e20vf
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 20-F
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o |
REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OR
(g) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
OR
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þ |
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005
OR
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o |
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
OR
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o |
SHELL COMPANY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE
SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the transition period
from to .
Commission file number: 0-31054
Telenor ASA
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
Norway
(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
Snarøyveien 30, N-1331 Fornebu, Norway
(Address of principal executive offices)
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to
Section 12(b) of the Act: None
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to
Section 12(g) of the Act: Ordinary Shares, nominal value
NOK 6.00 per share
Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to
Section 15(d) of the Act: None
The number of outstanding shares
of each of the issuers classes of capital or common stock
as of December 31, 2005: 1,706,570,293 Ordinary Shares,
nominal value NOK 6.00 per share.
Indicate by check mark if the
registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in
Rule 405 of the Securities Act.
Yes þ No o
If this report is an annual or
transition report, indicate by check mark if the registrant is
not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or
15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
Yes o No þ
Indicate by check mark whether the
Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed
by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter
period that the Registrant was required to file such reports)
and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for
the past 90 days.
Yes þ No o
Indicate by check mark which
financial statement item the registrant has elected to follow.
Item 17 o Item 18 þ
Indicate by check mark whether the
registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer or
a non-accelerated filer.
Large Accelerated
Filer Accelerated
Filer Non-Accelerated
Filer þ
If this is an annual report,
indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company
(as defined in
Rule 12b-2 of the
Exchange Act).
Yes o No þ
TABLE OF CONTENTS
2
PRESENTATION OF FINANCIAL AND OTHER INFORMATION
Telenor publishes its financial statements in Norwegian Krone
(NOK). Unless otherwise indicated, all amounts in
this annual report are expressed in Norwegian Krone. In
connection with Telenors international operations, certain
amounts denominated in foreign currencies have been translated
into Norwegian Krone, in accordance with Telenors
accounting principles as described in our consolidated financial
statements that form part of this report under the heading
Summary of Significant Accounting Principles
Foreign currency translation and
Derivative financial instruments and
hedging except where otherwise noted. These translations
should not be construed as representations that the amounts
referred to actually represent such translated amounts or could
be converted into the translated currency at the rate indicated.
Telenors annual audited consolidated financial statements
as prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting
Standards (IFRS) as adopted by the European Union (EU) differ in
certain respects from U.S. GAAP. For a reconciliation of
the material differences between IFRS and U.S. GAAP as they
relate to Telenor, see note 38 to our consolidated
financial statements.
As used in this annual report, the terms Telenor,
we or us, unless the context otherwise
requires, refer to Telenor ASA and its consolidated subsidiaries.
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This annual report contains forward-looking statements that
involve risks and uncertainties. In addition, other written or
oral statements which constitute forward-looking statements have
been made and may in the future be made by or on behalf of
Telenor. In this annual report, such forward-looking statements
include, without limitation, statements relating to (1) the
implementation of strategic initiatives, (2) the
development of revenues overall and within specific business
areas, (3) the development of operating expenses,
(4) the development of personnel expenses,
(5) expenses incurred in the development of associated
companies, (6) the anticipated level of capital
expenditures and associated depreciation and amortization
expense, and (7) other statements relating to
Telenors future business development and economic
performance. The words anticipate,
believe, expect, estimate,
intend, plan and similar expressions
identify certain of these forward-looking statements. Readers
are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking
statements because actual events and results may differ
materially from the expected results described by such
forward-looking statements.
Many factors may influence Telenors actual results and
cause them to differ materially from expected results as
described in forward-looking statements. These factors include
the following:
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the level of demand for our services, particularly with regard
to mobile communications services, fixed telephony, Internet,
pay television services, and other newer products and services; |
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actions of our competitors; |
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regulatory developments, including changes to our permitted
tariffs, the terms of access to our network, the terms of
interconnection and other issues; and |
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the success of our international investments and expansion
programs. |
Telenor disclaims any intention or obligation to update and
revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of
new information, future events or otherwise.
3
PART I
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ITEM 1: |
IDENTITY OF DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND ADVISERS |
Not applicable.
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ITEM 2: |
OFFER STATISTICS AND EXPECTED TIMETABLE |
Not applicable.
SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL AND STATISTICAL DATA
The following tables set forth summary consolidated financial
and statistical data of Telenor. They should be read together
with Item 5: Operating and Financial Review and
Prospects and our consolidated financial statements,
including the notes to those financial statements included in
this report.
From January 1, 2005, as required by the European
Unions IAS Regulation and the Companies Act 1985, we have
prepared the consolidated financial statements in accordance
with International Financial Reporting Standards
(IFRS) as adopted by the European Union
(EU). IFRS as adopted by the EU differ in
certain respects from IFRS as issued by the International
Accounting Standards Board (IASB). However, the
consolidated financial statements for the periods presented
would be no different had Company applied IFRS as issued by the
IASB. References to IFRS hereafter should be
construed as references to IFRS as adopted by the EU.
Comparative figures are prepared for 2004.
Solely for the convenience of the reader, the financial data at
and for the twelve months ended December 31, 2005 have been
translated into U.S. dollars at the rate of NOK 6.7444 to
USD 1.00, the noon buying rate on December 30, 2005
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Year ended December 31, | |
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2001 | |
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2002 | |
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2003 | |
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2004 | |
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2005 | |
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2005 | |
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(NOK) | |
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(NOK) | |
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(NOK) | |
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(NOK) | |
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(NOK) | |
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(USD) | |
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(in millions, except per share amounts) | |
Income Statement Data
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Revenues
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60,591 |
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68,927 |
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10,220 |
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Operating expenses(1)
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53,224 |
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57,222 |
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8,484 |
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Operating profit
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7,367 |
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11,705 |
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1,736 |
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Share of profit in associated Companies
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986 |
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1,233 |
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183 |
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Profit from continuing operations
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7,413 |
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9,138 |
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1,355 |
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Profit (loss) from discontinued operations(2)
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(4 |
) |
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(1 |
) |
Profit from total operations
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7,413 |
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9,134 |
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1,354 |
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Attributable to:
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Non-controlling interests (minority interests)
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1,320 |
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1,488 |
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220 |
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Equity holders of Telenor ASA (net income)
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6,093 |
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7,646 |
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1,134 |
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Earnings per share from continuing operations basic
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3.49 |
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4.47 |
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0.66 |
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Earnings per share from continuing operations diluted
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3.48 |
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4.47 |
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0.66 |
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Earnings per share from total operations basic
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3.49 |
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4.47 |
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0.66 |
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Earnings per share from total operations diluted
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3.48 |
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4.47 |
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0.66 |
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Dividends per share(3)
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1.50 |
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2.00 |
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0.30 |
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Weighted average number of shares (in millions of
shares) primary
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1,748 |
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1,711 |
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4
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Year ended December 31, | |
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2001 | |
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2002 | |
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2003 | |
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2004 | |
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2005 | |
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2005 | |
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(NOK) | |
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(NOK) | |
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(NOK) | |
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(NOK) | |
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(NOK) | |
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(USD) | |
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(in millions, except per share amounts) | |
Weighted average number of shares (in millions of
shares) diluted
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1,749 |
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1,712 |
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U.S. GAAP
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Revenues
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40,581 |
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47,879 |
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52,826 |
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67,801 |
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70,352 |
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10,431 |
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Net income from continuing operations (excluding Telenor Media)
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1,889 |
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Net income
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7,004 |
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(3,658 |
) |
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5,036 |
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5,639 |
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7,427 |
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1,101 |
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Net income per share from continuing operations (excluding
Telenor Media)
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1,066 |
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Net income per share cumulative effect on prior years (prior to
December 31, 2001) of change in accounting principles
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0,033 |
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(0.10 |
) |
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Net income per share primary (excluding treasury
shares)
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3.95 |
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(2.06 |
) |
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2.84 |
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3.22 |
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4.34 |
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0.64 |
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Net income per share diluted (excluding treasury
shares)
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3.95 |
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(2.06 |
) |
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2.84 |
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3.22 |
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4.34 |
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0.64 |
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(1) |
Including depreciation, amortization and writedowns. |
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(2) |
Dividends in respect of 2005 will be paid in June 2006. |
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(3) |
Assets and liabilities held for sale in United Communication
Industry pcl (UCOM), excluding our ownership interests in
Total Access Communications (DTAC) and the holding of interest
bearing liabilities, were reported as discontinued operations as
of December 31, 2005. Please see note 1 to our consolidated
financial statements for more information. |
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Year ended December 31, |
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|
2001 |
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2002 |
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2003 |
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2004 |
|
2005 |
|
2005 |
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(NOK) |
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(NOK) |
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(NOK) |
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(NOK) |
|
(NOK) |
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(USD) |
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(in millions) |
Balance Sheet Data
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IFRS
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Total non current assets
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73,181 |
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98,646 |
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14,626 |
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Total current assets
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18,215 |
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25,749 |
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3,818 |
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Total assets
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91,396 |
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124,395 |
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18,444 |
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Equity attributable to equity holders of Telenor ASA
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40,122 |
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46,399 |
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6,879 |
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Non-controlling interests (Minority interests)
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3,946 |
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7,134 |
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1,058 |
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Total equity
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44,068 |
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53,533 |
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7,937 |
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Total non-current liabilities
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26,655 |
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33,756 |
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5,005 |
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Total current liabilities
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20,673 |
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37,106 |
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5,502 |
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Total equity and liabilities
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91,396 |
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124,395 |
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18,444 |
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U.S. GAAP
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Total assets
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90,129 |
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|
97,511 |
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|
101,088 |
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|
101,171 |
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131,384 |
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|
19,480 |
|
Non-current interest-bearing liabilities
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20,978 |
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30,275 |
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39,255 |
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34,882 |
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38,643 |
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|
5,730 |
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Shareholders equity
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42,944 |
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|
35,799 |
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|
42,535 |
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|
42,430 |
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|
47,457 |
|
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|
7,037 |
|
5
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Year ended December 31, |
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|
2001 |
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2002 |
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2003 |
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2004 |
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2005 |
|
2005 |
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(NOK) |
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(NOK) |
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(NOK) |
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(NOK) |
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(NOK) |
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(USD) |
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(in millions) |
Cash Flow
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IFRS
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Net cash flow from operating activities
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18,991 |
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|
22,340 |
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|
3,312 |
|
Net cash flow from investment activities
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(13,031 |
) |
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(19,998 |
) |
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|
(2,965 |
) |
Net cash flow from financing activities
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|
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|
(8,255 |
) |
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|
(832 |
) |
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|
(123 |
) |
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|
Year ended December 31, |
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|
2001 |
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2002 |
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2003 |
|
2004 |
|
2005 |
|
2005 |
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(NOK) |
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(NOK) |
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(NOK) |
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(NOK) |
|
(NOK) |
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(USD) |
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(in millions) |
Investments and EBITDA
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IFRS
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Capital Expenditure(1)
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|
12,745 |
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|
16,439 |
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|
2,437 |
|
Investment in businesses(2)
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|
5,809 |
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|
8,858 |
|
|
|
1,313 |
|
EBITDA(3)
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|
|
|
21,535 |
|
|
|
23,836 |
|
|
|
3,534 |
|
|
|
(1) |
Capital expenditure (Capex) is investment in property, plant and
equipment and intangible assets. |
|
(2) |
Investments in businesses are acquisitions of non-current shares
and participations, including acquisitions of subsidiaries. |
|
(3) |
For the definition and discussion of EBITDA and the
reconciliation of EBITDA to profit from total operations, you
should read Item 5: Operating and Financial Review
and Prospects Operating profit and EBITDA. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year ended December 31, |
|
|
|
|
|
2001 |
|
2002 |
|
2003 |
|
2004 |
|
2005 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other Operating Data
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mobile telephony (digital) subscriptions in
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Telenor Mobile (Norway), period end (000s):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Contract
|
|
|
1,210 |
|
|
|
1,215 |
|
|
|
1,228 |
|
|
|
1,395 |
|
|
|
1,509 |
|
|
|
Prepaid
|
|
|
1,027 |
|
|
|
1,115 |
|
|
|
1,099 |
|
|
|
1,228 |
|
|
|
1,222 |
|
Mobile telephony (digital) subscriptions in
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sonofon (Denmark), period end (000s):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Contract
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
813 |
|
|
|
859 |
|
|
|
Prepaid
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
462 |
|
|
|
425 |
|
Mobile telephony (digital) subscriptions in
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Telenor Mobile Sweden period end (000s)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Contract
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
37 |
|
|
|
48 |
|
|
|
47 |
|
|
|
Prepaid
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
44 |
|
|
|
57 |
|
|
|
48 |
|
Mobile telephony (digital) subscriptions in
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Kyivstar (Ukraine), period end (000s):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Contract
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
384 |
|
|
|
534 |
|
|
|
720 |
|
|
|
1,024 |
|
|
|
Prepaid
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,472 |
|
|
|
2,503 |
|
|
|
5,532 |
|
|
|
12,901 |
|
Mobile telephony (digital) subscriptions in
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pannon GSM (Hungary), period end (000s):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Contract
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
540 |
|
|
|
595 |
|
|
|
779 |
|
|
|
1,025 |
|
|
|
Prepaid
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,910 |
|
|
|
2,023 |
|
|
|
1,991 |
|
|
|
1,904 |
|
6
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year ended December 31, | |
|
|
| |
|
|
2001 | |
|
2002 | |
|
2003 | |
|
2004 | |
|
2005 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Mobile telephony (digital) subscriptions in
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
DTAC (Thailand), period end (000s):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Contract
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,465 |
|
|
|
Prepaid
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7,212 |
|
Mobile telephony (digital) subscriptions in
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
DiGi.Com (Malaysia), period end (000s):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Contract
|
|
|
137 |
|
|
|
97 |
|
|
|
106 |
|
|
|
175 |
|
|
|
354 |
|
|
|
Prepaid
|
|
|
902 |
|
|
|
1,519 |
|
|
|
2,101 |
|
|
|
3,067 |
|
|
|
4,441 |
|
Mobile telephony (digital) subscriptions in
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
GrameenPhone (Bangladesh), period end (000s):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Contract
|
|
|
185 |
|
|
|
206 |
|
|
|
242 |
|
|
|
296 |
|
|
|
383 |
|
|
|
Prepaid
|
|
|
279 |
|
|
|
563 |
|
|
|
899 |
|
|
|
2,092 |
|
|
|
5,159 |
|
Mobile telephony (digital) subscriptions in
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Telenor Pakistan, period end (000s):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Contract and prepaid
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,868 |
|
Mobile telephony (digital) subscriptions in
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ProMonte GSM (Montenegro) period end (000s):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Contract
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
44 |
|
|
|
45 |
|
|
|
Prepaid
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
235 |
|
|
|
265 |
|
Fixed Norway
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fixed telephony access channels in Norway,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
period end (000s):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Analog (PSTN)
|
|
|
1,545 |
|
|
|
1,467 |
|
|
|
1,308 |
|
|
|
1,182 |
|
|
|
1,089 |
|
|
|
Digital (ISDN)
|
|
|
1,766 |
|
|
|
1,828 |
|
|
|
1,682 |
|
|
|
1,449 |
|
|
|
1,227 |
|
Fixed telephony traffic in Norway (in millions of minutes):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
National calls, excluding Internet traffic
|
|
|
10,567 |
|
|
|
9,457 |
|
|
|
8,203 |
|
|
|
7,007 |
|
|
|
5,760 |
|
|
|
Internet traffic
|
|
|
6,067 |
|
|
|
5,293 |
|
|
|
4,619 |
|
|
|
3,577 |
|
|
|
2,081 |
|
|
|
Calls to mobile
|
|
|
1,412 |
|
|
|
1,499 |
|
|
|
1,442 |
|
|
|
1,362 |
|
|
|
1,332 |
|
|
|
International
|
|
|
383 |
|
|
|
378 |
|
|
|
340 |
|
|
|
308 |
|
|
|
277 |
|
|
|
Value-added services and directory calls, etc.
|
|
|
624 |
|
|
|
710 |
|
|
|
781 |
|
|
|
772 |
|
|
|
620 |
|
Internet, period end (000s):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Internet subscriptions, residential market Norway
|
|
|
394 |
|
|
|
427 |
|
|
|
457 |
|
|
|
527 |
|
|
|
579 |
|
|
|
of which xDSL
|
|
|
23 |
|
|
|
90 |
|
|
|
163 |
|
|
|
286 |
|
|
|
414 |
|
|
|
xDSL business subscriptions, Norway
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
4 |
|
|
|
14 |
|
|
|
40 |
|
|
|
61 |
|
Broadcast
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pay television subscribers in the Nordic region,
period end (000s):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cable TV
|
|
|
561 |
|
|
|
571 |
|
|
|
604 |
|
|
|
624 |
|
|
|
681 |
|
|
|
Satellite master antenna TV- networks (SMATV)
|
|
|
1,193 |
|
|
|
1,133 |
|
|
|
1,098 |
|
|
|
1,212 |
|
|
|
1,177 |
|
|
|
Home satellite dish (DTH)(1)
|
|
|
569 |
|
|
|
701 |
|
|
|
763 |
|
|
|
824 |
|
|
|
906 |
|
|
|
Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
12 |
|
|
|
33 |
|
Group
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of full-time equivalent employees
|
|
|
21,000 |
|
|
|
22,100 |
|
|
|
19,450 |
|
|
|
20,900 |
|
|
|
27,600 |
|
7
|
|
(1) |
Includes all subscribers of Canal Digital, which we consolidated
as a wholly-owned subsidiary starting on June 30, 2002. |
DIVIDENDS AND DIVIDEND POLICY
Under Norwegian law, dividends may only be paid in respect of a
financial period for which audited financial statements have
been approved by the annual general meeting of shareholders. Any
proposal to pay dividend must be recommended by the board of
directors, accepted by the corporate assembly and approved by
the shareholders at a general meeting. The shareholders at the
annual general meeting may vote to reduce, but not to increase,
the dividend proposed by the board of directors.
Dividends may be paid in cash or in kind and are payable only
out of distributable reserves, which are calculated from
Telenor ASAs balance sheet. Distributable reserves
consist of:
|
|
|
|
|
annual profit according to the income statement approved for the
preceding financial year, and |
|
|
|
retained profit from previous years, |
after deduction for uncovered losses, the book value of research
and development, goodwill, net deferred tax assets recorded in
the balance sheet for the preceding financial year, the
aggregate value of treasury shares that we have purchased or
been granted security in during preceding financial years and of
credit and security given pursuant to
sections 8-7
to 8-9 of the
Norwegian Public Limited Companies Act, and for any part of our
annual profits that would be compatible with good and careful
business practice to retain with due regard to any losses which
we may have incurred after the last balance sheet date or which
we may expect to incur. We cannot distribute any dividends if
our equity, according to our balance sheet, amounts to less than
10% of the total assets reflected on our balance sheet without
following a creditor notice procedure as required for reducing
the share capital. These amounts are calculated on the basis of
Telenor ASAs unconsolidated financial statements.
The following table shows the aggregate dividends we paid or
expect to pay, for each of the past five fiscal years.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total | |
|
|
(in millions)(1) | |
|
|
| |
Year |
|
(NOK) | |
|
(USD) | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
2001
|
|
|
621 |
|
|
|
69 |
|
2002
|
|
|
799 |
|
|
|
115 |
|
2003
|
|
|
1,764 |
|
|
|
265 |
|
2004
|
|
|
2,603 |
|
|
|
428 |
|
2005(1)
|
|
|
3,419 |
|
|
|
510 |
|
|
|
(1) |
A dividend of NOK 2.00 per share for the fiscal year
2005 was proposed by our board of directors due for acceptance
by the corporate assembly and approval at the annual general
meeting on May 23, 2006. The dividend, if approved, will be
paid in June 2006 to the holders of record of Telenor shares on
May 23, 2006. The total amounts for 2005 do not include
dividends on own shares as of December 31, 2005. |
Since our initial public offering in 2000 and up to and
including the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002, our
stated dividend policy had been to declare and distribute an
annual dividend in an amount equal to
20-30% of our annual
net income after taxes adjusted for the effect of one-time gains
or losses, if any. Effective from the fiscal year ended
December 31, 2003, our board of directors revised our
dividend policy to state our intention to distribute an annual
dividend in an amount equal to
40-60% of our
normalized net income. However, the amount of any dividends
proposed by the board of directors may vary from year to year at
the boards discretion.
8
Because we will only pay dividends in Norwegian Krone, exchange
rate fluctuations will affect the U.S. dollar amounts
received by holders of ADSs after the ADR depositary
converts cash dividends into U.S. dollars.
EXCHANGE RATES
The table below shows the average noon buying rates in The City
of New York for cable transfers in currencies as certified for
customs purposes by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York for
Norwegian Krone per USD 1.00. The average is computed using
the noon buying rate on the last business day of each month
during the period indicated.
|
|
|
|
|
Year ended December 31, |
|
Average | |
|
|
| |
2001
|
|
|
9.0380 |
|
2002
|
|
|
7.9253 |
|
2003
|
|
|
7.0627 |
|
2004
|
|
|
6.7241 |
|
2005
|
|
|
6.7444 |
|
The table below shows the high and low noon buying rates for
each month during the six months prior to the date of this
annual report.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Low | |
|
High | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
October 2005
|
|
|
6.4307 |
|
|
|
6.6155 |
|
November 2005
|
|
|
6.4591 |
|
|
|
6.7393 |
|
December 2005
|
|
|
6.5944 |
|
|
|
6.8023 |
|
January 2006
|
|
|
6.5242 |
|
|
|
6.7483 |
|
February 2006
|
|
|
6.6416 |
|
|
|
6.8490 |
|
March 2006
|
|
|
6.5726 |
|
|
|
6.7340 |
|
April(1) 2006
|
|
|
6.4190 |
|
|
|
6.5142 |
|
|
|
(1) |
Low and high noon buying rates for the period starting
April 1, 2006 and ending on April 5, 2006. |
On April 5, 2006, the noon buying rate for Norwegian Krone
was USD 1.00 = NOK 6.4340.
Fluctuations in the exchange rate between the Norwegian Krone
and the U.S. dollar will affect the U.S. dollar
amounts received by holders of ADSs on conversion of dividends,
if any, paid in Norwegian Krone on the ordinary shares and may
affect the U.S. dollar price of the ADSs listed on the
NASDAQ National Market.
9
RISK FACTORS
Risks Related to Our Business
|
|
|
We face increasing competition in the Norwegian
telecommunications market which may result in further reductions
in tariffs and loss of market share and could affect our future
revenues and profitability. |
We are experiencing competition from competing service providers
in the Norwegian market for telecommunications services.
Generally, the Norwegian regulatory regime poses few barriers to
entry for new competitors.
In fixed network services, a number of regulatory measures have
been introduced that have strengthened and may strengthen the
position of our competitors. Pursuant to regulatory
requirements, we introduced carrier pre-selection for our
customers in November 2000, enabling them to select alternative
service providers. In April 2000, we began offering
interconnection services for our local access network, or local
loop, at cost-oriented prices. Competitors may also use
alternative technologies, such as cable or wireless local loop
connections, to provide telecommunications services, and in
March 2000 the Norwegian regulator awarded licenses to our
competitors to provide wireless access services. From 2003
onwards, we have offered wholesale line rental (PSTN and ISDN)
to other operators, enabling the operators of telephony traffic
to deliver fixed telephony subscription to their customers using
our fixed network. Such unbundled telephony access also means
that subscriptions and traffic may be delivered separately by
different operators. In addition, a number of service providers
have recently launched Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP),
which is a competitive technology to traditional telephony in
the consumer market.
In the mobile market, there are two Universal Mobile Telephony
Service (UMTS) license holders apart from us, one of which
is our primary competitor in the Norwegian mobile market,
NetCom. The second license holder, Hi3G, a new entrant to the
Norwegian mobile market, was awarded its license in August 2003.
Apart from enjoying more favorable license conditions than
NetCom and us, Hi3G was permitted to immediately claim national
roaming in the existing GSM networks.
Currently, several mobile service providers utilize our
infrastructure, or that of our primary competitor, and the
regulator may require us to reduce the prices we charge to these
service providers. You should read Risks related to
regulatory matters for further information. We have also
launched an MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator) offer in the
market. Furthermore, pursuant to regulatory requirements, we
provide network access to external providers of short messaging
services (SMS).
As competition continues to intensify, we expect that market
pressures may require us to reduce tariffs further and to
increase our marketing and sales expenses. However, we may
nonetheless lose further market share, which may adversely
affect our revenue growth and profit margin since the effect of
lost market share in the retail market is unlikely to be fully
offset by providing wholesale services to competing service
providers.
|
|
|
If we fail to successfully develop and market new mobile
communications services, our ability to achieve further revenue
growth in mobile communications services in the Norwegian market
and the more mature international markets in which we operate
may be reduced. |
Because of being the market leader, the current high penetration
rate and increased competition in the mobile telephony market in
Norway and certain more mature international markets in which we
operate, such as Denmark and Hungary, we expect that further
revenue growth in mobile communications in these countries will
depend on our ability to successfully develop and market new
applications and services or have third parties provide services
using our network. In particular, it is our goal to stimulate
demand for value-added services. Failure to successfully do so
may impair our ability to achieve further revenue growth in
mobile communications services in these countries.
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Lack of control, or failure to increase our ownership and
thus gain control, over companies in which we have minority
interests, or disagreements with our principal shareholders in
our international operations, may impede our strategic
objectives. |
As part of our strategy, we intend to expand our minority
ownership interests in, and gain control of, some of our
investments in order to exercise a controlling influence over
key business decisions, including the approval of strategy and
business plans. If we fail to increase our ownership interests
and gain control, our cost savings and revenue enhancement from
these operations may be limited. A failure to increase our
ownership interest in our associated companies may limit our
ability to influence key business or strategic decisions,
particularly in situations in which we disagree with other
principal shareholders.
For example, our ability to influence key business or strategic
decisions in our associated company VimpelCom, a Russian mobile
operator in which we own 26.6% of its voting share capital, is
closely related to the fact that VimpelComs charter
requires certain decisions to be approved by 80% of the members
of VimpelComs board of directors. However, during the last
two years, an individual shareholder of VimpelCom and
Vimpelcoms other principal shareholder, the Alfa Group
(whose telecommunications division now does business under the
name Altimo), have filed lawsuits in Russian courts
aimed at undermining these provisions of VimpelComs
charter. All of these lawsuits have now been dismissed or
withdrawn, but our ability to influence decisions about
important matters in VimpelCom might be limited as a result of
future actions by the Alfa Group.
In addition, when our other principal shareholders in our
international mobile operations fail to adequately support these
companies, not participate or disagree with us over key
corporate actions, such companies may not be able to compete or
operate effectively and the value of our investments may be
impaired.
For example, Ukrainian law requires the attendance of
shareholders holding more than 60% of a companys share
capital for a quorum to be present at shareholder meetings, and
the charter of Kyivstar, our 56.5% owned Ukrainian mobile
operator, requires the attendance of at least one director from
Storm, the other shareholder in Kyivstar and a wholly-owned
subsidiary of the Alfa Group, for a valid quorum at board
meetings. There have been situations arising in 2005 that
resulted in the failure of Storm or its nominees to attend
meetings.
Telenor has therefore been involved in litigation with Storm LLC
concerning these corporate governance and other issues involving
Kyivstar, including but not limited to the lack of Storm or its
nominees attendance at Board of Directors meetings. As provided
for under Kyivstars shareholders agreement, we have
also commenced arbitration proceedings against Storm to force
Storm, and its affiliates in the Alfa Group, to comply with the
terms of the shareholders agreement. Furthermore, we have
also proposed certain amendments to the Kyivstar charter but the
actions of Storm described above, including the failure of Storm
or its nominees to attend meetings, could still adversely affect
the ability of Kyivstar to operate and compete effectively.
Your should read Item 4: Information on the
Company Mobile Operations Associated
Companies VimpelCom Russian and other
CIS countries and Item 4: Information on the
Company Kyivstar Ukraine for
additional information about VimpelCom and Kyivstar,
respectively.
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The value of our international operations and investments
may be adversely affected by political, social, economic and
legal developments in foreign countries. |
Some of the countries in which we have operations or in which we
have made significant equity investments in telecommunications
operators, have political, social, economic and legal systems
that may at times be unpredictable. Political or economic
upheaval or changes in laws or their application may harm the
operations of the companies in which we have invested and impair
the value of these investments to us. A significant risk of
operating in emerging market countries is that foreign exchange
restrictions could be established. This could effectively
prevent us from receiving profits from, or from selling our
investments in, these countries.
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Increased exposure to currency exchange rate fluctuations
may have an adverse effect on our reported earnings and the
value of our international operations and investments. |
An increasing proportion of our revenues and profits are derived
from our international mobile operations and investments.
Fluctuations in currency exchange rates between the Norwegian
Krone and the currencies, in particular the U.S. dollar, in
which our international operations or investments report and
operate, could adversely affect our earnings as reported in
Norwegian Krone. We attempt to mitigate the effect of
fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates through foreign
currency hedging. However, there can be no assurance that our
efforts will be successful.
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If we or international mobile operators in which we have
invested fail to obtain, or fail to enter into agreements to
utilize, licenses for third generation mobile services, we may
be unable to achieve further revenue growth in mobile
communications or to benefit from certain cost reductions
related to network improvements in our target markets. |
Our ability to offer third generation mobile services, either
directly, or through our international associated companies,
depends upon our obtaining UMTS licenses or entering into
agreements with operators that have been awarded such licenses
in markets in which we are, or intend to be, present. Failure to
establish ourselves or our associated companies among the
providers of third generation mobile services may limit our
ability:
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to achieve further revenue growth in mobile communications, if
demand for improved or new services and products, which will
work better on UMTS networks, proves to be strong; and/or |
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to benefit from the low incremental costs of increases in UMTS
network capacity compared to increases in GSM network capacity. |
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Continuing rapid changes in technologies could increase
competition or require us to make substantial additional
investments. |
The services we offer are technology-intensive. The development
of new technologies may render our services non-competitive. We
may have to make substantial additional investments in new
technologies to remain competitive. New technologies we choose
may not prove to be commercially successful. As a result, we
could lose customers, fail to attract new customers or incur
substantial costs in order to maintain our customer base.
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In-orbit satellite failure may result in lost revenues in
our satellite broadcasting business. |
The operation of satellites is subject to the risk of in-orbit
failure, which could arise from various causes, such as a
failure of satellite components, solar or other astronomical
events or space debris. It is not feasible to repair satellites
in space. The satellites themselves are insured in such cases,
but we do not insure against lost revenues in the event of a
total or partial loss of the communications capacity of a
satellite while in orbit.
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Actual or perceived health risks or other problems
relating to mobile handsets or transmission masts could lead to
decreased mobile communications usage. |
Concern has been expressed that the electromagnetic signals from
mobile handsets and base stations and chemicals leaking from
mobile handsets may pose health risks or interfere with the
operation of electronic equipment, including automobile braking
and steering systems. Actual or perceived risks of mobile
handsets or base stations and related publicity, regulation or
litigation could reduce our mobile telephone customer base, make
it difficult to find attractive sites for base stations or cause
mobile telephone customers to use their mobile phones less.
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Risks Related to Regulatory Matters
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Increased regulation and changes in the regulatory
environment could adversely affect our business operations in
Norway. |
Our operations are subject to extensive regulatory requirements
in Norway. In particular, we must comply with requirements
regulating the licensing, construction and operation of our
telecommunications, cable TV, broadcasting and satellite
networks and services, and there are governmental authorities
which monitor and enforce competition laws and consumer
protection laws applicable to the telecommunications industry.
It is difficult for us to predict the precise impact of any
proposed or potential changes in regulatory, environmental or
government policies on our operations. If regulators decide to
expand or introduce restrictions and obligations applicable to
our business operations or to extend them to new services and
markets, this could adversely affect our business operations and
competitiveness in existing and new markets.
For additional information on the regulatory requirements to
which we are subject, you should read Item 4:
Information on the Company Regulation
Norway.
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Existing and new regulatory requirements may impair our
flexibility in setting tariff structures, require us to further
reduce tariffs, provide advantages to our competitors or provide
grounds for legal proceedings against us. |
We are considered by the Norwegian Post and Telecommunications
Authority to have significant market power with regard to both
our fixed and our mobile operations in the Norwegian markets for
voice telephony, transmission capacity and interconnection
services. As a result, we are subject to specific obligations
regarding pricing, accounting and reporting with respect to
these services. In particular, we are required to offer these
services to our wholesale customers and end users at
cost-oriented prices and on non-discriminatory terms.
These and other new requirements may impair our flexibility in
setting tariff structures or may require us to further reduce
tariffs, which may adversely affect our revenues and net income.
In addition, if we are required to reduce interconnection prices
or change the terms on which we provide certain services as a
result of our obligation to provide cost-oriented pricing and
non-discriminatory terms for interconnection and access, our
competitors may be at an advantage, depending on the services
provided.
This regulatory environment also provides the grounds for
several legal proceedings brought against us by our competitors
and customers, alleging that our failure or delay in providing
access to our network on the terms required by law has caused
them loss. Our alleged failures and delays include failing to
deliver cost-oriented pricing and late implementation of carrier
pre-selection. For additional information on these legal
proceedings, you should read Item 8: Financial
Information Legal Proceedings.
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The regulatory framework in Norway, which is based on EU
telecommunications regulation, may impair our ability to compete
effectively in our existing or new markets. |
In February 2002, the European Union (EU) adopted a number
of directives with the objective of developing a harmonized
regulatory framework for electronic communications networks and
services throughout the EU. In Norway, the new regulatory
framework was implemented by the Electronic Communications Act
of July 2003. The impact of the introduction of the new
framework is still uncertain, in part because it will depend on
the regulators interpretation of the framework and their
assessment of the competitive situation in the relevant markets.
Our ability to compete effectively in our existing or new
geographical and product markets could be adversely affected by
the regulators decision to extend the scope of the
restrictions we are currently subject to, to new services and
markets in the face of continuing convergence of information and
communications services. You should read Item 4:
Information on the Company Regulation
Norway Regulatory framework and developments
and Regulation European Union Regulation
for more information on the new regulatory framework.
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Increased and unpredictable regulation of our
international mobile operations and investments and the lack of
institutional continuity and safeguards in certain of the
emerging market countries in which we operate could adversely
affect our competitive position, increase our costs of
regulatory compliance and adversely affect our results and
business prospects. |
We derive an increasingly higher portion of our revenues and
profits (or losses) from our international mobile operations and
investments,with increased regulation. As a consequence,
regulatory uncertainty or unfavorable regulatory developments in
certain countries could adversely affect our results and
business prospects.
We must comply with an extensive range of requirements that
regulate the licensing, construction and operation of our
telecommunications networks and services or restrict our ability
to invest or increase our investment in local companies in these
countries. In particular, there are agencies which regulate and
supervise the allocation of frequency spectrum and which monitor
and enforce regulation and competition laws which apply to the
mobile telecommunications industry. Decisions by regulators
regarding the granting, amendment or renewal of licences, to us
or to third parties, could adversely affect our future
operations in these countries.
For example, our subsidiary Pannon has been identified as having
significant market power in the mobile and interconnection
markets in Hungary, and has been required to contribute to a
fund established by the Hungarian authorities to compensate
universal service providers. In Malaysia, we are required to
reduce our current 61% ownership interest in our mobile
subsidiary DiGi.Com to below 50% by the second half of 2006,
unless we apply for additional extensions. In Thailand, where we
operate through our consolidated subsidiary DTAC, we are exposed
to uncertainty relating to the licensing system, the
consequences of the build, operate and transfer regime
applicable to mobile networks operated by private investors and
uncertainty relating to restrictions on foreign investment in
Thailand, in particular with respect to the cap on our direct
ownership interest in DTAC. For additional information on these
regulatory developments outside Norway, you should read
Item 4: Information about the Company.
Some of the emerging markets in which we operate are in the
process of transition to market economies, stable political
institutions and comprehensive regulatory systems. Overall, we
expect the regulatory framework in most countries to converge
with that of the European Union. However, some of the emerging
market countries in which we operate lack the institutional
continuity and strong procedural and regulatory safeguards
typical of the more established countries in which we operate,
such as Norway, Denmark and Sweden. In addition, in countries
with a large and complicated structure of government and
administration, such as Russia, national, regional, local and
other governmental bodies may issue inconsistent decisions. As a
result, in these emerging countries we are exposed to regulatory
uncertainty, which could increase uncertainty for our business
and our cost of regulatory compliance, and we enjoy less
comprehensive protection for some of our rights.
Risks Related to Our Ownership by the Kingdom of Norway
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We could be influenced by the Kingdom of Norway whose
interest may not always be aligned with the interests of our
other shareholders. |
As of March 31, 2006, the Kingdom of Norway holds 54.4% of
our shares. Accordingly, the Kingdom of Norway continues to have
the power to determine certain matters submitted for a vote of
shareholders, including electing a majority of the corporate
assembly which in turn has the power to elect our board of
directors, as well as the power of approval of the annual
financial statements and declarations of dividends. The
interests of the Kingdom of Norway in deciding these matters and
the factors it considers in exercising its votes could be
different from the interests of our other shareholders.
14
Risks Related to Our Ordinary Shares and the American
Depositary Shares
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The price of our ordinary shares and ADSs may be volatile
and fluctuate significantly due to many factors, including
variations in our operating results and changes to the
regulatory environment. |
The trading price of our ordinary shares and ADSs could
fluctuate widely in response to factors such as quarterly
variations in our operating results, adverse business
developments, interest rate changes, changes in financial
estimates by securities analysts, announcements of technological
or other developments by us or our major customers or
competitors, changes to the regulatory environment in which we
operate or the actual or expected sale of a large block of
shares by the Kingdom of Norway.
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An ADS holder may not be able to exercise voting rights as
readily as an ordinary shareholder. |
Holders of ADSs may instruct the ADR depositary to vote the
ordinary shares underlying the ADSs. However, in order to
exercise their voting rights at meetings, holders of ADSs must
instruct the ADR depositary to cause the temporary transfer
of the underlying ordinary shares so as to register their
ownership of such ordinary shares directly in our share register
in the VPS (Norwegian Central Securities Depository System)
prior to the meeting. In addition, the ADR holder must
cause the delivery of such holders ADSs to a blocked
account with The Depository Trust Company for the account of the
ADR depositary and notify the ADR depositary that such
ADSs are being held in a blocked account. The ADSs must remain
in the designated account until the conclusion of the meeting at
which such voting rights are to be exercised by the ADR
depositary. There is no guarantee that you will receive voting
materials in time to instruct the ADR depositary to vote and it
is possible that ADS holders, or persons who hold their
ADSs through brokers, dealers or other third parties, will not
have the opportunity to exercise a right to vote.
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ITEM 4: |
INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY |
THE COMPANY
We are the leading telecommunications company in Norway.
We have substantial international operations, particularly in
the area of mobile telephony.
Telenor ASA is a public limited company organized under the
laws of Norway.
We were incorporated on July 21, 2000 and are subject to
the provisions of the Norwegian Act relating to Public Limited
Liability Companies. Our principal offices are located just
outside Oslo at
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Snarøyveien 30, |
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N-1331 Fornebu |
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Norway. |
Our telephone number is +47 810 77 000.
Our agent in the United States is Telenor Satellite Services
Holdings Inc., 1101 Wootton Parkway, Rockville, Maryland.
OVERVIEW
We are the leading telecommunications company in Norway, which
is among the most advanced telecommunications markets in the
world. Norway has either the highest, or one of the highest,
penetration rates of mobile phone, fixed line digital telephony,
personal computer and Internet usage worldwide. We also have
substantial international operations, particularly in the areas
of mobile telephony services, satellite operations and pay
television services. In 2005, we had consolidated total revenues
of approximately NOK 69 billion and profit after taxes
attributable to equity holders of Telenor ASA (net income) of
approximately NOK 8 billion.
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Our predecessors and we have been responsible for
telecommunications in Norway since 1855. We were established in
1994 as a limited liability company wholly-owned by the Kingdom
of Norway. In December 2000, we completed our initial public
offering, which reduced the ownership of the Kingdom of Norway
to 79%, and our shares were listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange
and the NASDAQ National Market. For additional information
concerning our history, you should read Item 7: Major
Shareholders and Related Party Transactions
Relationship between Telenor and the Kingdom of Norway.
Mobile operations
We are the leading provider of mobile telecommunications
services in Norway, with approximately 2.731 million
subscriptions at December 31, 2005. Internationally, at
December 31, 2005, we have interests in mobile operations
in 11 countries, with principal investments in 9 operations,
including:
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a 100% ownership interest in Sonofon in Denmark, with
approximately 1.284 million subscribers; |
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as of January 5, 2006, a 100% ownership interest in
Vodafone Sweden, with approximately 1.7 million
subscriptions, including Telenor Mobile Sweden. |
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a 56.5% ownership interest in Kyivstar in Ukraine, with
approximately 13.925 million subscriptions; |
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a 100% ownership interest in Pannon GSM in Hungary, with
approximately 2.929 million subscriptions; |
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a 69.3% economic stake in DTAC in Thailand, with approximately
8.677 million subscriptions; |
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a 61.1% ownership interest in DiGi.Com in Malaysia, with
approximately 4.795 million subscriptions; |
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a 62% ownership interest in GrameenPhone in Bangladesh, with
approximately 5.542 million subscriptions |
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a 100% ownership interest in Telenor Pakistan in Pakistan, with
approximately 1.868 million subscriptions. |
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a 100% ownership interest in ProMonte GSM in Montenegro, with
approximately 310,000 subscriptions. |
In addition, we have participations in two other mobile
operators in Europe. The number of subscriptions in our
international mobile operations, calculated on the basis of our
proportionate ownership interest in each company, was
41.4 million at December 31, 2005 and
22.1 million at December 31, 2004.
In accordance with our strategy of strengthening our portfolio
of international mobile operations by obtaining control of
selected international mobile operations to maximize
cross-border synergies and increase overall profitability, we
made the following acquisitions in 2005:
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In October 2005, we entered into an agreement with Vodafone
Group for the acquisition of its subsidiary Vodafone Sweden for
EUR 1,035 million (NOK 8,170 million),
including assumed debt. The acquisition was completed on
January 5, 2006. In addition, we entered into a partner
network agreement, allowing our customers to benefit from
Vodafones global brand, products and services in Sweden. |
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We increased our economic stake in Total Access Communication
(DTAC) in Thailand to 56.9% in October 2005. Following
transactions based on mandatory tender offers required under
regulations in Thailand and Singapore, our economic stake in
DTAC as at December 31, 2005 was 69.3%. |
Telenor Fixed
We are the leading provider of fixed network telecommunications
services in Norway, offering a full range of services to
residential, business and wholesale customers. As of
December 31, 2005, we had approximately 1.089 million
analog (PSTN) subscriptions in the residential and business
markets. We also
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had, at December 31, 2005, approximately 509,000 digital,
or integrated services digital network (ISDN) subscriptions
and approximately 475,000 digital subscriber lines (xDSL)
subscriptions.
With the acquisition of Bredbandsbolaget and Cybercity in July
2005, we have taken a strong position in the growing broadband
markets in Sweden and Denmark. Bredbandsbolaget is the second
largest provider of broadband services in Sweden, offering a
full triple-play of high-speed internet, VoIP and
Internet Protocol (IP) television services on an all-IP
fiber and xDSL network. Cybercity is the third largest supplier
of broadband services in Denmark, providing xDSL-based internet
access and voice services to both residential and business
customers.
Telenor Broadcast
We provide broadcasting services to customers in the Nordic
region. We are the leading provider of television services in
the Nordic countries through satellite dish, cable TV networks
and satellite master antenna TV-networks systems. As at
December 31, 2005, we had more than 3 million
subscribers to our television services.
We operate the national terrestrial broadcast network in Norway
and we are the leading provider of satellite broadcasting
services in the Nordic region, utilizing three geo-stationary
satellites.
Other Businesses
We conduct significant operations related to our core business
areas through other businesses. EDB Business Partner, our 51.8%
owned publicly listed subsidiary, is a leading information
technology company in Norway. Our wholly-owned subsidiary
Satellite Services offers satellite-based communications
networks and services to a wide variety of governmental,
intergovernmental and commercial organizations, and is one of
the worlds leading providers of global mobile
communications services, directed at the maritime, land mobile
and aeronautical markets.
STRATEGY
Our primary objective is to create greater value for our
shareholders, customers, employees and partners, and for society
in general. We strive to be a driving force in creating,
simplifying and introducing communication and content solutions
to the marketplace. In order to achieve this objective, we base
our strategy on our customer oriented vision, Here to
Help as well as our values, Make it easy, Be
respectful, Keep promises and Be inspiring. We are
committed to creating, developing and launching new solutions
that simplify our customers workday. We believe that by
simplifying our own organization and routines we can achieve
competitive market power and value-creation.
Indeed, our strategy to achieve our primary objective has the
following focus:
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To strengthen the performance of our local mobile operations by
combining Group industrialization with local drive and
responsiveness. |
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To maintain and further develop our leading position within
telecommunications in the Nordic region with a broad range of
services in both the residential and business markets and high
market shares. |
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To realize synergies across the Nordic region, primarily with
respect to our mobile operations through our established Nordic
unit, which comprises and coordinates our mobile and fixed
operations in the Nordic region. By streamlining our Nordic
operations, we aim at strengthening customer focus as well as
cost-efficiency. |
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To ensure value creation in our mobile portfolio by maximizing
cash flow in mature markets, securing continued subscriber
growth in our international companies with a particular emphasis
on subscriber growth in emerging markets and achieving control
in order to benefit from synergies across our international and
domestic operations and as a result, to increase our overall
profitability. |
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To maintain and further develop a leading position within the
Nordic TV distribution market. |
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To enhance the value of those companies which are not strategic
for our main business areas and dispose of all or part of our
interest in such companies. |
Our combined group of companies and services will form the basis
for our future growth in both the short and long term. In order
to achieve this growth objective, we aim to have a balanced
presence in mature and emerging markets.
We operate in an international market alongside global players.
We focus on three geographical areas: the Nordic region, Central
and Eastern Europe and Southeast Asia.
Within our existing portfolio our activities are within mature
markets and emerging markets. Our mature markets consist of
activities in mobile, fixed, and broadcast operations. In
emerging markets, our main focus is primarily within
international mobile operations. We intend to constantly review,
assess and evaluate which business is crucial for us to have
control, to explore partnerships, and to develop new businesses.
We are developing new services based on our experience in mature
and emerging markets. We intend to coordinate product
development and operations across our operations in order to
provide greater competitive power through improved products and
lower costs. We compete on the basis of a market and customer
driven culture and organization, expertise, well-designed
services, quality and the ability to innovate.
We aim:
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To strengthen our position as an international mobile
operator. |
We intend to continue to strengthen our mobile industrialization
mobile operations by obtaining control over selected mobile
companies. Control is essential for us to benefit from
cross-borders synergies, such as scale in procurement, to
develop new services and implement best practices, to improve
operational efficiency and to increase our overall
profitability. We intend to manage our non-strategic investments
as financial investments and to exit from international mobile
operations where we cannot obtain control over time.
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To strengthen our position in the Nordic region. |
We intend to continue to streamline our mobile and fixed
operations in the Nordic region by exploiting the benefits
resulting from economies of scale and cross-border synergies. We
believe our Nordic presence will improve support to our
customers by building upon our expertise in, and our range of,
both mobile and fixed services.
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To be the leading provider of communications services in
Norway. |
Being the leader in a broad range of services in both the
residential and business markets in Norway, we will seek to
improve profit performance in the mobile and fixed areas by
introducing new services and through a wide range of
cost-cutting initiatives.
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To continue to be the leading distributor of TV services
to consumers in the Nordic region. |
We will continue to develop new opportunities to strengthen our
strategic position as a leading distributor of
subscription-based television in the Nordic region. We will
focus on attracting new subscribers and increasing revenue per
user by providing attractive content and new interactive
services.
Organisation
Since January of 2005, we have concentrated Telenors
mobile and fixed activities in the Nordic region under one
management unit in order to simplify and enable gains from
coordination of operations. The objective of Telenor Nordic is
to maintain our position in the Norwegian market, strengthen our
position in the Swedish and Danish markets, increase efficiency
of operations and secure a strong cash flow. In addition to the
establishment of a common Nordic management and operations unit,
we have two separate market units for the Nordic region (one for
the business market and another for the residential market)
which have been established to strengthen focus on local sales
and marketing activities.
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In 2005, Telenor also initiated a Group procurement program for
the entire Telenor Group. The purpose of the procurement program
is to contribute to profitability, quality, development and
value creation. The Group procurement initiative intends to
secure a predictable and adequate supply of equipment and
services at the best achievable market rates and conditions.
Telenors mobile commitments in Asia and Europe are
becoming increasingly important to the Group. In January of 2006
we established Asia and Eastern/ Central Europe as separate
areas of responsibility, with dedicated executive vice
presidents, as we had previously done with Nordic operations. We
strengthened Asia and Eastern/ Central Europe by appointing two
of our most experienced executives. Arve Johansen will head
Telenors commitments in Asia, and Jan Edvard Thygesen will
head the Groups commitments in Eastern/ Central Europe.
Both Johansen and Thygesen are experienced members of our group
management.
Two new members have joined our Group Executive Management as we
further strengthen our efforts for greater coordination.
Executive Vice President Ragnar H. Korsæth will be
responsible for global coordination and for the extraction of
synergies between the mobile operations. Executive Vice
President and Head of Group Human Resources, Bjørn Magnus
Kopperud, will further strengthen our coordinated efforts
through operational and human resources across countries where
we have business activities. Both of these individuals possess
extensive experience within their respective fields.
MOBILE OPERATIONS
Overview
In the overview of our mobile operations, and the discussions of
each consolidated subsidiary and associated company, the
following terms, unless otherwise defined, have the meaning
specified:
Subscriptions. The number of subscriptions at the end of
any given period is the number of contract and prepaid services
subscribed to by our customers at that time provided, however,
that we only include prepaid customers who have reloaded their
Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card or had incoming or
outgoing traffic during the last three months. A customer may
subscribe to more than one subscription service at the same time.
Churn. Churn, which measures customer turnover, is
calculated as total gross disconnections from our network in any
particular period divided by the average number of customers in
the period. Disconnections include both voluntary disconnections
(customer who terminate their service or switch to a competing
service) and involuntary disconnections (customers whose service
is terminated due to non-payment).
Mobile Operators
We are the largest mobile telecommunications operator in Norway
and a significant international operator, with a number of
investments in mobile telecommunications companies outside
Norway. As at December 31, 2005, we had subsidiaries in
Norway, Denmark, Hungary, Ukraine, Thailand, Malaysia,
Bangladesh, Pakistan, Montenegro and Sweden and owned a minority
interest in two other international mobile operations.
In accordance with our strategy of strengthening our portfolio
of international mobile operations by obtaining control of
selected international mobile operations, and in order to
maximize the benefit of cross-border synergies and increase
overall profitability, we made the following acquisitions in
2005:
|
|
|
|
|
In October 2005, we entered into an agreement with Vodafone
Group for the acquisition of its subsidiary Vodafone Sweden for
a consideration of EUR 1,035 million
(NOK 8,170 million), including the assumption of debt.
The acquisition was completed on January 5, 2006. In
addition, we entered into a partner network agreement, allowing
our customers to benefit from Vodafones global brand,
products and services in Sweden. |
19
|
|
|
|
|
With effect from October 26, 2005, we increased our
economic stake in Total Access Communication (DTAC) in
Thailand to 56.9%. Following transactions based on mandatory
tender offers in connection required under regulations in
Thailand and Singapore, Telenors economic stake as of
December 31, 2005 was 69.3%. |
You should read note 1 to our consolidated financial
statements for additional information on the transactions
mentioned above.
|
|
|
|
|
Our mobile commitments in Asia and Eastern/ Central Europe are
becoming increasingly important to us and we have now
established dedicated Executive Vice Presidents for these
operations. In addition, we have strengthened the co-ordination
of operational and human resources across all countries in which
we have operations with two new Executive Vice Presidents in the
Group Management. |
The following table provides an overview of the principal
investments in our mobile operations during the periods and for
the dates specified below as of December 31,
2005.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Date of Commencement | |
|
Date of Initial | |
|
Ownership | |
Company |
|
Market |
|
of Operations(1) | |
|
Investment | |
|
percentage | |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Subsidiaries
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Telenor Mobil
|
|
Norway |
|
|
May 1993 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
100.00 |
|
Sonofon
|
|
Denmark |
|
|
July 1992 |
|
|
|
2000 |
|
|
|
100.00 |
|
Telenor Mobile
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sweden
|
|
Sweden |
|
|
June 2001 |
|
|
|
2001 |
|
|
|
100.00 |
|
Kyivstar GSM
|
|
Ukraine |
|
|
October 1997 |
|
|
|
1998 |
|
|
|
56.51 |
|
Pannon GSM
|
|
Hungary |
|
|
March 1994 |
|
|
|
1993 |
|
|
|
100.00 |
|
DTAC(2)
|
|
Thailand |
|
|
July 1992 |
|
|
|
2000 |
|
|
|
69.30 |
|
DiGi.Com
|
|
Malaysia |
|
|
May 1995 |
|
|
|
1999 |
|
|
|
61.00 |
|
GrameenPhone
|
|
Bangladesh |
|
|
March 1997 |
|
|
|
1997 |
|
|
|
62.00 |
|
Telenor Pakistan
|
|
Pakistan |
|
|
March 2005 |
|
|
|
2004 |
|
|
|
100.00 |
|
ProMonte GSM
|
|
Montenegro |
|
|
July 1996 |
|
|
|
1996 |
|
|
|
100.00 |
|
Associated Companies
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
VimpelCom
|
|
Russia/Other |
|
|
June 1994 |
|
|
|
1999 |
|
|
|
29.91 |
|
|
|
countries |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ONE
|
|
Austria |
|
|
October 1998 |
|
|
|
1997 |
|
|
|
17.45 |
|
|
|
(1) |
Dates company commenced operations to provide commercial mobile
services. |
|
(2) |
As of December 31, 2005 Telenors combined direct and
indirect interests in UCOM was 86.2% and in DTAC was 75%, which
includes UCOMs 41.6% economic interest in DTAC. |
We expect each of our international investments, including our
associated companies, to benefit from the products, services and
technical expertise which we have developed, and are continuing
to develop, in the Telenor Group. For this purpose, we have
seconded key managerial, technological and marketing personnel
to Kyivstar, Pannon GSM, DTAC, DiGi.Com, GrameenPhone, Telenor
Pakistan, and ProMonte. Our personnel assist local management in
achieving rapid network roll-out, good network quality and sound
marketing strategies as well as transferring of operational
skills and best practice.
In 2005, we successfully realized a number of cross-border
synergies within our organization. We have successfully
implemented common technologies for optimal spectrum and network
utilization in each of our companies, and are focusing on the
use of new technologies to improve service quality and reduce
costs. In order to harmonize our approach to our customers
across the markets, we developed a common segmentation model
that enables a more effective target market execution so we can
gain greater insights about our customers globally. We have
developed a framework that provides our affiliates with a proven
concept of developing targeted segment offerings and optimizing
go-to-market
strategies. In addition, we are presently implementing a common
system and platform, CSF (Common Services Framework), for
service delivery and developments. Following the recent launch
in Telenor Pakistan in 2006, our youth brand djuice
is now in Norway, Sweden, Hungary, Ukraine, Bangladesh and
Pakistan.
20
|
|
|
Alliances and Associations |
In October 2003, nine leading independent mobile operators
formed the Starmap Mobile Alliance to provide seamless and
enhanced voice and data solutions for business and consumer
customers across Europe. There are currently eleven members of
the Starmap Mobile Alliance, including our subsidiaries
Telenor Mobil, Sonofon, Pannon GSM and our associated
company ONE. Participation in the Starmap Mobile Alliance
enhances the ability of these mobile operators to offer
subscribers who are abroad the full range of services that they
enjoy while in their home country. We continue to be committed
to successfully reaping the benefits of the alliance.
In addition, we are a member of the GSM Association
(GSMA) which was established to provide leadership on a
wide range of commercial and strategic matters on behalf of
Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) mobile operators
around the world. The mission of GSMA is to promote the
interests of GSM mobile operators, and to represent its members
with one voice on a wide variety of national, regional and
global issues. We play an active role in several GSMA
initiatives, such as the initiatives to reduce prices for low
cost terminals in emerging markets.
