SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 6-K
REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER
PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-16 or 15d-16 OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Report on Form 6-K dated November 25, 2003
CELLCO FINANCE N.V.
Caracasbaaiweg 199
Curacao
Netherlands Antilles
(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: ý 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: ý
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: ý
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: ý
Enclosure: Report: “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects for the Nine-Month Period Ended September 30, 2003”
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
| CELLCO FINANCE N.V. | |||
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| By: | /s/ AMICORP CURACOA N.V. |
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| Name: | Amicorp Curacoa N.V. | ||
| Title: | Managing Director | ||
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Dated: November 25, 2003
2
OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS FOR THE NINE-MONTH PERIOD ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2003
Overview
This is the quarterly report for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2003 of Cellco Finance N.V. (“Cellco Finance”), a Netherlands Antilles limited liability company (“naamloze vennootschap”). Cellco Finance’s sole business is to issue debt securities and lend the proceeds of those debt securities to Turkcell Iletisim Hizmetleri A.S. (“Turkcell”), a joint stock company organized and existing under the laws of the Republic of Turkey.
On July 23, 1998, Cellco Finance issued $300,000,000 of 15% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2005 pursuant to an Indenture dated July 23, 1998 between Cellco Finance and HSBC Bank USA (then known as Marine Midland Bank) (the “1998 Restricted Notes”). On December 22, 1999 Cellco Finance issued $400,000,000 of 12.75% Senior Notes due 2005 pursuant to an Indenture dated December 22, 1999 between Cellco Finance and HSBC Bank USA (the “1999 Restricted Notes”). Each of the 1998 Restricted Notes and 1999 Restricted Notes were offered and sold in private placements to a small number of institutions, which resold those Notes pursuant to exemptions from registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) in transactions outside the United States in reliance on Regulation S under the Securities Act and to “qualified institutional buyers” under Rule 144A under the Securities Act.
Cellco Finance loaned the proceeds of the 1998 Restricted Notes and the 1999 Restricted Notes to Turkcell pursuant to a Subordinated Credit Agreement dated July 23, 1998 and a Credit Agreement dated December 22, 1999, respectively (such Credit Agreements being collectively herein called the “Credit Agreements”).
Pursuant to a Registration Statement filed with the Securities and the Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and declared effective on October 13, 1999, Cellco Finance offered to exchange notes that had been registered with the SEC for the 1998 Restricted Notes. Pursuant to the exchange offer completed November 22, 1999, $285,036,000 in principal amount of Senior Subordinated Exchange Notes were issued in exchange for a like principal amount of 1998 Restricted Notes (such Senior Subordinated Exchange Notes being herein called the “1998 Exchange Notes”). Pursuant to a Registration Statement filed with the SEC and declared effective on July 10, 2000, Cellco Finance offered to exchange notes that had been registered with the SEC for the 1999 Restricted Notes. Pursuant to the exchange offer completed August 18, 2000, $385,038,000 in principal amount of Senior Exchange Notes were issued in exchange for a like principal amount of 1999 Restricted Notes (such Senior Exchange Notes being herein called the “1999 Exchange Notes” and, together with the 1998 Exchange Notes, “Exchange Notes”; the Exchange Notes, the 1998 Restricted Notes and the 1999 Restricted Notes are collectively referred to as the “Notes”).
On September 19, 2003, Turkcell declared its intention to early redeem the Senior Subordinated Notes. Accordingly, we started the process of Consent Solicitation for 12.75% Senior Notes in order to exercise the call option for 15% Senior Subordinated Notes. On October 8, 2003, we announced that the holders of almost 90% in aggregate principal amount of its outstanding 12.75% Senior Notes due 2005 have consented to the proposed redemption. The redemption price is 103.75% and the redemption has been made on November 10, 2003, together with the accrued interest.
The terms “we,” “us,” “our” and similar terms refer to Cellco Finance and do not include or refer to Turkcell. We do not control Turkcell. However, because our sole business is to issue debt securities and lend the proceeds of those debt securities to Turkcell and our only significant assets are claims against Turkcell under the Credit Agreements, the success of our business is dependent entirely on the success of Turkcell’s business, and our business is subject to all risks and uncertainties to which Turkcell’s business is subject.
