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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: 23rd July 2004, for 2nd 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 :  X     Form 40-F

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant by furnishing the information contained in this Form is also thereby furnishing the information to the Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

Yes                          No : X

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

 


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SECOND QUARTER OF 2004
Telenor ASA second quarter of 2004
KEY FIGURES
KEY FIGURES FOR THE BUSINESS AREAS
EBITDA
BUSINESS AREAS
TELENOR MOBIL — NORWAY
SONOFON — DENMARK
TELENOR MOBILE SWEDEN
PANNON GSM – HUNGARY
DIGI.COM – MALAYSIA
KYIVSTAR – UKRAINE
GRAMEENPHONE – BANGLADESH
OTHER UNITS IN MOBILE
ASSOCIATED COMPANIES AND JOINT VENTURES IN MOBILE
FIXED
FIXED – NORWAY
FIXED – SWEDEN
FIXED – RUSSIA
BROADCAST
BROADCAST — DISTRIBUTION
BROADCAST – TRANSMISSION
OTHER ACTIVITIES
OTHER BUSINESS UNITS
CORPORATE FUNCTIONS AND GROUP ACTIVITIES
OTHER PROFIT AND LOSS ITEMS FOR THE GROUP
DISPUTES
US GAAP
OUTLOOK FOR 2004
BALANCE SHEET
CASH FLOW STATEMENT
THE BUSINESS AREAS SECOND QUARTER
Special items
Reconciliations
SIGNATURES


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TELENOR ASA SECOND QUARTER

 


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TELENOR ASA SECOND
TEL QUARTER 2004 RESULTS

Telenor’s revenues excluding gains increased by 16.1% to NOK 15,258 million. EBITDA margin adjusted for special items increased from 34.4% to 36.1%. EBITDA increased by NOK 1,331 million to NOK 5,681 million. Operating profit increased by NOK 1,127 million to NOK 2,739 million. Profit before taxes and minority interests increased by NOK 172 million to NOK 2,662 million. CAPEX was NOK 4,012 million. Net interest-bearing liabilities were NOK 22.0 billion.

Telenor’s revenues excluding gains increased by 16.1% to NOK 15,258 million, mainly due to the growth in the mobile operations and the consolidation of Sonofon. Adjusted for the effects of acquisitions and disposals of operations and currency fluctuations, the growth in revenues was just above 8%.

Telenor’s EBITDA margin adjusted for special items increased from 34.4% to 36.1%, primarily due to the results in Mobile constituting a larger part of the Group’s results. EBITDA increased by NOK 1,331 million to NOK 5,681 million.

Telenor’s operating profit increased by NOK 1,127 million to NOK 2,739 million. Profit before taxes and minority interests increased by NOK 172 million to NOK 2,662 million. The second quarter of 2003 included gain on disposal of 9% of the shares in Cosmote of NOK 1.5 billion.

In Mobile, EBITDA increased by NOK 774 million to NOK 3,051 million. The EBITDA margin in Mobile decreased to 37.2%, mainly due to the consolidation of Sonofon and costs associated with a strong customer growth in Telenor Mobil Norway.

The EBITDA margin in Fixed was 32.9%, in line with the second quarter of 2003.

In Broadcast, EBITDA increased by NOK 63 million to NOK 390 million.

In the second quarter of 2004, Telenor Mobil Norway increased the number of subscriptions by 73,000 at the same time as ARPU increased. Telenor’s estimated market share for mobile services in Norway was 56% measured in number of subscriptions. The market share for fixed line telephony in Norway measured in traffic minutes was 69%, in line with the end of the first quarter.

Capital expenditure was NOK 4,012 million compared to NOK 1,314 million in the second quarter of 2003, and included NOK 1.8 billion investment in a licence for mobile telephony in Pakistan.

Net interest-bearing liabilities were NOK 22.0 billion. The

 


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increase of NOK 2.7 billion from the end of the first quarter of 2004 was influenced by the payment of dividends and the repurchase of own shares.

In the second quarter of 2004, Telenor purchased 11,939,900 own shares in the market in accordance with the authority granted by Telenor’s general meeting of 6 May 2004.

In its decision of 14 June 2004, the Oslo District Court ruled in favour of Telenor, stating that Telenor’s intragroup sale of its shares in Sonofon Holding A/S triggered a tax loss of approximately NOK 8.6 billion corresponding to a reduced tax charge of approximately NOK 2.4 billion. The tax authorities have appealed the decision, and Telenor has consequently not recorded any tax income related to this ruling in the second quarter of 2004.

Outlook:

Telenor in general confirms its expectations for 2004 as presented in Telenor’s report for the first quarter of 2004. Overall, excluding special items, we expect a positive development in Telenor’s results compared to 2003.

Continued growth in revenues is expected, in particular driven by the international mobile operations, where we experience a strong growth in the customer base in several markets.

The EBITDA margin is expected to be in line with 2003, excluding special items. This includes the consolidation of Sonofon and the establishment of mobile operations in Pakistan. This expectation is based on, among other factors, the effects of increased marketing efforts to secure growth in several of our mobile operations.

The increase in the customer base in the Ukraine and in Bangladesh contributes to increased network investments. In addition, capital expenditure is expected to increase due to the new operation in Pakistan, including license costs, the purchase of satellite capacity, the consolidation of Sonofon and investments in new technology in Telenor Mobil Norway. In total, capital expenditure is expected to be substantially higer than in 2003.

The sale of the Operating service division from the business area Fixed to EDB Business Partner is for Fixed- Norway expected to have a positive effect on operating profit excluding special items and a negative effect on revenues.

 


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TEL CORRECTION IN PRESS RELEASE

Changed ‘Revenues increased by NOK 1,127 million’ to

Operating profit increased by NOK 1,127 million’

 


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SECOND QUARTER OF 2004

The second quarter of 2004 showed a growth in revenues excluding gains for the Telenor Group of 16.1% to NOK 15.3 billion compared to the second quarter of 2003. Profit before taxes and minority interests increased to NOK 2.7 billion.

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Telenor ASA second quarter of 2004

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

  Telenor’s revenues excluding gains increased by 16.1% to NOK 15,258 million, mainly due to the growth in the mobile operations and the consolidation of Sonofon. Adjusted for the effects of acquisitions and disposals of operations and currency fluctuations, the growth in revenues was just above 8%.

  Telenor’s EBITDA margin adjusted for special items increased from 34.4% to 36.1%, primarily due to the results in Mobile constituting a larger part of the Group’s results. EBITDA increased by NOK 1,331 million to NOK 5,681 million.

  Telenor’s operating profit increased by NOK 1,127 million to NOK 2,739 million. Profit before taxes and minority interests increased by NOK 172 million to NOK 2,662 million. The second quarter of 2003 included gain on disposal of 9% of the shares in Cosmote of NOK 1.5 billion.

  In Mobile, EBITDA increased by NOK 774 million to NOK 3,051 million. The EBITDA margin in Mobile decreased to 37.2%, mainly due to the consolidation of Sonofon and costs associated with a strong customer growth in Telenor Mobil – Norway.

  The EBITDA margin in Fixed was 32.9%, in line with the second quarter of 2003.

  In Broadcast, EBITDA increased by NOK 63 million to NOK 390 million.

  In the second quarter of 2004, Telenor Mobil-Norway increased the number of subscriptions by 73,000 at the same time as ARPU increased Telenor’s estimated market share for mobile services in Norway was 56% measured in number of subscriptions. The market share for fixed line telephony in Norway measured in traffic minutes was 69%, in line with the end of the first quarter.

  Capital expenditure was NOK 4,012 million compared to NOK 1,314 million in the second quarter of 2003, and included NOK 1.8 billion investment in a licence for mobile telephony in Pakistan.

  Net interest-bearing liabilities were NOK 22.0 billion. The increase of NOK 2.7 billion from the end of the first quarter of 2004 was influenced by the payment of dividends and the repurchase of own shares.
 
  In the second quarter of 2004, Telenor purchased 11,939,900 own shares in the market in accordance with the authority granted by Telenor’s general meeting of 6 May 2004.

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  In its decision of 14 June 2004, the Oslo District Court ruled in favour of Telenor, stating that Telenor’s intragroup sale of its shares in Sonofon Holding A/S triggered a tax loss of approximately NOK 8.6 billion corresponding to a reduced tax charge of approximately NOK 2.4 billion. The tax authorities have appealed the decision, and Telenor has consequently not recorded any tax income related to this ruling in the second quarter of 2004.

KEY FIGURES

                                         
    2nd quarter   1st half-year   Year
(NOK in millions)
  2004
  2003
  2004
  2003
  2003
Revenues
    15,624       13,223       29,908       25,829       53,121  
Revenues excluding gains
    15,258       13,147       29,534       25,749       52,889  
Revenues excluding gains - growth (%)
    16.1       10.1       14.7       9.8       8.7  
EBITDA 1)
    5,681       4,350       10,697       8,527       18,302  
EBITDA/Revenues (%)
    36.4       32.9       35.8       33.0       34.5  
EBITDA excluding gains and losses 2)
    5,342       4,448       10,352       8,632       18,299  
Operating profit
    2,739       1,612       5,021       3,087       7,560  
Operating profit/Revenues (%)
    17.5       12.2       16.8       12.0       14.2  
Associated companies
    211       1,382       344       1,348       1,231  
Profit before taxes and minority interests
    2,662       2,490       7,336       3,537       7,426  
Net income
    1,410       1,683       4,211       2,280       4,560  
Net interest-bearing liabilities
                    21,973       25,317       17,817  
Investments:
                                       
- Capex 3)
    4,012       1,314       5,483       2,544       6,454  
- Investments in businesses 4)
    294       268       4,043       291       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.

