TV Azteca Reports 46% EBITDA Margin in 4Q04; 44% for the Full Year - Net Sales Increase 1% in 4Q04 and 9% in Year, to All-Time Records - MEXICO CITY, Feb. 16 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- TV Azteca, S.A. de C.V. (NYSE: TZA; BMV: TVAZTCA, Latibex: XTZA), one of the two largest producers of Spanish language television programming in the world, announced today fourth quarter net sales up 1% to a record level of Ps.2,431 million (US$216 million), and EBITDA of Ps.1,115 million (US$99 million), a 9% decrease over the prior year period. EBITDA margin for the quarter was 46%. Net sales for the full year were Ps.8,320 million (US$739 million) and EBITDA was Ps.3,665 million (US$325 million), increases of 9% and 3%, respectively, compared with 2003. Full year net sales and EBITDA recorded their highest levels ever. "Our 2004 results mark the sixth year of continued expansion in revenue and EBITDA, and the fourth consecutive year scoring all time sales records," said Mario San Roman, Chief Executive Officer of TV Azteca. "Our numbers reflect the continued development of dynamic drivers of growth, while focusing on solid profitability." "During the year we made further progress on our cash-usage plan, with distributions to shareholders of US$185 million, while advancing on our total debt reduction strategy," added Mr. San Roman. "In line with the cash plan, our board approved another US$80 million to be distributed to shareholders in 2005." As previously detailed, the company's plan for uses of cash entails distributions of over US$500 million and reductions in TV Azteca's debt by approximately US$250 million within a six-year period that started in 2003. Fourth Quarter Results Net sales grew 1% to a record high of Ps.2,431 million (US$216 million), up from Ps.2,416 million (US$214 million) for the same quarter of 2003. Total costs and expenses rose 10% to Ps.1,316 million (US$117 million), from Ps.1,191 million (US$106 million) for the same period of last year. As a result, the company reported EBITDA of Ps.1,115 million (US$99 million), 9% below Ps.1,225 million (US$109 million) in the fourth quarter of 2003. Net income was Ps.480 million (US$43 million), compared with net income of Ps.626 million (US$56 million) for the same period of 2003. Millions of pesos(1) and dollars(2) except percentages and per share amounts. 4Q 2003 4Q 2004 Change US$ % Net Sales Pesos Ps. 2,416 Ps. 2,431 US$ US$ 214 US$ 216 2 +1% EBITDA(3) Pesos Ps. 1,225 Ps. 1,115 US$ US$ 109 US$ 99 (10) -9% Net Income Pesos Ps. 626 Ps. 480 US$ US$ 56 US$ 43 (13) -23% Income per ADS(4) Pesos Ps. 3.38 Ps. 2.59 US$ US$ 0.30 US$ 0.23 (0.07) -23% (1) Pesos of constant purchasing power as of December 31, 2004. (2) Conversion based on the exchange rate of Ps.11.26 per US dollar as of December 31, 2004. (3) EBITDA is Operating Profit Before Depreciation and Amortization under Mexican GAAP. (4) Calculated based on 185 million ADSs outstanding as of December 31, 2004. Net Sales Net sales in the quarter, while higher, were affected by a decline in soccer revenues. In the three month period, soccer teams for which TV Azteca has exhibition rights did not qualify for finals or semi-finals of the Opening Season of the Mexican Soccer League. On a proforma basis, excluding revenue associated with the transmission of the Opening Season during the fourth quarter of 2003 of Ps.61 million (US$5 million), net sales increased 3%. "We overcame reduced soccer revenues by offering creative advertising solutions in appealing alternative programming in Mexico and the United States," added Mr. San Rom�n. "Ad demand targeting US Hispanics was particularly dynamic, within the framework of growing geographical coverage and compelling sales strategies." Fourth quarter revenue includes sales from Azteca America-the company's wholly-owned broadcasting network focused on the US Hispanic market-of Ps.144 million (US$13 million), an 80% increase from Ps.80 million (US$7 million) for the same period a year ago. Azteca America revenue this quarter was composed of Ps.74 million (US$7 million) in sales from the