3
The financial information contained in the following discussion and analysis has been prepared and is presented in accordance with US GAAP in US dollars. The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and related notes as of December 31, 2001 and 2002, and for the years ended December 31, 2000, 2001 and 2002 included in the Cellco Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2002, and the financial statements and related notes as of December 31, 2002 and September 30, 2003, and for each of the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2002 and 2003 included herein. The information as of and for each of the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2002 and 2003 is not audited.
Certain statements contained below, including information with respect to our plans and strategy for our business, are forward looking statements. The statements contained in this discussion of operating results, which are not historical facts, are forward looking statements with respect to our plans, projections or future performance, the occurrence of which involves certain risks and uncertainties.
Operating Results
Revenues. Our revenue consists primarily of interest and financing fees from Turkcell paid pursuant to the Credit Agreements. Revenue for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2003 of $74,568,000 is equal to revenue for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2002.
Expenses. Expenses consist primarily of interest paid on the Notes and taxes. Expenses for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2003 of $74,568,000 is equal to expenses for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2002.
Critical Accounting Policies
We have prepared our financial statements assuming we will continue as a going concern: Accordingly, we have recorded the loans receivable and the related accrued interest income at the full amount receivable from Turkcell. As noted in the basis of presentation of our financial statements (Note 2), Turkcell’s current liabilities at September 30, 2003 exceeded current assets by $202.8 million. Also, economic developments in Turkey have had, and may continue to have, a material adverse effect on Turkcell’s business, financial condition and results of operations. Should Turkcell’s operating results or the Turkish economy suffer further significant declines it could result in Turkcell lacking the financial resources to repay the loans. If Turkcell were unable to repay the loans then an impairment charge would need to be recorded.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
We are a special purpose finance vehicle formed to issue debt instruments and lend the proceeds to Turkcell. All of our existing obligations are matched by claims on Turkcell. We do not expect to incur additional indebtedness other than to fund Turkcell’s operations, and any such additional indebtedness will be matched by claims on Turkcell.
Our cash flows and ability to continue as a going concern depend largely on the ability of Turkcell to service its debt owed us. At September 30, 2003, substantially all of our assets represent amounts receivable from Turkcell. Our results of operations and financial position are largely dependent upon the results of operations and financial position of Turkcell, whose operations are substantially all inside Turkey.
Despite the continued negative impact of political uncertainty and regional instability, the Turkish economy showed signs of recovery from the worst of the financial turmoil in 2001 during 2002. Although macroeconomic indicators and consumer sentiment showed significant improvement during 2002, the Turkish economy remains fragile. In 2002, the Turkish Lira depreciated by 11.9% against the US dollar, there was continuing volatility in the debt and equity markets and year on year
4
inflation was 30.8% in the wholesale price index and 29.7% in the consumer price index as of December 31, 2002. Annual inflation rate was 23.0% as of September 30, 2003, based on the consumer price index. In 2002, a new IMF backed program sought to decrease the likelihood of the Turkish economy suffering a future crisis by encouraging sustained non-inflationary growth through a floating exchange regime, using inflation targeting to combat chronic inflation, strengthening the financial structure of Turkey, implementing reforms in taxation, the banking sector and public sector, ensuring debt sustainability and accelerating privatization efforts. The IMF hoped that the implementation of banking reform and enactment of other reforms would improve the liquidity position of the private sector and stimulate growth. Accordingly, the IMF and World Bank extended additional financial support for the implementation of the program targets through the end of 2004 via a new standby program. As a result of the short duration of the Iraq war and the disinflation program, in 2003, real sector and consumer confidence improved. These positive developments in the Turkish economy have been achieved by the tight money policy of the government whereby budget cuts in government spending and on investments had to be made. Even though the Iraq war ended in a rather short period of time, Turkey’s fragile relations with the United States is another risk factor that may affect the financial market negatively in the near future. Turkey’s return to economic stability is dependent to a large extent on the effectiveness of the measures taken by the government, decisions of international lending organizations, and other factors, including regulatory and political developments.