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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)

                                                                 
    2nd quarter   1st half-year   Year
(NOK in millions)
  2004
  2003
  Growth
  2004
  2003
  Growth
  2003
  Growth
Driftsinntekter
    15.258       13.147       16,1 %     29.534       25.749       14,7 %     52.889       8,7 %
EBITDA
    5.505       4.529       21,6 %     10.540       8.718       20,9 %     18.586       28,1 %
EBITDA/Driftsinntekter (%)
    36,1       34,4               35,7       33,9               35,1          
Driftsresultat
    2.564       1.838       39,5 %     4.868       3.341       45,7 %     7.989       87,1 %
Driftsresultat/Driftsinntekter (%)
    16,8       14,0               16,5       13,0               15,1          
Tilknyttede selskaper
    202       (49 )   nm     335       (149 )   nm     (251 )   nm
Resultat før skatt og minoritetsinteresser
    2.460       1.289       90,9 %     4.565       2.384       91,5 %     6.300       153,2 %


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

KEY FIGURES FOR THE BUSINESS AREAS

Revenues

                                                                 
    2nd quarter   1st half-year   Year
(NOK in millions)
  2004
  2003
  Growth
  2004
  2003
  Growth
  2003
  Growth
Mobile
    8,202       5,789       41.7 %     15,416       11,177       37.9 %     23,810       17.0 %
Fixed
    4,868       5,150       (5.5 %)     9,808       10,182       (3.7 %)     20,509       2.4 %
Broadcast
    1,336       1,169       14.3 %     2,642       2,307       14.5 %     4,820       33.7 %
Other activities
    2,870       2,841       1.0 %     5,324       5,519       (3.5 %)     10,811       (7.1 %)
Eliminations
    (1,652 )     (1,726 )     (4.3 %)     (3,282 )     (3,356 )     (2.2 %)     (6,829 )     0.6 %
Total revenues
    15,624       13,223       18.2 %     29,908       25,829       15.8 %     53,121       8.8 %

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EBITDA

                                                                                 
    2nd quarter   1st half-year   Year
(NOK in millions)
  2004
  Margin 1)
  2003
  Margin 1)
  2004
  Margin 1)
  2003
  Margin 1)
  2003
  Margin 1)
Mobile
    3,051       37.2 %     2,277       39.3 %     5,867       38.1 %     4,472       40.0 %     9,567       40.2 %
Fixed
    1,601       32.9 %     1.690       32.8 %     3,221       32.8 %     3,282       32.2 %     6,665       32.5 %
Broadcast
    390       29.2 %     327       28.0 %     738       27.9 %     531       23.0 %     1,229       25.5 %
Other activities
    582       20.3 %     73       2.6 %     844       15.9 %     267       4.8 %     830       7.7 %
Eliminations
    57     nm     (17 )   nm     27     nm     (25 )   nm     11     nm
Total EBITDA
    5,681       36.4 %     4,350       32.9 %     10,697       35.8 %     8,527       33.0 %     18,302       34.5 %
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Special items 2)
    (176 )   nm     179     nm     (157 )   nm     191     nm     284     nm
EBITDA adjusted for special items 3)
    5,505       36.1 %     4,529       34.4 %     10,540       35.7 %     8,718       33.9 %     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 for special items as a percentage of revenues excluding gains.

Operating profit (loss)

                                                                                 
    2nd quarter   1st half-year   Year
(NOK in millions)
  2004
  Margin 1)
  2003
  Margin 1)
  2004
  Margin 1)
  2003
  Margin 1)
  2003
  Margin 1)
Mobile
    1,508       18.4 %     1,173       20.3 %     3,014       19.6 %     2,285       20.4 %     5,224       21.9 %
Fixed
    729       15.0 %     629       12.2 %     1,421       14.5 %     1,171       11.5 %     2,531       12.3 %
Broadcast
    173       12.9 %     59       5.0 %     283       10.7 %     (14 )   nm     181       3.8 %
Other activities
    277       9.7 %     (249 )   nm     260       4.9 %     (361 )   nm     (488 )   nm
Eliminations
    52     nm         nm     43     nm     6     nm     112     nm
Total operating profit
    2,739       17.5 %     1,612       12.2 %     5,021       16.8 %     3,087       12.0 %     7,560       14.2 %


1)   Operating profit as a percentage of total revenues

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BUSINESS AREAS

MOBILE

                                         
    2nd quarter   1st half-year   Year
(NOK in millions)
  2004
  2003
  2004
  2003
  2003
External revenues
                                       
Telenor Mobil – Norway
    2,635       2,475       5,124       4,777       9,639  
Sonofon – Denmark
    1,239       1,911                    
Telenor Mobile Sweden
    34       27       66       47       109  
Pannon GSM – Hungary
    1,443       1,291       2,846       2,496       5,368  
DiGi.Com – Malaysia
    962       733       1,902       1,465       3,170  
Kyivstar – Ukraine
    996       590       1,830       1,073       2,634  
GrameenPhone – Bangladesh
    535       352       1,028       678       1,535  
Other
    5       4       8       18       28  
Total external revenues
    7,849       5,472       14,715       10,554       22,483  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Internal revenues
    353       317       700       623       1,327  
Gains on disposal
                1              
Total revenues
    8,202       5,789       15,416       11,177       23,810  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
EBITDA
    3,051       2,277       5,867       4,472       9,567  
Depreciation and amortization
    1,542       1,085       2,852       2,160       4,308  
Write-downs
    1       19       1       27       35  
Operating profit
    1,508       1,173       3,014       2,285       5,224  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
EBITDA/Total revenues (%)
    37.2       39.3       38.1       40.0       40.2  
Operating profit/ Total revenues (%)
    18.4       20.3       19.6       20.4       21.9  
Investments:
                                       
- Capex
    3,331       678       4,315       1,365       3,667  
- Investments in businesses
    183       1       3,844       5       95  

  Revenues increased by 41.7% compared to the second quarter of 2003 due to underlying growth and the consolidation of Sonofon.

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  EBITDA increased by 34.0% for the same reasons. However, the EBITDA margin decreased compared to the first quarter of 2003, mainly due to the consolidation of Sonofon and costs associated with a strong customer growth in Telenor Mobil – Norway.
 
  Investments in businesses in the second quarter of 2004 consisted of the acquisition of CBB Mobile A/S in Denmark and the purchase of additional shares in Kyivstar, which increased Telenor’s ownership interest from 55.35% to 56.51%.
 
  In the second quarter of 2004, capital expenditure included NOK 1.8 billion for a licence for mobile telephony in Pakistan. NOK 1.0 billion was paid in the second quarter of 2004 and the remainder is to be paid in annual instalments over 10 years.

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TELENOR MOBIL – NORWAY

                                         
    2nd quarter   1st half-year   Year
(NOK in millions)
  2004
  2003
  2004
  2003
  2003
Subscriptions and connections
    369       292       719       622       1,216  
Traffic
    1,405       1,391       2,695       2,637       5,329  
SMS and content services
    393       402       777       813       1,599  
Customer equipment, service providers and other
    468       390       933       705       1,495  
Total external revenues
    2,635       2,475       5,124       4,777       9,639  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Internal revenues
    315       321       626       629       1,270  
Gains on disposal
                             
Total revenues
    2,950       2,796       5,750       5,406       10,909  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
EBITDA
    1,076       1,040       2,074       2,123       4,262  
Depreciation and amortizatioin
    272       294       510       587       1147  
Write-downs
    1             1              
Operating profit
    803       746       1,563       1,536       3,115  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
EBITDA/Total revenues (%)
    36.5       37.2       36.1       39.3       39.1  
Operating profit/ Total revenues (%)
    27.2       26.7       27.2       28.4       28.6  
Capex
    255       108       469       185       500  
ARPU (GSM) monthly (NOK)
    348       346       340       338       339  
No. of subscriptions (in thousand)
                    2,451       2,330       2,364  

Compared to previously reported external revenues SMS services from abroad (roaming) have been reclassified from “Traffic” to “SMS and content services” for all periods.
 
  In a market affected by strong competition the number of GSM subscriptions in Telenor Mobil increased by 73,000 in the second quarter compared to the end of the first quarter of 2004, and by 121,000, primarily GSM contract subscriptions, compared to the end of the second quarter of 2003.
 
  The estimated market share for GSM measured in number of subscriptions had a positive development in the quarter and was approximately 56% at the end of the second quarter of 2004. Mobile penetration was estimated to have increased to approximately 94%, up from 87% in the second quarter of 2003 and up from 91% in the first quarter of 2004.
 
  Compared to the second quarter of 2003 revenues increased primarily as a result of higher sales of traffic on a wholesale basis. External traffic revenues increased due to increased traffic per subscription and an increase in the number of subscriptions, partially offset by price reductions. External subscription revenues

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    increased compared to the second quarter of 2003 due to the growth in the number of subscriptions. Reduced external revenues from SMS and content services were due to reduced prices in Norway.

  The reduced EBITDA margin compared to the second quarter of 2003 was primarily due to increased costs connected with sales and marketing activities, higher costs of materials and traffic charges due to increased traffic to other mobile networks and price reductions. These effects were partially offset by an increased number of subscriptions and higher average usage per subscription together with a continued strong focus on cost control.
 
  Depreciation and amortization decreased compared to the second quarter of 2003, primarily due to reduced capital expenditure in recent years.
 
  Increased capital expenditure compared to the second quarter of 2003 was primarily due to investments in new technology and increased coverage and capacity in the GSM network.

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SONOFON – DENMARK

                                         
    2nd quarter   1st half-year   Year
(NOK in millions)
  2004
  2003
  2004
  2003
  2003
Mobile related revenues
    924             1,435              
Other revenues
    323             488              
Total revenues
    1,247             1,923              
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
EBITDA
    236             402              
Depreciation and amortization
    196             310              
Write-downs
                             
Operating profit
    40             92              
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
EBITDA/Total revenues (%)
    18.9             20.9              
Operating profit/ Total revenues (%)
    3.2             4.8              
Capex
    144             210              
ARPU (GSM) monthly (NOK)
    255             262              
No. of subscriptions (in thousand)
                    1,212              

Telenor’s ownership interest in Sonofon was 100% at the end of the second quarter of 2004. The Norwegian Krone depreciated against the Danish Krone by approximately 4% in the second quarter of 2004 compared to the first quarter of 2004. The preceding table shows figures included in the accounts for Telenor from 12 February 2004, the date of consolidation of Sonofon. Accumulated ARPU in the table is for the period 1 January – 30 June 2004.

  On 30 April 2004, Sonofon acquired CBB Mobil A/S (CBB) for DKK 130 million. CBB was previously a service provider on Sonofon’s network.
 
  Sonofon’s estimated market share was 26% at the end of the second quarter of 2004, an increase of 4 percentage points from the previous quarter. The number of subscriptions in Sonofon increased by 216,000 from the first quarter. The increase in market share and number of subscriptions was primarily due to the acquisition of CBB, which had 181,000 subscriptions at the time of the acquisition. The estimated mobile penetration in Denmark was in line with the previous quarter and was 89% at the end of the second quarter of 2004.
 
