UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
 
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
FORM 6-K
 
REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER
PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-16 OR 15d-16 UNDER
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
Report on Form 6-K dated May 4, 2012
 
Commission File Number: 001-15092
 


TURKCELL ILETISIM HIZMETLERI A.S.
(Translation of registrant’s name in English)

Turkcell Plaza
Mesrutiyet Caddesi No. 153
34430 Tepebasi
Istanbul, Turkey

(Address of Principal Executive Offices)



 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F.
 
Form 20-F x                     Form 40-F o
 
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1):
 
Yes o                      No x
 
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7):
 
Yes o                      No x
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant by furnishing the information contained in this form is also thereby furnishing the information to the Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
 
Yes o                      No x
 
If “Yes” is marked, indicate below the file number assigned to the registrant in connection with Rule 12g3-2(b): 82- __________
 
 


 
 
 
 
      
Enclosure:  A press release dated May 2, 2012 announcing Turkcell’s First Quarter 2012 results and Q1 2012 IFRS report.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
TURKCELL ILETISIM HIZMETLERI
 
FIRST QUARTER 2012 RESULTS
 
 
 
 
 
“STRONG START TO THE YEAR”
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
First Quarter 2012 Results     
 
 
Content

HIGHLIGHTS
 
  COMMENTS FROM THE CEO, SUREYYA CILIV
3
   
FINANCIAL AND OPERATIONAL REVIEW OF THE FIRST QUARTER 2012
 
  FINANCIAL REVIEW OF TURKCELL GROUP
5
  OPERATIONAL REVIEW IN TURKEY
8
   
OTHER DOMESTIC AND INTERNATIONAL OPERATIONS
 
  ASTELIT
9
  TURKCELL SUPERONLINE
           10
  FINTUR
           10
  TURKCELL GROUP SUBSCRIBERS
           11
   
OVERVIEW OF THE MACROECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT
           11
   
RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASUREMENTS
           12







 
Please note that all financial data is consolidated and comprises that of Turkcell Iletisim Hizmetleri A.S., (the “Company”, or “Turkcell”) and its subsidiaries and associates (together referred to as the “Group”). All non-financial data is unconsolidated and comprises Turkcell only figures. The terms “we”, “us”, and “our” in this press release refer only to the Company, except in discussions of financial data, where such terms refer to the Group, and where context otherwise requires.
In this press release, a year-on-year comparison of our key indicators is provided and figures in parentheses following the operational and financial results for March 31, 2012 refer to the same item as at March 31, 2011. For further details, please refer to our consolidated financial statements and notes as at and for March 31, 2012 which can be accessed via our web site in the investor relations section (www.turkcell.com.tr).

 
2

 
 
First Quarter 2012 Results     
 
 
HIGLIGHTS OF THE FIRST QUARTER OF 2012

 
 
·
Turkcell Group made a strong start to 2012 with double-digit year-on-year revenue and EBITDA growth
 
 
o
Group revenues increased by 12.4% to TRY2,382 million (TRY2,118 million)
 
 
o
Group EBITDA1 increased by 12.3% to TRY703 million (TRY626 million), while Group EBITDA margin was flat at 29.5%
 
 
·
Turkcell Turkey’s revenues grew by 8% to TRY1,984 million (TRY1,840 million)
 
 
o
Turkcell Turkey registered growth in voice revenues2 of 3% for the second consecutive quarter
 
 
o
Mobile broadband & services revenues rose 25% to TRY529 million (TRY424 million)
 
 
§
Mobile broadband revenues rose 52% to TRY229 million (TRY151 million)
 
 
§
The share of mobile broadband and service revenues rose 4pp to 27% (23%)
 
 
·
Turkcell Turkey’s EBITDA increased by 8% to TRY581 million (TRY540 million), while EBITDA margin was flat at 29.3%
 
 
·
Revenues of subsidiaries3 grew by 43% to TRY398 million (TRY279 million), while their contribution to the top line rose to 17% (13%)
 
 
·
EBITDA of subsidiaries3 improved by 41% to TRY121 million (TRY86 million), while their contribution to Group EBITDA rose to 17% (14%)
 
 
·
Turkcell Group registered strong growth in net income to TRY515 million (TRY330 million), mainly due to higher EBITDA and financial income

 
COMMENTS FROM CEO, SUREYYA CILIV

 
“In the first quarter of 2012, Turkcell Group continued its double-digit growth and recorded TRY2.4 billion in revenue, TRY703 million EBITDA and TRY515 million of net income.
 
Turkcell maintained its customer base with its strong network and simplified tariff structure that enhances customer satisfaction, despite intensifying competition during the quarter. Turkcell’s voice2 revenues rose by 3% year-on-year, while mobile broadband revenues climbed by 52% as smartphone penetration increased with the contribution of Turkcell branded smartphones.
 
Turkcell Group, offering mobile communication, fiber broadband and information & communication technology solutions over its fast and high quality network, continued its investments without losing pace during the quarter. Through integrating our infrastructure advantage with innovative solutions and best customer experience, we launched our cloud computing service, Turkcell SuperBulut, that will make a significant contribution both to the Turkish economy overall and the budgets of the enterprises. We also presented Turkcell TVPlus, which provides our customers a personalized viewing experience across all connected screens. Over the coming periods, we will continue to bring the World’s newest technologies to Turkey and sustain our leadership.
 
We are delighted with the increasing contribution of our subsidiaries. While our fiber business grew by 59% year-on-year, revenue from Ukrainian operations were up by 17% in US$ terms. Consequently, our subsidiaries’ contribution to group revenues and EBITDA rose 43% and 41%, respectively.
 
As Turkcell, we contribute to Turkey’s future with our strong mobile and fiber networks, recognized worldwide by prestigious institutions, together with our focus on innovation and our social responsibility projects. We would like to thank all our customers, employees, business partners and shareholders for their continued support.”

