Turkcell Reports Results for the Year End 2007
Turkcell , the leading provider of mobile communications services in Turkey, today announced results for the fourth quarter and the year ended December 31, 2007. All financial results in this press release are unaudited, prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS") and expressed in US$.
Please note that all financial data is consolidated and comprises Turkcell Iletisim Hizmetleri A.S., (the "Company", or "Turkcell") and its subsidiaries and its associates (together referred to as the "Group"). All non-financial data is unconsolidated and comprises Turkcell only. The terms "we", "us", and "our" in this press release refer only to the Company, except in discussions of financial data, where such terms refer to the Group, and where context otherwise requires.
Turkcell Iletisim Hizmetleri A.S. Reports Results for the Full Year 2007 Highlights of the Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2007 Full Year
- Revenue increased by 35% to US$6.3 billion (US$4.7 billion) due to higher usage and subscriber growth combined with the positive contribution of consolidated subsidiaries
- EBITDA* increased by 44% on an annual basis to US$2.6 billion (US$1.8 billion) and recorded EBITDA margin of 42%
- Recorded net income of US$1.4 billion (US$0.9 billion) with a growth rate of 54% on an annual basis
- Turkcell's subscriber base grew by 11% on an annual basis to 35.4 million (31.8 million) as of December 31, 2007
- Average revenue per user ("ARPU") grew by 18% on an annual basis to US$14.3 (US$12.1)
- Blended minutes of usage per subscriber ("MoU") grew by 9% to 76.3 minutes (70.3 minutes)
- Turkcell's Ukrainian subsidiary, Astelit's revenues increased by 191% to US$256 million (US$88 million)
- Board of Directors of Turkcell recommended to distribute TRY648.7 million (equivalent to US$546.0 million as of February 27, 2008) as cash dividends
Fourth Quarter - Revenue increased by 50% to US$1.8 billion (US$1.2 billion)
- EBITDA* increased by 60% compared to the fourth quarter of last year to US$745.4million (US$465.2 million) and recorded EBITDA margin of 41%
- Recorded net income of US$403.2 million (US$289.6 million) with a growth rate of 39% compared to the fourth quarter of last year
- Average revenue per user ("ARPU") grew by 31% compared to the fourth quarter of last year to US$15.5 (US$11.8)
- Astelit recorded positive EBITDA* for the second consecutive quarter since it started its operations
*EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure. See pages 14 for the reconciliation of EBITDA to net cash from operating activities.
- In this press release, a year on year comparison of our key indicators is provided and figures in parentheses following the operational and financial results for the fourth quarter 2007 refer to the same item in the fourth quarter of 2006 and figures in parentheses following the operational and financial results for the year end 2007 refer to the same item in the year end of 2006. For further details, please refer to our consolidated financial statements and notes as at and for the year ended December 31, 2007 which can be accessed via our web site in the investor relations section (http://www.turkcell.com.tr/).
Comments from the CEO, Sureyya Ciliv
"We are pleased about our performance and record results in year 2007. In a challenging year of intense competition, we recorded strong growth in all aspects of our business. Our focus on delivering the best value and user experience for our customers, our strong brand and our technology leadership have set us apart.
Our 2007 revenues grew by 35% to record $6.3 billion, EBITDA increased by 44%. In Turkey oursubscriber base reached 35.4 million, one of the largest in any country in Europe. In our Ukraine operations our revenues grew 191% in 2007 and reported positive EBITDA for the second half. Our Fintur operations continue to grow rapidly and contribute to our bottom line. Dynamic economies of Turkey and Ukraine together with the emerging markets of Fintur operations provided the right setting.
I thank to all of our customers for choosing us. We will continue to work hard to deliver them the highest quality services and solutions. I thank to all Turkcell employees, business partners for their hard work which has created this success. I also want to express my gratitude to our shareholders for their support and confidence in Turkcell."
Overview of 2007
2007 was marked by two local elections in Turkey and uncertainty in the global financial markets. Meanwhile, Turkey remained quite resilient and consumer sentiment in the domestic market remained relatively positive. Although the inflation target set by the government for 2007 was not attained, there was no significant deterioration in demand in the market and the TRY remained strong against the US$ through the year. Since the beginning of 2008, concerns over the state of the global financial markets have increased and there has been some downward trend in consumer sentiment in Turkey.
In 2007, the Turkish GSM market continued its strong subscriber growth and the mobile line penetration rate in Turkey reached 88% as of 2007 year end. In 2008, we anticipate growth in the Turkish GSM market to continue although at a slower pace relative to 2007, and we expect the mobile line penetration rate in Turkey to reach about 100%.