  ARPU decreased compared to the end of the first quarter when measured in Danish Kroner, primarily as a result of the consolidation of CBB and price reductions.
 
  Revenues and the EBITDA margin for the first six months of 2004 were 2,457 million and 21.5%, respectively. The EBITDA margin was negatively affected by reduced prices and increased costs in connection with sales and marketing activities, partially offset by reductions in other operating expenses.
 
  As from 1 July 2004 Sonofon reduced the interconnection charges by 10% on average.

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TELENOR MOBILE SWEDEN

                                         
    2nd quarter   1st half-year   Year
(NOK in millions)
  2004
  2003
  2004
  2003
  2003
Total revenues
    55       27       101       47       127  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
EBITDA
    (37 )     (36 )     (62 )     (44 )     (114 )
Depreciation and amortization
    7       6       15       10       24  
Write-downs
                             
Operating (loss)
    (44 )     (42 )     (77 )     (54 )     (138 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Capex
    4       7       8       65       79  
ARPU (GSM) monthly (NOK)
    202       160       210       140       171  
No. of subscriptions (in thousand)
                    92       59       81  

The Norwegian Krone depreciated against the Swedish Krone by approximately 5% in the second quarter of 2004 compared to the second quarter of 2003.

  Revenues increased due to more subscriptions and increased ARPU.
 
  The increase in ARPU was due to changes in subscription composition, with 73,000 MVNO subscriptions at the end of the second quarter of 2004. These subscriptions have a higher ARPU than service provider subscriptions, partly due to termination revenues being included in the revenue basis.
 
  EBITDA was in line with the second quarter of 2003 due to increased costs of materials and traffic charges.

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PANNON GSM – HUNGARY

                                         
    2nd quarter   1st half-year   Year
(NOK in millions)
  2004
  2003
  2004
  2003
  2003
Mobile related revenues
    1,353       1,233       2,676       2,371       5,005  
Other revenues
    92       59       174       126       365  
Total revenues
    1,445       1,292       2,850       2,497       5,370  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
EBITDA
    556       512       1,112       981       1,924  
Depreciation and amortization
    238       216       479       428       889  
Write-downs
          6             6       10  
Operating profit
    318       290       633       547       1,025  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
EBITDA/Total revenues (%)
    38.5       39.6       39.0       39.3       35.8  
Operating profit/ Total revenues (%)
    22.0       22.4       22.2       21.9       19.1  
Capex
    121       136       225       249       644  
ARPU (GSM) - monthly (NOK)
    176       165       172       159       165  
No. of subscriptions (in thousand)
                    2,588       2,514       2,618  

Telenor’s ownership interest in Pannon GSM is 100%. The Norwegian Krone depreciated against the Hungarian Forint by approximately 5% in the second quarter of 2004 compared to the second quarter of 2003.

  Pannon GSM’s estimated market share decreased by 1 percentage point from the previous quarter, to approximately 34% at the end of the second quarter of 2004, compared to 37% at the end of the second quarter of 2003. Compared to the end of the second quarter of 2003, the estimated mobile penetration in Hungary increased from 73% to 81%.
 
  In a market affected by strong competition Pannon GSM increased the number of contract subscriptions by 33,000 from the first quarter of 2004, and by 119,000 compared to the second quarter of 2003.
 
  ARPU measured in local currency increased by 2% compared to the second quarter of 2003, mainly due to an increased number of contract subscriptions and an increased usage per subscription. The increased number of subscriptions, increased ARPU and increased sales of handsets contributed to a 7% increase in revenues measured in local currency compared to the second quarter of 2003.
 
  Reduced EBITDA margin compared to the second quarter of 2003 was due to increased costs in connection with sales and marketing activities as a result of higher gross sales and higher average commissions. This was partially offset by reduced costs due to more efficient operations.

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  In 2003, Pannon GSM was considered as having a significant market position in the national interconnection market in Hungary for 2002 and 2003. Pannon GSM has appealed these decisions. It is not yet known when a final decision will be issued by the Hungarian courts. In the meantime, however, because the company was considered as having a significant market position Pannon GSM reduced its interconnection prices by an average of 9% from 15 June 2004.

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DIGI.COM – MALAYSIA

                                         
    2nd quarter   1st half-year   Year
(NOK in millions)
  2004
  2003
  2004
  2003
  2003
Mobile related revenues
    820       621       1,631       1,254       2,713  
Other revenues
    143       113       273       214       463  
Total revenues
    963       734       1,904       1,468       3,176  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
EBITDA
    410       283       836       590       1,295  
Depreciation and amortization
    208       189       418       377       780  
Write-downs
          4             10       18  
Operating profit
    202       90       418       203       497  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
EBITDA/Total revenues (%)
    42.6       38.6       43.9       40.2       40.8  
Operating profit/ Total revenues (%)
    21.0       12..3       22.0       13.8       15.6  
Capex
    162       129       265       273       1043  
ARPU (GSM) monthly (NOK)
    110       111       114       117       117  
No. of subscriptions (100% in thousand)
                    2,585       1,946       2,207  

Telenor’s ownership interest in DiGi.Com was 61.0% at the end of the second quarter of 2004. The Norwegian Krone appreciated against the Malayan Ringgit by approximately 3% in the first quarter of 2004 compared to the second quarter of 2003.

  At the end of the second quarter of 2004, DiGi.Com’s estimated market share was unchanged from the previous quarter at 21%, compared to 19% at the end of the second quarter of 2003. The estimated mobile penetration in Malaysia was 49% at the end of the second quarter of 2004, an increase from 42% at the end of the second quarter of 2003.
 
  Revenues increased by 34% compared to the second quarter of 2003, when measured in local currency, mainly due to an increase in the number of subscriptions of 169,000. ARPU measured in local currency was in line with that of the second quarter of 2003.
 
  The increase in EBITDA margin was due to increased revenues without corresponding increases in costs of materials and traffic charges. Measured in local currency, EBITDA increased by 47% compared to the second quarter of 2003.
 
  Compared to the second quarter of 2003, depreciation and amortization increased as a result of high capital expenditure in the intervening periods.
 
  Increased capital expenditure compared to the second quarter of 2003 was related to investments in networks resulting from increased coverage and a larger customer base.

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KYIVSTAR – UKRAINE

                                         
    2nd quarter   1st half-year   Year
(NOK in millions)
  2004
  2003
  2004
  2003
  2003
Mobile related revenues
    981       575       1,803       1,039       2,569  
Other revenues
    15       15       27       34       65  
Total revenues
    996       590       1,830       1,073       2,634  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
EBITDA
    591       338       1,096       601       1,573  
Depreciation and amortization
    103       81       205       158       343  
Write-downs
                             
Operating profit
    488       257       891       443       1,230  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
EBITDA/Total revenues (%)
    59.3       57.3       59.9       56.0       59.7  
Operating profit/ Total revenues (%)
    49.0       43.6       48.7       41.3       46.7  
Capex
    566       212       897       430       979  
ARPU (GSM) - monthly (NOK)
    97       92       92       87       94  
No. of subscriptions (100% in thousand)
                    3,610       2,205       3,037  

Telenor’s ownership interest at the end of the second quarter of 2004 was 56.51%. The functional currency for Kyivstar is the US dollar. The Norwegian Krone appreciated against the US dollar by approximately 3% in the second quarter of 2004 compared to the second quarter of 2003.

  Kyivstar’s estimated market share decreased by 2 percentage points from the previous quarter and was 43% at the end of the second quarter of 2004, compared to 50% at the end of the second quarter of 2003. The reduction was due to increased competition in the prepaid segment. Compared to the second quarter of 2003, the estimated mobile penetration in the Ukraine increased from 9% to 18%.
 
  ARPU measured in US dollars increased by 8% compared to the second quarter of 2003. This was largely due to the average traffic minutes per subscription increasing by 42%, primarily due to the introduction of a calling party pays regime from 19 September 2003.
 
  A significant increase in the number of subscriptions and ARPU contributed to a revenue increase of 72% measured in US dollars compared to the second quarter of 2003.
 
  Measured in US dollars, EBITDA increased by 79% compared to the second quarter of 2003, mainly due to increased revenues. Increased EBITDA margin reflected cost effective operations and limited costs in connection with sales and marketing activities.
 
  Compared to the second quarter of 2003, depreciation and amortization increased as a result of increased capital expenditure in the subsequent quarters.
 
  Increased capital expenditure compared to the second quarter of 2003 was due to investments in networks resulting from a larger customer base.

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GRAMEENPHONE – BANGLADESH

                                         
    2nd quarter   1st half-year   Year
(NOK in millions)
  2004
  2003
  2004
  2003
  2003
Mobile related revenues
    532       352       1,022       673       1,529  
Other revenues 1)
    3       1       6       6       7  
Total revenues
    535       353       1,028       679       1,536  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
EBITDA
    309       221       592       418       1,001  
Depreciation and amortization
    51       38       85       74       158  
Write-downs
                             
Operating profit
    258       183       507       344       843  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
EBITDA/Total revenues (%)
    57.8       62.6       57.6       61.6       65.2  
Operating profit/ Total revenues (%)
    48.2       51.8       49.3       50.7       54.9  
Capex
    258       86       418       163       429  
ARPU (GSM) - monthly (NOK)
    108       136       116       135       136  
No. of subscriptions (100 in thousand)
                    1,795       928       1,141  

Telenor’s ownership interest at the end of the second quarter of 2004 was 51.0%. The Norwegian Krone appreciated against the Bangladeshi Takka by approximately 5% in the second quarter of 2004 compared to the second quarter of 2003.

  GrameenPhone’s estimated market share decreased by 1 percen-tage point from the previous quarter to 62% at the end of the second quarter of 2004, and 69% at the end of the second quarter of 2003. The reduction was due to increased competition, especially since the third quarter of 2003. The estimated mobile penetration in Bangladesh doubled from the second quarter of 2003 to 2% in the second quarter of 2004.
 
  Compared to the end of the first quarter of 2004 the number of subscriptions in GrameenPhone increased by 18% to approximately 1.8 million. The increase from the second quarter of 2003 was 93%. The increase in the number of subscriptions contributed to an increase in revenues of 58% measured in local currency compared to the second quarter of 2003.
 