(1) EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure. See page 12 for the reconciliation of EBITDA to net cash from operating activities.
(2) Voice revenues include outgoing, incoming, roaming and other (comprising almost 2% of Turkcell Turkey) revenues.
(3) Including eliminations.
 

 
 
3

 
 
First Quarter 2012 Results     
 
 
OVERVIEW OF TURKCELL TURKEY

 
In the first quarter of 2012, Turkey’s macroeconomic climate was unchanged quarter-on-quarter, and in the mobile market line penetration remained almost flat at around the 88% level. During the quarter, competition accelerated with new tariff structures, aggressive port-in offers and increased communication. On the postpaid front, all operators concentrated on increasing the postpaid subscriber base and the number of contracted subscribers by offering bundled and flat minute packages. The market witnessed monthly postpaid package fee reductions to TRY9 – 15 levels, pressuring price levels in the market and adversely impacting profitability levels. As for Turkcell, during the quarter we restructured our postpaid tariffs to serve different customer needs and usage behavior, thus ensuring the satisfaction and long term retention of our valuable customer base. As a result of our efforts, we succeeded in increasing our postpaid subscriber base by 15.4% on a year-on-year basis, recording approximately 347,000 net additions during the quarter.
 
Meanwhile, on the prepaid front, the competition was particularly aggressive with a continued focus on bundled packages and increased incentives for higher refills. Despite aggressive competition we improved our churn performance on a year-on-year basis. Our efforts to promote higher refills, packages and upsell offers, designed based on customer needs, resulted in a 3% prepaid ARPU increase year-on-year.
 
On the smartphone front, momentum in the market has continued with 35% growth in smartphone sales on a year-on-year basis. During the quarter, the share of smartphones in handset sales rose to approximately 38% from 34% quarter-on-quarter. Meanwhile, Turkcell continued to drive the market with its smartphone penetration focus, by promoting its T-series phones and other affordable devices. In consequence, the number of smartphones in our network grew by 82% on a year-on-year basis to 4.3 million with 500K additions during the quarter.
 
Overall, we maintained our subscriber base, increasing our revenues by 8% and decreasing our churn rate by 1.5pp on a year-on-year basis with a greater focus on customer retention and satisfaction. In accordance with our long term strategy of providing the best quality and innovative products and building on our established superior network, during the quarter we continued to differentiate ourselves for the future with our new platform, Turkcell SuperBulut, delivering cloud computing services to corporate customers. In addition, we have recently launched TVPlus, our new personalized TV Platform, giving subscribers a personalized TV experience.
 
While competition intensified in the Turkish mobile market in Q1 2012, we made a good start to the year on Turkcell Turkey’s solid operational performance, together with the increased contribution of our subsidiaries. For the full year of 2012, we maintain our TRY9,900 – 10,100 million revenue and TRY3,000 – TRY3,200 million EBITDA guidance for Turkcell Group.
 
 
4

 
 
First Quarter 2012 Results     
 
 
FINANCIAL AND OPERATIONAL REVIEW OF THE FIRST QUARTER 2012

 
The following discussion focuses principally on the developments and trends in our business in the first quarter of 2012 in TRY terms. Selected financial information for the first and fourth quarters of 2011, and the first quarter of 2012, both in TRY and US$ prepared in accordance with IFRS and in TRY prepared in accordance with the Capital Markets Board of Turkey’s standards are also included at the end of this press release.

Financial Review of Turkcell Group

Profit & Loss Statement (million TRY)
    Q111       Q411       Q112       y/y %     q/q %
Total Revenue
    2,118.4       2,445.5       2,381.8       12.4 %     (2.6 %)
Direct cost of revenues1
    (1,249.2 )     (1,791.8 )     (1,491.3 )     19.4 %     (16.8 %)
Depreciation and amortization
    (278.0 )     (596.4 )     (333.1 )     19.8 %     (44.1 %)
Gross Margin
    41.0 %     26.7 %     37.4 %  
(3.6pp
)  
10.7pp
 
Administrative expenses
    (110.3 )     (103.8 )     (118.1 )     7.1 %     13.8 %
Selling and marketing expenses
    (411.1 )     (451.6 )     (402.8 )     (2.0 %)     (10.8 %)
EBITDA2
    625.8       694.7       702.7       12.3 %     1.2 %
EBITDA Margin
    29.5 %     28.4 %     29.5 %     -    
1.1pp
 
Net finance income / (expense)
    37.0       27.8       161.8       337.3 %     482.0 %
    Finance expense
    (71.6 )     (111.8 )     (58.3 )     (18.6 %)     (47.9 %)
    Finance income
    108.6       139.6       220.1       102.7 %     57.7 %
Share of profit of associates
    56.7       55.0       49.5       (12.7 %)     (10.0 %)
Other income / (expense)
    (27.9 )     (10.4 )     (6.5 )     (76.7 %)     (37.5 %)
Monetary gains / (losses)
    -       273.5       40.5       -       (85.2 %)
Non-controlling interests
    15.5       5.8       4.7       (69.7 %)     (19.0 %)
Income tax expense
    (99.0 )     (118.3 )     (104.8 )     5.9 %     (11.4 %)
Net Income
    330.1       331.7       514.8       56.0 %     55.2 %
(1) Including depreciation and amortization expenses.
(2) EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure. See page 12 for the reconciliation of EBITDA to net cash from operating activities.
 
Revenue grew by 12.4% year-on-year to TRY2,381.8 million (TRY2,118.4 million) due to an 8% increase in Turkcell Turkey’s revenues and 43% improvement in the contribution of group companies:
 
·
8% growth in Turkcell Turkey’s revenues arose from 25% growth in mobile broadband & services revenues, mainly on the 52% growth in broadband revenues, together with the 3% rise in voice revenues.
 
·
The contribution of Group companies improved to 17% (13%). Specifically, Turkcell Superonline revenues rose 59.2% to TRY145.0 million (TRY91.1 million), while Astelit’s revenues grew by 16.9% to US$91.4 million (US$78.2 million).
 