Los Angeles station KAZA-TV, and Ps.70 million (US$6 million) from network sales. As of December 31, 2004, Azteca America Network had over-the-air coverage in 38 markets in the United States that account for approximately 78% of the US Hispanic households. Over-the-air coverage, together with cable and DirecTV carriage translated into a 56% Nielsen coverage of US Hispanic households at year-end 2004, 12 percentage points above 44% at December 31, 2003. Nielsen coverage as of January 31, 2005 rose to 58%. TV Azteca also reported sales of programming to other countries of Ps.17 million (US$1 million), compared with Ps.24 million (US$2 million) in the same period a year ago. This quarter's programming exports were primarily driven by the company's novelas Cuando Seas Mia, sold in Europe, as well as La Hija del Jardinero, which was sold mostly in Latin American markets. TV Azteca reported Ps.35 million (US$3 million) in advertising sales to Unefon, constant from Ps.35 million (US$3 million) in the fourth quarter of 2003. In accordance with the terms of the advertising agreement between Unefon and TV Azteca, during the fourth quarter Unefon paid to TV Azteca in cash the Ps.34 million (US$3 million) of advertising purchases placed within the prior three month period. Additionally, Unefon paid TV Azteca Ps.54 million (US$5 million), which correspond to the last of four semi-annual installments of deferred payments for television advertising made prior to 2003. During the fourth quarter of 2004, content and advertising sales to Todito.com were Ps.59 million (US$5 million), compared with Ps.57 million (US$5 million) in the same period of the prior year. Barter sales were Ps.116 million (US$10 million), compared with Ps.148 million (US$13 million) in the same period of last year. Inflation adjustment of advertising advances was Ps.89 million (US$8 million), compared with Ps.47 million (US$4 million) for the fourth quarter of 2003. Costs and Expenses The 10% increase in fourth quarter costs and expenses resulted from the combined effect of an 8% rise in programming, production and transmission costs to Ps.979 million (US$87 million), from Ps.903 million (US$80 million) in the prior year period, and a 17% increase in administration and selling expense to Ps.337 million (US$30 million), from Ps.288 million (US$26 million) in the same quarter a year ago. "Azteca America's top line growth was associated with supplementary content generated to tap greater US Hispanic audiences, resulting in a rise in the company's production costs," said Carlos Hesles, Chief Financial Officer of TV Azteca. "Azteca America has become a consistent source for consolidated top line expansion, and we expect substantial profitability rewards in the future." As a result of increased production efforts this quarter, TV Azteca's in- house produced content rose to 2,208 hours in the three month period from 2,113 hours a year ago. The 17% growth in administration and selling expense primarily reflects Ps.45 million (US$4 million) of advisory fees related to compliance with US securities laws. TV Azteca also recorded expenses connected with the company's operations of the Los Angeles station KAZA-TV, in line with the increasing dimensions of the business. EBITDA and Net Income The 1% increase in fourth quarter net sales, combined with the 10% growth in costs and expenses, resulted in EBITDA of Ps.1,115 million (US$99 million), compared with Ps.1,225 million (US$109 million) a year ago. The EBITDA margin was 46%, compared with 51% in the same period of 2003. Below EBITDA, fourth quarter results were influenced by a decrease in depreciation and amortization to Ps.94 million (US$8 million) from Ps.117 million (US$10 million) a year ago. The change is primarily due to a Ps.25 million (US$2 million) decline in depreciation mainly reflecting revaluations in depreciation indexes in the fourth quarter of 2003. The company recorded other expense of Ps.251 million (US$22 million), compared with Ps.133 million (US$12 million) a year ago. Other expense for the quarter was primarily composed of the