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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

Date: 06th May 2004, for 1st Quarter results 2004

 

TELENOR ASA

(Registrant’s Name)

Snarøyveien 30,
1331 Fornebu,
Norway
(Registrant’s Address)

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  þ   Form 40-F  o

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  þ

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

 


TABLE OF CONTENTS

TELENOR ASA FIRST QUARTER 2004 RESULTS
OUTLOOK FOR 2004
FIRST QUARTER OF 2004
KEY POINTS FROM THE FIRST QUARTER OF 2004 COMPARED TO THE FIRST QUARTER OF 2003
KEY FIGURES
KEY FIGURES FOR THE BUSINESS AREAS
BUSINESS AREAS
FIXED
BROADCAST
OTHER ACTIVITIES
OTHER PROFIT AND LOSS ITEMS FOR THE GROUP
US GAAP
OUTLOOK FOR 2004
SIGNATURES


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TELENOR ASA FIRST QUARTER 2004 RESULTS

Telenor’s revenues increased by 13% to NOK 14,284 million. Telenor’s EBITDA margin increased from 33.1% to 35.1%. EBITDA increased by NOK 839 million to NOK 5,016 million. Telenor’s operating profit increased by NOK 807 million to NOK 2,282 million. Profit before taxes and minority interests increased by NOK 3.6 billion to NOK 4.7 billion. Net interest-bearing liabilities were NOK 19.3 billion, Telenor’s revenues increased by 13% to NOK 14,284 million, mainly due to the growth in the mobile operations and the consolidation of Sonofon as of 12 February 2004. Adjusted for the effect of acquisitions and disposals of operations and currency fluctuations, the growth in revenues was just below 9%.

Telenor’s EBITDA margin increased from 33.1% to 35.1%, primarily due to Mobile constituting a larger part of the Group. EBITDA increased by NOK 839 million to NOK 5,016 million. All business areas increased their EBITDA. Telenor’s operating profit increased by NOK 807 million to NOK 2,282 million. Profit before taxes and minority interests increased by NOK 3.6 billion to NOK 4.7 billion. In the first quarter of 2004, Telenor sold its remaining 9% ownership interest in Cosmote for NOK 3.1 billion and realized a gain before taxes of NOK 2.6 billion. Telenor’s work for improving operational efficiency continues. As a part of this work, agreements were made in the first quarter of 2004 to gather the Telenor Group’s Norwegian IT-operations in EDB Business Partner and to outsource EDB Business Partner’s Telecom application development activities.

In Mobile, EBITDA increased by NOK 621 million to NOK 2,816 million. The EBITDA margin decreased by 1.7 percentage points to 39.0% due to reduced margin in Telenor Mobil- Norway and the consolidation of Sonofon. In Fixed-Norway, EBITDA increased by NOK 37 million to NOK 1,620 million. The EBITDA margin increased by 1.4 percentage points to 36.1%.

At the end of the first quarter of 2004, Telenor’s market share for mobile services in Norway was estimated to be approximately 56% measured in number of subscriptions, down from 57% at the end of 2003. The market share for fixed line telephony in Norway measured in traffic minutes was 69%, in line with the end of 2003.

Broadcast had an operating profit of NOK 110 million compared to an operating loss in the first quarter of 2003. Capital expenditure was NOK 1,471 million compared to NOK 1,230 million in the first quarter of 2003. The increase was in Mobile.

Net interest-bearing liabilities were NOK 19.3 billion, an increase of NOK 1.5 billion from the end of 2003. The increase was mainly due to the acquisition of the remaining 46.5% ownership interest in Sonofon, partially offset by the sale of the shares in Cosmote.

 


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In January 2004, Telenor entered into an agreement with the Kingdom of Norway, which is the largest shareholder in Telenor, in connection with Telenor’s program to buy back its own shares. The Kingdom of Norway agreed to cancel an amount of its own shares proportional to the amount of Telenor shares which Telenor repurchases in the market against payment by Telenor. As of 4 May 2004, Telenor had purchased 12.810.000 own shares in the market in accordance with the authority granted by Telenor’s general meeting of 8 May 2003.

The Kingdom of Norway reduced its ownership interest in Telenor to 53.15% (including Telenor’s own shares) through a sale of 170 million shares on 30 March 2004 and 695,600 shares on 14 April 2004.

In April 2004, following a government auction, Telenor was granted one of two new national licences for mobile telephony in Pakistan.

OUTLOOK FOR 2004

Telenor in general confirms its expectations for 2004 as presented in Telenor’s report for the fourth quarter of 2003. Overall, excluding special items we expect a positive development in Telenor’s results compared to 2003. Continued growth in revenues is expected, driven by the international mobile operations and the consolidation of Sonofon.

The EBITDA margin is expected to be approximately in line with 2003, excluding special items. This include consolidation of Sonofon, expected increase in sales and marketing expenses in a number of our mobile operations as well as operating expenses related to the establishment of mobile operations in Pakistan.

Capital expenditure is expected to be higher than in 2003 due to the purchase of satellite capacity, the consolidation of Sonofon, investments in new mobile technology in Norway, and investments in Pakistan, including license costs. In addition, the increase in subscriptions in some of the international mobile companies may result in Telenor accelerating certain network investments.

The sale of the Operating service division from the business area Fixed to EDB Business Partner is expected to have a small negative effect on Fixed Norway’s revenues. This transaction is expected to have a limited effect on the results for the Telenor Group for 2004, excluding special items.

The First Quarter of 2004 report is sent as enclosure with a separate mail in word and excel format.

 


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FIRST QUARTER OF 2004

First quarter of 2004 showed a growth in revenues for the Telenor Group of 13% to NOK 14.3 billion. Profit before taxes and minority interests increased to NOK 4.7 billion.

 


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Telenor ASA first quarter of 2004

KEY POINTS FROM THE FIRST QUARTER OF 2004 COMPARED TO THE FIRST QUARTER OF 2003

  Telenor’s revenues increased by 13% to NOK 14,284 million, mainly due to the growth in the mobile operations and the consolidation of Sonofon as of 12 February 2004. Adjusted for the effect of acquisitions and disposals of operations and currency fluctuations, the growth in revenues was just below 9%.
 
  Telenor’s EBITDA margin increased from 33.1% to 35.1%, primarily due to Mobile constituting a larger part of the Group. EBITDA increased by NOK 839 million to NOK 5,016 million. All business areas increased their EBITDA.
 
  Telenor’s operating profit increased by NOK 807 million to NOK 2,282 million. Profit before taxes and minority interests increased by NOK 3.6 billion to NOK 4.7 billion. In the first quarter of 2004, Telenor sold its remaining 9% ownership interest in Cosmote for NOK 3.1 billion and realized a gain before taxes of NOK 2.6 billion.
 
  Telenor’s work for improving operational efficiency continues. As a part of this work, agreements were made in the first quarter of 2004 to gather the Telenor Group’s Norwegian IT-operations in EDB Business Partner and to outsource EDB Business Partner’s Telecom application development activities.
 
  In Mobile, EBITDA increased by NOK 621 million to NOK 2,816 million. The EBITDA margin decreased by 1.7 percentage points to 39.0% due to reduced margin in Telenor Mobil-Norway and the consolidation of Sonofon.
 
  In Fixed-Norway, EBITDA increased by NOK 37 million to NOK 1,620 million. The EBITDA margin increased by 1.4 percentage points to 36.1%.
 
  At the end of the first quarter of 2004, Telenor’s market share for mobile services in Norway was estimated to be approximately 56% measured in number of subscriptions, down from 57% at the end of 2003. The market share for fixed line telephony in Norway measured in traffic minutes was 69%, in line with the end of 2003.
 
  Broadcast had an operating profit of NOK 110 million compared to an operating loss in the first quarter of 2003.
 
  Capital expenditure was NOK 1,471 million compared to NOK 1,230 million in the first quarter of 2003. The increase was in Mobile.
 
  Net interest-bearing liabilities were NOK 19.3 billion, an increase of NOK 1.5 billion from the end of 2003. The increase was mainly due to the acquisition of the remaining 46.5% ownership interest in Sonofon, partially offset by the sale of the shares in Cosmote.
 
  In January 2004, Telenor entered into an agreement with the Kingdom of Norway, which is the largest shareholder in Telenor, in connection with Telenor’s program to buy back its own shares. The Kingdom of Norway agreed to cancel an amount of its own shares proportional to the amount of Telenor shares which Telenor repurchases in the market against payment by Telenor. As of 4 May 2004, Telenor had purchased 12.810.000 own shares in the market in accordance with the authority granted by Telenor’s general meeting of 8 May 2003.
 
  The Kingdom of Norway reduced its ownership interest in Telenor to 53.15% (including Telenor’s own shares) through a sale of 170 million shares on 30 March 2004 and 695,600 shares on 14 April 2004.

 


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  In April 2004, following a government auction, Telenor was granted one of two new national licences for mobile telephony in Pakistan.

KEY FIGURES

                         
    1st quarter
  Year
(NOK in millions)
  2004
  2003
  2003
Revenues
    14,284       12,606       53,121  
Revenues excluding gains
    14,276       12,602       52,889  
Revenues excluding gains — growth (%)
    13.3       9.4       8.7  
EBITDA 1)
    5,016       4,177       18,302  
EBITDA/Revenues (%)
    35.1       33.1       34.5  
EBITDA excluding gains and losses 2)
    5,010       4,184       18,299  
Operating profit
    2,282       1,475       7,560  
Operating profit/Revenues (%)
    16.0       11.7       14.2  
Associated companies
    133       (34 )     1,231  
Profit before taxes and minority interests
    4,674       1,047       7,426  
Net income
    2,801       597       4,560  
 
                       
Net interest-bearing liabilities
    19,297       26,139       17,817  
 
                       
Investments:
                       
— Capex 3)
    1,471       1,230       6,454  
— Investments in businesses 4)
    3,749       23       563  

1)   For a definition and reconciliation of EBITDA, see table at the end of this report.
2)   See table “special items” at the end of this report for further details.
3)   Capex is investments in tangible and intangible assets.
4)   Consists of acquisition of shares and participations including acquisition of subsidiaries and businesses not organized as separate companies.

