PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY LTD 6-K
Table of Contents

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 6-K

REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER
PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-16 OR 15a-16 OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Report on Form 6-K dated January 27, 2004

Partner Communications Company Ltd.


(Translation of Registrant’s Name Into English)

8 Amal Street
Afeq Industrial Park
Rosh Ha’ayin 48103
Israel


(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       

     (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                           No   X  

     (If “Yes” is marked, indicate below the file number assigned to the registrant in connection with Rule 12g3-2(b): 82-                )

This Form 6-K is incorporated by reference into the Company’s Registration Statement on Form F-3 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 26, 2001 (Registration No. 333-14222).

Enclosure: Press Release dated January 27, 2004 re: Partner Communications Reports Fourth Quarter And 2003 Results.


TABLE OF CONTENTS

PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS REPORTS FOURTH QUARTER AND 2003 RESULTS
PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY LTD. — CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY LTD. — CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY LTD. — CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY LTD. — RECONCILIATION BETWEEN OPERATION CASH FLOWS AND EBITDA
PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY LTD. — CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY LTD. — Summary Operating Data
SIGNATURES


Table of Contents

(ORANGE LOGO)

PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS REPORTS
FOURTH QUARTER AND 2003 RESULTS

COMPANY POSTS 2003 INCOME BEFORE TAXES OF
NIS 529.6 MILLION

Rosh Ha’ayin, Israel, January 27th, 2004 — Partner Communications Company Ltd. (“Partner”) (NASDAQ and TASE: PTNR; LSE: PCCD) today announced its results for the year and quarter ended December 31st 2003.

Partner reported record revenues in 2003 of NIS 4,467.7 million (US$1,020.3 million) along with record net income before taxes of NIS 529.6 million (US$120.9 million). For 2002, the Company reported revenues of NIS 4,054.6 million and net income before taxes of NIS 84.2 million. Partner reported net income for 2003 of NIS 1,162.7 million (US$265.5 million) or NIS 6.34 per diluted ADS or share (US$1.45 per ADS or share), which included a NIS 633.0 million (US$144.6 million) tax benefit resulting from its accumulated carryforward taxes losses. For 2002, the Company reported net income of NIS 84.2 million or NIS 0.46 per diluted ADS or share.

For the fourth quarter of 2003, Partner reported revenues of NIS 1,162.9 million (US$265.6 million), net income before taxes of NIS 171.1 million (US$39.1 million) and net income of NIS 804.2 million (US$183.6 million), including the tax benefit. In the fourth quarter of 2002, the Company reported revenues of NIS 1,062.1 million, net income before taxes of NIS 30.6 million and net income of NIS 30.6 million.

1


Table of Contents

2003 vs. 2002 Comparison

                         
    2003   2002   Change
   
 
 
Revenues (NIS million)
    4,467.7       4,054.6       10.2 %
EBITDA (NIS million)
    1,379.8       1,052.2       31.1 %
Operating Profit (NIS million)
    854.9       533.4       60.3 %
Net Income Before Taxes (NIS million)
    529.6       84.2       529.0 %
Net Income (NIS million)
    1,162.7       84.2       1280.8 %
Cash flow from operating activities net of investing activities (NIS million)
    654.7       -133.8        
Subscribers (thousands)
    2,103       1,837       14.5 %
Estimated Market Share (%)
    31 %     29 %     2.0 %
Annual Churn Rate (%)
    13.6 %     10.9 %     2.7 %
Average Monthly Usage per Subscriber (in minutes)
    277       280       -1.0 %
Average Monthly Revenue per Subscriber (NIS)
    171       183       -6.6 %
Average Subscriber Acquisition Costs (NIS)
    362       470       -23.0 %

Commenting on the results, Amikam Cohen, Partner’s CEO said: “We are delighted with the results for 2003, which reflect the continued and substantial improvement in our financial and operational performance. Even though we faced a challenging economic environment this past year, we successfully drove our top line revenues and significantly enhanced our profitability and financial position, while continuing to grow our customer base.”

“Partner is widely recognized for its excellent network services, its award winning customer service and its unique marketing and branding capabilities. Our core strengths in these areas, as well as our dedication to offering our customers attractive rate plans, a wide range of handsets, as well as innovative data and global roaming services, have enabled us to achieve these impressive performance goals. We plan to continue leveraging Partner’s core strengths as we commercially launch our 3G network towards the end of 2004. This will enable us to expand and enhance the variety and quality of the services we provide to our subscriber base. We also believe that 3G will provide us, in the medium term, with a platform for expanding revenues from the additional data and voice services we will provide.”