In an increasingly competitive year, we successfully grew our subscriber base and drove usage that resulted with a strong top line growth. In line with our value focus, we designed our offers and campaigns to attract and retain value customers. Through these efforts we have been able to keep our churn rate below the market average, and increase average revenue per user (ARPU) on annual basis at a rate that surpasses that of our competitors. Throughout the year, our competitors' aggressive subscriber acquisition initiatives, dealer activities and campaigns to manage price perception have continued. However, during the period, we introduced a number of initiatives to strengthen customer loyalty and increase average minutes of usage per user.
We believe our continued focus on the Value Added Services area has stood in good stead compared to our competitors through the course of the year. We have launched new initiatives such as Turkcell mobile signature allowing users to execute transactions that legally require wet signature and "turkcell-im benim" ("my Turkcell") which is a life sharing social network through photographs and videos.
During 2007, we invested an additional US$400 million in Turkey into our network infrastructure to enhace quality and coverage of our services. Through these continuous investments, we have been able to distinguish Turkcell from our competition and ensure that our brand name and image continue to stand well against our competitors.
Financial and Operational Review of the Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2007
The following discussion focuses principally on the developments and trends in our business in the fourth quarter of 2007 and full year 2007. Selected financial information for the fourth quarter of 2006, third quarter of 2007, and full year 2006 is also included at the end of this press release.
For your convenience, selected financial information in TRY prepared in line with Capital Markets Board of Turkey's standards is also included at the end of this press release.
Macro environment Information Q4 Q3 Q4 Q4 2007 Q4 2007 YE YE YE 2007- 2006 2007 2007 Q4 2006 Q3 2007 2006 2007 YE 2006 % Chg % Chg % Chg TRY / US$ rate Closing Rate 1.4056 1.2048 1.1647 (17.1%) (3.3%) 1.4056 1.1647 (17.1%) Average Rate 1.4538 1.2932 1.1851 (18.5%) (8.4%) 1.4313 1.3031 (9.0%) INFLATION Consumer 2.8% 0.3% 4.0% - - 9.7% 8.4% - Price Index GDP Growth 5.2% 1.5% NA - - 6.1% 3.8* - * GDP growth nine months
Post-election optimism in the Turkish financial markets was interrupted by the global economic concerns in late July and early August. Change in the global risk appetite resulted in volatility in the exchange rate of the TRY against the US$ and some changes in the credit environment. However, Turkey proved resilient and consumer sentiment remained relatively positive. While GDP growth expectation of about 5% for 2007 is a healthy level, some weakening in GDP growth during the first three quarters of 2007 was observed.
At the start of 2008, the global backdrop became the main topic, while the magnitude of the current credit crunch's effect on the US economy and the global impact remained unclear resulting in further volatility in the financial markets. Generally, GDP growth rate in Turkey is expected to be relatively slower in the first half of 2008 than the second half of the year while 2008 GDP growth target set by the government is at similar levels to that of 2007.
Our results of operations and business and financial performance are affected by the macro economic environment, developments in the geopolitical environment, the competitive environment and the dynamics of consumer confidence in Turkey. Therefore, we will continue to monitor the developments in these areas closely.
Financial Review Profit & Loss Statement Q4 Q3 Q4 Q4 2007- Q4 2007- (million US$) 2006 2007 2007 Q4 2006 Q3 2007 % Chg % Chg Total revenue 1,203.3 1,722.8 1,807.6 50.2% 4.9% Direct cost of revenue (662.0) (799.9) (849.2) 28.3% 6.2% Depreciation and (164.9) (202.2) (204.2) 23.8% 1.0% amortization Administrative expenses (29.2) (56.9) (89.1) 205.1% 56.6% Selling and marketing (211.8) (296.9) (328.0) 54.9% 10.5% expenses EBITDA 465.2 771.5 745.4 60.2% (3.4%) EBITDA Margin 39% 45% 41% 2 p.p. (4 p.p.) Net finance income / 21.0 (147.2) (10.8) (151.4%) (92.7%) (expense) Finance expense (42.0) (230.7) (105.7) 151.7% (54.2%) Finance income 63.0 83.5 94.9 50.6% 13.7% Share of profit of 16.3 17.2 21.5 31.9% 25.0% equity accounted investees Income tax expense (52.0) (50.2) (125.2) 140.8% 149.4% Net income 289.6 401.2 403.2 39.2% 0.5% Profit & Loss Statement YE YE YE 2007- (million US$) 2006 2007 YE 2006 % Chg Total revenue 4,700.3 6,328.6 34.6% Direct cost of revenue (2,627.9) (3,103.4) 18.1% Depreciation and (730.0) (793.0) 8.6% amortization Administrative expenses (154.9) (252.8) 63.2% Selling and marketing (827.5) (1,138.2) 37.5% expenses EBITDA 1,820.0 2,627.1 44.3% EBITDA Margin 39% 42% 3 p.p. Net finance income / 76.0 (242.7) (419.3%) (expense) Finance expense (108.0) (551.1) 410.3% Finance income 184.0 308.4 67.6% Share of profit of 78.6 64.9 (17.4%) equity accounted investees Income tax expense (413.2) (322.4) (22.0%) Net income 875.5 1,350.2 54.2%
Revenue: In the fourth quarter of 2007, our consolidated revenue grew by 50.2% to US$1,807.6 million compared to the same period of last year. This was mainly due to subscriber growth, continuing emphasis on segmented loyalty programs, appreciation of the TRY against US$, one time positive impact of the reversal of Avea invoices amounting to US$46 million combined with upward price adjustments of 12.7% on an annual basis as well as the positive impact of our consolidated subsidiaries.
