“The strategic agenda we initiated two years ago continued to bear fruit in the
second quarter. Although organic subscription and traffic revenues declined by 1
percent, the EBITDA margin was 40 percent and we saw positive revenue
development and effects from efficiency and modernisation programmes. Our
underlying financial performance remains stable. 

Across our markets, results show that the momentum set at the start of the year
continues. In Norway, we see mobile ARPU growth of 2 percent. Preparations for
5G are ongoing through pilots and network upgrades. There is good traction on
fibre rollout and copper infrastructure replacement, which will enable customers
to connect faster and more reliably. 

In Thailand and Myanmar, we have seen improved revenue growth during the year.
Investments made in Thailand are showing results, building a foundation for
future growth. Subscription and traffic revenue growth in Bangladesh was 13
percent. During the quarter, 2.3 million new customers joined our networks
globally.

Our acquisition of a majority stake in Finland’s DNA has been approved by the
European Commission, and we expect completion of the deal in August. Following
completion, we will launch a mandatory tender offer for the remaining shares in
the company. In Asia, we continue to work on the potential combination with
Axiata, with the aim to finalise an agreement within the third quarter of 2019. 

Throughout the remaining half of the year, we will maintain operational
momentum, continue to modernise our networks and create value for customers and
shareholders,” said Sigve Brekke, President and CEO, Telenor Group.

Second quarter 2019 summary

•	Total reported revenues were NOK 28.0 billion, which is an increase of 2%.
Subscription and traffic revenues decreased by 1% on an organic basis in the
second quarter. 
•	Currency adjusted gross profit declined by NOK 0.2 billion in the quarter,
while reported gross profit increased by NOK 0.1 billion.
•	Currency adjusted opex decreased by NOK 0.1 billion or 1%, excluding a
provision in Bangladesh. Reported opex increased by NOK 0.3 billion or 3%.
•	EBITDA before other items was NOK 11.1 billion with an EBITDA margin of 40%.
When adjusting for the provision in Bangladesh, EBITDA decreased by 1% on an
organic basis.
•	Net income attributable to equity holders of Telenor ASA was NOK 3.1 billion.
•	Capex excluding licences and spectrum was NOK 4.1 billion, resulting in a
capex to sales ratio of 15%.
•	Free cash flow in the quarter was negative NOK 0.9 billion, affected by capex
phasing and CAT settlement payments.
•	In the second quarter, we paid out dividends of NOK 6.4 billion to our
shareholders and bought back shares of in total NOK 0.8 billion.

Outlook for 2019

As previously communicated, dtac in Thailand is now included in the full-year
guidance. In addition, the guidance takes into account an adjusted outlook from
Digi as well as a provision in Bangladesh. Based on this and on the results so
far this year, we expect subscription and traffic revenues at around the 2018
level and a low single digit EBITDA decline. Capex excluding licences and
spectrum is still expected to be in the range of NOK 16-17 billion.

Investor Relations Contacts

Marianne Moe, mobile: (+47) 916 17 631, marianne.moe@telenor.com
Håkon Hatlevik, mobile (+47) 901 46 070, hakon.hatlevik@telenor.com

Media Contact

Jonathan Higgins, mobile: (+47) 9011 0606, jonathan.higgins@telenor.com 

Presentation of Q2 results:

•	Presentation for analysts and media – webcast and telephone, 16 June 09:00 CET
•	Press meeting at Telenor Expo, Fornebu, 16 June 11:00 CET

Q2 presentation – WEBCAST AND TELECONFERENCE ONLY 

In connection with the publication of the financial results, a live stream for
analysts, investors and journalists will be held on Tuesday 16 July at 09:00 hrs
Norwegian time/CET. The presentation will be broadcast live via webcast only.
CEO Sigve Brekke and CFO Jørgen C. Arentz Rostrup will present the results. The
presentation will be held in English.

https://live.telenorexpo.no/live-events/?privId=2tDtC1Z111Z1a11tJ&type=live

You may also call in and listen to the presentation over the phone. This service
allows you to ask questions during the Q&A session at the end of the
presentation. To participate in the conference call, dial:
•	+ 47 2100 2610 (local Norway)
•	+46 (0)8 5033 6574 (local Sweden)
•	+44 (0)330 336 9125 (local UK)
•	+1 929-477-0324 (local US)

Please state confirmation code 5507845, your name and company to the operator

For the Q&A session: to queue up for questions please press *1

Press meeting at Telenor Fornebu: 11:00 CET

At 11:00 hrs Norwegian time/CET, Telenor Group CEO Sigve Brekke and Telenor
Norway CEO Petter-Børre Furberg will host a 60-minute media presentation and
Q&A. This will be held in person in Norway Lounge, Telenor Expo Visitor Centre
at Fornebu, near Oslo.

Material

The quarterly report and the presentation are available here:
https://www.telenor.com/investors/reports/2019/telenor-groups-results-for-the-2n
d-quarter-2019/