Financial Review

Revenues in 2003, driven primarily by subscriber growth of 14.5%, but offset in part by lower ARPU driven primarily by the decline in interconnect rates, increased to NIS 4,467.7

2


Table of Contents

million (US$1,020.3 million), up 10.2% from NIS 4,054.6 million in 2002. Revenues in Q4 2003 grew to NIS 1,162.9 million (US$265.6 million) from NIS 1,062.1 million in Q4 2002, an increase of 9.5%. Data and content revenues for 2003 were 7.2% of total revenues, compared to 5.9% of total revenues in 2002.

Cost of revenues increased marginally in 2003 by only 2.2% even though revenues increased by 10.2%. Higher interconnect charges related to higher subscriber numbers and usage were offset by cost efficiencies and lower handset cost of sales. Cost of Revenues in 2003 was NIS 3,136.5 million (US$716.2 million) compared to NIS 3,069.5 million in 2002. Cost of revenues for Q4 2003 decreased by 0.2%, to NIS 807.2 million (US$184.3 million), from NIS 808.6 million, in Q4 2002.

Even with subscriber growth of 14.5%, selling and marketing expenses remained relatively stable in 2003 and were NIS 314.0 million (US$71.7 million), up 1.9% from NIS 308.1 million in 2002. Selling and marketing expenses in Q4 2003 were NIS 71.1 million (US$16.2 million), down from NIS 85.3 million in Q4 2002, a decrease of 16.6%.

General and administrative expenses for 2003 were NIS 162.4 million (US$37.1 million), compared to NIS 143.6 million in 2002, an increase of 13.1%. In Q4 2003, general and administrative expenses were NIS 45.0 million (US$10.3 million), up from NIS 38.9 million in Q4 2002. The increase in general and administrative expenses for 2003 resulted primarily from increased insurance costs, rental expenses and depreciation. The increase in Q4 2003 as compared to Q4 2002 is primarily the result of timing differences.

Operating profit for 2003 increased to NIS 854.9 million (US$195.2 million) from NIS 533.4 million in 2002, an increase of 60.3%. Operating profit as a percentage of revenues increased to 19.1% in 2003 from 13.2% in 2002. Operating profit in Q4 2003 increased to NIS 239.5 million (US$54.7 million) as compared to NIS 129.3 million in Q4 2002, an increase of 85.2%. Operating profit as a percentage of revenues increased to 20.6% in Q4 2003 from 12.2% in Q4 2002. EBITDA for 2003 increased to NIS 1,379.8 million (US$315.1 million) from NIS 1,052.2 million in 2002, an increase of 31.1%. EBITDA for 2003 as a percentage of revenues increased to 30.9% from 26.0% in 2002. EBITDA in Q4 2003 increased to NIS 377.0 million (US$86.1 million) as compared to NIS 267.8 million in Q4 2002, an increase of 40.8%. EBITDA as a percentage of revenues in Q4 2003 was 32.4% as compared to 25.2% in Q4 2002.

3


Table of Contents

Financial expenses in 2003 were NIS 321.7 million (US$73.5 million), down 27.7% from NIS 445.2 million in 2002. Financial expenses for Q4 2003 were NIS 64.9 million (US$14.8 million), compared to NIS 98.7 million in Q4 2002, a decrease of 34.3%. Financial expenses were lower in 2003, and in Q4 2003 as compared to Q4 2002, primarily due to the Company’s lower levels of average debt, declining interest rates and a stronger Shekel versus the US Dollar. Financial income from the 7.6% increase in the value of the Shekel versus the US Dollar in 2003 was almost completely offset by hedging transactions.

In 2003, the Company recorded net income before taxes of NIS 529.6 million (US$120.9 million), as compared to net income before taxes in 2002 of NIS 84.2 million, an increase of 529.0%. It also recorded, in Q4, its seventh straight quarterly net income before taxes, in the amount of NIS 171.1 million (US$39.1 million), as compared to income before taxes in Q4 2002 of NIS 30.6 million, an increase of 459.7%. Based on these results and the Company’s estimates of its future earnings and profitability, assessments relating to the cellular market and trends, and the receipt of final tax assessments for the tax years through December 31, 2001 which validated the amount of the carryforward tax losses, the Company recorded a tax benefit of NIS 633.0 million in Q4 2003 (US$144.6 million). As of December 31, 2003 the Company would require approximately NIS 1,760 million of future taxable income in order to fully realize its deferred tax asset.