In 2007, our revenues increased by 34.6% to US$6,328.6 million due to higher usage, subscriber growth, appreciation of the TRY against the US$, combined with the upward price adjustments of 12.7% on an annual basis and the positive impact of our consolidated subsidiaries.
Eliminating the effect of appreciation of the TRY against the US$, our revenues increased by 22% in TRY in 2007.
Direct cost of revenue: Direct cost of revenue, including depreciation and amortization, increased in nominal terms by 28.3% to US$849.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2007 compared to the corresponding period last year whereas the proportion of direct cost of revenue to total revenue decreased to 47.0% from 55.0%. This improvement of 8 percentage points was mainly attributable to the lower depreciation and amortization expenses (2%), lower treasury share expenses (3%) - of which 1.5% is related to one off treasury share impact on sales discounts in 2006, lower interconnection costs (0.5%) and lower non-revenue based operational expenses (1%) such as network maintenance, radio and transmission costs as a percentage of revenue.
For 2007, direct cost of revenue including depreciation and amortization increased in nominal terms by 18.1% to US$3,103.4 million whereas the proportion of direct cost of revenue to total revenue decreased from 55.9% to 49.0% compared to 2006. This improvement of 7 percentage points was mainly due to the lower depreciation and amortization expenses (3%), lower treasury share payments (2.5%) - of which 0.7% is related to one off treasury share impact on sales discounts in 2006, lower interconnection costs (1%) and lower non-revenue based operational expenses (0.4%) as a percentage of revenue.
Interconnection costs increased in the fourth quarter of 2007 by 39% to US$115.2 million compared to the same period in 2006 and also increased in 2007 on annual basis by 20% to US$405.9 million. The interconnection costs as a percentage of revenue improved slightly by 1 percentage points.
Turkcell incurred US$529.8 million of other operational expenses in the fourth quarter of 2007, which mainly composed of treasury share expenses, radio costs, transmission costs, wages and salaries, and handset costs offered as part of our loyalty programs. For 2007, other expenses totaled to US$1,904.5 million.
Selling and marketing expenses: Turkcell's selling and marketing expenses increased by 54.9% to US$328.0 million in the fourth quarter of 2007 compared to the same period of 2006, mainly due to increased advertising costs for campaigns and offers introduced during the quarter as well as acquisition expenses and dealer activities. The share of selling and marketing expenses as a percentage of total revenue in the fourth quarter of 2007 remained almost flat at 18.1%.
For 2007, selling and marketing expenses increased in nominal terms by 37.5% reaching US$1,138.2 million mainly due to increased advertising and acquisition expenses as well as retention related campaign costs in an active competitive environment. The appreciation of the TRY against the US$ also contributed to the increase in expenses during the year. In 2007, the share of selling and marketing expenses as a percentage of total revenue was 18.0%.
Total selling expenses in selling and marketing expenses increased by 71.5% to US$131.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2007 compared to the same period of 2006 mostly due to an increase in subscriber acquisitions and increased dealer and distributor activities. For 2007, selling expenses in selling and marketing expenses were US$501.6 million.
Administrative expenses: During the fourth quarter of 2007, administrative expenses increased by 205.1% to US$89.1 million compared to the same period of 2006 due to the reversal of a fee which was paid to BNP for the Irancell project in the fourth quarter of 2006 and one time increase in bonuses paid to employees. Consequently, the proportion of administrative expenses to revenue increased to 4.9% in the last quarter of 2007.
For 2007, administrative expenses increased by 63.2% to US$252.8 million and the share of administrative expenses to revenues increased to 4% in 2007.
Share of profit of equity accounted investees: In the fourth quarter of 2007, equity in net income of unconsolidated investees that consisted of the net income/(expense) impact of Fintur and A-Tel increased to US$21.5 million compared to US$16.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2006.
For 2007, our equity in net income of unconsolidated investees that consisted of the net income/(expense) impact of Fintur and A-Tel decreased to US$64.9 million compared to US$78.6 million in 2006 mainly due to the accounting impact of A-tel, as described below.
