Millicom (Tigo) intends to consolidate listing of shares on
NASDAQ U.S. by delisting SDRs from Nasdaq Stockholm and resumes
shareholder remuneration
Luxembourg, November 29, 2024 – Millicom
International Cellular S.A. ("Millicom" or the “Company”), today
announced that the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) has
approved the following corporate actions, to simplify the trading
of its shares and to resume shareholder remuneration, supported by
the Company’s strong financial performance in 2024 and positive
outlook for 2025 and beyond:
-
Application for delisting of the Company's Swedish Depositary
Receipts (“SDR”) from Nasdaq Stockholm (to be made at the earliest
end of February 2025): The Company anticipates that
consolidating the listing of its shares onto one single exchange,
the Nasdaq Stock Market in the United States (“Nasdaq U.S.”), will
provide improved levels of liquidity to its shareholders,
appropriate access to capital for Millicom, attract new investors
focused on Latin America, potential inclusion on certain equity
indices, a simplified corporate governance structure and a
reduction in administrative costs;
- $150
million Share Repurchase Program: The program is intended to
enhance shareholder value, as further outlined below; and
-
Dividend Policy and Interim Dividend Declaration: Millicom
having reached its intermediate leverage goal, the Board’s current
intention is to propose to restart recurring dividends as means of
shareholder remuneration, which would then be presented to the AGM
for shareholder approval. Meanwhile, the Board has approved an
interim dividend of $1.00 per share (or its equivalent in SEK per
SDR), i.e. approximately $172 million (to be adjusted for the
number of treasury shares held by Millicom at the time of the
record date of the Interim Dividend), expected to be paid on or
around January 10, 2025.
Application for delisting of the Company's
SDRs from Nasdaq Stockholm
Consolidating the listing of the Company’s
shares on the Nasdaq U.S. is a logical next step in Millicom’s
journey to become a more efficient company with a simplified
corporate governance structure and to solidify its position as a
leading provider of fixed and mobile telecommunications services in
Latin America, a region where most of its peers are US-listed.
The Company’s primary goal in consolidating its
listing on Nasdaq U.S., is to increase trading liquidity for its
shareholders and to provide appropriate access to capital for
Millicom, reaching a larger pool of potential shareholders, while
maintaining the same high level of standards of reporting and
governance.
To achieve this, the Company (i) will maintain
the current listing of its ordinary shares on the Nasdaq U.S.
(“Millicom U.S. Shares” or “Shares”) under the ticker symbol TIGO
and (ii) intends to apply to delist the Company's SDR from Nasdaq
Stockholm. The application for delisting will be submitted to
Nasdaq Stockholm no earlier than three months after the date of
this press release in line with Swedish good stock market practice
(which the Swedish Securities Counsel has confirmed in its
statement AMN 2024:72, when consulted by Millicom regarding good
stock market practice in relation to the intended delisting).
Millicom’s SDRs traded on Nasdaq Stockholm have
equivalent economic and voting rights as the Millicom U.S. Shares
that will remain listed on Nasdaq U.S. Currently, unrelated to a
future delisting, holders of SDRs can convert SDRs into Millicom
U.S. Shares for a fee paid to the SDR custodian (SEB), as per the
procedures described on Millicom’s website. However, Millicom will
as soon as possible provide further details regarding the transfer
instructions to be given by SDR holders to their Swedish
nominee/custodian bank or broker in relation to the conversion
process in light of the delisting and the related termination of
the SDRs, and how to act in relation thereto. Such further details
will include that directly registered SDR-holders must have or open
an account that enables them to receive the US Shares, such as a
securities custody account, an investment savings account (Sw.
investeringssparkonto) or an endowment insurance (Sw.
kapitalförsäkring). SDR holders that convert SDRs into Millicom
U.S. Shares before such upcoming more detailed communication may
not benefit from any improved conditions which may be applied in
preparation for the upcoming delisting and termination of the SDRs
(including potentially as regards removal or reduction of any fees
involved).
As mentioned above, the application for
delisting will, in line with Swedish good stock market practice as
confirmed to Millicom by the Swedish Securities Council, not be
submitted to Nasdaq Stockholm until at the earliest three months
from today. The delisting is conditional on Nasdaq Stockholm
thereafter approving the delisting application, which it is
expected to do within a few days of receipt of the application for
delisting. The SDRs will remain listed for trading at Nasdaq
Stockholm until such last day of trading as Nasdaq Stockholm will
decide. It is currently not possible to say when such last day of
trading will be, but Millicom currently expects it to be
approximately two to three weeks after the submission of the
delisting application.
$150 million Share Repurchase Program
On May 23, 2024, the AGM of Millicom resolved to
authorize (the “Authorization”) the Board to adopt a share
repurchase plan subject to certain conditions. Based on the
Authorization, the Board decided today to initiate a repurchase
program of SDRs and Shares (the “Share Repurchase Program”) worth
up to $150 million (or its equivalent in Swedish Krona (“SEK”)) .