“We are very pleased with the financial results for 2003”, said Mr. Alan Gelman, Partner’s Chief Financial Officer. “We successfully demonstrated our ability to sustain our healthy margins, grow our revenues and profits, generate cash flow, reduce our overall debt levels and add value to our shareholders.”

Funding and Investing Review

In 2003, cash flow from operating activities net of investing activities was NIS 654.7 million (US$149.5 million) compared to negative cash flow from operating activities net of investing activities of NIS 133.8 million in 2002. In Q4 2003, cash flow from operating activities net of investing activities was NIS 271.8 million (US$62.1 million), compared to cash flow from operating activities net of investing activities of NIS 74.1 million in Q4 2002. The substantial increase in 2003 as compared to 2002 derived primarily from an increase of NIS 349.3 million (US$79.8 million) in cash flows from operating activities, reductions in payments for fixed assets acquisitions in the amount of NIS 249.4 million (US$57.0

4


Table of Contents

million) and the withdrawal of the NIS 98.9 million security deposit for the interest on our US Dollar denominated notes.

During 2003, the Company repaid bank loans in the amount of NIS 660.5 million (US$150.8 million), leaving a balance as of the end of 2003, in NIS equal to US$282 million from its US$683 million bank facility.

Fixed assets acquired during 2003 were NIS 303.3 million (US$69.3 million), 6.8% of revenues, down from NIS 556.4 million in 2002, 13.7% of revenues.

Commenting on the Company’s funding situation, Mr. Gelman said; “In 2003, we continued to improve across a broad range of financial parameters. Our consistent cash flow generation allowed us to continue to reduce our bank debt levels and improve our credit worthiness. In December, in light of our continuing positive results, both Moody’s Investors Service and Standard and Poor’s upgraded our credit ratings. We are contemplating, subject to market conditions, calling our 13% US dollar denominated notes due in 2010 at their first call date, in August 2005, in order to refinance them with lower cost debt, if possible. This will further enhance our balance sheet, and provide for even greater financial stability going forward.”

Operational Review

During Q4 2003, net active subscribers increased by 71,000, or 3.5%.

The Company’s active subscriber base as of December 31, 2003 was 2,103,000, accounting for an approximate market share of 31%, up from 29% at the end of 2002. The subscriber base is comprised of 347,000 business subscribers (17% of the base), 1,117,000 post-paid private subscribers (53% of the base) and 639,000 prepaid subscribers (30% of the base). The annual churn rate for 2003 was 13.6%, compared to 10.9% in 2002. The increase in churn was driven primarily by increased churn in the prepaid sector and increasing competition affecting all market segments. The quarterly churn rate in Q4 of 2003 was 3.2%.

Average monthly usage per subscriber (“MOU”) remained relatively stable and declined by only 1.0% in 2003 as compared to 2002. MOU in 2003 was 277 minutes, compared to

5


Table of Contents

280 MOU in 2002. MOU for Q4 2003 was 276 as compared to 272 for Q4 2002 and 286 for the Q3 2003. The decrease from Q3 2003 derived primarily from traditionally lower usage in the winter months.

Average monthly revenue per subscriber (“ARPU”) declined by 7.0% in 2003 as compared to 2002. The decline was driven primarily by the 10% decrease, on January 1, 2003, of the interconnect rates as mandated by the Israel Ministry of Communications. ARPU for 2003 was 171 NIS, compared to NIS 183 in 2002. ARPU for Q4 2003 was NIS 170 as compared to NIS 178 per month for Q4 2002 and NIS 181 for the Q3 2003. The decrease from Q3 2003 derived primarily from seasonal factors including lower roaming revenues.

In 2003, lower handset subsidies caused the average cost of acquiring a new subscriber (SAC) to decline dramatically from 2002. 2003 SAC was NIS 362 (US$82.7), compared to NIS 470 for 2002, a decline of 23.0%. SAC for Q4 2003 was NIS 298 (US$68.1), compared to NIS 482 in Q4 2002 and NIS 289 for Q3 2003.