Our 50% owned subsidiary A-Tel, impacted two items in our financial statements. A-Tel's revenue that is generated from Turkcell is netted from the selling and marketing expenses in our consolidated financial statements. The difference between the total net impact of A-Tel and the amount netted from selling and marketing expenses is recorded in the share of profit of equity accounted investees line of our financial statements.
Net finance income/(expense): In the fourth quarter of 2007, we reported net financial expenses of US$10.8 million compared to financial income of US$21.0 million in the same quarter of 2006 mainly due to foreign exchange losses resulting from the appreciation of the TRY against the US$ during the fourth quarter of 2007. In the fourth quarter of 2007, as a result of increase in our cash balance, financial income increased by 50.6% to US$94.9 million compared to the same quarter in 2006. On the other hand, our financial expenses increased by 151.7% to US$105.7 million compared to the same period of 2006 mainly due the foreign exchange losses.
Foreign exchange losses can be classified into two main categories, the first being realized losses incurred on structured forward contracts that matured in the fourth quarter of 2007 amounting to US$24 million, and the second being accrued losses, mainly related to translation losses on foreign currency long position amounting to US$54 million.
For 2007, as a result of our increasing cash balance, financial income increased by 67.6% to US$308.4 million compared to last year. On the other hand, our financial expenses increased to US$551.1 million that mainly composed of foreign exchange losses of US$460.8 million resulting from the appreciation of the TRY against the US$ during 2007.
Overall, our net financial expense was US$242.7 million in 2007.
Income tax expense: The total taxation charge in the fourth quarter of 2007 increased to US$125.2 million from US$52.0 million in the same period of 2006. The total taxation charge for 2007 decreased to US$322.4 million from US$413.2 million in 2006. This change was due to the reduction in the corporate tax rate from 30% to 20% during June 2006 which was effective from January 1, 2006 resulting in an increase in the taxation expenses during the second quarter of 2006 stemming from the reversal of deferred tax benefit from investment incentive certificates and temporary differences between IFRS and statutory financial statements.
Out of the total tax charge during the fourth quarter of 2007, US$114.7 million was related to current tax charges and a deferred tax income of US$10.5 million. The increase in the deferred tax expense was mainly due to the differences between our Turkish statutory financial statements and our financial statements prepared in accordance with IFRS.
In 2008, Turkcell will be liable to pay 20% corporate tax and the payments will be made on a quarterly basis.
Income tax expense Q4 Q3 Q4 Q4 2007- Q4 2007- (million US$) 2006 2007 2007 Q4 2006 Q3 2007 % Chg % Chg Current Tax (64.2) (104.2) (114.7) 78.7% 10.1% expense Deferred Tax 12.2 54.0 (10.5) (186.1%) (119.4%) income /(expense) Income Tax expense (52.0) (50.2) (125.2) 140.8% 149.4% Income tax expense YE YE YE 2007- (million US$) 2006 2007 YE 2006 % Chg Current Tax expense (310.7) (412.5) 32.8% Deferred Tax income (102.5) 90.1 187.9% /(expense) Income Tax expense (413.2) (322.4) (22.0%)
EBITDA: In the fourth quarter of 2007, EBITDA increased by 60.2% to US$745.4 million compared to the same quarter of last year mainly due to growth in revenues combined with lower operational expenses. Accordingly, EBITDA margin during the same period increased to 41% from 39%.
In 2007, EBITDA increased by 44.3% to US$2,627.1 million due to strong revenue growth coupled with a decrease in direct cost of revenues as a percentage of revenue despite higher sales and marketing and administrative expenses. Accordingly the EBITDA margin increased from 39% to 42% in 2007.
In 2008, we expect the EBITDA margin to be a few points lower than 2007.
Net income: Net income of US$403.2 million was recorded in the fourth quarter of 2007. The increase of 39.2% was mainly due to growth in revenues together with lower operational expenses.
For 2007, net income increased by 54.2% to US$1,350.2 million due to strong operational performance and a decrease in taxation charges.
Total Debt: The consolidated debt amounted to US$760.0 million as of December 31, 2007. US$530.5 million of this was related to Turkcell's Ukrainian operations.
Q4 Q3 Q4 YE YE Cash Flow 2006 2007 2007 2006 2007 (million US$) EBITDA 465.2 771.5 745.4 1,820.0 2,627.1 LESS: Capex and License (210.7) (188.1) (274.3) (604.8) (783.1) Turkcell (116.6) (130.3) (144.2) (375.5) (444.3) Ukraine (83.6) (26.1) (76.8) (200.2) (206.0) Investment & Marketable (2.0) 10.4 - (196.8) 27.1 Securities Net Interest Income 49.5 57.9 67.2 117.3 218.0 Other 329.5 151.9 31.9 26.9 (244.7) Net Change in Debt (18.0) 38.4 10.6 (30.0) 64.2 Turkcell (25.0) - - (105.2) (57.7) Ukraine - 21.3* - 75.5 21.3* Other 7.0 17.1 10.6 (0.3) 100.6 Dividend paid by Turkcell - - - (342.2) (411.9) Cash Generated 613.5 842.0 580.8 790.4 1,496.7 Cash Balance 1,598.6 2,514.5 3,095.3 1,598.6 3,095.3
(*)This financing has been drawn down by Financell B.V., a wholly owned subsidiary of Turkcell, in July and has been provided to Astelit.