The purpose of the Share Repurchase Program is to reduce the
capital of Millicom by distributing funds to the shareholders, thus
enhancing shareholder value, and to meet obligations under
Millicom’s share-based incentive plans or other compensation
programs. The repurchases may also have the effect of mitigating
any potential stock price volatility that may arise during the
delisting period, though there can be no guarantee that the Share
Repurchase Program would have this or any other effect on any price
or trading volatility of the SDRs and Shares.The Share Repurchase
Program will be implemented in accordance with the Authorization,
the Nasdaq Nordic Main Market Rulebook for Issuers of Shares
(“Nasdaq Rulebook”), applicable law including the Luxembourg law of
10 August 1915 on commercial companies, as amended, and the EU
Market Abuse Regulation No. 596/2014 (“MAR”), and it will be
executed consistently with the provisions of Article 5 of MAR and
the Commission Delegated Regulation No. 2016/1052 (“Safe Harbor
Regulation”). The Share Repurchase Program will be managed by a
brokerage firm which makes its trading decisions concerning the
timing and quantity of the purchases of SDRs and Shares
independently of Millicom based on the framework agreed at
inception. The Share Repurchase Program will be conducted under the
following conditions:
-
Repurchases may take place during the period between December 9,
2024 and May 21, 2025.
-
The maximum level of SDRs and Shares that may be repurchased will
be the lower of $150 million (approximately SEK 1.65 billion) in
aggregate purchase price, or 17,200,000 SDRs / Shares (the latter
corresponding to approximately 10% of Millicom’s share capital,
which is the maximum number allowed under the Authorization).
-
Payment for the repurchases will be made in cash.
-
SDRs and Shares may be repurchased on Nasdaq Stockholm or Nasdaq
U.S., respectively, at a price per share within the registered
interval for the share price prevailing at any time (the spread),
that is, the interval between the highest buying price and the
lowest selling price on the regulated market where the purchases
are made.
-
The repurchased SDRs and Shares will ultimately be transferred to
employees of the Company’s group in connection with any existing or
future Company’s share-based incentive plan or be cancelled, as the
case may be.
In addition to repurchases under the Share
Repurchase Program described above, but with the same purpose,
Millicom may also, under the Authorization and before the
commencement of repurchases under the Share Repurchase Program,
effectuate separate repurchases outside the scope of the Safe
Harbor Regulation under article 5 of MAR to the extent permitted
under MAR and other applicable rules. If so, the execution of those
repurchases will be disclosed and deducted from the maximum amounts
and numbers of SDRs of the Share Repurchase Program as stipulated
above.As of the date of this press release, the total number of
outstanding shares in Millicom is 172,096,305 of which 598,896 are
held by Millicom as treasury shares. Completed acquisitions of own
shares will be disclosed and reported in accordance with applicable
laws and regulations as well as Nasdaq Rulebook.Complete
information on the authorization resolved by the AGM can be found
on Millicom’s website.Dividend Policy and Interim Dividend
Declaration
Millicom having reached its intermediate
leverage goal, the Board’s current intention is to propose to
restart recurring dividends as means of shareholder remuneration,
which would then be propsed to the AGM for shareholder
approval.
Meanwhile, the Board has approved the
distribution of an interim dividend payment of $1 per share (the
“Interim Dividend”) to Millicom shareholders from the
unappropriated net profits on a parent company basis, in accordance
with articles 23 of the Company’s articles of association,
currently expected to be paid on January 10, 2025.
At September 30, 2024 Millicom had
unappropriated net profit of USD 2,058,896,447. The interim
accounts of Millicom as of September 30, 2024 show that Millicom
has sufficient funds available, in accordance with applicable law,
to distribute the Interim Dividend which represents an approximate
aggregate dividend of USD 172 million. The Board confirms that, in
the absence of losses incurred by Millicom as of 30 September 2024
reducing the said unappropriated net profits below an amount of USD
172 million, the Interim Dividend can be paid out of the
unappropriated net profit available at the date of this press
release.
Details regarding the payment of the Interim
Dividend, including in relation to the record date, conversion
stoppage, ex-dividend date, and currency conversions will be
communicated shortly.
As regards certain tax aspects, Millicom can
currently inform investors as follows. In accordance with
Luxembourg income tax law, the payment of the Interim Dividend will
be subject to a 15% withholding tax. Millicom will withhold the 15%
withholding tax and pay this amount to the Luxembourg tax
administration. The Interim Dividend will be paid net of
withholding tax. However, a reduced withholding tax rate may be
foreseen in a double tax treaty concluded between Luxembourg and
the country of residence of the shareholder or an exemption may be
available in cases where the Luxembourg withholding tax exemption
regime conditions are fulfilled (e.g., for shareholdings
representing at least 10% of the share capital or an acquisition
cost of at least Euro 1.2 million for an uninterrupted period of at
least 12 months and held by corporate shareholders that may benefit
from the Parent-Subsidiary Directive, respectively are subject to
tax at a rate of at least 8.5% (2024) levied on a tax basis similar
to the Luxembourg one and located in a jurisdiction linked with a
double tax treaty with Luxembourg). These shareholders should
contact their advisors regarding the procedure and the deadline for
a potential refund of the withholding tax from the Luxembourg tax
authority. Holders of Millicom shares and SDRs should consult their
tax advisor regarding potential tax implications.