recognition of the results from Monarcas-TV Azteca's soccer team-in the company's financial statements of Ps.80 million (US$7 million), legal fees of Ps.56 million (US$5 million), charitable donations of Ps.46 million (US$4 million), the recognition of 50% of the net loss of Todito of Ps.25 million (US$2 million), the write-off of obsolete equipment of Ps.23 million (US$2 million), and cancellations and other of Ps.21 million (US$2 million). Net comprehensive financing cost during the quarter was Ps.215 million (US$19 million) compared with Ps.250 million (US$22 million) a year ago. The decline was primarily influenced by an Ps.18 million (US$2 million) foreign exchange gain, compared with a Ps.57 million (US$5 million) exchange loss in the prior year's period. The exchange gain results from the combination of a 1% peso appreciation during the quarter and the prepayment on December 23 of the company's US$300 million 10 1/2% notes due 2007, using peso denominated debt. Net comprehensive financing cost was also influenced by other financing expense of Ps.57 million (US$5 million) compared with Ps.10 million (US$1 million) in the fourth quarter of 2003. The change primarily results from pending amortizations of Ps.49 million (US$4 million) in underwriting fees from the previously mentioned US$300 million notes due 2007. Provision for income tax was Ps.75 million (US$7 million), compared with Ps.98 million (US$9 million) in the same period of the prior year, reflecting a lower taxable base this quarter. Net income for the period was Ps.480 million (US$43 million), compared with Ps.626 million (US$56 million) for the same quarter of 2003. Advertising Advances The balance of advertising advances as of December 31, 2003-excluding advance sales from Unefon and Todito-was Ps.5,041 million (US$448 million) compared with Ps.5,158 million (US$458 million) at the end of the prior year. Later industry dates for the 2005 presale campaign delayed the closing of a number of advance contracts at TV Azteca. Considering advertising advances that were signed during the month of January of this year, ad advances for 2005 were approximately 7% above the prior year's balance. Uses of Cash The company generated free cash flow in the full year-before debt payment and distributions to shareholders-of approximately Ps.1,830 million (US$162 million), which surpassed its US$150 million stated goal for 2004. Adhering to the timetable of the company's plan for uses of cash, TV Azteca made cash distributions to shareholders of US$185 million during 2004. The distributions under the cash usage-plan made to date, represent an aggregate amount of US$325 million, equivalent to a 19% yield on the February 15, 2005 ADR closing price. Distributions to shareholders have included payments of US$125 million made on June 30, 2003, US$15 million on December 5, 2003, US$33 million on May 13, 2004, US$22 million on November 11, 2004, and US$130 million on December 14, 2004. As previously detailed, the company's board of directors unanimously approved additional cash distributions of US$80 million to be made during 2005. Under the cash plan, TV Azteca has also reduced its total debt by US$53 million, on a nominal US dollar basis, since June 2003. Additionally on December 23 the company prepaid all of its US$300 million 10 1/2% note due 2007, with resources coming from an issuance in Mexico of Structured Securities Certificates and from a credit facility denominated in pesos with Banco Inbursa, S.A. The new peso facilities substantially reduce the overall foreign exchange risk on the company's debt, provide for longer maturities compared with the notes, and have gradual amortizations, consistent with TV Azteca's debt reduction strategy. Debt Outstanding As of December 31, 2004, the company's total outstanding debt was Ps.6,216 million (US$553 million). TV Azteca's cash balance was Ps.752 million (US$67 million), resulting in net debt of Ps.5,464 million (US$486 million). The total debt to last twelve months (LTM) EBITDA ratio was 1.7 times, and net debt to EBITDA was 1.5 times. LTM EBITDA to net