As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 20, 2012
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 20-F
¨ | REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OR (g) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
OR
x | ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011
OR
¨ | TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the transition period from to
OR
¨ | SHELL COMPANY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
Date of event requiring this shell company report
Commission File Number: 1-15092
TURKCELL ILETISIM HIZMETLERI A.S.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
TURKCELL
(Translation of Registrants Name into English)
Republic of Turkey
(Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization)
Turkcell Plaza
Mesrutiyet Caddesi No: 71
34430 Tepebasi
Istanbul, Turkey
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
Mr. Nihat Narin
Telephone: +90 212 313 1244
Facsimile: +90 212 292 9322
Turkcell Plaza
Mesrutiyet Caddesi No: 71
34430 Tepebasi
Istanbul, Turkey
(Name, Telephone, E-mail and/or Facsimile Number and Address of Company Contact Person)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class |
Name of each exchange on which registered | |
American Depositary Shares Ordinary Shares, Nominal Value TRY 1.000* |
New York Stock Exchange New York Stock Exchange |
* | Not for trading on the NYSE, but only in connection with the registration of ADSs representing such ordinary shares pursuant to the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission. |
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
None
Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act:
None
Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the issuers classes of capital or common stock as of the close of the period covered by the annual report.
Ordinary Shares, Nominal Value TRY 1.000 2,200,000,000
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes x No ¨
If this report is an annual or transition report, indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Yes ¨ No x
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x No ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes ¨ No ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of accelerated filer and large accelerated filer in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large Accelerated Filer x Accelerated Filer ¨ Non-Accelerated Filer ¨
Indicate by check mark which basis of accounting the registrant has used to prepare the financial statements included in this filing:
U.S. GAAP ¨ International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board x Other ¨
If Other has been checked in response to the previous question, indicate by check mark which financial statement item the registrant has elected to follow. Item 17 ¨ Item 18 ¨
If this is an annual report, indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ¨ No x
Page | ||||||
ITEM 1. |
IDENTITY OF DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND ADVISERS | 3 | ||||
ITEM 2. |
OFFER STATISTICS AND EXPECTED TIMETABLE | 3 | ||||
ITEM 3. |
KEY INFORMATION | 3 | ||||
3 | ||||||
8 | ||||||
8 | ||||||
8 | ||||||
ITEM 4. |
INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY | 21 | ||||
21 | ||||||
21 | ||||||
75 | ||||||
76 | ||||||
. |
4A. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS | 77 | ||||
ITEM 5. |
77 | |||||
80 | ||||||
98 | ||||||
102 | ||||||
102 | ||||||
103 | ||||||
104 | ||||||
5.G SAFE HARBOR | 104 | |||||
ITEM 6. |
105 | |||||
6.A DIRECTORS AND SENIOR MANAGEMENT | 105 | |||||
6.B COMPENSATION | 109 | |||||
6.C BOARD PRACTICES | 110 | |||||
6.D EMPLOYEES | 112 | |||||
6.E SHARE OWNERSHIP | 114 | |||||
ITEM 7. |
MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS | 115 | ||||
7.A MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS | 115 | |||||
7.B RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS | 117 | |||||
7.C INTERESTS OF EXPERTS AND COUNSEL | 117 | |||||
ITEM 8. |
117 | |||||
8.A CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INFORMATION | 117 | |||||
8.B SIGNIFICANT CHANGES | 119 | |||||
ITEM 9. |
119 | |||||
9.A OFFER AND LISTING DETAILS | 119 | |||||
120 | ||||||
120 | ||||||
121 | ||||||
121 | ||||||
121 | ||||||
ITEM 10. | ADDITIONAL INFORMATION | 121 | ||||
121 | ||||||
121 | ||||||
131 | ||||||
132 | ||||||
132 | ||||||
139 | ||||||
139 | ||||||
139 | ||||||
10.I SUBSIDIARY INFORMATION | 139 |
ITEM 11. | QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK | 139 | ||||
ITEM 12. | DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES OTHER THAN EQUITY SECURITIES | 141 | ||||
ITEM 13. | DEFAULTS, DIVIDEND ARREARAGES AND DELINQUENCIES | 143 | ||||
ITEM 14. | MATERIAL MODIFICATIONS TO THE RIGHTS OF SECURITY HOLDERS AND USE OF PROCEEDS |
144 | ||||
ITEM 15. | CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES | 144 | ||||
ITEM 16A | AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT | 146 | ||||
ITEM 16B | CODE OF ETHICS | 146 | ||||
ITEM 16C | PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES | 146 | ||||
ITEM 16D | EXEMPTIONS FROM THE LISTING STANDARDS FOR AUDIT COMMITTEES | 147 | ||||
ITEM 16E | PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY THE ISSUER AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS | 147 | ||||
ITEM 16F | CHANGE IN REGISTRANTS CERTIFYING ACCOUNTANT | 147 | ||||
ITEM 16G | CORPORATE GOVERNANCE | 147 | ||||
ITEM 17. |
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | 153 | ||||
ITEM 18. |
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | 153 | ||||
ITEM 19. |
EXHIBITS | 153 |
INTRODUCTION
This is the 2011 annual report for Turkcell Iletisim Hizmetleri A.S. (Turkcell), a joint stock company organized and existing under the laws of the Republic of Turkey. The terms we, us, our, and similar ones refer to Turkcell, its predecessors, and its consolidated subsidiaries, except as the context otherwise requires.
Our audited consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2011 and 2010 and for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2011 included in this annual report have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB).
The SEC has adopted rules accepting filings from foreign private issuers that include financial statements prepared in accordance with IFRS as issued by the IASB without reconciliation to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, or U.S. GAAP, as was previously required. As we believe that we meet the relevant criteria to avail ourselves of this SEC rule, we have ceased providing such reconciliation as part of our consolidated financial statements.
Certain figures included in this annual report have been subject to rounding adjustments. Accordingly, figures shown for the same category presented in different tables may vary slightly, and figures shown as totals in certain tables may not total exactly. In this annual report, references to TL, TRY and Turkish Lira are to the Turkish Lira, previously called the New Turkish Lira from 2005 through 2008; and references to $, U.S. Dollars, USD, U.S. $ and cents are to U.S. Dollars and, except as otherwise noted, all interest rates are on a per annum basis. In this annual report, references to Turkey or the Republic are to the Republic of Turkey. Counters are the units we used with our subscribers until April 2010 to measure airtime. As of April 2010, we measure our airtime in TRY rather than counters.
Statements regarding our market share and total market size are based on the Information and Communication Technologies Authoritys (ICTA) announcements, and statements regarding penetration are based on the Turkish Statistical Institutes (TUIK) announcements pertaining to the Turkish population. Furthermore, statements regarding our 2G coverage are based on the ICTAs specifications as well as the TUIKs announcements, and statements regarding our 3G coverage are based on the 3GPP TS 25.101 specifications for outdoor coverage.
References to the Information and Communication Technologies Authority or ICTA include its predecessor entity, the Telecommunications Authority.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This annual report includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, Section 21E of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the Safe Harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements other than statements of historical facts included in this annual report, 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 may, will, expect, intend, estimate, anticipate, believe, continue, or similar statements.
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. Important factors that
1
could cause actual results to differ materially from our expectations are contained in cautionary statements in this annual report, including, without limitation, in conjunction with the forward-looking statements listed below, and include, among others, the following:
| competition in our main market; |
| increased competition and/or the entrance of new direct and indirect competitors in the market due to regulatory changes in Turkey with respect to certain technologies; |
| developments in the Turkish telecommunications market that will impact the size and usage of our future subscriber base and which are affected by factors outside of our control; |
| failure to successfully integrate and manage the opportunities we pursue, particularly related to our current mobile communications business and new 3G business, new business models, new technologies and international activities; |
| changes in current and future Turkish telecommunications laws, regulations and regulatory orders which may impact our customers usage patterns; |
| regulations imposed by the Information and Communication Technologies Authority (hereinafter, the ICTA), that may affect the prices for our services, other legal and regulatory restrictions imposed on us by regulatory authorities in Turkey, and adverse effects on our competitiveness due to our designation by the ICTA as an operator holding significant market power in the mobile call termination services market and in access to GSM mobile networks and the call origination market; |
| failure to abide by the requirements of our licenses or applicable regulations; |
| economic and political developments in Turkey and internationally; |
| exposure to certain risks through our interests in associated companies; |
| foreign exchange rate risks; |
| financial risks in the event that our majority-owned subsidiaries fail to meet some of their obligations set forth in the agreements related to their financing arrangements; |
| our ability to deal with spectrum limitations; |
| zoning limitations related to our Base Transceiver Stations (BTS); |
| potential liability and possible reduced usage of mobile phones as a result of alleged health risks related to BTSs and the use of handsets; |
| our dependence on certain suppliers for network equipment and the provision of data services; |
| a decision by the Turkish Capital Markets Board (CMB) that the appointment of one of our board members to the audit committee does not satisfy Turkish legal requirements and our compliance with new corporate governance requirements in Turkey; |
| the influence of our controlling shareholders and disputes between them; |
| our dependence on certain systems and suppliers for IT services and our exposure to potential natural disasters, regular or severe IT and network failures, human error, hacking and IT migration risk; |
| technological changes in the telecommunications market; |
| our dependence on third-party providers to help us navigate the regulatory, security and business risks of industries where we traditionally do not compete; |
| our ability to retain key personnel and distributors; |
2
| legal actions and claims to which we are a party; and |
| effective internal control over financial reporting. |
All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to us are expressly qualified in their entirety by reference to these cautionary statements.
ITEM 1. | IDENTITY OF DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND ADVISERS |
Not Applicable.
ITEM 2. | OFFER STATISTICS AND EXPECTED TIMETABLE |
Not Applicable.
ITEM 3. | KEY INFORMATION |
Our audited consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2011 and 2010 and for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2011 included in this annual report have been prepared in accordance with IFRS as issued by the IASB.
The following information should be read in conjunction with Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects, our audited consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2011 and 2010 and for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2011, and the related notes appearing elsewhere in this annual report.
3
The following table presents our selected consolidated statement of operations, balance sheet and cash flow data as of and for each of the years in the five-year period ended December 31, 2011, presented in accordance with IFRS as issued by the IASB which have been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements as of and for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008 and 2007. The information appearing under the caption Other Financial Data is not derived from the audited financial statements.
2011 | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | ||||||||||||||||
(Million $, except share data and certain other data) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Selected Financial Data Prepared in Accordance with IFRS as Issued by the IASB |
||||||||||||||||||||
Consolidated Statement of Operations Data |
||||||||||||||||||||
Revenues |
||||||||||||||||||||
Communication fees |
5,225.4 | 5,670.2 | 5,557.3 | 6,576.9 | 5,976.9 | |||||||||||||||
Commission fees on betting business |
51.4 | 31.2 | 42.7 | 176.2 | 181.3 | |||||||||||||||
Monthly fixed fees |
63.0 | 75.4 | 42.5 | 65.1 | 54.8 | |||||||||||||||
Simcard sales |
21.2 | 22.9 | 22.9 | 28.2 | 20.8 | |||||||||||||||
Call center revenues |
38.1 | 25.2 | 17.4 | 16.6 | 12.9 | |||||||||||||||
Other revenues |
210.6 | 157.2 | 107.2 | 107.4 | 81.9 | |||||||||||||||
Total revenues |
5,609.7 | 5,982.1 | 5,790.0 | 6,970.4 | 6,328.6 | |||||||||||||||
Direct cost of revenues(1) |
(3,528.9 | ) | (3,349.0 | ) | (3,097.1 | ) | (3,409.0 | ) | (3,103.4 | ) | ||||||||||
Gross profit |
2,080.8 | 2,633.1 | 2,692.9 | 3,561.4 | 3,225.2 | |||||||||||||||
Other income |
32.6 | 14.7 | 0.9 | 14.1 | 7.8 | |||||||||||||||
Administrative expenses |
(246.5 | ) | (347.3 | ) | (273.1 | ) | (309.3 | ) | (252.8 | ) | ||||||||||
Selling and marketing expenses |
(1,010.6 | ) | (1,085.8 | ) | (1,085.1 | ) | (1,351.7 | ) | (1,138.2 | ) | ||||||||||
Other expenses |
(161.3 | ) | (64.2 | ) | (111.2 | ) | (18.0 | ) | (22.5 | ) | ||||||||||
Results from operating activities |
695.0 | 1,150.5 | 1,224.4 | 1,896.5 | 1,819.5 | |||||||||||||||
Finance income |
330.3 | 277.1 | 329.6 | 442.1 | 308.4 | |||||||||||||||
Finance costs |
(289.7 | ) | (102.6) | (187.5 | ) | (136.8 | ) | (551.1 | ) | |||||||||||
Net finance income/(costs) |
40.6 | 174.5 | 142.1 | 305.3 | (242.7 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Monetary gain(2) |
144.8 | | | | | |||||||||||||||
Share of profit of equity accounted investees(3) |
136.9 | 122.8 | 78.4 | 103.0 | 64.9 | |||||||||||||||
Profit before income taxes |
1,017.3 | 1,447.8 | 1,444.9 | 2,304.8 | 1,641.7 | |||||||||||||||
Income tax expense |
(292.2 | ) | (320.8 | ) | (340.1 | ) | (549.8 | ) | (322.4 | ) | ||||||||||
Profit for the period |
725.1 | 1,127.0 | 1,104.8 | 1,755.0 | 1,319.3 | |||||||||||||||
Attributable to: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Equity holders of the Company |
751.7 | 1,170.2 | 1,094.0 | 1,836.8 | 1,350.2 | |||||||||||||||
Non-controlling interest |
(26.6 | ) | (43.2 | ) | 10.8 | (81.8 | ) | (30.9 | ) | |||||||||||
Profit for the period |
725.1 | 1,127.0 | 1,104.8 | 1,755.0 | 1,319.3 | |||||||||||||||
Basic and diluted earnings per share |
0.34 | 0.53 | 0.50 | 0.83 | 0.61 | |||||||||||||||
Consolidated Balance Sheet Data (at period end) |
||||||||||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
2,508.5 | 3,302.2 | 3,095.5 | 3,259.8 | 3,095.3 | |||||||||||||||
Total assets |
9,098.8 | 9,794.6 | 9,320.8 | 8,067.9 | 8,469.0 | |||||||||||||||
Long-term debt(4) |
1,057.4 | 1,407.3 | 821.2 | 130.0 | 140.4 | |||||||||||||||
Total debt(5) |
1,868.1 | 1,837.5 | 1,512.0 | 785.9 | 760.0 | |||||||||||||||
Total liabilities |
3,367.2 | 3,561.0 | 3,424.6 | 2,624.3 | 2,537.8 | |||||||||||||||
Share capital |
1,636.2 | 1,636.2 | 1,636.2 | 1,636.2 | 1,636.2 | |||||||||||||||
Total equity/net assets |
5,731.6 | 6,233.6 | 5,896.2 | 5,443.6 | 5,931.2 | |||||||||||||||
Weighted average number of shares |
2,200,000,000 | 2,200,000,000 | 2,200,000,000 | 2,200,000,000 | 2,200,000,000 | |||||||||||||||
Consolidated Cash Flow Data |
||||||||||||||||||||
Net cash from operating activities |
925.8 | 1,262.6 | 1,316.6 | 1,746.3 | 1,986.9 | |||||||||||||||
Net cash used for investing activities |
(1,410.5 | ) | (704.9 | ) | (1,485.0 | ) | (695.2 | ) | (440.5 | ) | ||||||||||
Net cash from (used) for financing activities |
31.6 | (303.7 | ) | (5.4 | ) | (353.6) | (255.0 | ) | ||||||||||||
Other Financial Data |
||||||||||||||||||||
Dividends declared or proposed(6)(7) |
| 703.4 | 573.5 | 713.3 | 502.3 | |||||||||||||||
Dividends per share (declared or proposed)(7)(8) |
| 0.32 | 0.26 | 0.32 | 0.23 | |||||||||||||||
Gross margin(9) |
37 | % | 44 | % | 47 | % | 51 | % | 51 | % | ||||||||||
Adjusted EBITDA(10) |
1,748.1 | 1,957.4 | 1,925.4 | 2,580.3 | 2,627.1 | |||||||||||||||
Capital expenditures |
866.0 | 1,078.6 | 1,769.3 | 808.2 | 783.1 |
4
(1) | Direct cost of revenues includes payments for our treasury share (the amount paid to the government under our license) and universal service fund, transmission fees, base station rents, billing costs, depreciation and amortization charges, technical, repair and maintenance expenses, roaming charges, interconnection fees, costs of Simcards sold, handset costs offered as part of our loyalty programs and personnel expenses related to our technicians. |
(2) | See Note 2 (Basis of Preparation) to our consolidated financial statements in this Form 20-F for information regarding monetary gain/(loss). |
(3) | Share of profit of equity accounted investees primarily includes the income related to our stake in Fintur Holdings B.V. (Fintur) and A-Tel Pazarlama ve Servis Hizmetleri A.S. (A-Tel), which is 41.45% and 50.00%, respectively. Fintur currently holds all of our International mobile communications investments other than those related to our operations in Northern Cyprus, Ukraine, Belarus and Germany. |
(4) | Long-term debt consists of long-term loans and borrowings as well as long-term lease obligations. |
(5) | Total debt consists of long-term and short-term loans and borrowings as well as lease obligations excluding option contracts. |
(6) | On March 23, 2011 our Board of Directors proposed a dividend for the year ended December 31, 2010 of approximately TRY 1,328.7 million ($703.4 million computed using the Central Bank of the Republic of Turkeys (CBRT) TRY/U.S. Dollar exchange rate on December 31, 2011), which corresponds to 75% of our distributable net income for the year. This dividend proposal was discussed but not approved at the Ordinary General Assembly of Shareholders held on April 21, 2011 and the Extraordinary General Assembly of Shareholders held on August 11, 2011 and October 12, 2011. |
(7) | The U.S. Dollar equivalents of the dividend for the years ended December 31, 2010 was computed by using the CBRTs TRY/USD exchange rate on December 31, 2011, whereas the U.S. Dollar equivalents of the dividend for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 were computed by using the CBRTs TRY/USD exchange rate on the dates that the General Assembly of Shareholders approved the dividend distribution. |
(8) | Dividends per share for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011 were computed over 2,200,000,000 shares. For the year ended December 31, 2010, the proposed dividend per share in TRY was TRY 0.60. For the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, the dividend per share in TRY was TRY 0.39, TRY 0.50, and TRY 0.29, respectively. |
(9) | Gross margin is calculated as gross profit divided by total revenues. |
(10) | Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure that equals profit for the period before finance income, finance costs, income tax expense, other income, other expense, monetary gain, share of profit of equity accounted investees and depreciation and amortization. |
Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure that equals profit for the period before finance income, finance costs, income tax expense, other income, other expense, monetary gain, share of profit of equity accounted investees and depreciation and amortization. Our management reviews Adjusted EBITDA as a key indicator each month to monitor our cash generation ability and liquidity position. Net income is generally considered by our management as the main indicator for our operating performance. Adjusted EBITDA is not a measurement of liquidity under IFRS as issued by the IASB and should not be construed as a substitute for profit for the period as a measure of performance or cash flow from operations as a measure of liquidity.
We believe Adjusted EBITDA, among other measures, facilitates liquidity comparisons from period to period and management decision making. It also facilitates liquidity comparisons from company to company. Adjusted EBITDA as a liquidity measure eliminates potential differences caused by variations in capital structures (affecting interest expense), tax positions (such as the impact of changes in effective tax rates on periods or companies) and the age and book depreciation of tangible assets (affecting relative depreciation expense). We also present Adjusted EBITDA because we believe it is frequently used by securities analysts, investors and other interested parties in evaluating the liquidity of other mobile operators in the telecommunications industry in Europe, many of which present Adjusted EBITDA when reporting their results.
5
Nevertheless, Adjusted EBITDA has limitations as an analytical tool, and you should not consider it in isolation from, or as a substitute for analysis of, our results of operations, as reported under IFRS as issued by the IASB.
Some of these limitations are:
| it does not reflect our cash expenditures or future requirements for capital expenditures or contractual commitments; |
| it does not reflect changes in, or cash requirements for, our working capital needs; |
| it does not reflect the interest expense, or the cash requirements necessary to service interest or principal payments, on our debt; |
| although depreciation and amortization are non-cash charges, the assets being depreciated and amortized will often have to be replaced in the future, and Adjusted EBITDA does not reflect any cash requirements for such replacements; |
| it is not adjusted for all non-cash income or expense items that are reflected in our consolidated statement of cash flows; and |
| other companies in our industry may calculate this measure differently than we do, which may limit its usefulness as a comparative measure. |
We compensate for these limitations by relying primarily on our results under IFRS as issued by the IASB and using Adjusted EBITDA measures only supplementally. See Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects and the consolidated financial statements contained elsewhere in this annual report.
The following table provides a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA, as calculated using financial data prepared in accordance with IFRS as issued by the IASB, to net cash from operating activities, which we believe is the most directly comparable financial measure calculated and presented in accordance with IFRS as issued by the IASB.
Year ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||
2011 | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | ||||||||||||||||
(Million $) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Adjusted EBITDA |
1,748.1 | 1,957.4 | 1,925.4 | 2,580.3 | 2,627.1 | |||||||||||||||
Income tax expense |
(292.2 | ) | (320.8 | ) | (340.1 | ) | (549.8 | ) | (322.4 | ) | ||||||||||
Other operating income/(expense) |
(57.9 | ) | (49.4 | ) | (85.2 | ) | (15.6 | ) | (10.8 | ) | ||||||||||
Finance income |
29.0 | 0.5 | 1.0 | 11.2 | 1.6 | |||||||||||||||
Finance costs |
(81.5 | ) | (100.4 | ) | (188.3 | ) | (80.2 | ) | (264.4 | ) | ||||||||||
Net (decrease)/increase in assets and liabilities(1) |
419.7 | (224.7 | ) | 3.8 | (199.6 | ) | (44.2 | ) | ||||||||||||
Net cash from operating activities |
925.8 | 1,262.6 | 1,316.6 | 1,746.3 | 1,986.9 |
6
The following table presents selected operational data:
Operating Results
Year ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
2011 | 2010 | 2009 | ||||||||||
Industry Data |
||||||||||||
Population of Turkey (in millions)(1) |
74.7 | 73.7 | 72.6 | |||||||||
Turkcell Data |
||||||||||||
Number of postpaid subscribers at end of period (in millions)(2) |
11.7 | 10.1 | 9.4 | |||||||||
Number of prepaid subscribers at end of period (in millions)(2) |
22.9 | 23.3 | 26.0 | |||||||||
Total subscribers at end of period (in millions)(2) |
34.5 | 33.5 | 35.4 | |||||||||
Average monthly revenue per user (in $)(3) |
11.9 | 13.0 | 12.0 | |||||||||
Postpaid |
23.1 | 26.6 | 26.6 | |||||||||
Prepaid |
6.6 | 7.6 | 7.5 | |||||||||
Average monthly minutes of use per subscriber(4) |
213.8 | 179.1 | 134.3 | |||||||||
Churn(5) |
27.9 | % | 33.9 | % | 32.6 | % | ||||||
Number of Turkcell employees at end of period |
3,071 | 2,789 | 2,709 | |||||||||
Number of employees of consolidated subsidiaries at end of period(6) |
9,763 | 8,083 | 7,743 |
(1) | The population of Turkey for 2011, 2010 and 2009 is based on TUIKs announcements. |
(2) | Subscriber numbers do not include subscribers in Ukraine, Belarus, Northern Cyprus and Germany or those of Fintur subsidiaries. |
(3) | We calculate average revenue per user (ARPU), using the weighted average number of our subscribers during the period. ARPU does not include the results of our operations in Ukraine, Belarus, Northern Cyprus and Germany or those of Fintur subsidiaries. |
(4) | Average monthly minutes of use per subscriber is calculated by dividing the total number of incoming and outgoing airtime minutes of use by the average monthly sum of postpaid and prepaid subscribers for the year divided by twelve. Our Minutes of Usage (MoU) calculation does not include our operations in Ukraine, Belarus, Northern Cyprus and Germany or those of Fintur subsidiaries. |
(5) | Churn rate is the percentage calculated by dividing the total number of subscriber disconnections during a certain period by the average number of subscribers for the same period. For these purposes, we define average number of subscribers as the number of subscribers at the beginning of the period plus one half of the total number of gross subscribers acquired during the period. Churn refers to subscribers that are both voluntarily and involuntarily disconnected from our network. Our churn calculations do not include our operations in Ukraine, Belarus, Northern Cyprus and Germany or those of Fintur subsidiaries. For the ICTAs definition concerning active and passive subscriptions, see Item 4.B. Business OverviewRegulation of the Turkish Telecommunications Industry. |
(6) | See Item 6.D. Employees for information concerning our consolidated subsidiaries. |
Exchange Rate Data
The Federal Reserve Bank of New York does not report, and historically has not reported, a noon buying rate for the Turkish Lira, which was previously called the New Turkish Lira from 2005 through 2008. For the convenience of the reader, this annual report presents translations of certain Turkish Lira amounts into U.S. Dollars at the relevant Turkish Lira exchange rate for purchases of U.S. Dollars at the TRY/$ exchange rate announced by the CBRT. As of January 1, 2006, any balance sheet data (monetary or non-monetary), except for equity items in U.S Dollars derived from our consolidated financial statements, are translated from Turkish Lira into U.S Dollars at exchange rates at the balance sheet date. Income and expenses for each income statement except foreign operations in hyperinflationary economies (including comparatives) are translated to U.S. Dollars at monthly average exchange rates.
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The income and expenses of foreign operations in hyperinflationary economies are translated into USD at the exchange rate as of the reporting date. Prior to translating the financial statements of foreign operations in hyperinflationary economies (Republic of Belarus), their financial statements for the current period are restated to account for changes in the general purchasing power of the local currency. The restatement is based on relevant price indices at the reporting date. Unless otherwise indicated, the TRY/$ exchange rate used in this annual report is the TRY/$ exchange rate in respect of the date of the financial information being referred to. As stated in the annual monetary and exchange rate policy announcements of the CBRT, which have been published since 2002, the foreign exchange rate is not a policy tool or target; it is determined by the supply and demand conditions in the market. Along with inflation targeting, the CBRT announced that it will continue the implementation of the floating exchange rate regime in 2012.
The following table sets forth, for the periods and the dates indicated, the CBRTs buying rates for U.S. Dollars. These rates may differ from the actual rates used in preparation of our consolidated financial statements and other information appearing herein. The TRY/$ exchange rate on April 1, 2012 was TRY 1.773 = $1.00.
2012(2)(3) | 2011(2) | 2010(2) | 2009(2) | 2008(2) | 2007(2) | |||||||||||||||||||
High |
1.889 | 1.907 | 1.598 | 1.796 | 1.696 | 1.450 | ||||||||||||||||||
Low |
1.734 | 1.496 | 1.388 | 1.437 | 1.145 | 1.163 | ||||||||||||||||||
Average(1) |
1.790 | 1.670 | 1.500 | 1.547 | 1.293 | 1.303 | ||||||||||||||||||
Period End |
1.773 | 1.889 | 1.546 | 1.506 | 1.512 | 1.165 |
Source: CBRT
(1) | Calculated based on the average of the daily exchange rates of each month during the relevant period. |
(2) | These columns set forth the CBRTs buying rates for U.S. Dollars expressed in Turkish Lira. |
(3) | Through April 1, 2012. |
March 2012 |
February 2012 |
January 2012 |
December 2011 |
November 2011 |
October 2011 |
|||||||||||||||||||
High |
1.8075 | 1.7676 | 1.8889 | 1.9065 | 1.8752 | 1.8870 | ||||||||||||||||||
Low |
1.7375 | 1.7340 | 1.7757 | 1.8142 | 1.7442 | 1.7516 |
Source: CBRT
No representation is made that Turkish Lira or the U.S. Dollar amounts as presented in this annual report could have been or could be converted into U.S. Dollars or Turkish Lira, as the case may be, at any particular rate. Changes in the exchange rate between Turkish Lira and U.S. Dollars could affect our financial results. For a discussion of the effects of fluctuating exchange rates on our business, see Item 5A. Operating Results.
3.B Capitalization and Indebtedness
Not applicable.
3.C Reasons for the Offer and Use of Proceeds
Not applicable.
The following is a discussion of those risks that we believe are the principal material risks faced by our Company and its subsidiaries. No assurance can be given that risks that we do not believe to be material today will not prove to be material in the future. Consequently, the risks described below should not be considered to be exhaustive.
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Our activity is concentrated in the Turkish telecommunications market, which is highly competitive. Developments in this market are likely to affect the growth of our business and our results of operations.
The majority of our revenue comes from our operations in Turkey and, thus, the growth and development of our business is dependent, to a large extent, on the development of the Turkish mobile telecommunications market. If the competition in the Turkish mobile telecommunications market intensifies, or if the market slows or develops in unexpected ways, this could harm our business and results of operations. Furthermore, continued price and higher incentive driven competition has, and will continue to, put pressure on our prices and margins, as well as our liquidity.
Actions by Turkeys principal telecommunications regulator, the ICTA, have interfered, and will continue to interfere, with our ability to price our services and respond to competitive pressures. Regulatory actions such as the ICTAs regulation of our retail pricing and the ICTAs ongoing pressure on interconnection rates and maximum prices have also been, and will likely continue to be, a significant factor in shaping the development of the Turkish market and in our ability to respond to changes in the market. The regulatory interventions in the past years have increased the competition. Moreover, new licenses and authorizations issued by the regulator such as Fixed Telephony Service (FTS) and Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) licenses have made it easier and/or more attractive for new direct and indirect competitors to enter the market.
In the Turkish telecommunications market, we currently face competition from two other mobile providers, Vodafone Telekomunikasyon A.S. (Vodafone) and Avea Iletisim Hizmetleri A.S. (Avea), and from Turk Telekomunikasyon A.S. (Turk Telekom), the historic fixed-line telecommunications operator in Turkey. The competition, in recent years, has intensified and increasingly focused on the postpaid segment, which is where we derive the majority of our revenues, and also on price, leading to commoditization of the market. In particular, Mobile number portability (MNP) introduced in 2008, has been accompanied by lower prices and high incentives for subscribers to change operators, which has further increased pressure and has made it more difficult to retain customers. These factors have, and may continue to, contribute to increased churn rates as well as higher acquisition and retention costs, and may have a significant impact on both Turkcell and the market. Moreover, the fixed line incumbent has a significant competitive power in its own market and tax advantages over the mobile business, and potential regulatory developments may favor fixed line operators.
In addition, competition from new technologies such as Internet Protocol Television (IPTV), Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), wi-fi, wide-band wireless (WIMAX) and converged offers may provide an alternative to mobile, for both voice and data transmission, and could result in a decrease in our revenues.
In addition to the competition in the Turkish telecommunications market, other developments in the market could harm our business and results of operations. The size and usage patterns of our future subscriber base will be affected by a number of factors outside of our control, which may include: general economic and political conditions; laws, regulations and other means of governmental intervention in the telecommunications sector; development of, and changes to, the mobile market; further intense competition due to aggressive price offers; the availability of coverage, customer service quality and cost to the subscriber of competing mobile services; and improvements in the quality and availability of fixed line telephone services in Turkey.
With regards to our terminal offers, we may increase our focus in this segment depending on market dynamics and global trends. There may be greater emphasis on terminal bundled offers and handset subsidies in the Turkish mobile market, which may influence us to increase the incentives we provide our customers. Furthermore, the competition in the terminal market may increase as more complex terminals become available at lower prices. Additionally, any regulatory developments that may impact operators offerings of contracted terminal campaigns, increases in certain taxes, changes in foreign exchange rates, changes in interest rates, changes in banking regulations that could lead to a decrease in credit card limits, supply chain difficulties faced by our vendors and delays resulting from higher demand for, and inadequate supply of, Turkcell branded devices or terminals we promote and user support allocations could adversely affect our business. In addition, mass subsidization of tablets that only have wi-fi connection could negatively impact our 3G business.
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Our strategy for growth is partly dependent on new investment opportunities, which could affect our business and results of operations, and the return on our investments cannot be guaranteed.
In addition to growing our existing business as a leading communications and technology company, our strategy for growth is to selectively seek and evaluate new investment opportunities and participate in those meeting our criteria. We are open to launching greenfield operations, as well as forming alliances, which may include management service agreements, and conducting mergers and/or acquisitions that will contribute to our economies of scale and create synergies, both inside and outside of Turkey. These opportunities may be in the area of mobile telecommunications and services, fixed line operation and services, convergence and in other areas, such as providing, as an MVNO under our Turkcell Europe brand, mobile voice and data services in Germany targeting the local Turkish population as well as other mobile users with close ties to Turkey. We may replicate this business model in other European countries with Turkish populations. In addition, we may consider new business opportunities such as the games of chance business. In the context of our evaluation of potential investment opportunities within the regions we target for international expansion, Turkcell has, from time to time, considered opportunities in countries in the Balkans, Middle East and North Africa (MENA), and may consider such opportunities in the future. We may participate in additional public tenders for new licenses or the privatization of public telecom companies as well as in private sale transactions in emerging markets to pursue investment opportunities in line with our growth strategy.
In pursuit of our growth strategy, our management may divert attention and/or cash resources away from other ongoing business concerns, which could harm our business and results of operations if our acquisitions are not successful or if we miss opportunities or threats in our existing businesses. Furthermore, we may miss entering new businesses by underestimating opportunities/overestimating threats, or may enter businesses that cause high value erosion in our core business by overestimating opportunities/threats.
In addition, investments may not provide expected returns or returns that are in line with those of our core business. In many of the markets and businesses in which we have invested or may invest, it may take several years and significant investments to achieve desired profitability, if at all.
Furthermore, for acquisitions outside of Turkey, current and future U.S. and international laws and regulations, as well as legal and regulatory actions, targeting the country and local companies and individuals may curtail our ability to do business in that country and may impede our exercise of control. Turkcell itself, as well as certain of its key employees (notably those who are U.S. citizens), could be subject to sanctions under such laws and regulations. Some of the countries and companies in which we have contemplated making investments and in which we may from time to time consider opportunities, such as Iran, Libya and Syria, and certain individuals involved in such companies, have been the specific targets of the aforementioned laws and regulations. Investors may be reticent to invest in a company doing business in such countries or other countries that may be at risk due to the political instability in the MENA region. These factors could have an adverse effect on the demand for our shares.
Laws and regulations and the manner in which they and our licenses are interpreted have had and may in the future have an impact on us, and non-compliance with such laws and regulations and licenses could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.
We operate in an industry that is subject to extensive regulation. This is true in virtually all of our businesses, in the Turkish market and in all of the other countries in which we operate. Compliance with new and existing laws, regulations and regulatory orders, as well as with the terms of the licenses under which our businesses are operated, has had and is likely to continue to have a significant impact on our ability to set our pricing, on our competitive position, on our ability to offer new and existing services, on customer use of our services and more generally on the way in which we do business. Furthermore, the laws, regulations, regulatory orders and licenses under which we operate are subject to interpretation and enforcement by regulators with which we are not always in agreement. Compliance with laws, regulations, regulatory orders and licenses and
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related regulatory actions has had and in the future is likely to have a significant effect on our business and results of operations, in many cases adverse. Failure to comply may lead to significant penalties and the loss of licenses and could adversely affect our business and results of operations. For more information on regulation and how it may impact our business, see Item 4.B. Business OverviewRegulation of the Turkish Telecommunications Industry.
In Turkey, we are subject in particular to the Electronic Communications Law No. 5809 (the Electronic Communications Law), which came into force in 2008. This law significantly expanded the regulatory powers, duties and authority of the ICTA, effectively authorizing the ICTA to intervene in and to audit our activities more strictly, thereby limiting our ability to challenge such actions on the basis of lack of authority. Numerous regulations have been published under this law and more are expected. No assurance can be given that these new regulations or the actions of the ICTA will be satisfactory to us.
Pricing is one of the key areas in which we are subject to regulation. The actions of the ICTA and the Ministry of Transport, Maritime Affairs and Communications in our voice, SMS, data, roaming and interconnection pricing have, and will continue to, negatively affect our pricing and our ability to design and launch campaigns and offers and, consequently, have had and will continue to have a negative impact on our business.
Recently, certain new regulations have either come into effect or have been enacted and will come into force in the near future, including regulations regarding quality of service, the sharing of our infrastructure and the protection of personal data and electronic commerce, each of which may have an adverse effect on various aspects of our business. The regulation on quality of service has introduced new and important obligations with respect to call center operation service quality, call service quality and quality of service reporting requirements. Complying with these new regulations may be costly, and non-compliance may lead to adverse publicity and the imposition of penalties. In addition, under new regulations, we may be required to share some of our infrastructure and network with our competitors and to offer national roaming to their subscribers, which could adversely affect our ability to maintain a competitive edge. Finally, new laws have been enacted regarding the protection of personal data and electronic commerce, and new regulations on the protection of personal data are also being considered. These new measures will affect the way we handle and store data, and may also affect the terms of our subscriber contracts and the way we can communicate with customers, in particular by SMS. This could require us to incur compliance costs and could limit our ability to use SMS for marketing purposes.
Economic and political developments in Turkey and internationally have had, and may continue to have, a material adverse effect on our business, consolidated financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.
With a substantial portion of our revenues, assets and business derived from and located in Turkey, and denominated in Turkish Lira, adverse developments in the Turkish market are likely to have a material adverse effect on our business, consolidated financial condition and results of operations. Additionally, potential changes in consumer behavior due to new business models, usage trends and macroeconomic and regulatory changes may adversely affect bad debt.
The biggest threats to the global economy, including Turkey, in 2012, in our view, are the European sovereign credit crisis and the potential contagion risk to other EU countries, high oil prices related to civil unrest and political instability in the MENA, the inflation risk in emerging markets, monetary conflict between Europe and the U.S., the U.S. fiscal problem, risks of a hard landing for the Chinese and Indian economies, and funding concerns with respect to emerging markets.
The Turkish economy grew around 8.5% in 2011. However in 2012, the growth outlook has become more challenging due to tighter credit conditions, a weaker Turkish Lira and signs of setbacks in global economic outlook. Given its large external financing needs, Turkey seems to be more vulnerable than most of its peers to adverse external shocks, which raises downside risks to the growth projections.
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The medium-term risks for the Turkish economy, in our view, relate to the high current account deficit and deterioration in inflation expectations. Turkeys economy has been running large external imbalances since late 2009 and the current account deficit continues to pose significant downside risks, especially given the rising oil prices and deepening crisis in Europe. In the near term, it is expected that TRY funding rates will remain high. Inflation is likely to remain high due to the weak Turkish lira and a long-standing gap between inflation targets and expectations. The latest CBRT expectation survey indicates that consumer inflation is likely to be 7.2% at the end of 2012, higher than the CBRTs target of 5.2%.
Political risks have also increased, especially with regard to Syria. Violence in neighboring Syria may escalate into a broader sectarian conflict in the Arab world. Clashes in the southeast, the dispute between Turkey and Cyprus over gas drilling, unrest near the southern border (Syria) and tension with Israel are important political risks in Turkey.
We hold interests in several companies that may expose us to various economic, political, social, financial, liquidity, regulatory and legal risks and may not provide the benefits that we expect, and our pursuit of acquisition opportunities may increase these risks.
Our investments in subsidiaries and associated companies within Turkey and internationally could expose us to economic, political, social, financial, regulatory and legal risks. The Turkcell Group has investments in Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Moldova, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, Ukraine, Belarus and Germany and has operations or business activities that involve other emerging markets. Furthermore, through our subsidiaries in Turkey and internationally, we engage in businesses outside of the scope of our core mobile business. These other businesses are subject to risks that are in some respects different from those of our mobile business.
In addition to entering into new business areas in Turkey, we have also entered into and are exploring new investment opportunities, primarily in emerging markets such as the CIS region, Eastern Europe, the Middle East, the Balkans and North Africa. Along with Turkey, these countries are generally considered by international investors to be emerging markets. This includes countries in which we establish or operate mobile communications networks, as well as those through which we route cables or that we otherwise rely on for the transfer of data. Their legal systems, including telecommunications regulations, are relatively underdeveloped, their economies have only recently begun to open to market principles and their respective institutions and commercial practices are weaker and less developed. Some of these countries also suffer from relatively high rates of fraud and corruption. For example, allegations have been made regarding improper payments relating to the operations of KCell, a mobile operator in Kazakhstan and 51% subsidiary of Fintur Holdings B.V., in which we hold a 41.45% stake, while TeliaSonera holds the remainder. The allegations were discussed by Turkcells Board of Directors, which requested an independent investigation of the allegations made. TeliaSonera initiated an independent investigation as agreed by the Fintur Board. The Turkcell Board has been informed that to date there has not been substantiated any such allegations and the Fintur Board informs us that it has completed its own investigation. Since no assurance can be given that there will not be further requests for investigation, we remain vigilant on this matter.
The continuity and viability of our operations in these countries may be affected by a number of factors, including political, economic or legal developments and changes to the telecommunications market. On the economic front, in Ukraine, where we operate through our subsidiaries, Limited Liability Company Astelit (Astelit), LLC Global (call center) and LLC UkrTower (UkrTower) (tower infrastructure service provider company), there is a devaluation risk as the country has a large current account deficit and the government has not satisfied IMF requirements due to populist politics in advance of a general election in October 2012. New regulations were adopted in 2011 relating to mobile number portability, significant market power and interconnection and no assurance can be given that these regulatory developments will be favorable to our operations and financial condition. In addition, the landscape in the competitive Ukrainian telecommunications market is changing as the merger between two of our competitors, Beeline and Kyivstar, has been completed.
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Furthermore, the granting of a 3G license to Ukrtelecom and uncertainty relating to certain legal amendments has resulted in the introduction of an additional mobile operator in the market (Utel, Ukrtelecoms subsidiary). Moreover, Ukrtelecom was sold to a private entity. The acquisition of control of Ukrtelecom or Utel who owns the only 3G license by another operator could give that operator a significant competitive advantage. If a 3G and/or LTE license were to be made available, we would consider submitting a bid, but no timetable has been announced. If successful, the associated costs would increase our Ukrainian financing needs, which could in turn require us to consider new sources of funding or the extension of existing sources. If we are not successful in the pursuit of such a license, because, for example, the cost is prohibitive and/or the number of licenses available is limited, we could find ourselves at a competitive disadvantage in this market.
In addition, in some countries, we hold our stake in our subsidiary with another shareholder and sometimes we are a minority shareholder. Should there be a disagreement between us and other shareholders in the future, the ability of our subsidiarys management to move forward with its business plan may be affected. If issues arise with respect to a subsidiary, no assurance can be given that it will be able to take the course of action we believe is appropriate.
Furthermore, some of the countries in which we have businesses or would consider investing, and the companies and individuals that we come into contact with, may be the target of U.S. and international sanctions. There can be no assurance that political, legal, economic, social or other actions or developments in these countries or involving such companies and individuals will not have an adverse impact on our investments and businesses in these countries.
Our international and Turkish subsidiaries may not benefit us in the way we expect for the reasons cited above, as well as other reasons, including general macroeconomic conditions, poor management and legal, regulatory or political obstacles. For many of these subsidiaries, we do not expect to achieve desired levels of profitability in the near or mid-term, and we may be required to record impairments.
We are exposed to foreign exchange rate risks that could significantly affect our results of operation and financial position.
We are exposed to foreign exchange rate risks because our income, expenses, assets and liabilities are denominated in a number of different currencies, primarily Turkish Lira, U.S. Dollars, Euros, Ukrainian Hryvnia and Belarusian Rubles. In particular, a substantial majority of our debt obligations and equipment expenses are currently, and are expected to continue to be, denominated in U.S. Dollars, while the revenues generated by our activities are denominated in other currencies, in particular the Turkish Lira, Ukrainian Hryvnia, Belarusian Ruble and Euro. Sudden increases in inflation or the devaluation of the Turkish Lira, the Ukrainian Hryvnia, the Belarusian Ruble or other currencies in which we generate revenue, have had, and may continue to have, an adverse effect on our consolidated financial condition, results of operations or liquidity. The Turkish Lira significantly underperformed other emerging market currencies in 2011, driven partly by the CBRT monetary policy mix and current account deficit concerns, depreciating 22.2% against the U.S. dollar. The Belarusian Ruble also depreciated against the U.S. dollar, by 178.3%, during 2011. The Ukrainian Hryvnia ended the year with only 0.4% depreciation against the U.S. dollar.
The foreign exchange risks that our Turkish activities are exposed to as a result of purchases and borrowings in U.S. Dollars and Euros have to date been manageable, as there is a developed market enabling the hedging of such risk; however, in Belarus hedging is almost impossible due to restricted and undeveloped financial markets. No international bank offers or prices hedging instruments and local banks are too undercapitalized to be able to enter a transaction as a counterparty. In Ukraine, the only hedging tool in practice is non-deliverable forwards (NDF), which is a cash-settled product in USD, short-term forward contract on a non-convertible foreign currency which could not be delivered offshore. However, the liquidity in the UAH NDF market is thin and these products are expensive. In the current economic environment and considering the aforementioned political uncertainties, there is a possibility of further devaluations.
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Fluctuations between Turkish Lira, Ukrainian Hryvnia and Belarusian Rubles, on the one hand, and U.S. Dollars and Euros, on the other, have had and may have an unfavorable impact on us. We may enter into derivative transactions to manage the risk, however, these transactions have a cost and do not fully cover all of our risks, and any derivative transactions exercised that are either above or below market levels might result in unfavorable results to us.
When we translate our results of operations and financial position into U.S. Dollars for the purpose of preparing our financial statements that are expressed in U.S. Dollars, the dollar amounts will vary in accordance with applicable exchange rates. We do not hedge this so-called translation risk.
Reduction in our liquidity and increased capital needs may lead to an increase in our borrowing requirements, which increases our financing costs and our exposure to the risks associated with borrowing.
We continue to experience difficult conditions in our markets and we are facing and may continue to face increased capital needs to finance our technological and geographic expansion. These pressures have reduced, and may continue to reduce, our liquidity. Reduced liquidity may lead to an increase in our borrowing requirements. Borrowing by Turkcell group companies exposes us to interest rate risk and possibly increases interest expense, obligates us to meet certain covenants and exposes us to financial risks if covenants are not satisfied or if additional financing is required, each of which could have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial condition and results of operations. Furthermore, no assurance can be given that we will continue have access to financing on terms that are satisfactory to us.
As of December 31, 2011, our consolidated debt was $1,868.1 million.
$518.1 million of our debt portfolio consisted of financing obligations paying interest at fixed rates. The remainder of our debt portfolio pays interest at floating rates, which has been favorable in the current interest rate environment, but would expose us to increased costs if rates increase further.
In 2011, we closely monitored various hedging alternatives to hedge our interest rate risk with a minimum cost. In June 2011, we engaged in a forward start collar agreement for the half of our 5-year maturity portfolio that is exposed to interest rate risk. The collar hedges variable interest rate risk for the period between 2013 and 2015.
As the debt related to the operations of Astelit and Belarusian Telecommunication Network (Belarusian Telecom), in which we acquired an 80% stake in 2008, is denominated in U.S. Dollars, we are exposed to exchange rate risks to the extent that Astelit and Belarusian Telecoms revenues are, respectively, in Ukrainian Hryvnia and Belarusian Rubles. Moreover, we are also exposed to exchange rate risks since the debt of the group companies operating in Turkey are in U.S. Dollars and their revenues are in Turkish Lira.
Some of the borrowing agreements entered into or guaranteed by Turkcell have financial covenants that the borrower is required to observe. Although we are not presently concerned with Turkcells ability to observe its own financial covenants, no assurance can be given that the covenants in borrowings entered into or guaranteed by Turkcell will at all times be respected. Our borrowing agreements contain cross default clauses that effectively link Turkcells borrowings to those of its subsidiaries. Under these clauses, a default by a subsidiary could constitute an event of default under certain of our borrowings. Some companies in our Group have defaulted, and may in the future default on their financial covenants and payment obligations. For example, since June 2011, Astelit has not met certain payment obligations, which were waived until February 1, 2012. Since that date, our Board of Directors has not acted to approve or reached a consensus for the extension of repayment dates. As a result, Astelit was unable to meet its repayment obligations to Euroasia Telecommunications Holdings BV (Euroasia) (55% owned by Turkcell) and Financell BV (100% owned by Turkcell) totaling $323 million and defaulted on its loan agreements. As a consequence of Astelits default, cross default clauses have
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been triggered on five loan agreements totaling $554 million (currently decreased to $402 million, following the Companys $150 million guarantee payment) and waivers were obtained for the aforementioned loans before March 31, 2012. In the same vein, Euroasia, a Group company that is a 100% shareholder of Astelit, which had previously borrowed $150 million to finance Astelit, also defaulted on its loan on March 30, 2012. As a guarantor, the Company paid $150 million to related banks on April 6, 2012. As a consequence of Euroasias default, cross default clauses have been triggered on four loan agreements (the same ones referenced above) totaling $402 million and waivers are being sought for the aforementioned loans. There can be no assurance that we will not have to make similar payments in the future, which could adversely affect our business and results of operation. Furthermore, if Astelit could not obtain new financing and if our Board or shareholders fail to achieve consensus on Astelit-related issues, Astelits and our own financial results and condition would be adversely affected.
Limitations on spectrum as a scarce resource in mobile telecommunication systems, alleged health risks with BTSs and dependence on suppliers for network equipments may adversely affect our ability to maintain operational excellence.
Spectrum limitations may adversely affect our ability to provide services to our subscribers.
The number of subscribers that can be accommodated on a mobile network is constrained by the amount of spectrum allocated to the operator of the network and is also affected by subscriber usage patterns and network infrastructure. The spectrum is a continuous range of frequencies within which the waves have certain specific characteristics. We now have 2x11 MHz of FDD spectrum in the 900 MHz band. As our subscriber base grows and we offer a greater number of services, we will require additional capacity for mobile voice and data. However, the currently available spectrum may be limited and we may face a bottleneck, especially in metropolitan areas.
In 2008, the ICTA initiated a tender for the reorganization of the existing GSM 900 frequency band (890/960 MHz) and we added five frequency bands to our prior stock of 50. The ICTA also held a tender for the issuance of four separate 3G licenses to provide IMT 2000/UMTS services and infrastructure. Turkcell was granted an A Type license providing the widest frequency band (2x20 MHz; 20 MHz on uplink; 1920 - 1940 MHz and 20 MHz on downlink; 2110 2130 MHz; in total 40 MHz). There is no guarantee, however, that such additional capacity for mobile voice and data will relieve our current constraints and that our ability to provide services to our subscribers will not be adversely affected.
In July, 2011, the ICTA proposed to the Ministry of Transport, Maritime Affairs and Communications, on the subject of GSM frequencies, to be permitted to serve 3G services and the spectrum award of 2x8.6MHz E-GSM band to the operator that has less than 10MHz spectrum in 900MHz and 2x15MHz of 1800MHz to each operator that does not have the spectrum. The ICTA decision implies that only Avea will be eligible for the E-GSM auction, while Vodafone and Turkcell will be eligible for the 1800 auction, which may enable Avea to be the sole beneficiary of the E-GSM band. In that case, Avea would be able to begin UMTS900 services immediately from the E-GSM band, whereas Turkcell and Vodafone would only begin after extensive technical works regarding spectrum clearance are done. Consequently, the competitive coverage advantage of Turkcell may be adversely impacted.
Consistent with the nature of terminal technology development, traffic on the 2G network is expected to shift to the 3G network. However, 3G terminal penetration is the key factor in providing the expected shift in traffic from 2G to 3G. Penetration may stay low or our subscribers may choose to stay on the 2G network for reasons such as the 2G networks lower battery power consumption. In addition, 3G coverage depends on the deployment of the 3G network, which will certainly take time to achieve, compared to the coverage level of the 2G network. As a result, Turkcell may have difficulties in releasing 900 MHz band for future technologies and may not even provide the MoU capacity needed for the 2G network in some regions for a limited period of time. Additionally, the data traffic on the 3G network increases. If we fail to offer appropriate campaigns and tariff schemes at the right pricing level, we may face overcapacity problems, which may in turn lead to a deterioration in our networks quality and negatively impact our operational results.
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There are alleged health risks associated with our Base Transceiver Stations (BTS), as well as zoning limitations, which make it difficult to build BTS.
We are aware of allegations that there may be health risks associated with the effects of electromagnetic signals from BTS and from mobile telephone handsets. While we believe that there is currently no substantiated link between exposure to electromagnetic signals at the level transmitted by our BTS and mobile telephone handsets and long- term damage to health, the actual or perceived health risks of mobile communications devices could adversely affect us through a reduction in subscribers, reduced usage per subscriber, increased difficulty in obtaining sites for base stations and exposure to potential liability. Furthermore, we may not be able to obtain insurance with respect to such liability on commercially reasonable terms. In recent years, legal proceedings have been brought against mobile operators seeking the removal of base station sites for health reasons. Such legal proceedings may make it more difficult for us to establish and maintain such sites. Furthermore, there are hundreds of conflicting and confusing reports in the media about the health effects of BTS. These reports have even caused local residents in certain regions to form large protests in strong objection to the BTS sites. Attempts made by the local authorities and, in particular, the municipality to intervene often worsen the situation. Such obstacles have made it increasingly difficult to build new BTS sites and maintain our existing sites.
With regards to the health risks of BTS, local courts presented with the question have decided that a base station had no negative effect on human health. However, the Turkish supreme court overruled the decisions of some local courts and held that the base station in question could have negative effects on human health over the long term. If the number of those cases increases or if new regulations were to result, these could have a material adverse effect on our operations and financial results.
Furthermore, there are zoning limitations related to our BTS that require operators to obtain construction permits and certificates, which may have an adverse effect on our operating results. As supplemental Article 35 of Law No. 406, which exempts BTS from holding construction permits and certificates of occupancy in accordance with Zoning Law No. 3194, was cancelled by the Turkish constitutional court, we may need to obtain the aforementioned permits and certifications for our BTS. Moreover, following the State Councils decision to annul a regulation entitled Safety Certification Regulation, it has become impossible for us to build new base stations or modify existing ones. Any difficulty in building BTS due to health concerns, inability to obtain the required permission and certificates, and/or the issuance of a new Safety Certification Regulation may negatively impact the quality of our network, including our ability to expand and upgrade it, and our operational performance.
We are dependent on certain suppliers for network equipment and for the provision of data and services and the failure of any of our suppliers to supply equipment to us, and at the level of quality we require, could have a material adverse effect on our business, operations, and consolidated financial results and liquidity.
Like all operators, we purchase our mobile communications network equipment, including our switching system, base station controllers (BSCs), BTS, transmission equipment and the software required to operate such equipment from a limited number of major suppliers. Although we are not bound to purchase our equipment solely from any given supplier and we have already begun using two different vendors products on GSM BSS (Base Station Subsystem) and 3G UTRAN (UMTS Radio Access Network), there can be no assurance that we will be able to obtain equipment from one or more alternative suppliers on a timely basis in the event that any current supplier for any reason, including that the technological requirements for our increasingly advanced infrastructure are too complex, is unable or unwilling to satisfy our demands. This could occur if, for example, the growth in demand for more advanced network equipment exceeds the ability of suppliers of such equipment as a whole to meet such demands. This could also affect our competitive position, if our supplier stays behind technological development compared to the suppliers of our competitors.
The difficult economic environment has adversely affected our domestic and international suppliers, leading to a contraction in their business, which in turn may lead to a decrease in the quality of the services that they render to us and adversely affect timely delivery of such services, negatively impacting our business and
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operations. In recent years, adverse economic conditions have affected our suppliers revenues, which may lead to mergers in their industry. A potential merger between our vendors, and/or their acquisition by our competitors, could change the competitive landscape, which could have a material adverse effect on our business and expenditures.
In addition, equipment from alternative suppliers may not always be compatible with our existing equipment or the supplier may fail to integrate them, and our employees may not be familiar with the technical specifications and maintenance requirements of equipment from alternative suppliers. These factors could also have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.
According to our 3G license agreement, we must purchase at least 40% of our network equipment from suppliers that have R&D centers established in Turkey and these companies must fulfill certain requirements relating to the number of engineers working in their R&D or Technical Support Centers. If our suppliers fail to meet these requirements, we may end up violating the terms of our 3G license agreement and our business could be adversely affected.
The Turkish CMB has informed us that our appointment of one of our board members to the audit committee does not satisfy Turkish legal requirements with respect to audit committees.
Alexey Khudyakov was appointed to the audit committee on July 21, 2006. Alexey Khudyakovs status on the audit committee is as an observer member because under the U.S. Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002 he is not considered an independent audit committee member due to his position with one of our affiliated shareholders.
On January 26, 2007, the Turkish CMB informed Turkcell that Alexey Khudyakovs status as an observer member on the audit committee does not satisfy the requirements of Article 25 of the CMBs Rules pertaining to Audit Committees. The CMB has stated that steps must be taken so that our Company can comply with Article 25. We believe that Mr. Khudyakov does fully meet the requirements of Article 25 as he is a non-executive board member. We initiated a lawsuit before an administrative court seeking to suspend the execution and to annul the decision of the CMB with respect to Mr. Khudyakov. The administrative court ultimately dismissed our lawsuit in January 2008. In March 2008, we appealed before the Council of State and on April 9, 2008, the Council of State rejected our request to suspend the decision. The Council of State also rejected the appeal. We applied for a correction of the decision but our application was denied. This ultimately ends the judicial process.
Pursuant to the CMBs decision, the CMB imposed an administrative penalty of TRY 11,836 (equivalent to $6,676 as of April 1, 2012) on Turkcell for not complying with its decision regarding Mr. Khudyakovs status as an observer member on the audit committee. The CMB also required Turkcell to inform its shareholders of the penalty at the following general assembly (held in January 2009). In November 2008, we commenced a lawsuit before the court seeking to suspend the execution of the administrative fine and to annul the CMBs decision related thereto. The Court rejected the Companys suspension request and our objection to this decision was rejected. The administrative court ultimately dismissed our lawsuit in May 2011. In July 2011, we appealed before the Council of State. The appeal process is still pending.
In addition, our home country governance requirements as they relate to the composition of our audit committee will be further affected by a new regulation issued by the CMB on December 30, 2011, pursuant to which listed companies must, as from June 30, 2012, have audit committees composed of independent board members. As a result, we will be required to change the composition of our audit committee. We continue our studies regarding our audit committee structure and the compliance with new corporate governance rules published by the CMB. Compliance with our home country governance rules is an important element of our compliance with the listing requirements of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). Failure to comply with such rules could jeopardize the continued listing and trading of our ADRs on the NYSE.
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Turkcells complex ownership structure and Board composition has, and could continue to, adversely impact our shareholders ability to achieve the consensus necessary to approve matters relating to our business and operations, including the payment of dividends and our compliance with new Turkish corporate governance requirements. Ongoing legal disputes involving our shareholders may affect the ownership and control of our shares and our ability to manage our business.
We understand that Alfa Group, Cukurova and TeliaSonera together indirectly own in the aggregate approximately 65% of our shares. Additionally, according to public filings (a Schedule 13D filed in November 2009), Alfa Telecom and TeliaSonera are discussing a possible consolidation of their holdings in Turkcell in a new company. We cannot predict whether this consolidation will go forward as planned or the form that it will take, and whether their actions will have an effect on our company or the market for our shares. Furthermore, in the case of a potential consolidation, no assurance can be given that their interests will be aligned with those of our other shareholders. Additionally, a potential consolidation of their shareholding could have the effect of preventing a change in control of Turkcell, may discourage bids for our ordinary shares or ADSs and may adversely affect the market price of our ordinary shares or ADSs.
Disputes have from time to time arisen, and may arise in the future, between our shareholders. Such disputes could have an adverse effect on the ability of our management to execute business decisions and other actions, to the extent that such decisions or actions require board or shareholder approval. In March 2011, one of our shareholders, TeliaSonera, publicly announced its intention to take legal action against the Chairman of our Board of Directors, who is also an independent member, alleging that he has not acted in an independent manner. Our Chairman has responded by saying that he has always fulfilled his duties as an independent board member and has reserved the right to initiate legal action.
Our articles of incorporation contain a 51% quorum requirement for shareholder meetings. To the extent that the quorum requirement is not met when a general assembly is convened, the meeting shall be adjourned and should be reconvened at a later date. In addition, to amend our articles of incorporation, there is a 2/3 quorum requirement for the related shareholder meeting. Accordingly, until the relevant required quorum can be obtained, certain corporate actions, amendments to our articles of association and prior Board decisions that require shareholder approval will effectively be blocked.
There have been times when the Turkcell Annual or Extraordinary General Assembly meeting of shareholders (AGM or EGM) could not convene for reasons beyond our control, and no assurance can be given that this will not occur in the future and that regulatory actions will not be taken in response to this situation. Furthermore, if the AGM or EGM is convened, there may not be a resolution of the agenda items or quorum during the meeting may not be attained. In 2011, three General Assemblies were convened and most of the items on the agendas were not approved, including the payment of a dividend, the approval of our 2010 financial statements and the release of certain of our directors for actions taken in the 2010 year, due to the lack of approval by a simple majority of the shareholders present. No assurance can be provided that this will not occur again in the future and that regulatory actions will not be taken in response to this situation. Our Chairman has initiated a lawsuit against the Company contesting the release issue. In addition, Cukurova Holding A.S. has initiated a lawsuit for cancellation of the General Assembly resolution dated August 11, 2011, regarding the appointment of the statutory auditors. Both lawsuits are still pending.
In addition, a number of new corporate governance requirements have recently been enacted by the CMB, with mandatory effect from June 30, 2012. These include, among other things, a requirement that one-third of our board members and all of our audit committee members be independent. No assurance can be given that our board and shareholders will be able to agree on the steps and candidates that will be required to achieve compliance with these new requirements. Compliance with our home country governance rules is an important element of our compliance with the listing requirements of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). Failure to comply with such rules could jeopardize the continued listing and trading of our ADRs on the NYSE. Furthermore, no assurance can be given that the CMB will not take action against the Company, our board
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members and/or our controlling shareholders in respect of the various occurrences and issues described above. No assurance can be given regarding the nature of the action that the CMB might take and the effect that such action may have on the strategy of our company or the operation of our board.
Our complex shareholder structure and the related complexity in the composition of our Board of Directors could complicate our corporate decision-making process and situations may arise where the interests of our majority shareholders are not aligned with those of our public shareholders. These factors could adversely affect our operations and financial results and the market for our shares.
We face risks related to the products and services we provide due to our dependence on certain systems and third-party suppliers as well as our exposure to technological changes in the communications market, including in industries where we traditionally do not compete.
We are dependent on certain systems and suppliers for information technology (IT) services and our business continuity is at risk due to our exposure to potential natural disasters, regular or severe IT and network failures, human error, hacking and IT migration risk.
We are heavily dependent on IT systems, suppliers of IT services and our IT employees for the continuity of our business and we are continually upgrading and converting our IT systems. Although we devote significant resources to the development and improvement of IT and of security, back up and continuity systems, we could still experience IT and network failures and outages due to system deficiencies, human error, deliberate actions such as unauthorized data transfers, breaches of information security policies, fraud, code breaking or hacking, terror or other destructive acts, natural disasters such as earthquakes and floods, unsuccessful migration to alternative or improved IT systems, or other factors. If we are not able to maintain adequate IT and network systems, or fully recover our IT and network systems in the event of an outage or disruption, the continuity of our operations could be affected, which could have a material adverse effect on our reputation, business, consolidated financial position and results of operations.
2G &3G networks are migrating towards IP technology to transport information. These networks open up the possibility for IP-based services. However, once these services are introduced into the IP-domain, the mobile network may be harmed by potential attacks. The threats on the mobile network can originate from external sources, such as public Internet, or internal sources, such as terminals connected to our mobile network. Despite our efforts in taking security issues very seriously, we could encounter attacks on our infrastructure, which could have an effect on our operations.
We may be unable to adapt to technological changes in the communications market, which could result in higher capital expenditures and a greater possibility of commercial failure.
The telecommunications industry is characterized by rapidly changing technology with related changes in customer demands for new products and services at competitive prices. Technological developments are also shortening product life cycles and facilitating convergence of various segments in the telecommunications industry, including in our core mobile communications business and the 3G business. Our future success will largely depend on our ability to anticipate, invest in and implement new convergent technologies with the levels of service and prices that customers demand. Technological advances may also affect our level of earnings and financial condition by shortening the useful life of some of our assets, requiring us to record asset impairments.
The operation of our business depends in part upon the successful deployment of continually evolving mobile communications technologies, which requires significant capital expenditures. There can be no assurance that such technologies will be developed according to anticipated schedules, that they will perform according to expectations or that they will achieve commercial acceptance.
The effects of technological changes on our business cannot be predicted. In addition, it is impossible to predict with any certainty whether the technology selected by us will be the most economical, efficient or capable
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of attracting customer usage. Although we are following general technological trends in communications and technology, there can be no assurance that we will be able to develop new products and services that will enable us to compete efficiently.
We have become active in providing products and services for industries other than telecommunications, many of which are developed and/or maintained by third-party providers. Our dependence on these third-party providers to help us navigate the regulatory, security and business risks of industries where we traditionally do not compete adversely affects our business.
The operation of our business depends, in part, upon the successful deployment of continually evolving products and services, including for applications in industries other than telecommunications, such as mobile financial services, mobile health and mobile education solutions, authentication solutions and entertainment and community services. We are reliant upon third-party providers to help us navigate risks relating to security, regulations and business in the industries where we do not traditionally compete. Changes in such industries may impair our partners business and/or negatively impact the content we are developing, such as for entertainment, which, in turn, could have a material adverse effect on our business, consolidated financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.
Additionally, since our customers rely on our technological capabilities and high quality service levels, in cases where an IT failure, fraud, human error or hacking occurs, our revenues and reputation may be adversely affected and we may also be subject to regulatory penalties.
Our business, consolidated financial results and/or operational performance could be materially and adversely affected unless we retain our key personnel, our partners and their employees.
Our performance depends, to a significant extent, on the abilities and continued service of our key personnel. Competition for qualified telecommunications and information technology personnel in Turkey is intense. In addition, we are dependent on our dealers and distributors, as well as their ecosystem and personnel, in the growth and maintenance of our customer base. The loss of the services or loyalty of key personnel could adversely affect our financial condition or results of operations, as well as breaches of confidentiality regarding our customer, operation and business plan details, particularly if a number of such persons were to join a competitor. Retention and development of high-caliber individuals in these positions is also key to our being able to deliver on our strategy.
We are involved in various claims and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of our business, which could have a material effect on our financial results.
We are currently involved in various claims and legal actions with governmental authorities in Turkey, including the Competition Board, the ICTA, tax authorities and certain other parties. We have set aside provisions for ongoing disputes based on applicable accounting standards. However, no assurance can be given that the provisions we set aside will be sufficient to cover our actual losses under these matters, and that new disputes will not arise under which we would face additional liabilities and reputational risk. For a more detailed discussion of all of our significant disputes, see Item 8. Financial Information and Note 33 to our audited consolidated financial statements included in Item 18. Financial Statements of this annual report on Form 20-F.
We maintain and regularly review our internal controls over financial reporting, but these controls cannot eliminate the risk of errors or omissions in such reporting.
We maintain and regularly review internal controls over our financial reporting. However, internal control over financial reporting has inherent limitations. It is a process that involves human diligence and compliance and is subject to lapses in judgment and breakdowns resulting from human failures. In addition, it can be circumvented by collusion or improper management override. Because of such limitations, there is a risk that
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material misstatements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis by internal controls over financial reporting. It is possible to design safeguards to reduce, though not eliminate, this risk. Our latest review has revealed certain deficiencies in our controls, although none that we believe constitute material weaknesses. However, our controls have in the past suffered from these and lesser deficiencies and no assurance can be given that others will not emerge in the future. A failure to detect or correct deficiencies and weaknesses in a timely manner could have an adverse effect on the accuracy of financial reporting. Failure to maintain effective internal control over financial reporting in accordance with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 could also adversely impact investor confidence and the market price of our common shares or ADSs.
ITEM 4. | INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY |
4.A History and Development of the Company
Turkcell Iletisim Hizmetleri A.S. (Turkcell), a joint stock company organized and existing under the laws of the Republic of Turkey, was formed in 1993 and commenced operations in 1994. Our principal shareholders are Sonera Holding and Turkcell Holding, which hold 13.07% and 51.00%, respectively, of Turkcells shares. Turkcell Holding is 52.91% owned by Cukurova Telecom Holdings Limited and 47.09% by Sonera Holding B.V. Cukurova Telecom Holdings Limited is 51% owned by Cukurova Finance International Limited and 49% by Alfa Telecom Turkey Limited. The address of our principal office is Turkcell Iletisim Hizmetleri A.S., Turkcell Plaza, Mesrutiyet Caddesi, No. 71, 34430 Tepebasi, Istanbul, Turkey. Our telephone number is +90 (212) 313 10 00. Our website address is www.turkcell.com.tr. In July 2000, we completed our initial public offering with the listing of our ordinary shares on the Istanbul Stock Exchange and our ADSs on NYSE.
We operate under a 25-year GSM license, which we were granted in April 1998 upon payment of an upfront license fee of $500 million. Under our license, we pay the Undersecretariat of the Treasury (the Turkish Treasury) a monthly treasury share equal to 15% of our gross revenue. Of such fee, 10% is paid to the Ministry of Transport, Maritime Affairs and Communications of Turkey (Turkish Ministry) for a universal services fund. We also operate under interconnection agreements with other operators that allow us to connect our networks with those operators to enable the transmission of calls to and from our GSM system.
In early 2009, we were granted the 20-year type A 3G license, which provides the widest frequency band, for a consideration of EUR 358 million (excluding VAT), and we signed the related 3G license agreement on April 30, 2009. The 3G license agreement has similar provisions to the aforementioned 2G license agreement.
Our subscriber base has grown substantially since we began operations in 1994. At year-end 1994, we had 63,500 subscribers. By year-end 2011, that number had grown to 64.8 million.
In 2011, we had total revenues of $5,609.7 million, our adjusted EBITDA totaled $1,748.1 million and we reported net income attributable to the owners of Turkcell amounting to $751.7 million.
For the year ended December 31, 2011, we spent approximately $866.0 million on capital expenditures, compared to $1,078.6 million and $1,769.3 million in 2010 and 2009, respectively.
In addition to our operations in Turkey, we have various international operations. For more information, see Item 4.B. Business OverviewInternational Operations.
Based on operator announcements, we are the leading provider of mobile services in Turkey in terms of the number of subscribers, with 53% of the Turkish subscriber market as of December 31, 2011. We provide high-quality mobile voice, Internet and other services over our mobile communications network and have developed the premier mobile brand in Turkey by differentiating ourselves from our competitors with our value offers, which include: Superior technologies, more advantages, outstanding and extensive service quality, and
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being a leader in social responsibility. We maintain our strong position in the market due to our customer-oriented approach and our ability to provide quick and differentiated solutions to meet customers needs. We are in compliance with all of our license requirements in all material respects.
Through our state-of-the-art mobile communications network, we provide comprehensive coverage of an area that, as of December 31, 2011, included 100% of the population living in cities of 1,000 or more people and the majority of Turkeys tourist areas and principal inter-city highways. As of December 31, 2011, we provided roaming service to our subscribers in 209 countries through commercial roaming agreements with 680 operators.
In 2010, we launched 3G Roaming services in many different locations in the world. As of December 31, 2011, our subscribers enjoyed high speed mobile Internet connections with 263 operators in 110 destinations.
As of December 31, 2011, we covered 88% of the population with 3G technology.
Industry
Overview
GSM, one of the digital standards for mobile communications, was developed in 1987 to facilitate unification and integration of mobile communications worldwide.
As a digital standard, GSM offers a wide range of services that include voice, circuit switched data, packet data and fax, in addition to standard service offerings such as call barring, call forwarding, call waiting and roaming into areas serviced by other GSM carriers. A key component of the GSM network is the Simcard, which enables the user of a mobile phone to be identified. Simcards, also known as smart cards, are placed inside each handset and function as its digital brain. The Simcards digital memory allows for storage of the subscribers personal information, such as the rate plan, phone number and service features. Both postpaid and prepaid subscribers are required to purchase a Simcard in order to use the telecommunications service offered by Turkcell.
GSM networks have traditionally been used exclusively as personal voice communications networks. The mobile telecommunications industry has increasingly provided mobile data services, and GSM, as a technology platform, is suitable for data transmission. Currently, many advanced technology platforms are being developed to enable the provision of more sophisticated data services.
Today, most GSM operators offer the standard data service of 9.6 kilobits per second and High Speed Circuit Switched Data (HSCSD) and General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), which provide network speeds of up to 57.6 Kbps and 160 Kbps, respectively, depending on radio network and mobile phone conditions. Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE) and UMTS provide the means for making networks suitable for high-speed wireless data services. EDGE and UMTS platforms allow network speeds of up to 240 Kbps and 384 Kbps, respectively. By using new radio access technology, High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA) in UMTS networks, operators gain increased capacity and improved downlink speeds up to 14.4 Mbps. High Speed Packet Access Evolution (HSPA+) further enhances the mobile broadband experience and increases the voice and data capacity of HSPA. HSPA+ enhances mobile broadband with peak rates of 42 Mbps and more.
The Turkish Mobile Market
According to a TUIK announcement, the Turkish population is young, with an estimated median age of 30, which is lower than elsewhere in Western Europe, and the majority of the population lives in urban areas. In addition, there were 74.7 million people living in Turkey as of December 31, 2011.
Despite the declining trend in multiple Simcard use, penetration level increased to 87% in 2011 (based on operator announcements, and TUIK population announcement). There is good potential for growth opportunities
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in the Turkish mobile communications market in the areas of broadband and 3G services, as well as from Turkeys youth segment due to the aforementioned demographics. According to the ICTAs announcements, there are currently three mobile communications operators in TurkeyTurkcell, Vodafone and Aveawith a total of 65 million GSM lines as of December 31, 2011. Vodafone entered the Turkish GSM market by acquiring Telsim on May 24, 2006. Telsim, which had received a 25-year license at the same time as us and on what we believe to be identical terms, including the $500 million upfront license fee, had been put up for sale by the Savings Deposit Insurance Fund (SDIF) in August 2005. The auction for Telsim was held on December 13, 2005, with Vodafone submitting the winning bid of $4.55 billion. Avea is an operator majority-owned by Turk Telekom. Turk Telekoms ownership interest in Avea was increased to its current stake following its purchase of Telecom Italia SpAs 40.6% interest in Avea in September 2006 for $500 million. Turk Telekom is 55% owned by Oger Telecom, a multinational GSM operator owned 35% by Saudi Telecom Company, the Arab worlds largest telephone company.
Strategy
Our vision is to ease and enrich the lives of our customers with leading communications and technology solutions. We strive to build value for our customers, shareholders and employees.
We operate in nine different countries, reaching 64.8 million subscribers. Our operating environment continues to be challenging. In addition to the lingering effects of the global financial crisis, the regulatory and competitive pressures we have been facing continue. In order to sustain our operating margins, it has been crucial that we become more efficient in our delivery of services, so that we continue to lead the market in this environment.
As a leading communications and technology company, our goal is to continue organic growth while selectively seeking and evaluating new investment opportunities. Building on our strength in brand, people, infrastructure and scale, we have identified six strategic priorities in which we intend to pursue opportunities for profitable business growth:
| To grow in our core mobile communication business through increased use of voice and data. Turkcell has a strong market position in Turkey, and we will continue to strengthen our well-developed brand through the highest quality infrastructure, the best offers for customers, innovative products and services and enhanced customer experience, while maintaining our focus on efficiency. |
| To grow in the area of mobility, Internet and convergence through new business opportunities. We will focus on creating value for our customers and will continue to drive mobility and enhance Internet services with a customer-centric approach. Convergence has become crucial for businesses. We have already introduced total telecom business solutions to provide full support to our corporate clients so that they may compete better in their own markets. |
| To develop new mobile service platforms that will enrich our relationship with our customers. We believe that there is significant demand for such services in the Turkish market and Turkcell is the innovative forerunner in creating such technology platforms with the local talent pool. |
| To grow in the fixed broadband business by creating synergy among Turkcell Group companies with our fiber optic infrastructure. Investment in fiber optic infrastructure will also enable us to sustain our competitive advantage in our core mobile business. |
| To grow our existing international subsidiaries. In order to diversify revenue and cash flow risks, we intend to grow the contributions made to the Turkcell Group from subsidiaries. We endlessly explore operational efficiencies, cost and product synergies with Turkcell Turkey. |
| To grow in domestic and international markets through opportunities in telecommunications, technology and new business areas. We are open to forming potential alliances and conducting mergers |
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and/or acquisitions that will contribute to our economies of scale and create synergies. We may also evaluate new business opportunities outside of the telecommunications industry if we see strong potential and believe that we can add value. |
Services
We currently provide high quality mobile voice, Internet and other services to subscribers throughout Turkey. Subscribers can choose between our postpaid and prepaid services. Currently, postpaid subscribers sign a subscription contract and receive monthly bills for services. Prepaid subscribers must purchase a starter pack, which consists of a Simcard with airtime of 5 TRY or 20 TRY, while the scratch cards can be purchased in the following amounts: 7 TRY, 12 TRY, 20 TRY, 30 TRY, 50 TRY, 95 TRY, 180 TRY, 360 TRY.
As of December 31, 2011, we had approximately 22.9 million prepaid subscribers and 11.7 million postpaid subscribers, compared to approximately 23.3 million prepaid subscribers and 10.1 million postpaid subscribers as of December 31, 2010.
Voice Services
Voice services are the main services we provide to our customers. Voice services consist of high quality wireless telephone services on a prepaid and postpaid basis.
Consumer Product Management
Consumer Product Management is focused on developing and managing products and services to address the diverse needs of both consumers and corporate customers, thereby enriching their lives. We provide an integrated service approach with a common vision to offer tailored solutions based on the specific needs and preferences of our targeted market segments. One of our principal goals is to increase revenues from our existing customers and to foster the acquisition of new customers by offering proprietary products and services.
We closely follow and analyze global trends and develop services to fit local market needs. Turkcell seeks to differentiate itself by providing innovative and pioneering solutions in collaboration with its strong solution providers and various partnerships.
Having a rich portfolio of various services helps us maintain our competitiveness. We believe that increasing customer satisfaction and ensuring customer loyalty through our provision of a unique user experience will also play an important role in our future retention efforts.
Mobile Internet & 3G
We commercially launched 3G simultaneously in 81 province centers and major cities in Turkey at the end of July 2009 and had reached 88% population coverage by December 31, 2011.
In addition, we have launched several innovative services like Videocall, Mobile TV, Video Surveillance, Video Chat and Video Messaging. We offer rich terminal campaigns (handset, smartphone, modem and netbook) to encourage 3G device penetration. There are approximately 7.4 million 3G-enabled handsets in our network.
In 2011, the number of registered 3G subscribers reached 18.5 million people. A variety of data plans are available as part of our voice and terminal bundled offers.
After the launch of 3G, VINN 3G modem, netbook and notebook contracts were offered to customers to enhance mobile Internet experience.
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Throughout 2011, we sustained our position as leader of handset offerings through our domination of the iPhone and Blackberry business and we delivered attractive campaigns with top of the class models of brands in high demand such as Nokia, Samsung and HTC.
Turkcell has launched its first Turkcell-branded handset, T10, the affordable Android Smartphone, to widen the access to mobile Internet. An updated version, T20, was launched in 2011. The T10 and T20 together reached over 310 thousand sales units and 88% of T10 and T20 users were upgraded to smartphones. We launched our new T11 model at the beginning of 2012. Our T series handsets will continue with new models in the coming days.
In addition to constant communication emphasizing 3Gs coverage, penetration and speed, and increasing smartphone penetration, aiming to increase mobile Internet usage, Turkcell has launched many offers and applications which led to an approximately 50% increase in mobile Internet users.
Consumer Services
Turkcell focuses on the needs of consumers to enhance their daily experiences. By providing a wide range of services, Turkcell enables users to remain connected wherever they are, via their mobile devices. From basic telecommunications services to social community services, Turkcell responds to the diverse needs of consumers to help them connect to life. Turkcell also offers a multiscreen experience, allowing customers to enjoy the content of various products and services across multiple devices and multiple screens.
Telco and Social Network Services
Tikla Konus (Click-to-call) enables subscribers to initiate calls without displaying a phone number. Users click on a click-to-call button on partnering websites, and a call is initiated between two parties without having to dial a number. In 2011, Tikla Konus was used in more than 25 different scenarios: the number of people using the service increased by 600% and minutes talked exceeded 1 million. This solution won the Best network service or solution serving customers award at the GSMA 2012 (Mobile World Congress).
It has been a startup year for the social network services. Apart from Tikla Konus, more than 200 thousand subscribers have used at least one of our services, most of which were launched in 2011: ShareWithSMS, ShareWithYourVoice, SendGift, Rumara.
Kim Aramis is a caller notification service that enables customers to identify any missed calls while their handset is either in off mode or otherwise disconnected from the network. Kim Aramis service sends an SMS containing the call time and phone number to the user once his or her handset is reconnected to the network. There is also a common address book feature that further enriches the service by matching the phone number to the address book name of the caller, if available.
Info & Entertainment Services
Turkcell provides a variety of sports services focused on football, as a result of the size of the fan base and popularity of the sport in Turkey. Partnering with a major national TV provider, Turkcell provides a service, GollerCepte, that allows users to instantly send videos of the goals made by their favorite football teams. In addition, Turkcell launched an online social game called Footbocity in 2010, widely appreciated by football fans, which enables users to play interactive games and build their own virtual cities.
Turkcell, with Turkcell Music service (turkcellmuzik.com) transforms the possibility of accessing music anytime and anywhere, into a rich experience with multi-user web, wap and mobile applications (iPhone/iPad and Android).
Music lovers can listen to music from among more than 3 million songs, save the artist name and listen to similar artist radio stations and choose a radio station among 16 different genre radio stations. They can also download the songs to their phones and computers.
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Turkcell users can create their own lists, reach these lists through mobile applications and share their favorite songs and lists with their friends via social networks.
The Ne Bu Çalan feature which is developed in cooperation with soundhound, enables users to learn the songs that they do not know, listen and download them to their phones. Moreover, iPhone users can download songs to their application without needing any other program and listen.
Turkcells Ring Back Tone for subscribers has reached more than 20 million members during 2011. Using the Ring Back Tone platform, Turkcell members select any content they want and let their callers listen to the Ring Back Tone instead of a regular ringtone. They can also assign special content to different people or groups on defined time intervals, as well as using a standard tone for everyone at the same time.
Mobile Applications
Turkcell T-Market is a store, which enables people to download more than 5,000 applications including Turkcell branded applications and third-party applications such as news, games, sports, health and fun. Turkcell branded applications such as Turkcell Pusula, GollerCepte, Muzik and Yol Bilgisi were downloaded more than 9 million times in 2011. 39 million applications were downloaded from Turkcell T-Market in 2011. Customers do not pay any connection fee while visiting Turkcell T-Market and downloading applications.
Turkcell Nimbuzz combines popular instant messaging services such as MSN, GTalk, Facebook chat and Yahoo! Messenger and enables users to chat with all their friends in one list.
Turkcell Cebe Bağlan enables Turkcell T10 and Turkcell T20 users to locate, text and ping their phone in order to find it, and remote lock or remote wipe their phone in case of loss or theft.
Turkcell Yol Bilgisi is a navigation application, which automatically guides users along the best route given the current live traffic conditions and has more than 500,000 points of interest (POIs) and turn-by-turn navigation features.
Turkcell Rehber Plus is a social phonebook, which integrates phone book contacts with social network contacts and enables users to access social network updates from a single screen.
Turkcell Videobul is a video application aimed to search several video websites from within one place. By using Videobul, consumers can reach categorized video content and create their own playlists as well.
Turkcell Bebeğim is a free application in which you can find information about pregnancy, baby health, parenting and more, including advice from John Hopkins Hospitals experts.
Turkcell Servisler enables customers to view the summaries about all Turkcell Services, and also see these services all together in one application. Users can search the Turkcell Services engine by using this application.
Turkcell Partner Services
The Turkcell Partner Ecosystem comprises more than 200 registered business partners functioning as application service providers, content providers, service provider system integrators, independent service vendors, and OEM business partners, as well as many other establishments or individuals, which have the potential to develop innovative mobile services and products. In its broadest sense, Turkcell Partner Program is a versatile business, including a toolset used by this Ecosystem to define, regulate and operate partnership schemes and business models.
Since 2002, Turkcell has been developing new products and services with its partners. Since 2004, these partnerships have been executed through the Turkcell Partner Program. More than 4,000 partner applications
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exist in Turkcells application store (T-Market) as of 2011. Turkcell has enriched its customers lives through various partner mobile data and services. Together with second level partners, the Turkcell Partner Ecosystem recruits more than 10,000 employees.
The business of this Ecosystem expands across international markets starting from Turkey to countries in different continents such as Ukraine, UK, UAE, China, etc. This business community includes both a wide scale and a variety of companies (over 200 partners) and individuals with different expertise, technical capabilities and backgrounds. This community is assessed by the Turkcell Partner Program team to identify new business opportunities and improve the partner-based business. Turkcell Partner Program leverages various internal and external platforms in order to reach an innovative and rich service portfolio resulting in significant annual revenues.
Turkcell Partner Program defines the criteria set and scope of operations for partnership acquisition for the designated mobile business areas, namely: Business to Consumer (B2C) Services, Business to Business (B2B) Services, Mobile Marketing, Mobile Finance and New Technology Business Areas. The criteria set for management is a dynamic process in which its structure and parameters are adjusted due to continuous monitoring of partners actual performance, customer satisfaction, business trends, and market needs.
Due to a series of standardized scoring scheme monitored and exercised annually, excelling partners, promote to Gold & Silver Partnership titles to be awarded by extra marketing, business development, and training benefits.
Turkcellpartner.com serves as a primary digital communication channel for the Turkcell Partner Program and is composed of various interactive components: the portal, blog, wiki, newsletters, RSS, and social media feeds.
Mobile Marketing Business
Turkcell utilizes mobile marketing and advertising channels to create additional value for its customers. This value is ensured by its huge opt in database, a variety of products and channels, and high response rates in comparison with traditional media.
Currently, Turkcell has one of the largest opt in databases in Europe geared towards mobile marketing and advertising activities and integrated with 10 different advertising channels. Through this permission database, advertisers can concentrate on their target market, segment their target groups and send specific messages to their recent and potential customers via these channels.
In 2011, 1,500 mobile marketing projects were accomplished with 400 different companies participating in 30 different industries. During 2011, Turkcell was highly active in mobile advertising, as it launched several innovative products, including Targeted Location, Targeted Video Streaming, VCard Ads and other display advertising channels. In May 2011, Targeted Location was launched to create a new channel in the permission database to enable brands to communicate with their potential customers at a specifically pre-defined location as they are actually there on real time. This provides a great benefit for brands in terms of their abilities to target customers and to optimize their communication budgets. The system can detect any opt in subscriber at any location regardless of their device type. Another positive feature of this service is that it is integrated within each direct mobile advertising channel of Turkcell, including SMS, MMS, Video, Wap Push, IVR and Mobile Coupon.
Turkcell Enablers and Platforms
Turkcell enablers are the key technical infrastructures behind our proprietary products and services. Turkcell ID enabler is an authentication infrastructure that lets users log in to systems with one common, secure and
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simple username and password for hassle free access to systems. Recommendation Engine enhances the customers experience on Turkcell portals by providing customer-focused content and offers. 8.7 million people were touched by our Recommendation Engine enabler.
Many value-added services including advanced call based enablers, M2M, location based, mobil data and messaging services and platforms and being served to customers.
Turkcell invests in platforms that enhance the user experience and the discoverability of services such as Turkcell T-Market, which is a one-stop, localized application shop for users to download both free and paid mobile applications to their supported handsets.
New Technology Businesses
TV & Video Services
By streaming technology at 3G speed, Turkcell introduced MobilTV service in 2009 which enabled Turkcell subscribers to watch live television channels and on-demand video content on their mobile phones. On April 18, 2012, Turkcell re-branded MobilTV service and introduced Turkcell TV+ with an enhanced multiscreen personal user experience and rich content library.
Turkcell TV+ enables users to watch over 40 live channels, including premium sports TV channels (live Lig TV), combining the experience on their cell phones, tablets and now computers. Turkcell TV+ also introduced an on-demand content library, which includes a large selection of movies, popular TV series and programs. Turkcell TV+ subscribers also enjoy social connectivity, sharing, personalization and content discovery in real time with Facebook and Twitter integration.
Turkcell Mobile Financial Services
Turkcells Mobile Financial Services is growing rapidly. Two new services, Turkcell Cep-T Para (Turkcell Mobile Money) and Turkcell Cep-T Cüzdan (Turkcell Mobile Wallet), have been introduced in addition to Turkcell Mobil Ödeme (Turkcell Mobile Payment).
Turkcell Mobil Ödeme is an alternative way to make purchases. It is an easy and secure payment method provided only via SMS approval request. The purchase amount, within the limits allowed, is billed to a mobile phone account or deducted from prepaid credit. 2.5 million Turkcell subscribers have used the Mobil Ödeme service to date.
Turkcell Cep-T Cüzdan, Turkcells mobile wallet service based on NFC technology, aims to bring a physical wallet to the mobile world. Cep-T Cüzdan offers consumers added value by providing functionalities beyond payment, from loyalty and ticketing to ID applications and physical access. Turkcell was one of the first mobile network operators to launch NFC services commercially on several handsets, including Turkcell T11 and T20, among the first available NFC SWP-compliant handsets running on the Android platform. The multi-application support of Cep-T Cüzdan allows users to select a preferred payment card from available cards. Last transaction details, loyalty points collected and location-based offers can be accessed and conveniently used through a unique user interface. Currently, three bank applications, Yapi Kredi, Garanti Bank and Akbank, and road toll payment applications in collaboration with Bank Asya, have taken place in Cep-T Cüzdan.
The Turkcell Cep-T Cüzdan solution is recognized to be unique in many ways:
| Turkcell became the first mobile operator in the world presenting an NFC-based Mobile Wallet solution, supporting multi-bank applications utilizing a MasterCard paypass solution. With its leading technical infrastructure, Turkcell succeeded in creating and managing secure domains inside the SIM. |
| As a successor to Turkcells first own branded handset called T10, Turkcell T11 and T20 were produced as SIM-based NFC-enabled. The T20 will be a key factor for the proliferation of NFC services in the Turkish market. The T20 is also one of the first Android UICC-based SWP handsets that has been granted a waiver by MasterCard. |
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| Apart from Turkcells own branded handsets, Turkcell has also worked with other manufacturers to increase NFC penetration. As a result of this, the worlds first commercial NFC-based mobile wallet launch with a BlackBerry Bold 9900 was done with RIM. |
| Turkcells TSM (Trusted Service Manager) is the first Operator TSM in Europe certified by MasterCard. |
| Turkcell also launched Europes first commercial NFC solution for iPhone, TurkcelliCarte, in cooperation with Visa Europe. |
| Turkcell Cep-T Cüzdan is also used as a case-study by GSMA Pay-Buy-Mobile Group for operators who plan to launch their NFC Services. Cep-T Cüzdan is a finalist in the Mobile Money Innovation on Global Mobile Awards 2012. |
| Turkcell Cep-T Cüzdan was awarded Best Mobile Transaction (NFC) Solution in SIMagine 2011. |
Turkcell Cep-T Para service was launched in June 2011 and is an open platform to all banks. The platform matches mobile phone numbers with a card number and enables financial transactions such as money transfers and GSM top-ups via mobile phone. Customers can register with their credit or debit card as well as with their prepaid card. Turkcell also launched a prepaid card Cep-T ParaCard with the MasterCard logo issued by Garanti Bank. Turkcell customers can purchase the Cep-T ParaCard and subscribe to the Turkcell Cep-T Para service from any Turkcell Communication Center (TIMs) and top-up money to the card via Garanti POS machines at TIMs, or from any Garanti ATM. Customers can use their cards for payments worldwide wherever MasterCard is accepted. Turkcell Cep-T Para is a SIM-based secure service that can be used with any handset. Turkcell Cep-T Para subscribers can use this service to transfer money to any operators mobile subscribers. Recipients can withdraw their money instantly from Garanti ATMs by simply using a secure code sent to them, without a debit card. Subscribers can also use the service to top-up their GSM prepaid line. More than 200,000 cards were registered to the service in 2011.
Internet Ventures
Bavul.com is an Internet-based flight ticket search site. Users can search all airline companies tickets on bavul.com. They can search or filter tickets, book or purchase them via bavul.com. Users can see all flight ticket alternatives on the same page.
If users cannot find a good deal on bavul.com, they can use the Price Alert tool. The Price Alert tool aims at finding the best tickets. Also, bavul.com has unique content about lots of cities. Bavul.com users are always informed with SMS service about the weather, local time and exchange rates of their arrival destinations. Users can easily find all the information they need about a specific city, such as must-see places, where to shop, and where to visit.
At the same time, bavul.com presents some special offers to Turkcell subscribers. For example, discounts or a credit card bonus are available.
Okul.com.tr is an online educational platform for teachers, parents and students enabling them to exchange information and further enhance communication by providing social features as well as enriched educational content. Moreover, Okul aims to become a continuous learning platform for adults.
Gezenzi is a social microblogging service, where users can share their status, reviews and photos. Users can also explore reviews about POIs, messages and photos around them.
Turkcell Dergilik is a free Turkcell application that enables you to read current and past issues of Turkish magazines, choosing from among a wide variety of publications.
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External Innovation & Entrepreneurship
We believe utilization of both internal and external innovation is one of the major drivers for growth. In addition to our strong partner ecosystem built in 2002, we are now more tapped into the entrepreneurial community, in order to develop new products and services and build new partnerships with startup companies. We have confidence in the creativity and agility of technopreneurs to build new experiences for our different customer segments. We have been investing in the local entrepreneurial community, partnering with key stakeholders of this ecosystem, not only entrepreneurs but angel investors, institutional venture capitalists, universities, business incubation centers and non-governmental organizations, as well as public institutions and authorities. In parallel to our local partnerships, we are building an international innovation network with key regional innovation hubs in the U.S., Europe and the Far East, to make sure we are connected to innovation centers and talent pools. We are now one of the main local stakeholders for Endeavor, MIT Enterprise Forum and the U.S. State Department lead Global Entrepreneurship Program (GEP). Turkcell has been differentiating itself from competitors with its sustainable focus on innovation and entrepreneurship through its continuous support of entrepreneurship-related initiatives such as business plan competitions, forums and events like the Global Entrepreneurship Weekend, university roadshows and many others.
One solid example of our startup focus is our investment in a successful startup called Fizy. Fizy is the most popular online music search engine in Turkey. The site enables users to search and stream from a very large music library, and save songs in their playlists. Fizy was also designated by Mashable Awards as the best music search engine in 2011.
Corporate Product Management
An important goal for Corporate Product Management is to provide corporate customers with a competitive advantage by providing non-core industrial solutions, thereby delivering a new category of revenue sets for customers. Spanning from frozen-food chains to farming, many types of solutions are available to streamline customer processes and provide operational efficiency, new revenue streaming channels and better consumer reach and experience.
Corporate Telco Services
Through the Turkcell Akilli Yetenekler (Turkcell Smart Enablers) infrastructure, Turkcell corporate customers are able to enrich their own services to their customers with Turkcell capabilities. By using Turkcell Akilli Yetenekler services, companies can deliver the right service to the right customers via the most appropriate channels.
Authentication Services
Mobile Signature enables customers to sign electronic documents and transactions with a legally accepted digital signature using GSM SIM cards. Mobile signature subscribers can easily verify their personal identity in a digital environment and complete transactions remotely, without the need for their physical presence. Mobile Signature was launched in February 2007. There are currently 65 application providers in the market, representing industries as diverse as banking, e-government, insurance, healthcare and e-commerce. The Banking Regulation and Supervision Agency (BRSA) enacted a decree in January 2010, which requires two-level authentication usage for online banking transactions and positively affected the number of Mobile Signature users.
One Time Password is widely used by corporate customers for two-level authentication controls on transactions. The platform allows corporate customers to send a password valid for one time only via SMS to consumers when providing authentication on transactions.
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Location-Based Services
Corporate customers can monitor and manage their sales forces and fleets with Ekip Mobil. Ekip Mobil provides a management console that allows customers to view their field teams/vehicles on a map, define alarms for specific regions and create direct communication channels to the field. Ekip Mobil can be used on any mobile device. For companies, the investment costs are minimal.
Machine to Machine (M2M) Communications
Since 2009, Turkcell has been focused on its M2M business, whose principal markets in Turkey are car telematics, team tracking, fleet management, POS terminals, security alarms, smart metering and sales force automations applications.
MobilPOS enables corporate customers to make payment transactions where there is limited fixed-line access for POS terminals. MobilPOS is a SIM card integrated POS device working on the GSM network enhancing usage territory for POS terminals. Customers benefit from the advantage of completing their transactions location free as well as from a more enriched customer experience.
Turkcell also offers telemetry solutions for corporate customers. In partnership with specialized third parties, Turkcell telemetry solutions allow customers to remotely access and collect metering data without utilizing a field force. Some examples of where telemetry services may be used include alarm systems, gauge metering, reactive energy, transformer stations, pipeline metering controls, and meteorology stations, among others.
Other Services
International Roaming
Our coverage extends to many countries in Europe, Asia, Africa and North and South America. As of December 31, 2011, we have further enhanced our position as the leading mobile operator of international roaming services by expanding our partnership in 209 destinations throughout the world, pursuant to commercial roaming agreements with 680 operators.
Since July 2002, we have provided roaming services for prepaid subscribers of foreign mobile operators visiting Turkey. We were the first operator to provide such a service in Turkey. This service, called Passive Customized Applications for Mobile Network Enhanced Logic (passive CAMEL), can only be enabled if both operators have installed the CAMEL system on their networks. As of December 31, 2011, we offered prepaid roaming to the prepaid subscribers of 255 operators in 118 destinations.
Since October 2004, we have offered roaming services for Turkcell prepaid subscribers traveling abroad. This service, called Active Customized Applications for Mobile Network Enhanced Logic (active CAMEL), can only be enabled if both operators have installed the CAMEL system on their networks. As of December 31, 2011, we offered prepaid roaming to Turkcell prepaid subscribers through 315 operators in 139 destinations.
Since October 2002, we have offered GPRS roaming. As of December 31, 2011, we allowed our subscribers to access the Internet and reach their email accounts while traveling, through 494 GPRS roaming partners across 166 destinations.
In order to balance international SMS traffic, we began signing international SMS Interworking Agreements with other mobile operators in April 2002 and as of December 31, 2011, we had signed 153 International SMS Interworking Agreements. As of December 31, 2011, our subscribers can send SMS to more than 620 mobile operators located in 202 destinations, including North America and China.
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Since December 2005, our subscribers have been able to send and receive MMS to and from subscribers of foreign operators. As of December 31, 2011, our subscribers were able to send MMS to 143 mobile operators in 76 destinations.
On July 30, 2009, we became the first operator to launch 3G Roaming services in many different locations around the world. As of December 31, 2011, our subscribers enjoyed high speed mobile Internet connections with 263 operators in 110 destinations.
We have entered into direct international roaming agreements with GSM operators around the world, including in Cuba, Iran, Sudan, Libya and Syria. These arrangements have been entered into in the ordinary course of business and on arms-length terms that we believe to be in line with industry standards. Under the roaming arrangements in the listed countries, our net revenues for roaming on our Turkish network totaled less than $5 million and our net expense for our subscribers roaming on the networks of operators on the listed countries was less than $1.4 million. In financial terms, we do not believe that our roaming arrangements with operators in Cuba, Iran, Sudan, Libya and Syria are material.
Tariffs
Our charges for voice, messaging and data consist of monthly fees, usage prices, bundles and volume discount schemes and options under various tariff schemes. Our license agreement regulates our tariffs for GSM services. The license agreement provides that, after consultation with us and consideration of tariffs applied abroad for similar services, the ICTA sets the initial maximum tariffs in Turkish Lira and U.S. Dollars. Thereafter, our license provides that the maximum tariffs shall be adjusted at least every six months. The license agreement provides a formula for adjusting the existing maximum tariffs. For the maximum tariffs established in Turkish Lira, the formula is: the Turkish Consumer Price Index announced by the Ministry of Industry and Trade for Turkey minus 3% of the Turkish Consumer Price Index announced by the Ministry of Industry and Trade. For the maximum tariffs established in U.S. Dollars, the same method is applied to the USA Consumer Price All Item Index Numbers.