Cash Flow Analysis: Capital expenditures in the fourth quarter of 2007 amounted to US$274.3 million of which US$76.8 million was related to our Ukrainian operations.
For 2007, capital expenditures totalled US$783.1 million of which US$206.0 million was related to the Ukrainian operations.
Turkcell generated free cash flow (cash flow from operating activities minus capital expenditure) of US$1,373.1 million in 2007, with an increase of 10% compared to US$1,250.1 million in 2006.
In 2008, we expect to spend approximately US$800 million in operational capital expenditures in Turkey, which includes 3G and broadband capital expenditures but excludes any potential 3G license fee. In addition, our consolidated subsidiary Astelit expects to spend approximately US$250 million in capital expenditures in Ukraine.
Operational Review Summary of Q4 Q3 Q4 Q4 2007- Q4 2007- Operational Data 2006 2007 2007 Q4 2006 Q3 2007 % Chg % Chg Number of total 31.8 34.8 35.4 11.3% 1.7% subscribers (million) Number of postpaid 5.8 6.3 6.4 10.3% 1.6% subscribers (million) Number of prepaid 26.0 28.5 29.0 11.5% 1.8% subscribers (million) ARPU (Average 11.8 15.3 15.5 31.4% 1.3% Monthly Revenue per User), blended (US$) ARPU, postpaid 31.1 39.5 40.3 29.6% 2.0% (US$) ARPU, prepaid 7.5 10.0 10.0 33.3% 0% (US$) ARPU, blended 17.2 19.8 18.3 6.4% (7.6%) (TRY) ARPU, postpaid 45.2 51.1 47.7 5.5% (6.7%) (TRY) ARPU, prepaid 10.9 13.0 11.9 9.2% (8.5%) (TRY) Churn (%) 4.4 5.7 5.9 1.5 p.p. 0.2 p.p. MOU (Average 74.1 83.0 69.9 (5.7%) (15.8%) Monthly Minutes of usage per subscriber), blended Summary of YE YE YE 2007- Operational Data 2006 2007 YE 2006 % Chg Number of total 31.8 35.4 11.3% subscribers (million) Number of postpaid 5.8 6.4 10.3% subscribers (million) Number of prepaid 26.0 29.0 11.5% subscribers (million) ARPU (Average Monthly 12.1 14.3 18.2% Revenue per User), blended (US$) ARPU, postpaid (US$) 31.0 37.6 21.3% ARPU, prepaid (US$) 7.8 9.2 17.9% ARPU, blended (TRY) 17.4 18.5 6.3% ARPU, postpaid (TRY) 44.3 48.7 9.9% ARPU, prepaid (TRY) 11.2 11.8 5.4% Churn (%) 14.7 19.9 5.2 p.p. MOU (Average Monthly 70.3 76.3 8.5% Minutes of usage per subscriber), blended
Subscribers: We added approximately 593 thousand net new subscribers in the fourth quarter of 2007 and our total number of subscribers reached approximately 35.4 million as of December 31, 2007. This corresponds to an increase of 1.7% compared to the previous quarter with an annual growth of 11.3%. Of the new gross subscribers in the quarter, 88% were prepaid and 12% were postpaid. Approximately 3.6 million net new subscribers were added in 2007. The growth was mainly driven by our focus on the sales channel network and our offers and campaigns well perceived. Our value focus continued and we recorded a favorable growth in the subscriber base supported by our corporate and postpaid customer focus.
Churn Rate: Churn refers to voluntarily and involuntarily disconnected subscribers. In the fourth quarter of 2007, we recorded a churn rate of 5.9%, an increase of 1.5 percentage points compared to the same period in 2006. The increase was mainly due to prepaid involuntary churn triggered by high subscriber acquisitions in previous quarters with the churners being mainly low ARPU generating prepaid subscribers.
The annual churn rate as of December 31, 2007 increased to 19.9% from 14.7% as of December 31, 2006 in line with our expectations due to our large subscriber base as well as intensified competition in the Turkish market throughout the year. While our on going emphasis on retention remains a high priority in 2008, we expect churn rate to be higher than 2007.