The financial condition of Turkcell and its future operations and cash flows could be adversely affected by continued economic difficulty. Accordingly, our financial condition and our future operations and cash flows could be adversely affected by such continued economic difficulty in Turkey. At September 30, 2003, Turkcell’s current liabilities exceeded current assets by $202.8 million. As noted in Turkcell’s financial statements this matter may raise doubt about Turkcell’s ability to continue as a going concern. Our cash flows and ability to continue as a going concern depend largely on the ability of Turkcell to service its debt towards us. Our financial statements have been prepared assuming that Turkcell will continue as a going concern, and that therefore we will continue as a going concern. Turkcell has generated positive cash flows from operations for the past years. Turkcell advised us that its management believes that Turkcell will continue to generate sufficient operating cash flows to operate as a going concern.
We have continued to receive timely payments from Turkcell on our receivable due from Turkcell and we believe that Turkcell will continue to be able to service its debt on a timely basis. Accordingly, our financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.
Under the Indenture (the “1998 Indenture”) governing the 15.00% senior subordinated notes due in 2005 (the “1998 Notes”) issued by us and the 1998 Subordinated Credit Agreement, the 1998 Notes are redeemable, at our option, in whole or in part at any time, on or after August 1, 2002, upon 30 to 60 days’ notice at the following redemption prices (expressed as percentages of the principal amount thereof) if redeemed during the twelve-month period commencing on August 1 of the year set forth below, plus, in each case, accrued and unpaid interest, additional amounts and additional interest, if any, to date of redemption:
Year |
| Percentage |
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2003 |
| 103.75 | % |
2004 |
| 100.00 | % |
There are some regulations in the Indenture (the “1999 Indenture”) governing the 12.75% senior notes due in 2005 issued by us (the “1999 Notes”) and the 1999 Credit Agreement, regarding the exercise of optional redemption of the 1998 Notes.
According to the 1999 Indenture, we cannot make any principal payments on any of its indebtedness that is subordinated or junior in right of payment to the 1999 Notes prior to any scheduled final maturity.
5
Therefore, in order for us to exercise the optional redemption of the 1998 Notes, we would first have to amend the 1999 Indenture accordingly by receiving the consent of a simple majority of the holders of the 1999 Notes.
On September 19, 2003, Turkcell declared its intention to early redeem the Senior Subordinated Notes. Accordingly, we started the process of Consent Solicitation for 12.75% Senior Notes in order to exercise the call option for 15% Senior Subordinated Notes. On October 8, 2003, we announced that the holders of almost 90% in aggregate principal amount of its outstanding 12.75% Senior Notes due 2005 have consented to the proposed redemption. The redemption price is 103.75% and the redemption has been made on November 10, 2003, together with the accrued interest.
Research and Development, Patents and Licenses
We have not had any research and development activities for the last three years. We own no patents.
Trend Information
At September 30, 2003, substantially all of our assets represent amounts receivable from Turkcell. Our results of operations and financial position are largely dependent upon the results of operations and financial position of Turkcell, whose operations are substantially all inside Turkey.
Despite the continued negative impact of political uncertainty and regional instability, the Turkish economy showed signs of recovery from the worst of the financial turmoil in 2001 and during 2002. Although macroeconomic indicators and consumer sentiment showed significant improvement during 2002, the Turkish economy remains fragile. In 2002, the Turkish Lira depreciated by 11.9% against the US dollar, there was continuing volatility in the debt and equity markets and year on year inflation was 30.8% in the wholesale price index and 29.7% in the consumer price index as of December 31, 2002. Annual inflation rate was 23.0% as of September 30, 2003, based on the consumer price index. In 2002, a new IMF backed program sought to decrease the likelihood of the Turkish economy suffering a future crisis by encouraging sustained non-inflationary growth through a floating exchange regime, using inflation targeting to combat chronic inflation, strengthening the financial structure of Turkey, implementing reforms in taxation, the banking sector and public sector, ensuring debt sustainability and accelerating privatization efforts. The IMF hoped that the implementation of banking reform and enactment of other reforms would improve the liquidity position of the private sector and stimulate growth. Accordingly, the IMF and World Bank extended additional financial support for the implementation of the program targets through the end of 2004 via a new standby program. As a result of the short duration of the Iraq war and the disinflation program, in 2003, real sector and consumer confidence improved. These positive developments in the Turkish economy have been achieved by the tight money policy of the government whereby budget cuts in government spending and on investments had to be made. Even though the Iraq war ended in a rather short period of time, Turkey’s fragile relations with the United States is another risk factor that may affect the financial market negatively in the near future. Turkcell’s financial condition, future operations and cash flows could be adversely affected by continued economic difficulty.