Although the Concession Agreement includes a provision regarding the increase of the maximum tariffs, the ICTA has decreased the maximum tariff since 2007, which has negatively affected our tariff structure. The Company initiated lawsuits for the annulment of such decisions. Some of the lawsuits were rejected by the courts and we appealed these decisions. The other lawsuits are pending.
For more information on how our maximum and minimum price levels are established, see also Item 4.B. Business OverviewRegulation of the Turkish Telecommunications Industry.
There are various voice tariffs based on the subscriber segment (postpaid or prepaid, corporate or individual).
Main Tariffs
We have segmented tariffs plans that target specific subscriber groups. In the postpaid segment, pay as you go tariffs offer on-net (Turkcell subscriber to Turkcell subscriber) usage advantages. The packages include minutes for on-net and fixed line calls, intra-company calls or all national directions. Packages are widely preferred by our customers. In the prepaid segment, the main tariffs offering advantageous prices that are based on a refill amount are Super Tariff and Youth Tariff. In addition, we provide fee-based optional minute packages/TRY cards for calls to PSTN(1), OMO(2) and for calls within a specific time period, such as weekends and nights.
The main tariffs listed below for postpaid and prepaid subscribers are as of March 15, 2012. Prices are given in TRY and include both 18% VAT and the 25% Special Communication Tax.
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Consumer Tariffs and Loyalty Programs
Postpaid (TRY) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Bizbize | Tarife Saniye |
Her Yöne Paketler | Kamu | Genç | Hepsi Bir Arada Paketler |
|||||||||||||||||||
Monthly Fee |
9.9 | 6.9 | 25-95 | 29-45 | 29 | 29-149 | ||||||||||||||||||
Calls Out (per minute): |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Turkcell to Turkcell |
|
0.500 per 10 minutes |
|
0.415 | |
200-2000 free minutes included. Exceeding minutes charged at 0.415 per minute |
|
|
600-1000 free minutes included. Exceeding minutes charged at 0.240-0.300 per minute |
|
|
300 free minutes included. Exceeding minutes charged at 0.300 per minute |
|
|
300-4000 free minutes included. Exceeding minutes charged at 0.415 per minute |
| ||||||||
Turkcell to PSTN(1) |
0.415 | 0.415 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Turkcell to OMO(2) |
0.415 | 0.415 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
SMS |
|
0-1000 free SMS included |
|
|
3000 free SMS included. |
|
|
300-4000 free SMS included |
| |||||||||||||||
Internet |
|
0-300MB free Internet included. |
|
|
300MB-4GB free Internet included. |
| ||||||||||||||||||
Other Benefits |
|
Turkcell to Turkcell unlimited from 6 am to 6 pm free minutes & free 2 days a week included. |
|
|
Turkcell to Turkcell unlimited from 9pm to 9am free minutes for 2 days a week included. |
|
|
0-60 free International call minutes & 0-50 free roaming minutes at Europe Zone |
| |||||||||||||||
SMS Per Message |
0.415 | 0.415 | 0.415 | 0.415 | 0.415 | 0.415 |
(1) | PSTN: Public Switched Telephone Network (landline). |
(2) | OMO: Other Mobile Operators. |
Prices are given in Turkish Lira and include both 18% VAT and the 25% Special Communication Tax.
Prepaid TRY* | ||||||||||||
Süper Tariff | Genç Tariff | Bizbize Tariff | ||||||||||
Refill Amount** |
Turkcell to Turkcell |
Turkcell to PSTN/ Turkcell to OMO |
Turkcell to Turkcell |
Turkcell to PSTN |
Turkcell to OMO |
Turkcell to Turkcell/ Turkcell to PSTN/ Turkcell to OMO | ||||||
50 |
0.50 per 10 min | 0.50 per 10 min | 0.50 per 15 min | 0.415 per min | 0.415 per min | 0.415 per min | ||||||
30 |
0.50 per 5 min | 0.50 per 5 min | ||||||||||
20 |
0.50 per 3 min | 0.50 per 3 min | ||||||||||
Less than 20*** |
0.415 per min | 0.415 per min | ||||||||||
SMS (Per message) |
0.415 | 0.415 | 0.415 | 0.415 |
* | Prices are given in Turkish Lira and include both 18% VAT and the 25% Special Communication Tax. |
** | Prices vary depending on the refill amount and apply for 30 days following the first day of refill, except for Genç Tariff. Genç Tariff prices apply 31, 12 and 7 days if refill 20 TL and above, 12 TL and 7 TL, respectively. |
*** | The charged for a less-than 20 TL refill or no-refill except for Genç Tariff. Genç Tariff prices for less than 7 TL refill is 0.415 per min |
With our new tariff scheme, introduced in the first quarter of 2012, we have all-inclusive and flat packages at different price levels and we offer yearly discounted and fixed priced versions of our postpaid price plans to acquire new customers and to retain our current customer base.
In addition, we also have loyalty subscriber programs.
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Through our new consumer approach, we group our customers by segments after taking into consideration their occupation and, with regards to the youth segment, their age.
Youth segment management, including the loyalty program called gnctrkcll ensures customer retention by presenting campaigns and advantages that fit youngsters trends of life. Gnctrkcll aims to reinforce Turkcell brand recognition as a young, dynamic, popular and intimate brand.
In addition to the youth segment, we focus on new segments (such as farmers and housewives) with differentiated GSM and non-GSM offers, as well as campaigns and co-branded activities with selected companies from other sectors to create added values to targeted segments. All loyalty schemes are designed in line with the targeted segments lifestyles, needs, priorities, and expectations since new segments aim to increase the loyalty of current Turkcell customers, as well as to attract new customers.
Turkcell Platinum, a premium loyalty and customer experience management program which offers special GSM, and non-GSM/third-party advantages to individual customers in order to ensure behavioral and emotional brand loyalty, via a seamless series of positive brand experience in all customer touch points.
For our postpaid business, we have periodical free minutes programs (campaigns) with which the customers gain different amounts of free usage.
For our prepaid business, we offer prepaid customers monthly fee-based packages that includes SMS and voice advantages. We promote such packages to increase retention of the prepaid subscribers and the revenue generated from them.
Customer Data and Terminal offers
We have different offers in which minutes, SMS and data services can be bundled with handsets, which could lead to the use of 3G services and mobile Internet. We also have many mobile Internet offers based on different customer needs, such as:
Data bundled terminal offers: Different terminal models can be bundled with data packages which customers prefer.
Tariff bundled terminal offers: Different terminal models can be bundled with Turkcells tariffs on contracted deals.
Short-term contracted VINN offers: 3-month VINN campaign for subscribers who are not looking for a long-term contract (3 months for 39TL with a 4GB data package).
Segmented offers: KamuVINN and Genc VINN including 4GB for 29 TL with a 12-months contract. VINN Modem is given for free (including tax).
Single VINN campaign: without a contract, VINN Modem including 4GB data for 99 TL (including tax).
Need-based VINN offers: Daily pack and 3-month packs launched based on Prepaid VINN customers need.
Internet from mobile offers: A monthly Facebook pack for 3 TL (including tax), 3/6-month discount campaigns for monthly 100 MB, 250MB, 1GB packs (with prices of 5TL, 7TL, 19TL, respectively).
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Corporate Tariffs and Loyalty Programs
Postpaid | ||||||||||||
IsteTarife | Şirketiçi | Paketcell | ||||||||||
Monthly Fee |
6.75 TL | 15-20 TL | 42-119 TL | |||||||||
Calls Out (per minute): |
||||||||||||
MVPN (Company Network) |
| 6000 free minutes | 1500-5000 free minutes | |||||||||
Turkcell to Turkcell |
0.415 TL | 0.415 TL | |
500-5000 free mins included. Exceeding minutes charged at 0.415 per minute |
| |||||||
Turkcell to PSTN(1) |
0.415 TL | 0.415 TL | |
300-3000 free mins included. Exceeding minutes charged at 0.415 per minute |
| |||||||
Turkcell to OMO(2) |
0.415 TL | 0.415 TL | |
300-3000 free mins included. Exceeding minutes charged at 0.415 per minute |
| |||||||
SMS Per Message |
0.415 TL | 0.415 TL | 0.415 TL |
(1) | PSTN: Public Switched Telephone Network (landline). |
(2) | OMO: Other Mobile Operators. |
Prices are given in Turkish Lira and include both 18% VAT and 25% Special Communication Tax.
IsteTarife is a standard Turkcell tariff. Şirketiçi and Paketcell include special packages at discounted prices.
We offer different package combinations to our corporate customers to meet their communication needs. These packages include company, on-net and/or flat voice offers. We also offer bundled versions of these packages including data and flat SMS.
For small and micro businesses, we have dedicated voice and non-voice offers and provide different benefits for craftsmen, sole traders and professionals such as doctors and lawyers. Meslek Tarifesi (Occupation Tariff), Profesyonel Tarife (Professional Tariff) and Kendi İşim Paketi (Sole Trader Packages) are the main tariffs offered to these customers.
We also address and provide solutions to our corporate customers different telco needs with the Total Telecom Solutions Provider (TTSP) approach. We collaborate with our subsidiary, Superonline Iletisim Hizmetleri A.S. (Turkcell Superonline), to serve TTSP products like data center, cloud, VOIP, MPLS/VPN, mobile and fixed bundle offers etc. to our customers from one source.
We launched our B2B (business to business) loyalty program, IsteKazan, in March 2010, for Turkcell corporate customers. IsteKazan is the first loyalty program focused on the B2B segment where we worked with more than 40 different brands around the country.
The main focus of IsteKazan is to offer advantages to our corporate customers and provide them with cost advantages on their non-GSM costs. Depending on the customer preferences and requirements, the most appropriate solution package is designed, such as discount bundles, cost level alternatives, etc. With this program, Turkcell corporate customers get discounts in several areas such as market, gas, transportation, technology, car rentals, dry cleaning services, etc.
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Roaming Tariffs
Turkcell intends to provide advantageous price schemes to its customers when they are abroad. With a customer-oriented point of view, Turkcell offers a flat fee for roaming usage, dividing the world into zones, known as the Turkcell World Tariff. Whenever our subscribers go abroad, regardless of their domestic tariff, they are subject to the Turkcell World Tariff for their roaming usage. Additionally, Turkcell enables its customers to connect to loved ones with advantageous voice, Internet and SMS packages and campaigns.
Based on Turkcells roaming agreements, Turkcell hosts the subscribers of foreign operators on its network. When a subscriber of a foreign operator makes a call using Turkcells network, that subscribers operator pays us our inter-operator tariff (IOT) for the specific call type. IOT is a wholesale tariff applied between mobile operators having roaming agreements.
Churn
Churn rate is the percentage calculated by dividing the total number of subscriber disconnections during a period by the average number of subscribers for the same period. For these purposes, we define average number of subscribers as the number of subscribers at the beginning of the period plus one half of the total number of gross subscribers acquired during the period. Churn refers to subscribers that are both voluntarily and involuntarily disconnected from our network. Under our disconnection process, postpaid subscribers who do not pay their bills are disconnected and included in churn upon the commencement of a legal process to disconnect them, which commences approximately 180 days from the due date of the unpaid bill. Pending disconnection, non-paying subscribers are suspended from service (but are still considered subscribers) and receive a suspension warning, which in some cases results in payment and reinstatement of service. Prepaid subscribers who do not reload TRY for a period of 270 days are disconnected (this was changed in 2010 from 210 days).
The ICTA has announced that when prepaid subscribers load or receive at least TRY 10, the subscription should be renewed for nine months. The board resolution has been in effect since October 1, 2010. As a result of this decision, the life cycle of prepaid customers has been lengthened; however, our churn rate was not impacted in 2010. We observed a onetime impact as a decrease in churn in the second quarter of 2011 and for the full year of 2011. The current business practice of Turkcell for prepaid subscribers is to renew the subscription for nine months for each refill and credit transfers over TRY 10. For more information, see Item 4.B. Business OverviewRegulation of the Turkish Telecommunications Industry.
For the year ended December 31, 2011, our annual churn rate was 27.9%. We have what we believe to be an adequate allowance for doubtful receivables in our consolidated financial statements for nonpayments and disconnections amounting to $327.4 million and $376.8 million as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Despite the intense competition in the market, we managed to decrease the churn rate 6 percentage points with effective retention and churn campaigns. Even after adjusting for the life cycle effect, our churn rate in 2011 was lower than in 2010.
Seasonality
The Turkish mobile communications market is affected by seasonal peaks and troughs. Historically, the effects of seasonality on mobile communications usage has positively influenced our results in the second and third quarters of the fiscal year and negatively influenced our results in the first and fourth quarters of the fiscal year. Recently, however, due to changing market dynamics, such as the ICTAs intervention in our tariffs and increasing competition in the Turkish telecommunications market, the effects of seasonality from our prepaid customers mobile communications usage has decreased. Local and religious holidays in Turkey have also generally affected our operational results.
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Mobile Network
Coverage
Statements regarding our market share and total market size are based on the ICTAs announcements, and statements regarding penetration are based on TUIKs announcements regarding the population. Furthermore, statements regarding our 2G coverage are based on the ICTAs specifications as well as TUIKs announcements regarding the population, and statements regarding our 3G coverage are based on the 3GPP TS 25.101 specifications for outdoor coverage.
Our mobile communications network is designed to provide high-quality coverage to the majority of the population of Turkey throughout the areas in which they live, work and travel. As of December 31, 2011, Turkcell covered 88.30% of all of Turkey and 99.13% of Turkeys population, including 100% of cities with a population of 1,000 or more. Coverage also includes a substantial part of the Mediterranean and Aegean coastline and during 2011, we enhanced coverage in low populated areas (populations of less than 1,000 people) as well. We have significantly exceeded the minimum coverage requirements of our license.
We have also expanded our mobile communications network to add capacity to existing service areas and to offer service to new areas, including the improvement of existing urban, suburban and intercity road coverage. During 2012, we plan to further expand our coverage in settlements with a population of 500 or more, intercity roads and railways, in addition to further enhancing coverage and capacity in populated areas.
We commercially launched 3G simultaneously in 81 province centers and major cities in Turkey in July 2009. As of December 31, 2011, we had reached 88% population coverage (based on 3GPP TS 25,101 specifications for outdoor coverage). As of December 2011, we believe that Turkcell is ahead of meeting 3G license coverage requirements* (regarding 3GPP TS 25,101 specifications for outdoor coverage). With the advantage of higher quality communications provided by the widest spectrum in 3G, Turkcell will continue to offer seamless communications services to its customers with by far the most extensive coverage amongst its peers.
Quality of Service
The ICTA published a Regulation On Quality of Service in the Electronic Communication Sector on September 12, 2010, to be effective as of December 31, 2011 (see Regulation of the Turkish Telecommunications Industry for further details). Turkcell Network is currently above the standards set by the statement. As usual, Call Drop was one of the major Quality of Service figures that we focused on during 2011.
Dropped calls are calls that are terminated involuntarily and are measured by using the ratio of total dropped calls during the most congested hour of network traffic during the relevant time period to the traffic intensity in that congested hour. Using such industry standard for dropped calls, our dropped call rate for our 2G network has further decreased to far below 1%.
Turkcell also provides high quality services through its 3G network. In a short time, we have succeeded in reducing the 3G dropped call rate to the same level as the 2G network. The rate of service quality is being enhanced all the time due to investments in our 2G and 3G network to improve the quality and capacity of the network. In addition, we believe that we will keep all our KPIs above the standards for the entire duration of 2012.
* | As of December 2011, ICTA has not issued any statement specifying 3G coverage requirements. |
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Network Evolution
Access Network
In 2011, we continued to develop and improve the quality and capacity of our network. In urban areas, we increased coverage and capacity by placing network infrastructure in commercial sites such as shopping malls, business complexes and entertainment centers. We began using Pico BTS solutions to further enhance our coverage at some places where signal penetration problems may exist due to thick concrete walls, coated glass windows, basement floors etc. We achieved the highest coverage density in major urban areas, especially in Istanbul, Ankara and Izmir.
We believe that we have sufficient bandwidth to serve our current and projected short-term subscriber base and that we currently meet the capacity requirements of both our 2G and 3G licenses. Starting from 2009, we have created 3G/HSPA+ coverage to support 3G multimedia services and fast throughput for mobile data traffic, while achieving greater network capacity through improved spectral efficiency.
We have achieved a speed of 42.2 Mbps in 3G through dual carrier technology across the whole country. We have also implemented EDGE technology in our entire network, as EDGE is a complementary technology to UMTS. EDGE is an evolution of the GSM technology which allows consumers to use cellular handsets, PC cards and other wireless devices at faster data rates up to 300 Kbps, three times the data capacity of GSM/GPRS. We have also successfully tested EDGE Evolution technology in our network, consisting of downlink dual carrier feature, where the data rates reaches up to 600 Kbps. Actual data rates vary depending on the access network load at the connection time and the terminal device features used by the customer. Today, all of our base stations are supporting EDGE technology. To enhance our 2G network capacity where congestion is a possibility, we intend to construct additional network sub-infrastructure, or implement technological advances that will permit bandwidths to be used more efficiently.
Transmission Network
Turkcell is one of the first operators in Turkey to start deploying IP Technologies throughout its network. As a result, we not only expanded and modernized our network and All-IP mobile backhaul network ( > 10,000 sites), but also started migrating legacy GSM sites to IP through the deployment of Abis over IP Technologies. Thus, we currently have an IP Mobile Backahul that provides resiliency, ease of operation and operational expense advantages of IP/MPLS. In addition to this, we have also invested into topology redundancy projects for better service availability. Backhaul bandwidth capacity increased for hot spot cell sites for 42 Mbps dual-carrier applications and Microwave R/L network modernization for Native Ethernet and Adaptive Modulation support to increase availability and reduce outages due to severe rain conditions. Usage of Fiber connectivity is increasing mainly at High Capacity RAN aggregation points. Application of xDSL technologies and solutions are also preferred for small cell sites that are not suitable for microwave access.
Core Network
The whole Turkcell Core Network is currently composed of new layered structure Next Generation Network (NGN) nodes. In 2011, due to the steep increase in data usage, the GPRS/EDGE and HSPA/HSPA+ (High Speed Packet Access) capacity was increased nearly 100%. In addition, SGSN/GGSN equipment came into service in five additional Operation and Maintenance Centers (OMCs). The aim is to save operational expenses and to set up more redundant data infrastructure. In addition, we continued to increase voice capacity to some extent. MSC-S in Pool (MIP) which is one of the biggest benefits of NGNs was completed for most of the main OMC regions. By using MIP structure, we get (i) full redundant MSC-Ss, (ii) redundant physical interfaces to MGWs, (iii) CAPEX efficiency, and (iv) improvement in radio network KPIs.
Services and Platforms
We have an intelligent network and other service platforms enabling our services and we also provide secure and controlled access to the network for the content and service providers to provide messaging and data
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services. This infrastructure is being improved to open up more capabilities on the network for the application and content providers. New infrastructure also contains a portal where subscribers buy services, receive promotions and enroll for campaigns easily.
Network Operations
We have primarily employed experienced internal personnel for network engineering and other design activities while employing suppliers for our network infrastructure and as our partners in product/service development. Our suppliers install the base station cell site equipment and switches on a turn-key basis, while subcontractors employed by our suppliers perform the actual site preparation.
Network Maintenance
We have entered into several system service agreements. Under these agreements, our mobile communications network, including hardware repair and replacement, software and system support services, consultation services and emergency services are serviced by local providers. Our subcontractors perform corrective and preventative maintenance on our radio network in the field, although providers repair all the network equipment.
We have regional operation units with qualified Turkcell staff that operate and maintain our network in sixteen main regions. In addition, the Turkcell Network Control Center located in Istanbul monitors our entire network 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and ensures that necessary maintenance is performed in response to any problems.
Site Leasing
Once a new coverage area has been identified, our technical staff determines the optimal base station location and the required coverage characteristics. The area is then surveyed to identify BTS sites. In urban areas, typical sites are building faces and rooftops. In rural areas, masts and towers are usually constructed. Our technical staff also identifies the best means of connecting the base station to the network. Once a preferred site has been identified and the exact equipment configuration for that site determined, we begin the process of site leasing and obtaining necessary regulatory permits. Construction of the masts or towers that we require in rural areas is performed by Kule Hizmet ve Isletmecilik A.S. (Global Tower), a company 100% indirectly owned by us. We lease antenna space and provide maintenance and management services from Global Tower at such towers.
Business Continuity Management (BCM)
In 2000, we launched our Business Continuity Plan (BCP) that encompassed Technical Operations and made Ankara Plaza as the Business Recovery Center. In 2004, the BCP was widened to cover all of Turkcells business functions and renamed BCM. Its implementation was completed in 2005 and BCM was adopted as a full-time function.
The effectiveness of the BCM plans is practiced with scenarios that include mission critical processes, services, and building evacuations. In 2011, 35 practices were executed and nearly 3,800 people were involved in the practices.
Evaluating scenarios that may affect our operations, the purpose of BCM is to prevent or overcome these situations; to develop continuity and crisis scenarios; to make sure business continuity planning continues and all key function staff are trained; and to raise awareness and understanding of business continuity.
To this end, we established a Crisis Management Team, a Business Continuity Team and several Emergency Response Teams. The Crisis Management Team is comprised of senior management who are responsible for
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managing all facets of the potential crisis. The Business Continuity Team and Emergency Response Teams are located at the Business Recovery Centers in Ankara and Istanbul as well as in several other locations throughout Turkey, including Izmir and Adana. If needed, these regions are ready to aid and assist various teams at 17 other regions. In the event that Turkcells operations are interrupted, in accordance with the area in which the crisis offers, a chain alert call convenes the teams.
Turkcells BCM will be able to cover the majority of Turkcells operations through potential environmental events and natural disasters.
Sales and Marketing
We design our sales and marketing strategy around subscriber needs and expectations. We try to ensure the loyalty of our subscribers by providing offers, campaigns and our advanced Service Delivery Platforms.
Our nationwide distribution channel is an important asset that helps us differentiate ourselves from our competitors and achieve our sales targets. Our strong and extensive distribution network consists of distributors, Turkcell Distribution Centers (TDC), Corporate Solution Centers, non-exclusive dealers, Turkcell Communication Centers (TIMs), Turkcell Stores and Consumer Electronic Chains, as well as points of sale for prepaid airtime, including ATMs, POS, web, call centers, supermarkets and kiosks.
In Turkey, independent handset dealers serve as the primary point of mobile service sales. Subscribers generally must purchase a mobile phone from a dealer to activate services. We sell Simcards and starter packs to distributors, which are delivered to dealers and sales points. In addition, distributors purchase handsets directly from mobile phone importers and distribute them to dealers. Airtime scratch cards for Hazir Kart are sold through our exclusive and non-exclusive dealer networks, supermarket chains, gas stations, digital channels and other distribution points. Muhabbet Karts Chat Card branded scratch cards are sold through newspaper kiosks and dealers located throughout Turkey. Muhabbet Kart is only sold by A-Tel, a 50-50 joint venture between SDIF and Turkcell. On January 31, 2012, we notified SDIF that the service provider agreement between us and A-Tel will be annulled effective from August 1, 2012.
Prior to April 2010, 16K, 32K, 64K and 128K (128K cards were only used for spare Simcards) Simcards were in circulation in the market. Starting from April 2011, 256K Simcards with NFC were introduced. These cards are important in increasing the penetration of NFC-enabled mobile services.
Prior to April 2010, 64K and 128K Simcard starter packs were sold with inclusive 20 and 100 counters. Starting from April 2010, started packs include a Simcard with airtime of 5 TRY or 20 TRY.
Turkcell Sales Efforts
We sell postpaid and prepaid services to subscribers through our distribution network, which is composed of distributors, TIMs, TDCs, Turkcell Stores, Consumer Electronic Chains, Corporate Solution Centers and exclusive and non-exclusive dealers. The number of exclusive and non-exclusive dealers totaled approximately 17,000 sales points as of December 31, 2011. We also sell scratch cards and digital prepaid airtime through consumer electronic chains, newspaper kiosks, supermarkets, gas stations, digital channels and ATMs.
Our Exclusive Retail Network consists of powerful retail dealers with good locations, modern designs and superior after-sales service. TIMs lead the market with user friendly atmosphere, new products and services and dedicated employees. In 2009, TIMs were relaunched with the motto We aim to ease your life with technology in order to enhance our customer service oriented image under the TIM brand. In addition, the three flagship Turkcell Storesfully operated by Turkcellcontinue to enhance Turkcells brand image in the retail world by providing what we believe is the best customer experience and introducing top of the line new products and services to our customers.
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Our Non-Exclusive dealer network provides us with a high penetration of Turkcell products and services in Turkey. TDCs are aimed at enhancing our distribution effectiveness in the non-exclusive channel and ensure the timely and efficient distribution of Turkcell products and merchandising materials. They also facilitate the Turkcell brand and offer awareness in this competitive channel.
In total, we have more than 95,000 sales points for prepaid airtime including digital channels, ATMs, POSs, kiosks, Call Centers, Internet, WAP, retail chains, SMS, Digital TV and USSD. Since 2008, we have also offered digital counter sales capabilities over POS machines in the traditional sales channel.
All dealers are paid compensation based on the number of new subscribers they sign up and the level of such subscribers usage, as well as additional incentives based on their performance.
Sales Management develops strong relationships with and promotes brand loyalty among dealers through a variety of support and incentive programs. Training programs aim to educate dealers personnel on the technical aspects of our products and services, as well as sales techniques to increase sales and enhance customer relations. The technological development projects commenced in 2007, and coupled with merchandising services, point-of-purchase (POP) materials and channel specific campaigns, help to support the sales efforts in all of our sales channels.
We address strategic enterprises, large enterprises and medium businesses through three channels, which are account managers and small businesses with indirect sales channels, corporate focused dealer organizations and through Telesales operations. With the objective of working closely with more customers and improving effectiveness and efficiency, we increased the number of directly managed corporate customers. The main aim of this activity is to provide mobile services to large and medium enterprises and SMBs in order to meet their communication requirements and also to support these solutions with retention and acquisition programs and tariffs. We work closely with solution partners and application providers to integrate mobility into companies operations through tailor-made total solutions packages.
Advertising
We have worked continuously to bring the innovations in the mobile communications world to Turkey. Since our inception, we believe we have improved the lives of our subscribers with time saving solutions and by providing products and services that ease and enrich their lives.
Our goal is to become the strongest brand in Turkey. As one of Turkeys most beloved brands and leading mobile operator, we are helping our customers to share anything anywhere anytime by providing them innovative technology solutions. In 2011, we tailored our communications strategy to the concept of Life is beautiful when shared. The Life is beautiful when shared concept is reinforced by our value offers: superior technologies, more advantages, outstanding and extensive service quality, and being a leader in social responsibility. With our renewed vision, we lend our power to our customers by enabling them to be more connected to life with simple communications solutions ready at their fingertips.
In 2011, we launched our new logo. We evaluated our current brand architecture, naming strategy and brand expression in order to create a more powerful Turkcell brand. All sub-brands renewed to support one Turkcell brand. We increased the brand equity of all of our products. Turkcell group companies branding principles were also reviewed in order to a build a clearer link with Turkcell and to create a more powerful, unified Turkcell brand. In 2012, we will continue to support Turkcell Group companies for brand and communication issues.
In 2011, Turkcell brand communications started to be coordinated in a more harmonic and synergetic way to strengthen our power in communications and to deliver more consistent messages through all media. In order to ensure that each of our messages effectively reach its targeted customer segment, we advertised extensively through traditional and alternative media such as television, outdoor events, cinema, radio, digital and social media, and print. We aim to communicate 360° with our customers. In 2012, our goal is to have the highest level of brand awareness among our competitors, as we did in 2010 and 2011.
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Customer Services
The key part of our strategy is to provide basic and premium services by thinking and acting in a customer-focused manner. Our goal is to sustain a continuous relationship with the customer through customer satisfaction. We aim to achieve operational excellence throughout all customer touchpoints by continuously improving and correcting processes. We design our processes and service structure based on customer experiences.
We mainly work with two companies, Global Bilgi Pazarlama Danisma ve Cagri Servisi Hizmetleri A.S. (Turkcell Global Bilgi) and Hobim Bilgi Islem Hizmetleri A.S. (Hobim). Hobim handles the printing of invoices and archives subscription documents for us. Turkcell Global Bilgi offers 24 hours-a-day, 7 days-a-week contact center services at several sites and manages more than 250 million contracts annually. Turkcells customer service strategies for contact centers are implemented by Turkcell Global Bilgi and we make sure that customer services and customer satisfaction programs, which are also provided by Turkcell Global Bilgi, are executed in line with Turkcells strategies. Turkcell Global Bilgis success has been verified by a number of domestic and international awards. Among these were the 2011 Top Ranking Performance of ContactCenterWorld.com The Best Contact Center both in the world and the EMEA region; Employer of the Year at the European Business Awards 2011; Large Contact Center of the Year highly commended at the European Call Center Awards 2011, due to an expanding business volume announced on the list provided by Bilisim 500 Research in 2010.
We also offer services at face to face channels. Our centers are established all around Turkey in order to meet our customers technological needs and demands.
For corporate customers, account managers are assigned for exclusive service. An account manager is the single point of contact and provides proper solutions in response to customer needs.
In order to provide segmented customer service, we design and make improvements for all of the customer processes throughout all channels for different customer segments as well as monitor the quality of service provided.
In addition to the operational targets, we aim to achieve excellent customer satisfaction. We evaluate the performance of our service providers with the help of mystery shoppers and satisfaction surveys and make our service providers aware of any deficiencies and offer suggestions as to how to improve their service to our customers.
International Operations
A component of our strategy has been to grow or improve our business in international markets. International expansion and, in particular, continued strong operations in the countries in which we are currently present is important for us. We believe these operations will provide additional value to us in the future and will continue to serve an important role in our goal to be a leader in communications and technology.
While continued improvement of our current operations is a key priority, we may further expand and increase our presence in key emerging markets in the region, such as the C.I.S. region, Eastern Europe, the Middle East, Africa and the Balkans. Accordingly, we made investments in Ukraine in 2004 and in Belarus in 2008. Through such investments, we intend not only to transfer our technological know-how and marketing expertise, but also to maximize economies of scale and group synergy. As global competition increases in the telecommunications industry, companies need to evaluate opportunities for intelligent expansion within their geographic region to ensure development of new business lines and create synergies with existing ones.
In line with our business strategy, we have signed a wholesale traffic purchase agreement to provide voice and data services in Germany targeting the local Turkish population and other mobile users with close ties to
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Turkey. Our subsidiary in Germany, operating under a MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator) business model, has launched its services on a nationwide basis in March 2011 under the Turkcell Europe brand. Through similar cooperative business models, we intend to carry the Turkcell Europe brand to other Western European countries in which a sizeable Turkish community resides.
Our international endeavors will continue in 2012. In parallel to our continuous efforts in strengthening our businesses in Ukraine, Belarus and Germany, we will continue to selectively seek and evaluate new international investment opportunities in strategic emerging markets. These investment opportunities can be implemented through the purchase of new licenses and the acquisition of existing companies, as well as through alternative business models such as management contracts or MVNO-type partnerships, both in our main and adjacent communication and technology business areas.
UkraineLife:)
We acquired our interest in our subsidiary Astelit on April 2, 2004, by purchasing the entire share capital of Astelits parent, CJSC Digital Cellular Communications (DCC), from its shareholders. Astelit, 99% owned by DCC, held a nationwide GSM1800 license. On April 4, 2006, Astelit announced a merger of DCC and Astelit, which was completed on August 1, 2006. Our interest in Astelit is held through our wholly-owned subsidiary, Turktell Uluslararasi Yatirim Holding A.S. (Turktell Uluslararasi), which holds 55.0% of Euroasia Telecommunications Holdings B.V. (Euroasia), which is the 100% owner of Astelit.
Astelit began its operations in the Ukrainian market in February 2005 with its new brand life:). As of December 31, 2011, Astelit had 9.7 million subscribers, a 7% annual increase from 9.1 million subscribers as of December 31, 2010. The majority of subscribers are prepaid subscribers as of December 31, 2011. During the third quarter of 2010, the definition of active subscriber was modified to churn out any subscriber whose only activity was the receipt of bulk SMSs or call forwarding.
The life:) brand has become one of the best in the country and reached 99% recognition in the market due to its strong differentiation from existing mobile brands and focus on innovation, transparency and youthful spirit. The company has been known in the market as one of the most dynamic and innovative ever since life:) was the first to introduce a number of new technologies and products that had previously been unavailable to Ukrainian subscribers. The company is highly targeted to keep its innovation leadership in marketing and sales. In 2011, Astelit adopted its new regional strategy, which divides the country into three major regions and focuses on each region with tailored marketing and sales activities. As a result, Astelit expands and improves its sales network to bring its products and services to the most remote parts of the country. By the end of 2011, Astelit had 34,443 non-exclusive sales points throughout Ukraine, 433 life:) exclusive sales points and customer service centers operating in 216 cities in the country. As of December 2011, Astelit provided roaming opportunities in 181 countries via 561 roaming partners.
As of December 31, 2011, Astelit operated in 100% of the cities of Ukraine with a population of more than 10,000 inhabitants and more than 29,598 settlements, and all principal inter city highways and roads, which corresponds to coverage of approximately 97.8% of the whole population of Ukraine or 91.9% geographical coverage with more than 9,482 base stations. Cumulative capital expenditure for the development of Astelits coverage amounted to $1,356.9 million as of December 31, 2011. In 2012, Astelit will continue investing to increase capacity of its network.
Astelit is strongly dedicated to further developing innovations in the market and to apply for a 3G license when one becomes available (no timetable has been announced). Currently, there is only one 3G license that has been granted in Ukraine. This license has been granted, without tender, to the state-owned company, Ukrtelecom, which was privatized in 2011.
The Ukrainian telecommunications market is regulated by the National Commission on Communications Regulation & Informatisation (NCCRI), which is controlled by the President of Ukraine. In accordance with
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the NCCRI Regulation Plan for 2012, the technical specifications for MNP call routing model and the Regulations on MNP customers service standards are scheduled for adoption by NCCRI in the fourth quarter of 2012.
On June 25, 2007, Astelit together with Financell B.V. (Financell), a financing company which is a 100% subsidiary of Turkcell) and Turkcell entered into $390 million syndicated financing arrangement (replacing a prior financing arrangement under which Astelit was in default). Under this arrangement, Financell borrowed funds from a syndicate of banks and made a loan of the same amount to Astelit, and we guaranteed the principal amount of the loan to Astelit, any accrued and unpaid interest on the principal amount of the loan and interest, payment of costs, expenses and any other sums payable in connection with the loan by Financell to Astelit.
In addition to the senior syndicated facility, a long-term junior facility agreement for up to $150 million (including interest accruals amounting to $24 million) was also entered into with Turkiye Garanti Bankasi AS Luxemburg Branch and Akbank TAS Malta Branch in December 2005. According to the conditions of the facility agreement, interest costs will be added to the principal amount until total the principal amount reaches $150 million. This facility was fully utilized as of December 31, 2011. This junior facility is fully guaranteed by Turkcell.
In March 2007, Turkcell, through its subsidiary Turktell Uluslararasi, and SCM decided to contribute on a pro rata basis, an additional aggregate amount of $200 million to the capital stock of Euroasia. This contribution brought our effective interest in Euroasia to 55.04%. In 2008, Turkcell through its subsidiary Turktell Uluslararasi, and SCM contributed to the share capital of Euroasia an aggregate amount of $200 million in exchange for shares in the capital of Euroasia. In June and October 2009, Turkcell through its subsidiary Turktell Uluslararasi, and SCM contributed to the share capital of Euroasia an aggregate amount of $121 million in exchange for shares in the capital of Euroasia. Turktell Uluslararasi and SCM made the 2008 and 2009 contributions in proportion to their shareholding in Astelit at the time of each capital contribution.
On July 16, 2009, a new facility agreement with Financell was signed. The purpose of this agreement was to finance payments of goods and services delivered/rendered by Ericsson AB Sweden and its Ukrainian subsidiary. As of December 31, 2011, Astelits loan principal on this facility was $51.9 million.
As of February 1, 2012, Astelit had debt repayments due to Euroasia in the amount of $150 million and to Financell in the amount of $173 million. Since June 2011, Astelit has not met the payment obligations, which were waived until February 1, 2012. Since that date, our Board of Directors has not acted to approve or reached a consensus for the extension of repayment dates. As a result, Astelit was unable to meet its repayment obligations to Euroasia and Financell totaling $323 million and defaulted on its loan agreements. As a consequence of Astelits default, cross default clauses have been triggered on five loan agreements totaling $554 million (currently decreased to $402 million, following our $150 million guarantee payment) and waivers were obtained for the aforementioned loans before March 31, 2012. In the context of guarantees, Financell has pledges on shares and all assets of Astelit including bank accounts. Additionally, Financell has a second priority pledge on Euroasia shares held by System Capital Management Limited together with a guarantee and indemnity given by System Capital Management Limited. Financell has rights to commence enforcement of pledges and guarantee under certain conditions.
In the same vein, Euroasia, a Group company that is a 100% shareholder of Astelit, which had previously borrowed $150 million to finance Astelit, also defaulted on its loan on March 30, 2012. As a guarantor, we paid $150 million to related banks on April 6, 2012. In relation to the guarantee agreement, a first priority pledge on Euroasia shares held by System Capital Management Limited has been established in favor of Turkcell. Upon payment of the guaranteed amount, Turkcell has the right to commence enforcement of this pledge on the Euroasia shares under certain conditions. As a consequence of Euroasias default, cross default clauses have been triggered on four loan agreements (the same ones referenced above) totaling $402 million and waivers are being sought for the aforementioned loans.
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With respect to the amounts due to Financell, our Board of Directors decided to extend a guarantee to Financell in order to perform its obligations with respect to the loans granted by the banks for providing Group financing. The guarantee will be up to $410.7 million principle amount plus sum of interest, any other costs, expenses and fees that may accrue in connection with the credit line agreements. This guarantee includes the debt repayments of $173 million due under the loan agreements signed between Astelit and Financell, and of the loans that Financell granted to Astelit which have not yet fallen due. Astelits debts are denominated in foreign currencies which expose Astelit to foreign exchange and convertibility risks.
Since the acquisition of Astelit in the second quarter of 2004, the results of our operations in Ukraine have been consolidated in our consolidated financial statements.
Belarusian Telecom
On July 29, 2008, Beltel Telekomunikasyon Hizmetleri A.S. (Beltel) signed a share purchase agreement to acquire an 80% stake in Belarusian Telecom, which is specialized in providing services using GSM and UMTS technologies, for consideration of $500 million. On August 26, 2008, control of Belarusian Telecom was acquired from Belarus State Committee on Property and $300 million of the total consideration was paid. An additional $100 million was paid in December 2009 and another $100 million was paid in December 2010. An additional payment of $100 million will be made to the seller when Belarusian Telecom records full-year positive net income for the first time.
In 2009, Belarusian Telecom signed supply agreements with supplier firms ZTE and Huawei for products and services related to infrastructure investments in Belarus. In connection with these transactions, Turkcell gave guarantees of up to $35 million to ZTE and $29 million to Huawei in 2009. The $29 million guarantee given to Huawei expired in March 2011. As a result of an agreed early payment to ZTE in 2010, $19.1 million of the $35 million guarantee remains to be paid. In 2010, Turkcell gave an additional guarantee of $17 million to ZTE.
At December 31, 2011, Belarusian Telecom had 1.8 million subscribers, the majority of whom were prepaid, and operated through 104 exclusive and 1,290 non-exclusive sales points. During the third quarter of 2010, the definition of active subscriber was modified to churn out those who had not refilled their account in more than six months.
At December 31, 2011, Belarusian Telecom operated 2G services in all, and 3G services in 81%, of the cities with a population of more than 10,000, and 2G services provided in 99.4% of all principal intercity highways and roads of Republic of Belarus (total length of all Belarus highways and roads is 15,086 km), which corresponds to coverage of approximately 99.5% of the entire population of Belarus, or 91.5% of the geographical coverage.
As of February 1, 2012, mobile number portability was launched with a donor initiated mechanism. Subscribers who want to port their numbers have to apply to their existing operator, which is in favor of the dominant market players.
Kibris Telekom
Kibris Mobile Telekomunikasyon Limited Sirketi, or Kuzey Kibris Turkcell (Kibris Telekom), a 100% owned subsidiary of Turkcell, was established in 1999. As of December 31, 2011, Kibris Telekom had 0.4 million subscribers.
On April 27, 2007, Kibris Telekom signed a license agreement for installation and operation of a digital, cellular and mobile telecommunication system with the Ministry of Communications and Public Works of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. The license agreement became effective on August 1, 2007 and replaced the previous GSM-Mobile Telephony System Agreement dated March 25, 1999, which was based on
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revenue-sharing terms. The new license agreement granted a GSM 900, GSM 1800 and IMT 2000/UMTS license, for GSM 900 and GSM 1800 frequencies, while the usage of IMT 2000/UMTS frequency bands is subject to the fulfillment of certain conditions. The license agreement is valid for 18 years from the date of signing.
The license fee was set at $30 million including VAT. The license fee was financed by Kibris Telekom through internal and external funds.
On March 14, 2008, Kibris Telekom was awarded a 3G infrastructure license at a cost of $10 million including VAT, which was paid at the end of March 2008.
In the third quarter of 2010, Kibris Telekom completed and began operating the radio transmission (airlink) project providing direct international voice and data connection to the mainland. The project is the only direct connection in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, aside from the Telecommunication Authority.
Financell
Financell is incorporated under the laws of the Netherlands and has its registered address in the Netherlands. It is established as an intermediate financing company that is wholly owned by Turkcell. Financell will borrow funds from third-party lenders with or without a Turkcell guarantee to fund other Turkcell subsidiaries.
Turkcell Europe
Turkcell Europe was founded by Turkcell in 2010. Headquartered in Cologne, Germany, Turkcell Europe commenced activity in March 2011.
Turkcell Europe offers Turkcells service quality both across Germany and Turkey not only to the people of Turkish origin living in Germany but also those who have close commercial contact with Turkey.
Besides providing advantageous offers to those who call Turkey from Germany, Turkcell Europe, which offers the advantages of using Turkcell also in Turkey, aims to provide its customers in Turkey and Germany with a unique user experience. Furthermore, Turkcell Europe subscribers can access the products and services offered exclusively to Turkcell users via T-Mobile (Deutsche Telekom AG), Germanys premier mobile communications network operator.
With its extensive distribution network, Turkcell Europe offers services to its customers at nearly 1,000 locations spread across Germany. Having reached a membership base of over 200,000 subscribers during its first year of operation, Turkcell Europe is one of the fastest-growing Virtual Mobile Networks.
Other Domestic Operations
We continuously monitor new business opportunities which we believe have positive return potential and/or are critical for sustaining our competitive advantage in our core business.
Turkcell Global Bilgi
On October 1, 1999, we established Turkcell Global Bilgi in order to provide telemarketing, telesales, and call center services, particularly for us. In 2005, Turkcell Global Bilgi completed its transition from call center to contact center as Turkcell Global Bilgi started to manage customer contacts at every channel except face-to-face interaction. In November 2006, the face-to-face interaction channel was also transferred to Turkcell Global Bilgi. As of December 31, 2011, Turkcell Global Bilgi employed 5,952 employees, of which approximately 61% provide us with customer care and retention services, around 32% serve customers of other clients while the remainder work as administrative personnel. We own 100% of Turkcell Global Bilgi.
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Turkcell Global Bilgi owns a 100% share of Global-Bilgi LLC since 2008, which operates in Ukraine and provides telemarketing, telesales and call center services; and owns a 99% share of Global-Bilgi FLLC since 2009 which operates in Belarus to provide call center services.
Inteltek
Inteltek Internet Teknoloji Yatirim ve Danismanlik Ticaret A.S. (Inteltek) operates fixed-odds betting and pool games on sports games. Currently, Turkcell holds 55% of Inteltek through its wholly owned subsidiary Turktell Bilisim Servisleri A.S. (Turktell), while Intralot, a Greek gaming company, holds 20% and Intralot Iberia Holding, a Spanish company, holds 25%.
Intelteks business is currently operated under a contract entered into on August 29, 2008 with Spor Toto Teskilati A.S. (Spor Toto). The current contract is based on specific Turkish legislation relating to gaming enacted in 2008 and was entered into following numerous legal challenges to prior contracts. Under the current contract, Inteltek runs the sport betting business, iddaa, for a period of 10 years, effective as of March 1, 2009 and superseding a prior agreement. Under this contract, Inteltek has guaranteed TRY 1,500 million (equivalent to $846 million as of April 1, 2012) turnover for the first year of the contract and has given similar guarantees for future years. The guaranteed turnover for the following years will be computed using producer price indices. Inteltek shall pay the guaranteed turnover difference (after deducting commission income) to Spor Toto if actual turnover is below guaranteed turnover. To date, actual turnover has exceeded that amount. In addition to the foregoing, Inteltek signed a mobile betting dealer agreement with Spor Toto on January 12, 2010, which gives it the right to operate 1,000 mobile terminals.
In the context of evaluating investment opportunities in neighboring countries, Inteltek received authorization from Azerbaijan Azeridmanservis Limited Company to organize, operate, manage and develop the fixed-odds and paramutual sports betting business in Azerbaijan. In this context, Azerinteltek QSC (Azerinteltek) was incorporated on January 19, 2010 in Azerbaijan and is 51% owned by Inteltek. According to the agreement concluded between Azerinteltek and Azerbaijan Azeridmanservis Limited Company on September 30, 2010, Azerinteltek received the authorization to organize, operate, manage and develop the fixed-odds and paramutual sports betting business in Azerbaijan for a period of 10 years. Azerinteltek started its operations, with the brand name Topaz, on January 18, 2011 and reached 245 agents as of December 31, 2011.
Inteltek is the domestic market leader and is ranked among the most prominent operators in the international gaming sector. Inteltek intends to continue to explore business opportunities both in Turkey and abroad based on its experience and dynamism.
Turkcell Superonline
Turkcell Superonline has a Long Distance Telephony Services (LDTS) right, which allows the company to provide long distance call origination and termination for consumers and corporations, as well as wholesale voice carrying services. It also has authorization to provide satellite communication services, infrastructure operating services, Internet services and wired broadcasting services. Currently, the company carries some of Turkcells international traffic, previously carried by Turk Telekom (the incumbent operator). Turkcell Superonline was created in 2009 through the merger of our subsidiary Tellcom with the Superonline business acquired from the Cukurova Group.
Established to be an innovative telecom service operator, Turkcell Superonline offers its international and national clients wholesale voice carrying, international lease data lines (for corporate clients) and Internet access service with international connectivity. Furthermore, Turkcell Superonline is in the retail broadband market, bringing fiber optics to residences. Turkcell Superonline provides fast communication technology with its own fiber optic infrastructure in Turkey and provides telecommunication solutions to individuals and corporations in the areas of voice, data and videos (triple play).
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We believe that Turkcell Superonline differentiates itself through its steadfast commitment to the quality of after-sale services. Turkcell Superonline supplies corporations with industry-leading service level agreements utilizing its professional technical support personnel and highly qualified team of consultants. Turkcell Superonline has been awarded the ISO 9001:2000 Quality Management System Certificate. Turkcell Superonline aims to become one of the leading innovative Telecommunications Operators in Turkey and it intends to continue to seize opportunities in the Internet and telecommunications markets.
In December 2009, Turkcell Superonline won a tender worth EUR 20.9 million to lease the fiber optic infrastructure network of BOTAS, Turkeys State-owned pipeline company, for 15 years. The project was completed in the first quarter of 2012.
In 2010, Turkcell Superonline, together with Etisalat (UAE), Mobily (Saudi Arabia), Jordan Telecom, Mada-Zain Consortium (Jordan), and Syria Telecommunications Establishment (Syria) signed an agreement that will initiate the Regional Cable Network (RCN) Project. Starting from Fujairah (United Arab Emirates) and passing through Riyadh (Saudi Arabia), Amman (Jordan), Tartous (Syria) and reaching Istanbul (Turkey), the RCN Projects fiber optic cable line is expected to cover the entire Gulf region in the Middle East for the first time. Although we had planned for the project to be operating in 2012, current developments in Syria are hindering completion.
In addition, Turkcell Superonline founded, with six other leading service providers, the Turkish Network Alliance Platform (TNAP) to improve the quality and reduce the access time by carrying Internet traffic of Internet service providers through a fiber backbone that is a safe and back-up route of access established by the service providers. TNAP is expected to increase the speed, safety and quality of Internet traffic and improve the load of domestic Internet traffic in addition to supporting a better infrastructure for Internet service providers.
In 2011, Turkcell Superonline continued to invest in its transmission network by expanding the intercity and in-city fiber-optic backbone along with establishing new fiber-based access points at selected residential and industrial areas for end users and commercial account holders. As of December 31, 2011, Turkcell Superonlines installed backbone was approximately 30,000 km long and its services reached 10 cities, including İstanbul, Ankara, İzmir, Bursa, Kocaeli, Adana, Gaziantep, Antalya, Mersin and Samsun in Turkey.
Turkcell Superonline has begun to provide 1000 Mbps service also to homes in May 2011 for the first time in Turkey in line with the Turkcell Groups strategy to provide state-of-the-art technology for its customers with top quality service. Turkcell Superonline has rendered Turkey one of the first five countries in the world where a 1000 Mbps connection is provided to homes thanks to this service option.
On August 12, 2011, Turkcell Superonline signed a Share Purchase Agreement to acquire a 100% stake in Global Iletisim, which is specialized in providing Internet and telecommunications services. In November 2011, the control over Global Iletisim was acquired from Yildiz Holding AS for a consideration of $(0.5) million.
Turkey was named among the most successful countries in the Strategies of Leading FTTx Operators report published by IDATE, with Turkcell Superonlines fiber Internet applications. IDATE underlines that Turkcell Superonline is an important player in the field of FTTH, one that has proven to be a leading player not only in Europe, but also worldwide. The report also states that In the spring of 2011, Turkcell Superonline rolled out a new 1 Gbps access offer, making the operator one of the few in Europe to do so. Turkcell Superonline is in the process of positioning itself as one of the uncontested players in FTTH/B in Europe, and even, we believe, in the world.
Turkcell Superonline aims to continue to invest in and expand its own fiber optic network and further utilize the group synergy created with Turkcell. The Company intends to continue to take advantage of business opportunities within the broadband industry in 2012.
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Global Tower
Global Tower is a wholly owned subsidiary founded in 2006. Global Towers core business is to supply installation, leasing and maintenance services of tower, rooftop and indoor infrastructures for mobile operators, TV & radio broadcasters and operators of civilian/military wireless communication/monitoring systems. Global Towers site sharing business model eliminates the initial investment cost for its customers and also contributes to the reduction of adverse environmental impacts and the efficient use of resources in the countries in which it operates.
Having begun operations in 2007, Global Tower serves its customers with a portfolio of more than 5,000 existing tower sites. Global Tower, Turkeys first and only tower infrastructure service provider company, began operations in Ukraine in 2009 under the name UkrTower.
Turkcell Teknoloji
Turkcell Technology, a wholly owned subsidiary of Turkcell, commenced operations in 2007 in the TUBITAK Marmara Research Center Technological Free Zone in Kocaeli, Turkey. Turkcell Technologys growing team of experts develops a wide range of convenient and reliable solutions with innovative roadmaps. Through integrated intelligence and high performance capabilities, Turkcell Technologys comprehensive portfolio addresses the following domains: SIM asset and services management, mobile marketing, roaming, terminal and terminal applications, value-added services, mobile Internet and mobile financial services.
To ensure a permanent competitive edge and value for its solutions, Turkcell Technology cooperates with a wide network of national and international R&D companies, universities and research centers and plays an active role in international R&D programs. With the goal of being Turkeys leading R&D and innovation base, Turkcell Technology demonstrates the value it attaches to innovation with its increasing number of patents each year. Currently, Turkcell Technology holds more than 125 pending patents.
Equity Accounted Investments
Fintur
We hold a 41.45% stake in Fintur, which holds interests in international mobile communications operations. Below is a description of the businesses currently held by Fintur.
Azercell
Fintur indirectly owns 51.3% of Azercell Telekom B.M. (Azercell), which offers GSM services on both a prepaid and a postpaid basis in Azerbaijan. As of December 31, 2011, Azercell had approximately 4.2 million subscribers, of which approximately 0.2 million were postpaid and approximately 3.9 million were prepaid.
The agreement for the privatization of the Republic of Azerbaijans 35.7% ownership in Azercell was signed in February 2008 and Azertel A.S., the parent company of Azercell, acquired the Republic of Azerbaijans entire stake. Azertels ownership in Azercell increased to 100%; however, Finturs effective ownership in Azercell remains at 51.3%. Azercell was granted a 3G license in the fourth quarter of 2011.
Geocell
At December 31, 2011, Fintur indirectly owned 100% of Geocell Ltd. (Geocell), which operates a GSM network and offers mobile telephony services in Georgia. As of December 31, 2011, Geocell had approximately 2.1 million subscribers, of which approximately 0.03 million were postpaid, approximately 0.3 million were paid-in-advance subscribers that had postpaid services but paid in advance and approximately 1.7 million were prepaid.
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Kcell
Kcell is 51% owned by Fintur and the remaining 49% is owned by Kazakhtelecom JSC, the Kazakh incumbent fixed line telecom provider. TeliaSonera has signed an agreement with Kazakhtelecom to acquire 49% of the shares in GSM Kazakhstan LLP. The transaction was finalized during the first quarter of 2012. TeliaSonera has further agreed, subject to certain conditions, to sell 25% of the shares minus one share in KCell in an Initial Public Offering (IPO). The IPO is expected to be completed during 2012. Fintur Holdings B.V. is owned by TeliaSonera (58.55%) and Turkcell (41.45%). Once both steps of the transaction have been completed, TeliaSoneras effective ownership in Kcell will be 61.74%. Kcell offers mobile telephony services in Kazakhstan and had approximately 10.8 million subscribers as of December 31, 2011, of which approximately 0.1 million were postpaid, approximately 1.4 million were paid in advance subscribers and approximately 9.3 million were prepaid.
Moldcell
At December 31, 2011, Fintur directly and indirectly owned 100% of Moldcell S.A. (Moldcell), which offers GSM services in Moldova. As of December 31, 2011, Moldcell had 1.1 million subscribers, of which approximately 0.1 million were postpaid, approximately 0.3 million were paid-in-advance subscribers and approximately 0.7 million were prepaid.
A-Tel
On August 9, 2006, Turkcell acquired 50% of A-Tels shares. A-Tel is a joint venture and its remaining 50% shares are held by SDIF. A-Tel is involved in marketing, selling and distributing our prepaid systems. It acts as our only dealer for Muhabbet Kart (a prepaid card), and receives dealer activation fees and Simcard subsidies for the sale of Muhabbet Kart. In addition to the sales of Simcards and scratch cards through an extensive network of newspaper kiosks located throughout Turkey, we have entered into several agreements with A-Tel for the sale of campaigns and for subscriber activations. Since 1999, the business cooperation between us and A-Tel has provided important support to our sales and marketing activities.
On January 31, 2012, we notified SDIF that the service provider agreement between us and A-Tel will be annulled effective from August 1, 2012.
Potential Investments
Our efforts to selectively seek and evaluate new investment opportunities continue. These opportunities may include the purchase of new licenses and the acquisition of existing companies as well as alternative business models such as management contracts or other forms of cooperation in markets outside Turkey in which we currently do not operate, focusing on communications, technology and adjacent and new business opportunities. Our international expansion strategy focuses on key emerging markets, mainly in Eastern Europe, the Middle East, Africa and the Balkans.
We will continue to selectively seek and evaluate new international investment opportunities. In the context of our evaluation of potential investment opportunities within the regions we target for international expansion strategy, Turkcell has, from time to time, considered opportunities in countries in the Middle East and North Africa, and may consider such opportunities in the future. We may participate in additional public tenders for new licenses or the privatization of public telecom companies as well as in private sale transactions in emerging markets to pursue investment opportunities in line with our growth strategy.
Furthermore, following the launch of Turkcell Europe in Germany, we will evaluate expanding into other Western European countries where there is a sizeable Turkish community through wholesale partnerships or alternative cooperative business models.
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Regulation of the Turkish Telecommunications Industry
Overview
All telecommunications activity in Turkey is regulated by the ICTA. Electronic Communications Law nos. 5809 (the Electronic Communications Law), which came into force on November 10, 2008 and partially replaced Law no. 406 and 2813, is the principal law governing telecommunications activity in Turkey. The Electronic Communications Law was published to correspond to the rapidly evolving Turkish telecommunications industry, and new regulations are in the process of being published. The duties of the ICTA, which may be exercised in a manner that is adverse to our operations and our financial results, include those described below.
ICTA
The ICTA has the authority to grant licenses and set fees in the electronic telecommunications industry. The duties of the ICTA are specified in Article 6 of the Electronic Communications Law.
According to Article 8 of the Electronic Communications Law, electronic communications services are rendered and/or established (as in the case of an electronic communications network or infrastructure) and operated following the authorization made by the ICTA. Authorization is granted either through notification made in accordance with the principles and procedures determined by the ICTA, in cases where scarce resource allocation is not necessary, or by granting of usage rights, in cases where resource scarce allocation is necessary (allocation of frequency, satellite position, etc.). Under the Electronic Communications Law, usage rights may be granted for up to 25 years; however, there is no clause relating to the term of notification. According to the Electronic Communications Law, principles and procedures relating to the notification and granting of usage rights shall be determined by the regulation issued by the ICTA.
On the other hand, in cases where the quantity of rights of use is limited, Section 9-6(a) of the Electronic Communication Law allows the Ministry of Transport, Maritime Affairs and Communications to determine the criteria, such as (i) the authorization policy regarding electronic communications services which cover the assignment of satellite position and frequency band on a national scale and which need be operated by a limited number of operators, (ii) the starting date of the service, (iii) the duration of the authorization and the number of operators to serve. While the criteria are determined by the Ministry of Transport, Maritime Affairs and Communications, the authorization is still granted by the ICTA.
Under the Electronic Communications Law, the ICTA is authorized to determine the principles and procedures related to the process of personal information and protection of confidentiality.
The Electronic Communications Law establishes legal principles and broad policy lines that the ICTA must follow, some of which are stated below:
| Creation and protection of a free and efficient competitive environment. |
| Protection of consumer rights and interests. |
| Protection of the objectives of development plans and Government programs as well as the strategies and policies set by the Ministry. |
| Promotion of implementations that ensure that everyone can benefit from electronic communications networks and services in return for a reasonable charge. |
| Ensuring non-discrimination among subscribers, users and operators under fair conditions and ensuring that services are accessed by users of similar status under fair conditions, unless based on objective grounds or for the aim of facilitating the access of services with definite cover and certain limits specific for dependents. |
| Ensuring the conformity of electronic communications systems to international norms. |
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| Except as clearly established in the Law, in relevant legislation and the authorizations, allowing operators to freely determine tariffs in return for providing electronic communications services access charges including interconnection line and circuit rental fees including interconnections. |
| Taking into consideration the international norms, with a view of at least protecting human health, life and property, environment and the consumer while constructing, using and operating electronic communications equipment and systems. |
| Ensuring impartiality in the provision of electronic communications services and arrangements thereof. |
| Protection of information safety and communication confidentiality. |
The Electronic Communications Law also specifies general rules and principles relating to interconnection between operators. According to the law, for those who are subject to the obligation to provide access, such obligation shall be determined by the ICTA. When an operator does not allow other operators to have access within the provisions of the law or it sets forth unreasonable stipulations and periods for access in a manner that results in not allowing access, and, as a result, the ICTA decides that such behavior will prevent the formation of a competitive environment and the resulting situation will be against the interests of end users, the ICTA will be entitled to impose obligations on such operator to accept the access requests of other operators. Interconnection, including the tariffs for interconnection, is required to be provided on an equal, transparent and non-discriminatory basis with conditions agreed upon between the parties and on the basis of cost and reasonable profit. Agreements for interconnection are publicly available, but precautions are taken by the ICTA to protect commercial secrets of the parties.
Universal Services and Amending Some Laws, Law No. 5369, determines the procedures and principles governing the provision and execution of universal service and the procedures and the rules relating to fulfillment of universal services in the electronic communication sector, a universal public service that is financially difficult for operators to provide (and performance of a universal service obligation in the electronic communication sector). As per the provision of Law No. 5369, the scope of universal services is determined periodically by the Council of Ministers, which will not exceed three years.
The legislation designates the following as Universal Services:
| fixed-line telephony services; |
| public pay telephones; |
| telephone directory services to be provided in printed or electronic environments; |
| emergency calls services; |
| Internet services; |
| Passenger services to residential areas where access is provided by sea; and |
| Sea communication and sailing safety communication services. |
This law mandates that designated operators must provide Universal Services and the General Directorate of Communication can demand that operators provide Universal Services on a national and/or geographical area basis. Turk Telekomünikasvon A.S. and the GSM operators are currently designated as a Universal Service provider.
The Cabinet of Ministers Decision No: 27984 and dated July 4, 2011, allowed the use of Universal Service Fund to extend the mobile GSM network coverage to all uncovered areas with a population of 500 or less. The number of such locations was 2128 at the time, which were specifically listed in the afore-mentioned decision. The locations are equally divided between the three GSM operators. On January 10, 2012 Turkcell, Avea and Vodafone signed contracts with the Ministry of Transport, Maritime Affairs and Communications to determine the scope of work for the locations that are assigned to Turkcell by the Cabinet of Ministers Decision No: 27984. According to this contract Turkcell have to install the sufficient infrastructure to cover mentioned locations.
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The Electronic Communications Law also specifies general rules and principles relating to tariffs. Pursuant to the Electronic Communications Law, operators may freely determine the tariffs they apply in compliance with the relevant legislation and the ICTA arrangements. In the event of determination of the significant market power of the operator, the ICTA may determine the method of the approval, tracking and auditing of the tariffs. It may also determine the lower and upper limit of the tariffs and principles and procedures of the application of the same.
The Electronic Communications Law provides basic guidelines for price and thus leaves the detailed rules and enforcement to the ICTA. According to the law:
(1) The Tariff may be determined as one or more of subscription fee, fixed fee, call charge, line rental, and similar fee items.
(2) Tariffs to be imposed in return for providing any kind of electronic communications services shall be subject to the following provisions:
a) Operators shall freely determine the tariffs under their possession, provided that they comply with the regulations of the ICTA and the relevant legislation.
b) If an operator is designated as having significant market power in the relevant market, the ICTA shall be entitled to determine the procedures regarding the approval, monitoring and supervision of tariffs as well as the highest and lowest limits of the tariffs and the procedures and principles for the implementation thereof.
c) If an operator is designated as having significant market power in the relevant market, the ICTA shall be entitled to make the necessary arrangements to prevent anti-competitive tariffs such as price squeezing and predatory pricing and to supervise the implementation thereof.
(3) Procedures and principles pertaining to the implementation of this article, submission of tariffs to the ICTA and publishing and announcing them to the public shall be determined by the ICTA.
According to this regulation, the ICTA may intervene in the structure of our tariffs or may impose certain criteria relating to the revision of our tariffs. Pursuant to its decision dated December 8, 2009, the ICTA determined Turkcell, individually, to be an operator holding a significant market power in the Access to Mobile Networks and Call Originating Markets and, together with Avea and Vodafone, to be an operator holding significant market power in the Mobile Call Termination Market. As a result of the significant market power designation in the Access to GSM Mobile Networks and Call Originating Markets, our company may be required to provide access and call origination services to other operators such as MVNOs and Directory Services Operators on a cost-based basis, while operators not designated as operators holding significant market power can set their prices more freely. For example, due to our status as an operator holding significant market power, we are required to provide access and call origination services to a certain MVNO operator. Being designated as an operator holding significant market power in the Access to GSM Mobile Networks and Call Originating Markets is likely to have the effect of reducing the rates we can charge other operators, such as MVNOs, which would have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations. Furthermore, in addition to the negative pricing conditions, the uncertainty concerning the MVNO market has, and may in the future, negatively impact our business.
The ICTA abolished The Regulation On Quality of Service (issued in 2005), and published a new Regulation On Quality of Service in the Electronic Communication Sector on September 12, 2010, effective as of December 31, 2011, which sets out the procedures and principles to control the conformity of the services of operators. According to the regulation, new and important obligations with respect to call centers will be applicable to all operators that provide service to end users. Furthermore, mobile telephone operators are required to meet new service quality requirements and submit a report based on these requirements every three months to
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the ICTA. With this new regulation, additional requirements for service quality must be fulfilled. There are four separate regulations attached to this regulation: Call Center Service Quality Regulation, Internet Service Quality Regulation, Mobile Operators Service Quality Regulation and Fixed Operators Service Quality regulation. For each individual regulation, operators service quality will be separately measured and reaching certain KPIs for each service area will be expected (i.e. IVR menu durations, call setup times. If the operators fail to reach these KPIs more than once, this may result in the imposition of penalties. The results of quality measurements can also be publicly available.
The ICTA published the Regulation on Processing Personal Information and Protecting Confidentiality in the Telecommunications Industry on February 6, 2004. This Regulation establishes general principles to secure personal information and protect confidentiality. The ICTA is preparing to abolish the Regulation on Personal Information Processing and Protection of Privacy in the Telecommunications Sector, and preparing to publish a new Regulation on Data Privacy in Electronic Communications Sector. The ICTA requested our Companys opinions on the draft regulation. The purpose of this regulation is to define the procedures and principles that govern the operators and legal entities/individuals which provide/receive services in the electronic communication sector in an effort to process, store and protect the personal information of subscribers. In contrast to the current regulation, the draft regulation would require the consumers approval prior to a direct marketing SMS being sent. Therefore, if this regulation is approved, our methods of contacting customers about new tariff offers and services will be impeded unless we already have the subscribers permission. In addition, all of our subscribers traffic data, including those related to missed calls and data processing logs, would be required to be maintained by us for one year, which would result in additional expenses for the Company.
On September 5, 2004, the ICTA abolished the Regulation on Administrative Fines to be imposed on the Operators (published on August 1, 2002) and published the Regulation on Administrative Fines, Sanctions and Precautions to be imposed on operators. According to the amended Regulation, the ICTA retains the right to impose fines in the event an operator: submits incorrect or misleading documents or fails to submit documents as requested by the ICTA; does not timely submit such documents; does not permit inspection or audits to be made by the ICTA; uses unpermitted equipment or equipment not complying with standards or alters technical features of equipment; or does not pay fees arising from its use of licenses and frequencies or does not comply with the provisions of license agreements, telecommunications licenses and general authorizations or the legislation. In addition, the amended Regulation authorizes the ICTA to impose sanctions and precautions as well as administrative fines.
Regulation on Authorization regarding the Electronic Communication Sector
In 2009, the ICTA published the Regulation on Authorization regarding the Electronic Communication Sector, which determines the principles and procedures for the authorization of the companies that seek to provide electronic communication services and/or to install or operate electronic communications networks or infrastructure.
Wireless Interoperability for Microwave Access (WIMAX) license
Regulatory changes in Turkey to introduce and promote WIMAX nationwide could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations. Specifically, they may result in increased competition and/or the entry of new direct or indirect competitors, which may have a negative impact on our ability to attract and retain customers, the competitiveness of our products and services, our distribution channels, our brand and visibility and our infrastructure investments.
Fixed line telephone services
The ICTA issued Fixed Telephony Service (FTS) licenses pursuant to the Regulation on Authorization regarding the Electronic Communication Sector, which enables existing long distance telephony services
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(LDTS) operators, such as our subsidiary Turkcell Superonline, to provide call origination and termination. LDTS and, consequently, FTS providers have not yet had a significant effect on our operations. In the long term they could have the effect of driving down prices and shifting traffic patterns for in-city as well as long distance calls in Turkey, potentially having an adverse effect on our mobile telecommunications business.
As of April 18, 2012, there were 178 operators with authorization for Fixed Telecommunication Services: 74 for Infrastructure Operating Services; 150 for Internet Service Provision Authorization; 42 for Mobile Virtual Network Services Operators and 14 for Directory Service Operators.
On February 3, 2010, the ICTA published a new Regulation entitled The Right of Way in Execution of the Electronic Communications Services and abolished the Regulation entitled The Right of Way in Execution of the Telecommunication Services. This Regulation aims to determine the principles and procedures for the right of way for the establishment and usage of all kinds of electronic communications networks and/or infrastructure facilities; which is required for the execution of electronic communications services.
Regulation on Mobile Number Portability (MNP)
Pursuant to Article 32 of the Electronic Communications Law, operators are required to supply operator number portability.
MNP allows subscribers to keep their existing telephone number when changing their telephone operator, their physical location or current service plan. These regulations, published in 2007, became operational in the fourth quarter of 2008. Since we believe the MNP regulations conflict with our rights under our license agreement, without due compensation, we initiated a lawsuit in 2007 for the annulment of the MNP regulation. While we do not object to the substance of mobile number portability, we do, however, believe that our rights under our license agreement should remain protected or, if they are violated, we should be justly compensated. The Court rejected the case in June 2009 and we appealed the decision. The appeal process is still pending. See Item 8.A Consolidated Statements and Other Financial InformationLegal Proceedings. In 2009, the ICTA issued a new regulation on MNP, abolishing the 2007 regulation. For new subscriptions, subscribers cannot port out to another operator in the first three months.
Turkish Competition Law and the Competition Authority
In 1997, the Competition Law (No. 4054) established a Competition Board. The Competition Board consists of seven members who are appointed for a term of six years. It is an autonomous authority with administrative and financial independence established to ensure effective competition in markets for goods and services.
Powers and Functions of the Competition Board
The Competition Board can carry out investigations, evaluate requests for exemptions, monitor the market, assess mergers and acquisitions, submit views to the Ministry of Industry and Trade and perform other tasks stipulated by the Competition Law. The ICTA can apply to the Competition Board if it determines that agreements regarding access, network interconnection and roaming violate the Competition Law.
Furthermore, any person or legal entity may file a complaint with the Competition Board. Upon determination of any violation, the Competition Board can take necessary measures to prevent the violation and may impose fines on those who are liable for such prohibited practices. According to Competition Law, the Competition Board may impose fines up to 10% of the annual gross income of the operators, which is constituted by the end of the previous financial year and determined by the Competition Board. In September 2002, the ICTA and the Competition Board entered into a Protocol on Cooperation. The Protocol establishes a framework whereby the ICTA and the Competition Board can cooperate on legal actions and policies regarding measures, detections, regulations and inspections that affect competition conditions and the extension of competition in the
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telecommunications sector. The Protocol on Cooperation allows issues to be resolved more effectively and maintains a free and sound competitive environment in the telecommunications sector. Furthermore, it prevents controversial and/or misleading statements by handling the complaints of the operators, and it harmonizes the interpretation of related legislations thus enabling mutual cooperation and information transfer. In November 2011, the ICTA and the Competition Board entered into a new Protocol on Cooperation. The Protocol regulates the mechanisms to improve cooperation which are currently implemented between the Authorities and the efficiency of which will be increased in the future cooperation, in particular among them Information exchange, Requesting opinion, and Coordination and cooperation.
GSM Licensing in Turkey
A GSM license is subject to the ICTAs right to suspend or terminate operations under the license on the grounds of security, public benefit, national defense or to comply with the law. However, suspension or takeover of facilities under these circumstances is subject to the payment of compensation to the operator. The ICTA can also inspect such licensee and nullify its license if the licensee has materially failed to comply with the terms of its license. The ICTA may also terminate licenses in cases of gross negligence or non-payment of the authorization fee.
The terms of license agreements are governed by the Authorization Regulation, and it provides that the ICTA approve the transfer of licenses to third parties, ensure continuation of services in the event of cancellation of a license and approve the investment plans submitted by licensees.
The licensee is responsible for installing telecommunications equipment in conformance with international signalization systems and numbering plans. Furthermore, the licensee is obligated to make those investments which are necessary to offer the licensed service. These obligations include the design of the service, the making of financial investments and the installation and operation of the facility required for the service. Licensees are allowed to determine the prices for services, subject to the regulations of the ICTA. Upon the expiry of a license, including termination, the facilities and immovables of the licensee, in operating condition, will be transferred by the licensee in accordance with the license agreement.
Our License Agreement
General
Since April 1998, we have operated under a 25-year GSM license for which we paid an upfront license fee of $500 million. In 2002, we signed a renewed license agreement for our GSM license which provides that a monthly payment of 15% over our gross revenue paid to the Turkish Treasury shall be subject to the legal interest rate. If such payments are not duly paid twice in any given year, a penalty in an amount equal to triple the last monthly payment shall be payable to the Turkish Treasury. In addition, we must pay annual contributions in an amount equal to 0.35% of our gross revenue to ICTAs expenses. Finally, an article concerning the protection of users (subscribers) rights and an article concerning arbitration for the settlement of disputes are included in the renewed license agreement. After the tender relating to the allocation of additional GSM 900 frequency bands, made by the ICTA in June 2008, the license agreement was amended to include the additional frequency band and was signed by Turkcell and the ICTA in February 2009, which made small additional changes in the articles of the license agreement entitled performance bond and allocated frequency bands.
Terms
Under the license agreement, we hold a licensed concession to provide telecommunications services in accordance with GSM-PAN European Mobile Telephone System standards in the 900 MHz frequency band. Our license covers 55 channels and allocates telephone numbers between the 530 and 539 area codes in the national numbering plan. Our license also permits us to establish customer service centers, sign contracts with subscribers
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and market our services to subscribers. Our license was issued with an effective date of April 27, 1998, for an initial term of 25 years. At the end of the initial term, we can renew our license, subject to the approval of ICTA, provided that we apply between 24 months and six months before the end of our license. Our license is not exclusive and is not transferable without the approval of the ICTA.
We paid a license fee of $500 million to the Turkish Treasury upon effectiveness of our license. As security for the performance of our obligations, we were required to deliver cash or a bank guarantee equal to 1% of our license fee as a performance bond. In addition to this performance bond, upon the execution of the license agreement dated February 25, 2009, we were also required to deliver cash or a bank guarantee in the amount of TRY 1,264,500 (approximately $713,238 as of April 1, 2012), which corresponds to 6% of the tender (relating to the allocation of GSM 900 additional frequency band) price, as a performance bond. On an ongoing basis, we must pay 15% of our gross revenue, defined as of March 2006 to exclude interest charges for late collections from subscribers and indirect taxes such as 18% VAT as well as other expenses and the accrued amounts that are recorded for reporting purposes to the Turkish Treasury.
On June 25, 2005, the Turkish Government declared that GSM operators are required to pay 10% of their existing monthly treasury share to the Turkish Ministry as a universal service fund contribution in accordance with Law No. 5369. As a result, starting from June 30, 2005, we pay 90% of the treasury share to the Turkish Treasury and 10% to the Turkish Ministry as a universal service fund contribution.
Furthermore, under the Regulation on Authorization regarding the Electronic Communication Sector, all kinds of share transfers, acquisitions and actions of the operators which are authorized by a Concession Agreement must be communicated to the ICTA, and such share transfers, acquisitions and actions shall be made with the written approval of the ICTA if they result in a change of control component of such operators. The control component is defined as the rights that allow for applying a decisive effect on an enterprise, either separately or jointly, de facto or legally.
License Conditions
Our license subjects us to a number of conditions. While the license agreement provides that our license may be revoked in the event that we fail to meet any of these conditions, we believe that we are currently in compliance with all license conditions.
Coverage
Our license requires that we meet coverage and technical criteria. We must attain geographical coverage of 50% of the population of Turkey (living in cities or towns of 10,000 or more inhabitants) within three years of our licenses effective date and at least 90% of the population of Turkey (living in cities or towns of 10,000 or more inhabitants) within five years of the effective date of our license. This coverage requirement excludes coverage met through national roaming and installation sharing arrangements with other GSM systems and operators. Upon the request of ICTA, we may also be required, throughout the term of our license, to cover at most two additional areas each year. Except in the event of force majeure, we must pay a late performance penalty of 0.2% of the investment in the related coverage area per day for any delay of more than six months in fulfilling a coverage area obligation. As of today, we have met and surpassed all coverage obligations.
Service Offerings
Our license requires that we provide services that, in addition to general GSM phone services, include free emergency calls and technical assistance for customers, free call forwarding to police and other public emergency services, receiver optional short messages, video text access, fax capability, calling and connected number identification and restrictions, call forwarding, call waiting, call hold, multi-party and three-party conference calls, billing information, and the barring of a range of outgoing and incoming calls.
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Service Quality
Generally, we must meet all the technical standards of the GSM Association as determined and updated by the European Telecommunications Standards Institute and Secretariat of the GSM Association. See ICTA above for a description of the regulation governing quality of service.
Tariffs
The license agreement regulates our ability to determine our tariff for GSM services. The license agreement provides that, after consultation with us and consideration of tariffs applied abroad for similar services, the ICTA sets the initial maximum tariffs in Turkish Lira and U.S. Dollars. Thereafter, our license provides that the maximum tariffs shall be adjusted at least every six months. The license agreement provides a formula for adjusting the existing maximum tariffs. For the adjustment of the maximum tariffs established in Turkish Lira, the formula is: the Turkish Consumer Price Index announced by the Ministry of Industry and Trade for Turkey minus 3% of the Turkish Consumer Price Index announced by the Ministry of Industry and Trade. For the maximum tariffs established in U.S. Dollars, the same method is applied to the USA Consumer Price All Item Index Numbers.
Although the Concession Agreement includes a provision regarding only the increase of the maximum tariffs, the ICTA has decreased the maximum tariff since 2007, which has negatively affected our tariff structure (the last decision being on November 4, 2011). The Company initiated lawsuits for the annulment of such decisions. The lawsuits are pending.
The maximum tariffs set by the ICTA constitute the highest rates we may charge for the services included in these customized service packages. Generally, the maximum tariffs set by the ICTA for particular services are set higher than the standard tariffs determined by the ICTA for those services. Therefore, in customizing our service packages to meet the needs of different customer segments, we may combine higher activation or monthly charges (or both) with lower airtime rates.
The standard tariffs and the maximum tariffs set by the ICTA have been established in Turkish Lira and ICTAs schedule of standard tariffs and maximum rates are premised on the TRY/$ Exchange Rate in effect on the date they were approved by the ICTA. Although we believe the tariff structure in our license will, in most instances, permit adjustments designed to offset devaluations of the Turkish Lira against the U.S. Dollar, any such devaluation that we are unable to offset will require us to use a larger portion of our revenue to service our non-Turkish Lira foreign currency obligations. Additionally, in the event that the ICTA were to establish maximum tariffs at levels below those that would enable us to adjust our rates to offset devaluations, this could have a material adverse effect on our business, consolidated financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.
As a result of certain applications made to it, on September 25, 2007 the ICTA decided to implement a new requirement that our on-net tariffs be no less than the lowest interconnection rate applicable to other GSM operators. However, in the relevant legislation, which was applicable at that time, no authority was given to the ICTA to set minimum barriers for the tariffs granted. For this reason, we believed that such intervention was contrary to the applicable legislation. The ICTA also decided to set a maximum price of TRY 0.66 (including VAT) (equivalent to $0.37 as of April 1, 2012) for GSM to GSM calls under general subscription packages. However, we believed that this intervention by the ICTA, which decreased the previous maximum tariffs, conflicted with the relevant provisions of the license agreement. The ICTA was empowered only to apply the formula set forth in the license agreement, as explained above. By setting minimum tariffs for our Company only, we believed that the ICTA created unfair competition and violated provisions of the Electronic Communications Law, which stipulated that prices for telecommunications services be cost-based. On the grounds explained above, we filed a lawsuit before the 13th Chamber of Counsel of State in relation to the annulment and suspension of the execution of the aforementioned decision. On May 26, 2008, the 13th Chamber of Counsel of State suspended the ICTAs decision regarding the interconnection rate applicable for setting our
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minimum on-net tariffs. The ICTA objected to the decision, but the request was rejected. On April 13, 2010, the 13th Chamber of the Counsel of State cancelled the ICTAs decision regarding the interconnection rate applicable for setting our minimum on-net tariffs. The ICTA appealed the decision. The appeal process is still pending.
The ICTA, with its board resolution dated September 25, 2008, set the maximum price of TRY 0.66 (including VAT and SCT) (equivalent to $0.37 as of April 1, 2012) for off-net calls under general subscription packages. Thereafter, with the ICTA board resolution dated March 25, 2009, the ICTA has set a lower limit to on-net retail tariffs of Turkcell only, for the term of June 2009 - December 2010, and decreases the level of price cap for all GSM operators. We filed a lawsuit before the 13th Chamber of Counsel of State in relation to the annulment and suspension of the execution of the aforementioned decision. In June 2011, the 13th Chamber of Counsel of State rejected the lawsuit. We appealed the decision. The appeal process is still pending.
The lower limit applies to each retail tariff package of Turkcell by mandating that the weighted average on-net price of each and every subscription tariff package shall not be less than Turkcells weighted average call termination rate. This resolution has required Turkcell to report the weighted average on-net price of each and every subscription package in three month periods. To comply with the board resolution, Turkcell has adjusted the on-net prices of various tariff packages as necessary.
Subsequently, ICTA, with its decision dated December 21, 2010, decided that this Resolution should be applied permanently, and the reporting should be monthly instead of quarterly. We filed a lawsuit before the 13th Chamber of Counsel of State in relation to the annulment and suspension of the execution of the aforementioned decision. The 13th Chamber of Counsel of State rejected the suspension of the execution request. We objected to the decision. The lawsuit is still pending.
The board resolution also reduces the current price cap from 0.80 TRY/min (equivalent to $0.45 as of April 1, 2012) (including VAT and SCT), which pertains to general subscription packages (GSM-GSM), to 0.64 TRY/min (equivalent to $0.36 as of April 1, 2012). The Resolution has also set such price as an upper limit for special subscription packages. To comply with the board resolution, Turkcell adjusted on-net and off-net prices of some tariff packages.
Our Company filed a lawsuit before the Council of State in relation to the annulment and suspension of the execution of this decision of the ICTA. In June 2011, the 13th Chamber of Council of State rejected the lawsuit. We appealed the decision. The appeal process is still pending.
The ICTA, with its board resolution dated September 16, 2009, set the maximum price of TRY 0.65 (equivalent to $0.37 as of April 1, 2012) (including VAT and SCT) for GSM to GSM calls under general subscription packages.
The ICTA, with its board resolution dated February 10, 2010, further reduced down the current price cap to TRY 0.40 (equivalent to $0.23 as of April 1, 2012) (including VAT and SCT) for GSM to PSTN as well as GSM to GSM. The same resolution has set the current price cap of Turk Telekom to TRY 0.37 (equivalent $0.21 as of April 1, 2012) (including VAT and SCT) for PSTN to GSM.
However, under Article 13 of the Electronic Communications Law, in the event of determination of the significant market power of the operator, the ICTA may determine the lower and upper limit of the tariffs and principles and procedures of the application of the same. Based on such Article, the ICTA may take a similar decision which will have an effect on our future tariffs.
We believe that, pursuant to our license agreement, we can determine our tariffs freely, provided that they remain within the framework of the applicable maximum price limit. However, the ICTA may intervene with our retail tariffs. With respect to our retail tariffs, in the fourth quarter of 2007, the ICTA intervened in the fixing of
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our retail prices. Although we challenged that action on the basis that it exceeded the ICTAs authority under then-applicable law, such action nonetheless had an adverse effect on our operational flexibility and our results of operations. With the ICTA board resolution dated March 25, 2009, the ICTA set a lower limit for solely Turkcells on-net retail tariffs, and decreased the price cap level for all mobile operators. The lower limit applies to each of Turkcells retail tariff packages by mandating that the weighted average of the on-net price of a tariff package not be less than Turkcells weighted average call termination rate. The board resolution also reduced the current price cap from 0.80 TRY/min (equivalent to $0.45 as of April 1, 2012) (including VAT and SCT), pertaining to general subscription packages, to 0.64 TRY/min (equivalent to $0.36 as of April 1, 2012). The resolution also set such price as an upper limit for special subscription packages. The ICTA, with its board resolution dated September 16, 2009, set the maximum price of TRY 0.65 (equivalent to $0.37 as of April 1, 2012) (including VAT and SCT) for GSM to GSM calls under general subscription packages. The ICTA, with its board resolution dated February 10, 2010, further reduced the current price cap to TRY 0.40 (equivalent to $0.23 as of April 1, 2012) (including VAT and SCT) for GSM to PSTN as well as GSM to GSM. The same resolution set the current price cap of Turk Telekom to TRY 0.37 (equivalent to $0.21 as of April 1, 2012) (including VAT and SCT) for PSTN to GSM. Finally, with its board resolution dated March 24, 2011, the ICTA set the current price cap as TRY 0.415 (including VAT and SCT) for GSM to PSTN and GSM to GSM (equivalent to $0.23 as of April 1, 2012). With the same board resolution, the ICTA made a distinction between national and international SMS rates. The national SMS rate was set as TRY 0.415 (equivalent to $0.23 as of April 1, 2012), and the international SMS rate was set as TRY 0.83 (equivalent to $0.47 as of April 1, 2012). Finally, with the board resolution dated November 4, 2011, the price caps have been left same as set on March 24, 2011.
The ICTA has in the past intervened and may again intervene with the charging period, impacting the prices we charge for our tariffs. For example, effective September 1, 2010, the ICTA requires all operators to apply the maximum price cap during the first minute of all calls. The usage behavior and our financial results will be adversely affected if the ICTA intervenes on charging periods.
Relationship with the ICTA
The license agreement creates a mechanism for an ongoing relationship between us and the ICTA. The ICTA and Turkcell coordinate their activities through a License Coordination Committee (the Committee). The Committee is comprised of five members, two appointed by ICTA, two by us and one by agreement of the ICTA and our members, or, if no agreement is reached, by the Chairman of the Information and Communication Technologies Board. The Committee is charged with the task of ensuring the proper and coordinated operation of the GSM network, assisting in the resolution of disputes under the license agreement and facilitating the exchange of information between the parties.
The Committee meets at least quarterly and establishes its own operating principles and procedures unless an extraordinary meeting is called by any party with a seven-day advance notice. Matters in dispute are expected to be submitted to the Committee for resolution. While not binding, the Committee may render consultative decisions. Either the ICTA or we may convene a special meeting to consider issues that arise under the license agreement.
License Suspension and Termination
The ICTA may suspend our operations for a limited or an unlimited period if necessary for the purpose of public security or national defense, including war and general mobilization. During suspension, the ICTA may operate our business, but we are entitled to any revenues collected during such suspension, and our license term will be extended by the period of any suspension.
Our license may be terminated under our license agreement:
| upon a bankruptcy ruling against us by a competent court or a bankruptcy compromise decision, which is an agreement between creditors and a debtor to reschedule the debt of the debtor, if such ruling or compromise is not reversed or dismissed within 90 days after notice; |
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| upon our failure to perform our obligations under the license agreement if such failure is not cured within 90 days after notice; |
| if we operate outside the allocated frequency ranges and fail to terminate such operations within 90 days after notice; or |
| if we fail to pay our treasury fee. |
In the event of termination, we must deliver the entire GSM system to the ICTA.
If our license is terminated for our failure to perform our obligations under our license, the performance guarantee given by us in an amount equal to 1% of the license fee may be called. The license agreement makes no provision for the payment of consideration to us for delivery of the system on such termination.
In the event of a termination of our license, our right to use allocated frequencies and to operate the GSM system ceases. Upon the expiration of the license agreement, initially scheduled to occur in 2023, without renewal, we must transfer to the ICTA, or an institution designated by the ICTA, without consideration, the network management center, the gateway exchanges, and the central subscription system, which are the central management units of the GSM network. These units include related technical equipment, immovables, and all other installations and assets used in the operation of the system. We may apply to the ICTA between 24 and six months before the end of the 25-year license term for the renewal of the license. The ICTA may renew the license, taking into account the legislation then currently in effect.
Applicable Law and Dispute Resolution
Under our license agreement, any dispute arising from or under our license shall be brought before the License Coordination Committee. If the dispute is not settled within 30 days before the License Coordination Committee, it shall be referred to the parties. If the dispute is not resolved by the parties within 15 days, then it shall be settled by an arbitral tribunal in accordance with ICC Rules. The governing law of any arbitration is Turkish law and any such arbitration shall be conducted in English. Disputes relating to national security or public policy shall not be subject to arbitration proceedings.
Authorization of 3G Licenses
In 2008, the ICTA conducted a tender process to grant four separate licenses to provide IMT 2000/UMTS services and infrastructure. We were granted the A type license, which provides the widest frequency band, at a consideration of EUR 358 million (excluding VAT). We signed the license agreement relating to 3G authorization on April 30, 2009. The license agreement has a term of 20 years.
The 3G license agreement has provisions that are generally similar to those contained in our license agreement relating to 2G. However, with respect to dispute resolution, while our 2G license provides for arbitration for the settlement of disputes, under the 3G license agreement, disputes arising between the parties shall ultimately be settled by the Council of State of the Republic of Turkey.
With the 3G License Agreement, as opposed to the 2G License Agreement, the Company assumed an obligation related to its electronic communications network investments, such as the obligation to provide at least 40% of its electronic communications investments from suppliers that have a Research and Development Center in Turkey and the obligation to provide at least 10% of its electronic communications investments from suppliers that are Small and Medium Size Enterprises (SME) established in Turkey.
According to the Authorization Regulation, breaches by operators resulting in the termination of the GSM concession agreement for any reason shall also result in the termination of the operators concession agreement signed for IMT-2000/UMTS service. Also, if the GSM concession agreement is not renewed at the end of its natural expiration, the ICTA may continue to allow the utilization of the needed infrastructure by IMT-2000/UMTS services on terms and conditions to be set by the ICTA itself.
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The statutes, rules and regulations applicable to our activities and our 2G and 3G licenses are generally new, subject to change, in some cases, incomplete, and have been subject to limited governmental interpretation. Precedents for and experience with business and telecommunications regulations in Turkey are generally limited. In addition, there have been several changes to the relevant legal regime in recent years. There can be no assurance that the law or legal system will not change further or be interpreted in a manner that could materially and adversely affect our operations.
In addition to the foregoing, our indirectly owned subsidiary Astelit, majority-owned subsidiary Belarusian Telecom, and wholly owned subsidiary Kibris Telekom hold GSM licenses in Ukraine, Belarus and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, respectively, and some of them have obtained or will bid for 3G licenses. If Astelit, Belarusian Telecom and Kibris Telekom fail to comply with the terms and conditions of their license agreements, they may incur significant penalties, which could have a material adverse effect on our strategy for international expansion and our business and results of operations. In addition, our subsidiaries Global Tower, Superonline, Inteltek and Azerinteltek have licenses to perform their business. Failure to comply with the terms of such licenses may lead to significant penalties and adversely affect their, as well as our, results of operations.
Access and Interconnection Regulation
The Access and Interconnection Regulation (the Regulation) became effective when it was issued by the ICTA on September 8, 2009 and abolished the Access and Interconnection Regulation which was published on May 23, 2003. The Regulation sets forth the rights and obligations of the operators relating to access and interconnection and establishes rules and procedures pertaining to their performance of such obligations. The Regulation primarily sets forth applicable principles, details of access and interconnection obligations, financial provisions, and policies and procedures regarding negotiations and contracts for access and interconnection.
The Regulation is driven largely by the goal of improving the competitive environment and ensuring that users benefit from electronic communications services and infrastructure at a reasonable cost. Under the Electronic Communications Law, the ICTA may compel a telecommunications operator to accept another operators request for access to and use of its network. All telecommunications operators in Turkey may be required to provide access to other operators. The operators who are compelled to provide access to other operators may be obliged to provide service and information on the same terms and qualifications provided to their shareholders, subsidiaries, and affiliates by ICTA.
According to the Electronic Communications Law, access agreements and interconnection agreements can be executed with the mutual understanding of the parties. If the parties do not execute the access agreements within two months of the access request or if there is any disagreement in the access contract, the ICTA may intervene in the negotiations of the access contract upon request of one of the parties.
In accordance with Article 7 of the aforementioned Electronic Communications Law, the ICTA may determine the operators that have significant market power in the relevant market as a result of market analyses. After determination of the operators who have significant market power, the ICTA may impose additional liabilities for such operators in order to protect the competitive environment. On December 15, 2005, the ICTA designated Turkcell, Vodafone, and Avea as operators holding significant market power in the GSM Mobile Call Termination Services Market and designated Turkcell individually as an operator holding significant market power in the Access to GSM Mobile Networks and Call Originating Markets. According to the new regulation published in the Official Gazette dated September 1, 2009 and numbered 27336, unless otherwise agreed, any decisions taken by the ICTA in the years 2005 and 2006 relating to market analysis were valid and effective until the end of calendar year 2009. Pursuant to its decision dated December 8, 2009, the ICTA determined Turkcell individually as an operator holding significant market power in the Access to Mobile Networks and Call Originating Markets. Finally, on December 8, 2009, the ICTA designated Turkcell, Vodafone and Avea as operators holding significant market power in the Mobile Call Termination Market.
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Pursuant to its decision dated December 8, 2009, the ICTA designated Turkcell individually as an operator holding significant market power in the Access to Mobile Networks and Call Originating Markets and as operator holding significant market power in the Mobile Call Termination Market, along with Avea and Vodafone. As a result of the significant market power designation in the GSM Mobile Call Termination Services Market, our company, as well as Avea and Vodafone, is required to provide interconnection services on cost-based basis. Consequently, according to the Electronic Telecommunications Law, the ICTA may oblige such operators to provide access and to submit their reference offers for access and interconnection to the ICTA for review, and may require amendments to the offers. Operators are obliged to make the amendments requested by the ICTA in a prescribed manner and within a prescribed period. In addition, the operators are obliged to publish their reference offers for access and interconnection, which have been approved by the ICTA, and to provide access under the conditions specified in their reference offers and interconnection, which have been approved by the ICTA. On February 10, 2010 the ICTA published Interconnection Tariffs for Turk Telekom and GSM operators, which became effective on April 1, 2010. The Interconnection Tariffs have been approved as the tariffs to be determined in the reference access offers. According to the Interconnection Tariffs, the revised rate for Turkcell is 0.0313 (equivalent to $0.018 as of April 1, 2012).
The intervention of the ICTA in the prices that operators charge for reference access and interconnection services, along with our designation as an operator holding significant market power in certain markets, has had the effect of reducing the rates we are able to charge for interconnection services, which has had and will continue to have a material adverse effect on our revenues, business and results of operations.
Regulation on Co-Location and Facility Sharing.
In addition, the ICTA has required operators to share certain facilities with other operators under certain conditions specified in the Electronic Communications Law and to provide co-location on their premises for the equipment of other operators at a reasonable price.
Under the Regulation, operators holding significant market power are required to provide access and services to all operators on equal terms. Operators with significant market power are also required to perform unbundling of their services, which means that they have to provide separate service of, and access to, transmission, switching, and operation interfaces. Furthermore, the ICTA may establish rules applicable to the division of the costs of facilities among parties.
The ICTA published a Communiqué concerning Co Location and Facility Sharing on December 2, 2010 (which abolished the regulation published on December 31, 2003). According to the new Communiqué, ICTA should determine operators to be co-location incumbent if operators do not enable co-location or theres a dispute against competition or end-users. Similarly, ICTA could set tariffs if the tariffs for Co-Layout is not determined on a cost basis.
The Communiqué defines the criteria for operators who are incumbents for facility sharing and also states the items which must be considered for determining the Facility Sharing prices.
Subsequently, the provisions that regulate ICTA approval of the examination fee determined by the Co-Location and Facility Sharing incumbent have been removed, opening up the Co-Location and Facility Sharing process to negotiation. In addition, the Facility Sharing incumbents right to allocate a facility for its own network and investment plans has been reduced to 25% of the facility.
All access and interconnection contracts must be submitted to the ICTA within fifteen days of execution. Except where otherwise specified by ICTA, reference interconnection proposals will be renewed every year. The Company submitted its final reference access proposal regarding 2011 to the ICTA in the first quarter of 2011.
The ICTA published a Communiqué concerning Cellular System Antenna Facility Design, Set Up and Sharing on March 18, 2011 (which abolished the regulation published on April 16, 2008). The Communiqué
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frames, antenna facilities design, set up and sharing to enable antenna usage by multiple operators. The emission points will not be determined by operators, therefore operators will have to work cellular planning together. Operators must share every antenna facility regardless of tower or building top distinction. Antenna facilities must be set up in certain capacity that at least one more operator can benefit. Finally, when antenna facility set up and sharing requests are evaluated, if the owner of the facility refuses the request, the rationale of refusal will be informed to the requesting operator. This way, negotiation between parties is supported and ICTA involvement is kept at minimum levels.
As a result of the significant market power designation in the GSM Mobile Call Termination Services Market, our company, as well as Avea and Vodafone, is required to provide interconnection services on a cost-based basis.
According to the provision of the Electronic Telecommunications Law, the ICTA may impose obligations on operators, who are obliged by the ICTA to provide access, to submit their reference offers for access, and may request to make necessary amendments in their reference access offers. Operators shall be obliged to make the amendments requested by the ICTA in the prescribed manner and period. On the other hand, the operators shall be obliged to publish their reference offers for access, which have been approved by the ICTA, and to provide access under conditions specified in their reference offers, which have been approved by the ICTA. On February 10, 2010 the ICTA published Interconnection Tariffs for Turk Telekom and GSM operators, which became effective on April 1, 2010. The Interconnection Tariffs have been approved as the tariffs to be determined in the reference access offers. According to the Interconnection Tariffs the revised rate for Turkcell will be TRY 0.0313 (approximately $0.018 as of April 1, 2012).
Regulation on Spectrum in the Electronic Communication Sector
ICTA proposed a strategy to Ministry of Transport, Maritime Affairs and Communications by a Board Decision dated July 27, 2011. Due to the fact that the decision-making authority of matters such as politics of authorization, start of service, authorization period, and the number of operators to provide service, lies with Ministry of Transport, Maritime Affairs and Communications, the ICTA has decided that:
1. | Frequencies allocated for GSM services should also be used for 3G services (within the allocation time period) |
2. | Before the proposed GSM/3G usage, 2x8.6 MHz frequency (as 1 pack) in E-GSM band to be auctioned for GSM bidders who have less than 10MHz frequency in 900MHz band, 2 packs of 2x15MHz frequency each in 1800MHz band to be auctioned for GSM bidders who do not have any frequency in 1800MHz. |
The second part of the Board Decision implies that only Avea will be eligible for the E-GSM auction and Vodafone & Turkcell for the 1800 auction.
Regulation on Consumer Rights in the Electronic Communication Sector
The ICTA published a Regulation on Consumer Rights in the Electronic Communication Sector on July 28, 2010 (which abolished the regulation published on December 22, 2004). This Regulation introduces some radical changes to the electronic communication sector. With this Regulation, the ICTA determined new procedures/changes regarding:
| the process and timing of churn steps; |
| the obligation of the operators to keep subscribers informed of services, including, but not limited to: |
| services with special contents; |
| informing customers about amendments of the campaigns and tariffs; |
| the consumer complaints solution mechanism; |
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| billing processes; |
| the right to determine upper invoice limits; |
| safe Internet; |
| conditions we set for customers to suspend or limit services; |
| visually-impaired subscribers; |
| the definition of personal data; and |
| spam messages and emails. |
Pursuant to this authority, the ICTA may regulate, for example, the maximum and minimum limits on billing, spam messaging and the definition of personal data as it relates to directory services. For instance, the ICTA has published a draft regulation which obliges operators to give the option to consumers to put an upper limit on their bills. In addition, the ICTA may restrict the conditions under which certain mobile Internet and services are provided by third parties. Moreover, the ICTA published a Board Decision regarding Safe Internet on August 22, 2011, and the service has begun to be offered to subscribers free of charge. Operators have been obliged to provide Safe Internet Service to subscribers, who demand this service, as two separate profiles, the child profile and the family profile. The subscribers can change their profiles or opt out from the Safe Internet Service easily. For the child profile, the subscriber can only access Internet addresses on a white list, prepared by the Safe Internet Service Working Board. For the family profile, the subscriber cannot access Internet addresses on a black list, prepared by the Safe Internet Service Working Board. This Board consists of 11 members coordinated by the Ministry of Family and Social Policies. The Safe Internet Service Working Board is made up of 3 members from the Ministry of Family and Social Policies, 2 members from the Internet Committee, 2 members from the ICTA, 4 members, who are experts in psychology, pedagogy, sociology and other related branches, selected by the ICTA out of 8 candidates proposed by the Ministry of Family and Social Policies.