Compared to the previous quarter, revenues fell 2.6%, mainly due to the lower voice revenues of Turkcell Turkey and flat contribution of group companies, mostly on seasonality.
 
Direct cost of revenues increased by 19.4% to TRY1,491.3 million (TRY1,249.2 million), while as a percentage of revenues rose to 62.6% (59.0%). This mainly arose from the increase in interconnection costs (1.8pp), depreciation and amortization (0.9pp), wages and salaries (0.6pp) and other items (0.3pp) as a percentage of revenues.
 
 
5

 
 
First Quarter 2012 Results     
 
 
Quarter-on-quarter, direct costs as a percentage of revenue declined 10.7pp to 62.6% (73.3%). This was mainly driven by the decreased depreciation and amortization by 10.4pp, treasury share and universal service fund (0.7pp) and network related expenses (0.5pp) as opposed to the increase in wages and salaries (0.8pp) and other items (0.1pp) as a percentage of revenues.
 
·
Decrease in depreciation and amortization expenses mainly attributes to the one time impact of inflation accounting of TRY240 million and impairment impact in Belarus in Q411.
 
In Q112, Turkcell Turkey’s interconnection costs rose to TRY235.0 million (TRY180.2 million) YoY increasing Turkcell Turkey’s interconnection costs as a percentage of revenue by 2pp to 11.8% (9.8%). In the meantime, Turkcell Turkey’s interconnection revenues rose 37.4% to TRY221.1 million (TRY160.9 million), driven mostly by the all direction packages of the other operators.  This led to an increased share of interconnection revenues in Turkcell Turkey’s revenues to 11.1% (8.7%).
 
Administrative expenses as a percentage of revenue declined 0.2pp to 5.0% (5.2%) in Q112 mainly due to a decrease in bad debt expenses and wages and salaries as a percentage of revenues. Compared to the last quarter, administrative expenses as a percentage of revenue rose 0.8pp driven by the increase in bad debt expenses as a result of an increased postpaid subscriber base and increase in uncollected receivables belonging to invoices older than 1 year.
 
Selling and marketing expenses as a percentage of revenues decreased 2.5pp to 16.9% (19.4%) in Q112 due to the fall in prepaid frequency fees of 2.6pp, and in marketing expenses by 0.5pp, which were partially offset by an increase in selling expenses of 0.2pp and wages & salaries of 0.3pp. On a quarter-on-quarter basis, selling and marketing expenses as a percentage of revenues decreased by 1.6pp to 16.9% from 18.5% in Q411, mainly due to lower marketing expenses down by 0.8pp.
 
EBITDA increased by 12.3% to TRY702.7 million in Q112 from TRY625.8 million in Q111, while the EBITDA margin was flat at 29.5% (29.5%). Direct cost of revenues (excluding depreciation and amortization) as a percentage of revenues increased 2.7pp, which was partially offset by decrease in selling and marketing expenses by 2.5pp and administrative expenses by 0.2pp.
 
EBITDA margin improved by 1.1pp compared to the previous quarter due to the decline in selling and marketing expenses by 1.6pp and direct cost of revenues (excluding depreciation and amortization) by 0.3pp, which was offset by the 0.8pp increase in administrative expenses.
 
Net finance income increased to TRY161.8 million in Q112 compared to TRY37.0 million in Q111, led by the increased interest income resulting from higher interest rates and increase in time deposits, as well as a translation gain of TRY37 million as opposed to the translation loss of TRY24 million in Q111.
 
Compared to the previous quarter, net finance income increased from TRY27.8 million to TRY161.8 million. This was mainly due to translation gain of TRY37 million, as opposed to the translation loss of TRY92 million in Q411, mainly relating to BeST which stem from devaluation of BYR against US$.
 
Share of profit of equity accounted investees comprising our share in the net income of unconsolidated investees Fintur and A-Tel dropped by 12.7% YoY to TRY49.5 million (TRY56.7 million) mainly due to negative impact of competition in Kazakhstan and the effects of competition and regulation in Georgia.
 
Compared to the previous quarter, our share in the net income of unconsolidated investees decreased 10.0% to TRY49.5 million (TRY55.0 million) mainly driven by lower revenues due to seasonality.
 
 
6

 
 
First Quarter 2012 Results     
 
 
Income tax expense amounted to TRY104.8 million in Q112 compared to the TRY99.0 million of Q111. The taxation charge decreased by 11.4% compared to Q411. TRY119.1 million of the total tax charge comprised current tax charges, while TRY14.3 million of deferred tax was recorded.
 
Million TRY
    Q111       Q411       Q112       y/y %     q/q %
Current Tax expense
    (50.9 )     (122.9 )     (119.1 )     134.0 %     (3.1 %)
Deferred Tax Income/expense
    (48.1 )     4.6       14.3       (129.7 %)     210.9 %
Income Tax expense
    (99.0 )     (118.3 )     (104.8 )     5.9 %     (11.4 %)
 
Net income increased 56.0% to TRY514.8 million (TRY330.1 million) which was achieved through higher EBITDA of TRY702.7 million (TRY625.8 million), and higher net finance income of TRY161.8 million (TRY37.0 million) mainly arising from increased interest income on time deposits together with a translation gain of TRY37 million as opposed to translation loss of TRY24 million in Q111.
 
Quarter-on-quarter, net income rose by 55.2% to TRY514.8 million (TRY 331.7 million), mainly due to the absence of one off items and impairment charges of TRY105 million in Q411 mostly stemming from Belarusian operations, together with a translation gain and monetary gain recognized from Belarus operations amounting to TRY71.0 million.
 
Total debt in Q112 in consolidated terms was TRY3,359 million (US$1,895 million). TRY914 million (US$ 515 million) of this was related to Turkcell’s Ukrainian operations. TRY2,522 million (US$1,423 million) of our consolidated debt is at a floating rate, while TRY2,590 million (US$1,461 million) will mature within less than a year. Our debt/annual EBITDA ratio decreased to 112% in Q112.
 
