ASUR 2Q19 Passenger Traffic Increased 4.7% YoY in Mexico, 6.1% in Puerto Rico and 14.9% in Colombia

MEXICO CITY, July 22, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste, S.A.B. de C.V.  (NYSE: ASR; BMV: ASUR)

2Q19 Highlights¹

• Passenger traffic in Mexico rose 4.7% YoY, reflecting increases of 9.3% and 0.7% in domestic and international traffic, respectively, principally driven by Cancun Airport.

• Traffic in Puerto Rico (Aerostar) increased 6.1% YoY, supported by increases of 5.5% in domestic traffic and 11.4% in international traffic.

• Traffic in Colombia (Airplan) rose 14.9% YoY, driven by growth of 14.3% in domestic traffic and 18.5% in international traffic.

• Consolidated commercial revenues per passenger reached Ps.99.7.

• Consolidated EBITDA increased 16.3% YoY, reaching Ps.2,745.0 million. Excluding a one-time insurance claim recovery of Ps.162.6 million in Puerto Rico during 2Q19 in connection with Hurricane Maria in 2017, consolidated EBITDA would have increased 9.4% YoY to Ps.2,582.4 million.

• Cash position at year-end was Ps.4,851.3 million. Net Debt to LTM EBITDA stood at 0.9x.

• Paid Ps.10.0 peso per share cash dividend totaling Ps.3.0 billion

Passenger Traffic

ASUR's 2Q19 total passenger traffic increased 6.9% YoY reaching 14.0 million passengers driven by increases of 4.7% in Mexico, 6.1% in Puerto Rico, and 14.9% in Colombia. 

Passenger traffic growth of 4.7% YoY in Mexico reflects increases of 9.3% and 0.7% in domestic and international traffic, respectively. Cancun was the main driver behind traffic growth, with increases of 5.3% and 1.1% in domestic and international traffic, respectively.  The majority of ASUR's other Mexican airports also contributed to higher traffic.  Note that during 2019, the impact of Holy Week on passenger traffic in Mexico began on April 12, while in 2018 it began in March.

Traffic in Puerto Rico increased 6.1% YoY, recovering following the impact of Hurricane Maria, which hit the island in September 2017. Domestic traffic increased 5.5% YoY while international traffic rose 11.4%.

Colombia reported a 14.9% YoY increase in total traffic driven by growth of 14.3% and 18.5% in domestic and international traffic, respectively. Rionegro Airport in Medellin was the main driver of traffic growth, reporting increases of 18.1% and 18.5% in domestic and international traffic, respectively. 

Tables with detailed passenger traffic information for each airport can be found on page 19 of this report.

Review of Consolidated Results

In May 2017, ASUR increased its share ownership in Aerostar, operator of LMM Airport in Puerto Rico, to 60% from its prior 50% ownership. Accordingly, until May 31, 2017, ASUR's ownership in Aerostar was accounted for by the equity method, while starting June 1, 2017, ASUR began to fully consolidate Aerostar results on a line by line basis. In addition, on October 19, 2017, ASUR acquired a 92.42% ownership stake in Airplan, which operates six airports in Colombia, and starting on that date, ASUR began to fully consolidate Airplan's operations on a line by line basis. On May 25, 2018, ASUR acquired an additional 7.58% ownership stake in Airplan, bringing its total share ownership in Airplan to 100.0%.

Consolidated Revenues

Consolidated Revenues for 2Q19 rose 4.7% YoY, or Ps.182.0 million to Ps.4,069.4 million, mainly driven by increases of:

• 7.3% in revenues from aeronautical services to Ps.2,425.1 million. Mexico contributed with Ps.1,615.8 million, while Puerto Rico and Colombia contributed with Ps.460.2 million and Ps.349.1 million, respectively; and
• 7.2% in revenues from non-aeronautical services to Ps.1,522.4 million, mainly due to the 6.9% increase in commercial revenues. Mexico contributed with Ps.1,122.1 million in revenues from non-aeronautical services, while Puerto Rico and Colombia contributed with Ps.279.5 million and Ps.120.9 million, respectively. 