The ICTAs regulation of these activities could have an adverse effect on our mobile telecommunications business and we may be fined if we do not comply. Furthermore, our compliance with the ICTAs regulations may increase the costs of our doing business and could negatively impact our financial results.
Registered Email Service Regulation
Registered Electronic Mail Service will be started in July 2012. Mobile operators cannot provide registered electronic mail service; however, the service may create a new mobile business area with new bundled mobile products, which are able to service our subscribers.
Ukraine License Agreement
Astelit owns two GSM activity licenses, one for GSM-900 and one for DCS-1800. As at December 31, 2011, Astelit owned 24 GSM-900, DCS-1800, D-AMPS and microwave Radiorelay frequency licenses, which are regional and national. In addition to the GSM licenses, Astelit owns licenses for fixed local phone connections and wireless access using the D-AMPS standard. According to the licenses, Astelit should adhere to state sanitary regulations to ensure that the equipment used is not hazardous to the population and does not emit harmful electro-magnetic emissions. Licenses require Astelit to inform authorities of the start/end of operations within three months and changes in the incorporation address within 30 days. Also, Astelit must present all the required documents for inspection by the Ukrainian Telecommunications Authority at their request. The Ukrainian Telecommunications Authority may suspend the operations of Astelit for a limited or an unlimited period if necessary due to the expiration of the licenses, upon mutual consent, or in the case of a violation of the terms regarding the use of radio frequencies. If such a violation is determined, the Ukrainian Telecommunications Authority will notify Astelit of the violations and will set the deadline for recovery. If the deadline is not met, the licenses may be terminated.
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Belarus License Agreement
Belarusian Telecom owns a license, issued on August 28, 2008, that is valid for 10 years. In addition, the license shall be extended for an additional ten years. The State Property Committee of the Republic of Belarus, as the Seller, has fulfilled its obligations stated in the Sale and Purchase Agreement and submitted the related official documents on December 18, 2009. According to the current legislation of the Republic of Belarus, a license extension is made upon the expiration of its validity period. Consequently, Belarusian Telecom will apply for such an extension to the Ministry of Communications and Informatization in August 2018. Under the terms of its license, Belarusian Telecom is required to gradually increase its geographical coverage through 2018. However, Belarusian Telecoms period of execution with regard to coverage requirements has been extended for three years starting from the acquisition date.
Turk Telekom, Vodafone and Avea Interconnection Agreements
General
We have interconnection agreements with Turk Telekom, Vodafone, Avea and Fixed Telephony Service Operators whereby they allow us to connect our networks with theirs to enable the transmission of calls to and from our mobile communications system through existing digital fixed telephone switches.
The interconnection agreements also establish understandings between the parties relating to various key operational areas, including call traffic management, and the agreements contemplate that we and the other parties will agree on the contents of various manuals that will set forth in detail additional specifications concerning matters which are not specifically covered in the interconnection agreement. These matters include quality and performance standards, interconnection interfaces and other technical, operational and procedural aspects of interconnection.
The interconnection agreements specify that the parties shall comply with relevant international standards, including standards adopted by the GSM Memorandum of Understanding, the Telecommunications Standards Bureau of the International Telecommunications Union, and the European Telecommunications Standards Institute. In the absence of applicable international standards, the interconnection agreements provide that the parties will establish written standards to govern their relationship.
The interconnection agreements outline the applicable interconnection principles and provide the technical basis and rationale for technical specifications and manuals to be agreed to by the parties. The interconnection agreements:
| set forth agreements between the parties relating to the location of exchanges; |
| create obligations regarding network alterations; |
| establish routing principles to govern how call traffic will be routed within a network and between the networks of the parties, including interconnection routing rules; |
| provide for arrangements concerning capacity and expansion of capacity through new points of interconnection; |
| mandate arrangements concerning the use of numbering to transmit calls in accordance with national and international practices; |
| provide for periodic technical review meetings between the parties; |
| permit each party to engage in testing of interconnection exchanges; |
| address the consequences of transmission failures; |
| create an obligation to cooperate in order to maximize overall quality of transmission of calls in accordance with international standards; |
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| deal with emergency calls, calling line identification and malicious call identification; |
| assure the ability of a party to have access to the other partys premises where relevant equipment may be located (subject to appropriate protections); |
| establish procedures to deal with network faults; and |
| address issues relating to the construction and installation of antennas, towers, and other elements of system infrastructure. |
In addition, the parties agree to provide to the other party information which is necessary to enable performance of their interconnection obligations, the provision of services, or utilization of equipment and/or buildings as contemplated in the interconnection agreement.
Negotiations were held with Vodafone and Avea to provide electronic communication services within the scope of the IMT-2000/UMTS authorization; however, parties could not agree on the terms. The ICTA decision n°371 dated July 15, 2009 determined the fees to be applied for voice (as TRY 0.0655 (equivalent to $0.0369 as of April 1, 2012)) and video call (as TRY 0.0775 (equivalent to $0.0437 as of April 1, 2012)) termination within the scope of IMT-2000/UMTS services. Our company initiated a lawsuit before the Council of State to annul and suspend the entry into force of the said decision of ICTA. The Court overruled the suspension of execution request and the Company objected to this decision, but our objection was rejected. The lawsuit is still pending.
Turk Telekom
Pursuant to the interconnection agreement, Turk Telekom agrees to permit us to use its buildings, premises, and other infrastructure and to lease the means of communications transmission between our GSM exchanges, base stations, and base station control stations. We retain the right, however, to establish our own transmission network at our own expense in the event that such transmission network is not made available to us by Turk Telekom, subject to the consent of ICTA.
If Turk Telekom enters into interconnection agreements with other operators of mobile or similar telecommunications services, the conditions of such agreements must be the same as those in their interconnection agreement with us. If any such agreement does contain differing terms, we have the right to demand identical terms. If we desire to use the facilities and such use would impair the use of such facilities by others, our request will be given priority over potential users of the facilities that have not entered into license agreements with ICTA. Priority among operators which have entered into such license agreements will be given to the application that was first received by Turk Telekom.
The Turk Telekom interconnection agreement specifies that ownership of the GSM equipment and other materials, including those in existence on the date of the Turk Telekom interconnection agreement and those subsequently installed, belongs to us. The agreement also provides that intellectual property rights will belong to the developer or owner.
Payments
The Turk Telekom interconnection agreement provides for the payment by us to Turk Telekom of fees for the interconnection services provided by Turk Telekom and for the lease of transmitting facilities linking base stations, mobile telephone exchanges and base station control stations. Turk Telekom is not entitled to any payment in respect of our use of our own transmission system. Turk Telekom also agrees to pay us for calls transmitted over our network.
The Turk Telekom interconnection agreement provides that Turk Telekom will pay the 1% Turkish communications tax, which is payable on the basis of communications fees collected by Turk Telekom from customers in connection with telephone, facsimile, telex and data services, but excluding subscription fees. Turk
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Telekom is required to pay this tax to the relevant municipality pursuant to the Municipality Revenues Act. We are liable in respect of any increase in the applicable rate of the communication tax. If a party fails to make payment when due, it must pay default interest, to be calculated based on the commercial advance interest rate of the CBRT for the period between when the payment is due and when the payment shall be made, and it shall also pay a penalty for such delay at a rate of 10%.
A number of the provisions of the Turk Telekom interconnection agreement address matters concerning billing and payment of bills for services rendered under the Turk Telekom interconnection agreement. Each party is required to record call information and to provide that information to the other party. Each party is responsible for invoicing the other party on a monthly basis.
Call Tariffs
In accordance with the relevant articles of the Electronic Communications Law and subsequent Access and Interconnection Ordinance, the ICTA regulated both fixed and mobile termination rates. In previous years, the call termination rates have substantially decreased with the interventions of the ICTA.
Current interconnection rebates are based on the ICTAs decision on the Interconnection Tariffs issued on February 10, 2010. According to this decision, as of April 1, 2010, Turk Telekom pays Turkcell TRY 0.0313 (approximately $0.0177 as of April 1, 2012) per minute and Turkcell pays Turk Telekom a net amount of TRY 0.0139 (approximately $0.0078 as of April 1, 2012) per minute for local traffic, a net amount of TRY 0.0171 (approximately $0.0096 as of April 1, 2012) per minute for metropolitan and a net amount of TRY 0.0224 (approximately $0.0126 as of April 1, 2012) for long-distance traffic routed from Turkcell to Turk Telekom.
On April 10, 2009, Turk Telekom consulted the ICTA in determining the SMS termination fee and the ICTA with its decision dated September 9, 2009 set the SMS termination fee at TRY 0.017 (approximately $0.0096 as of April 1, 2012) for SMS Services from Turk Telekoms network per SMS, and TRY 0.017 (approximately $0.0096 as of April 1, 2012) for SMS services from our network to Turk Telekoms network. Currently, for the SMS Services between Turk Telekom and Turkcell, the SMS termination fees that are set by the ICTA with its decision dated September 9, 2009 are being applied.
In accordance with the interconnection agreement between Turkcell and Turk Telekom, for international calls originating from the Turkcell network and carried by Turk Telekom, Turkcell pays Turk Telekom 70% of the net amount of Turk Telekoms retail international call charges. Pursuant to this agreement, Turk Telekom was obliged to pay us 45% of the international settlement charge (terminal rate) that is transferred by the international carrier operator to Turk Telekom for incoming international calls that are terminated on our network. For the termination service price of calls from international destinations to Turkcell network carried by Turk Telekom, Turkcell applied to the ICTA for reconciliation. As a result of that process, the ICTA directed Turk Telekom to pay Turkcell TRY 0.136 (approximately equivalent to $0.0767 as of April 1, 2012) for termination of international calls. This call termination rate for international calls has been reduced in subsequent years by the ICTA in parallel with the reduction of national call termination rates. As of April 1 2010, Turk Telekom pays Turkcell TRY 0.0313 (approximately $0.0177 as of April 1, 2012) per minute. We and Turk Telekom have an ongoing dispute over this agreement. See Item 8.A. Consolidated Statements and Other Financial InformationLegal Proceedings.
We do not pay any charges to Turk Telekom for calls to special service numbers which are called free of charge according to Turk Telekom tariffs. For calls to special service numbers that are not free of charge, one party pays the other 72% of the others retail charge for that service, excluding VAT and SCT.
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Rental Rates
According to the Interconnection Agreement with Turk Telekom, the rental rates for Turk Telekoms real estate, leased by us and located in residential areas, should be established according to an experts report prepared by the local real estate experts of Turkish Emlak Bank. If there is no Turkish Emlak Bank unit in the area, or if the Turkish Emlak Bank cannot prepare an experts report, then the rental rate is based on the average rental prices determined by the relevant units of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry or, in cases where the above two units are not available, according to a report prepared by a valuation committee that will be established by the participation of three Turk Telekom personnel and one of our personnel.
Upon the expiry of a one-year rental period, rental price increases will be made according to rates issued in the annual state tenders report prepared by the Ministry of Finance, and 45% of the rental fee will be added for expenses, including personnel, lighting and water, among others, starting from the beginning of the lease period.
Charges for Energy at Switching Centers
We can subscribe to Turkish Electricity Distribution Co. (TEDAS) or another relevant electricity distribution company as a standalone customer and pay its energy usage charges. In such case, we will not pay any charges to Turk Telekom. We may also source energy by connecting a three-phase electricity measuring gauge to Turk Telekoms energy distribution panel. The expenses related to the connection of the measuring gauge will be borne by us. In addition, we may source energy by connecting an electricity measuring gauge to Turk Telekoms generator, provided that all expenses related to the connection will be borne by us. The energy usage fee will be calculated in accordance with a formula set forth in the Turk Telekom interconnection agreement. Under the Revenue Sharing Agreement, we were not required to pay Turk Telekom for these services.
On August 22, 2011, Türk Telekom initiated a lawsuit on the grounds that on-net tariffs of the Company are under the interconnection fees notwithstanding ICTAs decision implementing a requirement that our on-net tariffs be no less than the lowest interconnection rate applicable to other GSM operators. The lawsuit is still pending.
Miscellaneous
A party may seek to modify the Turk Telekom interconnection agreement by serving the other party with a notice of request to review such agreement if:
| our license is materially changed (whether by amendment or replacement); |
| a material change occurs in the laws or regulations governing telecommunications in Turkey; |
| the Turk Telekom interconnection agreement expressly provides for a review or makes express provision for a review or the parties agree in writing that there should be such a review; |
| a material change occurs which affects or could affect the commercial or technical basis of the Turk Telekom interconnection agreement; or |
| there is a general review pursuant to the Turk Telekom interconnection agreement. |
Upon service of a review notice, the parties must negotiate in good faith toward a resolution of the subject matter of the review. If the parties fail to reach agreement within three months from the date of service of the review notice, either party may request that the ICTA determine the manner, if any, in which the Turk Telekom interconnection agreement should be modified. The Turk Telekom interconnection agreement will be modified in accordance with that determination, unless the determination is subject to a legal challenge. The Turk Telekom interconnection agreement can be assigned in accordance with our license agreement. The Turk Telekom interconnection agreement will terminate automatically upon the expiry of our license period or on termination of
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our license agreement by ICTA. Neither party may assign the businesses which are the subject matter of the interconnection agreement to any third party unless such assignment is required under the provisions of the Regulation and the License Agreement or the other partys prior consent is obtained.
Vodafone Interconnection Agreement
As a result of the acquisition of Telsim by Vodafone, all the liabilities of Telsim arising from the Interconnection Agreement signed with us were transferred to Vodafone as of May 24, 2006. In line with this, Turkcell and Vodafone signed an agreement in July 2006 to amend the present interconnection agreement by agreeing upon general principles of our collaboration as a result of the transfer.
In light of this transaction, the following discussion will only refer to Vodafone. It should be noted however, that agreements entered into before May 24, 2006 were entered into by Telsim, the acquired company.
The Vodafone interconnection agreement provides for the payment of fees by us to Vodafone for the interconnection services provided by Vodafone. A number of the provisions of the Vodafone interconnection agreement address matters concerning billing and payment of bills for services rendered under the Vodafone interconnection agreement. Each party is required to record certain call information and to provide that information to the other party. Each party is responsible for invoicing the other party on a monthly basis.
Call Tariffs
Current voice call termination rebates are based on the ICTAs decision on the Interconnection Tariffs for Turk Telekom and GSM Operators, issued on February 10, 2010. Beginning April 1, 2010, Turkcell pays Vodafone TRY 0.0323 per minute (approximately $0.0182 as of April 1, 2012) and Vodafone pays Turkcell TRY 0.0313 per minute (approximately $0.0177 as of April 1, 2012) for voice call traffic. In addition, Turkcell shall pay Vodafone TRY 0.0775 (approximately $0.0437 as of April 1, 2012) per minute for video calls and vice versa.
The fees for SMS services were determined by the ICTA on October 27, 2009, upon Vodafones request. For the SMS services the ICTA determined that as of July 1, 2009, Vodafone is to pay Turkcell TRY 0.017 (approximately $0.0096 as of April 1, 2012) per SMS and Turkcell pays Vodafone the same amount per SMS.
Moreover, with respect to MMS Services, until November 1, 2010, Vodafone and Turkcell each paid the other a net amount of TRY 0.094 (approximately $0.053 as of April 1, 2012) per MMS, in accordance with the MMS Termination Protocol signed by both parties in 2008. Due to the amendment of the MMS Termination Protocol, beginning from November 1, 2010, Vodafone and Turkcell each pay the other a net amount of TRY 0.055 (approximately $0.031 as of April 1, 2012) per MMS. As of November 1, 2011, due to a new amendment of the MMS Termination Protocol, Vodafone and Turkcell each pay the other a net amount of TRY 0.045 (approximately $0.025 as of April 1, 2012) per MMS.
Both parties charge each other 10% more than effective call termination tariffs per minute for accessing the others directory inquiry services.
Miscellaneous
A party may seek to modify the Vodafone interconnection agreement by serving the other party with a notice of request to review such agreement if:
| its license is materially changed (whether by amendment or replacement); |
| a material change occurs in the law or regulations governing telecommunications in Turkey; |
| the interconnection agreement expressly provides for a review or makes express provision for a review or the parties agree in writing that there should be such a review; |
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| a material change occurs that affects or could affect the commercial or technical basis of the interconnection agreement; or |
| there is a general review pursuant to the interconnection agreement. |
Upon service of a review notice, the parties must negotiate in good faith toward a resolution of the subject matter of the review. If the parties fail to reach agreement within three months from the date of service of the review notice, either party may request that the ICTA determine the manner, if any, in which the Vodafone interconnection agreement should be modified. The Vodafone interconnection agreement will be modified in accordance with that determination, unless the determination is subject to a legal challenge. The Vodafone interconnection agreement cannot be assigned or transferred by the parties without the other partys prior written consent.
The Vodafone interconnection agreement will remain in force for the duration of the license period unless one of the parties serves a three-month termination notice to the other party.
The Vodafone interconnection agreement will terminate:
| automatically upon expiry of the parties respective license periods or on termination of the respective license agreements by the Turkish Ministry; or |
| save for events of force majeure, upon one months termination notice by the parties, due to failure to fulfill the obligations in the interconnection agreement for a period in excess of three months. |
Even in the event of termination of the interconnection agreement, all services provided and the obligations of the parties during the term of this agreement will remain effective for a period of six months until interconnection can be established with Turk Telekom or another alternative network operator.
Any disputes between the parties will first be subject to friendly settlement efforts. In the event that the parties fail to reach an amicable settlement, they then must refer the matter to the ICTA for its recommended solution to the dispute in question. If the proposed solution recommended by the ICTA is not accepted by the parties, the parties are free to refer the matter to arbitration in accordance with the provisions of the Turkish Civil Procedural Law.
Avea Interconnection Agreement
We and Avea, the entity incorporated as a result of the merger of Is-TIM and Aycell, signed a protocol canceling the interconnection agreement between Turkcell and Aycell and the parties agreed that the Is-Tim interconnection agreement will be applicable between the parties. References to the Avea Interconnection Agreement refer to the original Is-TIM interconnection agreement that now governs our interconnection relationship with Avea.
Payments
The Avea Interconnection Agreement provides for the payment of fees by us to Avea for the interconnection services provided by Avea. A number of the provisions of the interconnection agreement address matters concerning billing and payment of bills for services rendered under the interconnection agreement. Each party is required to record certain call information and to provide that information to the other party. Each party is responsible for invoicing the other party on a monthly basis.
Call Tariffs
Current voice call termination rates are based on the ICTAs decision on the Interconnection Tariffs for Turk Telekom and GSM Operators issued on February 10, 2010. As of April 1, 2010, Turkcell pays Avea
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TRY 0.0370 per minute (approximately $0.0209 as of April 1, 2012) and Avea pays Turkcell TRY 0.0313 per minute (approximately $0.0177 as of April 1, 2012) for call traffic. In addition, Turkcell and Avea each pay the other TRY 0.0775 (approximately $0.0437 as of April 1, 2012) per minute for video calls.
On January 16, 2009, the ICTA concluded the reconciliation process to be applied between Turkcell and Avea with regards to SMS termination fees. In accordance with this decision, Turkcell pays Avea TRY 0.0187 per SMS (approximately $0.0105 as of April 1, 2012) and Avea pays Turkcell TRY 0.0170 per SMS (approximately $0.0096 as of April 1, 2012).
Avea applied to the ICTA for MMS Services and the ICTA decided to enter into a MMS Termination Protocol that was signed with Avea on June 22, 2009. ICTA also determined the fees for MMS Services. Pursuant to the ICTAs decision, Avea currently pays TRY 0.0340 (approximately $0.019 as of April 1, 2012) to Turkcell and Turkcell pays TRY 0.0374 (approximately $0.0211 as of April 1, 2012) per MMS.
We and Avea have an on-going dispute over SMS termination fees. The relevant court accepted the request of Avea and we have appealed the decision. The Supreme Court accepted our appeal request. However, the Court of First Instance accepted the lawsuit again. We appealed the decision. See Item 8A. Consolidated Statements and Other Financial InformationLegal Proceedings of this annual report on Form 20-F.
On November 4, 2010, Avea initiated two lawsuits on the grounds that on-net tariffs of the Company are under the interconnection fees, notwithstanding ICTAs decision implementing the requirement that our on-net tariffs be no less than the lowest interconnection rate applicable to other GSM operators. During the judgment of one of the lawsuits, an expert report from a committee of experts was submitted to the court, which is in favor of the Company. Both lawsuits are still pending.
Miscellaneous
A party may seek to modify the interconnection agreement by serving the other party with a notice of request to review the agreement if:
| its license is materially changed (whether by amendment or replacement); |
| a material change occurs in the law or regulations governing telecommunications in Turkey; |
| the interconnection agreement expressly provides for a review or makes express provision for a review or the parties agree in writing that there should be such a review; |
| a material change occurs which affects or could affect the commercial or technical basis of the interconnection agreement; or |
| there is a general review pursuant to the interconnection agreement. |
Upon service of a review notice, the parties must negotiate in good faith toward a resolution of the subject matter of the review. If the parties fail to reach agreement within three months from the date of service of the review notice, either party may request that the ICTA determine the manner, if any, in which the interconnection agreement should be modified. The interconnection agreement will be modified in accordance with that determination, unless the determination is subject to a legal challenge. The interconnection agreement cannot be assigned or transferred by the parties without the other partys prior written consent.
The Avea interconnection agreement will remain in force for the duration of the license period unless one of the parties serves a three-month termination notice to the other party.
The Avea interconnection agreement will terminate:
| automatically upon expiry of the parties respective license periods or on termination of the respective license agreements by the Turkish Ministry; or |
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| save for events of force majeure, upon one months termination notice by the parties, due to failure to fulfill the obligations in the interconnection agreement for a period in excess of three months. |
Even in the event of termination of the interconnection agreement, all services provided and the obligations of the parties during the term of this agreement will continue to become effective for a period of six months until interconnection can be realized with Turk Telekom or another alternative network operator.
Any disputes between the parties shall first be subject to friendly settlement by the efforts of the parties. In the event that parties fail to reach an amicable settlement, then they shall refer the matter to the ICTA for its recommended solution to the dispute in question. If the proposed solution recommended by the ICTA is not accepted by the parties, the parties are free to refer the matter to arbitration in accordance with the provisions of the Turkish Civil Procedural Law.
Agreements Concluded with Operators Licensed to Provide Satellite Services
We have executed agreements with Globalstar Avrasya Uydu Ses ve Data Iletisim A.S. and Teknomobil Uydu Haberlesme A.S., operators licensed to provide satellite services. The scope of such agreements is the interconnection between the networks of the parties and the determination of the principles and procedures of the methods of network operation and clearance.
Agreements Concluded with the Operators (Formerly) Authorized as Fixed Telecommunication Services Operator
Call Termination Agreements
Turkcell, as an operator holding significant market power, entered into Call Termination Agreements with all operators licensed to provide Long-Distance Call Services and who applied to Turkcell for an agreement. Under the Call Termination Agreements, Turkcell agreed, among other things, to terminate voice calls carried by the operators and rising from a national fixed telecommunications network and/or any international telecommunications network in accordance with technical specifications set out in the agreement.
International Transit Traffic Services Agreements
Turkcell entered into International Traffic Carrying Services Agreements with nine operators. Under these Agreements, we may carry calls to these operators switches for onward transmission to their destinations and these operators should provide the termination of these calls on the relevant network. These operators charge us at various prices identified within the scope of the agreement for the calls directed to numerous networks around the globe. The operators may modify their rates upon fifteen days advanced written notice and such rates will become applicable upon our approval.
Interconnection Agreements
Turkcell entered into interconnection agreements with six fixed telecommunication service operators. Interconnection rates are regulated by the ICTA. As of April 1, 2010, Turkcell pays fixed-line operators TRY 0.0320 per minute (approximately $0.0180 as of April 1, 2012) and fixed line operators pay Turkcell TRY 0.0313 per minute (approximately $0.0177 as of April 1, 2012) for voice call traffic.
SMS Termination Agreements
During 2011, Turkcell entered into SMS Termination Agreements with four Fixed Telephony Service Operators. In accordance with the ICTA regulations on SMS Termination Rates on Turkcells network, fixed Telephony Service Operators pay Turkcell TRY 0.0170 per SMS (approximately $0.0096 as of April 1, 2012).
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MVNO Services
Negotiations to enter into agreements with MVNOs are pending. However, it should be noted that the ICTA, with its decision, which was taken upon application of one MVNO, decided that Turkcell has to send a draft MVNO agreement to the MVNO which applied to the ICTA. Furthermore, the ICTA, with the same decision, determined the call origination and termination fees for voice as TRY 0.0313 per minute (approximately $0.0177 as of April 1, 2012), for video call as TRY 0.0775 per minute (approximately $0.0437 as of April 1, 2012) and for SMS as TRY 0.0170 (approximately $0.0096 as of April 1, 2012) per SMS to be applied to the MVNO which submitted an application to the ICTA. Negotiations on the details of the draft agreement are still a matter of dispute between Turkcell and the MVNO candidate.
Directory Services
Turkcell entered into agreements relating to the provision of directory services with thirteen Directory Service Providers, which are licensed to provide directory services by the ICTA. The aforementioned agreements determine the principles and procedures related to the access of the companies to Turkcell database, the provision of directory services to the subscribers and clearing procedure of the parties. Such agreements are valid and binding for a term of one year. However, if neither party notifies the other party one month before the expiration of the agreement of its request to terminate, the agreement will automatically be renewed for another one year term.
Prospective Legislation and Regulations
The Electronic Communications Law provides that current telecommunications legislation shall be revised and amended. The revision and amending processes are still ongoing. However, during this period, all regulations and communiqués that were effective prior to the publication of the Electronic Communications Law will still be valid and binding, on the condition that they are not contrary to the provisions of the Electronic Communications Law. Therefore, certain subjects, which are explained below, have not yet been regulated by the ICTA.
Regulations
The ICTA, in preparing to abolish the Regulation on Personal Information Processing and to publish a new Regulation on Data Secrecy in Electronic Communications Sector, has requested our Companys opinions on the draft Regulation. The purpose of this regulation is to define the procedures and principles that the operators and legal entities/individuals which provide/receive services in the electronic communications sector may employ in an effort to process, store and protect personal information. For example, in contrast to the current regulation, the draft regulation would require the consumers approval prior to a direct marketing SMS being sent.
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The following chart lists each of our key subsidiaries (including our ownership interest in Fintur) and our proportionate direct and indirect ownership interest as of April 1, 2012:
Notes:
(1) | KCell is 51% owned by Fintur and the remaining 49% is owned by Kazakhtelecom JSC, the Kazakh incumbent fixed-line telecom provider. TeliaSonera has signed an agreement with Kazakhtelecom to acquire 49% of the shares in GSM Kazakhstan LLP. The transaction was finalized during the first quarter of 2012. |
(2) | Azertel is 51.3% owned by Fintur and the remaining 48.7% of the shares are privately-owned companies. Azercell is 100% owned by Azertel. Finturs effective ownership in Azercell is 51.3%. |
(3) | Gurtel is 99.99% owned by Fintur and Geocell is 100% owned by Gurtel. |
(4) | Moldcell is 99% owned by Fintur and 1% owned by Molfintur SRL, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Fintur. |
(5) | Turkcell Europe started its operations in March 2011 as an MVNO by providing mobile voice and data services in Germany. |
(6) | We signed a share purchase agreement in regard to the acquisition of all of the shares of Global İletişim from its shareholders on August 12, 2011. The transfer of shares took place in November 2011. Global Iletişim merged with Turkcell Superonline on March 30, 2012. See Note 7 of our Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 20-F for detailed information. |
(7) | Fizy was established on April 6, 2011. The companys main operations consist of music and video broadcasting, music subscription sales, production, advertisement, publicity and promotion services on the Internet. Fizy Medya Internet ve Bilisim Teknolojileri Limited Sirketi transferred its domain name, brand, customer database and software to Turktell on January 28, 2011 and Turktell has agreed to put these rights as capital to Fizy. |
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For information on the country of incorporation of our key subsidiaries, see Item 4.B. Business Overview.
4.D Property, Plant and Equipment
Our principal property, plant and equipment consists of management offices, switching sites, network infrastructure sites, and network and office equipment.
The Group owns buildings in Istanbul Beyoglu (headquarters), Turkcell Head Quarters Plus (TMO+), Istanbul Maltepe, Istanbul Kartal, Istanbul Davutpasa, Ankara Cinnah, Ankara Sogutozu, Adana, Diyarbakir, Samsun, Izmir, Antalya, Trabzon, Bursa, Academy, Sisli, Van, Kayseri and Maltepe Plus.
In addition to the foregoing properties, we maintain two rented warehouses in Istanbul (Tuzla Omsan and Trio) and one in Çorlu.
Core Network Infrastructure
Our core network consists of standalone Home Location Registers (HLR), a combined Number Portability Switch Relay Function (SRF) and Number Portability Database and Signal Transfer Point (STP), Base Station Controllers (BSC), Radio Network Controllers (RNC). The Core Network common for 2G and 3G radio networks and carries voice over IP, with combined Mobile Switch Centers/Visitor Location Registers (MSC/VLR), Media Gateways (MGW), Charging Control Node (CCN). Our core packet switching network consists of SGSNs (Serving GPRS Support Node) and GGSNs (Gateway GPRS Support Node) providing GPRS/EDGE, and HSPA/HSPA+ (High Speed Packet Access) capability for mobile packet traffic.
We have switches in Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, Adana, Antalya, Aydin, Balikesir, Bursa, Bodrum (Muğla), Corlu (Tekirdag), Corum, Denizli, Diyarbakir, Erzurum, Eskisehir, Gaziantep, Hatay, Kayseri, Kocaeli, Konya, Manisa, Mersin, Mugla, Sakarya, Samsun, Sivas, Tokat, Trabzon, Van and Zonguldak. We also have Remote BSC (RBSC) locations at Adiyaman, Afyon, Agri, Alanya (Antalya), Artvin, Elazig, Kars, Kutahya, Ordu, Rize, Sanliurfa and Sirnak.
In addition, we own switch buildings in different cities in Turkey, such as Mahmutbey (Istanbul), Aydin, Balikesir, Denizli, Mugla, Bodrum, Izmit, Konya and Erzurum. Switch buildings are where the network switching equipment such as (MSCs), (MGW), (BSC) and (RNC) is located.
Access Network Infrastructure
Our Access Network consists of BTS and Node Bs located on rooftops or towers. BTSs are the fixed transmitter and receiver equipment in each cell, or coverage area of a single antenna, of a mobile communications network that communicates by radio signal with mobile telephones in the cell. In the same manner, Node Bs are radio signal transmitter and receiver equipment in each 3G cell, connected to and controlled by RNC in order to realize 3G and HSPA+ coverage for 3G /HSPA equipped mobile phones.
At the end of December 2011, we owned over 29,000 base stations and leased the land underlying such base stations.
In 2009, the ICTA resolved that operators may transfer the right of use of their towers to third parties. In accordance with this resolution, we transferred the right of use of 2,914 towers to Global Tower, including the towers that are determined as suitable for right of use transfer, to be used by Global Tower for the provision of its services to the wireless broadcast and communications industry in Turkey, 95 of which were removed from the network up until the end of 2011. As of December 31, 2011, Global Tower provided services to the industry with 2,506 masts and towers built by Global Tower and 2,819 towers transferred from Turkcell located throughout Turkey.
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Transmission Network Infrastructure
Each BTS is connected to a BSC via our transmission network. Turkcells Mobile Backhaul utilizes various transport technologies to provide for an efficient, resilient and cost effective transmission network. Connectivity between sites is provided using leased lines carried over Synchronous Digital Hierarchy (SDH), Ethernet over Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM) and Radio links where appropriate. Cell sites with site connectivity are mostly served by point-to-point microwave radio links owned and managed by Turkcell, make up more than 90% of our network. Interconnections with other Public Land Mobile Networks (PLMN), Public Switched Telephone Networks (PSTN), Long Distance Telephony Services (LDTS) and small operator companies are realized through leased lines connections. We lease all our transmission lines through two different infrastructure providers, namely Turk Telekom or Turkcell Superonline, not only to increase the availability and reliability of our network but also to decrease operational expenditures through tariff competition.
None.
ITEM 5. | OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS |
The following discussion and analysis by our management of our financial condition and the results of our operations should be read together with the consolidated financial statements included in this annual report. In addition to historical information, the following discussion contains forward-looking statements based on current expectations that involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results and the timing of certain events may differ significantly from those projected in such forward-looking statements due to a number of factors, including those set forth in Risk factors and elsewhere in this annual report.
Overview of the Turkish Economy
2011 was a challenging year for global markets. Global growth took a sharp turn for the worse over the summer of 2011. On the other hand, Turkeys post-crisis recovery was strong: the Turkish economy grew uninterruptedly for nine quarters in a row. Turkeys GDP grew by 8.5% in 2011, driven by domestic demand. Despite nine successive quarters of positive growth, the growth outlook for 2012 has become more challenging due to tighter credit conditions and signs of setbacks in the global economic outlook. However, in 2011 our revenues increased by 4.1% from TRY 9,003.6 million in 2010 to TRY 9,370.1 million, mainly due to 20.1% growth in Turkcell Turkeys mobile Internet and services revenues, as well as a 32.3% higher contribution from our subsidiaries.
2012 is expected to be a year of slowing global growth with wide divergences between regions and countries. The global outlook is more uncertain than at any time since the 2008 global financial crisis. Market players expect overall global growth to slow from 4.2% in 2010 and about 3.0% in 2011 to 2.5% in 2012, a little below the long-term average. The Euro area is expected to fall back into recession and only modest growth is likely for the U.S. Emerging markets continue to be the key driving force for global economic growth. Peripheral sovereign debt crisis and the potential contagion risk to other EU countries, civil unrest and political instability in the MENA region, the inflation risk in emerging markets, the U.S. fiscal problem, risks of hard landing for the Chinese and Indian economies, rising oil prices due to geopolitical risks and EM funding concerns are the biggest threats to the global economy in 2012. On the other hand the announcement by the Federal Reserve that easy monetary policy will continue until at least the end of 2014 is positive for EM economies and the efforts made in solving the Eurozone crisis are promising.
The medium-term risks for the Turkish economy relate to the high current account deficit and deterioration in inflation expectations. Turkeys economy has been running large external imbalances since late 2009.
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Asymmetric growth drivers (i.e., too much domestic, and very little foreign demand) have caused a very swift widening in Turkeys external imbalance. Despite recent moderation, the current account deficit continues to pose significant downside risks, more so against the backdrop of the deepening crisis in Europe. If Turkeys strong growth is to be sustainable over the long term, high quality financing will be required. Turkeys current account deficit totaled $77.1 billion in 2011, compared to $46.6 billion in 2010. This deficit amounted to 9.9% and 6.7% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2011 and 2010, respectively. In 2011, net foreign direct investment amounted to $13.4 billion, an increase of 77% compared to 2010. Net foreign direct investment inflows represented an amount equal to 17% of the current account deficit, compared to approximately 16% in 2010.
With respect to inflation, consumer prices accelerated to 10.5% in 2011, the highest year-end reading since 2003 and breaching the CBRTs 5.5% year-end point target due to sharp TRY depreciation and the price and tax hikes (including on car sales, mobile phones, etc). Inflation is likely to remain high due to the lagged impact of currency weakness, unfavorable base effect, and recent electricity and natural gas price hikes. The latest CBRT expectation survey indicates that consumer inflation is expected to be 7.5% at the end of 2012, above the CBRT target of 5.2% for 2012.
In December 2010, the CBRT adopted an unorthodox policy mix with multiple macro targets and multiple policy tools. The banks primary objective is price stability, but the new framework also took into account financial stability, which meant simultaneously managing risks relating to growth, currency and external balances. CBRT deliberately triggered the TRY depreciation to halt the rapid widening of the current account deficit. However, over-depreciation of TRY threatened the inflation target and even put at risk confidence in Turkish assets. To ease the pressure on TRY and inflation, the CBRT hiked the overnight TRY lending rate in October 2011. In the near term, it is expected that TRY funding rates will remain high in order to put pressure on the currency depreciation and above-target inflation. However, it could be difficult to contain the depreciation in TRY and deterioration in inflation expectations by not hiking the policy rates.
Political risks have increased, especially with regard to Syria. Violence in neighboring Syria may lead to a civil war that could then quickly escalate into a broader sectarian conflict in the Arab world. In 2012, the preparation of a new constitution will likely be the main local political focus. However, growing attacks by terrorists could slow the process of making the new constitution. Clashes in the southeast, the dispute between Turkey and Cyprus over gas drilling, unrest near the southern border (Syria) and tension with Israel are the most important political risks in Turkey.
EM currencies have been depreciating throughout 2011 on the back of the global risk-aversion trend, especially since August 2011 when the U.S. sovereign rating was downgraded by S&P and the EU debt crisis intensified. TRY had significantly underperformed other EM currencies in 2011, driven partly by the CBRT monetary policy mix and current account deficit concerns. TRY has fallen about 22.2% against the USD in 2011, the worst performer among major EM currencies. The plunge forced the CBRT to reverse course and intervene in currency markets to support TRY, as well as lending to banks at higher rates to stem consumer demand. TRY might start to over-perform compared to other EM currencies with the recent actions of CBRT in 2012.
Taxation Issues in the Telecommunications Sector
Under current Turkish tax laws, there are several taxes imposed on the services provided by telecommunications operators in Turkey. These taxes are charged to subscribers by GSM operators and remitted to the relevant tax authorities. They may be charged upon subscription, on an annual basis or on an ad valorem basis on the service fees charged to subscribers.
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The following are the most significant taxes imposed on our telecommunications services:
Special Communications Tax
The Turkish government imposed a special 25% communications tax on mobile telephone services as part of a series of new taxes levied to finance public works required to respond to the earthquakes that struck Turkeys Marmara region in 1999. This tax is paid by mobile users and collected by GSM operators. The special communications tax on new subscriptions was TRY 34.0 (equivalent to $19.2 as of April 1, 2012) and TRY 31.78 (equivalent to $17.93 as of April 1, 2012) in 2011 and 2010, respectively. As of January 1, 2012, the special communications tax on new subscriptions levied is TRY 37.0 (equivalent to $20.9 as of April 1, 2012). The tax has had a correlative negative impact on mobile usage.
Under Law No. 5838, which became effective on March 1, 2009, wired, wireless and mobile Internet service providers are subject to a special 5% communications tax (previously such tax was 25%). Other than mobile Internet services, all mobile telecommunication services remain subject to a special 25% communications tax. The tax collected from subscribers in one calendar month is remitted to the tax authorities within the first 15 days of the following month.
Value Added Tax (VAT)
Like all services in Turkey, services provided by GSM operators are subject to VAT, which is 18% of the service fees charged to subscribers. We declare VAT to the Ministry of Finance within 24 days and remit VAT paid by our subscribers within the first 26 days of the month following when the tax was incurred, after the offset of input VAT incurred by us.
VAT for roaming services was, until November 3, 2009, calculated solely on the mark-up amount on subscribers invoices for roaming services. Following the Ministry of Finances declaration of a change in its position regarding roaming charges, we began imposing VAT and the special communications tax on the entire amount of roaming charges, starting from November 3, 2009, to comply with this change in position.
Reverse charge VAT is calculated on the invoices issued by foreign GSM operators.
License and Annual Utilization Fees
According to Article number 46 of the Electronic Communications Law, subscribers registered in the system are subject to both license and annual utilization fees.
The license fee is paid once on the subscription for wireless equipment. As of January 1, 2011, the license fee is TRY 13.20 (equivalent to $7.45 as of April 1, 2012). The license fee is paid to the government in equal installments, which is divided into the number of months remaining in the year. However, it is collected in 12 equal monthly installments. As of January 1, 2012, the license fee is TRY 14.56 (equivalent to $8.21 as of April 1, 2012).
The payment of the annual utilization fee to the government depends on whether a subscriber is postpaid or prepaid. For postpaid subscribers, the monthly utilization fee is TRY 1.1 (equivalent to $0.62 as of April 1, 2012), and is charged to subscribers monthly. For prepaid subscribers, the annual utilization fee is calculated by multiplying the number of registered prepaid subscribers at the previous year-end by the annual utilization fee and the calculated bulk annual utilization fee is paid by the GSM operators the following year on the last business day in February. We have decided to collect utilization fees from some of our prepaid subscribers starting from June 20, 2011.
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Special Consumption Tax
The special consumption tax is a tax on prescribed goods, which includes mobile phones. The special consumption tax is charged on mobile phones either when they are imported or when they are sold by Turkish manufacturers. The special consumption tax rate on mobile phones (mobile phones are legally defined as transmitter/receiver cellular phones) was 20% prior to October 13, 2011, and the special consumption tax calculated in accordance with the 20% rate must not fall below TRY 40.00 (equivalent to $22.56 as of April 1, 2012) per cellular phone device (Temporary Article 6 of Special Consumption Tax Code).
The Special Consumption Tax rates were raised on some motor vehicles, mobile phones, alcoholic beverages and tobacco products by a Decision of the Board of Ministers, which was published on the Official Gazette on October 13, 2011. The SCT rate over cellular phones was increased from 20% to 25% and the minimum SCT amount to be calculated was increased to TRY 100 (equivalent to $56.4 as of April 1, 2012) (previously the minimum SCT amount was TRY 40 (equivalent to $22.56 as of April 1, 2012)) effective from October 13, 2011.
For a description of various tax related disputes to which we are party, see Item 8.A. Consolidated Statements and Other Financial InformationLegal Proceedings.
Critical Accounting Policies
See Note 3 (Significant Accounting Policies) to our consolidated financial statements in this Form 20-F.
Our audited consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010 and for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2011 included in this annual report have been prepared in accordance with IFRS as issued by the IASB.
Overview of Business
Turkcell, a joint stock company organized and existing under the laws of the Republic of Turkey, was formed in 1993 and commenced operations in 1994. We operate under a 25-year GSM license (the 2G License) and a 20-year GSM license (the 3G License). We were granted the 2G License in April 1998 upon payment of an upfront license fee of $500 million. On April 30, 2009, we signed a license agreement with ICTA which provides authorization for providing IMT 2000/UMTS services and infrastructure. We acquired the A type license providing the widest frequency band for a consideration of EUR 358 million (excluding VAT). The 3G License is effective for 20 years starting from April 30, 2009. Pursuant to the agreement, we started to provide IMT 2000/UMTS services as of July 30, 2009.
Under our 2G License, we pay the Undersecretariat of the Treasury (the Turkish Treasury) a monthly treasury share equal to 15% of our gross revenue. Of such fee, 10% is paid to the Ministry of Transport, Maritime Affairs and Communications of Turkey (Turkish Ministry) for the universal services fund. Based on a law enacted on July 3, 2005 concerning the regulation of privatization, the gross revenue description used for the calculation of the treasury share and universal service fund was changed. According to such regulation, accrued interest charged for late collections, indirect taxes such as VAT, and other expenses are excluded from the description of gross revenue. In light of such changes, we applied to the ICTA to revise the related articles of the amended agreement and completed certain necessary procedures. The Council of State, the highest administrative court, approved the agreement on March 10, 2006. The resulting definition of gross revenue for the treasury share has been effective since March 10, 2006.
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We believe that the build-out of our network in Turkey is substantially completed. As of December 31, 2011, our network covered 100% of Turkish cities with a population of 1,000 or more and the majority of Turkeys tourist areas and principal intercity highways. We currently meet the coverage requirements of our 2G license in all material respects.
In accordance with our 3G license agreement, we are required to cover 100% of the population within the borders of all metropolitan municipalities and within the borders of all cities and municipalities in three and six years, respectively. Moreover, we are required to cover 100% of the population in all settlement areas with a population higher than 5,000 and 1,000 in eight and ten years, respectively, following the date of the agreement. As of December 31, 2011, we had reached 88% population coverage (based on 3GPP TS 25.101 specifications for outdoor coverage).
Other than our 2G and 3G licenses, we also operate under interconnection agreements with other operators that allow us to connect our networks with those operators to enable the transmission of calls to and from our mobile communications system through existing digital fixed telephone switches. For example, we have an interconnection agreement with Turk Telekom that provides for the interconnection of our network with Turk Telekoms fixed-line network. Under our agreement with Turk Telekom, as amended, we pay Turk Telekom an interconnection fee per call based on the type and length of the call for calls originating on our network and terminating on Turk Telekoms fixed-line network, as well as fees for other services. We also collect an interconnection fee from Turk Telekom for calls originating on their fixed-line network and terminating on ours. We also have interconnection agreements with Vodafone and Avea pursuant to which we have agreed, among other things, to pay interconnection fees to them for calls originating on our network and terminating on theirs, and they have agreed to pay interconnection fees for calls originating on their networks and terminating on our networks.
Our subscriber base has grown substantially since we began operations in 1994. At year-end 1994, we had 63,500 subscribers. By year-end 2011, that number had grown to 64.8 million.
According to the ICTAs announcements, there were 65.3 million GSM lines in the Turkish GSM market as of December 31, 2011. In addition, the penetration rate in such market was 87% as of December 31, 2011. Despite the increasingly competitive environment, we sustained our leading market position with a market share of 53% for the year ended December 31, 2011, according to the ICTAs announcements. We increased our postpaid subscriber base from 30% in 2010 to 34% in 2011 due to our focus on value. On the channel front, we made revisions to our existing subdealer network and the commission structure to increase the availability of the Turkcell brand. As of December 31, 2011, we had 22.9 million prepaid and 11.7 million postpaid subscribers in our Turkish GSM network. Despite the negative macroeconomic indicators in Turkey, we recorded the highest usage levels since 2001. Our average MoU in Turkey increased 19% to 213.8 minutes in 2011 from 179.1 minutes in 2010, as a result of our successful campaigns. Our average revenue per user in Turkey decreased to $11.9 in 2011 from $13.0 in 2010 mainly arising from the depreciation of the TRY against the USD. In TRY terms, ARPU slightly increased to TRY 19.8 in 2011 compared to TRY 19.5 in 2010. Despite the intensifying challenges in the macroeconomic, competitive and regulatory environment, we have increased our average revenue per user metric in Turkey mainly due to rising mobile Internet revenues and our postpaid subscriber base.
Our revenues are generated in large part from interconnection fees and retail tariffs. Regulatory decisions have had and may continue to have the effect of decreasing interconnection rates and imposing price caps on our retail tariffs. For a more detailed discussion of these factors, please see Item 4.B. Business OverviewRegulation of the Turkish Telecommunications Industry and Item 5.D. Trend Information.
Churn rate is the percentage calculated by dividing the total number of subscriber disconnections during a period by the average number of subscribers for the same period. For these purposes, we define average number of subscribers as the number of subscribers at the beginning of the period plus one half of the total number of
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gross subscribers acquired during the period. Churn refers to subscribers that are both voluntarily and involuntarily disconnected from our network. Our churn rate for operations in Turkey was 27.9% for the year ended December 31, 2011, compared to 33.9% for the year ended December 31, 2010. Our churn rate decreased 6 percentage points.
We have an allowance for doubtful receivables in our consolidated financial statements for non-payments and disconnections that amounted to $327.4 million and $376.8 million as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively, which we believe is adequate. The main reason for the decrease in allowance for doubtful receivables in USD terms is the depreciation of the TRY against the USD. In TRY terms, allowance for doubtful receivables increased by 6.2%.
International and Other Domestic Operations
In addition to our businesses in Turkey, we have telecommunications operations in Ukraine, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, Belarus and Germany. We also operate in other countries through our associate, Fintur. For a description of, and additional information regarding, our international and other domestic operations, see Item 4.B. Business Overview.
Revenues
In Turkey, we and other mobile communications operators have entered into interconnection agreements which set out the terms and conditions regarding the pricing terms as well as the periodical revision of such terms. See Item 4.B. Business OverviewRegulation of the Turkish Telecommunications Industry.
In previous periods, disagreements existed between us and the other mobile communications operators regarding the revision of the pricing terms of the interconnection agreements. In addition, there is a disagreement with Turk Telekom about international calls. See Item 8.A. Consolidated Statements and Other Financial InformationLegal Proceedings and Note 33 to our consolidated financial statements in this Form 20-F.
Operating Costs
Direct Cost of Revenues
Direct cost of revenues includes treasury shares, transmission fees, base station rents, billing costs, cost of Simcards sold, depreciation and amortization charges, repair and maintenance expenses directly related to services rendered, roaming charges paid to foreign mobile communications operators for calls made by our subscribers while outside Turkey, interconnection fees mainly paid to Turk Telekom, Vodafone and Avea, handset costs offered as part of our loyalty programs, and wages and salaries and personnel expenses for technical personnel.
Administrative Expenses
Administrative expenses consist of fixed costs, including company cars, office rent, office maintenance, travel, insurance, consulting, collection charges, wages, salaries and personnel expenses for non-technical, non-marketing, and non-sales employees, and other overhead charges. Our administrative expenses also include bad debt expenses of our postpaid subscribers and customers.
Selling and Marketing
Selling and marketing expenses consist of customer relations, sales promotions, dealer activation fees, advertising, prepaid frequency usage fees, wages, salaries and personnel expenses of sales and marketing related employees, and other expenses, including travel expenses, office expenses, insurance, company car expenses, and training and communication expenses.
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Results of Operations
The following table shows information concerning our consolidated statements of operations for the years indicated:
For the years ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
2011 | 2010 | 2009 | ||||||||||
(in $ millions) | ||||||||||||
Revenues |
5,609.7 | 5,982.1 | 5,790.0 | |||||||||
Direct Cost of Revenues |
(3,528.9 | ) | (3,349.0 | ) | (3,097.1 | ) | ||||||
Gross Profit |
2,080.8 | 2,633.1 | 2,692.9 | |||||||||
Administrative expenses |
(246.5 | ) | (347.3 | ) | (273.1 | ) | ||||||
Selling and Marketing expenses |
(1,010.6 | ) | (1,085.8 | ) | (1,085.1 | ) | ||||||
Other income/(expense) |
(128.7 | ) | (49.5 | ) | (110.3 | ) | ||||||
Results from operating activities |
695.0 | 1,150.5 | 1,224.4 | |||||||||
Finance costs |
(289.7 | ) | (102.6 | ) | (187.5 | ) | ||||||
Finance income |
330.3 | 277.1 | 329.6 | |||||||||
Net finance income/(costs) |
40.6 | 174.5 | 142.1 | |||||||||
Monetary Gain/(loss) |
144.8 | | | |||||||||
Share of profit of equity accounted investees |
136.9 | 122.8 | 78.4 | |||||||||
Profit before income taxes |
1,017.3 | 1,447.8 | 1,444.9 | |||||||||
Income tax expense |
(292.2 | ) | (320.8 | ) | (340.1 | ) | ||||||
Profit for the year |
725.1 | 1,127.0 | 1,104.8 | |||||||||
Attributable to: |
||||||||||||
Equity holders of the Company |
751.7 | 1,170.2 | 1,094.0 | |||||||||
Non-controlling interest |
(26.6 | ) | (43.2 | ) | 10.8 | |||||||
Profit for the year |
725.1 | 1,127.0 | 1,104.8 |
The following table shows certain items in our consolidated statement of operations as a percentage of revenue:
For the years ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
2011 | 2010 | 2009 | ||||||||||
(in $ millions) | ||||||||||||
Statement of Operations Data (% of revenue) |
||||||||||||
Revenues |
||||||||||||
Communication fees |
93.2 | 94.8 | 96.0 | |||||||||
Commission fees on betting business |
0.9 | 0.5 | 0.7 | |||||||||
Other revenue |
5.9 | 4.7 | 3.3 | |||||||||
Total revenue |
100.0 | 100.0 | 100.0 | |||||||||
Direct cost of revenues |
(62.9 | ) | (56.0 | ) | (53.5 | ) | ||||||
Gross margin |
37.1 | 44.0 | 46.5 | |||||||||
Administrative expense |
(4.4 | ) | (5.8 | ) | (4.7 | ) | ||||||
Selling and marketing expenses |
(18.0 | ) | (18.2 | ) | (18.7 | ) | ||||||
Other operating income/(expense) |
(2.3 | ) | (0.8 | ) | (1.9 | ) | ||||||
Results from operating activities |
12.4 | 19.2 | 21.1 |
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Segment Overview
We have three reportable segments, as described below, which are based on the dominant source and nature of our risk and returns as well as our internal reporting structure. These strategic segments offer the same types of services, but they are managed separately because they operate in different geographical locations and are affected by different economic conditions.
We are comprised of the following main operating segments: Turkcell, Euroasia and Belarusian Telecom, all of which are GSM operators in their countries.
Other operations mainly include our companies operating in telecommunications and betting businesses and companies that provide Internet and broadband services, call center and value added services.
Turkcell | Euroasia | Belarusian Telecom |
Other | Total | ||||||||||||||||
2011 | 2011 | 2011 | 2011 | 2011 | ||||||||||||||||
(in $ million) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Total external revenues |
4,805.5 | 364.5 | 47.9 | 391.8 | 5,609.7 | |||||||||||||||
Intersegment revenue |
13.0 | 4.3 | 0.1 | 414.3 | 431.7 | |||||||||||||||
Reportable segment adjusted EBITDA |
1,507.8 | 94.2 | (12.2 | ) | 190.9 | 1,780.7 | ||||||||||||||
Finance income |
283.0 | 0.7 | 15.5 | 59.0 | 358.2 | |||||||||||||||
Finance cost |
108.9 | (56.3 | ) | (283.9 | ) | (160.0 | ) | (391.3 | ) | |||||||||||
Monetary gain/(loss) |
| | 144.8 | | 144.8 | |||||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
(485.8 | ) | (116.5 | ) | (224.5 | ) | (111.3 | ) | (938.1 | ) | ||||||||||
Share of profit of equity accounted investees |
| | | 136.9 | 136.9 | |||||||||||||||
Other material non-cash items: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Impairment on goodwill |
| | 53.0 | | 53.0 | |||||||||||||||
Bad debt expense |
28.4 | 0.4 | 1.0 | 1.6 | 31.4 | |||||||||||||||
Impairment on equity accounted investees |
| | | 15.8 | 15.8 |
Turkcell | Euroasia | Belarusian Telecom |
Other | Total | ||||||||||||||||
2010 | 2010 | 2010 | 2010 | 2010 | ||||||||||||||||
(in $ million) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Total external revenues |
5,294.1 | 334.0 | 48.9 | 305.1 | 5,982.1 | |||||||||||||||
Intersegment revenue |
14.7 | 5.3 | 0.1 | 386.3 | 406.4 | |||||||||||||||
Reportable segment adjusted EBITDA |
1,751.1 | 64.5 | (32.6 | ) | 213.6 | 1,996.6 | ||||||||||||||
Finance income |
255.4 | 0.8 | 0.8 | 60.1 | 317.1 | |||||||||||||||
Finance cost |
(34.6 | ) | (44.0 | ) | (28.5 | ) | (66.1 | ) | (173.2 | ) | ||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
(474.7 | ) | (120.4 | ) | (80.8 | ) | (92.1 | ) | (768.0 | ) | ||||||||||
Share of profit of equity accounted investees |
| | | 122.8 | 122.8 | |||||||||||||||
Other material non-cash items: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Impairment on goodwill |
| | 23.5 | | 23.5 | |||||||||||||||
Bad debt expense |
122.7 | (1.3 | ) | 0.4 | 4.5 | 126.3 |
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Turkcell | Euroasia | Belarusian Telecom |
Other | Total | ||||||||||||||||
2009 | 2009 | 2009 | 2009 | 2009 | ||||||||||||||||
(in $ million) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Total external revenues |
5,176.1 | 350.1 | 17.4 | 246.4 | 5,790.0 | |||||||||||||||
Intersegment revenue |
22.8 | 1.0 | 0.1 | 304.1 | 328.0 | |||||||||||||||
Reportable segment adjusted EBITDA |
1,819.3 | 20.2 | (38.3 | ) | 144.9 | 1,946.1 | ||||||||||||||
Finance income |
304.3 | 2.1 | 1.4 | 75.8 | 383.6 | |||||||||||||||
Finance cost |
(162.9 | ) | (54.9 | ) | (12.5 | ) | (33.0 | ) | (263.3 | ) | ||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
(396.3 | ) | (79.9 | ) | (52.7 | ) | (67.9 | ) | (596.8 | ) | ||||||||||
Share of profit of equity accounted investees |
| | | 78.4 | 78.4 | |||||||||||||||
Other material non-cash items: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Impairment on goodwill |
| | 61.8 | | 61.8 | |||||||||||||||
Bad debt expense |
65.5 | 4.9 | 0.5 | 4.5 | 75.4 |
Turkcell
2011 compared to 2010
Total revenues generated by Turkcell decreased 9.2%, to $4,818.5 million in 2011 from $5,308.8 million in 2010, mainly due to the 11.0% depreciation, on average, of the TRY against the USD. However, on a TRY basis, total revenues slightly increased 0.5% mainly due to growth in mobile Internet and services revenues and interconnect revenues due to increased incoming minutes which were offset by a decrease in outgoing voice revenues due to the negative impact of regulatory changes effective from April 1, 2010 and declining prices in the Turkish mobile market. For a more detailed discussion of the factors affecting our revenues, please See Item 4.B. Business OverviewRegulation of the Turkish Telecommunications Industry and Item 5.D. Trend Information.
Turkcells EBITDA deteriorated 13.9%, to $1,507.8 million in 2011 from $1,751.1 million in 2010. On a TRY basis, EBITDA deteriorated 6.2%, primarily due to an increase in the direct cost of revenues which was partially offset by a decrease in administrative expenses. The increase in the direct cost of revenues mainly resulted from an increase in interconnect costs arising from an increase in off-net airtime, together with higher fixed network costs and wages and salaries expenses.
Net finance income increased 77.5%, from $220.8 million in 2010 to $391.9 million in 2011. On a TRY basis, net finance income also increased 99.5% mainly due to an increase in interest income resulting primarily from increased interest income on time deposits due to an increase in the cash balance including time deposits with maturity of more than 3 months. Change in translation gain/(loss) due to the 22.2% depreciation of the TRY against the USD in 2011, as opposed to the 2.7% depreciation of the TRY against the USD in 2010, also has a positive impact on improvement of net finance income since Turkcell has a long position.
Depreciation expense increased 2.3% from $474.7 million in 2010 to $485.8 million in 2011. On a TRY basis, depreciation expense also increased by 13.6%.
2010 compared to 2009
Total revenues generated by Turkcell increased 2.1%, to $5,308.8 million in 2010 from $5,198.9 million in 2009, mainly due to the 2.9% appreciation, on average, of the TRY against the USD. However, on a TRY basis total revenues decreased 0.4%. We believe that this decrease was mainly a result of regulatory decisions that had the effect of decreasing interconnection rates and imposing price caps on our retail tariffs, which were partially offset by the growth in mobile Internet and service revenues as well as the increasing postpaid subscriber base. Due to such regulatory decisions, we have redesigned our tariffs and offers and revenue per minute has declined to TRY 0.11 in 2010 from TRY0.14 in 2009. For a more detailed discussion of these factors, please See Item 4.B. Business OverviewRegulation of the Turkish Telecommunications Industry and Item 5.D. Trend Information.
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Turkcells EBITDA deteriorated 3.7%, to $1,751.1 million in 2010 from $1,819.3 million in 2009. On a TRY basis, EBITDA deteriorated 4.8%, primarily due to an increase in administrative expenses. Our increase in administrative expenses mainly resulted from an increase in bad debt expenses as a result of an increase in the postpaid subscriber base, together with higher wages and salaries. The increase in the direct cost of revenues had an impact on the deterioration of EBITDA, primarily resulting from an increase in fixed network costs and wages and salaries expenses and partially netted off by a decrease in interconnect costs due to a lowering of interconnect rates, despite the increase in off-net traffic.
Net finance income increased 56.2%, from $141.4 million in 2009 to $220.8 million in 2010. On a TRY basis, net finance income also increased 49.8% mainly due to a decrease in interest expense resulting from the absence of provisions related to litigation late payment interest expenses in 2010, partially offset with an increase in loan interest expense due to an increase in outstanding debt balance and a decrease in interest income arising from lower interest rates. Change in translation gain/(loss) due to the 2.7% depreciation of the TRY against the USD in 2010, as opposed to the 0.4% appreciation of the TRY against the USD in 2009, also has a positive impact on improvement of net finance income since Turkcell has a long position.
Depreciation expense increased 19.8% from $396.3 million in 2009 to $474.7 million in 2010. On a TRY basis, depreciation expense also increased 17.2%.
Euroasia
2011 compared to 2010
Astelit, in which we hold a 55.0% stake through Euroasia, has operated in Ukraine since February 2005 under the brand life:). Since its inception in February 2005, Astelit has worked on establishing network coverage to provide high quality services in Ukraine. As of December 31, 2011, Astelit had established 9,482 base stations to ensure a rapid roll out of its infrastructure, which currently covers approximately 97.8% of the Ukrainians whole population. life:) was the first in the market to introduce EDGE and GPRS services, which provide the highest data transfer speed available in the Ukrainian GSM network. Astelit has also focused on establishing brand awareness and values as well as growing its subscriber base. Through its distribution channel of approximately 34,443 non-exclusive sales points throughout Ukraine, 433 life:) exclusive sales points and high brand recognition in the Ukrainian market, Astelits subscriber base increased 6.6% from 9.1 million at the end of December 31, 2010 to 9.7 million at the end of December 31, 2011. Euroasias segment revenue increased 8.7%, from $339.3 million in 2010 to $368.8 million in 2011. Euroasias segment revenue increased by 9.2% on an original currency basis mainly stemming from the growth in our subscriber base as well as growth in mobile Internet usage and roaming revenues.
Euroasias EBITDA increased 46.0% to reach $94.2 million in 2011 from $64.5 million in 2010. As a percentage of revenues, EBITDA increased 6.5 percentage points to 25.5% in 2011 from 19.0% in 2010. Improvement in EBITDA mainly resulted from an efficient approach to marketing and selling expenses, as well as other cost-control initiatives conducted by Euroasia which resulted in lower selling and marketing expenses both in nominal terms and as a percentage of revenues on an original currency basis.
Net finance cost increased 28.7%, from a $43.2 million loss in 2010 to a $55.6 million loss in 2011, mainly due to higher loan interest expenses and deterioration in foreign exchange gain/loss as a result of the 0.4% depreciation of the Ukrainian Hryvnia against the U.S. Dollar in 2011, as opposed to 0.3% appreciation of the local currency against the U.S. Dollar in 2010, since Euroasia has a short position.
2010 compared to 2009
Astelits subscriber base decreased 25.4% from 12.2 million at the end of December 31, 2009 to 9.1 million at the end of December 31, 2010, mainly due to the change in subscriber definition and churn in 2010, which was
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designed to monitor value-adding subscribers and their behavior more closely. In 2010, Euroasias segment revenue decreased 3.4%, from $351.1 million in 2009 to $339.3 million in 2010, while revenue decreased 1.8% on an original currency basis, mainly due to closing of our unprofitable carrier business line and reductions in interconnect rates during the year.
Euroasias EBITDA increased 219.3% to reach $64.5 million in 2010 from $20.2 million in 2009. As a percentage of revenues, EBITDA increased 13.3 percentage points to 19.0% in 2010 from 5.8% in 2009, within the context of the turnaround strategy and effective cost control initiatives. The main drivers of the increase in EBITDA were tariff redesigns, resulting in a decrease in interconnection cost, and cost cutting measures, which resulted in lower direct cost of revenues and administrative expenses as a percentage of revenues.
Net finance cost decreased 18.2%, from a $52.8 million loss in 2009 to a $43.2 million loss in 2010, thanks to the absence of the foreign exchange losses incurred in 2009 as a result of the 3.7% depreciation of the Ukrainian Hryvnia against the U.S. Dollar in 2009, as opposed to a 0.3% appreciation of the local currency against the U.S. Dollar in 2010, since Euroasia has a short position that is partially offset with the increase in interest expense.
Belarusian Telecom
2011 compared to 2010
In 2011, Belarusian Telecoms subscriber base grew 20%, reaching 1.8 million people, compared to 1.5 million in 2010, and as a result, Belarusian Telecoms segment revenue increased on a constant U.S dollar basis. However, Belarusian Telecoms segment revenues decreased 2.1% from $49.0 million in 2010 to $48.0 million in 2010 due to the 69.1% devaluation of Belarusian Ruble in 2011, on average.
Belarusian Telecoms EBITDA improved 62.6% from a $32.6 million loss in 2010 to a $12.2 million loss in 2011. On an original currency basis, Belarusian Telecoms EBITDA improved as well due to a decrease in direct cost of revenues, general administrative expenses and selling and marketing expenses as a percentage of revenues which resulted from a higher increase in revenues when compared with the increase in these operational costs.
Net finance cost increased 869.0% to a $268.4 million loss in 2011 from a $27.7 million loss in 2010, mainly due to deterioration in foreign exchange loss as a result of the devaluation of the Belarusian Ruble against the U.S. Dollar in 2011 by 178.3%, while the Belarusian Ruble only depreciated 4.8% in 2010.
As at December 31, 2011, an impairment test was performed for Belarusian Telecom and an after-tax impairment in the amount of $206.0 million was calculated for the cash-generating unit, mainly due to adverse performance against previous plans resulting from the deteriorated economic environment in Belarus since the second quarter of 2011, and due to the increase in the carrying amount of Belarus operations resulting from inflation accounting, as Belarus was recognized as being a hyperinflationary economy within the context of IAS 29 Financial Reporting in Hyperinflationary Economies (IAS 29), as per the decision taken in the fourth quarter of 2011. The aggregate carrying amount of goodwill arising from the acquisition of Belarusian Telecom was totally impaired by $53.0 million and is included in other expense. The remaining impairment amounting to $169.3 million was allocated to the fixed assets of the cash-generating unit on a pro-rata basis based on the carrying amount of each asset in the cash-generating unit and is included in depreciation expense. The tax effect of the long-lived asset impairment of $16.3 million is included in deferred taxation benefit.
2010 compared to 2009
In 2010, Belarusian Telecoms subscriber base grew 25.0%, reaching 1.5 million people, compared to 1.2 million in 2009. As a result, Belarusian Telecoms segment revenue increased 180.0% in 2010, reaching $49.0 million, from $17.5 million in 2009.
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Belarusian Telecoms EBITDA improved 14.9% from a $38.3 million loss in 2009 to a $32.6 million loss in 2010. The improvement in EBITDA resulted from the higher amount of revenue when compared to the increase in the direct cost of revenues, selling and marketing and general administrative expenses. The increase in direct cost of revenues mainly resulted from the increase in interconnection costs, handset costs given as part of loyalty campaigns and fixed network expenses, on an original currency basis.
Net finance cost increased 149.5% to a $27.7 million loss in 2010 from an $11.1 million loss in 2009, mainly as a result of higher interest expenses due to a larger amount of loans and borrowings.
As at December 31, 2010 and 2009, we had impaired goodwill resulting from the acquisition of Belerusian Telecom by $23.5 million and $61.8 million, respectively, following adverse movements in the discount and growth rates, as well as an adverse performance against previous plans. We fully allocate the impairment loss to goodwill and include it in other expenses.
Year Ended December 31, 2011 Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2010
We had 34.5 million GSM subscribers in Turkey, including 22.9 million prepaid subscribers, as of December 31, 2011, compared to 33.5 million GSM subscribers in Turkey, with 23.3 million prepaid subscribers, as of December 31, 2010. During 2011, we recorded positive net additions of 1.1 million Turkish GSM subscribers.
In Ukraine, we had 9.7 million and 9.1 million subscribers as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. During 2011, we gained approximately 0.6 million new Ukrainian GSM subscribers. This was primarily due to the positive returns on the regional growth strategy aimed at new acquisitions and expansion of the subscriber base.
Revenues
Total revenues for the year ended December 31, 2011 decreased 6.2% to $5,609.7 million, from $5,982.1 million in 2010, mainly due to the 11.0% depreciation, on average, of the TRY against the USD. On a TRY basis, our revenues increased 4.1% compared to 2010, mainly due to 20.1% growth in Turkcells mobile Internet and services revenues, as well as 32.3% higher contribution from our subsidiaries, particularly through Turkcell Superonline and Astelit. Additionally, in 2011, our interconnect revenues increased significantly, mainly due to the increase in incoming airtime, which led to an improvement in the percentage of interconnection revenues in our revenues, whereas our outgoing revenues decreased due to the negative impact of regulatory changes effective from April 1, 2010, and declining prices in the Turkish mobile market.
Revenues from communication fees for the year ended December 31, 2011 decreased 7.8% to $5,225.4 million, from $5,670.2 million in 2010, mainly due to the 11.0% depreciation, on average, of the TRY against the USD. However, our revenues from communication fees increased 2.2% on a TRY basis due to the growth in mobile Internet and service revenues together with the increase in interconnect revenues due to the increase in incoming airtime partially netted off with the decrease in outgoing revenues. Communication fees consist of revenues from postpaid and prepaid subscribers, interconnect revenues and roaming revenues. In Turkey, postpaid revenue increased whereas prepaid revenue decreased compared to 2010. Although the total number of postpaid subscribers is significantly lower than the total number of prepaid subscribers, the contribution, in absolute terms, of postpaid revenues to total revenue growth is higher than the deterioration in prepaid revenues in Turkey. This is mainly due to higher average revenue per postpaid subscriber. Postpaid subscriber usage is generally higher than prepaid subscriber. In Turkey, during 2011, we maintained our focus on the postpaid segment, with newly launched campaigns and offers, increased data lines, increased penetration of smartphones and promotions to switch customers from the prepaid to the postpaid segment. We focus on postpaid subscribers because there is, in general, a higher average revenue per postpaid subscriber and a lower churn rate. In 2011, postpaid average revenue per user was $23.1 whereas prepaid average revenue per user was $6.6. These figures
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indicate that postpaid average revenue per user is approximately 3.5 times the prepaid average revenue per user. Therefore, the increase in the number of postpaid subscribers has a positive effect on blended average revenue per user on a constant U.S. dollar basis.
Commission revenues from our betting business increased to $51.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2011, from $31.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2010. On a TRY basis, commission revenues increased 85.2%. This increase was primarily due to the increase in betting turnover and the positive effect of betting operations started in Azerbaijan.
Monthly fixed fees revenue decreased 16.4% to $63.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2011, compared to $75.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2010. On a TRY basis, monthly fixed fees revenue decreased 7.9% mainly due to the increased usage of packages which do not include monthly fixed fees.
Direct cost of revenues
Direct cost of revenues, including depreciation and amortization, increased 5.4% to $3,528.9 million in 2011 from $3,349.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2010. On a TRY basis, direct cost of revenues increased 18.2% compared to 2010, due to an increase in depreciation and amortization expenses mainly resulting from the impact of inflation accounting in Belarus and the impairment impact recognized for Belarusian operations together with an increase in interconnect costs and network related expenses.
Treasury shares and universal funds paid to the Turkish Treasury and Ministry of Transport, Maritime Affairs and Communications (Turkish Ministry) decreased 6.6%, from $826.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2010 to $772.4 million in 2011, primarily due to the 11.0% depreciation, on average, of the TRY against the USD; however, they increased 3.6% on a TRY basis parallel to increases in revenues and therefore remained almost the same as a percentage of revenues.
Depreciation and amortization charges increased 22.0%, from $757.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2010 to $924.4 million in 2011, while on a TRY basis depreciation and amortization charges increased 39.8%, mainly due to the impact of inflation accounting in Belarus and the impairment impact recognized for Belarusian operations together with impact of the fixed asset useful life revision. The amortization expense for our GSM license and other telecommunication operating licenses was $66.0 million and $70.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
Interconnection and termination costs increased 9.8% to $631.7 million in 2011 from $575.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2010. In addition, they increased 22.4% on a TRY basis due to a significant increase in off-net traffic.
Transmission costs, site costs and maintenance costs decreased approximately 18.4%, from $181.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2010 to $148.0 million in 2011. On a TRY basis, these costs decreased 9.0%, resulting from the significant decrease in the average unit rent of leased lines. Furthermore, uncapitalizable radio costs and expenses increased 6.1%, from $329.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2010 to $349.8 million in 2011. In addition, radio costs increased 18.7% on a TRY basis due to the increase in the number of radio base stations.
Wages, salaries and personnel expenses for technical personnel increased 4.2% to $275.8 million in 2011 from $264.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2010. They increased 15.7% on a TRY basis due to the increase in the number of employees and a periodic increase in wages and salaries.
Roaming expenses decreased 20.8% to $47.9 million in 2011, from $60.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2010. On a TRY basis they decreased 11.6% due to a decrease in GSM roaming tariffs between international operators and Turkcell, partially netted off by an increase in roaming durations.
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Billing costs increased 2.3% to $54.5 million in 2011 from $53.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2010. On a TRY basis they increased 13.0%, primarily due to an increase in the number of postpaid subscribers.
As a percentage of revenues, direct cost of revenues increased 6.9 percentage points to 62.9% in 2011, from 56.0% in 2010, mainly due to increases in depreciation and amortization expenses 3.8 pp. interconnection expenses 1.6 pp wages and salaries 0.5 pp network related expenses 0.3 pp and other items 0.7 pp as a percentage of revenues.
Gross profit margin decreased 6.9 percentage points to 37.1% in 2011 from 44.0% in 2010.
Administrative expenses
General and administrative expenses decreased 29.0%, to $246.5 million in 2011 from $347.3 million in 2010. On a TRY basis, these expenses decreased 21.3%, mainly due to decrease in bad debt expenses due to a change in bad debt policy and improved collection performance for the receivables from last year and earlier, which partially set off increased wages and salary expenses resulting from periodic increases in such figures and a higher number of personnel. As a percentage of revenues, general and administrative expenses decreased to 4.4% for the year ended December 31, 2011, from 5.8% in 2010.
Wages, salaries and personnel expenses for non-technical and non-marketing employees decreased 2.7%, to $98.1 million in 2011 from $100.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2010. On a TRY basis, they increased 8.6%, primarily due to periodic increases in wages and salaries and an increase in the number of personnel.
Bad debt expenses decreased 75.1% to $31.4 million in 2011 from $126.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2010. On a TRY basis, they decreased 72.9%, mainly due to a change in bad debt policy and improved collection performance for the receivables from last year and prior years. We provided an allowance of $327.4 million and $376.8 million for doubtful receivables for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively, depending on the likelihood of recoverability of trade and other receivables based on the aging of the balances, historical collection trends and general economic conditions.
Other expenses, including collection and consulting expenses, decreased 2.7% to $117.0 million in 2011 from $120.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2010. On a TRY basis, they increased 7.7% due to the increase in consultancy expenses.
Selling and marketing expenses
Selling and marketing expenses decreased 6.9% to $1,010.6 million in 2011 from $1,085.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2010. However, on a TRY basis, they increased 3.1%, primarily due to higher selling and marketing expenses together with higher wages and salary expenses partially netted off with a decrease in frequency usage fees paid for prepaid subscribers. As a percentage of revenues, selling and marketing expenses decreased from 18.2% for the year ended December 31, 2010 to 18.0% for the year ended December 31, 2011.
Selling expenses, which consist of distributor support, dealer support, and other selling expenses, decreased 1.1%, to $415.6 million for 2011 from $420.3 million for 2010. On a TRY basis, selling expenses increased 9.9%, mainly due to higher dealer support expenses in 2011 resulting from increase in postpaid subscriber acquisitions.
Total marketing expenses, which consist of advertising, market research, sponsorships expenses and customer relations expenses, increased 4.9%, to $277.6 million in 2011 from $264.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2010. On a TRY basis, they increased 16.3%, mainly due to an increase in the volume of advertisements in 2011 compared to 2010.
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Prepaid subscribers frequency usage fee expenses decreased 49.8%, to $111.0 million in 2011 from $221.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2010. On a TRY basis, these expenses decreased 46.0%, mainly as a result of the positive impact of the frequency fee charged to some of the prepaid subscribers starting from June 2011. Decline in the prepaid subscriber base also has an impact on the decrease in prepaid subscribers frequency usage fee expenses which is partially netted off with the increase in frequency usage fee tariff.
Wages, salaries and personnel expenses for selling and marketing employees increased 4.3%, to $141.7 million in 2011 from $135.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2010. On a TRY basis, these expenses increased 15.8%, due to an increase in the number of employees and a periodic increase in wages and salaries.
Other operating income/(expense)
Other operating expense increased to $128.7 million in 2011 from $49.5 million in 2010, mainly due to impairment charges recognized on our investments together with an increase in legal penalties incurred in 2011.
Other expenses for the year ended December 31, 2011 are mainly comprised of: an impairment charge recognized on goodwill arising from the acquisition of Belarusian Telecom amounting to $53.0 million, and impairments recognized on our investments in Atel and Aks TV amounting to $15.8 million and $5.7 million, respectively. In addition, provisions for Special Communication Tax (SCT) on the discounts applied to distributors for prepaid scratch card sales between January 2005 and January 2007, as explained in Note 33 (Commitments and Contingencies, Legal Proceedings) to our consolidated financial statements in this Form 20-F, amounting to $31.2 million, a penalty regarding the fine applied for tariffs above upper limits amounting to $23.5 million, a penalty imposed as a result of an investigation into breaching confidentiality of personal data, and relevant legislation, of $5.4 million, a penalty on the compatibility of our practices regarding the subscription annulment procedures amounting to $5.0 million, a penalty imposed as a result of the investigation initiated by the ICTA upon the complaint of a subscriber regarding our overcharging of data tariffs and international roaming campaigns amounting to $0.7 million and $2.7 million, respectively, and a penalty regarding number portability amounting to $1.2 million, are also recorded as other expense.
Results from operating activities
Results from operating activities decreased to $695.0 million in 2011 from $1,150.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2010. As a percentage of revenues, results from operating activities decreased from 19.2% in 2010 to 12.4% in 2011 mainly due to an increase in the direct cost of revenues and other operating income/(expense) as a percentage of revenues.
Net financial income/(costs)
Net financial income decreased 76.7% in 2011, to $40.6 million from $174.5 million in 2010, due to an increase in financial expenses from $102.6 million in 2010 to $289.7 million in 2011, mainly arising from a higher translation loss, which was partially netted off by an increase in finance income from $277.1 million in 2010 to $330.3 million in 2011. On a TRY basis, net financial income decreased 93.4%.
Finance income increased 19.2%, to $330.3 million in 2011 from $277.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2010. On a TRY basis, it increased 30.7% due to increase in interest income on time deposits resulting from the increase in cash balance including time deposits with maturity of more than 3 months.
Finance cost increased 182.4%, to $289.7 million in 2011 from $102.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2010. On a TRY basis, it increased 244.4%, mainly due to higher translation losses, which increased from a $13.8 million loss in 2010 to a $202.7 million loss in 2011. Foreign exchange losses in 2011 and 2010 are mainly attributable to our net foreign exchange position.
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Monetary gain(/loss)
We recognize a monetary gain/(loss) amounting to $144.8 million, which arose from our Belarusian operations. The economic environment in Belarus deteriorated significantly starting from the second quarter of 2011. The cumulative inflation in the last three years exceeded 100%. As a result, Belarus was considered a hyperinflationary economy. In consequence, the accounting rules for Reporting in hyperinflationary economies were applied to our Belarusian operations for the year ending December 31, 2011. With respect to this, monetary gain is recorded as a result of the effect of general inflation and calculated as the difference resulting from the restatement of non-monetary assets, shareholders equity and statement of income items.
Share of profit of equity accounted investees
Our share of profit of equity accounted investees increased 11.5% in 2011, to $136.9 million from $122.8 million for 2010, mainly due to a higher net income contribution from Fintur, particularly from its operations in Kazakhstan.
We have eliminated A-Tels revenue that is generated from services rendered to us to the extent of our share in A-Tel, with corresponding elimination from selling and marketing expenses in our consolidated financial statements. This consolidation elimination had a negative impact on the share of profit of the equity accounted investees line.
Income tax expense
Income tax expense decreased 8.9% in 2011, to $292.2 million from $320.8 million in 2010, mainly due to the 11.0% depreciation, on average, of the TRY against the USD. On a TRY basis, income tax expense increased 0.3%.
The effective tax rate was 28.7% and 22.2% for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
Our domestic tax rate is 20%. Differences between the effective tax rate and our domestic tax rate include, but are not limited to, the effect of allowance for deferred tax assets, tax rates in foreign jurisdictions, tax exempt income and non-deductible expenses.
Non-controlling interests
Non-controlling interests in the net profit of our consolidated subsidiaries is classified separately in the consolidated financial statements of operations under non-controlling interests. Non-controlling interests decreased to a $26.6 million gain for the year ended December 31, 2011, compared to a $43.2 million gain for 2010.
Non-controlling interest gain from Euroasias net loss amounting to $75.8 million in 2011 is $34.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 whereas non-controlling interest gain from Euroasias net loss amounting to $101.0 million in 2010 is $45.4 million. Besides, non-controlling interest gain recognized from our investment in Azerinteltek decreased to $1.6 million in 2011 from $2.7 million in 2010 and we recognized non-controlling interest gain from Fizy amounting to $0.5 million for the first time in 2011. In addition, net profit generated by Inteltek for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 resulted in a loss from non-controlling interests of approximately $9.6 million and $4.9 million, respectively.
Profit for the year attributable to equity holders of the Company
Profit for the year attributable to equity holders of the Company decreased from $1,170.2 million in 2010 to $751.7 million in 2011. Profit for the period attributable to equity holders of the Company also decreased on a TRY basis by 33.2%. This was mostly due to the increase in direct cost of revenues which primarily arose from increase in depreciation expenses, together with deterioration in net finance income and other operating income/expense partially netted off with the positive impact of monetary gain/loss.
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Year Ended December 31, 2010 Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2009
We had 33.5 million GSM subscribers in Turkey, including 23.3 million prepaid subscribers, as of December 31, 2010, compared to 35.4 million GSM subscribers in Turkey, with 26.0 million prepaid subscribers, as of December 31, 2009. During 2010, we lost approximately 1.9 million Turkish GSM subscribers.
In Ukraine, we had 9.1 million and 12.2 million subscribers as of December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively. During 2010, we lost approximately 3.1 million new Ukrainian GSM subscribers. This was primarily due to the change in subscriber definition and churn in 2010, which was designed to monitor value-adding subscribers and their behavior more closely.
Revenues
Total revenues for the year ended December 31, 2010 increased 3.3% to reach $5,982.1 million, from $5,790.0 million in 2009, mainly due to the 2.9% appreciation, on average, of the TRY against the USD. On a TRY basis, our revenues increased 0.8% compared to 2009, mainly due to an increase in Turkcells mobile Internet and services revenues, as well as a higher contribution from our subsidiaries, particularly through Turkcell Superonline, despite regulatory decisions relating to a decrease in interconnection rates and a price cap. In 2010, our interconnect revenues decreased significantly, mainly due to cuts in interconnect rates, which led to a decline in the percentage of interconnection revenues in our revenues.
Revenues from communication fees for the year ended December 31, 2010 increased 2% to $5,670.2 million, from $5,557.3 million in 2009, mainly due to the 2.9% appreciation, on average, of the TRY against the USD. However, our revenues from communication fees decreased 0.5% on a TRY basis due to regulatory decisions leading to lower interconnect tariffs and a price cap which were partially offset by the growth in mobile Internet and service revenues together with the increasing postpaid subscriber base. Communication fees consist of revenues from postpaid and prepaid subscribers, interconnect revenues and roaming revenues. Although the total number of postpaid subscribers is significantly lower than the total number of prepaid subscribers, the contribution, in absolute terms, of postpaid revenues to total revenue growth is higher than the growth in prepaid revenues in Turkey. This is mainly due to higher average revenue per postpaid subscriber. Postpaid subscribers usage is generally higher than prepaid subscribers. In Turkey, during 2010, we maintained our focus on the postpaid segment, with newly launched campaigns and offers, increased data lines and promotions to switch customers from the prepaid to postpaid segment. We focus on postpaid subscribers because there is, in general, a higher average revenue per postpaid subscriber. In 2010, postpaid average revenue per user was $26.6 whereas prepaid average revenue per user was $7.6. These figures indicate that postpaid average revenue per user is approximately 3.5 times the prepaid average revenue per user. Therefore, the increase in the number of postpaid subscribers has a positive effect on blended average revenue per user.
Commission revenues from our betting business decreased to $31.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2010, from $42.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2009. On a TRY basis, commission revenues decreased 29.3%. This decrease was primarily due to the lower commission rate we received as the head agent of the fixed-odds betting games through 2010 (1.4% of gross takings compared to our previous agreement, which ended in March 2009, of 7% of gross takings and a 4.3% commission).
Monthly fixed fees revenue increased 77.4% to reach $75.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2010, compared to $42.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2009, mainly due to an increase in our postpaid subscriber base and an increase in our monthly fixed fee per subscriber. On a TRY basis, monthly fixed fees revenue increased 72.0%.
Direct cost of revenues
Direct cost of revenues, including depreciation and amortization, increased 8.1% to $3,349.0 million in 2010 from $3,097.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2009. On a TRY basis, direct cost of revenues increased 5.7% compared to 2009, mainly due to an increase in depreciation and amortization expenses arising from certain
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fixed asset write-offs, the depreciation impact on asset retirement obligation and an increase in network related expenses, which were partially offset by lower interconnect costs as a result of the significant decrease in interconnect rates, despite the increase in off-net airtime.
Treasury shares and universal funds paid to the Turkish Treasury and Turkish Ministry increased 2.1%, from $809.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2009 to $826.7 million in 2010, primarily due to the 2.9% appreciation, on average, of the TRY against the USD; however they decreased 0.5% on a TRY basis and remained almost the same as a percentage of revenues.
Depreciation and amortization charges increased 28.2%, from $590.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2009 to $757.4 million in 2010, while on a TRY basis depreciation and amortization charges increased 25.4%, mainly due to fixed asset write-offs related to our obsolete equipment owned by Turkcell and other group companies and the depreciation impact on asset retirement obligation. The amortization expense for our GSM license and other telecommunication operating licenses was $70.8 million and $50.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively.
Interconnection and termination costs decreased 6.4% to $575.2 million in 2010 from $614.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2009. In addition, they decreased 8.0% on a TRY basis due to significant decreases in interconnection rates, despite the increase in off-net traffic.
Transmission costs, site costs and maintenance costs decreased approximately 7.3%, from $195.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2009 to $181.4 million in 2010. On a TRY basis, these costs decreased 9.5%, resulting from the significant decrease in the average unit rent of leased lines. Furthermore, uncapitalizable radio costs and expenses increased 18.1%, from $279.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2009 to $329.6 million in 2010. In addition, radio costs increased 15.2% on a TRY basis due to higher electricity prices and the increase in the number of radio base stations.
Wages, salaries and personnel expenses for technical personnel increased 15.7% to $264.7 million in 2010 from $228.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2009. They increased 12.9% on a TRY basis due to the increase in the number of employees and a periodic increase in wages and salaries.
Roaming expenses decreased 16.8% to $60.5 million in 2010, from $72.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2009. On a TRY basis they decreased 18.7% due to a decrease in tariffs between international operators and Turkcell, partially netted off by an increase in roaming durations.
Billing costs increased 18.2% to $53.3 million in 2010 from $45.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2009. On a TRY basis they increased 15.4%, primarily due to an increase in the number of postpaid subscribers and higher postage fees.
As a percentage of revenues, direct cost of revenues increased 2.5 percentage points to 56% in 2010, from 53.5% in 2009, mainly due to increases in network related expenses (0.4 pp), depreciation and amortization expenses (2.5 pp) and other items (0.6 pp) as a percentage of revenues, partially netted off by a decrease in interconnect costs (1.0 pp).
Gross profit margin decreased 2.5 percentage points to 44.0% in 2010 from 46.5% in 2009.
Administrative expenses
General and administrative expenses increased 27.2%, to $347.3 million in 2010 from $273.1 million in 2009. On a TRY basis, these expenses increased 23.9%, mainly due to a higher amount of bad debt expenses arising from the increase in our postpaid subscriber base and higher wages and salaries resulting from periodic increases in such figures and a higher number of personnel. As a percentage of revenues, general and administrative expenses increased to 5.8% for the year ended December 31, 2010, from 4.7% in 2009.
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Wages, salaries and personnel expenses for non-technical and non-marketing employees increased 22.0%, to $100.8 million in 2010 from $82.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2009. On a TRY basis, they increased 18.6%, primarily due to periodic increase in wages and salaries and an increase in the number of personnel.
Bad debt expenses increased 67.5% to $126.3 million in 2010 from $75.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2009. On a TRY basis, they increased 63.4% mainly due to an increase in the postpaid subscriber base. We provided an allowance of $376.8 million and $268.2 million for doubtful receivables for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively, depending on the likelihood of recoverability of trade and other receivables based on the aging of the balances, historical collection trends and general economic conditions.
Other expenses, including collection and consulting expenses, increased 4.4% to $120.2 million in 2010 from $115.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2009. On a TRY basis, they increased 2.0% due to the increase in consultancy expenses.
Selling and marketing expenses
Selling and marketing expenses increased 0.1%, to $1,085.8 million in 2010 from $1,085.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2009. However, on a TRY basis, they decreased 2.5% primarily due to lower selling expenses and frequency usage fees paid for prepaid subscribers, which were partially offset by higher wages and salaries. As a percentage of revenues, selling and marketing expenses decreased from 18.7% for the year ended December 31, 2009 to 18.2% for the year ended December 31, 2010.
Selling expenses, which consist of distributor support, dealer support, and other selling expenses, decreased 7.0%, to $420.3 million for 2010 from $451.7 million for 2009. On a TRY basis, selling expenses decreased 9.3%, mainly due to lower distributor and dealer support expenses in 2010 resulting from fewer subscriber acquisitions.
Total marketing expenses, which consist of advertising, market research, sponsorships expenses and customer relations expenses increased 3.5%, to $264.6 million in 2010 from $255.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2009. On a TRY basis, they increased 0.8% mainly due to an increase in the volume of advertisements in 2010 compared to 2009, partially netted off by a decrease in sponsorship expenses.
Prepaid subscribers frequency usage fee expenses decreased 7.9%, to $221.1 million in 2010 from $240.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2009. On a TRY basis, these expenses decreased 10.3% as a result of the decline in the prepaid subscriber base, which was partially netted off by an increase in the frequency usage fee per subscriber.
Wages, salaries and personnel expenses for selling and marketing employees increased 34.3%, to $135.8 million in 2010 from $101.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2009. On a TRY basis, these expenses increased 31.0% due to an increase in the number of employees and a periodic increase in wages and salaries.
Other operating income/(expense)
Other operating expense decreased to $49.5 million in 2010 from $110.3 million in 2009, mainly due to a decrease of $38.3 million in impairment recognized on goodwill arising from the acquisition of Belarusian Telecom (2010: $23.5 million, 2009: $61.8 million).
Other operating expenses in 2010 were comprised of: a $23.5 million impairment change recognized on goodwill which arose from the acquisition of Belarusian Telecom; a penalty imposed as a result of an ICTA investigation relating to tariff plans, VAS service subscriptions and charging applications of the Company, which
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amounted to $14.0 million, $5.0 million and $2.1 million, respectively; a Special Communication Tax (SCT) and VAT calculated on roaming services that had to be collected from subscribers as a result of a $12.9 million tax settlement; and a $5.8 million provision established for SCT on the discounts applied to distributors for prepaid scratch card sales between January 2005 and January 2007, which was based on the previous settlement gains. As of December 31, 2009, the provision set for SCT on the discounts applied to distributors for prepaid scratch card sales in 2003 and 2004 was $14.5 million. This matter, however, was settled at $2.8 million and the difference was reflected as income in other operating expense.
Results from operating activities
Results from operating activities decreased to $1,150.5 million in 2010 from $1,224.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2009. As a percentage of revenues, results from operating activities decreased from 21.1% in 2009 to 19.2% in 2010, mainly due to an increase in the direct cost of revenues and administrative expenses as a percentage of revenues.
Net financial income /(costs)
Net financial income increased 22.8% in 2010, to $174.5 million from $142.1 million in 2009, due to a decrease in financial expenses from $187.5 million in 2009 to $102.6 million in 2010, arising from lower litigation late payment interest expenses, which were partially netted off by a decrease in finance income from $329.6 million in 2009 to $277.1 million in 2010. The latter was due to a decrease in interest income resulting from lower interest rates. On a TRY basis, net financial income increased 18.0%.
Finance income decreased 15.9%, to $277.1 million in 2010 from $329.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2009. On a TRY basis, it decreased 18.3% due to lower interest rates.
Finance cost decreased 45.3%, to $102.6 million in 2010 from $187.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2009. On a TRY basis, it decreased 46.6% mainly due to lower litigation late payment interest expenses arising from legal disputes, which were partially netted off by an increase in interest expenses on loans as a result of higher outstanding loan balances as well as higher translation losses, which increased from a $0.6 million loss in 2009 to a $13.8 million loss in 2010. Foreign exchange losses in 2010 and 2009 are mainly attributable to our net foreign exchange position.
Share of profit of equity accounted investees
Our share of profit of equity accounted investees increased 56.6% in 2010, to $122.8 million from $78.4 million for 2009 mainly due to a higher net income contribution from Fintur, particularly from its operations in Kazakhstan.
We have eliminated A-Tels revenue that is generated from services rendered to us to the extent of our share in A-Tel, with corresponding elimination from selling and marketing expenses in our consolidated financial statements. This consolidation elimination had a negative impact on the share of profit of equity accounted investees line.
Income tax expense
Income tax expense for the year ended December 31, 2010 was $320.8 million compared to $340.1 million in 2009. On a TRY basis, income tax expense decreased 8.6% due to lower profit before tax.
The effective tax rate was 22.2% and 23.5% for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively.
Our domestic tax rate is 20%. Differences between the effective tax rate and our domestic tax rate include, but are not limited to, the effect of allowance for deferred tax assets, tax rates in foreign jurisdictions, tax exempt income and non-deductible expenses.
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Non-controlling interests
Non-controlling interests in the net profit of our consolidated subsidiaries is classified separately in the consolidated financial statements of operations under non-controlling interests. Non-controlling interests increased to a $43.2 million gain for the year ended December 31, 2010, compared to a $10.8 million loss for 2009.
For the year ended December 31, 2009, Euroasia generated a net loss of $111.8 million and had negative equity. Therefore, non-controlling interest loss was not allocated from Euroasias net loss in 2009. Non-controlling interest gain allocated from Euroasias net loss amounting to $101.0 million in 2010 is $45.4 million. In addition, non-controlling interest gain recognized from our investment in Azerinteltek amounted to $2.7 million. However, net profit generated by Inteltek for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 resulted in a loss from non-controlling interests of approximately $4.9 million and $10.8 million, respectively.
Profit for the year attributable to equity holders of the Company
Profit for the year attributable to equity holders of the Company increased from $1,094.0 million in 2009 to $1,170.2 million in 2010. Profit for the period attributable to equity holders of the Company also increased on a TRY basis by 3.7%. This was mainly due to an increase in net finance income, share of profit of equity accounted investees and non-controlling interests, partially netted off by a decrease in the results of our operating activities.
Effects of Inflation
The annual inflation rates in Turkey were 10.5%, 6.4% and 6.5% for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively, based on the Turkish consumer price index. Sharp increases in import prices and the decline in the TRY were the main factors causing inflation to exceed the CBRTs 5.5% year-end target in 2011. The rise in inflation, which hit a double-digit figure in 2011, is expected to be temporary. However, inflation is likely to remain high in the first half of the year 2012 due to the unfavorable base effect, recent electricity and natural gas price hikes and the delayed impact of currency weakness. A greater favorable base effect is expected to be seen in the fourth quarter of 2012. Under the assumptions of a broadly stable exchange rate and continued deceleration in domestic demand, inflation could decline to about 6.5% at year-end, which is in line with CBRTs forecast. The current inflation target set by the CBRT is 5.2%, with a confidence interval of between 3.0% and 7.0% for 2012. The most recent CBRT expectations survey indicates that consumer inflation will decrease to around 7.5% by the end of 2012. For additional information, see Item 3.A. Selected Financial DataExchange Rate Data and Item 3.D. Risk Factors.
Belarus is currently in the middle of an economic crisis. However, this is not related to global economic uncertainty, but typical of a country at the beginning of its transition from a centrally-planned economy to a market economy. Due to the 178% change in USD/Belarusian Ruble, consumer prices increased to 108.7% in 2011, one of the highest inflation rates in the world. According to the Belarus Finance Minister, inflation in 2012 will be kept within 20-23% by pursuing a tight monetary policy and maintaining the stable exchange rate of foreign currency.
Foreign Currency Fluctuations
We conduct our business in several currencies other than functional currencies of each of our locations. As a result of our exposure to foreign currency, exchange rate fluctuations have a significant impact, in the form of both translation and transaction risks, on our consolidated financial statements.
Exchange rate movements impact our assets and liabilities denominated in currencies other than TRY, Ukrainian Hryvnia, Belarusian Rubles, Euro and Azerbaijan Manat for our operations in Turkey, Ukraine, Belarus, Germany and Azerbaijan, respectively. We use forward exchange contracts and options to hedge our non-TRY denominated liabilities.
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The foreign exchange risks that our Turkish activities are exposed to as a result of purchases and borrowings in U.S. Dollars and Euros have to date been manageable, as there is a developed market enabling the hedging of such risk; however, in Belarus, hedging is almost impossible due to restricted and undeveloped financial markets. No international bank offers or prices hedging instruments and local banks are undercapitalized to be able to enter into transactions as a counterparty. In Ukraine, the only hedging tool seems to be non-deliverable forwards (NDF) which is a cash-settled product in USD, a short-term forward contract on a non-convertible foreign currency which could not be delivered offshore. The liquidity in the UAH NDF market is very thin and more expensive than the forward rates. In the current economic environment and considering the aforementioned political uncertainties, there is a possibility of further devaluations in Belarus and also as Ukraines economy is fragile and vulnerable to external shocks, there is a possibility that UAH can be devalued. Any fluctuation in the NDF market can signal the market expectation on UAH devaluation.
Our foreign currency risk management policy is focused on hedging foreign currency exposure arising from non-TRY denominated liabilities and purchase commitments. See Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk. We hedge our currency risks with forward exchange contracts and options.
Interest Rate Hedging
Monitoring and examining financing opportunities to improve our financial flexibility and performance has been a continuous process for us. Depending on the availability in both domestic and international debt/capital markets, we continuously monitor new financing alternatives for contingency purposes as well as to fund potential new investments or acquisitions. We are exposed to interest rate risk as 72% of our total debt portfolio is based on floating rate. We also closely monitor various hedging alternatives to hedge our interest rate risk with a minimum cost. In June 2011, we engaged in a forward start collar agreement for half of our five-year maturity portfolio that is exposed to interest rate risk. The collars hedge variable interest rate risk for the period between 2013 and 2015.
New Accounting Standards Issued
See Note 3 (Significant Accounting Policies, New Standards and Interpretations) of our Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 20-F.
5.B Liquidity and Capital Resources
Liquidity
We require significant liquidity to finance capital expenditures for the expansion and improvement of our mobile communications network, for operational capital expenditures, for working capital, and to service our debt obligations. A summary of our consolidated cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, is as follows:
2011 | 2010 | 2009 | ||||||||||
U.S. $ million | ||||||||||||
Net cash provided by operating activities |
925.8 | 1,262.6 | 1,316.6 | |||||||||
Net cash used for investing activities |
(1,410.5 | ) | (704.9 | ) | (1,485.0 | ) | ||||||
Net cash generated/(used) for financing activities |
31.6 | (303.7 | ) | (5.4 | ) | |||||||
Net cash increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents |
(453.1 | ) | 254.0 | (173.9 | ) | |||||||
Effects of foreign exchange rate fluctuations on cash and cash equivalents |
(335.7 | ) | (48.0 | ) | 8.7 |
Net cash provided by our operating activities for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, amounted to $925.8 million and $1,262.6 million, respectively.
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Net cash from operating activities decreased in 2011, parallel to a $401.9 million decrease in profit from operational activities compared to 2010. However, we consider the subtotal after the adjustments for profit for the period in order to analyze the increase in cash from operating activities. Since these lines are adjusting in nature, they are to be excluded from net cash from operating activities, as they either do not have any effect on net cash from operating activities or they have an offsetting effect on the changes in working capital. As a result, the trend in cash from operating activities should be correlated with the trend in results from operating activities and income tax expense. The corresponding subtotal, after adjustments, decreased from $1,879.2 million in 2010 to $1,403.0 million in 2011. The negative impact of the decrease in operational revenues, together with the increase in interest paid and decrease in dividends received ($71.3 million in 2011 from $99.8 million in 2010), was partially netted off with the decrease in income taxes paid ($276.2 million in 2011 from $322.8 million in 2010) and resulted in a 26.7% decrease in net cash provided by our operating activities.
