Liberty Latin America's (LLA) results were below analysts' previous forecasts. LLA reported a 9% decline in the fourth quarter while OIBDA was 1% lower.
LLA reported revenues totaling US$ 1.16 billion. Analysts had expected revenues of US$ 1.17 billion. The operator explained that this was due to the divestment of its operations in Chile, although it added Claro Panama's operations.
Operating income (OIBDA) stood at US$ 405.2 million, which represented a drop of 13% compared to the same period of 2021, and 1% in organic terms, mainly impacted by the operations in Chile and Puerto Rico.
On a year-over-year basis, revenues remained almost unchanged at US$ 4.81 billion. But if VTR's operations are excluded, revenues rose 8% year over year. OIBDA for 2022 decreased by 5% in the year to US$ 1.7 billion, mainly impacted by the disincorporation of Chile.
As per users, LLA ended the year with 8.17 million mobile subscribers, having added 59,000 organic subscribers during 2022, of which 58,200 were in the postpaid segment.
Revenue-generating units (RGUs) in the fixed segment ended the year at 3.81 million due to the addition of 31,300 organic RGUs in 2022.
C&W Panama's operations reported a 16% year-over-year revenue increase in the fourth quarter of 2022 to US$ 201.4 million, driven by the addition of Claro Panama's operations. On an organic basis, this unit's revenues declined by 3%.
C&W Networks & Latam reported an 11% year-over-year increase to US$ 124 million. Liberty Costa Rica's revenues increased by 8% in the fourth quarter versus a year ago, while C&W Caribbean's revenues grew by 3% and Puerto Rico's by 1%.