This was partially offset by a 41.4%, or Ps.86.0 million, decline in revenues from construction services. This was mainly due to a decrease in construction revenues in Colombia and Puerto Rico, as a result of lower capital expenditures and other investments in concessioned assets during the period.

Excluding revenues from construction services, which are deducted as costs under IFRS accounting standards, total revenues would have increased 7.3% YoY to Ps.3,947.5 million. Mexico contributed with 69.4% of total revenues excluding revenues from construction services, while Puerto Rico and Colombia represented 18.7% and 11.9%, respectively.

Commercial Revenues in 2Q19 increased 6.9% YoY to Ps.1,406.4 million, mainly reflecting the 6.9% increase in total passenger traffic. Commercial revenues in Mexico rose 4.5% to Ps.1,011.0 million, mainly driven by the opening of new commercial spaces, including duty free, retail, food and beverages, and car rentals, among others.  Likewise, Puerto Rico reported a YoY increase of 10.6% to Ps.276.6 million in commercial revenues, and Colombia an increase of 20.9% to Ps.118.9 million.

Commercial Revenues per Passenger remained practically unchanged at Ps.99.7 in 2Q19. Mexico contributed with commercial revenues per passenger of Ps.115.4 in 2Q19, Puerto Rico with Ps.114.4, and Colombia with Ps.40.6. Commercial revenues per passenger declined 0.1% in Mexico and increased 4.2% in Puerto Rico and 5.2% in Colombia.

Consolidated Operating Costs and Expenses

Consolidated Operating Costs and Expenses, including construction costs, for 2Q19 declined 5.1% YoY, or Ps.105.9 million, to Ps.1,984.1 million.

Excluding construction costs, operating costs and expenses increased 0.6%, or Ps.11.2 million, year-on-year, reflecting the following variations:

• A 6.1%, or Ps.54.8 million, increase in Mexico reflecting higher energy and maintenance costs, along with increases in technical assistance and concession costs;

• A 0.5%, or Ps.2.7 million decline in Puerto Rico mainly due to a lower maintenance provision; and

• A 9.8%, or Ps.40.9 million, decline in Colombia composed of: i) a Ps.18.5 million decline in the the provision for labor litigation expenses for employees of a contractor created in previous years, partially offset by a Ps.6.3 million increase in the maintenance provision for the future replacement of fixed assets as per IFRIC12 and ii) a 19.7%, or Ps.38.3 million, decline in depreciation and amortization principally reflecting a change in amortization methodology, which starting January 2019 is on a straight-line basis instead of the percentage of completion method which implied variations in the accumulated amortization rate of the concession. This was partially offset by the recognition starting March 2018 of the amortization of the concession resulting from the valuation of ASUR's investment in Airplan.

Cost of Services rose by 0.9%, or Ps.8.8 million. In Mexico, cost of services increased 7.5% YoY, or Ps.34.5 million, mainly reflecting higher maintenance expenses, along with increased energy costs resulting from higher consumption and utility tariffs. By contrast, cost of services in Colombia declined 10.1%, or Ps.14.5 million, principally due to a Ps.18.5 million decline in the provision for labor litigation expenses for employees of a contractor created in previous years, partially offset by a Ps.6.3 million increase in the maintenance provision for the future replacement of fixed assets as per IFRIC12. Cost of services in Puerto Rico declined 3.3%, or Ps.11.2 million.

Construction Costs declined by 49.0% YoY, or Ps.117.1 million. This was mainly driven by declines of 64.7%, or Ps.82.3 million in Puerto Rico and 59.0%, or Ps.53.5 million in Colombia, partially offset by an increase of 88.6%, or Ps.18.7 million in Mexico.

G&A Expenses, which reflect administrative expenses in Mexico, increased 2.6% YoY mainly reflecting higher salaries, partly offset by a decline in travel expenses and professional fees.

Consolidated Technical Assistance increased 6.8% YoY, mainly reflecting EBITDA growth in Mexico, excluding extraordinary items, a factor in the calculation of the fee.

Concession Fees increased 9.9% YoY, principally reflecting higher fees paid to the Mexican government, mainly due to an increase in regulated revenues in Mexico, a factor in the calculation of the fee. Concession fees for 2Q19 also reflect increases in Puerto Rico and Colombia.