The table below shows key figures adjusted for special items (gains and losses on disposal, expenses for workforce reductions, loss contracts, exit from activities and write-downs) 1)

                                         
    1st quarter
  Year
(NOK in millions)
  2004
  2003
  Growth
  2003
  Growth
Revenues
    14,276       12,602       13.3 %     52,889       8.7 %
EBITDA
    5,035       4,189       20.2 %     18,586       28.1 %
EBITDA/Revenues (%)
    35.3       33.2               35.1          
Operating profit
    2,304       1,503       53.3 %     7,989       87.1 %
Operating profit/Revenues (%)
    16.1       11.9               15.1          
Associated companies
    133       (100 )   nm     (251 )   nm
Profit before taxes and minority interests
    2,105       1,095       92.2 %     6,300       153.2 %

1)   See table “special items” at the end of this report for further details.

 


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KEY FIGURES FOR THE BUSINESS AREAS

Revenues

                                         
    1st quarter
  Year
(NOK in millions)
  2004
  2003
  Growth
  2003
  Growth
Mobile
    7,214       5,388       33.9 %     23,810       17.0 %
Fixed
    4,940       5,032       (1.8 %)     20,509       2.4 %
Broadcast
    1,306       1,138       14.8 %     4,820       33.7 %
Other activities
    2,454       2,678       (8.4 %)     10,811       (7.1 %)
Eliminations
    (1,630 )     (1,630 )           (6,829 )     0.6 %
Total revenues
    14,284       12,606       13.3 %     53,121       8.8 %

EBITDA

                                                 
    1st quarter
  Year
(NOK in millions)
  2004
  Margin 1)
  2003
  Margin 1)
  2003
  Margin 1)
Mobile
    2,816       39.0 %     2,195       40.7 %     9,567       40.2 %
Fixed
    1,620       32.8 %     1,592       31.6 %     6,665       32.5 %
Broadcast
    348       26.6 %     204       17.9 %     1,229       25.5 %
Other activities
    262       10.7 %     194       7.2 %     830       7.7 %
Eliminations
    (30 )   nm     (8 )   nm     11     nm
Total EBITDA
    5,016       35.1 %     4,177       33.1 %     18,302       34.5 %
Special items 2)
    19     nm     12     nm     284     nm
EBITDA adjusted for special items 3)
    5,035       35.3 %     4,189       33.2 %     18,586       35.1 %

1)   EBITDA as a percentage of total revenues.
2)   Gains, losses, expenses for workforce reductions, loss contracts and exit from activities. See table “special items” at the end of the report for further details.
3)   Margin is EBITDA adjusted as a percentage of revenues excluding gains.

Operating profit (loss)

                                                 
    1st quarter
  Year
(NOK in millions)
  2004
  Margin 1)
  2003
  Margin 1)
  2003
  Margin 1)
Mobile
    1,506       20.9 %     1,112       20.6 %     5,224       21.9 %
Fixed
    692       14.0 %     542       10.8 %     2,531       12.3 %
Broadcast
    110       8.4 %     (73 )   nm     181       3.8 %
Other units
    (17 )   nm     (112 )   nm     (488 )   nm
Eliminations
    (9 )   nm     6     nm     112     nm
Total operating profit
    2,282       16.0 %     1,475       11.7 %     7,560       14.2 %

1)   Operating profit as a percentage of total revenues.

 


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BUSINESS AREAS

Mobile

                         
    1st quarter
  Year
(NOK in millions)
  2004
  2003
  2003
External revenues
                       
Telenor Mobil — Norway
    2,489       2,302       9,639  
Sonofon — Denmark
    672              
Telenor Mobile Sweden
    32       20       109  
Pannon GSM — Hungary
    1,403       1,205       5,368  
DiGi.Com — Malaysia
    940       732       3,170  
Kyivstar — Ukraine
    834       483       2,634  
GrameenPhone — Bangladesh
    493       326       1,535  
Other
    3       14       28  
Total external revenues
    6,866       5,082       22,483  
Internal revenues
    347       306       1,327  
Gains on disposal
    1              
Total revenues
    7,214       5,388       23,810  
 
                       
EBITDA
    2,816       2,195       9,567  
Depreciation and amortization
    1,310       1,075       4,308  
Write-downs
          8       35  
Operating profit
    1,506       1,112       5,224  
 
                       
EBITDA/Total revenues (%)
    39.0       40.7       40.2  
Operating profit/Total revenues (%)
    20.9       20.6       21.9  
 
                       
Investments:
                       
— Capex
    984       687       3,667  
— Investments in businesses
    3,661       4       95  

  Revenues increased by 33.9% compared to the first quarter of 2003. The EBITDA margin decreased from 40.7% in the first quarter of 2003 to 39,0% in the first quarter of 2004, mainly as a result of reduced margin in Telenor Mobil — Norway.
 
  The results in the first quarter of 2004 were affected by the consolidation of Sonofon from 12 February 2004.
 
  The other mobile operations showed a good profitability in the first quarter of 2004.
 
  In April 2004, following a government auction, Telenor was granted one of two new national licences for mobile telephony in Pakistan, for a period of 15 years subject to renewal. The price of the licence at auction was US Dollar 291 million, half of which will be paid in 2004 and the remainder over a 10-year period.

 


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Telenor Mobil — Norway

                         
    1st quarter
  Year
(NOK in millions)
  2004
  2003
  2003
Subscriptions and connections
    350       330       1,216  
Traffic
    1,315       1,257       5,391  
SMS and content services
    359       400       1,537  
Customer equipment, service providers and other
    465       315       1,495  
Total external revenues
    2,489       2,302       9,639  
Internal revenues
    311       308       1,270  
Gains on disposal
                 
Total revenues
    2,800       2,610       10,909  
 
                       
EBITDA
    998       1,083       4,262  
Depreciation and amortization
    238       293       1,147  
Write-downs
                 
Operating profit
    760       790       3,115  
 
                       
EBITDA/Total revenues (%)
    35.6       41.5       39.1  
Operating profit/Total revenues (%)
    27.1       30.3       28.6  
Capex
    214       77       500  
ARPU (GSM) — monthly (NOK)
    332       330       339  
No. of subscriptions (in thousand)
    2,378       2,342       2,364  

  Compared to the first quarter of 2003, revenues increased primarily due to the increase in sales to service providers and sale of customer equipment. External traffic revenues increased as a result of increased traffic per subscription and the increase in the number of subscriptions, partially offset by price reductions. The increase in external subscription revenues compared to the first quarter of 2003 was a result of the increase in the number of subscriptions. The reduction in external revenues from SMS and content services was due to reduced prices and an increase in the number of free messages, partially offset by the increase in the number of messages. Compared to the fourth quarter of 2003, revenues from SMS fell due to reduced prices and a reduction in the number of messages.
 
  On 16 June 2003, Telenor Mobil introduced simplified pricing plans and lower average call charges. SMS prices were reduced from 6 May and from 1 December 2003, and on 1 July 2003 Telenor Mobil further reduced end user prices. As of 1 February 2004, Telenor Mobil reduced the termination charges to NetCom and as a result of reduced interconnection charges from NetCom, Telenor Mobil also reduced the end user prices on outgoing traffic to NetCom’s network from 12 February 2004. On 1 March 2004, SMS prices for prepaid subscriptions were further reduced.
 
  In a market characterized by strong competition, the number of GSM subscriptions in Telenor Mobil increased by 19,000 compared to the end of 2003, and by 52,000 compared to the end of the first quarter of 2003. These additional subscriptions consisted primarily of GSM contract subscriptions.
 
  At the end of the first quarter of 2004, the estimated market share for GSM measured in number of subscriptions was approximately 56%, down from 60% at the end of the first quarter of 2003 and 57% at the end of 2003. Mobile

 


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    penetration was estimated to have increased to approximately 91%, up from 85% in the first quarter of 2003 and 90% in the fourth quarter of 2003.
 
  The decrease in the EBITDA margin compared to the first quarter of 2003 was primarily due to increased costs relating to sales and marketing activities, higher costs of materials and traffic charges as a result of increased traffic to other mobile networks and increased sales of customer equipment with low margin, as well as price reductions. Provisions were also made in the first quarter of 2004 for contingent liabilities in connection with legal disputes.
 
  Depreciation and amortization decreased compared to the first quarter of 2003, primarily due to reduced capital expenditure in recent years and the reversal of depreciation and amortization in previous periods.
 
  The increase in capital expenditure compared to the first quarter of 2003 was primarily due to investments in new technology and the increased coverage and capacity in the GSM network.

Sonofon — Denmark

                         
    1st quarter
  Year
(NOK in millions)
  2004
  2003
  2003
Mobile related revenues
    511              
Other revenues
    165              
Total revenues
    676              
 
                       
EBITDA
    166              
Depreciation and amortization
    114              
Write-downs
                 
Operating profit
    52              
 
                       
EBITDA/Total revenues (%)
    24,6              
Operating profit/Total revenues (%)
    7.7              
Capex
    66              
ARPU (GSM) — monthly (NOK)
    270              
No. of subscriptions (in thousand)
    996              

The proceeding table shows figures from 12 February 2004, the time of consolidation of Sonofon. Telenor’s ownership interest in Sonofon is 100%. ARPU in the table is for the period 1 January—31 March 2004.

  On 12 February 2004, Telenor acquired the remaining 46.5% of the shares in Sonofon for a consideration of NOK 3.66 billion. The company was consolidated as a subsidiary effective from this date.
 
  Sonofon’s estimated market share was 22% at the end of the first quarter of 2004, which was a decrease compared to the end of 2003 due to increased competition. The number of subscriptions in Sonofon decreased by 14,000 from the end of 2003. Estimated mobile penetration in Denmark increased to 89% at the end of the first quarter of 2004.
 