MoU: In the fourth quarter of 2007, our blended minutes of usage per subscriber ("MoU") decreased by 5.7% to 69.9 minutes compared to the same period in 2006 mainly due to a decrease in the incentives utilized during the fourth quarter of 2007 compared to the same period in 2006.
Usage, in the fourth quarter of 2007, was also lower than in the third quarter of 2007 due to seasonality and lower usage during the Ramadan period, as well as comparably lower incentive utilization during the launch of the new tariff scheme.
In 2007, on an annual basis, usage increased by 8.5% to 76.3 minutes, which was in line with our expectations as a result of our initiatives that were aimed at creating a win-win situation by incentivising usage through bundled free minute offers while maintaining a value generation focus.
ARPU: Our blended average revenue per user ("ARPU") in the fourth quarter of 2007 grew by 31.4% to US$15.5 compared to the same period in 2006. This change was mainly due to a decrease in incentives utilized during the fourth quarter of 2007 as compared to the same period in 2006, combined with the 18.5% appreciation of the TRY against the US$ and the average price increase of 12.7% on an annual basis despite the dilutive impact of growing prepaid subscriber base during this period.
Our ARPU in TRY terms grew by 6.4% to TRY18.3 in the fourth quarter of 2007 from TRY17.2 compared to the same period in 2006.
Despite the dilutive impact of a growing prepaid subscriber base, in 2007 our blended ARPU grew by 18.2% to US$14.3 compared to US$12.1 in 2006 as a result of our actions incentivizing usage along with a 9% appreciation of the TRY against the US$ and the average price increase of 12.7% on an annual basis during this year.
Regulatory Environment
The Telecommunications Authority ("TA") conducted a tender process for the grant of the 3G license on September 7, 2007. Turkcell was the sole bidder and consequently won and was awarded a 3G license. However this tender was later cancelled by TA. Although, we believe the 3G tender process will be reinitiated in 2008, no announcement has been made by TA with regards to the new tender date.
In February 2007, TA issued regulations on Mobile Number Portability (MNP), which is expected to become operational in the fourth quarter of 2008, based on public statements by TA.
Between October 2007 and February 2008, TA made announcements about its decision to control retail pricing for mobile operators - setting a lower ceiling for off-net calling prices for all operators and asking Turkcell to set its on-net prices to be not lower than its lowest interconnect rate.
Due to the high-level of complexity involved, we have been and are continuing to remain in discussions with TA seeking clarification of its decisions and we have taken actions to revise some of our tariffs and campaigns to comply with TA's new policy to the extent practical and to our best understanding.
TA's new decision negatively affects our ability to design and launch new campaigns, offers and consequently has a negative impact on our business and had a negative impact in our fourth quarter 2007 results. If this issue is not resolved fairly and in compliance with laws, we may not be able to fully implement our pricing strategy and our competitive position and financial results may be adversely affected.
We have filed a lawsuit with the Highest Administrative Court in Turkey requesting the suspension and annulment of the aforementioned decision on the ground that said decision is violating Telecommunications Law , Competition Law and Concession (Licensing) Agreement between our Company and TA.
Dividend Distribution
Turkcell's general dividend policy is to pay dividends to shareholders in line with the company's financial conditions. On February 27, 2008, the Turkcell Board of Directors decided to recommend distribution of cash dividends in an amount of approximately TRY648.7 million (approximately US$546.0 million as of February 27, 2008) representing a 14% increase compared to approximately TRY567.0 million (approximately US$411.9 million) a year ago. This corresponding to 50% of Turkcell's distributable income of the current year, based on the financial statements prepared in accordance with the accounting principles accepted by the Capital Markets Board of Turkey. This dividend proposal is to be evaluated and decided upon at the Ordinary General Assembly of Shareholders to be held on April 25, 2008.
This represents a net and gross cash dividend of TRY0.2948699 (approximately US$0.248165 as of February 27, 2008) per ordinary share with a nominal value of TRY1 and approximately TRY0.737174 (approximately US$0.620412 as of February 27, 2008) per ADR.
International and Domestic Operations Fintur
Turkcell hold a 41.45% stake in Fintur and through Fintur have interests in GSM operations in Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Moldova, and Georgia.
FINTUR YE 2006 YE 2007 YE 2007- YE 2006 YE 2007 YE 2007- as of December Subscriber Subscriber YE 2006 Revenue Revenue YE 2006 31, 2007 (million) (million) %Chg (US$ (US$ %Chg million) million) Kazakhstan 3.5 6.0 71.4% 651.1 825.4 26.8% Azerbaijan 2.3 3.0 30.4% 342.8 439.8 28.3% Moldova 0.5 0.5 0% 43.0 53.9 25.3% Georgia 1.0 1.3 30.0% 130.6 165.1 26.4% TOTAL 7.3 10.8 47.9% 1,167.5 1,484.2 27.1% (*) Combined revenue
Strong revenue growth in Fintur's operations continued and Fintur's consolidated revenue reached US$422.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2007, recording 30.5% growth on an annual basis. Fintur added approximately 0.9 million net new subscribers in the fourth quarter of 2007 and its total subscriber base grew to 10.8 million.