However, the increased momentum in economic reform has helped to improve financial market sentiment. The Turkish authorities have laid out an ambitious economic stabilization and reform agenda for 2003, and have taken important initial steps in implementing this agenda. Together with the end of hostilities in Iraq and a positive global market sentiment toward emerging market economies, this has helped interest rates to fall while the Turkish Lira has strengthened. The more benign environment also means that the government’s macro economic targets of 5% growth and 20% annual inflation in 2003 remain attainable.
Nonetheless, the financial condition of Turkcell and its future operations and cash flows could be adversely affected by further economic difficulty. Accordingly, our financial condition and our future operations and cash flows could be adversely affected by such further economic difficulty in Turkey.
6
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURE ABOUT MARKET RISK
Foreign Exchange Risk Management
The fair value of the 1998 Notes increased from $311.3 million at December 31, 2002 to $314.3 million at September 30, 2003; the fair value of the 1999 Notes increased from $412.5 million at December 31, 2002 to $439.5 million at September 30, 2003.
The following table sets forth as at December 31, 2002 and September 30, 2003 the principal and maturities of our indebtedness that are sensitive to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations:
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| December 31, 2002 |
| September 30, 2003 |
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| Carrying amount |
| Fair value |
| Carrying amount |
| Fair value |
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| $ |
| $ |
| $ |
| $ |
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| (in millions) |
| (in millions) |
| (in millions) |
| (in millions) |
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Financial instrument |
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1998 Notes |
| 300.0 |
| 311.3 |
| 300.0 |
| 314.3 |
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1999 Notes |
| 400.0 |
| 412.5 |
| 400.0 |
| 439.5 |
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Expected future maturities as of September 30, for each of the next three years are set forth in the following table:
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| 2003 |
| 2004 |
| 2005 |
| Total |
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| (in millions of US Dollars) |
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1998 Notes |
| 300.0 |
| — |
| — |
| 300.0 |
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1999 Notes |
| — |
| — |
| 400.0 |
| 400.0 |
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| 300.0 |
| — |
| 400.0 |
| 700.0 |
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7
Interest Rate Risk Management
The following table sets forth as at December 31, 2002 and September 30, 2003 the principal and maturities of our indebtedness that are sensitive to interest rate fluctuations:
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| December 31, 2002 |
| September 30, 2003 |
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| Carrying amount |
| Fair value |
| Carrying amount |
| Fair value |
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| $ |
| $ |
| $ |
| $ |
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| (in millions) |
| (in millions) |
| (in millions) |
| (in millions) |
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Financial instrument |
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1998 Notes |
| 300.0 |
| 311.3 |
| 300.0 |
| 314.3 |
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1999 Notes |
| 400.0 |
| 412.5 |
| 400.0 |
| 439.5 |
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Expected future maturities as of September 30, for each of the next three years are set forth in the following table:
|
| 2003 |
| 2004 |
| 2005 |
| Total |
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| (in millions of US Dollars) |
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1998 Notes |
| 300.0 |
| — |
| — |
| 300.0 |
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1999 Notes |
| — |
| — |
| 400.0 |
| 400.0 |
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| 300.0 |
| — |
| 400.0 |
| 700.0 |
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8
Table of contents
Cellco Finance N.V.
Balance sheets at December 31, 2002
and September 30, 2003 (unaudited)
Assets |
| December 31, |
| September 30, |
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| (unaudited) |
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Current assets |
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Cash and cash equivalents (note 4) |
| 3 |
| 3 |
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Loans receivable (notes 4 and 5) |
| — |
| 300,000 |
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Accrued interest receivable (note 5) |
| 40,000 |
| 16,000 |
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Deferred financing costs (notes 3 and 5) |
| 3,424 |
| 4,467 |
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Other current assets and receivables |
| 242 |
| 332 |
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Total current assets |
| 43,669 |
| 320,802 |
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Loans receivable (notes 4 and 5) |
| 700,000 |
| 400,000 |
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Deferred financing costs (notes 3 and 5) |
| 5,392 |
| 1,781 |
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| 749,061 |
| 722,583 |
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Liabilities and shareholders’ equity |
| December 31, |
| September 30, |
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| (unaudited) |
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Current liabilities |
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Notes payable (notes 4 and 5) |
| — |
| 300,000 |
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Accrued interest payable (note 5) |
| 40,000 |
| 16,000 |
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Taxes payable (notes 3 and 6) |
| 233 |
| 323 |
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Unearned financing fee income (notes 3 and 5) |
| 3,424 |
| 4,467 |
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Total current liabilities |
| 43,657 |
| 320,790 |
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Notes payable (notes 4 and 5) |
| 700,000 |
| 400,000 |
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Unearned financing fee income (notes 3 and 5) |
| 5,392 |
| 1,781 |
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Shareholders’ equity |
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Common stock |
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Par value US$1.00; authorized 60,000, issued and paid 12,000 shares (note 1) |
| 12 |
| 12 |
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Retained earnings |
| — |
| — |
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Total shareholders’ equity |
| 12 |
| 12 |
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| 749,061 |
| 722,583 |
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See accompanying notes to the financial statements
2
Cellco Finance N.V.