  Measured in local currency, ARPU declined by 17% compared to the second 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 46% compared to the second quarter of 2003, primarily due to increased revenues. However, the EBITDA margin declined compared to the second quarter of 2003 due to increased costs in connection with sales and marketing activities related to the significant increase in the sale of new subscriptions.
 
  Compared to the second quarter of 2003, depreciation and amortization increased as a result of increased capital expenditure in the subsequent quarters.
 
  Compared to the second quarter of 2003, capital expenditure increased as a result of increased need for network investment due to the significant growth in the number of subscriptions.

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OTHER UNITS IN MOBILE

(including eliminations and amortization and write-downs of net excess values)

                                         
    2nd quarter   1st half-year   Year
(NOK in millions)
  2004
  2003
  2004
  2003
  2003
EBITDA
    (90 )     (81 )     (183 )     (197 )     (374 )
Depreciation and amortization 1)
    467       261       830       526       967  
Write-downs
          9             11       7  
Operating (loss)
    (557 )     (351 )     (1,013 )     (734 )     (1,348 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
1) Includes amortization of Telenor’s net excess values by *)
    471       235       834       474       911  
Capex
    1,821             1,823             (7 )


*) Net excess values are the difference between Telenor’s acquisition cost and Telenor’s share of equity at acquisition of subsidiaries.

  Other units in Mobile include costs related to the management and administration of Telenor’s international mobile operations, as well as amortization and write-downs of Telenor’s net excess values on consolidated mobile companies.
 
  Increased EBITDA loss compared to the second quarter of 2003 was partially due to operating costs in Pakistan.
 
  Increased amortization of net excess values compared to the second quarter of 2003 was due to amortization of excess values relating to Sonofon.
 
  Capital expenditure in the second quarter was mainly the purchase of a licence for mobile telephony in Pakistan.

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ASSOCIATED COMPANIES AND JOINT VENTURES IN MOBILE

                                         
    2nd quarter   1st half-year   Year
(NOK in millions)
  2004
  2003
  2004
  2003
  2003
Telenor’s share of 1)
                                       
Net income after taxes
    233       167       497       281       608  
Amortization of Telenor’s net excess values 2)
    (28 )     (143 )     (111 )     (300 )     (534 )
Write-downs of Telenor’s excess values
                            (15 )
Gains on disposal of ownership interests
          1,515             1,580       1,580  
Net results from associated companies
    205       1,539       386       1,561       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 differences between Telenor’s acquisition cost and Telenor’s share of equity at acquisition of associated companies.
 
  In the second quarter of 2004 there was a significant growth in the overall subscription base for the existing associated companies. The growth was especially strong in Vimpelcom in Russia.
 
  Reduced amortization of Telenor’s net excess values on associated companies compared to the second quarter of 2003 was primarily due to the consolidation of Sonofon as of 12 February 2004.
 
  Gain on disposal of ownership interests in the second quarter of 2003 was related to the sale of 9% of the shares in Cosmote.

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FIXED

                                         
    2nd quarter   1st half-year   Year
(NOK in millions)
  2004
  2003
  2004
  2003
  2003
External revenues
                                       
Norway
    3,957       4,112       8,012       8,262       16,409  
Sweden
    410       401       821       693       1,517  
Russia
          186             352       701  
Other countries
    43       40       86       78       160  
Total external revenues
    4,410       4,739       8,919       9,385       18,787  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Internal revenues
    458       410       889       796       1,713  
Gains on disposal
          1             1       9  
Total revenues
    4,868       5,150       9,808       10,182       20,509  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
EBITDA
    1,601       1,690       3,221       3,282       6,665  
Depreciation and amortization 1)
    872       1,054       1,800       2,104       4,110  
Write-downs
          7             7       24  
Operating profit
    729       629       1,421       1,171       2,531  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
1)Includes amortization of Telenor’s net excess values by
    26       10             22       (76 )
EBITDA/Total revenues (%)
    32.9       32.8       32.8       32.2       32.5  
Operating profit/ Total revenues (%)
    15.0       12.2       14.5       11.5       12.3  
Investments:
                                       
- Capex
    385       449       763       845       1,867  
- Investments in businesses
    10       217       96       217       294  

  Compared to the second quarter of 2003, the results were affected by the sale of Comincom/Combellga to Golden Telecom on 1 December 2003 and the transfer of parts of the Operating services business from Fixed to EDB Business Partner with effect from 1 May 2004. The transferred business provided services in connection with the operation of the IT systems to other Telenor companies and to external customers. This business was included in the results for Fixed until 1 May 2004.
 
  The EBITDA margin was in line with the second quarter of 2003. The decline in revenues and EBITDA compared to the second quarter of 2003 was mainly due to the sale of Comincom/Combellga and the transfer of parts of Operating services to EDB Business Partner.

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Table of Contents

FIXED – NORWAY

                                         
    2nd quarter   1st half-year   Year
(NOK in millions)
  2004
  2003
  2004
  2003
  2003
Retail revenues
                                       
Subscriptions and connections - PSTN/ISDN
    953       1,088       1,911       2,200       4,300  
Subscriptions and connections - ADSL/Internet
    321       252       602       489       1,041  
Internet traffic
    89       139       227       306       561  
Other traffic
    1,134       1,300       2,339       2,633       5,062  
Total PSTN/ISDN, ADSL and Internet
    2,497       2,779       5,079       5,628       10,964  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Leased lines
    67       80       148       161       329  
Datacommunication
    224       197       424       409       836  
Managed services
    116       173       280       367       726  
Other retail products
    116       100       212       188       377  
Total other retail revenues
    523       550       1,064       1,125       2,268  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total retail revenues
    3,020       3,329       6,143       6,753       13,232  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Wholesale revenues
                                       
Sale to service providers and operators
    179       51       365       74       249  
Domestic interconnect
    155       164       314       334       643  
international interconnect
    84       87       162       161       339  
Transit traffic
    257       258       510       503       1,038  
Leased lines
    162       155       333       316       631  
Other wholesale revenues
    100       68       185       121       277  
Total wholesale revenues
    937       783       1,869       1,509       3,177  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total external revenues
    3,957       4,112       8,012       8,262       16,409  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Internal revenues
    456       427       894       833       1,776  
Gains on disposal
          1             1       4  
Total revenues – Norway
    4,413       4,540       8,906       9,096       18,189  

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    2nd quarter   1st half-year   Year
(NOK in millions)
  2004
  2003
  2004
  2003
  2003
EBITDA
    1,576       1,644       3,196       3,227       6,512  
Depreciation and amortization 1)
    818       937       1,696       1,871       3,773  
Write-downs
                            19  
Operating profit
    758       707       1,500       1,356       2,720  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
1) Includes amortization of Telenor’s net excess values by
    (1 )                 1       9  
EBITDA/Total revenues (%)
    35,7       36,2       35,9       35,5       35,8  
Operating profit/ Total revenues (%)
    17,2       15,6       16,8       14,9       15,0  
Investments:
                                       
- Capex
    315       387       670       721       1,568  
- Investments in businesses
    1             1             1  

  Adjusted for the transfer of Operating services to EDB Business Partner, revenues decreased by 1.0% and the EBITDA margin decreased by 0.8 percentage points while the operating margin improved by 0.8 percentage points.
 
  External revenues from “Subscriptions and connections – PSTN/ISDN” decreased compared to the second quarter of 2003 due to the transition to sales of access lines on a wholesale basis and a decrease in the number of subscriptions in the market as a whole.
 
  Increased external revenues from “Subscriptions and connections – ADSL/Internet” was due to the growth in the number of ADSL subscriptions. The number of ADSL subscriptions (residential and business) was 235,000 at the end of the second quarter of 2004, an increase of 101,000 compared to the second quarter of 2003 and 27,000 compared to the end of the first quarter of 2004. Telenor’s estimated market share for ADSL subscriptions (residential and business) was 56% at the end of the second quarter, in line with the end of the first quarter.
 
  The reduction in external traffic revenues in the retail market compared to the second quarter of 2003 was mainly due to an approximately 14% decline in total traffic measured in minutes in Telenor’s network and reduced market share. The reduction in total traffic was due to the migration of voice traffic from fixed telephony to mobile tele-phony and of data traffic from dial-up Internet to ADSL.
 
  Telenor’s market share measured in traffic minutes was 69% at the end of the second quarter of 2004, in line with the end of the first quarter of 2004.
 
  Increased revenues from data services were mainly due to growth in IP-based services and payment solutions.
 
  External revenues from managed services decreased compared to the second quarter of 2003 due to the transfer of parts of this operation to EDB Business Partner.

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  Increased revenues from sales to service providers and other network operators were due to increased sales of access lines on a wholesale basis (PSTN, ISDN and ADSL). The number of PSTN/ISDN lines sold on a wholesale basis was 385,000 at the end of the second quarter of 2004, an increase of 356,000 compared to the second quarter of 2003 and 46,000 compared to the end of the first quarter of 2004. The number of ADSL subscriptions sold on a wholesale basis was 86,000 at the end of the second quarter of 2004, an increase of 55,000 compared to the second quarter of 2003 and 10,000 com-pared to the end of the first quarter of 2004.
 
  The increase in external revenues from other wholesale products was mainly due to increased sales of local loop unbundled subscriptions. The number of local loop unbundled subscriptions sold at the end of the second quarter was 108,000, an increase of 49,000 compared to the end of the second quarter of 2003 and 12,000 compared to the end of the first quarter of 2004.
 
  Reduced EBITDA compared to the second quarter of 2003 was primarily due to the reduced gross margin (revenues less costs of materials and traffic charges as a percentage of revenue) as a consequence of the reduction in revenues, which was partially offset by the migration to products with a higher gross margin and reduced termination charges in the mobile networks. In addition, NOK 24 million related to workforce reductions was expensed in the second quarter of 2004.
 
  Depreciation and amortization decreased compared to the second quarter of 2003, mainly due to lower investment activity in recent years, and as a consequence of the transfer of parts of the business in Operating services to EDB Business Partner.
 
  In the second quarter of 2004, capital expenditure in administrative support systems in Fixed decreased with a one-time effect of NOK 60 million, as a consequence of it being transferred to Corporate functions and Group activities.