Cash flow analysis: Capital expenditures amounted to TRY252.9 million in Q112, of which TRY160.0 million was related to Turkcell Turkey, TRY9.3 million to Astelit, TRY63.7 million to Turkcell Superonline and TRY3.9 million to BeST. The other item in cash flow mainly includes the corporate tax payment of TRY111 million for Turkcell Turkey and frequency usage fee payment of TRY250 million for the following months in 2012.
 
Subsequent to March 31, 2012, Turkcell paid the guaranteed loan of Euroasia (55% owned subsidiary) in the amount of US$150 million.

Consolidated Cash Flow (million TRY)
    Q111       Q411       Q112  
EBITDA1
    625.8       694.7       702.7  
LESS:
                       
Capex and License
    (181.8 )     (716.2 )     (252.9 )
      Turkcell
    (94.4 )     (361.3 )     (160.0 )
      Ukraine2
    (11.4 )     (51.9 )     (9.3 )
Investment & Marketable Securities
    -       (1,596.1 )     1,585.8  
Net interest Income/ (expense)
    60.9       120.2       125.3  
Other
    (643.5 )     87.1       (905.6 )
Net Change in Debt
    (50.7 )     (14.2 )     53.8  
Cash generated
    (189.3 )     (1,424.5 )     1,309.1  
Cash balance
    4,915.8       4,738.4       6,047.5  
(1) EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measurement. See page 12 for the reconciliation of EBITDA to net cash from operating activities.
(2) The appreciation of reporting currency (TRY) against US$ is included in this line.

 
7

 
 
First Quarter 2012 Results     
 

Operational Review in Turkey

Summary of Operational data
    Q111       Q411       Q112       y/y %     q/q %
Number of total subscribers (million)
    33.1       34.5       34.5       4.2 %     -  
   Postpaid
    10.4       11.7       12.0       15.4 %     2.6 %
   Prepaid
    22.7       22.9       22.5       (0.9 %)     (1.7 %)
ARPU, blended (TRY)
    18.4       19.7       19.2       4.3 %     (2.5 %)
   Postpaid
    37.9       37.5       36.5       (3.7 %)     (2.7 %)
   Prepaid
    9.8       11.0       10.1       3.1 %     (8.2 %)
ARPU (Average Monthly Revenue per User), blended (US$)
    11.7       10.8       10.7       (8.5 %)     (0.9 %)
   Postpaid
    24.1       20.6       20.4       (15.4 %)     (1.0 %)
   Prepaid
    6.2       6.0       5.7       (8.1 %)     (5.0 %)
Churn (%)
    9.3 %     7.7 %     7.8 %  
(1.5
pp)  
0.1
pp
MOU (Average Monthly Minutes of usage per subscriber), blended
    192.5       220.4       221.5       15.1 %     0.5 %

Subscribers of Turkcell Turkey increased by 4.2% YoY to 34.5 million (33.1 million). During the quarter, competition intensified on lower prices, higher incentives and aggressive MNP offers. Under the circumstances, we maintained our subscriber base with our simplified tariff structure, through a greater focus on customer retention and satisfaction. On the postpaid front, we registered 347K net subscribers in Q112, the share of which in the total subscriber base rose to 34.8% (31.4%) with our particular focus on increasing our higher value generating postpaid base.

Churn Rate refers to voluntarily and involuntarily disconnected subscribers. In Q112, our churn rate decreased to 7.8% from 9.3% a year ago, which we achieved through a greater focus on customer retention and satisfaction, promoting the contract and appropriate offers that address different subscriber needs.

MoU increased to 221.5 minutes on a rise of 15.1% year-on-year. The increased package penetration and offers with higher minutes based on subscriber needs increased MOU.

ARPU in TRY terms increased by 4.3% to TRY19.2 compared to Q111 with the rise in the share of postpaid subscribers to 34.8% (31.4%). Postpaid ARPU fell by 3.7% to TRY36.5 (TRY37.9), despite the rise in incoming and mobile broadband & services revenues, as a result of intense competition, as well as the dilutive impact of switches from the prepaid segment. Meanwhile, prepaid ARPU increased to TRY10.1 (TRY9.8) in Q112, mainly due to higher incoming and mobile broadband & services revenues, as well as upsell and packaging activities.

 

 

 
 
8

 
 
First Quarter 2012 Results     
 

OTHER DOMESTIC AND INTERNATIONAL OPERATIONS

 
Astelit, in which we hold a 55% stake through Euroasia, has operated in Ukraine since February 2005.
 
Astelit’s revenues rose by 16.9% YoY and amounted to US$91.4 million (US$78.2 million) in Q112, mainly stemming from the growth in subscriber base, data revenues and international call revenues.
 
In Q112 Astelit recorded the highest quarterly EBITDA margin reaching 27.2% (24.0%), which was up by 3.2 pp year-on-year. Astelit recorded an EBITDA margin exceeding 25% for the fourth consecutive quarter, mainly due to the company’s focus on business efficiency and operational profitability. In addition, Astelit achieved a positive free cash flow for the first time in the full year 2011, which continued in the first quarter of 2012 with a 21.4% free cash flow margin.
 
Astelit’s registered subscribers rose by 1.2 million to 9.9 million year-on-year. With the contribution of the regional growth strategy aimed at new acquisitions and expansion, three month active subscribers rose by 1.0 million to 7.1 million (6.1 million) year-on-year.
 
The blended ARPU increased by 6.9% in Q112, mainly due to increased usage of data services and international calls. MoU remained almost flat at 195.6 (196.7) in Q112.
 