  Measured in Danish Kroner, ARPU fell compared to the end of 2003, primarily due to price reductions.
 
  Revenues and the EBITDA margin for the first quarter of 2004 were NOK 1,210 million and 24.2%, respectively. The EBITDA margin was negatively affected by

 


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    reduced prices and costs connected with sales and marketing activities, partially offset by a reduction in other operating expenses.
 
  As from 1 July 2004, Sonofon will reduce the interconnection charges by a further 10%.
 
  In April 2004 Sonofon reached an agreement to aquire the Danish service provider CBB Mobil A/S for DKK 130 million.

Telenor Mobile Sweden

                         
    1st quarter
  Year
(NOK in millions)
  2004
  2003
  2003
Total revenues
    46       20       127  
EBITDA
    (25 )     (8 )     (114 )
Depreciation and amortization
    8       4       24  
Write-downs
                 
Operating profit
    (33 )     (12 )     (138 )
 
                       
Capex
    4       58       79  
ARPU (GSM) — monthly (NOK)
    188       119       171  
No. of subscriptions (in thousand)
    84       52       81  

The Norwegian Krone depreciated against the Swedish Krone by approximately 13% in the first quarter of 2004 compared to the first quarter of 2003.

  The increase in the EBITDA-loss compared to the first quarter of 2003 was due to increased sales and marketing activity after the launch as an MVNO (Mobile Virtual Net Operator) in April 2003. The number of MVNO subscriptions was 61,000 at the end of the first quarter of 2004.

Pannon GSM — Hungary

                         
    1st quarter
  Year
(NOK in millions)
  2004
  2003
  2003
Mobile related revenues
    1,323       1,138       5,005  
Other revenues
    82       67       365  
Total revenues
    1,405       1,205       5,370  
 
                       
EBITDA
    556       469       1,924  
Depreciation and amortization
    241       212       889  
Write-downs
                10  
Operating profit
    315       257       1,025  
 
                       
EBITDA/Total revenues (%)
    39.6       38.9       35.8  
Operating profit/Total revenues (%)
    22.4       21.3       19.1  
Capex
    104       113       644  
ARPU (GSM) — monthly (NOK)
    169       153       165  
No. of subscriptions (in thousand)
    2,596       2,514       2,618  

Telenor’s ownership interest in Pannon GSM is 100%. The Norwegian Krone depreciated against the Hungarian Forint by approximately 6% in the first quarter of 2004 compared to the first quarter of 2003.

 


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  Pannon GSM’s estimated market share decreased by one percentage point compared to the end of 2003 and was 35% at the end of the first quarter of 2004, compared to 38% at the end of the first quarter of 2003. Compared to the end of the first quarter of 2003, the estimated mobile penetration in Hungary increased from 70% to 80%.
 
  In a market characterised by tough competition, Pannon GSM increased the number of contract subscriptions by 25,000 compared to the end of 2003, while the increase was 93,000 compared to the end of the first quarter of 2003.
 
  ARPU measured in local currency increased by 4% compared to the first quarter of 2003, primarily due to an increased share of contract subscriptions in addition to increased usage per subscription. The increase in the number of subscriptions and increased ARPU contributed to revenue growth in local currency of 10% compared to the first quarter of 2003.
 
  The EBITDA margin increased compared to the first quarter of 2003 due to more efficient operations.
 
  Depreciation and amortization increased compared to the first quarter of 2003 due to a higher level of capital expenditure in recent years.
 
  During 2003, Pannon GSM was determined to have significant market power in the national interconnection market in Hungary in both 2002 and 2003. Pannon GSM appealed against these decisions. It is not yet known when the cases will be ruled on in the Hungarian courts. In case of an unfavorable outcome, Pannon GSM may be required to reduce its interconnection charges.

DiGi.Com — Malaysia

                         
    1st quarter
  Year
(NOK in millions)
  2004
  2003
  2003
Mobile related revenues
    811       633       2,713  
Other revenues
    130       101       463  
Total revenues
    941       734       3,176  
 
                       
EBITDA
    426       307       1,295  
Depreciation and amortization
    210       188       780  
Write-downs
          6       18  
Operating profit
    216       113       497  
 
                       
EBITDA/Total revenues (%)
    45.3       41.8       40.8  
Operating profit/Total revenues (%)
    23.0       15.4       15.6  
Capex
    103       144       1,043  
ARPU (GSM) — monthly (NOK)
    116       123       117  
No. of subscriptions (100% in thousand)
    2,416       1,803       2,207  

Telenor’s ownership interest in DiGi.Com was 61.0% at the end of the first quarter of 2004. The Norwegian Krone appreciated against the Malaysian Ringgit by approximately 2% in the first quarter of 2004 compared to the first quarter of 2003.

  DiGi.Com’s estimated market share increased by one percentage point compared to the end of 2003 and was 21% at the end of the first quarter of 2004, compared

 


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    to 19% at the end of the first quarter of 2003. Compared to the end of the first quarter of 2003, the estimated mobile penetration in Malaysia increased from 39% to 46%.
 
  Measured in local currency, revenues increased by 31% compared to the first quarter of 2003 primarily due to the increased number of subscriptions. Measured in local currency, ARPU decreased by 3% compared to the first quarter of 2003 due to the fact that new subscriptions on average generated less traffic, as well as price reductions in the form of free call time and loyalty programmes.
 
  The increase in the EBITDA margin was due to more efficient operations and increased interconnection charges. Measured in local currency, EBITDA increased by 43% compared to the first quarter of 2003.
 
  Depreciation and amortization increased compared to the first quarter of 2003 as a result of a high level of capital expenditure in the fourth quarter of 2003.

Kyivstar — Ukraine

                         
    1st quarter
  Year
(NOK in millions)
  2004
  2003
  2003
Mobile related revenues
    822       464       2,569  
Other revenues
    12       19       65  
Total revenues
    834       483       2,634  
 
                       
EBITDA
    505       263       1,573  
Depreciation and amortization
    102       77       343  
Write-downs
                 
Operating profit
    403       186       1,230  
 
                       
EBITDA/Total revenues (%)
    60.6       54.5       59.7  
Operating profit/Total revenues (%)
    48.3       38.5       46.7  
Capex
    331       218       979  
ARPU (GSM) — monthly (NOK)
    87       81       94  
No. of subscriptions (100% in thousand)
    3,221       2,012       3,037  

Telenor’s ownership interest at the end of the first quarter of 2004 was 55.35%. Telenor increased its ownership interest further in April 2004 by 1.16% for a cost of US Dollar 5 million. The functional currency for Kyivstar is the US Dollar. The Norwegian Krone appreciated against the US Dollar by approximately 2% in the first quarter of 2004 compared to the first quarter of 2003.

  Kyivstar’s estimated market share decreased by two percentage points compared to the end of 2003 and was 45% at the end of the first quarter of 2004, compared to 50% at the end of the first quarter of 2003. The decrease was a result of increased competition within the prepaid segment. Compared to the first quarter of 2003, the estimated mobile penetration in Ukraine increased from 9% to 15%.
 
  ARPU increased compared to the first quarter of 2003. This was primarily related to a 60% increase on average in the number of traffic minutes per subscription mainly due to the introduction of a Calling Party Pays regime from 19 September 2003.

 


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  A significant increase in both the number of subscriptions and ARPU contributed to an increase in revenues measured in US Dollar by 76% compared to the first quarter of 2003.
 
  The high EBITDA margin reflected cost-effective operations and limited sales and marketing expenses.
 
  Depreciation and amortization increased compared to the first quarter of 2003 as a result of increased capital expenditure in the subsequent quarters.
 
  The increase in capital expenditure compared to the first quarter of 2003 was related to network investments as a result of a larger customer base.

GrameenPhone — Bangladesh

                         
    1st quarter
  Year
(NOK in millions)
  2004
  2003
  2003
Mobile related revenues
    490       321       1,529  
Other revenues 1)
    3       5       7  
Total revenues
    493       326       1,536  
 
                       
EBITDA
    283       197       1,001  
Depreciation and amortization
    34       36       158  
Write-downs
                 
Operating profit
    249       161       843  
 
                       
EBITDA/Total revenues (%)
    57.4       60.4       65.2  
Operating profit/Total revenues (%)
    50.5       49.4       54.9  
Capex
    160       77       429  
ARPU (GSM) — monthly (NOK)
    123       133       136  
No. of subscriptions (100% in thousand)
    1,520       835       1,141  

Telenor’s ownership interest at the end of the first quarter of 2004 was 51.0%. The Norwegian Kroner appreciated against the Bangladeshi Takka by approximately 4% in the first quarter of 2004 compared to the first quarter of 2003.

  GrameenPhone’s estimated market share increased by one percentage point compared to the end of 2003 and was 63% at the end of the first quarter of 2004, compared to 70% at the end of the first quarter of 2003. The decrease compared to the first quarter of 2003 was due to increased competition, particularly in the fourth quarter of 2003. The estimated mobile penetration in Bangladesh doubled from 0.9% in the first quarter of 2003 to 1.8% in the first quarter of 2004.
 
  Compared to the end of 2003, the number of subscriptions in GrameenPhone increased by 33% to more than 1.5 million subscriptions, the increase from the first quarter of 2003 was 82%. The increase in the number of subscriptions contributed to an increase in revenues measured in local currency by 57% compared to the first quarter of 2003.
 
  Measured in local currency, ARPU decreased by 4% compared to the first quarter of 2003. This was mainly due to a higher portion of prepaid subscriptions and price reductions, including free call time.
 
  Measured in local currency, EBITDA increased by 49% compared to the first quarter of 2003, mainly due to increased revenues and more efficient operations. The EBITDA margin, however, decreased compared to the first quarter of 2003

 


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    due to increased sales and marketing expenses in relation to the significant increase in the number of subscriptions.
 