Outlook and Guidance:

Commenting on the Company’s outlook Mr. Gelman added: “In 2004 we will continue to leverage our core strengths, our excellent network, our powerful brand, and our focus on customer service to continue to drive shareholder value. Looking forward, we expect the rate of revenue growth in 2004 to be slowed due to a lower rate of subscriber growth compared to what we achieved in 2003. In addition, we will continue our diligent efforts to control costs at their current levels, while anticipating slightly lower average MOU and ARPU. SAC levels should be marginally higher in 2004 than they were in Q4 2003 due to more expensive 3G handsets, which we expect to introduce towards year-end. Even though we expect to incur some incremental expenses in ramping up our 3G effort, we expect to maintain approximately the same levels of operating margins in 2004 as in 2003.”

With regard to the Company’s plans for the introduction of 3G technology, Mr. Gelman concluded: “We expect to invest substantially less in Second Generation capital expenditures in 2004 than we did in 2002-2003, as we move toward the increasing build-out of our 3G network. Moreover, lower than anticipated levels of capital expenditures for

6


Table of Contents

our 3G network equipment will also improve our projected cash flow in the coming year. With regard to our credit ratios, we expect cash flow in 2004 to be stronger and expect to use all cash flows from operating activities net of investing activities to reduce our bank debt. This will continue to strengthen our credit standing and financial position.”

Conference Call Details

Partner Communications will hold a conference call to discuss the company’s full year 2003 and fourth quarter on Tuesday, January 27th, 2004, at 18:00 Israel local time (11:00 AM Eastern time). This conference call will be broadcast live over the Internet and can be accessed by all interested parties through our investors’ web site at http://investors.partner.co.il.

To listen to the broadcast, please go to the web site at least 15 minutes prior to the start of the call to register, download and install any necessary audio software. For those unable to listen to the live broadcast, an archive of the call will be available shortly after the call ends via the Internet (at the same location as the live broadcast) until midnight on February 3rd, 2004.

About Partner Communications

     Partner Communications Company Ltd. is a leading Israeli mobile communications operator known for its GSM/GPRS based services and the development of wirefree applications under the orange™ brand. The Company commenced full commercial operations in January 1999 and, through its network, provides quality of service and a range of features to over two million subscribers in Israel. Partner subscribers can use roaming services in 127 destinations using 282 GSM networks. The Company was awarded a 3G license in 2002. Partner’s ADSs are quoted on NASDAQ under the symbol PTNR and on the London Stock Exchange (LSE) under the symbol PCCD. Its shares are quoted on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange (TASE) under the symbol PTNR. For further information please visit: http://www.investors.partner.co.il.

7


Table of Contents

Notes: Some of the information in this release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. We have based these forward-looking statements on our current expectations and projections about future events. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions about us.

Words such as “believe,” “anticipate,” “expect,” “intend,” “seek,” “will,” “plan,” “could,” “may,” “project,” “goal,” “target,” and similar expressions often identify forward-looking statements but are not the only way we identify these statements. Because such statements involve risks and uncertainties, actual results may differ materially from the results currently expected. Factors that could cause such differences include, but are not limited to:

  Uncertainties about the degree of growth in the number of consumers using wireless personal communications services and in the number of residents;

  The risks associated with the implementation of a third-generation network and business strategy, including risks relating to the operations of new systems and technologies, substantial expenditures required and potential unanticipated costs, uncertainties regarding the adequacy of suppliers on whom we must rely to provide both network and consumer equipment and consumer acceptance of the products and services to be offered;

  The impact of existing and new competitors in the market in which we compete, including competitors that may offer less expensive products and services, desirable or innovative products, technological substitutes, or have extensive resources or better financing;

  The introduction or popularity of new products and services, including pre-paid phone products, which could increase churn;

  The effects of vigorous competition in the market in which we operate and for more valuable customers, which may decrease prices charged, increase churn and change the customer mix, profitability and average revenue per user;

  The availability and cost of capital and the consequences of increased leverage;

  The risks and costs associated with the need to acquire additional spectrum for current and future services;

  The risks associated with technological requirements, technology substitution and changes and other technological developments;

  Fluctuations in exchange rates;

  The results of litigation filed or to be filed against us; and

  The possibility of the market in which we compete being impacted by changes in political, economic or other factors, such as monetary policy, legal and regulatory changes or other external factors over which we have no control;

  As well as the risk factors specified under the heading “Risk Factors” in our 2002 annual report on Form 20-F filed with the SEC on March 14, 2003.