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FIXED – SWEDEN

                                         
    2nd quarter   1st half-year   Year
(NOK in millions)
  2004
  2003
  2004
  2003
  2003
External revenues
    410       401       821       693       1,517  
Internal revenues
    26       18       49       43       81  
Gains on disposal
                            5  
Total revenues
    436       419       870       736       1,603  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
EBITDA
    24       (21 )     21       (62 )     (56 )
Depreciation and amortization 1)
    41       66       78       130       141  
Write-downs
          4             4       1  
Operating (loss)
    (17 )     (91 )     (57 )     (196 )     (198 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
1) Includes amortization of
                                       
Telenor’s net excess values by
    27       (6 )           (11 )     (143 )
Investments:
                                       
- Capex
    63       10       78       19       85  
- Investments in businesses
    9             87             13  

  Trading in Utfors AB shares on the Stockholm Stock Exchange ceased on 31 March 2004. At the end of the second quarter of 2004, Telenor held 99.1% of the shares in Utfors AB.
 
  Increased revenues measured in NOK compared to the second quarter of 2003 were due to non-recurring revenues of NOK 31 million for sales of data services on a wholesale basis undertaken in previous periods. There was a reduction in sales of traffic on a wholesale basis and voice traffic in the business market.
 
  Increased EBITDA compared to the second quarter of 2003 was largely due to the non-recurring revenues from the sale of data services on a wholesale basis mentioned above.
 
  Upon the final allocation of net excess values in the third quarter of 2003 related to the acquisition of Utfors AB, the amortization period for a significant part of the negative goodwill was reduced. This contributed to reduced depreciation and amortization in the second quarter of 2004 compared to the second quarter of 2003.

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FIXED – RUSSIA

                                         
    2nd quarter   1st half-year   Year
(NOK in millions)
  2004
  2003
  2004
  2003
  2003
Total revenues
          187             354       703  
EBITDA
          71             128       215  
Operating profit 1)
          33             52       71  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
1) Includes amortization of Telenor’s net excess values by
          16             32       58  
Investments:
                                       
- Capex
          43             86       173  
- Investments in businesses
          217             217       280  

  Telenor’s shareholding in Comincom/Combellga was sold on 1 December 2003 in exchange for shares in the listed company Golden Telecom. 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 second quarter of 2004, which was an improvement of NOK 3 million compared to the second quarter of 2003 due to increased revenues.

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BROADCAST

                                         
    2nd quarter   1st half-year   Year
(NOK in millions)
  2004
  2003
  2004
  2003
  2003
External revenues
                                       
Distribution
    1,060       913       2,120       1,783       3,761  
Transmission
    201       193       404       407       816  
Other
    42       12       50       23       64  
Total external revenues
    1,303       1,118       2,574       2,213       4,641  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Internal revenues
    33       40       68       83       159  
Gains on disposal
          11             11       20  
Total revenues
    1,336       1,169       2,642       2,307       4,820  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
EBITDA
    390       327       738       531       1,229  
Depreciation and amortization 1)
    217       268       455       541       1,030  
Write-downs
                      4       18  
Operating profit (loss)
    173       59       283       (14 )     181  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
1) Includes amortization of Telenor’s net excess values by
    60       64       127       127       256  
EBITDA/Total revenues (%)
    29,2       28,0       27,9       23,0       25,5  
Operating profit/Total revenues (%)
    12,9       5,0       10,7     nm     3,8  
Investments:
                                       
- Capex
    70       35       93       63       252  
- Investments in businesses
          9             10       14  

  Revenues increased in the second quarter of 2004 compared to the second quarter of 2003, mainly due to growth in the number of subscribers and price increases. The increase in the EBITDA margin to 29.2% in the second quarter of 2004 from 28.0% in the second quarter of 2003 was due to increased revenues and reduced prices on the leasing of satellite capacity.
 
  Reduced depreciation and amortization compared to the second quarter of 2003 was mainly due to fully depreciated fixed assets.

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BROADCAST – DISTRIBUTION

                                         
    2nd quarter   1st half-year   Year
(NOK in millions)
  2004
  2003
  2004
  2003
  2003
External revenues
                                       
Satellite dish
    717       612       1,447       1,190       2,528  
Cable-TV
    243       217       481       429       888  
Small antenna TV-networks
    97       84       187       158       335  
Other
    3             5       6       10  
Total external revenues
    1,060       913       2,120       1,783       3,761  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Internal revenues
    3       4       5       6       13  
Gains on disposal
          11             11       20  
Total revenues
    1,063       928       2,125       1,800       3,794  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
EBITDA
    218       199       410       284       686  
Depreciation and amortization 1)
    148       193       316       389       754  
Write-downs
                      2       8  
Operating profit (loss)
    70       6       94       (107 )     (76 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
1)Includes amortization of Telenor’s net excess values by
    60       64       127       127       255  
EBITDA/Total revenues (%)
    20,5       21,4       19,3       15,8       18,1  
Operating profit/ Total revenues (%)
    6,6       0,6       4,4     nm   nm
Investments:
                                       
- Capex
    47       17       55       34       112  

  Revenues in Distribution increased compared to the second quarter of 2003 mainly due to a greater number of subscribers, currency fluctuations and price increases for “Satellite dish”.
 
  Adjusted for gains on disposals and accruals between the quarters in 2003, the EBITDA margin increased in the second quarter of 2004 compared to the second quarter of 2003. This was due to increased revenues, partially offset by increased costs as a result of the increased number of subscribers.
 
  Reduced depreciation and amortization was a result of fully depreciated fixed assets within “Satellite dish”.
 
  Increased capital expenditure was primarily due to upgrades of cable TV networks in Norway.

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BROADCAST – TRANSMISSION

                                         
    2nd quarter   1st half-year   Year
(NOK in millions)
  2004
  2003
  2004
  2003
  2003
External revenues
    201       193       404       407       816  
Internal revenues
    109       122       209       240       461  
Gains on disposal
                             
Total revenues
    310       315       613       647       1,277  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
EBITDA
    160       127       312       266       554  
Depreciation and amortization
    66       72       132       146       266  
Write-downs
                            7  
Operating profit
    94       55       180       120       281  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
EBITDA/Total revenues (%)
    51,6       40,3       50,9       41,1       43,4  
Operating profit/ Total revenues (%)
    30,3       17,5       29,4       18,5       22,0  
Investments:
                                       
- Capex
    18       16       30       26       116  

  External revenues increased in Transmission compared to the second quarter of 2003 as a result of new contracts within terrestrial broadcasting and satellite.

Reduced sales to other areas within Broadcast and to other Telenor units contributed to reduced internal revenues.
 
  EBITDA increased compared to the second quarter of 2003 due to reduced prices on the leasing of satellite capacity.
 
  Reduced depreciation and amortization was due to fully depreciated fixed assets.

BROADCAST – OTHER

• Increased revenues and EBITDA in Broadcast – Other compared to the second quarter of 2003 was due in part to increased sales of smart cards and services related to access control for Pay TV.

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OTHER ACTIVITIES

EDB BUSINESS PARTNER

                                         
    2nd quarter   1st half-year   Year
(NOK in millions)
  2004
  2003
  2004
  2003
  2003
External revenues
    830       808       1,635       1,612       3,210  
Internal revenues
    213       283       444       537       1,060  
Gains on disposal
    301       19       301       19       19  
Total revenues
    1,344       1,110       2,380       2,168       4,289  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
EBITDA
    456       116       584       211       399  
Depreciation and amortization
    100       92       186       181       375  
Write-downs
          7             11       28  
Operating profit (loss)
    356       17       398       19       (4 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
EBITDA/Total revenues (%)
    33,9       10,5       24,5       9,7       9,3  
Operating profit/ Total revenues (%)
    26,5       1,5       16,7       0,9     nm
Investments:
                                       
- Capex
    34       69       65       128       210  
- Investments in businesses
    402       91       402       95       95  

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

  On 1 May 2004, parts of the Operating services business were transferred from the Fixed business area in Telenor to EDB Business Partner. At the same time, Telenor extended the duration and expanded the scope of its agreement with EDB Business Partner regarding operation of Telenor’s IT systems up until 1 May 2011. In addition, pursuant to this agreement EDB Business Partner took over operating contracts for a number of external customers from Telenor.
 
  With effect from 1 April 2004, a substantial portion of the activities within Telekom in EDB Business Partner was sold for approximately NOK 400 million with a gain of NOK 301 million.
 
  Adjusted for disposals of operations, revenues, excluding gains, increased by 9% compared to the second quarter of 2003. IT operations showed an increase of 10% in revenues while revenues in Telekom declined by 16%.
 
  The increase in EBITDA margin compared to the second quarter of 2003 was due to cost savings related to the restructuring of Banking & Finance, the winding

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    up of low margin operations as well as a general focus on cost control.
 
  Depreciation and amortization increased compared to the second quarter of 2003, primarily due to taking over fixed assets in connec-tion with the acquisition of operations, including Operating services from Telenor.
 
  Capital expenditure was at a low level compared to previous periods due to a more efficient utilization of previous investments and equipment acquired as part of the takeover of operations. Investments in businesses were mainly related to taking over Operating services from Telenor.

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OTHER BUSINESS UNITS

Revenues

                                         
    2nd quarter   1st half-year   Year
(NOK in millions)
  2004
  2003
  2004
  2003
  2003
Satellite Services
    616       675       1,217       1,304       2,540  
Teleservice
    139       183       267       363       725  
Nextra International
          122             253       256  
Software Services
    27       16       57       35       121  
Other
    141       120       272       231       515  
Eliminations
    (1 )     (2 )     (2 )     (1 )     (3 )
Revenues
    922       1,114       1,811       2,185       4,154  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Gains on disposal
          14       5       14       51  
Total revenues
    922       1,128       1,816       2,199       4,205  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
EBITDA
    120       (41 )     261       65       408  
Depreciation and amortization 1)
    99       117       204       236       491  
Write-downs 1)
          14       3       14       37  
Operating profit (loss)
    21       (172 )     54       (185 )     (120 )
1) Includes amortization of Telenor’s net excess values by
    9       10       18       20       40  

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Operating profit (loss)

                                         
    2nd quarter   1st half-year   Year
(NOK in millions)
  2004
  2003
  2004
  2003
  2003
Satellite Services
    29       53       79       116       234  
Teleservice
    1       5       (1 )     10       (43 )
Nextra International
    1       (197 )           (239 )     (220 )
Software Services
    (7 )     (31 )     (11 )     (58 )     (86 )
Other
    (3 )     (2 )     (13 )     (14 )     (5 )
Total operating profit (loss)
    21       (172 )     54       (185 )     (120 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Investments:
                                       
- Capex
    45       63       85       100       233  
- Investments in businesses
    18       2       20       16       30  

Satellite Services

  Satellite Services and Satellite Networks were merged in the second quarter of 2004 and are now reported as one unit.
 