Astelit
    Q111       Q411       Q112       y/y %     q/q %
Number of subscribers (million)1
    8.7       9.7       9.9       13.8 %     2.1 %
    Active (3 months)2
    6.1       7.0       7.1       16.4 %     1.4 %
MOU (minutes)3
    196.7       194.7       195.6       (0.6 %)     0.5 %
ARPU (Average Monthly Revenue per User), blended (US$)
    2.9       3.4       3.1       6.9 %     (8.8 %)
    Active (3 months)
    4.3       4.7       4.3       -       (8.5 %)
Revenue (million UAH)
    621.5       783.0       729.9       17.4 %     (6.8 %)
Revenue (million US$)
    78.2       98.1       91.4       16.9 %     (6.8 %)
EBITDA (million US$)4
    18.8       24.9       24.9       32.4 %     -  
EBITDA margin
    24.0 %     25.4 %     27.2 %  
3.2
pp  
1.8
pp
Net loss (million US$)
    (24.4 )     (16.4 )     (15.7 )     (35.7 %)     (4.3 %)
Capex (million US$)
    7.4       26.6       5.3       (28.4 %)     (80.1 %)
(1) We may occasionally offer campaigns and tariff schemes that have an active subscriber life differing from the one that we normally use to deactivate subscribers and calculate churn.
(2) Active subscribers are those who in the past three months made a transaction which brought revenue to the Company.
(3) Astelit has changed its calculation methodology for minute of usage per customer starting from Q3 2011. The minutes are now calculated based on the actual call duration of subscribers. Previously, minutes were calculated on the basis of charging units consumed. This change will have the effect of decreasing Astelit’s average minutes of usage (no impact on revenue). For purposes of comparability, figures published for recent periods will be restated to give effect to this change.
(4) EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measurement. See page 12 for the reconciliation of Euroasia’s EBITDA to net cash from operating activities. Euroasia holds a 100% stake in Astelit.




 
 
9

 
 
First Quarter 2012 Results     
 
 
Turkcell Superonline is our wholly-owned subsidiary, providing fiber broadband.
 
Turkcell Superonline’s network reached approximately 1.1 million home passes (HP) in Q112 in accordance with our continued investments in the fiber-optic infrastructure. The number of FTTX subscribers increased by 91% and reached approximately to 307 thousand. For 2012, we are concentrating more on increasing our incity coverage and improving our subscriber take-up rate.
 
Revenues continued to grow by 59.2% to TRY145.0 million (TRY91.1 million), mainly on the higher growth of residential and corporate segments. On a year-on-year basis, the residential segment grew by 92%, mostly due to subscriber growth, while the corporate segment rose 105%, mainly on improving synergy with Turkcell Turkey. Meanwhile, the EBITDA margin rose 4.1pp to 20.1% (16.0%) stimulated by revenue growth of more profitable data revenues. In addition, Turkcell Superonline recorded a positive net income for the second consecutive quarter.  Turkcell Superonline’s share in Turkcell transmission costs reached 74% in Q112 as a result of increasing synergy. Non-group revenues constituted 69.2% of total revenues in Q112.

Turkcell Superonline  (million TRY)
    Q111       Q411       Q112       y/y %     q/q %
Revenue
    91.1       140.7       145.0       59.2 %     3.1 %
EBITDA 1
    14.5       31.1       29.1       100.7 %     (6.4 %)
EBITDA Margin
    16.0 %     22.1 %     20.1 %  
4.1
pp   
(2.0
pp)
Capex
    43.0       172.4       63.7       48.1 %     (63.1 %)

(1)EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure. See page 12 for the reconciliation of EBITDA to net cash from operating activities.
 
Fintur in which we hold a 41.45% stake has interests in Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Moldova, and Georgia.
 
Fintur continued to improve its market position in Q112, adding approximately 0.4 million net subscribers, thereby increasing its total subscriber base to 18.6 million, driven by growth in Kazakhstan. Fintur’s consolidated revenue increased by 4.2% year-on-year to US$467 million (US$448 million) in Q1 2012, while revenues decreased by 8.6% quarter-on-quarter from US$511 million in Q411 mainly due to impact of seasonality.
 
We account for our investment in Fintur using the equity method. Fintur’s contribution to net income decreased from TRY66.5million (US$42.2 million) in Q111 to TRY54.6 million (US$30.3 million) in Q112, stemming from the negative impact of competition in Kazakhstan and the effects of competition and regulation in Georgia.

Fintur
    Q111       Q411       Q112       y/y %     q/q %
Subscribers (million)
    16.5       18.2       18.6       12.7 %     2.2 %
  Kazakhstan
    9.4       10.8       11.2       19.1 %     3.7 %
  Azerbaijan
    4.0       4.2       4.2       5.0 %     -  
  Moldova
    1.0       1.1       1.1       10.0 %     -  
  Georgia
    2.1       2.1       2.1       -       -  
Revenue (million US$)
    448       511       467       4.2 %     (8.6 %)
  Kazakhstan
    274       317       280       2.2 %     (11.7 %)
  Azerbaijan
    123       137       137       11.4 %     -  
  Moldova
    16       21       17       6.3 %     (19.0 %)
  Georgia
    33       36       33       -       (8.3 %)
  Other1
    2       -       -       -       -  
Fintur’s contribution to Group’s net income
    42       36       30       (28.6 %)     (16.7 %)
1)
Includes intersegment eliminations

 
10

 
 
First Quarter 2012 Results     
 
 
Turkcell Group Subscribers amounted to approximately 65.3 million as of March 31, 2012. This figure is calculated by taking the number of subscribers in Turkcell and each of our subsidiaries and unconsolidated investees. It includes the total number of mobile subscribers in Astelit and BeST, as well as in our operations in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (“Northern Cyprus”), Fintur and Turkcell Europe. Turkcell Group subscribers rose by 0.5 million during the quarter, thanks to the increased subscriber base of Fintur, as well as the contribution of Astelit.