The attached summary financial statements were prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The attached summary financial statements for 2003 are unaudited.

The convenience translations of the Nominal New Israeli Shekel (NIS) figures into US Dollars were made at the rate of exchange prevailing at December 31st, 2003: US

8


Table of Contents

$1.00 equals NIS 4.379. The translations were made purely for the convenience of the reader.

Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, exceptional items and capitalization of intangible assets (‘EBITDA’) is presented because it is a measure commonly used in the telecommunications industry and is presented solely in order to improve the understanding of the Company’s operating results and to provide further perspective on these results. EBITDA, however, should not be considered as an alternative to operating income or income for the year as an indicator of the operating performance of the Company. Similarly, EBITDA should not be considered as an alternative to cash flows from operating activities as a measure of liquidity. EBITDA is not a measure of financial performance under generally accepted accounting principles and may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures for other companies. EBITDA may not be indicative of the historic operating results of the Company; nor is it meant to be predictive of potential future results.

Reconciliation between our cash flows from operating activities and EBITDA is presented in the attached summary financial statements.

Contacts:

     
Mr. Alan Gelman
 
Dr. Dan Eldar
Chief Financial Officer
 
V.P. Carrier, Investor and International Relations
Tel: +972-67-814951
 
Tel:+972-67-814151
Fax:+972-67-815961
 
Fax:+972-67-814161
E-mail: alan.gelman@orange.co.il
 
E-mail: dan.eldar@orange.co.il

9


Table of Contents

PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

                                 
            December 31
           
            2002   2003   2003
           
 
 
                            Convenience
                            translation
                            into
            New Israeli shekels   U.S. dollars
            (Audited)   (Unaudited)
            In thousands
       
Assets
                       
CURRENT ASSETS:
                       
 
Cash and cash equivalents
    1,360       3,774       862  
 
Security deposit
    107,794                  
 
Accounts receivable:
                       
   
Trade
    518,768       482,141       110,103  
   
Other
    50,986       56,543       12,912  
 
Inventories
    137,508       102,861       23,490  
 
Deferred income taxes
            220,000       50,240  
 
 
   
     
     
 
     
Total current assets
    816,416       865,319       197,607  
 
 
   
     
     
 
INVESTMENTS AND LONG-TERM RECEIVABLES:
                       
 
Non-marketable securities
    3,530                  
 
Accounts receivable — trade
            13,906       3,176  
 
Funds in respect of employee rights upon retirement
    42,461       58,724       13,410  
 
 
   
     
     
 
 
    45,991       72,630       16,586  
 
 
   
     
     
 
FIXED ASSETS, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization
    1,864,511       1,694,584       386,980  
 
 
   
     
     
 
LICENSE AND DEFERRED CHARGES, net of accumulated amortization
    1,269,348       1,325,948       302,797  
 
 
   
     
     
 
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES
            413,752       94,486  
 
 
   
     
     
 
     
Total assets
    3,996,266       4,372,233       998,456  
 
 
   
     
     
 

10


Table of Contents

                               
          December 31
         
          2002   2003   2003
         
 
 
                          Convenience
                          translation
                          into
          New Israeli shekels   U.S. dollars
          (Audited)   (Unaudited)
          In thousands
Liabilities and shareholders’ equity (net of capital deficiency)
                       
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
                       
 
Current maturities of long-term bank loans
            119,853       27,370  
 
Accounts payable and accruals:
                       
   
Trade
    532,987       387,818       88,563  
   
Other
    202,166       252,585       57,681  
 
 
   
     
     
 
     
Total current liabilities
    735,153       760,256       173,614  
 
 
   
     
     
 
LONG-TERM LIABILITIES:
                       
 
Bank loans, net of current maturities
    2,467,556       1,687,215       385,297  
 
Notes payable
    828,975       766,325       175,000  
 
Liability for employee rights upon retirement
    60,966       76,506       17,471  
 
Asset retirement obligations
            6,367       1,454  
 
 
   
     
     
 
     
Total long-term liabilities
    3,357,497       2,536,413       579,222  
 
 
   
     
     
 
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
                       
     
Total liabilities
    4,092,650       3,296,669       752,836  
 
 
   
     
     