Depreciation and Amortization declined 5.4%, or Ps.28.5 million, principally due to a Ps.38.3 million, or 19.7% decline in Colombia, resulting mainly from the change in the amortization methodology, which as of January 1, 2019 is on a straight line rather than a percentage of completion basis. This was partially offset by the recognition starting March 2018 of the amortization of the concession resulting from the valuation of ASUR's investment in Airplan under IFRS 3. By contrast, depreciation and amortization in Mexico increased 1.7%, or Ps.3.0 million increase, while Puerto Rico reported an increase of 4.3%, or Ps.6.9 million, mainly from the recognition starting March 2018 of the amortization of the intangible asset resulting from the valuation of the investment in Aerostar under IFRS 3, while.

Consolidated Operating Profit and EBITDA

In 2Q19, ASUR reported a Consolidated Operating Profit of Ps.2,247.9 million and Operating Margin of 55.2%. This was principally due to increases of 7.3%, or Ps.165.8 million, in aeronautical revenues, and 7.2%, or Ps.102.2 million in non-aeronautical revenues. Mexico reported an operating profit of 1,783.0 million, Puerto Rico of Ps.372.6 million, and Colombia Ps.92.3 million.

Additionally, during 2Q19 Puerto Rico benefited from a Ps.162.6 million insurance claim recovery in connection with Hurricane Maria in 2017. Excluding this one-time income, operating profit for Puerto Rico in 2Q19 would have been Ps.210.0 million, and consolidated operating profit would have been Ps.2,085.3 million.

Adjusted Operating Margin, which excludes the effect of IFRIC 12 with respect to the construction or improvements to concessioned assets in Mexico, Colombia, and Puerto Rico, and is calculated as operating profit divided by total revenues less construction services revenues, was 56.9% in 2Q19 compared with 48.8% in 2Q19.

EBITDA increased 16.3%, or Ps.385.2 million, to Ps.2,745.0 million in 2Q19. EBITDA increased 6.9%, or Ps.126.8 million in Mexico, 59.5%, or Ps.202.2 million in Puerto Rico, and 29.3%, or Ps.56.2 million in Colombia. 2Q19 EBITDA Margin was 67.5% compared to 60.7% in 2Q18. Excluding the Ps.162.6 million one-time income discussed above, consolidated EBITDA for 2Q19 would have been Ps.2,582.4 million and EBITDA for Puerto Rico would have been Ps.379.4 million, representing YoY increases of 9.4% and 11.7%, respectively. 

Adjusted EBITDA Margin, which excludes the effect of IFRIC 12 with respect to the construction of or improvements to concessioned assets in Mexico, Puerto Rico, and Colombia was 69.5% in 2Q19 compared to 64.1% in 2Q18.

Consolidated Comprehensive Financing Gain (Loss)

In 2Q19, ASUR reported a Ps.177.6 million Consolidated Comprehensive Financing Loss, compared to a Ps.196.1 million loss in 2Q18.

Interest expense declined by Ps.30.7 million during the period, or 10.1%, mainly reflecting a Ps.16.4 million decline in interest payments in Mexico as the Company paid down loans in June and November 2018, together with a Ps.16.6 million decline in interest payments in Colombia, reflecting a loan payments in 2H18. Interest income increased Ps.7.3 million, or 9.0%, reflecting a higher cash balance in the quarter.

In 2Q19, ASUR reported a foreign exchange gain of Ps.8.3 million, resulting from the 1.3% quarterly average appreciation of the Mexican peso against the U.S. dollar together with a lower U.S. dollar foreign currency net asset position. This compares to a Ps.27.7 million foreign exchange gain in 2Q18 resulting from the 7.3% quarterly average Mexican peso depreciation during that period on a higher foreign currency net asset position.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes for 2Q19 increased by Ps.44.0 million year-over-year, principally due to the combination of following factors:

• A Ps.65.8 million YoY decline in deferred income taxes, mainly reflecting the reduction in the tax rate used for the calculation of deferred income taxes in Colombia from 33% to 30% resulting from the fiscal reform enacted on December 23, 2018. This was partially offset by a decrease in the tax benefit in Mexico resulting from a change in the tax amortization rate on the concessioned assets starting in the second quarter of 2018. Lower deferred income taxes also reflect the increase in the inflation rate from a deflation of 1.2% in 2Q18 to inflation of 0.1% in 2Q19.