As of December 31, 2005, we had a total of
41.4 million mobile subscriptions calculated on the basis
of our proportional ownership interest in each company. The
following table provides information relating to subscriptions
for each of our mobile operations as of December 31, 2005.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mobile | |
|
Market Share | |
|
|
|
Growth in | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Telephony | |
|
Based on | |
|
Total | |
|
Subscriptions | |
|
Prepaid | |
Company |
|
Market |
|
Penetration(1) | |
|
Subscriptions(1) | |
|
Subscriptions | |
|
From 2003 | |
|
Share | |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
(%) | |
|
(%) | |
|
(thousands) | |
|
(%) | |
|
(%) | |
Subsidiaries
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Telenor Mobil
|
|
Norway |
|
|
107 |
|
|
|
56 |
|
|
|
2,731 |
|
|
|
3 |
|
|
|
45 |
|
Sonofon
|
|
Denmark |
|
|
89 |
|
|
|
27 |
|
|
|
1,284 |
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
33 |
|
Telenor Mobile
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sweden(2)
|
|
Sweden |
|
|
110 |
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
95 |
|
|
|
(10 |
) |
|
|
51 |
|
Kyivstar GSM
|
|
Ukraine |
|
|
64 |
|
|
|
46 |
|
|
|
13,925 |
|
|
|
123 |
|
|
|
93 |
|
Pannon GSM
|
|
Hungary |
|
|
87 |
|
|
|
34 |
|
|
|
2,929 |
|
|
|
6 |
|
|
|
65 |
|
DTAC
|
|
Thailand |
|
|
47 |
|
|
|
28 |
|
|
|
8,677 |
|
|
|
11 |
|
|
|
83 |
|
DiGi.Com
|
|
Malaysia |
|
|
73 |
|
|
|
25 |
|
|
|
4,795 |
|
|
|
48 |
|
|
|
93 |
|
GrameenPhone
|
|
Bangladesh |
|
|
6 |
|
|
|
62 |
|
|
|
5,542 |
|
|
|
132 |
|
|
|
93 |
|
Telenor Pakistan
|
|
Pakistan |
|
|
13 |
|
|
|
9 |
|
|
|
1,868 |
|
|
|
n.a. |
|
|
|
98 |
|
ProMonte GSM
|
|
Montenegro |
|
|
88 |
|
|
|
58 |
|
|
|
310 |
|
|
|
11 |
|
|
|
85 |
|
Associated companies(3)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
VimpelCom(4)
|
|
Russia |
|
|
87 |
|
|
|
34 |
|
|
|
43,097 |
|
|
|
68 |
|
|
|
97 |
|
|
|
Other countries |
|
|
n.a. |
|
|
|
n.a. |
|
|
|
2,317 |
|
|
|
n.a. |
|
|
|
98 |
|
ONE
|
|
Austria |
|
|
103 |
|
|
|
20 |
|
|
|
1,664 |
|
|
|
11 |
|
|
|
53 |
|
|
|
(1) |
Based on our and the local regulatory authorities
estimates unless otherwise stated. |
|
(2) |
Figures do not include subscriptions for Vodafone Sweden, which
we acquired on January 5, 2006. |
|
(3) |
All information for associated companies is based on figures
published by the companies unless otherwise stated. |
|
(4) |
Based on 6 months churn for prepaid. |
21
Each of our mobile companies are dependent on the licenses they
hold to operate mobile telecommunications services. The table
below summarizes the significant licenses held and network types
operated by our mobile operators as of December 31, 2005.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Licence | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Licence | |
|
Expiration | |
|
Licence | |
Company |
|
Licences |
|
Network Type |
|
Granted | |
|
Date | |
|
Duration | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Telenor Mobil
|
|
GSM 900 |
|
GSM/GPRS/EDGE |
|
|
1992 |
|
|
|
2017 |
|
|
Extended 2006 to 2017 |
|
|
GSM 900 |
|
|
|
|
2001 |
|
|
|
2013 |
|
|
|
12 yrs |
|
|
|
GSM 1800 |
|
|
|
|
1998 |
|
|
|
2010 |
|
|
|
12 yrs |
|
|
|
UMTS |
|
W-CDMA |
|
|
2000 |
|
|
|
2012 |
|
|
|
12 yrs |
|
Sonofon
|
|
GSM 900 |
|
GSM/GPRS |
|
|
1997 |
|
|
|
2012 |
|
|
|
15 yrs |
|
|
|
GSM 1800 |
|
|
|
|
1997 |
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
10 yrs |
|
|
|
GSM 1800 |
|
|
|
|
2000 |
|
|
|
2010 |
|
|
|
10 yrs |
|
|
|
UMTS |
|
W-CDMA |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
|
2021 |
|
|
|
16 yrs |
|
Kyivstar GSM(1)
|
|
GSM 900 |
|
GSM/GPRS |
|
|
1997 |
|
|
|
2012 |
|
|
|
15 yrs |
|
|
|
GSM 1800 |
|
|
|
|
2001 |
|
|
|
2016 |
|
|
|
15 yrs |
|
Pannon GSM
|
|
GSM 900 |
|
GSM/GPRS/EDGE |
|
|
1993 |
|
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
15 yrs |
|
|
|
GSM 1800 |
|
|
|
|
1999 |
|
|
|
2014 |
|
|
|
15 yrs |
|
|
|
UMTS |
|
W-CDMA |
|
|
2004 |
|
|
|
2019 |
|
|
|
15 yrs |
|
DTAC(2)
|
|
AMPS 800 |
|
AMPS |
|
|
1990 |
|
|
|
2018 |
|
|
Extended 1996 to 2018 |
|
|
GSM 1800 |
|
GSM/GPRS |
|
|
1990 |
|
|
|
2018 |
|
|
|
|
|
DiGi.Com(3)
|
|
GSM 1800 |
|
GSM/GPRS/EDGE |
|
|
2000 |
|
|
|
2015 |
|
|
|
15 yrs |
|
|
|
EGSM |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
GrameenPhone
|
|
GSM 900 |
|
GSM |
|
|
1996 |
|
|
|
2011 |
|
|
|
15 yrs |
|
|
|
GSM 1800 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Telenor Pakistan
|
|
GSM 900 |
|
GSM/GPRS/ |
|
|
2004 |
|
|
|
2019 |
|
|
|
15 yrs |
|
|
|
GSM 1800 |
|
|
|
|
2004 |
|
|
|
2019 |
|
|
|
15 yrs |
|
|
|
LDI |
|
LDI |
|
|
2004 |
|
|
|
2024 |
|
|
|
20 yrs |
|
ProMonte
|
|
GSM 900 |
|
GSM/GPRS |
|
|
2002 |
|
|
|
2017 |
|
|
|
15 yrs |
|
|
|
GSM 1800 |
|
|
|
|
2002 |
|
|
|
2017 |
|
|
|
15 yrs |
|
Associated companies:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
VimpelCom:(4)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Moscow
|
|
GSM 900/1800 |
|
GSM/GPRS |
|
|
1998 |
|
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
10 yrs |
|
|
Central and Central Black Earth
|
|
GSM 900/1800 |
|
GSM/GPRS |
|
|
2000 |
|
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
8 yrs |
|
|
North-Caucasus
|
|
GSM 900/1800 |
|
GSM/GPRS |
|
|
2000 |
|
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
8 yrs |
|
|
North and North-West
|
|
GSM 900/1800 |
|
GSM/GPRS |
|
|
2002 |
|
|
|
2012 |
|
|
|
10 yrs |
|
|
Siberia
|
|
GSM 900/1800 |
|
GSM/GPRS |
|
|
2000 |
|
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
8 yrs |
|
|
Ural
|
|
GSM 900/1800 |
|
GSM/GPRS |
|
|
2002 |
|
|
|
2012 |
|
|
|
10 yrs |
|
|
Ural (whole Ural
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Territory)
|
|
GSM 1800 |
|
GSM/GPRS |
|
|
2002 |
|
|
|
2012 |
|
|
|
10 yrs |
|
|
Volga
|
|
GSM 900/1800 |
|
GSM/GPRS |
|
|
2002 |
|
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
8 yrs |
|
ONE
|
|
GSM 1800 |
|
GSM/GPRS |
|
|
1997 |
|
|
|
2017 |
|
|
|
20 yrs |
|
|
|
UMTS |
|
W-CDMA |
|
|
2000 |
|
|
|
2020 |
|
|
|
20 yrs |
|
|
|
(1) |
In addition to the operating licenses, Kyivstar holds a number
of regional frequency licenses. |
|
(2) |
Rather than a license, DTAC has the right to operate a mobile
network pursuant to a concession. |
|
(3) |
Rather than a license, DiGi.Com holds the right to operate a
mobile network (Spectrum allocation). |
|
(4) |
In addition, VimpelCom also holds several GSM/ AMPS/ D-AMPS
licenses in other regions and countries. |
22
As set out in the table above, each of the mobile companies
holds a license to offer mobile telecommunications services on a
GSM network, on which all companies but GrameenPhone also
provide General Packet Radio Service (GPRS). GPRS has two main
advantages over GSM: an always on environment and
higher data transmission speed. In addition, each of our GSM
networks is compatible with Enhanced Data GSM Environment
(EDGE), which allows for further increased data transmission
speeds.
Third generation (3G) products and services based on United
Mobile Telecommunications Service (UMTS) UMTS technology will
allow for even faster and more efficient data transmission than
GPRS and EDGE. We currently hold UMTS licenses in Norway,
Sweden, Denmark, Hungary and Austria. We launched 3G services
based on UMTS in Austria in December 2003 and in Norway in
December 2004. Vodafone Sweden launched 3G services for data in
February 2004 and 3G services to the consumer market in November
2004. Pannon GSM plans to launch UMTS-based services in Hungary
in early 2006 and Sonofon plans to launch UMTS-based services in
Denmark during 2006. Each of our UMTS license-holders will offer
UMTS-based services using the Wideband Code Division Multiple
Access (W-CDMA) standard. In markets in which UMTS licenses have
yet to be issued, or in which we have not acquired a UMTS
license, we will evaluate the possibility of participating in
additional UMTS license allocation procedures on a case-by-case
basis. We will also explore the possibility of providing
UMTS-based services on a service provider or MVNO basis in those
countries in which we do not acquire a UMTS license.
Telenor Mobil, in Norway, began offering wireless local area
network (Wireless LAN) services in 2002. By using these
services, companies may allow employees and authorized corporate
partners to maintain a high-speed wireless connection to
e-mail and the Internet
on laptop computers and personal digital assistants while they
are away from the office (or any partner site). In addition,
Telenor Mobil has installed several hot spots
throughout Norway, which provide mobile broadband access and
data communication service to subscribers over a public access
Wireless LAN. We view public access Wireless LAN as an important
aspect of offering a complete data connectivity solution to our
customers and, consequently, more of our companies are expected
to launch Wireless LAN services in the future. We are continuing
to study the emerging technologies in this area and will, if and
when applicable, include emerging technologies in our Wireless
LAN service offerings.
Each of our companies networks has been designed to
provide for high levels of coverage, capacity, quality and
reliability. We use redundant network structures to achieve the
required reliability, and utilize
state-of-the art
systems and supervision technology to manage operations on an
around-the-clock basis.
We believe further development and improvement of our networks
to be an ongoing and important part of our strategy. Our
companies are continuing to build new base stations, add
capacity to existing base stations and update the technology and
functionality of existing networks in order to meet customer
demands regarding coverage, capacity, quality and reliability.
In order to facilitate network development across our mobile
operations, each of our companies is involved in the development
of common standards and guidelines for network developments. All
network development will be in accordance with the international
standardization ongoing in the relevant fields.
Our mobile companies acquire network equipment from a number of
international suppliers, including Ericsson, Nokia Siemens and
Alcatel. We purchase equipment from multiple sources to spread
technology risk and to retain influence over the development of
new technology-related features. We are not dependent on any one
supplier for the provision of network equipment.
23
Each of our operators offers products and services to both the
consumer segment and the business segment. We aim to offer high
quality and advanced services to satisfy the mobile
telecommunications needs of specific segments in both the
consumer and business market in order to attract new customers,
increase revenue per customer and create customer loyalty. Key
products and services currently offered by our mobile operators
include the following:
Revenues from voice services include traffic charges,
interconnection fees, and roaming charges. For each of our
companies, revenues from voice services make up the largest part
of total revenue. As a consequence, we are continuing to focus
on developing new products and services and initiatives that are
intended to increase our customer base and encourage growth in
usage of these services.
Two important factors that affect both a customers choice
of operator and usage patterns are tariff plans and network
quality. Each of our subsidiaries offers a variety of prepaid
and contract tariff plans that are intended to attract new
customers and increase usage among targeted segments. In
addition, each company continues to invest in improving network
quality and coverage, thereby enabling customers to use voice
services at all times. Each company also offers a range of
value-added services, such as voicemail, mobile phonebooks and
missed call notification, which have been shown to increase
usage by mobile phone users. Other value-added voice services
that our companies offer include call waiting, call forwarding,
caller identification and itemized invoicing. We have also
developed value-added voice services targeted specifically at
the business segment. For example, Wireless PABX, which is
offered by Telenor Mobil, Pannon GSM and Sonofon, is a
mobile-based service that replaces the customers
traditional fixed line switchboard.
A less advanced solution Closed User Group
(CUG) solutions is implemented in most
operations. Our products and services are packaged, distributed
and promoted efficiently towards our target customers, gaining
more and more attention in the local market places (e.g. MTV
power pack from Digi.Com).
SMS and MMS. Each of our companies offers Short Messaging
Services (SMS), which enable customers to send and receive short
text messages using their mobile phones, and all but one
(GrameenPhone) offer Multimedia Messaging Services (MMS), which
enable customers to transmit graphics, video clips, sound files
and short text messages over wireless networks using the
Wireless Application Protocol (WAP). Other than GrameenPhone,
all of our operators currently offer a WAP portal to customers.
Content services. All our operators have implemented
Telenors Content Provider Access (CPA) platform,
which enables external content providers to supply content to
our customers. Examples of content that can be provided to
customers using this service include ring-tones and music,
logos, pictures, Java-based games and directory enquiries.
Content providers are responsible for the quality, pricing and
marketing of content. Payment is made through the phone bill and
a share of this is given to the content provider according to
the operators pricelist.
Internet/intranet access. As discussed above, all our
companies (except GrameenPhone) offer a WAP portal which enables
customers to access a number of web-based services such as news
and weather. We are constantly seeking to improve the WAP portal
in order to offer customers a higher quality and broader range
of content. Telenor Mobil, Pannon GSM and VimpelCom offer
software for easy connection to Internet via PC card. A common
mobile email solution was launched across the Group in 2005,
with commercial launch in VimpelCom, Pannon GSM, Telenor Mobil,
DTAC and Digi.Com. The solution allows all customers to access
their business email on the mobile phone.
mCommerce. Several of our affiliates offer mCommerce
services to their customers. Utilizing a public key
infrastructure (PKI) secure payment system, mCommerce
allows direct access from a mobile phone to a bank account.
Customers may use mCommerce to
top-up their prepaid
subscriptions or purchase products, goods and services from
companies and vendors who provide mobile commerce.
24
All of our mobile companies provide direct and indirect
interconnection, in accordance with local regulations, to their
respective networks for calls to and from domestic and
international operators of public telephony. Our companies also
have various agreements with other operators whose networks
interconnect directly with ours, pursuant to which we receive
fees for terminating incoming calls and pay fees for calls from
our network to other operators networks.
Each of our mobile companies has entered into international
roaming agreements with a large number of telecommunications
operators. These agreements allow our companies
subscribers to make and receive calls on other networks when
traveling abroad. The agreements also allow visitors to our
companies networks from abroad to make and receive calls.
Our companies charge an agreed fee to the respective home
networks based on the duration of the calls made or received.
Today, many of these roaming agreements enabling voice calls and
SMS are accompanied by an agreement to enable our customers to
use GPRS/ EDGE data services while traveling. Following the
launch of 3G UMTS networks in many countries, especially in
Europe, several operators have opened their networks to allow 3G
roaming, enabling customers of Telenor Mobil, Vodafone Sweden,
Pannon GSM and ONE to access their 3G services while abroad.
In Norway, we sell network capacity to both Mobile Virtual
Network Operators (MVNOs) and service providers, and in Denmark
we sell to service providers only. Both MVNOs and service
providers sell mobile telephone service under their own brand
name without controlling radio spectrum or radio network
facilities. MVNOs purchase radio spectrum and access to core
network components, but keep control over all other aspects of
the service, including traffic routing and SIM card production.
Service providers, however, buy a broader range of products and
services, including SIM cards. Both MVNOs and service providers
are responsible for customer service, marketing, invoicing and
sales. Outside of the Nordic region, service providers and MVNOs
are not currently present in the markets in which our mobile
companies operate.
Marketing
As a general matter, each of our mobile investments operates
under its own brand. Our affiliate in Pakistan operates under
the Telenor brand. At present, the only exception to this
strategy is the djuice brand, a brand that is
targeted at the youth segment and which includes products and
services, such as special tariff plans, that are tailored to
this segments needs. To date, djuice has been launched in
Norway, Sweden, Hungary, Ukraine and Bangladesh.
Similarly, each of our mobile operators is largely responsible
for local marketing initiatives. The most notable exception to
this general approach is the Nordic Mobile Unit, which is
developing a shared product and service portfolio enabling a
common marketing approach and swift reuse of proven concepts for
our subsidiaries in Norway, Sweden and Denmark. In addition, our
mobile companies have developed and implemented a common
segmentation model in order to align market offerings and create
synergies through common customer segment concepts (such as the
djuice brand described above).
Telenor Mobil Norway
Our wholly-owned subsidiary Telenor Mobil AS (Telenor Mobil) is
the leading provider of mobile telecommunications services in
Norway. Telenor Mobil offers a broad range of digital services
to the Norwegian corporate and consumer market and has extensive
experience in providing mobile services and operating mobile
communication networks in Norway.
Telenor currently holds three licenses for the provision of
GSM-based services in Norway (two GSM 900 licenses and one
GSM 1800 license). In connection with the discontinuation of
Nordic Mobile
25
Telephone - 450 (NMT-450) services on
December 31, 2004, we have increased GSM coverage along the
Norwegian coast and in some mountain areas by utilizing extended
cell technology, which more than doubles the range of coverage.
Our GSM network currently covers 99.8% of Norways
population. Upgrade to EDGE technology started in June 2004, and
within the first quarter of 2006, Telenor Mobil will use EDGE
technology on all GSM-900 sites in Norway. Telenor Mobil was the
first Norwegian mobile operator to offer UMTS-based services on
December 1, 2004.
Telenor Mobil launched UMTS-based services on December 1,
2004 with a geographic coverage to the homes of approximately
2.4 million people (more than 50% of Norways
population) with a minimum bit rate of 128 kbit/s (compared
to a bit rate of approximately 40 kbit/s in the GSM/ EDGE
network). As of March 1, 2006, our UMTS coverage was
approximately 70.6% of the population with a minimum bit rate of
128 kbits/s. We are required by the regulator to provide
such services to approximately 3.75 million people
(approximately 80.9% of the population) by March 1, 2007,
including 3.2 million with a bit rate of up to
384 kbit/s.
The first of our two licenses in the GSM 900 band, which was due
to expire on November 1, 2005, has been renewed until
December 31, 2017. The renewal of the license involved
capital expenditures of NOK 186 million.
Telenor Mobil is the leading provider of digital mobile
telephony services in Norway. Although Telenor Mobil
intends to continue developing and improving non-voice services,
we anticipate that the bulk of Telenor Mobils revenues
will continue to come from voice services. We are therefore
committed to improving existing voice services and developing
new voice services to meet the needs of retail customers in all
segments, including the corporate segment.
In addition to voice services, Telenor Mobil offers a broad
range of advanced non-voice services to its retail subscribers,
including SMS, MMS, content services, mobile Internet/intranet,
e-mail access,
mCommerce and video telephony.
In addition to providing voice and non-voice services to retail
subscribers, Telenor Mobil also offers wholesale services to
Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs), national roaming and
service providers. MVNOs and national roaming providers only
purchase access to network capacity, while service providers
also purchase other services, such as SIM card production.
Telenor Mobil also has a national roaming agreement with
Teletopia.
|
|
|
Marketing and distribution |
The Norwegian market is a highly developed and competitive
market. Following the introduction of mobile number portability
in November 2001, the mobile market has seen increased churn
levels, consolidation among service providers and increased
marketing efforts by various providers targeting both low and
high value segments. In recent years, Telenor Mobils
marketing and distribution efforts have become increasingly
customer segment-oriented in order to ensure strength in both
the business and consumer markets. During 2005, Telenor launched
a new contract subscription portfolio for the consumer market.
The portfolio is targeted towards all of our customer segments
by including a variety of subscription plans differentiated
according to minutes used and messages sent.
During 2005, Telenor Mobil continued to focus its efforts on
churn reduction, particularly with respect to its most valuable
customers. As a part of this effort, Telenor Mobil has
implemented specific holdback and
winback activities such as reducing selected prices
and simplifying mobile tariffs. Other marketing initiatives have
focused on improving network quality and customer service levels.
Telenor Mobil distributes its mobile telecommunications services
through its own retail stores, the Internet and independent
distributors. The total number of distribution outlets was
approximately 12,000 at December 31, 2005. All of Telenor
Mobils distribution outlets offer prepaid cards, while
approximately 1,300 offer contract subscriptions. In addition,
prepaid cards can now be purchased in kiosks, petrol stations
26
and supermarkets across Norway. ATMs and mCommerce may also be
used to recharge prepaid accounts, in addition to prepaid cards.
Since 2001, growth in total subscriptions in the Norwegian
mobile market has slowed down due to a high market penetration
rate and increased competition from other network operators and
service providers. Despite increased competition and slowed
growth in total subscriptions in the market, Telenor Mobil
continued to increase its subscription base during 2005. The
increase is larger in Telenor Mobils contract segment
compared to its prepaid segment.
As of December 31, 2005, Telenor Mobil had approximately
2.73 million subscriptions for digital mobile telephone
services in Norway, which represent approximately 56% of the
total market in Norway. Telenor Mobils estimated net
growth in new digital subscriptions was 108,000.
The table below shows selected subscription data for Telenor
Mobils retail services (both digital and analog) on the
dates specified.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year ended December 31 | |
|
|
| |
|
|
2003 | |
|
2004 | |
|
2005 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Mobile subscriptions (period end, 000s):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Digital
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Contract
|
|
|
1,228 |
|
|
|
1,395 |
|
|
|
1,509 |
|
|
Prepaid
|
|
|
1,099 |
|
|
|
1,228 |
|
|
|
1,232 |
|
Analog
|
|
|
37 |
|
|
|
22 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
2,364 |
|
|
|
2,645 |
|
|
|
2,731 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Subscriptions through service providers and MVNOs
|
|
|
487 |
|
|
|
540 |
|
|
|
660 |
|
Mobile Telephony Penetration in Norway
|
|
|
90 |
% |
|
|
102 |
% |
|
|
107 |
% |
Churn rates for contract subscriptions
|
|
|
21 |
% |
|
|
15 |
% |
|
|
21 |
% |
Although Telenor Mobil remains the leading mobile service
provider in Norway, it is facing increased competition from
other network operators and service providers, some of which
have a service provider arrangement with Telenor Mobil to use
its network. Telenor Mobils increase in churn from retail
subscribers in 2005 is mainly due to the change in minimum
contract period in 2004 from 18 months to 12 months,
providing for a high number of expiring contracts in the late
summer of 2005.
Telenor Mobil currently has 7 service provider agreements.
The service providers use Telenor Mobils network to offer
mobile services in the market. It is the service providers
responsibility to handle customer services, invoicing,
marketing, and sales to the end user. They use their own
branding, can bundle products and set their own prices.
During the past year, there has been substantial consolidation
in the service provider market. Ventelo has acquired several
service providers operating on Netcoms network and has
moved their traffic to Telenor Mobils network. Telenor
Mobils largest service provider, Chess, has been bought by
TeliaSonera and our service provider contract with Chess has
been terminated. Chesss traffic will be moved to
Netcoms network during 2006.
In addition to service provider agreements, Telenor Mobil offers
MVNO agreements. Tele2 has been operating as an MVNO on Telenor
Mobils network since 2003, and Ventelo and TDC have in the
first
27
quarter of 2006 signed MVNO agreements and are expected to
launch mobile virtual networks services on Telenor Mobils
network in 2006.
Both service providers and MVNOs have access to Telenor
Mobils GSM and UMTS network.
The following table sets forth selected traffic data for Telenor
Mobils retail subscriptions. Digital data includes both
contract and prepaid traffic in each of Telenor Mobils
digital networks, while analog data includes customers in
Telenor Mobils NMT networks (NMT 450 up until December
2004).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2003 | |
|
2004 | |
|
2005 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Traffic:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Digital
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total outgoing traffic (in million of minutes)
|
|
|
3,048 |
|
|
|
3,438 |
|
|
|
3,908 |
|
Total incoming traffic (in million of minutes)
|
|
|
1,832 |
|
|
|
1,939 |
|
|
|
2,017 |
|
Average monthly incoming and outgoing traffic (minutes per
digital subscription)
|
|
|
176 |
|
|
|
184 |
|
|
|
184 |
|
Number of outgoing SMS, MMS and content messages (in millions)
|
|
|
2,409 |
|
|
|
2,785 |
|
|
|
3,459 |
|
Analog
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total outgoing traffic (in million of minutes)
|
|
|
36 |
|
|
|
23 |
|
|
|
|
|
Total incoming traffic (in million of minutes)
|
|
|
14 |
|
|
|
9 |
|
|
|
|
|
Total outgoing traffic has increased in 2005 compared to 2004
due to the increased number of subscriptions and increased
outgoing minutes per user. Total incoming traffic has increased
in 2005 compared to 2004 due to the increased number of
subscriptions, partly offset by decreased incoming minutes per
user. Average minute per user was stable in 2005 compared to
2004. Total SMS, MMS and content message increased in 2005
compared to 2004 due to the increased number of subscriptions
and increased number of messages per user.
As of December 31, 2005, Telenor Mobil had a share of 56%
in the mobile telephone subscriptions market in Norway. Our main
competitor is NetCom, a wholly-owned subsidiary of TeliaSonera,
with a market share of 26% as of December 31, 2005. The
third GSM network operator in Norway is Teletopia, with a market
share of less than 1%. In addition, there were 21 service
providers and one mobile virtual network operator (Tele2) in the
Norwegian mobile telephone market as of December 31, 2005.
Three operators currently hold UMTS licenses in Norway: Telenor
Mobil, NetCom and Hi3G. NetCom launched UMTS-based services in
March 2005. Hi3G has not announced any plans to launch
UMTS-based services.
Telenor Mobil competes primarily on the basis of price, quality
of network service, quality of customer service and the range of
advanced products and services offered. Telenor Mobil believes
that it has been able to sustain its high market share primarily
through new market offers and by focusing on customer care.
Current Norwegian telecommunications regulations impose
cost-oriented pricing requirements on mobile network operators
with significant market power in the national market for
interconnection. Both NetCom and Telenor Mobil have been found
to have significant market power in this market.
In September 2005, the Norwegian regulatory authorities decided
to reduce interconnection charges in the Norwegian market for
mobile telephony. Prior to the decision, the interconnection
charges consisted of a call set up charge of NOK 0.20 and a
charge per minute of NOK 0.63. From November 1, 2005,
we were instructed to reduce our interconnection charges,
including set-up
charges, by NOK 0.05 to NOK 0.68. From
28
July 1, 2006, a further adjustment of Telenor Mobils
interconnection charges of NOK 0.03 will reduce our charges
to NOK 0.65. Telenor Mobil has appealed the decision, and
enforcement has been temporarily suspended until a final
decision is made.
A new national legislative framework for the electronic
communications sector was adopted in 2003 and 2004. In
accordance with the new framework, the Norwegian Post and
Telecommunications Authority is conducting an analysis of
competition in the relevant national markets and will determine
whether to impose, maintain, amend or withdraw obligations on
undertakings that were found to have significant market power.
For a further discussion of regulatory issues affecting Telenor
Mobil, you should read Regulation.
Sonofon Denmark
Telenors fully-owned subsidiary, Sonofon, is the second
largest mobile operator in Denmark (as measured by number of
subscriptions), with an estimated market share of 26.6%.
Sonofon currently holds 4 licenses: a GSM license, two GSM 1800
licenses and, from December 2005, a UMTS license acquired for
NOK 574 million, of which NOK 143 million was paid in
2005 and the remaining amount in ten annual installments. Under
the terms of the UMTS license, our network coverage must exceed
30% of the population by 2009 and 80% of the population by 2013.
Sonofons mobile communications business offers voice
traffic and value added services (non-voice services) to
customers in both the consumer and business segment. Non-voice
services include SMS and MMS, mobile Internet access via WAP and
content services. Content provided exclusively to Sonofon
subscribers pursuant to arrangements with partners is an
important point of differentiation between Sonofon and our
competitors. In 2005, Sonofon strengthened its mobile data
concept targeted at the business segment by providing business
customers access to the corporate network on their mobile phones.
In addition to offering voice and non-voice services on a retail
basis, Sonofon also offers wholesale mobile network services to
a number of service providers, most notably Debitel Denmark, and
to an MVNO (Tele2).
We expect to launch 3G services in major Danish cities to
business consumers during 2006. Subsequently, we will launch 3G
services to retail consumers.
|
|
|
Marketing and distribution |
Sonofon aims to protect its market position as the second
leading mobile operator by offering a range of simplified and
user-friendly products and services. During 2005, we increased
our efforts to improve the customer base by increasing average
revenue per user per month (ARPU) and average minutes per user
per month (AMPU) and decreasing churn. The focused efforts have
been successful as customer and traffic figures below indicate.
Initiatives including packaged offers and flat rate products
have been an important reason for the significant growth in
traffic experienced in 2005. Focused customer relationship
management activities have helped to bring the churn rate to a
historically low level.
An increasingly important segment in Denmark is the youth
segment, which tends to use the Internet, both as a means of
purchasing subscriptions and as a means of accessing customer
service more than other segments. Increased emphasis is placed
on marketing competitive web-based products and services. At the
beginning of 2006, we launched packaged solutions aimed at the
youth segment.
Sonofons primary distribution avenues are its own retail
chain (Sonofon Partner, which covers all of Denmark)
and external distributors. Among external distributors, Sonofon
concentrates on distribution chains with the best coverage of
its target segments. To strengthen its long-term distribution,
Sonofon has recently begun to develop alternative channels of
distribution, including web based distribution.
29
The following table sets forth selected subscription data for
Sonofon on its GSM network:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year ended December 31 | |
|
|
| |
|
|
2003 | |
|
2004 | |
|
2005 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Mobile subscriptions (period end, 000s):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Digital
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Contract(1)
|
|
|
772 |
|
|
|
813 |
|
|
|
859 |
|
|
Prepaid(2)
|
|
|
238 |
|
|
|
462 |
|
|
|
425 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total own subscriptions
|
|
|
1,010 |
|
|
|
1,275 |
|
|
|
1,284 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Subscriptions through service providers
|
|
|
407 |
|
|
|
185 |
|
|
|
216 |
|
|
Fixed-line customers(3)
|
|
|
448 |
|
|
|
461 |
|
|
|
127 |
|
Mobile Telephony Penetration in Denmark
|
|
|
82 |
% |
|
|
88 |
% |
|
|
89 |
% |
Churn rates for contract subscriptions
|
|
|
38.6 |
% |
|
|
33.1 |
% |
|
|
24.4 |
% |
|
|
(1) |
Contract subscriptions for the year end 2004 have been adjusted.
SIM-cards used for telemetric applications are now excluded from
the figures. |
|
(2) |
The number of prepaid subscribers for the years ending 2004 and
2005 includes subscribers of CBB Mobil, a service provider which
Sonofon acquired during 2004. CBB Mobil has continued to operate
under its own name and brand. |
|
(3) |
Figures from 2003 and 2004 are not comparable with 2005 figures
as the method of calculation was adjusted in 2005 from the
number of phone numbers published to the number of fixed lines
actually sold. |
The following table sets forth selected traffic data for Sonofon
retail customers. The data refers to traffic generated by both
contract and prepaid customers.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2003 | |
|
2004 | |
|
2005 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
GSM
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Traffic(1):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total outgoing traffic (in millions of minutes)
|
|
|
1,027 |
|
|
|
1,192 |
|
|
|
1,679 |
|
Total incoming traffic (in millions of minutes)
|
|
|
701 |
|
|
|
826 |
|
|
|
1,013 |
|
Average monthly incoming and outgoing traffic
(minutes per digital subscription)
|
|
|
145 |
|
|
|
148 |
|
|
|
179 |
|
Number of outgoing SMS and content messages (in millions)
|
|
|
809 |
|
|
|
1,273 |
|
|
|
1,755 |
|
|
|
(1) |
Data for 2004 and 2005 includes traffic generated by CBB Mobil
subscriptions. |
Sonofon has experienced a significant traffic growth from retail
customers from 2004 to 2005 with a 41% growth in outgoing
traffic and 23% growth in incoming traffic. Improvement of the
customer mix and introduction of flat rate products and package
solutions has also led to a 21% increase in AMPU. Similar growth
has occurred for outgoing SMS and content messages with a 38%
increase in 2005 compared to 2004.
In addition to Sonofon, there are two other GSM network
operators in Denmark: TDC Mobil and TeliaSonera DK. UMTS
licenses are currently held by Sonofon, TDC Mobil, TeliaSonera
and Hi3G. Sonofon acquired a UMTS license for Danish Krone
(DKK) 533 million in December 2005 in the
re-auctioning of a
30
UMTS license that had been handed back to the National IT
and Telecom Agency (NITA) by TeliaSonera following its
takeover of Orange Denmark in 2004.
Taking into account the retail subscriptions of Sonofon and
CBB Mobil, Sonofon had an estimated 26.6% market share as
of December 31, 2005. Our main competitors are
TDC Mobil, with an estimated market share of 41.1%, and
TeliaSonera, with an estimated market share of 21.2%. Hi3G had
an estimated market share of 2.3%.
Sonofon has been designated as having significant market power
(SMP) in the Danish mobile communications market, and as a
consequence is subject to a number of obligations in regards to
mobile access and mobile termination, including the obligation
to meet all reasonable requests for interconnection agreements
on transparent, objective and non-discriminatory terms.
Furthermore, accounting separation is mandatory and
interconnection agreements have to be made publicly available.
Currently, no cost obligations apply to either mobile access or
mobile termination charges.
Following the market analysis as provided by EU Framework,
the Danish regulatory authorities in January 2006 decided to
reduce the interconnection charges in the Danish market for
mobile telephony. From May 1, 2006, Sonofon is required to
reduce its interconnection charges, including
set-up charges, from
the current DKK 0.94 to 0.96 range to DKK 0.84. From
May 1, 2007, the interconnection charges will be reduced
further to DKK 0.72 and, from May 1, 2008, to
DKK 0.62. Sonofon has decided to appeal the decision.
With respect to the market for mobile access, The NITA has
published its final decision withdrawing all existing
obligations on this area. The decision comes into effect on
September 1, 2006.
In November 2005, the Prime Ministers office published a
plan of action against terrorism in Denmark. Implementing the
plan may lead to increased operating costs for the Danish
telecommunications industry. If requirements in the plan are
approved at the current level, the Danish telecommunications
industry estimates costs in the range of DKK 1 to 2 billion.
Telenor Mobile Sweden Sweden
Following the acquisition of Vodafone Groups Swedish
mobile operations, we are now the third largest mobile operator
in Sweden, with 1.7 million subscriptions and a market
share of approximately 17%.
We entered into the agreement to acquire Vodafone Sweden
(Europolitan Vodafone AB) for EUR 1,035 million
(NOK 8,170 million), including assumed debt, on
October 31, 2005, and the acquisition was completed on
January 5, 2006. We expect to achieve full integration of
Vodafone Sweden and Telenor Mobile Sweden during the first half
of 2006.
The acquisition has increased our Scandinavian mobile customer
base by approximately 39 per cent, totaling
5.7 million subscribers as of December 31, 2005. In
addition, the acquisition strengthens our presence in the
business segment, where large business customers to an
increasing degree demand seamless communications solutions
across Nordic countries. Under a partnership network agreement
between Telenor and Vodafone for Sweden, our customers will have
access to Vodafone products and services in the Swedish market.
In September 2002, our wholly-owned subsidiary Telenor Mobile
Sweden entered into a MVNO roaming agreement with Tele2
which allows us to provide mobile telecommunications services
based on Tele2s GSM and UMTS networks in Sweden.
The agreements duration is five years. However, following
price reductions in the Swedish market and reduced expectations
with respect to future earnings potential concerning the
contract in 2004 and our purchase of Vodafone Sweden in 2005,
Telenor Mobil Sweden has provided for NOK 562 million and
NOK 414 million as an estimated loss on the
MVNO contract for 2004 and 2005, respectively. Please see
Item 5: Operating and Financial Review and
Prospects Telenor Mobile Sweden for more
information.
31
Telenor Mobile Sweden positions itself as an innovative and
quality operator that seeks to provide simple and user-friendly
products and services at a low cost. Revenues from Telenor
Mobile Swedens core business of voice services include
traffic charges, interconnection fees and roaming charges. In
addition to voice services, Telenor Mobile Sweden offers data
services such as SMS and MMS, content services based on premium
SMS and Internet access via WAP.
As of December 31, 2005, Telenor Mobile Sweden had
approximately 95,000 subscriptions (down from approximately
105,000 subscriptions at December 31, 2004). Telenor Mobile
Sweden estimates that it had an overall market share of 1% as of
December 31, 2005. Vodafone Sweden had approximately
1.6 million subscriptions and a market share of
approximately 16% as of December 31, 2005.
The following table sets forth selected traffic data for Telenor
Mobile Swedens subscriptions.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2003 | |
|
2004 | |
|
2005 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
GSM
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Traffic:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total outgoing traffic (in millions of minutes)
|
|
|
28.2 |
|
|
|
56.8 |
|
|
|
75.4 |
|
Total incoming traffic (in millions of minutes)
|
|
|
11.7 |
|
|
|
60.3 |
|
|
|
93.5 |
|
Average monthly incoming and outgoing traffic
(minutes per digital subscription)
|
|
|
49 |
|
|
|
111 |
|
|
|
132 |
|
The strong increase in incoming traffic is related to the change
in customer mix from 2003 to 2005. During 2005, Telenor Mobile
Sweden only has had MVNO customers with incoming traffic
compared to 2003 when the customer base consisted of mainly
service provider customers without incoming traffic.
The Swedish mobile market is a mature market with a penetration
rate of approximately 110%. Each of TeliaSonera, Vodafone (whose
license we have acquired as a result of our acquisition of
Vodafone Sweden) and Tele2 hold GSM licenses and operate GSM
networks. The fourth GSM license holder in Sweden is SweFour,
which provides GSM network capacity to service providers on a
wholesale basis.
There are four UMTS licenses of which TeliaSonera and Tele2 hold
a single UMTS license through their joint venture Svenska
UMTS-nät AB.
In 2005, Vodafone (whose license we have acquired as a result of
our acquisition of Vodafone Sweden) and Hi3G Access each
had one UMTS license but they also had a cooperation agreement
regarding network coverage outside the major metropolitan areas
in Sweden. In addition to the cooperation agreement regarding
the UMTS coverage, Hi3G Access has a national roaming
agreement with Vodafone for GSM access. Hi3G Access has
commercially launched UMTS-based services under the brand name
3. The fourth UMTS license was returned to the
Swedish regulator by Orange in 2005. No decision has been made
by the regulator as to the possible
re-use of this license.
In 2004, the Swedish regulator determined that our youth brand
Djuice has significant market power in the market for mobile
voice call termination services and, as a consequence, will be
required to reduce its interconnection fees from
0.97 SEK/minute to 0.52 SEK/minute by 2007.
Pannon GSM Hungary
Our wholly-owned subsidiary Pannon GSM (Pannon) is the
second largest mobile operator in Hungary based on the number of
subscriptions. Pannon currently holds two GSM licenses
(GSM 900 and GSM 1800)
32
and a UMTS license awarded in December 2004 for
15 years. The license has an extension option for an
additional 7.5 years.
Pannon offers advanced voice and non-voice services to
subscribers on both a prepaid and contract basis. Voice services
include international calling using Voice over Internet Protocol
(VoIP), which offers subscribers lower-cost international
calling. Non-voice
services include SMS, MMS, mobile content services and
Internet service provider services via Internet Protocol
and WAP. Pannon launched EDGE-based broadband services on
its network in February 2005 and UMTS-based broadband services
in October 2005.
|
|
|
Marketing and distribution |
Pannon has made significant investments in establishing its
brand name and positioning itself as a provider of high-quality
services with
up-to-date features,
competitive pricing and good customer service. Recently, Pannon
has identified the youth segment and provided targeted offers
for select services under the djuice brand.
In addition to the 39 Pannon-owned regional service
centers, Pannon sells its products through a nationwide network
of agents and outlets on an exclusive basis. During 2006, Pannon
is restructuring the distribution network by outsourcing
29 of its own shops to various franchisees. Five shops will
be kept as flagship stores and five will be closed
down.
The quality, number and location of the outlets are evaluated
frequently since Pannon seeks to optimize its distribution
profile for the market. Pannon also has a direct sales force for
major accounts and sales to small and medium-sized enterprises
The following table sets forth selected subscription data for
Pannon:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year ended December 31 |
|
|
|
|
|
2003 |
|
2004 |
|
2005 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mobile subscriptions (period end, 000s):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Contract
|
|
|
595 |
|
|
|
779 |
|
|
|
1,025 |
|
|
Prepaid
|
|
|
2,023 |
|
|
|
1,991 |
|
|
|
1,904 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
2,618 |
|
|
|
2,770 |
|
|
|
2,929 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mobile Telephony Penetration in Hungary
|
|
|
73 |
% |
|
|
80 |
% |
|
|
87 |
% |
Mobile penetration rates in Hungary have been increasing, but
the subscriber growth rate has been decreasing due to
intensifying competition since 2004 for new subscribers. The
majority of Pannons subscriber base subscribes to various
prepaid tariff plans. Due to our continued focus on consumer
contract and business sales, the percentage of contract
subscriptions increased from 28% to 35% during 2005.
In addition to Pannon, there are two other mobile operators in
Hungary: T-Mobile
(formerly Westel) and Vodafone, each holding both GSM and UMTS
licenses. Pannon estimates that it had a market share of
approximately 34% as of December 31, 2005. The market
leader, T-Mobile, had
an estimated market share of 45%, while Vodafone had an
estimated market share of 21%. There are no service providers or
MVNOs operating in the Hungarian market for mobile
telecommunication services.
33
In November 2003, Pannon was identified by the Hungarian
regulatory authority as having significant market power (SMP) in
both the mobile market and the national market for
interconnection. In Hungary, SMP operators are under an
obligation to meet various strict legal requirements, such as
applying a certain cost model as a basis for interconnection
tariffs. Pannon accepted that it is an SMP operator in the
mobile market, but filed a complaint against the
regulators determination that it has SMP in the national
market for interconnection. Since the decision of the regulator
became effective immediately and was not suspended by the court,
Pannon has complied with the decision and reduced its
interconnection charges by 9% as of June 15, 2004. In
January 2006, the Supreme Court of Hungary upheld the
regulators 2003 SMP designation, thus exhausting
Pannons potential judicial remedies with respect to this
decision. Although our 2003 SMP designation is final, the
Hungarian regulatory authority is reassessing the 2003 SMP
designation for
T-Mobile in the
national market for interconnection.
In January 2005, the Hungarian regulatory authorities again
determined that Pannon and
T-Mobile (as well
as Vodafone) are required to reduce their interconnection
charges. The decisions of the regulator to further reduce these
charges were challenged by all three mobile operators.
If the designation of Pannon as an SMP operator in the national
market for interconnection is ultimately upheld in the cases
described above, Pannons mobile interconnection charges
will continue to be regulated and, as a consequence,
Pannons interconnection charges may be adversely affected
in the future.
During 2002, Hungarian authorities established a Universal
Service Fund (USF) with the aim of compensating universal
service providers (i.e., fixed line operators) for offering low
tariff packages to certain customer segments. All fixed and
mobile operators are required to contribute to the USF in
proportion to their revenues. In 2003, legislation was adopted
which fixes the maximum contributions paid from 2004 onwards at
0.5% of an operators annual revenue. In 2002, the
regulator determined the amount payable by determining the total
amount payable by all operators and then allocating the amount
payable by each operator. Pannon paid the required contribution
of HUF 1.5 billion, but successfully appealed the
requirement in the first instance court. The USF has filed an
appeal against this decision which is still pending. In
connection with this matter, Pannon has prevailed in its claim
for damages against the regulator for discriminatory conduct in
the Court of 1st instance. The Regulator has appealed the
decision.
Telenor, on behalf of Pannon, has also filed a claim in the
International Center for Settlement of Investment Disputes
(ICSID) for payments with respect to the 2002 USF. Telenor
alleges that the regulator breached an international investment
treaty between Norway and Hungary. The Hungarian 2002 USF has
insufficient monies to pay the claims presented and a hearing
presented against the government on the case is scheduled for
the second quarter of 2006 to determine if the ICSID has valid
jurisdiction over the case.
On December 6, 2004, Pannons contribution for 2003
was fixed at HUF 798 million (an amount which reflects the
0.5% ceiling). Pannon successfully appealed this decision in
September 2005 and has received the contribution back from the
USF.
|
|
|
GVH investigation- The cartel case |
In February 2002, the Hungarian Competition Office
(GVH) commenced an investigation against all three
Hungarian mobile operators, including Pannon, and the fixed line
operator, Matav, relating to pricing mechanisms and market
practice for call termination charges between 1998 and 2001. A
report issued in connection with this investigation alleged that
the Hungarian mobile operators abused their dominant position in
the call termination market and formed a price cartel in respect
of call termination charges. The allegation of abuse of dominant
position was ultimately abandoned, while the cartel charges were
upheld. In July 2003, the Competition Counsel, an independent
body within GVH, found that the mobile operators
activities had lead to a distortion of competition and Pannon
was fined HUF 150 million. Pannon appealed this decision
34
before the Municipal Court of Budapest, and the court suspended
the payment of the fine. The authority appealed the decision and
the case is still pending. The fine will not be increased on
appeal.
DiGi.Com Malaysia
We currently hold a 61% ownership interest in DiGi.Com, the
third largest mobile operator in Malaysia. Under current
Malaysias New Economic Policy (NEP), we are required to
reduce our ownership interest in DiGi.Com to less than 50% by
end of 2006. The NEP also requires at least 30% of the ownership
interest in any publicly-listed company to be held by members of
the Bumiputera community, the largest indigenous ethnic
community in Malaysia. We will be required to comply with this
requirement in the second half of 2006, unless we apply for
additional extensions. In addition, the Bursa Malaysia
Securities Berhad (Bursa Securities) requires that no less than
25% of DiGis shares, including shares held by
institutional investors, be publicly held. The requirement has
been satisfied, with public free float of DiGi.Coms shares
now exceeding the required amount of 25%.
DiGi Telecommunications Sdn Bhd, a wholly owned subsidiary of
DiGi.Com, currently holds a license for the operation of a GSM
1800 network and offers mobile voice, roaming and
value-added services on both prepaid and contract basis. DiGi is
currently one of the leading operators in the prepaid segment,
which is the fastest growing segment in the Malaysian mobile
market. With various valued-added services, such as MMS,
enriched SMS, mobile content and Internet services, and
innovative loyalty schemes, DiGi continues to be at the
forefront of product innovation in the Malaysian market. In
2005, DiGi continued to take the innovative position and was
first to launch many other new products and services to the
market. The company also offers different subscription plans to
suit the various needs of its contract customers.
|
|
|
Marketing and Distribution |
To reach both current and prospective customers, DiGi has
established more than twenty DiGi service centers and cooperates
with a large number of dealers throughout Malaysia including a
number of DiGi specialised stores which only handle DiGi
products and services. DiGi also offers efficient and innovative
ways for customers to communicate with its customer service
functions via the telephone or Internet.
The following table sets forth selected subscription data for
DiGi.:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year ended December 31 |
|
|
|
|
|
2003 |
|
2004 |
|
2005 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mobile subscriptions (period end, 000s):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Contract
|
|
|
104 |
|
|
|
172 |
|
|
|
354 |
|
|
Prepaid
|
|
|
2,101 |
|
|
|
3,067 |
|
|
|
4,441 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
2,205 |
|
|
|
3,239 |
|
|
|
4,795 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mobile Telephony Penetration in Malaysia
|
|
|
44 |
% |
|
|
57 |
% |
|
|
73 |
% |
Total mobile subscriptions continued to increase mainly driven
by the simple and relevant product offerings and promotions. The
increase also is in line with the industry growth in Malaysian
market with penetration rate estimated at 73%.
DiGi is one of three mobile operators in the Malaysian market.
The other two GSM network operators are Celcom, which is Telekom
Malaysias mobile unit, and Maxis, each of which has
licenses to operate both GSM 900 and GSM 1800 networks.
Telekom Malaysia and Maxis were each assigned a block of the
35
3G spectrum in 2002. Under the terms of the assignment,
Telekom Malaysia and Maxis are required to offer access to their
3G networks to MVNOs. At present, there are no mobile service
providers or MVNOs in Malaysia. Both Maxis and Telekom Malaysia
launched their 3G services in the first half of 2005.
As of December 31, 2005, DiGi was the third largest mobile
operator in Malaysia, with an estimated market share of 25%.
Maxis had a market share of 40% and Celcom had a market share of
35%.
The Ministry of Energy, Water and Communication has announced
the introduction of a nationwide coverage plan in Malaysia with
the objective of achieving significant improvement on population
coverage by the end of 2008. DiGi intends to expand its network
in accordance with this plan.
The Malaysian Communication and Multimedia Commission
(MCMC) has determined new access prices effective for three
years, from 2006 to 2008. Among other things, this determination
has resulted in lower interconnection rates terminating on
mobile network and higher interconnection rates terminating on
fixed networks, with effect from February 15, 2006.
Two additional 3G spectrum blocks were tendered by the Malaysian
telecommunication authorities in November 2005, and the results
were announced in March 2006. DiGi participated in the process
but was not successful in its application for a 3G spectrum
block. Despite this decision, DiGi remains committed to continue
to enhance its mobile and broadband service offering. Today,
DiGi has an extensive EDGE network that provides mobile
broadband services to the overwhelming majority of Malaysia
Other significant regulatory issues include the issues related
to the ownership of DiGi described above.
Total Access Communication PCL (DTAC) Thailand
On October 26, 2005, Thai Telco Holdings (TTH), a
49% subsidiary of Telenor, completed the purchase of a
39.9% stake in United Telecommunications Industry PCL (UCOM). In
compliance with relevant stock market regulations in Thailand
and Singapore, TTH then launched a mandatory tender offer for
all outstanding shares of UCOM and, along with Telenor Asia, a
Chain Principle Offer for all of the shares of DTAC that they
and their parties acting in concert, as defined by stock market
regulation in Singapore, did not collectively own or control.
The results of the mandatory tender offer resulted in an
increase in Telenors economic stake in DTAC, held through
TTH, UCOM and Telenor Asia, to 69.3% as at December 31,
2005. The Telecommunications Business Act limits the direct
ownership of foreign investors in public communications
license-holders to 49% of the total issued share capital.
DTAC, which currently has a GSM 1800 and AMPS 800 concession,
offers mobile voice, roaming and value-added services to its
customers through contract and prepaid tariff plans. DTACs
non-voice services include mobile Internet services based on WAP
and EDGE.
|
|
|
Marketing and Distribution |
During 2005, DTAC has continued to focus on customer service and
adopting an innovative and segmented approach to ensure that the
needs of individual customers in both the consumer and corporate
segment are met. Distribution, in particular, has been a key
element of DTACs strategy. Key channels of distribution
include DTAC shops, independent dealers and non-telecom outlets.
36
The following table sets forth certain subscription data for
DTAC:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year ended December 31 | |
|
|
| |
|
|
2003 | |
|
2004 | |
|
2005 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Mobile subscriptions (period end, 000s):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Contract
|
|
|
1,167 |
|
|
|
1,277 |
|
|
|
1,465 |
|
|
Prepaid
|
|
|
5,383 |
|
|
|
6,509 |
|
|
|
7,212 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
6,550 |
|
|
|
7,786 |
|
|
|
8,677 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mobile Telephony Penetration in Thailand
|
|
|
35 |
% |
|
|
43 |
% |
|
|
47 |
% |
The subscriber base continued to grow in 2005 due to successful
marketing activities and stronger brand attributes. The growth
however was lower than 2004 due to the slow down in growth in
general in the market.
As of December 31, 2005, DTAC was the second largest mobile
operator in Thailand, with an estimated subscriber market share
of approximately 28%.
The market leader in Thailand, Advanced Info Service plc (AIS),
also owns 97.5% of the fifth largest operator in Thailand,
Digital Phone Company (DPC). At December 31, 2005, we
estimate that the combined market share of AIS and DPC was 54%.
The other mobile operators in Thailand are TA Orange, with a
market of approximately 15%, and Hutchinson-CAT Wireless
Multimedia and Thai Mobile, with a combined market share of 3%.
DTAC has a service concession arrangement where the
Communication Authorities of Thailand (CAT) has granted DTAC the
right to build, transfer and operate a mobile network in
Thailand. In return for the right to provide mobile services for
a fixed period, mobile operators must build out their
infrastructure, and then transfer ownership of the
infrastructure to the government and pay a concession fee, or
revenue share, to the CAT and a 10% excise tax. The revenue
share to CAT will increase from 20% to 25% in September 2006.
The excise tax is included in the total amount of the revenue
share.
The government has proposed several frameworks for the
conversion of previously issued concessions into licenses, but
no proposal has yet been adopted. The process of conversion is
dependent on successful bilateral commercial negotiations
between the CAT and the Telephone Organization of Thailand
(TOT), on the one hand, and concession holders on the other. The
NTC is currently drafting competition regulations for the mobile
market, which are expected to be adopted during 2006 and form
the backbone of the regulatory environment in Thailand.
At present, mobile operators in Thailand generally operate under
a sender keeps all regime, a system in which the
service provider originating a call keeps the entire revenue
derived from it, since no interconnection regime is currently in
place. The exception to this rule is that concessionaires of the
CAT, such as DTAC, must compensate the TOT for the use of its
fixed network. The establishment of a new interconnection
regime, as provided for in the Telecommunications Business Act,
is currently being discussed.
DTAC has filed claims against Digital Phone Company Limited
(DPC) in the Thai Arbitration Court in June and August 2003
for the DPCs breach of contract of more than NOK
241 million pursuant to the terms of an agreement to unwind
the service provider agreement dated January 7, 1977. DTAC
had previously recognized approximately NOK 100 million
revenues of the NOK 241 million amount claimed.
The CAT brought an action against DTAC for payment of
royalty fees for in the amount of NOK 112 million. DTAC
disputes the method CAT used to calculate fees.
37
A recent assertion has been made by Telecom Public Company
Limited against DTAC relating to the manner in which a certain
discount shall be calculated. This will impact the revenue
sharing between DTAC and Telecom Public Company Limited. An
external legal opinion provided to DTAC agrees with the DTAC
method of calculation. The dispute involves a difference of
about NOK 76 million.
Kyivstar Ukraine
We have a 56.5% ownership interest in Kyivstar GSM, a major
mobile operator in Ukraine. The only other shareholder is Storm
LLC (Storm), with a 43.5% ownership interest. Storm LLC is 100%
indirectly owned by Alfa Group. Kyivstars board of
directors consists of nine members, five of which are nominated
by Telenor and four of which are nominated by Storm, as provided
by Kyivstars shareholder agreement and charter.
Kyivstar currently owns a GSM 900 and GSM 1800 license.
Kyivstars GSM network had geographical coverage of
approximately 92% and population coverage of approximately 96%
as of December 31, 2005. Kyivstars network is fully
GPRS upgraded.
Kyivstar launched EDGE in 2005, which at the end of year was
operational in approximately half of the base stations of the 10
largest cities in Ukraine. In addition, Kyivstar continued to
roll-out its own fiber backbone network during 2005.
In addition to voice telephony, Kyivstar provides voice
messaging services, SMS, MMS and mobile internet services. In
2004, Kyivstar launched djuice, a product offering that targets
the youth segment, and introduced campaigns with distribution of
free start packs to targeted segments, including the youth
segment.
|
|
|
Marketing and distribution |
Kyivstar distributes its products and services through both
indirect sales channels (dealers, retailers, wholesalers) and
direct sales channels (telemarketing and direct contact). The
company also entered into
co-branding agreements
with selected companies.
In order to attract and retain subscribers, Kyivstar focuses on
providing a high level of customer service and care. At
December 31, 2005, Kyivstar had 72 visitor centers
throughout Ukraine. Visitor centers are independent dealers that
have at least one of Kyivstars own employees on the staff.
At December 31, 2005, Kyivstar also operated 18 information
centers in the main urban areas.
The following table sets forth selected subscription data for
Kyivstar
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year ended December 31 |
|
|
|
|
|
2003 |
|
2004 |
|
2005 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mobile subscriptions (period end, 000s):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Contract
|
|
|
534 |
|
|
|
720 |
|
|
|
1,024 |
|
|
Prepaid
|
|
|
2,503 |
|
|
|
5,532 |
|
|
|
12,901 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
3,037 |
|
|
|
6,252 |
|
|
|
13,925 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mobile Telephony Penetration in Ukraine
|
|
|
14 |
% |
|
|
29 |
% |
|
|
64 |
% |
Kyivstars strong customer increase has been driven by the
fast growth in market penetration and by attractive product and
service offerings.
38
Average monthly minutes of usage per subscriber increased in
2005 from 91 minutes per month in the first quarter to 108
minutes per month in the fourth quarter.
As of December 31, 2005, Kyivstar was Ukraines
largest mobile operator, with a market share of approximately
46%. The second largest mobile operator Ukrainian Mobile
Communications (UMC), which is owned by the Russian group Mobile
Telesystems, had a market share of approximately 44%.
Life:), a brand which is operated by Astelit, a company owned by
DCC and Türkcell, had approximately 2.7 million
subscribers and a market share of approximately 9% by the end of
2005. Astelit holds a GSM 1800 license and launched
services in January 2005.
In November 2005, the Russian company VimpelCom announced to
have acquired 100% of the Ukrainian mobile operator Ukrainian
Radio Systems (URS), which operates the WellCom brand. In
October 2005, URS received a GMS 1800 license (not full national
coverage) in addition to its GSM 900 license. Telenor owns a
29.91% ownership stake in VimpelCom. For more information, see
VimpelCom Russia and other CIS
Countries.
Further, there are two smaller mobile operators in Ukraine,
including Golden Telecom Ukraine (GSM 1800) a wholly owned
subsidiary of Golden Telecom, Inc. in which Telnor has a 20.3%
ownership interest. Together, these operators had a market share
of approximately 1% as of December 31, 2005.
Under the Law on Telecommunications, a National Commission for
Regulation of Communication (NCRC) was established, which
was intended to begin regulating the telecommunications sector
from January 1, 2005. However, in January 2005, the
President Viktor Yushchenko dismissed the commission appointed
by the previous President, Leonid Kuchma, and appointed a new
commission on April 21, 2005. However, this appointment is
legally disputed. If the appointment is deemed invalid, a new
commission has to be appointed, and all decisions made by the
existing commission may be declared null and void.
The NCRC established in February 2006 new rules for settling
interconnection issues. The new tariffs were established by
commercial negotiations between operators and active involvement
by NCRC.
As a result of a recent decision by the Cabinet of Ministers,
76% of relevant spectrum is now dedicated for civil use. As
there are no available funds for conversion, the use of this
spectrum has not started. Proposals from the Ministry of
Transport and Communication and NCRC propose some kind of
upfront payment for operators to finance conversion.
The state owned incumbent Ukrtelecom received a 3G license in
December 2005 including the necessary relevant spectrum without
having to go through any formal tendering process. The Ministry
has proposed that additional 3G licenses will be made available
during 2006/2007.
The Antimonopoly Committee of Ukraine has requested all mobile
operators to abolish call
set-up charges as part
of their tariffs, but since none of the mobile operators are
currently deemed to exercise monopolistic market power, the
Antimonopoly Committee cannot regulate these tariffs. The
Antimonopoly Committee has begun a new investigation to
determine if Kyivstar does exercise monopolistic market power.
In previous similar investigations and during periods with less
market players in the mobile sector, the Committee has declared
that none of the mobile operators exercise monopolistic market
power.
NCRC has begun drafting an amendment to the Law on
Telecommunication regarding Universal Service Obligations,
including proposals on how to finance the amendments.
39
Over the past year, Storm has in a number of instances failed to
have at least one representative from Storm attend
Kyivstars shareholder and board meetings. For a valid
quorum to be present at Kyivstars shareholder meetings,
Ukrainian law requires the attendance of shareholders holding
more than 60% of a companys share capital and, for a valid
quorum to be present at board meetings, Kyivstars charter
and shareholder agreement require the attendance of at least one
director from Storm. Storm and certain of their affiliates have
also filed a number of related lawsuits in the Ukrainian courts
contesting, among other things, the validity of parts of
Kyivstars shareholder agreement and charter. These
lawsuits contest the ability of Kyivstars chief executive
officer to carry out his delegated duties, and the validity of
previous decisions made by members of Kyivstars board of
directors. Telenor believes that these lawsuits are without
merit and is vigorously contesting all of the claims that are
currently pending in Ukrainian courts. In accordance with
Kyivstars shareholder agreement, Telenor also commenced in
February 2006 an arbitration proceeding in New York against
Storm for violating the Kyivstar shareholders agreement. Telenor
has also proposed technical changes to Kyivstars charter
to ensure that the Kyivstar board continues to function in
accordance with the shareholder agreement, but the actions of
Storm described above, including the failure of Storm or its
nominees to attend meetings, could still adversely affect the
ability of Kyivstar to operate and compete effectively.