Net cash used for investing activities for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, amounted to $1,410.5 million and $704.9 million, respectively. The increase in net cash used for investing activities is mainly due to an increase in acquisitions of financial assets partially offset by the decrease in capital expenditures and increase in interest received. For the year ended December 31, 2011, we spent approximately $866.0 million on capital expenditures compared to $1,078.6 million in 2010. Of the $866.0 million in capital expenditures, approximately $473.5 million was related to capital expenditures made by Turkcell, mainly for our mobile communications network in Turkey, whereas such amount was $506.1 million in 2010. Total capital expenditures of Euroasia remained almost stable at $65.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2011, compared to $66.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2010, whereas total capital expenditures of Turkcell Superonline decreased from $310.6 million in 2010 to $207.9 million in 2011.
We have gathered net cash from our financing activities for the year 2011 amounting to $31.6 million, whereas we have $303.7 million of net cash used for 2010. The change is mainly attributable to the decrease in dividends paid and lower repayment of loans and borrowings, partially netted with the decrease in proceeds from the issuance of loans and borrowings. In 2011, proceeds from the issuance of loans and borrowings was $552.9 million, compared to $1,071.8 million in 2010. We repaid $516.9 million of our loans and borrowings in 2011, compared to $772.9 million in 2010, and we made a dividend payment totaling $4.0 million in 2011, compared to $590.5 million in 2010.
Source of liquidity
Our loans from financial institutions consist of local and international bank borrowings with either fixed or variable interest rates. A significant portion of our bank borrowings is utilized to finance our consolidated subsidiaries financing needs. All of our loans are denominated in U.S. Dollar, Belarusian Ruble (BYR), EUR or TRY denominated. The variable interest rates vary from Libor + 1.35% to Libor + 4.60% for the loans denominated in U.S. Dollars, refinancing rate of the National Bank of Belarus + 2 for the loans denominated in BYR, variable Euro rate vary from Libor + 2.65% to Libor + 3.465%. The fixed interest rates vary from 2.24% to 8.00% for the loans denominated in U.S. Dollars, and from 10.24% to 15.0% for the loans denominated in TRY. The loans are payable over the period from 2012 to 2024.
The ratio of our loans and borrowings to equity was 33% as of December 31, 2011, compared to 29% as of December 31, 2010. We have been able to maintain our leverage at a satisfactory level and well in line with our targets. For more information, see Note 25 to our Consolidated Financial Statements.
We are continuing our efforts to selectively seek out and evaluate new international investment opportunities. These opportunities could include the purchase of licenses and acquisitions in markets outside of Turkey in which we do not currently operate. In the future, we may reinitiate, as necessary, our efforts to create a financing arrangement, such as a term loan facility.
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On December 30, 2005, Euroasia, together with ING Bank N.V. (ING Bank) and Standard Bank London Ltd. (Standard Bank), finalized a long-term syndicated financing project of $390.0 million, of which $390.0 million had been used.
By the end of 2006, we decided to take over all or a portion of the rights and obligations of Euroasias senior creditors, who may decline to participate in the facilities following restructuring. On April 19, 2007, Euroasia sent a letter, accompanied by a term sheet, to ING Bank, the Facility Agent. With this term sheet, Euroasia proposed a restructuring of the senior syndicated facility and provided that in the event that some or all of the creditors did not consent to the proposed amendments, Turkcell would purchase the loans and commitments held by such non-consenting creditors. Since the creditors did not consent to the proposed amendments, Euroasia repaid the lenders under the long-term syndicated financing project on June 27, 2007, through borrowings from Financell, a wholly-owned subsidiary. As of December 31, 2011, the outstanding balance was $177.4 million.
In addition, as part of the project financing package, a long term junior facility of up to $150.0 million (including interest amounting to $24.0 million) was also finalized with Turkiye Garanti Bankasi AS Luxemburg Branch and Akbank T.A.S. Malta Branch. The junior facility is fully guaranteed by Turkcell. This facility was fully utilized as at December 31, 2011.
As of February 1, 2012, Astelit had debt repayments due to Euroasia in the amount of $150 million and to Financell in the amount of $173 million. Since June 2011, Astelit has not met the payment obligations, which were waived until February 1, 2012. Since that date, our Board of Directors has not acted to approve or reached a consensus for the extension of repayment dates. As a result, Astelit was unable to meet its repayment obligations to Euroasia and Financell totaling $323 million and defaulted on its loan agreements. As a consequence of Astelits default, cross default clauses have been triggered on five loan agreements totaling $554 million (currently decreased to $402 million, following our $150 million guarantee payment) and waivers were obtained for the aforementioned loans before March 31, 2012. In the context of guarantees, Financell has pledges on shares and all assets of Astelit including bank accounts. Additionally, Financell has a second priority pledge on Euroasia shares held by System Capital Management Limited together with a guarantee and indemnity given by System Capital Management Limited. Financell has rights to commence enforcement of pledges and guaranteeunder certain conditions.
In the same vein, Euroasia, a Group company that is a 100% shareholder of Astelit, which had previously borrowed $150 million to finance Astelit, also defaulted on its loan on March 30, 2012. As a guarantor, we paid $150 million to related bankson April 6, 2012. In relation to the guarantee agreement, a first priority pledge on Euroasia shares held by System Capital Management Limited has been established in favor of Turkcell. Upon payment of the guaranteed amount, Turkcell has the right to commence enforcement of this pledge on the Euroasia shares under certain conditions. As a consequence of Euroasias default, cross default clauses have been triggered on four loan agreements (the same ones referenced above) totaling $402 million and waivers are being sought for the aforementioned loans.
With respect to the amounts due to Financell, our Board of Directors decided to extend a guarantee to Financell in order to perform its obligations with respect to the loans granted by the banks for providing Group financing. The guarantee will be up to $410.7 million principle amount plus sum of interest, any other costs, expenses and fees that may accrue in connection with the credit line agreements. This guarantee includes the debt repayments of $173 million due under the loan agreements signed between Astelit and Financell, and of the loans that Financell granted to Astelit which have not yet fallen due. Astelits debts are denominated in foreign currencies which expose Astelit to foreign exchange and convertibility risks.
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Under the current assumptions and circumstances, we expect to generate adequate levels of cash to maintain a positive cash position in the future and to have positive cash flow related to our communications and technology activities in Turkey. According to our current business plan for the operations in Turkey, we believe that we will be able to finance our current operations, capital expenditures, and financing costs and maintain and enhance our network through our operating cash flow and our strong cash balance as of December 31, 2011. However, we continue to experience difficult pricing and competitive conditions in our markets, which have caused a decrease in our net cash provided by operating activities, which we expect will continue. We are also facing increased capital needs to finance our technological and geographic expansion, which may increase our net cash used for investing activities. These pressures have reduced, and may continue to reduce, our liquidity and may lead to an increase in borrowing needs and net cash used by financing activities.
Our commitments through 2012 include possible dividend payments, quarterly corporate tax payments, and capital expenditures. In 2012, we expect our revenues to grow, mainly driven by increasing mobile Internet and service revenues, as well as growing contributions from our subsidiaries.
We expect that our total operational capital expenditures as a percentage of revenues in 2012 will be in line with 2011, reflecting in part continued outlays for 3G and new technology expenses. This is based on our current projects and activities, and does not include any new projects.
The forward-looking statements made here regarding our liquidity and any other financial results are not a guarantee of performance. They are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause future activities and results of operations to be different from those set forth in this Annual Report.
Important factors that may adversely affect our projections include general economic conditions, change in the competitive environment, developments in the domestic and international capital markets, increased investments, changes in telecommunication regulations and mismatches between the currencies in which we generate revenue and hold liquid assets and the currencies in which we incur liquid obligations and debt. See Item 3.D. Risk Factors for a discussion of these and other factors that may affect our projections.
Capital Transactions
All share amounts and per share figures reflected in our historical financial statements have been restated retrospectively for the aforementioned stock splits.
Capital Transactions in Euroasia
In December 2007, we and SCM decided to contribute to the share capital of Euroasia in an aggregate amount of $200 million in three tranches, first two tranches of each $50 million to be paid on January 31, 2008 and March 31, 2008, and one tranche of $100 million to be paid on May 30, 2008 in exchange for shares in the capital of Euroasia, whereby we and SCM shall make such contribution proportionate to our shareholding in Euroasia at the time of each capital contribution. We paid our contribution portion as of December 31, 2008.
In February 2009, April 2009 and September 2009, we and SCM decided to contribute to the share capital of Euroasia in an aggregate amount of $20 million, $37 million and $150 million, respectively, in exchange for shares in the capital of Euroasia, whereby we and SCM shall make such contribution proportionate to our shareholding in Euroasia at the time of each capital contribution. We paid our contribution portion of amounting $11.0 million, $20.3 million and $46.2 million as of April 23, July 1 and October 9, 2009, respectively, for the above stated capital contribution decisions.
In 2010 and 2011, there were no capital transactions in Euroasia. For a description of and additional information regarding our funding and commitments in relation to Euroasia, see LiquiditySources of Liquidity.
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General Economic Conditions
In 2011, Turkey differentiated itself by turning the prolonged global crisis into an opportunity with its strong fundamentals. In 2011, Turkey registered GDP growth of around 8.5% and real economic growth for 2012 is expected to be around 2.5% mainly due to strong domestic demand. However, Turkeys external borrowing needs and current account deficit result in concerns about its economic outlook.
Dividend Payments
For additional details regarding our dividend policy, see Item 8.A. Consolidated Statements and Other Financial InformationDividend Policy.
5.C Research and Development, Patents and Licenses, etc.
We own a number of patents, utility models, trademarks and industrial designs.
The activities of our technology center, which houses all of our R&D operations in a single location, include the following:
| Partnership software development, customization and/or integration of software products of suppliers through the service and product development processes; |
| Developing network infrastructure strategies in a fast evolving information-communication technologies world; and |
| Designing short and long-term technology road maps for our operations. |
Internally developed software arising from our R&D partnership amounted to approximately $27.0 million, $29.1 million and $25.6 million in 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. Internally developed software does not include any costs relating to the research phase.
Changing Subscriber Base
The proportion of postpaid subscribers in our subscriber base was 34%, 30% and 27% in 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively, due to our value focus.
The majority of our subscriber base, however, consists of prepaid subscribers. Trends indicate that prepaid subscribers have more control over their usage patterns.
Regulations affecting our prices
The ICTA has on several occasions intervened to place caps on the tariffs that we charge in the Turkish market. The ICTAs intervention in our retail voice, SMS and mobile data prices, has, and will continue to, negatively affect our ability to design and launch campaigns and offers and, consequently, has had, and will continue to have, a negative impact on our business. The ICTA has also intervened to place caps on our interconnection rates.
In the fourth quarter of 2007, the ICTA intervened in the fixing of our retail prices. With the ICTA board resolution dated March 25, 2009, ICTA set a lower limit for solely Turkcells on-net retail tariffs, and decreased the price cap level for all mobile operators. The lower limit applies to each of Turkcells retail tariff packages by mandating that the weighted average of the on-net price of a tariff package not be less than Turkcells weighted average call termination rate. The board resolution also reduced the current price cap from 0.80 TRY/min (equivalent to $0.45 as of April 1, 2012) (including VAT and SCT), pertaining to general subscription packages, to 0.64 TRY/min (equivalent to $0.36 as of April 1, 2012). The resolution also set such price as an upper limit for special subscription packages.
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The ICTA, with its board resolution dated September 16, 2009, set a maximum price of TRY 0.65 (equivalent to $0.37 as of April 1, 2012) (including VAT and SCT) for GSM to GSM calls under general subscription packages. The ICTA, with its board resolution dated February 10, 2010, further reduced the current price cap to TRY 0.40 (equivalent to $0.23 as of April 1, 2012) (including VAT and SCT) for GSM to PSTN as well as GSM to GSM. The same resolution set the current price cap of Turk Telekom to TRY 0.37 (equivalent to $0.21 as of April 1, 2012) (including VAT and SCT) for PSTN to GSM. As a result, we have adjusted the on-net and off-net prices of certain tariff packages, which has had, and will continue to have, adverse effects on our pricing ability. Finally, as of April 1, 2011, the ICTA increased the price caps for GSM to GSM calls to TRY 0.415 (equivalent to $0.23 as of April 1, 2012).
The ICTA may take additional action with respect to our tariff prices. We cannot predict the magnitude or scope of any such future action, particularly given the ICTAs past actions that have imposed pricing limitations on the Turkish market with little or no prior notice. Any such actions may have a material adverse effect on our competitive position, our pricing and our results of operations.
With respect to the interconnection rates that we charge, after a 33% reduction for Turkcell in 2008, the interconnection rates issued by the ICTA on March 25, 2009 for all mobile operators in Turkey provided for a further 29% decrease, on average, among all operators. On February 10, 2010, there was an additional 52% reduction in Turkcells interconnection rates. Further cuts will result in our having to redesign our tariffs and will impact our operational results, depending on pricing trends and marketing strategies in the Turkish mobile communications market. Following this decrease, average Mobile Termination Rates (MTRs) in the European Union are now up to 5 times above Turkcells MTRs.
Given these factors, it is difficult to predict with any degree of certainty the growth and usage patterns of our subscribers and our ability to maintain or increase revenues or profitability. General economic conditions, competitive pressures and the trend in our retail and interconnection pricing have exerted, and will continue to exert, pressure on the level of our financial results.
Liquidity
Our activities have traditionally generated strong positive cash flow. According to our current business plan for the operations in Turkey, we believe that we will be able to finance our current operations, capital expenditures, and financing costs and maintain and enhance our network through our operating cash flow and our strong cash balance as of December 31, 2011. However, we continue to experience difficult pricing and competitive conditions in our markets, which have caused a decrease in our net cash provided by operating activities, which we expect will continue. We are also facing increased capital needs to finance our technological and geographic expansion, which may increase our net cash used for investing activities. These pressures have reduced, and may continue to reduce, our liquidity and may lead to an increase in borrowing needs and net cash used by financing activities.
We expect that our total operational capital expenditures as a percentage of revenues in 2012 will be in line with 2011, reflecting in part continued outlays for 3G and new technology expenses. This is based on our current projects and activities, and does not include any new projects.
5.E Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
Off-balance sheet arrangements refer to any transaction, agreement, or other contractual arrangement involving an unconsolidated entity (other than contingent liabilities arising from litigation, arbitration or regulatory actions) under which a company has:
| provided guarantee contracts; |
| retained or contingent interests in transferred assets; |
| any obligation under derivative instruments classified as equity; or |
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| any obligation arising out of material variable interests in an unconsolidated entity that provides financing, liquidity, market risk or credit risk support to the company, or that engages in leasing, hedging, or research and development arrangements with the company. |
We routinely enter into operating leases for property in the normal course of business. The future minimum operating lease payments under non-cancellable leases amount to $53.0 million and $41.4 million as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
Contingent Liabilities
The following table illustrates our major contingent liabilities as of December 31, 2011.
Amount of contingent liability expiration per periodRemaining commitment | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total amount committed |
At December 31, 2011 |
Indefinite* | Less than one year |
13 years |
35 years |
Over 5 years |
||||||||||||||||||||||
U.S.$ million | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Bank Letters of Guarantee |
194.2 | 194.2 | 42.5 | 9.1 | 8.4 | 0.1 | 134.1 |
* | Bank letters of guarantee are not given for a specific period. Most of the guarantees will remain as long as the business relationship with the counterparty continues. |
As of December 31, 2011, we are contingently liable in respect of bank letters of guarantee obtained from banks and given to custom authorities, private companies and other public organizations amounting to $194.2 million.
See Item 5.B. Liquidity and Capital ResourcesSources of Liquidity.
5.F Tabular Disclosure of Contractual Obligations
The following tables illustrate our major contractual and commercial obligations and commitments as of December 31, 2011.
Payments due by period | ||||||||||||||||||||
Contractual Obligations |
Total | Less than 1 year |
1-3 years |
3-5 years |
After 5 years |
|||||||||||||||
(U.S.$ million) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Loans and borrowings(*) |
1,991.7 | 867.8 | 833.3 | 279.8 | 10.8 | |||||||||||||||
Finance Lease Obligations |
24.6 | 2.8 | 6.4 | 1.8 | 13.6 | |||||||||||||||
Payable in relation to the acquisition of Belarusian Telecom |
100.0 | | | | 100.0 | |||||||||||||||
Financial liability in relation to put option |
11.9 | | 11.9 | | | |||||||||||||||
Total Contractual Cash Obligations |
2,128.2 | 870.6 | 851.6 | 281.6 | 124.4 |
* | Includes undiscounted interest. |
Amount of Commitment | ||||||||||||||||||||
Other Commercial Commitments |
Total | Less than 1 year |
1-3 years |
3-5 years |
After 5 years |
|||||||||||||||
(U.S.$ million) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Purchase Obligations |
780.2 | 389.9 | 383.2 | 7.1 | |
As at December 31, 2011, outstanding purchase commitments with respect to the acquisition of property, plant and equipment, inventory and purchase of sponsorship and advertisement services amount to $780.2 million. Out of total purchase commitments, $67.7 million represents commitments with respect to property, plant and equipment and intangible assets.
Not applicable.
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ITEM 6. | DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES |
6.A Directors and Senior Management
Board Members
Under the Turkish Commercial Code and our Articles of Association, the Board of Directors is responsible for our management. Our Articles of Association mandates a Board of Directors containing seven members.
Each member of our Board of Directors is appointed for a term of three years. Our Articles of Association provide for a staggered Board of Directors. At our Annual General Assembly dated April 29, 2010, we removed our prior Board of Directors and appointed the following individuals as members: Colin J. Williams; Karin Birgitta Eliasson; Mehmet Bulent Ergin; Tero Erkki Kivisaari; Alexey Evgenievich Khudyakov; Oleg Adolfovich Malis; and Gulsun Nazli Karamehmet Williams.
In 2011, our Board of Directors had the following members:
Name |
Date appointed to the Board of Directors | |
Colin J. Williams (Chairman)*(1) |
April 29, 2010 | |
Karin B. Eliasson |
April 29, 2010 | |
Mehmet Bulent Ergin |
April 29, 2010 | |
Tero Erkki Kivisaari |
April 29, 2010 | |
Alexey E. Khudyakov |
April 29, 2010 | |
Oleg A. Malis |
April 29, 2010 | |
Gulsun Nazli Karamehmet Williams |
April 29, 2010 |
* | Following our April 29, 2010 General Assembly Meeting, the members of our Board of Directors elected Mr. Colin J. Williams as Chairman. |
(1) | Mr. Williams has filed a lawsuit requesting the cancellation of a decision taken at the Extraordinary General Assembly held on October 12, 2011, not to release him from his activities and operations during the fiscal year of 2010. |
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Executive Officers
We are managed on a day-to-day basis by the Corporate Executive Team with the guidance of the Board of Directors. Officers do not have fixed terms of office. The following table sets forth the name and office of each member of our Corporate Executive Team during fiscal year 2011.
Name |
Office | |
Sureyya Ciliv |
Chief Executive Officer | |
Hulusi Acar |
Chief Consumer Sales Officer | |
Umit Akin |
Chief Legal Affairs Officer | |
Cenk Bayrakdar |
Chief New Technology Business Officer | |
Tayfun Cataltepe |
Chief Regulation Strategies & Wholesale Business Officer | |
Meltem Kalender Ozturk(1) |
Chief Group Human Resources Officer | |
Ilker Kuruoz |
Chief Information and Communication Technologies Officer | |
Serkan Okandan(2) |
Chief Financial Officer | |
Koray Ozturkler |
Chief Corporate Affairs Officer | |
Lale Saral Develioglu |
Chief International Business Officer | |
Selen Kocabas(3) |
Chief Corporate Business Officer | |
Burak Sevilengul(4) |
Chief Consumer Marketing Officer | |
Ilter Terzioglu |
Chief Network Operations Officer | |
Ekrem Yener |
Chief International Expansion Officer | |
Emre Sayin |
Chief Consumer Business Officer |
(1) | Ms. Öztürk was appointed Chief Human Resources Officer in March 2011. |
(2) | Mr. Okandan resigned from his position as Chief Financial Officer effective December 31, 2011. |
(3) | Prior to being appointed Chief Corporate Business Officer in March 2011, Ms. Kocabas was Chief Business Support Officer. |
(4) | Mr. Sevilengul was appointed Chief Consumer Marketing Officer in April 2011. |
Biographies
Board Members
Colin J. Williams, age 70, was appointed as the Chairman of the Board of Directors on February 25, 2010 and re-appointed on April 29, 2010. He also serves as a Voting Member and Chairman of the Audit Committee of Turkcells Board of Directors. He is Chairman of Clondalkin and Chair of the Audit and Remuneration Committees of Clondalkin, a consumer and industrial packaging company. From January 2001 to December 2004, Mr. Williams served as President of SCA, North America, which is active in the packaging sector, personal care and paper tissue products. He was a long-term board member and Vice Chairman of ICCA, the International Corrugated Packaging Institution, the European Federation of Packaging and the Federation of Paper Producers (CEPI). Mr. Williams is the founding President of Propak Europe and was a board member of the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce between 2002 and 2004. From 1988 to 2001, Mr. Williams was the President of SCA Packaging, prior to which he served as the Managing Director of Bowater, a corrugated packaging company, for four years. From 1978 to 1984, he was first the Sales Director and then the General Manager of Chicopee in the Netherlands, a non-woven fabrics company of Johnson & Johnson. Mr. Williams holds an MBA degree in finance from New York University, an M.Sc. degree in physical chemistry and an honorary doctorate from Lund University in Sweden.
Karin Eliasson, age 50, was appointed as a member of the Board of Directors on April 29, 2010. Ms. Eliasson has been Senior Vice President, Head of Group Human Resources at TeliaSonera since 2008. Prior to joining TeliaSonera, Ms. Eliasson was Senior Vice President of Human Resources at Svenska Cellulosa Aktiebolaget, SCA. From 2000 until 2003 she served as the CEO of Novare Human Capital AB. Ms. Eliasson is a member of the Board of Directors of Proffice AB and Insurance company PRI Pensionsgaranti mutual. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Human Resources from Mid Sweden University.
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Mehmet Bulent Ergin, age 64, was first appointed as a member of the Turkcell Board of Directors on April 29, 2005 and was re-appointed on April 29, 2010. After taking responsibility in Hochtief AGs First Bosphorus project and Tekfen A.S.s Iraq-Turkey pipeline project, Mr. Ergin worked in various positions at Cukurova Group companies. He held a managerial position at Cukurova Ithalat ve Ihracat T.A.S. and was a managing director at Maysan A.S. and Baytur Trading S.A. Currently, Mr. Ergin is the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Genel Denizcilik Nakliyati A.S., Show TV and Aksam Gazetesi, and he also holds the position of Board membership in Digiturk and Cukurova Holding. Mr. Ergin majored in Civil Engineering at Robert College, Turkey.
Tero Erkki Kivisaari, age 39, was appointed to the Board of Directors on May 14, 2007 and was re-appointed on April 29, 2010. Mr. Kivisaari has been the President of TeliaSonera in Eurasia since May 1, 2007. Previously, Mr. Kivisaari has served as the Chief Financial Officer and Vice President of TeliaSonera in Eurasia. Mr. Kivisaari is a member of the Board of Directors of Azercell, Moldcell, A.S. OJSC Megafon and Nurminen Logistics Plc; and the Chairman of Fintur Holdings B.V. board. He served as CFO of Fintur Holding B.V. from 2003. Mr. Kivisaari has been the CFO of SmartTrust AB, a mobile software company owned by Carlyle Group, GE Capital, Eqvitec and Sonera Group. Prior to that, he had held the position of Vice President of Sonera Groups International Operations. Mr. Kivisaari served as an associate professor of finance at the Helsinki School of Economics and holds an MBA in finance.
Alexey Khudyakov, age 41, was appointed to the Board of Directors on May 22, 2006 and re-appointed on April 29, 2010. He is Vice President of Altimo, a leading investor in telecoms, and also serves as non-executive Chairman and Chair of the Audit Committees of High River Gold Mines, a gold mining company. Prior to his appointment to Altimo, Mr. Khudyakov held a Vice President position with Alfa Bank, managing the banks direct investments in the telecom sector. Before that, he was a management consultant with McKinsey & Co. Mr. Khudyakov holds a Master of Business Administration degree from INSEAD and a Masters Degree in Applied Mathematics and Physics from the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology. He is a non-executive board member of Turkcell. He is also an Observer Member of the Audit Committee of Turkcells Board of Directors. Mr. Khudyakov was named to the Audit Committee in reliance on Rule 10A-3(b)(1)(iv)(D) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
Oleg Malis, age 37, was appointed to the Board of Directors on May 22, 2006 and re-appointed on April 29, 2010. Senior Vice President of Altimo until January 2011. He began working for Altimo in 2005. Between 2003 and 2005, he was Senior Vice President and M&A Director at Golden Telecom. Prior to that, Mr. Malis founded Investelectrosvyaz and Corbina Telecom. Mr. Malis holds a degree in Systems Engineering from Moscow State Aviation Technological University.
Gulsun Nazli Karamehmet Williams, age 34, was appointed to our Board of Directors on April 29, 2010. In November 2011, she was appointed to the Board of Genel Energy plc, an independent oil exploration and production company. Since 2004, she has worked in different positions at Digiturk (Digital Platform Iletisim Hizmetleri A.S.), where she currently holds the position of Chief Content Officer and Executive Member of the Board. Prior to Digiturk, she worked at BSKYB UK. She studied at Sarah Lawrence College (USA) and Richmond University (UK) and has a B.A. in Communications.
Executive Officers
Sureyya Ciliv, age 53, was appointed the Chief Executive Officer of Turkcell on January 9, 2007. Having previously worked as Microsoft Turkey country manager between 1997-2000, he served in various management positions in Microsoft Global Sales, Marketing and Service Group in the USA between 2000 and 2007. Prior to 1997, Mr. Ciliv was the General Manager and Chairman of Novasoft Systems Inc., a company he established in Boston, USA. Sureyya Ciliv received his MBA degree from Harvard University in 1983 after successfully graduating with honors in Industry & Operations Engineering and Computer Engineering from the University of Michigan in 1981.
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Hulusi Acar, age 40, joined Turkcell in 2000 and was appointed Chief Consumer Sales Officer on December 10, 2009. He graduated from Istanbul Universitys Business Administration department in 1995. Mr. Acar worked in sales positions at THY and Koctas A.S. before joining Turkcell. He held various other managerial responsibilities within the Sales Department, including Turkey Sales Manager between 2000-2004. He was Sales and Customer Relationship Chief Executive Officer of Astelit/Ukraine between March 2004 and November 2006. He also worked as Sales Management and Wholesale and Distribution Management Division Head from 2007 to 2009 prior to his current position.
Umit Akin, age 41, joined Turkcell in 2002 and was appointed Chief Legal Affairs Officer on February 1, 2010. Prior to his current position, he was the Division Head of Turkcells Regulatory Legal Affairs department. Mr. Akin began his professional life in 1996 at Ankara Universitys Faculty of Law as a Research Assistant. He then worked as a Lawyer at Ericsson. Mr. Akin graduated from Ankara University, Faculty of Law in 1995 and holds a Masters Degree in Public Law.
Cenk Bayrakdar, age 43, joined Turkcell in 2000 and was appointed Chief New Technology Businesses Officer on July 27, 2011. Having started his professional career at Arcelik, he held several managerial positions on the IT and Production Teams. He then worked at Corbuss as the Business Development Coordinator between 2001 and 2002, and served as the Partnership Development and Content Business Area Division Head of Turkcell between 2002 and 2006. Mr. Bayrakdar acted as the Chief Information and Communication Technologies Officer during 2006-2009. Prior to his current position at Turkcell, he was responsible for product and services management as Chief Product and Services Management Officer between 2009 and 2011.
Tayfun Cataltepe, age 50, is the Chief Regulation Strategies & Wholesale Business Officer. After graduating from the Electronic Engineering Department of Bosphorus University, Cataltepe received his MSc degree from Michigan Technology University and Doctorate Degree from the University of California, Los Angeles. From 1990 to 1998, he worked as a Research and Development Engineer at Bell Laboratories. In 1998, he moved on to AT&T as the IP Network and Service Planning projects manager, where he worked until 2003. Following AT&T, he started to work at Aycell as the Deputy General Manager in charge of Technical Operations. He was then Deputy General Manager in charge of Network Operations at AVEA from 2004 to 2006. In 2007, Mr. Cataltepe served as the Europe Telecom Sector Expert in the Transaction Integration Services Department of Ernst & Young. Since 2007, he has been working at Turkcell as a Chief Officer.
Lale Saral Develioglu, age 43, joined Turkcell in 2003 and has been Chief International Business Officer since May 2011. Prior to this position, she was Turkcell Group Marketing Services Officer for 2 years and Chief Marketing Officer for 4 years. Starting her career at Unilever in 1992, Lale Saral Develioglu had served as Brand Manager for 5 years and Marketing Manager for 7 years in various product categories and markets until 2003. She is a graduate of the Department of Industrial Engineering of Bogazici University. She also holds a Masters Degree in Operations Research and Engineering Management from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, New York.
Selen Kocabas, age 43, joined Turkcell in 2003 and is the Chief Corporate Business Officer. Prior to this appointment, she was the Chief Business Support Officer in charge of human resources, corporate information systems, procurement and contract management, and administrative issues. Mrs. Kocabas started her professional career as a Management Trainee at Koc Holding, and later worked as Human Resources Expert at Arcelik, then as a Human Resources Coordinator at Marshall, followed by Groupe Danone SA where she worked as Human Resources Director. Mrs. Kocabas is a graduate of Economics from Istanbul University. She also obtained a Masters Degree in Human Resources Management from Marmara University.
Ilker Kuruoz, age 42, became Turkcells Chief Information and Communication Technologies Officer as of September 2009. He joined Turkcell in 2006. Mr. Kuruoz began his professional career in 1994 at ABT. He then worked at NCR as a System Consultant, at Garanti Teknoloji as a Business Unit Manager and at Accenture as a Senior Manager. Prior to his current position at Turkcell, he was the Capability Management Division Head of Turkcell. Mr. Kuruoz graduated from the Bilkent University Computer Engineering department in 1992 and holds a Masters Degree from the same department.
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Meltem Kalender Öztürk, age 37, joined Turkcell in 1998 and is our Chief Group Human Resources Officer. Between 2001 and 2011, she was the Division Head of Employee Relations Management in charge of training & development, talent management, remuneration, employee relations, recruitment, organizational development and quality management. Mrs. Ozturk also worked in various human resources functions at Logo Business Solutions and Isiklar Holding. Mrs. Ozturk is a graduate of Business Administration from Marmara University.
Koray Ozturkler, age 47, joined Turkcell in 1998, and since April 9, 2008, has been the Chief Corporate Affairs Officer in charge of corporate communications, investor relations and Corporate Citizenship. Prior to this appointment he had been the Investor Relations division head at Turkcell since 2002, and before that was the division head of International Business Development. Mr. Ozturkler started his career in the USA at Accenture Consulting. He continued his career at Yapi Kredi Bank. Mr. Ozturkler is a graduate of Johnson C. Smith University with a degree in Marketing, and received his MBA concentrating on MIS from Mercer University.
Emre Sayin, age 44, is the Chief Consumer Business Officer of Turkcell. Prior to his current position, he was the Chief Corporate Business Officer and Chief Consumer Sales Officer of Turkcell. Mr. Sayin worked for Evyap Pazarlama ve Tic. A.S. as the Deputy General Manager in charge of Marketing from 2005 to 2006, and for Kodak A.S. as the General Manager from 2002 to 2005. Prior to that Mr. Sayin was the Chief Marketing Officer for Microsoft Turkey between 1999-2002. Mr. Sayin worked as the Marketing and Category Manager of Unilever Turkey between 1992-1999. Mr. Sayin is a graduate of Bosphorus Universitys Department of Industrial Engineering and holds a Masters Degree in Systems and Industrial Engineering from Rutgers University.
Burak Sevilengul, age 39, joined Turkcell in 2001 and has been Chief Consumer Marketing Officer since August 2010. Prior to this appointment, he was the Division Head of the Consumer Business Group and held various other managerial responsibilities within the Marketing Department. Mr. Sevilengül is a graduate of The Middle East Technical Universitys Department of Business Administration and holds an MBA Degree from the University of Georgia, Terry College of Business.
Ilter Terzioglu, age 45, joined Turkcell in 2003 and since April 1, 2006, has been the Chief Network Operations Officer. Mr. Terzioglu has worked in the communications sector since 1993 and served as Assistant General Manager at Ericsson, Superonline and Show TV. Mr. Terzioglu is a graduate of the Department of Econometrics at Istanbul University. Prior to his current position as Chief Network Operations Officer, he was Turkcells Head of Business Strategies, Regulation and Risk Consolidation.
Ekrem Yener, age 50, joined Turkcell in 2007, and has held positions as Chief Corporate Business Officer and Chief Special Projects Officer. Currently, he is acting as Turkcells Chief International Expansion Officer. He worked for Aysu Dis Tic. A.S. and Digital Equipment A.S. as a Sales Manager from 1991-1998. Mr. Yener worked as the Ankara Regional Manager of Microsoft Turkey in 1998. He was appointed Microsofts Deputy General Manager in Charge of Marketing in 2002 and was the Deputy General Manager in charge of Business and Strategy Development between 2004-2007. He graduated from the Istanbul Technical Universitys Department of Metallurgical Engineering in 1982 and received a Masters Degree in Material Sciences from the University of California at Berkley in 1986 and in High Level Marketing Management from Kellogg University.
The compensation of the Board of Directors is resolved by the shareholders at general assemblies. The Board, upon the recommendation of the Corporate Governance Committee, together with its own determinations, should decide on a proposal to the General Assembly whether board members will be remunerated, and if such is the case, the form and amount of compensation to be paid to the board members. At our Annual General Assembly held on April 29, 2010, it was decided that our Chairman would receive a net sum of 250,000 per year and each Board member would receive a net sum of 100,000 per year for the period of their service, effective February 25, 2010.
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For the year ended December 31, 2011, we paid an aggregate of approximately $14.4 million to our executive officers including: indemnities, salaries, bonuses and other benefits. There was no deferred or contingent compensation accrued for the year payable to executive officers other than those already included in $14.4 million. In 2010, we paid an aggregate of approximately $11.4 million to our executive officers including: indemnities, salaries, bonuses and other benefits. Furthermore, we do not maintain any profit sharing, pension or similar plans. We have Directors, and Officers, Liability Insurance that covers our directors and officers from liabilities that arise in connection with performing their duties and our liabilities in connection with our directors and officers performance of their duties. The coverage amount is $80 million, and there are a number of insurers, each covering a different layer of the policy. The Directors and Officers Liability insurance is London based, but it is provided through Mapfre Genel Sigorta A.S., an insurance company in Turkey. In 2011, we paid a premium amounting to approximately $384,128, and in 2010, we paid a premium of approximately $384,128. The policy will expire on September 2, 2012, and we will consider its renewal based on the terms and conditions offered.
Under the Turkish Commercial Code and our Articles of Association, our Board of Directors is responsible for our management. The Articles of Association provide for a Board of Directors consisting of seven members. The members each serve for a term of three years.
For more information on our directors and the period during which each director has served on the board, see Item 6.A. Directors and Senior Management.
Our Board of Directors has adopted the Turkcell Corporate Governance Guidelines, the Audit Committee Charter, the Corporate Governance Charter and the Corporate Governance Secretariat Terms of Reference. The principal provisions of the guidelines are available on our website, www.turkcell.com.tr.
Committees of the Board of Directors
The Audit Committee
We are required under Turkish laws and regulations, U.S. securities laws and regulations and the rules of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) to have an audit committee of the Board of Directors appointed from among the members of the Board of Directors. Our audit committee has two members: Mr. Colin J. Williams and Mr. Alexey Khudyakov (non-voting observer member). As required by the CMB Communiqué Serial: X No: 22, which is binding upon public companies in Turkey, Mr. Williams and Mr. Khudyakov are non-executive members of our Board of Directors. In addition, on December 30, 2011, the CMB issued a new regulation that requires listed companies to have audit committees composed of independent board members. Listed companies must comply with this requirement by June 30, 2012. Mr. Williams chairs the audit committee and is considered independent under the U.S. Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the rules promulgated thereunder by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, the applicable rules of the NYSE and the CMB Corporate Governance Principles as enacted in 2004. Mr. Khudyakov is an observer member on the audit committee and is not considered independent under the U.S. Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and rules promulgated thereunder. On January 26, 2007, the CMB informed Turkcell that Alexey Khudyakovs current status, as an observer member on the audit committee does not satisfy the requirements under Article 25, Committees Responsible for Auditing of the CMB. The CMB has stated that steps must be taken urgently so that our Company can comply with Article 25. We initiated a lawsuit before an administrative court seeking to suspend the execution and to annul the decision of the CMB with respect to Mr. Khudyakov. The administrative court ultimately dismissed our lawsuit in January 2008. In March 2008, we appealed before the Council of State. However, on March 23, 2010, the Council of State rejected the appeal. We applied for a correction of the decision but our application was denied. This ultimately ends the judicial process.
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Pursuant to the decision we were notified on October 23, 2008, the CMB gave Turkcell an administrative penalty amounting to TRY 11,836 (equivalent to $6,676 as of April 1, 2012) for not complying with its decision stating that Mr. Khudyakovs current status, as an observer member on the audit committee, does not satisfy the requirements under Article 25, Committees Responsible for Auditing of the CMB and required that Turkcell inform its shareholders of such penalty at the next General Assembly (which was held on January 30, 2009). In November 2008, we commenced a lawsuit before the court seeking to suspend the execution of the administrative fine and to annul the CMBs decision related thereto. The administrative court ultimately dismissed our lawsuit in May 2011. In July 2011, we appealed before the Council of State. The appeal process is still pending.
In addition, our home country governance requirements as they relate to the composition of our audit committee will be further affected by a new regulation issued by the CMB on December 30, 2011, pursuant to which listed companies must, as from June 30, 2012, have audit committees composed of independent board members. As a result, we will be required to change the composition of our audit committee. We continue our studies regarding our audit committee structure and the compliance with new corporate governance rules published by the CMB.
Under the provisions of the Turkish Commercial Code, the Board of Directors must be responsible, as a whole, for all decisions and cannot delegate responsibility to committees of the board. As a consequence, parallel to the Swiss Code, committees in Turkish law merely have a decision-shaping, rather than decision-taking role. Additionally, as per a decision of the Board of Directors, the responsibility of the audit committee members is also considered as a joint responsibility of all Board members.
The principal duties of the Audit Committee include the following:
| assisting the boards oversight of the quality and integrity of our financial statements and related disclosure; |
| overseeing the implementation and efficiency of our accounting system; |
| pre-approving the appointment of and services to be provided by our independent auditors; |
| preparing and monitoring the agreement between us and the independent auditor and overseeing the performance and efficiency of our independent audit system and internal audit mechanisms; and |
| establishing procedures for the receipt, retention and treatment of complaints regarding accounting, internal accounting control systems or auditing matters and establishing procedures for the confidential, anonymous submission by our employees of concerns regarding questionable accounting or auditing matters. |
The Corporate Governance Committee
The Corporate Governance Committee mainly assists the Board of Directors with the development and implementation of our corporate governance principles and presents to the Board of Directors remedial proposals to that end. It establishes a transparent system for the determination, evaluation and training of Board member candidates. The Committee makes recommendations to the Board of Directors, where appropriate, regarding our compensation strategy for the Board members and the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer and the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer succession plan. In the relations between the Company and our shareholders, the Committee assists the board. To that end, it oversees the investor relations activities.
The Chairman of our Corporate Governance Committee is Mr. Colin J. Williams and the members are Ms. Karin B. Eliasson, Mr. Mehmet Bulent Ergin and Mr. Oleg Malis. The Board of Directors does not have a remuneration committee; however, the Corporate Governance committee may give recommendations on
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remuneration, including the remuneration of our Chief Executive Officer. In accordance with Turkish law, the committee does not have the power to set remuneration independent of the Board of Directors.
From our formation in 1993, we have grown from approximately 90 employees to 12,834 employees as at December 31, 2011. Due to our customer growth and the increasing need for competent employees, we focus on the quality of our recruitment. The following table sets forth the number of employees by activity employed by us at December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009.
2011 | 2010 | 2009 | ||||||||||
Turkcell |
||||||||||||
Marketing(1) |
| | 189 | |||||||||
Consumer Business |
112 | 102 | | |||||||||
Group Marketing Services(2) |
| 91 | | |||||||||
Sales(3) |
| | 523 | |||||||||
Consumer Sales |
244 | 243 | | |||||||||
Consumer Marketing |
136 | | | |||||||||
Corporate Business |
340 | 279 | | |||||||||
Finance(4) |
| 211 | 220 | |||||||||
Turkcell Group Finance(4) |
317 | | | |||||||||
Information & Communication Technologies |
734 | 590 | 545 | |||||||||
Network Operations |
805 | 780 | 776 | |||||||||
Business Support |
| 232 | 211 | |||||||||
Group Human Resources |
202 | | | |||||||||
Product & Services Management(6) |
| 111 | 100 | |||||||||
New Technology Business |
40 | | | |||||||||
CEO Office(7) |
3 | 3 | 3 | |||||||||
CEO Support(8) |
2 | | | |||||||||
Corporate Affairs |
33 | 31 | 29 | |||||||||
Corporate Risk Management(9) |
| 16 | 15 | |||||||||
Corporate Strategy & Regulations(5)(11) |
| 35 | 37 | |||||||||
Legal Counseling(12) |
| 58 | 59 | |||||||||
Special Projects(10) |
| | 2 | |||||||||
International Expansion(13) |
| 7 | | |||||||||
International Investment Coordination(14) |
| 30 | 24 | |||||||||
Internal Audit(9) |
12 | | | |||||||||
International Business(13) |
11 | | | |||||||||
Legal Affairs(12) |
37 | | | |||||||||
Regulation Strategies & Wholesale Business(11) |
43 | | | |||||||||
Subtotal |
3,071 | 2,789 | 2,709 | |||||||||
Subsidiaries |
||||||||||||
Turkcell Global Bilgi |
5,899 | 4,565 | 4,863 | |||||||||
Limited Liability Company Astelit |
1,030 | 1,065 | 1,132 | |||||||||
Belarusian Telecom |
417 | 406 | 445 | |||||||||
Global Bilgi LLC |
624 | 394 | 352 | |||||||||
Turkcell Superonline |
461 | 412 | 318 | |||||||||
Turkcell Teknoloji Arastirma ve Gelistirme A.S |
427 | 362 | 315 | |||||||||
Kibris Telekom |
165 | 172 | 171 | |||||||||
Kurumsal A.S. |
400 | 407 | | |||||||||
Others(15) |
340 | 300 | 147 | |||||||||
Subtotal |
9,763 | 8,083 | 7,743 | |||||||||
Total |
12,834 | 10,872 | 10,452 |
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(1) | As of August 2010, the Marketing organization has been restructured. As a part of this restructuring, two functional groups have been named Group Marketing Services and Consumer Business. |
(2) | As of 2011, Group Marketing Services function has been restructured and merged with Consumer Business. |
(3) | As of May 2010, the Sales organization has been restructured. As a part of this restructuring, two Functional Groups have been named Consumer Sales and Corporate Business. |
(4) | As of July 2011, Finance organization has been restructured and named Turkcell Group Finance. Turkcell Global Bilgi, Global Tower, Turkcell Teknoloji including their affiliates and Turkcells Finance functions are merged under this centralized structure in order to construct a more comprehensive and more effective Group Finance organization and to benefit from the advantage of Turkcell Groups multi-company structure. |
(5) | To increase our business effectiveness and our adaptation to change and by taking regulation excellence principles into consideration, Regulations has been moved to Corporate Strategy as of July 1, 2008 in order to increase our business effectiveness and ability to respond more efficiently to changes as well as by taking into consideration regulation excellence principles. |
(6) | As of July 2011, Product & Services Management function has been restructured and part of it merged with Information & Communication Services. The other part of it has been renamed as New Technology Business in order to determine new growth areas for Turkcell, bringing to maturity these fields for transforming into new business areas by market research and analysis. |
(7) | As of 2009, the following groups are no longer reported as part of the CEO Office and are presented separately: Corporate Affairs, Corporate Risk Management, Corporate Strategy & Regulations, Legal Counseling and Special Projects. |
(8) | As of 2011, CEO Support division has been formed. |
(9) | As of 2011, Corporate Risk Management function has been renamed Internal Audit. |
(10) | The Special projects role has been cancelled. |
(11) | As of 2011, Corporate Strategy & Regulations function has been renamed Regulation Strategies & Wholesales Business. |
(12) | As of 2011, Legal Counseling function has been renamed Legal Affairs. |
(13) | As of 2011, International Expansion function has been renamed International Business. |
(14) | International Investment Coordination includes experts and is not included in the subtotal. |
(15) | Others include the following subsidiaries: Inteltek Internet Teknoloji Yatirim ve Danismanlik Ticaret A.S., Global Tower, Global Bilgi FLLC, Ukrtower, Azerinteltek and Rehberlik A.S. |
High levels of subscriber satisfaction can only be achieved if our employees are capable and competent professionals dedicated to subscriber service.
We are able to recruit highly qualified employees due to our position of leadership in the Turkish telecommunications market and our strong corporate identity. Stringent hiring and training standards have resulted in a professional organization with high-caliber employees within a challenging workplace.
With regard to employee compensation and benefits, the major principles of our policy are to preserve internal equity and external competitiveness and reflect individual performance in compensation packages.
Significant factors involved in the process of determining compensation and benefits for our employees are our grading structure (based on the Mercer IPE system), market movement data and individual performance. We make salary adjustments once yearly. Principal factors in salary adjustments are market movements and economic indicators (e.g. the rate of inflation). We pay performance bonuses quarterly to sales employees and annually to all other employees in accordance with individual and company performance results. Our performance evaluation system evaluates the whole year performance of our employees through two primary activities: target setting and 360-degree evaluation. Benefits packages are designed in line with the local market practice and linked to grade bands/levels where the benefits package improves as the grade band/level increases. We run a flexible benefits plan that allows our employees to select from a pool of choices that suit them such as
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several shopping and travel vouchers, allowance for children and payment to the Defined Contribution Plan (the DCP). The DCP is a voluntary pension system in which we and the employee make equal contributions. After a vesting period of three years, the employee gets ownership of the contribution we made. The DCP covers all employees who have been working with us for a minimum of six months.
Each of our employees undergoes an orientation program incorporating classroom training and e-learning training. The training provides employees with information concerning corporate culture and ethics, an introduction to our services, basic mobile communications knowledge and functions of departments. Each employee has the opportunity to participate in the individual, organizational, functional and managerial development programs after regular training needs analysis. In addition, each employee receives specific training for his or her particular job.
To further develop our employees we have created the Turkcell Academy. The Turkcell Academy is structured as a center of development for Turkcell Group employees. The Turkcell Academy was created as part of Turkcells philosophy of investing in people and is one of our proactive development solutions supporting group strategies and helping to improve Turkcells performance. With the Turkcell Academys branded long-term development programs, technical and non-technical courses, web-based training systems, e-learning and language teaching, Turkcell Group has become an environment in which employees get together to receive a broad variety of educational content and to share information.
The Turkcell Academy is also intended to improve the future society of Turkey and to reach out to young people through social responsibility projects. Together with strategic partnerships with universities and training consultancies and with Academy trainers experience and knowledge, the Turkcell Academy has become a valuable and important part of our company.
Our employees are not members of any union, and there is no collective bargaining agreement with our employees. We have not experienced any work stoppages.
Based on reporting made to us in March and April, 2012, we believe that the aggregate amount of shares owned by our Board members and senior officers at such time was 1 ordinary share. No individual Board member or senior officer owned 1% or more of our outstanding shares.
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ITEM 7. | MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS |
The following table sets forth our major shareholders ordinary share ownership representing approximately 65.30% of our companys capital. This information is current as of April 1, 2012, based on the Companys official share book. Our shareholders do not have different voting rights.
Name and Address of Owner |
Nominal TRY Value of Shares Owned(1) |
Percent of Class |
||||||
Sonera Holding B.V.(2) |
287,632,179.557 | 13.07 | % | |||||
P.O. Box 8675 |
||||||||
NL 3009 AR Rotterdam |
||||||||
The Netherlands |
||||||||
Cukurova Holding A.S. |
995,509.429 | 0.05 | % | |||||
Buyukdere Cad. |
||||||||
Yapi Kredi Plaza |
||||||||
A Blok Kat: 15, |
||||||||
34330, Levent, Istanbul, Turkey |
||||||||
Turkcell Holding A.S.(3) |
1,122,000,000.238 | 51.00 | % | |||||
Buyukdere Cad. |
||||||||
Yapi Kredi Plaza |
||||||||
A Blok Kat: 15 |
||||||||
34330, Levent, Istanbul, Turkey |
||||||||
M.V. Holding A.S.(4) |
26,021,712.590 | 1.18 | % | |||||
K.V.K. Plaza Bayar Cad., Gulbahar Sok. |
||||||||
No: 14 34742 Kozyatagi, Istanbul, Turkey |
||||||||
Shares Publicly Held (including the major shareholders listed below) |
763,350,598.186 | 34.70 | %(6)(7) | |||||
Capital Research Global Investors(5) |
150,580,243 | 6.8 | % | |||||
333 South Hope Street |
||||||||
Los Angeles, CA 90071, United States |
||||||||
Total(8) |
2,200,000,000.000 | 100.00 | % |
(1) | On April 29, 2005, the General Assembly approved a revaluation of our ordinary shares from TL 1,000 to TRY 1. The revaluation resulted in the formation of fractional shares, which have not yet been merged into whole ordinary shares. Therefore, we give the nominal value of the ordinary shares owned rather than the units or fractional units thereof. |
(2) | Controlled by TeliaSonera. On September 11, 2009, Sonera Holding entered into a derivative transaction with Citibank, N.A. that was settled on October 30, 2009, resulting in Sonera Holdings acquisition of 6,418,710 of Turkcells ADS (representing 16,046,775 Shares) at a price of $17.30 per ADS. |
(3) | Controlled indirectly by Cukurova Telecom Holdings and Alfa Telecom (through its Altimo subsidiary). As of the date of this annual report on Form 20-F, we understand that, TeliaSonera, Cukurova Holding, and Alfa Group currently own, directly or indirectly, of approximately 37.1%, 13.8%, and 13.2%, respectively, of our share capital, the majority of which is held through Turkcell Holding A.S. TeliaSoneras 37.1% does not include additional shares totaling approximately 0.94% that TeliaSonera have informed us that they own. For more information, see footnote 7 below and Item 3.DRisk FactorsTurkcells complex ownership structure and Board composition has and could continue to, adversely impact our shareholders ability to achieve the consensus necessary to approve matters relating to our business and operations, including the payment of dividends and our compliance with new Turkish corporate governance requirements. Ongoing legal disputes involving our shareholders may affect the ownership and control of our shares and our ability to manage our business. |
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(4) | Controlled by Murat Vargi. |
(5) | On the basis of publicly available information (Form 13G filings as of December 30, 2011), Capital Research Global Investors (CRMC) is deemed to be the beneficial owner of 150,580,243 of our shares as a result of CRMC acting as investment adviser to various investment companies registered under Section 8 of the Investment Company Act of 1940. |
(6) | In our prior filing on Form 20-F, we disclosed on the basis of publicly available information that Lazard Asset Management LLC controlled 111,353,863 shares. Lazard has not publicly updated this figure, but we understand that their level of holding has not changed significantly since then. |
(7) | We calculate shares publicly held by deducting from total shares outstanding those shareholders named above. However, a different level of shares publicly held is arrived at when calculating according to Turkish regulations, see Free Float Definition Rules in Item 10B Memorandum and Articles of Association-Capital Structure-Free Float Definition Rules. Based on information received from TeliaSonera, we understand that approximately 0.94% of the shares they own in our Company is a part of float. |
(8) | Müflis Bilka Kaynak İletişim San ve Tic. AŞ. completed the sale of its 137,199.575 shares in our Company through the Central Registry Agency as of March 30, 2012. These shares are now classified as publicly held shares of the Company and Müflis Bilka is therefore no longer listed as an ordinary shareholder. |
As of April 1, 2012, Turkcell had 91,576,534 ADRs outstanding held by 57 registered ADR holders. To the best of our knowledge, as of December 31, 2011, in accordance with the loan agreements signed between our shareholders and various banks, 0.05% of shares having a nominal value of TRY 995,509,429 have been pledged by our shareholders as security in favor of such banks.
On August 11, 2009, our Board of Directors approved a resolution for the blank endorsement of 16,800 shares, each having a nominal value of TRY 1, and held by Bilka Bilgi Kaynak ve Iletisim San. Ve Tic. A.S. for their transfer and assignment pursuant to paragraph m of Article 9 of the Istanbul Stock Exchange Quotation Regulation.
We understand that on September 11, 2009, Sonera Holding entered into a derivative transaction with Citibank, N.A. that was settled on October 30, 2009, resulting in Sonera Holdings acquisition of 6,418,710 of Turkcells ADS (representing 16,046,775 Shares) at a price of $17.30 per ADS.
On October 27, 2010, our Board of Directors approved a resolution for the blank endorsement of 25,500,000 shares, each having a nominal value of TRY 1, and held by MV Holding A.S. for their transfer and assignment pursuant to paragraph m of Article 9 of the Istanbul Stock Exchange Quotation Regulation.
Mapfre Genel Sigorta notified the sale of 1,558,447.590 of its shares in our Company to the Capital Markets Boards on January 21, 2010 and the sale of 0.009 of its shares in our Company on May 6, 2010. These shares are now classified as publicly held shares of the Company and Mapfre Genel Sigorta is therefore no longer listed as an ordinary shareholder.
Müflis Bilka Kaynak Iletişim San ve Tic. AŞ. completed the sale of its 137,199.575 shares in our Company through the Central Registry Agency as of March 30, 2012. These shares are now classified as publicly held shares of the Company and Müflis Bilka is therefore no longer listed as an ordinary shareholder.
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7.B Related Party Transactions
We have entered into agreements with our executive officers and with several of our current and former shareholders or affiliates of shareholders. We believe that all of such agreements are on terms that are comparable to those that would be available in transactions with unrelated parties. Our policy is to seek price quotes for services and goods we purchase and select the most favorable price. For a discussion of our Related Party Transactions for fiscal year 2011, see Note 34 to our Consolidated Financial Statements.
7.C Interests of Experts and Counsel
Not Applicable.
ITEM 8. | FINANCIAL INFORMATION |
8.A Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information
Audited consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, and for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2011, are included in Item 18. Financial Statements.
Legal Proceedings
For a discussion of the various claims and legal actions in which we are involved, see Note 33 (Commitments and Contingencies) to our consolidated financial statements in this Form 20-F.
Dividend Policy
We have adopted a dividend policy, which is included in our Corporate Governance Guidelines. As adopted, our general dividend policy is to pay dividends to shareholders with due regard to trends in our operating performance, financial condition and other factors. Since 2004, the Board of Directors has endeavored to distribute cash dividends of at least 50% of our distributable net profits per fiscal year, although the payment of dividends remains subject to our cash flow requirements, applicable Turkish laws and the approval of, or amendment by, the Board of Directors and the General Assembly of Shareholders.
In accordance with Turkish law, the distribution of profits and the payment of an annual dividend with respect to the preceding financial year are subject to a recommendation which may be made by the Board of Directors each year for approval by the shareholders at the annual general assembly. The Board may decide whether or not to recommend a distribution of profits together with the amount of dividend and the shareholders, through the general assembly, accept or reject such proposal, if any. Dividends are payable on a date proposed by the Board of Directors and determined at the general assembly of shareholders, which date, under the CMB requirements, must be earlier than the end of the fifth month following the end of the preceding financial year. However, the CMB is authorized to designate another deadline for distribution of dividends in any given year. The general assembly of shareholders in respect of 2011 has not yet been held.
In connection with the redenomination of the Turkish Lira and as per the related amendments of Turkish Commercial Code, in order to increase the nominal value of the shares to TRY 1, 1,000 units of shares, each having a nominal value of TRY 0.001, shall be merged and each share having a nominal value of TRY 1 shall be issued to represent such shares. Turkcell is currently in the process of merging 1,000 existing ordinary shares, each having a nominal value of TRY 0.001, to one ordinary share having a nominal value of TRY 1. After the share merger, which appears as a provisional article In the Articles of Association to convert the value of each share with a nominal value of TRY 0.001 to TRY 1, all shares will have a value of TRY 1. Although the merger process has not been finalized, the practical application is to state each share having a nominal value of TRY 1 approved by the CMB. Basic and diluted weighted average number of shares and net income per share as of December 31, 2004 are retrospectively changed to reflect each share having a nominal value of TRY 1.
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On March 30, 2009, our Board of Directors proposed a dividend of approximately TRY 1,098.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2008 (equivalent to $581.4 million as at December 31, 2011) (which represents a net and gross cash dividend of TRY 0.50 (approximately $0.26 as at December 31, 2011) per ordinary share with a nominal value of TRY 1). This dividend proposal was approved at the Ordinary General Assembly of Shareholders held on May 8, 2009. A cash dividend was distributed from May 18, 2009 for a period of 15 days.
On March 10, 2010, the Companys Board of Directors proposed a dividend for the year ended December 31, 2009 of TRY 859.3 million (equivalent to $454.9 million at December 31, 2011), which represents 50% of distributable income and a net cash dividend of TRY 0.39 (equivalent to $0.21 at December 31, 2011) per share. This dividend proposal was approved at the Ordinary General Assembly of Shareholders held on April 29, 2010. A cash dividend was distributed from May 17, 2010 for a period of 15 days.
On March 23, 2011, the Companys Board of Directors proposed a dividend for the year ended December 31, 2010 of TRY 1,328.70 million (equivalent to $703.4 million at December 31, 2011), which corresponds to 75% of Turkcells distributable income and a net cash dividend of TRY 0.60 (equivalent to $0.32 at December 31, 2011) per share. This dividend proposal was discussed but not approved at the Ordinary General Assembly of Shareholders held on April 21, 2011 and the Extraordinary General Assembly of Shareholders held on August 11, 2011 and October 12, 2011.
Annual profits are calculated and distributed in accordance with our articles of association after deduction from our annual revenues of all expenses, depreciation, taxes, required reserves and any losses from the previous years.
Pursuant to CMB regulations, dividend distributions of publicly held companies are regulated as follows:
From the distributable net dividend calculated as per the CMBs regulations, the entire amount calculated according to the CMB regulations regarding the requirement of minimum dividend distribution shall be distributed in the event such amount can be covered by the distributable net dividend in the statutory records. In the event the entire amount cannot be covered by the distributable net dividend in the statutory records, the total distributable net dividend in the statutory records shall be distributed. In the event there is net loss in the financial statements prepared as per the CMB regulations or statutory records, there shall be no dividend distribution.
The CMB determined that for the accounting period ended December 31, 2008, the minimum dividend distribution rate should be at least 20% of the total distributable dividend. This distribution can be in cash or in the form of bonus share distribution, or both in cash and in the form of bonus share distribution, provided that it will not be less than 20% of the total distributable dividend. The amount of dividend to be distributed shall be resolved in the general assembly meetings of the companies. The CMB decided, with its decision dated January 27, 2010, not to enforce a minimum dividend distribution ratio for the dividend distribution to be made relative to the profit generated in 2009. The CMB has taken no further decision to amend its decision dated January 27, 2010 regarding dividend distribution for the 2010 and 2011 fiscal years.
To the extent we declare dividends in the future, we will pay those dividends in Turkish Lira. In the case of ordinary shares held in the form of ADSs, dividends will be converted into U.S. Dollars by the depositary for the ADSs, to the extent it can do so on a reasonable basis, and will be distributed to the holders of the ADSs. Because exchange rates between the Turkish Lira and the U.S. Dollar fluctuate continuously, a holder of ADSs will be subject to currency fluctuation generally, but particularly between the date on which dividends are declared and the date dividends are paid. Under current Turkish regulations, dividends or other distributions paid in respect of the ordinary shares or ADSs generally will be subject to withholding taxes. See Item 10E. Taxation.
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Not applicable.
ITEM 9. | THE OFFER AND LISTING |
Our capital consists of ordinary shares. Pursuant to an amendment in Turkish Capital Markets Law and a communiqué issued by the Turkish CMB, our shares traded on the Istanbul Stock Exchange were dematerialized as of November 2005. For detailed information on the dematerialization of our shares, see Item 10.B Memorandum and Articles of AssociationTransfer of Shares.
Our ordinary shares are traded on the Istanbul Stock Exchange under the symbol TCELL and our ADSs are traded on the NYSE under the symbol TKC. Currently two ADSs represent five of our ordinary shares. Our ADSs are evidenced by American Depositary Receipts (ADRs). On July 6, 2011, we signed an amended and restated Deposit Agreement with Citibank N.A. (Citibank), as depositary (the Depositary), Turkcell and holders of ADRs, which transferred our ADR program from JPMorgan Chase Bank to Citibank.
Since January 1, 2006, capital gains realized without meeting a one year holding period are subject to a withholding tax in Turkey. On July 7, 2006, a provision was added to article 1/a of Code 5527 stating that foreign-based taxpayers, natural persons and corporations are subject to 0% tax. See Item 10.E. Taxation.
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The table below sets forth, for the periods indicated, the reported high and low closing quotations (as extracted from Reuters) on the NYSE and the Istanbul Stock Exchange. All quotations have been adjusted to take into account all dividends we have issued in the form of shares and cash.
New York Stock Exchange ($ per ADS) |
Istanbul Stock Exchange (TRY per Ordinary Share) |
|||||||||||||||
High | Low | High | Low | |||||||||||||
Annual information for the past five years |
||||||||||||||||
2011 |
17.73 | 10.36 | 10.95 | 7.36 | ||||||||||||
2010 |
19.98 | 12.34 | 11.18 | 7.80 | ||||||||||||
2009 |
18.65 | 11.15 | 10.32 | 6.86 | ||||||||||||
2008 |
27.47 | 9.70 | 11.30 | 6.19 | ||||||||||||
2007 |
29.73 | 12.70 | 12.09 | 5.59 | ||||||||||||
Quarterly information for the past two years |
||||||||||||||||
2011 |
||||||||||||||||
First Quarter |
17.73 | 13.28 | 10.95 | 8.58 | ||||||||||||
Second Quarter |
15.60 | 13.16 | 9.60 | 8.38 | ||||||||||||
Third Quarter |
13.79 | 10.36 | 8.98 | 7.36 | ||||||||||||
Fourth Quarter |
13.51 | 11.11 | 9.54 | 8.18 | ||||||||||||
Quarterly information for the past two years |
||||||||||||||||
2010 |
||||||||||||||||
First Quarter |
19.98 | 14.54 | 11.18 | 8.60 | ||||||||||||
Second Quarter |
16.18 | 12.34 | 9.22 | 7.80 | ||||||||||||
Third Quarter |
16.92 | 12.81 | 10.10 | 7.95 | ||||||||||||
Fourth Quarter |
19.59 | 16.48 | 11.15 | 9.90 | ||||||||||||
Monthly information for most recent six months |
||||||||||||||||
October |
12.79 | 11.11 | 8.96 | 8.22 | ||||||||||||
November |
13.51 | 11.67 | 9.54 | 8.18 | ||||||||||||
December |
12.39 | 11.58 | 9.20 | 8.80 | ||||||||||||
January |
12.94 | 11.83 | 9.28 | 8.78 | ||||||||||||
February |
13.96 | 13.10 | 9.96 | 9.32 | ||||||||||||
March |
13.54 | 12.60 | 9.76 | 9.12 | ||||||||||||
April (as of April 13, 2012) |
12.59 | 12.04 | 9.04 | 8.88 |
Fluctuations in the exchange rate between the Turkish Lira and the U.S. Dollar will affect any comparisons of ordinary share prices and ADS prices.
On April 13, 2012, the closing price per ordinary share on the Istanbul Stock Exchange was TRY 8.92 and per ADS on the NYSE was $12.30.
The Depositary confirmed that we had 96,747,118 ADRs outstanding as of the close of business on December 31, 2011. We had 91,576,354 ADRs outstanding as of the close of business March 30, 2012.
Not applicable.
Our ADSs are traded on the NYSE under the symbol TKC and our ordinary shares are traded on the Istanbul Stock Exchange under the symbol TCELL.
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Not applicable.
Not applicable.
Not applicable.
ITEM 10. | ADDITIONAL INFORMATION |
Not applicable.
10.B Memorandum and Articles of Association
General
We are registered in the Istanbul Trade Registry under number 304844. Pursuant to Article 3 of our Articles of Association, as amended on January 30, 2009, at the Extraordinary General Assembly, we are incorporated primarily for the provision of any telephone, telecommunication and similar services in compliance with the Telegraph and Telephone Law number 406 and services stated in the GSM Pan Europe Mobile Telephone System bid that was signed with the Ministry of Transport, Maritime Affairs and Communications and to operate within the authorization regarding the IMT-2000/UMTS services and the infrastructure.
Board Members
General
The Board of Directors is comprised of seven members elected by the general assembly, all of whom must be individuals under Turkish law. An increase in the number of members of the Board of Directors must be approved by the general assembly. Directors are required to be shareholders of the Company unless they are representatives of legal entity shareholders. Shareholders that are legal entities cannot be elected as directors, and can only nominate their representatives for election to the Board of Directors. Currently all of the directors on our Board are either representatives of shareholders that are legal entities or shareholders themselves. The Turkish Commercial Code (the TCC), does not require a board member to be a Turkish citizen. There is no minimum age for the directors, provided that a board member has reached the age of majority, which is 18, and there is no mandatory retirement age under applicable law.
Board Members Interest
The TCC forbids a board member to enter into a transaction with us in any area relating to our business either on the board members own behalf or on behalf of someone else, thus preventing the abuse of duty by board members and protecting our interests (TCC Article 334). Our general assembly may, however, authorize our board members to enter into these types of transactions through a specific provision in our Articles of Association, or our general assembly may grant such a right on a yearly basis. On April 29, 2010, such authorization was granted by our general assembly.
Board members cannot participate in board meetings in which a matter related to themselves or their relatives is discussed (TCC Article 332). If any item of an agenda is related to one of the Board members, within the meaning of TCC Article 332, the board member concerned should inform the board of this and request the
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situation be recorded in the minutes of the meeting. Interested board members cannot participate in and sign such resolutions. If we suffer any loss because of a board members failure to raise such an issue, the board member shall be held liable to compensate us for the loss incurred due to such matters related to relatives.
Under TCC Article 335, board members are barred from participating in similar commercial activities outside our company. Board members cannot become shareholders with unlimited liability or become board members of companies active in similar types of business. Our general assembly may, however, authorize our board members to enter into these types of transactions through a specific provision in our Articles of Association or our general assembly may grant such a right on a yearly basis. On May 8, 2009, such authorization was granted by our general assembly.
Furthermore, based on a CMB Communiqué (see Item 16.F Corporate Governance), which requires compliance by listed companies as from June 30, 2012, along with board members, controlling shareholders, senior management, as well as spouses and second degree blood and affinity relatives of those, can only do transactions which may cause conflict of interest with the company or its subsidiaries and can only compete with the company if its general assembly gives its prior approval thereto and if the general assembly is informed of aforesaid transactions.
Compensation
Any remuneration payable to board members shall be determined by our general assembly. The Board of Directors has no authority to determine such remuneration. At our Annual General Assembly held on April 29, 2010, it was decided that our Chairman would receive a net sum of 250,000 per year and each Board member would receive a net sum of 100,000 per year for the period of their service, effective February 25, 2010.
According to a CMB Communiqué (see Item 16.F Corporate Governance), which requires compliance by listed companies as from June 30, 2012, a written Remuneration Policy for Board Members and senior management shall be prepared. This Policy shall be posted on the companys website and submitted at the ordinary general assembly as a separate agenda item for information. Payment plans such as stock options or those based on company performance are not used in the remuneration of independent board members. Remuneration of independent board members must safeguard the independency level.
Borrowing Power
To the extent the relevant provisions of Turkish law allow, the board of directors of our company is the body entitled to, directly or through representatives authorized by the board of directors, resolve to exercise our powers to borrow money or give any form of guarantee or surety relating to our or any third partys obligations. CMB adopted a new rule on September 9, 2009, which was announced in its weekly bulletin in connection with credit extensions, that public companies can provide guarantees or pledges, including mortgages, to third parties, provided such third party (i) is fully consolidated in the companys financial statements or (ii) the ordinary business operations of the company directly requires providing guarantees, pledges or mortgages. At the Ordinary General Assembly held on April 29, 2010, Article 3 entitled Purpose and Subject Matter of Turkcells Articles of Association was amended in line with CMBs rule dated September 9, 2009. Under our Articles of Association, our Board of Directors is authorized to issue debentures and other securities subject to the TCC, Turkish Capital Markets Law and other relevant legislation. Under Turkish Capital Markets Law, the total value of capital market instruments shall not exceed the amount specified by the CMB, for each type of instrument. However, as a general rule, the total value of debentures and other debt instruments that a publicly held company may issue as capital market instruments may not exceed the balance remaining after deducting the losses, if any, from the total sum of the outstanding and paid up capital as shown on the latest independently audited financial statements submitted to the CMB, plus reserves and the revaluation fund stated in the latest financial statement approved by the general assembly. Pursuant to Article 3 of our Articles of Association, as amended on October 2, 2009 at the Extraordinary General Assembly, and as effective on October 7, 2009, we can extend credits to
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companies in which we have direct or indirect shareholding interest, both in Turkey and overseas, as well as to our main company and group companies, in Turkish Lira or other foreign currencies, on the condition that such extensions do not conflict with applicable laws and regulations.
Based on a recent CMB Communiqué (see Item 16.F Corporate Governance), which requires compliance by listed companies as from June 30, 2012, the approval of the majority of the independent members shall be necessary for any and all kinds of related party transactions of the company (related parties referred in the Communiqué will be determined in accordance with the Turkish Accounting Principles no:24, equivalent of IAS 24), as well as for the resolutions of the board of directors with respect to giving guarantees, pledges and mortgages in favor of third parties. In cases where the majority of the independent members do not approve such transaction, the case shall be disclosed to the public in a manner covering sufficient information with respect to the transaction within the scope of public disclosure arrangements and the transaction shall be submitted to the general assembly for approval. During such general assembly meetings, a resolution shall be adopted by vote in which the parties to the transaction as well as the individuals related thereto are not entitled to vote. Meeting quorum shall not be necessary for the general assembly meetings to be held for those cases. Such resolutions shall be adopted by simple majority of the attendees having the right to vote. The Company shall need to incorporate related mandatory provisions of the said Communiqué in its Articles of Association (along with other mandatory provisions relating to corporate governance, see Item 16.F Corporate Governance). The CMB in a further announcement clarified that listed companies may adopt one general board/general assembly resolution for the execution of transactions of a continuous and extensive nature with related parties unless the terms of those transactions are changed. In the event such changes occur, new board/general assembly resolution will be needed.
Capital Structure
General
Our Board of Directors has adopted the authorized share capital system which, under Turkish law, allows us to increase our issued share capital up to the authorized share capital amount upon resolution by our board and without need for further shareholder approval. On January 23, 2008, the CMB amended its communiqué on principles regarding the registered capital system. According to this amendment, the registered capital ceiling authorization given by the CMB shall be valid for five years, including the year in which the authorization is granted. If the registered capital of the company does not reach this ceiling at the end of the five year term, the Board, in order to take a capital increase decision, will need to apply to the CMB for a new capital ceiling authorization and will need the General Assemblys approval in order to get a new authorization period of up to five years. The Company will need to apply for CMBs permit and general assemblys authorization before the end of 2012.
Preemption Rights
We may increase our capital only through the issuance of new shares, and such issuances may come in the form of a rights offering or a bonus issue. Under Turkish law, existing shareholders are entitled to subscribe for new shares, also known as preemption rights, in proportion to their respective shareholdings each time we undertake a capital increase. Our Board of Directors will generally recommend that new shares be issued at prices equal to their nominal value, which entitles the existing shareholders to subscribe for shares at a significant discount from their current market price. The exercise of preemption rights by shareholders must be made within a subscription period which we announce, which may not be less than 15 days nor more than 60 days after the issuance of the preemption rights circular. Shareholders who do not wish to subscribe for new shares may sell their rights on the Istanbul Stock Exchange, or the ISE. Any shares not subscribed for by the existing shareholders or purchasers of the rights coupons are sold on the ISE at the current market price. Any differences between the rights issue price and the price realized for the shares on the ISE would accrue to our surplus account. Preemption rights of shareholders related to a rights offering may be restricted wholly or in part either
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by an affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares at an ordinary or extraordinary general assembly or a resolution adopted by the Board of Directors to such effect, provided that such authority is conferred upon the Board of Directors. CMB rules stipulate that such authority may be conferred upon the Board of Directors of companies that have received permission from the CMB to adopt the authorized capital system.
By the amendment to the Articles of Association, we have conferred such authority on our Board of Directors. The CMB further requires that the right of the Board of Directors to restrict the preemption rights of shareholders applies equally with respect to all shareholders. Under Turkish law, bonus issues may be undertaken in order to convert all or a portion of the revaluation fund and reserves of a company into share capital.
Dividend Distribution and Allocation of Profits
Our Board of Directors recommends annual dividends, which then must be approved by our shareholders at their annual general assembly. Dividends are payable on a date determined at the annual general meeting. Under current rules, the Board of Directors may decide whether or not to recommend a distribution of dividends and our shareholders at our annual general meeting may decide whether or not to distribute dividends in any year. Under the current CMB rules, the ratio of the first dividend must be specified in the Articles of Association and for the dividend distribution to be made with regard to the profit generated in the year 2009, CMB decided not to enforce a minimum dividend distribution ratio. As per CMB rules, dividends may be distributed to shareholders in cash or bonus shares or, upon the general assemblys decision, may be retained by the company. The CMB is entitled to request that a publicly held company distribute its dividends in cash, provided that such request is served before the agenda of the general assembly meeting is published. Under the CMB rules, if a public company decides not to distribute the first dividend, the corresponding amount shall be set aside as a special reserve. Accordingly, we may freely determine the amount of dividends to be distributed based on the Dividend Policy adopted by our Board of Directors in 2004, pursuant to applicable Turkish laws and upon the approval of, or amendment by, the Board of Directors and the General Assembly of Shareholders. The Board decides whether or not to recommend an allocation of profits, as well as the amount of the dividend, and the shareholders, through the general assembly, accept or reject such proposal, if any.
According to the CMBs decision dated January 27, 2010 and numbered 02/51, regarding dividend distribution for the 2009 fiscal year, any cash dividend distribution must be completed by the end of the fifth month following the fiscal year. The CMB has taken no further decision to amend its decision dated January 27, 2010 regarding dividend distributions for the 2010 and 2011 fiscal years. Dividends are payable in cash or by transfer to an account of the shareholder with a bank in Turkey against delivery to our office in Turkey of the relevant dividend coupon attached to the share certificate representing the relevant shares. If dividends are distributed in the form of bonus shares by means of a bonus issue, the registered value representing the bonus shares shall be transferred to the shareholders accounts no later than six months after the end of the fiscal year. Shareholders entitlement to cash dividends remains in effect for a period of five years following the date of the general assembly approving such distribution, after which time they are transferred to the Turkish government.
Part of our remaining net profit may be distributed to our shareholders as a second dividend or retained by us as retained earnings, all at the discretion of our general assembly. As per our Articles of Association and the TCC, we deduct 10% from the amount of any distributions made as a second dividend and add it to a contingency reserve fund.
For additional details regarding our dividend policy see Item 8.A. Consolidated Statements and Other Financial InformationDividend Policy.
Voting Rights
Shareholders are entitled to one vote per share on all matters submitted to a vote of our shareholders.
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In 2003, the CMB published a Communiqué on Principles of Cumulative Voting in the General Assemblies of Joint Stock Companies Subject to the Capital Markets Law (Communique Serial IV, No:29) to govern principles and procedures regarding cumulative voting methods in publicly held companies. The cumulative voting designed thereby enables minority shareholders to elect representatives to the companys Board of Directors and board of auditors. Each shareholder receives a number of votes equal to the number of voting shares he possesses multiplied by the number of seats to be elected in the Board of Directors or board of auditors. The shareholders may choose to concentrate their votes for one candidate or to divide their votes between or among a number of candidates. The number of cumulative votes shall be calculated separately for the Board of Directors and the board of auditors. Implementation of the cumulative voting method is optional, but requires that the articles of association of the company include provisions for it. Our Articles of Association do not currently provide for cumulative voting.
Furthermore a recent CMB Communiqué (see Item 16.F. Corporate Governance for further information), which requires compliance by listed companies as from June 30, 2012, states that transactions considered as material (transfer, acquisition or lease of all or significant portion of company assets or constitution of limited property right there on; providing concession or changing content or subject of existing concessions and being delisted) under certain conditions those material transactions will need to be approved by the general assembly. In the event that parties to such transactions are related parties, such related parties shall not vote at the general assembly. As for all kinds of related party transactions and the issuance of guarantees such as pledges and mortgages in favor of third parties, the same Communiqué also requires that the related parties are not allowed to vote on such transactions at the general assembly.
Transfer of Shares
Subject to the limitations described below, shares may be sold and transferred by endorsement and delivery.
In practice, shares in registered form traded on the ISE are represented by the share certificates endorsed in blank, enabling such shares to be transferred as if they were in bearer form. As per the amendment in the Capital Markets Law and a communiqué issued by the CMB in this respect, our Companys shares traded at the Istanbul Stock Exchange were dematerialized as of November 2005.
Legal and actual dematerialization of the share certificates commenced on November 28, 2005. Beginning from November 28, 2005, it is prohibited for companies registered on the Istanbul Stock Exchange to issue new share certificates, in consideration of rights issues or bonus issues. The new shares arising out of capital increases shall be transferred to the accounts of the rightful owners by registration.
It was obligatory for share certificates that were not dematerialized and that were kept physically by their rightful owners to have been delivered to us or to an authorized stock broker for their registration with the Central Registry Agency that has been under the control and supervision of the CMB, since December 31, 2007.
According to an announcement of the Central Registry Agency and the CMB in a letter dated January 30, 2008, the financial rights attached to share certificates, which were not delivered by December 31, 2007, shall be monitored in a dematerialized manner at the Central Registry Agency from that date onward and any rights related to management shall be exercised by the Central Registry Agency, in accordance with the Temporary 6th Article of the Turkish Securities Exchange Act. In case of delivery of the share certificates by the rightful owners to the Turkish Clearance House through us after December 31, 2007, the financial rights of such rightful owners, which are monitored in a dematerialized manner by the Central Registry Agency, shall be transferred to their accounts.
According to the principles of the letter, financial rights that are formed after December 31, 2007 in respect of shares that remain in physical form shall be paid to the rightful owner after the shares are dematerialized. Furthermore, after December 31, 2007, such rights will not allow the holder to attend or vote at shareholders
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meetings. As of any meeting date, the voting rights associated with any shares that have not yet been dematerialized are held by the Central Registry Agency, and the power to attend or not will be exercised by the Central Registry Agency.
Our share certificate records will be kept by us and the Central Registry Agency in a computer system, which is formed by the Central Registry Agency.
Provisions regarding the nominal values of the share certificates of the Company are regulated in the temporary article of the Companys Articles of Association and such article was approved at the Ordinary General Assembly Meeting on April 29, 2005. The temporary article reads as follows:
Decree 32 on the Protection of the Value of the Turkish Currency issued in August 1989, as amended from time to time, provides that persons not resident in Turkey may purchase and sell our shares, provided that such purchase is effected through a bank or broker authorized pursuant to applicable Turkish capital markets legislation. Turkish capital markets legislation requires that shares of a company quoted on a Turkish securities exchange be traded exclusively on such exchange. The CMB has indicated that this requirement applies only to intermediary institutions licensed for trading on the stock exchange and to trade orders placed with them by investors. Accordingly, our shareholders that are not resident in Turkey may transfer such shares only on the ISE. This requirement does not apply to transfers of ADSs.
Under Turkish law, in the event that one of our shareholders transfers shares to any other shareholder or to any other third-party investor, either foreign or local, the Foreign Investment General Directorate (FIGD) must be notified within one month of the transfer of shares.
Under Article 8 of the Electronic Communications Law, electronic communications services is rendered and/or electronic communications network or infrastructure is established and operated following the authorization made by the ICTA. Authorization is granted through the notification made in accordance with the principles and procedures determined by the ICTA, in case the resource allocation is not necessary, or given of usage right, in case the resource allocation, which means allocation of frequency, satellite position etc., is necessary. Furthermore, under the Authorization Regulation Regarding Telecommunication Services and Infrastructure Regulation, the ICTA must be notified in case of any share transfers within one month of the transfer of shares at the latest and in the event that the share transfer results in change in control, such transfer of our shares by any of our shareholders should be realized with the written permission of the ICTA.
Under our Articles of Association, the Board of Directors is entitled to restrict the transfer of shares to foreigners in order to comply with the Turkish shareholding requirements under Turkish law.
Disclosure of Beneficial Interests in the Shares
The Turkish regulation on public disclosure of listed companies was changed by Communiqué Serial: VIII, No: 54 on Principles Regarding Public Disclosure of Material Events in February 2009 in harmonization with the relevant EU directives. In addition, the CMB issued a guideline concerning the scope and format of such disclosure. The new regulations do not specify every item or action to be disclosed but refer to this guideline and allow listed companies to decide whether such information is material for disclosure. Insider information, which means any non-public information that may possibly affect the value of capital market instruments and investors decisions, is required to be disclosed immediately by listed companies. Unlike the previous communiqué on public disclosures, minority shareholders who hold 5% or more of a companys total share capital and have no management responsibility or power to intervene in the management decisions are not obligated to disclose all sale and purchase transactions relating to the securities. Their disclosure requirement would arise if they exceed the shareholding ratios established in the Communiqué Serial: VIII, No: 54 (5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 33%, 50%, 66% and 75%). Disclosure of insider information may be delayed to protect the legitimate interests of the company without causing market manipulation. For those that have administrative responsibilities in Turkcell (including board members and high-ranked executives), or are closely related persons, that purchase and sell
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Turkcells capital market instruments (including, but not limited to, Turkcell shares), such transactions will need to be declared to the Istanbul Stock Exchange; however, if the cumulative amount of the above-mentioned Turkcell transactions does not exceed TL 10,000 during 2010 (this ceiling has been increased by the CMB to TL 11,000, effective as of January 1, 2012), such declaration will not be needed. This upper limit represents the total amount of all transactions made by Board members/high-ranked executives and their closely related persons. Closely related persons means: wives/husbands, children and individuals sharing the same residence at the time of transaction and corporations, legal entities run by, directly/indirectly controlled by or whose economic interests are similar with that of Board members and high-ranked executives of the Company.
In addition, according to the new Communiqué on Voluntary and Mandatory Tender Offers (Communiqué Serial: IV No.: 44) issued by the CMB on September 2, 2009, the mandatory tender offer shall be triggered when, directly or indirectly, more than 50% of our Companys shareholding is acquired or management control of a public company is taken over through acquiring (i) the necessary number of shares granting the right to elect or (ii) privileged shares allowing the nomination of the majority of the board of directors. Communiqué Serial: IV No.: 44 also stipulates certain circumstances, that will not trigger a mandatory offer, such as management control changes of the company by a voluntary tender offer and share transfers by privileged shareholders with management control or persons acting together resulting in a possession of more than 50% of the capital or voting rights.
Free Float Definition Rules
While 34.70% of our Company is listed on the stock exchange, the number of our Companys free floating shares as of December 30, 2011 was 515,945,665.71, according to the Report on Free Float Ratios released by the Central Registry Agency in accordance with the Capital Markets Boards decision 21/655 of July 23, 2010, as amended by its decision 24/729 of August 18, 2010, and its free float ratio was 23.45%. The difference between these rates results from the exclusion of shares which are i. held by a public entity, ii. held by the companys incorporators and its affiliates (companies subject to consolidation), iii. held by shareholders who may be a natural person or a corporate body and control at least 5% of the Companys capital, iv. held by a) the members of the Companys Board of Directors and the Board of Auditors, b) General Manager or executives who are equal to or superior to a general manager in terms of their powers and functions, c) senior executives who report to General Manager or executives who are equal to or superior to a general manager in terms of their powers and functions, v. owned by the savings funds or foundations of companies, vi. Provided as equity capital pursuant to regulations applicable to the capital markets legislation or as a collateral in respect of a margin trading or as a collateral except the ones which are given as a collateral only for Central Depository Bank markets, vii. Which are legally restricted and cannot be subject to purchase and sale, viii. prohibited, ix. Seized in the definition of free float ratio. The difference may result from one or more situations described in the decision and it is not possible for our Company to know it.
New Trading Rules
The CMB amended the Istanbul Stock Exchange (ISE) Stock Market trading rules with its decision dated July 23, 2010 (the Decision). The Decision is based on detailed research and technical analysis completed in three months and aims at ensuring conditions that will prevent the formation of artificial prices and support efficient price discovery.
According to the Decision, all companies traded on the ISE will be classified into 3 groups (A, B or C). Some trading rules are differentiated based on this classification. For example, Group B and Group C companies cannot be subject to margin trading and short sale.
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The Decision defines:
| Group A listed companies as companies that are not listed under Group B or Group C. |
| Group B companies as companies that meet the following criteria: (1) the value of the publicly traded shares is under 10 million TRY and the number of shares in circulation is under 10 million or (2) the value of the publicly traded shares is under 45 million TRY and the percentage of actual shares in circulation is under 5%. Furthermore, an investment trust is classified as a Group B company if its stock price is 1.5 times higher than its net asset value (NAV) per share. |
| Group C companies as companies that meet the following criteria: (1) companies traded in the Watch List Companies Market or (2) actual number of shares in circulation is under 10 million. Furthermore, an investment trust is classified as a Group C company if its stock price is 2 times higher than its NAV per share (except for investment trusts with a market maker). |
According to this CMB decision, Turkcell is listed under Group A companies.
Protection of Minority Shareholders
Under Turkish securities law, minority shareholders, defined as those who hold 5% or more of our share capital, have the right, among other things, to request our Board of Directors to:
| invite the shareholders to an extraordinary general assembly; |
| request that a matter be included on the agenda at both ordinary and extraordinary general assembly; |
| request the appointment of special statutory auditors; and |
| require that the company take action against board members who have violated the Turkish Commercial Code or the articles of association of a company or who have otherwise failed to perform their duties. |
According to CMB Communiqué (see Item 16.F Corporate Governance for further information), which requires compliance by listed companies as from June 30, 2012, in cases where the independent board candidates for whom the shareholders representing one percent of the capital casting dissenting votes have nevertheless been elected as independent members, those shareholders may apply to CMB within 30 days as of the general board meeting date.
Liquidation
In the event of liquidation, our shareholders are entitled to participate in any surplus in proportion to their shareholdings.
Changes in Capital Structure
Our Board of Directors is authorized to increase the issued paid-in share capital by means of issuing new shares up to the authorized share capital ceiling. Any increase above our ceiling requires an amendment to our Articles of Association and therefore shareholder approval through a general assembly. Such amendment is subject to the prior approval of the Ministry of Industry and Trade and the CMB. Our Board of Directors may also restrict the rights of existing shareholders and offer new shares to third parties. Changes in the voting and dividend rights of our shareholders require an amendment to our Articles of Association and approval by the general assembly. Such amendment is also subject to the prior approval of the Ministry of Industry and Trade and the CMB. Furthermore, under the Turkish Commercial Code, during the general assembly meetings held to amend the articles of association of a joint stock company, each share shall be entitled to only one vote, even if otherwise is provided under its articles of association.
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Share Buy-Backs
Any decrease in our share capital requires an amendment to our Articles of Association. If we undertake to cancel our shares, we must notify any existing creditors, and within two months of notification, they may request payment or, if their receivables are not due and payable, we must create a security interest in their favor. Capital reduction is rarely applied in Turkey. Save for certain exceptions under Turkish law, companies are not allowed to buy back their own shares. Contrary to the current Turkish Commercial Code, which limits the buy-back of shares by Turkish companies, the new Commercial Code contains several rules enabling Turkish companies to repurchase their own shares if they satisfy certain conditions. While the Turkish Commercial Code will enter into force on July 1, 2012, the CMB has taken an anticipatory step by enabling listed companies to buy-back their own shares. The CMB announced this on August 11, 2011, in its Weekly Bulletin numbered 2011/32 and this announcement describes in detail the procedures and principles which apply to such buy-back transactions.
According to the CMB, listed companies will buy back their shares through the buy-back program (the Buy-Back Program). The Board prepares it and the General Assembly of Shareholders approves it.
The Buy-Back Program includes:
(i) | the purpose of and the funds granted for the proposed buy-back; |
(ii) | maximum number of shares that could be bought back; |
(iii) | minimum and maximum purchase price limits; |
(iv) | the person(s) authorized to carry out the buy-back; |
(v) | the buy-back period that will be sought from the General Assembly (the maximum allowed period being 18 months) and date of the General Assembly; and |
(vi) | the summary of the latest completed buy-back program (if any). |
The Buy-Back Program must be posted on the companys website at least 15 days before the date of the General Assembly. If reasonable grounds exist, share buy-back by the Board is possible without prior authorization of the General Assembly. In this case one must comply with certain other public disclosure rules and inform the General Assembly about the buy-back at the next General Assembly.
Listed company may not buy back shares:
| If the cumulative maximum portion of shares bought back has a total nominal value that exceeds 10% of the value of that companys entire issued share capital. In this case the company must dispose of any excess within six months; |
| If that company has postponed disclosure of any insider information as allowed under the relevant communiqués of the CMB; |
| Between the board resolution and completion dates of a capital increase; |
After deduction of the total cost of shares bought back, the remaining net assets should at least equal to the sum of the issued share capital and legal reserves that could not be distributed by law and Articles of Association. A company may only buy back its shares traded on the ISE.
In addition to applicable ISE exchange rules, the listed company must also comply with other specific rules during buy-back transactions (specific rules about transaction period, placement of purchase orders, daily purchase limits).
Additionally, according to CMB, a listed company cannot use the voting rights associated with the bought-back shares. Those rights are not a factor in the calculation of the General Assemblys meeting quorum. As for any parent companys shares bought back by subsidiaries, those voting rights are frozen.
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A listed company may freely decide on the period in which it will hold the bought-back shares but this period shall not exceed three years. If the listed company does not dispose of all its bought-back shares during such period (by sale on the ISE), it must cancel such shares by a capital decrease. Financial statements of a listed company shall reflect the bought-back shares as a deduction item under equity according to the Turkish Accounting Standard numbered 32. The income statement cannot reflect revenues and losses arising from disposal of these shares.
The following are disclosure requirements with regard to the Buy-Back Program as set out by the CMB:
Disclosure on the first business day following the date of each buy-back transaction which announces:
(i) | the nominal value and purchase price of the bought-back shares; |
(ii) | the ratio of the total nominal value of bought-back shares to the value of that companys entire issued share capital; |
(iii) | the privileges associated with the bought-back shares (if any) and |
(iv) | the date of the transaction. |
Disclosure within five business days after completing a Buy-back Program: this disclosure must provide details of the individual buy-back transactions carried out during the term of that program. The Board of Directors should also present this information to the General Assembly at the first General Assembly Meeting following completion of the Buy-back Program.
General Assemblies
Our general assemblies are normally held at our head office in Istanbul. We generally hold our annual general assembly within four months of the end of each financial year, which in our case is the calendar year, in accordance with the CMB rules. Extraordinary general meetings may be convened by our Board of Directors, upon the request of our shareholders representing at least 5% of our share capital, or upon the request of our statutory auditors.
The following matters are among the ones required by the TCC and our Articles of Association to be included on the agenda of ordinary general assembly meeting:
| review of the annual reports of our Board of Directors and the auditors; |
| the approval, amendment or rejection of the balance sheet and profit and loss account prepared for the preceding financial year, the release of our Board of Directors and statutory auditors from liability in respect of actions taken by them in the preceding financial year, and the proposals of our Board of Directors for the allocation and distribution of any of our net profits; |
| the approval of the remuneration of the board members and the auditors if the general assembly so decides; and |
| the re-election or replacement of directors and/or auditors whose terms of office have expired. |
Shareholders representing at least 5% of our share capital may, by written notice, require any additional matters to be included on the agenda for discussion at any of our general assemblies.
Notices covering general assemblies (including postponements and rescheduling), which include the agenda of any such general assembly, must be published in the Trade Registry Gazette and a leading Turkish newspaper published in Istanbul determined by us, at least two weeks before the date fixed for the meeting. The TCC requires us to send notice of any general assembly by registered mail to each person registered in our books as a holder of shares and to those shareholders who have deposited at least one share certificate representing shares with us and have indicated a notice address. Under the Capital Markets Law, such notice requirement does not apply to holders of registered shares, which are also traded in the stock market.
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Any shareholder holding any of our shares and wishing to attend general assembly meetings to vote must hand in the blockage letters and other required documents to our Head Office within the period specified in applicable regulations in order to obtain an entry permit for that meeting. Shareholders that hold the physical shares and that want to attend our general assemblies must complete the dematerialization of the share certificates. In accordance with the dematerialization procedures, a determined period is necessary for dematerialization transactions of the share certificates. Holders of the non-public registered shares in our share book of registered shares need not comply with such requirement to attend a general assembly. Any shareholder not wishing to attend any such general assembly in person may appoint another person as a proxy.
Except as set out by the provisions of the TCC and our Articles of Association, the required quorum at any general assembly is shareholders representing at least one-quarter of the share capital. If such quorum is not present when a general assembly is convened, the meeting shall be adjourned, in which event the meeting is reconvened within a month, with shareholders or their proxies present at such meeting. Resolutions of general assembly meetings must be passed by a majority of the shareholders or their proxies present at such meetings.
According to the TCC, the quorum requirement at general assemblies convened to discuss changes in the purpose or legal status of a joint stock company is at least two-thirds of its share capital. If a quorum is not present when the meeting is convened, the meeting shall be adjourned and reconvened, in which case the required quorum is at least half of its share capital. Resolutions of general assemblies relating to changing its purpose or legal status must be passed with a majority of its shareholders or proxies present at such meeting. However, under the Capital Markets Law, such quorum requirements are decreased for publicly held companies, provided that higher quorums are not required under their articles of associations, and as the meeting quorum for general assemblies convened to discuss changes in its purpose or legal status, attendance of shareholders representing at least one-quarter of its share capital is sufficient. Under Capital Markets Law, if such quorum is not present when a general assembly is convened, the meeting shall be adjourned, in which event the meeting is reconvened with shareholders or their proxies present at such meeting. Resolutions of general assemblies must be passed by a majority of the shareholders or their proxies present at such meeting as per the Capital Markets Law.
According to our Articles of Association, the meeting quorum requirement at general assemblies is 51% of our share capital. Resolutions of our general assemblies must be passed by the shareholders (or their proxies) representing the majority of the votes of the shareholders present at that meeting.
The quorum requirement at general assemblies convened to increase our share capital ceiling is 51% of our share capital. Resolutions of general assemblies relating to capital increases must be passed by a majority of our shareholders or their proxies present at such meeting.
The meeting quorum requirement at general assemblies convened to amend our Articles of Association (excluding capital ceiling increase) is two-thirds of our share capital. Resolutions of our general assemblies to amend our Articles of Association (excluding capital ceiling increase) shall be passed by the shareholders (or their proxies) representing at least 2/3 of the votes of the shareholders present at that meeting.
Changing our jurisdiction or increasing the obligations of the shareholders requires unanimous shareholder approval.
We are not a party to any material contracts other than those entered into in the ordinary course of business, except with regard to the settlement of certain legal disputes. For information regarding these settlements, see Item 8.A. Consolidated Statements and Other Financial InformationLegal Proceedings and Note 32 (Guarantees and Purchase Obligations) to our consolidated financial statements in this Form 20-F.
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Banks in Turkey set their own foreign exchange rates independently of those announced by the Central Bank. Pursuant to Decree 32 on the Protection of the Value of the Turkish Currency, most recently amended in 2003, the government eased and ultimately abolished restrictions on the convertibility of the Turkish Lira for current account and nonresident capital account transactions by facilitating exchange of the proceeds of transactions in Turkish securities by foreign investors, which enabled Turkish citizens to purchase securities on foreign exchanges. These changes also permitted residents and nonresidents to buy foreign exchange without limitation and to transfer such foreign exchange abroad without ministerial approval.
Turkish citizens are permitted to buy unlimited amounts of foreign currency from banks and to hold foreign exchange in commercial banks. Capital transfers outside Turkey of more than $5 million still require approval of the Turkish government. Although we believe it is unlikely that exchange controls will be reintroduced in the near term, any such exchange controls may materially adversely affect our results of operations.
The following discussion is a summary of certain material Turkish and United States federal income tax considerations relating to the ownership and disposition of our shares or ADSs. The discussion is based on current law and is for general information only. The discussion does not address all possible tax consequences relating to the ownership and disposition of shares, or ADSs, and holders are urged to consult their tax advisors regarding the applicable tax consequences of holding and disposing of the shares or ADSs based on their particular circumstances.
The discussion is based upon laws and relevant interpretations thereof in effect as of the date of this annual report, all of which are subject to change, possibly with retroactive effect. This summary is also based in part on representations of the Depositary and assumes that each obligation provided for in, or otherwise contemplated by, the Deposit Agreement or any related document will be performed in accordance with the terms of such agreement.
Republic of Turkey Taxation
The following summary of Turkish tax law as in force on the date of this annual report describes the principal tax consequences for Turkish residents and U.S. holders (as defined below in TaxationUnited States Federal Income Taxation) of the ownership and disposition of shares and ADSs. It is not a complete description of all the possible tax consequences of such ownership and disposition. Shareholders should consult their own tax advisors concerning the Turkish and other tax consequences applicable in their particular situations.
Corporate Taxation
A corporation that has its legal and/or business center in Turkey (a Resident Corporation) is subject to a corporate tax, which is levied at 20% on such corporations taxable income. Resident Corporations are required to pay an advance corporation tax, also at 20%, on a quarterly basis.
Taxation of Dividends
In the event that a Resident Corporation distributes dividends to individual shareholders (resident or non-resident), or to non-resident corporations that do not have a permanent establishment (fixed place of business or permanent representative) in Turkey (and are not subject to rate-reducing provisions in applicable bilateral tax treaties), a 15% withholding tax is payable by the Resident Corporation on behalf of its shareholders. In the event that Resident Corporations distribute dividends to resident legal entities or to non-resident legal entities that have a permanent establishment in Turkey, such distributions are not subject to withholding tax.
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Cash dividends received by Resident Corporations from other Resident Corporations are not subject to corporate tax. Dividends in cash received by resident individuals from Resident Corporations are subject to a withholding tax at the rate of 15% (as discussed above) and must file an annual income tax declaration. The withholding tax amount shall be deducted from the annual income tax. 50% of the dividend income received by resident individuals from Resident Corporations is exempt from the annual income declaration. The remaining 50% must be declared if it exceeded TRY 25,000 in 2012 (TRY 23,000 in 2011).
Under the Income Tax Treaty between the United States of America and the Republic of Turkey, signed March 28, 1996 (the Treaty), the withholding tax rate is limited to 20% (including the surcharges on dividends paid by a Turkish Resident Corporation) of the gross amount of the dividends unless the beneficial owner of shares is a company which owns at least 10% of the voting stock of the company paying the dividends (in which case the rate would be limited to 15%). Because the current withholding tax rate applicable to publicly traded corporations, such as Turkcell, is only 15%, the Treaty does not affect the current rate of Turkish withholding tax for U.S. holders. Cash dividends paid on ordinary shares or ADSs to a U.S. holder that does not have a permanent representative or place of business in Turkey will not be subject to taxation in Turkey, except in respect of the 15% income withholding tax discussed in the previous section. The distribution of dividends in kind (i.e. bonus shares) is not subject to a withholding tax and such dividends in kind are not subject to an income declaration.