• A Ps.111.0 million increase in income taxes, reflecting mainly a tax gain in Colombia in 2018 resulting from a change in tax legislation according to Decree 2235 published on December 27, 2017. This was partly offset by a higher taxable income base for Cancun Airport and Cancun Airport Services in Mexico.  

Majority Net Income

Majority Net Income for 2Q19 increased by 31.3% or Ps.340.4 million, to Ps.1,426.7 million from Ps.1,086.3 million in 2Q18. Earnings per common share for the quarter were Ps.4.7558 and earnings per ADS (EPADS) were US$2.4759 (one ADS represents ten series B common shares). This compares with earnings per share of Ps.3.6211 and earnings per ADS of US$1.8851 for the same period last year.

Net Income

Net Income for 2Q19 increased by 38.7%, or Ps.425.1 million, to Ps.1,523.5 million from Ps.1,098.4 million in 2Q19.

Consolidated Financial Position

On June 30, 2019, airport concessions represented 87.1% of the Company's total assets, with current assets representing 12.0% and other assets representing 0.9%.

As of June 30, 2019, ASUR had cash and cash equivalents of Ps.4,851.3 million, a 5.8% increase from Ps.4,584.5 million at December 31, 2018. Puerto Rico contributed with Ps.831.9 million in cash and cash equivalents in 2Q19 and Colombia with Ps.285.4 million.

As of June 30, 2019, the valuation of ASUR's investment in Aerostar in accordance with IFRS 3 "Business Combinations" resulted in the following effects on the balance sheet: i) the recognition of a net intangible asset of Ps.5,897.1 million, ii) goodwill of Ps.887.2 (net of an impairment of Ps.4,719.1 million), iii) deferred taxes of Ps.589.7 million, and iv) a minority interest of Ps.5,324.2 million within stockholders 'equity.

Furthermore, the valuation of ASUR's investment in Airplan resulted in the following effects on the balance sheet as of June 30, 2019: i) the recognition of a net intangible asset of Ps.1,325.9 million, ii) goodwill of Ps.1,504.9, iii) deferred taxes of Ps.213.7 million, and iv) Ps.613.6 million from the recognition of bank loans at fair value.

On May 25, 2018, ASUR acquired an additional 7.58% of the share ownership of Airplan bringing its ownership stake in the company to 100%. This transaction resulted in the recognition of shareholders' equity of approximately Ps.213.5 million (Ps.37.7 million by majority interest and Ps.175.8 by minority interest).

Stockholders' equity at the close of 2Q19 was Ps.36,432.4 million and total liabilities were Ps.19,151.3 million, representing 65.5% and 34.5% of total assets, respectively. Deferred liabilities represented 16.0% of ASUR's total liabilities.

Total Debt at quarter-end decreased to Ps.14,146.6 million to Ps.14,500.4 million on December 31, 2018. On June 30, 2019, 28.3% of ASUR's total debt was denominated in Mexican pesos, 49.6% in U.S. Dollars (at Aerostar) and 22.1% in Colombian pesos.

Net Debt to LTM EBITDA stood at 0.9x at the close of 2Q19, while the Interest Coverage ratio was 9.6x as of June 30, 2019. This compares with Net Debt to LTM EBITDA of 1.0x and an Interest Coverage Ratio of 8.7x as of December 31, 2018.

Capex

During 2Q19, ASUR made capital investments of Ps.170.8 million, of which Ps.53.8 million relate to the Company's plan to modernize its Mexican airports pursuant to its master development plans. This also includes investments of Ps.57.7 million made by Aerostar at LMM Airport in Puerto Rico and investments of Ps.59.3 million made by Airplan in Colombia.

In 2Q18, ASUR made capital investments of Ps.407.2 million, of which Ps.130.6 million reflect the Company's plan to modernize its Mexican airports pursuant to its master development plans, mainly for Terminal 4 at Cancun Airport. Capex also included investments of Ps.201.0 million made by Aerostar in Puerto Rico and of Ps.75.6 million by Airplan in Colombia.