Statements of operations for the nine-month periods
ended September 30, 2002 and 2003 (unaudited)
|
| Nine-months ended |
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(in thousands of US dollars, except share data) |
| 2002 |
| 2003 |
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| (unaudited) |
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Income |
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Interest income (notes 3 and 5) |
| 72,000 |
| 72,000 |
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Financing fee income (notes 3 and 5) |
| 2,568 |
| 2,568 |
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Total revenue |
| 74,568 |
| 74,568 |
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Expenses |
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Interest expense (notes 3 and 5) |
| (72,000 | ) | (72,000 | ) |
Financing cost (notes 3 and 5) |
| (2,568 | ) | (2,568 | ) |
Operating and other expenses re-charged (note 1) |
| 90 |
| 90 |
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Income before taxes |
| 90 |
| 90 |
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Taxes on income (notes 3 and 6) |
| (90 | ) | (90 | ) |
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Net income |
| — |
| — |
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Basic and diluted earnings per common share |
| — |
| — |
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Weighted average number of common shares outstanding |
| 12,000 |
| 12,000 |
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See accompanying notes to the financial statements.
3
Cellco Finance N.V.
Statements of cash flows for the nine-month periods
ended September 30, 2002 and 2003 (unaudited)
|
| Nine-months ended |
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(in thousands of US dollars) |
| 2002 |
| 2003 |
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| (unaudited) |
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Cash flows from operating activities: |
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Net income |
| — |
| — |
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Changes in assets and liabilities: |
|
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Accrued interest receivable |
| 24,000 |
| 24,000 |
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Other current assets and receivables |
| (26 | ) | 90 |
|
Accrued interest payable |
| (24,000 | ) | (24,000 | ) |
Accrued income taxes |
| 26 |
| (90 | ) |
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Net cash used in operating activities |
| — |
| — |
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Cash flows from financing activities: |
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Deferred financing costs |
| (2,568 | ) | (2,568 | ) |
Unearned financing fees |
| 2,568 |
| 2,568 |
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Net cash provided by financing activities |
| — |
| — |
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|
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Net increase in cash and cash equivalents |
| — |
| — |
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|
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Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of period |
| 3 |
| 3 |
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Cash and cash equivalents at the end of period |
| 3 |
| 3 |
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Supplemental cash flow information: |
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Interest paid |
| 96,000 |
| 96,000 |
|
Taxes paid |
| 117 |
| — |
|
See accompanying notes to the financial statements.
4
Cellco Finance N.V.
Notes to the financial statements
As of December 31, 2002 and September 30, 2003 (unaudited) and for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2002 and 2003 (unaudited)
(1) Activities and ownership
Cellco Finance N.V. (the “Company”) was incorporated on January 27, 1998 as a limited liability company under the laws of the Netherlands Antilles. The Company has its registered office at Caracasbaaiweg 199, Curaçao, the Netherlands Antilles, and is registered with the trade register of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Curaçao. The authorized share capital of the Company is divided into 60,000 ordinary shares with a par value of one US Dollar each, of which 12,000 fully-paid shares have been issued. The sole shareholder is Cellco Stichting, a stichting, or foundation, organized under the laws of the Netherlands Antilles (the “Foundation”). The sole beneficiary of the Foundation is a Netherlands Antilles charitable foundation. The Foundation has a single member board of directors, consisting of Amicorp Curaçao N.V., a Netherlands Antilles trust company (the “Trust Company”). The Company is managed by a Board of Managing Directors comprised of a single managing director, appointed by the General Meeting of Shareholders. The Trust Company is also the sole managing director. The Company has no officers, the managing director carries out the functions of the executive officers, consistent with the Netherlands Antilles law.