 
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (CAPITAL DEFICIENCY)
                       
 
Share capital — ordinary shares of NIS 0.01 par value: authorized — December 31, 2002 and 2003 — 235,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding — December 31, 2002 — 181,595,222 shares and December 31, 2003 — 182,695,574 shares
    1,816       1,827       417  
 
Less — receivable in respect of shares
            (4,374 )     (999 )
 
Capital surplus
    2,293,270       2,303,055       525,933  
 
Deferred compensation
    (6,385 )     (2,509 )     (573 )
 
Accumulated deficit
    (2,385,085 )     (1,222,435 )     (279,158 )
 
 
   
     
     
 
     
Total shareholders’ equity (capital deficiency)
    (96,384 )     1,075,564       245,620  
 
 
   
     
     
 
 
    3,996,266       4,372,233       998,456  
 
 
   
     
     
 

11


Table of Contents

PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

                                     
        Year ended December 31
       
        2001   2002   2003   2003
       
 
 
 
                                Convenience
                                translation
                                into
        New Israeli shekels   U.S. dollars
        (Audited)   (Unaudited)
        In thousands (except per share data)
REVENUES - net:
                               
 
Services
    2,972,079       3,766,584       4,117,887       940,371  
 
Equipment
    277,270       287,979       349,832       79,889  
 
 
   
     
     
     
 
 
    3,249,349       4,054,563       4,467,719       1,020,260  
COST OF REVENUES:
                               
 
Services
    2,187,612       2,499,534       2,586,707       590,707  
 
Equipment
    531,551       569,924       549,749       125,542  
 
 
   
     
     
     
 
 
    2,719,163       3,069,458       3,136,456       716,249  
 
 
   
     
     
     
 
GROSS PROFIT
    530,186       985,105       1,331,263       304,011  
SELLING AND MARKETING EXPENSES
    292,960       308,079       314,008       71,708  
GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES
    134,282       143,594       162,387       37,083  
 
 
   
     
     
     
 
OPERATING PROFIT
    102,944       533,432       854,868       195,220  
FINANCIAL EXPENSES, net
    400,927       445,180       321,710       73,467  
LOSS ON IMPAIRMENT OF INVESTMENTS IN NON-MARKETABLE SECURITIES
    8,862       4,054       3,530       806  
 
 
   
     
     
     
 
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE TAX BENEFIT
    (306,845 )     84,198       529,628       120,947  
TAX BENEFIT
                    633,022       144,559  
 
 
   
     
     
     
 
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE CUMULATIVE EFFECT OF A CHANGE IN ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES
    (306,845 )     84,198       1,162,650       265,506  
CUMULATIVE EFFECT, AT BEGINNING OF YEAR, OF A CHANGE IN ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES
    3,483                          
 
 
   
     
     
     
 
NET INCOME (LOSS) FOR THE YEAR
    (303,362 )     84,198       1,162,650       265,506  
 
 
   
     
     
     
 
EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE (“EPS”):
                               
 
Basic:
                               
   
Before cumulative effect
    (1.72 )     0.47       6.39       1.46  
   
Cumulative effect
    0.02                          
 
 
   
     
     
     
 
 
    (1.70 )     0.47       6.39       1.46  
 
 
   
     
     
     
 
 
Diluted:
                               
   
Before cumulative effect
    (1.72 )     0.46       6.34       1.45  
   
Cumulative effect
    0.02                          
 
 
   
     
     
     
 
 
    (1.70 )     0.46       6.34       1.45  
 
 
   
     
     
     
 
WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF SHARES OUTSTANDING:
                               
 
Basic
    178,909,274       179,984,090       181,930,803       181,930,803  
 
 
   
     
     
     
 
 
Diluted
    178,909,274       183,069,394       183,243,157       183,243,157  
 
 
   
     
     
     
 

12


Table of Contents

PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

                                         
            Year ended December 31
           
            2001   2002   2003   2003
           
 
 
 
                                    Convenience
                                    translation
                                    into U.S.
            New Israeli shekels   dollars
            (Audited)   (Unaudited)
            In thousands
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
                               
 
Net income (loss) for the year
    (303,362 )     84,198       1,162,650       265,506  
 
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
                               
   
Depreciation and amortization
    538,267       516,199       536,871       122,601  
   
Loss on impairment of investments in non-marketable securities
    8,862       4,054       3,530       806  
   