Review of Mexico Operations

Mexico Revenues

Mexico Revenues for 2Q19 increased 7.7% YoY to Ps.2,777.7 million. Excluding construction, revenues rose 7.0% YoY, reflecting the following increases:

• 8.5% in revenues from aeronautical services, principally due to the 4.7% increase in passenger traffic; and

• 5.0% in revenues from non-aeronautical services, principally reflecting the 4.5% growth in commercial revenues.

Commercial Revenues rose 4.5% YoY, mainly due to the 4.7% increase in total passenger traffic (including transit and general aviation passengers) and reported increases across all categories as shown on Table 8.

Commercial Revenues per Passenger for 2Q19 declined 0.1% YoY to Ps.115.4 from Ps.115.5 in 2Q18.

ASUR classifies commercial revenues as those derived from the following activities: duty-free stores, car rentals, retail operations, banking and currency exchange services, advertising, teleservices, non-permanent ground transportation, food and beverage operations, and parking lot fees.

As shown in Table 9, during the last 12 months, ASUR opened 7 new commercial spaces at Cancun Airport, and four commercial spaces at its other eight Mexican airports. More details of these openings can be found on page 20 of this report.

Mexico Operating Costs and Expenses

Total Mexico Operating Costs and Expenses for 2Q19 increased 8.0% YoY. This includes construction costs, which rose 88.6%, reflecting higher levels of capital improvements made to concessioned assets during the period. Excluding construction costs, operating costs and expenses increased 6.1% to Ps.954.9 million.

Cost of Services rose 7.5% YoY, mainly due to higher maintenance costs and energy expenses resulting from both higher consumption and tariffs.

Administrative expenses increased by 2.6% YoY, principally as a result of higher salaries, partially offset by a decline in travel expenses and fees to third parties.

The 6.9% increase in the Technical Assistance fee paid to ITA reflects EBITDA growth in Mexico, excluding extraordinary items in the quarter, a factor in the calculation of the fee.

Concession Fees, which include fees paid to the Mexican government, rose 7.9%, mainly due to an increase in regulated revenues, a factor in the calculation of the fee.

Depreciation and Amortization increased 1.7% YoY, reflecting higher investments to-date.

Mexico Consolidated Comprehensive Financing Gain (Loss)

ASUR's Mexico operations reported a Ps.2.4 million Comprehensive Financing Gain, compared to a Ps.7.2 million gain in 2Q18. Mexican operations reported a foreign exchange gain of Ps.8.3 million in the quarter, resulting from the 1.3% quarterly average Mexican peso appreciation against the U.S. dollar on a lower foreign currency net asset position, compared with a Ps.28.0 million foreign exchange gain in 2Q18, resulting from the 7.3% quarterly average Mexican peso depreciation during that period and a higher foreign currency net asset position.

In addition, interest expense declined 13.8% YoY to Ps.102.0 million as the Company paid down debt between June and November 2018. Furthermore, interest income declined 1.4%, reflecting a lower cash balance.

Mexico Operating Profit and EBITDA

Mexico reported an Operating Profit of Ps.1,783.0 million in 2Q19, resulting in an Operating Margin of 64.2% compared with 64.3% in 2Q18 reflecting lower cost dilution.

Adjusted Operating Margin in 2Q19, which excludes the effect of IFRIC 12 with respect to the construction or improvements to concessioned assets and is calculated as operating profit divided by total revenues excluding construction services revenues, was 65.1%, compared to 64.8% in 2Q18.

EBITDA increased 6.9% to Ps.1,954.9 million from Ps.1,828.2 million in 2Q18, resulting in an EBITDA Margin of 70.4% in 2Q19, compared with 70.9% in 2Q18.

During 2Q19, ASUR's operations in Mexico recognized Ps.39.8 million in "Construction Revenues," a year-on-year increase of 88.6%, due to higher capital expenditures and investments in concessioned assets. Adjusted EBITDA Margin, which excludes the effect of IFRIC 12 with respect to the construction of/or improvements to concessioned assets, declined 5 bps to 71.4%.