Taxation of Capital Gains
Gains realized by Residents
For shares acquired on or after January 1, 2006:
Gains realized by resident individuals on the sale of shares traded on the Istanbul Stock Exchange (such as Turkcell shares) or ADSs that represent shares traded on the Istanbul Stock Exchange (such as Turkcell ADSs) to residents or non-residents are exempt from income tax, provided that the holding period of such shares or ADSs exceeds one year. Where this holding period has not been met, there is a withholding tax from the gains derived from capital. The current rate for such withholding tax is 0%.
Gains realized by Resident Corporations on the sale of shares traded on the Istanbul Stock Exchange (such as Turkcell shares) or ADSs that represent shares traded on the Istanbul Stock Exchange (such as Turkcell ADSs) to residents or non-residents shall benefit from withholding exemption, if a one-year holding period is met. However, where this holding period has not been met, there is a withholding tax from the gains derived from capital gains. The current rate for such withholding tax is 0%.
Gains realized by Resident Corporations on the sale of shares or to residents or non-residents must be included in corporate income and are subject to the applicable corporate tax. Upon fulfillment of the stated conditions in Article 5 of the Corporate Tax Law, 75% of capital gains derived from the sale of the shares will be exempt from corporate income tax.
For shares acquired before January 1, 2006:
Capital gains derived from shares held by an investor (both individuals and corporations) for over three months are not subject to any withholding tax. Where this holding period has not been met, capital gains received by individuals are computed by deducting the original cost of the shares or ADSs, after the application of a cost adjustment (which uses the Producer Price Index determined by the Turkish Statistical Institute to eliminate gain arising solely from inflation), from the amount received upon the sale or disposition of the shares or ADSs. Total capital gains are subject to declaration on the income tax return if they exceeded TRY 20,000 in 2012 (TRY 19,000 in 2011).
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Gains realized by Resident Corporations on the sale of shares are subject to the applicable corporate tax. Upon fulfillment of the stated conditions in Article 5 of the Corporate Tax Law, 75% of capital gains deriving from the sale of the shares will be exempt from corporate income tax.
Gains realized by U.S. holders
U.S. holders that do not have a permanent establishment in Turkey are exempt from Turkish tax on capital gains generated from the sale of shares quoted on an exchange, such as Turkcell shares, under Article 13 of the Treaty. U.S. resident legal entities having a permanent establishment (fixed place of business or permanent representative) in Turkey generally are subject to tax in Turkey on capital gains arising from the sale of such shares and should consult their own Turkish tax advisors as to the rules applicable to them. As of July 7, 2006, the withholding tax rate applicable to non resident holders of shares has been reduced to 0%.
U.S. holders who invest via ADSs will not have to comply with any procedures to avoid withholding tax, since gains derived from Turkcell ADSs are not generated in Turkey. However, U.S. holders who hold their shares directly in Turkey must comply with certain procedures to establish their exemption from Turkish capital gains withholding tax and are urged to consult their own tax advisors in this regard.
In addition, certain rules and procedures may need to be complied with in order to avoid Turkish withholding tax upon the conversion of ADSs to shares and from shares to ADSs in Turkey. U.S. holders are urged to consult their own tax advisors in this regard.
Pursuant to a Turkish Constitutional Court decision, which annulled the income tax provision regulating the 0% withholding application on capital gains for non-resident individuals and corporations, the withholding tax regime has once again become subject to regulation pursuant to a law numbered 6009, which came into force on August 1, 2010. Pursuant to this new regulation, a 10% withholding on capital gains is applied to individual investors and a 0% withholding is applied to corporate investors, irrespective of the residency status. Non-resident corporate deposit receipt holders (depositaries of our ADR facility) are included within the scope of corporate investors. Non-resident investors of Turkcell ADRs will be subject to 0% withholding provided that the depositary of our ADR facility is a corporate body. The Turkish Council of Ministers has the authority to raise the withholding levels for 5 percentage points.
Taxation of Investment and Mutual Funds
Taxation on the Fund Level:
The gains realized from portfolio investment activities by resident Investment and Mutual Funds are exempt from corporate tax but are subject to withholding tax for the gains of stocks held and bonds/bills issued before January 1, 2006. Withholding tax rates are as follows:
| if the institutions maintain a minimum of 25% of their portfolios invested in Turkish equity shares on a monthly weighted average basis, the applicable rate of withholding tax is 0%; and |
| if the percentage of Turkish equity shares in the portfolios of such institutions is below 25% during any month during the year, the applicable rate of withholding tax is 10%. |
Gains from stocks purchased after January 1, 2006 and/or bonds and bills issued after January 1, 2006 are subject to withholding of 0%.
A nonresident Investment or Mutual Fund may also qualify for this taxation regime if it appoints a permanent representative in Turkey, registers with the Turkish tax office, maintains legal books and meets the other tax requirements in Turkey.
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Taxation on the Investor Level:
The gains realized by investors for participating within FUND are subject to taxation depending on the date of purchase of the FUND by the individual investors.
| For FUND shares purchased before January 1, 2006, gains are not subject to income tax withholding. Capital gains received by individuals are computed by deducting the original cost of the shares after the application of a cost adjustment (which uses the Producer Price Index determined by the Turkish Statistical Institute to eliminate gains arising solely from inflation), from the amount received upon the sale or disposition of the shares. Total capital gains are subject to declaration on the income tax return if they exceeded TRY 20,000 in 2012 (TRY 19,000 in 2011) and are required to be declared in compliance with the Turkish Tax Regime. For FUND shares purchased after January 1, 2006: |
1. | If the FUND maintains at least 51% of the portfolio invested in the Istanbul Stock Exchange Market and is held for more than a one-year period, gains shall not be subjected to withholding. Such gains shall be declared in compliance with the Turkish Tax Regime. |
2. | If the FUND does not meet the conditions above, gains shall be subject to withholding at 10% for resident investors. In cases where non-resident investors can certify their own residency status, 0% withholding shall be applied. |
3. | Pursuant to a Turkish Constitutional Court decision, which annulled the income tax provision regulating the 0% withholding application on capital gains for non-resident individuals and corporations, the withholding tax regime has once again become subject to regulation pursuant to a law numbered 6009, which came into force on August 1, 2010. Pursuant to this new regulation, a 10% withholding on capital gains is applied to individual investors and a 0% withholding is applied to corporate investors, irrespective of the residency status. Non-resident corporate deposit receipt holders (depositaries of our ADR facility) are included within the scope of corporate investors. Non-resident investors of Turkcell ADRs will be subject to 0% withholding provided that the depositary of our ADR facility is a corporate body. |
Stamp Taxes
According to the Turkish Stamp Tax Law (Law No. 488), all agreements and documents specified in the law with a monetary value indicated thereon are subject to a stamp tax with rates from 0.165% to 0.825%, which is calculated on the aggregate amount of such agreement or document. Stamp tax to be calculated for a particular PAPER was capped at a maximum of TRY 1,251,383.40 per original in 2011 and will be capped at a maximum of TRY 1,379,775.30 per original in 2012.
Certain additional tax regulations
Changes in the Ministry of Finances interpretation of the taxation codes, especially changes regarding consumption taxes (Value Added Tax and Special Communication Tax), which may adversely affect consumer prices. In addition to the prospective financial impact of such changes, unanticipated tax liabilities and fines may also be levied against our financial results in prior years since a Turkish companys operations in the previous five years may be subject to financial investigation. Regulation that became effective July 1, 2010, however, have strengthened our rights with regards to this risk, particularly with regards to the following:
| Tax inspectors shall not issue tax audit reports that contradict Decrees, Public Acts, Statutory Rules, General Communiqués and Circulars promulgated; |
| In the event that the tax authority differentiates previous interpretations of taxation codes via promulgated General Communiqués and Circulars, the new interpretation shall not be applied to previous transactions; and |
| Transactions that are compliant with rulings taken from the Tax Office shall be relieved from both tax penalty and overdue interest. Such shelter is valid only for a tax payer that has applied for the ruling. |
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United States Federal Income Taxation
The following discussion is a summary of material U.S. federal income tax considerations applicable to the ownership and disposition of shares or ADSs by you, if you are a U.S. holder. In general you will be a U.S. holder if:
| you are the beneficial owner of our shares or ADSs; |
| you are either (i) an individual resident or citizen of the United States, (ii) a corporation (or other entity taxable as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes) created in or organized under the laws of the United States or any state thereof, (iii) an estate whose income is subject to U.S. federal income taxation regardless of its source, or (iv) a trust if a U.S. court can exercise primary supervision over the administration of the trust and one or more U.S. persons are authorized to control all substantial decisions of the trust; |
| you own our shares or ADSs as capital assets; |
| you own directly, indirectly or by attribution less than 10% of our outstanding share capital or voting stock; |
| you are fully eligible for benefits under the Limitation on Benefits article of the Treaty; and |
| you are not also a resident of Turkey for Turkish tax purposes. |
The Treaty benefits discussed generally are not available to holders who hold shares or ADSs in connection with the conduct of business through a permanent establishment, or the performance of personal services through a fixed base, in Turkey.
If a partnership (including for this purpose any entity or arrangement treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes) holds shares or ADSs, the tax treatment of a partner generally will depend upon the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. A partner in a partnership that holds shares or ADSs is urged to consult its own tax advisor regarding the specific tax consequences of owning and disposing of its shares or ADSs.
The summary does not purport to be a comprehensive description of all of the tax considerations that may be relevant to any particular holder, including tax considerations that arise from rules of general application or that are generally assumed to be known by U.S. holders. This summary is based on provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the Code), existing and proposed U.S. Treasury Regulations, rulings, administrative pronouncements, judicial decisions and the Treaty, all as of the date of this annual report. All of these authorities are subject to change, possibly with retroactive effect, and to differing interpretations. In addition, this summary does not discuss all aspects of U.S. federal income taxation that may be applicable to investors in light of their particular circumstances or to U.S. holders who are subject to special treatment under U.S. federal income tax law, including insurance companies, U.S. expatriates, dealers in stocks or securities, banks or financial institutions, tax-exempt organizations, regulated investment companies, retirement plans, traders in securities who elect to apply a mark-to-market method of accounting, persons who acquired their shares pursuant to the exercise of employee stock options or otherwise as compensation, persons holding shares as part of a straddle, hedging or conversion transaction, persons subject to the alternative minimum tax, and persons having a functional currency other than the U.S. Dollar.
U.S. holders are urged to consult with their own tax advisors regarding the tax consequences of the ownership or disposition of shares or ADSs, including the effects of federal, state, local, foreign and other tax laws with respect to their particular circumstances.
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Dividends
If we make distributions to you (other than certain distributions of Turkcell shares), you generally will be required to include in gross income as dividend income the amount of the distributions paid on the shares (including the amount of any Turkish taxes withheld in respect of such dividend as described above in TaxationRepublic of Turkey Taxation). Dividends paid by us will not be eligible for the dividends-received deduction applicable in some cases to U.S. corporations.
Any dividend paid in Turkish Lira, including the amount of any Turkish taxes withheld therefrom, will be includible in your gross income in an amount equal to the U.S. Dollar value of the Turkish Lira calculated by reference to the spot rate of exchange in effect on the date the dividend is received by you, in the case of shares, or by the Depositary, in the case of ADSs, regardless of whether the Turkish Lira are converted into U.S. Dollars. Any gain or loss resulting from currency exchange fluctuations during the period from the date the dividend is includible in your gross income to the date such payment is converted into U.S. Dollars generally will be treated as U.S. source ordinary income or loss. Special rules govern, and elections are available to, accrual method taxpayers to determine the U.S. Dollar amount includible in income in the case of taxes withheld in a foreign currency. Accrual basis taxpayers are urged to consult their own tax advisors regarding the requirements and elections applicable in this regard.
Any dividends paid by us to you with respect to shares or ADSs will be treated as foreign-source income and will be categorized as passive category income or, in the case of certain U.S. holders, general category income for foreign tax credit purposes.
Subject to limitations, you may elect to claim a foreign tax credit against your U.S. federal income tax liability for Turkish income tax withheld from dividends received in respect of shares or ADSs. The rules relating to the determination of the foreign tax credit are complex. Accordingly, you should consult your own tax advisor to determine whether and to what extent you would be entitled to the credit. If you do not elect to claim a foreign tax credit, you may instead claim a deduction for Turkish income tax withheld, but only for a year in which you elect to do so with respect to all foreign income taxes. A deduction does not reduce tax on a dollar-for-dollar basis like a credit, but the deduction for foreign taxes is not subject to the same limitations applicable to foreign tax credits.
Certain non-corporate U.S. holders (including individuals) are eligible for reduced rates of U.S. federal income tax (at a maximum rate of 15%) in respect of qualified dividend income received in taxable years beginning before January 1, 2013. For this purpose, qualified dividend income generally includes dividends paid by a non-U.S. corporation if, amongst other things, the U.S. holders meet certain minimum holding periods and the non-U.S. corporation satisfies certain requirements, including that either (i) the shares (or ADSs) with respect to which the dividend income has been paid are readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States or (ii) the non-U.S. corporation is eligible for the benefits of a comprehensive U.S. income tax treaty (such as the Treaty) which provides for the exchange of information. We currently believe that dividends paid with respect to our shares and ADSs should constitute qualified dividend income for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and we anticipate that our dividends will be reported as qualified dividends on Forms 1099-DIV delivered to U.S. holders. In computing foreign tax credit limitations, non-corporate U.S. holders may take into account only a portion of a qualified dividend to reflect the reduced U.S. tax rate applicable to such dividend. Each U.S. holder of shares or ADSs is urged to consult its own tax advisor regarding the availability to it of the reduced dividend tax rate in light of its own particular situation and regarding the computations of its foreign tax credit limitation with respect to any qualified dividend income paid by us, as applicable.
The U.S. Treasury has expressed concerns that parties to whom ADSs are released may be taking actions that are inconsistent with the claiming of foreign tax credits or reduced tax rates in respect of qualified dividends by U.S. holders of ADSs. Accordingly, the discussion above regarding the creditability of Turkish withholding tax on dividends or the availability of qualified dividend treatment could be affected by future actions that may be taken by the U.S. Treasury with respect to ADSs.
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Sale, Exchange or other Disposition of Shares or ADSs
Upon the sale, exchange or other disposition of shares or ADSs, you generally will recognize capital gain or loss equal to the difference between the amount realized on the disposition and your adjusted tax basis in your shares or ADSs (as determined in U.S. Dollars). Gain or loss upon the disposition of shares or ADSs generally will be U.S.-source gain or loss, and will be treated as long-term capital gain or loss if, at the time of the disposition, the holding period for the shares or ADSs exceeds one year. If you are an individual, any capital gains generally will be subject to U.S. federal income tax at preferential rates if specified minimum holding periods are met. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to significant limitations.
Your basis in your shares or ADSs must be adjusted to take into account any bonus shares received in a qualifying nontaxable transaction. To determine your adjusted basis, you are required to allocate your adjusted tax basis in the shares or ADSs you held as of the date the bonus shares were distributed between (x) your shares or ADSs and (y) the bonus shares you receive, in proportion to their relative fair market values immediately after the distribution. The holding period for bonus shares received will begin with the date that the shares or ADSs with respect to which the bonus shares were distributed were acquired. U.S. holders of shares or ADSs are urged to consult their own tax advisors to determine the exact consequences to them of the receipt and sale of the bonus shares for U.S. and other applicable tax purposes.
The surrender of ADSs in exchange for shares pursuant to the Deposit Agreement governing the ADSs will not be a taxable event for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Accordingly, you will not recognize any gain or loss upon such surrender.
Passive Foreign Investment Company Status
We currently believe that we were not a passive foreign investment company (a PFIC) for the taxable year ended December 31, 2011, for U.S. federal income tax purposes. However, this conclusion is a factual determination that must be made annually and thus may be subject to change. A non-U.S. corporation will be classified as a PFIC for any taxable year if at least 75% of its gross income consists of passive income (such as dividends, interest, rents, royalties or gains on the disposition of certain minority interests), or at least 50% of the average value of its assets consists of assets that produce, or are held for the production of, passive income. If we were characterized as a PFIC for any taxable year, you would suffer adverse tax consequences. These consequences may include having gains realized on the disposition of shares or ADSs treated as ordinary income rather than capital gains, and being subject to punitive interest charges on certain dividends and on the proceeds of the sale or other disposition of the shares or ADSs. Furthermore, dividends paid by a PFIC would not be qualified dividend income (as discussed above) and would be taxed at the higher rates applicable to other items of ordinary income. You should consult your own tax advisor regarding the potential application of the PFIC rules to us and to your ownership of our shares and ADSs.
U.S. Information Reporting and Backup Withholding
Dividend payments with respect to shares or ADSs and proceeds from the sale, exchange, redemption or other disposition of shares or ADSs may be subject to information reporting to the Internal Revenue Service (the IRS) and possible U.S. backup withholding at a current rate of 28%. Certain exempt recipients (such as corporations) are not subject to these information reporting requirements. Backup withholding will not apply, however, to a holder who furnishes a correct taxpayer identification number or certificate of foreign status and makes any other required certification or who is otherwise exempt from backup withholding. U.S. persons who are required to establish their exempt status generally must provide IRS Form W-9 (Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification). Non-U.S. holders generally will not be subject to U.S. information reporting or backup withholding. However, such holders may be required to provide certification of non-U.S. status (generally on IRS form W-8BEN) in connection with payments received in the United States or through certain U.S.-related financial intermediaries.
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Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Amounts withheld as backup withholding may be credited against a holders U.S. federal income tax liability, and a holder may obtain a refund of any excess amounts withheld by filing the appropriate claim for refund with the IRS and furnishing any required information.
10.F Dividends and Paying Agents
Not Applicable.
Not Applicable.
Reports and other information of Turkcell can also be inspected without charge and copied at prescribed rates at the public reference facility maintained by the SEC in Room 1580, 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. Copies of these materials are also available by mail from the Public Reference Section of the SEC, at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington D.C. 20549, at prescribed rates.
Not Applicable.
ITEM 11. | QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK |
Overview
We are exposed to foreign exchange rate risks because our income, expenses, assets and liabilities are denominated in a number of different currencies, primarily Turkish Lira, U.S. Dollars, Euros, Ukrainian Hryvnia and Belarusian Rubles. In particular, a substantial majority of our debt obligations and equipment expenses are currently, and are expected to continue to be, denominated in U.S. Dollars and Euros, while the revenues generated by the corresponding activities are denominated in other currencies, in particular the Turkish Lira, Ukrainian Hryvnia and Belarusian Rubles. Similarly, we are subject to market risk deriving from changes in interest rates that may affect the cost of our financing. We provide a detailed analysis of our foreign exchange and interest rate risks in Note 30.
Foreign Exchange Risk Management
Our functional currency is the TRY for operations conducted in Turkey, but certain revenues, purchases, operating costs and expenses and resulting receivables and payables are denominated in a number of different currencies. In particular, a substantial majority of our debt obligations and equipment expenses are currently, and are expected to continue to be, denominated in U.S. Dollars, Euros, Ukrainian Hryvnia and Belarusian Rubles, while the revenues generated by the corresponding activities are denominated in other currencies, in particular the Turkish Lira, Ukrainian Hryvnia and Belarusian Rubles. Transactions denominated in foreign currencies are recorded at the exchange rates prevailing at the dates of the transactions. Assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are converted into TRY at the exchange rates prevailing at the balance sheet date, with the resulting exchange differences recognized in the determination of net income. In 2011, net foreign exchange losses amounted to $202.7 million, resulting from transactions related to foreign exchange effects.
Market risk sensitive instruments consist of loans and borrowings denominated in foreign currencies (substantially in U.S. Dollars) totaling $1,868.1 million, which represents the majority of total indebtedness as of December 31, 2011.
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To manage our foreign exchange risk more effectively, we may enter into forward transactions and option contracts. In addition, in order to take advantage of market volatility in the foreign exchange markets and increase the yield on our free cash, we may enter into option transactions to buy or sell certain currencies, allowing us to mitigate our exposure to negative foreign exchange rate swings or collect premiums. As of December 31, 2011 we did not have any outstanding forward and option contracts to buy or sell U.S. Dollars against TRY. The basis for our sensitivity analysis to measure foreign exchange risk is an aggregate corporate-level currency exposure. The aggregate foreign exchange exposure is composed of all our assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies. This analysis excludes net foreign currency investments. It is estimated that a general increase of 10% in the value of TRY, Ukrainian Hryvnia and Belarusian Rubles, against other foreign currencies, would have increased our profit before income tax by approximately $93.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2011. These aforementioned assumptions are hypothetical and the actual results may differ substantially from the projected figures.
All hedging transactions have been authorized and executed pursuant to clearly defined policies and procedures, which provide that the transaction is entered into to protect us from fluctuations in currency values. Analytical techniques are used to manage and monitor foreign exchange risk which includes market valuation and sensitivity analysis. In addition, we keep a reasonable proportion of our monetary assets in U.S. Dollars to reduce our currency exposure. Furthermore, the maximum tariffs we may charge are adjusted periodically by the ICTA to account for, among other things, the devaluation of the TRY.
Interest Rate Risk Management
We are exposed to variations in interest rates, primarily in Euros, U.S. Dollars and TRY denominated debt and investments, which may affect the amounts of future interest income or expenses (reinvestment risk or cash flow risk) and also cause changes in the values of our interest bearing assets, which have already been added to the balance sheet. We manage interest rate risk by financing non-current assets with long-term debt with variable interest rates and equity.
The following table sets forth the carrying amount and fair value of loans, maturities and average effective interest rates for bank loans.
December 31, 2011 | December 31, 2010 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Effective interest rate |
Total carrying amount |
2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 thereafter |
Fair Value |
Effective interest rate |
Total carrying amount |
2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 thereafter |
Fair Value |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Fixed rate instruments |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Finance lease obligations |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
USD |
6.8 | % | 2.1 | 1.2 | 0.7 | 0.2 | | 2.1 | 4.6 | % | 2.7 | 2.6 | 0.1 | | | 2.7 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
EUR |
3.4 | % | 17.6 | 0.8 | 1.2 | 1.3 | 14.3 | 17.6 | 3.4 | % | 21.0 | 1.8 | 1.3 | 1.2 | 16.7 | | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
TL |
10.2 | % | 0.2 | 0.1 | 0.1 | | | 0.2 | | | | | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Secured bank loans |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
USD fixed rate loans |
5.0 | % | 6.4 | 6.4 | | | | 6.4 | 5.2 | % | 6.2 | 6.2 | | | | 6.2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
AZN fixed rate loans |
| | | | | | | 22.5 | % | 0.2 | 0.2 | | | | 0.2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Unsecured bank loans |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
USD fixed rate loans |
4.6 | % | 486.4 | 135.5 | 196.7 | 84.8 | 69.4 | 486.4 | 4.2 | % | 591.5 | 208.5 | 109.7 | 164.0 | 109.3 | 591.5 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
TL fixed rate loans |
15.0 | % | 5.5 | 5.5 | | | | 5.5 | | | | | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Variable rate instruments |
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Secured bank loans |
| | | | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
BYR floating rate loans |
10.9 | % | 8.8 | 1.8 | 1.6 | 1.3 | 4.1 | 8.8 | 10.9 | % | 26.2 | 4.4 | 4.4 | 3.7 | 13.7 | 26.2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
EUR floating rate loans |
7.9 | % | 2.6 | 0.1 | 2.5 | | | 2.6 | | | | | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Unsecured bank loans |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
USD floating rate loans |
3.8 | % | 1,318.8 | 652.7 | 421.8 | 65.0 | 179.3 | 1,318.8 | 3.6 | % | 1,175.0 | 205.1 | 387.1 | 405.3 | 177.5 | 1,175.0 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
EUR floating rate loans |
6.6 | % | 19.7 | 6.8 | 12.9 | | | 19.7 | 7.8 | % | 13.6 | 0.4 | 1.5 | 11.7 | | 13.6 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
AZN floating rate loans |
| | | | | | | 22.5 | % | 0.3 | 0.3 | | | | 0.3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total |
1,868.1 | 810.9 | 637.5 | 152.6 | 267.1 | 1,868.1 | 1,836.7 | 429.5 | 504.1 | 585.9 | 317.2 | 1,836.7 |
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For contractual cash flows and nominal interest of bank loans, see Note 25 and Note 30 to our audited consolidated financial statements included in Item 18. Financial Statements of this annual report on Form 20-F.
As of December 31, 2011, we did not have Turkish government floating rate noteholdings; therefore, we were not exposed to interest rate risks on our financial assets.
We use sensitivity analysis techniques to measure and assess our interest rate risk. The basis for the sensitivity analysis is an aggregate corporate-level interest rate exposure composed of interest bearing investments and interest bearing debts. When we assume a 1% increase in interest rates for all maturities from their levels as of December 31, 2011, with all other variables held constant, our profit before income tax decreases by $10.5 million.
ITEM 12. | DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES OTHER THAN EQUITY SECURITIES |
The Depositary may collect from (i) each person to whom ADSs are issued, including, without limitation, issuances against deposits of Shares, issuances in respect of Share Distributions, Rights and Other Distributions (as such terms are defined in the Form of ADR certificate), issuances pursuant to a stock dividend or stock split declared by the Company, or issuances pursuant to a merger, exchange of securities or any other transaction or event affecting the ADSs or the Deposited Securities and (ii) each person surrendering ADSs for withdrawal of Deposited Securities or whose ADSs are cancelled or reduced for any other reason, U.S.$5.00 for each 100 ADSs (or portion thereof) issued, delivered, reduced, cancelled or surrendered (as the case may be). The Depositary may sell (by public or private sale) sufficient securities and property received in respect of Share Distributions, Rights and Other Distributions prior to such deposit to pay such charge. These terms are set forth in Paragraph 7 of the Form of ADR certificate.
On July 6, 2011, we signed an amended and restated Deposit Agreement (the Deposit Agreement) with Citibank N.A. (Citibank), as depositary (the Depositary), Turkcell and holders of American Depositary Receipts, which transferred our ADR program from JPMorgan Chase Bank (JPMorgan) to Citibank.
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As provided for in the American Depositary Receipt included as Exhibit A to the Deposit Agreement, holders of American Depositary Shares may be charged, directly or indirectly, the following amounts in relation to the ownership of depositary receipts held in the Companys ADR Program, which are payable to the Depositary:
Service |
Rate |
By Whom Paid | ||
(1) Issuance of ADSs upon deposit of Shares (excluding issuances as a result of distributions described in paragraph (4) below). | Up to U.S. $5.00 per 100 ADSs (or fraction thereof) issued. | Person depositing Shares or person receiving ADSs. | ||
(2) Delivery of Deposited Securities against surrender of ADSs. | Up to U.S. $5.00 per 100 ADSs (or fraction thereof) surrendered. | Person surrendering ADSs for the purpose of withdrawal of Deposited Securities or person to whom Deposited Securities are delivered. | ||
(3) Distribution of cash dividends or other cash distributions (i.e., sale of rights and other entitlements). | Up to U.S. $5.00 per 100 ADSs (or fraction thereof) held. | Person to whom distribution is made. | ||
(4) Distribution of ADSs pursuant to (i) stock dividends or other free stock distributions, or (ii) exercise of rights to purchase additional ADSs. | Up to U.S. $5.00 per 100 ADSs (or fraction thereof) held. | Person to whom distribution is made. | ||
(5) Distribution of securities other than ADSs or rights to purchase additional ADSs (i.e., spin-off shares). | Up to U.S. $5.00 per 100 ADSs (or fraction thereof) held. | Person to whom distribution is made. | ||
(6) Depositary Services. | Up to U.S. $5.00 per 100 ADSs (or fraction thereof) held on the applicable record date(s) established by the Depositary. | Person holding ADSs on the applicable record date(s) established by the Depositary. |
Direct Payments made by Citibank to Turkcell
Citibank, as depositary, has agreed to reimburse certain reasonable expenses related to our ADR program and incurred by us in connection with such program. In 2011 (from the effective date of the program with Citibank, July 7, 2011), the Depositary reimbursed a portion of $2,233,122, with the remainder to be reimbursed in 2012. The amounts the Depositary has reimbursed and will reimburse are not necessarily related to the fees collected by the depositary from ADR holders. The table below sets forth the type of expenses that Citibank has reimbursed and will reimburse.
Category of Expenses |
Amount Reimbursed in 2011 and to be Reimbursed in 2012 |
|||
Investor Relations(1) |
$ | 2,233,122 |
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For the period between January 1, 2011 through July 7, 2011, our prior depositary J.P. Morgan, reimbursed the type of expenses set below.
Category of Expenses |
Amount Reimbursed from January 1, 2011 through July 7, 2011 |
|||
Investor Relations(1) |
$ | 499,383 |
(1) | This type of expense includes activities tailored to increase the companys ADR program, including, but not limited to roadshows and training in the U.S., legal costs connected with 20-F filing and ongoing SEC compliance and legal requirements and listing fees. |
Indirect Payments made by Citibank to Turkcell
As part of its service to Turkcell, Citibank has agreed to waive fees for the standard costs associated with the administration of our ADR program and associated operating expenses estimated to total $53,428. The table below sets forth the fees that Citibank has agreed to waive and/or expenses that Citibank has agreed to pay in the year ended December 31, 2011.
Category of Expenses |
Amount Waived or Paid by Citibank for the period July 7, 2011 through December 31, 2011 |
|||
Third-party expenses paid directly |
$ | 53,428.84 | ||
Fees waived |
None |
For the period between January 1, 2011 through July 7, 2011, our prior depositary JPMorgan, made the type of indirect payments set below.
Category of Expenses |
Amount Waived or Paid by JPMorgan for the period January 1, 2011 through July 7, 2011 |
|||
Third-party expenses paid directly |
None | |||
Fees waived |
$ | 25,000 |
ITEM 13. | DEFAULTS, DIVIDEND ARREARAGES AND DELINQUENCIES |
As of February 1, 2012, Astelit had debt repayments due to Euroasia in the amount of $150 million and to Financell in the amount of $173 million. Since June 2011, Astelit has not met the payment obligations, which were waived until February 1, 2012. Since that date, our Board of Directors has not acted to approve or reached a consensus for the extension of repayment dates. As a result, Astelit was unable to meet its repayment obligations to Euroasia and Financell totaling $323 million and defaulted on its loan agreements. As a consequence of Astelits default, cross default clauses have been triggered on five loan agreements totaling $554 million (currently decreased to $402 million, following our $150 million guarantee payment) and waivers were obtained for the aforementioned loans before March 31, 2012. In the context of guarantees, Financell has pledges on shares and all assets of Astelit including bank accounts. Additionally, Financell has a second priority pledge on Euroasia shares held by System Capital Management Limited together with a guarantee and indemnity given by System Capital Management Limited. Financell has rights to commence enforcement of pledges and guarantee under certain conditions.
In the same vein, Euroasia, a Group company that is a 100% shareholder of Astelit, which had previously borrowed $150 million to finance Astelit, also defaulted on its loan on March 30, 2012. As a guarantor, we paid $150 million to related banks on April 6, 2012. In relation to the guarantee agreement, a first priority pledge on Euroasia shares held by System Capital Management Limited has been established in favor of Turkcell. Upon payment of the guaranteed amount, Turkcell has the right to commence enforcement of this pledge on the
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Euroasia shares under certain conditions. As a consequence of Euroasias default, cross default clauses have been triggered on four loan agreements (the same ones referenced above) totaling $402 million and waivers are being sought for the aforementioned loans.
With respect to the amounts due to Financell, our Board of Directors decided to extend a guarantee to Financell in order to perform its obligations with respect to the loans granted by the banks for providing Group financing. The guarantee will be up to $410.7 million principle amount plus sum of interest, any other costs, expenses and fees that may accrue in connection with the credit line agreements. This guarantee includes the debt repayments of $173 million due under the loan agreements signed between Astelit and Financell, and of the loans that Financell granted to Astelit which have not yet fallen due. Astelits debts are denominated in foreign currencies which expose Astelit to foreign exchange and convertibility risks.
ITEM 14. | MATERIAL MODIFICATIONS TO THE RIGHTS OF SECURITY HOLDERS AND USE OF PROCEEDS |
Not applicable.
ITEM 15. | CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES |
(a) Disclosure Controls and Procedures. The Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, after evaluating the effectiveness of the Companys disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in U.S. Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e)) as of the end of the period covered by this Form 20-F, have concluded that, as of such date, the Companys disclosure controls and procedures were effective at a reasonable assurance level.
(b) Managements Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. The management of Turkcell is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934), and for performing an assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011. The Companys internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with applicable generally accepted accounting principles. The Companys internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that:
1. | Pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Company; |
2. | Provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with applicable generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the Company; and |
3. | Provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the Companys assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements. |
Internal control over financial reporting has inherent limitations. It is a process that involves human diligence and compliance and is subject to lapses in judgment and breakdowns resulting from human failures. In addition, it can be circumvented by collusion or improper management override. Because of such limitations, there is a risk that material misstatements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis by internal controls over financial reporting. However, these inherent limitations are known features of the financial reporting process. Therefore, it is possible to design safeguards to reduce, though not eliminate, this risk.
Management assessed the effectiveness of the internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011 based on criteria established in the Internal ControlIntegrated Framework, issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Based on its assessment and those criteria, management has concluded that the Companys internal control over financial reporting was effective at the reasonable assurance level as of December 31, 2011.
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The effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011 has been audited by DRT Bagimsiz Denetim ve Serbest Muhasebeci Mali Musavirlik A.S. (Deloitte), our independent registered public accounting firm in Turkey, as stated in their attestation report which appears below under Item 15(c), Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
(c) Attestation Report of the Independent Public Accounting Firm.
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
DRT Bagimsiz Denetim ve Serbest Muhasebeci Mali Müşavirlik A.Ş. Sun Plaza, Bilim Sokak No: 5 34398 Maslak, Şişli İstanbul, Türkiye Tel: +90 212 366 6000 Fax: +90 212 366 6010 www.deloitte.com.tr |
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of
Turkcell İletişim Hizmetleri A.Ş.
We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of Turkcell İletişim Hizmetleri A.Ş. and its subsidiaries (together the Group) as of December 31, 2011 based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. The Groups management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Managements Report. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Groups internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
A companys internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the companys principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by the companys board of directors, management, and other personnel to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A companys internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the companys assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of the inherent limitations of internal control over financial reporting, including the possibility of collusion or improper management override of controls, material misstatements due to error or fraud may not be
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prevented or detected on a timely basis. Also, projections of any evaluation of the effectiveness of the internal control over financial reporting to future periods are subject to the risk that the controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
In our opinion, based on our audit, the Group maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011, based on the criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated financial statements as of and for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 of the Group and our report dated April 20, 2012 expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements based on our audit and the report of other independent registered public accounting firm.
Istanbul, Turkey
April 20, 2012
DRT BAĞIMSIZ DENETİM VE SERBEST MUHASEBECİ MALİ MÜŞAVİRLİK A.Ş.
Member of DELOITTE TOUCHE TOHMATSU LIMITED
(d) Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. There were no changes in connection with the evaluation required by Rule 13a-15(d) and Rule 15d-15 in the Companys internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the year ended December 31, 2011, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Companys internal control over financial reporting. This conclusion has been made at a reasonable assurance level.
ITEM 16A AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT
Currently no independent audit committee member is an audit committee financial expert as defined in Item 16A of Form 20-F because, after self-evaluation, our audit committee members did not consider themselves, individually, as an audit committee financial expert. However, both our audit committee members and our Board of Directors believe that our audit committee members are qualified to carry out their duties on the audit committee.
We have adopted a code of ethics that applies to our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, and other executive officers and financial officers. This code of ethics is posted on our website, www.turkcell.com.tr.
ITEM 16C PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
Deloitte served as our independent registered public accountant for financial years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 and KPMG Akis Bagimsiz Denetim ve Serbest Muhasebeci Mali Musavirlik A.S. served as our independent registered public accountants for the financial year ended December 31, 2009. Our audited financial statements for the three-year period ended December 31, 2011 appear in this annual report on Form 20-F. At our 2010 annual general meeting of shareholders which occurred on April 29, 2010, Deloitte was appointed as our independent auditors for fiscal years December 31, 2010 and 2011.
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The following table presents the aggregate fees for professional services and other services rendered by our auditors to us in 2011, 2010 and 2009.
2011 $m |
2010 $m |
2009 $m |
||||||||||
Audit Fees(1) |
1.6 | 1.6 | 2.4 | |||||||||
Audit-Related Fees(2) |
| | | |||||||||
Tax Fees |
| | | |||||||||
All Other Fees(3) |
| | | |||||||||
Total |
1.6 | 1.6 | 2.4 |
(1) | Audit Fees consist of fees billed for professional services pertaining to the audit of the Companys annual financial statements or services that are normally provided by the principal accountant in connection with statutory or regulatory filings or engagements. |
(2) | Audit-Related Fees consist of fees billed for assurance and related services that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of the Companys financial statements. |
(3) | All Other Fees consist of fees billed for products and services other than services provided under Audit Fees, Audit-Related Fees and Tax Fees. |
Audit Committee Pre-approval Policies and Procedures
Our audit committee has determined that all work performed by our external auditors for the year 2012 will be approved by our audit committee and, therefore, it has not adopted blanket pre-approval policies and procedures.
ITEM 16D | EXEMPTIONS FROM THE LISTING STANDARDS FOR AUDIT COMMITTEES |
One of our audit committee members, Mr. Khudyakov, is a representative of Cukurova Telecom Holding Limited, one of our largest shareholders. Consequently, he is not considered independent under Rule 10A-3(b) of the Exchange Act. Mr. Khudyakov serves on our audit committee in reliance upon the exemption from independence standards contained in Rule 10A-3(b)(1)(iv)(D). We do not believe that such reliance would materially adversely affect the ability of the audit committee to act independently and to satisfy other requirements of Rule 10A-3.
ITEM 16E | PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY THE ISSUER AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS |
To our best knowledge and in accordance with the official Share Book of the Company, neither we nor any affiliated purchaser made any purchases of our ordinary shares during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011.
ITEM 16F | CHANGE IN REGISTRANTS CERTIFYING ACCOUNTANT |
Incorporated by reference to our annual report on Form 20-F/A filed on April 20, 2011.
ITEM 16G | CORPORATE GOVERNANCE |
Significant Differences in Corporate Governance Practices
Matters related to corporate governance in Turkey are regulated by the Turkish Commercial Code (TCC) enacted in 1956 and the regulations and communiqués of the Capital Markets Board of Turkey (the CMB), the regulatory and supervisory authority, both of which are binding upon publicly held companies.
In addition, corporate governance practices in Turkey are also guided by the Corporate Governance Principles of the CMB (the CMB Principles), which took effect on a comply-or-explain basis on January 1, 2004. Effective from 2005, the CMB requires listed companies to incorporate in their annual reports a Corporate Governance Compliance Report which compares the CMB Principles to the Corporate Governance principles under which the Company operates. This report is posted on our website, www.turkcell.com.tr.
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Effective in Autumn 2011, by way of various communiqués, the CMB has revised its corporate governance principles with a view to strengthening the governance practices of listed companies. As a result, the CMB left the comply or explain approach to a limited extent and required listed companies to comply with certain corporate governance principles on a compulsory basis. Listed companies, excluding banks, need to comply with the requirements immediately starting with their first General Assembly and not later than June 30, 2012, while the applicable deadline for the banks is the beginning of 2013. For the implementation purposes, the CMB has classified ISE-listed companies into three groups:
| First GroupStocks with market cap and free float market cap above TRY 3 billion and TRY 750 million, respectively. Turkcell is in this category. |
| Second GroupStocks with market cap and free float market cap above TRY 1 billion and TRY 250 million, respectively. |
| Third GroupRemaining stocks that cannot be classified under either the first or second group. |
The following summarizes new mandatory CMB requirements that would apply to our Company.
Mandatory rules relating to board membership and board structure:
| The number of independent members in the Board shall not be less than one third of the total number of the members of the Board of Directors. In calculating the number of independent board members, a fraction would be rounded up to the nearest integer. In any case the number of the independent board members shall not be less than two. The term of office of independent members of the board of directors is up to three years. Such members are eligible to be nominated again and re-elected. Nevertheless a board member who served for more than six years within the last ten years cannot be appointed as an independent board member. The General Assembly can limit the number of independent board members by 50% of the total number of board members. |
| Companies in the first group are required to notify the CMB of the independent member candidates at least 60 days (45 days for the first implementation year of CMB regulation) prior to the planned General Assembly meeting at which the members will be elected. The CMB, having evaluated the independence of the candidates, is required to disclose its approval/disapproval within the next 30 days. Companies classified in the other two groups are not required to seek CMB approval. |
| In the event that a candidate is appointed as independent director and shareholders holding at least 1% of the companys share capital vote against that candidate at the general assembly meeting, the CMB shall step in, conduct a separate assessment and make a decision regarding the independence of the appointed director. |
| The CMB has updated its independence criteria for independent board members. |
| The following Board committees shall be established by listed companies: |
| Audit Committee (already existing at Turkcell Board level) |
| Corporate Governance Committee (already existing at Turkcell Board level) |
| Candidate Nomination Committee |
| Early Detection of Risks Committee |
| Remuneration Committee. |
In the event a separate Candidate Nomination Committee, Early Detection of Risks Committee and Remuneration Committee cannot be established due to the structure of the board of directors, the Corporate Governance Committee shall perform the duties of these Committees. The CMB further announced that for the first implementation, the Audit Committee rather than the Corporate Governance Committee shall act as the
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Candidate Nomination Committee. All of the members of the Audit Committee and the chairmen of the other committees shall be elected among the independent board members. It is sufficient that the majority of the members of the committeesexcept for the Audit Committee to be board members. The chief executive officer/general manager should not hold a position at the committees. Terms of reference, working principles and members of the committees shall be determined and disclosed to the public by the board of directors.
Mandatory rules relating to enhanced shareholder information:
| General Assembly call content has been enhanced. |
| Controlling shareholders, board members, senior management, and spouses and second degree blood and affinity relatives of those can only do transactions which may cause conflicts of interest with the company or its subsidiaries and can only compete with the company if the General Assembly gives its prior approval thereto and if the General Assembly is informed of aforesaid transactions. |
| A written remuneration policy for board members and senior management shall be prepared. This policy shall be posted on the companys website and submitted at the ordinary General Assembly as a separate agenda item for information. Payment plans, such as stock options or those based on company performance, are not used in the remuneration of independent board members. Remuneration of independent board members must safeguard the independency level. |
| There are mandatory rules relating to material transactions and related party transactions/guarantees to third parties. |
| As for material transactions (transfer, acquisition or lease of all or significant portion of Company assets or constitution of limited property right there on; providing concession or changing content or subject of existing concessions and being delisted), the majority vote of independent board members is sought for those transactions to be executed. In the event the board would approve those material transactions, even if the majority of independent board members do not vote affirmatively, those transactions shall be submitted to the approval of the general assembly. Any objection of independent board members should immediately be disclosed to the public, communicated to the CMB and read at the General Assembly meeting. Related parties with respect to specific transactions are not allowed to vote at the General Assembly. A meeting quorum is not required in order to fulfill this provision and resolutions are taken by simple majority of the attendees having voting rights. |
| The approval of the majority of the independent members shall be necessary for any and all kinds of related party transactions of the company (related parties referred in the Communiqué will be determined in accordance with the Turkish Accounting Principles no:24, equivalent of IAS 24), as well as for the resolutions of the board of directors with respect to giving guarantees, pledges and mortgages in favor of third parties. In cases where the majority of the independent members do not approve such transaction, the case shall be disclosed to the public and the transaction shall be submitted to the General Assembly for approval. During such General Assembly meetings, a resolution shall be adopted by vote in which the parties to the transaction as well as the individuals related thereto are not entitled to vote. A meeting quorum shall not be necessary for the general assembly meetings to be held for those cases. Such resolutions shall be adopted by simple majority of the attendees having right to vote. The CMB, in a further announcement, clarified that listed companies may adopt one general board/general assembly resolution for the execution of transactions of continuous and extensive nature with related parties unless the terms of those transactions are changed. In case such changes occur, a new board/general assembly resolution will be needed. |
Until the entry into force of the changes described above, as further explained below, the CMB Principles recommend that audit committee members be independent according to the criteria set forth therein. In Turkey, other than the CMB Principles, the composition of the audit committee for public companies is regulated by a CMB communiqué, which only requires that committee members be composed of non-executive board members. The CMB Principles function on a comply-or-explain basis. In accordance with these principles, we disclose in our Corporate Governance Compliance Report that our Board currently has one independent member.
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Below is a summary of the significant differences between our corporate governance practices and those that would apply to U.S. companies under the NYSE corporate governance rules as of March 31, 2012:
NYSE Corporate Governance Rule for U.S. Issuers |
Our Practice as a Foreign Private Issuer | |
Listed companies must have a majority of independent directors. | Our Board currently has one member who is deemed to meet the independence standards of both the SEC and CMB Principles. Under the CMB Principles, it is recommended to have a board comprised of at least one-third independent members (or, in any event, two members). In accordance with the CMB Principles, we disclose our current status in our Corporate Governance Compliance Report and thus believe that we are in compliance with the CMB Principles. | |
The non-management directors of each company must meet at regularly scheduled executive sessions without management. | Turkish law does not make any distinction between management and non-management directors. Members of the board who are not also members of management do not meet in regularly scheduled executive sessions. | |
Listed companies must have a nominating/corporate governance committee composed entirely of independent directors, with a written charter that provides for (i) minimum duties, which are to identify individuals qualified to become board members, consistent with criteria approved by the board, and to select, or to recommend that the board select, the director nominees for the next annual meeting of shareholders; develop and recommend to the board a set of corporate governance guidelines applicable to the corporation; and oversee the evaluation of the board and management; and (ii) an annual performance evaluation of the committee. | On June 23, 2004, our Board of Directors established a Corporate Governance Committee. Our Corporate Governance Committee has a written charter specifying its duties. According to the CMB Principles, which operate on a comply or explain basis, only committees chairs are required to be independent as defined by the Principles themselves. At the Board of Directors meeting on May 27, 2010, it was decided that Colin J. Williams, our independent board member, will serve as Chairman of the Corporate Governance Committee.
Although Turkish legislation does not require us to have one, our Corporate Governance Committee has a written charter specifying its duties. The charter substantially satisfies the minimum requirements of the NYSE corporate governance rules. The Corporate Governance committee also may make recommendations on remuneration, including the compensation of our Chief Executive Officer, but the committee does not have the power to set remuneration. | |
Listed companies must have a compensation committee composed entirely of independent directors, with a written charter that covers certain minimum specified duties. | The CMB Principles do not require us to have a compensation committee. Our corporate governance committee may develop and recommend a compensation policy to our Board of Directors in respect of our directors, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer. | |
Listed companies must have an audit committee that satisfies requirements set forth in Exchange Act Rule 10A-3 and additional requirements, including: (i) a minimum of three members; (ii) independence as defined in NYSE Rule 303A.02; and (iii) a written | Our audit committee has two members, in accordance with Turkish practice: Mr. Colin J. Williams and Mr. Alexey Khudyakov. Mr. Williams chairs the committee and is considered independent under the U.S. Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the rules |
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NYSE Corporate Governance Rule for U.S. Issuers |
Our Practice as a Foreign Private Issuer | |
charter that addresses minimum duties in addition to those required by Exchange Act Rule 10A-3. | promulgated thereunder by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, the applicable rules of NYSE and the Turkish CMB Corporate Governance Principles. Mr. Khudyakov is an observer on the audit committee and is not considered independent under the U.S. Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and rules promulgated thereunder. On January 26, 2007, the Turkish CMB informed Turkcell that Alexey Khudyakovs current status, as an observer member on the audit committee does not satisfy the requirements under Article 25 of the CMBs Committees Responsible for Auditing. The CMB has stated that steps must be taken so that our Company can comply with Article 25. We believe that Mr. Khudyakov does fully meet the requirements of Article 25 as he is a non-executive board member and have initiated a lawsuit before an administrative court seeking to suspend the execution and to annul the decision of the CMB with respect to Mr. Khudyakov. The administrative court ultimately dismissed our lawsuit in January 2008. In March 2008, we appealed before the Council of State and on March 23, 2010, the Council of State rejected the appeal. The Company applied for the correction of the decision, but our application was denied. | |
By a decision notified to us on October 23, 2008, the CMB penalized Turkcell TRY 11,836 (equivalent to $6,676 as of April 1, 2012) for not complying with its decision that stated that Mr. Khudyakovs current status as an observer member on the audit committee did not satisfy the requirements under Article 25 of the CMBs Committees Responsible for Auditing. The CMB also required Turkcell to inform its shareholders at the following General Assembly (which was held on January 30, 2009) of this administrative penalty. In November 2008, we commenced a lawsuit before the court seeking to suspend the execution of the administrative fine and to annul the CMBs decision related thereto. The administrative court ultimately dismissed our lawsuit in May 2011. In July 2011, we appealed before the |
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NYSE Corporate Governance Rule for U.S. Issuers |
Our Practice as a Foreign Private Issuer | |
Council of State and the Council of State rejected our request to suspend execution at the appeal phase. The appeal process is still pending.
Mr. Williams and Mr. Khudyakov are non-executive board members as required by the CMB Communiqué Serial:X No: 22 which is binding upon public companies in Turkey. Under Turkish law, our entire Board of Directors is responsible for all decisions; as a result the audit committees duties are advisory. Pursuant to Turkish law, our external auditor is nominated by the Board of Directors upon advice of the audit committee and approved by our general assembly of shareholders.
The audit committee has revised its charter, effective June 20, 2005 and reviewed both Turkcell Common Values and Business Ethics Document and Implementation of Turkcell Common Values and Business Ethics Rules in order to comply with the requirements of applicable CMB legislation and Exchange Act Rule 10A-3 and NYSE 303A.06. There has been a second revision, effective July 21, 2006, to reconsider membership criteria. Our audit committee charter satisfies the requirements of the CMB. The charter does not provide for: an audit committee report to be included in Turkcells annual proxy statement as it is not subject to the SEC proxy requirements; a review with the independent auditor of problems or difficulties and managements | ||
responses thereto, although such review is not prohibited by the charter; the discussion of policies with respect to risk assessment and risk management, although such discussion is not prohibited by the charter; the review by the committee of Turkcells earnings releases or financial information or earnings guidance provided to analysts and ratings agencies; or the setting of clear hiring policies for employees or former employees of the independent auditors, although it does provide that the audit committee shall ensure that the independent auditors remain independent and avoid any conflicts of interest while performing their duties. | ||
Listed companies must adopt and disclose corporate governance guidelines that cover certain minimum specified subjects. | We are not required specifically by the CMB Principles to adopt corporate governance guidelines. However, our Board of Directors has adopted Corporate Governance Guidelines and posted a summary on its official website www.turkcell.com.tr. Our corporate governance guidelines largely cover the subjects requested by the NYSE corporate governance standards except director qualification standards and director compensation. |
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ITEM 17. | FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
We have responded to Item 18 in lieu of responding to this item.
ITEM 18. | FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
Our audited consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2011, and for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2011, are filed as part of this annual report, on pages F-6 through F-11.
ITEM 19. | EXHIBITS |
EXHIBIT |
DESCRIPTION | |
1.1 | Articles of Association of Turkcell Iletisim Hizmetleri A.S. | |
8.1 | Subsidiaries of Turkcell. | |
12.1 | Certification of Sureyya Ciliv, Chief Executive Officer of Turkcell Iletisim Hizmetleri A.S., pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. | |
12.2 | Certification of Murat Doğan Erden, Acting Chief Financial Officer for preparation of the Annual Report of Turkcell Iletisim Hizmetleri A.S., pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. | |
13.1 | Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. | |
15.1 | Auditor Letter Pertaining to Item 16F (incorporated by reference to Form 20-F of Turkcell filed on April 27, 2010). |
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SIGNATURES
The registrant hereby certifies that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form 20-F and that it has duly caused and authorized the undersigned to sign this annual report on its behalf.
TURKCELL ILETISIM HIZMETLERI A.S. | ||||||
Date: April 20, 2012 | By: | /s/ SUREYYA CILIV | ||||
Sureyya Ciliv | ||||||
Chief Executive Officer | ||||||
Date: April 20, 2012 | By: | /s/ MURAT DOğAN ERDEN | ||||
Murat Doğan Erden | ||||||
Acting Chief Financial Officer for preparation of the Annual Report |
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Index to Consolidated Financial Statements
F-1
|
DRT Bagimsiz Denetim ve Serbest Muhasebeci Mali Müşavirlik A.Ş. Sun Plaza, Bilim Sokak No: 5 34398 Maslak, Şişli İstanbul, Türkiye Tel: +90 212 366 6000 Fax: +90 212 366 6010 www.deloitte.com.tr |
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of
Turkcell İletişim Hizmetleri A.Ş.
We have audited the accompanying consolidated statement of financial position of Turkcell İletişim Hizmetleri A.Ş (the Company) and its subsidiaries (together the Group) as of December 31, 2011 and 2010 and the related consolidated statement of income, consolidated statement of comprehensive income, consolidated statement of changes in equity, and consolidated statement of cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Groups management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We did not audit the financial statements of Fintur Holdings B.V. (Fintur); a 41.45 percent owned equity accounted investee of the Group. The Groups investment in Fintur as of December 31, 2011 and 2010 was $359 million and $304 million, respectively and its share in profit of Fintur was $165 million and $153 million for the years 2011 and 2010, respectively. Those financial statements were audited by other auditors whose report has been furnished to us, and our opinion, insofar as it relates to the amounts included for Fintur, is based solely on the report of the other auditors.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits and the report of other independent registered public accounting firm provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, based on our audits and the report of other independent registered public accounting firm, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Group as of December 31, 2011 and 2010 and the results of their operations and their cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 in conformity with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board.
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the Groups internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011 based on the criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated April 20, 2012 expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of Groups internal control over financial reporting.
Other Matter
Without qualifying our opinion, we draw attention to the following matter:
As already discussed in Note 2a and 22, the Groups audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2010 were approved by the Companys Audit Committee and Board of Directors and
F-2
F-3
authorized for announcement on February 23, 2011. However; these consolidated financial statements were not approved by the General Assembly meeting on 21 April 2011 and the Extraordinary General Assembly meetings on August 11 and October 12, 2011. The General Assembly has the authority to amend the consolidated financial statements. Additionally, the Companys Board of Directors proposed a dividend distribution for the year ended December 31, 2010 amounting to TL 1,328,697 thousand on March 23, 2011. Since consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2010 were not approved in General Assembly and Extraordinary General Assembly meetings, the dividend distribution proposal was not approved and no financial liability has been recognized in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.
Istanbul, Turkey
April 20, 2012
DRT BAĞIMSIZ DENETİM VE SERBEST MUHASEBECİ MALİ MÜŞAVİRLİK A.Ş.
Member of DELOITTE TOUCHE TOHMATSU LIMITED
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Shareholders and Board of Directors of Fintur Holdings B.V.
We have audited the consolidated balance sheets of Fintur Holdings B.V. and its subsidiaries (the Group) as at 31 December 2011 and 2010 and consolidated statements of income, of comprehensive income, of changes in equity and of cash flows for the years ended 31 December 2011, 2010 and 2009. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Groups management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits of these consolidated financial statements in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Fintur Holdings B.V. and its subsidiaries as at 31 December 2011 and 2010 and the results of their operations and their cash flows for the years ended 31 December 2011, 2010 and 2009 in conformity with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board.
Başaran Nas Bağimsiz Denetim ve
Serbest Muhasebeci Mali Müşavirlik A.Ş.
a member of
PricewaterhouseCoopers
Mert Tüten, SMMM
Partner
Istanbul, 18 April 2012
Başaran Nas Bağimsiz Denetim ve Serbest Muhasebeci Mali Müşavirlik A.Ş. a member of PricewaterhouseCoopers Turkey
BJK Plaza, Süleyman Seba Caddesi No:48 B Blok Kat 9 Akaretler Beşiktaş 34357 İstanbul-Turkey
www.pwc.com/tr Telephone: +90 (212) 326 6060 Facsimile: +90 (212) 326 6050
F-4
|
Akis Bagimsiz Denetim ve Serbest Muhasebeci Mali Müşavirlik A.Ş. Yapi Kredi Plaza C Blok Kat 17 Büyükdere Caddesi Levent 34330 Istanbul |
Telephone Fax Internet |
+90 (212) 317 74 00 +90 (212) 317 73 00 www.kpmg.com |
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The Board of Directors and Shareholders
Turkcell Iletisim Hizmetleri A.S.:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, changes in equity and cash flows of Turkcell Iletisim Hizmetleri A.S. and its subsidiaries (the Group) for the year ended December 31, 2009. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Groups management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audit. We did not audit the consolidated financial statements of Fintur Holdings B.V. (Fintur), a 41.45 percent owned equity accounted investee company. The Groups share of profit of Fintur was $120 million for the year ended December 31, 2009. Those consolidated financial statements were audited by other auditors whose report has been furnished to us, and our opinion, insofar as it relates to the amounts included for Fintur, is based solely on the report of the other auditors.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, based on our audit and the report of the other auditors, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the results of Turkcell Iletisim Hizmetleri A.S. and its subsidiaries operations and their cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2009, in conformity with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board.
/s/ Akis Bagimsiz Denetim ve Serbest
Muhasebeci Mali Müsavirlik A.S.
Istanbul, Turkey
April 26, 2010
F-5
TURKCELL ILETISIM HIZMETLERI AS AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
As at 31 December 2011
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars unless otherwise indicated except share amounts)
(The Groups audited consolidated financial statements prepared as at and for the year ended 31 December 2010 were approved by the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors (Board Resolution dated 23 February 2011 and numbered 797), however not approved by the General Assemblies on 21 April 2011, 11 August 2011 and 12 October 2011.)
Note | 2011 | 2010 | ||||||||||
Assets |
||||||||||||
Property, plant and equipment |
13 | 2,709,600 | 3,068,021 | |||||||||
Intangible assets |
14 | 1,246,308 | 1,709,311 | |||||||||
GSM and other telecommunication operating licenses |
691,895 | 955,703 | ||||||||||
Computer software |
502,974 | 547,607 | ||||||||||
Other intangible assets |
51,439 | 206,001 | ||||||||||
Investments in equity accounted investees |
15 | 414,392 | 399,622 | |||||||||
Other investments |
16 | 22,568 | 33,849 | |||||||||
Due from related parties |
34 | 43 | 1,044 | |||||||||
Other non-current assets |
17 | 125,389 | 107,277 | |||||||||
Trade receivables |
19 | 113,581 | 35,024 | |||||||||
Deferred tax assets |
18 | 3,286 | 2,876 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Total non-current assets |
4,635,167 | 5,357,024 | ||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Inventories |
26,069 | 24,386 | ||||||||||
Other investments |
16 | 844,982 | 8,201 | |||||||||
Due from related parties |
34 | 43,215 | 88,897 | |||||||||
Trade receivables and accrued income |
19 | 842,381 | 816,151 | |||||||||
Other current assets |
20 | 198,458 | 197,740 | |||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
21 | 2,508,529 | 3,302,163 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Total current assets |
4,463,634 | 4,437,538 | ||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Total assets |
9,098,801 | 9,794,562 | ||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Equity |
||||||||||||
Share capital |
22 | 1,636,204 | 1,636,204 | |||||||||
Share premium |
22 | 434 | 434 | |||||||||
Capital contributions |
22 | 22,772 | 22,772 | |||||||||
Reserves |
22 | (1,920,974 | ) | (660,121 | ) | |||||||
Retained earnings |
22 | 6,053,702 | 5,258,327 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Total equity attributable to equity holders of |
5,792,138 | 6,257,616 | ||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Non-controlling interests |
22 | (60,533 | ) | (24,019 | ) | |||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Total equity |
5,731,605 | 6,233,597 | ||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Liabilities |
||||||||||||
Loans and borrowings |
25 | 1,057,380 | 1,407,316 | |||||||||
Employee benefits |
26 | 28,259 | 29,742 | |||||||||
Provisions |
28 | 58,219 | 57,055 | |||||||||
Other non-current liabilities |
24 | 92,669 | 160,832 | |||||||||
Deferred tax liabilities |
18 | 67,374 | 93,105 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Total non-current liabilities |
1,303,901 | 1,748,050 | ||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Bank overdraft |
21 | 1,084 | 5,896 | |||||||||
Loans and borrowings |
25 | 811,953 | 430,205 | |||||||||
Income taxes payable |
12 | 61,891 | 96,080 | |||||||||
Trade and other payables |
29 | 929,488 | 951,976 | |||||||||
Due to related parties |
34 | 14,582 | 10,760 | |||||||||
Deferred income |
27 | 118,376 | 164,186 | |||||||||
Provisions |
28 | 125,921 | 153,812 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Total current liabilities |
2,063,295 | 1,812,915 | ||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Total liabilities |
3,367,196 | 3,560,965 | ||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Total equity and liabilities |
9,098,801 | 9,794,562 | ||||||||||
|
|
|
|
The notes on page F-12 to F-131 are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-6
TURKCELL ILETISIM HIZMETLERI AS AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME
For the year ended 31 December 2011
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars unless otherwise indicated except share amounts)
(The Groups audited consolidated financial statements prepared as at and for the year ended 31 December 2010 were approved by the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors (Board Resolution dated 23 February 2011 and numbered 797), however not approved by the General Assemblies on 21 April 2011, 11 August 2011 and 12 October 2011.)
Note | 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | |||||||||||||
Revenue |
8 | 5,609,679 | 5,982,093 | 5,789,972 | ||||||||||||
Direct costs of revenue |
(3,528,928 | ) | (3,349,035 | ) | (3,097,097 | ) | ||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
Gross profit |
2,080,751 | 2,633,058 | 2,692,875 | |||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
Other income |
32,600 | 14,668 | 978 | |||||||||||||
Selling and marketing expenses |
(1,010,615 | ) | (1,085,750 | ) | (1,085,081 | ) | ||||||||||
Administrative expenses |
(246,543 | ) | (347,290 | ) | (273,139 | ) | ||||||||||
Other expenses |
9 | (161,236 | ) | (64,233 | ) | (111,220 | ) | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
Results from operating activities |
694,957 | 1,150,453 | 1,224,413 | |||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
Finance income |
11 | 330,277 | 277,130 | 329,550 | ||||||||||||
Finance costs |
11 | (289,648 | ) | (102,662 | ) | (187,514 | ) | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
Net finance income |
40,629 | 174,468 | 142,036 | |||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
Monetary gain |
144,813 | | | |||||||||||||
Share of profit of equity accounted investees |
15 | 136,907 | 122,839 | 78,448 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
Profit before income tax |
1,017,306 | 1,447,760 | 1,444,897 | |||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
Income tax expense |
12 | (292,193 | ) | (320,799 | ) | (340,093 | ) | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
Profit for the year |
725,113 | 1,126,961 | 1,104,804 | |||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
Profit/(loss) attributable to: |
||||||||||||||||
Owners of Turkcell Iletisim Hizmetleri AS |
751,709 | 1,170,176 | 1,093,992 | |||||||||||||
Non-controlling interests |
(26,596 | ) | (43,215 | ) | 10,812 | |||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
Profit for the year |
725,113 | 1,126,961 | 1,104,804 | |||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
Basic and diluted earnings per share (in full USD) |
23 | 0.34 | 0.53 | 0.50 |
The notes on page F-12 to F-131 are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-7
TURKCELL ILETISIM HIZMETLERI AS AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
For the year ended 31 December 2011
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars unless otherwise indicated except share amounts)
(The Groups audited consolidated financial statements prepared as at and for the year ended 31 December 2010 were approved by the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors (Board Resolution dated 23 February 2011 and numbered 797), however not approved by the General Assemblies on 21 April 2011, 11 August 2011 and 12 October 2011.)
2011 | 2010 | 2009 | ||||||||||
Profit for the year |
725,113 | 1,126,961 | 1,104,804 | |||||||||
Other comprehensive income/(expense): |
||||||||||||
Foreign currency translation differences |
(1,293,917 | ) | (184,352 | ) | 53,046 | |||||||
Net change in fair value of available-for-sale securities |
| (1,318 | ) | 1,197 | ||||||||
Change in cash flow hedge reserve |
(459 | ) | | | ||||||||
Income tax on other comprehensive (expense)/income |
(4,430 | ) | (754 | ) | (1,091 | ) | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Other comprehensive income/(expense) for the year, net of income tax |
(1,298,806 | ) | (186,424 | ) | 53,152 | |||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Total comprehensive income for the year |
(573,693 | ) | 940,537 | 1,157,956 | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Total comprehensive income/(expense) attributable to: |
||||||||||||
Owners of Turkcell Iletisim Hizmetleri AS |
(540,624 | ) | 984,187 | 1,146,681 | ||||||||
Non-controlling interest |
(33,069 | ) | (43,650 | ) | 11,275 | |||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Total comprehensive income for the year |
(573,693 | ) | 940,537 | 1,157,956 | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
The notes on page F-12 to F-131 are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-8
TURKCELL ILETISIM HIZMETLERI AS AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
For the year ended 31 December 2011
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars unless otherwise indicated except share amounts)
(The Groups audited consolidated financial statements prepared as at and for the year ended 31 December 2010 were approved by the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors (Board Resolution dated 23 February 2011 and numbered 797), however not approved by the General Assemblies on 21 April 2011, 11 August 2011 and 12 October 2011.)
Attributable to equity holders of the Company | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Share Capital |
Capital Contribution |
Share Premium |
Legal Reserves |
Fair Value Reserve |
Cash Flow Hedge Reserves |
Reserve for Non- Controlling Interest Put Option |
Translation Reserve |
Retained Earnings |
Total | Non- Controlling Interest |
Total Equity |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at 1 January 2009 |
1,636,204 | 18,202 | 434 | 378,779 | 121 | | (286,922 | ) | (798,362 | ) | 4,437,071 | 5,385,527 | 58,116 | 5,443,643 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total comprehensive income |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Profit for the year |
| | | | | | | | 1,093,992 | 1,093,992 | 10,812 | 1,104,804 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive income/(expense) |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Foreign currency translation differences, net of tax |
| | | | | | | 51,492 | | 51,492 | 463 | 51,955 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net change in fair value of available-for-sale securities, net of tax |
| | | | 1,197 | | | | | 1,197 | | 1,197 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total other comprehensive income/(expense) |
| | | | 1,197 | | | 51,492 | | 52,689 | 463 | 53,152 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total comprehensive income/(expense) |
| | | | 1,197 | | | 51,492 | 1,093,992 | 1,146,681 | 11,275 | 1,157,956 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
Increase in legal reserves |
| | | 105,512 | | | | | (105,512 | ) | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dividends paid (Note 22) |
| | | | | | | | (713,297 | ) | (713,297 | ) | (31,083 | ) | (744,380 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Change in non-controlling interest |
| | | | | | | | | | (1,676 | ) | (1,676 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Change in reserve for non-controlling interest put option |
| | | | | | 36,088 | | | 36,088 | | 36,088 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Capital contribution granted |
| 4,570 | | | | | | | | 4,570 | | 4,570 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at 31 December 2009 |
1,636,204 | 22,772 | 434 | 484,291 | 1,318 | | (250,834 | ) | (746,870 | ) | 4,712,254 | 5,859,569 | 36,632 | 5,896,201 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at 1 January 2010 |
1,636,204 | 22,772 | 434 | 484,291 | 1,318 | | (250,834 | ) | (746,870 | ) | 4,712,254 | 5,859,569 | 36,632 | 5,896,201 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total comprehensive income |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Profit for the year |
| | | | | | | | 1,170,176 | 1,170,176 | (43,215 | ) | 1,126,961 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive income/(expense) |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Foreign currency translation differences, net of tax |
| | | | | | (461 | ) | (184,210 | ) | | (184,671 | ) | (435 | ) | (185,106 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net change in fair value of available-for-sale securities, net of tax |
| | | | (1,318 | ) | | | | | (1,318 | ) | | (1,318 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total other comprehensive income/(expense) |
| | | | (1,318 | ) | | (461 | ) | (184,210 | ) | | (185,989 | ) | (435 | ) | (186,424 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total comprehensive income/(expense) |
| | | | (1,318 | ) | | (461 | ) | (184,210 | ) | 1,170,176 | 984,187 | (43,650 | ) | 940,537 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
Increase in legal reserves |
| | | 50,652 | | | | | (50,652 | ) | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dividends paid (Note 22) |
| | | | | | | | (573,451 | ) | (573,451 | ) | (17,090 | ) | (590,541 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Change in non-controlling interest |
| | | | | | | | | | 89 | 89 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Change in reserve for non-controlling interest put option |
| | | | | | (12,689 | ) | | | (12,689 | ) | | (12,689 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at 31 December 2010 |
1,636,204 | 22,772 | 434 | 534,943 | | | (263,984 | ) | (931,080 | ) | 5,258,327 | 6,257,616 | (24,019 | ) | 6,233,597 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-9
TURKCELL ILETISIM HIZMETLERI AS AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY(Continued)
For the year ended 31 December 2011
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars unless otherwise indicated except share amounts)
(The Groups audited consolidated financial statements prepared as at and for the year ended 31 December 2010 were approved by the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors (Board Resolution dated 23 February 2011 and numbered 797), however not approved by the General Assemblies on 21 April 2011, 11 August 2011 and 12 October 2011.)
Attributable to equity holders of the Company | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Share Capital |
Capital Contribution |
Share Premium |
Legal Reserves |
Fair Value Reserve |
Cash Flow Hedge Reserves |
Reserve for Non- Controlling Interest Put Option |
Translation Reserve |
Retained Earnings |
Total | Non- Controlling Interest |
Total Equity |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at 1 January 2011 |
1,636,204 | 22,772 | 434 | 534,943 | | | (263,984 | ) | (931,080 | ) | 5,258,327 | 6,257,616 | (24,019 | ) | 6,233,597 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total comprehensive income |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Profit for the year |
| | | | | | | | 751,709 | 751,709 | (26,596 | ) | 725,113 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive income/(expense) |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Foreign currency translation differences, net of tax |
| | | | | | (10,717 | ) | (1,281,157 | ) | | (1,291,874 | ) | (6,473 | ) | (1,298,347 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Change in cash flow hedge reserve |
| | | | | (459 | ) | | | | (459 | ) | | (459 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net change in fair value of available-for-sale securities, net of tax |
| | | | | | | | | | | | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total other comprehensive income/(expense) |
| | | | | (459 | ) | (10,717 | ) | (1,281,157 | ) | | (1,292,333 | ) | (6,473 | ) | (1,298,806 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
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|
|
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|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total comprehensive income/(expense) |
| | | | | (459 | ) | (10,717 | ) | (1,281,157 | ) | 751,709 | (540,624 | ) | (33,069 | ) | (573,693 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Transfers from legal reserves |
| | | (1,004 | ) | | | | | 1,004 | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dividend paid (Note 22) |
| | | | | | | | | | (3,989 | ) | (3,989 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Effects of inflation accounting (Note 2b) |
| | | | | | | | 42,662 | 42,662 | | 42,662 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Change in non-controlling interest |
| | | | | | | | | | 544 | 544 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Change in reserve for non-controlling interest put option (Note 30) |
| | | | | | 32,484 | | | 32,484 | | 32,484 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Balance at 31 December 2011 |
1,636,204 | 22,772 | 434 | 533,939 | | (459 | ) | (242,217 | ) | (2,212,237 | ) | 6,053,702 | 5,792,138 | (60,533 | ) | 5,731,605 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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The notes on page F-12 to F-131 are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-10
TURKCELL ILETISIM HIZMETLERI AS AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
For the year ended 31 December 2011
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars unless otherwise indicated except share amounts)
(The Groups audited consolidated financial statements prepared as at and for the year ended 31 December 2010 were approved by the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors (Board Resolution dated 23 February 2011 and numbered 797), however not approved by the General Assemblies on 21 April 2011, 11 August 2011 and 12 October 2011.)
Note | 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | |||||||||||||
Cash flows from operating activities |
||||||||||||||||
Profit for the year |
725,113 | 1,126,961 | 1,104,804 | |||||||||||||
Adjustments for: |
||||||||||||||||
Depreciation and impairment of fixed assets |
13 | 636,758 | 515,515 | 384,257 | ||||||||||||
Amortization of intangible assets |
14 | 287,792 | 241,839 | 206,421 | ||||||||||||
Net finance (income) |
11 | (300,307 | ) | (237,628 | ) | (254,582 | ) | |||||||||
Income tax expense |
12 | 292,193 | 320,799 | 340,093 | ||||||||||||
Share of profit of equity accounted investees |
(165,408 | ) | (154,457 | ) | (115,240 | ) | ||||||||||
(Gain)/loss on sale of property, plant and equipment |
(3,771 | ) | 101 | 25,150 | ||||||||||||
Unrealized foreign exchange and monetary gain/loss on operating assets |
(159,292 | ) | (5,847 | ) | 88,572 | |||||||||||
Impairment losses on goodwill |
52,971 | 23,499 | 61,835 | |||||||||||||
Provision for impairment of trade receivables |
30 | 31,361 | 126,257 | 75,379 | ||||||||||||
Deferred income |
27 | (16,005 | ) | (77,854 | ) | (2,966 | ) | |||||||||
Impairment losses on equity accounted investee and other non-current investments |
9 | 21,558 | | | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
1,402,963 | 1,879,185 | 1,913,723 | ||||||||||||||
Change in trade receivables |
19 | (275,271 | ) | (204,403 | ) | (269,360 | ) | |||||||||
Change in due from related parties |
34 | 33,984 | 28,752 | (20,312 | ) | |||||||||||
Change in inventories |
(6,110 | ) | 3,083 | (8,662 | ) | |||||||||||
Change in other current assets |
20 | (35,736 | ) | (29,389 | ) | (37,099 | ) | |||||||||
Change in other non-current assets |
17 | (22,867 | ) | (29,011 | ) | (21,272 | ) | |||||||||
Change in due to related parties |
34 | 4,159 | (3,775 | ) | (6,290 | ) | ||||||||||
Change in trade and other payables |
43,853 | 32,541 | 180,469 | |||||||||||||
Change in other current liabilities |
57,741 | (96,118 | ) | (115,306 | ) | |||||||||||
Change in other non-current liabilities |
24 | (21,185 | ) | (14,051 | ) | (82,893 | ) | |||||||||
Change in employee benefits |
26 | 3,917 | 2,690 | 942 | ||||||||||||
Change in provisions |
28 | (8,060 | ) | (45,102 | ) | 123,644 | ||||||||||
|
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|
|||||||||||
1,177,388 | 1,524,402 | 1,657,584 | ||||||||||||||
Interest paid |
(46,716 | ) | (38,829 | ) | (29,497 | ) | ||||||||||
Income tax paid |
(276,176 | ) | (322,754 | ) | (395,024 | ) | ||||||||||
Dividends received |
71,331 | 99,759 | 83,543 | |||||||||||||
|
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Net cash generated by operating activities |
925,827 | 1,262,578 | 1,316,606 | |||||||||||||
|
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|
|
|||||||||||
Cash flows from investing activities |
||||||||||||||||
Acquisition of property, plant and equipment |
(660,359 | ) | (912,097 | ) | (1,044,165 | ) | ||||||||||
Acquisition of intangible assets |
14 | (198,607 | ) | (132,827 | ) | (723,507 | ) | |||||||||
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment |
8,603 | 8,506 | 4,471 | |||||||||||||
Proceeds from currency option contracts |
6,081 | 12,147 | 10,549 | |||||||||||||
Payment of currency option contracts premium |
(1,267 | ) | (4,988 | ) | (1,150 | ) | ||||||||||
Acquisition of financial assets |
(858,667 | ) | (16,762 | ) | (83,951 | ) | ||||||||||
Proceeds from sale of financial assets |
11,191 | 70,528 | 32,015 | |||||||||||||
Acquisition of subsidiary including cash acquired |
7 | 578 | | | ||||||||||||
Interest received |
281,965 | 270,602 | 320,697 | |||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
Net cash used in investing activities |
(1,410,482 | ) | (704,891 | ) | (1,485,041 | ) | ||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
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Cash flows from financing activities |
||||||||||||||||
Proceeds from issuance of loans and borrowings |
552,859 | 1,071,777 | 1,692,866 | |||||||||||||
Loan transaction costs |
(938 | ) | (12,100 | ) | (14,357 | ) | ||||||||||
Repayment of borrowings |
(516,901 | ) | (772,892 | ) | (944,133 | ) | ||||||||||
Change in non-controlling interest |
544 | 89 | | |||||||||||||
Proceeds from capital contribution |
| | 4,570 | |||||||||||||
Dividends paid |
(3,989 | ) | (590,541 | ) | (744,380 | ) | ||||||||||
|
|
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|
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|
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Net cash generated by/(used in) financing activities |
31,575 | (303,667 | ) | (5,434 | ) | |||||||||||
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|
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Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents |
(453,080 | ) | 254,020 | (173,869 | ) | |||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at 1 January |
3,296,267 | 3,090,242 | 3,255,420 | |||||||||||||
Effects of foreign exchange rate fluctuations on cash and cash equivalents |
(335,742 | ) | (47,995 | ) | 8,691 | |||||||||||
|
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Cash and cash equivalents at 31 December |
21 | 2,507,445 | 3,296,267 | 3,090,242 | ||||||||||||
|
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The notes on page F-12 to F-131 are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-11
TURKCELL ILETISIM HIZMETLERI AS AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
As at and for the year ended 31 December 2011
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars unless otherwise indicated except share amounts)
(The Groups audited consolidated financial statements prepared as at and for the year ended 31 December 2010 were approved by the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors (Board Resolution dated 23 February 2011 and numbered 797), however not approved by the General Assemblies on 21 April 2011, 11 August 2011 and 12 October 2011.)
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
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F-131 |
F-12
TURKCELL ILETISIM HIZMETLERI AS AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)
As at and for the year ended 31 December 2011
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars unless otherwise indicated except share amounts)
(The Groups audited consolidated financial statements prepared as at and for the year ended 31 December 2010 were approved by the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors (Board Resolution dated 23 February 2011 and numbered 797), however not approved by the General Assemblies on 21 April 2011, 11 August 2011 and 12 October 2011.)
1. | Reporting entity |
Turkcell Iletisim Hizmetleri Anonim Sirketi (the Company) was incorporated in Turkey on 5 October 1993 and commenced its operations in 1994. The address of the Companys registered office is Turkcell Plaza, Mesrutiyet Caddesi No: 71, 34430 Tepebasi/Istanbul. It is engaged in establishing and operating a Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) network in Turkey and regional states.
In April 1998, the Company signed a license agreement (the 2G License) with the Ministry of Transport, Maritime Affairs and Communications of Turkey (the Turkish Ministry), under which it was granted a 25 year GSM license in exchange for a license fee of $500,000. The License permits the Company to operate as a stand-alone GSM operator and releases it from some of the operating constraints in the Revenue Sharing Agreement, which was in effect prior to the 2G License. Under the 2G License, the Company collects all of the revenue generated from the operations of its GSM network and pays the Undersecretariat of Treasury (the Turkish Treasury) a treasury share equal to 15% of its gross revenue from Turkish GSM operations. The Company continues to build and operate its GSM network and is authorized to, among other things, set its own tariffs within certain limits, charge peak and off-peak rates, offer a variety of service and pricing packages, issue invoices directly to subscribers, collect payments and deal directly with subscribers. Following the 3G tender held by the Information Technologies and Communications Authority (ICTA) regarding the authorization for providing IMT-2000/UMTS services and infrastructure, the Company has been granted the A-Type license (the 3G License) providing the widest frequency band, at a consideration of EUR 358,000 (excluding Value Added Tax (VAT)). Payment of the 3G license was made in cash, following the necessary approvals, on 30 April 2009.
On 25 June 2005, the Turkish Government declared that GSM operators are required to pay 10% of their existing monthly treasury share to the Turkish Ministry as a universal service fund contribution in accordance with Law No: 5369. As a result, starting from 30 June 2005, the Company pays 90% of the treasury share to the Turkish Treasury and 10% to the Turkish Ministry as universal service fund.
In July 2000, the Company completed an initial public offering with the listing of its ordinary shares on the Istanbul Stock Exchange and American Depositary Shares, or ADSs, on the New York Stock Exchange.
As at 31 December 2011, two significant founding shareholders, Sonera Holding BV and Cukurova Group, directly and indirectly, own approximately 37.1% and 13.8%, respectively of the Companys share capital and are ultimate counterparties to a number of transactions that are discussed in the related parties footnote. Alfa Group holds 13.2% of the Companys shares indirectly through Cukurova Holdings Limited and Turkcell Holding AS.
The consolidated financial statements of the Company as at and for the year ended 31 December 2011 comprise the Company and its subsidiaries (together referred to as the Group) and the Groups interest in one associate and one joint venture. Subsidiaries of the Company, their locations and their business are given in Note 35. The Companys and each of its subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures financial statements are prepared as at and for the year ended 31 December 2011.
F-13
TURKCELL ILETISIM HIZMETLERI AS AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)
As at and for the year ended 31 December 2011
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars unless otherwise indicated except share amounts)
(The Groups audited consolidated financial statements prepared as at and for the year ended 31 December 2010 were approved by the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors (Board Resolution dated 23 February 2011 and numbered 797), however not approved by the General Assemblies on 21 April 2011, 11 August 2011 and 12 October 2011.)
2. | Basis of preparation |
(a) | Statement of compliance |
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB).
The Company selected the presentation form of function of expense for the statement of comprehensive income in accordance with IAS 1 Presentation of Financial Statements.
The Company reports cash flows from operating activities by using the indirect method in accordance with IAS 7 Statement of Cash Flows, whereby profit or loss is adjusted for the effects of transactions of a non-cash nature, any deferrals or accruals of past or future operating cash receipts or payments, and items of income or expense associated with investing or financing cash flows.
Authority for restatement and approval of consolidated financial statements belongs to the Board of Directors. Consolidated financial statements are approved by the Board of Directors by the recommendation of Audit Committee of the Company.
The Groups audited consolidated financial statements prepared as at and for the year ended 31 December 2010 were approved by the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors (Board Resolution dated 23 February 2011 and numbered 797), however not approved by the General Assembly on 21 April 2011 and the Extraordinary General Assemblies of Shareholders held on 11 August 2011 and 12 October 2011.
The consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended 31 December 2011 were authorized for issue on 22 February 2012 by the Board of Directors and updated by the management for any subsequent events up until 20 April 2012.
(b) | Basis of measurement |
The accompanying consolidated financial statements are based on the statutory records, with adjustments and reclassifications for the purpose of fair presentation in accordance with IFRSs as issued by the IASB. They are prepared on the historical cost basis adjusted for the effects of inflation during the hyperinflationary periods in accordance with International Accounting Standard No. 29. (Financial Reporting in Hyperinflationary Economies) (IAS 29), where applicable, except that the following assets and liabilities are stated at their fair value: put option liability, derivative financial instruments and financial instruments classified as available-for-sale. The methods used to measure fair value are further discussed in Note 4. Hyperinflationary period lasted by 31 December 2005 in Turkey and commenced on 1 January 2011 in Belarus. In the financial statements of subsidiaries operating in Belarus, restatement adjustments have been made to compensate the effect of changes in the general purchasing power of the Belarusian Ruble in accordance with IAS 29. IAS 29 requires that financial statements prepared in the currency of a hyperinflationary economy be stated in terms of the measuring unit current at the balance sheet date. One characteristic that necessitates the application of IAS 29 is a cumulative three-year inflation rate
F-14
TURKCELL ILETISIM HIZMETLERI AS AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)
As at and for the year ended 31 December 2011
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars unless otherwise indicated except share amounts)
(The Groups audited consolidated financial statements prepared as at and for the year ended 31 December 2010 were approved by the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors (Board Resolution dated 23 February 2011 and numbered 797), however not approved by the General Assemblies on 21 April 2011, 11 August 2011 and 12 October 2011.)
approaching or exceeding 100%. Such cumulative rate in Belarus was 152% for the three years ended 31 December 2011 based upon the consumer price index (CPI) announced by the National Statistical Committee of the Republic of Belarus. Such index and the conversion factors used to adjust the financial statements of the subsidiaries operating in Belarus for the effect of inflation as at 31 December 2011 are given below:
Dates |
Index | Conversion Factor |
||||||
31 December 2008 |
1.3524 | 2.5221 | ||||||
31 December 2009 |
1.4856 | 2.2959 | ||||||
31 December 2010 |
1.6345 | 2.0867 | ||||||
31 December 2011 |
3.4109 | 1.0000 |
The annual change in the BYR exchange rate against USD and Euro can be compared with the rates of general price inflation in Belarus according to the CPI as set out below:
Years |
2009 | 2010 | 2011 | |||||||||
Currency change USD (%) |
30 | % | 5 | % | 178 | % | ||||||
Currency change Euro (%) |
33 | % | (3 | )% | 172 | % | ||||||
CPI inflation (%) |
10 | % | 10 | % | 109 | % |
As at 31 December 2011 the exchange rate announced by the National Bank of the Republic of Belarus was BYR 8,350 = USD 1, BYR 10,800 = Euro 1 (31 December 2010: BYR 3,000 = USD 1, BYR 3,973 = Euro 1).
The main guidelines for the IAS 29 restatement are as follows:
| All statement of financial of position items, except for the ones already presented at the current purchasing power level, are restated by applying a general price index. |
| Monetary assets and liabilities of the subsidiaries operating in Belarus are not restated because they are already expressed in terms of the current measuring unit at the balance sheet date. Monetary items presents money held and items to be received or paid in money. |
| Non-monetary assets and liabilities of the subsidiaries operating in Belarus are restated by applying, to the initial acquisition cost and any accumulated depreciation, the change in the general price index from the date of acquisition or initial recording to the balance sheet date. Hence, property, plant and equipment, investments and similar assets are restated from the date of their purchase, not to exceed their market value. Depreciation is similarly restated. The components of shareholders equity are restated by applying the applicable general price index from the dates the components were contributed or arose otherwise. |
F-15
TURKCELL ILETISIM HIZMETLERI AS AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)
As at and for the year ended 31 December 2011
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars unless otherwise indicated except share amounts)
(The Groups audited consolidated financial statements prepared as at and for the year ended 31 December 2010 were approved by the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors (Board Resolution dated 23 February 2011 and numbered 797), however not approved by the General Assemblies on 21 April 2011, 11 August 2011 and 12 October 2011.)
| All items in the statement of income of the subsidiaries operating in Belarus, except non-monetary items in the statement of financial position that have effect over statement of income, are restated by applying the relevant conversion factors from the dates when the income and expense items were initially recorded in the financial statements. |
| The gain or loss on the net monetary position is the result of the effect of general inflation and is the difference resulting from the restatement of non-monetary assets, shareholders equity and statement of income items. The gain or loss on the net monetary position is included in net income. |
The comparative amounts relating to the subsidiaries operating in Belarus in the 2010 consolidated financial statements are not restated. Only the current period amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements are affected by the subsidiaries operating in Belarus. Since the carrying value of Belarusian Telecom as of 1 January 2011 is limited by the value in use determined in accordance with the impairment analysis as of the same date, the net effect amounting to $42,662 as a result of the inflation accounting effect on the carrying value of Best as of 1 January 2011 less reassessed corresponding additional impairment charge amounting to $87,341 is presented as Effects of Hyperinflation within the opening balance of retained earnings for the financial year 2011.
(c) | Functional and presentation currency |
The consolidated financial statements are presented in US Dollars (USD or $), rounded to the nearest thousand. Moreover, all financial information expressed in Turkish Lira (TL), Euro (EUR), Ukranian Hryvnia (HRV) and Swedish Krona (SEK) has been rounded to the nearest thousand. The functional currency of the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries located in Turkey and Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is TL. The functional currency of Euroasia Telecommunications Holding BV (Euroasia) and Financell BV (Financell) is USD. The functional currency of East Asian Consortium BV (Eastasia), Beltur BV, Surtur BV and Turkcell Europe is EUR. The functional currency of LLC Astelit (Astelit), LLC Global Bilgi (Global LLC) and UkrTower LLC (UkrTower) is HRV. The functional currency of Belarusian Telecommunications Network (Belarusian Telecom) and FLLC Global Bilgi (Global FLLC) is Belarusian Ruble (BYR). The functional currency of Azerinteltek QSC (Azerinteltek) is Azerbaijan Manat.
(d) | Use of estimates and judgments |
The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with IFRS requires management to make judgments, estimates and assumptions that affect the application of accounting policies and the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, income and expenses. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
Estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognized in the period in which the estimates are revised and in any future periods affected.
Information about significant areas of estimation, uncertainty and critical judgments in applying accounting policies that have the most significant effect on the amounts recognized in the consolidated financial statements are described in Notes 4 and 33 and detailed analysis with respect to accounting estimates and critical judgments of allowance for doubtful receivables, useful lives or expected patterns of consumption of
F-16
TURKCELL ILETISIM HIZMETLERI AS AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)
As at and for the year ended 31 December 2011
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars unless otherwise indicated except share amounts)
(The Groups audited consolidated financial statements prepared as at and for the year ended 31 December 2010 were approved by the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors (Board Resolution dated 23 February 2011 and numbered 797), however not approved by the General Assemblies on 21 April 2011, 11 August 2011 and 12 October 2011.)
the future economic benefits embodied in depreciable assets, commission fees, revenue recognition, income taxes and impairment testing for cash-generating unit containing goodwill are provided below:
Key sources of estimation uncertainty
The economic environment in Belarus has deteriorated significantly since the second quarter of financial year 2011. Interest rates are linked to the prime refinance rate of the National Bank of Belarus, which has been gradually increased during 2011 and prices for goods and services denominated in BYR have been revisited several times in 2011 based on the change of market exchange rates. As of the balance sheet date cumulative inflation in the last three years exceeds 100% and therefore Belarus is considered a hyperinflationary economy. IAS 29 Reporting in Hyperinflationary Economies is applied by subsidiaries operating in Belarus in financial statements for the year ending 31 December 2011 as detailed Note 2(b).
While the National Bank of the Republic of Belarus has taken certain measures aimed at stabilizing the situation and preventing negative trends in the domestic foreign exchange market, including speculative pressure on the BYR, there exist the potential for economic uncertainties to continue in the foreseeable future.
Current and potential future political and economic changes in Belarus could have an adverse effect on the subsidiaries operating in this country. The economic stability of Belarus depends on the economic measures that will be taken by the government and the outcomes of the legal, administrative and political processes in the country. These processes are beyond the control of the subsidiaries established in the country.
Consequently, the subsidiaries operating within Belarus may subject to the risks, i.e. foreign currency and interest rate risks related to borrowings and the subscribers purchasing power and liquidity and increase in corporate and personal insolvencies, that may not necessarily be observable in other markets. The accompanying consolidated financial statements contain the Group managements estimations on the economic and financial positions of its subsidiaries operating in Belarus. The future economic situation of Belarus might differ from the Groups expectations. As of 31 December 2011, the Groups management believes that their approach is appropriate in taking all the necessary measures to support the sustainability of these subsidiaries businesses in the current circumstances.
Critical accounting judgments in applying the Groups accounting policies
Certain critical accounting judgments in applying the Groups accounting policies are described below:
Allowance for doubtful receivables
The Group maintains an allowance for doubtful receivables for estimated losses resulting from the inability of the Groups subscribers and customers to make required payments. The Group bases the allowance on the likelihood of recoverability of trade and other receivables based on the aging of the balances, historical collection trends and general economic conditions. The allowance is periodically reviewed. The allowance charged to expenses is determined in respect of receivable balances, calculated as a specified percentage of the outstanding balance in each aging group, with the percentage of the allowance increasing as the aging of the receivable becomes longer.
F-17
TURKCELL ILETISIM HIZMETLERI AS AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)
As at and for the year ended 31 December 2011
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars unless otherwise indicated except share amounts)
(The Groups audited consolidated financial statements prepared as at and for the year ended 31 December 2010 were approved by the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors (Board Resolution dated 23 February 2011 and numbered 797), however not approved by the General Assemblies on 21 April 2011, 11 August 2011 and 12 October 2011.)
Useful lives of assets
The economic useful lives of the Groups assets are determined by management at the time the asset is acquired and regularly reviewed for appropriateness. The Group defines useful life of its assets in terms of the assets expected utility to the Group. This judgment is based on the experience of the Group with similar assets. In determining the useful life of an asset, the Group also follows technical and/or commercial obsolescence arising on changes or improvements from a change in the market. The useful lives of the licenses are based on the duration of the license agreements.
In accordance with IAS 16 Property, Plant and Equipment and IAS 38 Intangible Assets, the residual value and the useful life of an asset shall be reviewed at least at each financial year-end and, if expectations differ from previous estimates, the change(s) shall be accounted for as a change in an accounting estimate in accordance with IAS 8 Accounting Policies, Changes in Accounting Estimates and Errors. As part of yearly review of useful lives of assets, the Group made necessary evaluation by considering current technological and economic conditions and recent business plans. Based on the evaluation performed, changes in the useful lives caused the following prospective impacts on depreciation and amortization charges.
Previous accounting estimate |
Current accounting estimate |
Impact | ||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization charge for the year ended 31 December 2011 |
(893,203 | ) | (924,550 | ) | (30,347 | ) |
Due to the impracticability, the Group has not disclosed the effect of the change for the future periods.
Commission fees
Commission fees relate to services performed in relation to betting games in Turkey where the Group acts as an agent in the transaction rather than as a principal. In April 2009, the IASB issued amendments to the illustrative guidance in the appendix to IAS 18 Revenue in respect of identifying an agent versus a principal in a revenue-generating transaction. Based on this guidance; management considered the following factors in distinguishing between an agent and a principal:
| The Group does not take the responsibility for fulfillment of the games. |
| The Group does not collect the proceeds from the final customer and it does not bear the credit risk. |
| The Group earns a pre-determined percentage of the total turnover. |
Revenue recognition
In arrangements which include multiple elements, the Group considers the elements to be separate units of accounting in the arrangement. Total arrangement consideration relating to the bundled contracts is allocated among the different units according the following criteria:
| the component has standalone value to the customer; and |
F-18
TURKCELL ILETISIM HIZMETLERI AS AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)
As at and for the year ended 31 December 2011
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars unless otherwise indicated except share amounts)
(The Groups audited consolidated financial statements prepared as at and for the year ended 31 December 2010 were approved by the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors (Board Resolution dated 23 February 2011 and numbered 797), however not approved by the General Assemblies on 21 April 2011, 11 August 2011 and 12 October 2011.)
| the fair value of the component can be measured reliably. |
The arrangement consideration is allocated to each deliverable in proportion to the fair value of the individual deliverables. If a delivered element of a transaction is not a separately identifiable component, then it is accounted for as an integrated part of the remaining components of the transaction.
Income taxes
The calculation of income taxes involves a degree of estimation and judgment in respect of certain items whose tax treatment cannot be finally determined until resolution has been reached with the relevant tax authority or, as appropriate, through formal legal process.
As part of the process of preparing the consolidated financial statements, the Group is required to estimate the income taxes in each of the jurisdictions and countries in which they operate. This process involves estimating the actual current tax exposure together with assessing temporary differences resulting from differing treatment of items, such as deferred revenue and reserves for tax and accounting purposes. The Group management assesses the likelihood that the deferred tax assets will be recovered from future taxable income and to the extent the recovery is not considered probable the deferred asset is adjusted accordingly.
The recognition of deferred tax assets is based upon whether it is probable that future taxable profits will be available, against which the temporary differences can be utilized. Recognition, therefore, involves judgment regarding the future financial performance of the particular legal entity in which the deferred tax asset has been recognized.
Impairment testing for cash-generating unit containing goodwill
The Group tests annually whether goodwill has suffered any impairment in accordance with the accounting policy stated in Note 3. The recoverable amounts of cash-generating units have been determined based on value-in-use calculations. These calculations require the use of estimates as discussed in Notes 14 and 15.
Changes in accounting policies
Changes to the accounting policies are applied retrospectively and the prior periods financial statements are restated accordingly. The Group did not make any major changes to accounting policies during the current year.
Changes in accounting estimates
If the application of changes in the accounting estimates affects the financial results of a specific period, the changes in the accounting estimates are applied in that specific period, if they affect the financial results of current and following periods; the accounting estimate is applied prospectively in the period in which such change is made. A change in the measurement basis applied is a change in an accounting policy, and is not a change in an accounting estimate. When it is difficult to distinguish a change in an accounting policy from a change in an accounting estimate, the change is treated as a change in an accounting estimate.
F-19
TURKCELL ILETISIM HIZMETLERI AS AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)
As at and for the year ended 31 December 2011
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars unless otherwise indicated except share amounts)
(The Groups audited consolidated financial statements prepared as at and for the year ended 31 December 2010 were approved by the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors (Board Resolution dated 23 February 2011 and numbered 797), however not approved by the General Assemblies on 21 April 2011, 11 August 2011 and 12 October 2011.)
The Group did not have any major changes in the accounting estimates during the current year, except for the useful lives of property, plant and equipment.
Comparative information and revision of prior period financial statements
The consolidated financial statements of the Group have been prepared with the prior periods on a comparable basis in order to give consistent information about the financial position and performance. If the presentation or classification of the financial statements is changed, in order to maintain consistency, the financial statements of the prior periods are also reclassified in line with the related changes.
3. | Significant accounting policies |
The accounting policies set out below have been applied consistently to all periods presented in these consolidated financial statements, and have been applied consistently by the Group entities.
(a) | Basis of consolidation |
(i) | Business combinations |
Business combinations are accounted for using the acquisition method as at the acquisition date, which is the date on which control is transferred to the Group. Control is the power to govern the financial and operating policies of an entity so as to obtain benefits from its activities. In assessing control, the Group takes into consideration potential voting rights that currently are exercisable.
The Group measures goodwill at the acquisition date as:
| the fair value of the consideration transferred; plus |
| the recognized amount of any non-controlling interests in the acquiree; plus |
| if the business combination is achieved in stages, the fair value of the pre-existing equity interest in the acquiree; less |
| the net recognized amount (generally fair value) of the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed. |
When the excess is negative, a bargain purchase gain is recognized immediately in profit or loss.
The consideration transferred does not include amounts related to the settlement of pre-existing relationships. Such amounts generally are recognized in profit or loss.
Transactions costs, other than those associated with the issue of debt or equity securities, that the Group incurs in connection with a business combination are expensed as incurred.
Any contingent consideration payable is measured at fair value at the acquisition date. Subsequent changes in the fair value of the contingent consideration are recognized in profit or loss.
F-20
TURKCELL ILETISIM HIZMETLERI AS AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)
As at and for the year ended 31 December 2011
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars unless otherwise indicated except share amounts)
(The Groups audited consolidated financial statements prepared as at and for the year ended 31 December 2010 were approved by the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors (Board Resolution dated 23 February 2011 and numbered 797), however not approved by the General Assemblies on 21 April 2011, 11 August 2011 and 12 October 2011.)
(ii) | Subsidiaries |
Subsidiaries are entities controlled by the Group. Control exists when the Group has the power to govern the financial and operating policies of an entity so as to obtain benefits from its activities. In assessing control, potential voting rights that currently are exercisable or convertible are taken into account. The financial statements of subsidiaries are included in the consolidated financial statements from the date that control commences until the date that control ceases. The accounting policies of subsidiaries are changed as necessary to align them with the policies adopted by the Group.
(iii) | Acquisition from entities under common control |
Business combinations arising from transfers of interests in entities that are under the control of the shareholder that controls the Group are excluded from the scope of IFRS 3 Business Combinations. In business combinations under common control, assets and liabilities subject to business combination are accounted for at their carrying value in consolidated financial statements. Statements of income are consolidated starting from the beginning of the financial year in which the business combination is realized. Financial statements of previous financial years are restated in the same manner in order to maintain consistency and comparability. Any positive or negative goodwill arising from such business combinations is not recognized in the consolidated financial statements. Residual balance calculated by netting off investment in subsidiary and the share acquired in subsidiarys equity accounted for as equity transactions (i.e. transactions with owners in their capacity as owners).
(iv) | Associates and jointly controlled entities (equity accounted investees) |
Associates are those entities in which the Group has significant influence, but not control, over the financial and operating decisions. Significant influence is presumed to exist when the Group holds between 20 and 50 percent of the voting power of another entity. Joint ventures are those entities over whose activities the Group has joint control, established by contractual agreement and requiring unanimous consent for strategic financial and operating decisions.