Regulatory StatementThis information was
prior to this release inside information and is information that
Millicom is obliged to make public pursuant to the EU Market Abuse
Regulation. This information was submitted for publication, through
the agency of the contact person set out above, at 14:45 CET on
November 29, 2024.
For further information, please contact:
Press: Sofía Corral, Director Corporate Communications
press@millicom.com |
Investors: Michel Morin, VP Investor Relations
investors@millicom.com |
About Millicom
Millicom (NASDAQ U.S.: TIGO, Nasdaq Stockholm:
TIGO_SDB) is a leading provider of fixed and
mobile telecommunications services in Latin America. Through
our TIGO® and Tigo Business® brands, we provide a wide range of
digital services and products, including TIGO Money for mobile
financial services, TIGO Sports for local entertainment, TIGO ONEtv
for pay TV, high-speed data, voice, and business-to-business
solutions such as cloud and security. As of September 30, 2024,
Millicom, including its Honduras Joint Venture, employed
approximately 15,000 people, and provided mobile and fiber-cable
services through its digital highways to more than 46 million
customers, with a fiber-cable footprint over 14 million homes
passed. Founded in 1990, Millicom International Cellular S.A. is
headquartered in Luxembourg.
Forward-Looking StatementsStatements
included herein that are not historical facts, including without
limitation statements concerning future strategy, plans,
objectives, expectations and intentions, projected financial
results, liquidity, growth and prospects, are forward-looking
statements. Such forward-looking statements involve a number of
risks and uncertainties and are subject to change at any time. In
the event such risks or uncertainties materialize, Millicom’s
results could be materially adversely affected. In particular,
there is uncertainty about global economic activity and inflation,
the demand for Millicom's products and services, and global supply
chains. The risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited
to, the following:
-
global economic conditions, foreign exchange rate fluctuations and
high inflation, as well as local economic conditions in the markets
we serve, which can be impacted by geopolitical developments
outside of our principal geographic markets, such as the armed
conflict between Russia and the Ukraine and related sanctions;
-
potential disruptions due to health crises, including pandemics,
epidemics, or other public health emergencies; geopolitical events,
armed conflict, and acts by terrorists;
-
telecommunications usage levels, including traffic, customer growth
and the accelerated transition from traditional to digital
services;
-
competitive forces, including pricing pressures, piracy, the
ability to connect to other operators’ networks and our ability to
retain market share in the face of competition from existing and
new market entrants as well as industry consolidation;
-
the achievement of our operational goals, environmental, social and
governance targets, financial targets and strategic plans,
including the acceleration of cash flow growth, the expansion of
our fixed broadband network, the reintroduction of a share
repurchase program and the reduction in net leverage;
-
legal or regulatory developments and changes, or changes in
governmental policy, including with respect to the availability and
terms and conditions of spectrum and licenses, the level of
tariffs, laws and regulations which require the provision of
services to customers without charging, tax matters, controls or
limits on the purchase of U.S. dollars, the terms of
interconnection, customer access and international settlement
arrangements;
-
our ability to grow our mobile financial services business in our
Latin American markets;
-
adverse legal or regulatory disputes or proceedings;
-
the success of our business, operating and financing initiatives
and strategies, including partnerships and capital expenditure
plans;
-
our expectations regarding the growth in fixed broadband
penetration rates and the return that our investment in broadband
networks will yield;
-
the level and timing of the growth and profitability of new
initiatives, start-up costs associated with entering new markets,
the successful deployment of new systems and applications to
support new initiatives;
-
our ability to create new organizational structures for the Tigo
Money and Towers businesses and manage them independently to
enhance their value;
-
relationships with key suppliers and costs of handsets and other
equipment;
-
disruptions in our supply chain due to economic and political
instability, the outbreak of war or other hostilities, public
health emergencies, natural disasters and general business
conditions;
-
our ability to successfully pursue acquisitions, investments or
merger opportunities, integrate any acquired businesses in a timely
and cost-effective manner, divest or restructure assets and
businesses, and achieve the expected benefits of such
transactions;
-
the availability, terms and use of capital, the impact of
regulatory and competitive developments on capital outlays, the
ability to achieve cost savings and realize productivity
improvements;
-
technological development and evolving industry standards,
including challenges in meeting customer demand for new technology
and the cost of upgrading existing infrastructure;
-
cybersecurity threats, a security breach or other significant
disruption of our IT systems or those of our business partners,
suppliers or customers;
-
the capacity to upstream cash generated in operations through
dividends, royalties, management fees and repayment of shareholder
loans; and
-
other factors or trends affecting our financial condition or
results of
operations.
A further list and description of risks,
uncertainties and other matters can be found in Millicom’s
Registration Statement on Form 20-F, including those risks outlined
in “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors,” and in Millicom’s
subsequent U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission filings, all of
which are available at www.sec.gov. All forward-looking statements
attributable to us or any person acting on our behalf are expressly
qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. Readers
are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking
statements that speak only as of the date hereof. Except to the
extent otherwise required by applicable law, we do not undertake
any obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements,
whether as a result of new information, future events or
otherwise.
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