  The decrease in revenues in Satellite Services compared to the second quarter of 2003 was primarily due to a reduction in the volume and price of Inmarsat-based satellite services, the effect of the strengthening of the Norwegian Krone against the US dollar and the sale of the operations in Poland in November 2003.
 
  The decrease in operating profit compared to the second quarter of 2003 was primarily due to decreased revenues without a corresponding reduction in costs of material and traffic charges.

Teleservice

  Decreased revenues in Teleservice compared to the second quarter of 2003 were primarily due to the disposal of operations. As of 1 January 2004, the MeetAt operations were transferred to the business area Fixed and parts of the operations outside Norway were sold. In the second quarter of 2003, these operations had in the aggregate revenues of NOK 32 million. A reduced total market for directory enquiry services and a reduced market share also contributed to reduced revenues, partially offset by increased prices as of 1 June 2004.
 
  Reduced operating profit compared to the second quarter of 2003 was primarily due to the sale of operations and reduced revenues from the directory enquiry services. In the second quarter of 2003, NOK 5 million was expensed for workforce reductions.

Software services

  Increased revenues compared to the second 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 second quarter of 2003. In addition to increased revenues, this contributed to reduced operating loss compared to the second quarter of 2003.

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CORPORATE FUNCTIONS AND GROUP ACTIVITIES

                                         
    2nd quarter   1st half-year   Year
(NOK in millions)
  2004
  2003
  2004
  2003
  2003
External revenues
    68       63       133       112       229  
Internal revenues
    471       509       928       1,005       1,955  
Gains on disposal
    65       31       67       35       133  
Total revenues
    604       603       1,128       1,152       2,317  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
EBITDA
    6       (2 )     (1 )     (9 )     23  
Depreciation and amortization
    106       92       191       186       384  
Write-downs
                            3  
Operating (loss)
    (100 )     (94 )     (192 )     (195 )     (364 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Investments:
                                       
- Capex
    162       26       177       55       253  
- Investments in businesses
    18       6       18       6       93  

  In the second quarter of 2004, EBITDA was positively affected by gains and losses on disposals of NOK 41 million, compared to NOK 30 million in the second quarter of 2003. EBITDA was negatively affected by expenses for workforce reductions and loss contracts of NOK 103 million, compared to NOK 24 million in the second quarter of 2003. Expenses in the second quarter of 2004 were mainly due to the agreements to transfer the Telenor Group’s Norwegian IT-operations to EDB Business Partner. These expenses are reported in Corporate functions and Group activities as the agreements are part of the Group’s initiatives for improving operational efficiency. EBITDA adjusted for special items increased by NOK 76 million compared to the second quarter of 2003, primarily due to reduced expenses for property repair and maintenance and property development projects.
 
  Capital expenditure increased compared to the second quarter of 2003 due to investments in administrative support systems and software licences for use by the Group, as well as property-related investments.

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OTHER PROFIT AND LOSS ITEMS FOR THE GROUP

Depreciation, amortization and write-downs

                                         
    2nd quarter   1st half-year   Year
(NOK in millions)
  2004
  2003
  2004
  2003
  2003
Depreciation of tangible assets
    1,989       2,017       3,913       4,035       7,986  
Amortization of goodwill *)
    245       196       458       405       686  
Amortization of other intangible assets *)
    707       478       1,301       937       1,925  
Total depreciation and amortization
    2,941       2,691       5,672       5,377       10,597  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Write-downs of tangible and other intangible assets
    1       35       2       45       104  
Write-downs of goodwill
          6       2       10       16  
Write-downs of other intangible assets
          6             8       25  
Total write-downs
    1       47       4       63       145  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total depreciation, amortization and write-downs
    2,942       2,738       5,676       5,440       10,742  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 


*)   See specification below.

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*)   Specification of amortization of goodwill and other intangible assets (including amortization of Telenor’s net excess values)

                                         
    2nd quarter   1st half-year   Year
(NOK in millions)
  2004
  2003
  2004
  2003
  2003
Amortization of goodwill
                                       
Sonofon
    81             119              
DiGi.Com
    11       10       23       24       48  
Pannon GSM
    81       77       162       153       308  
Kyivstar
    9       10       19       20       39  
Other Mobile
          2             5       5  
Total Mobile
    182       99       323       202       400  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Fixed
    (25 )     (1 )     (51 )     11       (95 )
Broadcast
    46       53       99       103       197  
EDB Business Partner
    38       37       76       73       151  
Other units
    4       8       11       16       33  
Total amortization of goodwill
    245       196       458       405       686  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Amortization of other intangible assets
                                       
Sonofon
    204             334              
DiGi.Com
    20       20       40       41       83  
Pannon GSM
    154       147       307       291       564  
Kyivstar
    65       51       123       101       213  
Other Mobile
    89       112       172       211       374  
Total Mobile
    532       330       976       644       1234  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Fixed
    107       106       214       210       431  
Broadcast
    24       15       43       31       78  
EDB Business Partner
          2             2       1  
Other Units
    44       25       68       50       181  
Total amortization of other intangible assets
    707       478       1,301       937       1,925  

  Amortization of goodwill in Fixed in 2004 was an income due to amortization of negative goodwill related to Utfors AB.

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Associated companies

                                         
    2nd quarter   1st half-year   Year
(NOK in millions)
  2004
  2003
  2004
  2003
  2003
Telenor’s share of 1)
                                       
Net income after taxes
    250       104       490       172       329  
Amortization of Telenor’s net excess values
    (48 )     (153 )     (155 )     (321 )     (579 )
Write-downs of Telenor’s excess values
          (11 )           (11 )     (26 )
Gains on disposal of ownership interests
    9       1,442       9       1,508       1,507  
Net results from associated companies
    211       1,382       344       1,348       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”.
 
  Increased net income after taxes from associated companies compared to the second quarter of 2003 was primarily due to improved profitability in associated mobile companies and Bravida.
 
  The decrease in amortization of Telenor’s net excess values compared to the second quarter of 2003 was mainly due to the consolidation of Sonofon as a subsidiary as from 12 February 2004.
 
  Gain on disposal in the second quarter of 2003 was due to the sale of 9% of the shares in Cosmote, partially offset by a loss on sale of the shares in A-Pressen ASA.

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Financial items

                                         
    2nd quarter   1st half-year   Year
(NOK in millions)
  2004
  2003
  2004
  2003
  2003
Financial income
    116       164       224       329       586  
Financial expenses
    (414 )     (575 )     (823 )     (1,151 )     (2,023 )
Net forreign currency gain (loss)
    (8 )     (89 )     (39 )     14       (1 )
Net gains (losses) and write-downs
    18       (4 )     2,609       (90 )     73  
Net financial items
    (288 )     (504 )     1,971       (898 )     (1,365 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Gross interest expences
    (419 )     (582 )     (824 )     (1,156 )     (2,033 )
Net interest expences
    (318 )     (463 )     (625 )     (916 )     (1,549 )

  The decrease in financial income compared to the second quarter of 2003 was mainly due to the decline in market interest rates.
 
  The decrease in average interest-bearing liabilities and average interest rates contributed to the decrease in financial expenses compared to the second quarter of 2003. In the second quarter of 2003, approximately NOK 90 million was expensed for interest on legal disputes.

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 tax related to companies outside Norway, including the effect of recording deferred taxes on retained earnings in certain companies 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.

  Telenor has not recorded any tax income related to the ruling on the Sonofon case favorable to Telenor in the second quarter of 2004. Please refer to “Disputes” below.

  On March 26, 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 January 1, 2004. Such tax changes may affect the income tax expenses for Telenor.

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Balance sheet and cash flow

  Total assets decreased by NOK 1.9 billion compared to the end of the first quarter of 2004, primarily due to the reduction in cash and cash equivalents due to payment of dividends and instalments on interest-bearing liabilities in the quarter. The increase in intangible assets was due to the investment in a license for mobile telephony in Pakistan.

  Net interest-bearing liabilities increased by NOK 2.7 billion from the end of the first quarter of 2004 to NOK 22.0 billion at the end of the second quarter of 2004. Capital expenditures amounted to NOK 4.0 billion. This includes the capitalization of the licence in Pakistan with a net present value of NOK 1.8 billion, of which NOK 1.0 billion was paid in the second quarter of 2004 and the remainder is to be paid in annual instalments over 10 years and is recorded in the balance sheet as interest-bearing liabilities of NOK 0.8 billion. In the second quarter of 2004, Telenor paid dividends of NOK 1.7 billion and purchased own shares in the market for NOK 0.6 billion. In addition to this, in the second quarter of 2004, the equity decreased and interest-bearing liabilities increased by NOK 0.7 billion following a decision in May 2004 by the General meeting to redeem shares owned by the Kingdom of Norway corresponding to Telenor’s repurchase of own shares in the market in the first quarter of 2004, in such a way that the Kingdom of Norway’s ownership interest remained unchanged. In connection with the purchase of own shares in the market in the second quarter of 2004 the corresponding shares to be repurchased from the Kingdom of Norway amounted to NOK 0.7 billion. At the end of the second quarter of 2004, this amount has not been recorded as a reduction in equity or increase in interest-bearing liabilities.

  Minority interests increased compared to the end of the first quarter of 2004, primarily due to net income from Kyivstar, GrameenPhone and EDB Business Partner.

DISPUTES

  In its decision of 14 June 2004, the Oslo District Court ruled in favour of Telenor, stating that Telenor’s intragroup sale of its shares in Sonofon Holding A/S triggered a tax loss of approximately NOK 8.6 billion corresponding to a reduced tax charge of approximately NOK 2.4 billion. The judgement is not final and enforceable as the tax authorities have appealed the decision.

  Please refer to note 24 to Telenor’s annual report for 2003 and the first quarter report for 2004 for more information about legal proceedings.

US GAAP

  Telenor had net income in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles in the United States (US GAAP) of NOK 1,569 million in the second quarter of 2004 compared to net income in accordance with Norwegian accounting principles of NOK 1,410 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.