  Capital expenditure increased compared to the first quarter of 2003 as a result of an increase in the need for network investments due to growth in the number of subscriptions in GrameenPhone and in the total market in Bangladesh. Significant network investments are also expected in future quarters.

Other units in Mobile
(including eliminations and amortization and write-downs of net excess values)

                         
    1st quarter
  Year
(NOK in millions)
  2004
  2003
  2003
EBITDA
    (93 )     (116 )     (374 )
Depreciation and amortization 1)
    363       265       967  
Write-downs
          2       7  
Operating (loss)
    (456 )     (383 )     (1,348 )
1) Includes amortization of Telenor’s net excess values by *)
    363       239       911  
Capex
    2             (7 )

*)   Net excess values are the difference between Telenor’s acquisition cost and Telenor’s share of equity at acquisition of subsidiaries. Telenor Mobile Sweden is now shown and discussed separately and is no longer included in Other units in Mobile. The figures in the preceding table are changed to reflect this transition.

  Other units in Mobile include costs related to the management and administration of the international mobile operations, as well as amortization and write-downs of Telenor’s net excess values on mobile companies.
 
  Increased amortization of net excess values compared to the first quarter of 2003 was mainly due to Sonofon, which was consolidated as of 12 February 2004.

Associated companies and joint ventures in Mobile

                         
    1st quarter
  Year
(NOK in millions)
  2004
  2003
  2003
Telenors share of 1)
                       
Net income after taxes
    264       114       608  
Amortization of Telenor’s net excess values 2)
    (83 )     (157 )     (534 )
Write-downs of Telenor’s excess values
                (15 )
Gains on disposal of ownership interests
          65       1,580  
Net result from associated companies
    181       22       1,639  

1)   The figures are partly based on management’s estimates in connection with the preparation of the consolidated financial statements. The consolidated profit and loss statement contains only the line “net result from associated companies”. The table includes Telenor’s share of the results in Sonofon until 12 February 2004. Effective from this date Sonofon was consolidated as a subsidiary. Cosmote was included as an associated company through April 2003.
 
2)   Net excess values are the difference between Telenor’s acquisition cost and Telenor’s share of equity at acquisition of associated companies.

 


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  In the first quarter of 2004, there was a significant growth in the overall subscription base for the associated companies in total, adjusted for Sonofon. Consistent with previous quarters, growth was especially strong in VimpelCom in Russia and DTAC in Thailand.
 
  Adjusted for Sonofon and Cosmote, all associated mobile companies increased net income after taxes compared to the first quarter of 2003. In the first quarter of 2003, net income after taxes from associated companies was negatively affected by an adjustment of approximately NOK 50 million to account for the difference between the estimated and actual results for 2002.
 
  Reduced amortization of Telenor’s net excess values compared to the first quarter of 2003 was mainly due to the consolidation of Sonofon as a subsidiary on 12 February 2004.
 
  Gains on disposal in the first quarter of 2003 was due to the sale of Telenor’s ownership interest in StavTeleSot to Vimpelcom-Region.

FIXED

                         
    1st quarter
  Year
(NOK in millions)
  2004
  2003
  2003
External revenues
                       
Norway
    4,055       4,150       16,409  
Sweden
    411       292       1,517  
Russia
          166       701  
Other countries
    43       38       160  
Total external revenues
    4,509       4,646       18,787  
Internal revenues
    431       386       1,713  
Gains on disposal
                9  
Total revenues
    4,940       5,032       20,509  
 
                       
EBITDA
    1,620       1,592       6,665  
Depreciation and amortization 1)
    928       1,050       4,110  
Write-downs
                24  
Operating profit
    692       542       2,531  
1) Includes amortization of Telenor’s net excess values by
    (26 )     12       (76 )
 
                       
EBITDA/Total revenues (%)
    32.8       31.6       32.5  
Operating profit/Total revenues (%)
    14.0       10.8       12.3  
 
                       
Investments:
                       
— Capex
    378       396       1,867  
— Investments in businesses
    86             294  

  EBITDA and the EBITDA margin increased compared to the first quarter of 2003 as a result of an improvement in all the existing operations. The increase more than offset the decrease in EBITDA from Fixed — Russia due to the disposal of Comincom/Combellga on 1 December 2003.

 


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Fixed — Norway

                         
    1st quarter
  Year
(NOK in millions)
  2004
  2003
  2003
Retail revenues
                       
Subscriptions and connections
                       
— PSTN/ISDN
    958       1,112       4,300  
Subscriptions and connections
                       
— ADSL/Internet
    281       237       1,041  
Internet traffic
    138       167       561  
Other traffic
    1,205       1,333       5,062  
Total fixed network market
    2,582       2,849       10,964  
Leased lines
    81       81       329  
Data services (frame relay, atm, lan-lan, datapak)
    200       212       836  
Managed services
    164       194       726  
Other retail products
    96       88       377  
Total other retail revenues
    541       575       2,268  
Total retail revenues
    3,123       3,424       13,232  
 
                       
Wholesale revenues
                       
Sale to service providers and operators
    186       23       249  
Domestic interconnect
    159       170       643  
International interconnect
    78       74       339  
Transit traffic
    253       245       1,038  
Leased lines
    171       161       631  
Other wholesale revenues
    85       53       277  
Total wholesale revenues
    932       726       3,177  
Total external revenues
    4,055       4,150       16,409  
Internal revenues
    438       406       1,776  
Gains on disposal
                4  
Total revenues
    4,493       4,556       18,189  
 
                       
EBITDA
    1,620       1,583       6,512  
Depreciation and amortization 1)
    878       934       3,773  
Write-downs
                19  
Operating profit
    742       649       2,720  
1) Includes amortization of Telenor’s net excess values by
    1       1       9  
 
                       
EBITDA/Total revenues (%)
    36.1       34.7       35.8  
Operating profit/Total revenues (%)
    16.5       14.2       15.0  
 
                       
Investments:
                       
— Capex
    355       334       1,568  
— Investments in businesses
                1  

  External revenues from subscriptions and connections — PSTN/ISDN decreased compared to the first quarter of 2003 due to the transition to sales of access lines

 


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    on a wholesale basis and a decrease in the number of subscriptions in the market as a whole.
 
  The increase in external revenues from subscriptions and connections — ADSL/Internet was due to the increased number of ADSL subscriptions (residential and business) which was 208,000 at the end of the first quarter of 2004, an increase of 87,000 compared to the first quarter of 2003 and 31,000 compared to the end of 2003. Telenors estimated market share for ADSL (residential- and business subscriptions) was 56% at the end of the first quarter of 2004 compared to 57% at the end of 2003 and 63% at the end of the first quarter 2003.
 
  The reduction in external traffic revenues compared to the first quarter of 2003 was due to a 10% decrease in total traffic in Telenor’s network, measured in minutes, and a reduced market share. The reduction in total traffic was due to the migration of voice traffic from fixed telephony to mobile telephony and the transition of data traffic from dial-up Internet to ADSL.
 
  Telenor’s market share measured in traffic minutes was 69% at the end of the first quarter of 2004, in line with the end of 2003, compared to 70% at the end of the first quarter of 2003.
 
  The reduction in external revenues from data services compared to the first quarter of 2003 was due to the transition to IP-based data services with lower prices, while the decrease in external revenue from managed services was due to the decline in, and renegotiation of, managed services contracts.
 
  The increase in revenues from the sale to service providers and operators was due to increased sale of access lines on a wholesale basis (PSTN, ISDN and ADSL). The number of PSTN/ISDN lines sold on a wholesale basis was 339,000 at the end of the first quarter of 2004, an increase of 314,000 compared to the first quarter of 2003 and 109,000 compared to the end of 2003. The number of ADSL subscriptions sold on a wholesale basis was 76,000 at the end of the first quarter of 2004, an increase of 55,000 compared to the first quarter of 2003 and 20,000 compared to the end of 2003.
 
  The increase in external revenues from other wholesale products was primarily due to increased sales of local loop unbundled subscriptions. The number of local loop unbundled subscriptions sold at the end of the first quarter of 2004 was 96,000, an increase of 43,000 compared to the end of the first quarter of 2003 and 16,000 compared to the end of 2003.
 
  EBITDA increased compared to the first quarter of 2003, primarily due to higher gross margin (revenues less costs of materials and traffic charges as a percentage of revenues). The increase in the gross margin was due to the transition of data traffic from dial-up Internet to ADSL and reduced termination charges in the mobile networks from 1 February 2004. In the first quarter of 2004, NOK 18 million was expensed for workforce reductions, compared to NOK 6 million in the first quarter of 2003.
 
  Depreciation and amortization was reduced compared to the first quarter of 2003, primarily due to reduced capital expenditure in recent years.
 
  The increase in capital expenditure compared to the first quarter of 2003 was primarily due to the increase in investments in administrative support systems for customer, order and invoicing.

 


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Fixed — Sweden

                         
    1st quarter
  Year
(NOK in millions)
  2004
  2003
  2003
External revenues
    411       292       1,517  
Internal revenues
    23       25       81  
Gains on disposal
                5  
Total revenues
    434       317       1,603  
 
                       
EBITDA
    (3 )     (41 )     (56 )
Depreciation and amortization 1)
    37       64       141  
Write-downs
                1  
Operating (loss)
    (40 )     (105 )     (198 )
1) Includes amortization of Telenor’s net excess values by
    (27 )     (5 )     (143 )
 
                       
Investments:
                       
— Capex
    15       9       85  
— Investments in businesses
    78             13  

  The trading in Utfors AB shares on the Stockholm stock exchange ceased on 31 March 2004. Telenor held 98.5% of the shares in Utfors AB at that time.
 
  The increase in revenues, measured in NOK, compared to the first quarter of 2003 was due to the increase in sale of traffic to Glocalnet on a wholesale basis and a weakened Norwegian Krone compared to the Swedish Krone.
 
  The decrease in the EBITDA loss compared to the first quarter of 2003 was primarily due to increased revenues.
 