Turkcell Group Subscribers (million)
    Q111       Q411       Q112       y/y %     q/q %
Turkcell
    33.1       34.5       34.5       4.2 %     -  
Ukraine
    8.7       9.7       9.9       13.8 %     2.1 %
Fintur
    16.5       18.2       18.6       12.7 %     2.2 %
Northern Cyprus 
    0.4       0.4       0.4       -       -  
Belarus
    1.7       1.8       1.7       -       (5.6 %)
Turkcell Europe
    -       0.2       0.2       -       -  
TURKCELL GROUP
    60.4       64.8       65.3       8.1 %     0.8 %


OVERVIEW OF THE MACROECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT

 
The foreign exchange rates that have been used in our financial reporting, along with certain macroeconomic indicators, are set out below.

      Q111       Q411       Q112       y/y %     q/q %
TRY / US$ rate
                                       
   Closing Rate
    1.5483       1.8889       1.7729       14.5 %     (6.1 %)
   Average Rate
    1.5737       1.8209       1.7871       13.6 %     (1.9 %)
Consumer Price Index
    1.6 %     5.7 %     1.5 %     -       -  
GDP Growth
    11.0 %     5.2 %  
n.a
      -       -  
UAH/ US$ rate
                                       
   Closing Rate
    7.96       7.99       7.99       0.4 %     -  
   Average Rate
    7.94       7.98       7.99       0.6 %     0.1 %
BYR/ US$ rate
                                       
   Closing Rate
    3,045       8,350       8,020       163.4 %     (4.0 %)
   Average Rate
    3,018       8,025       8,208       172.0 %     2.3 %

 

 

 
 
11

 
 
First Quarter 2012 Results     
 
 
RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASUREMENTS: We believe that EBITDA is a measurement commonly used by companies, analysts and investors in the telecommunications industry that enhances the understanding of our cash generation ability and liquidity position, and assists in the evaluation of our capacity to meet our financial obligations. We also use EBITDA as an internal measurement tool, and accordingly, we believe that its presentation provides useful and relevant information to analysts and investors.  Our EBITDA definition includes Revenue, Direct Cost of Revenue excluding depreciation and amortization, Selling and Marketing expenses and Administrative expenses, but excludes translation gain/(loss), finance income, share of profit of equity accounted investees, gain on sale of investments, income/(loss) from related parties, minority interest and other income/(expense). EBITDA is not a measure of financial performance under IFRS, and should not be construed as a substitute for net earnings (loss) as a measure of performance, or cash flow from operations as a measure of liquidity. The following table provides a reconciliation of EBITDA, which is a non-GAAP financial measurement, to net cash from operating activities, which we believe is the most directly comparable financial measurement calculated and presented in accordance with IFRS.

Turkcell (million US$)
    Q111       Q411       Q112       y/y %     q/q %
EBITDA
    397.7       383.5       393.1       (1.2 %)     2.5 %
Income tax expense
    (62.9 )     (67.1 )     (58.7 )     (6.7 %)     (12.5 %)
Other operating income / (expense)
    (17.6 )     1.9       (4.9 )     (72.2 %)     -  
Financial income
    0.6       7.5       3.8       533.3 %     (49.3 %)
Financial expense
    (29.9 )     (13.9 )     (33 )     10.4 %     137.4 %
Net increase / (decrease) in assets and liabilities
    (339.1 )     (29.6 )     (404.5 )     19.3 %     -  
Net cash from operating activities
    (51.2 )     282.3       (104.2 )     103.5 %     -  

Turkcell Superonline (million TRY)
    Q111       Q411       Q112       y/y %     q/q %
EBITDA
    14.5       31.1       29.1       100.7 %     (6.4 %)
Other operating income / (expense)
    0.1       0.3       0.1       -       (66.7 %)
Financial income
    0.8       1.0       40.1       -       -  
Financial expense
    (9.4 )     (15.0 )     (41.0 )     336.2 %     173.3 %
Net increase / (decrease) in assets and liabilities
    (83.8 )     47.5       (35.4 )     (57.8 %)     -  
Net cash from operating activities
    (77.8 )     64.8       (7.1 )     (90.9 %)     -  

Euroasia (million US$)
    Q111       Q411       Q112       y/y %     q/q %
EBITDA
    18.8       24.9       24.9       32.4 %     -  
Other operating income / (expense)
    0.1       1.9       0.2       100.0 %     (89.5 %)
Financial income
    0.2       0.3       0.2       -       (33.3 %)
Financial expense
    (14.2 )     (14.8 )     (12.1 )     (14.8 %)     (18.2 %)
Net increase / (decrease) in assets and liabilities
    2.9       13.4       15.8       444.8 %     17.9 %
Net cash from operating activities
    7.8       25.7       29.0       271.8 %     12.8 %
 
 

 
 
 
12

 
 
First Quarter 2012 Results     
 
 
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS: This release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Safe Harbor provisions of the US Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  All statements other than statements of historical facts included in this press release, including, without limitation, certain statements regarding our operations, financial position and business strategy may constitute forward-looking statements.  In addition, forward-looking statements generally can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as, among others, “will,” “expect,” “intend,” “estimate,” “believe” or “continue.”
Although Turkcell believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable at this time, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct.  All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to us are expressly qualified in their entirety by reference to these cautionary statements. For a discussion of certain factors that may affect the outcome of such forward looking statements, see our Annual Report on Form 20-F for 2011 filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, and in particular the risk factor section therein. We undertake no duty to update or revise any forward looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

ABOUT TURKCELL: Turkcell is the leading communications and technology company in Turkey, with 34.5 million subscribers and a market share of approximately 53% based on December 31, 2011 results (since the Authority has not disclosed subscriber market shares for Q1 2012). Turkcell is a leading regional player, with market leadership in five of the nine countries in which it operates with its approximately 65.3 million subscribers as of March 31, 2012. The company covers approximately 88% of the Turkish population through its 3G and 99.13% through its 2G technology supported network. It has become one of the first among the global operators to have implemented HSDPA+ and achieved a 43.2 Mbps speed using the HSPA multi carrier solution. Turkcell reported a TRY2.4 billion (US$1.3 billion) net revenue with total assets of TRY17.2 billion (US$9.7 billion) as of March 31, 2012. It has been listed on the NYSE and the ISE since July 2000, and is the only NYSE-listed company in Turkey. Read more at www.turkcell.com.tr