The Company was formed for the purpose of issuing debt securities and lending the proceeds thereof to Turkcell Iletisim Hizmetleri A.S. (“Turkcell”). The Company issued US$300,000,000 15% Senior Subordinated Notes (the “Senior Subordinated Notes”) due 2005 and US$400,000,000 12.75% Senior Notes (the “Senior Notes”) due 2005, and entered into Issuer Credit Agreements with Turkcell, under which the proceeds of these Notes were loaned to Turkcell. The Company has conducted no operations since it was established other than the issuance of these Notes and will have no subsidiaries or significant business activities and is not expected to produce any revenues except payments received from Turkcell under the Issuer Credit Agreements and under any similar agreements which may be required upon any additional debt issuances. Pursuant to the Issuer Credit Agreements, any operating and other expenses of the Company are payable by Turkcell.
Shareholders’ equity consists of the following at December 31, 2002 and September 30, 2003 (unaudited):
|
| Common stock |
| Total |
| ||
(in thousands of US dollars, except share data) |
| Shares |
| Amount |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
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Balance at December 31, 2002 and September 30, 2003 |
| 12,000 |
| 12 |
| 12 |
|
The Company had no comprehensive income for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2002 and 2003 (unaudited).
5
(2) Basis of preparation of financial statements
The accompanying financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The Company’s year-end is December 31. These financial statements cover the nine-month period ended September 30, 2003. The comparative figures for 2002 in the statements of operations and cash flows cover the nine-month-period ended September 30, 2002.
The financial statements and related notes for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2002 and 2003 are unaudited, and in the opinion of management, such interim financial statements include all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) necessary for a fair presentation of the results for such periods. The results of operations for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2003 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year or any other interim period.
At September 30, 2003, substantially all of the Company’s assets represent amounts receivable from Turkcell. The Company’s results of operations and financial position are largely dependent upon the results of operations and financial position of Turkcell, whose operations are substantially all inside Turkey.
Economic developments in Turkey have had, and may continue to have, a material adverse effect on Turkcell’s business, financial condition, results of operations or liquidity. In particular, the Turkish economy has been adversely affected by the significant economic difficulties that occurred in 2001. Despite the continued negative impact of political uncertainty and regional instability, the Turkish economy showed signs of recovery from the worst of the financial turmoil in 2001 and during 2002. Although macroeconomic indicators and consumer sentiment showed significant improvement during 2002 and 2003, the Turkish economy remains fragile. In 2002, the Turkish Lira depreciated by 11.9% against the US dollar, there was continuing volatility in the debt and equity markets and year on year inflation was 30.8% in the wholesale price index and 29.7% in the consumer price index as of December 31, 2002. Annual inflation rate was 23.0% as of September 30, 2003, based on the consumer price index. As a result of the short duration of the Iraq war and the disinflation program, in 2003, real sector and consumer confidence improved. These positive developments in the Turkish economy have been achieved by the tight money policy of the government whereby budget cuts in government spending and on investments had to be made. Even though the Iraq war ended in a rather short period of time, Turkey’s fragile relations with the United States is another risk factor that may affect the financial market negatively in the near future. Turkey’s return to economic stability is dependent to a large extent of the effectiveness of the measures taken by the government, decisions of international lending organizations, and other factors, including regulatory and political developments. The financial condition of Turkcell and its future operations and cash flows could be adversely affected by continued economic difficulty. At September 30, 2003, Turkcell’s current liabilities exceeded current assets by $202.8. As noted in Turkcell’s financial statements this matter may raise doubt about Turkcell’s ability to continue as a going concern. The Company’s cash flows and ability to continue as a going concern depend largely on the ability of Turkcell to service its debt towards the Company. The financial statements of the Company have been prepared assuming that Turkcell will continue as a going concern, and that therefore the Company will continue as a going concern. Cellco Finance N.V. Turkcell has generated positive cash flows from operations for the past years. Turkcell’s management believes that Turkcell will continue to generate sufficient operating cash flows to operate as a going concern.