Mexico Tariff Regulation

The Mexican Ministry of Communications and Transportation regulates the majority of ASUR's activities by setting maximum rates, which represent the maximum possible revenues allowed per traffic unit at each airport.

ASUR's accumulated regulated revenues at its Mexican operations as of June 30, 2019 totaled Ps.3,364.5 million, with an average tariff per workload unit of Ps.190.51 (December 2016 pesos), accounting for approximately 60.2% of total Mexico income (excluding construction income) for the period.

The Mexican Ministry of Communications and Transportation reviews compliance with maximum rate regulations at the close of each year.  

Mexico Capital Expenditures

During 2Q19, ASUR's operations in Mexico made capital investments of Ps.53.8 million in connection with the Company's plan to modernize its Mexican airports pursuant to its master development plans. This compares with capex of Ps.130.5 million in 2Q18.

Review of Puerto Rico Operations

In May 2017, ASUR increased its share ownership in Aerostar to 60% from its prior 50% ownership. Accordingly, consolidated results as presented in this report reflect line by line consolidation of Aerostar results starting in June 1, 2017, while prior to that, Aerostar's results were accounted for by the equity method.

As of June 30, 2019, the valuation of ASUR's investment in Aerostar in accordance with IFRS 3 "Business Combinations" resulted in the following effects on the balance sheet: i) the recognition of a net intangible asset of Ps.5,897.1 million, ii) goodwill of Ps.887.2 (net of an impairment of Ps.4,719.1 million), iii) deferred taxes of Ps.589.7 million, and iv) a minority interest of Ps.5,324.2 million within stockholders 'equity.

Puerto Rico Revenues

Total Puerto Rico Revenues for 2Q19 declined 5.7% YoY to Ps.784.4 million, mainly due to the 64.7%, or Ps.82.3 million YoY decline in construction revenues. This was partially offset by the following increases:

• 1.8% in revenues from aeronautical services; and
• 10.6% in revenues from non-aeronautical services, principally reflecting the 10.6% increase in commercial revenues.

Commercial Revenues per Passenger increased to Ps.114.4 from Ps.109.8 in 2Q18.

Twelve commercial spaces were opened at LMM Airport over the last 12 months, as shown in Table 15. More details of these openings can be found on page 20 of this report.

ASUR classifies commercial revenues as those derived from the following activities: duty-free stores, car rentals, retail operations, advertising, non-permanent ground transportation, food and beverage operations, and parking lot fees.

Puerto Rico Operating Costs and Expenses

Total Operating Costs and Expenses at LMM Airport in 2Q19, declined 12.9% YoY to Ps.574.5 million. During 2Q19, Aerostar reported construction costs of Ps.44.8 million, reflecting capital investments in concessioned assets. Excluding construction costs, operating costs and expenses declined 0.5% to Ps.529.6 million.

Cost of Services declined 3.3% YoY, reflecting a decline in the maintenance provision.

Concession Fees paid to the Puerto Rican government increased YoY by Ps.1.6 million, to Ps.34.9 million from Ps.33.3 million in 2Q18. In line with the concession agreement, starting in 2018, the concession fee is based on revenues and impacts results.

Depreciation and Amortization increased by 4.3%, or Ps.6.9 million, mainly reflecting the recognition starting March 2018 of the amortization of the intangible asset resulting from the valuation of the investment in Aerostar under IFRS 3.

Puerto Rico Comprehensive Financing Gain (Loss)

 Figures in pesos at the average exchange rate Ps.19.1206 = US. 1.00

During 2Q19, LMM Airport reported a Ps.121.4 million Comprehensive Financing Loss, compared with a Ps.124.8 million loss in 2Q18, mainly reflecting interest rate movements and the impact from the valuation to present value of future obligations under IFRIC 12 and NIC 37.

On February 22, 2013, and as part of the financing of the concession agreement, Aerostar entered into a subordinated term loan with Cancun Airport in the amount of US$100 million at an annual interest rate of LIBOR plus 2.10%, payable each July 1 and January 1, and with no fixed maturity date. As of June 30, 2019, the remaining balance was US$46.1 million.

On March 22, 2013, Aerostar carried out a private bond placement for a total of US$350 million to finance a portion of the Concession Agreement payment to the Puerto Rican Ports Authority and certain other costs and expenditures associated with it.

