions, including continued or future social distancing, and consumer behavior in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and such governmental actions. Due to the evolving and uncertain nature of this situation, the Company´s management is not able to estimate the full extent of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, but it may continue affecting the Group´s businesses, financial position and results of operations over the near, medium or long-term. 30. Events after the Reporting Period Transaction announced on April 13, 2021 On April 13, 2021, the Group and UHI announced a definitive transaction agreement in which the Group’s content and media assets will be combined with UHI to create the largest Spanish-language media company in the world. The Group will continue to participate in UHI’s growth potential by remaining the largest shareholder in UHI, with an equity stake of approximately 45% following the transaction. The Group will also retain ownership of its Cable, Sky and Other Businesses segments, as well as the main real estate associated with the production facilities, the broadcasting concessions and transmission infrastructure in Mexico. The Group will contribute the assets specified in the Transaction Agreement, including, subject to certain exceptions, its Content business included in its Content business segment to UHI for U.S.$4.5 billion in a combination of cash (U.S.$3.0 billion) and U.S.$1.5 billion of common and preferred shares of UHI.
In connection with the The Boards of Directors of the Company and UHI have approved the combination. The transaction is expected to close in As a result of Company´s stockholder approvals
On April 28,
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