Upon disposal of an associate that results in the Group losing significant influence over that associate, any retained investment is measured at fair value at that date and the fair value is regarded as its fair value on initial recognition as a financial asset in accordance with IAS 39. The difference between the previous carrying amount of the associate attributable to the retained interest and its fair value is included in the determination of the gain or loss on disposal of the associate. In addition, the Group accounts for all amounts previously recognized in other comprehensive income in relation to that associate on the same basis as would be required if that associate had directly disposed of the related assets or liabilities. Therefore, if a gain or loss previously recognized in other comprehensive income by that associate would be reclassified to profit or loss on the disposal of the related assets or liabilities, the Group reclassifies the gain or loss from equity to profit or loss (as a reclassification adjustment) when it loses significant influence over that associate.
Associates and jointly controlled entities (equity accounted investees) are accounted for using the equity method and are initially recognized at cost. The Groups investment includes goodwill identified on
F-21
TURKCELL ILETISIM HIZMETLERI AS AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)
As at and for the year ended 31 December 2011
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars unless otherwise indicated except share amounts)
(The Groups audited consolidated financial statements prepared as at and for the year ended 31 December 2010 were approved by the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors (Board Resolution dated 23 February 2011 and numbered 797), however not approved by the General Assemblies on 21 April 2011, 11 August 2011 and 12 October 2011.)
acquisition, net of any accumulated impairment losses. The consolidated financial statements include the Groups share of the income and expenses and equity movements of equity accounted investees, after adjustments to align the accounting policies with those of the Group, from the date that significant influence or joint control commences until the date that significant influence or joint control ceases. When the Groups share of losses exceeds its interest in an equity accounted investee, the carrying amount of that interest (including any long-term investments) is reduced to nil and recognition of further losses is discontinued except to the extent that the Group has an obligation or has made payments on behalf of the investee. The Groups equity accounted investees as at 31 December 2011 are Fintur Holdings BV (Fintur) and A-Tel Pazarlama ve Servis Hizmetleri AS (A-Tel).
(v) | Transactions eliminated on consolidation |
Intragroup balances and transactions and any unrealized income and expenses arising from intragroup transactions are eliminated in preparing the consolidated financial statements. Unrealized gains arising from transactions with equity accounted investees are eliminated against the investment to the extent of the Groups interest in the investee. Unrealized losses are eliminated in the same way as unrealized gains, but only to the extent that there is no evidence of impairment.
(vi) | Non-controlling interests |
Where a put option is granted by the Group to the non-controlling interests shareholders in existing subsidiaries that provides for settlement in cash or in another financial asset, the Group recognizes a liability for the present value of the estimated exercise price of the option. The interests of the non-controlling shareholders that hold such put options are derecognized when the financial liability is recognized. The corresponding interests attributable to the holder of the puttable non-controlling interests are presented as attributable to the equity holders of the parent and not as attributable to those non-controlling interests shareholders. The difference between the put option liability recognized and the amount of non-controlling interests shareholders derecognized is recorded under equity. Subsequent changes in the fair value of the contingent consideration are recognized in profit or loss for the business combinations after 1 January 2009.
(b) | Foreign currency |
(i) | Foreign currency transactions |
Transactions in foreign currencies are translated to the respective functional currencies of Group entities at exchange rates at the dates of the transactions. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies at the reporting date are retranslated to the functional currency at the exchange rate at that date. Foreign currency differences arising on translation of foreign currency transactions are recognized in the statement of income. The foreign currency gain or loss on monetary items is the difference between amortized cost in the functional currency at the beginning of the period, adjusted for effective interest and payments during the period, and the amortized cost in foreign currency translated at the exchange rate at the end of the period.
F-22
TURKCELL ILETISIM HIZMETLERI AS AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)
As at and for the year ended 31 December 2011
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars unless otherwise indicated except share amounts)
(The Groups audited consolidated financial statements prepared as at and for the year ended 31 December 2010 were approved by the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors (Board Resolution dated 23 February 2011 and numbered 797), however not approved by the General Assemblies on 21 April 2011, 11 August 2011 and 12 October 2011.)
Non-monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies that are measured at fair value are retranslated to the functional currency at the exchange rate at the date that the fair value was determined. Foreign currency differences arising on retranslation are recognized in the statement of income, except for differences arising on the retranslation of available-for-sale equity instruments, which are recognized directly in equity.
(ii) | Foreign operations |
The assets and liabilities of foreign operations, including goodwill and fair value adjustments arising on acquisition, are translated to USD from the functional currency of the foreign operation at foreign exchange rates ruling at the reporting date. The income and expenses of foreign operations are translated to USD at monthly average exchange rates excluding foreign operations in hyperinflationary economies which are translated to USD at exchange rates at the reporting date.
The income and expenses of foreign operations in hyperinflationary economies are translated to USD at the exchange rate at the reporting date. Prior to translating the financial statements of foreign operations in hyperinflationary economies, their financial statements for the current period are restated to account for changes in the general purchasing power of the local currency. The restatement is based on relevant price indices at the reporting date.
Foreign currency differences arising on retranslation are recognized directly in the foreign currency translation reserve, as a separate component of equity. Since 1 January 2005, the Groups date of transition to IFRSs, such differences have been recognized in the foreign currency translation reserve. When a foreign operation is disposed of, partially or fully, the relevant amount in the foreign currency translation reserve is transferred to the statement of income.
Foreign exchange gains and losses arising from a monetary item receivable from or payable to a foreign operation, the settlement of which is neither planned nor likely in the foreseeable future, are considered to form part of a net investment in a foreign operation and are recognized directly in equity in the foreign currency translation reserve.
(iii) | Translation from functional to presentation currency |
Items included in the financial statements of each entity are measured using the currency of the primary economic environment in which the entities operate, normally under their local currencies.
The consolidated financial statements are presented in USD, which is the presentation currency of the Group. The Group uses USD as the presentation currency for the convenience of investor and analyst community.
Assets and liabilities for each statement of financial position presented (including comparatives) are translated to USD at exchange rates at the statement of financial position date. Income and expenses for each statement of income (including comparatives) are translated to USD at monthly average exchange rates excluding operations in hyperinflationary economies which are translated to USD at exchange rates at the reporting date.
F-23
TURKCELL ILETISIM HIZMETLERI AS AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)
As at and for the year ended 31 December 2011
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars unless otherwise indicated except share amounts)
(The Groups audited consolidated financial statements prepared as at and for the year ended 31 December 2010 were approved by the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors (Board Resolution dated 23 February 2011 and numbered 797), however not approved by the General Assemblies on 21 April 2011, 11 August 2011 and 12 October 2011.)
Foreign currency differences arising on retranslation are recognized directly in a separate component of equity.
(iv) | Net investment in foreign operations |
Foreign currency differences arising from the translation of the net investment in foreign operations are recognized in the foreign currency translation reserve. They are transferred to the statement of income upon disposal of the foreign operations.
(c) | Financial instruments |
(i) | Non-derivative financial instruments |
Non-derivative financial instruments comprise investments in equity and debt securities, trade and other receivables, cash and cash equivalents, loans and borrowings, and trade and other payables.
Non-derivative financial instruments which are not recognized or designated as financial instruments at fair value through profit or loss are recognized initially at fair value plus any directly attributable transaction costs. Subsequent to initial recognition, non-derivative financial instruments are measured as described below:
Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash balances and call deposits with original maturities of three months or less. Bank overdrafts that are repayable on demand and form an integral part of the Groups cash management are included as a component of cash and cash equivalents for the purpose of the statement of cash flows.
Financial assets and liabilities are offset and the net amount presented in the statement of financial position when, and only when, the Group has a legal right to offset the amounts and intends either to settle on a net basis or to realize the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.
Accounting for finance income and costs is discussed in Note 3(m).
| Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss |
An instrument is classified as financial asset at fair value through profit or loss if it is held for trading or is designated as such upon initial recognition. Financial instruments are designated at fair value through profit or loss if the Group manages such investments and makes purchase and sale decisions based on their fair value in accordance with the Groups risk management or investment strategy. Upon initial recognition, attributable transaction costs are recognized in the statement of income when incurred. Financial instruments at fair value through profit or loss are measured at fair value, and changes therein are recognized in the statement of income.
| Held-to-maturity financial assets |
If the Group has the positive intent and ability to hold debt securities to maturity, then they are classified as held-to-maturity. Held-to-maturity financial assets are recognized initially at fair value plus any directly
F-24
TURKCELL ILETISIM HIZMETLERI AS AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)
As at and for the year ended 31 December 2011
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars unless otherwise indicated except share amounts)
(The Groups audited consolidated financial statements prepared as at and for the year ended 31 December 2010 were approved by the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors (Board Resolution dated 23 February 2011 and numbered 797), however not approved by the General Assemblies on 21 April 2011, 11 August 2011 and 12 October 2011.)
attributable transaction costs. Held-to-maturity financial assets are held-to-maturity investments that are measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method, less any impairment losses.
Any sale or reclassification of a more than insignificant amount of held-to-maturity investments not close to their maturity would result in the reclassification of all held-to-maturity investments as available-for-sale, and prevent the Group from classifying investment securities as held-to-maturity for the current and the following two financial years.
| Available-for-sale financial assets |
Available-for-sale financial assets are non-derivative financial assets that are designated as available-for-sale and that are not classified in any of the previous categories.
The Groups investments in equity securities and certain debt securities are classified as available-for-sale financial assets. Subsequent to initial recognition, they are measured at fair value and changes therein, other than impairment losses (see note 3(h)(i)), and foreign exchange gains and losses on available-for-sale monetary items (see note 3(b)(i)), are recognized directly in equity. When an investment is derecognized, the cumulative gain or loss in equity is transferred to the statement of income.
| Estimated exercise price of put options |
Under the terms of certain agreements, the Group is committed to acquire the interests owned by non-controlling shareholders in consolidated subsidiaries, if these non-controlling interests wish to sell their share of interests.
As the Group has unconditional obligations to fulfill its liabilities under these agreements, IAS 32 Financial instruments: Disclosure and Presentation, requires the value of such put option to be presented as a financial liability on the statement of financial position for the present value of the estimated option redemption amount. The Group accounts for such transactions under the anticipated acquisition method and the interests of non-controlling shareholders that hold such put option are derecognized when the financial liability is recognized. The Group accounts for the difference between the amounts recognized for the exercise price of the put option and the carrying amount of non-controlling interests in equity.
| Other |
Other non-derivative financial instruments are measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method, less any impairment losses.
(ii) | Derivative financial instruments |
The Group holds derivative financial instruments to hedge its foreign currency risk exposures arising from operational, financing and investing activities. In accordance with its treasury policy, the Group engages in forward and option contracts. However, these derivatives do not qualify for hedge accounting and are accounted for as trading derivatives.
F-25
TURKCELL ILETISIM HIZMETLERI AS AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)
As at and for the year ended 31 December 2011
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars unless otherwise indicated except share amounts)
(The Groups audited consolidated financial statements prepared as at and for the year ended 31 December 2010 were approved by the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors (Board Resolution dated 23 February 2011 and numbered 797), however not approved by the General Assemblies on 21 April 2011, 11 August 2011 and 12 October 2011.)
Embedded derivatives are separated from the host contract and accounted for separately if a) the economic characteristics and risks of the host contract and the embedded derivative are not closely related, b) a separate instrument with the same terms as the embedded derivative would meet the definition of a derivative, and c) the combined instrument is not measured at fair value through profit or loss.
Also the Group enters into derivative financial instruments to manage its exposure to interest rate, including interest rate collar. Further details of derivative financial instruments are disclosed in Note 25 and 30.
Derivatives are initially recognized at fair value at the date the derivative contracts are entered into and are subsequently re-measured to their fair value at the end of each reporting period. The resulting gain or loss is immediately recognized in statement of income unless the derivative is designated and effective as a hedging instrument, in which event the timing of the recognition in statement of income depends on the nature of the hedge relationship.
Hedge Accounting
The Group designates certain hedging instruments which include cash flow hedges. At the inception of the hedge relationship, the Group documents the relationship between the hedging instrument and the hedged item, along with its risk management objectives and its strategy for undertaking various hedge transactions. Furthermore, at the inception of the hedge and on an ongoing basis, the Group documents whether the hedging instrument is highly effective in offsetting changes in fair values or cash flows of the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk.
Cash flow hedges
The effective portion of changes in the fair value of derivatives that are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges is recognized in other comprehensive income and accumulated under the heading of cash flow hedging reserve. The gain or loss relating to the ineffective portion is recognized immediately in statement of income, and is included in the other gains and losses line item.
Hedge accounting is discontinued when the Group revokes the hedging relationship, when the hedging instrument expires or is sold, terminated, or exercised, or when it no longer qualifies for hedge accounting. Any gain or loss recognized in other comprehensive income and accumulated in equity at that time remains in equity and is recognized when the forecast transaction is ultimately recognized in statement of income. When a forecast transaction is no longer expected to occur, the gain or loss accumulated in equity is immediately recognized in statement of income.
(d) | Property, plant and equipment |
(i) | Recognition and measurement |
Items of property, plant and equipment are initially stated at cost less accumulated depreciation (see below) and accumulated impairment losses (see note 3(h)(ii)). Property, plant and equipment related to the parent and subsidiaries operating in Turkey are adjusted for the effects of inflation during the hyperinflationary period lasted by 31 December 2005. Since the inflation accounting commenced on 1 January 2011, property, plant and equipment related to the subsidiaries operating in Belarus are adjusted for the effects of inflation.
F-26
TURKCELL ILETISIM HIZMETLERI AS AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)
As at and for the year ended 31 December 2011
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars unless otherwise indicated except share amounts)
(The Groups audited consolidated financial statements prepared as at and for the year ended 31 December 2010 were approved by the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors (Board Resolution dated 23 February 2011 and numbered 797), however not approved by the General Assemblies on 21 April 2011, 11 August 2011 and 12 October 2011.)
Cost includes expenditure that is directly attributable to the acquisition of the asset. The cost of self-constructed assets includes the cost of materials and direct labor, any other costs directly attributable to bringing the asset to a working condition for its intended use and the costs of dismantling and removing the items and restoring the site on which they are located, if any. Borrowing costs related to the acquisition or constructions of qualifying assets are capitalized as part of the cost of that asset.
Purchased software that is integral to the functionality of the related equipment is capitalized as part of that equipment.
When parts of an item of property, plant and equipment have different useful lives, they are accounted for as separate items of property, plant and equipment.
Gains/losses on disposal of an item of property, plant and equipment are determined by comparing the proceeds from disposal with the carrying amount of property, plant and equipment and are recognized net within other income or other expenses in the statement of income.
Changes in the obligation to dismantle, remove assets on sites and to restore sites on which they are located, other than changes deriving from the passing of time, are added or deducted from the cost of the assets in the period in which they occur. The amount deducted from the cost of the asset shall not exceed the balance of the carrying amount on the date of change, and any excess balance is recognized immediately in the statement of income.
(ii) | Subsequent costs |
The cost of replacing part of an item of property, plant and equipment is recognized in the carrying amount of the item if it is probable that the future economic benefits embodied within the part will flow to the Group and its cost can be measured reliably. The carrying amount of the replaced item is derecognized. The costs of the day-to-day servicing of property, plant and equipment are recognized in the statement of income as incurred.
(iii) | Depreciation |
Depreciation is recognized in the statement of income on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of each part of an item of property, plant and equipment since this most closely reflects the expected pattern of consumption of the future economic benefits embodied in the asset. Leased assets are depreciated over the shorter of the lease term or their useful lives unless it is reasonably certain that the Group will obtain ownership by the end of the lease term. Land is not depreciated.
F-27
TURKCELL ILETISIM HIZMETLERI AS AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)
As at and for the year ended 31 December 2011
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars unless otherwise indicated except share amounts)
(The Groups audited consolidated financial statements prepared as at and for the year ended 31 December 2010 were approved by the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors (Board Resolution dated 23 February 2011 and numbered 797), however not approved by the General Assemblies on 21 April 2011, 11 August 2011 and 12 October 2011.)
The estimated useful lives for the current and comparative periods are as follows:
Buildings |
2150 years | |||
Mobile network infrastructure |
48 years | |||
Fixed network infrastructure |
325 years | |||
Call center equipment |
48 years | |||
Equipment, fixtures and fittings |
310 years | |||
Motor vehicles |
46 years | |||
Central betting terminals |
710 years | |||
Leasehold improvements |
345 years |
Depreciation methods, useful lives and residual values are reviewed at least annually unless there is a triggering event.
(e) | Intangible assets |
(i) | GSM and other telecommunication operating licenses |
GSM and other telecommunication operating licenses that are acquired by the Group are measured at cost adjusted for the effects of inflation during the hyperinflationary period, where applicable, less accumulated amortization (see below) and accumulated impairment losses (see note 3(h)(ii)). GSM and other telecommunication operating licenses related to the parent and subsidiaries operating in Turkey are adjusted for the effects of inflation during the hyperinflationary period lasted by 31 December 2005. Since the inflation accounting commenced on 1 January 2011, GSM and other telecommunication operating licenses related to the subsidiaries operating in Belarus are adjusted for the effects of inflation.
Amortization
Amortization is recognized in the statement of income on a straight line basis primarily by reference to the unexpired license period. The useful lives for the GSM and other telecommunication operating licenses are as follows:
GSM and other telecommunications licenses |
325 years |
(ii) | Computer Software |
Acquired computer software licenses are capitalized on the basis of the costs incurred to acquire and bring to use the specific software.
Costs associated with maintaining computer software programmes are recognized as an expense as incurred. Costs that are directly associated with the development of identifiable and unique software products controlled by the Group, and that will probably generate economic benefits exceeding costs beyond one year, are recognized as intangible assets. Costs include the software development employee costs and an appropriate portion of relevant overheads.
F-28
TURKCELL ILETISIM HIZMETLERI AS AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)
As at and for the year ended 31 December 2011
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars unless otherwise indicated except share amounts)
(The Groups audited consolidated financial statements prepared as at and for the year ended 31 December 2010 were approved by the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors (Board Resolution dated 23 February 2011 and numbered 797), however not approved by the General Assemblies on 21 April 2011, 11 August 2011 and 12 October 2011.)
Amortization
Amortization is recognized in the statement of income on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives from the date the software is available for use. The useful lives for computer software are as follows:
Computer software |
38 years |
(iii) | Other intangible assets |
Other intangible assets that are acquired by the Group which have finite useful lives are measured at cost adjusted for the effects of inflation during the hyperinflationary period, where applicable, less accumulated amortization (see below) and accumulated impairment losses (see note 3(h)(ii)). Other intangible related to the parent and subsidiaries operating in Turkey are adjusted for the effects of inflation during the hyperinflationary periods lasted by 31 December 2005. Since the inflation accounting commenced on 1 January 2011, other intangible assets related to the subsidiaries operating in Belarus are adjusted for the effects of inflation.
Indefeasible Rights of Use (IRU) correspond to the right to use a portion of the capacity of an asset granted for a fixed period of time. IRUs are recognized as an intangible asset when the Group has specific indefeasible right to use an identified portion of the underlying asset and the duration of the right is the major part of the underlying assets economic life. IRUs are amortized over the shorter of the expected period of use and the life of the contract.
Subsequent expenditure
Subsequent expenditure is capitalized only when it increases the future economic benefits embodied in the specific asset (that is purchased from independent third parties) to which it relates. All other expenditure, including expenditure on internally generated goodwill and brands, is recognized in the statement of income as incurred. Capitalized costs generally relate to the application of development stage; any other costs incurred during the pre and post-implementation stages, such as repair, maintenance or training, are expensed as incurred.
Amortization
Amortization is recognized in the statement of income on a straight line basis over the estimated useful lives of intangible assets unless such useful lives are indefinite from the date that they are available for use. The estimated useful lives for the current and comparative periods are as follows:
Transmission lines |
510 years | |||
Central betting system operating right |
710 years | |||
Customer base |
215 years | |||
Brand name |
910 years | |||
Customs duty and VAT exemption right |
4.4 years |
F-29
TURKCELL ILETISIM HIZMETLERI AS AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)
As at and for the year ended 31 December 2011
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars unless otherwise indicated except share amounts)
(The Groups audited consolidated financial statements prepared as at and for the year ended 31 December 2010 were approved by the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors (Board Resolution dated 23 February 2011 and numbered 797), however not approved by the General Assemblies on 21 April 2011, 11 August 2011 and 12 October 2011.)
Amortization methods, useful lives and residual values are reviewed at least annually unless there is a triggering event.
Goodwill
From 1 January 2010 the Group has applied IFRS 3 (2008) Business Combinations in accounting for business combinations.
For acquisitions on or after 1 January 2010, the Group measures goodwill as the fair value of the consideration transferred (including the fair value of any previously-held equity interest in the acquiree) and the recognized amount of any non-controlling interests in the acquiree, less the net recognized amount (generally fair value) of the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed, all measured as of the acquisition date.
When the excess is negative, a bargain purchase gain is recognized immediately in the statement of income.
Subsequent measurement
Goodwill is measured at cost less accumulated impairment losses. In respect of equity accounted investees, the carrying amount of goodwill is included in the carrying amount of the investment and an impairment loss on such an investment is not allocated to any asset including goodwill, that forms part of the carrying amount of the equity accounted investees.
(iv) | Internally generated intangible assets research and development expenditure |
Expenditure on research activities is recognized as an expense in the period in which it is incurred.
An internally generated intangible asset arising from development (or from the development phase of an internal project) is recognized if, and only if, all of the following have been demonstrated:
| The technical feasibility of completing the intangible asset so that it will be available for use or sale; |
| The intention to complete the intangible asset and use or sell it; |
| The ability to use or sell the intangible asset; |
| How the intangible asset will generate probable future economic benefits; |
| The availability of adequate technical, financial and other resources to complete the development and to use or sell the intangible asset; and |
| The ability to measure reliably the expenditure attributable to the intangible asset during its development. |
The amount initially recognized for internally generated intangible assets is the sum of expenditure incurred from the date when the intangible asset first meets the recognition criteria listed above. Where no internally-generated intangible asset can be recognized, development expenditure is charged to the statement of income in the period in which it is incurred.
F-30
TURKCELL ILETISIM HIZMETLERI AS AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)
As at and for the year ended 31 December 2011
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars unless otherwise indicated except share amounts)
(The Groups audited consolidated financial statements prepared as at and for the year ended 31 December 2010 were approved by the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors (Board Resolution dated 23 February 2011 and numbered 797), however not approved by the General Assemblies on 21 April 2011, 11 August 2011 and 12 October 2011.)
Subsequent to initial recognition, internally generated intangible assets are reported at cost less accumulated amortization and accumulated impairment losses, on the same basis as intangible assets acquired separately.
(f) | Leased assets |
Leases in terms of which the Group assumes substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership are classified as finance leases. Upon initial recognition, the leased asset is measured at an amount equal to the lower of its fair value or the present value of the minimum lease payments. Subsequent to initial recognition, the asset is accounted for in accordance with the accounting policy applicable to that asset.
Other leases are operating leases and the leased assets are not recognized on the Groups statement of financial position.
(g) | Inventories |
Inventories are measured at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Net realizable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business, less selling expenses. The cost of inventory is determined using the weighted average method and includes expenditure incurred in acquiring the inventories and bringing them to their existing location and condition. As at 31 December 2011, inventories mainly consist of simcards, scratch cards, handsets and modems.
(h) | Impairment |
(i) | Financial assets |
A financial asset not carried at fair value through profit or loss is assessed at each reporting date to determine whether there is any objective evidence that it is impaired. A financial asset is impaired if objective evidence indicates that a loss event has occurred after the initial recognition of the asset, and the loss event had a negative effect on the estimated future cash flows of that asset that can be estimated reliably.
An impairment loss in respect of a financial asset measured at amortized cost is calculated as the difference between its carrying amount and the present value of the estimated future cash flows discounted at the original effective interest rate. An impairment loss in respect of an available-for-sale financial asset is calculated by reference to its fair value.
Individually significant financial assets are tested for impairment on an individual basis. The remaining financial assets are assessed collectively in groups that share similar credit risk characteristics.
All impairment losses are recognized in the statement of income. Any cumulative loss in respect of an available-for-sale financial asset recognized previously in equity is transferred to the statement of income.
An impairment loss is reversed if the reversal can be related objectively to an event occurring after the impairment loss was recognized. For financial assets measured at amortized cost and available-for-sale
F-31
TURKCELL ILETISIM HIZMETLERI AS AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)
As at and for the year ended 31 December 2011
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars unless otherwise indicated except share amounts)
(The Groups audited consolidated financial statements prepared as at and for the year ended 31 December 2010 were approved by the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors (Board Resolution dated 23 February 2011 and numbered 797), however not approved by the General Assemblies on 21 April 2011, 11 August 2011 and 12 October 2011.)
financial assets that are debt securities, the reversal is recognized in the statement of income. For available-for-sale financial assets that are equity securities, the reversal is recognized directly in other comprehensive income.
(ii) | Non-financial assets |
The carrying amounts of the Groups non-financial assets, other than inventories, and deferred tax assets are reviewed at each reporting date to determine whether there is any indication of impairment. If any such indication exists, then the assets recoverable amount is estimated. For goodwill, the recoverable amount is estimated each year at the same time.
For the purpose of impairment testing, assets are grouped together into the smallest group of assets that generates cash inflows from continuing use that are largely independent of the cash inflows of other assets or group of assets (the cash-generating unit). The recoverable amount of an asset or cash-generating unit is the greater of its value in use and its fair value less costs to sell. In assessing value in use, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a post-tax discount rate adjusted for the effects of tax cash outflows that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset. The goodwill acquired in a business combination, for the purpose of impairment testing, is allocated to cash-generating units that are expected to benefit from the synergies of the combination.
The Groups corporate assets do not generate separate cash inflows. If there is an indication that a corporate asset may be impaired, then the recoverable amount is determined from the cash-generating unit to which corporate asset belongs.
An impairment loss is recognized if the carrying amount of an asset or its cash-generating unit exceeds its estimated recoverable amount. Impairment losses are recognized in the statement of income. Impairment losses recognized in respect of cash-generating units are allocated first to reduce the carrying amount of any goodwill allocated to the units and then to reduce the carrying amount of the other assets in the unit (group of units) on a pro rata basis.
An impairment loss in respect of goodwill is not reversed. In respect of other assets, impairment losses recognized in prior periods are assessed at each reporting date for any indications that the loss has decreased or no longer exists. An impairment loss is reversed if there has been a change in the estimates used to determine the recoverable amount.
An impairment loss is reversed only to the extent that the assets carrying amount does not exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined, net of depreciation or amortization, if no impairment loss had been recognized.
Goodwill that forms part of the carrying amount of an investment in an associate is not recognized separately, therefore, is not tested for impairment separately. Instead, the entire amount of the investment in an associate is tested for impairment as a single asset when there is objective evidence that the investment in an associate may be impaired.
F-32
TURKCELL ILETISIM HIZMETLERI AS AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)
As at and for the year ended 31 December 2011
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars unless otherwise indicated except share amounts)
(The Groups audited consolidated financial statements prepared as at and for the year ended 31 December 2010 were approved by the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors (Board Resolution dated 23 February 2011 and numbered 797), however not approved by the General Assemblies on 21 April 2011, 11 August 2011 and 12 October 2011.)
(i) | Employee benefits |
(i) | Retirement pay liability |
In accordance with existing labor law in Turkey, the Company and its subsidiaries in Turkey are required to make lump-sum payments to employees who have completed one year of service and whose employment is terminated without cause or who retire, are called up for military service or die. Such payments are calculated on the basis of 30 days pay maximum full TL 2,805 as at 31 December 2011 (equivalent to full $1,485 as at 31 December 2011), which is effective from 1 January 2012, per year of employment at the rate of pay applicable at the date of retirement or termination. Reserve for retirement pay is computed and reflected in the consolidated financial statements on a current basis. The reserve has been calculated by estimating the present value of future probable obligation of the Company and its subsidiaries in Turkey arising from the retirement of the employees.
(ii) | Defined contribution plans |
A defined contribution plan is a post-employment benefit plan under which an entity pays fixed contributions into a separate entity and will have no legal or constructive obligation to pay further amounts. Obligations for contributions to defined contribution plans are recognized as an employee benefit expense in the statement of income when they are due.
The assets of the plan are held separately from the consolidated financial statements of the Group. The Company and other consolidated companies that initiated defined contribution retirement plan are required to contribute a specified percentage of payroll costs to the retirement benefit scheme to fund the benefits. The only obligation of the Group with respect to the retirement plan is to make the specified contributions.
(j) | Provisions |
A provision is recognized if, as a result of a past event, the Group has a present legal or constructive obligation that can be estimated reliably, and it is probable that an outflow of economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation. Provisions are determined by discounting the expected future cash flows at a pre-tax rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and, where appropriate, the risks specific to the liability. The unwinding of the discount is recognized as finance cost.
Onerous contracts
Present obligations arising under onerous contracts are recognized and measured as a provision. An onerous contract is considered to exist where the Group has a contract under which the unavoidable costs of meeting the obligations under the contract exceed the economic benefits expected to be received under it. The Group did not recognize any provision for onerous contracts as at 31 December 2011 (31 December 2010: nil).
Dismantling, removal and restoring sites obligation
The Group is required to incur certain costs in respect of a liability to dismantle and remove assets and to restore sites on which the assets were located. The dismantling costs are calculated according to best
F-33
TURKCELL ILETISIM HIZMETLERI AS AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)
As at and for the year ended 31 December 2011
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars unless otherwise indicated except share amounts)
(The Groups audited consolidated financial statements prepared as at and for the year ended 31 December 2010 were approved by the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors (Board Resolution dated 23 February 2011 and numbered 797), however not approved by the General Assemblies on 21 April 2011, 11 August 2011 and 12 October 2011.)
estimate of future expected payments discounted at a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the liability.
Bonus
Provision for bonus is provided when the bonus is a legal obligation, or past practice would make the bonus a constructive obligation and the Group makes a reliable estimate of the obligation.
(k) | Revenue |
Revenues are recognized as the fair value of the consideration received or receivable, net of returns, trade discounts and rebates. Communication fees include postpaid revenues from incoming and outgoing calls, additional services, prepaid revenues, interconnect revenues and roaming revenues. Communication fees are recognized at the time the services are rendered.
With respect to prepaid revenues, the Group generally collects cash in advance by selling scratch cards to distributors. In such cases, the Group does not recognize revenue until the subscribers use the telecommunication services. Deferred income is recorded under current liabilities.
The Group offers free right of use to its subscribers, and recognizes any unused portion of these free granted right of use as at the balance sheet date as deferred revenue. The Group does not have any other customer loyalty program in the scope of IFRIC 13 Customer Loyalty Programmes.
In connection with campaigns, both postpaid and prepaid services may be bundled with handset or other goods/services and these bundled services and products involve consideration in the form of fixed fee or a fixed fee coupled with continuing payment stream. Loyalty programs for both postpaid and prepaid services may be bundled with other services. Total arrangement considerations relating to the bundled contract are allocated among the different units according the following criteria:
| the component has standalone value to the customer; and |
| the fair value of the component can be measured reliably. |
The arrangement consideration is allocated to each deliverable in proportion to the fair value of the individual deliverables.
If a delivered element of a transaction is not a separately identifiable component, then it is accounted for as an integral part of the remaining components of the transactions.
Revenues allocated to handsets given in connection with campaigns, which is included in other revenue, is recognized when the significant risks and rewards of ownership have been transferred to the buyer, collection is probable, the associated costs and possible return of goods can be estimated reliably, there is no continuing management involvement with the goods and the amount of revenue can be measured reliably.
Monthly fixed fees represent a fixed amount charged to postpaid subscribers on a monthly basis without regard to the level of usage. Fixed fees are recognized on a monthly basis when billed.
F-34
TURKCELL ILETISIM HIZMETLERI AS AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)
As at and for the year ended 31 December 2011
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars unless otherwise indicated except share amounts)
(The Groups audited consolidated financial statements prepared as at and for the year ended 31 December 2010 were approved by the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors (Board Resolution dated 23 February 2011 and numbered 797), however not approved by the General Assemblies on 21 April 2011, 11 August 2011 and 12 October 2011.)
Commission fees mainly comprised of net takings earned to a maximum of 1.4% of gross takings, as a head agent of fixed odds betting games starting from 1 March 2009. Commission revenues are recognized at the time all the services related with the games are fully rendered. Under the agreement signed with Spor Toto Teskilat Mudurlugu AS (Spor Toto), Inteltek Internet Teknoloji Yatirim ve Danismanlik AS (Inteltek) is obliged to undertake any excess payout, which is presented on net basis with the commission fees.
AzerInteltek received authorization from Azeridmanservis Limited Liability Company set under the Ministry of Youth and Sport of the Republic of Azerbaijan to organize, operate, manage and develop the fixed odds and paramutual sports betting business. Since AzerInteltek acts as principle, total consideration received from the player is recognized at the time all the services related with the games are fully rendered.
Simcard sales are recognized upfront upon delivery to distributors, net of returns, discounts and rebates. Simcard costs are also recognized upfront upon sale of the simcard to the distributors.
Call center revenues are recognized at the time services are rendered.
The revenue recognition policy for other revenues is to recognize revenue as services are provided.
Volume rebates or discounts and other contractual changes in the prices of roaming and other services are anticipated, as both the payer and the recipient, if it is probable that they have been earned or will take effect. Thus, contractual rebates and discounts are anticipated, but discretionary rebates and discounts are not anticipated because the definitions of asset and liability would not be met.
(l) | Lease payments |
Payments made under operating leases are recognized in the statement of income on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. Lease incentives received are recognized as an integral part of the total lease expense, over the term of the lease.
Minimum lease payments made under finance leases are apportioned between the finance cost and the reduction of the outstanding liability. The finance cost is allocated to each period during the lease term so as to produce a constant periodic rate of interest on the remaining balance of the liability.
Determining whether an arrangement contains a lease
At inception of an arrangement, the Group determines whether such an arrangement is or contains a lease. A specific asset is the subject of a lease if fulfillment of the arrangement is dependent on the use of that specified asset. An arrangement conveys the right to use the asset if the arrangement conveys to the Group the right to control the use of the underlying asset. At inception or upon reassessment of the arrangement, the Group separates payments and other consideration required by such an arrangement into those for the lease and those for other elements on the basis of their relative fair values.
(m) | Finance income and costs |
Finance income comprises interest income on funds invested (including available-for-sale financial assets), late payment interest income, interest income on contracted receivables, gains on the disposal of
F-35
TURKCELL ILETISIM HIZMETLERI AS AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)
As at and for the year ended 31 December 2011
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars unless otherwise indicated except share amounts)
(The Groups audited consolidated financial statements prepared as at and for the year ended 31 December 2010 were approved by the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors (Board Resolution dated 23 February 2011 and numbered 797), however not approved by the General Assemblies on 21 April 2011, 11 August 2011 and 12 October 2011.)
available-for-sale financial assets, changes in the fair value of financial assets at fair value through profit or loss and gains on derivative instruments that are recognized in the statement of income. Interest income is recognized as it accrues, using the effective interest method.
Finance costs comprise interest expense on borrowings, litigation late payment interest expense, unwinding of the discount on provisions, changes in the fair value of financial assets at fair value through profit or option premium expense.
Foreign currency gains and losses are reported on a net basis.
Borrowing Costs
Borrowing costs directly attributable to the acquisition, construction or production of qualifying assets, which are assets that necessarily take considerable time to get ready for their intended use or sale, are added to the cost of those assets, until such time as the assets are substantially ready for their intended use or sale. Investment income earned by the temporary investment of the part of the borrowing not yet used is deducted against the borrowing costs eligible for capitalization.
All other borrowing costs are recognized in the statement of income in the period in which they are incurred.
(n) | Transactions with related parties |
A related party is essentially any party that controls or can significantly influence the financial or operating decisions of the Group to the extent that the Group may be prevented from fully pursuing its own interests. For reporting purposes, investee companies and their shareholders, non-controlling shareholders at subsidiaries, key management personnel, shareholders of the Group and the companies that the shareholders have a relationship with are considered to be related parties.
(o) | Income taxes |
Income tax expense comprises current and deferred tax. Income tax expense is recognized in the statement of income except to the extent that it relates to items recognized directly in equity or in other comprehensive income.
Current tax is the expected tax payable on the taxable income for the year, using tax rates enacted or substantively enacted at the reporting date, and any adjustment to tax payable in respect of previous years.
Deferred tax is recognized in respect of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for taxation purposes. Deferred tax is not recognized for the following temporary differences: the initial recognition of assets or liabilities in a transaction that is not a business combination and that affects neither accounting nor taxable profit, and differences relating to investments in subsidiaries and jointly controlled entities to the extent that they probably will not reverse in the foreseeable future. Deferred tax is measured at the tax rates that are expected to be applied to the temporary differences when they reverse, based on the laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the reporting date.
F-36
TURKCELL ILETISIM HIZMETLERI AS AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)
As at and for the year ended 31 December 2011
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars unless otherwise indicated except share amounts)
(The Groups audited consolidated financial statements prepared as at and for the year ended 31 December 2010 were approved by the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors (Board Resolution dated 23 February 2011 and numbered 797), however not approved by the General Assemblies on 21 April 2011, 11 August 2011 and 12 October 2011.)
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset if there is a legally enforceable right to offset current tax liabilities and assets, and they relate to income taxes levied by the same tax authority on the same taxable entity, or on different tax entities, but they intend to settle current tax liabilities and assets on a net basis or their tax assets and liabilities will be realized simultaneously.
A deferred tax asset is recognized to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profits will be available against which temporary difference can be utilized. Deferred tax assets are reviewed at each reporting date and are reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that the related tax benefit will be realized.
Interest and penalties assessed on income tax deficiencies are presented based on their nature.
(p) | Earnings per share |
The Group presents basic and diluted earnings per share (EPS) data for its ordinary shares. Basic EPS is calculated by dividing the profit attributable to ordinary shareholders of the Company by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS is equal to basic EPS because the Group does not have any convertible notes or share options granted to employees.
In Turkey, companies can raise their share capital by distributing Bonus Shares to shareholders from retained earnings. In computing earnings per share, such bonus share distributions are treated as issued shares. Accordingly, the retrospective effect for such share distributions is taken into consideration in determining the weighted-average number of shares outstanding used in this computation.
(q) | Operating segment |
An operating segment is a component of the Group that engages in business activities from which it may earn revenues and incur expenses including revenues and expenses that relate to transactions with any of the Groups other components. All operating segments operating results are regularly reviewed by the Group management to make decisions about resources to be allocated to the segment and assess its performance, and for which discrete financial information is available.
The Group identified Turkcell, Euroasia and Belarusian Telecom as operating segments.
(r) | Subscriber acquisition costs |
The Group capitalizes directly attributable subscriber acquisition costs when the following conditions are met:
| the capitalized costs can be measured reliably; |
| there is a contract binding the customer for a specific period of time; and |
| it is probable that the amount of the capitalized costs will be recovered through the revenues generated by the service contract, or, where the customer withdraws from the contract in advance, through the collection of the penalty. |
Capitalized subscriber acquisition costs are amortized on a straight-line basis over the minimum period of the underlying contract. In all other cases, subscriber acquisition costs are expensed when incurred.
F-37
TURKCELL ILETISIM HIZMETLERI AS AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)
As at and for the year ended 31 December 2011
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars unless otherwise indicated except share amounts)
(The Groups audited consolidated financial statements prepared as at and for the year ended 31 December 2010 were approved by the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors (Board Resolution dated 23 February 2011 and numbered 797), however not approved by the General Assemblies on 21 April 2011, 11 August 2011 and 12 October 2011.)
(s) | Government grants |
Grants from the government are recognized at their fair value where there is a reasonable assurance that the grant will be received and the Group will comply with all attached conditions.
Government grants relating to costs are deferred and recognized in the statement of income over the period necessary to match them with the costs that they are intended to compensate.
Government grants relating to property, plant and equipment are included in non-current liabilities as deferred government grants and are credited to the statement of income on a straight-line basis over the expected useful lives of the related assets.
(t) | New standards and interpretations |
The following new and revised Standards and Interpretations have been adopted in the current period and have affected the amounts reported and disclosures in these financial statements. Details of other standards and interpretations adopted in these financial statements but that have had no material impact on the financial statements are set out in this section.
(i) | New and Revised IFRSs do not affect presentation and disclosures |
IAS 1 (Amendments), Presentation of Financial Statements (as part of Improvements to IFRSs issued in 2010)
The amendments to IAS 1 clarify that an entity may choose to present the required analysis of items of other comprehensive income either in the statement of changes in equity or in the notes to the financial statements. The amendments have been applied retrospectively.
(ii) | New and Revised IFRSs affecting the reported financial performance and / or financial position |
None.
(iii) | New and Revised IFRSs applied with no material effect on the consolidated financial statements |
IAS 24 (Revised 2009), Related Party Disclosures
In November 2009, IAS 24 Related Party Disclosures was revised. The revision to the standard provides government related entities with a partial exemption from the disclosure requirements of IAS 24. The revised standard is mandatory for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2011.
IAS 32 (Amendments), Financial Instruments: Presentation and IAS 1 Presentation of Financial Statements
The amendments to IAS 32 and IAS 1 are effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 February 2010. The amendments address the accounting for rights issues (rights, options or warrants) that are denominated in a currency other than the functional currency of the issuer. Previously, such rights issues
F-38
TURKCELL ILETISIM HIZMETLERI AS AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)
As at and for the year ended 31 December 2011
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars unless otherwise indicated except share amounts)
(The Groups audited consolidated financial statements prepared as at and for the year ended 31 December 2010 were approved by the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors (Board Resolution dated 23 February 2011 and numbered 797), however not approved by the General Assemblies on 21 April 2011, 11 August 2011 and 12 October 2011.)
were accounted for as derivative liabilities. However, the amendment requires that, provided certain conditions are met, such rights issues are classified as equity regardless of the currency in which the exercise price is denominated.
IFRS 1 (amendments), First-time Adoption of IFRSAdditional Exemptions
Amendments to IFRS 1 which are effective for annual periods on or after 1 July 2010 provide limited exemption for first time adopters to present comparative IFRS 7 fair value disclosures.
IFRIC 14 (Amendments), Pre-payment of a Minimum Funding Requirement
Amendments to IFRIC 14 are effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2011. The amendments affect entities that are required to make minimum funding contributions to a defined benefit pension plan and choose to pre-pay those contributions. The amendment requires an asset to be recognized for any surplus arising from voluntary pre-payments made.
IFRIC 19, Extinguishing Financial Liabilities with Equity Instruments
IFRIC 19 is effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 July 2010. IFRIC 19 addresses only the accounting by the entity that issues equity instruments in order to settle, in full or part, a financial liability.
Annual Improvements May 2010
Further to the above amendments and revised standards, the IASB has issued Annual Improvements to IFRSs in May 2010 that cover 7 main standards/interpretations as follow: IFRS 1, First-time Adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards; IFRS 3, Business Combinations; IAS 27, Consolidated and Separate Financial Statements; IAS 34, Interim Financial Reporting and IFRIC 13, Customer Loyalty Programmes. With the exception of amendments to IFRS 3 and IAS 27 which are effective on or after 1 July 2010, all other amendments are effective on or after 1 January 2011.
The application of these new and revised IFRSs has not had any material impact on the amounts reported for the current and prior years.
(iv) | New and Revised IFRSs in issue but not yet effective |
IFRS 1 (amendments), First-time Adoption of IFRSAdditional Exemptions
On 20 December, IFRS 1 is amended to provide relief for first-time adopters of IFRSs from having to reconstruct transactions that occurred before their date of transition to IFRSs and to provide guidance for entities emerging from severe hyperinflation either to resume presenting IFRS financial statements or to present IFRS financial statements for the first time. The amendment above will be effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 July 2011.These amendments are not relevant to the Group, as it is an existing IFRS preparer.
F-39
TURKCELL ILETISIM HIZMETLERI AS AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)
As at and for the year ended 31 December 2011
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars unless otherwise indicated except share amounts)
(The Groups audited consolidated financial statements prepared as at and for the year ended 31 December 2010 were approved by the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors (Board Resolution dated 23 February 2011 and numbered 797), however not approved by the General Assemblies on 21 April 2011, 11 August 2011 and 12 October 2011.)
IFRS 7, Financial Instruments: Disclosures
In October 2010, IFRS 7, Financial Instruments: Disclosures is amended by IASB as part of its comprehensive review of off balance sheet activities. The amendments will allow users of financial statements to improve their understanding of transfer transactions of financial assets (for example, securitizations), including understanding the possible effects of any risks that may remain with the entity that transferred the assets. The amendments also require additional disclosures if a disproportionate amount of transfer transactions are undertaken around the end of a reporting period. The amendment will be effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 July 2011. The Group has not yet had an opportunity to consider the potential impact of the adoption of this revised standard.
IFRS 9, Financial Instruments: Classification and Measurement
In November 2009, the first part of IFRS 9 relating to the classification and measurement of financial assets was issued. IFRS 9 will ultimately replace IAS 39, Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement. The standard requires an entity to classify its financial assets on the basis of the entitys business model for managing the financial assets and the contractual cash flow characteristics of the financial asset, and subsequently measure the financial assets as either at amortized cost or at fair value. The new standard is mandatory for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2015. The Group has not had an opportunity to consider the potential impact of the adoption of this standard.
IAS 12, Income Taxes
In December 2010, IAS 12 is amended. IAS 12 requires an entity to measure the deferred tax relating to an asset depending on whether the entity expects to recover the carrying amount of the asset through use or sale.
It can be difficult and subjective to assess whether recovery will be through use or through sale when the asset is measured using the fair value model in IAS 40, Investment Property. The amendment provides a practical solution to the problem by introducing a presumption that recovery of the carrying amount will, normally, be through sale. The amendment will be effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2012. The Group has not yet had an opportunity to consider the potential impact of the adoption of this revised standard.
IFRS 10, Consolidated Financial Statements
IFRS 10 replaces the consolidation guidance in IAS 27, Consolidated and Separate Financial Statements and SIC 12, ConsolidationSpecial Purpose Entities by introducing a single consolidation model for all entities based on control, irrespective of the nature of the investee (i.e., whether an entity is controlled through voting rights of investors or through other contractual arrangements as is common in special purpose entities). Under IFRS 10, control is based on whether an investor has 1) power over the investee; 2) exposure, or rights, to variable returns from its involvement with the investee; and 3) the ability to use its
F-40
TURKCELL ILETISIM HIZMETLERI AS AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)
As at and for the year ended 31 December 2011
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars unless otherwise indicated except share amounts)
(The Groups audited consolidated financial statements prepared as at and for the year ended 31 December 2010 were approved by the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors (Board Resolution dated 23 February 2011 and numbered 797), however not approved by the General Assemblies on 21 April 2011, 11 August 2011 and 12 October 2011.)
power over the investee to affect the amount of the returns. The new standard is mandatory for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2013. The Group has not yet had an opportunity to consider the potential impact of the adoption of this revised standard.
IFRS 11, Joint Arrangements
IFRS 11 introduces new accounting requirements for joint arrangements, replacing IAS 31, Interests in Joint Ventures. The option to apply the proportional consolidation method when accounting for jointly controlled entities is removed. Additionally, IFRS 11 eliminates jointly controlled assets to now only differentiate between joint operations and joint ventures. A joint operation is a joint arrangement whereby the parties that have joint control have rights to the assets and obligations for the liabilities. A joint venture is a joint arrangement whereby the parties that have joint control have rights to the net assets. The new standard is mandatory for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2013. The Group has not yet had an opportunity to consider the potential impact of the adoption of this revised standard.
IFRS 12, Disclosure of Interest in Other Entities
IFRS 12 requires extensive disclosures relating to an entitys interests in subsidiaries, joint arrangements, associates and unconsolidated structured entities. An entity is required to disclose information that helps users of its financial statements evaluate the nature of and risks associated with its interests in other entities and the effects of those interests on its financial statements. The new standard is mandatory for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2013. The Group has not yet had an opportunity to consider the potential impact of the adoption of this revised standard.
IAS 27 (2011), Separate Financial Statements
The requirements relating to separate financial statements are unchanged and are included in the amended IAS 27. The other portions of IAS 27 are replaced by IFRS 10.
IAS 28 (2011), Investments in Associates and Joint Ventures
IAS 28 is amended for conforming changes based on the issuance of IFRS 10, IFRS 11 and IFRS 12.
IAS 1 (2011), Presentation of Financial StatementsPresentation of Items of Other Comprehensive Income
The amendments to IAS 1 provide guidance on the presentation of items contained in other comprehensive income (OCI) and their classification within OCI. The new standard is mandatory for annual periods beginning on or after 1 July 2012. The Group has not yet had an opportunity to consider the potential impact of the adoption of this revised standard.
IFRS 13, Fair Value Measurements
On 12 May 2011, IASB issued IFRS 13, Fair Value Measurements, which establishes a single source of guidance for fair value measurement under IFRSs. IFRS 13 defines fair value, provides guidance on its
F-41
TURKCELL ILETISIM HIZMETLERI AS AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)
As at and for the year ended 31 December 2011
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars unless otherwise indicated except share amounts)
(The Groups audited consolidated financial statements prepared as at and for the year ended 31 December 2010 were approved by the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors (Board Resolution dated 23 February 2011 and numbered 797), however not approved by the General Assemblies on 21 April 2011, 11 August 2011 and 12 October 2011.)
determination and introduces consistent requirements for disclosures on fair value measurements. The standard does not include requirements on when fair value measurements is required; it prescribes how fair value is to be measured if another standard requires it. The new standard is mandatory for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2013. The Group has not yet had an opportunity to consider the potential impact of the adoption of this revised standard.
IAS 19 (Amendments), Employee Benefits
The amendments to IAS 19 change the accounting for defined benefit plans and termination benefits. The new standard is mandatory for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2013. The Group has not yet had an opportunity to consider the potential impact of the adoption of this revised standard.
IFRIC 20 Stripping Costs in the Production Phase of a Surface Mine
On 19 October 2011, IASB issued an Interpretation, IFRIC 20 Stripping Costs in the Production Phase of a Surface Mine, clarifying the requirements for accounting for stripping costs in the production phase of a surface mine.
The Interpretation clarifies when production stripping should lead to the recognition of an asset and how that asset should be measured, both initially and in subsequent periods. The Interpretation is effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2013 with earlier application permitted.
Amendments to IAS 32 Financial Instruments: PresentationOffsetting of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities
The amendments to IAS 32 are intended to clarify existing application issues relating to the offsetting rules and reduce the level of diversity in current practice. The amendments are effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2014.
4. | Determination of fair values |
A number of the Groups accounting policies and disclosures require the determination of fair value, for both financial and non-financial assets and liabilities. Fair values have been determined for measurement and/or disclosure purposes based on the following methods. When applicable, further information about the assumptions made in determining fair values is disclosed in the notes specific to that asset or liability.
(i) | Property, plant and equipment |
The fair value of property, plant and equipment recognized as a result of a business combination is based on market values. The market value of property is the estimated amount for which a property could be exchanged on the date of valuation between a willing buyer and a willing seller in an arms length transaction after proper marketing wherein the parties had each acted knowledgeably, willingly. The market value of items of plant, equipment, fixtures and fittings is based on the quoted market prices for similar items.
F-42
TURKCELL ILETISIM HIZMETLERI AS AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)
As at and for the year ended 31 December 2011
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars unless otherwise indicated except share amounts)
(The Groups audited consolidated financial statements prepared as at and for the year ended 31 December 2010 were approved by the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors (Board Resolution dated 23 February 2011 and numbered 797), however not approved by the General Assemblies on 21 April 2011, 11 August 2011 and 12 October 2011.)
(ii) | Intangible assets |
The fair value of the brand acquired in the Superonline Uluslararasi Elektronik Bilgilendirme Telekomunikasyon ve Haberlesme Hizmetleri AS (Superonline Uluslararasi) business combination is based on the discounted estimated royalty payments that have been avoided as a result of the brand being owned. The fair value of customer base acquired in the Superonline business combination are valued using the multi-period excess earnings method, whereby the subject asset is valued after deducting a fair return on all other assets that are part of creating the related cash flows.
The fair value of the custom duty and VAT exemption agreement in the Belarusian Telecom business combination is based on the incremental cash flows method (cost saving approach) and this was used for the valuation analysis.
The fair value of mobile telephony licenses (GSM&UMTS) in the Belarusian Telecom business combination is based on the Greenfield (build-out) method, which is estimated to be appropriate and commonly used for the valuation of licenses, and this was used for the valuation analysis.
The fair value of customer base acquired in Global Iletisim Hizmetleri AS (Global Iletisim) business combination are valued using the cost approach where by the subject asset is valued by using the information on a cost per subscriber basis under current market conditions and rates.
The fair value of other intangible assets is based on the discounted cash flows expected to be derived from the use and eventual sale of the assets.
(iii) | Investments in equity and debt securities |
The fair value of financial assets at fair value through profit or loss, held-to-maturity investments and available-for-sale financial assets is determined by reference to their quoted bid price or over the counter market price at the reporting date. The fair value of held-to-maturity investments is determined for disclosure purposes only.
(iv) | Trade and other receivables / due from related parties |
The fair values of trade and other receivables and due from related parties are estimated as the present value of future cash flows, discounted at the market rate of interest at the reporting date.
(v) | Derivatives |
The fair value of forward exchange contracts and option contracts are based on their listed market price, if available. If a listed market price is not available, then fair values are derived from inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability or are derived by discounting the difference between the contractual forward price and the current forward price for the residual maturity of the contract using a risk-free interest rate (based on government bonds) or option pricing models.
F-43
TURKCELL ILETISIM HIZMETLERI AS AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)
As at and for the year ended 31 December 2011
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars unless otherwise indicated except share amounts)
(The Groups audited consolidated financial statements prepared as at and for the year ended 31 December 2010 were approved by the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors (Board Resolution dated 23 February 2011 and numbered 797), however not approved by the General Assemblies on 21 April 2011, 11 August 2011 and 12 October 2011.)
(vi) | Non-derivative financial liabilities |
Fair value, which is determined for disclosure purposes, is calculated based on the present value of future principal and interest cash flows, discounted at the market rate of interest at the reporting date. For finance leases, the market rate of interest is determined by reference to similar lease agreements.
(vii) | Exercise price of financial liability related to non-controlling share put option |
The Group measures the estimated exercise price of the financial liability originating from put options granted to non-controlling interests as the present value of estimated option redemption amount. Present value of the estimated option redemption amount is based on the fair value of estimation for the company subject to the put option.
The Group has estimated a value based on multiple approaches in grant to share purchase agreement including income approach (discounted cash flows) and market approach (comparable market multiples). The average of the values determined as at 31 August 2013, which is the exercise date of the put option, is then discounted back to 31 December 2011.
5. | Financial risk management |
The Group has exposure to the following risks from its use of financial instruments:
| Credit risk |
| Liquidity risk |
| Market risk |
This note presents information about the Groups exposure to each of the above risks, the Groups objectives, policies and processes for measuring and managing risk, and the Groups management of capital. Further quantitative disclosures are included throughout these consolidated financial statements.
Risk management framework
The Board of Directors has overall responsibility for the establishment and oversight of the Groups risk management framework.
The Groups risk management policies are established to identify and analyze the risks faced by the Group, to set appropriate risk limits and controls, and to monitor risks and adherence to limits. Risk management policies and systems are reviewed regularly to reflect changes in market conditions and the Groups activities.
The Group Audit Committee oversees how management monitors compliance with the Groups risk management policies and procedures, and reviews the adequacy of the risk management framework in relation to the risks faced by the Group. The Audit Committee is assisted in its oversight role by Internal Audit.
F-44
TURKCELL ILETISIM HIZMETLERI AS AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)
As at and for the year ended 31 December 2011
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars unless otherwise indicated except share amounts)
(The Groups audited consolidated financial statements prepared as at and for the year ended 31 December 2010 were approved by the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors (Board Resolution dated 23 February 2011 and numbered 797), however not approved by the General Assemblies on 21 April 2011, 11 August 2011 and 12 October 2011.)
As at 31 December 2010, TL depreciated against USD by 2.7% and appreciated against EUR by 5.1%, HRV appreciated against USD by 0.3% and BYR depreciated against USD by 4.8% when compared to the exchange rates as at 31 December 2009. As at 31 December 2011, TL depreciated against USD and EUR by 22.2% and 19.3%, respectively, BYR depreciated against USD by 178.3% and HRV depreciated against USD by 0.4% when compared to the exchange rates as at 31 December 2010. Please refer to Note 30 for additional information on the Groups exposure to risks.
Credit risk
Credit risk is the risk of a financial loss to the Group if a customer or counterparty to a financial instrument fails to meet its contractual obligations, and arises principally from the Groups receivables from customers and investment securities.
Management has a credit policy in place and the exposure to credit risk is monitored on an ongoing basis. The Group may require collateral in respect of financial assets. Also, the Group may demand letters of guarantee from third parties related to certain projects or contracts. The Group may also demand certain pledges from counterparties if necessary in return for the credit support it gives related to certain financings.
In monitoring customer credit risk, customers are grouped according to whether they are an individual or legal entity, aging profile, maturity and existence of previous financial difficulties. Trade receivables and accrued service income are mainly related to the Groups subscribers. The Groups exposure to credit risk on trade receivables is influenced mainly by the individual payment characteristics of postpaid subscribers. The Group establishes an allowance for impairment that represents its estimate of incurred losses in respect of trade receivables.
Investments are preferred to be in liquid securities and mostly with counterparties that have a credit rating equal or better than the Group. Some of the collection banks have credit ratings that are lower than the Groups, or they may not be rated at all, however, policies are in place to review the paid-in capital and rating of counterparties periodically to ensure credit worthiness.
Transactions involving derivatives are with counterparties with whom the Group has signed agreements and which have sound credit ratings.
At the reporting date, there were no significant concentrations of credit risk. The maximum exposure to credit risk is represented by the carrying amount of each financial asset in the statement of financial position.
The Group establishes an allowance for doubtful receivables that represents its estimate of incurred losses in respect of trade and other receivables. This allowance includes the specific loss component that relates to individual subscribers exposures, and adjusted for a general provision which is determined based on the age of the balances and historical collection trends.
The Groups policy is to provide financial guarantees only to wholly-owned subsidiaries. At 31 December 2011, $1,385,403 guarantees were outstanding (31 December 2010: $1,324,604).
F-45
TURKCELL ILETISIM HIZMETLERI AS AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)
As at and for the year ended 31 December 2011
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars unless otherwise indicated except share amounts)
(The Groups audited consolidated financial statements prepared as at and for the year ended 31 December 2010 were approved by the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors (Board Resolution dated 23 February 2011 and numbered 797), however not approved by the General Assemblies on 21 April 2011, 11 August 2011 and 12 October 2011.)
Liquidity risk
Liquidity risk is the risk that the Group will not be able to meet its financial obligations as they fall due. The Groups approach to manage liquidity is to ensure, as far as possible, that it will always have sufficient liquidity to meet its liabilities when due, under both normal and stressed conditions, without incurring unacceptable losses or risking damage to the Groups reputation. Typically, the Group ensures that it has sufficient cash and cash equivalents to meet expected operational expenses, including financial obligations.
Market risk
Market risk is the risk that changes in market prices, such as foreign exchange rates, interest rates and equity prices will affect the Groups income or the value of its holdings of financial instruments. The objective of market risk management is to manage and control market risk exposures within acceptable parameters, while optimizing the return on risk.
The Group buys and sells derivatives in order to manage market risks. All such transactions are carried at within the guidelines set by the Group treasury and risk management.
Currency risk
The Group is exposed to currency risk on certain revenues such as roaming revenues, purchases and certain operating costs such as roaming expenses and network related costs and resulting receivables and payables, borrowings, deferred payments related to the acquisition of Belarusian Telecom and financial liability in relation to put option for the acquisition of non-controlling shares of Belarusian Telecom that are denominated in a currency other than the respective functional currencies of Group entities, primarily TL for operations conducted in Turkey. The currencies in which these transactions are primarily denominated are EUR and USD.
Derivative financial instruments such as forward contracts and options are used to hedge exposure to fluctuations in foreign exchange rates. The Group uses forward exchange contracts to hedge its currency risk.
The Groups investments in its equity accounted investee Fintur and its subsidiaries in Ukraine, Republic of Belarus, Azerbaijan and Germany are not hedged with respect to the currency risk arising from the net assets as those net investments are considered to be long-term in nature.
Interest rate risk
The Groups exposure to interest rate risk is related to its financial assets and liabilities. The Groups financial liabilities mostly consist of floating interest rate borrowings. The use of financial derivatives is governed by the Groups policies approved by the Board of Directors, which provide written principles on the use of financial derivatives consistent with the Groups treasury and risk management strategy. The Group also closely monitored various hedging alternatives to hedge interest risk with a minimum cost. In June 2011, the Group engaged in forward start collar agreements for the half of the 5 year maturity portfolio that is exposed to interest rate risk. The collars hedge variable interest rate risk for the period between 2013 and 2015.
F-46
TURKCELL ILETISIM HIZMETLERI AS AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)
As at and for the year ended 31 December 2011
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars unless otherwise indicated except share amounts)
(The Groups audited consolidated financial statements prepared as at and for the year ended 31 December 2010 were approved by the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors (Board Resolution dated 23 February 2011 and numbered 797), however not approved by the General Assemblies on 21 April 2011, 11 August 2011 and 12 October 2011.)
6. | Operating segments |
The Group has three reportable segments, as described below, which are based on the dominant source and nature of the Groups risk and returns as well as the Groups internal reporting structure. These strategic segments offer the same types of services, however they are managed separately because they operate in different geographical locations and are affected by different economic conditions.
The Group comprises the following main operating segments: Turkcell, Euroasia and Belarusian Telecom, all of which are GSM operators in their countries.
Other operations mainly include companies operating in telecommunication and betting businesses and companies provide internet and broadband services, call center and value added services.
Information regarding the operations of each reportable segment is included below. Adjusted EBITDA is used to measure performance as management believes that such information is the most relevant in evaluating the results of certain segments relative to other entities that operate within these industries. Adjusted EBITDA definition includes revenue, direct cost of revenues excluding depreciation and amortization, selling and marketing expenses and administrative expenses. Adjusted EBITDA is not a financial measure defined by IFRS as a measurement of financial performance and may not be comparable to other similarly-titled indicators used by other companies.
The accounting policies of operating segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies.
F-47
TURKCELL ILETISIM HIZMETLERI AS AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)
As at and for the year ended 31 December 2011
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars unless otherwise indicated except share amounts)
(The Groups audited consolidated financial statements prepared as at and for the year ended 31 December 2010 were approved by the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors (Board Resolution dated 23 February 2011 and numbered 797), however not approved by the General Assemblies on 21 April 2011, 11 August 2011 and 12 October 2011.)
Turkcell | Euroasia | Belarusian Telecom | Other | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2011 | 2010 | 2011 | 2010 | 2011 | 2010 | 2011 | 2010 | 2011 | 2010 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total external revenues |
4,805,521 | 5,294,104 | 364,491 | 334,006 | 47,893 | 48,918 | 391,774 | 305,065 | 5,609,679 | 5,982,093 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Intersegment revenue |
13,048 | 14,682 | 4,347 | 5,252 | 93 | 63 | 414,199 | 386,404 | 431,687 | 406,401 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Reportable segment adjusted EBITDA |
1,507,783 | 1,751,094 | 94,204 | 64,455 | (12,151 | ) | (32,564 | ) | 190,887 | 213,655 | 1,780,723 | 1,996,640 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Finance income |
283,015 | 255,417 | 690 | 763 | 15,520 | 753 | 58,951 | 60,213 | 358,176 | 317,146 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Finance cost |
108,861 | (34,569 | ) | (56,287 | ) | (43,974 | ) | (283,870 | ) | (28,527 | ) | (159,991 | ) | (66,143 | ) | (391,287 | ) | (173,213 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||
Monetary gain |
| | | | 144,813 | | | | 144,813 | | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
(485,789 | ) | (474,703 | ) | (116,547 | ) | (120,407 | ) | (224,527 | ) | (80,826 | ) | (111,260 | ) | (92,034 | ) | (938,123 | ) | (767,970 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Share of profit of equity accounted investees |
| | | | | | 136,907 | 122,839 | 136,907 | 122,839 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Capital expenditure |
501,256 | 538,776 | 65,152 | 66,727 | 55,026 | 120,061 | 273,511 | 386,119 | 894,945 | 1,111,683 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other material non-cash items: Impairment on goodwill |
| | | | 52,971 | 23,499 | | | 52,971 | 23,499 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Bad debt expense |
28,377 | 122,739 | 381 | (1,251 | ) | 1,027 | 396 | 1,576 | 4,373 | 31,361 | 126,257 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Impairment on equity accounted investees |
| | | | | | 15,844 | | 15,844 | | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Turkcell | Euroasia | Belarusian Telecom | Other | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2010 | 2009 | 2010 | 2009 | 2010 | 2009 | 2010 | 2009 | 2010 | 2009 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total external revenues |
5,294,104 | 5,176,105 | 334,006 | 350,045 | 48,918 | 17,356 | 305,065 | 246,466 | 5,982,093 | 5,789,972 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Intersegment revenue |
14,682 | 22,784 | 5,252 | 1,033 | 63 | 76 | 386,404 | 304,118 | 406,401 | 328,011 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Reportable segment adjusted EBITDA |
1,751,094 | 1,819,250 | 64,455 | 20,150 | (32,564 | ) | (38,318 | ) | 213,655 | 144,989 | 1,996,640 | 1,946,071 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Finance income |
255,417 | 304,321 | 763 | 2,093 | 753 | 1,411 | 60,213 | 75,783 | 317,146 | 383,608 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Finance cost |
(34,569 | ) | (162,939 | ) | (43,974 | ) | (54,921 | ) | (28,527 | ) | (12,513 | ) | (66,143 | ) | (32,975 | ) | (173,213 | ) | (263,348 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
(474,703 | ) | (396,259 | ) | (120,407 | ) | (79,874 | ) | (80,826 | ) | (52,749 | ) | (92,034 | ) | (67,920 | ) | (767,970 | ) | (596,802 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Share of profit of equity accounted investees |
| | | | | | 122,839 | 78,448 | 122,839 | 78,448 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Capital expenditure |
538,776 | 1,239,477 | 66,727 | 216,445 | 120,061 | 87,938 | 386,119 | 291,020 | 1,111,683 | 1,834,880 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other material non-cash items: Impairment on goodwill |
| | | | 23,499 | 61,835 | | | 23,499 | 61,835 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Bad debt expense |
122,739 | 65,525 | (1,251 | ) | 4,874 | 396 | 529 | 4,373 | 4,451 | 126,257 | 75,379 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
As at 31 December 2011 and 2010 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Turkcell | Euroasia | Belarusian Telecom | Other | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2011 | 2010 | 2011 | 2010 | 2011 | 2010 | 2011 | 2010 | 2011 | 2010 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Reportable segment assets |
3,493,183 | 3,860,173 | 544,578 | 616,375 | 160,277 | 517,312 | 1,086,949 | 1,045,535 | 5,284,987 | 6,039,395 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Investment in associates |
| | | | | | 414,392 | 399,622 | 414,392 | 399,622 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Reportable segment liabilities |
922,418 | 1,092,496 | 116,132 | 153,927 | 88,127 | 83,161 | 242,085 | 198,780 | 1,368,762 | 1,528,364 |
F-48
TURKCELL ILETISIM HIZMETLERI AS AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)
As at and for the year ended 31 December 2011
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars unless otherwise indicated except share amounts)
(The Groups audited consolidated financial statements prepared as at and for the year ended 31 December 2010 were approved by the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors (Board Resolution dated 23 February 2011 and numbered 797), however not approved by the General Assemblies on 21 April 2011, 11 August 2011 and 12 October 2011.)
Reconciliations of reportable segment revenues, adjusted EBITDA, assets and liabilities and other material items:
2011 | 2010 | 2009 | ||||||||||
Revenues |
||||||||||||
Total revenue for reportable segments |
5,235,393 | 5,697,025 | 5,567,399 | |||||||||
Other revenue |
805,973 | 691,469 | 550,584 | |||||||||
Elimination of inter-segment revenue |
(431,687 | ) | (406,401 | ) | (328,011 | ) | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Consolidated revenue |
5,609,679 | 5,982,093 | 5,789,972 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
2011 | 2010 | 2009 | ||||||||||
Adjusted EBITDA |
||||||||||||
Total adjusted EBITDA for reportable segments |
1,589,836 | 1,782,985 | 1,801,082 | |||||||||
Other adjusted EBITDA |
190,887 | 213,655 | 144,989 | |||||||||
Elimination of inter-segment adjusted EBITDA |
(32,580 | ) | (39,268 | ) | (20,738 | ) | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Consolidated adjusted EBITDA |
1,748,143 | 1,957,372 | 1,925,333 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Finance income |
330,277 | 277,130 | 329,550 | |||||||||
Finance costs |
(289,648 | ) | (102,662 | ) | (187,514 | ) | ||||||
Monetary gain |
144,813 | | | |||||||||
Other income |
32,600 | 14,668 | 978 | |||||||||
Other expense |
(161,236 | ) | (64,233 | ) | (111,220 | ) | ||||||
Share of profit of equity accounted investees |
136,907 | 122,839 | 78,448 | |||||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
(924,550 | ) | (757,354 | ) | (590,678 | ) | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Consolidated profit before income tax |
1,017,306 | 1,447,760 | 1,444,897 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
2011 | 2010 | 2009 | ||||||||||
Finance income |
||||||||||||
Total finance income for reportable segments |
299,225 | 256,933 | 307,825 | |||||||||
Other finance income |
58,951 | 60,213 | 75,783 | |||||||||
Elimination of inter-segment finance income |
(27,899 | ) | (40,016 | ) | (54,058 | ) | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Consolidated finance income |
330,277 | 277,130 | 329,550 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
2011 | 2010 | 2009 | ||||||||||
Finance costs |
||||||||||||
Total finance costs for reportable segments |
231,296 | 107,070 | 230,373 | |||||||||
Other finance costs |
159,991 | 66,143 | 32,975 | |||||||||
Elimination of inter-segment finance costs |
(101,639 | ) | (70,551 | ) | (75,834 | ) | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Consolidated finance costs |
289,648 | 102,662 | 187,514 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-49
TURKCELL ILETISIM HIZMETLERI AS AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)
As at and for the year ended 31 December 2011
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars unless otherwise indicated except share amounts)
(The Groups audited consolidated financial statements prepared as at and for the year ended 31 December 2010 were approved by the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors (Board Resolution dated 23 February 2011 and numbered 797), however not approved by the General Assemblies on 21 April 2011, 11 August 2011 and 12 October 2011.)
2011 | 2010 | 2009 | ||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
||||||||||||
Total depreciation and amortization for reportable segments |
826,863 | 675,936 | 528,882 | |||||||||
Other depreciation and amortization |
111,260 | 92,034 | 67,920 | |||||||||
Elimination of inter-segment depreciation and amortization |
(13,573 | ) | (10,616 | ) | (6,124 | ) | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Consolidated depreciation and amortization |
924,550 | 757,354 | 590,678 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
2011 | 2010 | 2009 | ||||||||||
Capital expenditure |
||||||||||||
Total capital expenditure for reportable segments |
621,434 | 725,564 | 1,543,860 | |||||||||
Other capital expenditure |
273,511 | 386,119 | 291,020 | |||||||||
Elimination of inter-segment capital expenditure |
(28,754 | ) | (33,101 | ) | (65,606 | ) | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Consolidated capital expenditure |
866,191 | 1,078,582 | 1,769,274 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
2011 | 2010 | |||||||
Assets |
||||||||
Total assets for reportable segments |
4,198,038 | 4,993,860 | ||||||
Other assets |
1,086,949 | 1,045,535 | ||||||
Investments in equity accounted investees |
414,392 | 399,622 | ||||||
Other unallocated assets |
3,399,422 | 3,355,545 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Consolidated total assets |
9,098,801 | 9,794,562 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
2011 | 2010 | |||||||
Liabilities |
||||||||
Total liabilities for reportable segments |
1,126,677 | 1,329,584 | ||||||
Other liabilities |
242,085 | 198,780 | ||||||
Other unallocated liabilities |
1,998,434 | 2,032,601 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Consolidated total liabilities |
3,367,196 | 3,560,965 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
F-50
TURKCELL ILETISIM HIZMETLERI AS AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)
As at and for the year ended 31 December 2011
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars unless otherwise indicated except share amounts)
(The Groups audited consolidated financial statements prepared as at and for the year ended 31 December 2010 were approved by the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors (Board Resolution dated 23 February 2011 and numbered 797), however not approved by the General Assemblies on 21 April 2011, 11 August 2011 and 12 October 2011.)
Geographical information
In presenting the information on the basis of geographical segments, segment revenue is based on the geographical location of operations and segment assets are based on the geographical location of the assets.
2011 | 2010 | 2009 | ||||||||||
Revenues |
||||||||||||
Turkey |
5,106,536 | 5,522,387 | 5,348,500 | |||||||||
Ukraine |
365,968 | 334,006 | 350,045 | |||||||||
Belarus |
47,893 | 48,918 | 17,356 | |||||||||
Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus |
63,857 | 76,782 | 74,071 | |||||||||
Azerbaijan |
12,426 | | | |||||||||
Germany |
12,999 | | | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
5,609,679 | 5,982,093 | 5,789,972 | ||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
2011 | 2010 | |||||||
Non-current assets |
||||||||
Turkey |
3,443,530 | 3,746,557 | ||||||
Ukraine |
548,746 | 607,704 | ||||||
Belarus |
142,926 | 497,798 | ||||||
Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus |
51,433 | 65,222 | ||||||
Azerbaijan |
5,043 | 3,379 | ||||||
Germany |
4,855 | | ||||||
Unallocated non-current assets |
438,634 | 436,364 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
4,635,167 | 5,357,024 | |||||||
|
|
|
|
7. | Acquisitions of subsidiaries |
Acquisition of Global Iletisim Hizmetleri AS
On 12 August 2011, Superonline Iletisim Hizmetleri AS (Turkcell Superonline) signed a Share Purchase Agreement (SPA) to acquire 100% stake in Global Iletisim, which is specialized in rendering of internet and telecommunications services. In November 2011, the control over Global Iletisim is acquired from Yildiz Holding AS for a consideration of $(456).
Subsequent to the acquisition, Global Iletisim reported a revenue of $3,209 and loss of $1,011. Since Global İletisims statement of income prepared in accordance with IFRS for the year ended 31 December 2011 is not available, the estimated consolidated revenue and profit or loss for the current reporting period if the acquisition had occurred on 1 January 2011 could not be disclosed.
F-51
TURKCELL ILETISIM HIZMETLERI AS AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)
As at and for the year ended 31 December 2011
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars unless otherwise indicated except share amounts)
(The Groups audited consolidated financial statements prepared as at and for the year ended 31 December 2010 were approved by the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors (Board Resolution dated 23 February 2011 and numbered 797), however not approved by the General Assemblies on 21 April 2011, 11 August 2011 and 12 October 2011.)
The acquisition of Global Iletisim had the following effect on the Groups assets and liabilities on the acquisition date:
Pre-acquisition carrying amounts |
Fair value adjustments |
Recognized values on acquisition |
||||||||||
Property, plant and equipment |
6,179 | 203 | 6,382 | |||||||||
Intangible assets |
1,490 | 2,600 | 4,090 | |||||||||
Other assets |
4,610 | | 4,610 | |||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
122 | | 122 | |||||||||
Total liabilities |
(15,741 | ) | | (15,741 | ) | |||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Net identifiable assets and liabilities |
(3,340 | ) | 2,803 | (537 | ) | |||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Consideration received |
(456 | ) | ||||||||||
Less: fair value of identifiable net assets acquired |
(537 | ) | ||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||
Goodwill arising on acquisition |
81 | |||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||
Consideration received in cash |
456 | |||||||||||
Add: cash and cash equivalent balances acquired |
122 | |||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||
Net cash and cash equivalent effect of the business combination |
578 | |||||||||||
|
|
Pre-acquisition carrying amounts were determined based on applicable IFRSs immediately before the acquisition. The fair value of intangible assets and liabilities recognized on acquisition has been determined provisionally pending completion of an independent valuation.
The goodwill recognised on the acquisition is attributable mainly to the synergies expected to be achieved from integrating Global Iletisim into the Groups broadband business.
The Group incurred acquisition-related costs of $67 related to external legal fees and due diligence costs. The legal fees and due diligence costs have been included in administrative expenses in the Groups consolidated statement of comprehensive income.
8. | Revenue |
2011 | 2010 | 2009 | ||||||||||
Communication fees |
5,225,441 | 5,670,215 | 5,557,335 | |||||||||
Monthly fixed fees |
62,977 | 75,420 | 42,493 | |||||||||
Commission fees on betting business |
51,376 | 31,195 | 42,652 | |||||||||
Call center revenues |
38,090 | 25,199 | 17,426 | |||||||||
Simcard sales |
21,152 | 22,900 | 22,855 | |||||||||
Other revenues |
210,643 | 157,164 | 107,211 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
5,609,679 | 5,982,093 | 5,789,972 | ||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-52
TURKCELL ILETISIM HIZMETLERI AS AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)
As at and for the year ended 31 December 2011
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars unless otherwise indicated except share amounts)
(The Groups audited consolidated financial statements prepared as at and for the year ended 31 December 2010 were approved by the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors (Board Resolution dated 23 February 2011 and numbered 797), however not approved by the General Assemblies on 21 April 2011, 11 August 2011 and 12 October 2011.)
9. | Other income and expenses |
Other income amounts to $32,600, $14,668 and $978 for the years ended 31 December 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. Other income mainly comprises of penalty amounting to $12,656 received back from ICTA which was imposed in 2010 as a result of investigation of ICTA on tariff plans.
Other expenses amount to $161,236, $64,233 and $111,220 for the years ended 31 December 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.
Other expenses for the years ended 31 December 2011 mainly comprises of impairment charge recognized on goodwill arising from the acquisition of Belarusian Telecom amounting to $52,971, impairment recognized on the Groups investment in Atel and Aks TV amounting to $15,844 and $5,714, respectively. Besides, provision set for Special Communication Tax (SCT) on the discounts applied to distributors for prepaid scratch card sales between January 2005 and January 2007, as explained in Note 33 to consolidated financial statements amounting to $31,155, penalty regarding the fine applied for tariffs above upper limits amounting to $23,459, penalty imposed as a result of investigation on breaching confidentiality of personal data and relevant legislation $5,374, penalty on compatibility of Companys practices regarding the subscription annulment procedures amounting to $5,020, penalty imposed as a result of the investigation initiated by ICTA upon the complaint of a subscriber regarding the Companys miss charging of data tariffs and international roaming campaigns amounting to $682 and $2,703, respectively, and penalty regarding number portability amounting to $1,225 are also recorded as other expense in the statement of comprehensive income.
Other expenses for the year ended 31 December 2010 comprises impairment charge recognized on goodwill arising from the acquisition of Belarusian Telecom amounting to $23,499, penalty imposed as a result of investigation of ICTA on tariff plans, VAS service subscriptions and charging applications of the Company amounting to $13,987, $4,957 and $2,090, respectively, Special Communication Tax (SCT) and VAT calculated on roaming services that had to be collected from subscribers as a result of tax settlement amounting to $12,900 and provision set for SCT on the discounts applied to distributors for prepaid scratch card sales between January 2005 and January 2007 amounting to $5,825 based on the previous settlement gains. Besides, provision set for the SCT on the discounts applied to distributors for prepaid scratch card sales in 2003 and 2004 was $14,539 as of 31 December 2009. However, it has been settled at $2,765 and the difference is reflected to other expense as income.
10. | Personnel expenses |
2011 | 2010 | 2009 | ||||||||||
Wages and salaries(*) |
493,777 | 485,214 | 400,880 | |||||||||
Increase in liability for long-service leave |
12,697 | 10,879 | 7,884 | |||||||||
Contributions to defined contribution plans |
9,054 | 5,243 | 3,694 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
515,528 | 501,336 | 412,458 | ||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
(*) | Wages and salaries include compulsory social security contributions and bonuses. |
F-53
TURKCELL ILETISIM HIZMETLERI AS AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)
As at and for the year ended 31 December 2011
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars unless otherwise indicated except share amounts)
(The Groups audited consolidated financial statements prepared as at and for the year ended 31 December 2010 were approved by the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors (Board Resolution dated 23 February 2011 and numbered 797), however not approved by the General Assemblies on 21 April 2011, 11 August 2011 and 12 October 2011.)
11. | Finance income and costs |
Recognized in the statement of income:
2011 | 2010 | 2009 | ||||||||||
Interest income on bank deposits |
248,116 | 196,418 | 224,160 | |||||||||
Late payment interest income |
46,922 | 42,064 | 49,037 | |||||||||
Discount interest income |
24,607 | 886 | 1,052 | |||||||||
Premium income on option contracts |
6,081 | 12,147 | 10,549 | |||||||||
Interest income on available-for-sale financial assets |
113 | 1,121 | 6,308 | |||||||||
Net gain on disposal of available-for-sale financial assets transferred from equity |
| 1,318 | 2,084 | |||||||||
Other interest income |
4,438 | 23,176 | 36,360 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Finance income |
330,277 | 277,130 | 329,550 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Litigation late payment interest expense |
(8,772 | ) | (258 | ) | (97,016 | ) | ||||||
Interest expense on financial liabilities measured at amortized cost |
(47,387 | ) | (66,086 | ) | (76,763 | ) | ||||||
Option premium expense |
(1,267 | ) | (4,988 | ) | (1,150 | ) | ||||||
Net foreign exchange loss |
(202,686 | ) | (13,778 | ) | (576 | ) | ||||||
Other |
(29,536 | ) | (17,552 | ) | (12,009 | ) | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Finance cost |
(289,648 | ) | (102,662 | ) | (187,514 | ) | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Net finance income |
40,629 | 174,468 | 142,036 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
Late payment interest income is interest received from subscribers who pay monthly invoices after the due date specified on the invoices.
Borrowings costs capitalized on fixed assets are $6,025, $11,127 and $1,602 for the years ended 31 December 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. Interest capitalization ratio is 11.5%, 17.6% and 5.6% for the year ended 31 December 2011, 2010 and 2009 respectively.
12. | Income tax expense |
2011 | 2010 | 2009 | ||||||||||
Current tax expense |
||||||||||||
Current period |
(303,968 | ) | (336,914 | ) | (353,389 | ) | ||||||
Deferred tax benefit |
||||||||||||
Origination and reversal of temporary differences |
8,646 | 13,321 | 9,574 | |||||||||
Benefit of investment incentives recognized |
942 | 1,187 | 1,892 | |||||||||
Utilization of previously unrecognized tax losses |
2,187 | 1,607 | 1,830 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
11,775 | 16,115 | 13,296 | ||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Total income tax expense |
(292,193 | ) | (320,799 | ) | (340,093 | ) | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-54
TURKCELL ILETISIM HIZMETLERI AS AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)
As at and for the year ended 31 December 2011
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars unless otherwise indicated except share amounts)
(The Groups audited consolidated financial statements prepared as at and for the year ended 31 December 2010 were approved by the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors (Board Resolution dated 23 February 2011 and numbered 797), however not approved by the General Assemblies on 21 April 2011, 11 August 2011 and 12 October 2011.)
Income tax recognized directly in equity
Before tax | Tax (expense)/ Benefit |
Net of tax | ||||||||||
2011 |
||||||||||||
Foreign currency translation differences |
(1,293,917 | ) | (4,430 | ) | (1,298,347 | ) | ||||||
Change in cash flow hedge reserve |
(459 | ) | | (459 | ) | |||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
(1,294,376 | ) | (4,430 | ) | (1,298,806 | ) | |||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
2010 |
||||||||||||
Foreign currency translation differences |
(184,352 | ) | (754 | ) | (185,106 | ) | ||||||
Net change in fair value of available-for-sale securities |
(1,318 | ) | | (1,318 | ) | |||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
(185,670 | ) | (754 | ) | (186,424 | ) | |||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
2009 |
||||||||||||
Foreign currency translation differences |
53,046 | (1,091 | ) | 51,955 | ||||||||
Net change in fair value of available-for-sale securities |
1,197 | | 1,197 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
54,243 | (1,091 | ) | 53,152 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reconciliation of effective tax rate
The reported income tax expense for the years ended 31 December 2011, 2010 and 2009 are different than the amounts computed by applying the statutory tax rate to profit before income tax of the Company, as shown in the following reconciliation:
2011 | 2010 | 2009 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Profit for the year |
725,113 | 1,126,961 | 1,104,804 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Total income tax expense |
292,193 | 320,799 | 340,093 | |||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||
Profit before income tax |
1,017,306 | 1,447,760 | 1,444,897 | |||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||
Income tax using the Companys domestic tax rate |
20 | % | (203,461 | ) | 20 | % | (289,552 | ) | 20 | % | (288,979 | ) | ||||||||||||
Effect of tax rates in foreign jurisdictions |
(1 | )% | 14,221 | (1 | )% | 12,367 | (1 | )% | 10,041 | |||||||||||||||
Tax exempt income |
(1 | )% | 8,050 | | 676 | | 1,041 | |||||||||||||||||
Non-deductible expenses |
3 | % | (31,806 | ) | 1 | % | (19,300 | ) | 2 | % | (29,444 | ) | ||||||||||||
Tax incentives |
| 942 | | 1,187 | | 1,892 | ||||||||||||||||||
Utilization of previously unrecognized tax losses |
| 2,187 | | 1,607 | | 1,830 | ||||||||||||||||||
Unrecognized deferred tax assets |
11 | % | (112,192 | ) | 3 | % | (47,623 | ) | 3 | % | (48,963 | ) | ||||||||||||
Difference in effective tax rate of equity accounted investees |
(2 | )% | 24,782 | (2 | )% | 22,893 | (1 | )% | 17,602 | |||||||||||||||
Other |
| 5,084 | | (3,054 | ) | | (5,113 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||
Total income tax expense |
(292,193 | ) | (320,799 | ) | (340,093 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-55
TURKCELL ILETISIM HIZMETLERI AS AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)
As at and for the year ended 31 December 2011
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars unless otherwise indicated except share amounts)
(The Groups audited consolidated financial statements prepared as at and for the year ended 31 December 2010 were approved by the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors (Board Resolution dated 23 February 2011 and numbered 797), however not approved by the General Assemblies on 21 April 2011, 11 August 2011 and 12 October 2011.)
The income taxes payable of $61,891 and $96,080 as at 31 December 2011 and 2010, respectively, represents the amount of income taxes payable in respect of related taxable profit for the years ended 31 December 2011 and 2010, respectively netted off with advance tax payments.
The Turkish entities within the Group are subject to corporate tax at the rate of 20%. In Turkey, there is no procedure for a final and definitive agreement on tax assessments. Companies file their tax returns at the end of April following the close of the accounting year to which they relate. Tax authorities may, however, examine such returns and the underlying accounting records and may revise assessments within five years. Advance tax returns are filed on a quarterly basis.
Corporate tax is applied on taxable corporate income, which is calculated from the statutory accounting profit by adding back non-deductible expenses, and by deducting tax exempt income.
In Turkey, the transfer pricing provisions have been stated under the Article 13 of Corporate Tax Law with the heading of disguised profit distribution via transfer pricing. The General Communiqué on disguised profit distribution via Transfer Pricing, dated 18 November 2007 sets details about implementation.
If a taxpayer enters into transactions regarding sale or purchase of goods and services with related parties, where the prices are not set in accordance with arms length principle, then related profits are considered to be distributed in a disguised manner through transfer pricing. Such disguised profit distributions through transfer pricing are not accepted as tax deductible for corporate income tax purposes.
Since the Belarusian tax legislation does not allow carrying forward tax losses to future periods, no deferred tax asset is recognized on any loss incurred as a result of negative economic developments in Belarus. Additionally, since the recognition of goodwill and its impairment are not subject to taxation, the impairment recognized on goodwill allocated to Belarusian Telecom is not taken into consideration in the taxation.
F-56
TURKCELL ILETISIM HIZMETLERI AS AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)
As at and for the year ended 31 December 2011
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars unless otherwise indicated except share amounts)
(The Groups audited consolidated financial statements prepared as at and for the year ended 31 December 2010 were approved by the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors (Board Resolution dated 23 February 2011 and numbered 797), however not approved by the General Assemblies on 21 April 2011, 11 August 2011 and 12 October 2011.)
13. | Property, plant and equipment |
Balance at 1 January 2010 |
Additions | Disposals | Transfers | Impairment | Effect of movements in exchange rates |
Balance at 31 December 2010 |
||||||||||||||||||||||
Cost or deemed cost |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Network infrastructure (All operational) Operational) |
5,234,540 | 233,239 | (694,108 | ) | 986,357 | | (121,879 | ) | 5,638,149 | |||||||||||||||||||
Land and buildings |
272,744 | 15,711 | | | | (6,845 | ) | 281,610 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Equipment, fixtures and fittings |
311,390 | 11,626 | (2,205 | ) | (35,347 | ) | | (6,755 | ) | 278,709 | ||||||||||||||||||
Motor vehicles |
14,905 | 3,763 | (1,901 | ) | | | (426 | ) | 16,341 | |||||||||||||||||||
Leasehold improvements |
134,743 | 6,167 | (968 | ) | | | (3,436 | ) | 136,506 | |||||||||||||||||||
Construction in progress |
451,050 | 703,191 | (3,592 | ) | (936,992 | ) | (1,174 | ) | (10,083 | ) | 202,400 | |||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||
Total |
6,419,372 | 973,697 | (702,774 | ) | 14,018 | (1,174 | ) | (149,424 | ) | 6,553,715 | ||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||
Accumulated depreciation |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Network infrastructure (All operational) |
3,273,403 | 420,601 | (690,051 | ) | 18,229 | 63,673 | (85,994 | ) | 2,999,861 | |||||||||||||||||||
Land and buildings |
99,405 | 10,124 | | | | (2,779 | ) | 106,750 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Equipment, fixtures and fittings |
266,360 | 15,196 | (1,709 | ) | (16,921 | ) | | (10,742 | ) | 252,184 | ||||||||||||||||||
Motor vehicles |
12,027 | 1,841 | (1,686 | ) | | | (355 | ) | 11,827 | |||||||||||||||||||
Leasehold improvements |
115,955 | 2,906 | (721 | ) | | | (3,068 | ) | 115,072 | |||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||
Total |
3,767,150 | 450,668 | (694,167 | ) | 1,308 | 63,673 | (102,938 | ) | 3,485,694 | |||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||
Total property, plant and equipment |
2,652,222 | 523,029 | (8,607 | ) | 12,710 | (64,847 | ) | (46,486 | ) | 3,068,021 | ||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-57
TURKCELL ILETISIM HIZMETLERI AS AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)
As at and for the year ended 31 December 2011
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars unless otherwise indicated except share amounts)
(The Groups audited consolidated financial statements prepared as at and for the year ended 31 December 2010 were approved by the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors (Board Resolution dated 23 February 2011 and numbered 797), however not approved by the General Assemblies on 21 April 2011, 11 August 2011 and 12 October 2011.)
Balance as at 1 January 2011 |
Additions | Disposals | Transfers | Impairment | Acquisitions through business combinations |
Effect of movements in exchange rates and hyperinflation |
Balance as at 31 December 2011 |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cost or deemed cost |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Network infrastructure (All operational) |
5,638,149 | 88,535 | (310,323 | ) | 546,137 | | 8,155 | (866,902 | ) | 5,103,751 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Land and buildings |
281,610 | 5,433 | | 6,186 | | | (48,518 | ) | 244,711 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Equipment, fixtures and fittings |
278,709 | 11,419 | (2,034 | ) | 312 | | 1,399 | (48,081 | ) | 241,724 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Motor vehicles |
16,341 | 2,752 | (884 | ) | | | | (2,676 | ) | 15,533 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Leasehold improvements |
136,506 | 3,337 | (1,376 | ) | 212 | | 608 | (24,415 | ) | 114,872 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Construction in progress |
202,400 | 564,164 | (522 | ) | (492,381 | ) | (36 | ) | 44 | (47,352 | ) | 226,317 | ||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||
Total |
6,553,715 | 675,640 | (315,139 | ) | 60,466 | (36 | ) | 10,206 | (1,037,944 | ) | 5,946,908 | |||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||
Accumulated depreciation |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Network infrastructure (All operational) |
2,999,861 | 468,966 | (306,767 | ) | 28,468 | 144,352 | 2,749 | (514,173 | ) | 2,823,456 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Land and buildings |
106,750 | 9,167 | | 6 | | | (19,484 | ) | 96,439 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Equipment, fixtures and fittings |
252,184 | 9,106 | (1,688 | ) | (265 | ) | 12 | 680 | (50,192 | ) | 209,837 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Motor vehicles |
11,827 | 1,824 | (640 | ) | | 22 | | (1,975 | ) | 11,058 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Leasehold improvements |
115,072 | 3,266 | (1,354 | ) | 68 | 7 | 395 | (20,936 | ) | 96,518 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||
Total |
3,485,694 | 492,329 | (310,449 | ) | 28,277 | 144,393 | 3,824 | (606,760 | ) | 3,237,308 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||
Total property, plant and equipment |
3,068,021 | 183,311 | (4,690 | ) | 32,189 | (144,429 | ) | 6,382 | (431,184 | ) | 2,709,600 | |||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation expenses for the years ended 31 December 2011, 2010 and 2009 are $636,758, $515,515 and $384,257, respectively including impairment losses and recognized in direct cost of revenues.
The impairment losses on property, plant and equipment for the years ended 31 December 2011, 2010 and 2009 are $144,429, $64,847 and $39,298, respectively and recognized in depreciation expense.
Leased assets
The Group leases equipment under a number of finance lease agreements. At the end of each of the lease period, the Group has the option to purchase the equipment at a beneficial price. As at 31 December 2011, net carrying amount of fixed assets acquired under finance leases amounted to $64,856 (31 December 2010: $82,944).
F-58
TURKCELL ILETISIM HIZMETLERI AS AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)
As at and for the year ended 31 December 2011
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars unless otherwise indicated except share amounts)
(The Groups audited consolidated financial statements prepared as at and for the year ended 31 December 2010 were approved by the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors (Board Resolution dated 23 February 2011 and numbered 797), however not approved by the General Assemblies on 21 April 2011, 11 August 2011 and 12 October 2011.)
Property, plant and equipment under construction
Construction in progress mainly consisted of capital expenditures in GSM network of the Company, Astelit, Kibris Mobile Telekomunikasyon Limited Sirketi (Kibris Telekom) and Belarusian Telecom and non-operational items as at 31 December 2011 and 2010.
A mortgage was placed on Izmir building in favor of Yapi ve Kredi Bankasi AS, Interbank AS and Pamukbank TAS founded at 25 August 1992 amounting to $970 and also on Davutpasa building in favour of Pamukbank TAS founded at 11 December 1997 amounting to $323 as at 31 December 2010 due to previous debts of BMC Sanayi ve Ticaret AS. These buildings were sold to the Company with their mortgages. The debts of BMC Sanayi ve Ticaret AS were paid and the Company has no liability to Savings Deposit Insurance Fund (SDIF). Therefore as at 31 December 2011, the mortgages on Izmir and Davutpasa buildings were released by SDIF on 17 August 2011 and 22 September 2011, respectively.
14. | Intangible assets |
In April 1998, the Company signed the License with the Turkish Ministry, under which it was granted a GSM license, which is amortized over 25 years with a carrying amount of $273,864 as at 31 December 2011 (31 December 2010: $364,349). The amortization period of the license will end in 2023.
On 30 April 2009, the Company signed a license agreement with ICTA which provides authorization for providing IMT 2000/UMTS services and infrastructure. The Company acquired the A type license providing the widest frequency band for a consideration of EUR 358,000 (excluding VAT). The license is effective for duration of 20 years starting from 30 April 2009. The carrying amount is $353,034 as at 31 December 2011 (31 December 2010: $456,221).
Impairment testing for long-lived assets
The carrying amounts of the Groups non-financial assets are reviewed at each reporting date to determine whether there is any indication of impairment. If any such indication exists, then the assets recoverable amount is estimated. Long-lived assets are tested for impairment as at 31 December 2011. For the purpose of impairment testing, assets that cannot be tested individually are grouped together into the smallest group of assets, cash generating units. As at 31 December 2011, impairment test for long-lived assets of Astelit and A-Tel, is made on the assumption that Astelit and A-Tel are the cash generating unit.
Astelit: As the recoverable amounts based on the value in use of cash generating units is higher than the carrying amount of cash-generating units of Astelit, no impairment is recognized. The assumptions used in value in use calculation of Astelit as at 31 December 2011 are:
A 13.6% post-tax WACC rate for 2012, a 13.7% post-tax WACC rate for 2013, a 13.9% post-tax WACC rate for after 2013 and 2.5% terminal growth rate were used to extrapolate cash flows beyond the 5-year forecasts based on the business plans. Independent appraisal is obtained for fair value to determine recoverable amounts for Astelit. The pre-tax rate for disclosure purposes is 15.5%.
A-Tel: As the recoverable amounts based on the value in use of cash generating units is lower than the carrying amount of cash-generating units of A-Tel, an impairment loss of $15,655 has been recognized in
F-59
TURKCELL ILETISIM HIZMETLERI AS AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)
As at and for the year ended 31 December 2011
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars unless otherwise indicated except share amounts)
(The Groups audited consolidated financial statements prepared as at and for the year ended 31 December 2010 were approved by the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors (Board Resolution dated 23 February 2011 and numbered 797), however not approved by the General Assemblies on 21 April 2011, 11 August 2011 and 12 October 2011.)
consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2011. The impairment loss has been decreased from the carrying value of the asset and has been included in other expense of statement of comprehensive income. The assumptions used in value in use calculation of A-Tel as at 31 December 2011 are:
A 14.2% post-tax WACC rate and a 5.0% terminal growth rate were used to extrapolate cash flows beyond the 5-year forecasts based on the business plans. Independent appraisal is obtained for fair value to determine recoverable amounts for A-Tel. The pre-tax rate for disclosure purposes is 14.2%.
F-60
TURKCELL ILETISIM HIZMETLERI AS AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)
As at and for the year ended 31 December 2011
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars unless otherwise indicated except share amounts)
(The Groups audited consolidated financial statements prepared as at and for the year ended 31 December 2010 were approved by the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors (Board Resolution dated 23 February 2011 and numbered 797), however not approved by the General Assemblies on 21 April 2011, 11 August 2011 and 12 October 2011.)
Balance as at 1 January 2010 |
Additions | Disposals | Transfers | Impairment | Effects of movements in exchange rates |
Balance as at 31 December 2010 |
||||||||||||||||||||||
Cost |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
GSM and other telecommunication operating licenses |
1,465,898 | 400 | | 2,815 | | (47,678 | ) | 1,421,435 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Computer software |
1,951,060 | 36,831 | | 79,617 | | (47,792 | ) | 2,019,716 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Transmission lines |
33,189 | 284 | | | | (858 | ) | 32,615 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Central betting system operating right |
5,527 | 339 | | | | (144 | ) | 5,722 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Indefeasible right of usage |
| 22,531 | | | | | 22,531 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Brand name |
4,676 | | | | | (122 | ) | 4,554 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Customer base |
6,398 | | | | | (167 | ) | 6,231 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Customs duty and VAT exemption right |
51,325 | | | | | (1,338 | ) | 49,987 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Goodwill |
184,356 | | | | (23,499 | ) | (19,600 | ) | 141,257 | |||||||||||||||||||
Other |
2,298 | 532 | | | | (48 | ) | 2,782 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Construction in progress |
5,562 | 94,441 | | (96,449 | ) | | (928 | ) | 2,626 | |||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||
Total |
3,710,289 | 155,358 | | (14,017 | ) | (23,499 | ) | (118,675 | ) | 3,709,456 | ||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||
Accumulated amortization |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
GSM and other telecommunication operating licenses |
407,800 | 70,847 | | | | (12,915 | ) | 465,732 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Computer software |
1,355,842 | 155,714 | | (1,307 | ) | | (38,140 | ) | 1,472,109 | |||||||||||||||||||
Transmission lines |
26,040 | 1,734 | | | | (767 | ) | 27,007 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Central betting system operating right |
4,016 | 210 | | | | (110 | ) | 4,116 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Indefeasible right of usage |
| 1,543 | | | | | 1,543 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Brand name |
584 | 468 | | | | (28 | ) | 1,024 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Customer base |
1,996 | 654 | | | | (69 | ) | 2,581 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Customs duty and VAT exemption right |
15,553 | 10,595 | | | | (686 | ) | 25,462 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Other |
477 | 74 | | | | 20 | 571 | |||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||
Total |
1,812,308 | 241,839 | | (1,307 | ) | | (52,695 | ) | 2,000,145 | |||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||
Total intangible assets |
1,897,981 | (86,481 | ) | | (12,710 | ) | (23,499 | ) | (65,980 | ) | 1,709,311 | |||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-61
TURKCELL ILETISIM HIZMETLERI AS AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)
As at and for the year ended 31 December 2011
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars unless otherwise indicated except share amounts)
(The Groups audited consolidated financial statements prepared as at and for the year ended 31 December 2010 were approved by the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors (Board Resolution dated 23 February 2011 and numbered 797), however not approved by the General Assemblies on 21 April 2011, 11 August 2011 and 12 October 2011.)