  Reduced depreciation and amortization compared to the first quarter of 2003 was due to a reduction in the amortization period for a significant part of the negative goodwill in relation to the final allocation of net excess values in the third quarter of 2003 related to the acquisition of Utfors AB.

Fixed — Russia

                         
    1st quarter
  Year
(NOK in millions)
  2004
  2003
  2003
Total revenues
          167       703  
EBITDA
          57       215  
Operating profit 1)
          19       71  
1) Includes amortization of Telenor’s net excess values by
          16       58  
 
                       
Investments:
                       
— Capex
          43       173  
— Investments in businesses
                280  

  Telenor’s shareholding in Comincom/Combellga was sold on 1 December 2003 in exchange for shares in the listed company Golden Telecom.

 


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    Comincom/Combellga was consolidated as a subsidiary up until 1 December 2003. Golden Telecom is accounted for as an associated company from this date.

Fixed — other countries

  The activities in Fixed — Other Countries consist of activities in the Czech Republic and Slovakia. EBITDA was NOK 4 million in the first quarter of 2004, which was an improvement of NOK 11 million compared to the first quarter of 2003 due to increased revenues and reduced operating expenses.

BROADCAST

                         
    1st quarter
  Year
(NOK in millions)
  2004
  2003
  2003
External revenues
                       
Distribution
    1,060       870       3,761  
Transmission
    203       214       816  
Other
    8       11       64  
Total external revenues
    1,271       1,095       4,641  
Internal revenues
    35       43       159  
Gains on disposal
                20  
Total revenues
    1,306       1,138       4,820  
 
                       
EBITDA
    348       204       1,229  
Depreciation and amortization 1)
    238       273       1,030  
Write-downs
          4       18  
Operating profit (loss)
    110       (73 )     181  
1) Includes amortization of Telenor’s net excess values by
    67       63       256  
 
                       
EBITDA/Total revenues (%)
    26.6       17.9       25.5  
Operating profit/Total revenues (%)
    8.4     nm     3.8  
 
                       
Investments:
                       
— Capex
    23       28       252  
— Investments in businesses
          1       14  

  Increased revenues due to price increases and a higher number of subscribers, combined with a limited increase in operating expenses, excluding depreciation and amortization, increased the EBITDA margin to 26.6% in the first quarter of 2004 compared to 17.9% in the first quarter of 2003. In addition, the results in the first quarter of 2003 were negatively affected by accruals between the quarters in 2003.
 
  The decrease in depreciation and amortization compared to the first quarter of 2003 was due to fully depreciated fixed assets.

 


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Broadcast — Distribution

                         
    1st quarter
  Year
(NOK in millions)
  2004
  2003
  2003
External revenues
                       
Satellite dish
    730       578       2,528  
Cable-TV
    238       212       888  
Small antenna TV-networks
    90       74       335  
Other
    2       6       10  
Total external revenues
    1,060       870       3,761  
Internal revenues
    2       2       13  
Gains on disposal
                20  
Total revenues
    1,062       872       3,794  
 
                       
EBITDA
    192       85       686  
Depreciation and amortization 1)
    168       196       754  
Write-downs
          2       8  
Operating profit (loss)
    24       (113 )     (76 )
1) Include amortization of Telenor’s net excess values by
    67       63       255  
 
                       
EBITDA/Total revenues (%)
    18.1       9.7       18.1  
Operating profit/Total revenues (%)
    2.3     nm   nm
                         
Investments:
                       
— Capex
    8       17       112  
— Investments in businesses
                 

  Revenues in Distribution increased compared to the first quarter of 2003 mainly due to a higher number of subscribers, price increases for satellite dish and currency fluctuations.
 
  The increase in EBITDA compared to the first quarter of 2003, was due to increased revenues. In addition, EBITDA was negatively affected in the first quarter of 2003 by accruals between the quarters in 2003.
 
  The decrease in depreciation and amortization was due to fully depreciated fixed assets.

 


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Broadcast — Transmission

                         
    1st quarter
  Year
(NOK in millions)
  2004
  2003
  2003
External revenues
    203       214       816  
Internal revenues
    100       118       461  
Gains on disposal
                 
Total revenues
    303       332       1,277  
 
                       
EBITDA
    152       139       554  
Depreciation and amortization
    66       74       266  
Write-downs
                7  
Operating profit
    86       65       281  
 
                       
EBITDA/Total revenues (%)
    50.2       41.9       43.4  
Operating profit/Total revenues (%)
    28.4       19.6       22.0  
 
                       
Investments:
                       
— Capex
    12       10       116  
— Investments in businesses
                 

  The decrease in external revenues in Transmission compared to the first quarter of 2003 was due to reduced sales of analogue transmissions via satellite. Decreased sales to other areas within Broadcast and to other Telenor entities contributed to the decrease in internal revenues.
 
  EBITDA increased compared to the first quarter of 2003 due to reduced price on the leasing of satellite capacity which more than offset reduced revenues.
 
  The decrease in depreciation and amortization was due to fully depreciated fixed assets.

Broadcast — Other

  Increased EBITDA in Broadcast — Other compared to the first quarter of 2003 was due to increased revenues from Distribution in the first quarter of 2004.

 


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OTHER ACTIVITIES

EDB Business Partner

                         
    1st quarter
  Year
(NOK in millions)
  2004
  2003
  2003
External revenues
    805       804       3,210  
Internal revenues
    231       254       1,060  
Gains on disposal
                19  
Total revenues
    1,036       1,058       4,289  
 
                       
EBITDA
    128       95       399  
Depreciation and amortization
    86       89       375  
Write-downs
          4       28  
Operating profit (loss)
    42       2       (4 )
 
                       
EBITDA/Total revenues (%)
    12.4       9.0       9.3  
Operating profit/Total revenues (%)
    4.1       0.2       nm  
 
                       
Investments:
                       
— Capex
    31       59       210  
— Investments in businesses
          4       95  

Telenor’s ownership interest in EDB Business Partner was 51.8% at the end of the first quarter of 2004.

  Adjusted for acquisitions and disposals of operations, revenues were in line with the first quarter of 2003. Banking & Finance had a limited increase in revenues and Telekom had a limited decrease.
 
  The EBITDA margin increased compared to the first quarter of 2003 due to cost savings related to the restructuring of Banking & Finance, the winding up of operations with low margins, and a general focus on cost control.
 
  Depreciation and amortization decreased compared to the first quarter of 2003 due to fully depreciated fixed assets.
 
  EDB Business Partner’s capital expenditure in the first quarter of 2004 decreased compared to previous quarters due to more efficient utilization of earlier investments and because no major projects were launched during the period.
 
  In the first quarter of 2004, EDB Business Partner entered into an agreement to sell a substantial portion of its activities in Telekom for approximately NOK 400 million. The transaction was carried out on 30 April 2004.
 
  In the first quarter of 2004, EDB Business Partner entered into an agreement to acquire a substantial portion of the operations of the Operating Service division from the business area Fixed. Telenor has also extended and prolonged its agreement with EDB Business Partner for the operation of Telenor’s IT systems until 1 May 2011. In addition, through this agreement EDB Business Partner took over operating contracts for a number of external customers from Telenor. These transactions were completed on 3 May 2004.

 


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Other business units

Revenues

                         
    1st quarter
  Year
(NOK in millions)
  2004
  2003
  2003
Satellite Services
    476       500       1,996  
Satellite Networks
    133       131       551  
Teleservice
    128       180       725  
Nextra International
          131       256  
Software Services
    30       19       121  
Other
    131       111       515  
Eliminations
    (9 )     (1 )     (10 )
Revenues
    889       1,071       4,154  
Gains on disposal
    5             51  
Total revenues
    894       1,071       4,205  
 
                       
EBITDA
    141       106       408  
Depreciation and amortization 1)
    105       119       491  
Write-downs 1)
    3             37  
Operating profit (loss)
    33       (13 )     (120 )
1) Include amortization and write-downs of Telenor’s net excess values by
    9       10       40  
 
                       
Operating profit (loss)
                       
Satellite Services
    31       60       200  
Satellite Networks
    19       4       34  
Teleservice
    (2 )     5       (43 )
Nextra International
    (1 )     (42 )     (220 )
Software Services
    (4 )     (27 )     (86 )
Other
    (10 )     (13 )     (5 )
Total operating profit (loss)
    33       (13 )     (120 )
 
                       
Investments:
                       
— Capex
    40       37       233  
— Investments in businesses
    2       14       30  

 


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Satellite Services

  The decrease in revenues in Satellite Services compared to the first quarter of 2003 was primarily due to a reduction in the price and volume of Inmarsat-based satellite services and the effect of a the strengthening of the Norwegian Krone against the US Dollar.
 
  The decrease in operating profit compared to the first quarter of 2003 was primarily due to decreased revenues and the impact of currency fluctuations (weakened US Dollar and strengthened Euro against the Norwegian Krone). Moreover, depreciation and amortization increased as a consequence of reduced depreciation periods for some earth station equipment.

Satellite Networks

  The increase in revenues in Satellite Networks compared to the first quarter of 2003 was primarily due to increased sales under existing contracts in the Norwegian and Dutch satellite operations as well as in the Taide Internet operations. The increase was partially offset by decrease in revenues due to the sale of the operations in Poland in November 2003.
 
  The increase in operating profit compared to the first quarter of 2003 was due to increased revenues and better operating margins as a result of better utilization of space capacity and a general focus on cost control.

Teleservice

  Decreased revenues in Teleservice compared to the first quarter of 2003 were primarily due to the disposals of operations. As of 1 January 2004, the MeetAt operations were transferred to the business area Fixed, and in addition parts of the operations outside Norway were sold. In the first quarter of 2003, these operations had in aggregate revenues of NOK 32 million. A reduced total market for directory enquiry services and a reduced market share also contributed to reduced revenues. Gains from the disposal of operations amounted to NOK 5 million in the first quarter of 2004.
 