For further information please contact Turkcell
 
Corporate Affairs:
Investors:
Media:
Koray Ozturkler, Chief Corporate
Nihat Narin, Investor and
Filiz Karagul Tuzun,
Affairs Officer
International Media Relations
Corporate Communications
Tel: +90-212-313-1500
Tel: + 90-212-313-1244
Tel: + 90-212-313-2304
Email: koray.ozturkler@turkcell.com.tr
Email: nihat.narin@turkcell.com.tr
investor.relations@turkcell.com.tr
Email:filiz.karagul@turkcell.com.tr
Turkcell-Kurumsal-Iletisim@turkcell.com.tr  
 
 
13

 
 
   
TURKCELL ILETISIM HIZMETLERI A.S.
IFRS SELECTED FINANCIALS (TRY Million)
 
                         
                         
   
Quarter Ended
   
Quarter Ended
   
12 months Ended
   
Quarter Ended
 
   
March 31,
   
December 31,
   
December 31,
   
March 31,
 
   
2011
   
2011
   
2011
   
2012
 
Consolidated Statement of Operations Data
                   
 Revenues
                       
     Communication fees
    1,970.8       2,252.8       8,724.7       2,180.9  
     Commission fees on betting business
    18.4       31.5       86.5       35.2  
     Monthly fixed fees
    27.9       24.7       104.5       24.5  
     Simcard sales
    7.3       8.2       35.3       6.1  
     Call center revenues and other revenues
    94.0       128.3       419.1       135.1  
Total revenues
    2,118.4       2,445.5       9,370.1       2,381.8  
Direct cost of revenues
    (1,249.2 )     (1,791.8 )     (5,954.3 )     (1,491.3 )
Gross profit
    869.2       653.7       3,415.8       890.5  
    Administrative expenses
    (110.3 )     (103.8 )     (410.9 )     (118.1 )
    Selling & marketing  expenses
    (411.1 )     (451.6 )     (1,684.9 )     (402.8 )
    Other Operating Income / (Expense)
    (27.9 )     (10.4 )     (218.5 )     (6.5 )
                                 
Operating profit before financing costs
    319.9       87.9       1,101.5       363.1  
Finance costs
    (71.6 )     (111.8 )     (528.3 )     (58.3 )
Finance income
    108.6       139.6       545.6       220.1  
Monetary gain/(loss)
    -       273.5       273.5       40.5  
Share of profit of equity accounted investees
    56.7       55.0       227.1       49.5  
Income before taxes and minority interest
    413.6       444.2       1,619.4       614.9  
Income tax expense
    (99.0 )     (118.3 )     (485.0 )     (104.8 )
Income before minority interest
    314.6       325.9       1,134.4       510.1  
Non-controlling interests
    15.5       5.8       43.3       4.7  
Net income
    330.1       331.7       1,177.7       514.8  
                                 
Net income per share
    0.15       0.15       0.54       0.23  
                                 
Other Financial Data
                               
                                 
Gross margin
    41 %     27 %     36 %     37.4 %
EBITDA(*)
    625.8       694.7       2,912.9       702.7  
Capital expenditures
    181.8       716.2       1,635.8       252.9  
                                 
Consolidated Balance Sheet Data (at period end)
                         
Cash and cash equivalents
    4,915.9       4,738.4       4,738.4       6,047.5  
Total assets
    15,151.0       17,186.7       17,186.7       17,157.1  
Long term debt
    2,210.3       1,997.3       1,997.3       769.8  
Total debt
    2,790.8       3,528.6       3,528.6       3,359.3  
Total liabilities
    5,187.3       6,360.3       6,360.3       5,832.0  
Total shareholders’ equity / Net Assets
    9,963.7       10,826.4       10,826.4       11,325.1  
                                 
                                 
** For further details, please refer to our consolidated financial statements and notes as at 31 March 2012 on our web site.
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
                         
   
TURKCELL ILETISIM HIZMETLERI A.S.
CMB SELECTED FINANCIALS (TRY Million)
 
                         
                         
   
Quarter Ended
   
Quarter Ended
   
12 months Ended
   
Quarter Ended
 
   
March 31,
   
December 31,
   
December 31,
   
March 31,
 
   
2011
   
2011
   
2011
   
2012
 
                         
Consolidated Statement of Operations Data
                   
 Revenues
                       
     Communication fees
    1,970.8       2,252.8       8,724.7       2,180.9  
     Commission fees on betting business
    18.4       31.5       86.5       35.2  
     Monthly fixed fees
    27.9       24.7       104.5       24.5  
     Simcard sales
    7.3       8.2       35.3       6.1  
     Call center revenues and other revenues
    94.0       128.3       419.1       135.1  
Total revenues
    2,118.4       2,445.5       9,370.1       2,381.8  
Direct cost of revenues
    (1,247.7 )     (1,790.5 )     (5,948.8 )     (1,489.8 )
Gross profit
    870.7       655.0       3,421.3       892.0  
    Administrative expenses
    (110.3 )     (103.8 )     (410.9 )     (118.1 )
    Selling & marketing  expenses
    (411.1 )     (451.6 )     (1,684.9 )     (402.8 )
    Other Operating Income / (Expense)
    (27.8 )     (10.4 )     (217.3 )     (6.5 )
                                 