Balance at 1 January 2011 |
Additions | Disposals | Transfers | Impairment | Acquisitions through business combinations |
Effects of movements in exchange rates and hyperinflation |
Balance at 31 December 2011 |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cost |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
GSM and other telecommunication operating licenses |
1,421,435 | 5,553 | | | | 1,313 | (235,276 | ) | 1,193,025 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Computer software |
2,019,716 | 52,433 | (433 | ) | 82,719 | | 1,660 | (338,550 | ) | 1,817,545 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Transmission lines |
32,615 | 118 | | | | | (5,872 | ) | 26,861 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Central betting system operating right |
5,722 | 341 | | | | | (1,039 | ) | 5,024 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Indefeasible right of usage |
22,531 | | | | | | (4,090 | ) | 18,441 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Brand name |
4,554 | | | | | | (827 | ) | 3,727 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Customer base |
6,231 | | | | | 2,600 | (1,320 | ) | 7,511 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Customs duty and VAT exemption right |
49,987 | | | | | | (3,240 | ) | 46,747 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Goodwill |
141,257 | | | | (52,971 | ) | 81 | (70,989 | ) | 17,378 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Other |
2,782 | | | | | | (292 | ) | 2,490 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Construction in progress |
2,626 | 140,162 | | (143,185 | ) | | | 397 | | |||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||
Total |
3,709,456 | 198,607 | (433 | ) | (60,466 | ) | (52,971 | ) | 5,654 | (661,098 | ) | 3,138,749 | ||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||
Accumulated amortization |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
GSM and other telecommunication operating licenses |
465,732 | 65,972 | | | 53,177 | 15 | (83,766 | ) | 501,130 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Computer software |
1,472,109 | 145,919 | (291 | ) | (28,277 | ) | | 1,468 | (276,357 | ) | 1,314,571 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Transmission lines |
27,007 | 1,229 | | | | | (4,739 | ) | 23,497 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Central betting system operating right |
4,116 | 219 | | | | | (934 | ) | 3,401 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Indefeasible right of usage |
1,543 | 1,391 | | | | | (586 | ) | 2,348 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Brand name |
1,024 | 422 | | | | | (235 | ) | 1,211 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Customer base |
2,581 | 619 | | | | | (540 | ) | 2,660 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Customs duty and VAT exemption right |
25,462 | 9,946 | | | 8,669 | | (1,367 | ) | 42,710 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Other |
571 | 229 | | | | | 113 | 913 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||
Total |
2,000,145 | 225,946 | (291 | ) | (28,277 | ) | 61,846 | 1,483 | (368,411 | ) | 1,892,441 | |||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||
Total intangible assets |
1,709,311 | (27,339 | ) | (142 | ) | (32,189 | ) | (114,817 | ) | 4,171 | (292,687 | ) | 1,246,308 | |||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-62
TURKCELL ILETISIM HIZMETLERI AS AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)
As at and for the year ended 31 December 2011
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars unless otherwise indicated except share amounts)
(The Groups audited consolidated financial statements prepared as at and for the year ended 31 December 2010 were approved by the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors (Board Resolution dated 23 February 2011 and numbered 797), however not approved by the General Assemblies on 21 April 2011, 11 August 2011 and 12 October 2011.)
Amortization expenses on intangible assets other than goodwill for the years ended 31 December 2011, 2010 and 2009 are $287,792, $241,839 and $206,421 respectively including impairment losses and recognized in direct cost of revenues. The impairment losses on goodwill for the year ended 31 December 2011, 2010 and 2009 are $52,971, $23,499 and $61,835, respectively recognized in other expenses in the consolidated statement of income.
Computer software includes internally generated capitalized software development costs that meet the definition of an intangible asset. The amount of internally generated capitalized costs is $26,966 for the year ended 31 December 2011 (31 December 2010: $29,142).
Turkcell Superonline, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Group, won the tender of BOTAS for indefeasible right to use the capacity of the fiber optic cables already installed by BOTAS for 15 years, including the right to install additional fiber optic cables and the right to use the capacity of these fiber optic cables for the same period. Turkcell Superonline will pay EUR 20,900 to BOTAS for the right and this transaction has been considered as a finance lease as the lease term is for the major part of the remaining useful life of the fiber optic cables already installed by BOTAS and Superonline will make significant investment during the initial period of the lease agreement which is an indicator that the transaction is a finance lease. The Group recognized indefeasible right of use amounting to $22,531 as at 31 December 2010 which is calculated as the present value of payments to be made to BOTAS till the year 2024.
Impairment testing for cash-generating unit containing goodwill |
Goodwill allocated to cash generating units and carrying values of all cash generating units are annually tested for impairment. The recoverable amounts (that is, higher of value in use and fair value less cost to sell) are normally determined on the basis of value in use, applying discounted cash flow calculation. Independent appraisals were obtained for fair values to determine recoverable amounts for Belarusian Telecom and Turkcell Superonline as at 31 December 2011.
In calculating the net present value of the future cash flows, certain assumptions are required to be made in respect of highly uncertain matters including managements expectations of growth in EBITDA, calculated as results from operating activities before depreciation and amortization and other income/(expenses), timing and quantum of future capital expenditure, long term growth rates, and the selection of discount rates to reflect the risks involved.
Belarusian Telecom |
As at 31 December 2011, impairment test was performed for Belarusian Telecom and after tax impairment at the amount of $206,038 was calculated for the cash-generating unit. The aggregate carrying amount of goodwill arising from the acquisition of Belarusian Telecom was totally impaired by $52,971 and is included in other expense of statement of comprehensive income. Remaining impairment amounting to $169,320 was allocated to the fixed assets of the cash-generating unit on a pro-rata basis based on the carrying amount of each asset in the cash-generating unit and is included in depreciation expense. Tax effect
F-63
TURKCELL ILETISIM HIZMETLERI AS AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)
As at and for the year ended 31 December 2011
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars unless otherwise indicated except share amounts)
(The Groups audited consolidated financial statements prepared as at and for the year ended 31 December 2010 were approved by the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors (Board Resolution dated 23 February 2011 and numbered 797), however not approved by the General Assemblies on 21 April 2011, 11 August 2011 and 12 October 2011.)
of the long-lived asset impairment of $16,253 is included in deferred taxation benefit. Value in use was determined by discounting the expected future cash flows to be generated by the cash-generating unit and the terminal value. The calculation of the value in use was based on the following key assumptions:
The projection period for the purposes of goodwill impairment testing is taken as 5 years between 1 January 2012 and 31 December 2016. Cash flows for further periods (perpetuity) were extrapolated using a constant growth rate of 3.0% which does not exceed the estimated average growth rate for Belarus.
A post-tax discount rate WACC of 15.7% was applied in determining the recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit. The post-tax rate was adjusted considering the tax cash outflows and other future tax cash flows and discrepancies between the cost of the assets and their tax bases. The pre-tax rate for disclosure purposes is 19.0%.
Turkcell Superonline
As at 31 December 2011, the aggregate carrying amount of goodwill allocated to Superonline is $17,307. As the recoverable value based on the value in use of the cash generating units is estimated to be higher than carrying amount, no impairment was required for goodwill arising from the acquisition of Superonline as at 31 December 2011. The calculation of the value in use was based on the following key assumptions:
Values assigned to EBITDA for the periods forecasted include the expected synergies to be achieved from operating as a part of the Group. Values assigned to this key assumption reflect past experience except for efficiency improvements and synergies. Management believes that any reasonably possible change in the key assumptions on which Superonline recoverable amount is based would not cause Superonlines carrying amount to exceed its recoverable amount.
The projection period for the purposes of goodwill impairment testing is taken as 8 years between 1 January 2012 and 31 December 2019.
Cash flows for further periods (perpetuity) were extrapolated using a constant growth rate of 2.8%. This growth rate does not exceed the long-term average growth rate for the market in which Superonline operates.
A post-tax discount rate WACC of 15.5% was applied in determining the recoverable amount of the unit. Discounting post-tax cash flows at a post-tax discount rate and discounting pre-tax cash flows at pre-tax discount rate give same results, since the pre-tax discount rate is the post-tax discount rate adjusted to reflect the specific amount and timing of the future tax cash flows. For disclosure purposes pre-tax discount rate is 17.6%.
After the acquisition of Superonline Uluslararasi in 2008, management merged Superonline Uluslararasis operations with its wholly owned subsidiary, Tellcom Iletisim Hizmetleri AS (Tellcom) in May 2009. With the merger, Superonline Uluslararasi and Tellcom seized to be separate cash generating units and merged as one cash generating unit under the brand name of Superonline. Therefore, the business plans used for the purpose of the impairment testing represents the merged entities operations. The registered name of the entity was changed from Tellcom Iletisim Hizmetleri AS to Superonline Iletisim Hizmetleri AS with General Assembly Meeting note dated 20 December 2010.
F-64
TURKCELL ILETISIM HIZMETLERI AS AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)
As at and for the year ended 31 December 2011
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars unless otherwise indicated except share amounts)
(The Groups audited consolidated financial statements prepared as at and for the year ended 31 December 2010 were approved by the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors (Board Resolution dated 23 February 2011 and numbered 797), however not approved by the General Assemblies on 21 April 2011, 11 August 2011 and 12 October 2011.)
15. | Equity accounted investees |
The Groups share of profit in its equity accounted investees for the years ended 31 December 2011, 2010 and 2009 are $136,907, $122,839 and $78,448, respectively. Summary financial information for equity accounted investees adjusted for the accounting policy differences for the same events under similar circumstances and not adjusted for the percentage ownership held by the Group is as follows:
Ownership | Current assets |
Non-current assets |
Total assets |
Current liabilities |
Non-current liabilities |
Non-controlling interest |
Equity attributable to parent |
Total liabilities and equity |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
31 December 2011 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Fintur (associate) |
41.45 | % | 491,192 | 1,735,797 | 2,226,989 | 232,965 | 825,240 | 472,749 | 696,035 | 2,226,989 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
A-Tel (joint venture)* |
50.00 | % | 34,305 | 108,499 | 142,804 | 2,821 | 28,287 | | 111,696 | 142,804 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
525,497 | 1,844,296 | 2,369,793 | 235,786 | 853,527 | 472,749 | 807,731 | 2,369,793 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
31 December 2010 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Fintur (associate) |
41.45 | % | 451,598 | 1,578,669 | 2,030,267 | 289,785 | 811,749 | 439,495 | 489,238 | 2,030,267 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
A-Tel (joint venture)* |
50.00 | % | 48,888 | 181,414 | 230,302 | 1,078 | 37,216 | | 192,008 | 230,302 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
500,486 | 1,760,083 | 2,260,569 | 290,863 | 848,965 | 439,495 | 681,246 | 2,260,569 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
Revenues | Direct cost of revenues |
Profit/Loss | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2011 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Fintur |
1,957,904 | (802,953 | ) | 398,688 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
A-Tel |
56,512 | (53,063 | ) | (31,777 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2,014,416 | (856,016 | ) | 366,911 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2010 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Fintur** |
1,791,725 | (692,757 | ) | 369,516 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
A-Tel |
63,235 | (56,683 | ) | 2,923 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1,854,960 | (749,440 | ) | 372,439 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
* | Figures mentioned in the above table include fair value adjustments that arose during acquisition of A-Tel. |
** | A reclassification between Revenues and Selling and Marketing Expenses has been made in the financial statements of Fintur regarding distributors commissions. |
F-65
TURKCELL ILETISIM HIZMETLERI AS AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)
As at and for the year ended 31 December 2011
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars unless otherwise indicated except share amounts)
(The Groups audited consolidated financial statements prepared as at and for the year ended 31 December 2010 were approved by the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors (Board Resolution dated 23 February 2011 and numbered 797), however not approved by the General Assemblies on 21 April 2011, 11 August 2011 and 12 October 2011.)
The Companys investment in Fintur Holdings BV (Fintur) and A-Tel amounts to $358,544 and $55,848 respectively as at 31 December 2011 (31 December 2010: $303,618 and $96,004).
In 2011, Fintur has decided to distribute three dividends amounting to $50,000, $54,000 and $55,000. The Company reduced the carrying value of its investments in Fintur by the cash collected dividend of $20,725, $22,383 and $22,798 on 7 April 2011, 14 October 2011 and 16 December 2011, respectively.
In 2010, Fintur has decided to distribute two dividends amounting to $70,000 and $190,000. The Company reduced the carrying value of its investments in Fintur by the cash collected dividend of $29,015 and $78,755 on 5 May 2010 and 7 December 2010, respectively.
In April 2008, the privatization of the Republic of Azerbaijans 35.7% ownership in Azercell Telecom B.M. (Azercell), a 51% owned consolidated subsidiary of Fintur, was completed. The non-controlling shareholders in Azercell acquired the 35.7% shares of Republic of Azerbaijan increasing their effective ownership in Azercell to 49%. One of the non-controlling shareholders was also granted a put option, giving the shareholder the right to sell its 42.2% stake to Fintur at fair value in certain deadlock situations regarding significant decisions at the General Assembly. Fintur has initially accounted for the present value of the estimated option redemption amount as a provision and derecognized the non-controlling interest. The difference between the present value of the estimated option redemption amount and the derecognized non-controlling interest amounting to $744,199 is accounted under equity, in accordance with the Groups accounting policy.
During March 2011 and April 2010 at the General Assembly meeting of A-Tel, it has been decided to distribute dividends amounting to TL 26,982 (equivalent to $14,285 as at 31 December 2011) and TL 2,482 (equivalent to $1,314 as at 31 December 2011), respectively. The Company reduced the carrying value of its investments in A-Tel by its dividend portion of TL 13,491 (equivalent to $7,142 as at 31 December 2011) and TL 1,241 (equivalent to $657 as at 31 December 2011) as at 31 December 2011 and 31 December 2010, respectively.
16. | Other investments |
Non-current investments:
2011 | 2010 | |||||||||||||||||||
Country of incorporation |
Ownership (%) |
Carrying Amount |
Ownership (%) |
Carrying Amount |
||||||||||||||||
Aks Televizyon Reklamcilik ve Filmcilik Sanayi ve Ticaret AS (Aks TV) |
Turkey | 4.57 | 12,792 | 6.24 | 21,905 | |||||||||||||||
T Medya Yatirim Sanayi ve Ticaret AS (T-Medya) |
Turkey | 4.52 | 9,776 | 4.52 | 11,944 | |||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||
22,568 | 33,849 | |||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
On 2 February 2010, SDIF notified that lien was laid on priority right to purchase back regarding the shares of Aks TV of which 6.24% were held by Turktell Bilişim Hizmetleri AS. In case that, those shares are sold to third parties other than Cukurova Group, SDIF has the right to exercise its priority right to
F-66
TURKCELL ILETISIM HIZMETLERI AS AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)
As at and for the year ended 31 December 2011
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars unless otherwise indicated except share amounts)
(The Groups audited consolidated financial statements prepared as at and for the year ended 31 December 2010 were approved by the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors (Board Resolution dated 23 February 2011 and numbered 797), however not approved by the General Assemblies on 21 April 2011, 11 August 2011 and 12 October 2011.)
purchase back and the purchase price will be determined within the context of the past agreements signed between previous owners and Cukurova Group. On 14 March 2011, at Aks TVs General Assembly Meeting, it has been decided to increase the share capital of Aks TV. However, the Group did not participate in the capital contribution, accordingly the ownership of the Group in Aks TV decreased to 4.57%.
Following the change in ownership ratio of the Group by not participating in capital contribution movements, a valuation study was performed by an independent valuation firm as of 30 June 2011. Based on the impairment analysis performed, the carrying value of Aks TV has been reduced by $3,229. As of 31 December 2011, the year-end impairment analysis was performed by an independent valuation firm and carrying value of Aks TV has been further reduced by $1,907. The impairment losses have been included in other expense of statement of comprehensive income.
There is no active market available for T-Medya and the Company measures this investment at cost. Based on the valuation study performed by an independent valuation firm, no impairment has been identified for T-Medya as of 31 December 2011.
Current investments:
2011 | 2010 | |||||||
Deposits maturing after 3 months or more |
||||||||
Time deposits |
844,982 | 8,201 |
As at 31 December 2011, TL denominated time deposits maturing after 3 months or more amounting to $689,831 (31 December 2010: nil) have stated effective interest rate of 12.2% (31 December 2010: nil), USD denominated time deposits maturing after 3 months or more amounting to $154,500 (31 December 2010: $8,000) have stated effective interest rate of 5.4% (31 December 2010: 7.0%) and BYR denominated time deposits maturing after 3 months or more amounting to $651 (31 December 2010: $201) have stated effective interest rate of 46.1% (31 December 2010: 10.5%).
The Groups exposure to credit, currency and interest rate risks related to other investments is disclosed in Note 30.
17. | Other non-current assets |
2011 | 2010 | |||||||
VAT receivable |
63,803 | 62,167 | ||||||
Prepaid expenses |
38,716 | 29,717 | ||||||
Receivables from Tax Office |
12,995 | | ||||||
Deposits and guarantees given |
6,840 | 9,560 | ||||||
Advances given for fixed assets |
1,014 | 4,654 | ||||||
Others |
2,021 | 1,179 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
125,389 | 107,277 | |||||||
|
|
|
|
F-67
TURKCELL ILETISIM HIZMETLERI AS AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)
As at and for the year ended 31 December 2011
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars unless otherwise indicated except share amounts)
(The Groups audited consolidated financial statements prepared as at and for the year ended 31 December 2010 were approved by the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors (Board Resolution dated 23 February 2011 and numbered 797), however not approved by the General Assemblies on 21 April 2011, 11 August 2011 and 12 October 2011.)
18. | Deferred tax assets and liabilities |
Unrecognized deferred tax liabilities
At 31 December 2011, a deferred tax liability of $15,838 (31 December 2010: $15,687) for temporary differences of $79,190 (31 December 2010: $78,433) related to investments in subsidiaries was not recognized because the Company controls whether the liability will be incurred and it is satisfied that it will not be incurred in the foreseeable future.
Unrecognized deferred tax assets
Deferred tax assets have not been recognized in respect of the following items:
2011 | 2010 | |||||||
Deductible temporary differences |
162,903 | 109,356 | ||||||
Tax losses |
115,798 | 110,506 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total unrecognized deferred tax assets |
278,701 | 219,862 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
The deductible temporary differences do not expire under current tax legislation. Turkish tax legislation does not allow companies to file tax returns on a consolidated basis. Therefore, deferred tax assets have not been recognized in respect of these items resulting from certain consolidated subsidiaries because it is not probable that future taxable profit will be available against which the Group can utilize the benefits therefrom.
As at 31 December 2011, expiration of tax losses is as follows:
Year Originated |
Amount | Expiration Date | ||||||
2007 |
8,827 | 2012 | ||||||
2008 |
55,670 | 2013 | ||||||
2009 |
28,836 | 2014 | ||||||
2010 |
49,695 | 2015 | ||||||
2011 |
66,934 | 2016 | ||||||
|
|
|||||||
209,962 | ||||||||
|
|
As at 31 December 2011, tax losses which will be carried indefinitely are amounting to $295,358.
F-68
TURKCELL ILETISIM HIZMETLERI AS AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)
As at and for the year ended 31 December 2011
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars unless otherwise indicated except share amounts)
(The Groups audited consolidated financial statements prepared as at and for the year ended 31 December 2010 were approved by the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors (Board Resolution dated 23 February 2011 and numbered 797), however not approved by the General Assemblies on 21 April 2011, 11 August 2011 and 12 October 2011.)
Recognized deferred tax assets and liabilities
Deferred tax assets and liabilities as at 31 December 2011 and 2010 are attributable to the following:
Assets | Liabilities | Net | ||||||||||||||||||||||
2011 | 2010 | 2011 | 2010 | 2011 | 2010 | |||||||||||||||||||
Property, plant & equipment and intangible assets |
555 | 347 | (104,481 | ) | (152,193 | ) | (103,926 | ) | (151,846 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Investment |
| | (22,290 | ) | (15,096 | ) | (22,290 | ) | (15,096 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Provisions |
24,127 | 28,423 | | | 24,127 | 28,423 | ||||||||||||||||||
Trade and other payables |
436 | 23,460 | (23,827 | ) | (16 | ) | (23,391 | ) | 23,444 | |||||||||||||||
Other items |
62,078 | 25,940 | (686 | ) | (1,094 | ) | 61,392 | 24,846 | ||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
Tax assets / (liabilities) |
87,196 | 78,170 | (151,284 | ) | (168,399 | ) | (64,088 | ) | (90,229 | ) | ||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
Net off of tax |
(83,910 | ) | (75,294 | ) | 83,910 | 75,294 | | | ||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
Net tax assets / (liabilities) |
3,286 | 2,876 | (67,374 | ) | (93,105 | ) | (64,088 | ) | (90,229 | ) | ||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Movement in temporary differences as at 31 December 2011 and 2010
Balance at 1 January 2010 |
Recognized in the statement of income |
Recognized in other comprehensive income |
Effect of movements in exchange rates |
Balance at 31 December 2010 |
||||||||||||||||
Property, plant & equipment and intangible assets |
(170,313 | ) | 6,131 | | 12,336 | (151,846 | ) | |||||||||||||
Investment |
(13,833 | ) | (882 | ) | (754 | ) | 373 | (15,096 | ) | |||||||||||
Provisions |
27,474 | 1,689 | | (740 | ) | 28,423 | ||||||||||||||
Trade and other payables |
39,233 | (14,984 | ) | | (805 | ) | 23,444 | |||||||||||||
Other items |
1,065 | 24,161 | | (380 | ) | 24,846 | ||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
Total |
(116,374 | ) | 16,115 | (754 | ) | 10,784 | (90,229 | ) | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
Balance at 1 January 2011 |
Recognized in the statement of income |
Recognized in other comprehensive income |
Effect of movements in exchange rates |
Balance at 31 December 2011 |
||||||||||||||||
Property, plant & equipment and intangible assets |
(151,846 | ) | 16,801 | | 31,119 | (103,926 | ) | |||||||||||||
Investment |
(15,096 | ) | (4,488 | ) | (4,430 | ) | 1,724 | (22,290 | ) | |||||||||||
Provisions |
28,423 | 704 | | (5,000 | ) | 24,127 | ||||||||||||||
Trade and other payables |
23,444 | (34,716 | ) | | (12,119 | ) | (23,391 | ) | ||||||||||||
Other items |
24,846 | 33,474 | | 3,072 | 61,392 | |||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
Total |
(90,229 | ) | 11,775 | (4,430 | ) | 18,796 | (64,088 | ) | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-69
TURKCELL ILETISIM HIZMETLERI AS AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)
As at and for the year ended 31 December 2011
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars unless otherwise indicated except share amounts)
(The Groups audited consolidated financial statements prepared as at and for the year ended 31 December 2010 were approved by the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors (Board Resolution dated 23 February 2011 and numbered 797), however not approved by the General Assemblies on 21 April 2011, 11 August 2011 and 12 October 2011.)
19. | Trade receivables and accrued income |
2011 | 2010 | |||||||
Accrued service income |
409,562 | 348,135 | ||||||
Receivables from subscribers |
379,881 | 414,606 | ||||||
Accounts and checks receivable |
52,003 | 52,111 | ||||||
Receivables from Turk Telekomunikasyon AS (Turk Telekom) |
935 | 1,299 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
842,381 | 816,151 | |||||||
|
|
|
|
Trade receivables are shown net of allowance for doubtful debts amounting to $322,940 as at 31 December 2011 (31 December 2010: $367,913). The impairment loss recognized for the years ended 31 December 2011, 2010 and 2009 are $34,583, $117,362 and $75,379, respectively.
Letters of guarantee received with respect to the accounts and checks receivable are amounted to $98,086 and $181,366 as at 31 December 2011 and 2010, respectively.
The accrued service income represents revenues accrued for subscriber calls (air-time) and contracted receivables related to handset campaigns, which have not been billed and will be billed within one year. Due to the volume of subscribers, there are different billing cycles; accordingly, an accrual is made at each period end to accrue revenues for rendered but not yet billed. Contracted receivables related to handset campaigns, which will be invoiced after one year is presented under non-current trade receivables amounting to $113,327 (31 December 2010: $35,024).
The Groups exposure to credit and currency risks and impairment losses related to trade receivables are disclosed in Note 30.
20. | Other current assets |
2011 | 2010 | |||||||
Prepaid expenses |
83,054 | 83,680 | ||||||
Interest income accruals |
19,990 | 8,311 | ||||||
Advances to suppliers |
10,263 | 12,131 | ||||||
Restricted cash |
6,369 | 6,150 | ||||||
VAT receivable |
5,022 | 25,702 | ||||||
Prepayment for subscriber acquisition cost |
6,720 | 1,777 | ||||||
Receivables from personnel |
3,776 | 3,262 | ||||||
Receivables from ICTA |
| 25,938 | ||||||
Receivables from Tax Office |
| 15,736 | ||||||
Other |
63,264 | 15,053 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
198,458 | 197,740 | |||||||
|
|
|
|
F-70
TURKCELL ILETISIM HIZMETLERI AS AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)
As at and for the year ended 31 December 2011
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars unless otherwise indicated except share amounts)
(The Groups audited consolidated financial statements prepared as at and for the year ended 31 December 2010 were approved by the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors (Board Resolution dated 23 February 2011 and numbered 797), however not approved by the General Assemblies on 21 April 2011, 11 August 2011 and 12 October 2011.)
As at 31 December 2011, restricted cash mainly represents amounts deposited at banks as guarantees in connection with the loan utilized by Azerinteltek and mature in 12 months.
Subscriber acquisition costs are subsidies paid to dealers for engaging a fixed term contract with the subscriber that require a minimum consideration.
21. | Cash and cash equivalents |
2011 | 2010 | |||||||
Cash in hand |
124 | 7,957 | ||||||
Cheques received |
168 | 172 | ||||||
Banks |
2,507,028 | 3,293,257 | ||||||
-Demand deposits |
154,228 | 193,358 | ||||||
-Time deposits |
2,352,800 | 3,099,899 | ||||||
Bonds and bills |
1,209 | 777 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
2,508,529 | 3,302,163 | ||||||
Bank overdrafts |
(1,084 | ) | (5,896 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Cash and cash equivalents in the statement of cash flows |
2,507,445 | 3,296,267 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
As at 31 December 2011, cash and cash equivalents deposited in banks that are owned and/or controlled by Cukurova Group, a significant shareholder of the Company is amounting to $0.036 (31 December 2010: $90,000).
As at 31 December 2011, average maturity of time deposits is 83 days (31 December 2010: 60 days).
The Groups exposure to interest rate risk and a sensitivity analysis for financial assets and liabilities are disclosed in Note 30.
22. | Capital and reserves |
Share capital
As at 31 December 2011, common stock represented 2,200,000,000 (31 December 2010: 2,200,000,000) authorized, issued and fully paid shares with a par value of TL 1 each. In accordance with the Law No. 5083 with respect to TL, on 9 May 2005, par value of each share is registered to be one TL.
In connection with the redenomination of the TL and as per the related amendments of Turkish Commercial Code, in order to increase the nominal value of the shares to TL 1, 1,000 units of shares, each having a nominal value of TL 0.001 shall be merged and each unit of share having a nominal value of TL 1 shall be issued to represent such shares. The Company is still in the process of merging 1,000 existing ordinary shares, each having a nominal value of TL 0.001 to one ordinary share having a nominal value of TL 1 each. After the share merger which appears as a provisional article in the Articles of Association to convert the value of each share with a nominal value of TL 0.001 to TL 1, all shares will have a value of TL 1. Although
F-71
TURKCELL ILETISIM HIZMETLERI AS AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)
As at and for the year ended 31 December 2011
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars unless otherwise indicated except share amounts)
(The Groups audited consolidated financial statements prepared as at and for the year ended 31 December 2010 were approved by the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors (Board Resolution dated 23 February 2011 and numbered 797), however not approved by the General Assemblies on 21 April 2011, 11 August 2011 and 12 October 2011.)
the merger process has not been finalized, the practical application is to state each share having a nominal value of TL 1 which is consented by Capital Markets Board of Turkey (CMB). Accordingly, number of shares data is adjusted for the effect of this merger.
The holders of shares are entitled to receive dividends as declared and are entitled to one vote per share at meetings of the Company.
As at 31 December 2011, total number of pledged shares hold by various institutions is 1,132,709 (31 December 2010: 137,200).
Capital contribution
Capital contribution comprises the contributed assets and certain liabilities that the government settled on behalf of the Group that do not meet the definition of a government grant which the government is acting in its capacity as a shareholder.
Translation reserve
The translation reserve comprises all foreign currency differences arising from the translation of the financial statements of foreign and domestic operations from their functional currencies to presentation currency of USD.
Fair value reserve
The fair value reserve comprises the cumulative net change in the fair value of available-for-sale financial assets until the investments are derecognized or the asset is impaired.
Legal reserve
Under the Turkish Commercial Code, Turkish companies are required to set aside first and second level legal reserves out of their profits. First level legal reserves are set aside 5% of the distributable income per statutory accounts each year. The ceiling on the first legal reserves is 20% of the paid-up capital. The reserve requirement ends when the 20% of paid-up capital level has been reached. Second legal reserves correspond to 10% of profits actually distributed after the deduction of the first legal reserves and the minimum obligatory dividend pay-out (5% of the paid-up capital). There is no ceiling for second legal reserves and they are accumulated every year.
Cash flow hedging reserve
The cash flow hedging reserve represents the cumulative effective portion of gains or losses arising on changes in fair value of hedging instruments entered into for cash flow hedges. The cumulative gain or loss arising on changes in fair value of the hedging instruments that are recognized and accumulated under the heading of cash flow hedging reserve will be reclassified to profit or loss only when the hedged transaction affects the profit or loss, or included as a basis adjustment to the non-financial hedged item, consistent with the relevant accounting policy.
F-72
TURKCELL ILETISIM HIZMETLERI AS AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)
As at and for the year ended 31 December 2011
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars unless otherwise indicated except share amounts)
(The Groups audited consolidated financial statements prepared as at and for the year ended 31 December 2010 were approved by the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors (Board Resolution dated 23 February 2011 and numbered 797), however not approved by the General Assemblies on 21 April 2011, 11 August 2011 and 12 October 2011.)
Reserve for non-controlling interest put option liability
The reserve for non-controlling interest put option liability includes the difference between the put option liability granted to the non-controlling shareholders in existing subsidiaries recognized and the amount of non-controlling interest derecognized. Subsequent changes in the fair value of the put option liability are also recognized in this reserve.
Dividends
The Company has adopted a dividend policy, which is set out in its corporate governance guidance. As adopted, the Companys general dividend policy is to pay dividends to shareholders with due regard to trends in the Companys operating performance, financial condition and other factors.
The Board of Directors intends to distribute cash dividends in an amount of not less than 50% of the Companys lower of distributable profit based on the financial statements prepared in accordance with the accounting principles accepted by the CMB or statutory records, for each fiscal year starting with profits for fiscal year 2004. However, the payment of dividends will still be subject to cash flow requirements of the Company, compliance with Turkish law and the approval of and amendment by the Board of Directors and the General Assembly of Shareholders.
On 23 March 2011, the Companys Board of Directors has proposed a dividend distribution for the year ended 31 December 2010 amounting to TL 1,328,697 (equivalent to $703,424 as at 31 December 2011), which represented 75% of distributable income. This represents a net cash dividend of full TL 0.6039532 (equivalent to full $0.32 as at 31 December 2011) per share. This dividend proposal was discussed but not approved at the Ordinary General Assembly of Shareholders held on 21 April 2011 and the Extraordinary General Assemblies of Shareholders held on 11 August 2011 and 12 October 2011.
2011 | 2010 | 2009 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
TL | USD | TL | USD* | TL | USD* | |||||||||||||||||||
Cash dividends |
1,328,697 | 703,424 | 859,259 | 573,451 | 1,098,193 | 713,297 |
* | USD equivalents of dividends are computed by using the Central Bank of the Republic of Turkeys TL/USD exchange rate on 29 April 2010 and 8 May 2009 which are the dates that the General Assembly of Shareholders approved the dividend distribution, respectively. |
In the Ordinary General Assemblies of Shareholders Meeting of Inteltek Internet Teknoloji Yatirim ve Danismanlik AS (Inteltek) held on 4 April 2012 and 6 April 2011, it has been decided to distribute dividends amounting to TL 34,061 (equivalent to $18,032 as at 31 December 2011) and TL 16,744 (equivalent to $8,864 as at 31 December 2011), respectively. The 2010 dividend amounting to TL 16,744 was paid on 2 May 2011.
23. | Earnings per share |
The calculations of basic and diluted earnings per share as at 31 December 2011 were based on the profit attributable to ordinary shareholders for the years ended 31 December 2011, 2010 and 2009 of $751,709,
F-73
TURKCELL ILETISIM HIZMETLERI AS AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)
As at and for the year ended 31 December 2011
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars unless otherwise indicated except share amounts)
(The Groups audited consolidated financial statements prepared as at and for the year ended 31 December 2010 were approved by the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors (Board Resolution dated 23 February 2011 and numbered 797), however not approved by the General Assemblies on 21 April 2011, 11 August 2011 and 12 October 2011.)
$1,170,176 and $1,093,992 respectively and a weighted average number of shares outstanding during the years ended 31 December 2011, 2010 and 2009 of 2,200,000,000 calculated as follows:
2011 | 2010 | 2009 | ||||||||||
Numerator: |
||||||||||||
Net profit for the period attributed to owners |
751,709 | 1,170,176 | 1,093,992 | |||||||||
Denominator: |
||||||||||||
Weighted average number of shares |
2,200,000,000 | 2,200,000,000 | 2,200,000,000 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Basic and diluted earnings per share |
0.34 | 0.53 | 0.50 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
24. | Other non-current liabilities |
2011 | 2010 | |||||||
Consideration payable in relation to acquisition of BeST |
60,180 | 78,402 | ||||||
Deposits and guarantees taken from agents |
16,803 | 16,310 | ||||||
Financial liability in relation to put option |
10,094 | 53,435 | ||||||
Payables to other suppliers |
1,149 | 7,391 | ||||||
Other |
4,443 | 5,294 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
92,669 | 160,832 | |||||||
|
|
|
|
Consideration payable in relation to acquisition of Belarusian Telecom represents the present value of long-term deferred payment to the seller. Payment of $100,000 is contingent on financial performance of Belarusian Telecom, and based on managements estimations, expected to be paid during the first quarter of 2020 (31 December 2010: first quarter of 2016). The present value of the contingent consideration is $60,180 as at 31 December 2011 (31 December 2010: $78,402).
Non-controlling shareholders in Belarusian Telecom were granted a put option, giving the shareholders the right to sell their entire stake to Beltel Telekomunikasyon Hizmetleri AS (Beltel) at fair value during a specified period. The Group accounted for the present value of the estimated option redemption amount as a provision and derecognized the non-controlling interest. The Company has estimated a value based on multiple approaches including income approach (discounted cash flows) and market approach (comparable market multiples). The average of the values determined as at 31 August 2013, which is the exercise date of the put option, is then discounted to 31 December 2011.
The difference between the present value of the estimated option redemption and derecognized non-controlling interests amounting to $66,253 has been presented as reserve for non-controlling interest put option under equity.
F-74
TURKCELL ILETISIM HIZMETLERI AS AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)
As at and for the year ended 31 December 2011
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars unless otherwise indicated except share amounts)
(The Groups audited consolidated financial statements prepared as at and for the year ended 31 December 2010 were approved by the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors (Board Resolution dated 23 February 2011 and numbered 797), however not approved by the General Assemblies on 21 April 2011, 11 August 2011 and 12 October 2011.)
25. | Loans and borrowings |
This note provides information about the contractual terms of the Groups interest-bearing loans and borrowings, which are measured at amortized cost. For more information about the Groups exposure to interest rate, foreign currency and liquidity risk and payment schedule for interest bearing loans, see Note 30.
2011 | 2010 | |||||||
Non-current liabilities |
||||||||
Unsecured bank loans |
1,030,081 | 1,366,207 | ||||||
Secured bank loans |
9,557 | 21,850 | ||||||
Finance lease liabilities |
17,742 | 19,259 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
1,057,380 | 1,407,316 | |||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Current liabilities |
||||||||
Current portion of unsecured bank loans |
589,251 | 357,637 | ||||||
Unsecured bank facility |
210,996 | 57,355 | ||||||
Secured bank facility |
6,414 | 6,399 | ||||||
Current portion of secured bank loans |
1,895 | 4,378 | ||||||
Current portion of finance lease liabilities |
2,149 | 4,436 | ||||||
Option contracts not used for hedging |
380 | | ||||||
Option contracts used for hedging |
868 | | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
811,953 | 430,205 | |||||||
|
|
|
|
On 22 December 2011, the Group has signed loan agreements with China Development Bank for the potential purchase of products and services of up to $250,000 to be utilized as Group capital investments for 2012 and 2013. The financing, which is composed of two equal loans with respect tenors of 5 and 7 years, has an all-in cost of approximately Libor +3.00% per year.
Finance lease liabilities are payable as follows:
31 December 2011 | 31 December 2010 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Future minimum lease payments |
Interest | Present value of minimum lease payments |
Future minimum lease payments |
Interest | Present value of minimum lease payments |
|||||||||||||||||||
Less than one year |
2,785 | 636 | 2,149 | 5,199 | 763 | 4,436 | ||||||||||||||||||
More than one year |
21,836 | 4,094 | 17,742 | 24,107 | 4,848 | 19,259 | ||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
24,621 | 4,730 | 19,891 | 29,306 | 5,611 | 23,695 | |||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Turkcell Superonline, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Group, acquired indefeasible right of use with BOTAS and will pay EUR 20,900 to BOTAS for the right. The Group recognized indefeasible right of use amounting to $22,531 in 2010 which is calculated as the present value of payments to be made to BOTAS till the year 2024. As of 31 December 2011, the carrying amount of lease liability related to BOTAS agreement is $17,623.
F-75
TURKCELL ILETISIM HIZMETLERI AS AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)
As at and for the year ended 31 December 2011
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars unless otherwise indicated except share amounts)
(The Groups audited consolidated financial statements prepared as at and for the year ended 31 December 2010 were approved by the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors (Board Resolution dated 23 February 2011 and numbered 797), however not approved by the General Assemblies on 21 April 2011, 11 August 2011 and 12 October 2011.)
Terms and conditions of outstanding loans are as follows:
31 December 2011 | 31 December 2010 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Currency | Year of maturity |
Interest rate type |
Nominal interest rate |
Face value | Carrying amount |
Nominal interest rate | Face value |
Carrying amount |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Unsecured bank loans |
USD | 2011-2018 | Floating | Libor+1.35%-4.60% | 1,314,680 | 1,318,799 | Libor+1.35%-3.75% | 1,176,686 | 1,175,049 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Unsecured bank loans |
USD | 2011-2016 | Fixed | 2.24%-8.0% | 493,979 | 486,370 | 2.24%-8.0% | 601,375 | 591,463 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Unsecured bank loans |
EUR | 2012-2013 | Floating | Libor+2.65%-3.465% | 19,358 | 19,680 | Libor+3.465% | 13,280 | 13,627 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Secured bank loans** |
BYR | 2020 | Floating | RR*+2% | 6,939 | 8,818 | RR*+2% | 21,389 | 26,228 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Secured bank loans |
USD | 2012 | Fixed | 5.00% | 6,300 | 6,414 | 5.00% | 6,150 | 6,210 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Unsecured bank loans |
TL | 2012 | Fixed | 15.00% | 5,479 | 5,479 | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Secured bank loans*** |
EUR | 2013 | Floating | Libor+3.465% | 2,578 | 2,634 | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Unsecured bank loans |
USD | 2011 | | | | | | 744 | 744 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Secured bank loans |
AZN | 2011 | Fixed | | | | 18.00% | 250 | 316 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Unsecured bank loans |
AZN | 2011 | Fixed | | | | 18.00% | 150 | 189 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Finance lease liabilities |
EUR | 2012-2024 | Fixed | 3.35% | 22,345 | 17,623 | 3.35% | 26,487 | 20,962 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Finance lease liabilities |
USD | 2012-2015 | Fixed | 4.64%-7.0% | 2,116 | 2,108 | 4.64% | 2,819 | 2,733 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Finance lease liabilities |
TL | 2012-2014 | Fixed | 10.24% | 160 | 160 | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
1,873,934 | 1,868,085 | 1,849,330 | 1,837,521 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(*) | Refinancing rate of the National Bank of the Republic of Belarus. |
(**) | Secured by Republic of Belarus Government. |
(***) | Secured by System Capital Management Limited (SCM). |
F-76
TURKCELL ILETISIM HIZMETLERI AS AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)
As at and for the year ended 31 December 2011
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars unless otherwise indicated except share amounts)
(The Groups audited consolidated financial statements prepared as at and for the year ended 31 December 2010 were approved by the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors (Board Resolution dated 23 February 2011 and numbered 797), however not approved by the General Assemblies on 21 April 2011, 11 August 2011 and 12 October 2011.)
26. | Employee benefits |
International Accounting Standard No. 19 (IAS 19) Employee Benefits requires actuarial valuation methods to be developed to estimate the enterprises obligation under defined benefit plans. The liability for this retirement pay obligation is recorded in the accompanying consolidated financial statements at its present value using a discount rate between 4.4% and 5.1% depending on the payout date (31 December 2010: 4.7%).
Movement in the reserve for employee termination benefits as at 31 December 2011 and 2010 are as follows:
2011 | 2010 | |||||||
Opening balance |
29,742 | 27,776 | ||||||
Provision set/reversed during the period |
11,665 | 9,990 | ||||||
Payments made during the period |
(7,874 | ) | (8,114 | ) | ||||
Unwind of discount |
1,032 | 889 | ||||||
Acquisitions through business combination |
39 | | ||||||
Effect of change in foreign exchange rate |
(6,345 | ) | (799 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Closing balance |
28,259 | 29,742 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
Obligations for contributions to defined contribution plans are recognized as an expense in the consolidated statement of income as incurred. The Group incurred $9,054, $5,243 and $3,694 in relation to defined contribution retirement plan for the years ended 31 December 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.
Total charge for the employee termination benefits is included in the statement of income.
The liability is not funded, as there is no funding requirement.
27. | Deferred income |
Deferred income primarily consists of right of use sold but not used by prepaid subscribers and it is classified as current as at 31 December 2011. The amount of deferred income is $118,376 and $164,186 as at 31 December 2011 and 2010, respectively.
28. | Provisions |
Non-current provisions:
Legal | Obligations for dismantling, removing and site restoration |
Other | Total | |||||||||||||
Balance at 1 January 2010 |
95 | 5,114 | 467 | 5,676 | ||||||||||||
Provision made/used during the year |
627 | 50,473 | 223 | 51,323 | ||||||||||||
Unwind of discount |
| 266 | | 266 | ||||||||||||
Effect of change in foreign exchange rate |
| (210 | ) | | (210 | ) | ||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Balance at 31 December 2010 |
722 | 55,643 | 690 | 57,055 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-77
TURKCELL ILETISIM HIZMETLERI AS AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)
As at and for the year ended 31 December 2011
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars unless otherwise indicated except share amounts)
(The Groups audited consolidated financial statements prepared as at and for the year ended 31 December 2010 were approved by the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors (Board Resolution dated 23 February 2011 and numbered 797), however not approved by the General Assemblies on 21 April 2011, 11 August 2011 and 12 October 2011.)
Legal | Obligations for dismantling, removing and site restoration |
Other | Total | |||||||||||||
Balance at 1 January 2011 |
722 | 55,643 | 690 | 57,055 | ||||||||||||
Provision made/used during the year |
447 | 9,256 | 172 | 9,875 | ||||||||||||
Unwind of discount |
| 2,657 | | 2,657 | ||||||||||||
Acquisitions through business combination |
| | | | ||||||||||||
Effect of change in foreign exchange rate |
(184 | ) | (11,039 | ) | (145 | ) | (11,368 | ) | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Balance at 31 December 2011 |
985 | 56,517 | 717 | 58,219 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Legal provisions are set for the probable cash outflows related to legal disputes.
The Group is required to incur certain costs in respect of a liability to dismantle and remove assets and to restore sites on which the assets were located. The dismantling costs are calculated according to best estimate of future expected payments discounted at a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the liability.
The above mentioned additions to obligations for dismantling, removing and site restoration during the period are non-cash transactions recorded against property, plant and equipment.
Current provisions:
Legal | Bonus | Total | ||||||||||
Balance at 1 January 2010 |
167,918 | 37,249 | 205,167 | |||||||||
Provision made/(reversed) during the year |
59,303 | 45,617 | 104,920 | |||||||||
Provisions used during the year |
(115,004 | ) | (39,056 | ) | (154,060 | ) | ||||||
Unwind of discount |
1,885 | (53 | ) | 1,832 | ||||||||
Effect of change in foreign exchange rate |
(2,949 | ) | (1,098 | ) | (4,047 | ) | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Balance at 31 December 2010 |
111,153 | 42,659 | 153,812 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Legal | Bonus | Total | ||||||||||
Balance at 1 January 2011 |
111,153 | 42,659 | 153,812 | |||||||||
Provision made/(reversed) during the year |
73,765 | 48,562 | 122,327 | |||||||||
Provisions used during the year |
(86,602 | ) | (39,498 | ) | (126,100 | ) | ||||||
Unwind of discount |
2,528 | 1,081 | 3,609 | |||||||||
Acquisitions through business combination |
| 189 | 189 | |||||||||
Effect of change in foreign exchange rate |
(18,982 | ) | (8,934 | ) | (27,916 | ) | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Balance at 31 December 2011 |
81,862 | 44,059 | 125,921 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
Legal provisions are set for the probable cash outflows related to legal disputes. In Note 33, under legal proceedings section, detailed explanations are given with respect to legal provisions.
F-78
TURKCELL ILETISIM HIZMETLERI AS AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)
As at and for the year ended 31 December 2011
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars unless otherwise indicated except share amounts)
(The Groups audited consolidated financial statements prepared as at and for the year ended 31 December 2010 were approved by the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors (Board Resolution dated 23 February 2011 and numbered 797), however not approved by the General Assemblies on 21 April 2011, 11 August 2011 and 12 October 2011.)
The bonus provision totaling to $44,059 comprises mainly the provision for the year ended 31 December 2011 and is planned to be paid in March 2012.
29. | Trade and other payables |
The breakdown of trade and other payables as at 31 December 2011 and 2010 is as follows:
2011 | 2010 | |||||||
Payables to other suppliers |
398,732 | 414,911 | ||||||
Taxes and withholdings payable |
189,016 | 221,872 | ||||||
Payables to Ericsson companies |
117,043 | 98,415 | ||||||
License fee accrual |
61,394 | 53,474 | ||||||
Selling and marketing expense accrual |
51,252 | 61,209 | ||||||
Roaming expense accrual |
15,427 | 21,032 | ||||||
ICTA share accrual |
13,903 | 17,319 | ||||||
Interconnection payables |
4,260 | 11,992 | ||||||
Interconnection accrual |
4,745 | 4,415 | ||||||
Other |
73,716 | 47,337 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
929,488 | 951,976 | |||||||
|
|
|
|
Balances due to other suppliers are arising in the ordinary course of business.
Taxes and withholdings include VAT payable, special communications tax, frequency usage fees payable to ICTA and personnel income taxes.
Payables to Ericsson companies comprise due to Ericsson Turkey, Ericsson Sweden and Ericsson AB arising from fixed asset purchases, site preparation and other services.
In accordance with the license agreement, Turkcell pays 90% of the treasury share, which equals 15% of its gross revenue, to the Turkish Treasury and 10% of the treasury share as universal service fund to the Turkish Ministry.
Selling and marketing expense accrual is mainly resulted from services received from third parties related to marketing activities of the Group which are not yet invoiced.
Payables to interconnection suppliers arise from voice and SMS termination services rendered by other GSM operators.
Interconnection accrual represents net balance of uninvoiced call termination services received from other operators and interconnection services rendered to other operators.
The Groups exposure to currency and liquidity risk related to trade and other payables is disclosed in Note 30.
F-79
TURKCELL ILETISIM HIZMETLERI AS AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)
As at and for the year ended 31 December 2011
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars unless otherwise indicated except share amounts)
(The Groups audited consolidated financial statements prepared as at and for the year ended 31 December 2010 were approved by the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors (Board Resolution dated 23 February 2011 and numbered 797), however not approved by the General Assemblies on 21 April 2011, 11 August 2011 and 12 October 2011.)
30. | Financial instruments |
Credit risk
Exposure to credit risk:
The carrying amount of financial assets represents the maximum credit exposure. The maximum exposure to credit risk at the reporting date was:
Note | 2011 | 2010 | ||||||||||
Due from related parties-non current |
34 | 43 | 1,044 | |||||||||
Other non-current assets* |
17 | 20,235 | 15,258 | |||||||||
Due from related parties-current |
34 | 43,215 | 88,897 | |||||||||
Trade receivables and accrued income |
19 | 955,962 | 851,175 | |||||||||
Other current assets* |
20 | 70,599 | 56,170 | |||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents** |
21 | 2,508,405 | 3,294,206 | |||||||||
Time deposits maturing in 3 months or more |
16 | 844,982 | 8,201 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
4,443,441 | 4,314,951 | |||||||||||
|
|
|
|
* | Non-financial instruments such as prepaid expenses and advances given are excluded from other current assets and other non-current assets. |
** | Cash on hand is excluded from cash and cash equivalents. |
The maximum exposure to credit risk for trade receivables arising from sales transactions including those classified as due from related parties at the reporting date by type of customer is:
2011 | 2010 | |||||||
Receivable from subscribers |
848,428 | 798,404 | ||||||
Receivables from distributors and other operators |
115,658 | 71,044 | ||||||
Other |
12,368 | 3,199 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
976,454 | 872,647 | |||||||
|
|
|
|
The aging of trade receivables and due from related parties as at 31 December 2011 and 2010:
2011 | 2010 | |||||||
Not past due |
820,857 | 738,697 | ||||||
1-30 days past due |
69,874 | 74,665 | ||||||
1-3 months past due |
54,150 | 56,004 | ||||||
3-12 months past due |
54,339 | 71,750 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
999,220 | 941,116 | |||||||
|
|
|
|
F-80
TURKCELL ILETISIM HIZMETLERI AS AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)
As at and for the year ended 31 December 2011
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars unless otherwise indicated except share amounts)
(The Groups audited consolidated financial statements prepared as at and for the year ended 31 December 2010 were approved by the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors (Board Resolution dated 23 February 2011 and numbered 797), however not approved by the General Assemblies on 21 April 2011, 11 August 2011 and 12 October 2011.)
Impairment losses
The movement in the allowance for impairment in respect of trade receivables and due from related parties as at 31 December 2011 and 2010 is as follows:
2011 | 2010 | |||||||
Opening balance |
376,808 | 268,157 | ||||||
Impairment loss recognized |
31,361 | 126,257 | ||||||
Write-off |
(6,776 | ) | (9,976 | ) | ||||
Acquisitions through business combination |
784 | | ||||||
Effect of change in foreign exchange rate |
(74,742 | ) | (7,630 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Closing balance |
327,435 | 376,808 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
The impairment loss recognized of $31,361 for the year ended 31 December 2011 relates to its estimate of incurred losses in respect of trade receivables and due from related parties (31 December 2010: $126,257).
The allowance accounts in respect of trade receivables and due from related parties is used to record impairment losses unless the Group is satisfied that no recovery of the amount owing is possible; at that point the amount considered irrecoverable and is written off against the trade receivables and due from related parties directly.
Liquidity risk
Current cash debt coverage ratio as at 31 December 2011 and 2010 is as follows:
2011 | 2010 | |||||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
2,508,529 | 3,302,163 | ||||||
Current liabilities |
2,063,295 | 1,812,915 | ||||||
Current cash debt coverage ratio |
122% | 182% |
F-81
TURKCELL ILETISIM HIZMETLERI AS AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)
As at and for the year ended 31 December 2011
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars unless otherwise indicated except share amounts)
(The Groups audited consolidated financial statements prepared as at and for the year ended 31 December 2010 were approved by the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors (Board Resolution dated 23 February 2011 and numbered 797), however not approved by the General Assemblies on 21 April 2011, 11 August 2011 and 12 October 2011.)
The following are the contractual maturities of financial liabilities, including estimated interest payments:
31 December 2011 | 31 December 2010 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Carrying Amount |
Contractual cash flows |
6 months or less |
6-12 Months |
1-2 years |
2-5 years |
More than 5 Years |
Carrying Amount |
Contractual cash flows |
6 months or less |
6-12 months |
1-2 years |
2-5 years |
More than 5 Years |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Non-derivative financial Liabilities |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Secured bank loans |
17,866 | (22,833 | ) | (1,202 | ) | (7,468 | ) | (4,512 | ) | (4,697 | ) | (4,954 | ) | 32,627 | (48,327 | ) | (2,273 | ) | (9,165 | ) | (5,150 | ) | (13,852 | ) | (17,887 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Unsecured bank loans |
1,830,328 | (1,968,913 | ) | (475,791 | ) | (383,333 | ) | (663,979 | ) | (439,954 | ) | (5,856 | ) | 1,781,199 | (1,920,204 | ) | (208,363 | ) | (218,000 | ) | (523,026 | ) | (960,660 | ) | (10,155 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Finance lease liabilities |
19,891 | (24,623 | ) | (2,307 | ) | (478 | ) | (2,655 | ) | (5,614 | ) | (13,569 | ) | 23,695 | (29,306 | ) | (3,206 | ) | (1,993 | ) | (1,909 | ) | (5,576 | ) | (16,622 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Trade and other payables* |
656,256 | (663,749 | ) | (663,749 | ) | | 676,187 | (681,669 | ) | (681,669 | ) | | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Bank overdraft |
1,084 | (1,084 | ) | (1,084 | ) | | | | | 5,896 | (5,896 | ) | (5,896 | ) | | | | | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Due to related parties |
14,582 | (14,645 | ) | (14,645 | ) | | | | | 10,760 | (10,787 | ) | (10,787 | ) | | | | | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Consideration payable in relation to acquisition of Belarusian Telecom |
60,180 | (100,000 | ) | | | | | (100,000 | ) | 78,402 | (100,000 | ) | | | | | (100,000 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Financial liability in relation to put option |
10,094 | (11,850 | ) | | | (11,850 | ) | | | 53,435 | (58,541 | ) | | | | (58,541 | ) | | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Derivative financial liabilities |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Option contract |
1,248 | (1,248 | ) | (1,248 | ) | | | | | | | | | | | | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
TOTAL |
2,611,529 | (2,808,945 | ) | (1,160,026 | ) | (391,279 | ) | (682,996 | ) | (450,265 | ) | (124,379 | ) | 2,662,201 | (2,854,730 | ) | (912,194 | ) | (229,158 | ) | (530,085 | ) | (1,038,629 | ) | (144,664 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
* | Advances taken, license fees, taxes and withholding payable are excluded from trade and other payables. |
F-82
TURKCELL ILETISIM HIZMETLERI AS AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)
As at and for the year ended 31 December 2011
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars unless otherwise indicated except share amounts)
(The Groups audited consolidated financial statements prepared as at and for the year ended 31 December 2010 were approved by the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors (Board Resolution dated 23 February 2011 and numbered 797), however not approved by the General Assemblies on 21 April 2011, 11 August 2011 and 12 October 2011.)
Exposure to currency risk
The Groups exposure to foreign currency risk based on notional amounts is as follows:
31 December 2010 | ||||||||
USD | EUR | |||||||
Foreign currency denominated assets |
||||||||
Other non-current assets |
1 | | ||||||
Other investments |
8,000 | | ||||||
Due from related parties-current |
17,969 | 148 | ||||||
Trade receivables and accrued income |
33,566 | 20,482 | ||||||
Other current assets |
4,579 | 1,086 | ||||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
1,494,743 | 52,842 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
1,558,858 | 74,558 | |||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Foreign currency denominated liabilities |
||||||||
Loans and borrowings-non current |
(1,405,907 | ) | (28,132) | |||||
Other non-current liabilities |
(179,865 | ) | | |||||
Loans and borrowings-current |
(350,172 | ) | (1,872 | ) | ||||
Trade and other payables |
(161,901 | ) | (42,849 | ) | ||||
Due to related parties |
(754 | ) | (808 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
(2,098,599 | ) | (73,661 | ) | |||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Net exposure |
(539,741 | ) | 897 | |||||
|
|
|
|
31 December 2011 | ||||||||
USD | EUR | |||||||
Foreign currency denominated assets |
||||||||
Other non-current assets |
26 | | ||||||
Other investments |
154,500 | | ||||||
Due from related parties-current |
8,580 | 3,820 | ||||||
Trade receivables and accrued income |
52,422 | 39,141 | ||||||
Other current assets |
6,861 | 1,153 | ||||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
893,477 | 3,833 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
1,115,866 | 47,947 | |||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Foreign currency denominated liabilities |
||||||||
Loans and borrowings-non current |
(1,060,159 | ) | (28,015 | ) | ||||
Other non-current liabilities |
(138,497 | ) | | |||||
Loans and borrowings-current |
(660,290 | ) | (1,211 | ) | ||||
Trade and other payables |
(154,869 | ) | (48,168 | ) | ||||
Due to related parties |
(1,137 | ) | (478 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
(2,014,952 | ) | (77,872 | ) | |||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Net exposure |
(899,086 | ) | (29,925 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
F-83
TURKCELL ILETISIM HIZMETLERI AS AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)
As at and for the year ended 31 December 2011
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars unless otherwise indicated except share amounts)
(The Groups audited consolidated financial statements prepared as at and for the year ended 31 December 2010 were approved by the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors (Board Resolution dated 23 February 2011 and numbered 797), however not approved by the General Assemblies on 21 April 2011, 11 August 2011 and 12 October 2011.)
The following significant exchange rates are applied during the period:
Average Rate | Reporting Date Closing Rate |
|||||||||||||||
31 December 2011 |
31 December 2010 |
31 December 2011 |
31 December 2010 |
|||||||||||||
USD/TL |
1.6698 | 1.5050 | 1.8889 | 1.5460 | ||||||||||||
EUR/TL |
2.3343 | 1.9931 | 2.4438 | 2.0491 | ||||||||||||
SEK/TL |
0.2572 | 0.2074 | 0.2722 | 0.2262 | ||||||||||||
USD/BYR |
5,038.2 | 2,978.8 | 8,350.0 | 3,000.0 | ||||||||||||
USD/HRV |
7.9663 | 7.9325 | 7.9898 | 7.9617 |
Sensitivity analysis
The basis for the sensitivity analysis to measure foreign exchange risk is an aggregate corporate-level currency exposure. The aggregate foreign exchange exposure is composed of all assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies. The analysis excludes net foreign currency investments.
10% strengthening of the TL, HRV, BYR against the following currencies as at 31 December 2011 and 2010 would have increased/(decreased) profit or loss before tax by the amounts shown below. This analysis assumes that all other variables, in particular interest rates, remain constant.
Profit or loss | ||||||||
2011 | 2010 | |||||||
USD |
89,909 | 53,974 | ||||||
EUR |
3,872 | (119 | ) |
10% weakening of the TL, HRV, BYR against the following currencies as at 31 December 2011 and 2010 would have increased/(decreased) profit or loss before tax by the amounts shown below. This analysis assumes that all other variables, in particular interest rates, remain constant.
Profit or loss | ||||||||
2011 | 2010 | |||||||
USD |
(89,909 | ) | (53,974 | ) | ||||
EUR |
(3,872 | ) | 119 |
F-84
TURKCELL ILETISIM HIZMETLERI AS AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)
As at and for the year ended 31 December 2011
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars unless otherwise indicated except share amounts)
(The Groups audited consolidated financial statements prepared as at and for the year ended 31 December 2010 were approved by the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors (Board Resolution dated 23 February 2011 and numbered 797), however not approved by the General Assemblies on 21 April 2011, 11 August 2011 and 12 October 2011.)
Interest rate risk
As at 31 December 2011 and 2010 the interest rate profile of the Groups interest-bearing financial instruments was:
31 December 2011 | 31 December 2010 | |||||||||||||||||||
Note | Effective Interest Rate |
Carrying Amount |
Effective interest rate |
Carrying Amount |
||||||||||||||||
Fixed rate instruments |
||||||||||||||||||||
Time deposits |
21 | |||||||||||||||||||
USD |
5.4 | % | 899,318 | 3.5 | % | 1,469,797 | ||||||||||||||
EUR |
4.7 | % | 2,805 | 3.8 | % | 68,640 | ||||||||||||||
TL |
12.3 | % | 1,450,629 | 9.1 | % | 1,561,282 | ||||||||||||||
Other |
60.0 | % | 48 | 8.7 | % | 180 | ||||||||||||||
Time deposits maturing after 3 months or more |
16 | |||||||||||||||||||
USD |
5.4 | % | 154,500 | 7.0 | % | 8,000 | ||||||||||||||
BYR |
46.1 | % | 651 | 10.5 | % | 201 | ||||||||||||||
TL |
12.2 | % | 689,831 | | | |||||||||||||||
Finance lease obligations |
25 | |||||||||||||||||||
USD |
6.8 | % | (2,108 | ) | 4.6 | % | (2,733 | ) | ||||||||||||
EUR |
3.4 | % | (17,623 | ) | 3.4 | % | (20,962 | ) | ||||||||||||
TL |
10.2 | % | (160 | ) | | | ||||||||||||||
Unsecured bank loans |
25 | |||||||||||||||||||
USD fixed rate loans |
4.6 | % | (486,370 | ) | 4.2 | % | (591,463 | ) | ||||||||||||
TL fixed rate loans |
15.00 | % | (5,479 | ) | | | ||||||||||||||
Secured bank loans |
25 | |||||||||||||||||||
USD fixed rate loans |
5.0 | % | (6,414 | ) | 5.2 | % | (6,210 | ) | ||||||||||||
AZN fixed rate loans |
| | 22.5 | % | (189 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Variable rate instruments |
||||||||||||||||||||
Secured bank loans |
25 | |||||||||||||||||||
BYR floating rate loans |
10.9 | % | (8,818 | ) | 10.9 | % | (26,228 | ) | ||||||||||||
EUR floating rate loans |
7.9 | % | (2,634 | ) | | | ||||||||||||||
Unsecured bank loans |
25 | |||||||||||||||||||
USD floating rate loans |
3.8 | % | (1,318,799 | ) | 3.6 | % | (1,175,049 | ) | ||||||||||||
EUR floating rate loans |
6.6 | % | (19,680 | ) | 7.8 | % | (13,627 | ) | ||||||||||||
AZN fixed rate loans |
| | 22.5 | % | (316 | ) |
F-85
TURKCELL ILETISIM HIZMETLERI AS AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)
As at and for the year ended 31 December 2011
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars unless otherwise indicated except share amounts)
(The Groups audited consolidated financial statements prepared as at and for the year ended 31 December 2010 were approved by the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors (Board Resolution dated 23 February 2011 and numbered 797), however not approved by the General Assemblies on 21 April 2011, 11 August 2011 and 12 October 2011.)
Sensitivity analysis
Fair value sensitivity analysis for fixed rate instruments:
A change of 1% in interest rates for time deposits maturing after 3 months or more would have increased/(decreased) profit or loss by $2,213 (31 December 2010: $65).
Cash flow sensitivity analysis for variable rate instruments:
A change of 100 basis points in interest rates as at 31 December 2011 would have increased/(decreased) equity and profit or loss by the amounts shown below. This analysis assumes that all other variables, in particular foreign exchange rates, remain constant. The analysis is performed on the same basis as at 31 December 2011 and 2010.
Profit or loss | Equity | |||||||||||||||
100 bp increase |
100 bp decrease |
100 bp increase |
100 bp decrease |
|||||||||||||
31 December 2011 |
||||||||||||||||
Variable rate instruments |
(10,529 | ) | 10,529 | | | |||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Cash flow sensitivity (net) |
(10,529 | ) | 10,529 | | | |||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
31 December 2010 |
||||||||||||||||
Variable rate instruments |
(9,262 | ) | 9,262 | | | |||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Cash flow sensitivity (net) |
(9,262 | ) | 9,262 | | | |||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-86
TURKCELL ILETISIM HIZMETLERI AS AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)
As at and for the year ended 31 December 2011
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars unless otherwise indicated except share amounts)
(The Groups audited consolidated financial statements prepared as at and for the year ended 31 December 2010 were approved by the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors (Board Resolution dated 23 February 2011 and numbered 797), however not approved by the General Assemblies on 21 April 2011, 11 August 2011 and 12 October 2011.)
Fair values
The fair values of financial assets and liabilities together with the carrying amounts shown in the statement of financial position are as follows:
31 December 2011 | 31 December 2010 | |||||||||||||||||||
Note | Carrying Amount |
Fair Value |
Carrying Amount |
Fair Value |
||||||||||||||||
Assets carried at amortized cost |
||||||||||||||||||||
Due from related parties-long term |
34 | 43 | 43 | 1,044 | 1,044 | |||||||||||||||
Other non-current assets* |
17 | 20,235 | 20,235 | 15,258 | 15,258 | |||||||||||||||
Due from related parties-short term |
34 | 43,215 | 43,215 | 88,897 | 88,897 | |||||||||||||||
Trade receivables and accrued income*** |
19 | 955,962 | 955,962 | 851,175 | 851,175 | |||||||||||||||
Other current assets* |
20 | 70,599 | 70,599 | 56,170 | 56,170 | |||||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
21 | 2,508,529 | 2,508,529 | 3,302,163 | 3,302,163 | |||||||||||||||
Time deposits maturing after 3 months or more |
16 | 844,982 | 844,982 | 8,201 | 8,201 | |||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
4,443,565 | 4,443,565 | 4,322,908 | 4,322,908 | |||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
Liabilities carried at fair value |
||||||||||||||||||||
Put option for Best acquisition |
24 | (10,094 | ) | (10,094 | ) | (53,435 | ) | (53,435 | ) | |||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
(10,094 | ) | (10,094 | ) | (53,435 | ) | (53,435 | ) | |||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
Liabilities carried at amortized cost |
||||||||||||||||||||
Loans and borrowings-long term |
25 | (1,057,380 | ) | (1,057,380 | ) | (1,407,316 | ) | (1,407,316 | ) | |||||||||||
Bank overdrafts |
21 | (1,084 | ) | (1,084 | ) | (5,896 | ) | (5,896 | ) | |||||||||||
Option contracts |
25 | (1,248 | ) | (1,248 | ) | | | |||||||||||||
Loans and borrowings-short term |
25 | (810,705 | ) | (810,705 | ) | (430,205 | ) | (430,205 | ) | |||||||||||
Trade and other payables** |
29 | (656,256 | ) | (656,256 | ) | (676,187 | ) | (676,187 | ) | |||||||||||
Due to related parties |
34 | (14,582 | ) | (14,582 | ) | (10,760 | ) | (10,760 | ) | |||||||||||
Deferred payments |
24-29 | (60,180 | ) | (60,180 | ) | (78,402 | ) | (78,402 | ) | |||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
(2,601,435 | ) | (2,601,435 | ) | (2,608,766 | ) | (2,608,766 | ) | |||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
* | Non-financial instruments such as prepaid expenses and advances given are excluded from other current assets and other non-current assets. |
** | Advances taken, taxes and withholdings payable are excluded from trade and other payables. |
*** | Includes non-current trade receivables amounting to $113,581. |
The methods used in determining the fair values of financial instruments are discussed in Note 4.
F-87
TURKCELL ILETISIM HIZMETLERI AS AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)
As at and for the year ended 31 December 2011
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars unless otherwise indicated except share amounts)
(The Groups audited consolidated financial statements prepared as at and for the year ended 31 December 2010 were approved by the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors (Board Resolution dated 23 February 2011 and numbered 797), however not approved by the General Assemblies on 21 April 2011, 11 August 2011 and 12 October 2011.)
Fair value hierarchy
The table below analyses financial instruments carried at fair value, by valuation method:
The different levels have been identified as follows:
Level 1: quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets and liabilities.
Level 2: inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the assets and liability, either directly or indirectly.
Level 3: inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable market.
Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | |||||||||||||
31 December 2011 |
||||||||||||||||
Financial Assets |
||||||||||||||||
Option contracts not used for hedging |
| | | | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
| | | | |||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Financial Liabilities |
||||||||||||||||
Financial liability in relation to put option |
| | 10,094 | 10,094 | ||||||||||||
Option contracts not used for hedging |
| 380 | | 380 | ||||||||||||
Option contracts used for hedging |
| 868 | | 868 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
| 1,248 | 10,094 | 11,342 | |||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
31 December 2010 |
||||||||||||||||
Financial Liabilities |
||||||||||||||||
Financial liability in relation to put option |
| | 53,435 | 53,435 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
| | 53,435 | 53,435 | |||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Available-for sale financial assets |
Financial liability in relation to put option |
Total | ||||||||||
Balance as at 1 January 2011 |
| (53,435 | ) | (53,435 | ) | |||||||
Total gains or losses: |
||||||||||||
in profit or loss |
| (1,194 | ) | (1,194 | ) | |||||||
Total recognition in equity |
| 44,535 | 44,535 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Balance as at 31 December 2011 |
| (10,094 | ) | (10,094 | ) | |||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
The table above shows a reconciliation from the beginning balances to the ending balances for fair value measurements in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.
F-88
TURKCELL ILETISIM HIZMETLERI AS AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)
As at and for the year ended 31 December 2011
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars unless otherwise indicated except share amounts)
(The Groups audited consolidated financial statements prepared as at and for the year ended 31 December 2010 were approved by the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors (Board Resolution dated 23 February 2011 and numbered 797), however not approved by the General Assemblies on 21 April 2011, 11 August 2011 and 12 October 2011.)
Total gains or losses included in profit or loss for the period in the following table are presented in the statement of comprehensive income as follows:
Available-for sale financial assets |
Financial liability in relation to put option |
Total | ||||||||||
Total gains or losses included in profit or loss for the period: |
||||||||||||
Net financing costs |
| (1,194 | ) | (1,194 | ) | |||||||
Total gains or losses for the period included in profit or loss for asset and liabilities held at the end of the reporting period: |
||||||||||||
Net financing costs |
| (1,194 | ) | (1,194 | ) |
31. | Operating leases |
The Company entered into various operating lease agreements. For the years ended 31 December 2011 2010 and 2009, total rent expenses for operating leases were $271,347, $301,309 and $287,259 respectively.
The future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable leases are as follows:
2011 | 2010 | |||||||
Less than one year |
20,812 | 18,024 | ||||||
Between one and five years |
25,655 | 16,107 | ||||||
More than five years |
6,499 | 7,221 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
52,966 | 41,352 | |||||||
|
|
|
|
32. | Guarantees and purchase obligations |
As at 31 December 2011, outstanding purchase commitments with respect to the acquisition of property, plant and equipment, inventory and purchase of sponsorship and advertisement services amount to $780,179 (31 December 2010: $594,910).
As at 31 December 2011, the Group is contingently liable in respect of bank letters of guarantee obtained from banks given to customs authorities, private companies and other public organizations and provided financial guarantees to subsidiaries totaling to TL 2,983,689 (equivalent to $1,579,591 as at 31 December 2011) (31 December 2010: TL 2,413,062 equivalent to $1,560,842 as at 31 December 2010).
33. | Commitments and Contingencies |
License Agreements
Turkcell:
On 27 April 1998, the Company signed the License Agreement with the Turkish Ministry. In accordance with the License Agreement, the Company was granted a 25 year GSM license for a license fee of $500,000.
F-89
TURKCELL ILETISIM HIZMETLERI AS AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)
As at and for the year ended 31 December 2011
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars unless otherwise indicated except share amounts)
(The Groups audited consolidated financial statements prepared as at and for the year ended 31 December 2010 were approved by the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors (Board Resolution dated 23 February 2011 and numbered 797), however not approved by the General Assemblies on 21 April 2011, 11 August 2011 and 12 October 2011.)
The License Agreement permits the Company to operate as a stand-alone GSM operator. Under the License, the Company collects all of the revenue generated from the operations of its GSM network and pays the Turkish Treasury and Turkish Ministry a treasury share and universal service fund, respectively, equal to 15% of its gross revenues from Turkish GSM operations. On 25 June 2005, the Turkish government declared that GSM operators are required to pay 10% of their existing monthly treasury share to the Turkish Ministry as a universal service fund contribution in accordance with Law No: 5369. As a result, starting from 30 June 2005, the Company pays 90% of the treasury share to the Turkish Treasury and 10% to the Turkish Ministry as universal service fund. Moreover, the Company is obliged to pay 0.35% of its yearly gross revenue once a year as ICTA Fee. The Company is authorized to, among other things, set its own tariffs within certain limits, charge peak and off-peak rates, offer a variety of service and pricing packages, issue invoices directly to subscribers, collect payments and deal directly with subscribers.
In February 2002, the Company renewed its License with the ICTA, and became subject to a number of new requirements, including those regarding the build-out, operation, quality and coverage of the Companys GSM network, prohibitions on anti-competitive behaviour and compliance with national and international GSM standards. Failure to meet any requirement in the renewed License, or the occurrence of extraordinary unforeseen circumstances, can also result in revocation of the renewed License, including the surrender of the GSM network without compensation, or limitation of the Companys rights thereunder, or could otherwise adversely affect the Companys regulatory status. Certain conditions of the renewed License Agreement include the following:
Coverage: The Company had to attain geographical coverage of 50% and 90% of the population of Turkey with certain exceptions within three years and five years, respectively, of the Licenses effective date.
Service offerings: The Company must provide certain services in addition to general GSM services, including free emergency calls and technical assistance for subscribers, free call forwarding to police and other public emergency services, receiver-optional short messages, video text access, fax capability, calling and connected number identification and restrictions, call forwarding, call waiting, call hold, multi-party and third-party conference calls, billing information and barring of a range of outgoing and incoming calls.
Service quality: In general, the Company must meet all the technical standards determined and updated by the European Telecommunications Standards Institute and Secretariat of the GSM MoU. Service quality requirements include that call blockage cannot exceed 5% and unsuccessful calls cannot exceed 2%.
Tariffs: ICTA sets the initial maximum tariffs in TL and USD. Thereafter, the revised License provides that the ICTA will adjust the maximum tariffs at most every six months or, if necessary, more frequently. The Company is free to set its own tariffs up to the maximum tariffs.
Rights of the ICTA, Suspension and Termination:
The revised License is not transferable without the approval of the ICTA. In addition, the License Agreement gives the ICTA certain monitoring rights and access to the Companys technical and financial
F-90
TURKCELL ILETISIM HIZMETLERI AS AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)
As at and for the year ended 31 December 2011
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars unless otherwise indicated except share amounts)
(The Groups audited consolidated financial statements prepared as at and for the year ended 31 December 2010 were approved by the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors (Board Resolution dated 23 February 2011 and numbered 797), however not approved by the General Assemblies on 21 April 2011, 11 August 2011 and 12 October 2011.)
information and allows for inspection rights, and gives certain rights to suspend operations under certain circumstances. Also, the Company is obliged to submit financial statements, contracts and investment plans to the ICTA.
The ICTA may suspend the Companys operations for a limited or an unlimited period if necessary for the purpose of public security and national defence. During period of suspension, the ICTA may operate the Companys GSM network.
The Company is entitled to any revenues collected during such period and the Licensees term will be extended by the period of any suspension. The revised License may also be terminated upon a bankruptcy ruling against the Company or for other license violations, such as operating outside of its allocated frequency ranges, and the penalties for such violations can include fines, loss of frequency rights, revocation of the license and confiscation of the network management centre, the gateway exchanges and central subscription system, including related technical equipment, immovables and installations essential for the operation of the network.
Based on the enacted law on 3 July 2005 with respect to the regulation of privatization, gross revenue description based for the calculation of treasury share and universal service fund has been changed. According to this new regulation, interest charges for late collections, and indirect taxes such as VAT, and other expenses are excluded from the description of gross revenue. Calculation of gross revenue for treasury share and universal service fund according to the new regulation is effective after Council of States approval on 10 March 2006.
3G License
On 30 April 2009, the Company signed a license agreement with ICTA which provides authorization for providing IMT 2000/UMTS services and infrastructure. Turkcell acquired the A type license providing the widest frequency band for a consideration of EUR 358,000 (excluding VAT). The license is effective for duration of 20 years starting from 30 April 2009. According to the agreement, operators have provided IMT 2000/UMTS services starting from 30 July 2009.
In accordance with the 3G License Agreement, the Company had to cover 100% of the population within the borders of all metropolitan municipalities and borders of all cities and municipalities in three and six years, respectively. Moreover, the Company had to cover 100% of the population in all settlement areas with a population higher than 5,000 and 1,000 within eight and ten years, respectively following the effective date of the agreement.
Belarusian Telecom:
Belarusian Telecom owns a license issued on 28 August 2008 for a period of 10 years and is valid till 28 August 2018. According to the Sale and Purchase Agreement signed, the State Property Committee of the Republic of Belarus committed to grant the license from the acquisition date of 26 August 2008 for a period of 10 years and such license shall be extended for an additional 10 years for an insignificant consideration. State Property Committee of the Republic of Belarus has fulfilled its obligations stated in Sale and Purchase Agreement and submitted the related official documents in December 2009. According to
F-91
TURKCELL ILETISIM HIZMETLERI AS AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)
As at and for the year ended 31 December 2011
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars unless otherwise indicated except share amounts)
(The Groups audited consolidated financial statements prepared as at and for the year ended 31 December 2010 were approved by the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors (Board Resolution dated 23 February 2011 and numbered 797), however not approved by the General Assemblies on 21 April 2011, 11 August 2011 and 12 October 2011.)
the current legislation of the Republic of Belarus, the license extension will be made upon the expiration of its validity period. Therefore, Belarusian Telecom shall apply for extension in August 2018. In the consolidated financial statements, amortization charge is recorded on the assumption that the license will be extended.
Under its license, Belarusian Telecom has several coverage requirements to increase its geographical coverage gradually starting from the date of the license until 2018. However, Belarusian Telecoms period of execution in relation to coverage requirements are extended for three years starting from the acquisition date.
Astelit:
Astelit owns two GSM activity licenses, one is for GSM900, the other is for DCS1800. As at 31 December 2011, Astelit owns twenty four GSM900, DCS 1800, D-AMPS and microwave Radiorelay frequency licenses which are regional or national. In addition to the above GSM licenses, Astelit owns three licenses for local fixed line phone connection with wireless access using D-AMPS standard, one license for international and long distance calls and eight PSTN licenses for seven regions of Ukraine. Also, Astelit holds number rangetwo NDC codes for mobile network and local ranges for PSTN and D-AMPS licenses.
According to licenses, Astelit should adhere to state sanitary regulations to ensure that equipment used does not injure the population by means of harmful electro-magnetic emissions. Licenses require Astelit to inform authorities about start/end of operations in three months; about changes in incorporation address in 30 days. Also, Astelit must present all the required documents for inspection by Ukrainian Telecommunications Authority at their request. The Ukrainian Telecommunications Authority may suspend the operations of Astelit for a limited or an unlimited period if necessary because of the expiration of licenses, upon mutual consent, or in case of violation of terms of radio frequencies use. If such a violation is determined, Ukrainian Telecommunications Authority notifies Astelit of provisions violated and sets deadline for recovery. If the deadline is not met, licenses may be terminated.
Inteltek:
Inteltek signed a contract on 30 July 2002 which provides for the installation, support and operation of an on-line central betting system as well as maintenance and support for the provision of football games. The Central Betting System Contract was scheduled to expire on 30 March 2008.
Inteltek signed another contract with General Directorate of Youth and Sports (GDYS) on 2 October 2003 which authorized Inteltek to establish and operate a risk management center and become head agent for fixed odds betting. The Fixed Odds Betting Contract was scheduled to expire in October 2011. However, in relation to the lawsuits related to the operations of Inteltek, GDYS ceased the implementation of the Fixed Odds Betting Contract starting from March 2007. Following this annulment decision, Spor Toto and Inteltek signed a new Fixed Odds Betting Contract on 15 March 2007, with less-advantageous conditions compared to previous contract signed in 2003, which expired on 1 March 2008.
Inteltek signed a new Fixed Odds Betting Contract with Spor Toto, having the same terms and conditions with the latest contracts signed with Spor Toto which took effect on 1 March 2008. At the same time,
F-92
TURKCELL ILETISIM HIZMETLERI AS AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)
As at and for the year ended 31 December 2011
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars unless otherwise indicated except share amounts)
(The Groups audited consolidated financial statements prepared as at and for the year ended 31 December 2010 were approved by the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors (Board Resolution dated 23 February 2011 and numbered 797), however not approved by the General Assemblies on 21 April 2011, 11 August 2011 and 12 October 2011.)
Inteltek signed a new Central Betting System Contract with Spor Toto, which took effect on 31 March 2008 as having the same conditions with the current contract and both contracts were to be valid for one year atmost until the operation started as a result of the new tender.
On 12 August 2008, Spor Toto conducted a tender which allowed private companies to organize fixed odds and paramutual betting in sports games. Inteltek gave the best offer for the tender. On 29 August 2008, Inteltek signed a contract with Spor Toto, receiving the rights to run the sport betting business for the next ten years. New commission rate, which is 1.4% of gross takings (until 1 March 2009, commission rate was 7% of gross takings), is applicable starting from March 2009. Under the terms of this contract, Inteltek guaranteed TL 1,500,000 (equivalent to $794,113 as of 31 December 2011) turnover for the first year of the contract, and has given similar guarantees for future years.
At 31 December 2011, the total amount of guarantee obtained from banks and provided to Spor Toto amounted to TL 163,530 (equivalent to $86,574 as at 31 December 2011) (31 December 2010: TL 161,298 equivalent to $104,332 as at 31 December 2010). The targeted payout is 50% of the turnover balance. The fact that Inteltek is obliged to pay the difference between the realized and the targeted payout balances, whenever the pool balance falls negative, creates an excess payment risk.
Kibris Telekom:
On 27 April 2007, Kibris Telekom signed the License Agreement for Installation and Operation of a Digital, Cellular, Mobile Telecommunication System (Mobile Communication License Agreement) with the Ministry of Communications and Public Works of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus which is effective from 1 August 2007, replacing the previous GSM-Mobile Telephony System Agreement dated 25 March 1999. In accordance with the Mobile Communication License Agreement, Kibris Telekom was granted an 18 year GSM 900, GSM 1800 and IMT 2000/UMTS license for GSM 900, GSM 1800 frequencies while the usage of IMT 2000/UMTS frequency bands is subject to the fulfillment of certain conditions.
On 14 March 2008, Kibris Telekom was awarded a 3G infrastructure license at a cost of $10,000 including VAT, which was paid at the end of March 2008. Under the terms of the license, the system had to be operational by mid-October 2008. In 2010, Kibris Telekom has completed the radio transmission (air link) project providing direct international voice and data connection with mainland and started using it from the third quarter of 2010. The Project is the only direct connection in Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus besides Telecommunication Authority.
Under the Mobile Communication License Agreement, Kibris Telekom also pays the tax authorities of Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus a treasury share on monthly basis equal to 15% of gross revenues excluding accrued interest charges for the late payments, indirect taxes and accrued revenues for reporting purposes, payments made to third parties for value added services, interconnection revenues, roaming income from own subscribers after the related payment made to other operators.
Superonline:
Superonline was authorized to Fixed Telephony, Satellite Communication Service, Infrastructure, Internet Service Provider and Mobile Virtual Network Operator.
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TURKCELL ILETISIM HIZMETLERI AS AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)
As at and for the year ended 31 December 2011
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars unless otherwise indicated except share amounts)
(The Groups audited consolidated financial statements prepared as at and for the year ended 31 December 2010 were approved by the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors (Board Resolution dated 23 February 2011 and numbered 797), however not approved by the General Assemblies on 21 April 2011, 11 August 2011 and 12 October 2011.)
Authorization By-Law for Telecommunication Services and Infrastructure published in Official Gazette on dated 26 August 2004 has been abrogated By-Law on Authorization for Electronic Communications Sector dated 28 May 2009. According to this abrogation, Superonlines License on, Infrastructure Operating Service, Internet Service Provision, Satellite Communication Service has been changed to Authority on, Infrastructure Operating Service, Internet Service Provision, Satellite Communication Service, Cable Broadcast Service and Superonlines License on Long Distance Telephony Services License has been changed to Authority relevant to the Fixed Telephony Services.
In accordance with the new legislation issued by ICTA, the infrastructure operator authorization right of Superonline has become infinite. As a result, Superonline revised the expected useful lives of its operating license and related fixed network equipment from 15 years to 25 years.
Azerinteltek:
Azerinteltek, in which Intelteks shareholding is 51%, was established on 19 January 2010, and authorized to organize, operate, manage and develop the fixed-odds and para-mutual sports betting games by the Ministry of Youth and Sports of Azerbaijan for a period of 10 years. The agreement signed with Azeridmanservis which is founded by the Ministry of Youth and Sports of Azerbaijan is renewed with the same terms and conditions in accordance with the new legislation enforced in Azerbaijan regarding the betting games based on sports on 30 September 2010.
Azerinteltek officially commenced to conduct sports betting games on 18 January 2011.
Interconnection Agreements
The Company has entered into interconnection agreements with a number of operators in Turkey and overseas including Turk Telekom, Telsim Mobil Telekomunikasyon Hizmetleri AS (Telsim), Vodafone Telekomunikasyon AS (Vodafone), Avea Iletisim Hizmetleri AS (Avea), Milleni.com GMbH and Globalstar Avrasya Uydu Ses ve Data Iletisim AS (Globalstar).
The Access and Interconnection Regulation (the Regulation) became effective when it was issued by the ICTA on 23 May 2003.
The Regulation is driven largely by a goal to improve the competitive environment. Under the Regulation, the ICTA may compel all telecommunications operators to accept another operators request for use of and access to its network. All telecommunications operators in Turkey may be required to provide access to other operators on the same terms and qualifications provided to their shareholders, subsidiaries and affiliates.
In accordance with the Regulation, the telecommunications providers in Turkey (including Turk Telekom) were obliged to renew their interconnection agreements within two months following the issuance of the Regulation. As a result of intervention by the ICTA, the Company entered into supplemental agreements with Turk Telekom on 10 November 2003, Telsim on 21 November 2003, and Globalstar on 11 December 2003, with amended tariffs and tariff adoption procedures. The interconnection agreement with Avea(formerly
F-94
TURKCELL ILETISIM HIZMETLERI AS AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)
As at and for the year ended 31 December 2011
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars unless otherwise indicated except share amounts)
(The Groups audited consolidated financial statements prepared as at and for the year ended 31 December 2010 were approved by the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors (Board Resolution dated 23 February 2011 and numbered 797), however not approved by the General Assemblies on 21 April 2011, 11 August 2011 and 12 October 2011.)
TT&TIM) was last renewed on 20 January 2006. On 24 May 2006, shares of Telsim were transferred to Vodafone and a new interconnection agreement was signed between the Company and Vodafone at the end of July 2006.
On 21 February 2005, Superonline and Milleni.com GMbH have signed an agreement to provide telecommunications services to each other whereby Milleni.com GMbH may convey calls to the Companys switch and the Company may convey calls to Milleni.com GMbHs switch, in both cases, for onward transmission to their destinations.
In addition, the ICTA has required operators holding significant market power, as well as Turk Telekom, to share certain facilities with other operators under certain conditions and to provide co-location on their premises for the equipment of other operators at a reasonable price. The ICTA has also required telecommunications operators to provide number portability, which means allowing users to keep the same phone numbers even after they switch from one network to another starting from 9 November 2008.
Under a typical interconnection agreement, each party agrees, among other things to permit the interconnection of its network with the Companys network to enable calls to be transmitted to, and received from, the GSM system operated by each party in accordance with technical specifications set out in the interconnection agreement. Typical interconnection agreements also establish understandings between the parties relating to a number of key operational areas, including call traffic management, quality and performance standards, interconnection interfaces and other technical, operational and procedural aspects of interconnection.
The Companys interconnection agreements usually provide that each party will assume responsibility for the safe operation of its own network. Each party is also typically responsible for ensuring that its network does not endanger the safety or health of employees, contractors, agents or customers of the other party or damage interfere with or cause any deterioration in the operation of the other partys network.
Interconnection agreements also specify the amount of the payments that each party will make to the other for traffic originated on one network but switched to the other. These payments vary by contract, and in some cases, may require the Company to pay the counterparty less, the same amount, or a greater amount per minute, for traffic originating on the Companys network but switching to the counterpartys network, than it receives for a similar call originating on another network and switched to the Companys network.
There are no minimum payment obligations under the interconnection agreements; however, failure to carry the counterpartys traffic may expose the Company to financial and other penalties or loss of interconnection privileges for its own traffic.
On 10 February 2010, ICTA decreased Standard Interconnection Tariffs for the Company from full TL 0.0655 (equivalent to $0.0424 as at 31 December 2010) to full TL 0.0313 (equivalent to $0.0202 as at 31 December 2010) for voice calls and left the tariff unchanged at full TL 0.0775 (equivalent to full $0.0501 as at 31 December 2010) for video calls, effective from 1 April 2010. The Company started to recognize interconnection revenues and cost in accordance with Standard Interconnection Reference Tariffs starting from 1 April 2010.
As at 31 December 2010, the management believes that the Group is in compliance with the above mentioned license and interconnection agreements conditions and requirements in all material respects.
F-95
TURKCELL ILETISIM HIZMETLERI AS AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)
As at and for the year ended 31 December 2011
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars unless otherwise indicated except share amounts)
(The Groups audited consolidated financial statements prepared as at and for the year ended 31 December 2010 were approved by the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors (Board Resolution dated 23 February 2011 and numbered 797), however not approved by the General Assemblies on 21 April 2011, 11 August 2011 and 12 October 2011.)
Legal Proceedings
The Group is involved in various claims and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business described below.
Dispute with Turk Telekom with respect to call termination fees
Upon application of Turk Telekom, the ICTA has set temporary (and after final) call termination fees for calls to be applied between Turk Telekom and the Company starting from 10 August 2005. However, Turk Telekom did not apply these termination fees for the international calls.
Therefore, on 22 December 2005, the Company filed a lawsuit against Turk Telekom to cease this practice and requested collection of its damages amounting to TL 11,274 (equivalent to $5,969 as at 31 December 2011) with overdue interest amounting TL 521 (equivalent to $276 as at 31 December 2011) and late payment fee amounting TL 175 (equivalent to $93 as at 31 December 2011) totaling to TL 11,970 (equivalent to $6,338 as at 31 December 2011) covering the period from August 2005 until October 2005. Expert reports and supplementary expert reports which are obtained for the lawsuit, affirm justification of the Company.
On 19 December 2006, the Company initiated another lawsuit against Turk Telekom claiming that Turk Telekom has not applied call termination tariffs for international calls set by ICTA for the period between November 2005 and October 2006 amounting to TL 23,726 (equivalent to $12,561 as at 31 December 2011) including principal, interest and penalty on late payment. The Court decided to consolidate this lawsuit with the first lawsuit dated 22 December 2005.
On 2 November 2007, the Company initiated another lawsuit against Turk Telekom claiming that Turk Telekom has not applied call termination tariffs for international calls set by ICTA for the period between November 2006 and March 2007 amounting to TL 6,836 (equivalent to $3,619 as at 31 December 2011) including principal, interest and penalty on late payment. The Court also decided to consolidate this lawsuit with the first lawsuit dated 22 December 2005.
On 28 September 2011, the Court decided in favor of the Company for all consolidated cases. The Court decided that Turk Telekom should pay to the Company in total TL 42,597 (equivalent to $22,551 as at 31 December 2011) plus VAT and Special Communication Tax (SCT) composed of principle amounting to TL 36,502 (equivalent to $19,324 as at 31 December 2011), interest and penalty amounting to TL 6,095 (equivalent to $3,227 as at 31 December 2011). The court also decided that Turk Telekom should pay interest, penalty, VAT and SCT calculated for the principal from date of case to the payment date. Turk Telekom appealed the decision. The Company replied this appeal request.
Since it is not virtually certain that an inflow of economic benefits will arise, no asset or related income is recognized in the consolidated financial statements as at and for the year ended 31 December 2011 (31 December 2010: None).
Dispute on Turk Telekom Transmission Lines Leases
Effective from 1 July 2000, Turk Telekom annulled the discount of 60% that it provided to the Company based on its regular ratio, which had been provided for several years, and, at the same time, Turk Telekom
F-96
TURKCELL ILETISIM HIZMETLERI AS AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)
As at and for the year ended 31 December 2011
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars unless otherwise indicated except share amounts)
(The Groups audited consolidated financial statements prepared as at and for the year ended 31 December 2010 were approved by the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors (Board Resolution dated 23 February 2011 and numbered 797), however not approved by the General Assemblies on 21 April 2011, 11 August 2011 and 12 October 2011.)
started to provide a discount of 25% being subject to certain conditions. The Company filed a lawsuit against Turk Telekom for the application of the agreed 60% discount. However, on 30 July 2001, the Company had been notified that the court of appeal upheld the decision made by the commercial court allowing Turk Telekom to terminate the 60% discount. Differences in the total nominal rent for the concerned period amounting to TL 29,125 (equivalent to $15,419 as at 31 December 2011) have been accrued by Turk Telekom and deducted from the receivables of the Company. Accordingly, the Company paid and continues to pay transmission fees to Turk Telekom based on the 25% discount. Although Turk Telekom did not charge any interest on late payments at the time of such payments, the Company recorded an accrual amounting to a nominal amount of TL 3,023 (equivalent to $1,600 as at 31 December 2011) for possible interest charges as at 31 December 2000. On 9 May 2002, Turk Telekom requested an interest amounting to a nominal amount of TL 30,068 (equivalent to $15,918 as at 31 December 2011).
The Company did not agree with Turk Telekoms interest calculation and, accordingly, obtained an injunction from the commercial court to prevent Turk Telekom from collecting any amounts relating to this interest charge. Also, the Company initiated a lawsuit against Turk Telekom on the legality of such interest. On 25 December 2008, the Court rejected the case. The Company appealed the decision. The Supreme Court rejected the appeal. The Company applied for the correction of the decision. The Supreme Court rejected the correction of the decision request and the decision is finalized.
Based on the management opinion, the Company accrued provision of TL 91,864 (equivalent to $48,634 as at 31 December 2011) and the Company netted off the whole amount from the receivables from Turk Telekom as at 31 December 2011.
Additionally, a lawsuit is commenced against Turk Telekom on 28 October 2010 to collect the receivable amounting to principal of TL 23,378 (equivalent to $12,377 as at 31 December 2011), overdue interest of TL 3,092 (equivalent to $1,637 as at 31 December 2011) and delay fee of TL 1,925 (equivalent to $1,019 as at 31 December 2011), with the contractual default interest until payment date on the ground that the above mentioned exercise is contrary to the term of the contract which is effective for the year 2000, Turk Telekom has already collected the whole amount which is subjected to the related court decision as of 31 October 2009 and Turk Telekom collected additional receivable. The court decided to obtain an expert report. The lawsuit is still pending.
Since it is not virtually certain that an inflow of economic benefits will arise, no asset or related income is recognized in the consolidated financial statements as at and for the year ended 31 December 2011 (31 December 2010: none).
Dispute regarding the Fine Applied by the Competition Board
The Competition Board commenced an investigation of business dealings between the Company and the mobile phone distributors in October 1999. The Competition Board decided that the Company disrupted the competitive environment through an abuse of a dominant position in the Turkish mobile market and infringements of certain provisions of the Law on the Protection of Competition. As a result, the Company was fined a nominal amount of approximately TL 6,973 (equivalent to $3,692 as at 31 December 2011) and
F-97
TURKCELL ILETISIM HIZMETLERI AS AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)
As at and for the year ended 31 December 2011
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars unless otherwise indicated except share amounts)
(The Groups audited consolidated financial statements prepared as at and for the year ended 31 December 2010 were approved by the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors (Board Resolution dated 23 February 2011 and numbered 797), however not approved by the General Assemblies on 21 April 2011, 11 August 2011 and 12 October 2011.)
was enjoined to cease these infringements. The Company initiated a lawsuit before Council of State for the injunction and cancellation of the decision. On 15 November 2005, the Court cancelled the Competition Boards decision.
After the cancellation of the Competition Boards decision, the Competition Board has given the same decision again on 29 December 2005. On 10 March 2006, the Company initiated a lawsuit before Council of State for the injunction and cancellation of the Competition Boards decision dated 29 December 2005. On 13 May 2008, Council of State dismissed the lawsuit. The Company appealed the decision. Appeal process is still pending.
Based on the decision of Competition Board, Ankara Tax Office requested the Company to pay TL 6,973 (equivalent to $3,692 as at 31 December 2011) through the payment order dated 4 August 2006. On 25 September 2006, the Company made the related payment and initiated a lawsuit for the cancellation of this payment order. The Court dismissed the lawsuit, and the Company appealed this decision. On 17 March 2009, Council of State reversed the judgment of the Local Court. Local Court decided in line with the decision of Council of State. On 18 December 2009, the Court rejected the case and the Company also appealed this decision. Council of State reversed the judgment of the Instance Court. Local Court decided in line with the decision of Council of State. On 15 June 2011, the Court rejected the case again. The Company also appealed this decision. Council of State accepted the Companys stay of order requests at appeal phase. Appeal process is still pending.
Since it is not virtually certain that an inflow of economic benefits will arise, no asset or related income is recognized in the consolidated financial statements as at and for the year ended 31 December 2011 (31 December 2010: None).
Dispute regarding the Fine Applied by the Competition Board regarding Mobile Marketing Activities
The Competition Board decided to initiate an investigation in order to identify whether the Company maintains exclusive activities on mobile marketing and their appropriateness with respect to competition rules. On 23 December 2009, Competition Board decided that the Company violates competition rules in GSM and mobile marketing services and fined the Company amounting to TL 36,072 (equivalent to $19,097 as at 31 December 2011). The payment was made within 1 month following the notification of the decision of the Competition Board. Therefore, 25% discount was applied and TL 27,054 (equivalent to $14,323 as at 31 December 2011) is paid as the monetary fine on 25 May 2010. The Company filed a legal case on 25 June 2010 for the stay of execution and cancellation of the aforementioned decision. The Court rejected the Companys stay of execution request. The Company objected to the decision. The objection was rejected. The lawsuit is still pending.
Avea, depending on the Competition Board decision, initiated a lawsuit against the Company claiming a compensation from the Company for its damages amounting to TL 1,000 (equivalent to $529 as at 31 December 2011), with reservation of further claims, on the ground that the Company violated the competition. During the judgment, Avea increased its request to TL 5,000 (equivalent to $2,647 as at 31 December 2011) and in addition requested TL 1,000 (equivalent to $529 as at 31 December 2011) for non-pecuniary damages. The court decided to separate these requests. At the hearing on 9 April 2012, the court rejected all claims of Avea in both lawsuits.
F-98
TURKCELL ILETISIM HIZMETLERI AS AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)
As at and for the year ended 31 December 2011
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars unless otherwise indicated except share amounts)
(The Groups audited consolidated financial statements prepared as at and for the year ended 31 December 2010 were approved by the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors (Board Resolution dated 23 February 2011 and numbered 797), however not approved by the General Assemblies on 21 April 2011, 11 August 2011 and 12 October 2011.)
Based on the management opinion, the probability of an outflow of resources embodying economic benefits to settle the obligation is uncertain, thus, no provision is recognized in the consolidated financial statements as at and for the year ended 31 December 2011 (31 December 2010: None).