  Reduced operating profit compared to the first quarter of 2003 was primarily due to reduced revenues from the directory enquiry services. The decrease in operating profit due to the sale of operations was largely offset by gains from such disposals.

Nextra International

  The operating companies in Nextra International were wound up or sold. However, certain matters are still unresolved regarding the final settlement of the sales and liquidations, and as a consequence some of the holding companies are not yet liquidated.
 
Software services

  Increased revenues compared to the first quarter of 2003 were mainly due to changes in delivery periods for internal sales of CA software.
 
  Restructuring of the operations and renegotiation of the agreement with Computer Associates in the fourth quarter of 2003 contributed to reduced operating expenses compared to the first quarter of 2003. In addition to increased revenues, this contributed to reduced operating loss compared to the first quarter of 2003.

 


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Corporate functions and group activities

                         
    1st quarter
  Year
(NOK in millions)
  2004
  2003
  2003
External revenues
    65       49       229  
Internal revenues
    457       496       1,955  
Gains on disposal
    2       4       133  
Total revenues
    524       549       2,317  
 
                       
EBITDA
    (7 )     (7 )     23  
Depreciation and amortization
    85       94       384  
Write-downs
                3  
Operating (loss)
    (92 )     (101 )     (364 )
 
                       
Investments:
                       
— Capex
    15       29       253  
— Investments in businesses
                93  

  EBITDA was in line with the first quarter of 2003. Compared to the first quarter of 2003, expenses for property developments decreased, while expenses in group projects, mainly cost programmes, increased.
 
  The decrease in depreciation and amortization compared to the first quarter of 2003 was due to reversal of previous depreciation related to investment subsidies received for Special Service Obligations.
 
  Capital expenditure decreased compared to the first quarter of 2003 due to low property-related investments in the first quarter of 2004.

OTHER PROFIT AND LOSS ITEMS FOR THE GROUP

Depreciation, amortization and write-downs

                         
    1st quarter
  Year
(NOK in millions)
  2004
  2003
  2003
Depreciation of tangible assets
    1.924       2.018       7.986  
Amortization of goodwill *)
    213       209       686  
Amortization of other intangible assets *)
    594       459       1.925  
Total depreciation and amortization
    2.731       2.686       10.597  
Write-downs of tangible assets
    1       10       104  
Write-downs of goodwill
    2       4       16  
Write-downs of other intangible assets
          2       25  
Total write-downs
    3       16       145  
Total depreciation, amortization and write-downs
    2.734       2.702       10.742  

*)   See specification below.

  In the fourth quarter of 2003, certain reclassifications from tangible assets to intangible assets were made, mainly related to software in administrative support systems. The comparable figures are adjusted to reflect these changes.

 


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*)   Specification of amortization of goodwill and other intangible assets (including amortization of Telenor’s net excess values)
                         
    1st quarter
  Year
(NOK in millions)
  2004
  2003
  2003
Amortization of goodwill
                       
Sonofon
    38              
DiGi.Com
    12       14       48  
Pannon GSM
    81       76       308  
Kyivstar
    10       10       39  
Other Mobile
          3       5  
Total Mobile
    141       103       400  
Fixed
    (26 )     12       (95 )
Broadcast
    53       50       197  
EDB Business Partner
    38       36       151  
Other units
    7       8       33  
Total amortization of goodwill
    213       209       686  
 
                       
Amortization of other intangible assets
                       
Sonofon
    130              
DiGi.Com
    20       21       83  
Pannon GSM
    153       144       564  
Kyivstar
    58       50       213  
Other Mobile
    83       99       374  
Total Mobile
    444       314       1,234  
Fixed
    107       104       431  
Broadcast
    19       16       78  
EDB Business Partner
                1  
Other units
    24       25       181  
Total amortization of other intangible assets
    594       459       1,925  

  Amortization of goodwill in Fixed was an income in the first quarter of 2004 compared to an expense in the first quarter of 2003. The change was due to the sale of Comincom/Combellga (NOK 11 million) and amortization of negative goodwill related to Utfors AB (NOK 27 million).

Associated companies

                         
    1st quarter
  Year
(NOK in millions)
  2004
  2003
  2003
Telenors share of 1)
                       
Net income after taxes
    240       68       329  
Amortization of Telenor’s net excess values
    (107 )     (168 )     (579 )
Write-downs of Telenor’s excess values
                (26 )
Gains on disposal of ownership interests
          66       1,507  
Net result from associated companies
    133       (34 )     1,231  

1)   The figures are partly based on management’s estimates in connection with the preparation of the consolidated financial statements. The consolidated profit and loss statement contains only the line “net result from associated companies”.

 


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  Increased net income after taxes from associated companies compared to the first quarter of 2003 was primarily due to increased profitability in associated companies in Mobile.
 
  The decrease in amortization of Telenor’s net excess values compared to the first quarter of 2003 was mainly due to the consolidation of Sonofon as a subsidiary as from 12 February 2004, partially offset by amortization related to Golden Telecom, which became an associated company as of 1 December 2003.
 
  Gains on disposal in the first quarter of 2003 was due to the sale of Telenor’s ownership interest in StavTeleSot to Vimpelcom-Region.

Financial items

                         
    1st quarter
  Year
(NOK in millions)
  2004
  2003
  2003
Financial income
    108       165       586  
Financial expenses
    (409 )     (576 )     (2,023 )
Net foreign currency gain (loss)
    (31 )     103       (1 )
Net gains (losses) and (write-downs)
    2,591       (86 )     73  
Net financial items
    2,259       (394 )     (1,365 )
 
                       
Gross interest expenses
    (405 )     (574 )     (2,033 )
Net interest expenses
    (307 )     (453 )     (1,549 )

  The decrease in financial income compared to the first quarter of 2003 was mainly due to the decline in market interest rates, partially offset by increased interest-bearing financial assets. In the first quarter of 2003, NOK 19 million in dividends from the company Expert ASA was included in financial income.
 
  The decrease in interest-bearing liabilities and average interest rates contributed to the decrease in financial expenses compared to the first quarter of 2003. In the first quarter of 2003, approximately NOK 90 million was accrued and expensed for interest related to legal disputes.
 
  Net currency losses in the first quarter of 2004 were mainly due to the holding of interest-bearing financial assets in Euro subsequent to the sale of the Cosmote shares. Currency gains in the first quarter of 2003 were largely due to hedging instruments related to payment of taxes in 2003 related to gains from the sale of VIAG Interkom.
 
  Net gains on financial items in the first quarter of 2004 were mainly due to the sale of Telenor’s remaining shares in Cosmote. Net losses and write-downs on financial items in the first quarter of 2003 were due to write-downs of shares in Expert ASA and of shares owned by Telenor Venture.

Taxes

  The tax rate in Norway is 28%. The effective tax rate for the Telenor group for 2004 is estimated to be 34% of profit before taxes and minority interests.
 
  The estimated effective tax rate for Telenor for 2004 is higher than 28%, mainly due to higher taxes on foreign companies, including deferred tax on retained earnings and amortization of goodwill on which deferred tax assets have not been recognized. The actual effective tax rate for the year may deviate from the estimated rate.

 


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  On 26 March 2004, the Norwegian government issued and submitted to the Norwegian parliament (Storting) a consultation paper outlining certain proposals for a future tax reform. The main proposals relating to the taxation of companies provide for a tax exemption on dividend income and a tax exemption on capital gains deriving from the disposal of shares. As a result of such exemptions, capital losses deriving from disposals of shares would not be tax deductible. If the government’s proposals receive sufficient support in the Storting, the government might submit draft legislation relating to the proposed tax reform to the Storting in the fall of 2004, in which case the tax exemptions described above could become effective from the fiscal year commenced on 1 January 2004. Such tax changes may affect the income tax expenses for Telenor.

Balance sheet and cash flow

  Total assets increased by NOK 7.2 billion compared to the end of 2003, primarily due to the consolidation of Sonofon. This also affected the separate balance sheet items.
 
  Net interest-bearing liabilities increased by NOK 1.5 billion from the end of 2003 to NOK19.3 billion at the end of the first quarter of 2004. The acquisition of the remaining 46.5% ownership interest in Sonofon increased net interest-bearing liabilities by approximately NOK 6.9 billion, of which approximately NOK 3.7 billion was payment for the shares. Beside these effects, net interest-bearing liabilities decreased due to the proceeds of approximately NOK 3.1 billion from the sale of shares in Cosmote and from cash flow from operations, partially offset by capital expenditure and the repurchase of Telenor’s own shares for an amount of NOK 0.6 billion in the first quarter of 2004. Currency fluctuations increased net interest-bearing liabilities measured in Norwegian Kroner by approximately NOK 0.2 billion compared to the end of 2003.
 
  Minority interests increased compared to the end of 2003 primarily due to net income from Kyivstar, GrameenPhone and DiGi.Com and due to currency fluctuations.
 
  Translation adjustments were positively affected by NOK 644 million compared to the end of 2003 due to the weakening of the Norwegian Krone in the quarter, of which the Hungarian Forint had the largest effect.

Disputes

  In March 2004, Tele2 Norge AS (Tele2) filed a complaint against Telenor Mobil AS before the Conciliation Board of Baerum (this is the first step in Norwegian civil court proceedings and if no settlement is reached between the parties the case will be transferred to the competent court) claiming reimbursement of alleged excessive prices charged by Telenor Mobil pursuant to its service provider agreement with Tele2. Tele2 claims that these prices have not been set in accordance with the requirements for cost-oriented pricing and has sought reimbursement of the difference between the actual prices charged and cost-oriented prices. The claim is for NOK 113 million plus interests. Telenor is contesting the claim.
 
  Please refer to note 24 to Telenor’s annual report for 2003 for more information about legal proceedings.

 


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US GAAP

  Telenor had net income in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles in the United States (US GAAP) of NOK 2.991 million in the first quarter of 2004 compared to net income in accordance with Norwegian accounting principles of NOK 2,801 million. The main reason for the difference is that goodwill is not amortized according to US GAAP, but is subject to an annual impairment test.