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The Company has continued to receive timely payments from Turkcell on its Note receivable and believes that Turkcell will continue to be able to service its debt on a timely basis. Accordingly, the financial statements of the Company do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.
(3) Summary of significant accounting policies
Significant accounting policies followed in the preparation of the financial statements referred to above are set out below:
(a) Revenue and expense recognition
The accrual basis of accounting is followed for the recognition of revenue and expenses.
(b) Deferred financing cost and unearned financing fees
Financing costs incurred in connection with the issuance of the Notes, which were recharged by the Company to Turkcell, are deferred and are amortized over the terms of the Notes as an adjustment to financing fee income and financing costs. Other costs relating to the issuance of the Notes are paid directly by Turkcell.
(c) Income taxes
Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carry forwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.
(d) Earnings per share
The Company adopted SFAS No. 128, “Earnings Per Share”. In accordance with this statement, basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net earnings by the weighted averaged number of common shares outstanding. Diluted earnings per share do not differ from basic earnings per share, as the Company has no common stock equivalents.
(e) Foreign currency transactions
Transactions denominated in currencies other than US Dollar are recorded at the exchange rates prevailing at the date of the transactions. Assets and liabilities denominated in currencies other than US Dollar are converted into US Dollar at the exchange rates ruling at the balance sheet date with the resulting exchange differences recognized in the determination of income.
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(4) Fair value of financial instruments
The Company’s financial instruments consist of cash and cash equivalents, loans receivable and notes payable.
The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instruments for which it is practicable to estimate that value:
Cash and cash equivalents
The carrying amounts approximate fair value because of the short maturity of those instruments.
Loans receivable and notes payable
The fair values of loans receivable and notes are estimated based on the quoted market prices.
The estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments are as follows:
|
| December 31, 2002 |
| September 30, 2003 |
| ||||
(in thousands of US dollars) |
| Carrying |
| Fair |
| Carrying |
| Fair |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| (unaudited) |
| ||
Cash and cash equivalents |
| 3 |
| 3 |
| 3 |
| 3 |
|
Loans receivable |
| 700,000 |
| 723,750 |
| 700,000 |
| 753,750 |
|
Notes payable |
| 700,000 |
| 723,750 |
| 700,000 |
| 753,750 |
|
(5) Loans receivable, accrued interest receivable, notes payable and accrued interest payable
15% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2005
The Company issued US$300,000,000 aggregate principal amount of 15% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2005 on July 23, 1998.
Under an Issuer Credit Agreement dated July 23, 1998, the Company has loaned to Turkcell US$300,000,000 net of financing fees.
The Company and Turkcell filed a registration statement to register the exchange offer of the 15% Senior Subordinated Notes of the Company under the Securities Act of 1933. A registration statement for the exchange offer was declared effective on October 14, 1999.
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Principal, maturity and interest:
The Senior Subordinated Notes are limited in aggregate amount to US$400,000,000, US$300,000,000 of which was issued in the offering, and US$100,000,000 of which may be offered from time to time in the future. In the event of such a future offering, the notes offered thereby would have the same terms as the Senior Subordinated Notes. The Senior Subordinated Notes mature at par on August 1, 2005. Interest accrues at the rate of 15% per annum from their date of original issuance and is payable semi-annually on each February 1 and August 1 commencing on February 1, 1999, to the registered holders at the close of business on the preceeding January 15 and July 15.
Redemption:
The Senior Subordinated Notes are redeemable, at the option of the Company, in whole or in part at any time, on and after August 1, 2002, upon 30 to 60 days’ notice at the following redemption prices (expressed as percentages of the principal amount thereof) if redeemed during the twelve month period commencing on August 1 of the year set forth below, plus, in each case, accrued and unpaid interest, additional amounts and additional interest, if any, to the date of redemption.
Year |
| Percentage |
|
|
|
|
|
2002 |
| 107.50 | % |
2003 |
| 103.75 | % |
2004 and thereafter |
| 100.00 | % |
The Senior Subordinated Notes may also be redeemed, in whole or in part, at the Company’s option, upon 30 to 60 days’ notice at 100% of the principal amount, plus accrued interest to the redemption date, if any, if, as a result of any amendment to, or change in, the laws (or any rules or regulations thereunder) of Netherlands Antilles or the Republic of Turkey or any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein.