interest expense ratio was 6.1 times. The company noted that excluding-for analytical purposes-Ps.1,349 million (US$120 million) debt due 2069, total debt was Ps.4,867 million (US$432 million), and total debt to EBITDA ratio was 1.3 times. Twelve Month Results For the full year 2004, net sales were Ps.8,320 million (US$739 million), a 9% increase over last year's Ps.7,659 (US$680 million). EBITDA was Ps.3,665 (US$325 million), up 3% from Ps.3,551 million (US$315 million) in 2003. EBITDA margin for 2004 was 44%, compared with 46% a year ago. Net earnings were Ps.1,544 (US$137 million), compared with Ps.1,658 million (US$147 million) in the prior year. Millions of pesos(1) and dollars(2) except percentages and per share amounts. 2003 2004 Change US$ % Net Sales Pesos Ps. 7,659 Ps. 8,320 US$ US$ 680 US$ 739 59 +9% EBITDA(3) Pesos Ps. 3,551 Ps. 3,665 US$ US$ 315 US$ 325 11 +3% Net Income Pesos Ps. 1,658 Ps. 1,544 US$ US$ 147 US$ 137 (10) -7% Income per ADS(4) Pesos Ps. 8.96 Ps. 8.35 US$ US$ 0.80 US$ 0.74 (0.06) -7% (1) Pesos of constant purchasing power as of December 31, 2004. (2) Conversion based on the exchange rate of Ps.11.26 per US dollar as of December 31, 2004. (3) EBITDA is Operating Profit Before Depreciation and Amortization under Mexican GAAP. (4) Calculated based on 185 million ADSs outstanding as of December 31, 2004. Company Profile TV Azteca is one of the two largest producers of Spanish language television programming in the world, operating two national television networks in Mexico, Azteca 13 and Azteca 7, through more than 300 owned and operated stations across the country. TV Azteca affiliates include Azteca America Network, a new broadcast television network focused on the rapidly growing US Hispanic market, and Todito.com, an Internet portal for North American Spanish speakers. Except for historical information, the matters discussed in this press release are forward-looking statements and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. Risks that may affect TV Azteca are identified in its Form 20-F and other filings with the US Securities and Exchange Commission. TV AZTECA, S.A. DE C.V. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED RESULTS OF OPERATIONS* (Millions of Mexican pesos of December 31, 2004 purchasing power) Fourth Quarter of: 2003 2004 Net revenue Ps 2,416 Ps 2,431 Programming, production and transmission costs 903 979 Sales and administrative expenses 288 337 Total costs and expenses 1,191 1,316 EBITDA 1,225 1,115 Depreciation and amortization 117 94 Operating profit 1,108 1,021 Other expense -Net (133) (251) Comprehensive financing cost: Interest expense (218) (205) Other financing expense (10) (57) Interest income 48 38 Exchange (loss) gain -Net (57) 18 Loss on monetary position (12) (10) Net comprehensive financing cost (250) (215) Income before provision for income tax 725 555 Provision for income tax (98) (75) Net income Ps 626 Ps 480 Net income of minority stockholders Ps 0.4 Ps - Net income of majority stockholders Ps 626 Ps 480 End of period exchange rate Ps 11.23 Ps 11.26 * Mexican GAAP. TV AZTECA, S.A. DE C.V. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED RESULTS OF OPERATIONS* (Millions of Mexican pesos of December 31, 2004 purchasing power) Fourth Quarter of: 2003 2004 Change Millions of US Dollars ** % Net revenue US$ 214 100% US$ 216 100% US$ 1 1% Programming, production and transmission costs 80 37% 87 40% 7 8% Sales and administrative expenses 26 12% 30 14% 4 17% Total costs and expenses 106 49% 117 54% 11 10% EBITDA 109 51% 99 46% (10) -9% Depreciation and amortization 10 8 (2) Operating profit 98 46% 91 42% (8) -8% Other expense -Net (12) (22) (10) Comprehensive financing cost: Interest expense (19) (18) 1 Other financing expense (1) (5) (4) Interest income 4 3 (1) Exchange (loss) gain -Net (5) 2 7 Loss on monetary position (1) (1) 0 Net comprehensive financing cost (22) (19) 3 Income before provision for income tax 64 30% 49 23% (15) -23% Provision for income tax (9) (7) 2 - Net income US$ 56 26% US$ 43 20% US$ (13) -23% Net income of minority stockholders US$ 0 US$ - US$ (0) Net income of majority stockholders US$ 56 26% US$ 43 20% US$ (13) -23% End of period exchange rate * Mexican GAAP. ** The U.S. dollar figures represent the Mexican peso amounts as of December 31, 2004 expressed as of December 31, 2004 purchasing power, translated at the exchange rate of Ps. 11.2648 per U.S. dollar. TV AZTECA, S.A. DE C.V. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED RESULTS OF OPERATIONS* (Millions of Mexican pesos of December 31, 2004 purchasing power) Year ended December 31, 2003 2004 Net revenue Ps 7,659 Ps 8,320 Programming, production and transmission costs 3,002 3,473 Sales and administrative expenses 1,105 1,182 Total costs and expenses 4,108 4,655 EBITDA 3,551 3,665 Depreciation and amortization 389 402 Operating profit 3,163 3,263 Other expense - Net (438) (698) Comprehensive financing cost: Interest expense (807) (766) Other financing expense (55) (136) Interest income 215 167 Exchange (loss) gain - Net (201) 3 Loss on monetary position (33) (90) Net comprehensive financing cost (880) (822) Income before provision for income tax 1,844 1,743 Provision for income tax (185) (199) Net income Ps 1,659 Ps 1,544 Net income of minority stockholders Ps 1 Ps - Net income of majority stockholders Ps 1,658 Ps 1,544 End of period exchange rate Ps 11.23 Ps 11.26 * Mexican GAAP. ** The U.S. dollar figures represent the Mexican peso amounts as of December 31, 2004 expressed as of December 31, 2004 purchasing power, translated at the exchange rate of Ps. 11.2648 per U.S. dollar. TV AZTECA, S.A. DE C.V. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED RESULTS OF OPERATIONS* (Millions of Mexican pesos of December 31, 2004 purchasing power) Year ended December 31, 2003 2004 Change % Net revenue US$ 680 100% US$ 739 100% US$ 59 9% Programming, production and transmission costs 267 39% 308 42% 42 16% Sales and administrative expenses 98 14% 105 14% 7 7% Total costs and expenses 365 54% 413 56% 49 13% EBITDA 315 46% 325 44% 11 3% Depreciation and amortization 34 36 1 Operating profit 281 41% 290 39% 9 3% Other expense -Net (39) (62) (23) Comprehensive financing cost: Interest expense (72) (68) 4 Other financing expense (5) (12) (7) Interest income 19 15 (4) Exchange (loss) gain -Net (18) 0 18 Loss on monetary position (3) (8) (5) Net comprehensive financing cost (78) (73) 5 Income before provision for income tax 164 24% 155 21% (9) -5% Provision for income tax (16) (18) (1) Net income US$ 147 22% US$ 137 19% US$ (10) -7% Net income of minority stockholders US$ 0.1 US$ - US$ (0) Net income of majority stockholders US$ 147 22% US$ 137 19% US$ (10) -7% End of period exchange rate * Mexican GAAP. ** The U.S. dollar figures represent the Mexican peso amounts as of December 31, 2004 expressed as of December 31, 2004 purchasing power, translated at the exchange rate of Ps. 11.2648 per U.S. dollar. TV AZTECA, S.A. DE C.V. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS* (Millions of Mexican pesos of December 31, 2004 purchasing power) At December 31, 2003 2004 Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents Ps 2,610 Ps 752 Accounts receivable 6,019 5,271 Other current assets 1,191 744 Total current assets 9,820 6,767 Accounts receivable from Unefon 1,892 1,675 Investment in Azteca America 1,526 1,438 Exhibition rights 1,254 826 Property, plant and equipment-Net 2,298 2,145 Television concessions-Net 4,051 4,159 Investment in Todito 226 103 Other assets 715 1,058 Goodwill -Net 622 583 Deferred income tax asset - 36 Total long term assets 12,584 12,023 Total assets Ps 22,404 Ps 18,790 Current liabilities: Short-term debt Ps 819 Ps 1,078 Guaranteed senior notes 1,477 - Structured securities certificates 200 Other current liabilities 1,663 1,479 Total current liabilities 3,959 2,757 Long-term debt: Guaranteed senior notes 3,544 - Structured securities certificates - 1,800 Loan from banco Inbursa, S.A. - 1,406 Bank loans 651 383 Total long-term debt 4,195 3,589 Other long term liabilities: American Tower Corporation (due 2019) 1,415 1,349 Advertising advances 5,158 5,041 Unefon advertising advance 2,183 2,012 Todito advances 336 58 Other long term liabilities 126 53 Deferred income tax payable 194 - Total other long-term liabilities 9,412 8,513 Total liabilities 17,566 14,859 Total stockholders' equity 4,838 3,931 Total liabilities and equity Ps 22,404 Ps 18,790 End of period exchange rate Ps 11.23 Ps 11.26 * Mexican GAAP. ** The U.S. dollar figures represent Mexican peso amounts as of December 31, 2004, expressed as of December 31, 2004 purchasing power, translated at the exchange rate of Ps. 11.2648 per U.S. dollar. TV AZTECA, S.A. DE C.V. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS* (Millions of Mexican pesos of December 31, 2004 purchasing power) At December 31, 2003 2004 Change Millions of US Dollars** Current assets: % Cash and cash equivalents US$ 232 US$ 67 US$ (165) Accounts receivable 534 468 (66) Other current assets 106 66 (40) Total current assets 872 601 (271) -31% Accounts receivable from Unefon 168 149 (19) Investment in Azteca America 135 128 (8) Exhibition rights 111 73 (38) Property, plant and equipment - Net 204 190 (14) Television concessions-Net 360 369 10 Investment in Todito 20 9 (11) Other assets 63 94 30 Goodwill -Net 55 52 (3) Deferred income tax asset 3 3 Total long term assets 1,117 1,067 (50) -4% Total assets US$ 1,989 US$ 1,668 US$ (321) -16% Current liabilities: Short-term debt US$ 73 US$ 96 US$ 23 Guaranteed senior notes 131 - (131) Structured securities certificates 18 18 Other current liabilities 148 131 (16) Total current liabilities 351 245 (107) -30% Long-term debt: Guaranteed senior notes 315 - (315) Structured securities certificates - 160 160 Loan from banco Inbursa, S.A. - 125 125 Bank loans 58 34 (24) Total long-term debt 372 319 (54) Other long term liabilities: American Tower Corporation (due 2019) 126 120 (6) Advertising advances 458 448 (10) -2% Unefon advertising advance 194 179 (15) Todito advances 30 5 (25) Other long term liabilities 11 5 (6) Deferred income tax payable 17 - (17) Total other long-term liabilities 836 756 (80) -10% Total liabilities 1,559 1,319 (240) -15% Total stockholders' equity 429 349 (81) -19% Total liabilities and equity US$ 1,989 US$ 1,668 US$ (321) -16% * Mexican GAAP. ** The U.S. dollar figures represent Mexican peso amounts as of December 31, 2004, expressed as of December 31, 2004 purchasing power, translated at the exchange rate of Ps. 11.2648 per U.S. dollar. TV AZTECA, S.A. DE C.V. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN FINANCIAL POSITION Millions of Mexican pesos of December 31, 2004 purchasing power Year ended December 31, Operations: 2003 2004 Net income Ps 1,659 Ps 1,544 Charges (credits) to results of operation not affecting resources: Amortization of goodwill 42 40 Depreciation 347 362 Gain on sale of subsidiary (3) Equity in affiliates 50 101 Deferred income tax 82 - Net change in accounts receivable, inventories, exhibition rights, related parties, accounts payable and accrued expenses (474) 502 Unefon advertising advances (215) (172) Todito advertising, programming, and services advances (187) (278) Advertising advances 295 (117) Resources provided by operations 1,596 1,982 Investment: Acquisition of property, machinery and equipment - Net (181) (184) Reimbursement of premium on issuance of capital stock of Todito 36 32 Spin-off of investments in associated companies 2,234 - Minority interest-Net (11) Resources provided by (used in) investing activities 2,078 (152) Financing: Guaranteed senior notes 190 (5,021) Bank loans -Net 982 (75) Stock options exercised 30 61 Preferred dividend paid (39) (51) Repurchase of shares - (635) Sale of treasury shares 105 - Capital stock decrease (1,517) (2,084) Spin-off of investments in associated companies (2,234) - Proceeds from the issuance of Structured securities certificates 2,000 DATASOURCE: TV Azteca, S.A. de C.V. CONTACT: Investor Relations - Bruno Rangel, +5255-1720-9167, , or Omar Avila, +5255-1720-0041, , Media - Tristan Canales, +5255-1720-5786, , or Daniel McCosh, +5255-1720-0059, , all of TV Azteca, S.A. de C.V. Web site: http://www.tvazteca.com.mx/

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