On June 24, 2015, Aerostar carried out a private bond placement for a total of US$50 million. In December 2015, Aerostar also contracted a line of revolving credit, which, as of June 30, 2019, had not been utilized.

All long-term debt is collateralized by Aerostar's total assets.

Puerto Rico Operating Profit and EBITDA

Operating Profit at Puerto Rico in 2Q19 increased to Ps.372.6 million, with Operating Margin expanding to 47.5% from 20.7% in 2Q18, reflecting higher operating leverage. Operating profit also benefited from a Ps.162.6 million insurance claim recovery in connection with the loss resulting from Hurricane Maria in 2017.

Excluding this one-time item, operating profit in 2Q19 would have increased to Ps.210.0 million.

EBITDA increased 59.5% to Ps.542.0 million from Ps.339.7 million in 2Q18, and EBITDA Margin expanded to 69.1% in 2Q19 from 40.8% in 2Q18. Adjusted EBITDA Margin, excluding IFRIC12, increased to 73.3% in 2Q19 from 48.2% in 2Q18. Excluding the Ps.162.6 million one-time income discussed above, EBITDA for 2Q19 would have been Ps.379.4 million, representing a YoY increase 11.7%.

Puerto Rico Capital Expenditures

During 2Q19, Aerostar invested Ps.57.7 million to modernize LMM Airport, compared with investments of Ps.66.8 million in 2Q18.

Puerto Rico Tariff Regulation

The Airport Use Agreement signed by Aerostar, the airlines serving LMM Airport, and the Puerto Rico Ports Authority governs the relationship between Aerostar and the principal airlines serving LMM Airport. The agreement entitles Aerostar to an annual contribution from the airlines of US$62 million during the first five years of the term. From year six onwards, the total annual contribution for the prior year increases in accordance with an adjusted consumer price index factor based on the U.S. non-core consumer price index. The annual fee is divided between the airlines that operate at LMM Airport in accordance with the regulations and structure defined under the Airport Use Agreement to establish the contribution of each airline for each particular year.

Review of Colombia Operations

On October 19, 2017, ASUR acquired a 92.42% ownership stake in Airplan, which operates six airports in Colombia. Therefore, ASUR began to consolidate Airplan's results on a line by line basis as of that date.

On May 25, 2018, ASUR acquired an additional 7.58% of the share ownership of Airplan, bringing its ownership stake in the company to 100%. This transaction resulted in the recognition of shareholders' equity of Ps.213.5 million (Ps.37.7 million at the controlling entity and Ps.175.8 million minority interest).

The following discussion compares Airplan's independent results for the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2019 and 2018.

The valuation of ASUR's investment in Airplan in accordance with IFRS 3 "Business Combinations" resulted in the following effects on the balance sheet as of June 30, 2019: i) the recognition of a net intangible asset of Ps.1,325.9 million, ii) goodwill of Ps.1,504.9, iii) deferred taxes of Ps.213.7 million, and iv) Ps.613.6 million from the recognition of bank loans at fair value.

Colombia Revenues

Total Colombia Revenues for 2Q19 increased 6.6% YoY to Ps.507.3 million. Excluding construction services revenues, revenues rose 12.9% mainly reflecting the following increases:

• 9.8% in revenues from aeronautical services; and
• 22.9% in revenues from non-aeronautical services, mainly due to the 20.9% increase in commercial revenues.

Commercial Revenues per Passenger increased 5.2% year-on-year to Ps.40.6 from 38.6 in 2Q18.

As shown in Table 21, during the last twelve months, 31 new commercial spaces were opened in Colombia. More details of these openings can be found on page 20 of this report.

ASUR classifies commercial revenues as those derived from the following activities: duty-free stores, car rentals, retail operations, advertising, non-permanent ground transportation, food and beverage operations, and parking lot fees.

Total Operating Costs and Expenses in Colombia declined 18.5% YoY in 2Q19 to Ps.415.0 million. Excluding construction costs, operating costs and expenses declined 9.8% to Ps.377.7 million.