Operating profit before financing costs
    321.5       89.2       1,108.2       364.6  
Finance costs
    (71.6 )     (111.8 )     (528.3 )     (58.3 )
Finance income
    108.6       139.7       545.6       220.1  
Monetary gain/(loss)
    -       273.5       273.5       40.5  
Share of profit of equity accounted investees
    56.7       55.0       227.1       49.5  
Income before taxes and minority interest
    415.2       445.6       1,626.1       616.4  
Income tax expense
    (99.8 )     (118.1 )     (486.1 )     (105.6 )
Income before minority interest
    315.4       327.5       1,140.0       510.8  
Non-controlling interests
    15.5       5.8       43.3       4.7  
Net income
    330.9       333.3       1,183.3       515.5  
                                 
Net income per share
    0.15       0.15       0.54       0.23  
                                 
Other Financial Data
                               
                                 
Gross margin
    41 %     27 %     37 %     37 %
EBITDA(*)
    625.8       694.7       2,912.9       702.7  
Capital expenditures
    181.8       716.2       1,635.8       252.9  
                                 
Consolidated Balance Sheet Data (at period end)
                         
Cash and cash equivalents
    4,915.9       4,738.4       4,738.4       6,047.5  
Total assets
    15,106.1       17,147.0       17,147.0       17,119.0  
Long term debt
    2,210.3       1,997.3       1,997.3       769.8  
Total debt
    2,790.8       3,528.6       3,528.6       3,359.3  
Total liabilities
    5,180.1       6,353.5       6,353.5       5,825.9  
Total shareholders’ equity / Net Assets
    9,926.0       10,793.5       10,793.5       11,293.1  
                                 
                                 
** For further details, please refer to our consolidated financial statements and notes as at 31 March 2012 on our web site.
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
                         
   
TURKCELL ILETISIM HIZMETLERI A.S.
IFRS SELECTED FINANCIALS (US$ MILLION)
 
                         
                         
   
Quarter Ended
   
Quarter Ended
   
12 months Ended
   
Quarter Ended
 
   
March 31,
   
December 31,
   
December 31,
   
March 31,
 
   
2011
   
2011
   
2011
   
2012
 
                         
Consolidated Statement of Operations Data
                   
 Revenues
                       
     Communication fees
    1,252.6       1,231.6       5,225.4       1,220.9  
     Commission fees on betting business
    11.7       17.3       51.4       19.7  
     Monthly fixed fees
    17.8       13.6       63.0       13.7  
     Simcard sales
    4.6       4.5       21.2       3.4  
     Call center revenues and other revenues
    59.7       69.0       248.7       75.6  
Total revenues
    1,346.4       1,336.0       5,609.7       1,333.3  
Direct cost of revenues
    (793.9 )     (960.8 )     (3,528.9 )     (835.0 )
Gross profit
    552.5       375.2       2,080.8       498.3  
    Administrative expenses
    (70.1 )     (56.1 )     (246.5 )     (66.2 )
    Selling & marketing  expenses
    (261.3 )     (246.7 )     (1,010.6 )     (225.8 )
    Other Operating Income / (Expense)
    (17.7 )     4.8       (128.7 )     (3.6 )
                                 
Operating profit before financing costs
    203.4       77.2       695.0       202.7  
Finance costs
    (45.6 )     (28.6 )     (289.7 )     (33.0 )
Finance income
    68.9       82.2       330.3       123.6  
Monetary gain/(loss)
    -       144.8       144.8       22.9  
Share of profit of equity accounted investees
    36.0       30.3       136.9       27.5  
Income before taxes and minority interest
    262.7       305.9       1,017.3       343.7  
Income tax expense
    (62.9 )     (67.1 )     (292.2 )     (58.7 )
Income before minority interest
    199.8       238.8       725.1       285.0  
Non-controlling interests
    9.8       3.2       26.6       2.6  
Net income
    209.6       242.0       751.7       287.6  
                                 
Net income per share
    0.10       0.11       0.34       0.13  
                                 
Other Financial Data
                               
                                 
Gross margin
    41 %     28 %     37 %     37 %
EBITDA(*)
    397.7       383.5       1,748.1       393.1  
Capital expenditures
    117.4       367.7       866.0       142.7  
                                 
Consolidated Balance Sheet Data (at period end)
                         
Cash and cash equivalents
    3,175.0       2,508.5       2,508.5       3,411.1  
Total assets
    9,785.6       9,098.8       9,098.8       9,677.4  
Long term debt
    1,427.6       1,057.4       1,057.4       434.2  
Total debt
    1,802.5       1,868.1       1,868.1       1,894.8  
Total liabilities
    3,350.3       3,367.2       3,367.2       3,289.5  
Total equity
    6,435.2       5,731.6       5,731.6       6,387.9  
                                 
                                 
* Please refer to the notes on reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial measures on page 12
         
** For further details, please refer to our consolidated financial statements and notes as at 31 March 2012 on our web site.
 
 
 
 

 
TURKCELL ILETISIM HIZMETLERI AS AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
As at 31 March 2012
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars unless otherwise indicated except share amounts)

(The Group’s 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
   
31 March
2012
   
31 December
2011
 
Assets
                 
Property, plant and equipment
    10       2,833,353       2,709,600  
Intangible assets
    11       1,305,988       1,246,308  
GSM and other telecommunication operating licenses
            721,807       691,895  
Computer software
            529,544       502,974  
Other intangible assets
            54,637       51,439  
Investments in equity accounted investees
    12       420,401       414,392  
Other investments
            24,045       22,568  
Due from related parties
    23       211       43  
Other non-current assets
            142,278       125,389  
Trade receivables
    14       136,965       113,581  
Deferred tax assets
            5,749       3,286  
Total non-current assets
            4,868,990       4,635,167  
                         
Inventories
            31,929       26,069  
Other investments
    13       5,863       844,982  
Due from related parties
    23       34,868       43,215  
Trade receivables and accrued income
    14       935,278       842,381  
Other current assets
    15       389,415       198,458  
Cash and cash equivalents
    16       3,411,082       2,508,529  
Total current assets
            4,808,435       4,463,634