Kyivstar along with other major mobile operators in Ukraine are
disputing the Ukrainian Tax Authoritys claim for value
added tax, or VAT, on the Pension Fund Duty charged on
subscribers phone bills. Kyivstar considers this an
invalid tax. Kyivstar has exhausted its administrative remedies
available in the Ukraine and proceeded to seek further relief in
the Ukrainian Kyiv City Commercial Court. Lower court decisions
in February 2006 were issued invalidating the tax claim
concerning the same issues involving another mobile operator in
the Ukraine as well as Kyivstar. The Ukrainian Tax Authority has
decided to appeal these rulings, but Telenor has decided not to
make any provision for this litigation.
GrameenPhone Bangladesh
Our 62%-owned subsidiary GrameenPhone is the leading provider of
mobile telecommunication services in Bangladesh (based on the
number of subscriptions).
GrameenPhone currently holds both a GSM 900 and GSM 1800
license. The government has not yet announced any plans to issue
UMTS licenses in Bangladesh.
In addition to core voice services, GrameenPhone offers a number
of value-added services, in each case on both a contract and
prepaid basis. Value-added services include voice messaging
services, SMS, MMS and data services via WAP. GrameenPhone
services are widely perceived as having the most advanced and
up-to-date features in
the Bangladeshi market. For example, GrameenPhone was the first
Bangladeshi mobile operator to launch WAP in 2001 and
interactive SMS in 2003. Additionally, GrameenPhone offers the
widest population coverage in the market, increasing from
approximately 58% in 2004 to approximately 85% in 2005. In
addition, GrameenPhone also offers GPRS in most of the country
and EDGE in urban areas. In February 2006, GrameenPhone awarded
a two-year frame agreement to expand and upgrade its GSM/EDGE
network. The contracted party will supply core and radio network
equipment in addition to a range of other services. The contract
will include Mobile Softwitch Solution and IP Multimedia
Subsystem (IMS) which will enable GrameenPhone to
significantly enhance network quality, performance and coverage.
|
|
|
Marketing and distribution |
GrameenPhone is taking an active role in the distribution of its
services following a change in its distribution strategy during
2004. While the previous structure was based on a few key
dealers that managed all distribution to the point of sale,
GrameenPhone is now distributing directly to the point of sale
through regional distribution centers. GrameenPhone will be able
to reduce commission costs substantially at the same time as
obtaining increased control at the end user point of sale.
40
The following table sets forth selected subscription data for
GrameenPhone.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year ended December 31 | |
|
|
| |
|
|
2003 | |
|
2004 | |
|
2005 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Mobile subscriptions (period end, 000s):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Contract
|
|
|
242 |
|
|
|
296 |
|
|
|
383 |
|
|
Prepaid
|
|
|
899 |
|
|
|
2,092 |
|
|
|
5,159 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
1,141 |
|
|
|
2,388 |
|
|
|
5,542 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mobile Telephony Penetration in Bangladesh
|
|
|
1.3 |
% |
|
|
2.8 |
% |
|
|
6.2 |
% |
Based on the low current levels of mobile penetration,
GrameenPhone expects strong growth in total subscribers in the
future. At present, the number of billable minutes per customer
in GrameenPhone is approximately 223 minutes per month.
As of December 31, 2005, GrameenPhone estimates that it had
a market share of approximately 62%. Besides GrameenPhone, there
are five other mobile operators in Bangladesh: Aktel (with a
market share of approximately 23%), Banglalink (with a market
share of approximately 9%), Citycell (with a market share of
approximately 4%), Teletalk (with a market share of
approximately 1.8%) and Warid Telecom, which won its mobile
phone license in December 2005.
On June 9, 2005 the authorities in Bangladesh introduced a
new fee per unit of sale of SIM cards of 900 BDT
(approximately NOK 90). The SIM card fee is to be collected by
the operators. At the same time, the import tax for mobile
handsets has been reduced from 1500 Bangladeshi Taka
(approximately NOK 150) to 300 Bangladeshi Taka (approximately
NOK 30).
Under the licenses granted to mobile operators in Bangladesh,
all mobile operators are required to collect an annual license
fee and royalty from each subscriber (GRLF). In November 2002,
pursuant to a stay order issued by the Supreme Court, the
Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission
(BTRC) instructed operators to stop collecting the fee from
customers. In August 2004, the stay order was vacated and, in
September 2004, BTRC issued a letter to GrameenPhone instructing
it to make a payment in respect of the fee and royalty. It was
unclear whether this instruction applies to fees and royalties
that would otherwise have been collected in 2002, 2003 and 2004,
or if it only applies from the date of the letter onwards. While
GrameenPhone has collected the license fee from new users up
until February of 2005, it has not collected fees from existing
users following the court order. On March 20, 2006, the
BTRC clarified these issues partially and announced that, with
effect from July 1, 2005, all mobile operators must pay an
annual license of 50 million Bangladeshi Taka, an annual
revenue share of 5.5% on collected line rental and call charges
and quarterly network spectrum charges as fixed by the BTRC. The
BTRCs decision, however, does not resolve the issue of
whether fees must be collected from existing subscribers from
November 2004 to June 30, 2005. The legitimacy and amount
of the request for payment for this period has not yet been
clarified and is still subject to negotiation between us and the
BTRC. We are of the opinion that necessary payments for the
royalty and license fees have been made to the BTRC. If it is
determined that GrameenPhone is required to make a payment for
this period, it will be extremely difficult for GrameenPhone to
collect any such amounts from existing subscribers. If it is
determined that no obligation to collect fees during that period
existed, GrameenPhone might still be subject to claims from
customers for reimbursement of license fees paid by them.
The regulatory regime in Bangladesh currently requires mobile
operators to give BTRC 15 days notice of any price changes.
Such changes may only be implemented with BTRCs approval.
In addition, the
41
Parliamentary Standing Committee (MOPT) has recently
instructed BTRC to instruct mobile operators to decrease
tariffs. If BTRC does not approve any proposed price changes or
acts upon the MOPTs instructions, GrameenPhones
tariffs could be adversely affected in the future.
Telenor Pakistan Pakistan
Our wholly owned subsidiary, Telenor Pakistan, launched its GSM
mobile network on March 15, 2005 and had a market share
(based on the number of subscriptions) of approximately 9% as at
December 31, 2005. Telenor was awarded its license to build
and operate a mobile network in Pakistan in April 2004 for
291 million U.S. dollars. Telenor Pakistan paid half
of the amount upfront in May 2004, with the remaining half
payable in equal installments over 10 years starting in
2009. The nationwide license, which does not include Azad Jammu
and Kashmir (AJK) or the Northern Areas, is valid for a
15 year period and is renewable upon application.
Within 4 years of the effective date of the license (May
2004), Telenor Pakistan will be required to provide coverage to
70% of the 298 Tehsils in Pakistan with a minimum of 10% of
Tehsil Headquarters in each province. A Tehsil (or sub district)
is the smallest administrative area defined by the government
and this obligation will require Telenor Pakistan to provide
services to many areas of the country that currently have
limited coverage, with potentially low average revenue per user.
In order to facilitate coverage for such areas, the government
has established a universal service fund and requires mobile
operators to contribute 1.5% of their revenues to the fund. In
connection with its obligation to provide services in the Tehsil
headquarters, Telenor Pakistan is engaged in ongoing discussions
regarding its share of the fund.
In addition to basic voice services, SMS and MMS, the company
also offers mobile data services to all its customers. The
company rolled out its GSM network rapidly during 2005 and had
the fastest growing mobile network in the country during the
year. The network currently being rolled-out is WAP and GPRS
enabled and EDGE compatible. In addition, the company holds a
Long Distance and International (LDI) license though which
it is providing nationwide and international call services.
|
|
|
Marketing and distribution |
As on December 31, 2005, Telenor Pakistan was distributing
its services through a network of 13 company owned sales
and service centers, 58 franchisees and about 18,000 retail
outlets selling subscriptions and refills.
The following table sets forth selected subscription data for
Telenor Pakistan.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year ended |
|
|
December 31, 2005 |
|
|
|
Mobile subscriptions (period end, 000s):
|
|
|
|
|
|
Contract
|
|
|
32 |
|
|
Prepaid
|
|
|
1,836 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
1,868 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mobile Telephony Penetration in Pakistan
|
|
|
13 |
% |
Based on the currently low levels of mobile penetration, Telenor
Pakistan expects strong growth in total subscribers in the near
to medium-term. At present, the number of billable minutes per
customer in Telenor Pakistan is approximately 140 minutes
per month.
42
Warid Telecom, which is controlled by a consortium based in
United Arab Emirates, won the other of the licenses issued in
2004. In addition to Telenor Pakistan and Warid Telecom, there
are four other mobile operators in Pakistan. Mobilink, which is
the largest cellular mobile operator in Pakistan, held a market
share of approximately 51% as of December 31, 2005. Ufone,
the second largest operator by subscribers, held a market share
of approximately 24% as of the end of 2005. The remaining two
operators, Paktel and Instaphone, have market shares of roughly
5% and 2%, respectively.
Pakistan began to liberalize its telecommunications sector in
July 2003 when the government announced the end of the five
decade old monopoly of the state-run Pakistan Telecommunication
Company Limited (PTCL). This liberalization continued with the
awarding of mobile network licenses to us and Warid Telecom in
2004.
As a continuation of the deregulation process which began in
2003, the government agreed to sell a 26% stake in PTCL, which
owns the second largest mobile operator, Ufone, to Etisalat, the
UAE based incumbent telecommunications operator, in June 2005.
However, the transaction was renegotiated in the second half of
2005 and is not expected to be completed until April 2006.
Telenor Pakistan, along with other private operators in
Pakistan, has requested the government bring PTCL under the same
licensing regime as the other mobile network in connection with
this transaction. Moreover, Telenor Pakistan requested the
government ensure predictability and that PCTLs rates for
leased media, such as domestic private leased circuits, digital
interface units and co-location rentals are not revised upwards.
Telenor Pakistan believes that such steps are necessary to
maintain a fair and competitive environment for private
operators.
In connection with the deregulation of fixed-line telephony in
Pakistan, most local loop licensees are opting to use wireless
in local loop systems to provide fixed wireless access
solutions. For this purpose, the government has auctioned 4
frequency bands (450, 479, 1900 and 3500 MHz) to enable
local loop operators to launch fixed wireless access solutions.
These developments may result in competition increasing in the
market for mobile services since it may enable local loop
operators to offer mobile services as well. Telenor Pakistan and
the GSM Association where Telenor is a member, have requested
regulators to enact policies that prevent local loop operators
from providing mobile services. In July 2005, The Pakistan
Telecommunication Authority (PTA) issued a determination
limiting the mobility of wireless local loop operators to a
single pre-assigned radio base station (BTS). However, the
majority of the WLL operators continue to exceed the lawful
limits of mobility. We, along with other mobile operators, have
been raising specific cases of violations with the PTA and
pressing the PTA to enforce its determination.
In July 2005, the government regulator reduced the per minute
interconnection rate from 2 Pakistani rupees to 1.6 Pakistani
rupees. The government regulator has also hired an independent
consultant to determine the termination rate going forward based
on LRIC methodology. If the regulator fails to agree on a rate
with the operators, the interconnection rate will be reduced to
1.25 Pakistani rupees effective August 2006, to be billed on a
per second basis.
In connection with its obligation to provide services in the
Tehsil headquarters, Telenor Pakistan is engaged in a
consultation process regarding its share of the Universal
Service Fund (USF), a policy initiated in 2005 with the intended
purpose of disbursing the government funds for the provision of
telecommunication services in underserved regions of the
country. Telenor Pakistan is actively participating in the
consultation process and is lobbying for its due share in the
fund for facilitating rollout in 70% of the 298 Tehsils in
Pakistan with a minimum of 10% of Tehsil Headquarters in each
province.
43
ProMonte GSM Montenegro
Our 100% owned subsidiary ProMonte GSM is the leading provider
of mobile telecommunication services in Montenegro. ProMonte
holds a GSM 900 and GSM 1800 license. Each license is scheduled
to expire in January 2017. ProMontes GSM network had
geographical coverage of approximately 75% and population
coverage of 98.7% as of December 31, 2005.
Since its commercial launch of GSM services in 1996, ProMonte
has positioned itself as an innovative and quality operator
within all segments, focusing its products and services on
simplicity of tariff structure and user-friendliness. The
company primarily offers mobile voice, roaming, value-added
services and mobile data services over GPRS to its subscribers
on both a prepaid and contract basis. ProMonte now provides EDGE
coverage in most big cities and urban areas.
|
|
|
Marketing and distribution |
As of December 31, 2005, ProMonte markets and distributes
its mobile telephone services through independent dealers with
2,013 points of sale, including two wholly owned outlets in the
capital, Podgorica. In addition, ProMonte entered into
shop-in-shop
agreements with six independent dealers during 2005 to market
ProMonte mobile services within their shops.
The following table sets forth certain subscription data for
ProMonte:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year ended December 31 |
|
|
|
|
|
2003 |
|
2004 |
|
2005 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mobile subscriptions (period end, 000s):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Contract
|
|
|
46 |
|
|
|
44 |
|
|
|
45 |
|
|
Prepaid
|
|
|
207 |
|
|
|
235 |
|
|
|
265 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
253 |
|
|
|
279 |
|
|
|
310 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mobile Telephony Penetration in Montenegro
|
|
|
69 |
% |
|
|
78 |
% |
|
|
88 |
% |
ProMontes subscriber base increases significantly during
summer months. This is due primarily from tourists buying
prepaid subscriptions. ProMonte has managed to increase its
share in the contract market during 2005. The 2005 churn rate
was 37%.
As of December 31, 2005, ProMonte was Montenegros
leading provider of mobile communication services, with a market
share of 58%.
In addition to ProMonte, the only other mobile operator is
Monet, with a market share of 42% as of December 31, 2005.
Monet is majority owned by Telecom Montenegro. Magyar Telekom, a
Hungary based subsidiary of
T-Mobile has acquired a
76.53% stake in Telekom Montenegro.
The Agency for Telecommunications has publicly stated that
tender for a third mobile communication license will be issued
in May 2006, at the latest. The introduction of MVNOs is also
under review.
VimpelCom Russia and other CIS countries
VimpelCom is the main associated company of Telenor and,
according to AC&M Consulting data, is the second largest
mobile operator in Russia, with an overall market share of 34.3%
as of December 31, 2005. VimpelComs ADSs are listed
on the New York Stock Exchange and registered with the SEC. In
addition to Russia, VimpelCom has subsidiaries in Kazakhstan,
Uzbekistan and Tajikistan. VimpelComs ownership of
Ukrainian Radio Systems (URS) in the Ukraine is currently
the subject matter of litigation between Telenor
44
and VimpelCom. Telenor has initiated three lawsuits in
Russia against VimpelCom this transaction and is seeking to
cause this transaction to be unwound.
VimpelCom operates under the Bee Line GSM brand.
We initially invested in VimpelCom in 1999. Currently, the
economic and voting ownership interests in VimpelCom are as
follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Economic ownership | |
|
Voting ownership | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
Alfa Group (through Eco Telecom Limited)
|
|
|
24.50% |
|
|
|
32.91% |
|
Telenor (through Telenor East Invest AS)
|
|
|
29.91% |
|
|
|
26.58% |
|
Free float
|
|
|
44.10% |
|
|
|
39.20% |
|
Treasury stock
|
|
|
0.50% |
|
|
|
0.50% |
|
Other
|
|
|
0.99% |
|
|
|
0.81% |
|
On March 20, 2006, Telenor made a proposal for the
VimpelCom to acquire 100% of Ukrainian mobile operator Kyivstar,
our consolidated subsidiary in which we hold a 56.5% ownership
interest, for more than USD 5 billion cash. A condition to
Telenors proposal is that Telenor and Alfa Group enter
into a market-based separation mechanism. If implemented and
activated, this mechanism would permit the party placing the
highest value on VimpelCom to offer to purchase all of the other
partys shares and obligate the other party to sell all its
shares.
There has been no approval by the Board of Directors of
VimpelComs annual budget for 2006.
On November 11, 2005, VimpelCom announced that it had
consummated the purchase of Ukrainian Radio Systems
(URS) for an aggregate cash purchase price of
USD 231.3 million. Telenor disputes the validity of
the alleged URS acquisition, stating that the transaction was
consummated without the board authorizations required under the
VimpelComs charter and Russian law. Telenor has initiated
three lawsuits in Russia against VimpelCom in relation to this
transaction and is seeking to cause this transaction to be
unwound.
In Russias Far East region, VimpelCom operates in four
sub-regions through its subsidiaries Sakhalin Telecom (GSM 800
and 1800 licenses) and Dal Telecom International (GSM 800 and
1800 licenses). VimpelCom has several times applied for
frequencies and a cellular Telecommunication license on the
territories of Russias Far East region. The Ministry of
Communications and IT has rejected the applications.
VimpelCom operates a GSM 900/1800 network, as well as
several small AMPS/ D-AMPS networks, that target both the
business and consumer segment. VimpelComs Russian license
portfolio covers approximately 94% of the population.
VimpelCom offers voice services and value-added services on its
GSM and D-AMPS networks on both a prepaid and contract basis,
with around 99% of its Russian subscribers using GSM. It also
provides interconnections with other fixed and mobile networks
and access to roaming. Value-added services on the GSM network
include messaging services (SMS, MMS), mobile Internet services
(data and fax transmission, WAP and Internet based on CSD or
GPRS technology), a wide range of information and entertainment
services (news and entertainment channels, ring tones,
logotypes, java-games, chats, forums and quizzes), corporate
services (Mobile email, mobile budget and corporate GPRS access)
and traditional services (Voice Mail, Caller ID and Conference
Call)
As part of its overall business strategy, VimpelCom has
constructed and tested a pilot UMTS network, and intends to
introduce UMTS technology in some of the larger cities if
awarded a UMTS license.
45
The following table sets forth certain subscriber data for
VimpelCom:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year ended December 31 | |
|
|
| |
|
|
2003 | |
|
2004 | |
|
2005 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Mobile subscriptions (period end, 000s):(1)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Russia
|
|
|
11,437 |
|
|
|
25,725 |
|
|
|
43,097 |
|
|
Other Countries
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
859 |
|
|
|
2,317 |
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
11,437 |
|
|
|
26,583 |
|
|
|
45,414 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mobile Telephony Penetration in Russia
|
|
|
25 |
% |
|
|
51 |
% |
|
|
87 |
% |
|
|
(1) |
Figures are based on statistics published by Advanced
Communications & Media. The number of prepaid
subscribers are based on a 6 month churn period. |
VimpelComs main competitors in Russia are Mobile
Telesystems (MTS), with an overall market share of 35.2%, and
Megafon, with an overall market share of 18.1%.
Alfa Group acquired a 25.1% ownership interest in Megafon
pursuant to consent by VimpelComs board of directors on
August 2003. Under the terms of the consent, the parties are
required to explore the possibility of a business combination
between VimpelCom and Megafon in the future. VimpelCom, however,
is under no obligation to enter into any such combination. In
addition, Alfa Group is also an indirect investor in the Russian
fixed-line and Internet provider Golden Telecom, in which
Telenor has a 20.3% ownership interest.
Regulatory Environment
The Law on Communications, a new law on telecommunications for
the Russian Federation, came into force on January 1, 2004.
The process for adopting secondary legislation implementing the
new law is still ongoing, and the exact implications of the new
law for Russian telecommunications operators are still unclear.
However, pursuant to the new law, telecommunication operators
have been obliged since March 2005 to pay a fee representing
1.2% of the operators revenues to a Universal Service Fund.
Legal proceedings
Our ability to influence key business or strategic decisions in
VimpelCom is closely related to the fact that VimpelComs
charter requires certain decisions to be approved by 80% of the
members of VimpelComs board of directors. However, during
the last two years, an individual shareholder of VimpelCom and
VimpelComs other principal shareholder, the Alfa Group
(whose telecom division now does business under the name
Altimo), filed lawsuits in Russian courts contesting
these provisions in VimpelComs charter. Telenor contested
such lawsuits in the Russian courts, including, in one case, by
appealing to the Russian Supreme Court, and all such lawsuits
have now been dismissed or withdrawn. Also, in November 2005,
VimpelComs management announced that it consummated the
purchase of Ukrainian Radio Systems (URS) for an aggregate
purchase price of USD 231 million. Telenor believes
that this transaction was completed without the proper
authorizations required under VimpelComs charter and
Russian law. As a result of these developments, Telenor has
commenced three lawsuits in Russia against VimpelCom, and is
seeking to cause this transaction to be unwound. In November
2005, Telenor also commenced arbitration proceedings in Geneva,
Switzerland against the Alfa Group with respect to certain
breaches by Alfa of the VimpelCom shareholders agreement.
On January 10, 2005, VimpelCom Kazakh subsidiary
KaR-Tel received an order to pay issued by The
Savings Deposit Insurance Fund, a Turkish state agency
responsible for collecting state claims arising
46
from bank insolvencies (the Fund), for an amount
equal to approximately USD5.5 billion. The order, which was
dated October 7, 2004 and delivered to KaR-Tel by the
Bostandykski Regional Court of Almaty, does not provide any
information regarding the nature of, or basis for, the asserted
debt, other than to state that it is a debt to the
Treasury and that the term for payment is May 6,
2004. On January 17, 2005, KaR-Tel delivered to the Turkish
consulate in Almaty a petition to the Turkish court objecting to
the propriety of the order, and a similar petition to the
Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Kazakhstan for forwarding
to the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Turkey. VimpelCom
management believes that the Funds claim is without merit
and that any attempted enforcement of the order to pay in
relevant jurisdictions outside of Turkey is subject to
procedural and substantive hurdles. However, there can be no
assurance that KaR-Tel will prevail with respect to the
objections filed (either on substantive or procedural grounds),
that these claims or others targeting VimpelComs ownership
of KaR-Tel will not be brought by the Fund directly against
VimpelCom or its other subsidiaries or that KaR-Tel and/or
VimpelCom or its other subsidiaries will not be required to pay
amounts owed in connection with the order or on the basis of
other claims made by the Fund. The adverse resolution of this
matter, and any others that may arise in connection with the
order by the Fund or any other claims made by the Fund, could
have a material adverse effect on VimpelComs business,
financial condition and results of operations, including an
event of default under some or all of VimpelComs
outstanding indebtedness.
On December 30, 2004 VimpelCom received the tax
inspectorates final decision of the review of
VimpelComs 2001 Russian tax filing, stating that VimpelCom
owes 284.9 million rubles (approximately
USD 10.2 million in taxes) plus 205.0 million
rubles (approximately USD 7.4 million) in fines and
penalties, which is an 88.9% reduction from the tax
inspectorates initial claim in November 2004. A
significant portion of the tax claim exclusive of fines and
penalties (252.2 million rubles or approximately
USD 9.1 million) is the result of the authorities
claiming that, in their opinion, value added tax offsets were
made incorrectly. Although VimpelCom has filed an administrative
complaint to the highest tax authority challenging the tax
inspectorates final decision, VimpelCom has paid the value
added taxes for 2001 and made offsets of these amounts in later
tax years.
On February 18, 2005 VimpelCom received a final decision of
the tax inspectorates review of VimpelComs 2002
Russian tax filing, stating that VimpelCom owes an additional
344.9 million rubles (approximately
USD 12.4 million) in taxes plus 129.1 million
rubles or (approximately USD 4.7 million) in fines and
penalties. The final decision reflects a reduction from the
amount of 408.5 million rubles (approximately
USD 14.7 million) in taxes plus 172.1 million
rubles (approximately USD 6.2 million) in fines and
penalties, set forth in the preliminary act of the tax
inspectorate for 2002. A significant portion of the tax claim
exclusive of fines and penalties (251.3 million rubles or
approximately USD 9.1 million) is the result of the
authorities claiming that, in their opinion, value added tax
offsets were made incorrectly. Although VimpelCom filed a court
claim to dispute the tax inspectorates final decision, the
Company has paid this amount.
In December 2004, individual purchasers of VimpelCom securities
filed separate lawsuits in the United States District Court
for the Southern District of New York against VimpelCom and
VimpelComs Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial
Officer. Plaintiffs allege violations under Sections 10(b)
and 20(a) of the Exchange Act and Rule 10b on behalf of
themselves and persons or entities who purchased
VimpelComs securities between March 25, 2004 and
December 7, 2004. The principal allegations in these
complaints relate VimpelComs 2001 tax filing, described in
a VimpelCom December 8, 2004 press release. On
July 11, 2005, the lead plaintiff and two individual
purchasers of VimpelCom securities filed an amended complaint.
The claims in the amended complaint allege in principal that
VimpelCom failed to disclose prior to December 8, 2004 that
(i) in August 2004 the Russian tax authorities began an
inspection of the companys tax filings for 2001 and other
years, and (ii) following the inspection, the Russian tax
authorities alleged that value added tax offsets were made
incorrectly by the company. On August 25, 2005, the
defendants submitted a motion to dismiss the plaintiffs
claims. On March 15, 2006, the court dismissed the
plaintiffs claim with prejudice. The decision is subject
to appeal.
47
TELENOR FIXED
We are the leading provider of fixed network telecommunications
services in Norway, with a strong position in the growing
broadband market throughout the Nordic region. In Norway, we
provide telecommunication solutions on a retail basis to both
the residential and business markets. Solutions offered to the
market include:
|
|
|
|
|
analog (PSTN), digital fixed line telephony services
(ISDN) and broadband voice services over Internet Protocol
(VoIP); |
|
|
|
internet access via PSTN/ ISDN and digital subscriber lines
(xDSL); |
|
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|
value-added services; and |
|
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|
leased lines. |
We also provide telecom solutions to the Norwegian wholesale
market, including interconnection to our networks and domestic
and international transit and capacity services.
With the acquisition of Bredbandsbolaget and Cybercity in July
2005 for SEK 6.0 billion (NOK 4.5 billion) and
DKK 1.4 billion (NOK 1.3 billion), respectively, we
have taken a strong position in the growing broadband markets in
Sweden and Denmark. Bredbandsbolaget is the second largest
provider of broadband services in Sweden, offering a full
triple-play of high-speed internet, VoIP and
Internet Protocol (IP) television services on an all-IP
fiber and xDSL network. Cybercity is the third largest supplier
of broadband services in Denmark, providing xDSL-based internet
access and voice services to both residential and business
customers.
On February 8, 2006, we increased our shareholding in the
Swedish residential voice and broadband provider Glocalnet AB by
13.5% for a consideration of SEK 136 million (NOK
118 million) to secure a 50.1% ownership interest. The
acquisition triggered a mandatory offer for all outstanding
shares in Glocalnet AB. This offer is valid until April 21,
2006. As of March 28, 2006, we hold a 96.6% ownership
interest in Glocalnet.
In the fourth quarter of 2005, we disposed of our operations in
the Czech Republic and Slovakia with a loss of NOK
63 million.
In addition, we also provide both basic and value-added fixed
network telecommunication services and managed services to the
business market, as well as certain wholesale services, in
Sweden. We also hold a 20.3% ownership interest in the listed
Russian telecom operator Golden Telecom.
Overview and Background
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|
|
|
Residential market. We provide voice services on a
traditional public switched telephone network (PSTN), an
integrated services digital network (ISDN) and via
broadband Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP). We also provide
narrowband (PSTN/ ISDN) and broadband (xDSL) Internet
access and services to homes across Norway. At December 31,
2005, we had approximately 922,000 PSTN subscriptions, 286,000
ISDN basic rate access subscriptions and 24,000 VoIP
subscriptions for telephony services. We also had 579,000
Internet access subscriptions in the residential market,
comprising 165,000 narrowband (ISDN/ PSTN) subscriptions and
414,000 broadband (xDSL) subscriptions. |
|
|
|
Business market. We provide our business customers, which
include a number of public sector entities, with PSTN, ISDN and
VoIP telephony services, Internet access via xDSL and leased
lines services. At December 31, 2005, we had approximately
167,000 PSTN subscriptions, 216,000 basic rate, 7,000 primary
rate ISDN subscriptions and 1,600 VoIP subscriptions for
telephony services. We also had 61,000 subscriptions for
Internet access via xDSL in this market. In addition, we provide
integrated voice and data telecommunications, access and network
services to the business market in Norway. |
48
|
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|
|
|
Wholesale market. We provide a range of interconnection
and capacity services, including leased lines, in the Norwegian
market. Our interconnection and capacity services allow other
network operators, Internet service providers and other service
providers to connect to our network or use our infrastructure in
order to facilitate their own service offerings. We also provide
international operators with transit and capacity services for
international voice and data traffic into or through Norway. We
provide unbundled telephony access (PSTN and ISDN) and xDSL
access, to other operators and service providers. Further, we
provide local loop unbundling (LLUB) and shared access to
the local loop, which enables other operators able to provide
end users with broadband. |
We provide telephony,
IP-based and data
communication services and advanced network services to the
business and wholesale market in Sweden through our wholly-owned
Swedish subsidiary Utfors AB. From July 2005, we provide
high-speed internet, VoIP,
IP-TV and add-on
broadband services to the Swedish residential market through our
wholly-owned subsidiary Bredbandsbolaget. Bredbandsbolaget has
approximately 369,000 subscriptions as of December 31,
2005, representing a 20 percent market share.
From July 2005, we provide broadband solutions and network-based
products such as security and VPN products for residential and
business customers through our wholly-owned subsidiary
Cybercity. Cybercity serves small, medium and large business
customers as well as residential customers. As of
December 31, 2005, Cybercity has approximately 122,000 xDSL
customers.
Fixed Norway
We are the leading provider of fixed-line telecommunication
services to the residential market in Norway. As of
December 31, 2005, we had approximately 1,232,000
subscriptions for telephony services, comprising 922,000 PSTN
subscriptions, 286,000 ISDN basic rate access subscriptions and
24,000 VoIP subscriptions. We also had 579,000 Internet access
subscriptions, comprising 165,000 narrowband subscriptions and
414,000 xDSL subscriptions.
The core services offered to the residential market in Norway
are voice services and Internet access. We currently offer each
of these services on analog, ISDN and xDSL.
Analog (PSTN). We offer basic voice, facsimile and
dial-up Internet access
services on our analog network via copper wire connecting our
customers premises to our fixed network. Each analog
access line provides a single telecommunications channel and is
still the main access line for the residential market. Under the
universal service obligation in our fixed telephony license, we
are required to make analog services accessible at an affordable
price to all households and enterprises in Norway.
ISDN. We also offer basic voice and
dial-up Internet
services via ISDN access. ISDN allows a single copper wire
access line to be used for a number of purposes simultaneously,
including voice and data transmission. ISDN also provides a
higher quality connection with faster transmission of signals
and increases bandwidth capacity. ISDN basic rate access
provides two digital channels. Customers install their own ISDN
lines on a plug & play basis or by ordering
installation. In October, we launched a lower priced, single
line ISDN subscription aimed at customers that have less demand
for ISDN because they acquired an xDSL subscription for Internet
use and would thus only use ISDN access for basic voice services
xDSL. xDSL provides broadband capacity, which means that
data can be transmitted at much greater speeds than analog or
ISDN lines over the existing installed copper line without
interfering with the normal voice telephone connection. As at
December 31, 2005, 89% of our local access lines were able
to accommodate an xDSL line and 34% of our subscriptions were
xDSL subscribers.
49
VoIP. We launched VoIP in March 2005 in the residential
market. This technology, which initially only will be offered to
our xDSL customers, allows customers to send voice signals via a
broadband connection rather than via traditional telephony
networks.
Value-added services. We offer a broad range of
value-added services on a subscription or usage basis. Our
subscription-based services, for which we charge a monthly fee,
include caller identification, call waiting, voice mail and
remote call diversion. Our usage-based services, for which we
charge a per-minute fee, include a call back when
occupied service, three-party conference calling and an
international calling card service. From September 2004,
customers have been able to choose three value added services at
no cost.
In 2005, connection fees and call tariffs were kept at a level
that we regard as competitive compared to traditional
competitors with PSTN/ ISDN. We have a strong belief in
variation in tariff plans as a competitive strategy and, as a
consequence, offer a variety of tariff plans, each with
different subscription and traffic fees. As of December 31,
2005, we offered various discounts in connection with our
Familie & Venner (Family and Friends) programs.
The PSTN/ ISDN price structure consists of subscription fees and
minutes-based traffic charges. Customers may choose between
tariff plans with different subscription and traffic fees. Our
VoIP service has at similar price structure as PSTN/ ISDN, but
with a lower subscription fee and free traffic between other
Telenor VoIP customers. xDSL has a fixed rate regime with no
limitation on volume. Price segmentation for xDSL is based
primarily on bandwidth. An additional fee is charged for
unbundled xDSL subscribers (e.g. subscribers who do not have
PSTN/ ISDN subscriptions for voice services).
The following table shows selected subscriber data for telephony
services on our analog (PSTN) and digital
(ISDN) access lines and Internet access on our PSTN/ ISDN
lines and xDSL.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
As of December 31, | |
|
|
| |
|
|
2003 | |
|
2004 | |
|
2005 | |
|
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| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(in thousands) | |
Telephony
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Analog (PSTN)
|
|
|
1,096 |
|
|
|
1,001 |
|
|
|
922 |
|
|
Digital (ISDN)(1)
|
|
|
454 |
|
|
|
371 |
|
|
|
286 |
|
|
VoIP (Broadband)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
24 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total telephony subscriptions
|
|
|
1,550 |
|
|
|
1,372 |
|
|
|
1,232 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Internet Access
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
PSTN/ ISDN access (dial-up)
|
|
|
294 |
|
|
|
241 |
|
|
|
165 |
|
|
xDSL access
|
|
|
163 |
|
|
|
286 |
|
|
|
414 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total subscriptions
|
|
|
457 |
|
|
|
527 |
|
|
|
579 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
Each digital (ISDN) subscription in the residential market
provides two access channels. |
The decrease in the number of PSTN/ ISDN subscriptions from 2003
to 2004 (for both telephony and Internet access services) was
due to increased competition, including competition from
operators to whom we sell access lines on a wholesale basis, and
a decrease in the number of subscriptions in the market as a
whole. We have attempted to reverse this trend with more cost
competitive call plans and improved customer service. The
decrease from 2004 to 2005 was mainly due to migration to VoIP
subscriptions on competing networks. The decrease in PSTN/ ISDN
Internet subscriptions was offset by an increase in xDSL lines
due to the migration from PSTN/ ISDN to xDSL.
50
The following table shows information on minutes of traffic
generated by residential analog and ISDN subscribers. The
decrease in voice minutes are partly due to a decrease in number
of subscriptions and fewer minutes per user due to the migration
to mobile, SMS and internet use, together with loss of high
volume customers to VoIP. The migration to xDSL decreases the
number of Internet traffic minutes as the use of xDSL is
measured in capacity rather than minutes.
|
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|
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|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year ended December 31, | |
|
Increase (decrease) | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
2003 | |
|
2004 | |
|
2005 | |
|
2003/2004 | |
|
2004/2005 | |
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| |
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| |
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| |
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| |
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| |
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|
% | |
|
% | |
|
|
(millions of minutes) | |
|
|
|
|
Traffic:
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
National traffic (exclusive internet traffic and calls to mobile
phones)
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|
|
5,202 |
|
|
|
4,654 |
|
|
|
3,963 |
|
|
|
(10.5 |
) |
|
|
(14.8 |
) |
Internet traffic
|
|
|
3,323 |
|
|
|
2,605 |
|
|
|
1,533 |
|
|
|
(21.6 |
) |
|
|
(41.2 |
) |
Calls to mobile phones
|
|
|
847 |
|
|
|
810 |
|
|
|
781 |
|
|
|
(4.4 |
) |
|
|
(3.6 |
) |
International
|
|
|
207 |
|
|
|
193 |
|
|
|
167 |
|
|
|
(6.8 |
) |
|
|
(13.5 |
) |
Other
|
|
|
520 |
|
|
|
529 |
|
|
|
424 |
|
|
|
1.7 |
|
|
|
(19.8 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
10,099 |
|
|
|
8,791 |
|
|
|
6,868 |
|
|
|
(13.0 |
) |
|
|
(21.9 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Market share (based on minutes)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total residential(1)
|
|
|
67% |
|
|
|
68% |
|
|
|
65% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
Average during the year |
In the residential market, our main competitor in the area of
fixed telephony and
dial-up Internet access
is Tele2, which offers services based on carrier pre-selection.
Dial-up Internet access
is also provided by several smaller Internet service providers,
including Sense and Powertech. Our market share in fixed
telephony and dial-up
Internet has decreased in 2005 compared to 2004. Competition in
fixed telephony has increased as a result of unbundled telephony
access on a wholesale basis, which we introduced in 2003, and
the emergence of VoIP telephony services. Migration from
dial-up to broadband
access solutions impacts competition in all segments by
introducing new market players and products, such as VoIP.
Several new competitors now offer low priced voice services
based on VoIP. The growth in the number of VoIP competitors,
together with increased media focus on how consumers can save
money using VoIP, has led to significant growth in VoIP
subscriptions in 2005. This development represents a competitive
threat to us in the fixed telephony market. An estimated
160,000, or 10%, of all home telephony customers in Norway now
have VoIP service.
xDSL providers dominate the residential broadband access market.
We are currently the major xDSL provider, but significant
competition is offered by the local loop unbundling
(LLUB) operators NextGenTel, Catch/ Bluecom and other
locally based operators, as well as from other xDSL providers,
such as Tele2, who purchase access to our xDSL network on a
wholesale basis. In 2005, we also faced increased competition in
the broadband market from local providers owned by
municipalities and utility companies.
We are the leading provider of telecommunications services to
the business market in Norway. Our objective is to provide our
business customers with innovative communications services.
Similar to our objectives in the residential market, we are
seeking to develop and manage long-term customer relationships
with our business customers.
51
Basic network services. The principal services offered to
our business customers are basic network services
(voice) via analog and ISDN access lines. ISDN access lines
include both basic rate access lines and primary rate access
lines, the latter being more advanced lines that provide 12 to
30 access channels. As of December 31, 2005, we had
approximately 390,000 telephone subscriptions in the business
market, of which approximately 57% were ISDN subscriptions. We
offer three levels of business discounts from the basic traffic
charges, each of which are based on the volume of traffic.
Leased Lines. We also provide analog and digital leased
lines to businesses. Under the universal service obligation in
our fixed telephony license, we are obligated to offer leased
lines with a capacity of 64 Kbps and 2 Mbps on equal
terms to all market participants. Demand for capacity has
generally increased as customers are migrating from analog lines
to digital lines and to higher capacity lines. The number of
digital leased lines, however, has decreased as customers
migrate to xDSL.
Internet access. We offer our business customers a range
of solutions for Internet access, from basic connection for
single users to comprehensive solutions for large companies with
many users. Companies using multiple users can choose among
leased lines, ISDN, xDSL, or other technologies to connect their
local network to the Internet. Also included in the portfolio
are new secure services for Wireless Local Area Networks
(Wireless LAN). Our xDSL offerings are mainly positioned towards
the small and medium enterprise (SME) segment and our
current offerings range from 640 to 8,048 Kbps connections.
The deployment of xDSL is one of our priorities in the SME
segment.
VPN. We offer Virtual Private Network
(VPN) solutions through which our customers may link their
companys sites and networks together and provide support
to their remote users. Based on a combination of authentication,
encryption and protection of data, our VPN solutions are
designed to ensure the secure transfer of data and help reduce
costs for our customers communication infrastructure.
Nordicom. NordiCom is a Scandinavian ATM-based broadband
network.
Value-added telephony services. In addition to advanced
routing and service access, we also offer our business customers
basic voice communication services, including customer contact
services such as virtual call center solutions, traffic routing
and toll-free numbers and interactive services such as
interactive voice response, short messaging and web services.
Messaging. We provide domestic and international
messaging services based on a wide range of integrated and
user-friendly e-mail
communications packages. These services include our IMAP-based
mailboxes for the professional market, which facilitate
users access to
e-mail, faxes, cellular
phones and pagers, as well as services which enable users to
receive and send e-mail
messages from both central and remote locations.
Managed Voice Services. Managed voice services consist of
operating and/or maintaining a business customers
telephony system. Our services are divided into three levels,
each involving a different level of service.
52
The following table shows information regarding subscriptions in
the business market for telephony services on our analog
(PSTN) and digital (ISDN) access lines and channels
(including courtesy lines, service lines and payphones) and on
our VoIP service and for Internet access via xDSL as of
December 31, 2003, 2004 and 2005.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of December 31, | |
|
|
| |
|
|
2003 | |
|
2004 | |
|
2005 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(in thousands) | |
Telephony
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Analog (PSTN)
|
|
|
212 |
|
|
|
181 |
|
|
|
167 |
|
|
Digital (ISDN)(1)
|
|
|
278 |
|
|
|
247 |
|
|
|
223 |
|
|
|
Of which basic rate(1)
|
|
|
270 |
|
|
|
239 |
|
|
|
216 |
|
|
|
Of which primarly rate(1)
|
|
|
8 |
|
|
|
8 |
|
|
|
7 |
|
|
|
VoIP (Broadband)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total telephony subscriptions
|
|
|
490 |
|
|
|
428 |
|
|
|
390 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Internet Access
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
xDSL access
|
|
|
14 |
|
|
|
40 |
|
|
|
61 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total subscriptions
|
|
|
14 |
|
|
|
40 |
|
|
|
61 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
A basic rate digital (ISDN) subscription provides two
access channels and a primary rate digital
(ISDN) subscription provides 12 to 30 access channels. |
The decline in the number of subscribers for voice services is
due both to lower market share and a decline in fixed
subscriptions for voice services in the market as a whole.
The following table shows information on minutes of traffic
generated by analog and ISDN subscribers in the business market
for each year in the three-year period ended December 31,
2005. The migration of voice traffic from fixed to mobile and
from analog or ISDN to VoIP, along with decreasing market
shares, led to the continued decrease in traffic minutes in 2005.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year ended December 31, | |
|
Increase (decrease) | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
2003 | |
|
2004 | |
|
2005 | |
|
2003/2004 | |
|
2004/2005 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(millions of minutes) | |
|
% | |
|
% | |
Traffic:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
National traffic (exclusive internet traffic and calls to mobile
phones)
|
|
|
3,001 |
|
|
|
2,353 |
|
|
|
1,797 |
|
|
|
(21.6 |
) |
|
|
(23.6 |
) |
Internet traffic
|
|
|
1,296 |
|
|
|
972 |
|
|
|
548 |
|
|
|
(25.0 |
) |
|
|
(43.6 |
) |
Calls to mobile phones
|
|
|
595 |
|
|
|
552 |
|
|
|
551 |
|
|
|
(7.2 |
) |
|
|
(0.2 |
) |
International
|
|
|
133 |
|
|
|
115 |
|
|
|
110 |
|
|
|
(13.5 |
) |
|
|
(4.3 |
) |
Other
|
|
|
261 |
|
|
|
243 |
|
|
|
196 |
|
|
|
(6.9 |
) |
|
|
(19.3 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
5,286 |
|
|
|
4,235 |
|
|
|
3,202 |
|
|
|
(19.9 |
) |
|
|
(24.4 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Market share (based on minutes)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total residential(1)
|
|
|
74 |
% |
|
|
72 |
% |
|
|
68 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
53
|
|
(1) |
Average during the year |
|
|
|
Distribution and marketing |
We distribute our products and services to the business segment
through a variety of channels. These include our key account
managers and our direct sales force for our larger business
customers. Our internal direct sales force is dedicated to our
large corporate customer segment. In addition to our sales
force, we use a number of independent agents for distributing
our services to small and medium size enterprises. We have also
implemented a strategic program to improve our customer
relationship management capabilities in this market segment.
The competition in the business market is most significant in
the central industrial regions of Norway, where TDC Song, BKK,
Ventelo have each invested in their own network infrastructures
and challenged us with competitive offerings of fixed line
access, leased lines, broadband and data communication services.
In the leased line and data communication markets, we are being
challenged by the local loop unbundling (LLUB) operators
NextGenTel and Catch (a subsidiary of Ventelo), who offer VPN
solutions connecting business locations and home offices through
xDSL access lines. In 2005, we faced increased competition in
the broadband market from focused local providers and utility
companies.
Interconnection services. In Norway, we provide
interconnection services consisting of call termination, call
transit and call origination, on both a carrier select and
carrier pre-select basis. We are required to price our
interconnection services on a cost-related basis. Our objective
is to develop services to maintain our position as a leading
supplier of interconnection services in the wholesale market. We
offer interconnection services in 12 regional areas in Norway.
Local loop unbundling. As required by regulation, we
deliver LLUB to other telecom suppliers. Local loop access
provides operators with access to our copper access network. In
addition to full access to the local loop, we also offer shared
access to the local loop. Through full and shared access,
operators are able to provide end users with broadband.
xDSL. We have launched xDSL in the wholesale market. xDSL
access allows Internet service providers and other service
providers to provide xDSL-based products and offerings without
having to install any technical devices in connection with the
copper pairs.
Intelligent network services. We also provide access to
intelligent network services on a wholesale basis. Intelligent
network services allow service providers to offer value-added
services hosted on our network and sophisticated routing of
calls depending on factors such as the time of the call and the
point of origination.
Wholesale line rental. We provide telephony access (PSTN
and ISDN) on a wholesale basis to other operators and service
providers, which allow them to sell subscriptions for telephony
services directly to the end customer.
54
The following table shows information regarding the number of
analog (PSTN) and digital (ISDN) access lines and
channels, including courtesy lines, service lines and payphones,
and xDSL and LLUB subscriptions in the wholesale market as of
December 31, 2003, 2004 and 2005.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of December 31, | |
|
|
| |
|
|
2003 | |
|
2004 | |
|
2005 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(in thousands) | |
Telephony
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Analog (PSTN)
|
|
|
104 |
|
|
|
188 |
|
|
|
202 |
|
|
Digital (ISDN)(1)
|
|
|
57 |
|
|
|
114 |
|
|
|
111 |
|
|
Of which basic rate(1)
|
|
|
57 |
|
|
|
113 |
|
|
|
110 |
|
|
Of which primarly rate(1)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total telephony subscriptions
|
|
|
161 |
|
|
|
302 |
|
|
|
313 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
xDSL access
|
|
|
56 |
|
|
|
91 |
|
|
|
109 |
|
LLUB access
|
|
|
80 |
|
|
|
145 |
|
|
|
235 |
|
|
|
(1) |
A basic rate digital (ISDN) subscription provides two
access channels and a primary rate digital (ISDN) subscription
provides 12 to 30 access channels. |
Our main competitor in the domestic wholesale market is
BaneTele, the only other provider of wholesale services with
national coverage. In addition, TDCs recent acquisition of
Song Networks makes the combined TDC Norway/ Song Networks a
significant alternative provider of wholesale capacity services
in southern Norway. In the wholesale market for DSL, we face
competition from NextGenTel, Catch, and TDC/ Song Networks,
which provides xDSL to end users on the basis of LLUB.
In addition, we face competition from a number of focused local
or niche providers specializing in smaller segments of both the
residential and business markets, including local broadband
initiatives supported or owned by municipalities and local
utility companies. In the residential market, we also face
competition from cable networks.
Through Telenor Global Services (TGS), we provide a broad range
of services in the international wholesale market, including
broadband capacity and worldwide traffic. Our objective is to be
the leading supplier of voice and capacity services to and from
Scandinavia, and to be a successful niche player in the
wholesale traffic market in Europe
International direct dialing. We offer inbound call
termination for international traffic terminating in our network
for which we receive payments from other carriers under a system
of settlement arrangements, and purchase termination services
from foreign carriers for outbound international traffic
originating in our networks.
Roaming. Telenor Global Services offers complete
international roaming solutions which integrate IP connectivity
with traditional voice services. Our roaming GSM service is
global, with more than 220 international roaming partners
connected through a single access line. The GPRS Roaming
Exchange (GRX) connects mobile networks via a high-security
and cost-efficient IP network. We are a registered GRX provider
in the GSM Association.
Leased capacity services. We offer leased capacity
services, which provide fixed and dedicated connections. Leased
lines are available in both analog and digital interfaces and
with different capacities. We deliver these services within
Scandinavia through our own telecoms network and deliver
dedicated point-to-
55
point connections between Scandinavia and most other countries
in the world in cooperation with reputable operators. These
services are well suited to users that generate a higher volume
of traffic between fixed locations, for instance, connections
between different local area networks (LANs) or private branch
exchanges (PBXs). Leased lines are also a basic element in the
production of other services, such as mobile phone and point of
sale terminals.
Our domestic network is a technologically advanced fixed line
network designed to support our residential, business and
wholesale service offerings and we also use the network to
provide services to our other business areas.
Trunk transmission network. We have a national ring
topology backbone network using synchronous digital hierarchy
(SDH) equipment on fiber optic cables. SDH provides faster
and less expensive network interconnection than traditional
plesiochronous digital hierarchy (PDH) technology. PDH is
the conventional multiplexing technology for network
transmission systems. For the regional backbone network, we have
a similar structure based on SDH technology.
Our entire national backbone network is based on optical dense
wavelength division multiplexing. Dense wavelength division
multiplexing is a transmission technology in which up to 200
optical channels are transmitted through the same fiber. We use
systems based on this technology with 8, 16 and 32 optical
channels at 2.5 Gbps or 10 Gbps (billion bits per second, which
vastly exceeds the capacity of traditional copper cable or radio
links). The national core network is designed to be the carrier
for any transmission technology used on a higher layer. This may
include synchronous digital hierarchy, asynchronous transfer
mode (ATM) or IP technology.
Our regional network layer comprises more than 300 installed
connection or switching points in 185 rings distributed on
71 ring structures. The implementation of ring topology in the
regional network has improved the quality of service of the
network.
Access network. Our local access network connects
virtually all homes and businesses in Norway with nearly 4,000
digital telephony switches and concentrators. The network
currently includes approximately 5.8 million kilometers of
installed twisted pair copper wire. At December 31, 2005,
the access network connected approximately 1,291,000 analog
telephone lines, 612,000 ISDN basic rate and 8,000 ISDN primary
rate access lines, 48,000 leased lines, 235,000 LLUB lines and
584,000 xDSL lines.
In larger cities in Norway, we also provide optical fiber
connections directly to larger businesses, universities and
municipal locations. In total, we provide optical fiber
connections to more than 2,300 locations.
|
|
|
International infrastructure |
International wholesale network. We offer an
international wholesale network in the Nordic region between
Oslo, Stockholm and Copenhagen. Our network capacity is one
wavelength and is upgradeable.
Our international switch in Oslo is connected to seven points of
presence (PoPs), in Amsterdam, New York, London, Stockholm,
Copenhagen, Paris and Frankfurt. These PoPs represent points of
international interconnection with our customers and suppliers.
Transatlantic submarine cable. We hold a 3.5% interest in
the TAT-14 transatlantic submarine cable. The TAT-14 cable
provides connection between five cable stations in Europe and
two in North America. Service was launched on July 3, 2001,
enabling us to provide capacity, including backhaul, between
New York and major cities in Europe.
In 2005, the submarine cable capacity market decreased as
products and services migrate to more cost effective and wholly
owned platforms.
56
Global Capacity Services. We provide global capacity
services through wholly owned synchronous digital hierarchy
(SDH) capacity to major destinations in Europe and the
United States, International Private Leased Circuits
(IPLC) services to worldwide destinations and IP Transit
services in Western Europe and the United States. Based on a
network of points of presence in major European and US cities,
we provide SDH capacity services to carriers, operators and
Internet services providers. Backed by service level agreements
with leading providers, we offer a wide rage of leased line
services worldwide. Through IP Transit, we offer internet access
ports to Internet service providers. Our own network, Nextbone,
connects customers and interconnect partners at the most
important Internet exchange sites in Western Europe and the
United States. As of December 31, 2005, we have connections
to more than 300 customers and interconnect partners, with both
private and public interconnect.
Fixed Sweden provides telephony, data communication, broadband
and advanced network services to the business market, and
telephony, DSL and IP-based communication services to the
wholesale market in Sweden. We believe that the Swedish business
market, in particular, provides growth opportunities due to the
size and the growth rate of the market, our first class national
data communications network and the preference of Swedish
business customers towards single vendor relationships and
outsourcing. We are currently Swedens second largest
provider of business data communication services, as well as the
second largest wholesale provider of fixed network services,
after TeliaSonera.
We also provide voice and DSL services on a wholesale basis in
Sweden to service providers, which market these products to the
residential retail market. Glocalnet, which is the third largest
service provider within the fixed residential segment, is by far
the largest of our wholesale customers. At December 31,
2005, Glocalnet has 133,000 fixed telephony subscriptions, 5,000
mobile telephony subscriptions, 108,000
dial-up Internet
subscriptions and 104,000 xDSL subscriptions. As of
March 28, 2006, we hold a 96.6% ownership interest in
Glocalnet.
On July 8, 2005, we acquired 100% of the issued share
capital of Bredbandsbolaget AB and its subsidiaries
(Bredbandsbolaget) for a cash consideration of NOK
4.5 billion. Bredbandsbolaget is the second largest
provider of broadband services in Sweden with approximately
369,000 subscribers as of December 31, 2005, representing a
20% market share. Operating on all-IP fiber and xDSL network,
Bredbandsbolaget is synonymous with high-speed broadband. The
company launched VoIP service in 2003 and serves approximately
104,000 voice customers as of December 31, 2005.
Bredbandsbolaget also recently launched
IP-TV services, thus
offering a full triple-play of Internet, voice and
TV broadband services. Bredbandsbolaget also has a successful
operation serving small and medium-sized Swedish companies with
Internet access services.
During 2005, price competition has increased significantly in
the Swedish broadband market, with Glocalnet, Comhem and TDC
Song representing the most price aggressive players.
Bredbandsbolaget is differentiating itself in this market
through product advancement and high quality service. The
following table shows information regarding the number of
subscriptions for Bredbandsbolagets broadband-related
products and services over the last 2 years.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of | |
|
|
December 31, | |
|
|
| |
|
|
2004 | |
|
2005 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(in thousands) | |
VoIP (Broadband)
|
|
|
67 |
|
|
|
104 |
|
Internet Access
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
LAN access(1)
|
|
|
139 |
|
|
|
155 |
|
xDSL access
|
|
|
164 |
|
|
|
214 |
|
TV subscriptions
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
12 |
|
57
|
|
(1) |
LAN stands for Local Area Network |
Figures for 2004 in the above table reflect figures from
Bredbandsbolaget prior to our acquisition of the company in 2005.
Fixed Denmark
On 5 July, we acquired 100% of the issued share capital of
Esplanaden Holding A/ S (Cybercity) for a cash consideration of
NOK 1.3 billion. Cybercity is the third largest supplier of
broadband services in Denmark, with approximately 122,000
subscribers as of December 31, 2005 and a 15% market share.
Covering 70% of Denmark with its own DSL infrastructure, the
company focuses on the high-end residential, home office and
small and medium enterprise (SME) segments of the market.
The company also operates a successful VoIP product over its DSL
access lines.
TDC is Cybercitys main competitor, along with Tele2 and
Telia Stofa also acting as important competitors.
The table below provides information regarding the number of
subscriptions for Cybercitys DSL and VoIP services over
the last three years.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of | |
|
|
December 31, | |
|
|
| |
|
|
2004 | |
|
2005 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(in thousands) | |
VoIP (Broadband)
|
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
26 |
|
xDSL access
|
|
|
77 |
|
|
|
122 |
|
The figures for 2004 above reflect subscription data for
Cybercity prior to our acquisition of the company in 2005.
TELENOR BROADCAST
Overview
We are the leading provider of television and broadcasting
services to consumers and enterprises in the Nordic region,
measured in subscribers and revenues. We also operate the
national terrestrial broadcast network in Norway and are the
leading provider of satellite broadcasting services in the
Nordic region, utilizing three geostationary satellites. Our
main objective is to further strengthen our position in the
Nordic region.
In 2005, the Telenor Broadcast business area comprised the
following business lines:
Distribution. We provide TV distribution services to more
than 3 million households and businesses in the Nordic
region. We offer basic tier, minipay and premium
pay-TV services to
subscribers with Direct To Home (DTH) satellite dishes. In
Norway and Sweden, we offer basic tier TV services,
pay-TV and Internet
services to cable TV subscribers. In Denmark, we market the same
services through a cable network, OE Kabel TV, which we acquired
in November 2005. In Finland, we offer premium
pay-TV services to
subscribers with access to digital terrestrial television (DTT).
We also offer TV services through privately owned satellite
master antenna TV networks (SMATV), which serve multiple
dwellings such as housing associations and antenna unions.
Transmission. We provide transmission services for
broadcasters through our subsidiaries Telenor Satellite
Broadcasting and Norkring. Telenor Satellite Broadcasting owns
and operates satellite transmission capacity on the satellite
position 1-degree west. Norkring owns and operates the Norwegian
analog and digital terrestrial radio transmission system and the
Norwegian analog television transmission system.
58
Other. Other consists of Conax, which offers conditional
access systems, the corporate support functions of Broadcast,
and related interests.
Distribution
Our wholly-owned subsidiary Canal Digital is the leading TV
content distributor in the Nordic region, distributing a wide
range of national and international TV channels to households
that rely on DTH, cable, DTT or SMATV for their reception of
television services.
Canal Digital has exclusive Nordic distribution rights on DTH to
CMores premium film and sport channels until June 13,
2006, in addition to exclusive content rights on other channels.
Furthermore, in June 2005, Telenor Broadcast, together with
Norwegian broadcaster TV2, acquired the rights for distribution
of Norwegian football on TV, broadband Internet and 3G mobile
for NOK 1 billion. The rights cover the period from 2006
through 2008 for the Norwegian premier league and the Norwegian
first division, and 2006 through 2009 for Norways
international matches (home matches only) for men, women and
youth, the national cups for men and women and womens
national premier league. The NOK 1 billion commitment for
the rights will be paid over four years, with NOK
300 million per year for the period 2006 through 2008 and
NOK 100 million for 2009. The financial commitment is a
joint liability owed to the Norwegian Football Association by
TV2 and Telenor Broadcast. Telenor Broadcast and TV2 have agreed
that the material part of the free to air TV rights will be
managed by TV2, while the Pay-TV rights and certain free TV
rights have been assigned to, and will be governed by, the
television channel TV2 Zebra, in which Telenor Broadcast and TV2
will have an ownership interest of 45% and 55%, respectively.