We account for our investment in Fintur using the equity method. Fintur's contribution to income was US$32.9 million (US$18.3 million) in the fourth of 2007.
In 2007, Fintur's consolidated revenue increased by 28% to US$1,486.4 million along with strong subscriber growth. Fintur's total subscriber base increased by 47.9% with a net add of 3.5 million in 2007 where as Fintur's contribution to net income for the year was US$109.0 million (US$81.3 million).
Astelit
Astelit, a 55% owned subsidiary in Ukraine, recorded promisingly positive results in 2007.
- Astelit grew its revenue by 170% on annual basis in the fourth quarter of 2007 and 191% in 2007.
- Astelit recorded positive EBITDA of US$2.7 million during the fourth quarter of 2007 and recorded negative EBITDA of US$20.5 million for the full year.
- Astelit's operational indicators have remained very strong with subscribers reaching 8.8 million by growing 57.1% on an annual basis. In 2007;
- 3 month active subscriber base grew 74.2% on an annual basis. - 3 month active ARPU increased by 53% on an annual basis.
The encouraging trends in Astelit's financial and operational performance continued in the fourth quarter of 2007 with Astelit recorded positive EBITDA for the second quarter in a row in the fourth quarter of 2007. This positive trend is expected to continue in the coming quarters.
Summary Data Q4 Q3 Q4 Q4 2007- Q4 2007- YE YE YE 2007- for Astelit Q4 2006 Q3 2007 2006 2007 YE 2006 2006 2007 2007 % Chg % Chg % Chg Number of subscribers (million) Total 5.6 7.6 8.8 57.1% 15.8% 5.6 8.8 57.1% Active (3 3.1 4.7 5.4 74.2% 14.9% 3.1 5.4 74.2% months)[1] Average Revenue per User (ARPU) in US$ Total 2.0 3.6 3.3 65.0% (8.3%) 1.9 3.2 68.4% Active (3 4.1 5.8 5.4 31.7% (6.9%) 3.4 5.2 52.9% months) Revenue 30.5 76.0 82.3 169.8% 8.3% 87.92 55.9 191.1% EBITDA[2] (26.5) 2.9 2.7 110.2% (6.9%) (83.8) (20.5) 75.5% Net Loss (29.9) (42.0)(34.8) 16.4% 17.1% (198.0) (167.7) 15.3% Capex 83.6 26.1 76.8 (8.1%) 194.3% 200.2 206.0 2.9%
In the context of the financing of Astelit's operations, in line with previously indicated plans and depending on the market conditions and its financial performance, Astelit aims to arrange a loan through a new financing package in 2008. In addition, in 2008 Turkcell intends to make a capital contribution to Astelit in an amount of US$110 million, which is in proportion to our stake in Astelit.
Inteltek
Inteltek is our 55% owned subsidiary that operates in sports betting business. The Central Betting System Contract is scheduled to expire on March 1, 2008. A draft law that enables Spor Toto ("Contractor") to hold a new tender in 2008 has been prepared, and approved by the Council of Ministers. This draft law was sent to the parliamentary law committee on January 9, 2008. On February 21, 2008, the law is accepted in the Turkish Parliament and has been sent to the President of Turkish Republic for approval. On February 26, 2008, President of Turkish Republic approved the law. According to this new law, the Contractor is obliged to hold a new tender in no longer than one year and during this time, until the new tender is held, the Contractor is obliged to sign a new agreement with Inteltek at similar terms of the existing agreement for continuation of the betting games. Accordingly, Inteltek is in the process of signing a new agreement with Spor Toto which will be effective until March 2009. Inteltek intends to participate in the new tender which will be in one year time.
Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures
We believe that EBITDA is a measure commonly used by companies, analysts and investors in the telecommunications industry, which enhances the understanding of our cash generation ability and liquidity position and assists in the evaluation of our capacity to meet our financial obligations. We also use EBITDA as an internal measurement tool and, accordingly, we believe that the presentation of EBITDA provides useful and relevant information to analysts and investors.
Beginning from the 2006 fiscal year, we have revised the definition of EBITDA which we use and we report EBITDA using this new definition starting from the first quarter of 2006 results announcement to provide a new measure to reflect solely cash flow from operations.
The EBITDA definition used in our previous press releases and announcements had included Revenue, Direct Cost of Revenue excluding depreciation and amortization, Selling and Marketing expenses, Administrative expenses, translation gain/(loss), financial income, share of profit of equity accounted investees, gain on sale of investments, income/(loss) from related parties, minority interest and other income/(expense). Our new EBITDA definition includes Revenue, Direct Cost of Revenue excluding depreciation and amortization, Selling and Marketing expenses and Administrative expenses, but excludes translation gain/(loss), financial income, share of profit of equity accounted investees, gain on sale of investments, income/(loss) from related parties, minority interest and other income/(expense).