OUTLOOK FOR 2004

  Telenor in general confirms its expectations for 2004 as presented in Telenor’s report for the fourth quarter of 2003. Overall, excluding special items we expect a positive development in Telenor’s results compared to 2003.
 
  Continued growth in revenues is expected, driven by the international mobile operations and the consolidation of Sonofon.
 
  The EBITDA margin is expected to be approximately in line with 2003, excluding special items. This include consolidation of Sonofon, expected increase in sales and marketing expenses in a number of our mobile operations as well as operating expenses related to the establishment of mobile operations in Pakistan.
 
  Capital expenditure is expected to be higher than in 2003 due to the purchase of satellite capacity, the consolidation of Sonofon, investments in new mobile technology in Norway, and investments in Pakistan, including license costs. In addition, the increase in subscriptions in some of the international mobile companies may result in Telenor accelerating certain network investments.
 
  The sale of the Operating service division from the business area Fixed to EDB Business Partner is expected to have a small negative effect on Fixed — Norway’s revenues. This transaction is expected to have a limited effect on the results for the Telenor Group for 2004, excluding special items.

The unaudited interim consolidated financial statements according to Norwegian accounting principles have been prepared on a basis consistent with Telenor’s financial statements as of year-end 2003, and in accordance with the Norwegian accounting standard for interim reporting.

The accounts submitted with the report have not been audited. This report contains statements regarding the future in connection with Telenor’s growth initiatives, profit figures, outlook, strategies and objectives. In particular, the section “Outlook for 2004” contains forward-looking statements regarding the group’s expectations. All statements regarding the future are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties, and many factors can lead to actual profits and developments deviating substantially from what has been expressed or implied in such statements. These factors include the risk factors relating to Telenor’s activities described in Telenor’s Annual Report 2003 on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission in the USA under the headings “Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” and “Risk Factors” (available at www.telenor.com/ir/).

Oslo, 4 May 2004
The Board of Directors of Telenor ASA

 


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Profit and loss statement

                         
Telenor group   1st quarter
  Year
(NOK in millions except net income per share)
  2004
  2003
  2003
Revenues
    14,276       12,602       52,889  
Gains on disposal of fixed assets and operations
    8       4       232  
Total revenues
    14,284       12,606       53,121  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Costs of materials and traffic charges
    3,652       3,160       13,094  
Own work capitalized
    (124 )     (152 )     (571 )
Salaries and personnel costs
    2,528       2,473       9,561  
Other operating expenses
    3,210       2,937       12,506  
Losses on disposal of fixed assets and operations
    2       11       229  
Depreciation and amortization
    2,731       2,686       10,597  
Write-downs
    3       16       145  
Total operating expenses
    12,002       11,131       45,561  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Operating profit
    2,282       1,475       7,560  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Associated companies
    133       (34 )     1,231  
Net financial items
    2,259       (394 )     (1,365 )
Profit before taxes and minority interests
    4,674       1,047       7,426  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Taxes
    (1,589 )     (387 )     (2,376 )
Minority interests
    (284 )     (63 )     (490 )
Net income
    2,801       597       4,560  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Net income per share in NOK — basic and diluted
    1.58       0.34       2.57  
 
                       
US GAAP
                       
Net income
    2,991       687       5,036  
Net income per share in NOK — basic and diluted
    1.69       0.39       2.84  

 


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BALANCE

                         
Telenor group            
(NOK in millions)
  31.03.2004
  31.03.2003
  31.12.2003
Deferred tax assets
    2,541       4,702       3,850  
Goodwill
    14,721       9,978       9,224  
Intangible assets
    9,405       6,722       5,536  
Tangible assets
    37,835       38,804       35,722  
Associated companies
    6,663       9,908       10,166  
Other financial assets
    2,553       4,046       3,848  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total fixed assets
    73,718       74,160       68,346  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Other current assets
    10,742       10,578       9,819  
Cash and interest-bearing investments
    8,858       6,228       7,945  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total current assets
    19,600       16,806       17,764  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total assets
    93,318       90,966       86,110  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Paid-in equity
    28,712       29,285       29,311  
Other equity
    12,779       7,865       9,978  
Cumulative translation adjustments
    (1,408 )     (2,311 )     (2,052 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Shareholders equity
    40,083       34,839       37,237  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Minority interests
    3,974       3,884       3,646  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total equity and minority interests
    44,057       38,723       40,883  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Provisions
    2,884       1,007       1,645  
Long-term interest-bearing liabilities
    27,088       28,840       25,376  
Long-term non-interest-bearing liabilities
    753       648       754  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total long-term liabilities
    27,841       29,488       26,130  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Short-term interest-bearing liabilities
    1,067       3,527       386  
Short-term non-interest-bearing liabilities
    17,469       18,221       17,066  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total short-term liabilities
    18,536       21,748       17,452  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total equity and liabilities
    93,318       90,966       86,110  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 

 


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CASH FLOW STATEMENT

                         
Telenor group   1st quarter
  Year
(NOK in millions)
  2004
  2003
  2003
Profit before taxes and minority interests
    4,674       1,047       7,426  
Taxes paid
    (168 )     (65 )     (3,283 )
Net (gains) losses including write-downs of financial items
    (2,596 )     93       (76 )
Depreciation, amortization and write-downs
    2,734       2,702       10,742  
Associated companies
    (133 )     34       (1,231 )
Difference between expensed and paid pensions
    137       (129 )     134  
Currency (gains) losses not relating to operating activities
    35       (154 )     (78 )
Change in other accruals
    (248 )     (541 )     42  
Net cash flow from operating activities
    4,435       2,987       13,676  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Payments on purchase of tangible and intangible assets
    (1,551 )     (1,406 )     (6,536 )
Payments on purchase of subsidiaries and associated companies, net of cash received
    (4,424 )     (12 )     (506 )
Proceeds from sale of tangible and intangible assets and businesses, net of cash payed
    211       174       2,850  
Proceeds from sale of and payments for other investments
    3,077       (171 )     738  
Net cash flow from investment activities
    (2,687 )     (1,415 )     (3,454 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Proceeds and payments interest-bearing liabilities
    (277 )     (907 )     (7,022 )
Proceeds and payments from issuance of shares incl. from/to minority interests in subsidiaries
    7             25  
Share repurchase
    (620 )            
Payment of dividends
                (890 )
Net cash flow from financing activities
    (890 )     (907 )     (7,887 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Effect on cash and cash equivalents of changes in foreign exchange rates
    75       79       45  
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
    933       744       2,380  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents 01.01.
    7,644       5,264       5,264  
Cash and cash equivalents by the end of the period
    8,577       6,008       7,644  

 


Table of Contents

THE BUSINESS AREAS FIRST QUARTER

                                                                                                                 
    Revenues 1)
  of which
external 1)

  EBITDA
  Operating profit
(loss)

  Associated
companies

  Net financial
items

  Profit (loss)
before taxes and
minority interests

(NOK in millions)
  2004
  2003
  2004
  2003
  2004
  2003
  2004
  2003
  2004
  2003
  2004
  2003
  2004
  2003
Mobile
    7,214       5,388       6,867       5,082       2,816       2,195       1,506       1,112       181       22       2,096       (737 )     3,783       397  
Fixed
    4,940       5,032       4,509       4,646       1,620       1,592       692       542       (5 )     2       (170 )     (222 )     517       322  
Broadcast
    1,306       1,138       1,271       1,095       348       204       110       (73 )     7       (16 )     (137 )     (232 )     (20 )     (321 )
EDB Business Partner
    1,036       1,058       805       804       128       95       42       2             (1 )     (16 )     (17 )     26       (16 )
Other business units
    894       1,071       765       926       141       106       33       (13 )     (45 )     (40 )     (16 )     (105 )     (28 )     (158 )
Corporate functions and Group activities
    524       549       67       53       (7 )     (7 )     (92 )     (101 )           (1 )     502       919       410       817  
Eliminations
    (1,630 )     (1,630 )                 (30 )     (8 )     (9 )     6       (5 )                       (14 )     6  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total
    14,284       12,606       14,284       12,606         5,016         4,177         2,282         1,475            133            (34 )       2,259           (394 )       4,674         1,047  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 

1)   Revenues includes gains on disposal of fixed assets and operations

 


Table of Contents

ANALYTICAL INFORMATION

                                                                         
    2002
  2003
  2004
    Q1
  Q2
  Q3
  Q4
  Q1
  Q2
  Q3
  Q4
    Q1
Revenues (NOK in millions)
    11,563       12,011       12,210       13,042       12,606       13,223       13,491       13,801       14,284  
EBITDA excluding gains and losses (NOK in millions)
    2,926       3,155       3,778       3,599       4,184       4,448       4,886       4,781       5,016  
Operating profit (loss) (NOK in millions)
    602       691       488       (2,101 )     1,475       1,612       2,300       2,173       2,282  
Profit (loss) before taxes and minority interests (NOK in millions)
    31       383       (105 )     (5,445 )     1,047       2,490       2,005       1,884       4,674  
Equity ratio including minority interests (%)
    49.4       48.2       46.7       41.7       42.6       45.5       48.0       47.0       47.2  
Net interest bearing liabilities (NOK in millions)
    24,449       25,717       27,645       26,872       26,139       25,317       21,584       17,817       19,297  
Net interest bearing liabilities/EBITDA excluding gains and losses last 12 months
    2.6       2.5       2.3       2.0       1.8       1.6       1.3       1.0       1.0  
Capex (NOK in millions)
    1,879       2,161       2,169       2,680       1,230       1,314       1,460       2,450       1,471  
Investments in businesses (NOK in millions)
    8,875       2,271       493       772       23       268       9       263       3,749  
No. of man-years
    22,250       21,650       22,350       22,100       21,200       21,150       20,300       19,450       20,600  
— of which abroad
    7,700       7,800       8,600       8,900       8,700       8,700       8,100       7,450       8,650  
MOBILE
                                                                       