The broadband Internet football broadcast rights will be managed
by Telenor Fixed and TV2 Interaktiv, while the 3G mobile rights
will be managed by Telenor Mobile.
As of December 31, 2005, we had more than 3 million
subscribers to our different television services, consisting of
906,000 pay-TV
subscribers and 222,000 basic tier households on DTH, 681,000
cable TV subscribers, 33,000 DTT
pay-TV subscribers and
1,177,000 households in SMATV networks.
In 2005, our distribution area generated external revenues of
NOK 4.6 billion and more than 50% of our Nordic
distribution revenues are from outside Norway.
The table below shows our subscriber base per country as of
December 31, 2005.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Norway | |
|
Sweden | |
|
Denmark | |
|
Finland | |
|
Total | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Subscribers Broadcast
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
DTH pay-TV subscribers
|
|
|
341,000 |
|
|
|
361,000 |
|
|
|
151,000 |
|
|
|
53,000 |
|
|
|
906,000 |
|
DTH basic tier households
|
|
|
135,000 |
|
|
|
48,000 |
|
|
|
36,000 |
|
|
|
3,000 |
|
|
|
222,000 |
|
Cable TV subscribers
|
|
|
409,000 |
|
|
|
242,000 |
|
|
|
30,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
681,000 |
|
SMATV households
|
|
|
196,000 |
|
|
|
271,000 |
|
|
|
634,000 |
|
|
|
76,000 |
|
|
|
1,177,000 |
|
DTT pay-TV subscribers
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
33,000 |
|
|
|
33,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
1,081,000 |
|
|
|
922,000 |
|
|
|
851,000 |
|
|
|
165,000 |
|
|
|
3,019,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
To our DTH subscribers, we offer more than 70 Nordic and
international TV channels, multiple tiers of services, including
interactive services and pay-per-view services. We distribute
minipay and Premium
pay-TV services to more
than 906,000 digital subscribers and basic tier services to an
additional 222,000 households in the Nordic region. Both
basic tier households, minipay and premium
pay-TV subscribers
receive local television channels through the DTH equipment
provided to them. The minipay and premium
pay-TV subscribers
subscribe to at least one
pay-TV package from
Canal Digital in addition to the basic tier.
59
The following table shows key subscriber data for our DTH
operations over the past three years:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year ended December 31, | |
|
|
| |
|
|
2003 | |
|
2004 | |
|
2005 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Subscribers at period end
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
DTH pay-TV subscribers
|
|
|
763,000 |
|
|
|
824,000 |
|
|
|
906,000 |
|
DTH basic tier households
|
|
|
241,000 |
|
|
|
253,000 |
|
|
|
222,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total subscribers
|
|
|
1,004,000 |
|
|
|
1,077,000 |
|
|
|
1,128,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
We believe that the growth in the number of subscribers over the
past few years is primarily due to the success of our
high-quality program packages that combine major international
content brands and the most important local language television
channels combined with aggressive marketing, multi-channel
distribution and a focus on customer service.
We operate cable-TV
networks that served 681,000 subscribers as of December 31,
2005, of which 409,000 subscribers were located in Norway,
242,000 in Sweden and 30,000 in Denmark.
In Norway, we market an analog basic tier package comprising
17-24 channels to individual households, landlords and housing
associations. In addition, we sell digital
pay-TV packages to
subscribers with a decoder and cable TV Internet access
subscriptions to households connected to the upgraded part of
our network. We market our cable television services through our
own sales organization, which includes regional offices and
sales representatives throughout Norway.
In Sweden, we market the same services as in Norway, but with
differences in programming to meet Swedish market demands. In
Denmark, we operate a cable TV network and offer Internet
services to our cable TV subscribers as well.
The following table sets forth details of our cable operations
for the years indicated.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year ended December 31, | |
|
|
| |
|
|
2003 | |
|
2004 | |
|
2005 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Subscribers at period end
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic tier
|
|
|
604,000 |
|
|
|
624,000 |
|
|
|
681,000 |
|
|
Of which digital pay-TV
|
|
|
35,000 |
|
|
|
51,000 |
|
|
|
58,000 |
|
|
Cable TV Internet subscribers
|
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31,000 |
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|
|
44,000 |
|
|
|
73,000 |
|
Within cable TV, the growth in basic subscribers is fairly low
due to the fact that cable TV has already been fully rolled out
in the areas where cable TV development is financially viable.
Further growth in this segment is primarily due to new building
developments and acquisition of other cable operators.
Therefore, the underlying revenue growth in the cable TV segment
is partly driven by sale of additional services such as digital
pay-TV and/or Internet
subscriptions to our basic subscribers.
In the Nordic region, we are the leading reseller of analog and
digital television channels and television services to privately
owned SMATV networks, serving multiple dwelling units such as
housing associations and antenna unions. We also provide
technical services relating to SMATV networks and market
pay-TV services to
individual households in these networks.
The following table sets forth operating information for our
SMATV operations.
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Year ended December 31, | |
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| |
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|
2003 | |
|
2004 | |
|
2005 | |
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| |
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| |
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| |
SMATV households
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1,098,000 |
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|
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1,212,000 |
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1,177,000 |
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60
We expect that the number of households using SMATV technology
will decrease in the next five to ten years. This due to the
fact that many small SMATV networks may choose to move from
SMATV to DTT, enabling their users to access a full host of
digital TV services without upgrading the network. Furthermore,
over the last three to five years, SMATV networks are
increasingly being acquired by cable operators. Due to the
imminent decomissioning of the analogue terrestrial networks
(which partly feeds the SMATV networks), this development is
likely to accelerate in the future.
In the first half of 2004, we started a digital terrestrial
pay-TV operation in
Finland, marketing
pay-TV packages to
households with DTT reception equipment. As of December 31,
2005, we had approximately 33,000 subscribers to this service.
We are currently the only DTT
pay-TV operator in
Finland. Presently, we offer a package of three channels, in
addition to several free to air channels. The number of digital
TV-channels available in Finland is not expected to grow until
new multiplexes offering more transmission capacity are
developed.
In August 2005, we entered into a partnership agreement with the
Norwegian broadcasters NRK and TV2 to apply for a license to
develop and operate the digital terrestrial (DTT) network
in Norway. The license application was submitted by Norges
Televisjon AS (NTV), in which we have an equal ownership share
along with NRK and TV2. The DTT network would eventually replace
the current analog terrestrial network owned by our subsidiary
Norkring, which currently secures households TV reception via
regular antennas. The parties have also established a new
company, NTV Pluss AS, which if license is awarded, will offer
pay-TV services over
the DTT network.
With regard to DTH, we compete throughout the Nordic region,
with Viasat, a subsidiary of the Swedish media company Modern
Times Group (MTG). Providers of digital terrestrial television
(DTT) are a new type of competitor in the digital TV
services market, with Boxer in Sweden emerging as the most
important competitor.
Boxer follows a low-price strategy in the Swedish market and
competes in the low pay range of the market. We compete in the
Nordic market for digital TV services primarily on the basis of
quality and quantity of content, and the quality of customer
service and operations.
Within cable television, our primary competitor in Norway is UPC
Norway. In Sweden, our primary competitors are Comhem, UPC
Sweden and Kabelvision. In the Danish market, we face
competition from TDCs subsidiary OnCable and
TeliaSoneras subsidiary Stofa. We compete in the market
for cable television on the basis of technical reliability and
our ability to offer other access services, such as cable TV
Internet access, and to tailor our content portfolio to the
preferences of the majority of the households in the area.
Within the Nordic market for wholesale services to SMATV
networks, our primary competitor is Viasat. In the Danish
market, we face additional competition from OnCable and Stofa.
We compete in the market for households in SMATV networks on the
basis of price, content portfolio and value-added services, such
as technical support and advice.
Canal Digital is the sole provider of premium content for
households with DTT access in Finland.
In Sweden, the government began to shut down the analogue
terrestrial TV network in September 2005. Between 100,000 and
200,000 households were directly affected by this shut down in
2005. The shut down is expected to be complete in January 2008.
As the affected households move from analogue TV reception to
digital reception via cable, DTH or DTT, all of the major
operators in the Swedish market expect a surge in subscriber
growth. Thus far, however, the growth in digital
pay-TV subscribers
caused by the analogue shut down has been weaker than expected
as most households have chosen a digital free to air TV solution
consisting of 5 attractive TV channels (freeview).
61
In Norway, NTV, which is jointly owned by Broadcast and the
Norwegian broadcasters NRK and TV2, is the only applicant for
the DTT license. The roll out of the DTT network is planned to
start within six months after possible license is awarded. The
final shutdown of the analog terrestrial network in Norway is
expected at the end of 2008 if the license is awarded in 2006 as
expected. Our subsidiaries Canal Digital, Conax, Satellite
Broadcasting and Norkring are all possible suppliers to the
Norwegian DTT network and Norkring has developed a DTT
transmission system in Norway on a test basis in limited areas.
Transmission
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Telenor Satellite Broadcasting |
Through Telenor Satellite Broadcasting, we are the largest
Nordic provider of commercial satellite services for the
transmission of television and radio programs based on both
capacity and revenue. Telenor Satellite Broadcasting also
provides satellite capacity, teleport services and IP broadband
services to value added resellers and business customers in
Europe and the Middle East.
We provide our satellite transmission services through a fleet
of three geostationary satellites: the Thor II and III
satellites and the Intelsat 10-02, in which we own a share
representing 11 transponder equivalents (36Mhz). Transponders
are the main devices that satellites use to receive and transmit
signals. Our three satellites are located in orbit approximately
36,000 kilometers above the equator at approximately 1 degree
west. 1 degree west is an advantageous position for transmitting
signals to the Nordic region and we estimate that over 90% of
the households satellite antennas in the Nordic region can
receive transmission from our satellites. We provide our
teleport services through two teleports in Europe, Nittedal
(Norway) and London, and uplinks in Sofia, Stockholm, Copenhagen
and Helsinki. Along with Satellitaktiebolaget (NSAB), we are
currently one of two satellite transmitters of digital signals
to home satellite dish receivers and cable TV companies in the
Nordic region. Using digital transmission, each transponder can
transmit six to eight channels simultaneously, while a
transponder used for analog transmission can only transmit one
channel.
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Year ended December 31, | |
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2003 | |
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2004 | |
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2005 | |
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Used for digital transmission
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32 |
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33 |
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33 |
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Used for analog transmission
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6 |
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3 |
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3 |
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Spare capacity
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5 |
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4 |
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4 |
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Total number of transponders
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43 |
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40 |
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40 |
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As at December 31, 2005, we transmitted 156 TV channels
(three analog) and 66 radio channels.
In the third quarter of 2005, we entered into an agreement for
the construction and subsequent purchase of a new satellite with
24 transponders (36mhz equivalents) to replace the satellite
Thor II, which has 15 transponders (36mhz
equivalents). We expect to acquire the completed satellite at
the end of 2007, and total payments until this time are expected
to be NOK 1.2 billion
Our principal competitor in satellite broadcasting is NSAB, but
we also face competition from INTELSAT, EUTELSAT and SES Global.
NSAB is owned by the Swedish Space Corporation (25%) and SES
Global (75%) and operates three satellites. SES Global is based
in Luxembourg and operates ASTRA, the largest satellite system
for home satellite dish transmission in Europe.
Through our wholly owned subsidiary Norkring, we own and operate
analog and digital terrestrial radio and television transmission
systems in Norway.
Norkring provides its analog services to two national television
broadcasters, the national broadcaster NRK and the commercial
channel TV2, several national radio broadcasters, and a number
of local television
62
and radio stations. Norkrings analog network consists of
approximately 2,700 large and small transmitting stations in
Norway and covers more than 99% of the Norwegian population.
Norkring also provides digital audio broadcasting (DAB) and
limited DTT trial transmission services. Norkrings DAB
network currently covers 70% of Norwegian households and all
main roads in Norway.
Norkring has developed a DTT transmission system in Norway on a
test basis in limited areas and in the third quarter of 2005,
Norsk Television AS (NTV), applied for a DTT license. Norkring
is a possible contractor for the construction and technical
operation of the DTT network in Norway.
Other
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Conditional access systems |
Conditional access systems enable broadcasters and content
providers to encrypt their digital services so that programming
may only be viewed by authorized subscribers. We believe that
conditional access systems are essential for creating good
business models for content irrespective of terminal or access
method. Access control via Smart Card is most widely used in the
Pay-TV area. Through
Conax, we provide conditional access services for a variety of
network types, including broadcasting networks and
Internet/intranet networks.
As of December 31, 2005, Conax had sales and support staff
in India, Singapore, China, Brazil and Germany, and customers in
more than 40 countries.
We currently own 44.8% of the shares in APR Media Holding AS,
which holds 100% of the shares in
A-pressen, one of the
three largest private media corporations in Norway. A-pressen is
a majority owner of Norwegian local and regional newspapers and
a number of other related interests, including printing plants,
newspapers, websites and local television channels. A-pressen
also has investments in Russian media and printing facilities
and owns a 33.33% interest in the Norwegian commercial
television channel TV2.
We also have a 33% ownership interest in Otrum ASA, which is a
leading supplier of hotel TV solutions in Norway.
In addition, we acquired a 33.31% ownership interest in Norges
Television AS (NTV) in the third quarter of 2005. NTV is the
only applicant for a license to develop and operate a digital
terrestrial network for television in Norway. In November 2005,
the owners of Norges Television AS (NTV) founded the company NTV
Pluss AS (NTV+) in which we have an equal ownership share along
with the Norwegian broadcasters NRK and TV 2. If NTV is awarded
the license for developing and operating the DTT network for
television in Norway, NTV+ will offer
pay-TV services over
this network.
EDB BUSINESS PARTNER ASA
Overview
Our 51.8%-owned subsidiary, EDB Business Partner ASA, is a
leading information technology company providing software
solutions, software services and computer operations to the
Nordic region. EDB Business Partners main customers are
large and medium-sized companies and organizations in banking
and finance, telecommunications, and the public and trade and
industry sectors. Although its primary market is Norway, EDB
Business Partner also has significant operations in Sweden. EDB
Business Partners shares are listed on the Oslo Stock
Exchange.
Strategy and recent developments
EDB Business Partners strategy is:
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to be a leading expertise-based IT business, focusing on
application development and infrastructure and network
operations; and |
63
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to take advantage of current IT trends, such as increased
outsourcing of IT departments, the growth of Internet
applications,
e-commerce, Internet
banking, and business critical applications. |
On June 28, 2005, EDB Business Partner and
i-flex®
solutions entered into an agreement to jointly offer
comprehensive UNIX-based retail banking solutions to financial
institutions in the Nordic region. The product will utilize the
core system components of
FLEXCUBE®,
the worlds No. 1 selling banking solution. Market
release is planned for 2006/2007.
On November 16, 2005, EDB Business Partner and DnB NOR
further expanded their commercial and strategic partnership by
signing a six-year agreement for electronic invoicing in the
Norwegian corporate market for use by DnB NOR and its corporate
customers. The new solution is expected to significantly reduce
the cost of invoice management for companies and will be ready
for use by DnB NOR and EDB Business Partners existing
customers from the second quarter of 2006. Revenues generated
from the new solution will be transaction-based, and will thus
depend on the number of companies using the system.
In addition to the strategic partnership agreements with
i-flex®
solutions and DnB NOR, EDB Business Partner has made several
major acquisitions since January 2005, as described below.
On May 12, 2005, EDB Business Partner entered into an
agreement to acquire the Swedish software company BanqIT
Business Applications AB. The contract provides for EDB to take
over the companys in-house developed solutions for bank
branch offices as well as 30 employees.
On December 19, 2005, EDB Business Partner entered into an
agreement to acquire the Norwegian card company TAG Systems AS.
This acquisition is expected to give EDB a stronger market
position and expand its expertise in the card area. The business
currently has 100 employees. The acquisition will take place
with effect from January 15, 2006.
On January 10, 2006, EDB Business Partner entered into an
agreement to buy the operations of the Swedish IT company
Datarutin AB and its subsidiary Datarutin Dokumentor AB.
Datarutin is one of the market-leading players in the Swedish
market for IT operations, consulting services and document
management, offering solutions for customers such as the Swedish
unemployment benefit offices and property companies. The
business has 220 employees, and EDB plans to integrate Datarutin
into its Swedish activities with effect from February 15,
2006.
On January 16, 2006, EDB Business Partner entered into
agreements to take over Ementors consultancy division,
Avenir, and the IT consultancy company Spring Consulting. The
agreements establish EDB Business Partners presence in the
area of application services in the Nordic market. Avenir has
241 employees whereof 201 employees are located in Oslo, while
40 employees are located in Bergen. Avenirs business focus
is within the public sector, oil and energy and banking and
finance. Avenir has significant expertise within Microsoft,
SAP-, IBM and Oracle technology, as well as project management,
system development and -integration, adjustment and
implementation of standard systems. Spring Consulting has 114
employees in Norway, Sweden and Denmark, working with SAP
solutions for the Scandinavian market. The operation taken over
is focusing on implementation and development of SAP solutions
as business support to the various customer demands.
On March 13, 2006, EDB Business Partner entered into an
agreement to buy the Swedish IT consulting group Guide Konsult,
which represented a further step in EDB Business Partners
program to create a broader platform for the group in the Nordic
IT services market. The agreement positions EDB Business Partner
as a leading supplier of IT consulting and applications services
in the Swedish market. Guide is a leading supplier of IT
consulting and applications services in Sweden with 520
employees, the majority working in Gothenburg and Stockholm. The
group is a significant supplier for a number of major Nordic
companies. The industrial focus of Guides activities is on
the car industry, pharmaceuticals, the public sector, the bank
and finance industry and commerce
During 2005, EDB Business Partner divested in two separate
agreements all its assets in the Telecom business area. Assets
related to EDB Telecoms Network Inventory and European Mediation
businesses were transferred to Comptel Corporation. Shares owned
by EDB Business Partner ASA in Telesciences Inc. in the
64
United States were sold to a U.S. management-owned company.
The total consideration from the sale was approximately NOK
155 million.
Business Areas and Services
EDB Business Partner has the following two business areas: IT
Operations and Solutions. EDB Business Partner, IT Operations
area represents one of the largest suppliers of IT operating
services in the Nordic region. This business area comprises both
centralized and remote operation of computer systems, data
communications, including services related to data backup and
publishing, and serves a wide variety of industries and sectors.
The Solutions business area comprises the sale of software,
systems and consultancy services to a worldwide customer base in
the banking and finance, public, and trade and industry sectors.
The companys primary activities are operated out of Norway
and Sweden.
Competition
EDB Business Partners main competitors in the Nordic
countries are TietoEnator and WM-data.
The market in which EDB Business Partner operates is highly
competitive and is characterized by the need for a high level of
expertise and experience, as well as significant capital
investment in new technology and products. It is of critical
importance in our industry that our products are secure,
reliable and competitive in terms of functionality, performance
and interface. Products need to adapt for changing market
requirements in the interaction with industry standard software
and hardware.
SATELLITE SERVICES
Overview
Our wholly owned subsidiary, Telenor Satellite Services, is a
leading worldwide provider of satellite-based mobile services.
Telenor Satellite Services provides mobile communication
services through its business unit Mobile Satellite Services
(MSS) and provides fixed satellite-based communication
networks and services through its business unit Corporate
Networks (CN) and Taide.
Mobile Satellite Services
We provide our mobile satellite services by acting as a land
earth station operator (LESO). LESOs provide the gateways that
link communication satellites with the terrestrial telephone
networks. Calls made on a mobile satellite unit (e.g. a ship,
airplane or automobile) are relayed over the satellite to a
designated operators land earth station (LES) before
being relayed to a telephone network. We own the Eik LES in
Norway and, following the acquisition of COMSAT Mobile
Communications (CMC) in 2002, the Southbury and Santa Paula
LESs in the United States.
As an LESO, we offer our services primarily through the Inmarsat
satellite system and, to a lesser extent, the Iridium and
Intelsat satellite systems. Inmarsat operates a constellation of
geostationary satellites that extend mobile phone, fax and data
communications to every part of the world, except the poles. On
June 22, 2005, Inmarsat was listed on the London Stock
Exchange. As part of the listing, our stake in Inmarsat was
diluted to 9.43%. In the first quarter of 2006, we disposed of
our remaining ownership interest in Inmarsat.
Through MSS, we provide a full range of services and products
for satellite-based telephony and data communications to and
from mobile units all over the world. These services and
products are primarily available to users of mobile units at
sea, on land, or in airplanes. We are one of the worlds
largest providers
65
of mobile satellite-based communications services to maritime
users, which include commercial and naval vessels and oil
installations. Our in-flight customers consist primarily of
airline passengers and cockpit crew.
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Mobile telephony and data services |
Through our wholly-owned subsidiaries Marlink and GMPCS, which
operate much of MSS retail activities, we offer a full
range of analog and digital mobile telephony and data services,
including voice and fax services and Internet and email access,
to customers at sea, on land and in flight. In November 1999, we
were the first LESO to receive certification from Inmarsat to
commence commercial operation of Inmarsats then newest
satellite service Global Area Network (GAN). GAN services
provide high quality voice and fax transmission, as well as data
transmission, at speeds up to 64 Kbps (which is comparable
to a fixed network ISDN line). In addition, in 2001, we were the
first LESO to receive commercial authorization from Inmarsat to
offer the Mobile Packed Data Service (MPDS) extension,
which users of GAN services can use for data applications such
as Internet access and email. Our overall market share of GAN
services as at December 31, 2005 is approximately 35%. In
addition to being the first LESO to offer GAN services and the
MPDS extension, we were also the first LESO to be approved by
Inmarsat for commercial operation of FLEET, Inmarsats next
generation of maritime communication services. We commercially
launched FLEET in 2002.
In 2005, Inmarsat launched its next generation I4-satellites,
offering its new Broadband Global Area Network
(BGAN) service, which will provide voice and data
transmission services to users of mobile units at speeds of up
to 256 Kbps. BGAN is currently limited to land based users,
but will be expanded to both maritime and aeronautical use in
the next several years. We have been appointed as a distribution
partner for the BGAN service, though all traffic relating to
BGAN services will be handled by Inmarsats own LESs in the
Netherlands and Italy.
We offer heavy users of mobile satellite-based communications
services dedicated leased lines for multiple mobile units.
Leased capacity is available through either our Inmarsat space
segment or our own total communication solution, Sealink, which
is a permanent satellite leased line for data transmissions that
establishes customized communications solutions between a fleet
of mobile sites and one or more land-based sites. Maritime
vessels are our primary market for dedicated leased lines and,
at the end of 2005, we operated high capacity Sealink
installations on board approximately 400 deep-ocean going
vessels.
We also provide a full range of voice and data traffic
accounting services, and our subsidiary Marlink has the
authority to operate as the billing authority for Inmarsat LESOs
in more than 70 countries. Furthermore, before a communications
terminal on a mobile unit can be used in the Inmarsat system, it
must first be activated for service. In our capacity as a
provider of Point of Service Activation (PSA) services, we
have been authorized by Inmarsat to activate terminals in the
Inmarsat system in more than 100 countries worldwide.
In the Inmarsat satellite system, a customer can select to place
a call through any land earth station that serves the respective
area. As a result, LESOs offering services in the Inmarsat
system compete mainly on the basis of pricing, value-added
services, global coverage and brand name.
Our primary competitors in the LESO market are Xantic, Stratos,
France Telecom, KDDI and SingTel. We handled approximately 23%
of the worldwide traffic over Inmarsat in 2005 and, along with
Xantic, Stratos and France Telecom, represented the worlds
four largest LESOs and accounted for approximately 85% of
Inmarsat traffic in 2005. We also compete with a number of
smaller players operating their own land earth stations.
66
Strong competition in these markets has reduced margins, and we
expect this pressure to continue. With the advent of new BGAN
services, Inmarsat will handle all traffic relating to BGAN
services from their own LESs in the Netherlands and Italy. This
change may create competitive challenges for LESOs as it could
lead to a tightening of their profit margins for GAN services.
In the voice only market, Inmarsat itself is facing increased
competition from other mobile satellite systems, such as
Iridium, Globalstar and Thuraya. As a consequence, we are also
facing increased competition from providers who primarily offer
mobile satellite services on systems other than Inmarsat.
|
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Corporate Networks (CN) and Taide |
Through Corporate Networks (CN) and Taide, we provide fixed
satellite-based communication networks and services to a wide
variety of governmental, intergovernmental and commercial
organizations utilizing Very Small Aperture Terminal
(VSAT) technology. VSATs are 2-way satellite ground
stations with a dish antenna that is smaller than 3 meters. VSAT
is one of the most prevalent satellite technologies in use today
for various types public and private organizations. It is most
commonly used for point of sale transactions including credit
cards and can also be used for transmitting and receiving sales
figures and orders, receiving internal communications and
providing interactive distance learning training courses for
employees in various locations. Our VSAT-related services range
in complexity from the provision of
point-to-point data
links to complex satellite networks providing access to a full
suite of telecommunications services including voice, data,
internet and video-conferencing services.
As a single supplier of services on a global scale, our
satellite services are particularly attractive to customers with
communication needs that span a number of countries. Our
services are also attractive to customers operating in markets
lacking competitive terrestrial infrastructure.
We operate through subsidiaries in several European countries.
The main network operating centers for each of CNs and
Taides operations are located at the Nittedal earth
station, just north of Oslo in Norway. The VSAT terminals and
additional equipment are supplied from selected major suppliers.
We have access to necessary satellite capacity from Intelsat,
Inmarsat, Eutelsat and other major satellite operators.
OPPLYSNINGEN AS
Our subsidiary Opplysningen AS, which until 2005 operated under
the name Teleservice AS, is responsible for our
directory enquiries products, which are supplied to consumers in
Norway both electronically and manually. Opplysningen AS aims to
simplify and rationalize the customers working day by
making information and communication services easily accessible
to users.
We own Opplysningen through our subsidiary Telenor
Venture IV AS. 15% of the stake in Opplysningen is owned by
an external investor, which also holds a 49% stake in Telenor
Venture IV AS following the exercise of an option to
increase its stake in Telenor Venture IV AS by 29% in June
2005.
During 2005 Opplysningen AS was reorganized into the following
divisions: Opplysningen 1881 AS (Voice services), Opplysningen
Mobil AS (Mobile services) and Opplysningen Online AS (Internet
sites), with Opplysningen AS as the mother company.
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
We have Research and Development (R&D) capabilities focusing
on new technology and applications in the information and
communication technologies field.
R&D activities are coordinated with each of our business
areas with the aim of supporting present business and new
business under development. We had approximately 180 employees
in our R&D activities at the end of 2005. In addition,
extensive cooperation with leading research establishments at
home and abroad ensures that we have access to many results and
findings of other institutions and companies. In 2004, R&D
participated in 25 international projects, mainly under the
direction of the EU and EURESCOM, in addition to substantial
participation within various standardization bodies.
67
Our R&D activities are primarily directed towards future
mobile systems but also address other issues. R&D
contributes new concepts and product ideas to our business
activities. Testing and demonstrating new services form an
essential part of this activity.
On January 20, 2006, we announced that we will establish an
Asia Pacific Research and Innovation Centre in Malaysia which
will strengthen our competitive advantage by providing all of
our mobile network operations with insights into the latest
Asian consumer trends and service innovations.
REGULATION
Our operations are subject to a number of industry-specific as
well as general laws and regulations on the national and
international level. The following section provides an overview
of these regulations and describes their material effects on our
business activities. In addition to general competition law at
the European and national level, our business activities
continue to be primarily governed by regulations specific to the
telecommunications markets in each of the countries where we
operate. For more information regarding these country-specific
regulations outside of countries not discussed in this section,
please see Regulatory matters for each of our
business segments in Item 4: Information on the
Company.
European Union Regulation
EU legislation is generally applicable in Norway under the
European Economic Area (EEA) Agreement, as well as in each
of the EU Member States in which our subsidiaries operate. EU
legislation can take a number of forms. Regulations have general
application and are binding in their entirety and directly
applicable in EU Member States. Directives are binding, but
national authorities may choose the form and method of
implementation.
The EU legislation on the telecommunications sector consists of
five main directives, which were adopted in 2002. They intend to
create a harmonized regulatory framework in the EU and the EEA
for electronic communications networks and services, while at
the same time reducing the overall level of regulation of the
sector.
Under the EU/ EEA framework, national regulatory authorities
throughout the EU and EEA are to undertake a market analysis to
determine markets without effective competition. As a
consequence, certain preemptive remedies are to be imposed
against companies that have significant market power
(SMP) in such markets. The standard remedies provided by
the directives are transparency, non-discrimination, accounting
separation, access, and price control and accounting obligations.
The market analysis described above is conducted for 18 relevant
markets according to a recommendation by the European
Commission. It will be undertaken on a regular basis and,
therefore, new market developments could possibly lead to the
imposition of new regulations or to the amendment or withdrawal
of existing regulations. The obligations imposed are intended to
be proportionate to regulatory need and to the policy objectives
of the directives. Where the market analysis indicates that
there is effective competition in a relevant market, no
obligations shall be imposed, and competition law shall form the
sole basis for regulation. The national regulatory authorities
are given discretionary power with respect to regulation based
upon their own market analyses, restricted only by the
harmonization procedure of the directives.
In 2006, the EU will start reviewing the regulatory framework of
the telecommunications sector. The review will include the
directives and the recommendation including the list of relevant
markets, and is expected to lead to a new recommendation on
relevant markets by the end of 2006. Update and adoption of the
revised directives is not expected earlier than 2009.
As it develops, EU legislation will continue to have a
significant effect on our markets, including developments
relating to the convergence of Internet, media and information
technology.
68
Each of the countries in which we have invested or have
subsidiaries is a member of, or is negotiating accession to, the
World Trade Organization (WTO). Those that are already WTO
members have also signed the Basic Telecommunications Agreement
(BTA), which is administered by the WTO. The BTA obliges
signatories to provide foreign telecommunications service
suppliers with market access to some or all of their basic
telecommunications services on a non-discriminatory basis. In
addition, a number of signatories, including Norway and certain
other countries in which we have investments or subsidiaries,
agreed to abide by certain pro-competitive principles, including
the prevention of anti-competitive behavior, interconnection,
universal service, transparency of licensing criteria,
independence of the regulator and non-discriminatory allocation
of scarce resources. As a result, the regulatory frameworks of
these countries, with respect to both telecommunication services
and services in general, must be consistent with their
obligations under the BTA. As our Norwegian and other European
subsidiaries are already governed by EU regulations, the WTO
rules are of particular importance to our non-European
investments and subsidiaries
Norway
Although not an EU member, Norway is required, as a member of
the European Economic Area (EEA), to adhere to the EUs
regulatory framework to the extent that the EU directives are
adopted by the EEA pursuant to the EEA Agreement. As a result,
Norwegian legislation, including the Norwegian Electronic
Communications Act (ECA) of July 25, 2003 (which
replaced the former Telecommunications Act of 1995), and the
secondary legislation under this act, is in line with the
European Union telecommunications framework.
The telecommunications sector in Norway is regulated through
both sector-specific and general laws and regulations, including
the ECA, and the laws implementing the EU directives. Norwegian
and EU/ EEA competition laws also apply to our
telecommunications activities and our other core activities in
Norway. In addition, various other intellectual property and
data and consumer protection laws govern our core activities.
The Norwegian Broadcasting Act of December 4, 1992
(Broadcasting Act) and secondary legislation under this act are
applicable to our cable television and terrestrial broadcasting
network activities.
Regulatory framework and developments
The telecommunications sector in Norway is regulated by the ECA
and the secondary legislation under this act, which implements
the EU regulatory framework for the telecommunications sector.
In accordance with the requirements of EU law, the Norwegian
Post and Telecommunications Authority (PT) is currently
conducting an analysis of the 18 telecommunications markets and
expects to complete most of its review in 2006. To the extent
the PT decides any of these markets to be subject to
insufficient competition, it may impose certain preemptive
remedies against companies that have significant market power
(SMP) in any of these markets, as discussed under
Regulation European Union Regulation.
For the period until the market analyses under the EU framework
are finalized, we are subject to certain transition rules issued
by the ECA. Under these rules, we are still considered to have
SMP in the markets for voice telephony (both fixed and mobile),
transmission capacity and interconnection (both our fixed
and mobile operations) and, therefore, are required to comply
with the specific regulatory provisions applicable to operators
with SMP. In addition to specific regulatory provisions on SMP
operators, the government also addresses universal service
obligations (USO) and special service obligations
(SSO) by designating certain operators as USO providers and
by entering into purchasing agreements with preferred service
providers. For further information on our current USO and SSO,
you should read Universal service obligations
and Special service obligations.
So far, the PT has issued consultative documents for all of the
18 relevant markets. We have been identified as an operator with
SMP in 16 of these markets. The PT has issued decisions on
special regulatory measures in two wholesale mobile markets and
in two wholesale fixed broadband markets. Telenor has filed
appeals with the Norwegian Ministry of Transport and
Communication (the Ministry) regarding the market for mobile
termination, the wholesale market for access to and call
origination in mobile networks and the
69
market for the unbundling of access to the copper local loop.
The final decisions are still pending. In the fixed retail
markets, the PT has issued draft decisions in the fixed
telephony markets and the market for leased lines up to and
including 2Mbps. In the wholesale fixed markets the PT has
issued draft decisions in all markets on the list. Before
publishing the final decisions, the PT will notify the EFTA
Surveillance Authority according to the consultation mechanism
in the ECA. In the wholesale market for transmission of
broadcasting signals to end-users and the wholesale market for
international roaming, the PT proposes to refrain from sector
regulation.
Regulations on the provision of networks and
telecommunications services
Generally, the Norwegian regulatory regime poses few barriers to
entry for new service providers. Its regulations establish
general rules regarding, among other matters, registration,
information on terms of subscription, interconnection, universal
service obligations, special service obligations and appeal
procedures and sanctions. Operators that are deemed to have SMP
in markets that are susceptible to sector specific regulation
may be subject to additional regulatory requirements in such
areas as network access, transparency, non-discrimination,
accounting separation and price control. These regulations also
regulate number allocation, number portability and carrier
selection, which are important elements of the regulatory regime
for telecommunications operators.
There is no maximum number of registrations or licenses that may
be granted under the ECA. However, since the radio spectrum is a
limited resource, the number of licenses that are granted may be
limited as a practical matter. Before granting a mobile license,
the Ministry is required to announce publicly that there are new
licenses available.
Regulation of satellite, cable television, terrestrial
broadcasting networks and television distribution
Our satellite transmission activities are mainly governed by the
provisions relating to technical requirements and allocation of
frequencies in the ECA and the secondary legislation under the
ECA. Satellite activities are also governed by international
rules issued by the International Telecommunications Union
(ITU). The PT is formally responsible, on behalf of the Kingdom
of Norway, for dealing with the ITU with regard to the
international coordination process.
In the countries where we have satellite installations, we must
have licenses to operate radio equipment and use frequencies
from the relevant national regulators. We also must comply with
technical rules, including rules for type approval, in the
relevant jurisdictions. In addition, we follow the decisions and
recommendations of the European Conference of Postal and
Telecommunications Administrations and the ITU. We are also
required to adhere to the general international space law
principles and conventions on liability and registration.
Both the ECA and the Broadcasting Act, and secondary legislation
under these acts, govern our cable television activities. The
most important regulations relate to must-carry rules for public
broadcasters, subscriber choice for programs/channels,
re-transmission of broadcast channels with an unlawful content.
Cable owners have a duty to retransmit the television broadcasts
of the NRK, the broadcast company TV2, and certain terrestrial
local public television services. Programs subject to obligatory
retransmission must be transmitted via channels that are
available to every subscriber to the network. The regulations in
the Broadcasting Act with respect to transmission of unlawful
content are also relevant for our satellite distribution
activities.
In connection with our terrestrial broadcasting network, we have
been granted, in accordance with the ECA, radio line and
transmitter network licenses authorizing us to, among other
things, sell or lease capacity to broadcasting companies and to
transmit programs for broadcasting. These licenses are valid
until November 2006 and can be renewed after such date. The
licenses may be withdrawn if numerous or substantial breaches of
the terms of the licenses occur, subject to a fourteen-day
notice period.
70
Universal service obligations (USO)
The regulatory framework for USO in Norway primarily covers the
fixed public telephony service, leased lines (connections up to
2 Mbps) and certain data services. Our current USOs are set
out in an agreement that we entered into with the government on
September 1, 2004. Under this agreement, we are under an
obligation to provide fixed public telephony services at an
affordable price to all households and enterprises, while leased
lines and data services must continue to be accessible for all
enterprises. In addition, the agreement obliges us to provide
consumers with cost control measures for their fixed telephony
spending. Other services that are classified as USO include the
provision of public pay phones, publicly available directory
enquiry services and directories and services for the disabled.
In 1999, the Storting (the Norwegian Parliament) restated that
we are obliged to satisfy our USO without compensation unless
our obligations are extended, our market share decreases
substantially or USO becomes concentrated on the least
profitable parts of the market.
Special service obligations (SSO)
We have also entered into agreements with the Ministry, pursuant
to the ECA, under which we are required to provide certain SSO,
including special defense-related services, coastal radio
services and services for the arctic islands of Svalbard. The
government compensates us for the incremental cost of these
services on a case-by-case basis. Under the ECA, we negotiated
the scope of our SSO and our compensation for our SSO directly
with the competent ministries and with the PT.
Non-discrimination, transparency and objectivity
requirements
Under the transition rules of the ECA, as an operator with SMP,
we are required to offer our services in a manner that avoids
discrimination between the buyers of our services, unless
different conditions can be justified on objective grounds. The
PT has increasingly focused on the non-discrimination
requirement, with respect to both external services
providers access to networks and special discounts for
certain segments of our markets. We expect that, following
completion of the PTs market analysis under the ECA, these
requirements will continue to apply in the relevant markets
where it is determined that there are operators with SMP. In all
decisions and in draft decisions on remedies, the PT has imposed
non-discrimination clauses.
On June 6, 2005, the PT issued a decision barring us from
providing win-back and welcome offers to
new end user customers without providing the same offers to
existing customers. In addition, the PT required us to publish
all of our offers and discounts on our website under it
transparency requirements. We have implemented both of these
requirements.
Cost accounting and price regulation
Under the transition rules of the ECA as an operator with SMP,
we are required to follow certain principles for pricing,
accounting and reporting on public telephony service,
interconnection and transmission capacity. We are responsible
for specifying, implementing and maintaining cost accounts as a
basis for monitoring that our prices for regulated services are
cost-oriented, objective and non-discriminatory. The PT
continuously evaluates our compliance with cost-orientation with
respect to our regulated services. According to the PT, a strict
interpretation of cost-orientation requires prices
to be calculated based on costs, plus a reasonable rate of
return. With regard to any special offers in the market, we are
further required to furnish to the PT documentation relating to
the relevant cost savings upon request. Furthermore, the PT also
evaluates discounts from the point of view of non-discrimination.
We submit the historic cost accounting information to PT on an
annual basis in the ONP (Open Network Provision) report. The
report contains financial and other required information about
our regulated services for the previous fiscal year based on
fully distributed historical costs (FDC). In practice, the PT
reviews our compliance with the requirements for costing,
pricing, non-discrimination and transparency through its review
of our ONP report in addition to specific requests for more
detailed information in selected areas. In
71
considering whether our rate of return for our regulated
services in a certain year is reasonable, we believe that other
factors should be duly taken into account, including, without
limitation, the characteristics of the relevant market, the
long-term perspective of our underlying investments, and the
risks associated with such investments.
In December 2004, the PT decided that the ONP report should
continue to be prepared in accordance with the principles of the
former regulatory regime. We expect our ONP report for the
fiscal year 2006 to be the first report required to be prepared
pursuant to the principles of the new regulatory regime
introduced by the ECA.
The following table sets forth our operating profit and average
capital employed for our regulated services as reported in our
ONP reports for 2002, 2003 and 2004. We expect the PT to set
forth guidelines for a new reporting system following completion
of the market remedies decision for the relevant markets as
required under the EU regulatory framework.
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2002 | |
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2003 | |
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2004 | |
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(NOK in millions) | |
Fixed telephony
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating profit
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|
|
2,184 |
|
|
|
2,607 |
|
|
|
2,660 |
|
Average capital employed
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|
|
11,735 |
|
|
|
10,281 |
|
|
|
8,747 |
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Mobile telephony
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating profit
|
|
|
2,221 |
|
|
|
2,222 |
|
|
|
2,369 |
|
Average capital employed
|
|
|
3,431 |
|
|
|
2,932 |
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|
|
2,938 |
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Leased lines
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating profit
|
|
|
295 |
|
|
|
316 |
|
|
|
469 |
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Average capital employed
|
|
|
3,287 |
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|
|
3,259 |
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|
|
2,934 |
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Under the former Telecommunications Act, the regulatory
authorities had no legal basis to retroactively adjust our
prices. However, in connection with the enactment of the ECA,
the Storting requested the Ministry to assess whether it would
be appropriate to give the regulatory authority a legal basis to
decide that prices could be adjusted retroactively. The outcome
of that assessment from the Ministry is still pending.
Accounting separation and review
Under the transition rules of the ECA, we are required to keep
our accounts for the provision of public telephony services,
public networks, transmission capacity and interconnection
separate from our accounts for other business activities. We are
obliged to supply information to that respect in our annual ONP
report to the PT. The accounts are subjected to a limited review
by an external accountant and must be made publicly available.
Interconnection and access General
As an SMP operator, we are required to offer
interconnection services and access to our fixed and mobile
networks to our competitors in the wholesale market in a manner
that avoids discrimination between our competitors and our
business units, unless different conditions can be justified on
objective grounds. Our current obligations with respect to
interconnection and access will be evaluated as part of the
PTs market analysis of relevant markets under
the ECA.
Fixed network interconnection
Under the transition rules of the ECA, we are required to
have cost-oriented interconnection tariffs for fixed network
interconnection services. The PT has the authority to
investigate whether the interconnection tariffs applied by
operators with SMP are cost-oriented and to mandate that
tariffs be changed if they do not satisfy the cost-orientation
requirement. Fixed network interconnection tariffs are also
calculated on the basis of forecasted costs and volumes.
72
On March 24, 2006, the PT issued decisions under the
ECA framework designating us an operator with SMP in the
wholesale markets for call origination, call termination and
transit services in the fixed network. In addition, the PT
also notified twelve other operators as having SMP for call
termination on fixed networks. The special obligations imposed
on us in these three markets include price regulation according
to a maximum price in accordance with our current prices, until
the PT makes a new price decision. In addition, wholesale
inputs related to the basic interconnection products like
co-location and port charges are subject to price regulation
according to cost orientation (fully allocated historical cost).
Obligations for cost accounting, non-discrimination and standard
offers and transparency also apply for origination, termination
and transit.
Mobile network interconnection
Under the transition rules of the ECA, mobile network
interconnection tariffs must also be cost-oriented if
the PT has notified the mobile operator that it
has SMP in the national market for
interconnection. On September 19, 2005, the PT
issued a decision finding that each of Telenor, NetCom,
Teletopia and Tele2 have SMP in the market for mobile
termination. According to the decision, however, only we and
NetCom will be subject to price cap regulation. We appealed the
decision on October 10, 2005. From November 1, 2005,
Telenor Mobil was instructed to reduce its interconnection
charges, including the
set-up charges, by
NOK 0.05 to NOK 0.68. From July 1, 2006 a further
adjustment of Telenor Mobils interconnection charges of
NOK 0.03, would reduce the charges to NOK 0.65. Upon
our request, the Ministry issued a stay on the imposition of the
regulated price of NOK 0.68 until final decision of the
dispute.
Access for resellers in the fixed network (Wholesale line
rental)
On September 15, 2005, the PT issued a draft decision
to us proposing certain wholesale access obligations on us for
wholesale line rental for PSTN/ ISDN products. You should read
Retail Markets for further information.
Access for Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs)
An MVNO provides mobile services without controlling radio
spectrum or radio network facilities. The MVNO buys radio
spectrum and access to core network components such as base
stations, but keeps control over traffic routing and
SIM-card production.
Under the ECA, the PT may require mobile operators
with SMP to give access to their networks to MVNOs on
non-discriminatory commercial terms, following the completion of
the PTs market analysis under the ECA. On
January 20, 2006, the PT issued a decision in the
wholesale market for access to and call origination in mobile
networks, requiring us to provide MVNOs access to our mobile
network on the basis of a standard agreement at
non-discriminatory terms. No price regulation applies to
MVNO access. We appealed the decision on February 13,
2006.
Access for mobile service providers
Both we and NetCom have signed wholesale agreements with mobile
service providers. Under these agreements, we sell all network
services, including
SIM-cards, to mobile
service providers, who then provide mobile services using our
infrastructure. We are currently involved in a dispute with
Sense Communication regarding pricing and other issues related
to the service provider agreement. You should read
Item 8: Financial Information Legal
Proceedings for additional information about this
litigation.
On January 20, 2006, the PT issued a decision in the
wholesale market for access to and call origination in mobile
networks. The decision removes the specific obligations on
service provider access in Telenors mobile network under
the transition rules. We appealed the decision on
February 13, 2006.
Access for value-added telephony service providers
We are required to provide network access for external providers
of value-added telephony services. The terms and conditions must
be non-discriminatory and similar to those which are offered to
our internal providers of such services, that is, our business
units. We offer access to all our competitors via standardized
network external interfaces.
73
Access for broadband service providers
Wholesale DSL products, which complement other forms of access
and local loop unbundling, have become increasingly important in
the broadband market. From time to time, the PT (as well as
the Competition Authority) has monitored the terms in our
wholesale DSL agreements. On February 20 2006, the PT
issued a decision on the wholesale broadband access market.
According to the decision, we are designated an operator
with SMP in the markets for wholesale broadband access. The
special obligations imposed on us by the PT include a
general access obligation on broadband access and obligations
regarding transparency, non-discrimination and accounting
separation.
Local loop unbundling
Following various regulatory decisions we have been offering to
our competitors the ability to lease capacity in the local loop
and we allow competing operators to deploy technical equipment
in connection with our installations. This offering is
equivalent to full unbundled access to the local loop. In
addition, we offer shared access to the local loop,
as well as access to the local sub loops for our competitors. So
far, none of our competing operators has requested such access.
Our pricing structure is based on cost.
On February 20 2006, the PT issued a decision for the
market for the unbundling of access to the copper local loop.
According to the decision we have SMP under the new
ECA regulatory framework in this market. The special
obligations imposed by the PT include price regulations for
full unbundled access to the loop until December 31, 2007,
with a proposed price decrease from the current price of
NOK 135 per month to NOK 105 on June 1, 2006
and another decrease to NOK 95 per month on
January 1, 2007, respectively. We appealed the decision on
March 13, 2006.
Wholesale Leased Lines
In August 2004, the PT decided, at the request of BaneTele,
that we are required to offer a new dedicated capacity product
(Wholesale Leased Line Part Circuit) on a wholesale basis.
From May 1, 2005, we provided Digital Aksess, a new
wholesale access product with a different price structure than
ordinary leased lines.
On December 21, 2005, the PT issued a draft decision
in the wholesale markets for access and transport capacity. We
were designated an SMP operator in both markets. Under the
draft decision, we are required to give access to all reasonable
requests for wholesale access capacity products including
Digital Aksess, dark fiber and
co-location. Prices for
access capacity shall be cost oriented. In the wholesale
transport capacity market no price regulation is proposed. In
both markets requirements for non-discrimination, standard
offers and transparency and accounting separation are suggested
by the PTs draft decision.
Mobile national roaming
Mobile operators with SMP (currently both us and NetCom)
are required to provide national roaming to other mobile
operators in areas where the requesting operators network
does not have geographical coverage. GSM 1800 licensees are
required to build a network covering the four largest cities in
Norway (Oslo, Bergen, Trondheim and Stavanger) before being
entitled to have national roaming. In addition, UMTS licensees
are entitled to roaming on the networks of GSM operators
with SMP (Telenor and NetCom) in those areas where the UMTS
operators network does not have coverage, without being
subject to network coverage obligations similar to those of
GSM operators.
On January 20, 2006, the PT issued a decision in the
wholesale market for access to and call origination in mobile
networks. The decision obliges Telenor to grant any reasonable
request for access for national roaming to the mobile network,
requiring us to have cost oriented prices and keep cost accounts
for national roaming. We appealed the decision on
February 13, 2006.
74
Retail Markets
On September 15, 2005, the PT issued a draft decision
notifying us as an SMP operator in all six of its
designated fixed telephony retail markets. The special
obligations imposed on us in the retail markets for access to
the public telephone network include restrictions on our ability
to bundle retail products except for broadband products, and
restrictions on our ability to determine prices in the retail
markets unless objectively justified by cost differences.
The PT is also proposing general wholesale access
obligations for wholesale line rental for PSTN/ISDN products,
including transparency, non-discrimination and price regulation
and costing obligations. On March 2, 2006 the PT referred
the draft decision to EFTA Surveillance Authority.
Carrier selection
All operators providing access to the fixed network are required
to allow their customers to select other operators to handle
their calls. This can be done on a call-by-call basis by dialing
a four-digit prefix in addition to the called telephone number
or by means of carrier pre-selection. Subscribers have the
ability to make two pre-selections of carriers. The first
pre-selection includes national traffic to geographical, most
non-geographical and mobile numbers (traffic to numbers with
extreme traffic fluctuations have been exempted), while the
other pre-selection includes all international traffic.
Number portability
Number portability allows subscribers to keep their telephone
numbers when changing service providers. All telephony service
providers in Norway must support number portability. In February
2001, the PT decided to extend number portability to mobile
telephone numbers. Number portability in mobile networks became
effective on November 1, 2001. In Norway, there is no
requirement for cross portability between fixed and mobile
telephone numbers. In addition, pursuant to the secondary
legislation under the ECA, we are exempt from any
portability obligation for
IP-telephony numbers.
Rights of way
We are currently involved in disputes with Vegdirektoratet, the
Norwegian public highway operator, and some local
municipalities, regarding the appropriate level of compensation
for our use of their land for certain telecommunications
purposes under the Norwegian Expropriations Act and
the ECA. The level of compensation is important for our
cost base, although the net effect of increased levels of
compensation would potentially be offset by increases in service
prices. We expect the Ministry to resolve this dispute with
Vegdirektoratet, and we believe that a decision by the Ministry
would also set a precedent for our dispute with the
municipalities.
VoIP regulation
The PT in 2005 issued a policy report clarifying the
existing legislation for VoIP. In the report, the PT
concluded that VoIP-services arranged for
any-to-any
communication should be considered a public telephony service,
and that obligations put on public telephony services in
principle should be valid for such VoIP-services as well.
The PT however granted temporary exemption for some of
these obligations. In the draft market analysis for the
telephony markets the PT concluded that VoIP utilizing the
public telephone network was considered to be a part of the
retail telephony markets. The PT in 2005 also issued a
hearing document regarding VoIP-services not arranged or partly
arranged for any-to-any
communication, proposing that these services are not public
switched telephony services. The PT has not yet issued a
policy document based upon this hearing.
All of Telenors operations in Norway are subject to the
rules of the Norwegian Competition Act of March 5, 2004
(the Competition Act) and the competition rules of the
EEA Agreement. The Competition Act is based on prohibitions
against anti-competitive behavior similar to the prohibitions
contained in the EEA Agreement and EC Treaty. The
Competition Authority may intervene and declare specific
behavior anti-
75
competitive, and may review acquisitions or mergers of
enterprises if such acquisitions or mergers create or strengthen
a significant restriction on competition. Violations of the
Competition Act may result in periodic penalty payments,
administrative fines or penalties and/ or imprisonment up to six
years.
The ESA and the EU Commission may intervene in
transactions that meet certain size and turnover thresholds, and
which create or strengthen a dominant position as a result of
which effective competition would be significantly impeded in
the EEA/ EUs common market.
From time to time, Telenors competitors and customers file
complaints with the Competition Authority and the
EFTA Surveillance Authority (ESA) alleging that
Telenor is abusing its dominant market position in various
respects or in respect to mergers. Moreover, these authorities
may also start investigations on their own initiative. There are
currently several cases currently pending before the Competition
Authority and the EFTA Surveillance Authority.
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Norwegian Competition Authority |
There are several cases involving us pending before the
Competition Authority.
In September 2004, Tele2 filed a complaint with the Competition
Authority in connection with Telenors launch of certain
free additional subscription services in the retail market.
Tele2 claimed that the offering of additional services to
consumers resulted in a margin squeeze. In October 2004, the
Competition Authority requested a response to the allegations
from Tele2. Telenor responded in a letter November 12,
2004. The case is pending.
In November 2004, the Competition Authority received a complaint
from Tele2 in connection with Telenors launch of
Mini, a fixed telephone service subscription
targeted at consumers who make limited use of the fixed
telephone service. Tele2 maintains that the service establishes
a margin squeeze. Tele2 has asked for an interim decision. The
Competition Authority notified Telenor of this complaint and
requested information about the alleged restrictive behavior.
Telenor filed an answer with the Competition Authority in
December 2004. On February 9, 2005, the Competition
Authority rejected Tele2s request for an interim decision.
The case is pending.
In January 2005, NetCom filed a complaint with the Competition
Authority alleging that Telenor has infringed a previous
decision by the Authority prohibiting Telenor from entering into
exclusive distribution agreements for mobile subscriptions. The
complaint also alleges that Telenor has circumvented the
Competition Authoritys decision by distributing mobile
subscriptions through a franchise company in which it holds a
49% ownership interest. Telenor filed an answer with the
Competition Authority in January 2005. The case is pending.
In February 2005, NetCom filed a complaint with the Competition
Authority alleging that the launch of Telenors
Total-customer concept (5% rebate when demanding three
services from Telenor) involves an illegal bundling of separate
services. Telenor submitted an answer to the Competition
Authority in March 2005. The Competition Authority has in a
letter dated January 23, 2006 asked Telenor to provide
information concerning costs and prices for all services
involved in the rebate. A more thorough explanation of the
efficiencies that justifies the rebate has also been requested.
The case is pending.
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EFTA Surveillance Authority (ESA) |
In July 2001, Viasat AS filed a complaint to ESA alleging that
Canal Digital AS exclusive right to distribute TV2 by
satellite (DTH) infringes the competition provisions of the
EEA Agreement. Before the complaint was filed
with ESA, both the Competition Authority and the Norwegian
Ministry of Labour and Administrative Affairs concluded that the
agreement is not anti-competitive under the Norwegian
Competition Act. In 2003, the parties reached an agreement
with ESA, whereby Canal Digitals exclusive right to
distribute TV2 by satellite was discontinued from
October 1, 2003. Following negotiations with both Viasat
and Canal Digital, TV2 entered into new exclusive
distribution agreements with Canal Digital. The agreement
expired in October 2005 and no new agreement was entered into by
the parties. The ESA final decision is still pending.
76
ESA has requested information on Telenors
ADSL pricing to both wholesale and to end-users.
From time to time, our competitors and customers file complaints
with the Norwegian Data Inspectorate (Datatilsynet) or with the
Consumer Ombudsman (Forbrukerombudet). The Consumer Ombudsman,
in particular, has actively monitored our and other
telecommunications operators marketing activities and
standard consumer contracts. Among other things, the Consumer
Ombudsman has required mobile operators to restrict the duration
of lock-in periods and the conditions for terminating the
contract within the specified lock-in period.
In order to promote gender equality, Norwegian law requires
public and private companies to have a board of directors that
is composed to at least 40% composed of women. This requirement
is subject to a two year transitional period until August 2007
for privately-owned companies. We currently comply with the
legislation.
In December 2005, the European Parliament adopted a directive on
traffic data retention, which mandates the systematic storage of
traffic and location data created when using electronic
communications services for the purpose of fighting terrorism
and serious crime. Once formally adopted by the Council and
implemented by EU Member States and Norway, the directive is
expected to affect our operations in Norway and the European
Union, as it will require us to collect and systematically store
additional types of data compared to what is currently being
stored for the purposes of customer billing and settlement of
interconnection payments. In addition, increased data retention
periods are expected to lead to higher storage costs.
ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE
Telenor ASA is considered a holding company that holds a
majority of the group assets through various subsidiaries, which
it owns or invests in. Each of the following is a significant
subsidiary of Telenor ASA: Telenor Mobile
Communications AS, Telenor Mobile Holding AS, Telenor
Telecom Solutions AS, Telenor Network Holding, Telenor
Mobil AS, Kyivstar GSM JSC, Pannon GSM RT and
DiGi Telecommunications Sdn Bhd. You should read
Item 19: Exhibits Exhibit 8
for additional information on our significant subsidiaries. For
information on our new business structure, you should read
Strategy Organization.
PROPERTY, PLANTS AND EQUIPMENT
Our principal executive offices are located at
Snarøyveien 30, N-1331 Fornebu, Norway and comprise
147,000 square meters of office space. The total area of
all our properties comprises 800,000 square meters.
Substantially all of these properties are used for
telecommunications and computer installations, service outlets,
research and design centers and offices. Generally, we own most
of our properties, although we also lease space in a number of
locations. We currently lease approximately 160,000 square
meters of office space pursuant to lease agreements
Set forth below is a summary of our lease obligations through
2009:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2005 | |
|
2006 | |
|
2007 | |
|
2008 | |
|
2009 | |
|
After 2009 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(NOK in millions) | |
Total lease obligations
|
|
|
151 |
|
|
|
90 |
|
|
|
72 |
|
|
|
65 |
|
|
|
58 |
|
|
|
218 |
|
Our headquarters comprise approximately 147,000 square
meters of office space with a capacity for 7,000 to 8,000
employees. Surplus square meters available have been sub-let or
sold.
77
We are actively engaged in the management of our properties.
Through our division Telenor Eiendom Holding AS, we ensure that
we have the use of sufficient office premises and floor space to
enable our principal business activities to be carried out
effectively and on favorable terms without substantial capital
expenditures.
|
|
ITEM 4A: |
UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS |
None.
|
|
ITEM 5: |
OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS |
INTRODUCTION
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with
our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared
in accordance with IFRS as adopted by the European Union, which
differ in certain respects from US GAAP. For a reconciliation of
the material differences between IFRS and US GAAP, you should
read note 38 to our consolidated financial statements.
You should read Item 4 Information on the
company Overview for information on our
operating segments.
From January 1, 2005, as required by the European
Unions IAS Regulation and the Accounting Act, we have
prepared the consolidated financial statements in accordance
with International Financial Reporting Standards
(IFRS) as adopted by the European Union
(EU). IFRS as adopted by the EU differ in certain
respects from IFRS as issued by the International Accounting
Standards Board (IASB). However, the consolidated
financial statements for the periods presented would be no
different had Company applied IFRS as issued by the IASB.
References to IFRS hereafter should be construed as
references to IFRS as adopted by the EU. Comparative figures are
prepared for 2004.