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OUTLOOK FOR 2004

  Telenor in general confirms its expectations for 2004 as presented in Telenor’s report for the first quarter of 2004. Overall, excluding special items, we expect a positive development in Telenor’s results compared to 2003.

  Continued growth in revenues is expected, in particular driven by the international mobile operations, where we experience a strong growth in the customer base in several markets.

  The EBITDA margin is expected to be in line with 2003, excluding special items. This includes the consolidation of Sonofon and the establishment of mobile operations in Pakistan. This expectation is based on, among other factors, the effects of increased marketing efforts to secure growth in several of our mobile operations.

  The increase in the customer base in the Ukraine and in Bangladesh contributes to increased network investments. In addition, capital expenditure is expected to increase due to the new operation in Pakistan, including license costs, the purchase of satellite capacity, the consolidation of Sonofon and investments in new technology in Telenor Mobil - Norway. In total, capital expenditure is expected to be substantially higer than in 2003.

  The sale of the Operating service division from the business area Fixed to EDB Business Partner is for Fixed-Norway expected to have a positive effect on operating profit excluding special items and a negative effect on revenues.

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, 22 July 2004
The Board of Directors of Telenor ASA

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BALANCE SHEET

Telenor group

                                 
(NOK in millions)
  30.06.2004
  31.03.2004
  30.06.2003
  31.12.2003
Deferred tax assets
    1,906       2,541       4,587       3,850  
Goodwill
    14,683       14,721       9,691       9,224  
Intangible assets
    11,072       9,405       6,399       5,536  
Tangible assets
    37,322       37,835       37,700       35,722  
Associated companies
    6,808       6,663       8,925       10,166  
Other financial assets
    2,429       2,553       4,640       3,848  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total fixed assets
    74,220       73,718       71,942       68,346  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Other current assets
    11,779       10,742       10,732       9,819  
Cash and interest-bearing investments
    5,465       8,858       5,305       7,945  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total current assets
    17,244       19,600       16,037       17,764  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total assets
    91,464       93,318       87,979       86,110  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Paid-in equity
    27,465       28,712       29,285       29,311  
Other equity
    14,201       12,779       9,548       9,978  
Cumulative translation adjustments
    (1,536 )     (1,408 )     (2,551 )     (2,052 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Shareholders equity
    40,130       40,083       36,282       37,237  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Minority interests
    4,278       3,974       3,725       3,646  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total equity and minority interests
    44,408       44,057       40,007       40,883  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Provisions
    2,678       2,884       1,557       1,645  
Long-term interest-bearing liabilities
    26,184       27,088       27,352       25,376  
Long-term non-interest-bearing liabilities
    706       753       616       754  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total long-term liabilities
    26,890       27,841       27,968       26,130  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Short-term interest-bearing liabilities
    1,254       1,067       3,270       386  
Short-term non-interest-bearing liabilities
    16,234       17,469       15,177       17,066  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total short-term liabilities
    17,488       18,536       18,447       17,452  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total equity and liabilities
    91,464       93,318       87,979       86,110  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
USGAAP
                               
Shareholders equity
    42,381       43,270       39,365       42,535  

CHANGE IN SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY

                                 
    01.01.2004   01.01.2004   01.01.2003   01.01.2003
(NOK in millions)
  - 30.06.2004
  - 31.03.2004
  - 30.06.2003
  - 31.12.2003
Shareholders equity as of 1 January
    37,237       37,237       33,685       33,685  
Net income
    4,211       2,801       2,280       4,560  
Dividends
    12                   (1,776 )
Employee share issue
    23       21             26  
Acquisition Comincom/Combellga
                      (35 )
Acquisition GramennPhone
                      (39 )
Share buy back
    (1,869 )     (620 )            
Translation adjustments
    516       644       317       816  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Shareholders equity
    40,130       40,083       36,282       37,237  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 

 


Table of Contents

CASH FLOW STATEMENT

Telenor group

                                         
    2nd quarter   1st half-year   Year
(NOK in millions)
  2004
  2003
  2004
  2003
  2003
Profit before taxes and minority interests
    2,662       2,490       7,336       3,537       7,426  
Taxes paid
    (404 )     (2,657 )     (572 )     (2,722 )     (3,283 )
Net (gains) losses including write-downs of financial items
    (358 )     102       (2,954 )     195       (76 )
Depreciation, amortization and write-downs
    2,943       2,738       5,676       5,440       10,742  
Associated companies
    (211 )     (1,382 )     (344 )     (1,348 )     (1,231 )
Difference between expensed and paid pensions
    (1 )     56       136       (73 )     134  
Currency (gains) losses not relating to operating activities
    (6 )     106       29       (48 )     (78 )
Change in other accruals
    (250 )     (510 )     (497 )     (1,051 )     42  
Net cash flow from operating activities
    4,375       943       8,810       3,930       13,676  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Payments on purchase of tangible and intangible assets
    (3,341 )     (1,272 )     (4,891 )     (2,678 )     (6,536 )
Payments on purchase of subsidiaries and associated companies, net of cash received
    (286 )     (193 )     (4,710 )     (205 )     (506 )
Proceeds from sale of tangible and intangible assets and businesses, net of cash payed
    267       2,278       478       2,452       2,850  
Proceeds from sale of and payments for other investments
    52       119       3,129       (52 )     738  
Net cash flow from investment activities
    (3,307 )     932       (5,994 )     (483 )     (3,454 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Proceeds and payments interest-bearing liabilities
    (2,269 )     (2,050 )     (2,546 )     (2,957 )     (7,022 )
Issuance of shares and repayment of equity
    15       6       22       6       25  
Share buy back
    (495 )           (1,115 )            
Dividends paid
    (1,692 )     (791 )     (1,692 )     (791 )     (890 )
Net cash flow from financing activities
    (4,441 )     (2,835 )     (5,331 )     (3,742 )     (7,887 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Effect on cash and cash equivalents of changes in foreign exchange rates
    (38 )     8       37       87       45  
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
    (3,411 )     (952 )     (2,478 )     (208 )     2,380  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period
    8,577       6,008       7,644       5,264       5,264  
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period
    5,166       5,056       5,166       5,056       7,644  

 


Table of Contents

THE BUSINESS AREAS SECOND QUARTER

                                                                                                                 
                                                                                                    Profit (loss)
                                                                                                    before taxes
    Total                                   Operating profit   Associated   Net financial   and minority
    revenues1)   of which external1)   EBITDA   (loss)   companies   items   interests
(NOK in millions)
  2004
  2003
  2004
  2003
  2004
  2003
  2004
  2003
  2004
  2003
  2004
  2003
  2004
  2003
Mobile
    8,202       5,789       7,849       5,472       3,051       2,277       1,508       1,173       205       1,539       (492 )     (609 )     1,221       2,103  
Fixed
    4,868       5,150       4,410       4,740       1,601       1,690       729       629       (1 )     (2 )     (119 )     (198 )     609       429  
Broadcast
    1,336       1,169       1,303       1,129       390       327       173       59       (5 )     (65 )     (127 )     (248 )     41       (254 )
EDB Business Partner
    1,344       1,110       1,131       827       456       116       356       17             (12 )     (13 )     (32 )     343       (27 )
Other business units
    922       1,128       798       961       120       (41 )     21       (172 )     3       (77 )     (18 )     (84 )     6       (333 )
Corporate functions and group activities
    604       603       133       94       6       (2 )     (100 )     (94 )     2       (1 )     477       844       379       749  
Eliminations
    (1,652 )     (1,726 )                 57       (17 )     52             7             4       (177 )     63       (177 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total
    15,624       13,223       15,624       13,223       5,681       4,350       2,739       1,612       211       1,382       (288 )     (504 )     2,662       2,490  

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

THE BUSINESS AREAS FIRST HALF YEAR

                                                                                                                 
                                                                                                    Profit (loss)
                                                                                                    before taxes
    Total                                   Operating profit   Associated   Net financial   and minority
    revenues1)   of which external1)   EBITDA   (loss)   companies   items   interests
(NOK in millions)
  2004
  2003
  2004
  2003
  2004
  2003
  2004
  2003
  2004
  2003
  2004
  2003
  2004
  2003
Mobile
    15,416       11,177       14,716       10,554       5,867       4,472       3,014       2,285       386       1,561       1,604       (1,346 )     5,004       2,500  
Fixed
    9,808       10,182       8,919       9,386       3,221       3,282       1,421       1,171       (6 )           (289 )     (420 )     1,126       751  
Broadcast
    2,642       2,307       2,574       2,224       738       531       283       (14 )     2       (81 )     (264 )     (480 )     21       (575 )
EDB Business Partner
    2,380       2,168       1,936       1,631       584       211       398       19             (13 )     (29 )     (49 )     369       (43 )
Other business units
    1,816       2,199       1,563       1,887       261       65       54       (185 )     (42 )     (117 )     (34 )     (189 )     (22 )     (491 )
Corporate functions and group activities
    1,128       1,152       200       147       (1 )     (9 )     (192 )     (195 )     2       (2 )     979       1,763       789       1,566  
Eliminations
    (3,282 )     (3,356 )                 27       (25 )     43       6       2             4       (177 )     49       (171 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total
    29,908       25,829       29,908       25,829       10,697       8,527       5,021       3,087       344       1,348       1,971       (898 )     7,336       3,537  

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
  Q2
Revenues (NOK in millions)
    11,563       12,011       12,210       13,042       12,606       13,223       13,491       13,801       14,284       15,624  
EBITDA excluding gains and losses (NOK in millions)
    2,926       3,155       3,778       3,599       4,184       4,448       4,886       4,781       5,010       5,342  
Operating profit (loss) (NOK in millions)
    602       691       488       (2,101 )     1,475       1,612       2,300       2,173       2,282       2,739  
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       2,662  
Equity ratio including minority interests (%)
    49.4       48.2       46.7       41.7       42.6       45.5       48.0       47.0       47.2       48.6  
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       21,973  
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       1.1  
Capex (NOK in millions)
    1,879       2,161       2,169       2,680       1,230       1,314       1,460       2,450       1,471       4,012  
Investments in businesses (NOK in millions)
    8,875       2,271       493       772       23       268       9       263       3,749       294  
No. of man-years
    22,250       21,650       22,350       22,100       21,200       21,150       20,300       19,450       20,600       20,200  
- of which abroad
    7,700       7,800       8,600       8,900       8,700       8,700       8,100       7,450       8,650       8,750  
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       2,451  
No. of GSM subscriptions (in thousands)
    2,249       2,299       2,352       2,330       2,294       2,285       2,324       2,327       2,346       2,422  
- of which prepaid (in thousands)
    1,051       1,094       1,131       1,115       1,093       1,091       1,120       1,099       1,091       1,118  
Traffic minutes per GSM subscription per month, generated and terminated
    171       185       186       178       178       190       195       189       192       198  
Average revenue per GSM subscription per month in the quarter (ARPU):
    334       351       359       340       330       346       354       326       332       348  
- of which contract
    481       511       528       492       480       501       519       475       488       515  
- of which prepaid
    162       168       171       170       163       172       174       162       154       153  
No. of SMS and content messages (in millions)
    391       403       444       454       452       462       500       512       488       511  
Sonofon - Denmark
                                                                               