Dispute on National Roaming Agreement
The Company conducted roaming negotiations in 2001 with Is-Tim Telekomunikasyon Hizmetleri AS (Is-Tim) which was a GSM operator, performing since March 2001. On 19 October 2001, upon unsuccessful negotiations, ICTA granted time for the Company until 15 November 2001 to sign the roaming agreement with the determined conditions and requested parties to come to an agreement until 15 November 2001. The Company initiated a lawsuit on the ground that ICTA has no power of intervention; its proposals are impossible from technical aspects and unacceptable from economic reasons. Council of State gave a decision on non-necessity of a new decision on the ground that action which is subjected to the lawsuit is cancelled by another state council decision. This decision was appealed by ICTA. Council of State, Plenary Session of the Chamber for Administrative Divisions decided to approve the court decision.
In a letter dated 14 March 2002, the ICTA subjected Is-Tims request for national roaming to the condition that it is reasonable, economically proportional and technically possible. Nevertheless, the ICTA declared that the Company is under an obligation to enter a national roaming agreement with Is-Tim within a 30 day period. The Company initiated a lawsuit against ICTA. On 14 March 2006, Council of State decided to cancel the process dated 14 March 2002 but rejected the Companys request for cancellation of the regulation on procedures and policies with respect to national roaming. ICTA appealed the decision. Plenary Session of Administrative Law Divisions of the Council of State has decided to approve the decision of the Council of State.
The ICTA decided that the Company has not complied with its responsibility under Turkish regulations to provide national roaming and fined the Company by nominal amount of approximately TL 21,822 (equivalent to $11,553 as at 31 December 2011). On 7 April 2004, the Company made the related payment with its accrued interest. On 27 May 2004, the Company filed a lawsuit. On 3 January 2005, with respect to the Council of States injunction, ICTA paid back nominal amount of TL 21,822 (equivalent to $11,553 as at 31 December 2011).
On 13 December 2005, Council of State decided the cancellation of the administrative fine but rejected the Companys request for cancellation of the regulation on procedures and policies with respect to national roaming. ICTA appealed the decision. Plenary Session of Administrative Law Divisions of the Council of State has decided to approve the decision of the Council of State. On 22 July 2010, the Company initiated a lawsuit against ICTA for the compensation of TL 7,111 (equivalent to $3,765 as at 31 December 2011), the total amount of the damage of the Company accrued interest between the period when the Company made the payment and ICTA returned the same to the Company as the result of the stay of execution decision.
Since it is not virtually certain that an inflow of economic benefits will arise, no asset or related income is recognized in the consolidated financial statements as at and for the year ended 31 December 2011 (31 December 2010: None).
F-99
TURKCELL ILETISIM HIZMETLERI AS AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)
As at and for the year ended 31 December 2011
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars unless otherwise indicated except share amounts)
(The Groups audited consolidated financial statements prepared as at and for the year ended 31 December 2010 were approved by the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors (Board Resolution dated 23 February 2011 and numbered 797), however not approved by the General Assemblies on 21 April 2011, 11 August 2011 and 12 October 2011.)
On 27 October 2006, Telecom Italia SPA and TIM International NV initiated a lawsuit against the Company claiming that the Company violated competition law since demand of roaming has not been met. Telecom Italia SPA and TIM International NV requested $2,000 with respect to this claim. The Court rejected the case. Such decision has been appealed by Telecom Italia SPA and TIM International NV The Court of Appeal rejected the appeal and approved the decision in favor of the Company. Telecom Italia SPA and TIM International NV applied for the correction of the decision. The Court of Appeal rejected the correction of the decision. The decision has been finalized in favor of the Company.
Based on the finalized court decision which is in favor of the Company, no provision is recognized in the consolidated financial statements as at and for the year ended 31 December 2011 (31 December 2010: None).
Dispute regarding of the Fine Applied by ICTA on pricing applications of the Company
On 7 April 2010, ICTA decided to impose administrative fine to the Company amounting to TL 4,008 (equivalent to $2,122 as at 31 December 2011) for misinforming the Authority and TL 374 (equivalent to $198 as at 31 December 2011) for making some subscribers suffer. The payment was made within 1 month following the notification of the decision of the ICTA. Therefore, 25% discount was applied and TL 3,287 (equivalent to $1,740 as at 31 December 2011) is paid in total as the administrative fine on 9 June 2010. The Company filed two lawsuits on 22 September 2010 for the stay of execution and cancellation of the aforementioned decision. The Court rejected the Companys stay of execution requests and the Company objected to the decisions but the objections are rejected. On 28 April 2011, the Court rejected the cases. The Company appealed the decisions. Council of State rejected the Companys stay of execution requests at appeal phase. Appeal processes are pending.
Since it is not virtually certain that an inflow of economic benefits will arise, no contingent asset is recognized in the consolidated financial statements as at and for the year ended 31 December 2011 (31 December 2010: None).
Dispute regarding the Fine applied by ICTA on tariffs above upper limits
On 21 April 2010, ICTA decided to impose administrative fine to the Company amounting to TL 53,467 (equivalent to $28,306 as at 31 December 2011) by claiming that the Company applied tariffs above the upper limits of GSM-GSM in GSM Upper Limits Table approved by ICTA on 25 March 2009. The payment was made within 1 month following the notification of the decision of the ICTA. Therefore, 25% discount was applied and TL 40,100 (equivalent to $21,229 as at 31 December 2011) is paid as the administrative fine on 3 June 2010. The Company filed a lawsuit on 28 June 2010, for the cancellation of the aforementioned decision. The Court overruled the stay of execution claim, the Company objected to the decision and the Court accepted this objection and decided for the stay of the execution. Accordingly, ICTA paid back TL 40,100 (equivalent to $21,229 as at 31 December 2011) on 27 January 2011. On 3 May 2011, the Court rejected the case. The Company appealed the decision and paid back TL 40,100 to ICTA on 6 October 2011. Appeal process is pending.
F-100
TURKCELL ILETISIM HIZMETLERI AS AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)
As at and for the year ended 31 December 2011
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars unless otherwise indicated except share amounts)
(The Groups audited consolidated financial statements prepared as at and for the year ended 31 December 2010 were approved by the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors (Board Resolution dated 23 February 2011 and numbered 797), however not approved by the General Assemblies on 21 April 2011, 11 August 2011 and 12 October 2011.)
Amount to be reimbursed to the subscribers was calculated as TL 46,228 (equivalent to $24,474 as at 31 December 2011) and deducted from revenues in the consolidated financial statements as at and for the year ended 31 December 2009. Reimbursement to subscribers was made in January 2010.
ICTA, notified the Company on 23 November 2011, to pay the amount of TL 13,367 (equivalent to $7,077 as at 31 December 2011) which is the unpaid portion arising from the 25% cash discount of the administrative fine amounting to TL 53,467 (equivalent to $28,306 as at 31 December 2011) that was imposed for applying tariffs above the upper limits. The Company filed a lawsuit on 23 December 2011 for stay of execution and for the annulment of this process. The case is pending. On 20 February 2012, payment order has been sent to the Company by the Tax Office. On 24 February 2012, the Company filed a lawsuit for cancellation of the payment order.
Based on the management opinion, the probability of an outflow of resources embodying economic benefits to settle the additional request regarding unpaid portion arising from the 25% discount of the administrative fine is uncertain, thus, no provision is recognized in the consolidated financial statements as at and for the year ended 31 December 2011 (31 December 2010: None).
Dispute on Deposits at Banks
The Company, in 2001, initiated an enforcement proceeding to collect receivables arising from deposits in a bank. The bank has been objected to the enforcement proceeding and the Company filed a lawsuit for the cancellation of the objection. The Court decided in favor of the Company on 1 March 2005. The bank appealed the decision and the Company replied the same. On 3 April 2006, Supreme Court of Appeals decided the reversal of the Courts decision in favor of the defendant. The Court abided by the decision of the Supreme Court of Appeals. The lawsuit is pending.
Since it is not virtually certain that an inflow of economic benefits will arise, no contingent asset is recognized in the consolidated financial statements as at and for the year ended 31 December 2011 (31 December 2010: None).
Dispute on Special Communication Taxation Regarding Prepaid Card Sales
Tax Office imposed tax penalty in the total amount of TL 47,130 (equivalent to $24,951 as at 31 December 2011) and TL 89,694 (equivalent to $47,485 as at 31 December 2011) based on the ground that the Company had to pay special communication tax over the discounts applied to the distributors for the wholesales for the years 2003 and 2004, respectively. On 31 December 2008 and 18 December 2009, the Company initiated lawsuits before the court. The Company requested to wait until the completion of settlement procedure in the lawsuit initiated on 31 December 2008. Since the Company and the Ministry of Finance Settlement Commission have settled on the amounts subjected to the lawsuits as explained in the following paragraph, the Company has withdrawn from the lawsuits.
According to the settlement made with the Ministry of Finance Settlement Commission on 1 June 2010, special communication tax and penalty was settled at TL 1,489 (equivalent to $788 as at 31 December 2011) and TL 2,834 (equivalent to $1,500 as at 31 December 2011) for the years 2003 and 2004, respectively. In
F-101
TURKCELL ILETISIM HIZMETLERI AS AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)
As at and for the year ended 31 December 2011
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars unless otherwise indicated except share amounts)
(The Groups audited consolidated financial statements prepared as at and for the year ended 31 December 2010 were approved by the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors (Board Resolution dated 23 February 2011 and numbered 797), however not approved by the General Assemblies on 21 April 2011, 11 August 2011 and 12 October 2011.)
addition, late payment interest was settled at TL 3,570 (equivalent to $1,890 as at 31 December 2011) and TL 5,295 (equivalent to $2,803 as at 31 December 2011) for the years 2003 and 2004, respectively. The aforementioned amounts were paid on 27 July 2010.
Provision set for the above mentioned special communication taxes, penalty and late payment interest was TL 64,653 (equivalent to $34,228 as at 31 December 2011) in the consolidated financial statements as at and for the year ended 31 December 2009 and the difference between the provision amount and settled amount was recognized as income in the consolidated financial statements as at and for the year ended 31 December 2010.
Tax Office imposed tax penalty, including actual tax and penalty for loss of tax, in the total amount of TL 133,617 (equivalent to $70,738 as at 31 December 2011) and TL 139,101 (equivalent to $73,641 as at 31 December 2011) based on the ground that the Company had to pay special communication tax over the discounts applied to the distributors for the wholesales for the years 2005 and 2006, respectively. The Company initiated lawsuits for the cancellation of assessments and penalties mentioned above.
On 28 February 2011, Tax Amnesty Law has been approved by the President of Republic of Turkey. The Company applied to the Ministry of Finance related to the Tax Amnesty Law on 27 April 2011. According to Tax Amnesty Law, special communication tax and penalty was calculated as TL 26,723 (equivalent to $14,147 as at 31 December 2011) and TL 27,820 (equivalent to $14,728 as at 31 December 2011) for the years 2005 and 2006, respectively. In addition, late payment interest was calculated as TL 11,164 (equivalent to $5,910 as at 31 December 2011) and TL 8,900 (equivalent to $4,712 as at 31 December 2011) for the years 2005 and 2006, respectively. The aforementioned amounts were paid on 30 June 2011. The Company applied to the Tax Court to withdraw from the lawsuits according to Tax Amnesty Law due to the aforementioned payment. The courts decided that it is not necessary to declare a judgment on merits for the lawsuit.
On 24 June 2011, Tax Office imposed tax penalty, including actual tax and penalty for loss of tax, in the total amount of TL 11,238 (equivalent to $5,949 as at 31 December 2011) based on the ground that the Company had to pay special communication tax over the discounts applied to the distributors for the wholesales for the period of January-February 2007. The Company applied to the Ministry of Finance on 13 July 2011 in order to benefit from the Tax Amnesty. According to Tax Amnesty Law, special communication tax and interest was calculated as TL 2,248 (equivalent to $1,190 as at 31 December 2011) and TL 842 (equivalent to $446 as at 31 December 2011) respectively. The aforementioned amounts were paid on 29 July 2011.
Carrying International Voice Traffic
In May 2003, the Company was informed that the ICTA had initiated an investigation against the Company claiming that the Company has violated Turkish laws by carrying some of its international voice traffic through an operator other than Turk Telekom. The Company is disputing whether Turk Telekom should be the sole carrier of international voice traffic. On 5 March 2004, ICTA fined the Company a nominal amount of approximately TL 31,731 (equivalent to $16,799 as at 31 December 2011).
F-102
TURKCELL ILETISIM HIZMETLERI AS AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)
As at and for the year ended 31 December 2011
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars unless otherwise indicated except share amounts)
(The Groups audited consolidated financial statements prepared as at and for the year ended 31 December 2010 were approved by the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors (Board Resolution dated 23 February 2011 and numbered 797), however not approved by the General Assemblies on 21 April 2011, 11 August 2011 and 12 October 2011.)
The Company has initiated a lawsuit with the claim of annulment of the related processes and decisions of ICTA, however, paid the administrative fine on 9 April 2004. On 5 November 2004, Council of State gave a decision, which is served to the Company, for stay of execution. With respect to that decision, ICTA paid back TL 18,000 (equivalent to $9,529 as at 31 December 2011) on 26 January 2005 and deduct a sum of TL 13,731 (equivalent to $7,269 as at 31 December 2011) from the December frequency usage fee payment. On 26 December 2006, Council of State decided to accept the Companys claim and annul the decision of and the fine imposed by the ICTA. ICTA appealed the decision. The decision has been approved by the Council of State, Plenary Session of the Chamber for Administrative Divisions.
Turk Telekom initiated a lawsuit against the Company with respect to the same issue requesting an amount of TL 450,931 (equivalent to $238,727 as at 31 December 2011) of which TL 219,149 (equivalent to $116,019 as at 31 December 2011) is principal and TL 231,782 (equivalent to $122,707 as at 31 December 2011) is interest charged until 30 June 2005 and requesting a temporary injunction.
Considering the progresses at the court case, provision is set for the principal amounting to TL 47,965 (equivalent to $25,393 as at 31 December 2011) and accrued interest amounting to a nominal amount of TL 89,351 (equivalent to $47,303 as at 31 December 2011) in the consolidated financial statements as at and for the year ended 31 December 2011.
In deciding upon the amount of the provision taking, the Company has taken the Turkish law into consideration, not the amounts requested by Turk Telekom and reflected in the expert report. Specifically, under Turkish Law, a person who is alleging that he has suffered a loss cannot claim the whole of his possible revenues but only the damages may only be sought in respect of lost profit. For this reason, the provision set by the Company is calculated by taking Turk Telekoms estimated loss of profit into consideration rather than the amounts requested by Turk Telekom and amounts reflected in the expert report. Moreover, the Company obtained an independent opinion dated 23 October 2007 which supports the management opinion from an expert who is not designated by the Court.
On 5 November 2009, the Court rejected the Turk Telekoms request amounting to TL 171,704 (equivalent to $90,902 as at 31 December 2011) and accepted the request amounting to TL 279,227 (equivalent to $147,825 as at 31 December 2011). The Company appealed the decision. Also, Turk Telekom appealed the decision. The Court of Cassation cancelled the decision. The Company and Turk Telekom applied for the correction of the decision. Supreme Court decided to reject both sides correction of the decision requests. The lawsuit is still pending in the Court of First Instance.
Disputes with Spor Toto
On 9 November 2005, Spor Toto sent a notification letter to Inteltek claiming that Inteltek is obliged to pay nominal amount of TL 3,292 (equivalent to $1,743 as at 31 December 2011) due to the difference in the reconciliation methods. Spor Toto claims that the reconciliation periods should be six-month independent periods whereas Inteltek management believes that those periods should be cumulative as stated in the agreement. Inteltek has not paid the requested amount.
Spor Toto, on behalf of General Directorate of Youth and Sport (GDYS), initiated a declaratory lawsuit against Inteltek. On 22 February 2007, the Court rejected the case and decided that the collection risk is with
F-103
TURKCELL ILETISIM HIZMETLERI AS AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)
As at and for the year ended 31 December 2011
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars unless otherwise indicated except share amounts)
(The Groups audited consolidated financial statements prepared as at and for the year ended 31 December 2010 were approved by the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors (Board Resolution dated 23 February 2011 and numbered 797), however not approved by the General Assemblies on 21 April 2011, 11 August 2011 and 12 October 2011.)
GDYS and Inteltek is not responsible for the uncollected amount of TL 1,527 (equivalent to $808 as at 31 December 2011) and also rejected the demand that the reconciliation period should be six-month independent periods. GDYS appealed the Courts decision. Supreme Court rejected the appeal request of GDYS. Following the Supreme Courts decision, GDYS applied for the correction of the decision. GDYSs correction of decision request was rejected by the Court and the decision was finalized.
Based on the decision of Supreme Court, Inteltek reversed the previously accrued principal amount of TL 3,292 (equivalent to $1,743 as at 31 December 2011) and its overdue interest accrual amount of TL 1,894 (equivalent to $1,003 as at 31 December 2011) in September 2007. Furthermore, Inteltek reclaimed TL 2,345 (equivalent to $1,241 as at 31 December 2011) principal and TL 977 (equivalent to $517 as at 31 December 2011) accrued interest which was paid in the 1st and 3rd reconciliation periods. Inteltek has initiated a lawsuit on 21 February 2008 to collect this amount. On 19 March 2009, the court decided in favor of Inteltek. Spor Toto appealed the decision. The Supreme Court ruled to reverse the judgment of the local court. Inteltek applied for the correction of the decision. The Supreme Court rejected the correction of the decision process and the file has been returned to the Court. The Court decided to resist on the former decision on 29 June 2011. Spor Toto appealed the decision. The appeal process is pending.
Since it is not virtually certain that an inflow of economic benefits will arise, no asset or related income is recognized in the consolidated financial statements as at and for the year ended 31 December 2011 (31 December 2010: None).
Dispute on over assessment following the settlement on VAT fine pertaining to International Roaming Agreements
On 9 February 2009, the Company initiated a lawsuit claiming cancellation of interest charges amounting TL 6,609 (equivalent to $3,499 as at 31 December 2011) which are erroneously calculated after settlement with the Tax Office regarding the VAT and tax penalties accrued due to roaming agreement for years 2000, 2001 and 2002. The Court rejected the Companys injunction request. The Company objected to the decision. The Court rejected the objection of the Company. The lawsuit is pending.
Since it is not virtually certain that an inflow of economic benefits will arise, no asset or related income is recognized in the consolidated financial statements as at and for the year ended 31 December 2011 (31 December 2010: None).
Dispute on Iranian GSM tender process
The Company has initiated an arbitration case against Islamic Republic of Iran for not abiding by the provisions of the Agreement on Reciprocal Promotion and Protection of Investments and demanded its sustained loss, on 11 January 2008 at the arbitration court which is established pursuant to the UNCITRAL arbitration rules. The arbitration process is still pending.
Besides, related with GSM tender process, Eastasia one of the partners of the consortium established to participate the tender and a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, initiated an arbitration process
F-104
TURKCELL ILETISIM HIZMETLERI AS AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)
As at and for the year ended 31 December 2011
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars unless otherwise indicated except share amounts)
(The Groups audited consolidated financial statements prepared as at and for the year ended 31 December 2010 were approved by the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors (Board Resolution dated 23 February 2011 and numbered 797), however not approved by the General Assemblies on 21 April 2011, 11 August 2011 and 12 October 2011.)
against Iran Economic Development Company (IEDC), another partner of the consortium, on 29 April 2008 claiming that IEDC violated the shareholders agreement and seeking compensation for damages for the aforementioned breach. The arbitration process is still pending.
Dispute on Turk Telekom Transmission Tariffs
On 19 January 2007, the Company initiated a lawsuit against Turk Telekom claiming that Turk Telekom charged transmission on erroneous tariffs between 1 June 2004 and 1 July 2005. The Company requested a nominal amount of TL 8,137 (equivalent to $4,308 as at 31 December 2011) including interest. The expert report given to Court is in favor of the Company. The Court ruled to obtain supplementary expert report. Supplementary expert report is also in favor of the Company. The Court ruled to obtain a new expert report. The case is still pending.
Since it is not virtually certain that an inflow of economic benefits will arise, no asset or related income is recognized in the consolidated financial statements as at and for the year ended 31 December 2011 (31 December 2010: None).
Dispute on the decision of CMB regarding Audit Committee Member
On 21 July 2006, Alexey Khudyakov was appointed to the audit committee as an observer member. On 26 January 2007 the CMB informed the Company that Alexey Khudyakovs current status, as an observer member on the audit committee does not satisfy the requirements under Article 25 Committees Responsible for Auditing of the CMB. The CMB has stated that steps must be taken urgently in order to comply with Article 25. On 21 March 2007, the Company commenced a lawsuit to suspend the execution and to annul the decision of the CMB.
On 18 January 2008, Ankara 14th Administrative Court rejected the case. The Company appealed the decision with an injunction request. However; Council of State rejected the appeal request and consequently the Companys correction of the decision request.
On 15 October 2008, the CMB decided on an administrative fine amounting to TL 12 (equivalent to $6 as at 31 December 2011) since the Company did not fulfill the decision of CMB dated 26 January 2007 and required the Company to inform its shareholders at the next General Assembly Meeting. The Company commenced a lawsuit before the Administrative Court. The Court rejected the Companys stay of execution request and the Companys objection to this decision has been rejected. On 27 May 2011, the Court rejected the case. The Company appealed the decision. Council of State rejected the injunction request of the First Instance Courts decision. Council of State rejected the stay of execution request of the Company. The appeal process is still pending.
Dispute on Mobile Number Portability
On 29 March 2007, the Company initiated a lawsuit against the ICTA claiming stay of order for and the annulment of the Regulation on Mobile Number Portability issued by the ICTA on 1 February 2007 on the
F-105
TURKCELL ILETISIM HIZMETLERI AS AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)
As at and for the year ended 31 December 2011
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars unless otherwise indicated except share amounts)
(The Groups audited consolidated financial statements prepared as at and for the year ended 31 December 2010 were approved by the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors (Board Resolution dated 23 February 2011 and numbered 797), however not approved by the General Assemblies on 21 April 2011, 11 August 2011 and 12 October 2011.)
ground that vested rights of the Company arising out the concession agreement were violated by the said regulation. On 1 June 2009, the Court rejected the case. The Company appealed the decision. The appeal process is still pending.
Dispute on Turk Telekom Interconnection Costs
On 8 April 2009, Turk Telekom initiated a lawsuit for damages against the Company claiming that the Company is violating the legislation by applying higher call termination fees to operators than the fees applied to the Companys subscribers for on-net calls and requesting for the time being TL 10 (equivalent to $5 as at 31 December 2011) with its accrued interest starting from 2001 and TL 10 (equivalent to $5 as at 31 December 2011) with its accrued interest starting from the lawsuit date for the sustained loss as a result of decreasing traffic volume of Turk Telekom and subscriber lost derived from this action. On 6 April 2011, the Court decided to reject the case. Turk Telekom appealed the decision. The Company replied the appeal request. The appeal process is still pending.
On 22 August 2011, Turk Telekom initiated a lawsuit on the ground that on-net tariffs of the Company are under the interconnection fees notwithstanding ICTAs decision regarding, on-net tariffs of the Company cannot be under the interconnection fees which are applied by the Company to other operators and requested TL 1,000 (equivalent to $529 as at 31 December 2011) monetary compensation by reserving its right for surpluses. The lawsuit is pending.
Based on the management opinion, the probability of an outflow of resources embodying economic benefits to settle the obligation is uncertain, thus, no provision is recognized in the consolidated financial statements as at and for the year ended 31 December 2011 (31 December 2010: None).
Dispute on Avea Interconnection Costs
On 4 November 2010, Avea initiated a lawsuit on the ground that on-net tariffs of the Company are under the interconnection fees notwithstanding ICTAs decision regarding, on-net tariffs of the Company cannot be under the interconnection fees which are applied by the Company to other operators and requested TL 1,000 (equivalent to $529 as at 31 December 2011) monetary compensation by reserving its right for surpluses. During the judgment, Avea increased its request to TL 47,000 (equivalent to $24,882 as at 31 December 2011). An expert report from committee of experts appointed by the court has been submitted to the court which is in favor of the Company. The Court has decided to have an additional expert report from the same committee of experts. The lawsuit is pending. The Company has accrued provision amounting to TL 1,000 (equivalent to $529 as at 31 December 2011) which is the amount of initial request of Avea.
On 25 April 2011, Avea initiated another lawsuit with the same grounds mentioned above claiming compensation for its losses between November 2009 and January 2010. Avea claimed TL 40,000 (equivalent to $21,176 as at 31 December 2011) material compensation by reserving its rights for surpluses. The lawsuit is still pending.
F-106
TURKCELL ILETISIM HIZMETLERI AS AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)
As at and for the year ended 31 December 2011
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars unless otherwise indicated except share amounts)
(The Groups audited consolidated financial statements prepared as at and for the year ended 31 December 2010 were approved by the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors (Board Resolution dated 23 February 2011 and numbered 797), however not approved by the General Assemblies on 21 April 2011, 11 August 2011 and 12 October 2011.)
Based on the management opinion, the probability of an outflow of resources embodying economic benefits to settle the obligation is uncertain, thus, no additional provision is recognized in the consolidated financial statements as at and for the year ended 31 December 2011.
Dispute on Campaigns
On 21 May 2008, ICTA decided that the Company damaged the subscribers financial interests related to the campaigns in which free minutes or counters are given and requested TL 32,088 (equivalent to $16,988 as at 31 December 2011). On 10 July 2008, the Company filed a lawsuit for the injunction and cancellation of the ICTAs decision. However, the Company benefited from the early payment option with a 25% early payment discount and paid TL 24,066 (equivalent to $12,741 as at 31 December 2011) on 1 August 2008. On 10 November 2010, the court decided to reject the case. The Company appealed the decision. The State of Council rejected the injunction request of the First Instance Courts decision. The appeal process is still pending.
Since it is not virtually certain that an inflow of economic benefits will arise, no asset or related income is recognized in the consolidated financial statements as at and for the year ended 31 December 2011 (31 December 2010: None).
Dispute on Payment Request of Savings Deposits Insurance Fund
On 26 July 2007, Savings Deposits Insurance Fund (SDIF) requested TL 15,149 (equivalent to $8,020 as at 31 December 2011) to be paid in one month period on the ground that the stated amount is recorded as receivable from the Company in the accounting records of Telsim, which is taken over by SDIF. On 20 September 2007, the Company filed a lawsuit for the injunction and cancellation of the SDIFs request. Council of State accepted the injunction request of the Company. On 19 January 2010, the Court accepted the Companys claim and cancelled the aforementioned request of SDIF. SDIF appealed the decision. Appeal process is still pending.
SDIF issued payment orders for the aforementioned amount and, on 19 October 2007, the Company initiated a lawsuit for the cancellation of the payment request of SDIF. On 29 March 2010, the Court decided on the cancellation of the payment order. SDIF appealed such decision. The appeal process is pending.
Based on the management opinion, the probability of an outflow of resources embodying economic benefits to settle the obligation is uncertain, thus, no provision is recognized in the consolidated financial statements as at and for the year ended 31 December 2011 (31 December 2010: None).
Dispute on the Discounts which are paid over the Treasury Share and ICTA Fee
At the end of 2006, Tax Auditors of the Company claimed that gross revenue in the statutory accounts should include discounts granted to distributors although the Company recorded these discounts in a separate line item as sales discounts.
F-107
TURKCELL ILETISIM HIZMETLERI AS AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)
As at and for the year ended 31 December 2011
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars unless otherwise indicated except share amounts)
(The Groups audited consolidated financial statements prepared as at and for the year ended 31 December 2010 were approved by the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors (Board Resolution dated 23 February 2011 and numbered 797), however not approved by the General Assemblies on 21 April 2011, 11 August 2011 and 12 October 2011.)
Starting from 1 January 2007, the Company started to deduct discounts granted to distributors from gross revenue and present them on a net basis. Accordingly, the Company decided that, it has paid excess treasury share and universal service fund for the year 2006 totaling TL 51,254 (equivalent to $27,134 as at 31 December 2011).
Through the letter dated 23 February 2007, the Company requested treasury share amounting to TL 46,129 (equivalent to $24,421 as at 31 December 2011) and interest accrued amounting to TL 5,020 (equivalent to $2,658 as at 31 December 2011) from Turkish Treasury and universal service fund amounting to TL 5,125 (equivalent to $2,713 as at 31 December 2011) and interest accrued amounting to TL 558 (equivalent to $295 as at 31 December 2011) from Turkish Ministry to be paid in 10 days. Since Turkish Treasury and Turkish Ministry have not made any payment, the Company started to deduct these amounts from ongoing monthly payments. As at 31 December 2007, the Company deducted TL 51,254 (equivalent to $27,134 as at 31 December 2011) from monthly treasury share and universal service fund payments.
Turkish Treasury sent a letter to the Company dated 17 July 2007 and objected the deduction of the discounts granted to the distributors from the treasury share payments. Accordingly, the Company is asked to return TL 2,960 (equivalent to $1,567 as at 31 December 2011) that is deducted from treasury share payment for May 2007. The Company has not made the related payment and continued to deduct such discounts treasury share and universal service fee amount related to discounts granted to distributors for the year 2006.
Management believes that the Company has the legal right to make deductions with respect to this issue. Accordingly, the Company has not recorded any provisions with respect to this matter in its consolidated financial statements as at and for the year ended 31 December 2011 (31 December 2010: None).
The Company filed two lawsuits before ICC claiming that the Company is not obliged to pay treasury share and ICTA Fee in accordance with the 8th and 9th Articles of the Concession Agreement, respectively, on discounts granted to distributors. On the both lawsuits, ICC has decided in favor of the Company. As stated in both of the Final Awards, the Company is not under obligation of paying Treasury Share and the Contribution to the expenses of Authority pursuant to Article of 8 and 9 of the Concession Agreement dated March 10, 2006. ICTA filed lawsuits for cancellation of these Final Awards. In both lawsuits, the Court decided in favor of the Company. ICTA appealed the decisions. The Company replied appeal requests. Appeal processes are still pending.
Dispute on payments of additional treasury share payment for the period between 1 June 2004 and 9 March 2006
Turkish Treasury, through a letter which is based on the Report of the Treasury Controllers Board following the examinations covering the period between 1 June 2004 and 9 March 2006, requested additional treasury share payment regarding the mentioned period. The Company initiated a lawsuit before ICC on 18 December 2009 in order to obtain a declaratory judgment on the Company is not obliged to pay TL 3,320 (equivalent to $1,758 as at 31 December 2011) of the requested amount and treasury share over the exchange differences arising from roaming revenue. The arbitral tribunal partially accepted the Companys claims and decided that the Company is not obliged to pay TL 885.
F-108
TURKCELL ILETISIM HIZMETLERI AS AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)
As at and for the year ended 31 December 2011
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars unless otherwise indicated except share amounts)
(The Groups audited consolidated financial statements prepared as at and for the year ended 31 December 2010 were approved by the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors (Board Resolution dated 23 February 2011 and numbered 797), however not approved by the General Assemblies on 21 April 2011, 11 August 2011 and 12 October 2011.)
ICTA, through a letter dated 14 May 2010 which is based on the Report of the Treasury Controllers Board following the examinations covering the period between 1 June 2004 to 9 March 2006, requested additional treasury share payment of TL 4,909 (equivalent to $2,599 as at 31 December 2011) together with the penalty of TL 12,171 (equivalent to $6,443 as at 31 December 2011) on the ground that the treasury share and treasury share over the exchange differences arising from roaming revenue are not paid entirely.
On 26 May 2010, the Company, in order to provide the suspension of the payment, requested a preliminary injunction from the Civil Court of First Instance based on the grounds that the payment of additional treasury share payment of TL 4,909 (equivalent to $2,599 as at 31 December 2011) together with the penalty of TL 12,171 (equivalent to $6,443 as at 31 December 2011) is a pending case before ICC Arbitration Court. The Civil Court of First Instance accepted the Companys request. ICTA raised an objection to the preliminary injunction and this objection has been rejected.
The Company filed a lawsuit before ICC on 27 January 2012 claiming the contradiction to law of the penalty of TL 12,171 (equivalent to $6,443 as at 31 December 2011) calculated over allegedly unpaid TL 4,909 (equivalent to $2,599 as at 31 December 2011) treasury share. The lawsuit is still pending.
ICTA, through a letter dated 19 October 2010 which is based on the Report of the Treasury Controllers Board following the examinations covering the period between 10 March 2006 and 31 December 2008, requested treasury share of TL 72,527 (equivalent to $38,396 as at 31 December 2011) and conventional penalty of TL 205,594 (equivalent to $108,843 as at 31 December 2011). The Company paid TL 1,535 (equivalent to $813 as at 31 December 2011) of the aforementioned amount.
On 13 December 2010, the Company, in order to provide the suspension of the payment, requested a preliminary injunction from the Civil Court of First Instance based on the grounds that the payment of treasury share of TL 70,992 (equivalent to $37,584 as at 31 December 2011) and conventional penalty of TL 205,594 (equivalent to $108,843 as at 31 December 2011) is a pending case before ICC Arbitration Court. The Court accepted the Companys request. ICTAs objection against the decision has been rejected.
Based on the management opinion, the probability of an outflow of resources embodying economic benefits to settle the obligation is uncertain, thus, no provision is recognized in the consolidated financial statements as at and for the year ended 31 December 2011 (31 December 2010: None).
The Company filed a lawsuit before ICC on 12 January 2011 regarding the part of treasury share which is not covered in the lawsuits previously finalized in favor of the Company and the conventional penalty of TL 205,594 (equivalent to $108,843 as at 31 December 2011). The lawsuit is still pending.
Dispute on treasury share amounts which are absorbed due to retrospective board decisions taken by ICTA
In consequence of collection of treasury share from the Company without considering its payments to the other operators and some subscribers due to the retrospective procedure amendments of ICTA on both interconnection fees and some tariffs; the Company commenced a lawsuit on 5 August 2010 before ICC on the ground that treasury share which collected from diminishing returns are unlawful and deductions committed by the Company between the years 2006 - 2010 from the treasury share are rightful and claimed
F-109
TURKCELL ILETISIM HIZMETLERI AS AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)
As at and for the year ended 31 December 2011
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars unless otherwise indicated except share amounts)
(The Groups audited consolidated financial statements prepared as at and for the year ended 31 December 2010 were approved by the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors (Board Resolution dated 23 February 2011 and numbered 797), however not approved by the General Assemblies on 21 April 2011, 11 August 2011 and 12 October 2011.)
payment of TL 1,600 (equivalent to $847 as at 31 December 2011) and its interest to the overpayment amount which is paid under the name of treasury share, against ICTA due to its administrative act leading to this case and against Turkish Treasury and Ministry of Transport, Maritime Affairs and Communications due to making benefit from aforementioned amount. ICC decided in favor of the Company in March 2012.
Since it is not virtually certain that an inflow of economic benefits will arise, no asset or related income is recognized in the consolidated financial statements prepared as at and for the year ended 31 December 2011 (31 December 2010: None).
Dispute with the Ministry of Industry and Trade
Ministry of Industry and Trade notified the Company that the Company is not informing the subscribers properly before service subscriptions and content sales and charged administrative fine of TL 68,201 (equivalent to $36,106 as at 31 December 2011). On 24 August 2009, the Company initiated a lawsuit for the cancellation of the payment order and related decision of the Ministry of Industry and Trade. The Court rejected the Companys injunction request. The Court cancelled the payment order on 8 June 2010. Ministry of Industry and Trade appealed the decision. Appeal process is still pending.
On 14 December 2009, the Company filed a lawsuit for the injunction and cancellation of the payment order of TL 68,201 (equivalent to $36,106 as at 31 December 2011) with respect to the decision of Ministry of Industry and Trade. The Court decided to accept the case. Tax Administration appealed the decision. Appeal process is still pending.
Based on the management opinion, the probability of an outflow of resources embodying economic benefits to settle the obligation is uncertain, thus, no provision is recognized in the consolidated financial statements as at and for the year ended 31 December 2011 (31 December 2010: None).
Penalty of ICTA on Value Added Services
On 1 March 2010, ICTA decided to initiate an investigation against the Company upon administrative fine of 31,822 TL (equivalent to $16,847 as at 31 December 2011) is revoked by the Ministry of Industry and Trade on the ground that the Company did not refund the subscribers who are unsubscribed in the period and did not demand content and this is contrary to the article 11/A of the law numbered 4077. The investigation report has been sent to the Company and the Company has submitted its written defense to ICTA.
On 13 January 2011, ICTA decided to apply administrative fine of TL 748 (equivalent to $396 as at 31 December 2011). Since the administrative fine was paid within 1 month following the notification of the decision of ICTA, 25% discount was applied and payment amounting to TL 561 (equivalent to $297 as at 31 December 2011) was made on 17 February 2011.
Dispute of Astelit with its Distributor
Astelit and one of its distributors had an agreement for the sale of Astelits inventory to third parties. Under this agreement, the sale of products had to be performed within 30 days after delivery and proceeds from
F-110
TURKCELL ILETISIM HIZMETLERI AS AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)
As at and for the year ended 31 December 2011
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars unless otherwise indicated except share amounts)
(The Groups audited consolidated financial statements prepared as at and for the year ended 31 December 2010 were approved by the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors (Board Resolution dated 23 February 2011 and numbered 797), however not approved by the General Assemblies on 21 April 2011, 11 August 2011 and 12 October 2011.)
such sale had to be transferred to Astelit excluding commissions due to the distributor for performing the assignment. At a certain stage of the relationship under this agreement, the distributor began to violate its obligations for indebtedness for received, due but unpaid products.
Despite the distributor is factually a debtor under the agreement, the distributor filed a lawsuit against Astelit on recovery of HRV 106,443 (equivalent to $13,322 as at 31 December 2011), which is allegedly the sum of advance payment for undelivered goods. In the course of court proceedings, Astelit made a counterclaim on recovery of indebtedness in the amount of HRV 35,292 (equivalent to $4,417 as at 31 December 2011).
As a result of consideration of two claims, the Court of First Instance in Kiev dismissed the claim of the distributor and sustained the counterclaim of Astelit. Subsequently, The Kiev Economic Court of Appeal repealed the decision of the Court of First Instance and dismissed the claim of Astelit and sustained the claim of the distributor on recovery of HRV 106,443 (equivalent to $13,322 as at 31 December 2011). The resolution of The Higher Economic Court of Ukraine dated 20 October 2009 remained unaltered the appellate courts ruling. Thereafter, Astelit management has filed a lawsuit against this conclusion in the Supreme Court of Ukraine, which is the supreme and final degree of jurisdiction against the resolution of the Higher Economic Court of Ukraine.
In December 2009 the Supreme Court of Ukraine has revoked the previous court decisions and forwarded the court file to the Court of First Instance in Kiev to other judges for new legal proceedings. New legal proceedings started in February 2010. It was decided by the court to conduct judicial expertise by specially authorized Kiev research institute of judicial expertise in order to define real indebtedness. After the expertise the court of first instance made the decision in favor of Astelit. The court decision was appealed to Appeal Court by the distributor. Appeal proceeding was appointed on 1 November 2011. Kiev Appeal Court upheld the above judgment on 24 November 2011. Thus the decision became effective. One of the banks in Ukraine (as a third party in the case) filed a cassation to Higher Economic Court of Ukraine. Having filed the cassation, the bank used its right to prevent any possible negative consequences to it, as former Guarantor and Creditor to the distributor of Astelit. On 26 March 2012, Higher Economic Court of Ukraine affirmed the previous court decisions. The distributor or the bank has a right to appeal court decision to Supreme Court of Ukraine.
Management believes that such conclusion of the courts has proper legal basis. Accordingly, the Company has not recorded any accruals with respect to this matter in its consolidated financial statements as at and for the year ended 31 December 2011 (31 December 2010: None).
Dispute of Astelit related to Withholding Tax on Interest Expense
Ukrainian Tax Administration sent a tax notice to Astelit stating that withholding tax rate on interest expense for the loan agreement with Euroasia should be 10% for the year 2009. According to Ukrainian legislation and Convention on avoiding double taxation, Astelit paid withholding tax at 2%. Astelit filed the suit to cancel tax notice, which imposed Astelit to pay additional HRV 11,651 (equivalent to $1,458 as at 31 December 2011). On 10 March 2011, Kiev Appeal Administrative Court has upheld the decision of the Administrative Court of First Instance which decided in favor of Astelit on 30 November 2010. Ukrainian Tax Administration appealed the case. The date of hearing in Supreme Administrative Court has not been appointed yet.
F-111
TURKCELL ILETISIM HIZMETLERI AS AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)
As at and for the year ended 31 December 2011
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars unless otherwise indicated except share amounts)
(The Groups audited consolidated financial statements prepared as at and for the year ended 31 December 2010 were approved by the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors (Board Resolution dated 23 February 2011 and numbered 797), however not approved by the General Assemblies on 21 April 2011, 11 August 2011 and 12 October 2011.)
Based on the management opinion, provision amounting to $2,702 is set for the risks belonging to years 2009 and 2010 in the consolidated financial statements as at and for the year ended 31 December 2011.
Dispute on VAT and SCT on Roaming Services
On 21 October 2009, based on the Tax Investigation Reports dated 2 October 2009, Presidency of Large Taxpayers Office, Audit Group Management notified the Company that VAT and SCT should be calculated on charges paid to international GSM operators for the calls initiated by the Companys subscribers abroad and collect from the subscribers and requested TL 255,298 (equivalent to $135,157 as at 31 December 2011) for the period from April 2005 to July 2009, and for an interest to be calculated until the payment date. The Company filed a lawsuit for the cancellation of the aforementioned request. Based on the settlement between the Company and Ministry of Finance, the Company has withdrawn from the lawsuits.
As a result of the settlement made with Ministry of Finance Settlement Commission on 1 June 2010, penalty fee has been settled at TL 20,163 (equivalent to $10,674 as at 31 December 2011) and late payment interest expense was settled at TL 15,998 (equivalent to $8,469 as at 31 December 2011) and related payment was made on 27 July 2010.
Dispute on VAT and SCT regarding Shell & Turcas Petrol AS Campaign
The Company and Shell&Turcas Petrol A.S. signed an agreement on 27 November 2007 where eligible subscribers can get free counters and minutes from the Company or free oil from Shell&Turcas Petrol AS.
As a result of the tax investigation, Tax Controllers notified that VAT and special communication tax are not calculated over the free counters and minutes and imposed special communication tax amounting to TL 1,214 (equivalent to $643 as at 31 December 2011) and tax penalty of TL 1,822 (equivalent to $965 as at 31 December 2011) and VAT amounting to TL 874 (equivalent to $463 as at 31 December 2011) and tax penalty of TL 1,315 (equivalent to $696 as at 31 December 2011). On 16 September 2009, the Company filed lawsuits for the cancellation of the tax penalty. The court decided to accept the case. Tax Administration appealed the decisions. The appeal process is still pending.
Based on the management opinion, the probability of an outflow of resources embodying economic benefits to settle the obligation is uncertain, thus, no provision is recognized in the consolidated financial statements as at and for the year ended 31 December 2011 (31 December 2010: None).
Lawsuit initiated by Mep Iletisim AS
On 31 December 2008, Mep Iletisim AS, which is former distributor of the Company and whose agreement is no longer valid, initiated a lawsuit against the Company claiming that it has a loss of TL 64,000 (equivalent to $33,882 as at 31 December 2011) due to the applications of the Company and requested TL 1,000 (equivalent to $529 as at 31 December 2011) and remaining amount to be reserved. An expert report from committee of experts appointed by the court has been submitted to the court. The Court decided to obtain a supplementary report from the same committee. The lawsuit is still pending.
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TURKCELL ILETISIM HIZMETLERI AS AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)
As at and for the year ended 31 December 2011
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars unless otherwise indicated except share amounts)
(The Groups audited consolidated financial statements prepared as at and for the year ended 31 December 2010 were approved by the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors (Board Resolution dated 23 February 2011 and numbered 797), however not approved by the General Assemblies on 21 April 2011, 11 August 2011 and 12 October 2011.)
Based on the management opinion, the probability of an outflow of resources embodying economic benefits to settle the obligation is uncertain, thus, no provision is recognized in the consolidated financial statements as at and for the year ended 31 December 2011 (31 December 2010: None).
Investigation of ICTA on the wrongful declarations of the Company and the Companys refrain from signing the minutes
ICTA decided to initiate an investigation based on the reason that the information provided by the Company within the frame of another investigation of ICTA is inconsistent and wrong, the Company is not in a helpful approach regarding the conduction of the investigation and refraining from signing the minutes drafted by the Audit Committee of ICTA. Investigation report has been sent to the Company. The Company submitted its defense within the due time. In accordance with the decision of ICTA dated 10 February 2011, no penalty has been charged for the Company.
Decisions of ICTA on tariff plans
On 15 November 2009, ICTA notified that the Company has changed the conditions of a tariff plan after the launch and shall reimburse overcharged amounts to the subscribers. On 1 February 2010, the Company initiated a lawsuit for stay of execution and the cancellation of the decision of ICTA. The Court rejected the Companys stay of execution request. The Company objected to this decision. The Court rejected the objection request of the Company. The case is still pending.
Amount to be reimbursed to the subscribers is calculated as TL 15,660 (equivalent to $8,291 as at 31 December 2011) and deducted from revenues in the consolidated financial statements as at and for the year ended 31 December 2009. Reimbursement to subscribers was made in January 2010.
On 17 May 2010, ICTA decided to impose TL 802 (equivalent to $425 as at 31 December 2011) administrative fine against the Company on the ground that one of the tariff option of the Company contradicts the board decision which sets lower limit to the on-net tariffs. The payment was made within 1 month following the notification of the decision of ICTA. Therefore, 25% discount was applied and TL 601 (equivalent to $318 as at 31 December 2011) as fine on 21 June 2010. Besides, the Company filed a lawsuit on 21 July 2010 in request for the cancellation of fine. The Court overruled the stay of execution request and the Company objected to this decision. The Court rejected the objection request of the Company. The Court rejected the lawsuit. The Company appealed the decision. The state of Council rejected the stay of execution request of the First Instance Courts decision. The appeal process is still pending.
On 8 March 2010, ICTA informed the Company that an investigation took place on another tariff plan. As a result of the investigation, ICTA decided to apply administrative penalty amounted TL 26,483 (equivalent to $14,020 as at 31 December 2011) to the Company on 22 September 2010. Administrative fine was paid within 1 month following the notification of the decision of ICTA. Therefore, 25% discount was applied and TL 19,862 (equivalent to $10,515 as at 31 December 2011) is paid as a fine on 7 December 2010. The Company initiated a lawsuit to suspend the execution of administrative fine and cancellation, on 10 December 2010. The Court overruled the stay of execution request and the Company objected to this decision. On 17 February 2011, the Regional Ankara Administrative Court accepted the objection and decided to suspend the execution. ICTA reimbursed the paid amount on 30 March 2011. The lawsuit is still pending.
F-113
TURKCELL ILETISIM HIZMETLERI AS AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)
As at and for the year ended 31 December 2011
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars unless otherwise indicated except share amounts)
(The Groups audited consolidated financial statements prepared as at and for the year ended 31 December 2010 were approved by the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors (Board Resolution dated 23 February 2011 and numbered 797), however not approved by the General Assemblies on 21 April 2011, 11 August 2011 and 12 October 2011.)
Amount to be reimbursed to the subscribers is calculated as TL 13,432 (equivalent to $7,111 as at 31 December 2011) for the year 2010 and deducted from revenues in the consolidated financial statements as at and for the year ended 31 December 2010. Reimbursement to subscribers was made in February 2011 amounting to TL 7,137 (equivalent to $3,778 as at 31 December 2011). As a result of the aforementioned court decision for the stay of execution dated 17 February 2011, the Company decided not to reimburse remaining TL 6,295 (equivalent to $3,333 as at 31 December 2011).
Decision of ICTA regarding telephone directory and unknown numbers service
On 7 July 2010, ICTA decided to fine the Company by TL 401 (equivalent to $212 as at 31 December 2011) and transfer back all kinds of software, hardware, infrastructure and equipment which make available the telephone directory and unknown numbers service to the ownership of the Company from its wholly owned subsidiary on the ground that ownership of the whole system related to telephone directory and unknown number service is not pertain to the Company. Administrative fine was paid within 1 month following the notification of the decision of ICTA. Therefore, 25% discount was applied and TL 301 (equivalent to $159 as at 31 December 2011) as fine on 7 September 2010.
The Company filed a lawsuit on 22 September 2010 for the stay of execution and cancellation of the administrative fine. The Court overruled the stay of execution request of the Company and the Company objected to this decision. The Court rejected the lawsuit. The Company appealed the decision. The State of Council rejected the stay of execution request of the First Instance Courts decision. The appeal process is still pending.
Since it is not virtually certain that an inflow of economic benefits will arise, no asset or related income is recognized in the consolidated financial statements as at and for the year ended 31 December 2011 (31 December 2010: None).
Dispute regarding the Fine Applied by the Competition Board regarding applications to the distributors
On 11 November 2009, Competition Board decided to initiate an investigation against the Company on the ground that the Company, through its applications to its distributors, violates the related clauses of the Competition Act numbered 4054. Within the context of the investigation, the Company submitted its statement of defense. The investigation took place as an on-site examination and inspection in March 2010. The Competition Board decided to examine the claims of Vodafone regarding this investigation within the context of this file. Besides, the Companys action concerning abuse of dominant position in the wholesale or retail market of simcard, unit card, digital unit, activation and other subscriber services by obstructing the activity of Avea is examined in the context of this investigation and Avea is accepted as a complainant. Investigation report is submitted to the Company in August 2010 and the Company submitted its defense statement to the Board. Additional Written Opinion is submitted to the Company in February 2011 and the Company submitted its written defense to Additional Written Opinion within the due date. The Company submitted its verbal defense to Competition Board on 31 May 2011.
On 9 June 2011 Competition Board clarified its decision that the Company violates competition rules in GSM market and fined the Company amounting to TL 91,942 (equivalent to $48,675 as at 31 December
F-114
TURKCELL ILETISIM HIZMETLERI AS AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)
As at and for the year ended 31 December 2011
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars unless otherwise indicated except share amounts)
(The Groups audited consolidated financial statements prepared as at and for the year ended 31 December 2010 were approved by the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors (Board Resolution dated 23 February 2011 and numbered 797), however not approved by the General Assemblies on 21 April 2011, 11 August 2011 and 12 October 2011.)
2011). On 8 December 2011, the Company filed a lawsuit for annulment of the decision. On 9 March 2012, payment order has been sent to the Company by the Tax Office. The Company filed a lawsuit for cancellation of the payment order. The Court accepted the Companys stay of execution request until the Tax Offices legal argument is submitted to the court.
Pamuk Elektronik, a former dealer of the Company whose contract have been terminated, initiated a lawsuit against the Company on 19 December 2011 claiming TL 2,100 (equivalent to $1,112 as at 31 December 2011) by reserving its rights for surpluses on the ground that the Company caused that damage by unjust termination of the contract and actions which are stated in the Competition Board decision in which the Board imposed TL 91,942 (equivalent to $48,675 as at 31 December 2011) administrative fine to the Company. The Company replied in due time.
Based on the management opinion, the probability of an outflow of resources embodying economic benefits to settle both of the obligations are less than probable, thus, no provision is recognized in the consolidated financial statements as at and for the year ended 31 December 2011 (31 December 2010: None).
Investigation of ICTA based on the complaint of a subscriber
ICTA decided to initiate an investigation through its decision dated 12 May 2010 based on the complaint of Ozalp Insaat Pazarlama Tic. Ltd. Sti., and requested certain information and documents from the Company. The Company provided its response related to the matter to ICTA. Investigation report is notified to the Company and the Company has submitted its defense statement to ICTA within the due date.
On 13 January 2011, ICTA decided to impose administrative fine to the Company amounting to TL 8,016 (equivalent to $4,244 as at 31 December 2011) for making some subscribers suffer and TL 2,004 (equivalent to $1,061 as at 31 December 2011) for misinforming the Authority. Since the administrative fine was paid within 1 month following the notification of the decision of ICTA, 25% discount was applied and payment totaling to TL 7,515 (equivalent to $3,979 as at 31 December 2011) is made on 17 February 2011. The Company filed two lawsuits on 14 March 2011 for the stay of execution and cancellation of the administrative fine. The stay of execution requests have been rejected in the lawsuits. The Company objected to the decisions. The objections were rejected. The cases are still pending.
Dispute regarding the Fine Applied by ICTA regarding breaching confidentiality of personal data and relevant legislation which is launched by ICTA
ICTA decided to launch preliminary investigation on breaching confidentiality of personal data and relevant legislation, within the context of the news in the press regarding unlawful wiretapping. ICTA authorities made an on-site inspection in July 2010. On 22 September 2010, ICTA decided to launch an investigation against the Company for detailed examination of the matter. Information and documents demanded by ICTA were submitted to the ICTA. In January 2011, investigation report was sent to the Company. The Company submitted its written defense within the due date. ICTA, with its decision which was delivered to the Company on 6 June 2011, decided to impose an administrative fine to the Company amounting to TL 11,225 (equivalent to $5,943 as at 31 December 2011). Since the administrative fine was paid within 1 month following the notification of the decision of ICTA, 25% discount was applied and TL 8,418
F-115
TURKCELL ILETISIM HIZMETLERI AS AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)
As at and for the year ended 31 December 2011
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars unless otherwise indicated except share amounts)
(The Groups audited consolidated financial statements prepared as at and for the year ended 31 December 2010 were approved by the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors (Board Resolution dated 23 February 2011 and numbered 797), however not approved by the General Assemblies on 21 April 2011, 11 August 2011 and 12 October 2011.)
(equivalent to $4,457 as at 31 December 2011) was paid on 5 July 2011. On 24 August 2011, the Company filed a lawsuit for the annulment of the decision with stay of execution request. The stay of execution request and the Companys objection to this decision has been rejected. The case is still pending.
Dispute on treasury share in accordance with the amended license agreement
Based on the law enacted on 3 July 2005 with respect to the regulation of privatization, gross revenue description used for the calculation of treasury share has been changed. According to this new regulation, accrued interest charges for the late payments, taxes such as indirect taxes, and accrued revenues are excluded from the description of gross revenue. Calculation method of gross revenue for treasury share stipulated in the law according to the new regulation shall be valid as of the application date of the Company with the claim of amendment of its license agreement in compliance with the said Law. In the meanwhile, the Company realized the payments including above-mentioned items between 21 July 2005 and 10 March 2006, when the amendment in license agreement was effective.
On 9 June 2008, the Company filed a lawsuit before Administrative Court for the difference between the aforementioned period amounting to TL 102,649 (equivalent to $54,343 as at 31 December 2011) and interest amounting to TL 68,276 (equivalent to $36,146 as at 31 December 2011) till to the date the case is filed. The Administrative Court rejected the case and the Company appealed the decision. The appeal process is still pending.
Since it is not virtually certain that an inflow of economic benefits will arise, no asset or related income is recognized in the consolidated financial statements as at and for the year ended 31 December 2011 (31 December 2010: None).
Based on the 9th article of the license agreement dated 10 March 2006, the Company has been obliged to pay 0.35% of its yearly gross revenue once a year as ICTA Fee. However, in the previous license agreement, the Company was obliged to pay 0.35% of its yearly gross revenue after deducting treasury share, universal service fund and other indirect taxes from the calculation base whereas in the new agreement, these aforementioned payments are not deducted from the base of the calculation. Therefore, on 12 April 2006, the Company has initiated a lawsuit for the cancellation of the 9th article of the new license agreement. On 10 March 2009, the Court rejected the case. The Company appealed the decision. Appeal process is still pending.
Dispute on ICTA fee payment based on the amended license agreement
On 21 June 2006, ICTA notified the Company that the ICTA fee for the year 2005 which had been already paid in April 2006 should have been calculated according to the new license agreement dated 10 March 2006 instead of the previous license agreement which was effective in the year 2005. Therefore, ICTA requested the Company to pay additional TL 4,011 (equivalent to $2,123 as at 31 December 2011) and its accrued interest. The Company made the payment and initiated a lawsuit for the injunction and cancellation of the aforesaid decision of ICTA on 28 August 2006. On 24 July 2009, the Court decided in favor of the Company and annulled additional payment request of ICTA. The ICTA appealed the decision. Appeal process is still pending. The Company received the related principal amount of TL 4,011 (equivalent to
F-116
TURKCELL ILETISIM HIZMETLERI AS AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)
As at and for the year ended 31 December 2011
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars unless otherwise indicated except share amounts)
(The Groups audited consolidated financial statements prepared as at and for the year ended 31 December 2010 were approved by the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors (Board Resolution dated 23 February 2011 and numbered 797), however not approved by the General Assemblies on 21 April 2011, 11 August 2011 and 12 October 2011.)
$2,123 as at 31 December 2011) on 8 February 2010 and recorded income in the consolidated financial statements as at and for the year ended 31 December 2009. On 17 March 2010, the Company initiated a lawsuit for the accrued interest amounting to TL 3,942 (equivalent to $2,087 as at 31 December 2011). The Court decided in favor of the Company for the part of TL 1,392 (equivalent to $737 as at 31 December 2011) of the compensation request. ICTA appealed the decision. The Company also appealed the decisions rejected part. The appeal process is still pending. The Company received the aforementioned amount on 18 May 2011 and recorded as income in the consolidated financial statements as at and for the year ended 31 December 2011.
Since it is not virtually certain that an inflow of additional economic benefits will arise concerning the accrued interests, no asset or related income is recognized in the consolidated financial statements as at and for the year ended 31 December 2011 (31 December 2010: None).
Penalty issued to Turkcell Superonline regarding trenching activities
On 13 January 2011 and 28 October 2011 Ankara Municipality issued penalties of TL 8,863 (equivalent to $4,692 as at 31 December 2011) and TL 235 (equivalent to $124 as at 31 December 2011) to Turkcell Superonline related to trenching activities. The penalty issued on 13 January 2011 is related to four transactions.
Turkcell Superonline filed a lawsuit against Ankara Municipality in order to cancel penalties. Request of Turkcell Superonline regarding execution of suspension was rejected. Turkcell Superonline objected the decision. The objections related to penalties of two transactions which were issued on 13 January 2011 amounting to TL 251 (equivalent to $133 as at 31 December 2011) and TL 514 (equivalent to $272 as at 31 December 2011) has been rejected by Ankara Administrative Court. Regional Administrative Court has not decided on the objections related to penalties of other two transactions which were issued on 13 January 2011 amounting to TL 5,766 (equivalent to $3,053 as at 31 December 2011) and TL 2,332 (equivalent to $1,236 as at 31 December 2011). In addition, Turkcell Superonline filed a lawsuit against Ankara Municipality in order to cancel penalty which was issued on 28 October 2011 amounting to TL 235 (equivalent to $124 as at 31 December 2011); request of Turkcell Superonline regarding execution of suspension was rejected. Ankara Municipality has not sent payment orders for the penalties yet.
Based on the management opinion, the probability of an outflow of resources embodying economic benefits to settle the obligation is less than probable, thus, no provision is recognized in the consolidated financial statements as at and for the year ended 31 December 2011 (31 December 2010: None).
Order of Payment Notified to Turkcell Superonline According to Universal Service Fund
On 24 October 2011, Beykoz Tax Administration notified Turkcell Superonline with an order of payment amounting to TL 1,192 (equivalent to $631 as at 31 December 2011) for insufficient payments made by Superonline Uluslararasi for universal service fund related to years of 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008. Four legal cases have been filed as of 31 October 2011 to revoke payment orders. Based on the management decision, TL 1,203 (equivalent to $637 as at 31 December 2011) was paid on 7 December 2011 with its
F-117
TURKCELL ILETISIM HIZMETLERI AS AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)
As at and for the year ended 31 December 2011
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars unless otherwise indicated except share amounts)
(The Groups audited consolidated financial statements prepared as at and for the year ended 31 December 2010 were approved by the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors (Board Resolution dated 23 February 2011 and numbered 797), however not approved by the General Assemblies on 21 April 2011, 11 August 2011 and 12 October 2011.)
accumulated interest. On 21 December 2011, based on the scope of Share Purchase Agreement, Turkcell Superonline sent a notice in order to receive payment from Demir Toprak İth.İhr. ve Tic. AS, Sinai ve Mali Yatrimlar Holding AS and Endüstri Holding AS. No payment has been received as of 31 December 2011.
Said payment shall be reimbursed in case of execution of suspension or the Courts decision in favor of Turkcell Superonline.
Dispute with Avea on SMS interconnection termination fees
On 22 December 2006, Avea initiated a lawsuit against the Company claiming that although there was an agreement between the Company and Avea stating that both parties would not charge any SMS interconnection termination fees, the Company has charged SMS interconnection fees for the messages terminating on its own network and also assumed liabilities for the SMS terminating on Aveas network and made interconnection payments to Avea after deducting the net balance of those SMS charges and accruals. Avea requested provisions of Interconnection Agreement regarding SMS pricing to be applied and requested collection of its losses amounting to nominal amount of TL 6,480 (equivalent to $3,431 as at 31 December 2011) for the period between January 2006 and August 2006 with its accrued interest till payment. On 25 November 2008, the Court decided in favor of Avea. The Company has appealed the decision. Supreme Court of Appeal reversed the judgment of the Local Court. The Company has applied for the correction in terms of justification of the decision for the Supreme Courts reversal decision. Avea has also applied for the correction of the decision. Supreme Court rejected the request for correction of the decision of Avea, and partially accepted the Companys demand. On 13 December 2011, the Local Court decided to accept the lawsuit again. The Company appealed the decision.
The Company has paid the principal of TL 6,480 (equivalent to $3,431 as at 31 December 2011), late payment interest of TL 5,103 (equivalent to $2,702 as at 31 December 2011) and related fees of TL 524 (equivalent to $277 as at 31 December 2011) on 30 March 2009.
In line with the court decision stating that charging SMS interconnection termination fees violates the agreement between the Company and Avea, neither SMS interconnection revenue nor SMS interconnection expense has been recognized from February 2005 to 23 March 2007.
Moreover, the Company applied to ICTA for the determination SMS interconnection termination fees and starting from 23 March 2007, the Company has applied the SMS interconnection termination fees announced by ICTA until January 2009. ICTA determined new SMS termination rate in January 2009 upon the application of Avea.
Since it is not virtually certain that an inflow of economic benefits will arise, no asset or related income is recognized in the consolidated financial statements as at and for the year ended 31 December 2011 (31 December 2010: None).
Dispute with T-Medya
Arbitration procedures regarding three real estates which are in the ownership of the Company in Izmir, Adana and Ankara, are commenced with the letter dated 13 August 2010 against T-Medya who is the lessee of the real estates and delinquent for the period between 2003-2010 rental period, to collect the unpaid
F-118
TURKCELL ILETISIM HIZMETLERI AS AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)
As at and for the year ended 31 December 2011
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars unless otherwise indicated except share amounts)
(The Groups audited consolidated financial statements prepared as at and for the year ended 31 December 2010 were approved by the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors (Board Resolution dated 23 February 2011 and numbered 797), however not approved by the General Assemblies on 21 April 2011, 11 August 2011 and 12 October 2011.)
rentals and its accrued interest in the amount of TL 8,914 (equivalent to $4,719 as at 31 December 2011). The arbitration processes are still pending. The arbitral tribunal decided to extend arbitration process until 8 October 2012.
A bad debt reserve for the receivable amount of 7,520 TL (equivalent to $3,981 as at 31 December 2011) for T-Medya has been recognized in the financial statements of the Company as at and for the year ended 31 December 2011 in accordance with the bad debt policy of the Company.
Investigation initiated by ICTA upon a complaint of subscriber on international roaming campaigns
On 30 December 2010, ICTA launched an investigation upon a complaint of a consumer regarding the Companys billing and pricing practices. ICTA looks over the pricing and billing problems stem from the international roaming campaigns within 2009 and 2010. ICTA requested information about the campaigns and the Company submitted its explanations on the issue to ICTA.
On 5 July 2011, Investigation Report is submitted to the Company. The Company submitted its defense statement to ICTA within the due date.
ICTA notified the Company on 26 January 2012, to impose an administrative fine amounting to TL 6,847 (equivalent to $3,625 as at 31 December 2011). Since the administrative fine was paid on 24 February 2012 within 1 month following the notification of the decision of ICTA, 25% discount was applied. Provision totaling to TL 5,135 (equivalent to $2,719 as at 31 December 2011) was recognized in the consolidated financial statements as at and for the year ended 31 December 2011.
Investigation initiated by ICTA regarding Number Portability
On 26 January 2011, ICTA opened an investigation regarding rejection of number portability requests and compatibility of reasons to those rejections with Number Portability Regulation. On 23 May 2011, Investigation Report is submitted to the Company. The Company submitted its defense statement to ICTA within due the date.
On 27 October 2011, ICTA decided to impose administrative fine to the Company amounting to TL 981 (equivalent to $519 as at 31 December 2011) for acting incompatibility to the rejection of number portability requests and TL 2,004 (equivalent to $1,061 as at 31 December 2011) for giving false information the Authority. Since the administrative fine was paid on 25 January 2012 within 1 month following the notification of the decision of ICTA, 25% discount was applied. Provision amounting to TL 2,221 (equivalent to $1,176 as at 31 December 2011) was recognized in the consolidated financial statements as at and for the year ended 31 December 2011.
Investigation initiated by ICTA upon complaint of subscriber of data tariffs charging
On 9 March 2011, ICTA opened an investigation upon a complaint of a consumer regarding the Companys miss charging of data tariffs. On 6 June 2011, Investigation Report is submitted to the Company. The Company submitted its defense statement to ICTA within the due date.
ICTA notified the Company on 3 October 2011, to impose an administrative fine amounting to TL 1,645 (equivalent to $871 as at 31 December 2011). Since the administrative fine was paid within 1 month
F-119
TURKCELL ILETISIM HIZMETLERI AS AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)
As at and for the year ended 31 December 2011
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars unless otherwise indicated except share amounts)
(The Groups audited consolidated financial statements prepared as at and for the year ended 31 December 2010 were approved by the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors (Board Resolution dated 23 February 2011 and numbered 797), however not approved by the General Assemblies on 21 April 2011, 11 August 2011 and 12 October 2011.)
following the notification of the decision of ICTA, 25% discount was applied and payment totaling to TL 1,234 (equivalent to $653 as at 31 December 2011) was made on 1 November 2011. The Company filed a lawsuit on 2 December 2011 for the stay of execution and cancellation of the administrative fine. The stay of execution request has been rejected. The Company objected to the decision.
Investigation initiated by ICTA regarding the Companys compatibility to ICTAs regulations and decisions
On 17 February 2011, ICTA opened an investigation on compatibility of the Company to the regulation: Terms and Conditions on Updating Subscribers Records and Subscription Processes of End Users, and ICTAs decision on limitation of number of subscriptions, dated 27 October 2009. On 23 March 2011, ICTA carried out an inspection in the Company. On 26 September 2011, Investigation Report is submitted to the Company. The Company submitted its defense statement to ICTA within the due date. According to the decision taken by ICTA on 21 March 2012, the Company was fined a total amount of TL 8,173 (equivalent to $4,327 as at 31 December 2011) for not complying with afore mentioned and relevant regulations.
Investigation of ICTA on the implementation of article 18 of By-law on Consumer Rights in the Electronic Communications Sector
On 22 February 2011, ICTA decided to investigate compatibility of Companys practices regarding the cancellation procedure which is regulated at article 18 of the By-law on Consumer Rights in the Electronic Communications Sector. Investigation Report is submitted to the Company and the Company submitted its defense statement to ICTA within the due date.
ICTA, with its decision which was notified to the Company on 19 August 2011, decided to impose an administrative fine amounting to TL 11,442 (equivalent to $6,057 as at 31 December 2011). Since the administrative fine paid within 1 month following the notification of the decision of ICTA, 25% discount applied and TL 8,581 (equivalent to $4,543 as at 31 December 2011) is paid in total on 15 September 2011. On 18 October 2011, the Company filed a lawsuit for the annulment of the decision with stay of execution request. The case is still pending.
Investigation of ICTA regarding access failures on emergency call services
On 16 June 2011, ICTA decided to initiate an investigation in order to evaluate the Companys access failures realized on emergency call services which are deemed as critically important for end-users. Investigation Report is submitted to the Company on 28 December 2011 and the Company submitted its defense statement to ICTA within the due date.
Investigation of ICTA regarding 3G advertisements
On 7 July 2011, ICTA decided to initiate an investigation in order to evaluate whether 3G related advertisements of the Company violates ICTAs decision prohibiting GSM operators not to make comparative 3G advertisement. On 16 August 2011, Investigation Report is submitted to the Company. The Company submitted its defense statement to ICTA within the due date.
F-120
TURKCELL ILETISIM HIZMETLERI AS AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)
As at and for the year ended 31 December 2011
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars unless otherwise indicated except share amounts)
(The Groups audited consolidated financial statements prepared as at and for the year ended 31 December 2010 were approved by the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors (Board Resolution dated 23 February 2011 and numbered 797), however not approved by the General Assemblies on 21 April 2011, 11 August 2011 and 12 October 2011.)
On 27 October 2011, ICTA decided to impose administrative fine to the Company amounting to TL 106 (equivalent to $56 as at 31 December 2011) for violating ICTAs decision prohibiting GSM operators not to make comparative 3G advertisement. Since the administrative fine was paid within 1 month following the notification of the decision of ICTA, 25% discount applied and TL 80 (equivalent to $42 as at 31 December 2011) was paid on 20 December 2011.
Investigation of ICTA regarding Atlas of Places Only Turkcell Covers distributed with Tempo magazine
On 2 November 2011, ICTA decided to initiate an investigation regarding Atlas of Places Only Turkcell Covers which locations marked on the map of Turkey with only Turkcell coverage. ICTA decided to evaluate the advertisement whether the public and consumers are being misinformed or not.
Dispute with Turk Telekom with respect to numbers beginning with 444
The Company filed a lawsuit on 25 April 2008 against Turk Telekom to collect TL 1,777 (equivalent to $941 as at 31 December 2011) including principal, overdue interest and delay fee which has been collected by Turk Telekom within the period of March 2007-February 2008 by pricing the calls started from the Companys network and terminated at the numbers in form of 444 XX XX which are assigned to the Companys subscribers in accordance with special service call termination tariff. The Court decided in favor of the Company on 23 March 2011. Turk Telekom appealed the decision and the Company replied the appeal request. Appeal process is pending.
The Company filed an enforcement proceeding on 12 May 2011 against Turk Telekom to collect TL 11,511 (equivalent to $6,094 as at 31 December 2011) including principal amounting to TL 8,024 (equivalent of $4,248), overdue interest amounting to TL 2,343 (equivalent of $1,240 as at 31 December 2011) and late payment fee amounting to TL 1,144 (equivalent to $606 as at 31 December 2011) which has been collected by Turk Telekom within the period of March 2008-March 2010 by pricing the calls started from the Companys network and terminated at the numbers in form of 444 XX XX which are assigned to the Companys subscribers in accordance with special service call termination tariff. Turk Telekom objected the enforcement proceeding and the enforcement proceeding has been held. The Company filed a lawsuit for cancellation of objection on 13 September 2011 against Turk Telekom. The case is still pending.
Turk Telekom, filed thirteen enforcement proceedings to collect the total amount of TL 31,682 (equivalent to $15,900 as at 31 December 2011) composed of principle, overdue interest and delay fee which was unpaid by the Company because of the overly accrue by Turk Telekom for the calls terminated at the numbers in form of 444 XX XX and videocall, data reconciliation and 118-32 service invoice costs for periods of April 2010-November 2011. The Company objected the enforcement proceedings. Turk Telekom filed six nullity of objection lawsuits for the six enforcement proceedings which were initiated for the period April 2010-April 2011, claiming the total amount of TL 17,752 (equivalent to $9,398 as at 31 December 2011) composed of principle, overdue interest and delay fee with enforcement proceeding denial compensation which is 40% of the receivable balance. The lawsuits are still pending.
F-121
TURKCELL ILETISIM HIZMETLERI AS AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)
As at and for the year ended 31 December 2011
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars unless otherwise indicated except share amounts)
(The Groups audited consolidated financial statements prepared as at and for the year ended 31 December 2010 were approved by the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors (Board Resolution dated 23 February 2011 and numbered 797), however not approved by the General Assemblies on 21 April 2011, 11 August 2011 and 12 October 2011.)
Based on the management opinion, the probability of an outflow of resources embodying economic benefits to settle the obligation is uncertain, thus, no provision is recognized in the consolidated financial statements as at and for the year ended 31 December 2011 (31 December 2010: None).
On 7 December 2011, Turk Telekom initiated a lawsuit on the ground that the Company did not direct the calls in form of 444 XX XX to Turk Telekom and terminated at its own network and requested TL 1,000 (equivalent to $529 as at 31 December 2011) monetary compensation by reserving its right for surpluses. The lawsuit is pending.
Dispute with Turk Telekom with respect to Volume-Based Discount Agreement
The Company and Turk Telekom have signed the Volume-Based Discount Promotion for User with Low-Use Commitment Agreement. However, Turk Telekom did not apply the discount for the period between January-April 2011. The Company filed a lawsuit on 23 February 2012 to collect TL 4,530 (equivalent to $2,398 as at 31 December 2011) including principal, overdue interest and delay fee which has been overly collected by Turk Telekom within the period of January-April 2011 in contravention of the rules of Volume-Based Discount Promotion for User with Low-Use Commitment Agreement. The case is still pending.
Since it is not virtually certain that an inflow of economic benefits will arise, no asset or related income is recognized in the consolidated financial statements as at and for the year ended 31 December 2011 (31 December 2010: None).
Dispute with MTN
In 2004, the Company was awarded Irans first private GSM license through an international tender. Subsequently the Company was barred from concluding its license arrangement, and Iran entered into a license agreement with the South Africa based operator MTN, instead of the Company. With respect to newly received information by the Company indicating that the signing of the license agreement with MTN instead of the Company was a consequence of MTNs actions at that time. In light of the harm caused by MTNs actions to both the Company and to its shareholders, the Company filed a lawsuit against MTN on 28 March 2012 seeking the compensation of such damages.
Considering extensive business dealings of both companies in the United States and due to the allegations that MTN breached rules of international law, the lawsuit has been filed in United States District Court for the District of Columbia.
Since it is not virtually certain that an inflow of economic benefits will arise, no asset or related income is recognized in the consolidated financial statements as at and for the year ended 31 December 2011
(31 December 2010: None).
Dispute with ICTA regarding annual radio utilization fees
The Company is obliged, in the name of ICTA, to collect from the subscribers for their radio devices, the radio license and annual utilization fee that should be paid to the ICTA by the subscribers and to transfer
F-122
TURKCELL ILETISIM HIZMETLERI AS AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)
As at and for the year ended 31 December 2011
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars unless otherwise indicated except share amounts)
(The Groups audited consolidated financial statements prepared as at and for the year ended 31 December 2010 were approved by the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors (Board Resolution dated 23 February 2011 and numbered 797), however not approved by the General Assemblies on 21 April 2011, 11 August 2011 and 12 October 2011.)
such amount to the ICTA. The Company collects annual utilization fee from its postpaid subscribers by the invoices prepared for telecommunication services served to these subscribers. The Company is not obliged to pay treasury share over such amounts.
In this context, the Company executed the Protocols dated 21 May 1998 and 19 February 2001 with the (abrogated) Radio General Directorate and the Protocol dated 8 June 2010 with the Authority, which amends the preceding Protocols. The Protocols set forth the principles and procedures for the collection of the radio license and annual utilization fees.
For the Companys postpaid and prepaid subscribers, collection method of the annual utilization fee differs for postpaid and prepaid subscribers. The radio annual utilization fees paid to the Authority on behalf of the postpaid subscribers are collected from the postpaid subscribers by the monthly invoices and paid to the ICTA on a monthly basis. On the other hand for prepaid subscribers, at the beginning of each year the ICTA calculates a total estimated radio annual utilization fee by multiplying the number of previous years prepaid subscribers by the relevant years fee per subscriber. The only way to collect such amounts from the prepaid subscribers is to deduct from the TL credits that have been purchased by the subscribers. However this cause unfair additional treasury share burden for the Company as the Company already pays treasury share over the TL credits purchased by the subscribers.
After correspondence with the ICTA the Company filed a lawsuit before ICC in April 2012, claiming that the Company is not obliged to pay treasury share and ICTA Fee in accordance with the 8th and 9th Articles of the Concession Agreement, respectively, on annual utilization fees deducted from the prepaid subscribers and return of overpaid TL 5,852 (equivalent to $3,098 as at 31 December 2011) treasury share. The lawsuit is still pending.
Since it is not virtually certain that an inflow of economic benefits will arise, no asset or related income is recognized in the consolidated financial statements as at and for the year ended 31 December 2011 (31 December 2010: None).
34. | Related parties |
Transactions with key management personnel:
Key management personnel comprise the Groups directors and key management executive officers.
As at 31 December 2011 and 2010, none of the Groups directors and executive officers has outstanding personnel loans from the Group.
In addition to their salaries, the Group also provides non-cash benefits to directors and executive officers and contributes to a post-employment defined plan on their behalf. The Group is required to contribute a specified percentage of payroll costs to the retirement benefit scheme to fund the benefits.
Total compensation provided to key management personnel is $14,353, $11,395 and $8,044 for the years ended 31 December 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.
The Company has agreements or protocols with several of its shareholders, consolidated subsidiaries and affiliates of the shareholders.
F-123
TURKCELL ILETISIM HIZMETLERI AS AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)
As at and for the year ended 31 December 2011
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars unless otherwise indicated except share amounts)
(The Groups audited consolidated financial statements prepared as at and for the year ended 31 December 2010 were approved by the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors (Board Resolution dated 23 February 2011 and numbered 797), however not approved by the General Assemblies on 21 April 2011, 11 August 2011 and 12 October 2011.)
Other related party transactions:
Due from related partieslong term |
31 December 2011 |
31 December 2010 |
||||||
T-Medya |
43 | 1,044 |
Receivables from T-Medya consists of receivables based on rent agreements, accrued interests for outstanding balance and unpaid building expenses. Long term due from related parties is shown net of allowance for doubtful debts amounting to $4,432 as at 31 December 2011 (31 December 2010: $5,897).
Due from related partiesshort term |
31 December 2011 |
31 December 2010 |
||||||
A-Tel |
19,246 | 13,260 | ||||||
Digital Platform Teknoloji Hizmetleri AS (Digital Platform) |
12,225 | 21,307 | ||||||
Megafon OJSC |
1,728 | 531 | ||||||
KVK Teknoloji Urunleri AS (KVK Teknoloji) |
1,246 | 8,212 | ||||||
Kyivstar GSM JSC (Kyivstar) |
910 | 1,225 | ||||||
Vimpelcom OJSC (Vimpelcom) |
495 | 126 | ||||||
System Capital Management (SCM) |
| 38,202 | ||||||
Other |
7,365 | 6,034 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
43,215 | 88,897 | |||||||
|
|
|
|
Due from related parties short term is shown net of allowance for doubtful debts amounting to $63 as at 31 December 2011 (31 December 2010: $2,998).
Due to related partiesshort term |
31 December 2011 |
31 December 2010 |
||||||
Hobim Bilgi Islem Hizmetleri AS (Hobim) |
4,908 | 2,766 | ||||||
Intralot SA (Intralot) |
1,946 | 910 | ||||||
KVK Teknoloji Urunleri AS (KVK Teknoloji) |
482 | 909 | ||||||
Megafon OJSC |
480 | 256 | ||||||
Mapfre Genel Yasam Sigorta AS (Mapfre) |
227 | 473 | ||||||
Other |
6,539 | 5,446 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
14,582 | 10,760 | |||||||
|
|
|
|
Substantially, majority of the significant due from related party balances is from Cukurova Group companies.
Due from A-Tel, a 50-50 joint venture of the Company and SDIF mainly, resulted from simcard and scratch card sales to this company.
Due from Digital Platform, an investment of Cukurova Group, mainly resulted from receivables from call center revenues as of 31 December 2011.
Due from Megafon, whose shares are owned by one of the shareholders of the Company, resulted from interconnection services.
F-124
TURKCELL ILETISIM HIZMETLERI AS AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)
As at and for the year ended 31 December 2011
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars unless otherwise indicated except share amounts)
(The Groups audited consolidated financial statements prepared as at and for the year ended 31 December 2010 were approved by the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors (Board Resolution dated 23 February 2011 and numbered 797), however not approved by the General Assemblies on 21 April 2011, 11 August 2011 and 12 October 2011.)
Due from KVK Teknoloji, a company whose majority shares are owned by Cukurova Group, mainly resulted from simcard and scratch card sales to this company.
Due from Kyivstar, whose shares are owned by one of the shareholders of the Company, mainly resulted from call termination and international traffic carriage services rendered to this company.
Due from Vimpelcom, whose shares are owned by one of the shareholders of the Company, resulted from interconnection services.
Due from SCM, non-controlling shareholder of Euroasia, resulted from the loan that SCM utilized from Financell BV (Financell) with maturity of 31 December 2011.
Due to Hobim, a company whose majority shares are owned by Cukurova Group resulted from the invoice printing services rendered by this company.
Due to Intralot, a company incorporated under the laws of Greece and is the shareholder of Inteltek, a subsidiary of the Group. The Group purchases game software and maintenance services.
Due to KVK Teknoloji, a company whose majority shares are owned by Cukurova Group resulted from the payables for sales commissions and terminal purchases.
Due to Megafon, a company owned by one of the shareholders of the Group, resulted from interconnection services.
Due to Mapfre, a company owned by one of the shareholders of the Group, comprises of insurance services to the Group.
The Groups exposure to currency risk related to due from / (due to) related parties is disclosed in Note 30.
Transactions with related parties
Intragroup transactions that have been eliminated are not recognized as related party transaction in the following table:
Revenues from related parties |
2011 | 2010 | 2009 | |||||||||
Sales to KVK Teknoloji |
||||||||||||
Simcard and prepaid card sales |
463,485 | 507,963 | 640,312 | |||||||||
Sales to Kyivstar |
||||||||||||
Telecommunications services |
44,629 | 42,413 | 44,195 | |||||||||
Sales to Digital Platform |
||||||||||||
Call center revenues and interest charges |
25,073 | 22,223 | 18,766 | |||||||||
Sales to A-Tel |
||||||||||||
Simcard and prepaid card sales |
17,695 | 30,838 | 67,558 | |||||||||
Sales to Millenicom Telekomunikasyon AS (Millenicom) |
||||||||||||
Telecommunications services |
2,949 | 2,979 | 5,497 | |||||||||
Sales to Teliasonera International |
||||||||||||
Telecommunications services |
2,271 | 4,793 | 8,328 | |||||||||
Sales to CJSC Ukrainian Radiosystems |
||||||||||||
Telecommunications services |
1,783 | 2,321 | 3,388 | |||||||||
Finance income from SCM |
||||||||||||
Interest income |
2,564 | 14,863 | 5,213 |
F-125
TURKCELL ILETISIM HIZMETLERI AS AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)
As at and for the year ended 31 December 2011
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars unless otherwise indicated except share amounts)
(The Groups audited consolidated financial statements prepared as at and for the year ended 31 December 2010 were approved by the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors (Board Resolution dated 23 February 2011 and numbered 797), however not approved by the General Assemblies on 21 April 2011, 11 August 2011 and 12 October 2011.)
Related party expenses |
2011 | 2010 | 2009 | |||||||||
Charges from Kyivstar |
||||||||||||
Telecommunications services |
34,238 | 36,039 | 53,466 | |||||||||
Charges from A-Tel (*) |
||||||||||||
Dealer activation fees and others |
28,501 | 31,618 | 36,971 | |||||||||
Charges from KVK Teknoloji |
||||||||||||
Dealer activation fees and others |
19,688 | 27,706 | 41,360 | |||||||||
Charges from Hobim |
||||||||||||
Invoicing and archieving services |
23,581 | 19,446 | 21,985 | |||||||||
Charges from Digital Platform |
||||||||||||
Digital television broadcasting services |
7,421 | 4,449 | 2,979 | |||||||||
Charges from Teliasonera International |
||||||||||||
Telecommunications services |
6,182 | 9,162 | 12,261 | |||||||||
Charges from Millenicom |
||||||||||||
Telecommunications services |
2,325 | 3,194 | 5,171 | |||||||||
Charges from CJSC Ukrainian Radiosystems |
||||||||||||
Telecommunications services |
1,472 | 2,211 | 4,208 | |||||||||
Charges from ADD |
||||||||||||
Advertisement and sponsorship services |
70 | 65,957 | 127,014 |
(*) | Charges from A-Tel have been eliminated to the extent of the Companys interest in A-Tel for the years ended 31 December 2011, 2010 and 2009 amounting to $28,501, $31,618 and $36,971, respectively. |
The significant agreements are as follows:
Agreements with KVK Teknoloji:
KVK Teknoloji, incorporated on 23 October 2002, one of the Companys principal simcard distributors, is a Turkish company, which is affiliated with some of the Companys shareholders. In addition to sales of simcards and scratch cards, the Company has entered into several agreements with KVK Teknoloji, in the form of advertisement support protocols, each lasting for different periods pursuant to which KVK Teknoloji must place advertisements for the Companys services in newspapers. The objective of these agreements is to promote and increase handset sales with the Companys prepaid and postpaid brand simcards, thereby supporting the protection of the Companys market share in the prevailing market conditions. The prices of the contracts were determined according to the cost of advertising for KVK Teknoloji and the total advertisement benefit received, reflected in the Companys market share in new subscriber acquisitions. Distributors campaign projects and market share also contributed to the budget allocation.
The amount of handset sales to the subscribers of the Company performed by KVK Teknoloji for the year ended 31 December 2011 is TL 350,554 (equivalent to $185,586 as at 31 December 2011) which is paid to KVK Teknoloji in advance in accordance with certain commitment arrangements and collected from the subscribers throughout the campaign period (31 December 2010: TL 180,922 (equivalent to $117,026 as at 31 December 2010)).
F-126
TURKCELL ILETISIM HIZMETLERI AS AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)
As at and for the year ended 31 December 2011
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars unless otherwise indicated except share amounts)
(The Groups audited consolidated financial statements prepared as at and for the year ended 31 December 2010 were approved by the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors (Board Resolution dated 23 February 2011 and numbered 797), however not approved by the General Assemblies on 21 April 2011, 11 August 2011 and 12 October 2011.)
Agreements with Kyivstar:
Alfa Group, a minor shareholder of the Company, holds the majority shares of Kyivstar. Astelit is receiving call termination and international traffic carriage services from Kyivstar.
Agreements with A-Tel:
A-Tel is involved in the marketing, selling and distributing the Companys prepaid systems. A-Tel is a 50-50 joint venture of the Company and SDIF. A-Tel acts as the only dealer of the Company for Muhabbet Kart (a prepaid card), and receives dealer activation fees and simcard subsidies for the sale of Muhabbet Kart. In addition to the sales of simcards and scratch cards through an extensive network of newspaper kiosks located throughout Turkey, the Company has entered into several agreements with A-Tel for sales campaigns and subscriber activations.
Agreements with Digital Platform:
Digital Platform, a direct-to-home digital television service company under the Digiturk brand name, is a subsidiary of one of the Companys principal shareholders, Cukurova Group. Digital Platform acquired the broadcasting rights for Turkish Super Football League by the tender held on 15 July 2004, until 31 May 2008 and the broadcasting rights were extended until 31 May 2010 with a new agreement dated 5 May 2005.
On 23 December 2005, Restructuring Framework Agreement and supplemental sponsorship agreements was signed between Digital Platform and the Company. Within the framework of the agreement, Digital Platform will pay its liabilities to Company including interest accrued partially in cash and partially by providing sponsorship services until 15 July 2011. On 4 June 2010, Digital Platform notified the Company to annul Lig TV sponsorship agreement, one of the supplemental agreements within the framework of Restructuring Framework Agreement and declared that Digital Platform will pay its debt to the Company only in cash according to the payment schedule in Restructuring Framework Agreement. With the protocol dated 31 January 2011, the agreement dated 23 December 2005 is cancelled with the mutual agreement of the parties. The remaining receivable balance from Digital Platform was paid in 2 equal installments in February 2011 and March 2011.
In addition to aforementioned agreements, the Company and Digital Platform signed a new agreement on 26 October 2011 regarding Digital Platform providing live content or clips related to Spor Toto Super League and other subjects to the Company to be delivered to mobile telephones and tablet pcs having SIM Card compatibility.
The Company also has an agreement for call center services provided by the Companys subsidiary Global Bilgi Pazarlama Danisma ve Cagri Servisi Hizmetleri AS (Turkcell Global Bilgi).
Agreements with SCM:
SCM, non-controlling shareholder of Euroasia, obtained loan from Financell.
F-127
TURKCELL ILETISIM HIZMETLERI AS AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)
As at and for the year ended 31 December 2011
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars unless otherwise indicated except share amounts)
(The Groups audited consolidated financial statements prepared as at and for the year ended 31 December 2010 were approved by the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors (Board Resolution dated 23 February 2011 and numbered 797), however not approved by the General Assemblies on 21 April 2011, 11 August 2011 and 12 October 2011.)
Agreements with Teliasonera International:
Teliasonera International is the mobile operator that provides telecommunication services in the Nordic and Baltic countries. Teliasonera International is rendering and receiving call termination and international traffic carriage services to and from the Astelit.
Agreements with Millenicom:
European Telecommunications Holding AG (ETH), a subsidiary of Cukurova Group, holds the majority shares of Millenicom. Millenicom is rendering and receiving call termination and international traffic carriage services to and from the Company.
Agreements with CJSC Ukrainian Radiosystem:
CJSC Ukrainian Radiosystems owned by Vimpelcom provides mobile communications services is rendering and receiving call termination and international traffic carriage services to and from the Astelit.
Agreements with ADD:
ADD, a media planning and marketing company, is a Turkish company owned by one of the Companys principal shareholders, Cukurova Group. The Company was operating a media purchasing agreement with ADD, which was revised on 1 September 2009 and was effective until 31 August 2010. The purpose of this agreement was to benefit from the expertise and bargaining power of ADD against third parties, regarding the formation of media purchasing strategies for both postpaid and prepaid brands. However, the agreement was annulled effective from 2 August 2010 as a result of the notification dated 28 May 2010.
Agreements with Hobim:
Hobim, one of the leading data processing and application service provider companies in Turkey, is owned by Cukurova Group. The Company has entered into invoice printing and archiving agreements with Hobim under which Hobim provides the Company with scratch card printing services, monthly invoice printing services, manages archiving of invoices and subscription documents for an indefinite period of time. Prices of the agreements are determined as per unit cost plus profit margin.
The amount of simcard purchases from Hobim for the year ended 31 December 2011 is $1,679 (31 December 2010: $1,420).
Legal restrictions on related party transactions
Conservatory attachments placed by SDIF against Cukurova Holding AS
As per the notification of the Besiktas Taxation Authority received on 13 May 2011, the Company has been informed that a decision of the provisional seizure has been taken due to the debts of Çukurova Holding A.Ş. to the taxation authority. Within this context, the provisional seizure in the amount of TL 1,249,926 (equivalent of $661,722 as at 31 December 2011) was applied to Cukurova Holding ASs registered assets,
F-128
TURKCELL ILETISIM HIZMETLERI AS AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)
As at and for the year ended 31 December 2011
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars unless otherwise indicated except share amounts)
(The Groups audited consolidated financial statements prepared as at and for the year ended 31 December 2010 were approved by the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors (Board Resolution dated 23 February 2011 and numbered 797), however not approved by the General Assemblies on 21 April 2011, 11 August 2011 and 12 October 2011.)
rights and receivables pertaining to the Company (including attendance fee and dividend). With regards to the respective notification, provisional seizure had been recorded on the corresponding shares and receivables. However, on 12 April 2012, Besiktas Taxation Authority notified the Company that the seizure has been lifted. The Company will lift the provisional seizure accordingly.
As per the notification of the Large Taxpayers Office received on 16 May 2011, the Company had been informed that a provisional seizure in the amount of TL 450,000 (equivalent of $238,234 as at 31 December 2011) was applied to Çukurova Holding ASs registered assets, rights and receivables pertaining to the Company (including attendance fee and dividend). With regards to the respective notification, provisional seizure had been recorded on the corresponding shares and receivables. On 6 April 2012, Large Taxpayers Office notified the Company that the debt repayment has been made. Therefore, the provisional seizure in the aforementioned amount will be lifted.
Conservatory attachments placed by Sonera Holding BV against Cukurova Holding AS in Holland
Sonera Holding B.V. placed a conservatory attachment on all the goods, amounts and receivables due to Cukurova Holding AS by the Dutch subsidiaries of the Company, in specific on any intercompany receivables that Cukurova Holding AS may have against these companies or which may arise in the future resulting from an existing legal relation, in order to secure and obtain payment from Cukurova Holding AS of an amount of $1,030,400, which refers to the claim amount of Sonera Holding B.V. against Cukurova Holding AS pursuant to the arbitral award rendered by the ICC International Court of Arbitration.
F-129
TURKCELL ILETISIM HIZMETLERI AS AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)
As at and for the year ended 31 December 2011
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars unless otherwise indicated except share amounts)
(The Groups audited consolidated financial statements prepared as at and for the year ended 31 December 2010 were approved by the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors (Board Resolution dated 23 February 2011 and numbered 797), however not approved by the General Assemblies on 21 April 2011, 11 August 2011 and 12 October 2011.)
35. | Group entities |
The Groups ultimate parent company is Turkcell. Subsidiaries of the Company as at 31 December 2011 and 2010 are as follows:
Subsidiaries |
Country of |
Business |
Effective Ownership Interest | |||||||||
31 December 2011 (%) |
31 December 2010 (%) |
|||||||||||
Kibris Telekom |
Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus | Telecommunications | 100 | 100 | ||||||||
Turkcell Global Bilgi * |
Turkey | Customer relations management | 100 | 100 | ||||||||
Turktell Bilisim Servisleri |
Turkey | Information technology, value added GSM services investments | 100 | 100 | ||||||||
Turkcell Superonline ** |
Turkey | Telecommunications | 100 | 100 | ||||||||
Global Iletisim Hizmetleri AS (Global Iletisim)*** |
Turkey | Telecommunications | 100 | | ||||||||
Turktell Uluslararasi Yatirim Holding AS |
Turkey | Telecommunications investments | 100 | 100 | ||||||||
Turkcell Kurumsal Satis ve Dagitim Hizmetleri AS |
Turkey | Telecommunications | 100 | 100 | ||||||||
Eastasia |
Netherlands | Telecommunications investments | 100 | 100 | ||||||||
Turkcell Teknoloji Arastirma ve Gelistirme AS |
Turkey | Research and Development | 100 | 100 | ||||||||
Kule Hizmet ve Isletmecilik AS |
Turkey | Telecommunications infrastructure business | 100 | 100 | ||||||||
Sans Oyunlari Yatirim Holding AS |
Turkey | Betting business investments | 100 | 100 | ||||||||
Financell |
Netherlands | Financing business | 100 | 100 | ||||||||
Rehberlik Hizmetleri AS |
Turkey | Telecommunications | 100 | 100 | ||||||||
Beltur BV**** |
Netherlands | Telecommunications investments | 100 | 100 | ||||||||
Surtur BV |
Netherlands | Telecommunications investments | 100 | 100 | ||||||||
Beltel |
Turkey | Telecommunications investments | 100 | 100 | ||||||||
Turkcell Gayrimenkul Hizmetleri AS |
Turkey | Property investments | 100 | 100 | ||||||||
Global LLC |
Ukraine | Customer relations management | 100 | 100 | ||||||||
Global FLLC |
Republic of Belarus | Customer relations management | 100 | 100 | ||||||||
UkrTower |
Ukraine | Telecommunications infrastructure business | 100 | 100 | ||||||||
Talih Kusu Altyapi Hizmetleri AS |
Turkey | Telecommunications investments | 100 | 100 | ||||||||
Turkcell Europe GmbH |
Germany | Telecommunications | 100 | 100 | ||||||||
Corbuss Kurumsal Telekom Servis Hizmetleri AS |
Turkey | GSM services | 99 | 99 | ||||||||
Belarusian Telecom |
Republic of Belarus | Telecommunications | 80 | 80 | ||||||||
Fizy Iletisim AS |
Turkey | Music and video broadcasting | 70 | | ||||||||
Inteltek |
Turkey | Betting business | 55 | 55 | ||||||||
Euroasia |
Netherlands | Telecommunications | 55 | 55 | ||||||||
Astelit |
Ukraine | Telecommunications | 55 | 55 | ||||||||
Azerinteltek |
Azerbaijan | Betting Business | 28 | 28 |
* | Brandname of Superonline Iletisim Hizmetleri AS is Turkcell Superonline. |
** | Brandname of Global Bilgi Pazarlama Danisma ve Cagri Servisi Hizmetleri AS is Turkcell Global Bilgi. |
F-130
TURKCELL ILETISIM HIZMETLERI AS AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)
As at and for the year ended 31 December 2011
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars unless otherwise indicated except share amounts)
(The Groups audited consolidated financial statements prepared as at and for the year ended 31 December 2010 were approved by the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors (Board Resolution dated 23 February 2011 and numbered 797), however not approved by the General Assemblies on 21 April 2011, 11 August 2011 and 12 October 2011.)
*** | The Group have signed a share purchase agreement in regards to the acquisition of all of the shares of Global Iletisim from its shareholders on 12 August 2011. The transfer of shares has taken place in November 2011. Global İletişim has been merged into Superonline İletişim on 30 March 2012. |
**** | Beltur BVs Board of Directors decided to propose to the general meeting of shareholders to convert Beltur BV into a cooperative society with exclusion of liability under Dutch law on 21 October 2011. The proposal was approved in the general meeting of Beltur BVs shareholders on 26 October 2011. |
36. | Subsequent events |
1. | On 31 January 2012, the Company notified SDIF, which holds 50% of the shares of A-Tel, that the service provider agreement between the Company and A-Tel will be annulled effective from 1 August 2012. |
2. | As of February 1, 2012, Astelit had debt repayments due to Euroasia in the amount of $150 million and to Financell in the amount of $173 million. Since June 2011, Astelit has not met the payment obligations, which were waived until February 1, 2012. Since that date, the Board of Directors of the Company has not acted to approve or reached a consensus for the extension of repayment dates. As a result, Astelit was unable to meet its repayment obligations to Euroasia and Financell totaling $323 million and defaulted on its loan agreements. As a consequence of Astelits default, cross default clauses have been triggered on five loan agreements totaling $554 million (currently decreased to $402 million, following the Companys $150 million guarantee payment) and waivers were obtained for the aforementioned loans before March 31, 2012. In the context of guarantees, Financell has pledges on shares and all assets of Astelit including bank accounts. Additionally, Financell has a second priority pledge on Euroasia shares held by System Capital Management Limited together with a guarantee and indemnity given by System Capital Management Limited. Financell has rights to commence enforcement of pledges and guarantee under certain conditions. |
In the same vein, Euroasia, a Group company that is a 100% shareholder of Astelit, which had previously borrowed $150 million to finance Astelit, also defaulted on its loan on March 30, 2012. As a guarantor, the Company paid $150 million to related banks on April 6, 2012. In relation to the guarantee agreement, a first priority pledge on Euroasia shares held by System Capital Management Limited has been established in favor of the Company. Upon payment of the guaranteed amount, the Company has the right to commence enforcement of this pledge on the Euroasia shares under certain conditions. As a consequence of Euroasias default, cross default clauses have been triggered on four loan agreements (the same ones referenced above) totaling $402 million and waivers are being sought for the aforementioned loans. The cross default of the Groups borrowings as a result of Astelits and Euroasias defaults have been considered as non-adjusting subsequent events in accordance with IAS 10 Event after the Reporting Period. In this respect, the presentation of aforementioned borrowings in the statement of financial position as of December 31, 2011 is not effected.
With respect to the amounts due to Financell, the Board of Directors of the Company decided to extend a guarantee to Financell in order to perform its obligations with respect to the loans granted by the banks for providing Group financing. The guarantee will be up to $410.7 million principle amount plus interest and any other costs, expenses and fees that may accrue. This guarantee includes the debt repayments of $173 million due under the loan agreements signed between Astelit and Financell, and of the loans that Financell granted to Astelit which have not yet fallen due. Astelits debts are denominated in foreign currencies which expose Astelit to foreign exchange and convertibility risks.
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