Amortization of deferred compensation related to employee stock option grants, net
    20,699       8,957       5,177       1,182  
   
Liability for employee rights upon retirement
    18,736       18,632       15,540       3,549  
   
Deferred income taxes
                    (633,752 )     (144,726 )
   
Income tax benefit in respect of exercise of options granted to employees
                    730       167  
   
Accrued interest, exchange and linkage differences on (erosion of) long-term liabilities
    54,522       91,027       (67,438 )     (15,400 )
   
Erosion of (accrued interest and exchange differences on) security deposit
    (6,590 )     (6,925 )     8,877       2,027  
   
Amount carried to deferred charges
    (22 )     (3,805 )                
   
Capital loss (gain) on sale of fixed assets
    1,647       839       (7,829 )     (1,788 )
 
Changes in operating asset and liability items:
                               
   
Decrease (increase) in accounts receivable:
                               
       
Trade
    (55,944 )     (56,638 )     22,721       5,189  
       
Other
    (14,235 )     (8,056 )     (5,557 )     (1,269 )
   
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and accruals:
                               
       
Trade
    57,271       31,909       (93,444 )     (21,339 )
       
Other
    65,838       14,796       47,541       10,857  
     
Increase in asset retirement obligations
                    1,228       280  
   
Decrease (increase) in inventories
    36,859       (12,996 )     34,647       7,912  
 
 
   
     
     
     
 
 
Net cash provided by operating activities
    422,548       682,191       1,031,492       235,554  
 
 
   
     
     
     
 
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
                               
 
Purchase of fixed assets
    (601,050 )     (599,769 )     (350,344 )     (80,005 )
 
Proceeds from sale of fixed assets
    1,771       5,737       12,309       2,811  
 
Investment in non-marketable securities
    (16,446 )                        
 
Withdrawal of security deposit
                    98,917       22,589  
 
Purchase of additional spectrum
            (207,635 )     (121,388 )     (27,720 )
 
Funds in respect of employee rights upon retirement
    (13,336 )     (14,301 )     (16,263 )     (3,714 )
 
 
   
     
     
     
 
 
Net cash used in investing activities
    (629,061 )     (815,968 )     (376,769 )     (86,039 )
 
 
   
     
     
     
 

13


Table of Contents

PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

                                   
      Year ended December 31
     
      2001   2002   2003   2003
     
 
 
 
                              Convenience
                              translation
                              into U.S.
      New Israeli shekels           Dollars
      (Audited)   (Unaudited)
      In thousands
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
                               
 
Proceeds from exercise of stock options granted to employees
    47       4,237       3,391       775  
 
Long-term bank loans received
    1,111,869       1,349,326       240,000       54,806  
 
Repayment of long-term bank loans
    (901,000 )     (1,223,698 )     (895,700 )     (204,544 )
 
 
   
     
     
     
 
 
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
    210,916       129,865       (652,309 )     (148,963 )
 
 
   
     
     
     
 
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
    4,403       (3,912 )     2,414       552  
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF YEAR
    869       5,272       1,360       310  
 
 
   
     
     
     
 
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF YEAR
    5,272       1,360       3,774       862  
 
 
   
     
     
     
 
SUPPLEMENTARY DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION - cash paid during the year:
                               
 
Interest
    285,465       323,841       287,629       65,684  
 
 
   
     
     
     
 
 
Advances to income tax authorities
    5,617       5,207       3,750       856  
 
 
   
     
     
     
 

Supplementary information on investing activities not involving cash flows

At December 31, 2001, 2002 and 2003, trade payables include NIS 148,276,000, NIS 117,406,000 and NIS 65,681,000 ($14,999,000), respectively, in respect of acquisition of fixed assets. In addition, at December 31, 2002, trade payables include NIS 7.2 million in respect of acquisition of additional spectrum and at December 31, 2003, shareholders’ equity include NIS 4.4 million receivable in respect of shares issued. These balances are recognized in the cash flow statements upon payment.