No. of mobile subscriptions (in thousands)
                                                    996       1,212  
- of which prepaid (in thousands)
                                                    250       451  
Traffic minutes per GSM subscription per month, generated and terminated
                                                    165       185  
Average revenue per GSM subscription per month in the quarter (ARPU):
                                                    270       255  
- of which contract
                                                    313       322  
- of which prepaid
                                                    135       111  
No. of SMS and content messages (in millions)
                                                    240       298  
Telenor Mobile Sweden
                                                                               
No. of mobile subscriptions (in thousands)
                            52       59       65       81       84       92  
- of which prepaid (in thousands)
                              26       23       28       44       48       54  
Traffic minutes per GSM subscription per month, generated and terminated
                              28       41       67       76       80       104  
Average revenue per GSM subscription per month in the quarter (ARPU):
                              119       160       207       199       188       202  
- of which contract
                              194       248       311       294       295       311  
- of which prepaid
                              44       49       56       105       105       122  
No. of SMS and content messages (in millions)
                              3       3       5       8       8       11  
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       2,588  
- of which prepaid (in thousands)
    1,446       1,596       1,767       1,910       1,989       1,981       2,019       2,023       1,977       1,936  
Traffic minutes per GSM subscription per month, generated and terminated
    113       115       112       112       104       110       113       116       111       121  
Average revenue per GSM subscription per month in the quarter (ARPU):
    182       184       177       177       153       165       170       173       169       176  
- of which contract
    383       391       401       415       386       414       416       412       396       386  
- of which prepaid
    97       98       94       100       86       92       97       99       94       97  
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       2,585  
- of which prepaid (100% in thousands)
    1,044       1,176       1,351       1,519       1,708       1,850       1,953       2,101       2,301       2,453  
Traffic minutes per GSM subscription per month, generated and terminated
    197       189       185       185       177       175       177       176       167       164  
Average revenue per GSM subscription per month in the quarter (ARPU):
    169       158       138       145       123       111       117       117       116       110  
- of which contract
    313       331       312       352       331       336       367       357       358       352  
- of which prepaid
    150       142       124       131       112       100       105       105       104       98  
Kyivstar - Ukraine
                                                                               
No. of mobile subscriptions (100% in thousands)
                1,659       1,856       2,012       2,205       2,512       3,037       3,221       3,610  
- of which prepaid (100% in thousands)
                1,283       1,472       1,614       1,768       2,037       2,503       2,675       3,031  
Traffic minutes per GSM subscription per month, generated and terminated
                50       49       43       52       59       73       69       74  
Average revenue per GSM subscription per month in the quarter (ARPU):
                113       102       81       92       106       95       87       97  
- of which contract
                194       202       167       176       204       201       194       213  
- of which prepaid
                73       70       54       66       74       70       62       69  
GrameenPhone - Bangladesh
                                                                               
No. of mobile subscriptions (100% in thousands)
    550       625       704       769       835       928       1,047       1,141       1,520       1,795  
- of which prepaid (100% in thousands)
    353       424       501       563       631       725       820       899       1,258       1,501  
Traffic minutes per GSM subscription per month, generated and terminated
    308       297       288       298       309       312       328       320       322       313  
Average revenue per GSM subscription per month in the quarter (ARPU):
    191       173       167       155       133       136       143       130       123       108  
- of which contract
    311       297       286       303       283       295       337       327       342       298  
- of which prepaid
    118       104       100       95       81       89       90       76       72       70  
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       24,594  
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       1,219  
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       1,548  
PSTN/ISDN generated traffic (mill. minutes)
    4,702       4,392       3,864       4,387       4,268       3,876       3,454       3,787       3,725       3,279  
Market share of PSTN/ISDN generated traffic (%)
    73       73       73       72       70       70       69       69       69       69  
No. of Online subscriptions residential market (in thousands)
    370       359       347       337       315       304       301       294       286       276  
No. of ADSL subscriptions residential market (in thousands)
    42       53       64       90       114       124       139       163       191       214  
No. of ADSL subscriptions business market Norway (in thousands)
    1       2       3       4       7       10       11       14       17       21  
Wholesale market
                                                                               
No. of PSTN subscriptions (in thousands)
                            11       12       42       104       151       170  
No. of ISDN subscriptions (lines in thousands)
                            14       17       52       126       188       215  
No. of ADSL subscriptions (in thousands)
    5       6       8       15       21       31       41       56       76       86  
No. of LLUB (in thousands)
    18       25       32       42       53       59       68       80       96       108  
BROADCAST
                                                                               
No. of television subscribers in the Nordic region
                                                                               
- Subscribers with satellite dish (in thousands)
    614       646       664       701       713       708       726       763       778       782  
- Cable TV subscribers (in thousands)
    557       559       561       571       575       590       594       604       605       611  
- Households in small antenna TV-networks (in thousands)
    1,140       1,126       1,129       1,133       1,130       1,049       1,100       1,098       1,132       1,161  
- Cable TV Internet access (in thousands)
    15       17       18       21       24       26       28       31       34       35  

 


Table of Contents

Special items

                                         
    2nd quarter   1st half-year   Year
(NOK in millions)
  2004
  2003
  2004
  2003
  2003
EBITDA
    5,681       4,350       10,697       8,527       18,302  
Gains on disposal of fixed assets and operations
    (366 )     (76 )     (374 )     (80 )     (232 )
Losses on disposal of fixed assets and operations
    27       174       29       185       229  
EBITDA excluding gains and losses
    5,342       4,448       10,352       8,632       18,299  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Expenses for workforce reductions, loss contracts and exit from activities
                                       
Mobile
    7       (14 )     11       (14 )     (21 )
Fixed
    24       (2 )     42       4       6  
Broadcast
    1       3       1       5       7  
EDB Business Partner
    27       57       27       57       223  
Other business units
    1       12       2       13       38  
Corporate functions and Group activities
    103       24       105       21       34  
Total workforce reductions, loss contracts and exit from activities
    163       81       188       86       287  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Adjusted EBITDA
    5,505       4,529       10,540       8,718       18,586  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Write-downs
                                       
Mobile
    1       19       1       27       35  
Fixed
          7             7       24  
Broadcast
                      4       18  
EDB Business Partner
          7             11       28  
Other business units
          14       3       14       37  
Corporate functions and Group activities
                            3  
Total write-downs
    1       47       4       63       145  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Adjusted operating profit
    2,564       1,838       4,868       3,341       7,989  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Special items associated companies
                                       
(Gains) losses on disposal of ownership interests
    (9 )     (1,442 )     (9 )     (1,508 )     (1,507 )
Other write-downs associated companies
          11             11       25  
Total special items associated companies
    (9 )     (1,431 )     (9 )     (1,497 )     (1,482 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Net (gains) losses and write-downs financial items
    (18 )     4       (2,609 )     90       (73 )
Adjusted profit (loss) before taxes and minority interests
    2,460       1,289       4,565       2,384       6,300  

 


Table of Contents

Reconciliations

                                         
    2nd quarter   1st half-year   Year
(NOK in millions)
  2004
  2003
  2004
  2003
  2003
Net income
    1,410       1,683       4,211       2,280       4,560  
Minority interests
    347       98       631       161       490  
Taxes
    905       709       2,494       1,096       2,376  
Profit before taxes and minority interests
    2,662       2,490       7,336       3,537       7,426  
Net financial items
    288       504       (1,971 )     898       1,365  
Associated companies
    (211 )     (1,382 )     (344 )     (1,348 )     (1,231 )
Operating profit
    2,739       1,612       5,021       3,087       7,560  
Depreciation and amortization
    2,941       2,691       5,672       5,377       10,597  
Write-downs
    1       47       4       63       145  
EBITDA
    5,681       4,350       10,697       8,527       18,302  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Net (gains) losses on disposal of fixed assets and operations
    (339 )     98       (345 )     105       (3 )
EBITDA excluding gains and losses
    5,342       4,448       10,352       8,632       18,299  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Expenses for workforce reductions, loss contracts and exit of activities
    163       81       188       86       287  
Adjusted EBITDA
    5,505       4,529       10,540       8,718       18,586  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Operating profit
    2,739       1,612       5,021       3,087       7,560  
Write-downs
    1       47       4       63       145  
Net (gains) losses on disposal of fixed assets and operations
    (339 )     98       (345 )     105       (3 )
Expenses for workforce reductions, loss contracts and exit of activities
    163       81       188       86       287  
Adjusted operating profit
    2,564       1,838       4,868       3,341       7,989  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Associated companies
    211       1,382       344       1,348       1,231  
Special items associated companies
    (9 )     (1,431 )     (9 )     (1,497 )     (1,482 )
Adjusted associated companies
    202       (49 )     335       (149 )     (251 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Profit before taxes and minority interests
    2,662       2,490       7,336       3,537       7,426  
Write-downs
    1       47       4       63       145  
Net (gains) losses on disposal of fixed assets and operations
    (339 )     98       (345 )     105       (3 )
Expenses for workforce reductions, loss contracts and exit of activities
    163       81       188       86       287  
Special items associated companies
    (9 )     (1,431 )     (9 )     (1,497 )     (1,482 )
Net (gains) losses and write-downs financial items
    (18 )     4       (2,609 )     90       (73 )
Adjusted profit before taxes and minority interests
    2,460       1,289       4,565       2,384       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:    
      Name: Torstein Moland
      (sign.)
      Title: CFO

Date: 23rd July, 2004