We are exposed to risks and uncertainties which could have a
material adverse effect on our business, financial condition,
liquidity, results of operations or prospects. Such risks and
uncertainties relate to, among other things:
|
|
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|
|
the political, economic and legal environment in the foreign
countries in which we operate; |
|
|
|
increased competition; |
|
|
|
the actions of other principal shareholders within consolidated
or main associated companies; |
|
|
|
our exposure to currency exchange rate fluctuations, when
reporting in Norwegian Krone; |
|
|
|
regulatory developments both in and outside Norway. |
You should read Item 3: Key Information
Risk Factors for a more detailed discussion of these risks
and uncertainties. In addition, this Item 5 may contain
certain forward-looking statements. You should read
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking
Statements in this annual report on
Form 20-F for a
more detailed discussion of forward-looking statements.
78
DEFINITIONS
In the following overview of our operations and the discussion
and analysis of each consolidated subsidiary and associated
company, the following terms, unless otherwise defined, have the
meanings specified below.
Man-years. The number of
full-time equivalent
employees.
Mobile Operations
Subscription and traffic consists of subscription and
connection fees, revenues from voice outgoing airtime, non-voice
traffic, outbound roaming and other mobile service revenues.
Subscription and traffic include only revenues from the
companys own subscriptions.
Interconnection revenues consists of revenues from
incoming traffic. Revenues from incoming traffic related to
service provider subscriptions are not included.
Other mobile revenues consists of inbound roaming,
national roaming and revenues related to service providers and
MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators).
Non-mobile revenues consists of revenues from customer
equipment and businesses that are not directly related to mobile
operations.
Subscriptions. Contract subscriptions are counted until
the subscription is terminated. Prepaid subscriptions are
counted as active if there has been outgoing or incoming traffic
or if the SIM-card has
been reloaded during the last three months. Service provider and
MVNO subscriptions are not included. Data only
SIM-cards are included,
but SIM-cards used for
telemetric applications are excluded. Telemetric is defined as
machine-to-machine
SIM-cards (M2M), for
example, vending machines and meter readings.
Average traffic minutes per subscription per month
(AMPU). Traffic minutes per subscription per month are
calculated based on total outgoing and incoming rated minutes
from the companys own subscriptions. This includes zero
rated minutes and outgoing minutes from own subscriptions while
roaming. Outgoing and incoming minutes related to inbound
roaming, national roaming, service providers and MVNOs are not
included.
Average revenue per subscription per month (ARPU). ARPU
is calculated based on mobile revenues from the companys
own subscriptions, divided by the average number of
subscriptions for the relevant period.
Mobile revenues from companys subscriptions
consists of Subscription and traffic and
Interconnection revenues and do not include revenues
from inbound roaming, national roaming, service providers,
MVNOs, sale of customer equipment and incoming traffic related
to service provider subscriptions.
SMS/MMS and content messages. The number of messages is
based on outgoing and incoming messages from the companys
own subscriptions. Included are rated and free messages related
to SMS, MMS and content domestically and when roaming. Outgoing
and incoming messages related to inbound roaming, national
roaming, service providers and MVNOs are not included.
Costs of material and traffic charges. Costs of traffic
and material charges include some operating lease costs,
primarily lease of some dedicated network and satellite capacity
within our Group companies.
Other operating expenses. Other operating expenses
include items such as operating leases of building, land and
equipment, advertising expenses and costs associated with
marketing and sales commissions. Please see note 8 to our
consolidated financial statements for a fuller list.
Fixed Operations
Telephony consists of subscription and connection fee,
traffic (fixed-fixed, to mobile network, to other countries,
value added services, other) for PSTN/ISDN and VoIP (Broadband
telephony).
79
xDSL/Internet consists of subscription fee for xDSL and
Internet and traffic charges for Internet traffic (810/815).
Data services consists of Nordicom, Frame relay and
IP-VPN.
Other revenues consists of leased lines, managed services
and other retail products.
Wholesale revenues consists of sale to service providers
of telephony (PSTN/ISDN) and xDSL, national and international
interconnect, transit traffic, leased lines, other wholesale
products and contractor services.
Broadcast Operations
Distribution consists of Pay-TV subscribers and basic
tier households on DTH (direct to home), cable TV subscribers,
households in SMATV networks and DTT (digital terrestrial TV)
Pay-TV subscribers.
Transmission consists of revenues from satellite services
from satellite position
1-degree west and
revenue from terrestrial radio and TV transmission in
Norway.
Other consists of revenues from conditional access
systems and revenue not directly related to Distribution and
Transmission services.
GROUP OVERVIEW
In 2005, our group results improved. Profit before taxes was NOK
12.6 billion in 2005 compared to NOK 9.9 billion in
2004. The underlying improvement was primarily due to increased
revenues from our international mobile operations.
Our international mobile operations, especially in emerging
markets, grew significantly in 2005 and are increasingly
important for our business and results of operations. In 2005,
we consolidated DTAC (via UCOM) as a result of increased
economic interest in these companies that we did not already
own. In addition we acquired the fixed-line operations
Bredbandsbolaget in Sweden and Cybercity in Denmark. In our
Norwegian fixed-line operations, a mature market with increased
competition, our revenues decreased. However, our operating
profit margin in Fixed Norway increased slightly due to reduced
depreciation and amortization. In Broadcast, our number of
subscribers, revenues and EBITDA increased.
Capital expenditure increased in 2005 compared to 2004 primarily
due to the expansion of the network capacity of our
international mobile operations driven by strong growth in the
number of subscriptions.
Concurrent with the increase in our capital expenditure, we
generated significant and increased cash flows from our
operations in 2005 and received payments for the sale of
shareholdings. However, our net debt increased during 2005
primarily due to acquisition of companies, purchase of own
shares and payment of dividends.
80
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS GROUP
Revenues
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2004 | |
|
2005 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
Of which | |
|
|
|
Of which | |
Revenues |
|
Total | |
|
external | |
|
Total | |
|
external | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(NOK in millions) | |
Telenor Mobil Norway
|
|
|
11,730 |
|
|
|
10,504 |
|
|
|
12,243 |
|
|
|
11,072 |
|
Sonofon Denmark
|
|
|
4,404 |
|
|
|
4,351 |
|
|
|
5,191 |
|
|
|
5,059 |
|
Kyivstar Ukraine
|
|
|
4,219 |
|
|
|
4,217 |
|
|
|
7,272 |
|
|
|
7,266 |
|
Pannon GSM Hungary
|
|
|
5,907 |
|
|
|
5,901 |
|
|
|
6,061 |
|
|
|
6,051 |
|
DiGi.Com Malaysia
|
|
|
3,946 |
|
|
|
3,943 |
|
|
|
4,932 |
|
|
|
4,928 |
|
GrameenPhone Bangladesh
|
|
|
2,186 |
|
|
|
2186 |
|
|
|
2,970 |
|
|
|
2,969 |
|
Other mobile operations
|
|
|
423 |
|
|
|
335 |
|
|
|
2,219 |
|
|
|
2,076 |
|
Fixed
|
|
|
19,256 |
|
|
|
17,433 |
|
|
|
19,313 |
|
|
|
17,140 |
|
Broadcast
|
|
|
5,346 |
|
|
|
5211 |
|
|
|
5,649 |
|
|
|
5,518 |
|
Other operations
|
|
|
9,540 |
|
|
|
6,611 |
|
|
|
9,967 |
|
|
|
7,060 |
|
Eliminations
|
|
|
(6,366 |
) |
|
|
(101 |
) |
|
|
(6,890 |
) |
|
|
(212 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total revenues
|
|
|
60,591 |
|
|
|
60,591 |
|
|
|
68,927 |
|
|
|
68,927 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
External revenues increased by 13.8% in 2005 compared to 2004.
In 2005, 57% of our external revenues derived from our mobile
operations, compared to 52% in 2004. In 2005, the mobile
operations in emerging markets experienced high growth in number
of subscriptions and revenues. Part of the increase in external
revenues in Sonofon and Other mobile operations was
due to the full year effect of consolidating Sonofon and
ProMonte in 2004 and the consolidation of DTAC in 2005. Measured
by the number of subscriptions at the end of 2005, we increased
or maintained our market share in our mobile operations in 2005
compared to 2004.
Fixeds external revenues in 2005 decreased by 1.7%
compared to 2004. Increased external revenues due to the
acquisitions of Bredbandsbolaget and Cybercity were more than
offset by decreased external revenues in Fixed Norway. External
revenues in Fixed Norway decreased by 6.5% mainly due to
decreased revenues from fixed telephony operations.
External revenues in Broadcast increased by 5.9%, primarily
due to an increased number of subscribers.
External revenues from Other operations increased by 6.8%
primarily due to acquired businesses in EDB Business
Partner, partially offset by operations disposed in 2004.
The table below shows our revenues broken down by operations in
and outside Norway, based on company location. Our proportional
share of revenues from our associated companies are not included
in our consolidated revenues. Some of our international
operations are carried out in associated companies, primarily
VimpelCom. Revenues outside Norway have increased in recent
years due to the increased number of consolidated foreign
entities as well as underlying growth in existing operations,
especially in our international mobile operations.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2004 | |
|
2005 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(NOK in millions) | |
Revenues
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Norway
|
|
|
33,397 |
|
|
|
33,556 |
|
Outside Norway
|
|
|
27,194 |
|
|
|
35,371 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total revenues
|
|
|
60,591 |
|
|
|
68,927 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
81
Operating Expenses
|
|
|
Costs of materials and traffic charges |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2004 | |
|
2005 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(NOK in millions) | |
Traffic charges network capacity
|
|
|
8,875 |
|
|
|
10,634 |
|
Traffic charges satellite capacity
|
|
|
1,191 |
|
|
|
1,066 |
|
Costs of materials etc
|
|
|
5,858 |
|
|
|
6,011 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Costs of materials and traffic charges
|
|
|
15,924 |
|
|
|
17,711 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Traffic charges network capacity expenses consist
primarily of traffic charges for providing fixed and mobile
services. Of the increase in traffic charges network
capacity expenses in 2005 compared to 2004, approximately
NOK 0.8 billion was due to the effect of purchased
companies, primarily Bredbandsbolaget and Cybercity and
consolidation of the formerly associated companies DTAC, Sonofon
and ProMonte. In addition, traffic charges network
capacity expenses increased primarily due to an increase in the
number of subscriptions in our mobile operations. Traffic
charges network capacity costs decreased in Fixed
Norway, primarily due to decreased traffic.
Traffic charges satellite capacity expenses are
primarily related to sales of satellite broadcasting services
(Broadcast) and satellite mobile services and satellite capacity
services (Satellite Services). Rent of satellite capacity in
Broadcast was primarily reduced due to the replacement of leased
satellite capacity with our own satellite transponders from
September 2004.
Our mobile operations and Broadcast business area in the
aggregate generated approximately 77% of our total costs of
materials etc. in 2005, primarily due to sales of customer
equipment in our mobile operations and
TV-program fees and
equipment in Broadcast. Broadcast showed an increase due to
increased number of subscribers, new content and change from
lease to sale of
TV-decoders. This was
partially offset by reduced sale of equipment, especially in
Telenor Mobil Norway and Pannon.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2004 | |
|
2005 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(NOK in millions) | |
Costs of materials etc.
|
|
|
162 |
|
|
|
216 |
|
Salaries and personnel costs
|
|
|
311 |
|
|
|
349 |
|
Other operating expenses
|
|
|
84 |
|
|
|
139 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total own work capitalized
|
|
|
557 |
|
|
|
704 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Own work capitalized is presented as a separate caption and is
not netted against the related expenses in the profit and loss
statement. The various Group companies consolidated in Telenor
perform work on their own long-lived assets, which are
capitalized, if appropriate. The Group companies expense the
related costs in the line items costs of materials, salaries and
personnel costs, or other operating expenses as appropriate. The
costs that are capitalized are then reversed as change in own
work capitalized. Several companies in the Group also perform
work on and deliver long-lived assets to other Group companies.
The purchasing company capitalizes these long-lived assets. For
the Group as a whole this is regarded as a change in own work
capitalized and the expenses recorded in the selling companies
are reversed as a change in own work capitalized for the Group.
Own work capitalized increased in 2005 compared to 2004 due to
increased capital expenditure.
82
|
|
|
Salaries and personnel costs |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2004 | |
|
2005 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(NOK in millions) | |
Salaries and holiday pay
|
|
|
7,554 |
|
|
|
7,794 |
|
Social security tax
|
|
|
1,142 |
|
|
|
1,138 |
|
Pension costs including social security tax
|
|
|
837 |
|
|
|
772 |
|
Share-based payments, excluding social security tax(1)
|
|
|
28 |
|
|
|
20 |
|
Other personnel costs
|
|
|
409 |
|
|
|
512 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total salaries and personnel costs
|
|
|
9,970 |
|
|
|
10,236 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
Include share options and employee share ownership program,
excluding social security tax on these payments. |
The purchase of DTAC, Bredbandsbolaget and Cybercity increased
total salaries and personnel costs by approximately
NOK 150 million in 2005 compared to 2004.
Salaries and holiday pay increased, due to net effect of
purchased and sold companies, growth in mobile operations in
emerging markets and general wage increases. This was partially
offset by reductions in number of employees in the mobile
operations the Nordic region and Fixed Norway.
The number of full-time equivalent employees at
December 31, 2005 increased by approximately 6,700 compared
to December 31, 2004. The number of full-time equivalent
employees outside of Norway increased by approximately 7,200 due
to the consolidation of DTAC, Bredbandsbolaget and Cybercity and
increased activity in GrameenPhone, Kyivstar and Pakistan. In
Norway, we reduced the number of full-time equivalent employees
by approximately 500, primarily due to cost efficiency
activities and the sale of businesses. The average number of
full-time equivalent employees was estimated to be approximately
2,850 higher in 2005 compared to 2004.
Pension costs decreased in 2005 compared to 2004. In 2005, we
adjusted our actuarial tables for death and disability and
decided that a part of the defined benefit plan (spouse pension)
in Norway should be terminated with effect from January 1,
2006. The net effect of the settlement and curtailment was
recorded in 2005 with a gain of NOK 63 million
(excluding social security tax) to the income statement. We also
decided that our employees in 2006 may chose to change their
pension plan to a defined contribution plan. The effect, if any,
will be recorded as a curtailment in 2006.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2004 | |
|
2005 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(NOK in millions) | |
Operating lease of building, land and equipment
|
|
|
1,070 |
|
|
|
1,248 |
|
Other cost of premises, vehicles, office equipment etc
|
|
|
793 |
|
|
|
860 |
|
Operation and maintenance
|
|
|
3,628 |
|
|
|
4,315 |
|
Travel and travel allowances
|
|
|
482 |
|
|
|
489 |
|
Postage freight, distribution and telecommunication
|
|
|
296 |
|
|
|
389 |
|
Concession fees
|
|
|
582 |
|
|
|
862 |
|
Marketing and sales commission
|
|
|
3,735 |
|
|
|
4,873 |
|
Advertising
|
|
|
1,416 |
|
|
|
2,019 |
|
Bad debt
|
|
|
248 |
|
|
|
311 |
|
Consultancy fees and external personnel
|
|
|
1,350 |
|
|
|
1,757 |
|
Other
|
|
|
271 |
|
|
|
483 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total other operating expenses
|
|
|
13,871 |
|
|
|
17,606 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
83
Other operating expenses increased by approximately NOK
3.7 billion, or 26.9%, in 2005 compared to 2004. The
consolidation of DTAC, Bredbandsbolaget and Cybercity
contributed to this increase by approximately NOK
0.7 billion.
Expansion of owned and leased property, plant and equipment and
consolidation of companies resulted in increased costs for
operation and maintenance, operating lease and other cost of
premises, vehicles, office equipment, etc.
Costs for marketing, sales commissions and advertising increased
by approximately NOK 1.7 billion, of which approximately
NOK 0.2 billion was due to consolidation of companies
acquired in 2005. The increase was primarily due to the
significant increase in the number of new subscriptions,
primarily in our mobile operations in Asia, but also in Telenor
Mobil Norway.
Increased costs for concession fees were primarily related to
DTAC and increased costs for universal service obligations in
DiGi.Com.
Part of the increased costs for consultancy fees and external
personnel was related to Fixed Norway due to implementing
process improvement projects and costs related to increased
speed for xDSL subscriptions.
|
|
|
Other income and expenses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2004 |
|
2005 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(NOK in millions) |
Gains on disposal of fixed assets and operations
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sonofon Denmark
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
Pannon GSM Hungary
|
|
|
5 |
|
|
|
10 |
|
Fixed
|
|
|
10 |
|
|
|
88 |
|
Broadcast
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
1 |
|
EDB Business Partner
|
|
|
303 |
|
|
|
31 |
|
Other business units
|
|
|
144 |
|
|
|
22 |
|
Corporate functions and Group activities
|
|
|
99 |
|
|
|
163 |
|
Eliminations
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total gains on disposal of fixed assets and operations
|
|
|
562 |
|
|
|
320 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Losses on disposal of fixed assets and operations
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Telenor Mobil Norway
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
16 |
|
Pannon GSM Hungary
|
|
|
3 |
|
|
|
19 |
|
DiGi.Com Malaysia
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5 |
|
GrameenPhone Bangladesh
|
|
|
8 |
|
|
|
10 |
|
Other mobile operations
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
Fixed
|
|
|
25 |
|
|
|
65 |
|
Broadcast
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
1 |
|
Other business units
|
|
|
21 |
|
|
|
1 |
|
Corporate functions and Group activities
|
|
|
31 |
|
|
|
33 |
|
Eliminations
|
|
|
(15 |
) |
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total losses on disposal of fixed assets and operations
|
|
|
74 |
|
|
|
152 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
84
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2004 | |
|
2005 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(NOK in millions) | |
Expenses for workforce reductions and onerous (loss)
contracts
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Telenor Mobil Norway
|
|
|
24 |
|
|
|
(2 |
) |
Sonofon Denmark
|
|
|
28 |
|
|
|
12 |
|
Pannon GSM Hungary
|
|
|
16 |
|
|
|
10 |
|
Other mobile operations
|
|
|
562 |
|
|
|
414 |
|
Fixed
|
|
|
86 |
|
|
|
159 |
|
Broadcast
|
|
|
5 |
|
|
|
|
|
EDB Business Partner
|
|
|
33 |
|
|
|
18 |
|
Other business units
|
|
|
28 |
|
|
|
15 |
|
Corporate functions and Group activities
|
|
|
116 |
|
|
|
29 |
|
Eliminations
|
|
|
(562 |
) |
|
|
(245 |
) |
Total workforce reductions and onerous (loss) contracts
|
|
|
336 |
|
|
|
410 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total other (income) and expenses
|
|
|
(152 |
) |
|
|
242 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gains on disposals in 2005 were primarily due to the sale of
properties, as well as some businesses.
Gains on disposals in 2004 were primarily the sale of parts of
the Telecom business of EDB Business Partner ASA and the sale of
the subsidiaries Venture III AS, Securinet AS and Transacty
AS.
Losses on disposal in 2005 were primarily related to disposal of
properties and equipment and Fixed Czech and Slovakia.
Expenses for workforce reduction and onerous (loss) contracts in
2005 were primarily related to the Mobile Virtual Network
Operator (MVNO) contract in Sweden and expenses for
workforce reductions in Fixed. Expenses in 2004 were primarily
workforce reductions related to the IT operations, Fixed and the
Nordic mobile operations. In 2004, Telenor Mobile Sweden
estimated a loss of NOK 562 million on the MVNO-contract in
Sweden due to reduced expectations of the future earnings
potential. The loss was estimated as the difference between
expected future economic benefits and unavoidable costs in the
contract. In 2005, the estimated loss under the MVNO contract
for Mobile Sweden was increased by NOK 239 million. These
losses were eliminated in the Group accounts in the tables
above. See note 12 to our consolidated financial statements
for a further discussion. In addition, at the beginning of 2006,
Mobile Sweden will transfer its traffic to Vodafone
Swedens network due to the acquisition of this company. As
a consequence, we do not expect to utilize the MVNO agreement in
Sweden. However, as we are required to make minimum variable
payments under the contract, we recorded an additional loss of
NOK 175 million as of December 31, 2005 which impacts
the Group accounts. This loss is the net present value of
payments up to and including the first quarter of 2008.
Depreciation, Amortization and Write-downs
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2004 | |
|
2005 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(NOK in millions) | |
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment
|
|
|
7,737 |
|
|
|
8,059 |
|
Amortization of intangible assets (excluding goodwill)
|
|
|
2,900 |
|
|
|
3,411 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amortization of prepaid leases
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
74 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
10,637 |
|
|
|
11,544 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Write-downs of property, plant and equipment
|
|
|
282 |
|
|
|
488 |
|
Write-downs of goodwill
|
|
|
3,129 |
|
|
|
46 |
|
Write-downs of intangible assets (excluding goodwill)
|
|
|
120 |
|
|
|
53 |
|
Total write-downs
|
|
|
3,531 |
|
|
|
587 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total depreciation, amortization and write-downs
|
|
|
14,168 |
|
|
|
12,131 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
85
Specification of depreciation of property, plant and
equipment and amortization of intangible assets (excluding
goodwill) in 2004 and 2005:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2004 | |
|
2005 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
Property, | |
|
|
|
Property, | |
|
|
|
|
plant and | |
|
Intangible | |
|
plant and | |
|
Intangible | |
|
Prepaid | |
|
|
equipment | |
|
assets | |
|
equipment | |
|
assets | |
|
leases | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(NOK in millions) | |
Telenor Mobil Norway
|
|
|
781 |
|
|
|
282 |
|
|
|
661 |
|
|
|
228 |
|
|
|
|
|
Sonofon Denmark
|
|
|
340 |
|
|
|
850 |
|
|
|
416 |
|
|
|
869 |
|
|
|
|
|
Kyivstar Ukraine
|
|
|
301 |
|
|
|
255 |
|
|
|
869 |
|
|
|
340 |
|
|
|
|
|
Pannon GSM Hungary
|
|
|
689 |
|
|
|
605 |
|
|
|
594 |
|
|
|
577 |
|
|
|
|
|
DiGi.Com Malaysia
|
|
|
779 |
|
|
|
123 |
|
|
|
912 |
|
|
|
127 |
|
|
|
|
|
GrameenPhone Bangladesh
|
|
|
205 |
|
|
|
11 |
|
|
|
410 |
|
|
|
29 |
|
|
|
|
|
Other mobile operations
|
|
|
32 |
|
|
|
83 |
|
|
|
213 |
|
|
|
398 |
|
|
|
|
|
Fixed
|
|
|
3,173 |
|
|
|
399 |
|
|
|
2,689 |
|
|
|
494 |
|
|
|
54 |
|
Broadcast
|
|
|
605 |
|
|
|
99 |
|
|
|
486 |
|
|
|
68 |
|
|
|
|
|
Other operations
|
|
|
832 |
|
|
|
193 |
|
|
|
833 |
|
|
|
277 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
7,737 |
|
|
|
2,900 |
|
|
|
8,083 |
|
|
|
3,407 |
|
|
|
54 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Specification of write-downs of property, plant and
equipment, goodwill and other intangible assets in 2004 and
2005:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2004 | |
|
2005 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
Property, | |
|
|
|
Other | |
|
Property, | |
|
|
|
Other | |
|
|
plant and | |
|
|
|
intangible | |
|
plant and | |
|
|
|
intangible | |
|
|
equipment | |
|
Goodwill | |
|
assets | |
|
equipment | |
|
Goodwill | |
|
assets | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(NOK in millions) | |
Telenor Mobil Norway
|
|
|
5 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9 |
|
|
|
14 |
|
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
|
|
Sonofon Denmark
|
|
|
208 |
|
|
|
3,074 |
|
|
|
8 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Kyivstar Ukraine
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
15 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pannon GSM Hungary
|
|
|
21 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
DiGi.Com Malaysia
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
GrameenPhone Bangladesh
|
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other mobile operations
|
|
|
15 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
61 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fixed
|
|
|
13 |
|
|
|
27 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
571 |
|
|
|
(36 |
) |
|
|
52 |
|
Broadcast
|
|
|
13 |
|
|
|
25 |
|
|
|
7 |
|
|
|
(128 |
) |
|
|
75 |
|
|
|
|
|
Other operations
|
|
|
5 |
|
|
|
3 |
|
|
|
35 |
|
|
|
5 |
|
|
|
5 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
282 |
|
|
|
3,129 |
|
|
|
120 |
|
|
|
488 |
|
|
|
46 |
|
|
|
53 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
In general, depreciation and amortization was affected by
changes in exchange rates and investment levels in the previous
years. The increase in total depreciation and amortization was
primarily due to acquired businesses and increased capital
expenditure, partially offset by fully depreciated assets.
Estimated useful lives of property, plant and equipment and
other intangible assets are reviewed annually to insure
consistency with the expected economic recovery period for these
assets based on current facts and circumstances. As of
January 1, 2005, some changes were made in estimated useful
lives, especially for some components in the different networks
of our operations. Various components of the networks were
affected, including switches, radio and transmission equipment
in the mobile operations, masts, towers and network buildings in
the mobile, fixed and broadcast operations, fibre cables in the
fixed transportation network and digital transmission equipment
for ADSL in Norway. As of January 1, 2005, the estimated
useful lives for some of these assets were increased and others
were decreased. The reasons for increasing useful lives were
primarily based on recent experience that some assets are now
being utilized over a longer economic life than previously
expected because they are not as affected by changes in
technological developments as previously
86
expected and because we now expect a slower pace of changes in
the network than in previous years. On the other hand, we
decreased the expected useful lives for some assets, primarily
due to a higher pace of replacements than previously expected,
due to company or asset specific reasons.
The change in useful lives as of January 1, 2005 is
estimated to have increased depreciation and amortization by
approximately NOK 270 million in 2005, of which the highest
impact was for Kyivstar.
The write-downs of property, plant and equipment and intangible
assets in 2005 were primarily related to Fixed Sweden to its
estimated recoverable amount. The write-down was due to loss of
increased competition and a general shift in product demand to
lower priced products. The assessment of the fair value was
based on various valuation methods, with assistance of an
external valuation expert. In 2005, Broadcast reversed a
previous write-down of satellites by NOK 133 million. The
write-downs of goodwill in 2005 was primarily due to previously
not recognized deferred tax assets at acquisition of companies,
partially offset by the excess of fair value of net assets over
the cost of a business combination that was recognized
immediately to income.
As of December 31, 2004, we wrote down goodwill in Sonofon
by NOK 3,074 million. In 2004, the Danish market was
characterized by intense competition and price reductions. Our
assessment of the write-down of goodwill in Sonofon was due to
Sonofons slower than expected growth and a review of our
expectations of the companys growth potential as of
year-end 2004. The assessment of the fair value was based on
various valuation methods, with assistance of external valuation
experts. The valuation was based on discounted cash flow
analysis, calculation of value based on multiples for peers in
the mobile industry and comparison with external valuation
reports. In addition, we made a write-down equipment by NOK
215 million related to our transmission network in Sonofon,
based on expected cash flows. We also made write-downs of NOK
75 million in 2004, of which NOK 61 million was
intangible assets, as a consequence of the reduced expectations
for our mobile business in Sweden. If, among other things,
market values decline and market conditions deteriorate, we may
have to continue to perform impairment tests, as well as the
annual impairment test of goodwill. You should read
Critical Accounting Estimates under IFRS in this
Item 5 for additional information on our impairment tests
and Other Information in this Item 5 for
additional information on the differences between US GAAP and
IFRS.
Operating Profit and EBITDA
Our operating profit in 2004 and 2005 was affected by gains and
losses on sales of fixed assets and operations, expenses for
workforce reductions and onerous (loss) contracts as well as
write-downs, as illustrated below.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2004 | |
|
2005 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(NOK in millions) | |
Operating profit
|
|
|
7,367 |
|
|
|
11,705 |
|
Of which:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gains on disposal of fixed assets and operations(1)
|
|
|
562 |
|
|
|
320 |
|
Losses on disposal of fixed assets and operations(1)
|
|
|
(74 |
) |
|
|
(152 |
) |
Expenses for workforce reductions and onerous (loss) contracts(1)
|
|
|
(336 |
) |
|
|
(410 |
) |
Write-downs(2)
|
|
|
(3,531 |
) |
|
|
(587 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total gains, losses, expenses for workforce reductions and
onerous (loss) contracts and write-downs
|
|
|
(3,379 |
) |
|
|
(829 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
For a discussion of our gains and losses on disposal of fixed
assets and operations and expenses for workforce reductions and
onerous (loss) contracts, you should read
Other (income) and expenses. |
|
(2) |
For a discussion of our write-downs, you should read
Depreciation, amortization and
write-downs. |
Our operating profit in 2005 was affected by gains and losses,
expenses for workforce reductions, loss contracts, and
write-downs compared to 2004. We discuss these items above under
Other (income) and expenses and
Depreciation, amortization and
write-downs. Adjusted for these items, all of our
87
operations except Fixed and our greenfield operation in Pakistan
increased operating profit in 2005 compared to 2004, primarily
due to a growth in revenues. The consolidation of acquired
companies also contributed to the increase.
We also focus on operating profit (loss) before the effects of
amortization, depreciation and write-downs. We refer to this
measure as EBITDA because, under IFRS, operating
profit is reported in our consolidated income statement before
taxes and net financial items. In addition, operating profit
includes amounts attributable to minority interests but does not
include results from associated companies or joint ventures
which are accounted for using the equity method and included in
net income. We believe that providing EBITDA enhances an
understanding of our operating activities and the performance of
the individual units because it provides investors with a
measure of operating results that is unaffected by amortization
and depreciation related to acquisitions and capital
expenditures, differences in capital structures, e.g. book value
of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets, among
otherwise comparable companies or investments in and results
from associated companies. We believe that EBITDA is also an
indicator to demonstrate to what extent operational business
activities generate earnings which are available to reduce net
debt or to finance investments.
EBITDA is not a measurement of financial performance either
under IFRS or under US GAAP. You should not consider EBITDA
as an alternative to operating profit, net income or cash flow
from operating activities. Since other companies may not
calculate EBITDA in the same way, our EBITDA figures are not
necessarily comparable with similarly titled figures of other
companies.
The following table shows the reconciliation of EBITDA to profit
from total operations.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2004 | |
|
2005 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(NOK in millions) | |
Profit from total operations
|
|
|
7,413 |
|
|
|
9,134 |
|
Profit (loss) from discontinued operations
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(4 |
) |
Profit from continuing operations
|
|
|
7,413 |
|
|
|
9,138 |
|
Taxes
|
|
|
(2,461 |
) |
|
|
(3,453 |
) |
Profit before taxes
|
|
|
9,874 |
|
|
|
12,591 |
|
Net financial items
|
|
|
1,521 |
|
|
|
(347 |
) |
Associated companies
|
|
|
986 |
|
|
|
1,233 |
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
10,637 |
|
|
|
11,544 |
|
Write-downs
|
|
|
3,531 |
|
|
|
587 |
|
EBITDA
|
|
|
21,535 |
|
|
|
23,836 |
|
Our EBITDA increased in 2005 compared to 2004 primarily due to
the increase in revenues in our mobile operations and the
positive effect of the consolidation of acquired companies.
Associated Companies
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2004 | |
|
2005 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(NOK in | |
|
|
millions) | |
Telenors share of(1):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Profit after taxes
|
|
|
954 |
|
|
|
1,406 |
|
Write-down of Golden Telecom Inc.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(172 |
) |
Gains (losses) on disposal of ownership interests
|
|
|
32 |
|
|
|
(1 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net result from associated companies
|
|
|
986 |
|
|
|
1,233 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
For certain associated companies, financial statements as of the
Groups balance sheet date are not available. In such
instances, the most recent financial statements (as of a date
not more than three months prior to the Groups balance
sheet date) are used, and estimates for the last period are made
based on publicly available information. Actual figures may
deviate from the preliminary figures. The consolidated |
88
|
|
|
income statement contains only the line Net result from
associated companies. Our share of the other items shown
in the table is not specified in our consolidated financial
statements, but this information is set forth in note 18 to
our consolidated financial statements. |
You should read note 18 to our consolidated financial
statements for additional information on our associated
companies.
The results from associated companies were influenced by our
acquisitions, disposals and consolidation of subsidiaries in
2004 and 2005. Sonofon and ProMonte were consolidated as
subsidiaries as of February 12, and August 12, 2004,
respectively. As of October 26, 2005, DTAC (through our
economic interest in UCOM) was consolidated as a subsidiary. In
the beginning of 2006, we acquired a controlling ownership
interest in Glocalnet. Please see Item 4: Information
on the Company for more information regarding these
transactions in 2005.
The increase in net profit after taxes from associated companies
in 2005 compared to 2004 was primarily due to the growth in
VimpelCom. This was partly offset by increased losses in Bravida
ASA mainly due to the fact that Bravida ASA in 2004 recorded a
gain on sale of parts of its businesses.
In 2005, we wrote down our carrying value of the listed company
Golden Telecom Inc. to the quoted market price as of
December 31, 2005.
Financial Income and Expenses
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2004 | |
|
2005 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(NOK in millions) | |
Interest income on liquid assets
|
|
|
383 |
|
|
|
287 |
|
Other financial income
|
|
|
113 |
|
|
|
160 |
|
Total financial income
|
|
|
496 |
|
|
|
447 |
|
Interest expenses on interest-bearing liabilities
|
|
|
(1,582 |
) |
|
|
(1,665 |
) |
Other financial expenses
|
|
|
(96 |
) |
|
|
(120 |
) |
Capitalized interest
|
|
|
117 |
|
|
|
146 |
|
Total financial expenses
|
|
|
(1,561 |
) |
|
|
(1,639 |
) |
Net foreign currency (loss)
|
|
|
(87 |
) |
|
|
84 |
|
Total change in fair value of financial instruments(1)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
243 |
|
Gains on disposal of financial assets
|
|
|
2,652 |
|
|
|
521 |
|
Losses on disposal of financial assets
|
|
|
(17 |
) |
|
|
(2 |
) |
Write-downs and reversal of write-downs of financial assets(2)
|
|
|
38 |
|
|
|
(1 |
) |
Net gains (losses and write-downs) of financial assets
|
|
|
2,673 |
|
|
|
518 |
|
Net financial items
|
|
|
1,521 |
|
|
|
(347 |
) |
|
|
(1) |
As of January 1, 2005 Telenor implemented IAS 39, see
note 37. The comparative figures for 2004 are not restated
to the principles in IAS 39. |
|
(2) |
As from January 1, 2005, impairment losses recognised in
the income statement for an investment in an equity instrument
classified as available for sale shall not be reversed through
the income statement. |
Borrowing costs included in the cost of qualifying assets
(capitalized interest) during 2004 and 2005 arose in Norway on
the general borrowing pool, and outside Norway, based on the
relevant subsidiaries borrowing costs. Wholly owned
subsidiaries are financed by Telenor. See note 22 to our
financial statements for more information about interest rates
on external borrowings.
Change in fair value of financial instruments was primarily
related to interest rate derivatives used for economic hedge of
interest-bearing liabilities that do not fulfil the requirements
for hedge accounting.
89
Gains on disposal in 2005 were primarily gain on sale of
Telenors shares in Intelsat. Gains on disposal in 2004
were primarily the gain on sale of Telenors remaining
shareholding in Cosmote SA.
As of February 26, 2004, we sold our remaining shareholding
in Cosmote for NOK 3.1 billion and we recorded a gain on
sale of financial assets of approximately NOK 2.6 billion
before taxes related to this transaction. In 2004, some
write-downs, primarily in Venture-companies, were reversed due
to increased market values. During the first quarter of 2006, we
sold our remaining ownership interest in Inmarsat plc. with a
gain on disposal of NOK 1.8 billion.
Income Taxes
The corporate income tax rate in Norway is 28.0%. The table
below shows our effective tax rate (income taxes as a percentage
of profit before taxes) reconciled to the Norwegian tax rate of
28.0% for the years ended December 31:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2004 | |
|
2005 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(NOK in | |
|
|
millions) | |
Expected income taxes according to corporate income tax rate in
Norway (28%)
|
|
|
2,765 |
|
|
|
3,525 |
|
Tax rates outside Norway different from 28%
|
|
|
(34 |
) |
|
|
(81 |
) |
Associated companies
|
|
|
(267 |
) |
|
|
(350 |
) |
Net loss in subsidiaries outside Norway for which deferred tax
assets have not been established
|
|
|
181 |
|
|
|
618 |
|
Previously not recognized tax income in business combinations
|
|
|
(30 |
) |
|
|
(162 |
) |
Non-taxable income
|
|
|
(102 |
) |
|
|
(128 |
) |
Non-deductible expenses
|
|
|
195 |
|
|
|
265 |
|
Write-downs of goodwill that are not tax deductible
|
|
|
842 |
|
|
|
12 |
|
Other deferred tax assets not recognized previously
|
|
|
(461 |
) |
|
|
(18 |
) |
Non-taxable gain on sale of shares
|
|
|
(152 |
) |
|
|
(30 |
) |
Changes in tax law previously recognized tax assets
not realized
|
|
|
257 |
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred taxes on retained earnings in subsidiaries and
associated companies
|
|
|
(375 |
) |
|
|
292 |
|
Other tax assets not recognized current year
|
|
|
39 |
|
|
|
16 |
|
Previously recognized tax assets not realized or
written-down (valuation allowance) current year
|
|
|
27 |
|
|
|
6 |
|
Conversion of inter-company debt
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(249 |
) |
Liquidation of Dansk Mobil Holding AS
|
|
|
(438 |
) |
|
|
438 |
|
Sale of Telenor Business Solutions AS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(701 |
) |
Other
|
|
|
14 |
|
|
|
|
|
Income tax expense (income)
|
|
|
2,461 |
|
|
|
3,453 |
|
Effective tax rate in %
|
|
|
24.9 |
|
|
|
27.4 |
|
You should read note 14 to our consolidated financial
statements and Critical Accounting Estimates under
IFRS Income Taxes for additional information
about income taxes.
As of December 31, 2004 and 2005, we did not record the
potential tax income related to the tax loss on the sale of
shares in Sonofon Holding A/ S in 2001 within the Telenor Group,
or the RISK adjustment we have claimed on the tax base values of
the shares in Cosmote in 2003 and 2004. In 2004, we recognized
deferred tax assets related to the liquidation of Dansk Mobil
Holding AS. During the regular tax assessment in 2005, the tax
authorities disallowed this tax loss, and, in 2005, we expensed
this potential tax income. The tax authorities have challenged
the tax assessment for 2004 for Canal Digital Denmark, and we
did not record a deferred tax asset related to a transaction
where the previous tax losses were realized and a corresponding
increased depreciable tax base in assets were established. You
should read note 14 to our consolidated financial
statements for additional information.
90
In December 2004, the Norwegian Parliament enacted new tax
rules. The principle change for corporations was the
introduction of the Exemption Method. According
to this new legislation, capital gains deriving from the sale of
shares and dividends received will be tax exempt. However, any
loss deriving from the sale or other disposal of shares will no
longer be tax deductible. The new rules in respect of dividends
received became effective as of January 1, 2004, while the
new rules on capital gains and non deducibility of capital
losses came into effect as of March 26, 2004. Certain
transitional rules were enacted. One of these transitional rules
provides for net losses from disposals to third parties or
liquidation of shares, recognized in the period between
March 26, 2004 and December 31, 2004 to be offset
against otherwise taxable gains recognized on disposal of shares
in the period between January 1, 2004 and March 26,
2004. However, as is generally the case, when new rules are
introduced, there may be disagreements on the interpretation of
the new rules and the transitional rules.
As a consequence of the Exemption Method,
previously recognized deferred tax assets of NOK
0.3 billion were expensed. These deferred tax assets were
primarily related to a future liquidation of subsidiaries of EDB
Business Partner ASA, which had not been formally decided by the
appropriate corporate body prior to March 26, 2004.
However, Telenor benefited from net capital tax losses derived
from disposals and liquidations of subsidiaries during the
period between March 26, 2004 and December 31, 2004.
According to the transitional rules, the net tax losses
recognized, primarily from losses in subsidiaries or associated
companies on which we previously had not recognized deferred tax
assets, have been offset against the otherwise taxable gain
deriving from our sale of shares in Cosmote prior to
March 26, 2004.
As a consequence of the Exemption Method, we
will no longer recognize deferred income tax in Norway on
undistributed earnings in our foreign subsidiaries and
associated companies except where we still are subject to
foreign withholding tax at source that will be levied upon
distribution of dividends. This change in tax legislation had a
positive effect of approximately NOK 640 million on
previously recognized deferred income tax on undistributed
earnings in subsidiaries, of which NOK 500 million was
related to Pannon GSM.
You should read Critical Accounting Estimates
under IFRS Income Taxes and Item 8:
Financial Information Legal Proceedings and
note 14 to our consolidated financial statements for
additional information.
Minority Interests
The following table shows the largest minority interests
reported in our income statement and in the balance sheet for
and as of the end of 2004 and 2005.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Minority | |
|
Minority | |
|
Minority | |
|
|
|
|
Minority | |
|
Minority | |
|
Interests | |
|
Interests | |
|
Interests | |
|
|
Minority | |
|
part of | |
|
part of | |
|
in the | |
|
in the | |
|
in the | |
|
|
share in % | |
|
net income | |
|
net income | |
|
balance sheet | |
|
balance sheet | |
|
balance sheet | |
|
|
31.12.05 | |
|
2005 | |
|
2004 | |
|
31.12.05 | |
|
1.1.05 | |
|
31.12.04 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(NOK in millions) | |
Kyvistar GSM JSC
|
|
|
43.5 |
|
|
|
827 |
|
|
|
588 |
|
|
|
2,348 |
|
|
|
1,255 |
|
|
|
1,255 |
|
DiGi.Com bhd
|
|
|
39.0 |
|
|
|
288 |
|
|
|
187 |
|
|
|
1,645 |
|
|
|
1,190 |
|
|
|
1,190 |
|
GrameenPhone Ltd.
|
|
|
38.0 |
|
|
|
219 |
|
|
|
410 |
|
|
|
648 |
|
|
|
528 |
|
|
|
528 |
|
DTAC/ UCOM
|
|
|
25.0/13.8 |
|
|
|
42 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,345 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
EDB Business Partner ASA
|
|
|
48.2 |
|
|
|
89 |
|
|
|
111 |
|
|
|
856 |
|
|
|
788 |
|
|
|
788 |
|
Telenor Venture IV AS
|
|
|
49.0 |
|
|
|
5 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
155 |
|
|
|
60 |
|
|
|
52 |
|
Other
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
18 |
|
|
|
24 |
|
|
|
137 |
|
|
|
133 |
|
|
|
133 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,488 |
|
|
|
1,320 |
|
|
|
7,134 |
|
|
|
3,954 |
|
|
|
3,946 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
The change from January 1, 2004 to December 31, 2005
was due to the implementation of IAS 39. |
91
During the fourth quarter of 2005, we increased our economic
stake in the previously associated company DTAC and UCOM. In the
third quarter of 2005 we sold 29.0% of the shares in the
subsidiary Telenor Venture IV AS. In the fourth quarter of 2004,
Telenor increased its ownership interest in GrameenPhone. In
April 2004, Telenor increased its ownership interest in
Kyivstar. At the end of December 2004, Telenor sold 20.0% of the
shares in the subsidiary Telenor Venture IV AS. See
note 1 to our consolidated financial statements for further
information.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following tables set forth selected financial data for our
segments for 2004 and 2005. The eliminations reported in these
tables are primarily related to intra group transactions and the
MVNO agreements in Sweden and Norway.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2004 | |
|
2005 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
Of Which | |
|
|
|
Of Which | |
|
|
Total | |
|
External | |
|
Total | |
|
External | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(NOK in millions) | |
Revenues
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Telenor Mobil Norway
|
|
|
11,730 |
|
|
|
10,504 |
|
|
|
12,243 |
|
|
|
11,072 |
|
Sonofon Denmark
|
|
|
4,404 |
|
|
|
4,351 |
|
|
|
5,191 |
|
|
|
5,059 |
|
Kyivstar Ukraine
|
|
|
4,219 |
|
|
|
4,217 |
|
|
|
7,272 |
|
|
|
7,266 |
|
Pannon GSM Hungary
|
|
|
5,907 |
|
|
|
5,901 |
|
|
|
6,061 |
|
|
|
6,051 |
|
DiGi.Com Malaysia
|
|
|
3,946 |
|
|
|
3,943 |
|
|
|
4,932 |
|
|
|
4,928 |
|
GrameenPhone Bangladesh
|
|
|
2,186 |
|
|
|
2,186 |
|
|
|
2,970 |
|
|
|
2,969 |
|
Other mobile operations
|
|
|
423 |
|
|
|
335 |
|
|
|
2,219 |
|
|
|
2,076 |
|
Fixed
|
|
|
19,256 |
|
|
|
17,433 |
|
|
|
19,313 |
|
|
|
17,140 |
|
Broadcast
|
|
|
5,346 |
|
|
|
5,211 |
|
|
|
5,649 |
|
|
|
5,518 |
|
Other operations
|
|
|
9,540 |
|
|
|
6,611 |
|
|
|
9,967 |
|
|
|
7,060 |
|
Eliminations
|
|
|
(6,366 |
) |
|
|
(101 |
) |
|
|
(6,890 |
) |
|
|
(212 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total revenues
|
|
|
60,591 |
|
|
|
60,591 |
|
|
|
68,927 |
|
|
|
68,927 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2004 | |
|
2005 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(NOK in millions) | |
Operating profit (loss)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Telenor Mobil Norway
|
|
|
3,228 |
|
|
|
3,566 |
|
Sonofon Denmark
|
|
|
(3,799 |
) |
|
|
(109 |
) |
Kyivstar Ukraine
|
|
|
2,026 |
|
|
|
2,826 |
|
Pannon GSM Hungary
|
|
|
777 |
|
|
|
1,007 |
|
DiGi.Com Malaysia
|
|
|
831 |
|
|
|
1,099 |
|
GrameenPhone Bangladesh
|
|
|
1,095 |
|
|
|
1,120 |
|
Other mobile operations
|
|
|
(903 |
) |
|
|
(954 |
) |
Fixed
|
|
|
2,725 |
|
|
|
2,062 |
|
Broadcast
|
|
|
750 |
|
|
|
1,015 |
|
Other operations
|
|
|
96 |
|
|
|
48 |
|
Eliminations
|
|
|
541 |
|
|
|
25 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total operating profit
|
|
|
7,367 |
|
|
|
11,705 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
92
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2004 | |
|
2005 | |
EBITDA |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(NOK in millions) | |
Telenor Mobil Norway
|
|
|
4,305 |
|
|
|
4,471 |
|
Sonofon Denmark
|
|
|
681 |
|
|
|
1,176 |
|
Kyivstar Ukraine
|
|
|
2,581 |
|
|
|
4,050 |
|
Pannon GSM Hungary
|
|
|
2,093 |
|
|
|
2,185 |
|
DiGi.Com Malaysia
|
|
|
1,732 |
|
|
|
2,142 |
|
GrameenPhone Bangladesh
|
|
|
1,313 |
|
|
|
1,559 |
|
Other mobile operations
|
|
|
(712 |
) |
|
|
(343 |
) |
Fixed
|
|
|
6,338 |
|
|
|
5,885 |
|
Broadcast
|
|
|
1,498 |
|
|
|
1,516 |
|
Other operations
|
|
|
1,114 |
|
|
|
1,091 |
|
Eliminations
|
|
|
592 |
|
|
|
104 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total EBITDA(1)
|
|
|
21,535 |
|
|
|
23,836 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
You should read Results of Operations
Group Operating Profit and EBITDA for the
reconciliation of EBITDA to profit from total operations for the
group. |
93
Telenor Mobil Norway
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2004 | |
|
2005 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(NOK in millions) | |
Subscription and traffic
|
|
|
7,879 |
|
|
|
8,148 |
|
Interconnection revenues
|
|
|
1,613 |
|
|
|
1,754 |
|
Mobile revenues from companys subscriptions
|
|
|
9,492 |
|
|
|
9,902 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other mobile revenues
|
|
|
1,513 |
|
|
|
1,825 |
|
Total mobile revenues
|
|
|
11,005 |
|
|
|
11,727 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-mobile revenues
|
|
|
725 |
|
|
|
516 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total revenues(1)
|
|
|
11,730 |
|
|
|
12,243 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
External costs of materials and traffic charges
|
|
|
2,291 |
|
|
|
2,272 |
|
Internal costs of materials and traffic charges
|
|
|
868 |
|
|
|
961 |
|
Total costs of materials and traffic charges
|
|
|
3,159 |
|
|
|
3,233 |
|
Own work capitalized
|
|
|
(23 |
) |
|
|
(23 |
) |
Salaries and personnel costs
|
|
|
866 |
|
|
|
838 |
|
External other operating expenses
|
|
|
2,560 |
|
|
|
2,821 |
|
Internal other operating expenses
|
|
|
839 |
|
|
|
889 |
|
Other (income) and expenses
|
|
|
24 |
|
|
|
14 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total operating expenses
|
|
|
7,425 |
|
|
|
7,772 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
EBITDA(3)
|
|
|
4,305 |
|
|
|
4,471 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation and amortization(2)
|
|
|
1,062 |
|
|
|
889 |
|
Write-downs
|
|
|
15 |
|
|
|
16 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating profit
|
|
|
3,228 |
|
|
|
3,566 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
EBITDA/ Total revenues (%)
|
|
|
36.7 |
|
|
|
36.5 |
|
Operating profit/ Total revenues (%)
|
|
|
27.5 |
|
|
|
29.1 |
|
Capital expenditure
|
|
|
973 |
|
|
|
1,218 |
|
Investments in businesses
|
|
|
52 |
|
|
|
|
|
No. of man-years (end of period)
|
|
|
1,413 |
|
|
|
1,378 |
|
No. of subscriptions (in thousands)
|
|
|
2,645 |
|
|
|
2,731 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) Of which internal revenues
|
|
|
1,226 |
|
|
|
1,171 |
|
(2) Of which amortization of Telenors net
excess values
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
4 |
|
(3) You should read Results of
Operations Group Operating Profit and
EBITDA for a discussion of EBITDA and its importance to
management as an indicator of performance for each of its
operating segments. |
Operating profit and EBITDA Telenor
Mobil Norway
Operating profit in 2005 increased by 10.4% compared to 2004 as
increases in subscription and traffic, interconnection and other
mobil revenues more than offset the increase in operating
expenses. The operating profit also increased in 2005 as
depreciation, amortization and write-downs of property, plant
and equipment and intangible assets decreased partially due to
an extension of the estimated useful life of certain assets,
effective January 1, 2005, from approximately seven years
to approximately ten years. Based upon past years experience,
the physical lifetime for these assets are longer than first
thought. EBITDA increased in 2005 compared to 2004, whereas the
EBITDA margin was broadly stable.
94
Revenues Telenor Mobil
Norway
Our estimated market share for GSM subscriptions as of
December 31, 2005 was 56% and in line with
December 31, 2004. The average revenue per user declined as
price reductions more than offset the increase in average usage
per subscription.
In 2005, revenues from subscription and traffic increased
compared to 2004 due to an increased number of subscribers, an
increased volume of SMS messages per user and decreases in free
airtime to customers. The increase in revenues was partly offset
by price reductions.
Interconnection revenues increased in 2005 compared to 2004 due
primarily to an increase in traffic volume from subscribers of
other mobile operators.
Other mobile revenues increased in 2005 due to increased
revenues from the sale of capacity on a wholesale basis to MVNOs
and service providers.
Non mobile revenues decreased in 2005 due to a reduction of
sales of handsets and computer equipment through our own chain
of stores.
Operating expenses Telenor Mobil
Norway
Increased operating expenses in 2005 compared to 2004 were
primarily due to the increase in other external operating
expenses, particularly costs related to sales commissions and
internal business administration costs, and increased internal
costs of materials and traffic charges.
Internal costs of materials and traffic charges in 2005
increased compared to 2004 due primarily to the increase in
outgoing traffic terminating within internal companies.
Salaries and personnel costs decreased in 2005 compared to 2004
due to full-year effect of the decrease in the number of
employees that occurred in 2004 as part of our cost reduction
measures.
Other operating expenses increased in 2005 compared to 2004 due
primarily to increased sales commissions and the increased
allocation of corporate headquarter costs to us. The increase in
sales commissions was due primarily to higher sales and higher
acquisition costs per new customer from increased competition.
Costs related to support and maintenance agreements decreased
due to the termination of IT service agreements which allowed
for a lower cost base for these areas of the business.
Depreciation and amortization decreased in 2005 compared to
2004. The change in useful lives as of January 1, 2005 is
estimated to have decreased depreciation and amortization by
approximately NOK 70 million in 2005 compared to 2004. For
more information, please read note 15 to our consolidated
financial statements.
Capital expenditure Telenor Mobil
Norway
Capital expenditure in 2005 was higher in 2005 compared to 2004
due primarily to the renewal of a GSM 900 licence (NOK
186 million) until December 31, 2017. In addition we
increased capital expenditure related to roll out of UMTS-sites
to meet license coverage requirements.
95
Sonofon Denmark
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2004 | |
|
2005 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(NOK in millions) | |
Subscription and traffic
|
|
|
1,813 |
|
|
|
2,361 |
|
Interconnection revenues
|
|
|
986 |
|
|
|
1,300 |
|
Mobile revenues from companys subscriptions
|
|
|
2,799 |
|
|
|
3,661 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other mobile revenues
|
|
|
571 |
|
|
|
638 |
|
Total mobile revenues
|
|
|
3,370 |
|
|
|
4,299 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-mobile revenues
|
|
|
1,034 |
|
|
|
892 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total revenues(1)
|
|
|
4,404 |
|
|
|
5,191 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
External costs of materials and traffic charges
|
|
|
2,095 |
|
|
|
2,294 |
|
Internal costs of materials and traffic charges
|
|
|
34 |
|
|
|
101 |
|
Total costs of materials and traffic charges
|
|
|
2,129 |
|
|
|
2,395 |
|
Own work capitalized
|
|
|
(30 |
) |
|
|
(21 |
) |
Salaries and personnel costs
|
|
|
589 |
|
|
|
581 |
|
External other operating expenses
|
|
|
1,005 |
|
|
|
966 |
|
Internal other operating expenses
|
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
83 |
|
Gains on disposal of fixed assets and operations
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1 |
) |
Losses on disposal of fixed assets and operations
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Expenses for workforce reductions and loss contracts
|
|
|
28 |
|
|
|
12 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total operating expenses
|
|
|
3,723 |
|
|
|
4,015 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
EBITDA(4)
|
|
|
681 |
|
|
|
1,176 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation and amortization(2)
|
|
|
1,190 |
|
|
|
1,285 |
|
Write-downs(3)
|
|
|
3,290 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating loss
|
|
|
(3,799 |
) |
|
|
(109 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
EBITDA/ Total revenues (%)
|
|
|
15.5 |
|
|
|
22.7 |
|
Operating profit/ Total revenues (%)
|
|
|
nm |
|
|
|
nm |
|
Capital expenditure
|
|
|
388 |
|
|
|
1,062 |
|
Investments in businesses
|
|
|
3,786 |
|
|
|
4 |
|
No. of man-years (end of period)
|
|
|
1,343 |
|
|
|
1,206 |
|
No. of subscriptions (in thousands)
|
|
|
1,275 |
|
|
|
1,284 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) Of which internal revenues
|
|
|
53 |
|
|
|
132 |
|
(2) Of which amortization of Telenors net
excess values
|
|
|
551 |
|
|
|
555 |
|
(3) Of which write-downs of Telenors net excess
values
|
|
|
3,074 |
|
|
|
|
|
(4) You should read Results of
Operations Group Operating Profit and
EBITDA for a discussion of EBITDA and its importance to
management as an indicator of performance for each of its
operating segments. |
The preceding table shows figures included in the accounts for
Telenor from February 12, 2004. We consolidated Sonofon as
a subsidiary effective February 12, 2004, when we increased
our ownership interest in the company from 53.5% to 100%. The
following discussion and analysis of Sonofons results of
operations is based on Sonofons financial statements for
the years ended December 31, 2004 and December 31,
2005, as prepared by Sonofon, which we have adjusted to conform
materially with IFRS. We believe that such information provides
a more useful measure of comparative financial performance for a
period when we had not yet consolidated Sonofon. However, such
information does not purport to represent
96
what the actual results of operations would have been had
Sonofon been consolidated from January 1, 2004 and is not
necessarily indicative of our future operating results.
Operating loss and EBITDA Sonofon
EBITDA increased in 2005 compared to 2004 due to higher mobile
related revenue and lower costs of customer acquisition.
Operating loss decreased as Sonfons results in 2004 were
impacted by a write-down of NOK 3.43 billion, of which NOK
3.1 billion was goodwill. Depreciation and amortization
expenses have increased in 2005 compared to 2004 due to a change
in the estimated useful life of certain radio equipment. The
change in useful lives as of January 1, 2005 is estimated
to have increased depreciation and amortization by approximately
NOK 60 million in 2005 compared to 2004. For more
information, please see note 15 to our consolidated
financial statements.
Revenues Sonofon
Total revenues for 2005 increased compared to 2004 due to higher
mobile revenues from the companys subscriptions. The
increase in subscriptions was due to increased traffic combined
with less aggressive price reductions compared to prior years.
Flat rate product and package solutions have pushed this
development leading to both higher AMPU and higher ARPU.
Increased ARPU was also due to an improvement of the customer
mix from prepaid subscribers to more profitable contract, or
postpaid, subscribers. The change in the customer mix was partly
due to our focused efforts to reduce churn in this segment.
Interconnection revenues also increased due to the higher
outgoing minutes per user to other networks and the general
increase in subscriptions and traffic discussed above.
Non mobile revenue decreased from 2004 to 2005 due to lower sale
of handsets in Sonofon owned shops.
Sonofons market share of GSM subscriptions at
December 31, 2005 was estimated to be 26.6%. The estimated
mobile penetration in Denmark at December 31, 2005 was 89%.
In 2004, estimated market share was 26.9% and the mobile
penetration was 88%.
Operating expenses Sonofon
The increase in operating expenses was primarily due to
increases in the cost of materials and traffic charges. These
charges increased due to higher traffic volume, also resulting
in higher interconnection costs. The increase in operating
expenses was partially offset by lower commission costs
resulting from decreased sales of handsets.
Internal other operating expenses increased primarily because of
the increased outsourcing of certain operational and head office
functions to the other companies within the Telenor Group.
Salaries and personnel costs decreased compared to 2004 due to
workforce reductions instituted in late 2004 and the increased
outsourcing.
Capital expenditure Sonofon
Capital expenditures increased in 2005 due to our investment in
a UMTS license in Denmark (NOK 520 million) and increased
expenditures on improving network capacity and coverage.