Security:
The Issuer Credit Agreement is a general unsecured obligation of Turkcell and is subordinated in right of payment to all existing and future senior indebtedness. There is no collateral for the obligations of Turkcell under the Issuer Credit Agreement dated July 23, 1998.
Covenants:
The governing Indenture contains certain customary covenants that limit the ability of the Company and Turkcell and its consolidated and unconsolidated subsidiaries to, among other things, incur additional indebtedness, pay dividends or make certain other restricted payments, consummate certain asset sales, enter into certain transactions with related parties, incur liens, impose restrictions on the ability of a subsidiary to pay dividends, undergo a change in control or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of the assets of Turkcell and its consolidated subsidiaries or the Company.
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On September 19, 2003, Turkcell declared its intention to early redeem the Senior Subordinated Notes. Accordingly, the Company started the process of Consent Solicitation for 12.75% Senior Notes in order to exercise the call option for 15% Senior Subordinated Notes. On October 8, 2003, the Company announced that the holders of almost 90% in aggregate principal amount of its outstanding 12.75% Senior Notes due 2005 have consented to the proposed redemption. The redemption price is 103.75% and the redemption has been made on November 10, 2003, together with the accrued interest. (Note 8)
The Company issued US$400,000,000 aggregate principal amount of 12.75% Senior Notes due 2005 on December 22, 1999.
Under an Issuer Credit Agreement dated December 22, 1999, the Company has loaned to Turkcell US$400,000,000net of financing fees.
Turkcell and the Company have agreed, for the benefit of all holders of the Senior Notes, that, after the issuance of the Senior Notes, they will file a registration statement to register exchange offer under the Securities Act of 1933 for 12.75% Senior Notes of the Company (the “Senior Notes”). A registration statement for the exchange offer was declared effective on July 11, 2000 and completed on August 14, 2000.
Principal, maturity and interest:
The Senior Notes are limited in aggregate amount to US$500,000,000, US$400,000,000 of which was issued in the offering, and US$100,000,000 of which may be offered from time to time in the future. In the event of such a future offering, the notes offered thereby would have the same terms as the Senior Notes. The Senior Notes mature at par on August 1, 2005.
Interest accrues at the rate of 12.75% per annum from their date of original issuance and is payable semi-annually on each February 1 and August 1 commencing on February 1, 2000, to the registered holders at the close of business on the preceeding January 15 and July 15.
Redemption:
The Senior Notes may be redeemed, in whole, at the Company’s option, upon 30 to 60 days’ notice at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount, plus accrued interest to the redemption date, if any, if, as a result of any amendment to, or change in, the laws (or any rules or regulations thereunder) of Netherlands Antilles or the Republic of Turkey or any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein.
Security:
The payment of all obligations under the Issuer Credit Agreement dated December 22, 1999 is senior in right of payment to the prior payment of all obligations on subordinated indebtedness of Turkcell.
Covenants:
The governing Indenture contains certain customary covenants that limit the ability of the Company and Turkcell and its consolidated and unconsolidated subsidiaries to, among other things, incur additional indebtedness, pay dividends or make certain other restricted payments, consummate certain asset sales, enter into certain transactions with related parties, incur liens, impose restrictions on the ability of a subsidiary to pay dividends, undergo a change in control, or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of the assets of Turkcell and its consolidated subsidiaries or the Company.
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(6) Taxes on income
The Company is subject to taxation in the Netherlands Antilles based on the Profit Tax Ordinance and a tax ruling obtained from the Tax Inspector of Netherlands Antilles. In accordance with such tax ruling, the Company’s taxable income is equal to 1% of the average daily principal amount of the notes outstanding during the period. A rate of 0.5% is applicable for average daily principal amount of notes outstanding in excess of US$80,000,000.
(7) Management agreement
On January 27, 1998, the Company signed a management agreement with Amicorp Curaçao N.V., a Netherlands Antilles trust company. Under this agreement, Amicorp Curaçao N.V. shall be managing director of the Company and will be responsible for the operations of the Company.
(8) Subsequent events
On October 8, 2003, the Company announced that the holders of almost 90% in aggregate principal amount of its outstanding 12.75% Senior Notes due 2005 have consented to the proposed redemption of 15% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2005. The redemption price is 103.75% and the redemption has been made on November 10, 2003.
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