Telenor Mobil (Norway)
                                                                       
No. of mobile subscriptions (NMT + GSM) (in thousands)
    2,314       2,360       2,409       2,382       2,342       2,330       2,364       2,364       2,378  
No. of GSM subscriptions (in thousands)
    2,249       2,299       2,352       2,330       2,294       2,285       2,324       2,327       2,346  
— of which prepaid (in thousands)
    1,051       1,094       1,131       1,115       1,093       1,091       1,120       1,099       1,091  
Traffic minutes per GSM subscription per month, generated and terminated
    171       185       186       178       178       190       195       189       192  
Average revenues per GSM subscription per month in the quarter (ARPU):
    334       351       359       340       330       346       354       326       332  
— of which contract
    481       511       528       492       480       501       519       475       488  
— of which prepaid
    162       168       171       170       163       172       174       162       154  
No. of SMS and content messages (in millions)
    391       403       444       454       452       462       500       512       488  
Sonofon (Denmark)
                                                                       
No. of mobile subscriptions (in thousands)
                                                    996  
— of which prepaid (in thousands)
                                                    250  
Traffic minutes per GSM subscription per month, generated and terminated
                                                    165  
Average revenues per GSM subscription per month in the quarter (ARPU):
                                                    270  
— of which contract
                                                    313  
— of which prepaid
                                                    135  
No. of SMS and content messages (in millions)
                                                    240  
Mobile Sweden
                                                                       
No. of mobile subscriptions (in thousands)
                            52       59       65       81       84  
— of which prepaid (in thousands)
                            26       23       28       44       48  
Traffic minutes per GSM subscription per month, generated and terminated
                            28       41       67       76       80  
Average revenues per GSM subscription per month in the quarter (ARPU):
                            119       160       207       199       188  
— of which contract
                            194       248       311       294       295  
— of which prepaid
                            44       49       56       105       105  
No. of SMS and content messages (in millions)
                            3       3       5       8       8  
Pannon (Hungary)
                                                                       
No. of mobile subscriptions (in thousands)
    2,001       2,146       2,311       2,450       2,514       2,514       2,564       2,618       2,596  
— of which prepaid (in thousands)
    1,446       1,596       1,767       1,910       1,989       1,981       2,019       2,023       1,977  
Traffic minutes per GSM subscription per month, generated and terminated
    113       115       112       112       104       110       113       116       111  
Average revenues per GSM subscription per month in the quarter (ARPU):
    182       184       177       177       153       165       170       173       169  
— of which contract
    383       391       401       415       386       414       416       412       396  
— of which prepaid
    97       98       94       100       86       92       97       99       94  
DiGi.Com (Malaysia)
                                                                       
No. of mobile subscriptions (100% in thousands)
    1,159       1,284       1,454       1,616       1,803       1,946       2,055       2,207       2,416  
— of which prepaid (100% in thousands)
    1,044       1,176       1,351       1,519       1,708       1,850       1,953       2,101       2,301  
Traffic minutes per GSM subscription per month, generated and terminated
    197       189       185       185       177       175       177       176       167  
Average revenues per GSM subscription per month in the quarter (ARPU):
    169       158       138       145       123       111       117       117       116  
— of which contract
    313       331       312       352       331       336       367       357       358  
— of which prepaid
    150       142       124       131       112       100       105       105       104  
Kyivstar (Ukraine)
                                                                       
No. of mobile subscriptions (100% in thousands)
                1,659       1,856       2,012       2,205       2,512       3,037       3,221  
— of which prepaid (100% in thousands)
                1,283       1,472       1,614       1,768       2,037       2,503       2,675  
Traffic minutes per GSM subscription per month, generated and terminated
                50       49       43       52       59       73       69  
Average revenues per GSM subscription per month in the quarter (ARPU):
                113       102       81       92       106       95       87  
— of which contract
                194       202       167       176       204       201       194  
— of which prepaid
                73       70       54       66       74       70       62  
GrameenPhone (Bangladesh)
                                                                       
No. of mobile subscriptions (100% in thousands)
    550       625       704       769       835       928       1,047       1,141       1,520  
— of which prepaid (100% in thousands)
    353       424       501       563       631       725       820       899       1,258  
Traffic minutes per GSM subscription per month, generated and terminated
    308       297       288       298       309       312       328       320       322  
Average revenues per GSM subscription per month in the quarter (ARPU):
    191       173       167       155       133       136       143       130       123  
— of which contract
    311       297       286       303       283       295       337       327       342  
— of which prepaid
    118       104       100       95       81       89       90       76       72  
Associated companies
                                                                       
No. of mobile subscriptions (100% in thousands)
    12,424       14,425       14,814       16,116       17,158       15,105       17,035       19,478       21,028  
FIXED — Norway
                                                                       
Retail market
                                                                       
No. of PSTN subscriptions (in thousands)
    1,522       1,497       1,480       1,467       1,449       1,427       1,381       1,308       1,248  
No. of ISDN subscriptions (lines in thousands)
    1,803       1,818       1,818       1,828       1,816       1,800       1,755       1,682       1,600  
PSTN/ISDN generated traffic (mill. minutes)
    4,702       4,392       3,864       4,387       4,268       3,876       3,454       3,787       3,725  
Market share of PSTN/ISDN generated traffic (%)
    73       73       73       72       70       70       69       69       69  
No. of Online subscriptions residential market (in thousands)
    370       359       347       337       315       304       301       294       286  
No. of ADSL subscriptions residential market (in thousands)
    42       53       64       90       114       124       139       163       191  
No. of ADSL subscriptions business market Norway (in thousands)
    1       2       3       4       7       10       11       14       17  
Wholesale market
                                                                       
No. of PSTN subscriptions (in thousands)
                            11       12       42       104       151  
No. of ISDN subscriptions (lines in thousands)
                            14       17       52       126       188  
No. of ADSL subscriptions (in thousands)
    5       6       8       15       21       31       41       56       76  
No. of LLUB (in thousands)
    18       25       32       42       53       59       68       80       96  
BROADCAST
                                                                       
No. of television subscribers in the Nordic region (in thousands)
                                                                       
— Subscribers with satellite dish
    614       646       664       701       713       708       726       763       778  
— Cable TV subscribers
    557       559       561       571       575       590       594       604       605  
— Households in small antenna TV-networks
    1,140       1,126       1,129       1,133       1,130       1,049       1,100       1,098       1,132  

 


Table of Contents

Special items

                         
    4th quarter
  Year
(NOK in millions)
  2004
  2003
  2003
EBITDA
      5,016         4,177       18,302  
Gains on disposal of fixed assets and operations
    (8 )     (4 )     (232 )
Losses on disposal of fixed assets and operations
    2       11       229  
EBITDA excluding gains and losses
    5,010       4,184       18,299  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Expenses for workforce reductions, loss contracts and exit from activities
                       
Mobile
    4             (21 )
Fixed
    18       6       6  
Broadcast
          2       7  
EDB Business Partner
                223  
Other business units
    1       1       38  
Corporate functions and Group activities
    2       (3 )     34  
Eliminations
                 
Total workforce reductions, loss contracts and exit from activities
    25       5       287  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Adjusted EBITDA
    5,035       4,189       18,586  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Write-downs
                       
Mobile
          8       35  
Fixed
                24  
Broadcast
          4       18  
EDB Business Partner
          4       28  
Other business units
    3             37  
Corporate functions and Group activities
                3  
Eliminations
                 
Total write-downs
    3       16       145  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Adjusted operating profit
    2,304       1,503       7,989  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Special items associated companies
                       
(Gains) losses on disposal of ownership interests
          (66 )     (1,507 )
Other write-downs associated companies
                25  
Total special items associated companies
          (66 )     (1,482 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Net (gains) losses and write-downs financial items
    (2,591 )     86       (73 )
Adjusted profit (loss) before taxes and minority interests
    2,105       1,095       6,300  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 

 


Table of Contents

Reconciliations

                         
    4th quarter
  Year
(NOK in millions)
  2004
  2003
  2003
Net income (loss)
    2,801       597       4,560  
Minority interests
    284       63       490  
Taxes
    1,589       387       2,376  
Profit (loss) before taxes and minority interests
      4,674         1,047       7,426  
Net financial items
    (2,259 )     394       1,365  
Associated companies
    (133 )     34       (1,231 )
Operating profit (loss)
    2,282       1,475       7,560  
Depreciation and amortization
    2,731       2,686       10,597  
Write-downs
    3       16       145  
EBITDA
    5,016       4,177       18,302  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Net (gains) losses on disposal of fixed assets and operations
    (6 )     7       (3 )
EBITDA excluding gains and losses
    5,010       4,184       18,299  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Expenses for workforce reductions, loss contracts and exit of activities
    25       5       287  
Adjusted EBITDA
    5,035       4,189       18,586  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Operating profit (loss)
    2,282       1,475       7,560  
Write-downs
    3       16       145  
Net (gains) losses on disposal of fixed assets and operations
    (6 )     7       (3 )
Expenses for workforce reductions, loss contracts and exit of activities
    25       5       287  
Adjusted operating profit (loss)
    2,304       1,503       7,989  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Associated companies
    133       (34 )     1,231  
Total special items associated companies
          (66 )     (1,482 )
Adjusted associated companies
    133       (100 )     (251 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Profit (loss) before taxes and minority interests
    4,674       1,047       7,426  
Write-downs
    3       16       145  
Net (gains) losses on disposal of fixed assets and operations
    (6 )     7       (3 )
Expenses for workforce reductions, loss contracts and exit of activities
    25       5       287  
Special items associated companies
          (66 )     (1,482 )
Net (gains) losses and write-downs financial items
    (2,591 )     86       (73 )
Adjusted profit (loss) before taxes and minority interests
    2,105       1,095       6,300  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 

 


Table of Contents

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.

           
    Telenor ASA


    By:   /s/ Torstein Moland
Name: Torstein Moland
Title:   CFO
 

Date: 6th May, 2004