97
Kyivstar Ukraine
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2004 | |
|
2005 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(NOK in millions) | |
Subscription and traffic
|
|
|
2,961 |
|
|
|
5,122 |
|
Interconnection revenues
|
|
|
1,068 |
|
|
|
1,888 |
|
Mobile revenues from companys subscriptions
|
|
|
4,029 |
|
|
|
7,010 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other mobile revenues
|
|
|
122 |
|
|
|
158 |
|
Total mobile revenues
|
|
|
4,151 |
|
|
|
7,168 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-mobile revenues
|
|
|
68 |
|
|
|
104 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total revenues(1)
|
|
|
4,219 |
|
|
|
7,272 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
External costs of materials and traffic charges
|
|
|
646 |
|
|
|
1,075 |
|
Internal costs of materials and traffic charges
|
|
|
5 |
|
|
|
6 |
|
Total costs of materials and traffic charges
|
|
|
651 |
|
|
|
1,081 |
|
Own work capitalized
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(9 |
) |
Salaries and personnel costs
|
|
|
183 |
|
|
|
395 |
|
External other operating expenses
|
|
|
793 |
|
|
|
1,737 |
|
Internal other operating expenses
|
|
|
11 |
|
|
|
18 |
|
Other (income) and expenses
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total operating expenses
|
|
|
1,638 |
|
|
|
3,222 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
EBITDA(3)
|
|
|
2,581 |
|
|
|
4,050 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation and amortization(2)
|
|
|
555 |
|
|
|
1,209 |
|
Write-downs
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
15 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating profit
|
|
|
2,026 |
|
|
|
2,826 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
EBITDA/ Total revenues (%)
|
|
|
61.2 |
|
|
|
55.7 |
|
Operating profit/ Total revenues (%)
|
|
|
48.0 |
|
|
|
38.9 |
|
Capital expenditure
|
|
|
2,608 |
|
|
|
3,650 |
|
Investments in businesses
|
|
|
35 |
|
|
|
|
|
No. of man-years (end of period)
|
|
|
1,880 |
|
|
|
2,685 |
|
No. of subscriptions (in thousands)
|
|
|
6,252 |
|
|
|
13,925 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) Of which internal revenues
|
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
6 |
|
(2) Of which amortization of Telenors net
excess values
|
|
|
93 |
|
|
|
93 |
|
(3) You should read Results of
Operations Group Operating Profit and
EBITDA for a discussion of EBITDA and its importance to
management as an indicator of performance for each of our
operating segments. |
The functional currency for Kyivstar is the Ukrainian Hryvnia.
Until May 1, 2004, the US Dollar was the functional
currency for Kyivstar. Effective as of May 1, 2004, when
the company changed its nominal prices from US Dollar to
local currency, the Ukrainian Hryvnia (UAH) was adopted as
the functional currency. The Norwegian Krone was stable against
the Ukrainian Hryvnia in 2005 compared to 2004. The change in
functional currency had no material effect on our results in
2004.
Operating profit and EBITDA Kyivstar
Operating profit increased by 39% measured in Norwegian Krone
and by 38% measured in local currency in 2005 compared to 2004.
EBITDA increased by 57% measured in Norwegian Krone and in local
currency in 2005 compared to 2004. The increase was due to
increased revenues, which more than offset the
98
increase in operating expenses. However, the EBITDA margin
decreased due to the increase in costs being proportionally
higher than the increase in revenues.
Revenues Kyivstar
In 2005, we had a 73% increase in revenues measured in Norwegian
Krone and in local currency compared to 2004. The increase in
subscription and traffic revenues was due primarily to increased
traffic resulting from an increase of 7,673,000 in the number of
subscriptions and increased usage per subscription. The increase
in interconnection revenues was primarily due to the increased
subscriber base causing increased incoming traffic from other
operators. The increase in other mobile revenue was primarily
due to increased incoming roaming revenue.
On average each subscription generated marginally less revenue
as the customer base consisted of proportionally more prepaid
subscribers than in the previous year. In addition, we offered
several promotional campaigns during the year, which has led to
a reduction of the average price per minute for customers.
Kyivstars market share of GSM subscriptions in the Ukraine
at December 31, 2005 was estimated to be 46% compared to
45% at December 31, 2004. During 2005, the estimated mobile
penetration in the Ukraine increased from 29% to 64%.
Operating expenses Kyivstar
Operating expenses increased in 2005 due primarily to an
increase in external other operating expenses and the external
costs of materials and traffic charges and depreciation and
amortization.
External other operating expenses increased due to sales and
advertising costs and commission expenses from increased
competition in the market and an increase in subscriptions.
External other operating expenses also increased due to higher
operation and maintenance costs as the increase in subscriptions
placed greater demands on our existing network capacity and
coverage.
Costs of materials and traffic charges increased significantly
as a result of higher traffic volume from both existing and new
subscriptions. The number of man-years increased in 2005, thus
leading to an increase in salaries and personnel costs.
Depreciation and amortization increased due to higher capital
expenditures and a reduction in the estimated useful life of
certain assets from January 1, 2005. The change is
estimated to have increased depreciation and amortization by
approximately NOK 300 million in 2005 compared to 2004. For
more information, please see note 15 to our consolidated
financial statements.
Capital expenditure Kyivstar
Capital expenditure increased in 2005 compared to 2004 as the
higher subscription growth rates led to increased investments in
network coverage and capacity.
99
Pannon GSM Hungary
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2004 | |
|
2005 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(NOK in | |
|
|
millions) | |
Subscription and traffic
|
|
|
3,669 |
|
|
|
3,768 |
|
Interconnection revenues
|
|
|
1,731 |
|
|
|
1,735 |
|
Mobile revenues from companys subscriptions
|
|
|
5,400 |
|
|
|
5,503 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other mobile revenues
|
|
|
142 |
|
|
|
144 |
|
Total mobile revenues
|
|
|
5,542 |
|
|
|
5,647 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-mobile revenues
|
|
|
365 |
|
|
|
414 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total revenues(1)
|
|
|
5,907 |
|
|
|
6,061 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
External costs of materials and traffic charges
|
|
|
2,243 |
|
|
|
2,256 |
|
Internal costs of materials and traffic charges
|
|
|
5 |
|
|
|
7 |
|
Total costs of materials and traffic charges
|
|
|
2,248 |
|
|
|
2,263 |
|
Own work capitalized
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Salaries and personnel costs
|
|
|
378 |
|
|
|
373 |
|
Other (income) and expenses
|
|
|
1,152 |
|
|
|
1,184 |
|
Internal other operating expenses
|
|
|
22 |
|
|
|
37 |
|
Other (income) and expenses
|
|
|
14 |
|
|
|
19 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total operating expenses
|
|
|
3,814 |
|
|
|
3,876 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
EBITDA(3)
|
|
|
2,093 |
|
|
|
2,185 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation and amortization(2)
|
|
|
1,295 |
|
|
|
1,171 |
|
Write-downs
|
|
|
21 |
|
|
|
7 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating profit
|
|
|
777 |
|
|
|
1,007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
EBITDA/ Total revenues (%)
|
|
|
35.4 |
|
|
|
36.1 |
|
Operating profit/ Total revenues (%)
|
|
|
13.2 |
|
|
|
16.6 |
|
Capital expenditure
|
|
|
1,166 |
|
|
|
763 |
|
No. of man-years (end of period)
|
|
|
1,384 |
|
|
|
1,319 |
|
No. of subscriptions (in thousands)
|
|
|
2,770 |
|
|
|
2,929 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) Of which internal revenues
|
|
|
6 |
|
|
|
10 |
|
(2) Of which amortization of Telenors net
excess values
|
|
|
358 |
|
|
|
345 |
|
(3) You should read Results of
Operations Group Operating Profit and
EBITDA for a discussion of EBITDA and its importance to
management as an indicator of performance for each of our
operating segments. |
The Norwegian Krone appreciated against the Hungarian Forint by
3% in 2005 compared to 2004.
Operating profit and EBITDA Pannon GSM
Operating profit and EBITDA increased in 2005 compared to 2004
due to higher traffic as a result of a 15% increase in average
usage per subscription, which was driven by an increase in
postpaid subscriptions and substantial promotional price
reductions. The operating profit margin (operating profit as a
percentage of total revenues) increased due to increased EBITDA
and reduced depreciation and amortization. The EBITDA margin
increased slightly in 2005 due to increased revenues, which more
than offset increased operating expenses.
100
Revenues Pannon GSM
In 2005, Pannon GSM had a 2.6% increase in revenues compared to
2004 (6.2% if measured in local currency) with an increase in
subscriptions during 2005 of 159,000. The growth in revenues was
primarily due to the increase in subscriptions and increased
traffic resulting from an increase in average usage per
subscription in 2005. Usage and revenues also increased due to
the increased number of contract subscriptions as a proportion
of the overall subscription base. The average revenue generated
per subscriber remained stable when measured in local currency.
Pannon GSMs market share of GSM subscriptions in Hungary
at December 31, 2005 was 34%, in line with the 2004 market
share. At December 31, 2005, the mobile penetration in
Hungary increased to 87% compared to 80% at December 31,
2004.
Operating expenses Pannon GSM
Operating expenses increased in 2005 compared to 2004 when
measured in local currency primarily due to increased costs of
materials and traffic charges as a result of increased traffic
terminating in other operators networks. Other operating
expenses increased in 2005 compared to 2004 as a result of the
increased number of unpaid customer debts from contract
subscriptions that were recorded as losses. The decrease in
universal service contributions was off-set by increased license
fees due to a higher number of sites and roll-out of the UMTS
network. Depreciation and amortization decreased in 2005
compared to 2004 as a result of a certain fixed assets being
fully depreciated and due to an extension of the estimated
useful life of certain assets as of January 1, 2005. The
change in useful lives is estimated to have decreased
depreciation and amortization by approximately NOK
40 million in 2005 compared to 2004. For more information,
please see note 15 to our consolidated financial statements.
Capital expenditure Pannon GSM
Capital expenditure decreased by NOK 403 million in 2005
compared to 2004, mainly due to our non-recurring NOK
585 million investment in a UMTS license in December 2004.
101
DiGi.Com Malaysia
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2004 | |
|
2005 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(NOK in | |
|
|
millions) | |
Subscription and traffic
|
|
|
2,794 |
|
|
|
3,949 |
|
Interconnection revenues
|
|
|
571 |
|
|
|
594 |
|
Mobile revenues from companys subscriptions
|
|
|
3,365 |
|
|
|
4,543 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other mobile revenues
|
|
|
65 |
|
|
|
65 |
|
Total mobile revenues
|
|
|
3,430 |
|
|
|
4,608 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-mobile revenues
|
|
|
516 |
|
|
|
324 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total revenues(1)
|
|
|
3,946 |
|
|
|
4,932 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
External costs of materials and traffic charges
|
|
|
898 |
|
|
|
1,118 |
|
Internal costs of materials and traffic charges
|
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
6 |
|
Total costs of materials and traffic charges
|
|
|
900 |
|
|
|
1,124 |
|
Own work capitalized
|
|
|
(6 |
) |
|
|
(8 |
) |
Salaries and personnel costs
|
|
|
212 |
|
|
|
245 |
|
External other operating expenses
|
|
|
1,095 |
|
|
|
1,410 |
|
Internal other operating expenses
|
|
|
13 |
|
|
|
14 |
|
Other (income) and expenses
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total operating expenses
|
|
|
2,214 |
|
|
|
2,790 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
EBITDA
|
|
|
1,732 |
|
|
|
2,142 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation and amortization(2)
|
|
|
901 |
|
|
|
1,038 |
|
Write-downs
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating profit
|
|
|
831 |
|
|
|
1,099 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
EBITDA/ Total revenues (%)
|
|
|
43.9 |
|
|
|
43.4 |
|
Operating profit/ Total revenues (%)
|
|
|
21.1 |
|
|
|
22.3 |
|
Capital expenditure
|
|
|
920 |
|
|
|
1,170 |
|
No. of man-years (end of period)
|
|
|
1,549 |
|
|
|
1,603 |
|
No. of subscriptions (in thousands)
|
|
|
3,239 |
|
|
|
4,795 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) Of which internal revenues
|
|
|
3 |
|
|
|
4 |
|
(2) Of which amortization of Telenors net
excess values
|
|
|
72 |
|
|
|
51 |
|
(3) You should read Results of
Operations Group Operating Profit and
EBITDA for a discussion of EBITDA and its importance to
management as an indicator of performance for each of our
operating segments. |
The Norwegian Krone appreciated 4% against the Malaysian Ringgit
(MYR) in 2005 compared to 2004.
Operating profit and EBITDA DiGi.Com
Operating profit and EBITDA measured in NOK and in local
currency increased in 2005 compared to 2004 due to the increase
in revenues, which more than offset the increase in operating
expenses. Depreciation and amortization increased due to a
larger capitalized asset base and revisions in the estimated
useful life for certain categories of fixed assets such as
telecommunications equipment and computer systems with effect
from January 1, 2005. The change in useful lives as of
January 1, 2005 is estimated to have increased depreciation
and amortization by approximately NOK 140 million in 2005.
For more information, please see note 15 to our
consolidated financial statements.
102
The EBITDA margin and the operating profit margin were broadly
stable.
Revenues DiGi.Com
In 2005, DiGi.Com had a 25% increase in revenues measured in NOK
compared to 2004. Measured in local currency, the increase was
30%. The increase in revenues was primarily driven by higher
traffic volumes and a 48% increase of 1.55 million in the
number of subscriptions in 2005. However, interconnection
revenues did not increase proportionately due to price campaigns
to promote traffic within our own network. On average each
subscription generated less revenue as more pressure on pricing
and tariff strategy to maintain competitiveness in the market.
However, non-voice revenues increased considerably and
represented 16.7% of mobile revenues in 2005 compared to 14.6%
in 2004. This continued to be driven by increased SMS volumes.
Non-mobile revenues, mainly from DiGi.Coms wholesale
business, decreased in 2005 compared to 2004 due to decreased
volumes and prices.
DiGi.Coms market share of GSM subscriptions in Malaysia at
December 31, 2005 was estimated to be 25% compared to 22%
at December 31, 2004. During 2005, the mobile penetration
in Malaysia increased from 57% to an estimated 73%.
Operating expenses DiGi.Com
Operating expenses increased in 2005 compared to 2004 due
primarily to an increase in other operating expenses and in
costs of materials and traffic charges. Other operating
expenses, consisting of commissions and advertising expenses,
have increased due to more aggressive promotional and marketing
activities while Universal Service Provision (USP) contributions
increased as a result of higher revenues. The increase in costs
of materials and traffic charges resulted from the higher
traffic volumes generated by the higher number of subscriptions.
The increase in depreciation and amortization was mainly due to
a larger capitalized asset base as well as the revisions to the
estimated useful life for certain categories of fixed assets as
discussed under Operating profit and EBITDA, which
has resulted in one-time adjustments.
Capital expenditure DiGi.Com
Capital expenditure increased by NOK 250 million (MYR
164 million if measured in local currency) in 2005 compared
to 2004 due to extensive coverage expansion and increased
capacity in response to the strong subscriber growth.
103
GrameenPhone Bangladesh
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2004 | |
|
2005 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(NOK in | |
|
|
millions) | |
Subscription and traffic
|
|
|
2,064 |
|
|
|
2,741 |
|
Interconnection revenues
|
|
|
90 |
|
|
|
188 |
|
Mobile revenues from companys subscriptions
|
|
|
2,154 |
|
|
|
2,929 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other mobile revenues
|
|
|
24 |
|
|
|
22 |
|
Total mobile revenues
|
|
|
2,178 |
|
|
|
2,951 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-mobile revenues
|
|
|
8 |
|
|
|
19 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total revenues(1)
|
|
|
2,186 |
|
|
|
2,970 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
External costs of materials and traffic charges
|
|
|
245 |
|
|
|
390 |
|
Internal costs of materials and traffic charges
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total costs of materials and traffic charges
|
|
|
245 |
|
|
|
390 |
|
Own work capitalized
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Salaries and personnel costs
|
|
|
75 |
|
|
|
96 |
|
External other operating expenses
|
|
|
523 |
|
|
|
896 |
|
Internal other operating expenses
|
|
|
22 |
|
|
|
19 |
|
Other (income) and expenses
|
|
|
8 |
|
|
|
10 |
|
Total operating expenses
|
|
|
873 |
|
|
|
1,411 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
EBITDA(2)
|
|
|
1,313 |
|
|
|
1,559 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
215 |
|
|
|
439 |
|
Write-downs
|
|
|
3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating profit
|
|
|
1,095 |
|
|
|
1,120 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
EBITDA/ Total revenues (%)
|
|
|
60.1 |
|
|
|
52.5 |
|
Operating profit/ Total revenues (%)
|
|
|
50.1 |
|
|
|
37.7 |
|
Capital expenditure
|
|
|
1,318 |
|
|
|
2,596 |
|
Investments in businesses
|
|
|
298 |
|
|
|
|
|
No. of man-years (end of period)
|
|
|
1,147 |
|
|
|
2,731 |
|
No. of subscriptions (in thousands)
|
|
|
2,388 |
|
|
|
5,542 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) Of which internal revenues
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
(2) You should read Results of
Operations Group Operating Profit and
EBITDA for a discussion of EBITDA and its importance to
management as an indicator of performance for each of our
operating segments.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Compared to 2004, the Norwegian Krone appreciated against the
Bangladeshi Taka by 11% in 2005.
Operating profit and EBITDA
GrameenPhone
Operating profit and EBITDA increased in 2005 compared to 2004
due to higher traffic as a result of the increase in the number
of subscriptions, which more than offset the increase in
operating expenses. The decrease in the EBITDA margin was
primarily due to increased sales and acquisition costs as a
result of the strong subscription growth, as well as price
reductions in an increasingly competitive market. Depreciation
and amortization increased in 2005 compared to 2004 as a result
of increased capital expenditure.
104
Revenues GrameenPhone
Measured in Norwegian Krone, mobile revenues increased by 36%
compared to 2004, while the increase in local currency was 53%.
The growth in revenues was due to increased traffic resulting
from an increase of 3,154,000 subscriptions. However, each new
subscription generated on average less revenue than existing
subscriptions. Prepaid subscriptions, which represent the main
growth segment, generated less traffic and revenue. These
developments resulted in a decline in average revenue per
subscription.
The increase in interconnection revenues was primarily due to
the overall growth in the number of subscriptions in the market.
GrameenPhones estimated market share in Bangladesh at
December 31, 2005 was 62%, which was unchanged from
December 31, 2004. During 2005, the estimated mobile
penetration in Bangladesh increased to 6.2% from 2.8% at the end
of 2004.
Operating expenses GrameenPhone
Operating expenses increased in 2005 compared to 2004 due to
primarily the increased number of subscriptions and due to other
operating expenses such as increased subsidies. In 2005,
GrameenPhone partially subsidized royalty and license fees
(GRLF) as well as a SIM-tax per new subscription.
Costs of materials and traffic charges increased less than
revenues. Advertising costs and commissions increased as a
result of the increase in competition and the high number of
sales. Salaries and personnel costs, as well as operation and
maintenance costs, increased due to the enlarged operation.
Depreciation and amortization increased as a result of increased
capital expenditure.
Interconnection cost increased primarily due to increased number
of the competitors subscriptions.
Capital expenditure GrameenPhone
Increased capital expenditure was due to the extension of mobile
coverage in new regions, and increased mobile network capacity
due to strong subscription growth, and a financial lease
associated with a fiber optic network.
Other Mobile Operations
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2004 | |
|
2005 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(NOK in | |
|
|
millions) | |
Revenues
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
DTAC Thailand
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,191 |
|
Telenor Pakistan
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
265 |
|
ProMonte GSM Montenegro
|
|
|
200 |
|
|
|
519 |
|
Telenor Mobile Sweden
|
|
|
223 |
|
|
|
244 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total revenues(1)
|
|
|
423 |
|
|
|
2,219 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating expenses
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
DTAC Thailand
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
746 |
|
Telenor Pakistan
|
|
|
78 |
|
|
|
837 |
|
ProMonte GSM Montenegro
|
|
|
109 |
|
|
|
259 |
|
Telenor Mobile Sweden
|
|
|
948 |
|
|
|
720 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total operating expenses
|
|
|
1,135 |
|
|
|
2,562 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
105
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2004 | |
|
2005 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(NOK in | |
|
|
millions) | |
EBITDA(3)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
DTAC Thailand
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
445 |
|
Telenor Pakistan
|
|
|
(78 |
) |
|
|
(572 |
) |
ProMonte GSM Montenegro
|
|
|
91 |
|
|
|
260 |
|
Telenor Mobile Sweden
|
|
|
(725 |
) |
|
|
(476 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total EBITDA(3)
|
|
|
(712 |
) |
|
|
(343 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation and amortization(2)
|
|
|
116 |
|
|
|
611 |
|
Write-downs
|
|
|
75 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating profit
|
|
|
(903 |
) |
|
|
(954 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Of which:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
DTAC Thailand
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
225 |
|
Telenor Pakistan
|
|
|
(78 |
) |
|
|
(798 |
) |
ProMonte GSM Montenegro
|
|
|
24 |
|
|
|
95 |
|
Telenor Mobile Sweden
|
|
|
(849 |
) |
|
|
(476 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Capital expenditure
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
DTAC Thailand
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
146 |
|
Telenor Pakistan
|
|
|
1,993 |
|
|
|
1,843 |
|
ProMonte GSM Montenegro
|
|
|
16 |
|
|
|
38 |
|
Telenor Mobile Sweden
|
|
|
17 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total capital expenditure
|
|
|
2,026 |
|
|
|
2,027 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investments in businesses
|
|
|
541 |
|
|
|
2,664 |
|
No. of subscriptions (in thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
DTAC Thailand
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8,677 |
|
Telenor Pakistan
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,868 |
|
ProMonte GSM
|
|
|
279 |
|
|
|
310 |
|
Telenor Mobile Sweden
|
|
|
105 |
|
|
|
95 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
No. of man-years (end of period)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
DTAC Thailand
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,706 |
|
Telenor Pakistan
|
|
|
222 |
|
|
|
914 |
|
ProMonte GSM
|
|
|
224 |
|
|
|
215 |
|
Telenor Mobile Sweden
|
|
|
16 |
|
|
|
13 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) Of which internal revenues
|
|
|
88 |
|
|
|
143 |
|
(2) Of which amortization of Telenors net
excess values
|
|
|
32 |
|
|
|
115 |
|
(3) You should read Results of
Operations Group Operating Profit and
EBITDA for a discussion of EBITDA and its importance to
management as an indicator of performance for each of our
operating segments. |
DTAC Thailand
In 2005, we increased our economic stake in DTAC from 40.3% to
69.3% and consolidated DTAC as a subsidiary effective
October 26, 2005. The above table shows figures included in
the accounts of Telenor from the date of acquisition. In the
following discussion and analysis of DTACs results of
operations, the comments, when referring to 2004 and 2005, are
based on DTACs financial statements for the years ended
106
December 31, 2004 and December 31, 2005, as prepared
by DTAC, which we have adjusted to conform materially with IFRS.
We believe that such information provides a more useful measure
of comparative financial performance for a period when we had
not yet consolidated DTAC. However, such information does not
purport to represent what the actual results of operations would
have been had DTAC been consolidated from January 1, 2004
and is not necessarily indicative of our future operating
results.
Operating profit and EBITDA DTAC
Operating profit and EBITDA increased in 2005 compared to 2004
due to growth in revenues, which offset the increase in
operating expenses.
Revenues DTAC
In 2005, revenues increased compared to 2004 measured in local
currency primarily driven by a significant increase in the total
minutes of use in the network as a result of heavy price cuts
and increases in the number of subscriptions. The number of
subscriptions increased by 11% in 2005 from 2004.
DTACs market share of GSM subscriptions at
December 31, 2005 was estimated to be 28% compared to 29%
at December 31, 2004. The slight loss was influenced by a
change in churn policy during 2005 and the subsequent write off
of 182,000 inactive prepaid subscriptions.
Operating expenses DTAC
Operating expenses increased in 2005 compared to 2004, primarily
due higher regulatory costs. DTACs regulatory costs
consist of access charge, revenue share and excise taxes. The
increase in operating expenses was also due to the higher
proportion of average prepaid revenues compared to postpaid
revenues per user.
Capital expenditure DTAC
Capital expenditure increased in 2005 compared to 2004 due to
the increased traffic volumes and increases in network capacity.
Telenor Pakistan
The Norwegian Krone appreciated against the Pakistani Rupee by
6% in 2005 compared to 2004.
Telenor Pakistan launched its commercial operations on
March 15, 2005 after acquiring a GSM license to build and
operate a mobile network in Pakistan in April 2004. Telenor
Pakistans estimated market share was approximately 9% at
the end of 2005.
Operating loss and EBITDA loss Telenor
Pakistan
Telenor Pakistan incurred an operating loss and EBITDA loss in
2005 primarily due to the costs associated with launching
operations, which were greater than the initial influx of mobile
revenues. The operating loss and EBIDTA loss for 2005 is not
comparable to the preceding year because of the launch of
commercial operations in March 2005.
Revenues Telenor Pakistan
Total mobile revenues for 2005 amounted to NOK 260 million.
The revenue was due to voice traffic from the approximately
1.8 million prepaid customers, who make up a vast majority
of the subscriber base. ARPU has registered an increasing
trend from launch due to the expansion and increase in network
coverage, improvements in network quality, increases in the
customer base and an increase in Telenor Pakistans market
presence.
107
Operating expenses Telenor Pakistan
Operating expenses during 2005 were much higher than in 2004 due
to the launch of operations in March of 2005. The major elements
of operating expenses include cost of material and traffic
charges, which includes interconnection and leased line costs.
There are also other operating expenses, which are dominated by
customer acquisition costs, advertising expenses and consultancy
costs related to start up of the operation and internal other
operating expenses, comprised mainly of overhead expenses.
Salaries and personnel costs rose substantially from 2004 due to
the rapid build up of the organization during 2005 to prepare it
for commercial launch earlier in the year and for the aggressive
expansion plans to meet strong customer demand.
Capital expenditure Telenor Pakistan
The majority of the 2005 capital expenditure were due to the
roll-out of the GSM network as Telenor Pakistan undertook an
aggressive network expansion plan to expand coverage and
capacity to compete more effectively with the existing network
operators. The 2004 capital expenditure included investments in
some parts of the network, IT systems and real estate and other
assets. 2004 capital expenditure included the GSM license.
ProMonte GSM Montenegro
In 2004, we increased our ownership interest in ProMonte from
44.1% to 100% and consolidated ProMonte as a subsidiary
effective August 12, 2004. The table above shows figures
included in the accounts for Telenor from the date of
acquisition. The following discussion and analysis of
ProMontes 2004 results of operations is based on
ProMontes financial statements for the full year 2004 as
prepared by ProMonte, which we have adjusted to conform
materially with IFRS. We believe that such information provides
a more useful measure of comparative financial performance for a
period when we had not yet consolidated ProMonte. However, such
information does not purport to represent what the actual
results of operations would have been had ProMonte been
consolidated from January 2004 and is not necessarily indicative
of our future operating results. The Norwegian Krone appreciated
against the Euro, the functional currency of ProMonte GSM, by 4%
in 2005 compared to 2004.
Operating profit and EBITDA ProMonte GSM
Operating profit and EBITDA increased in 2005 compared to 2004
due to higher traffic as a result of the increase in the number
of subscriptions which more than offset the increase in
operating expenses.
Revenues ProMonte GSM
In 2005, revenues increased due to increased traffic resulting
from an increase in the number of subscriptions. On average each
subscription generated approximately the same average number of
call minutes. ProMontes market share of GSM subscriptions
at December 31, 2005 was estimated to be 58%, the same as
at December 31, 2004.
Operating expenses ProMonte GSM
Operating expenses increased in 2005 compared to 2004 due to an
increase in external and other operating expenses and costs of
materials and traffic charges. The increase in external and
other operating expenses was mainly due to increased advertising
costs, commission expenses and network operation costs as a
result of an increase in gross sales and subscriber base. Costs
of materials and traffic charges increased in 2005 compared to
2004 mainly due to the increase in traffic.
Capital expenditure ProMonte GSM
Capital expenditure decreased in 2005 compared to 2004 due to
reduced prices for network-related equipment.
108
Telenor Mobile Sweden
The Norwegian Krone depreciated against the Swedish Krone by 6%
in 2005 compared to 2004.
Operating loss and EBITDA Telenor Mobile
Sweden
Operating loss and EBITDA loss decreased in 2005 compared to
2004, primarily due to a lower costs in 2005 for an estimated
loss on the MVNO contract in Sweden. Telenor Mobil Sweden
entered into a MVNO contract to purchase capacity in a mobile
network in Sweden, which partly included fixed prices, as an
alternative to the then existing service provider agreement.
Following price reductions in the Swedish market and reduced
expectations in respect of future earnings potential, the loss
was estimated as the difference between expected future economic
benefits and unavoidable costs in the contract. In 2004, Telenor
Mobile Sweden expensed NOK 562 million as an estimated loss
on the MVNO contract. In the first quarter of 2006, Telenor
Mobile Sweden will transfer its traffic to its Vodafone
Swedens network, which we acquired in January 2006. In
2005 we expensed a loss on the MVNO agreement of NOK
414 million.
Further, the book value of NOK 75 million as of
December 31, 2004 on all fixed assets was written down to
zero which is the reason which led to no depreciation or
amortization in 2005.
Revenues Telenor Mobile Sweden
Total revenues increased compared to last year, due to higher
roaming inbound traffic resulting from an improved market share
of Telenor Mobil Norway roaming in Sweden from 20% in 2004 to
45% in 2005. The change in the subscription composition, from a
mix of service provider customers, which do not provide
interconnection revenues, and MVNO customers in 2004 to only
MVNO customers in 2005 explains the increase in interconnection
revenue from last year. The lower subscription and traffic
revenue in 2005 is explained by lower number of average
customers compared to last year.
Operating expenses Telenor Mobile Sweden
Total operating expenses decreased compared to 2004 primarily
due to the reduced expenses for losses related to the MVNO
contract. As a result, the traffic charges decreased due to
lower allocation of the fixed MVNO fee. Other external operating
cost decreased primarily due to lower sales and marketing
related costs as a result of lower customer growth associated
with the MVNO contract.
109
TELENOR FIXED
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2004 | |
|
2005 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(NOK in millions) | |
Fixed Norway
|
|
|
17,545 |
|
|
|
16,867 |
|
Fixed Other operations
|
|
|
1,829 |
|
|
|
2,581 |
|
Eliminations
|
|
|
(118 |
) |
|
|
(135 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total revenues (1)
|
|
|
19,256 |
|
|
|
19,313 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total operating expenses
|
|
|
12,918 |
|
|
|
13,428 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
EBITDA
|
|
|
6,338 |
|
|
|
5,885 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation and amortization(2)
|
|
|
3,573 |
|
|
|
3,236 |
|
Write-downs(3)
|
|
|
40 |
|
|
|
587 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating profit
|
|
|
2,725 |
|
|
|
2,062 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
EBITDA/ Total revenues (%)
|
|
|
32.9 |
|
|
|
30.5 |
|
Operating profit/ Total revenues (%)
|
|
|
14.2 |
|
|
|
10.7 |
|
Capital expenditure
|
|
|
1,791 |
|
|
|
2,776 |
|
Investments in businesses
|
|
|
105 |
|
|
|
5,816 |
|
No. of man-years (end of period)
|
|
|
5,651 |
|
|
|
5,987 |
|
|
of which outside Norway
|
|
|
643 |
|
|
|
1,169 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) Of which internal revenues
|
|
|
1,823 |
|
|
|
2,173 |
|
(2) Of which amortization of Telenors net
excess values
|
|
|
7 |
|
|
|
66 |
|
(3) Of which write-downs of Telenors net excess
values
|
|
|
(22 |
) |
|
|
(24 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2004 | |
|
2005 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(NOK in | |
|
|
millions) | |
EBITDA
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fixed Norway
|
|
|
6,330 |
|
|
|
5,701 |
|
Fixed Other operations
|
|
|
15 |
|
|
|
185 |
|
Eliminations
|
|
|
(7 |
) |
|
|
(1 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total EBITDA
|
|
|
6,338 |
|
|
|
5,885 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating profit
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fixed Norway
|
|
|
3,077 |
|
|
|
3,019 |
|
Fixed Other operations
|
|
|
(345 |
) |
|
|
(960 |
) |
Eliminations
|
|
|
(7 |
) |
|
|
3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total operating profit
|
|
|
2,725 |
|
|
|
2,062 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
You should read Results of Operations
Group Operating Profit and EBITDA for a
discussion of EBITDA and its importance to management as an
indicator of performance for each of our operating segments.
Overview
In 2005, Fixeds revenues increased due to the acquisitions
of Bredbandsbolaget and Cybercity, which offset decreased
revenues in Fixed Norway due to the sale of part of the Managed
Services business and decreased revenues from fixed telephony.
110
The decrease in fixed telephony was primarily a consequence of
increased competition, including competition from service
providers to whom we provide telephony access (PSTN and ISDN) on
a wholesale basis, reduced subscription and connection revenues
as a result of the continued decline in traffic revenues from
the migration of voice minutes to mobile traffic and data
minutes to IP (xDSL). In spite of the increased competition from
other fixed operators and service providers for PSTN/ ISDN and
xDSL services, we did increase our market share for xDSL
subscriptions. The increase in revenues from xDSL, however,
offset only in part the decrease in fixed telephony revenues.
Operating profit and EBITDA decreased in 2005 compared to 2004
due a fall in revenues and gross margin only partially offset by
decreased operating expenses. In 2005, we expensed NOK
159 million to workforce reductions, compared to NOK
86 million in 2004. Decreased depreciation, amortization
and write-downs were primarily due to decreased capital
expenditure in the period 2002 to 2005. This decrease was
partially offset by the increased amortization for expenses
associated with transactions that provide the rights to use
assets, such as local loop unbundling.
Fixed Norway
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2004 | |
|
2005 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(NOK in millions) | |
|
|
| |
Telephony
|
|
|
8,268 |
|
|
|
7,232 |
|
xDSL/ Internet
|
|
|
1,753 |
|
|
|
2,039 |
|
Data services
|
|
|
1,022 |
|
|
|
963 |
|
Other revenues
|
|
|
1,656 |
|
|
|
1,465 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total retail revenues
|
|
|
12,699 |
|
|
|
11,699 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Wholesale revenues
|
|
|
4,846 |
|
|
|
5,168 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total revenues(1)
|
|
|
17,545 |
|
|
|
16,867 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
External costs of materials and traffic charges
|
|
|
2,559 |
|
|
|
2,537 |
|
Internal costs of materials and traffic charges
|
|
|
1,333 |
|
|
|
1,243 |
|
Total costs of materials and traffic charges
|
|
|
3,892 |
|
|
|
3,780 |
|
Own work capitalized
|
|
|
(116 |
) |
|
|
(158 |
) |
Salaries and personnel costs
|
|
|
3,122 |
|
|
|
3,050 |
|
External other operating expenses
|
|
|
2,585 |
|
|
|
2,733 |
|
Internal other operating expenses
|
|
|
1,640 |
|
|
|
1,650 |
|
Other (income) and expenses
|
|
|
92 |
|
|
|
111 |
|
Total operating expenses
|
|
|
11,215 |
|
|
|
11,166 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
EBITDA(4)
|
|
|
6,330 |
|
|
|
5,701 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation and amortization(2)
|
|
|
3,251 |
|
|
|
2,707 |
|
Write-downs(3)
|
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
(25 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating profit
|
|
|
3,077 |
|
|
|
3,019 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
111
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2004 | |
|
2005 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(NOK in millions) | |
|
|
| |
EBITDA/ Total revenues (%)
|
|
|
36.1 |
|
|
|
33.8 |
|
Operating profit/ Total revenues (%)
|
|
|
17.5 |
|
|
|
17.9 |
|
Capital expenditure
|
|
|
1,473 |
|
|
|
2,169 |
|
Investments in businesses
|
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
44 |
|
No. of man-years (end of period)
|
|
|
5,000 |
|
|
|
4,819 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) Of which internal revenues
|
|
|
1,842 |
|
|
|
2,190 |
|
(2) Of which amortization of Telenors net
excess values
|
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
|
|
(3) Of which write-downs of Telenors net excess
values
|
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
(36 |
) |
(4) You should read Results of
Operations Group Operating Profit and
EBITDA for a discussion of EBITDA and its importance to
management as an indicator of performance for each of our
operating segments. |
Operating profit and EBITDA Fixed
Norway
The results in 2004 were affected by the sale of part of the
Managed Services business from Fixed to EDB Business Partner
with effect from May 1, 2004. The transferred businesses
provided services in connection with the operation of the IT
systems to other Telenor companies and to external customers.
Operating profit decreased in 2005 compared to 2004 due to
decreased EBITDA partly offset by decreased depreciation and
amortization. Decreased EBITDA was a result of a fall in
revenues and gross margin due to reduced retail revenues in part
offset by decreased operating costs. Depreciation and
amortization decreased primarily due to decline in capital
expenditure.
As a result of the reclassification of costs associated with
certain asset use transactions, such as local loop unbundling,
EBITDA increased by NOK 105 million for the full year 2005.
Operating profit was not affected as a result of this change.
Revenues Fixed Norway
Revenues from fixed telephony decreased in 2005 compared to 2004
due to fall in the number of subscriptions and decreased fixed
voice traffic. The number of PSTN/ ISDN subscriptions was
1,599,000 at December 31, 2005, a decrease of 201,000
compared to December 31, 2004. The number of fixed
telephony subscriptions decreased primarily as a result of
migrations to broadband telephony, or VoIP, with other network
operators and a fall in the overall market for fixed network
subscriptions. The decline in voice traffic minutes was due to
the decrease in the number of subscriptions and migration of
fixed voice traffic to mobile traffic. The decrease was
partially offset by an increase in the number of broadband
telephony subscriptions by 24,000.
Revenues from xDSL/ Internet increased due to the increase in
the number of xDSL subscriptions. This was partially offset by
decreased revenues from Internet subscriptions and traffic. The
number of xDSL subscriptions (business and residential) was
584,000 at December 31 2005, an increase of 167,000
compared to the end of 2004. Telenors estimated market
share of xDSL subscriptions was 58% in December 2005, in line
with December 2004
Telenors estimated market share measured in traffic
minutes was 66% in December 2005, compared to 68% in December
2004.
Decreased revenues from data services in 2005 compared to 2004
were a result of price reductions due to a shift in the demand
towards lower priced products.
112
Revenues from other retail services comprise leased lines,
managed services and other retail services. Such revenues
decreased in 2005 compared to 2004 due to the impact on revenues
from the sale of part of Managed Services from Fixed to EDB
Business Partner effective May 1, 2004. Adjusted for the
NOK 162 million decline in revenues as a result of this
sale, revenues from other retail services in 2005 were in line
with 2004.
Increased wholesale revenues from sales of telephony and
broadband subscriptions, leased lines, local loop unbundled
subscriptions and contractor services more than offset the
decrease in revenues from national interconnection and transit
traffic.
Internal revenues increased in 2005 compared to 2004 as a result
of increased sale of retail services to other operations,
increased international interconnection and transit traffic from
our Nordic mobile companies and increased sales of lease lines
and contractor services to Telenor Mobil Norway and Telenor
Broadcast.
Operating expenses Fixed
Norway
Total costs of materials and traffic charges decreased in 2005
compared to 2004 due to a decline in telephony traffic and data
services and the effect of the sale of part of Managed Services
business from Fixed to EDB Business Partner effective
May 1, 2004. This decrease was partially offset by
increased costs due to increased sales of other retail services,
increased international interconnection and transit traffic and
increased sales of contractor services.
Increased own work capitalized in 2005 compared to 2004 was due
to increased capital expenditure in 2005 compared to 2004.
Salaries and personnel costs decreased in 2005 compared to 2004
due to the decline in the number of man-years partly as a result
of the transfer of parts of our Managed Services business from
Fixed to EDB Business Partner as of May 1, 2004. This
decrease was partly offset by a general increase in salaries and
increased pension cost. In 2004 and 2005, we made changes in our
pension plans. We recorded one-time effects that reduced our
pension expenses in both years.
Other operating expenses increased in 2005 compared to 2004
mainly due to increased costs for consultancy fees for external
personnel and increased distribution of corporate costs. This
was partially offset by decreased operation and maintenance
costs and sales and marketing costs. The increased costs for
consultancy fees was mainly due to implementing process
improvement projects and costs related to increased speed for
xDSL. Decreased operations and maintenance costs were mainly due
to the reclassification with respect to certain asset use
transactions, such as local loop unbundling. These costs in such
transactions are recognized as prepaid lease costs and have been
reclassified from operations and maintenance costs to
depreciation. Sales and marketing cost decreased due to a
decline in adverting and commission expenses and maintenance
costs.
Other (income) and expenses increased in 2005 compared to 2004
due to increased costs for workforce reductions. In 2005, we
expensed NOK 122 million for workforce reductions, compared
to NOK 71 million in 2004.
Depreciation and amortization decreased in 2005 compared to 2004
as a result of decreased capital expenditure in the period 2002
to 2004 and the effect of sale of parts of Managed Services from
Fixed to EDB Business Partner effective May 1, 2004. In
addition, a change in useful lives of certain assets as of
January 1, 2005 is estimated to have decreased depreciation
and amortization by approximately NOK 80 million in 2005.
For more information, please see note 15 to our
consolidated financial statements.
Decreasing capital expenditure in the period 2002 to 2004 was
due to declining demand for fixed network services, improved
efficiency (e.g. in the use of capital) and reduced equipment
prices. The decrease in depreciation and amortization was
partially offset by increased depreciation due to the
reclassification discussed above with respect to certain asset
use transactions. In 2005, NOK 31 million of negative
goodwill related to the consolidation of Tiscali AS in March
2005 was included in write-downs.
113
Capital Expenditure Fixed
Norway
Increased capital expenditure in 2005 compared to 2004 was due
to increased investments in IT/ IS systems and licenses and
capacity expansions in the trunk network due to increased data
traffic as a result of enhanced growth the number of broadband
subscriptions. Capital expenditure also increased as a result of
the reclassification discussed above as certain asset use
transactions are recognized as prepaid lease costs and the
prepaid costs in the balance sheet have now been reclassified
from prepaid expenses to property, plant and equipment, with a
corresponding increase in capital expenditure. Investments in
businesses in 2005 were related to the acquisition 2005 of
Tiscali AS in the first quarter.
114
Fixed Other Operations
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2004 | |
|
2005 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(NOK in | |
|
|
millions) | |
Fixed Sweden
|
|
|
1,654 |
|
|
|
2,096 |
|
Fixed Denmark
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
306 |
|
Other countries/eliminations
|
|
|
175 |
|
|
|
179 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total revenues(1)
|
|
|
1,829 |
|
|
|
2,581 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
EBITDA(4)
|
|
|
15 |
|
|
|
185 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Of which:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fixed Sweden
|
|
|
9 |
|
|
|
158 |
|
Fixed Denmark
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
97 |
|
Other countries/eliminations
|
|
|
6 |
|
|
|
(70 |
) |
Depreciation and amortization(2)
|
|
|
322 |
|
|
|
528 |
|
Write-downs(3)
|
|
|
38 |
|
|
|
617 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating profit
|
|
|
(345 |
) |
|
|
(960 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Of which:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fixed Sweden
|
|
|
(289 |
) |
|
|
(866 |
) |
Fixed Denmark
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
29 |
|
Other countries
|
|
|
(56 |
) |
|
|
(123 |
) |
Capital expenditure
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fixed Sweden
|
|
|
279 |
|
|
|
485 |
|
Fixed Denmark
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
97 |
|
Other countries/eliminations
|
|
|
39 |
|
|
|
25 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total capital expenditure
|
|
|
318 |
|
|
|
607 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investments in businesses
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fixed Sweden
|
|
|
93 |
|
|
|
4,452 |
|
Fixed Denmark
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,320 |
|
Other countries/eliminations
|
|
|
39 |
|
|
|
25 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total investments in businesses
|
|
|
93 |
|
|
|
5,772 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
No. of man-years (end of period)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fixed Sweden
|
|
|
455 |
|
|
|
645 |
|
Fixed Denmark
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
344 |
|
Other countries/eliminations
|
|
|
188 |
|
|
|
180 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total no. of man-years (end of period)
|
|
|
643 |
|
|
|
1,169 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) Of which internal revenues
|
|
|
99 |
|
|
|
118 |
|
(2) Of which amortization of Telenors net
excess values
|
|
|
5 |
|
|
|
66 |
|
(3) Of which write-downs of Telenors net excess
values
|
|
|
(24 |
) |
|
|
12 |
|
(4) You should read Results of
Operations Group Operating Profit and
EBITDA for a discussion of EBITDA and its importance to
management as an indicator of performance for each of our
operating segments. |
115
Fixed Sweden
|
|
|
Operating (loss) and EBITDA Fixed
Sweden |
Operating loss increased in 2005 primarily due to write-downs of
fixed assets in Telenor AB as a result of price reductions in
the market due to increased competition and a general shift in
product demand to lower priced products. The change in
accounting treatment discussed in
Fixed Norway for costs
associated with certain asset use transactions, such as local
loop unbundling, had a positive effect on EBIDTA of NOK
107 million and operating loss of NOK 82 million. The
acquisition of Bredbandsbolaget as of July 8, 2005 also
increased EBITDA by NOK 179 million.
|
|
|
Revenues Fixed Sweden |
Revenues increased in 2005 due to the acquisition of
Bredbandsbolaget, which increased revenues by NOK
665 million. This increase was offset by decreased revenues
in Telenor AB in 2005 due to the fall in revenues from data
services as result of price reductions and shifts in the product
portfolio to lower priced products. In 2004, the revenues in
Telenor AB were increased by one-time revenues of NOK
56 million from sale of data services on a wholesale basis
and a prepaid sale of capacity for delivery in the future where
the delivery obligation was terminated.
|
|
|
Capital Expenditures Fixed
Sweden |
Capital expenditure increased in 2005 due to acquisition of
Bredbandsbolaget, which increased capital expenditure by NOK
214 million. This increase was partially offset by a
decrease in capital expenditure in Telenor AB due to decreased
demand for network capacity. The change in accounting treatment
discussed in Fixed Norway
for costs associated with certain asset use transactions, such
as local loop unbundling, increased capital expenditures by NOK
80 million in 2005.
Fixed Denmark
Fixeds revenues, EBITDA, operating profit and capital
expenditure in Denmark was due to the acquisition of Cybercity
as of July 5, 2005.
Fixed Other Countries
Fixed Other Countries comprises our networks and
Internet activities in the Czech Republic and Slovakia. At the
end of 2005, we entered into an agreement for sale of these
activities and recorded a loss on disposal of NOK
63 million.
Operating Expenses Fixed
Total costs of materials and traffic charges increased in 2005
compared to 2004 mainly as a result of the acquisition of
Bredbandsbolaget on July 8, 2005 and Cybercity on
July 5, 2005, partially offset by the change in accounting
treatment discussed in Fixed
Norway for costs associated with certain asset use
transactions, such as local loop unbundling. Previously, such
costs were recorded as costs of materials and traffic charges,
and were primarily expensed as incurred. Such prepaid costs are
now recorded as prepaid lease expenses and recorded as
amortization over the expected customer relationship.
Salaries and personnel costs increased in 2005 compared to 2004
due to the acquisitions of Bredbandsbolaget in Sweden and
Cybercity in Denmark and a general increase in salaries in
Telenor AB, partially offset by a reduction in man-years.
Costs related to workforce reduction in 2005 were NOK
37 million, an increase of NOK 22 million in 2004.
Other operating expenses increased in 2005 compared to 2004
mainly due to increased operation and maintenance costs and
sales and marketing costs as a result of acquisition of
Bredbandsbolaget and Cybercity
116
and increased internal expenses in Telenor AB associated with
the outsourcing of certain business servicing costs to the
Telenor Group.
Depreciation and amortization increased in 2005 compared to 2004
due to the change in accounting treatment discussed in
Fixed Norway for costs
associated with certain asset use transactions, such as local
loop unbundling. The change increased amortization by NOK
29 million in 2005.
TELENOR BROADCAST
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2004 | |
|
2005 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(NOK in millions) | |
Distribution
|
|
|
4,309 |
|
|
|
4,615 |
|
Transmission
|
|
|
1,211 |
|
|
|
1,207 |
|
Other
|
|
|
461 |
|
|
|
355 |
|
Eliminations
|
|
|
(635 |
) |
|
|
(528 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total revenues (1)
|
|
|
5,346 |
|
|
|
5,649 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
External costs of materials and traffic charges
|
|
|
2,072 |
|
|
|
2,281 |
|
Internal costs of materials and traffic charges
|
|
|
98 |
|
|
|
118 |
|
Total costs of materials and traffic charges
|
|
|
2,170 |
|
|
|
2,399 |
|
Own work capitalized
|
|
|
(10 |
) |
|
|
(13 |
) |
Salaries and personnel costs
|
|
|
571 |
|
|
|
566 |
|
External other operating expenses
|
|
|
861 |
|
|
|
944 |
|
Internal other operating expenses
|
|
|
251 |
|
|
|
237 |
|
Other (income) and expenses
|
|
|
5 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total operating expenses
|
|
|
3,848 |
|
|
|
4,133 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
EBITDA(4)
|
|
|
1,498 |
|
|
|
1,516 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Of which:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Distribution
|
|
|
749 |
|
|
|
818 |
|
Transmission
|
|
|
688 |
|
|
|
713 |
|
Other
|
|
|
61 |
|
|
|
(15 |
) |
Depreciation and amortization(2)
|
|
|
704 |
|
|
|
554 |
|
Write-downs(3)
|
|
|
44 |
|
|
|
(53 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating profit
|
|
|
750 |
|
|
|
1,015 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Of which:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Distribution
|
|
|
302 |
|
|
|
494 |
|
Transmission
|
|
|
409 |
|
|
|
564 |
|
Other
|
|
|
39 |
|
|
|
(43 |
) |
EBITDA/ Total revenues (%)
|
|
|
28.0 |
|
|
|
26.8 |
|
Operating profit/ Total revenues (%)
|
|
|
14.0 |
|
|
|
18.0 |
|
Capital expenditure
|
|
|
880 |
|
|
|
392 |
|
Distribution
|
|
|
120 |
|
|
|
207 |
|
Transmission
|
|
|
735 |
|
|
|
122 |
|
Other
|
|
|
25 |
|
|
|
63 |
|
117
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2004 | |
|
2005 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(NOK in millions) | |
Investments in businesses
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
42 |
|
Distribution
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
23 |
|
Transmission
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
19 |
|
No. of man-years (end of period)
|
|
|
774 |
|
|
|
808 |
|
Of which outside Norway
|
|
|
222 |
|
|
|
255 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) Of which internal revenues
|
|
|
135 |
|
|
|
131 |
|
(2) Of which amortization of Telenors net
excess values
|
|
|
63 |
|
|
|
56 |
|
(3) Of which write-downs of Telenors net excess
values
|
|
|
25 |
|
|
|
75 |
|
(4) You should read Results of
Operations Group Operating Profit and
EBITDA for a discussion of EBITDA and its importance to
management as an indicator of performance for each of our
operating segments. |
|
|
|
Operating profit and EBITDA Broadcast |
The increase in EBITDA in Distribution in 2005 compared to 2004
was due to a higher subscriber base and lower costs associated
with the purchase of internal services from other Broadcast
companies. This was partially offset by higher subscriber
acquisition cost and the effect of the appreciation of the
Norwegian Krone compared to the Swedish and Danish Krone.
Operating profit in Distribution was further increased by
reduced depreciation and amortization expenses primarily due to
fully depreciated fixed assets.
In 2005, EBITDA in Transmission increased compared to 2004
primarily due the replacement of formerly leased capacity with
owned satellite transponders on Intelsat 10-02 from September
2004.
The increase in operating profit in Broadcast in 2005 was also
due to the reversal of a previous write-down of a satellite in
Transmission of NOK 133 million in 2001 to the estimated
recoverable amount. This was partially offset by a write-down of
goodwill of NOK 75 million in Distribution due to
recognition of not previously recognized tax assets in a
business combination. According to IFRS, the acquirer shall
write down the carrying amount of goodwill with the same amount
as not previously recognized deferred tax assets are recognized
as tax income.
External revenues in Distribution increased by 7% in 2005
compared to 2004 primarily due to a higher number of DTH and DTT
pay-TV subscribers, and
Cable TV and Cable TV Internet access subscribers. This was
partially offset by the effects of the appreciation of the
Norwegian Krone against the Swedish Krone and the Danish Krone.
At December 31, 2005, our total number of television
subscribers in the Nordic region was 3,019,000, a net increase
of 3.2% compared to December 31, 2004. The number of DTH
pay-TV subscribers was
906,000, an increase of 10% compared to December 31, 2004.
The number of Cable TV subscribers increased by 57,000 to
681,000, including 30,000 subscribers in the Danish company OE
Kabel TV, acquired in November 2005. The number of Cable TV
Internet access subscribers was 73,000 at December 31,
2005, an increase of 28,000 from December 31, 2004,
including 12,000 subscribers from the acquisition of OE Kabel
TV. As of December 31, 2005, we had 33,000 DTT
pay-TV subscribers in
Finland.
External revenues in Transmission decreased in 2005 compared to
2004 due to phasing out of analog transmission via satellite.
118
|
|
|
Operating expenses Broadcast |
Total operating expenses in Distribution increased in 2005
compared to 2004 primarily due to a higher subscriber base and
higher subscriber acquisition costs per new DTH subscriber as a
result of increased competition. Salaries and personnel costs in
2005 decreased compared to 2004 primarily due to the outsourcing
of the customer service centre for Cable TV Norway at the end of
2004. Depreciation and amortization expenses in 2005 decreased
compared to 2004 primarily due to fully depreciated set-top
boxes.
In 2005, costs of materials and traffic charges in Transmission
decreased compared to 2004 due to the replacement of leased
satellite capacity with our own satellite transponders from
September 2004. Increase in salary and personnel cost was
primarily due to the hiring of new personnel related to a new
satellite to be delivered in 2007.
Capital Expenditure Broadcast
Capital expenditure in 2005 was primarily related to upgrading
of the Cable TV network in Norway and investment in
infrastructure in Transmission.
Other Broadcast
Other primarily consists of Conax, which offers conditional
access systems (such as smart cards) as well as the corporate
functions of Broadcast. Negative EBITDA in 2005 compared to
positive EBITDA in 2004 was primarily due to lower sales of
internal services in Broadcast, partially offset by increased
external sales in Conax.
OTHER OPERATIONS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2004 |
|
2005 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(NOK in millions) |
EDB Business Partner
|
|
|
4,287 |
|
|
|
4,991 |
|
Satellite Services
|
|
|
2,385 |
|
|
|
2,428 |
|
Venture
|
|
|
901 |
|
|
|
490 |
|
Corporate functions and group activities
|
|
|
2,154 |
|
|
|
2,266 |
|
Other
|
|
|
174 |
|
|
|
25 |
|
Eliminations
|
|
|
(361 |
) |
|
|
(233 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total revenues(1)
|
|
|
9,540 |
|
|
|
9,967 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total operating expenses
|
|
|
8,426 |
|
|
|
8,876 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
EBITDA(4)
|
|
|
1,114 |
|
|
|
1,091 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Of which:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
EDB Business Partner
|
|
|
978 |
|
|
|
785 |
|
Satellite Services
|
|
|
409 |
|
|
|
393 |
|
Venture
|
|
|
130 |
|
|
|
(2 |
) |
Corporate functions and group activities
|
|
|
(417 |
) |
|
|
(77 |
) |
Other
|
|
|
(2 |
) |
|
|
(4 |
) |
Eliminations
|
|
|
16 |
|
|
|
(4 |
) |
Depreciation and amortization(2)
|
|
|
975 |
|
|
|
1,033 |
|
Write-downs(3)
|
|
|
43 |
|
|
|
10 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating profit
|
|
|
96 |
|
|
|
48 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
119
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2004 |
|
2005 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(NOK in millions) |
Of which:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
EDB Business Partner
|
|
|
736 |
|
|
|
377 |
|
Satellite Services
|
|
|
133 |
|
|
|
125 |
|
Venture
|
|
|
97 |
|
|
|
(23 |
) |
Corporate functions and group activities
|
|
|
(809 |
) |
|
|
(420 |
) |
Other
|
|
|
(76 |
) |
|
|
(7 |
) |
Eliminations
|
|
|
15 |
|
|
|
(4 |
) |
Capital expenditure
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
EDB Business Partner
|
|
|
233 |
|
|
|
401 |
|
Satellite Services
|
|
|
158 |
|
|
|
181 |
|
Venture
|
|
|
52 |
|
|
|
30 |
|
Corporate functions and group activities
|
|
|
249 |
|
|
|
213 |
|
Other
|
|
|
5 |
|
|
|
7 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total capital expenditure
|
|
|
697 |
|
|
|
832 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investments in businesses
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
EDB Business Partner
|
|
|
1,076 |
|
|
|
50 |
|
Satellite Services
|
|
|
142 |
|
|
|
10 |
|
Venture
|
|
|
57 |
|
|
|
43 |
|
Corporate functions and group activities
|
|
|
54 |
|
|
|
214 |
|
Other
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
15 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total investments in businesses
|
|
|
1,329 |
|
|
|
332 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Of which outside Norway
|
|
|
893 |
|
|
|
858 |
|
No. of man-years (end of period)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
EDB Business Partner
|
|
|
3,008 |
|
|
|
2,631 |
|
Satellite Services
|
|
|
537 |
|
|
|
523 |
|
Venture
|
|
|
577 |
|
|
|
681 |
|
Corporate functions and group activities
|
|
|
1,165 |
|
|
|
1,161 |
|
Other
|
|
|
13 |
|
|
|
17 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total no. of man-years (end of period)
|
|
|
5,300 |
|
|
|
5,013 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Of which outside Norway
|
|
|
893 |
|
|
|
858 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) Of which internal revenues
|
|
|
2,929 |
|
|
|
2,907 |
|
(2) Of which amortization of Telenors net
excess values
|
|
|
8 |
|
|
|
8 |
|
(3) Of which write-downs of Telenors net excess
values
|
|
|
3 |
|
|
|
5 |
|
(4) You should read Results of
Operations Group Operating Profit and
EBITDA for a discussion of EBITDA and its importance to
management as an indicator of performance for each of our
operating segments. |
EDB Business Partner ASA (ownership interest 51.8% as of
December 31, 2005)
EDB Business Partner ASAs results are impacted by the
acquisitions of the Managed Services business from Fixed
(May 1, 2004), Apoteket AB (April 1, 2004), IBMs
service activities in the Norway (December 31, 2004),
Capgeminis infrastructure management operations in Sweden
and Norway (December 31, 2004) and BanqIT Business
Applications (May 1, 2005). The System Integration area
within Telecom was divested as from March 25, 2004 and the
remaining part of the Telecom business area was divested as from
September 30, 2005.
Revenues increased by 16% in 2005 compared to 2004 due to the
businesses acquired. Revenues also increased as a result of the
growth in the Solutions Bank & Finance area.