Cost of Services declined 10.1% YoY, or Ps.14.5 million, mainly reflecting a Ps.18.5 million decline in the provision for litigation expenses for employees of a contractor created in previous years, partially offset by a Ps.6.3 million increase in the maintenance provision for future replacement of assets in line with IFRIC 12.

Construction Costs declined 59.0% YoY to Ps.37.2 million, reflecting lower investments in complementary works to concessioned assets during the period.

Concession Fees, which include fees paid to the Colombian government, increased 15.1% YoY, mainly reflecting higher regulated and non-regulated revenues during the period.

Depreciation and Amortization declined by 19.7%, or Ps.38.3 million, principally reflecting a change in amortization methodology, which starting January 2019 is on a straight-line basis instead of the percentage of completion method which implied variations in the accumulated amortization rate of the concession. This was partially offset by the recognition starting March 2018 of the amortization of the concession resulting from the valuation of ASUR's investment in Airplan.

Colombia Comprehensive Financing Gain (Loss)

During 2Q19, Airplan reported a Ps.58.6 million Comprehensive Financing Loss, compared with a Ps.78.5 million loss in 2Q18, mainly reflecting lower interest expenses resulting from debt payments in 3Q18 and 4Q18.

On June 1, 2015, Airplan entered into 12-Year Syndicated Loan Facility with eight banks with a 3-year grace period, with a net balance of a Ps.3,230.4, including a Ps.32.6 million capital payment during the quarter.

Colombia Operating Profit and EBITDA

During 2Q19, Airplan reported an Operating Gain of Ps.92.3 million compared with Ps.33.4 million operating loss in 2Q18. Operating Margin expanded to 18.2% in 2Q19 from negative 7.0% in 2Q18. Adjusted Operating Margin, which excludes the impact of IFRIC 12 with respect to construction or improvements to concessioned assets, increased to 19.6% in 2Q19 from negative 8.0% in 2Q18, reflecting the 6.6% increase in revenues along with an 18.5% decline in costs.

EBITDA increased 29.3% to Ps.248.1 million from Ps.191.9 million in 2Q18, mainly reflecting a Ps.53.7 million increase in revenues while expenses declined Ps.2.6 million during the period.

EBITDA Margin increased to 48.9% in 2Q19, from 40.3% in 2Q18. Adjusted EBITDA Margin, which excludes the impact of IFRIC 12 with respect to construction or improvements to concessioned assets, increased to 52.8% in 2Q19, from 46.1% in 2Q18.

Colombia Capital Expenditures

During 2Q19, Airplan made capital expenditures of Ps.59.3 million compared with Ps.75.7 million in 2Q18.

Colombia Tariff Regulation

Functions of the Special Administrative Unit of Civil Aeronautics include establishing and collecting fees, tariffs, and rights for the provision of aeronautical and airport services or those that are generated by the concessions, authorizations, licenses, or any other type of income or property. As a result, Resolution 04530, issued on September 21, 2007, establishes the tariffs for the rights and the rates conceded to the concessionaire of the following airports: José María Córdova of Rionegro, Enrique Olaya Herrera of Medellín, Los Garzones of Montería, El Caraño of Quibdó, Antonio Roldán Betancourt of Carepa, and Las Brujas of Corozal. This resolution also established the methodology to update and the mechanisms to collect such fees, tariffs, and rights. Airplan's regulated revenues for 2Q19 amounted to Ps.349.1 million.

Definitions

Concession Services Agreements (IFRIC 12 interpretation). In Mexico and Puerto Rico, ASUR is required by IFRIC 12 to include in its income statement an income line, "Construction Revenues," reflecting the revenue from construction or improvements to concessioned assets made during the relevant period. The same amount is recognized under the expense line "Construction Costs" because ASUR hires third parties to provide construction services. Because equal amounts of Construction Revenues and Construction Costs have been included in ASUR's income statement as a result of the application of IFRIC 12, the amount of Construction Revenues does not have an impact on EBITDA, but it does have an impact on EBITDA Margin. In Colombia, "Construction Revenues" include the recognition of the revenue to which the concessionaire is entitled for carrying out the infrastructure works in the development of the concession, while "Construction Costs" represents the actual costs incurred in the execution of such additions or improvements to the concessioned assets.