EBITDA is not a measure of financial performance under IFRS and should not be construed as a substitute for net earnings (loss) as a measure of performance or cash flow from operations as a measure of liquidity.
The following table provides a reconciliation of EBITDA, which is a non-GAAP financial measure, to net cash from operating activities, which we believe is the most directly comparable financial measure calculated and presented in accordance with IFRS.
TURKCELL Q4 Q3 Q4 Q4 2007- Q4 2007- US$ million 2006 2007 2007 Q4 2006 Q3 2007 % Chg % Chg EBITDA 465.2 771.5 745.4 60.2% (3.4%) Other operating (0.4) 2.4 (21.3) 5,225.0% (987.5%) income/(expense) Financial income 63.0 83.5 94.9 50.6% 13.7% Financial expense (42.0) (230.7) (105.7) (151.7%) 54.2% Net 197.2 316.0 (155.9) (179.1%) (149.3%) increase/(decrease) in assets and liabilities Net cash from 683.0 942.7 557.4 (18.4%) (40.9%) operating activities TURKCELL YE 2006 YE 2007 YE 2007 - US$ million YE 2006 %Chg EBITDA 1,820.0 2,627.1 44.3% Other operating 1.6 (14.7) (1,018.8%) income/(expense) Financial income 184.0 308.4 67.6% Financial expense (108.0) (551.1) 410.3% Net (42.7) (213.5) 400.0% increase/(decrease) in assets and liabilities Net cash from 1,854.9 2,156.2 16.2% operating activities EUROASIA (Astelit) Q4 Q3 Q4 Q4 2007- Q4 2007- US$ million 2006 2007 2007 Q4 2006 Q3 2007 % Chg % Chg EBITDA (26.5) 2.9 2.7 110.2% (6.9%) Other operating (0.3) 0.2 0.2 166.7% 0% income/(expense) Financial income 0.2 0.7 1.2 500.0% 71.4% Financial expense (2.8) (21.5) (15.2) 442.9% (29.3%) Net 46.9 31.8 21.1 (55.0%) (33.6%) increase/(decrease) in assets and liabilities Net cash from 17.5 14.1 10.0 (42.9%) (29.1%) operating activities EUROASIA (Astelit) YE 2006 YE 2007 YE 2007 - US$ million YE 2006 %Chg EBITDA (83.8) (20.5) 75.5% Other operating (1.8) 0.4 122.2% income/(expense) Financial income 0.9 2.7 200.0% Financial expense (40.7) (63.7) 56.5% Net 9.5 64.6 580.0% increase/(decrease) in assets and liabilities Net cash from (115.9) (16.5) 85.8% operating activities Turkcell Group Subscribers
We had approximately 47.1 million proportionate GSM subscribers as of December 31, 2007. This is calculated by taking the number of GSM subscribers in Turkcell and each of our subsidiaries and multiplying the number of unconsolidated investees by our percentage ownership interest in each subsidiary. This figure includes the proportionate rather than total number of Fintur's GSM subscribers, but includes the total number of GSM subscribers in Ukraine and in our operations in Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus ("Northern Cyprus") because the financial statements of our subsidiaries in Ukraine and Northern Cyprus are consolidated within our financial statements.
Turkcell Q4 Q3 Q4 Q4 2007- Q4 2007- YE YE YE 2007- Group Q4 2006 Q3 2007 2006 2007 YE 2006 Subscribers 2006 2007 2007 % Chg % Chg % Chg (million) Turkcell 31.8 34.8 35.4 11.3% 1.7% 31.8 35.4 11.3% Ukraine 5.6 7.6 8.8 57.1% 15.8% 5.6 8.8 57.1% Fintur (pro 1.8 2.3 2.6 44.4% 13.0% 1.8 2.6 44.4% rata) Northern 0.2 0.3 0.3 50.0% - 0.2 0.3 50.0% Cyprus TURKCELL 39.4 45.0 47.1 19.5% 4.7% 39.4 47.1 19.5% GROUP Forward-Looking Statements
This press release may include forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Safe Harbor provisions of the US Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements other than statements of historical facts included in this press release, including, without limitation, certain statements regarding our operations, financial position and business strategy may constitute forward-looking statements. In addition, forward-looking statements generally can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as, among others, "may," "will," "expect," "intend," "plan," "estimate," "anticipate," "believe" or "continue."
Although we believe that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable at this time,we can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Given these uncertainties, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. All written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to us in this release are expressly qualified in their entirety by reference to these cautionary statements.