120
Operating profit decreased in 2005 compared to 2004, primarily
due to gains of NOK 303 million from disposal of System
Integration (part of the Telecom area) in 2004. For the same
reason EBITDA decreased in 2005 compared to 2004. The decreases
in operating profit and EBITDA were partially offset by the
improved profitability in the Solutions Bank & Finance
area. Increased depreciation and amortization was due to a shift
from operating leases to own investments, as well as an increase
in capital expenditure.
Capital expenditure in 2004 and 2005 related mainly to
investments within the IT Operations area. These investments
include computer hardware and software for the mainframe and
Unix platforms and replacement of equipment used in IT
operations outsourced from our customers. In 2005, we also
invested in data centers in connection with general upgrading
and centralization of the mainframe operations in Norway and
Sweden.
In January 2006, EDB Business Partner has acquired four
businesses; Tag Systems, Datarutin, Avenir and Spring Consulting
for a total consideration of approximately NOK 660 million.
Telenor Satellite Services
In 2004, the sub-units Satellite Services and Satellite Networks
were merged into one unit under the name of Telenor Satellite
Services (TSS). TSS also acquired, in 2004, GMPCS Personal
Communications Inc. (August) and Neratek AS (December).
The increase in revenues in Satellite Services in 2005 compared
to 2004 was primarily due to the two companies acquired in 2004
and growth within the Corporate Networks and Sealink segments.
Both the strengthening of the Norwegian Krone against the
US Dollar in 2005 compared to 2004 as well as a continued
downward pressure on prices on many of the Inmarsat products had
a negative effect both on our revenue and on our overall results
in 2005. Revenues and profits in 2004 were negatively impacted
by adjusted accruals for project revenues.
The decrease in operating profit in 2005 compared to 2004 was
primarily due to reduced sales and margins on many Inmarsat
products, a settlement of a commercial dispute, the appreciation
of the Norwegian Krone against the US Dollar, and costs for
workforce reductions.
Total capital expenditure in 2005 amounted to NOK
181 million and in 2004 amounted to NOK 158 million
related primarily to investments in Sealink equipment and to the
technical up-grade of our operations at the land earth stations.
Telenor Venture
At the end of 2005, operations in Telenor Venture consisted of
ownership in several companies. Opplysningen (changed name in
2005 from Teleservice) represented the primary subsidiary of the
business.
Revenues in Telenor Venture decreased in 2005 compared to 2004
primarily due to disposals of subsidiaries, which were partially
offset by increased revenues in Opplysningen in 2005 due to
increased market share and the establishment of new products.
The operating profit in Telenor Venture decreased in 2005
compared to 2004 primarily due to gain from disposals of
subsidiaries in 2004 and due to the costs of the establishment
of new products by Opplysningen.
Other
Other principally includes Telenor International Business and
Telenor New Business. Revenues in Other decreased in 2005 due to
the disposal of Telecom Management Partner in May 2005. The
operating loss was reduced in 2005 compared to 2004 due to the
sale of Software Services in 2004.
Corporate Functions and Group Activities
This area comprises Real Estate, Research and Development,
Strategic Group Projects, Internal Insurance Company, Group
Treasury, International Services and central staff and support
functions.
121
In 2005, the EBITDA loss decreased as a result of increased
revenues from the increased allocation of business service costs
to the different segments in Telenor, as well as reduced pension
costs in 2005 compared to 2004, reduced activity in strategic
group projects, reduced costs for workforce reductions and
increased gains on sale of operations, land and properties. The
sale of properties also led to lower depreciation compared to
2004.
In 2004, a change in the accounting treatment of our
agreement-based early retirement pension plan in the Group led
to more than NOK 100 million in additional pension costs in
corporate functions and Group activities in 2004. The total
effect for the Group was slightly negative.
In 2005, net gains on disposal of fixed assets (and operations)
was NOK 163 million, an increase by NOK 64 million
compared to 2004. Expenses for workforce reductions and onerous
(loss) contracts was NOK 29 million in 2005 compared to NOK
115 million in 2004.
In 2004, Corporate Functions and Group Activities had higher
operating expenses on strategic group projects, primarily the
efficiency improvements program, and significant costs in
relation to the assembling of Telenors IT operations in
EDB Business Partner.
Capital expenditure decreased from 2004 to 2005, due to lower
investments in IT systems in 2005.
WORKING CAPITAL
Working capital (total current assets less total current
liabilities) was negative by NOK 11.4 billion as of
December 31, 2005 and negative by NOK 2.5 billion as
of December 31, 2004. Installments on interest-bearing
liabilities to be paid during the next 12 months are
classified as short-term interest-bearing liabilities and
contribute to the negative working capital. We believe that
taking into consideration our established credit facilities and
having due regard for our sources of liquidity reserves
(including committed credit facilities), credit rating and
access to capital markets, we have sufficient liquidity and
working capital to meet our present and future requirements. Our
capital resources are described below.
LIQUIDITY
You should read the cash flow statement in our consolidated
financial statements that form part of this report on
Form 20-F for
detailed figures related to the Groups cash flow. We
present our cash flow statement using the direct method. The
statement provides detailed information of our cash flows. The
table below shows an aggregated cash flow statement:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2004 | |
|
2005 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(NOK in millions) | |
Aggregated cash flow statement
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash flow from operating activities
|
|
|
18,991 |
|
|
|
22,340 |
|
Net cash flow from investment activities
|
|
|
(13,031 |
) |
|
|
(19,998 |
) |
Net cash flow from financing activities
|
|
|
(8,255 |
) |
|
|
(832 |
) |
Effect on cash and cash equivalents of changes in foreign
exchange rates
|
|
|
(268 |
) |
|
|
215 |
|
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
|
|
|
(2,563 |
) |
|
|
1,725 |
|
Cash and cash equivalents January 1
|
|
|
7,644 |
|
|
|
5,081 |
|
Cash and cash equivalents December 31
|
|
|
5,081 |
|
|
|
6,806 |
|
Net cash flow from operating activities increased in 2005
compared to 2005 by NOK 3.3 billion, primarily due to the
growth and increased revenues, especially in our mobile
operations outside Norway. This was partially offset by
increased payments of operating costs and financial expenses,
and reduced proceeds from financial income.
In 2004, we paid income taxes of NOK 1.5 billion, of which
NOK 0.6 billion was payment of taxes on the gain on sale of
VIAG Interkom in 2001. In 2005, we paid income taxes of NOK
1.4 billion. Payments of income taxes occurred primarily in
Mobile companies outside Norway. We did not pay taxes in Norway
in
122
2004 and 2005 due to tax losses carried forward. However, we may
be in a tax payable situation during 2006 in Norway. Income
taxes in Norway are paid in the year subsequent to the fiscal
year. However, we will in 2006 pay taxes in Norway of
approximately NOK 350 million claimed by the tax
authorities due to their disallowance in 2005 of a tax loss on
liquidation of a subsidiary, as discussed under Income
Taxes.
Net cash payments from investment activities increased by
approximately NOK 7 billion in 2005 compared to 2004. Our
cash payments for capital expenditure increased by approximately
NOK 2.6 billion. The difference between our reported
capital expenditure of NOK 16.4 billion and payments of NOK
14.2 billion was primarily due to investments in mobile
licenses partially not paid in 2005, delayed payments by some of
our mobile operations in Asia, a financial lease of a fibre
optic network in GrameenPhone and reported capital expenditure
due to reclassifications of prepaid lease costs in Fixed that
partially were paid in previous years. Our cash payments for
investment in businesses increased in 2005 compared to 2004 by
approximately NOK 1.8 billion. Payments for acquisitions of
businesses (net of cash acquired) in 2005 was approximately NOK
8.1 billion, primarily related to Bredbandsbolaget, DTAC/
UCOM and Cybercity. The difference to our reported figure of NOK
8.8 billion in 2005 was primarily due to cash and cash
equivalents in the acquired companies. Proceeds from sale of
other investments decreased by approximately NOK
2.4 billion. In 2004, we sold our remaining shares in
Cosmote for NOK 3.1 billion. In 2006, we sold our remaining
shares in Inmarsat with a gain on disposal of NOK
1.8 billion.
You should read Investments for further
information about Telenors investments in 2005 and 2004
and note 1 to our consolidated financial statements for
more information about our major acquisitions and disposals of
businesses.
In 2005, we had net cash inflow of NOK 4.2 billion on our
interest-bearing liabilities, primarily in Telenor ASA and in
Kyivstar. Our interest-bearing liabilities in the balance sheet
increased by 14.7 billion. The excess over cash inflow on
our interest-bearing liabilities was due primarily to
interest-bearing liabilities in acquired subsidiaries. In
addition the increase in interest-bearing liabilities in the
balance sheet was due to a financial lease in GrameenPhone,
mobile licenses acquired of which parts were not paid in 2005.
Changes in currency exchange rates and fair value adjustments on
hedged interest-bearing liabilities. Telenor paid dividends of
NOK 2.6 billion to the shareholders of Telenor ASA in 2005
and our subsidiaries paid NOK 0.2 billion to the minority
interests. The corresponding figures in 2004 were NOK
1.8 billion and NOK 0.2 billion respectively. In
addition, Telenor paid NOK 2.3 billion in 2004 for the buy
back of own shares.
Our cash and cash equivalents increased by approximately NOK
1.7 billion during 2005 to NOK 6.8 billion as of
December 31, 2005, due to the factors mentioned above. The
table below shows how much of our cash and cash equivalents are
included in the Groups cash pool systems and thereby
generally available for the Group as a whole for the day to day
operations.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dec. 31, | |
|
Dec. 31, | |
|
|
2004 | |
|
2005 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(NOK in millions) | |
Cash and cash equivalents in the Groups cash pool systems
|
|
|
3,028 |
|
|
|
1,705 |
|
Cash and cash equivalents not in the Groups cash pool
systems(1)
|
|
|
2,053 |
|
|
|
5,101 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total cash and cash equivalents at year ends
|
|
|
5,081 |
|
|
|
6,806 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
Subsidiaries in which Telenor owns less than 90 percent of
the shares are normally not participating in the Groups
cash pool systems, held by Telenor ASA. As of December 31,
2005, these cash and cash equivalents primarily related to
Kyivstar and DiGi. |
123
INVESTMENTS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2003(1) | |
|
2004 | |
|
2005 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(NOK in millions) | |
Fixed networks
|
|
|
2,099 |
|
|
|
2,153 |
|
|
|
2,949 |
|
Mobile networks
|
|
|
2,487 |
|
|
|
4,175 |
|
|
|
7,838 |
|
Properties
|
|
|
546 |
|
|
|
233 |
|
|
|
453 |
|
Support systems (office and computer equipment, software, cars
etc.)
|
|
|
1,991 |
|
|
|
2,159 |
|
|
|
2,698 |
|
Other intangible assets
|
|
|
81 |
|
|
|
2,654 |
|
|
|
801 |
|
Satellites
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
636 |
|
|
|
|
|
Prepaid leases
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
218 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Work in progress (net additions) and other
|
|
|
(750 |
) |
|
|
735 |
|
|
|
1,482 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Capital expenditure (Capex)(2)
|
|
|
6,454 |
|
|
|
12,745 |
|
|
|
16,439 |
|
Investments in businesses(3)
|
|
|
563 |
|
|
|
5,809 |
|
|
|
8,858 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
7,017 |
|
|
|
18,554 |
|
|
|
25,297 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
The figures for Capital expenditures and investments in
businesses for 2003 were unaffected by the change from Norwegian
GAAP to IFRS. |
|
(2) |
Capital expenditure (Capex) is investments in property, plant
and equipment and intangible assets. |
|
(3) |
Investments in businesses are acquisition of shares and
participations, including acquisition of subsidiaries and
businesses not organized as separate companies. |
In 2006, we expect the high capital expenditure to continue. We
expect capital expenditure as a proportion of revenues to be
above 20% in 2006. Capital expenditure is expected to continue
to be driven by high subscription growth within Telenors
mobile operations in emerging markets. The actual amounts and
the timing of our capital expenditure may vary substantially
from our estimates.
Our capital expenditure in 2005 amounted to NOK
16.4 billion, which was an increase of NOK 3.7 billion
compared to 2004. In 2005 investments in fixed networks
increased by NOK 0.8 billion mainly in Fixed Norway. The
most significant investments in mobile networks were in
Kyivstar, GrameenPhone and Telenor Pakistan (NOK
1.8 billion). Capital expenditure in other intangible
assets in 2005 included NOK 0.5 billion for the purchase of
a UMTS license in Denmark and NOK 0.2 billion for renewal
of a GSM 900 license in Norway.
Our capital expenditure in 2004 amounted to NOK
12.7 billion. In 2004, the most significant investments in
mobile networks were in Kyivstar, GrameenPhone and DiGi.Com. In
addition, capital expenditure in other intangible assets in 2004
included NOK 2.4 billion for the purchase of a license for
mobile telephony in Pakistan and a UMTS license in Hungary.
124
The table below lists our most significant investments in
businesses and the acquisition cost, including capital
contributions to our associated companies, for each of the last
three years.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2003(1) | |
|
2004 | |
|
2005 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(NOK in millions) | |
DTAC/ UCOM
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,664 |
|
Bredbandsbolaget
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,452 |
|
Cybercity
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,313 |
|
Sonofon Holding A/ S(2)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,639 |
|
|
|
|
|
European Telecom Luxembourg SA (ProMonte)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
541 |
|
|
|
|
|
GrameenPhone Ltd.
|
|
|
86 |
|
|
|
298 |
|
|
|
|
|
CBB AS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
147 |
|
|
|
|
|
Nordialog
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
52 |
|
|
|
|
|
Kyivstar G.S.M. JSC
|
|
|
8 |
|
|
|
35 |
|
|
|
|
|
One GmbH
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
158 |
|
OJSC Comincom/Combellga
|
|
|
217 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
OJSC Golden Telecom
|
|
|
63 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
EDB Business Applications AB
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
50 |
|
Norsk Vekst Private IV LP
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
48 |
|
Tiscali AS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
43 |
|
Purchase of IT-operations in EDB Business Partner
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
738 |
|
|
|
|
|
GMPCS Personal Communications Inc.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
85 |
|
|
|
|
|
Neratek AS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
42 |
|
|
|
|
|
Bravida ASA
|
|
|
82 |
|
|
|
27 |
|
|
|
|
|
Utfors AB
|
|
|
13 |
|
|
|
70 |
|
|
|
|
|
Other
|
|
|
94 |
|
|
|
135 |
|
|
|
130 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total investments in businesses
|
|
|
563 |
|
|
|
5,809 |
|
|
|
8,858 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
The figures for investments in businesses for 2003 were
unaffected by the change from Norwegian GAAP to IFRS. |
|
|
(2) |
In addition we paid NOK 0.8 billion to take over a
shareholders loan. |
125
INFORMATION ABOUT CONTRACTUAL CASH PAYMENTS
Contractual Cash Payments
The following table shows our contractual obligations and
commercial commitments as of December 31, 2005.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Payments due | |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
Less than | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 year | |
|
|
|
Over | |
|
|
Total | |
|
(2006) | |
|
2-3 years | |
|
4-5 years | |
|
5 Years | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(NOK in millions) | |
Interest-bearing liabilities
|
|
|
37,199 |
|
|
|
11,611 |
|
|
|
10,956 |
|
|
|
7,233 |
|
|
|
7,399 |
|
Finance lease obligations
|
|
|
1,848 |
|
|
|
297 |
|
|
|
489 |
|
|
|
531 |
|
|
|
531 |
|
Minimum lease payments under noncancellable operating leases(1)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Lease of land and buildings
|
|
|
5,661 |
|
|
|
857 |
|
|
|
1,356 |
|
|
|
1,039 |
|
|
|
2,409 |
|
Lease of Cars, Office Equipment etc
|
|
|
145 |
|
|
|
70 |
|
|
|
64 |
|
|
|
10 |
|
|
|
1 |
|
Lease of Sat- and Network capacity
|
|
|
1,184 |
|
|
|
435 |
|
|
|
458 |
|
|
|
178 |
|
|
|
113 |
|
Committed purchase obligations(1)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Purchase of Sat- and Network capacity
|
|
|
904 |
|
|
|
803 |
|
|
|
75 |
|
|
|
18 |
|
|
|
8 |
|
IT-Related Agreements
|
|
|
887 |
|
|
|
407 |
|
|
|
305 |
|
|
|
162 |
|
|
|
13 |
|
Other contractual obligations
|
|
|
1,356 |
|
|
|
599 |
|
|
|
581 |
|
|
|
146 |
|
|
|
30 |
|
Committed investments
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Properties and equipment
|
|
|
1,456 |
|
|
|
1,447 |
|
|
|
9 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other contractual investments
|
|
|
888 |
|
|
|
722 |
|
|
|
166 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total contractual cash obligations
|
|
|
51,528 |
|
|
|
17,248 |
|
|
|
14,459 |
|
|
|
9,317 |
|
|
|
10,504 |
|
Guarantees (expire)
|
|
|
2,498 |
|
|
|
2,000 |
|
|
|
344 |
|
|
|
148 |
|
|
|
6 |
|
|
|
(1) |
The table does not include agreements under which we have no
binding obligation to purchase or future investments required
under the UMTS licenses awarded to us in Norway, Denmark and
Hungary. |
Of the finance lease obligations in the table, NOK
952 million relate to leases for the Thor II
and III satellites. We have covenants on these leases that
grant the other party the right, if Telenor ASA is downgraded,
to require us to either pledge the assets or terminate the
leases. As of December 31, 2005, we had a waiver that the
change made by one of the rating agencies at the end of 2005 to
A- with negative outlook was not regarded to be a breach.
We have treated the lease financing arrangements as mortgages as
though these were already secured.
You should read Capital Resources and
note 22 to our consolidated financial statements for
additional information on our interest-bearing liabilities and
note 27 for additional information on our contractual
obligations and note 34 for additional information on our
guarantees.
In addition, we entered into cross border QTE leases for
telephony switches, GSM Mobile network and fixed-line network in
1998, 1999 and 2003. Each of these agreements provide for a
defeasance of all amounts due by us to the other parties under
the leases. As of December 31, 2005, a defeasance of
USD 902 million was deposited with highly rated
financial institutions and in US government related securities.
Our leasing obligations are offset against our defeasance
arrangements in the balance sheet and are not included in the
table above. We also provided guarantees in connection with
these cross border QTE leases. You should read
Off Balance Sheet Arrangements for
additional information on our QTE leases.
126
INFORMATION ABOUT CAPITAL RESOURCES
We will use cash flow from operations, debt, equity financing
and proceeds from potential disposals of assets to finance our
future investments. You should read note 22 and 23 to our
consolidated financial statements for additional information on
our interest bearing liabilities, note 34 for pledges,
note 30 and 31 for share option plans and the employee
stock ownership program and note 32 for equity financing.
You should also read note 32 for information on the
authority to the Board of Directors to acquire own shares and
our agreement with the Kingdom of Norway regarding buyback of
shares.
We issue debt in the domestic and international capital markets
mainly in the form of commercial paper and bonds. We use our
Euro commercial paper program, U.S. commercial paper
program, Euro medium term note program and three domestic
open bond programs, all with different maturities.
In order to have satisfactory access to these external sources
of financing in terms of both volume and price we should
maintain a satisfactory credit rating. Our long term and
short-term credit rating is
A2/P-1 with review for
possible downgrade from Moodys and
A-/A-2 with Negative
Outlook from Standard & Poors.
In order to secure satisfactory financial flexibility we
established two committed syndicated revolving credit facilities
in 2005, which includes a Euro 1.5 billion facility
with a maturity in 2012 and another credit facility of
Euro 1 billion maturing in 2007. In accordance with
our financing policy, these committed credit facilities should
be available to serve at any time as refinancing source for all
of our outstanding commercial paper.
OFF BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS
Our off balance sheet arrangements mainly consist of guarantees
issued in connection with our operations. The reasons to issue
the guarantees are stated in the discussion of each material
guarantee arrangement that is found in note 34 to the
consolidated financial statements.
We also have some associated companies that according to US GAAP
are defined as Variable Interest Entities (VIEs)
that are not consolidated. You should read note 38 to our
consolidated financial statements for more information our VIEs.
In addition to the amounts included in the table below, we have
provided guarantees for the payment of all lease obligations
undertaken by two Telenor subsidiaries under three cross border
QTE leases. As of December 31, 2004 and 2005, the total
gross amount of the guarantees amounted to
NOK 7,240 million (USD 1,070 million) and
NOK 6,459 million (USD 1,070 million),
respectively. We have provided a defeasance of all amounts due
by us under the QTE lease agreements with highly-rated financial
institutions and US government related securities. You should
read notes 16, 22, 23 and 38 to our consolidated financial
statements for additional information on these leases.
The following table relates to our other guarantees as of
December 31, 2005. Guarantees where the resulting liability
is included in the balance sheet are not included in the
following table.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Expire less | |
|
|
|
|
|
Expire | |
|
|
|
|
than 1 year | |
|
Expire | |
|
Expire | |
|
over | |
|
|
Total | |
|
(2006) | |
|
2-3 years | |
|
4-5 years | |
|
5 years | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(NOK in millions) | |
Guarantee liabilities
|
|
|
2,498 |
|
|
|
2,000 |
|
|
|
344 |
|
|
|
148 |
|
|
|
6 |
|
You should read note 34 to our consolidated financial
statements for additional information on our guarantees.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES UNDER IFRS
The preparation of financial statements in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles, such as IFRS, requires
management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the
reported amounts of assets and liabilities, as well as the
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of
the financial
127
statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses
during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from
those estimates.
Certain amounts included in or affecting our financial
statements and related disclosure must be estimated, requiring
us to make assumptions with respect to values or conditions
which cannot be known with certainty at the time the financial
statements are prepared. A critical accounting
estimate is one which is both important to the portrayal
of the companys financial condition and results and
requires managements most difficult, subjective or complex
judgments, often as a result of the need to make estimates about
the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain. We evaluate
such estimates on an ongoing basis, based upon historical
results and experience, consultation with experts, trends and
other methods we consider reasonable in the particular
circumstances, as well as our forecasts as to how these might
change in the future.
Revenue recognition. The main part of our revenues is
based on usage, such as traffic or periodic subscriptions. We
have many subscribers and offer a number of different services
with different price plans. We provide discounts of various
types, often in connection with different campaigns. We also
sell wholesale products to other operators and vendors within
the different countries and across borders. We have to make a
number of estimates related to recognizing revenues. To some
extent, we have to rely on information from other operators on
amounts of services delivered. For some services, the other
parties may dispute the prices we charge. We then make estimates
of the final outcome. Some revenue is recorded in the balance
sheet as deferred revenue (e.g. some connection fee). We
have to estimate the average customer relationship as the
deferral period.
Impairment. We have made significant investments in
property, plant and equipment, intangible assets and goodwill,
associated companies and other investments. These assets and
investments are tested for impairment when circumstances
indicate there may be a potential impairment. Factors we
consider important which could trigger an impairment review
include the following; significant fall in market values;
significant underperformance relative to historical or projected
future operating results; significant changes in the use of our
assets or the strategy for our overall business, including
assets that are decided to be phased out or replaced and assets
that are damaged or taken out of use; significant negative
industry or economic trends; and significant cost overruns in
the development of assets.
Estimating recoverable amounts of assets and companies must in
part be based on management evaluations, including estimates of
future performance, revenue generating capacity of the assets,
assumptions of the future market conditions and the success in
marketing of new products and services. Changes in circumstances
and in managements evaluations and assumptions may give
rise to impairment losses in the relevant periods.
Depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and
amortization is based on management estimates of the future
useful life of property, plant and equipment and intangible
assets. Estimates may change due to technological developments,
competition, changes in market conditions and other factors and
may result in changes in the estimated useful life and in the
amortization or depreciation charges. Technological developments
are difficult to predict and our views on the trends and pace of
development may change over time. Some of our assets and
technologies, in which we invested several years ago, are still
in use and provide the basis for our new technologies. For
example, our copper cables and infrastructure in our fixed
networks are used as the basis for the rollout of our xDSL
technology and lines. In our mobile business, the development
and launch of UMTS technology and services have been slower than
the telecommunications industry anticipated a few years ago. We
review the future useful life of property, plant and equipment
and intangible assets periodically taking into consideration the
factors mentioned above and all other important factors.
Estimated useful life for similar type of assets may vary
between different entities in the Group due to local factors as
growth rate, maturity of the market, history and expectations
for replacements or transfer of assets, climate and quality of
components used. In case of significant changes in our estimated
useful lives, depreciation and amortization charges are adjusted
prospectively. As of January 1 2005, we made some changes
in our estimated useful lives for some of our assets especially
for some components in our networks, as discussed in
note 15 to our consolidated financial statements.
128
Business combinations. We are required to allocate the
purchase price of acquired companies to the assets acquired and
liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair values. For
our larger acquisitions, we have engaged independent third-party
appraisal firms to assist us in determining the fair values of
the assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Such valuations
require management to make significant estimates and
assumptions. The significant purchased intangible assets
recorded by Telenor include customer contracts, brands,
licenses, service concession rights, roaming agreements and
software. Critical estimates in the evaluations of useful lives
for such intangible include, but are not limited to, estimated
average customer relationship based on churn, remaining license
or concession period, expected developments in technology and
markets. The significant tangible assets include primarily
networks. Critical estimates in valuing certain assets include,
but are not limited to, future expected cash flows for customer
contracts, licenses and roaming agreements replacement cost for
brands and property, plant and equipment. Managements
estimates of fair value and useful lives are based upon
assumptions believed to be reasonable, but which are inherently
uncertain and unpredictable and, as a result, actual results may
differ from estimates.
Income taxes. We write down deferred tax assets to an
amount that is more likely than not to be realized. Our
write-downs related primarily to losses carried forward in some
of our foreign operations. While we have considered future
taxable income and feasible tax planning strategies in
determining the write-downs, any difference in the amount that
we ultimately may realize would be included as income in the
period in which such a determination is made.
In previous years, we have realized significant tax losses on
shareholdings, both through liquidation and sale of shares to
third parties and between companies in our group. Even though we
believe that these tax losses are tax deductible, the tax
authorities have challenged our evaluations in connection with
some of our transactions. Generally, when new rules are
introduced there may be disagreements on the interpretation of
the new rules and the transitional rules. You should read
note 13 to our consolidated financial statements, for
additional information on our uncertain tax positions.
Pension costs, pension obligations and pension plan assets.
Calculation of pension costs and net pension obligations
(the difference between pension obligations and pension plan
assets) are made based on a number of estimates and assumptions.
Changes in, and deviations from, estimates and assumptions
(actuarial gains and losses) affect fair value of net pension
liabilities, but are not recorded in our financial statements
unless the accumulated effect of such changes and deviations
exceed 10% of the higher of our pension benefit obligations and
our pension plan assets at the beginning of the year. When
implementing IFRS as at January 1, 2004 we recognized all
actuarial gains and losses. In note 7 to our consolidated
financial statements, we have included a sensitivity analysis
for changes in certain actuarial assumptions.
Legal proceedings, claims and regulatory discussions. We
are subject to various legal proceedings, claims and regulatory
discussions, the outcomes of which are subject to significant
uncertainty. We evaluate, among other factors, the degree of
probability of an unfavourable outcome and the ability to make a
reasonable estimate of the amount of loss. Unanticipated events
or changes in these factors may require us to increase or
decrease the amount we have accrued for any matter or accrue for
a matter that has not been previously accrued because it was not
considered probable or a reasonable estimate could not be made.
OTHER INFORMATION
Inflation
Our results in recent years have not been substantially affected
by inflation. Inflation in Norway as measured by the consumer
price index during the years ended December 31, 2004 and
2005 was 0.4% and 1.5% respectively.
IFRS compared with U.S. GAAP
Our consolidated financial statements have been prepared in
accordance with IFRS, which differs from U.S. GAAP in
several respects. Our first IFRS financial statements are for
the year ending December 31,
129
2005, and include the comparative period for 2004. We have
prepared a reconciliation of our profit from total operations
attributable to equity holders of Telenor ASA (net income) for
the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2005, and of our
shareholders equity.
The significant differences between IFRS and U.S. GAAP
affecting our net income and shareholders equity are described
in note 38 to our audited consolidated financial statements.
Under U.S. GAAP, net income for the years ended
December 31, 2004 and 2005 would have been
NOK 5,639 million and NOK million 7,427,
respectively, as compared to, NOK 6,093 million and
NOK 7,646 million, respectively, under IFRS.
130
ITEM 6: DIRECTORS, SENIOR
MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES
DIRECTORS AND SENIOR MANAGEMENT
The management of Telenor is vested in board of directors and
President and CEO. The President is responsible for the
day-to-day management
of the company in accordance with the instructions, policies and
operating guidelines set out by the board of directors. The
articles of association specify that the board of directors
shall consist of between five and eleven members. Board of
directors consists of ten directors, three of which are employee
representatives. You should read Item 4: Information
on the Company Regulation Gender
Equality for information on Norwegian legislation
regarding the composition of a companys board of
directors. Telenor currently complies with such legislation.
The members of the board of directors (excluding employee
representatives) are elected by the corporate assembly.
Directors and executive officers of the Company are identified
below. The address of the directors and executive officers is
c/o Telenor ASA, at the corporate headquarters in Fornebu,
Norway.
Board of Directors
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Expiration of | |
Name |
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Address |
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Born |
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Positions |
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current term | |
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Thorleif Enger
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Oslo |
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1943 |
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Chairman |
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Spring 2007 |
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Bjørg Ven
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Oslo |
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1946 |
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Deputy Chairman |
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Spring 2007 |
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Hanne de Mora
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Erlenbach, Switzerland |
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1960 |
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Director |
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Spring 2007 |
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John Giverholt
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Oslo |
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1952 |
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Director |
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Spring 2007 |
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Liselott Kilaas
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Oslo |
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1959 |
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Director |
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Spring 2007 |
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Jørgen Lindegaard
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Copenhagen, Denmark |
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1943 |
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Director |
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Spring 2007 |
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Paul Bergqvist
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Vikbolandet, Sweden |
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1946 |
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Director |
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Spring 2007 |
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Harald Stavn(1)
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Kongsberg |
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1954 |
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Director |
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Fall 2007 |
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Per Gunnar Salomonsen(1)
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Skien |
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1954 |
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Director |
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Fall 2007 |
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Irma Tystad(1)
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Trysil |
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1943 |
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Director |
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Fall 2007 |
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(1) |
Elected by the employees. |
Thorleif Enger was elected to the board on
October 1, 2001 and was made Chairman on March 6,
2003. He is chief executive officer of Yara International ASA.
He began working for Norsk Hydro in 1973 and has held a number
of positions in the company. Mr. Enger is a member of
ABBs corporate assembly and a member of Ruhrgas
Supervisory Board. He has a doctorate in structural engineering
from the University of Colorado.
Bjørg Ven was elected to the board on
October 1, 2001. She is a solicitor with attendance rights
at the Supreme Court in Norway, and since 1980 has been a
partner in the law firm, Haavind Vislie, in Oslo. She is
chairman of the appeal board of the Oslo Stock Exchange and the
appeal board for Public Acquisitions. Ms. Ven is substitute
judge at the EFTA court in Luxembourg.
Hanne de Mora was elected to the board on
June 18, 2002. Her work experience includes Den norske
Creditbank in Luxembourg and Procter & Gamble in Geneva
and Stockholm. She has been a partner with McKinsey &
Company since 1996. Since June 2002, she has run her own
management resource firm in Switzerland. She has an MBA from the
IESE Business School in Barcelona.
John Giverholt was elected to the board on
May 8, 2003. He is presently chief financial officer of
Ferd AS and has previously held leading positions in Arthur
Andersen, Actinor, Norsk Hydro, DnB and Orkla. He has a B.Sc.
from the University of Manchester, England and is a state
authorized public accountant in Norway.
131
Liselott Kilaas was elected to the board on
May 8, 2003. She is presently managing director of Zenitel
ASA. She has previously held leading positions in the oil
industry, PA Consulting Group and Stento AS and is currently a
board member of Norges Bank. She has a M.Sc. from the University
of Oslo and an MBA from the International Institute for
Management Development (IMD) in Lausanne.
Jørgen Lindegaard was elected to the board on
October 1, 2001. He is the chief executive officer of the
airline company SAS. Lindegaards background is in the
telecommunications industry, and since 1975 he has held
managerial positions at Fyns Telefon A/ S, København
Telefon A/ S and TeleDanmark A/ S. He was chairman of the board
of Sonofon Holding A/ S until 2004. Mr. Lindegaard is a
telecommunications engineer and a member of The Academy for
Technical Sciences in Denmark and Norway.
Paul Bergqvist was elected to the board on
April 7, 2005. He is Executive Vice President and Deputy
CEO of Carlsberg Sweden A/ S. Since 1971, he has held managerial
positions in a number of industrial companies, including
Husqvarna and Pripps/ Ringnes/ Carlsberg. Mr. Bergqvist has
also served as a director for a number of international
companies. He has a B.Sc in Engineering and has studied
Economics at the MBA-level.
Harald Stavn was elected to the board on
June 20, 2000 as an employee representative. Mr. Stavn
joined Telenor in 1974 and has held various engineering
positions. He is a board member of Telenor Pensjonskasse
(Pension Fund), member of the executive board of NITO (the
Norwegian Society of Engineers) and employee representative for
NITO in Telenor. Mr. Stavn has a technical education from
the Technical College of Norwegian Telecom and was also educated
as a business economist at Handelshøyskolen BI (the
Norwegian School of Management) in Oslo.
Per Gunnar Salomonsen was elected to the board on
November 1, 2000 as an employee representative.
Mr. Salomonsen began working for Telenor in 1973. He has
held various positions in Telenor, most recently as operations
engineer. From 1995 to 2000, he was a board member of Telenor
Nett. Mr. Salomonsen is a group employee representative for
the Norwegian trade union EL & IT Forbundet. He is an
engineer.
Irma Tystad was elected to the board of directors
on June 20, 2000 as an employee representative.
Ms. Tystad began working for Telenor in 1962 and has served
as a board member of Telenor Plus since 1995 and of Telenor
Pensjonskasse (Pension Fund) since 1997. She is the group
employee representative for Kommunikasjonsforbundet (Union of
Communications). Ms. Tystad is a graduate of the Technical
College of Norwegian Telecom and has subsequently studied
business and management.
Board Practices
In December 2000, board of directors established a compensation
committee consisting of the Chairman and two members to be
elected among the other shareholder-elected board members. The
Compensation Committee consists of Thorleif Enger (chairman),
Paul Bergqvist and Liselott Kilaas. President and CEO Jon
Fredrik Baksaas and the head of Group Human Resources are also
invited to attend at the request of the committee. The primary
responsibility of the committee is to discuss and provide
proposals to the board of directors with respect to compensation
practices for the CEO, Group Executive Management, and the
general compensation policy for other employees. The committee
meets on average two to four times a year.
In September 2003, an audit committee was established and is
currently composed of three members of the board. John
Giverholt, chairman, Hanne de Mora and Bjørg Ven are the
members elected by the board of directors to serve on the audit
committee. The audit committees task is to support the
board of directors in fulfilling their responsibilities with
respect to financial reporting, internal accounting controls and
auditing matters while reporting to the board of directors in
connection with the related procedures on an annual basis.
Concerning auditing matters, the audit committee has the
responsibility for making recommendations to the board and the
general assembly regarding the appointment, retention,
termination and fees of the external auditors. The audit
committee is also responsible for fulfilling the
responsibilities set forth in the Audit and
132
Permitted Non-Audit Services Pre-Approval Policies and
Procedures. For more information on these procedures, you should
read Item 16C: Principal Accountant Fees and
Services. Moreover, the audit committee assists the board
in the management of operational and financial risks. The audit
committee is responsible for dealing with complaints regarding
accounting, internal accounting controls or auditing matters.
The members of the audit committee shall meet when the members
deem it appropriate but shall at a minimum, conduct a meeting
three times a year. The Chief Executive Officer and/or other
members of management may be requested to attend meetings, as
necessary. Mr. Giverholt has been designated as the audit
committees financial expert. For more information on this
designation, you should read Item 16A: Audit
Committee Financial Expert.
Group Executive Management
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Name |
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Address |
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Born | |
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Position |
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Jon Fredrik Baksaas
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Sandvika |
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1954 |
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President and CEO |
Trond Ø. Westlie
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Jar |
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1961 |
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Executive Vice President and CFO |
Arve Johansen
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Oslo |
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1949 |
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Senior Executive Vice President and Head of Telenor Asia |
Morten Karlsen Sørby
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Karlstad |
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1959 |
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Executive Vice President and Head of Telenor Nordic |
Jan Edvard Thygesen
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Nesbru |
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1951 |
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Executive Vice President and Head of Telenor Central and Eastern
Europe |
Stig Eide Sivertsen
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Oslo |
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1959 |
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Executive Vice President and Head of Telenor Broadcast |
Bjørn Magnus Kopperud
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Drammen |
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1955 |
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Executive Vice President and Head of Group Human Resources |
Ragnar H. Korsæth
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Oslo |
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1966 |
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Executive Vice President and Head of Global Coordination |
Jon Fredrik Baksaas, President and CEO
has been President and CEO of Telenor since June 21, 2002.
Mr. Baksaas joined Telenor in 1989. During his employment
with Telenor, Mr. Baksaas has held positions in TBK A/S
(our 100% subsidiary) as Finance Director, Executive Vice
President and CEO before becoming Group CFO in November 1994. In
1997, he was made Deputy CEO. Before joining Telenor,
Mr. Baksaas held finance-related positions in Aker AS,
Stolt-Nielsen Seaway and Det norske Veritas. He is a board
member of Svenska Handelsbanken AB. Mr. Baksaas holds a
Master of Science in Business Administration from the Norwegian
School of Economics and Business Administration in Bergen and
has additional qualifications from IMD in Lausanne, Switzerland.
Arve Johansen, Senior Executive Vice President/ Deputy CEO
and Head of Telenor Asia has served as
Senior Executive Vice President/ Deputy CEO and Head of Telenor
Asia since January 2006. Mr. Johansen joined Telenor in
1989 and has held a number of positions in the Group. He has
served as Senior Executive Vice President and Head of Mobile
from 1999 to 2005 and was Chief Executive Officer of Telenor
International AS from its inception in 1993 to 1999. Prior to
joining Telenor, Mr. Johansen was employed at EB Telecom
(Ericsson Norway), where he served as Executive Vice President
and at the Norwegian Institute of Technology, as a research
engineer at ELAB. Mr. Johansen received his M.Sc in
Electrical Engineering (Telecommunications) from the Norwegian
Institute of Technology in 1973 and participated in the Program
for Management Development at Harvard Business School in 1988.
Trond Ø. Westlie, Executive Vice President and Chief
Financial Officer (CFO) has been Director of
Finance at Telenor ASA. He is a state authorized public
accountant in Norway. Mr. Westlie joined Telenor in 2004,
coming from Aker Kværner ASA, previously Aker Maritime ASA,
where he was Executive Vice President and CFO. He has previously
held a number of positions at Aker RGI ASA, including Executive
Vice President Business Development and Senior Vice President
Investor Relations. Mr. Westlie has also held managerial
positions in auditing departments at KPMG (Norway) and Richard
Eisner & Co (New York).
Morten Karlsen Sørby, Executive Vice President and
Head of Telenor Nordic has served as
Executive Vice President since January 2003. Since January 2005,
he has held the position as Head of Telenor Nordic.
Mr. Karlsen Sørby joined Telenor in 1993 and has since
held a number of senior positions in
133
Telenor, including Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Telenor
Mobile and General Manager of Telenor International AS. He has
previously worked at Arthur Andersen & Co in Oslo.
Mr. Sørby holds a M.Sc in Business administration and
is a state authorized public accountant in Norway. He also has
qualifications from IMD.
Jan Edvard Thygesen, Executive Vice President and Head of
Telenor Central and Eastern Europe has
served as Executive Vice President since 1999. Since January
2006, he has served as Head of Telenor Central and Eastern
Europe. Since joining Telenor in 1979, Mr. Thygesen has
held various senior positions, including Chief Executive Officer
of Sonofon, Executive Vice President and General Manager of
Telenor Nordic Mobile, Executive Vice President of Telenor
Mobil, President of Telenor Invest AS, Executive Vice President
of Telenor Bedrift AS and President of Telenor Nett AS. He has
also served as President of Esat Digifone and Televerket.
Mr. Thygesen holds a B.Sc in Electronics and
Telecommunications from the Norwegian Institute of Technology.
Stig Eide Sivertsen, Executive Vice President and Head of
Telenor Broadcast has served as Executive
Vice President since 1999. He is Head of Telenor Broadcast.
Mr. Sivertsen joined the Company in 1997 as the Director of
Finance and chief accountant for Telenor Link AS.
Mr. Sivertsen previously held positions as Chief Executive
Officer of Nettavisen AS and Chief Financial Officer of
Petroleum Geo-Services ASA and Schibsted ASA. Mr. Sivertsen
holds elementary and supplementary degrees in law from the
University of Bergen and a Master of Business Administration
from Durham University.
Bjørn Magnus Kopperud, Executive Vice President and
Head of Group Human Resources has served as
Executive Vice President since January 2006. Since 2003 he has
served as Head of Group Human Resources. Mr. Kopperud
joined Telenor in 1994 and has held a number of senior positions
at Telenor, including Executive Vice President of Telenor Mobile
AS, Managing Director at Telenor Global Services AS and Managing
Director at Telenor Global AS. Mr. Kopperud holds a Master
of Science in Computer Science from the Norwegian Institute of
Technology and has additional qualifications from Business
Management studies at both IMD and INSEAD.
Ragnar H. Korsæth, Executive Vice President and Head
of Global Coordination has served as
Executive Vice President and Head of Global Coordination since
January 2006. Mr. Korsæth joined Telenor in 1997 and
has held a number of senior positions, including Chief Operating
Officer of Telenor International Mobile, Chief Financial Officer
of Telenor Mobile and Finance Director at Telenor International.
Mr. Korsæth holds a Master of Science in Business
Administration from the Norwegian School of Economics and
Business Administration in Bergen and has additional
qualifications as Certified Financial Analyst (EFFAS) from
the Norwegian School of Business and Administration in Bergen.
Corporate Assembly
The corporate assembly consists of 15 members. The General
Meeting elects ten members with three alternates. The employees
elect an additional five members and two observers, all with
alternates. A member of the corporate assembly (other than a
member elected by employees) may be removed by the shareholders
at any time without cause.
The corporate assembly has a duty to supervise the board of
directors and the President and CEO in their management of the
company. Under Norwegian law, the corporate assembly has a
fiduciary duty to the shareholders.
One of the principal functions of the corporate assembly is to
elect and remove the board of directors. Up to one-third of the
members of the board of directors, but in no event less than two
persons, including alternates shall be elected among the
employees if one-third of the corporate assembly members demand
it.
Half of the members elected by the employees may request that
the board members shall be elected by the shareholder-elected
members and employee-elected members of the assembly voting as
separate groups. The members are elected for a term of two
years. The current term of the members elected by the employees
and general meeting will expire during the spring of 2005. The
approval of the corporate assembly is required
134
for significant investments as well as for substantial changes
to operations that affect the number or allocation of employees
on the recommendation of the board of directors.
Set forth below is a list of the current members of the
corporate assembly.
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Name |
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Address |
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Position |
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Jan Erik Korssjøen
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Kongsberg |
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Chairman |
Marianne Lie
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Stabekk |
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Deputy Chairman |
Hanne Harlem
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Oslo |
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Member |
Randi Braathe
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Rygge |
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Member |
Jostein Devold
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Kristiansand |
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Member |
Arne Jenssen
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Trondheim |
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Member |
Hans Olav Karde
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Tromsø |
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Member |
Berit Kopren
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Stavanger |
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Member |
Nils-Edvard Olsen
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Kirkenes |
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Member |
Stein Erik Olsen
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Flaktveit |
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Member |
Jan Riddervold
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Lillehammer |
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Member |
Signe Marie Jore Ritterberg
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Oslo |
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Member |
Stener Johannes Lium
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Ranheim |
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Member |
Inger-Grethe Solstad
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Stavanger |
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Member |
Astri Skare
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Bergen |
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Member |
Election Committee
Telenor has an election committee that makes recommendations to
the general meeting regarding the election of
shareholder-elected members of the corporate assembly and their
alternates. The committee consists of four members who are
shareholders or representatives of shareholders. The chairman of
the corporate assembly is a permanent member of the committee
and acts as its chairman. Two members are elected by the general
meeting and one member is elected by and from the corporate
assemblys shareholder-elected members. Each member is
elected for a two-year term.
Compensation of the Board of Directors, Corporate Assembly
and Group Management
All of the amounts disclosed below exclude social security tax
payments.
Aggregate remuneration, taxable income, for the Group Executive
Management (GEM) for 2005 was NOK 21,283,636 (Torstein
Moland is included until September 15, 2005 and Trond
Westlie is included from September 15, 2005). In addition,
Telenors pension cost for GEM members was NOK 6,831,000.
The aggregate remuneration for the Board of Directors and the
Corporate Assembly for 2005 was NOK 2,216,027 and NOK 461,641
respectively. In addition, remuneration for the audit,
compensation and nomination committees was in total NOK 267,000.
The members of the Board of Directors have no agreements which
entitles them to extraordinary remuneration in the event of
termination or change of office or agreement for bonus, profit
sharing, options or similar. In 2005, there has not been any
share option program or other long-term incentive plans.
The annual base salary for the president and CEO, Jon Fredrik
Baksaas, was NOK 4,000,000 in 2005. Pension costs for the CEO
was NOK 1,309,000 (NOK 1,404,000 in 2004), and other
benefits were NOK 130,171 in 2005. His total taxable income was
NOK 5,169,504 in 2005. Jon Fredrik Baksaas had a bonus
agreement for 2005 with a maximum payment of 6 months of
annual base salary. In 2003, he was granted 250,000 share
options with a maturity of 7 years. In 2002, when he was
appointed President and CEO, he was granted 150,000 share
options and another 100,000 in the share option program in 2002.
Telenors pension plan gives Mr. Baksaas the right to
retire at the age of 60 with a supplementary pension, resulting
in a total pension equal to 66% of pension-qualifying income.
Pension-qualifying income is restricted to NOK 3,000,000,
adjusted annually with the consumer price index. The first
adjustment occurred on January 1, 2003. Mr. Baksaas
has the right to receive salary for a period of 24 months
if Telenor terminates the
135
employment, provided that he does not undertake any other
employment during such period, in which case the payment would
be reduced by 75% of the salary for the new employment. There
will be no holiday payment on this amount. The agreed period of
termination notice is six months.
The table below gives information about each member of GEM.
Information regarding the CEO, Jon Fredrik Baksaas is provided
above.
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Agreed | |
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period of | |
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Severance | |
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Name/title |
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notice | |
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Pay | |
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Pension benefits |
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Senior Executive Vice President
Arve Johansen(1)
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6 months |
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6 months |
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66% of Pension-qualifying income at the date of retirement with
the right to retire at the age of 60. The Pension-qualifying
income will be equal to the salary of December 31, 2004
with an annual regulation according to the consumer price index. |
Executive Vice President,
Trond Ø. Westlie
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6 months |
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6 months |
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66% of persion-qualifying income up to 12G. Defined contribution
plan with 30% of salary above 12G. |
Executive Vice President
Stig Eide Sivertsen
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6 months |
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No |
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66% of Pension-qualifying income at the date of retirement with
the right to retire at the age of 62. The Pension-qualifying
income will be equal to the salary of December 31, 2004
with an annual regulation according to the consumer price index. |
Executive Vice President
Jan Edvard Thygesen
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6 months |
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6 months |
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66% of Pension-qualifying income at the date of retirement with
the right to retire at the age of 62. The Pension-qualifying
income will be equal to the salary of December 31, 2003
with an annual regulation according to the consumer price index. |
Executive Vice President
Morten Karlsen Sørby
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6 months |
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6 months |
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66% of Pension-qualifying income at the date of retirement with
the right to retire at the age of 62. The Pension-qualifying
income will be equal to the salary of December 31, 2002
with an annual regulation according to the consumer price index. |
Executive Vice President
Ragnar H Korsæth(2)
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6 months |
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6 months |
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66% of Pension-qualifying income at the date of retirement with
the right to retire at the age of 65. The Pension-qualifying
income will be equal to the salary of December 31, 2002
with an annual regulation according to the consumer price index. |
136
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Agreed | |
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period of | |
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Severance | |
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Name/title |
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notice | |
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Pay | |
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Pension benefits |
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Executive Vice President
Bjørn Magnus Kopperud(2)
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6 months |
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6 months |
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66% of Pension-qualifying income at the date of retirement with
the right to retire at the age of 62. The Pension-qualifying
income will be equal to the salary of December 31, 2002
with an annual regulation according to the consumer price index. |
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(1) |
Arve Johansen has an agreement which entitles him to a possible
transfer to other positions within the organization with the
right to be compensated by an amount equal to half their salary.
These agreements relate to a specified time period up to the age
of retirement. The future pension benefits are based on the
salary at the time of transfer. |
|
(2) |
Joined the GEM in January 2006. |
Members of GEM are also eligible for annual bonus payments, with
a maximum bonus equal to 6 months of annual base salary in
2004. If the target is reached (under any given bonus criteria),
50% of the bonus is paid. 100% of the bonus may only be paid as
a result of exceptional financial performance exceeding budget.
The GEM is offered a combination of annual bonus and share
options, providing both short- and long-term incentives. Annual
bonus is also used as an incentive for other managers and key
personnel. A limited group has also been granted Telenor share
options.
Telenor granted share options on February 21, 2002,
February 21, 2003 and February 23, 2004. In addition,
150,000 options were granted to the President and CEO on
June 21, 2002. In 2002, 85 managers and key personnel were
granted options, and in 2003, 110 managers and key personnel
were granted options. In 2004, only a limited group of 12 new
executives and managers were granted options.
Options granted in 2002: One third of the options vest in
each of the three years subsequent to the date of grant. The
latest possible exercise date is seven years subsequent to the
date of grant. The exercise price corresponds to the average
closing price on the Oslo Stock Exchange for the five trading
days prior to the date of grant, increasing by an amount each
month corresponding to 1/12 of 12 months NIBOR (Norwegian
Interbank Interest Rate). The options may only be exercised four
times a year, during a ten-day period after the publication of
the previous quarterly results. For options granted on
February 21, 2002, the price at end of exercise life will
be NOK 50.96 (based on 12 months NIBOR on
February 21, 2002). For options granted to Mr. Jon
Fredrik Baksaas on June 21, 2002, the price at end of
exercise life will be NOK 42.12 (based on 12 months
NIBOR on June 21, 2002).
Options granted in 2003 and 2004: One third of the
options vest in each of the three years subsequent to the date
of grant and are exercisable if the stock price at the time of
exercise is higher than the average closing price on the Oslo
Stock Exchange for the five trading days prior to the date of
grant, adjusted by 5.38% per year. The latest possible
exercise date is seven years subsequent to the date of grant.
The exercise price corresponds to the average closing price on
the Oslo Stock Exchange five trading days prior to the date
137
of grant (NOK 26.44 for 2003 and NOK 48.36 for 2004). The
options may only be exercised four times a year during a ten-day
period after the publication of the quarterly results.
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Estimated fair value |
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Average exercise |
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at grant date (per |
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price at the end of |
Share Options Telenor ASA |
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Share options |
|
share option) |
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option life (1) |
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Options granted in 2002 (21 February)
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2,520,000 |
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7.28 |
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50.96 |
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Options granted in 2002 (21 June)
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150,000 |
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|
|
5.99 |
|
|
|
42.12 |
|
Options forfeited in 2002
|
|
|
55,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
50.96 |
|
Balance at 31 December 2002
|
|
|
2,615,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
50.45 |
|
Options granted in 2003
|
|
|
2,850,000 |
|
|
|
8.36 |
|
|
|
26.44 |
|
Options forfeited in 2003
|
|
|
290,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
32.36 |
|
Options exercised in 2003
|
|
|
71,667 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
50.96 |
|
Balance at 31 December 2003
|
|
|
5,103,333 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
38.06 |
|
Options granted in 2004
|
|
|
380,000 |
|
|
|
11.89 |
|
|
|
48.36 |
|
Options forfeited in 2004
|
|
|
45,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
26.98 |
|
Options exercised in 2004
|
|
|
1,027,994 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
36.28 |
|
Balance at 31 December 2004
|
|
|
4,410,339 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
33.97 |
|
Options granted in 2005
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Options forfeited in 2005
|
|
|
145,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
44.98 |
|
Options exercised in 2005
|
|
|
1,237,675 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
33.11 |
|
Balance at 31 December 2005
|
|
|
3,027,664 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
34.11 |
|
|
|
(1) |
Exercise price for the share option programs of 2002 are
calculated at the latest possible date of exercise, and based on
12 month NIBOR, implied forward rates calculated of the
spot curve (February 20, 2006, and June 20, 2005). For
the share option programs of 2003 and 2004, the exercise prices
are fixed throughout the options terms. |
The weighted average share price at the date of exercise for
share options exercised during 2005 was 58.95 (49.64 in 2004 and
38.50 in 2003).
The table below details Telenors options outstanding by
related option exercise price as of December 31, 2004 and
is based on the latest exercise price. All options may be
exercised prior to the termination of the plan.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted Average |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Remaining Life |
|
Options Exercisable |
|
Options Exercisable |
Weighted Average |
|
|
|
as of |
|
as of |
|
as of |
Exercise Price |
|
Options |
|
December 31, |
|
December 31, |
|
December 31, |
(in NOK)(1) |
|
Outstanding |
|
2005 |
|
2005(1) |
|
2004(1) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
41.67(1)(2) |
|
|
|
937,667 |
|
|
|
3.1 years |
|
|
|
937,667 |
|
|
|
913,667 |
|
|
33.32(1)(3) |
|
|
|
150,000 |
|
|
|
3.1 years |
|
|
|
150,000 |
|
|
|
100,000 |
|
|
26.44(4) |
|
|
|
1,706,664 |
|
|
|
4.1 years |
|
|
|
906,674 |
|
|
|
583,328 |
|
|
48.36(5) |
|
|
|
233,333 |
|
|
|
4.8 years |
|
|
|
53,333 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
Exercise price for the share option programs of 2002 are
calculated at the latest possible date of exercise, and based on
12 month NIBOR, implied forward rates calculated of the
spot curve (February 20, 2006, and June 20, 2005). For
the share option programs of 2003 and 2004, the exercise prices
are fixed throughout the options terms. |
|
(2) |
First possible exercise was February 2003 for
1/3
of the options. |
|
(3) |
First possible exercise was July 2003 for
1/3
of the options. |
|
(4) |
First possible exercise was February 2004 for
1/3
of the options. |
|
(5) |
First possible exercise was February 2005 for
1/3
of the options. |
138
Upon the exercise of options, Telenor maintains the right to
redeem options by paying an amount in cash corresponding to the
difference between exercise quotation price and closing price on
the day the notification reached the company. The options may be
exercised earlier than the end of the option term, as long as
they are exercisable.
The following members of the GEM were granted options under the
above-mentioned option-programs.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Options | |
|
Options | |
|
Options | |
|
|
Granted on | |
|
Granted on | |
|
Granted on | |
|
|
February 21, | |
|
June 21, | |
|
February 21, | |
Name |
|
2002 | |
|
2002 | |
|
2003 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Jon Fredrik Baksaas
|
|
|
100,000 |
|
|
|
150,000 |
|
|
|
250,000 |
|
Trond Ø. Westlie
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Arve Johansen
|
|
|
100,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
100,000 |
|
Jan Edvard Thygesen
|
|
|
75,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
75,000 |
|
Stig Eide Sivertsen
|
|
|
75,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
75,000 |
|
Morten Karlsen Sørby
|
|
|
70,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
75,000 |
|
Bjørn Magnus Kopperud(1)
|
|
|
50,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
50,000 |
|
Ragnar H. Korsæth(1)
|
|
|
20,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
30,000 |
|
|
|
(1) |
Joined the GEM in January 2006. |
None of the members in GEM have been granted additional options
subsequent to February 21, 2003.
Pension Benefits
Telenor provides pension benefits to substantially all of the
employees in Norway. Currently, Telenor is moving from the
defined benefit plan to a new contribution-based plan. Current
employees will get to choose between the old and the new plan
before June 30, 2006. New employees will enter the defined
contribution plan. In addition to the above changes, Telenor has
introduced an extended group life insurance to replace the
defined benefit spouses pension.
The defined benefit plan is provided through the foundation
Telenor Pension Fund (Telenor Pensjonskasse). We
established the fund on January 1, 1988 as part of Statens
Pensjonskasse, and as of September 1, 1995 as Telenors
Pensjonskasse. On that date, all of the employees who had
previously been part of a governmental pension scheme were
placed into Telenors Norwegian pension scheme. Under an
arrangement with the government, the governments pension
scheme will fund all pension entitlements that were accrued up
to September 1, 1995, without any recourse to Telenor.
The amount of benefits provided through the fund is based on the
employees length of service and compensation. Full pension
benefits through the fund are 66% (including of Norwegian
national insurance) of the employees final annual salary
assuming a minimum of 30 years of service. However, the
annual remuneration that determines the pension benefits cannot
exceed 12 times the base amount (Grunnbeløp) set by the
government. For May 2005, the base amount is NOK 60,699. The
Parliament determines the maximum amount of pension benefits
annually based on an index linked to an employees salary.
Our long-term anticipation is that the Parliament will increase
pension benefits provided through the fund by approximately
3% per year. Under Norwegian law, the Telenor pension fund
is treated as a service pension arrangement and, therefore, the
premium for the plan is tax deductible. The rules set out by our
pension fund are used to calculate the value of the commitments
made.
The contribution-based plan provides a defined contribution
depending on salary level, up to a certain limit.
In addition to the standard benefits described above, we
established a supplementary foundation, the Telenor Pension
Fund II, on January 1, 1997 to provide additional
benefits to eligible employees pursuant to their employment
contracts. Generally, the right to retire under this scheme is
at the age of 65, and full
139
pension under this scheme is 66% of the employees annual
salary for the part exceeding 12 times the base amount. Eligible
employees receive full pension benefits after 20 years of
participation in the plan. However, the pension qualifying
income is capped at earnings exceeding NOK 1,200,000. Pension
qualifying income exceeding NOK 1,200,000 will increase in line
with the consumer price index.
The premium payable under the Telenor Pension Fund II is
not tax deductible according to Norwegian tax law. As from 2004
the financing of this supplementary pension arrangement was
changed and of the total pension benefit of 66% of
pension-qualifying income exceeding 12 times the base amount,
only ten percent (of the total benefit) financed through
premiums to the Telenor Pension Fund II. Consequently,
future payments of pension benefits will to a large extent be
payable directly from Telenor to the employee subsequent to the
date of retirement.
The Telenor Pension Fund II is closed for new members, and
a supplementary pension plan based on defined contribution has
been implemented. Eligibility criteria is based on base salary
level, up to a certain limit.