14


Table of Contents

PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
RECONCILIATION BETWEEN OPERATION CASH FLOWS
AND EBITDA

                                 
                            Convenience
                            translation into
            New Israeli shekels   U.S. dollars
           
 
            Year   Year
            ended   ended
            December 31,   December 31,
           
 
            2003   2002   2003
           
 
 
            (Unaudited)
            In thousands
Reconciliation between operating cashflows and EBITDA:
                       
Net cash provided by operating activities
    1,031,492       682,191       235,554  
   
Liability for employee rights upon retirement
    (15,540 )     (18,632 )     (3,549 )
   
Erosion of (accrued interest, exchange and linkage differences on) long-term liabilities
    67,438       (91,027 )     15,400  
   
Amount carried to deferred charges
            3,805          
 
Accrued interest and exchange and linkage differences on (erosion of) security deposit
    (8,877 )     6,925       (2,027 )
   
Increase (decrease) in accounts receivable:
                       
       
Trade
    (22,721 )     56,638       (5,189 )
       
Other
    5,557       8,056       1,269  
   
Decrease (increase) in accounts payable and accruals:
                       
       
Trade
    93,444       (31,909 )     21,339  
       
Other
    (47,541 )     (14,796 )     (10,857 )
   
Increase (decrease) in inventories
    (34,647 )     12,996       (7,912 )
     
Increase in asset retirement obligation
    (1,228 )             (280 )
     
Financial expenses*
    312,453       437,993       71,354  
 
   
     
     
 
EBITDA
    1,379,830       1,052,240       315,102  
 
   
     
     
 


*   Financial expenses excluding any charge for the amortization of pre-launch financial costs.

15


Table of Contents

PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

                                           
      New Israeli shekels
     
      3 month period ended
     
      December 31   March 31   June 30   September 30   December 31
      2002   2003   2003   2003   2003
     
 
 
 
 
      (Unaudited)
      In thousands
REVENUES — net
    1,062,122       1,031,266       1,077,239       1,196,284       1,162,930  
COST OF REVENUES
    808,591       780,312       739,831       809,072       807,241  
 
   
     
     
     
     
 
GROSS PROFIT
    253,531       250,954       337,408       387,212       355,689  
 
SELLING AND MARKETING EXPENSES
    85,269       78,292       81,282       83,291       71,143  
 
GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES
    38,942       42,354       38,099       36,937       44,997  
 
   
     
     
     
     
 
OPERATING PROFIT
    129,320       130,308       218,027       266,984       239,549  
FINANCIAL EXPENSES — net
    98,746       95,488       62,926       98,409       64,887  
LOSS OF IMPAIRMENT OF INVESTMENT IN NON-MARKETABLE SECURITIES
                                    3,530  
 
   
     
     
     
     
 
INCOME BEFORE TAX BENEFIT
    30,574       34,820       155,101       168,575       171,132  
TAX BENEFIT
                                    633,022  
 
   
     
     
     
     
 
NET INCOME FOR THE PERIOD
    30,574       34,820       155,101       168,575       804,154  
 
   
     
     
     
     
 

16


Table of Contents

PARTNER COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
Summary Operating Data

                 
    December 31,   December 31,
    2002   2003
   
 
Subscribers (in thousands)
    1,837       2,103  
Estimated share of total Israeli mobile telephone subscribers
    29 %     31 %
Churn rate in year
    2.9 %     13.6 %
Average monthly usage in Year per subscriber (minutes)
    280       277  
Average monthly revenue in year per subscriber, including in-roaming revenue (NIS)
    183       171  
Number of operational base stations (in parenthesis number of micro sites out of total number of base stations)
    2,035 (726)     2,138 (729)
Subscriber acquisition costs in year per subscriber (NIS)
    470       362  
Number of employees (full-time equivalent)
    2,685       2,769  
                 
    Q4 2002   Q4 2003
   
 
Subscribers (in thousands)
    1,837       2,103  
Estimated share of total Israeli mobile telephone subscribers
    29 %     31 %
Churn rate in quarter
    2.9 %     3.2 %
Average monthly usage in quarter per subscriber (minutes)
    272       276  
Average monthly revenue in quarter per subscriber, including in-roaming revenue (NIS)
    178       170  
Number of operational base stations (in parenthesis number of micro sites out of total number of base stations)
    2,035 (726)     2,138 (729)
Subscriber acquisition costs in quarter per subscriber (NIS)
    482       298  
Number of employees (full-time equivalent)
    2,685       2,769  

17


Table of Contents

SIGNATURES

     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this Current Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

         
        Partner Communications Company Ltd.
         
         
    By   /s/ Alan Gelman
       
        Name: Alan Gelman
Title: Chief Financial Officer

Dated: January 27, 2004