Exemptions from corporate governance listing requirements
under the NASDAQ Marketplace Rules
Pursuant to new rules effective March 3, 2005, a foreign
private issuer is no longer required to request an exemption
from NASDAQs corporate governance standards.
Notwithstanding that fact, we filed our NASDAQ certification
before July 31, 2005 stating our compliance with the new
requirements for audit committee composition, audit committee
charter, nominating committee charter, executive sessions and
code of conduct for foreign private issuers.
The composition of our Board of Directors is consistent with the
requirements of NASDAQ Marketplace Rules. Members of our Board
of Directors and Audit Committee are independent and do not
consist of members of our management. In compliance with
Norwegian law however, three members of our Board of Directors
are also employees with alternates in the event the employee can
not attend a board meeting.
Our articles of association do not provide any quorum
requirement that is generally applicable to general meetings of
our shareholders. This absence of a quorum requirement is in
accordance with Norwegian law and generally accepted business
practices in Norway. Accordingly, we were granted an exemption
with respect to the quorum requirement under Rule 4350(f),
which requires each issuer to provide for a quorum as specified
in its by-laws for any meeting of the holders of common stock,
which shall in no case be less than
331/3
% of the outstanding shares of a companys common
voting stock.
Regarding audit committee approval of related party
transactions, Norwegian law and practice as well as our codes of
conduct provide for certain alternative safeguards. For example:
there are restrictions on directors actions in situations
where conflicts of interest arise; there is a requirement under
Norwegian corporate law for the board of directors, which is
composed of non-executive directors, to approve material
transactions, including material related party transactions;
certain material transactions with shareholders require approval
by our shareholders; intra-group transactions are required to be
on an arms length basis and, if they are material, to be
approved by the shareholders; and business relationships with
Norwegian governmental authorities must comply with certain
public procurement rules aiming at equal treatment of suppliers,
transparency and competition. In July 2004, we were granted an
application for exemption from the recently adopted NASDAQ
requirements relating to audit committee approval of related
party transactions under Rule 4350(h) and shareholder
approval of equity compensation plans under Rule 4350(i)
with NASDAQ in accordance with Rule 4350(a).
As to the requirement of shareholder approval of equity
compensation plans, although equity compensation plans as such
are not required to be submitted to the vote of our
shareholders, under Norwegian law our board of directors is
required to seek shareholders authorization to issue new
shares, including shares to be issued pursuant to our equity
compensation plans. Consequently, our shareholders exercise
control over the number of shares which can be issued under such
plans and, as a consequence, their potentially dilutive effect.
140
EMPLOYEES
As of December 31, 2005, we had 27,600 full-time
equivalent employees, of whom we employed 10,900 in Norway and
16,700 outside Norway. During 2005, the number of full-time
equivalent employees decreased by 500 from our operations in
Norway and increased by 7,200 full-time equivalent
employees from our operations outside Norway.
The number of our full-time equivalent in operations as of the
date indicated are:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of employees(1) | |
|
Number of employees(1) | |
|
Number of employees(1) | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
December 31, 2003 | |
|
December 31, 2004 | |
|
December 31, 2005 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
Outside | |
|
|
|
|
|
Outside | |
|
|
|
|
|
Outside | |
|
|
Business Area |
|
Norway | |
|
Norway | |
|
Total | |
|
Norway | |
|
Norway | |
|
Total | |
|
Norway | |
|
Norway | |
|
Total | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Telenor Mobil Norway
|
|
|
1,590 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,590 |
|
|
|
1,413 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,413 |
|
|
|
1,378 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,378 |
|
Sonofon Denmark
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,343 |
|
|
|
1,343 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,206 |
|
|
|
1,206 |
|
Kyivstar Ukraine
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,269 |
|
|
|
1,269 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,880 |
|
|
|
1,880 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,685 |
|
|
|
2,685 |
|
Pannon GSM Hungary
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,499 |
|
|
|
1,499 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,384 |
|
|
|
1,384 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,319 |
|
|
|
1,319 |
|
DiGi.Com Malaysia
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,450 |
|
|
|
1,450 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,549 |
|
|
|
1,549 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,603 |
|
|
|
1,603 |
|
GrameenPhone Bangladesh
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
829 |
|
|
|
829 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,147 |
|
|
|
1,147 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,731 |
|
|
|
2,731 |
|
Other mobile operations
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
21 |
|
|
|
21 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
462 |
|
|
|
462 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,848 |
|
|
|
4,848 |
|
Fixed
|
|
|
5,399 |
|
|
|
634 |
|
|
|
6,033 |
|
|
|
5,008 |
|
|
|
643 |
|
|
|
5,651 |
|
|
|
4,816 |
|
|
|
1,172 |
|
|
|
5,987 |
|
Broadcast
|
|
|
599 |
|
|
|
210 |
|
|
|
809 |
|
|
|
552 |
|
|
|
222 |
|
|
|
774 |
|
|
|
553 |
|
|
|
255 |
|
|
|
808 |
|
Other Operations
|
|
|
4,412 |
|
|
|
1,538 |
|
|
|
5,950 |
|
|
|
4,427 |
|
|
|
870 |
|
|
|
5,297 |
|
|
|
4,153 |
|
|
|
881 |
|
|
|
5,035 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
12,000 |
|
|
|
7,450 |
|
|
|
19,450 |
|
|
|
11,400 |
|
|
|
9,500 |
|
|
|
20,900 |
|
|
|
10,900 |
|
|
|
16,700 |
|
|
|
27,600 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
Full-time equivalents |
In Norway the Telenor Group is a member of the employers
association NHO (Confederation of Norwegian Business and
Industry). Joint consultation and cooperation with the trade
unions are governed through the Principal Agreement of our
employer association, central agreements of cooperation and
agreements in the individual business units or companies.
Cooperation is also formalized through forums such as the group
committee, the joint consultative committee and regular
management forums. Approximately 55% of the employees are union
members. The Corporate Assembly elects the Members of the Board
who represent the owners in addition to the Chairman. However,
at least a third of the Board Members are elected by and among
the employees.
Telenor continually seek to improve the skills and development
of our employees in each business areas. Employees participate
in various training programs. Telenors training
organizations provides different development programs and
cooperate with selected colleges and universities as well as
other educational and research institutions in Norway and
abroad. Telenor place great emphasis on promoting an atmosphere
geared towards learning and sharing of knowledge, with a strong
focus on efforts to retain the employees, which are
strategically important to the business. An important principle
of the personnel policy is to be an attractive and competitive
employer as well as to establish value-added remuneration plans.
Total loans to employees were NOK 36 million as of
December 31, 2005. NOK 18 million of this is related
to the employee share program, in which 3,590 employees in the
Nordic countries participated in 2005. The loans for purchase of
shares were limited to NOK 5,962 per employee after
discount. Loans for purchase of shares are non-interest-bearing
and are repaid over 12 months. The rest of the loans were
mainly related to the financing of cars purchased by the
employees as an alternative to company cars and to loans for
house purchase in two of the foreign subsidiaries. No member of
our Board of Directors or our Group Executive Management has
received loans from the company.
141
SHARE OWNERSHIP
The number of shares owned by the members of the board of
directors, the corporate assembly and the group executive
management as of March 31, 2006 is shown below. Shares
owned by the board of directors and the group management include
closely related parties.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of shares |
|
|
as of |
The Board of Directors |
|
March 31, 2006 |
|
|
|
Thorleif Enger
|
|
|
12,000 |
|
Bjørg Ven
|
|
|
10,000 |
|
John Giverholt
|
|
|
|
|
Jørgen Lindegaard
|
|
|
|
|
Hanne de Mora
|
|
|
|
|
Liselott Kilaas
|
|
|
|
|
Paul Bergqvist
|
|
|
|
|
Harald Stavn*
|
|
|
3,844 |
|
Per Gunnar Salomonsen*
|
|
|
1,896 |
|
Irma Tystad*
|
|
|
813 |
|
* Employee Representative on Board of Directors
|
|
|
|
|
Alternates for Employee Representatives |
|
|
on Board of Directors |
|
|
|
|
|
Helge Enger
|
|
|
1,737 |
|
Roger Rønning
|
|
|
1,137 |
|
Bjørn Andre Anderssen
|
|
|
720 |
|
Hjørdis Henriksen
|
|
|
275 |
|
Kaare Ingar Sletta
|
|
|
387 |
|
Marianne Losnegaard Jensen
|
|
|
|
|
142
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of shares | |
|
|
as of | |
The Corporate Assembly |
|
March 31, 2006 | |
|
|
| |
Jan Erik Korssjøen
|
|
|
|
|
Marianne Lie
|
|
|
|
|
Hanne Harlem
|
|
|
|
|
Randi Braathe
|
|
|
|
|
Jostein Devold
|
|
|
|
|
Arne Jenssen
|
|
|
407 |
|
Hans Olav Karde
|
|
|
|
|
Berit Kopren
|
|
|
275 |
|
Nils-Edvard Olsen
|
|
|
|
|
Stein Erik Olsen
|
|
|
116 |
|
Jan Riddervold
|
|
|
|
|
Signe Marie Jore Ritterberg
|
|
|
|
|
Stener Johannes Lium
|
|
|
|
|
Inger-Grethe Solstad
|
|
|
682 |
|
Astri Skare
|
|
|
|
|
Alternates:
|
|
|
|
|
Ingvild Nybø Holth
|
|
|
|
|
Siri Pettersen Strandnæs
|
|
|
|
|
Esther M. Strømme
|
|
|
|
|
Francisco Rasmijn
|
|
|
179 |
|
Ragnhild Holm
|
|
|
533 |
|
Observers:
|
|
|
|
|
Grethe Elin Henriksen-Alves
|
|
|
1,220 |
|
Brit Østby Fredriksen
|
|
|
1,730 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of shares | |
|
|
as of | |
The Group Executive Management |
|
March 31, 2006 | |
|
|
| |
Jon Fredrik Baksaas
|
|
|
57,852 |
|
Trond Ø. Westlie
|
|
|
|
|
Arve Johansen
|
|
|
51,462 |
|
Morten Karlsen Sørby
|
|
|
7,794 |
|
Jan Edvard Thygesen
|
|
|
56,278 |
|
Stig Eide Sivertsen
|
|
|
28,765 |
|
Ragnar H. Korsæth
|
|
|
5,670 |
|
Bjørn Magnus Kopperud
|
|
|
2,777 |
|
In order to encourage employee share ownership, employees and
the employees of Telenors Norwegian subsidiaries in which
the direct or indirect ownership share was greater than 90% in
2002, 2003 and 2004 have been offered a loan of approximately
NOK 6,000 each to buy shares for an aggregate value of up to NOK
7,500 (i.e. a cash discount of 20%). In 2005, this program was
extended to all Telenors permanent employees and the
employees of Telenors Nordic subsidiaries in which the
direct or indirect ownership share is greater than 90%. If the
average share price in a 30 days period of trading
preceding November 23, 2006 is at least 10% higher than the
corresponding average share price preceding November 23,
2005, employees that subscribed for shares in this offer will be
allocated bonus shares with a value of NOK 5,000.
This
143
assumes that the employee is still employed with Telenor and
still holds the allocated shares at the end of the period.
Approximately 33% of those who were offered shares accepted the
offer and were allocated 116 shares each at a share price
of NOK 64.25. This was the average quoted price during the last
five days of trading up to and including November 22, 2005.
In November 2005, each plan participant in the 2004 plan still
employed with Telenor and still with remaining shareholdings was
granted 39 bonus shares amounting to a value of NOK
2,447. These bonus shares were granted as a consequence of a
share price increase exceeded 12% from November 2004 to November
2005. The 2004 program granted shares for NOK 2,500 if the share
price increase was 12% or more.
In order to link the interest of the shareholders with that of
the GEM, the members of our GEM should as a principle own shares
in Telenor with a total value of at least one annual base
salary. If a member does not own the required number of shares
at payment of bonus, at least 20% of the gross bonus amount
should be invested in Telenor shares.
|
|
ITEM 7: |
MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS |
Other than as described below, we do not believe that we have
undertaken any material transactions or loans with a related
party.
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN TELENOR AND THE KINGDOM OF NORWAY
Background
Our predecessors and we have been responsible for
telecommunications in Norway since 1855, when Telenor was
founded as the Norwegian Telegraph Administration. Throughout
much of our operating history we have been a state-owned
monopoly telecommunications provider in Norway. Since the early
1980s, the Norwegian Telecommunications markets have been
gradually opened up to competition, and by January 1, 1998
the Norwegian market was fully opened. As part of the
deregulation process, we (under the name Telenor Communications
AS) were converted from a public enterprise to a limited company
owned 100% by the Kingdom of Norway in 1994. In 1995 we were
renamed Telenor. The Kingdom of Norways ownership of
Telenor was previously administered by the Ministry of Transport
and Communications. On September 8, 2000, the
administration of the Kingdom of Norways ownership
interest in Telenor was transferred to the Ministry of Trade and
Industry.
The Kingdom of Norway as a Shareholder
At March 31, 2006, the Kingdom of Norway owned
920,954,183 shares of Telenor, representing approximately
54.4% of our share capital (as diluted for 12,105,182 own
shares).
Prior to our initial public offering in December 2000, the
Kingdom of Norway owned 100% of our issued share capital, save
as described as follows. At our incorporation on July 21,
2000, our share capital, which was entirely owned by the Kingdom
of Norway, was NOK 8,400,000,000 divided into 840,000 ordinary
shares of NOK 10,000 nominal value each. At an extraordinary
general meeting held on November 10, 2000, it was decided
to split the shares into shares having a nominal value of NOK 6
each, whereupon our share capital was NOK 8,400,000,000 divided
into 1,400,000,000 ordinary shares of NOK 6 nominal value each.
At the same time, it was resolved to increase the share capital
by NOK 180,000,000 through the issuance of 30,000,000 ordinary
shares through a transfer of capital from other paid in
capital to share capital (a bonus issue). The Kingdom of
Norway waived its right to receive the new shares, which were
issued to us as own shares. The treasury shares were intended to
be used to grant additional bonus shares to retail investors in
Norway pursuant to the initial public offering. In December
2001, 1,896,828 of bonus shares were granted to retail investors
in Norway, leaving 28,103,172 of treasury shares owned by
Telenor. At the general meeting held on May 10, 2001, our
board of directors was given the authority to use
144
own shares at its discretion. In July 2004, these shares were
cancelled, in accordance with the authority given by the general
meeting of our shareholders on May 6, 2004.
In May 2005, we entered into an agreement with the Kingdom of
Norway, in connection with the share buyback program authorized
by the general meeting of our shareholders on May 20, 2005.
The Kingdom of Norway agreed to cancel an amount of its own
shares proportional to the amount of Telenor shares which we
repurchase in the open market. As a result, its ownership
interest will remain unchanged. In July 2005,
23,672,725 shares owned by the Kingdom of Norway were
redeemed in connection with the repurchase by Telenor of own
shares.
On June 14, 2000, the Storting (the Norwegian parliament)
authorized the Norwegian government to sell the Kingdom of
Norways shares in Telenor, provided that it ensures that
the Kingdom of Norways ownership level in Telenor amounts
to at least 51%. In 2001, the Storting authorized the Kingdom of
Norway to reduce its ownership level to 34% on specific terms.
In July 2003, the government sold 270,157,600 shares of
Telenor (comprising 250,000,000 shares sold to
institutional investors in and outside Norway and
20,157,600 shares sold to retail investors in Norway) and
reduced its ownership interest to approximately 62.5% of our
share capital.
In March and April 2004, the government sold
170,683,700 shares of Telenor (comprising
170,000,000 shares sold to institutional investors in and
outside of Norway and 683,700 shares sold to retail
investors in Norway) and reduced its ownership interest to
approximately 53.99% of our share capital.
As a majority shareholder, the Kingdom of Norway has the power
to control any decision at a meeting of our shareholders
requiring a majority vote, including electing a majority of the
corporate assembly which in turn has the power to elect our
board of directors, as well as approval of the payment of
dividends. In addition, as long as the Kingdom of Norway owns
more than one-third of the shares in Telenor, it will be able to
prevent any amendments to our articles of association.
The Norwegian government has noted that, as one of several
shareholders in Telenor, it will concentrate primarily on issues
relating to return on capital, capital structure and dividend
policy, emphasizing long-term profitable business development
and the creation of value for all shareholders. Telenor will be
expected to generate capital returns consistent with those of
other European companies in the same industry and with an
equivalent positioning to that of Telenor. The capital structure
and the dividend policy should be conducive to the creation of
shareholder value.
The Kingdom of Norway as a Regulator
Our telecommunications activities are regulated primarily by the
Electronic Communications Act and the secondary regulations
promulgated under it. Under the Electronic Communications Act,
the PT, which is an agency of the Norwegian government, has
day-to-day
responsibility for overseeing the telecommunications sector. The
PT reports to the Ministry of Transport and Communications.
Issues related to the governments dual role as owner and
regulator have been considered in numerous proposals before the
Storting. In order to increase market confidence that the
ownership and regulatory roles in the telecommunications sector
are organized in an acceptable manner, among other reasons, the
Norwegian government transferred the administration of the
Kingdom of Norways ownership interest in Telenor to the
Ministry of Trade and Industry on September 8, 2000.
The Kingdom of Norway as a Customer
The departments and agencies of the Kingdom of Norway in the
aggregate comprise our largest customer. Generally, we deal with
the various departments and agencies of the Kingdom of Norway as
separate customers, except that the terms upon which we offer
services to government entities are periodically established
through a tender process in order to comply with the procurement
rules to which the government entities are subject. The
provision of services to any one department or agency does not
constitute a material part of our revenues. You should read
note 28 to our consolidated financial statements for
additional information on our relationship with the Kingdom of
Norway.
145
OTHER RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
We have entered into arrangements with a number of subsidiaries
and affiliated companies in the course of our business.
Transactions between us and these subsidiaries and affiliated
companies are conducted at arms length, meaning on
commercially reasonable terms that would also have been agreed
by unrelated third parties. We provide a variety of services to
these companies, including network services, invoicing and
collection services, treasury services, administrative and
managerial services.
OTHER INFORMATION
As of March 31, 2006, 2,834,926 ADSs equivalent to
8,504,778 ordinary shares, or approximately 0.50% of the total
ordinary shares in issue, were outstanding and were held by
three holders. As of March 31, 2006, there was a total of
40,243 record holders of ordinary shares, of whom 174 had
registered addresses in the United States and held a total of
144,130,806 ordinary shares (8.45% of the total issued). Since
certain ordinary shares are registered in the names of nominees,
the number of shareholders of record may not be representative
of the number of beneficial owners.
For the number of shares owned by the members of the board of
directors, the corporate assembly and the group executive
management as of March 31, 2006, you should read
Item 6: Directors, Senior Management and
Employees Share Ownership. Shares owned by the
board of directors and the group management include closely
related parties.
|
|
ITEM 8: |
FINANCIAL INFORMATION |
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
See Item 18: Financial Statements.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Telenor is involved in a number of legal proceedings within
various forums. Some of these proceedings involve administrative
agencies, arbitrations, court cases within the governing
jurisdiction and matters before governmental bodies which
include minor and material issues that arise out of activities
related to Telenors business.
While acknowledging the uncertainties of litigation, Telenor is
of the opinion that based on the information available to date,
these matters will be resolved without any material negative
significant effects individually or in the aggregate on
Telenors financial position. Provisions have been made to
cover unfavorable rulings, judgments, decisions or foreseeable
deviations in tax assessments, pending the outcome of appeals by
Telenor against these decisions. Furthermore, provisions have
been made to cover the expected outcome of the other proceedings
to the extent that negative outcomes are likely and that
reliable estimates can be made.
You should read Item 4: Information about the
Company Regulation for a description of
regulatory proceedings and Item 4: Information about
the Company Mobile Operations for information
relating to our international mobile operations.
Telenor Eiendom Holding AS
In January 2003, Telenor Eiendom Holding AS (previously
Telenor Communication AS) initiated proceedings against the
Norwegian tax authorities before the Oslo District Court
relating to the non-recognition of a tax loss for the fiscal
year 2001 deriving from the sale of shares in Sonofon Holding A/
S from Telenor Eiendom Holding AS to Dansk Mobil
Holding AS. The disputed amount is approximately
NOK 8.6 billion, corresponding to a tax charge of
approximately NOK 2.4 billion. Hearings were held
before the Oslo District Court in January 2004 and a decision
favorable to Telenor Eiendom Holding AS was issued
146
on June 14, 2004. The tax authorities appealed the judgment
and main proceedings before the Court of Appeal (Borgarting
Lagmannsrett) were held on or about November 14
through 18, 2005. On December 21, 2005 a decision was
reached and issued by the Borgarting Lagmannsrett Appeals Court
in Norway for Telenor Eiendom Holding AS with respect to
the intra group sale of Telenors shares in Sonofon
Holding A/S. The taxes were paid in 2003. On or about
January 30, 2006, the Norwegian tax authorities appealed
the ruling of the Appeals Court to the Supreme Court of Norway.
The Supreme Court has not yet decided whether the appeal will be
heard. Consequently, Telenor has not taken the tax reduction to
income.
Telenor Mobile AS
In November 2003, Sense Communication ASA initiated legal
proceedings against Telenor Mobil AS before the Oslo
District Court claiming that prices set forth in a service
provision agreement for the period 2000-2003 had been excessive
and not in accordance with the requirements for cost-oriented
pricing. Sense gave notice to the effect that the claim might be
recalculated in order to include other relevant years. The Asker
and Bærum District Court gave judgment in favor of Telenor
Mobil in November 2, 2004 and Sense appealed to the Court
of Appeal. Sense (Reitan Gruppen AS, the Sense assignee)
presented the claim to the Appeals Court during the
8th through the 16th of February 2006 estimating its
claim for NOK 261 million plus interest and legal
costs. We expect the Appeals Court to render a decision in April
2006.
In March 2004, Telenor Mobil AS was summoned to appear
before the conciliation board in connection with a complaint
filed by Tele2. Tele2 has asserted a request for reimbursement
of approximately NOK 113 million plus interests and
legal costs. Tele2 alleges that prices charged by Telenor Mobil
for resale of mobile telephone services under the service
provider agreement with Tele2 has not been in accordance with
the requirements for cost-oriented pricing and the case has been
referred to the District Court for disposition. In May 2005,
Tele2 filed their claim and Telenor Mobile has provided its
response before the ordinary court in the first instance stating
that prices have been in accordance with the requirements of
cost oriented pricing. The parties have agreed to suspend the
case until clarification of some of the issues determined in the
Sense Communication case.
Disputes mentioned in note 24 to the Telenors
financial statements for 2004, for which a verdict has been
reached:
The liquidators of Enitel AS initiated legal proceedings against
Telenor Telecom Solutions AS and Telenor Mobil AS
before the Asker and Bærum District Court. The claim for
damages and reimbursement of NOK 121 million plus interest
was based on alleged overcharging for leased lines and traffic
terminated in our fixed and mobile networks for the period of
1997 to 2001. The court hearings commenced on January 17,
2005. In a judgment from Asker and Bærum District Court
dated March 14, 2005, the court dismissed the action
against Telenor Telecom Solutions AS and Telenor
Mobil AS. On April 14, 2005, the parties settled out
of court for an amount significantly less than claim asserted.
|
|
ITEM 9: |
THE OFFER AND LISTING |
The principal trading market for our ordinary shares is the Oslo
Stock Exchange. The shares have been listed since the initial
public offering in December 2000.
Our ordinary shares are also listed on the NASDAQ trading in the
form of American Depositary Shares (ADSs) evidenced by American
Depositary Receipts (ADRs). Each ADS represents three
ordinary shares. We have a sponsored ADR facility with
JP Morgan Chase Bank (formerly known as Morgan Guaranty
Trust Company of New York) as Depositary.
147
The following table gives, for the periods indicated, the
reported high and low market quotations for the ordinary shares
on the Oslo Stock Exchange, as derived from its Daily Official
List, and the highest and lowest sales prices of the ADSs as
reported on the NASDAQ National Market composite tape.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NOK per | |
|
|
|
|
ordinary share | |
|
$ per ADS | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
High | |
|
Low | |
|
High | |
|
Low | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
2001
|
|
|
45.40 |
|
|
|
28.00 |
|
|
|
15.625 |
|
|
|
9.000 |
|
2002
|
|
|
39.30 |
|
|
|
22.50 |
|
|
|
13.330 |
|
|
|
9.000 |
|
2003
|
|
|
44.50 |
|
|
|
22.80 |
|
|
|
20.200 |
|
|
|
9.500 |
|
2004
|
|
|
56.50 |
|
|
|
43.40 |
|
|
|
28.390 |
|
|
|
19.008 |
|
2005
|
|
|
66.75 |
|
|
|
49.50 |
|
|
|
30.295 |
|
|
|
22.850 |
|
2003
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
First Quarter
|
|
|
28.80 |
|
|
|
22.80 |
|
|
|
12.000 |
|
|
|
9.500 |
|
Second Quarter
|
|
|
31.80 |
|
|
|
23.20 |
|
|
|
13.800 |
|
|
|
9.760 |
|
Third Quarter
|
|
|
33.80 |
|
|
|
29.20 |
|
|
|
14.300 |
|
|
|
12.020 |
|
Fourth Quarter
|
|
|
44.50 |
|
|
|
32.20 |
|
|
|
20.200 |
|
|
|
13.701 |
|
2004
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
First Quarter
|
|
|
51.00 |
|
|
|
43.40 |
|
|
|
22.550 |
|
|
|
19.760 |
|
Second Quarter
|
|
|
48.60 |
|
|
|
43.60 |
|
|
|
21.890 |
|
|
|
19.008 |
|
Third Quarter
|
|
|
51.25 |
|
|
|
45.50 |
|
|
|
22.650 |
|
|
|
19.690 |
|
Fourth Quarter
|
|
|
56.50 |
|
|
|
50.75 |
|
|
|
28,390 |
|
|
|
23.150 |
|
2005
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
First Quarter
|
|
|
60.75 |
|
|
|
54.75 |
|
|
|
29.600 |
|
|
|
26.000 |
|
Second Quarter
|
|
|
58.75 |
|
|
|
49.50 |
|
|
|
28.230 |
|
|
|
22.950 |
|
Third Quarter
|
|
|
59.50 |
|
|
|
50.50 |
|
|
|
28.437 |
|
|
|
22.850 |
|
Fourth Quarter
|
|
|
66.75 |
|
|
|
54.00 |
|
|
|
30.295 |
|
|
|
25.399 |
|
2006
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
First Quarter
|
|
|
73.75 |
|
|
|
64.50 |
|
|
|
33.990 |
|
|
|
28.910 |
|
October 2005
|
|
|
63.50 |
|
|
|
54.00 |
|
|
|
29.540 |
|
|
|
25.399 |
|
November 2005
|
|
|
63.50 |
|
|
|
59.25 |
|
|
|
29.760 |
|
|
|
27.500 |
|
December 2005
|
|
|
66.75 |
|
|
|
64.00 |
|
|
|
30.295 |
|
|
|
28.250 |
|
January 2006
|
|
|
67.75 |
|
|
|
64.50 |
|
|
|
31.409 |
|
|
|
28.910 |
|
February 2006
|
|
|
73.00 |
|
|
|
66.50 |
|
|
|
32.600 |
|
|
|
29.550 |
|
March 2006
|
|
|
73.75 |
|
|
|
70.00 |
|
|
|
33.990 |
|
|
|
31.540 |
|
148
ITEM 10: ADDITIONAL
INFORMATION
MEMORANDUM AND ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION
Summary of our Articles of Association
Our registered name is Telenor ASA. We are a public limited
company.
Our registered office is in Bærum, Norway.
The objects of our company are telecommunications activities and
other related activities. The activities may be conducted by the
company itself, by subsidiaries or through participation in or
in cooperation with other companies.
Our share capital is NOK 10,293,421,758 divided into
1,706,570,293 ordinary shares.
For additional information relating to our share capital, you
should read note 32 to our consolidated financial
statements.
The nominal value of each ordinary share is NOK 6.
Our articles of association provide that our board of directors
shall consist of between five and eleven members.
We have a fifteen member corporate assembly. Members of the
corporate assembly are elected for a term of two years. The
General Meeting elects ten members with three alternates. The
employees elect five employee members and two observers, all
with alternates.
Our annual general meeting is held before the end of June, upon
two weeks written notice and will be chaired by the
chairman of the corporate assembly. Shareholders wishing to
attend the meeting must give us three days written notice.
The meeting deals with the annual report and accounts, including
distribution of dividends, and any other matters as required by
law or our articles of association.
We have an election committee that makes recommendations to the
general meeting regarding the election of shareholder-elected
members of the corporate assembly and their alternates. The
committee consists of four members who are shareholders or
representatives of shareholders. The chairman of the corporate
assembly is a permanent member of the committee and acts as its
chairman. Two members are elected by the general meeting and one
member is elected by and from the corporate assemblys
shareholder-elected members. Each member is elected for a
two-year term.
149
Shareholders Meetings
In accordance with Norwegian law, our annual general meeting of
shareholders is required to be held each year on or prior to
June 30. Norwegian law requires that written notice of
general meetings be sent to all shareholders whose addresses are
known at least two weeks prior to the date of the meeting. A
shareholder may vote at the general meeting either in person or
by proxy. Although Norwegian law does not require us to send
proxy forms to our shareholders for general meetings, we include
a proxy form with notices of general meetings.
In addition to the annual general meeting, extraordinary general
meetings of shareholders may be held if deemed necessary by the
board of directors, the corporate assembly or the chairman of
the corporate assembly. An extraordinary general meeting must
also be convened for the consideration of specific matters at
the written request of our auditors or of shareholders
representing a total of at least 5% of the outstanding share
capital.
Our general meetings are chaired by the chairman of the
corporate assembly.
Voting Rights
All the ordinary shares carry equal right to vote at general
meetings.
Except as otherwise provided, decisions which shareholders are
entitled to make pursuant to Norwegian law or our articles of
association may be made by a simple majority of the votes cast.
In case of elections, the persons who obtain the most votes cast
are deemed elected. However, certain decisions, including
resolutions to waive preferential rights in connection with any
share issue, to approve a merger or demerger, to amend our
articles of association or to authorize an increase or reduction
in our share capital must receive the approval of at least
two-thirds of the aggregate number of votes cast as well as
two-thirds of the share capital represented at a
shareholders meeting. Norwegian law further requires that
certain decisions, which have the effect of substantially
altering the rights and preferences of any shares or class of
shares receive the approval of at least two-thirds of the
holders of such shares or class of shares.
In order to attend and vote at our annual or extraordinary
general meetings, shareholders must notify us of their
attendance at least three days prior to the meeting. In general,
in order to be entitled to vote, a shareholder must be
registered as the owner of shares in the share register kept by
the Norwegian Central Securities Depositary, referred to as the
VPS System (described below), or, alternatively, report and show
evidence of its share acquisition to us prior to the general
meeting. Beneficial owners of shares which are registered in the
name of a nominee are generally not entitled to vote under
Norwegian law, nor are any persons who are designated in the
register as holding such shares as nominees. The beneficial
owners of ADSs are therefore only able to vote at meetings by
surrendering their ADSs, withdrawing their ordinary shares from
the ADS depositary and registering their ownership of such
ordinary shares directly in our share register in the VPS System.
The VPS System and Transfer of Shares
The VPS System is Norways paperless centralized securities
registry. It is a computerized bookkeeping system operated by an
independent body in which the ownership of, and all transactions
relating to, Norwegian listed shares must be recorded. Our share
register is operated through the VPS System.
All transactions relating to securities registered with the VPS
are made through computerized book entries. The VPS System
confirms each entry by sending a transcript to the registered
shareholder regardless of beneficial ownership. To effect these
entries, the individual shareholder must establish a share
account with a Norwegian account agent. Norwegian banks, the
central bank of Norway, authorized securities brokers in Norway,
bond issuing mortgage companies, unit trust managing companies
and Norwegian branches of credit institutions established within
the European Economic Area are allowed to act as account agents.
The entry of a transaction in the VPS System is prima facie
evidence in determining the legal rights of parties as against
the issuing company or a third party claiming an interest in the
subject security.
150
The VPS System is strictly liable for any loss resulting from an
error in connection with registering, altering or canceling a
right, except in the event of contributory negligence, in which
event compensation owed by the VPS System may be reduced or
withdrawn.
A transferee or assignee of shares may not exercise the rights
of a shareholder with respect to such shares unless such
transferee or assignee has registered such shareholding or has
reported and shown evidence of such share acquisition and the
acquisition of such shares is not prevented by law, our articles
of association or otherwise.
Amendments to our Articles of Association, including
Variation of Rights
The affirmative vote of two-thirds of the votes cast as well as
two-thirds of the aggregate share capital represented at the
general meeting is required to amend our articles of
association. Any amendment, which would reduce any
shareholders right in respect of dividend payments or
rights upon liquidation, or restrict the transferability of
shares requires a majority vote of at least 90%. Any amendment
which will alter the legal relationship between shares that were
previously equal or make any issued shares redeemable need the
consent of all shareholders affected thereby.
Additional Issuances and Preferential Rights
Any issuances of shares by us, including bonus issues, require
an amendment to our articles of association, which requires the
same vote as other amendments to our articles of association. In
addition, under Norwegian law, our shareholders have a
preferential right to subscribe to issues of new shares by us.
The preferential rights to subscribe for an issue may be waived
by a resolution in a general meeting by the same majority
required to approve amendments to our articles of association. A
waiver of the shareholders preferential rights in respect
of bonus issues requires the approval of all outstanding shares,
regardless of class.
The general meeting may, with a majority vote as described
above, authorize the board of directors to issue new shares, and
to waive the preferential rights of shareholders in connection
with such issuances. Such authorization may be effective for a
maximum of two years, and the par value of the shares to be
issued may not exceed 50% of the share capital when the
authorization was granted.
The issuance of shares to holders who are citizens or residents
of the United States upon the exercise of preferential rights
may require us to file a registration statement in the United
States under United States securities laws. If we decide not to
file a registration statement, these holders may not be able to
exercise their preferential rights and therefore would be
required to sell these rights to eligible Norwegian persons or
other eligible
non-U.S. holders
to realize the value of these rights.
Under Norwegian law, bonus issues may be distributed, subject to
shareholder approval, by transfer from Telenors free
equity or from our share premium reserve. Any bonus issues may
be effected either by issuing shares or by increasing the par
value of the shares outstanding.
Minority Rights
Norwegian law contains a number of protections for minority
shareholders against oppression by the majority. Any shareholder
may petition the courts to have a decision of the board of
directors or general meeting declared invalid on the grounds
that it unreasonably favors certain shareholders or third
parties to the detriment of other shareholders or the company
itself. In certain grave circumstances shareholders may require
the courts to dissolve the company as a result of such
decisions. Minority shareholders holding 5% or more of our share
capital have a right to demand that we hold an extraordinary
general meeting to discuss specific matters. In addition, any
shareholder may demand that we place an item on the agenda for
any shareholders meeting if we are notified in time for
such item to be included in the notice of the meeting.
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Mandatory Bid Requirement
Norwegian law requires any person, entity or group acting in
concert that acquires more than 40% of the voting rights of a
Norwegian company listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange, or OSE, to
make an unconditional general offer to acquire the whole of the
outstanding share capital of that company. The offer is subject
to approval by the OSE before submission of the offer to the
shareholders. The offer must be in cash or contain a cash
alternative at least equivalent to any other consideration
offered. The offering price per share must be at least as high
as the highest price paid by the offeror in the six-month period
prior to the date the 40% threshold was exceeded, but equal to
the market price if the market price was higher when the 40%
threshold was exceeded. A shareholder who fails to make the
required offer must within four weeks dispose of sufficient
shares so that the obligation ceases to apply. Otherwise, the
OSE may cause the shares exceeding the 40% limit to be sold by
public auction. A shareholder who fails to make such bid cannot,
as long as the mandatory bid requirement remains in force, vote
his shares or exercise any rights of share ownership unless a
majority of the remaining shareholders approve, other than the
right to receive dividends and preferential rights in the event
of a share capital increase. In addition, the OSE may impose a
daily fine upon a shareholder who fails to make the required
offer.
Compulsory Acquisition
If a shareholder, directly or via subsidiaries, acquires shares
representing more than 90% of the total number of issued shares
as well as more than 90% of the total voting rights attached to
those shares, then the majority shareholder would have the right
(and each remaining minority shareholder of that company would
have the right to require the majority shareholder) to effect a
compulsory acquisition for cash of any shares not already owned
by the majority shareholder (Section 4-25 of the Norwegian
Public Limited Companies Act 1997 No. 45). The compulsory
acquisition would result in the majority shareholder becoming
the owner of the shares of the minority shareholders with
immediate effect.
Upon effecting the compulsory acquisition, the majority
shareholder would have to offer the minority shareholders a
specific price per share. The determination of the price per
share would be at the discretion of the majority shareholder.
Should any minority shareholder not accept the offered price,
such minority shareholder may, within a specified period of not
less than two months, request that the price be set by the
Norwegian courts. The cost of such court procedure would
normally be charged to the account of the majority shareholder,
and the courts would have full discretion in determining the
consideration due to the minority shareholder as a result of the
compulsory acquisition.
Election and Removal of Directors and Corporate Assembly
The general meeting of shareholders elects two-thirds of the
members of the corporate assembly, together with alternate
members, while the remaining one-third, together with alternate
members, is elected by and among our employees. There is no
quorum requirement, and nominees who receive the most votes are
elected. The election committee makes recommendations to the
general meeting regarding the election of shareholder-elected
members and alternates to the corporate assembly. A member of
the corporate assembly (other than a member elected by
employees) may be removed by the general meeting at any time
without cause.
Our directors are elected and may be removed from office by our
corporate assembly. The corporate assembly makes decisions by
majority vote, and more than half of the members must be present
for a quorum. If votes are tied, the chairman casts the deciding
vote. However, half of the members elected by the employees may
demand that the board members shall be elected by members of the
assembly elected by shareholders and members elected by
employees of the assembly, each voting as a separate group. The
election committee makes recommendations to the corporate
assembly regarding the election of shareholder-elected members
and alternates to the board of directors. A director (other than
a director elected directly by the employees) may be removed at
any time by the corporate assembly without cause.
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The members of the corporate assembly and the board of directors
have fiduciary duties to the shareholders, see
Item 6: Directors, Senior Management and
Employees Directors and Senior
Management Corporate Assembly and
Liability of Directors below.
Payment of Dividends
For a discussion of the declaration and payment of dividends on
our ordinary shares, see Item 3: Key
Information Dividends and Dividend Policy.
Rights of Redemption and Repurchase of Shares
Our articles of association do not authorize the redemption of
shares. In the absence of authorization, the redemption of
shares may still be decided by a general meeting of shareholders
by a two-thirds majority under certain conditions, but the
redemption would, for all practical purposes, depend on the
consent of all shareholders whose shares are redeemed.
A Norwegian company may repurchase its own shares if their
purchase has been authorized in advance by a general meeting
with the approval of at least two-thirds of the aggregate number
of votes cast as well as two-thirds of the share capital
represented at the meeting. The aggregate par value of the
repurchased shares held must not exceed 10% of the share capital
and such repurchase may only take place if, according to the
latest adopted balance sheet, we have distributable equity
exceeding the amount to be paid for the shares. The
authorization by the general meeting must be for a period not
exceeding 18 months.
Shareholders Votes on Certain Reorganizations
If we were to merge with another company or to demerge, such
decision would require a resolution of our shareholders at a
general meeting passed by a two-thirds majority of the aggregate
votes cast as well as two-thirds of the aggregate share capital
represented at the general meeting. A merger plan or demerger
plan signed by the board of directors as well as certain other
required documentation must be sent to all shareholders at least
one month prior to the shareholders meeting.
Any agreement by which we acquire assets or services from a
shareholder or a related party against a consideration exceeding
the equivalent of 5% of our share capital at such time is only
binding if approved by the general meeting. This does not apply
to acquisition of listed securities at market price and to
agreements in the ordinary course of business entered into on
normal commercial terms.
Liability of Directors
Our directors, the president and chief executive officer and the
members of the corporate assembly owe a fiduciary duty to the
company and its shareholders. Their principal task is to
safeguard the interest of shareholders. In addition, they may
also have duties to other third parties, such as employees and
creditors.
Our directors, the president and chief executive officer and the
members of the corporate assembly can each be held liable for
any damage they negligently or willfully cause us. Norwegian law
permits the general meeting to exempt any such person from
liability, but the exemption is not binding if substantially
correct and complete information was not provided to the general
meeting when the decision was taken. In addition, if our general
meeting has exempted such a person from liability or decided not
to hold such a person liable for a certain matter, shareholders
representing more than 10% of the share capital or (if there are
more than 100 shareholders) more than 10% of the number of
shareholders can raise the claim on our behalf and in our name.
The cost of any such action is not our responsibility, but can
be recovered by any proceeds we receive as a result of the
action. If the decision not to hold such person liable was
adopted by the same majority as required for amending the
articles of association, such decision is binding on the
minority shareholders.
Indemnification of Directors and Officers
Neither Norwegian law nor our articles of association contain
any provision concerning indemnification by us of our board of
directors.
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Disclosures of Interests
A person, entity or group acting in concert that acquires or
disposes of shares, options for shares or other rights to shares
resulting in its beneficial ownership, directly or indirectly,
in the aggregate, exceeding or falling below the respective
thresholds of 1/20, 1/10, 1/5, 1/3, 1/2, 2/3 or 9/10 of our
share capital has an obligation under Norwegian law to notify
the Oslo Stock Exchange immediately. A corresponding disclosure
obligation applies with respect to any holder of ADSs who is
entitled upon surrender of the ADRs to acquire directly or
indirectly the beneficial ownership of a number of shares that,
together with any other shares, additional ADSs representing
shares or options to acquire shares held by such holder, in the
aggregate, meets, exceeds or falls below these thresholds.
Distribution of Assets on Liquidation
Under Norwegian law, a company may be
wound-up by a
resolution of the companys shareholders in a general
meeting passed by both a two-thirds majority of the aggregate
votes cast and two-thirds of the aggregate share capital
represented at the meeting. The shares rank equal in the event
of a return on capital by the company upon a
winding-up or otherwise.
MATERIAL CONTRACTS
None.
EXCHANGE CONTROLS
Under Norwegian foreign exchange controls currently in effect,
transfers of capital to and from Norway are not subject to prior
government approval except for the physical transfer of payments
in currency, which is restricted to licensed banks. This means
that non-Norwegian resident shareholders may receive dividend
payments without a Norwegian exchange control consent as long as
the payment is made through a licensed bank.
There are presently no restrictions affecting the rights of
non-residents or foreign owners to hold or vote our shares.
TAXATION
Norwegian Tax Matters
This section describes the material Norwegian tax consequences
that apply to shareholders resident in Norway as well as
non-resident shareholders in connection with the acquisition,
ownership, and realization of our ordinary shares and ADSs. This
section does not provide a complete description of all tax
regulations, which may be relevant (i.e. for investors to whom
special regulations may be applicable). This section is based on
current law and practice. Shareholders should contact their
professional tax advisors for advice concerning any potential
individual and/or other tax consequences.
Taxation of dividends and gains on shares
Taxation of dividends and gains on shares is subject to the
legal status of the shareholder (i.e. whether the shareholder is
a corporate shareholder or an individual shareholder).
Corporate shareholders
For corporate shareholders, the exemption method was introduced
as from March 26, 2004. The tax exemption model implies
that limited liability companies (i.e. private and public
limited companies and equivalent entities) are exempt from tax
on dividends and on capital gains from the alienation of shares.
Correspondingly, the right to deduct losses on shares is
abolished.
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The exemption method applies to private and public limited
companies and other companies of the same standing as limited
companies for tax purposes. Furthermore, the tax exemption for
companies income from shares applies to associations,
institutions, estates in bankruptcy, municipals and state owned
companies. As a main rule, foreign companies and legal entities
are also included in the exemption, provided that the foreign
company or entity is equivalent to the Norwegian exempt entity.
Thus, as a main rule, a foreign equivalent company or legal
entity is exempt from tax on dividends or capital gains on
shares.
The exemption method does not apply for withholding tax on
dividends for shareholders resident outside the European
Economic Area (EEA). This implies that the general withholding
tax rate of 25% will apply for a corporate shareholder outside
the EEA, even if the shareholders may be deemed as an entity
equivalent to a Norwegian exempt entity.
The general withholding tax rate may be reduced in a tax treaty
between Norway and the resident country of the shareholder
(normally to 15%) and in cases where a corporate shareholder
holds a qualifying percentage of the shares of the distributing
company, the withholding tax rate on dividends is in most cases
reduced to 5% or even to zero. The treaty rate in the
U.S.-Norwegian treaty is 15% in all cases.
Individual shareholders
Individual shareholders (i.e. shareholders other than corporate
shareholders as set out above) are subject to tax on share
income according to the Shareholder Method,
introduced as of January 1, 2006. According to the
Shareholder Model, share income, including dividend income and
capital gains from the alienation of shares, is taxed in the
hands of individual shareholders as general income. A tax free
base amount is offered, based upon the interest level on State
bonds of 3 years duration (deemed as a risk free return on
capital) multiplied with the cost price on the shares, adjusted
according to the RISK-rules for the years up to 2006 when the
RISK rules are abandoned. RISK is the Norwegian abbreviation for
the adjustment of the cost price on shares for retained earnings
after tax during the ownership of the shareholder.
Any tax free base amount on a specific share that exceeds
dividends distributed on the same share is added to the
allowance basis for calculation of the tax free amount for
future tax years and can be carried forward and deducted from
future dividends distributed on the same share. Upon alienation
of the share, any remaining tax free amount may reduce taxable
gains on the share.
For individual shareholders resident outside Norway, there are
no amendments to the existing withholding tax regime on
dividends from Norwegian companies. This implies that the
general withholding tax rate of 25% will apply, unless the
shareholder is carrying on business activities in Norway and
such shares are effectively connected to such activities. In
that case, the rules described in the foregoing paragraph are
applicable.
The general withholding tax rate may be reduced in a tax treaty
between Norway and the resident country of the shareholder,
normally to 15%. In case the withholding tax rate set in a tax
treaty is less than the tax free base amount offered to
Norwegian resident shareholders, the foreign tax payer may apply
for a corresponding reduction of the withholding tax.
The 15% withholding rate under the tax treaty between Norway and
the United States will apply to dividends paid on shares held
directly by U.S. holders properly demonstrating to the company
that they are entitled to the benefits of the treaty.
Dividends paid to the depositary for redistribution to
shareholders holding ADSs will at the outset be subject to a
withholding tax of 25%. The beneficial owners will in this case
have to apply for refund of the excess amount of tax with the
Central Office Foreign Tax Affairs. However,
provided it is acting as a licensed custodian operating
(a) nominee account(s) in the Norwegian Registry of
Securities (the VPS System) with approval from the Norwegian
Banking, Insurance and Securities Commission and the Central
Office Foreign Tax Affairs, the bank(s) acting as
depositary is entitled to receive dividends from us for
redistribution to ADS holders who are beneficial owners at the
treaty withholding rate of 15%.
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Wealth tax
The value of the shares is included when computing the wealth
tax imposed on individuals deemed resident in Norway for tax
purposes. Norwegian joint stock companies and certain other
companies in a similar position are not subject to wealth tax.
Currently, the marginal wealth tax rate is 1.1% of the value
assessed. The value for assessment purposes for shares listed on
the Oslo Stock Exchange is 65% of the listed value of such
shares as of January 1 in the year of assessment, with effect
from the income year 2005. For income year 2006, the value is
set at 80% for tax assessment purposes. Shareholders resident
outside of Norway are ordinarily not subject to wealth tax in
Norway for shares in Norwegian joint stock companies.
Inheritance tax and gift tax
Upon transfer of shares due to inheritance or certain gifts,
such transfer may be subject to inheritance or gift tax. As of
January 1, 2006, shares in Norwegian private and public
limited liability companies and equivalent foreign companies are
valued according to a continuity rule. According to this rule,
the transferors cost price is transferred from the
transferor to the recipient. Still, such transfer is not subject
to Norwegian tax if the donor/deceased was neither a national
nor resident of Norway for tax purposes.
Taxation upon realization of subscription rights
A holder of shares who exercises his subscription rights is not
considered to realize any gain in connection with such
subscription of new shares.
Further, shareholders who sell or otherwise dispose of
subscription rights are not subject to tax on capital gain
obtained from the disposal, provided that the shareholder is
encompassed by the exemption method set out above for corporate
shareholders. For shareholders not encompassed by the exemption
method, capital gains taxation will apply.
Shareholders not resident in Norway, both individuals and
companies, are generally not subject to tax in Norway on capital
gains, and losses are not deductible upon sale, redemption or
other disposition of subscription rights, shares or ADSs in
Norwegian companies, unless the shareholder has been resident
for tax purposes in Norway and the disposal takes place within
five years after the end of the calendar year in which the
shareholder ceased to be a resident of Norway for tax purposes,
or, alternatively, the shareholder is carrying on business
activities in Norway and such subscription rights, shares or
ADSs are or have been effectively connected to such activities.
Transfer tax
There is no transfer tax imposed in Norway in connection with
the sale or purchase of shares.
United States Tax Matters
Generally
This section describes the material United States federal income
tax consequences of owning shares or ADSs. It applies to you
only if you hold your shares or ADSs as capital assets for tax
purposes. This section does not apply to you if you are a member
of a special class of holders subject to special rules,
including:
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dealers in securities, |
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traders in securities that elect to use a
mark-to-market method
of accounting for their securities holdings, |
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tax-exempt organizations, |
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life insurance companies, |
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persons liable for alternative minimum tax, |
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persons who actually or constructively own 10% or more of the
voting stock of Telenor, |
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persons who hold shares or ADSs through a partnership or other
pass-through entity, |
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persons who hold shares or ADSs as part of a straddle or a
hedging or conversion transaction, or |
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U.S. holders (as defined below) whose functional currency
is not the U.S. dollar. |
This section is based on the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended, its legislative history, existing and proposed
regulations, published rulings and court decisions, and the
Convention between the United States of America and the
Kingdom of Norway for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the
Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with Respect to Taxes on Income and
Property (the Treaty). These laws are subject to
change, possibly on a retroactive basis. In addition, this
section is based in part upon the representations of the
depositary and the assumption that each obligation in the
deposit agreement and any related agreement will be performed in
accordance with its terms. Taking into account this assumption,
for United States federal income purposes, if you hold ADRs
evidencing ADSs, you generally will be treated as the owner of
the shares represented by those ADRs. Exchanges of shares for
ADRs, and ADRs for shares, generally will not be subject to
United States federal income tax.
You are a U.S. holder if you are a beneficial
owner of shares or ADSs that is for United States federal income
tax purposes:
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a citizen or resident of the United States, |
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a U.S. domestic corporation, |
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an estate whose income is subject to United States federal
income tax regardless of its source, or |
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a trust if a United States court can exercise primary
supervision over the trusts administration and one or more
United States persons are authorized to control all substantial
decisions of the trust. |
You should consult your personal tax attorney, CPA or other
advisor regarding United States federal, state, local and any
other tax consequences of owning and disposing of shares and
ADSs for your particular situation.
Taxation of dividends
Subject to the passive foreign investment company rules
discussed below, if you are a U.S. holder, the gross amount
of any dividend paid by Telenor out of its current or
accumulated earnings and profits (as determined for United
States federal income tax purposes) is subject to United States
federal income taxation. If you are a non-corporate
U.S. holder, dividends paid to you in taxable years
beginning before January 1, 2009 that constitute qualified
dividend income will be taxable to you at a maximum tax rate of
15%, provided that you hold the shares or ADSs for more than
60 days during the
121-day period
beginning 60 days before the ex-dividend date. Dividends
paid by Telenor generally will be qualified dividend income.
You must include any Norwegian tax withheld from the dividend
payment in this gross amount even though you do not in fact
receive the amount withheld as tax. The dividend is taxable to
you when you, in the case of shares, or the depository, in the
case of ADSs, receive the dividend, actually or constructively.
The dividend will not be eligible for the dividends-received
deduction generally allowed to United States corporations in
respect of dividends received from other United States
corporations. The amount of the dividend distribution that you
must include in your income as a U.S. holder will be the
U.S. dollar value of the Norwegian Krone payments made,
determined at the spot Norwegian Krone/ U.S. dollar rate on
the date the dividend distribution is included in your income,
regardless of whether the payment is in fact converted into
U.S. dollars. Any gain or loss resulting from currency
exchange fluctuations during the period from the date you
include the dividend payment in income to the date you convert
the payment into U.S. dollars generally will be treated as
ordinary income or loss. Such gain or loss generally will be
income or loss from sources within the United States for foreign
tax credit limitation purposes. Distributions in excess of
current and accumulated earnings and profits (as determined for
United States federal income tax purposes) will be treated as a
non-taxable return of capital to the extent of your tax basis in
the shares or ADSs and, to the extent in excess of your tax
basis, will be treated as capital gain.
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Subject to certain limitations, the 15% Norwegian tax withheld
in accordance with the Treaty and paid over to Norway will be
creditable against your United States federal income tax
liability. Special rules apply in determining the foreign tax
credit limitation with respect to dividends that are subject to
the maximum 15% tax rate. To the extent that a refund of a
portion of the tax withheld is available to you under Norwegian
law or the Treaty, the amount of tax withheld that is refundable
will not be eligible for credit against your United States
federal income tax liability. See Norwegian Tax
Matters Taxation of dividends above. Dividends
will be income from sources outside the United States. Dividends
paid in taxable years beginning before January 1, 2007
generally will be passive income or financial
services income and dividends paid in taxable years
beginning after December 31, 2006 will, depending on your
circumstances, be passive or general
income which, in either case, is treated separately from other
types of income for purposes of computing the foreign tax credit
allowable to you.
Taxation of capital gains
Subject to the passive foreign investment company rules
discussed below, if you are a U.S. holder and you sell or
otherwise dispose of your shares or ADSs, you will recognize
capital gain or loss for United States federal income tax
purposes equal to the difference between the U.S. dollar
value of the amount that you realize and your tax basis,
determined in U.S. dollars, in your shares or ADSs. Capital
gain of a non-corporate U.S. holder that is recognized
before January 1, 2009 is generally taxed at a maximum rate
of 15% where the holder has a holding period greater than one
year. The gain or loss will generally be income or loss from
sources within the United States for foreign tax credit
limitation purposes.
If you receive any foreign currency on the sale of shares or
ADSs, you may recognize ordinary income or loss from sources
within the United States as a result of currency fluctuations
between the date of the sale of the shares or ADSs and the date
the sales proceeds are converted into U.S. dollars.
Passive Foreign Investment Company
(PFIC) Rules
We believe that our shares and ADSs should not be treated as
stock of a passive foreign investment company, or PFIC, for
United States federal income tax purposes. However, this
conclusion is a factual determination that is made annually, and
may therefore be subject to change.
In general, if you are a U.S. holder, we will be a PFIC
with respect to you if for any taxable year in which you held
our ADSs or shares:
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At least 75% of our gross income for the taxable year is passive
income, or |
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At least 50% of the value, determined on the basis of a
quarterly average, of our assets is attributable to assets that
produce or are held for the production of passive income. |
Passive income generally includes dividends, interest,
royalties, rents (other than certain rents and royalties derived
in the active conduct of a trade or business), annuities and
gains from assets that produce passive income. If a foreign
corporation owns at least 25% by value of the stock of another
corporation, the foreign corporation is treated for purposes of
the PFIC tests as owning its proportionate share of the assets
of the other corporation, and as receiving directly its
proportionate share of the other corporations income.
If we are treated as a PFIC, and you are a U.S. holder that
did not make a qualified election fund, or QEF, election or a
mark-to-market
election, as described below, you will be subject to special
rules with respect to:
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Any gain you realize on the sale or other disposition of your
shares or ADSs, and |
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Any excess distribution that we make to you (generally, any
distributions to you during a single taxable year that are
greater than 125% of the average annual distributions received
by you in respect of the shares or ADSs during the three
preceding taxable years or, if shorter, your holding period for
the shares or ADSs). |
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Under these rules:
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The gain or excess distribution will be allocated ratably over
your holding period for the shares or ADSs, |
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The amount allocated to the taxable year in which you realized
the gain or excess distribution will be taxed as ordinary income, |
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The amount allocated to each prior year, with certain
exceptions, will be taxed at the highest tax rate in effect for
that year, and |
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The interest charge generally applicable to underpayments of tax
will be imposed in respect of the tax attributable to each such
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Special rules apply for calculating the amount of the foreign
tax credit with respect to excess distributions by a PFIC.
If our shares or ADSs are considered marketable stock, you may
also make a
mark-to-market
election. If you make this election, you will not be subject to
the PFIC rules described above. Instead, in general, you will
include as ordinary income each year the excess, if any, of the
fair market value of your shares or ADSs at the end of the
taxable year over your adjusted basis in your shares or ADSs.
These amounts of ordinary income will not be eligible for the
favorable tax rates applicable to qualified dividend income or
long-term capital gains. You will also be allowed to take an
ordinary loss in respect of the excess, if any, of the adjusted
basis of your shares or ADSs over their fair market value at the
end of the taxable year (but only to the extent of the net
amount of previously included income as a result of the
mark-to-market
election). Your basis in the shares or ADSs will be adjusted to
reflect any such income or loss amounts.
In addition, notwithstanding any election you make with regard
to the shares or ADSs, dividends that you receive from us will
not constitute qualified dividend income to you if we are a PFIC
either in the taxable year of the distribution or the preceding
taxable year. Dividends that you receive that do not constitute
qualified dividend income are not eligible for taxation at the
15% maximum rate applicable to qualified dividend income.
Instead, you must include the gross amount of any such dividend
paid by us out of our accumulated earnings and profits (as
determined for United States federal income tax purposes) in
your gross income, and it will be subject to tax at rates
applicable to ordinary income.
If you own shares or ADSs during any year that we are a PFIC,
you must file Internal Revenue Service Form 8621.
DOCUMENTS ON DISPLAY
It is possible to read and copy documents referred to in this
annual report on
Form 20-F that
have been filed with the SEC at the SECs public reference
room located at 100 F Street, NE,
Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the SEC at
1-800-SEC-0330 for
further information on the public reference rooms and their copy
charges.
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ITEM 11: |
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK |
Funding and Financial Risk Management Activities in
Telenor
You should read notes 22 and 23 to our consolidated
financial statements for a description of funding and financial
risk management activities in Telenor and Item 5:
Operating and Financial Review and Prospects
Information About Contractual Cash Payments and Capital
Resources Capital Resources for additional
information about our sources of financing.
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Sensitivity Analysis
We adopted sensitivity analysis as the approach to quantify
market risk.
Fair values have been estimated in conjunction with the
principles described in note 23 to our consolidated
financial statements.
Interest rate risk is quantified by change in fair value given a
10% parallel shift in interest rate curves. Exchange rate risk
is quantified by change in fair value from a 10% change in spot
rates against the Norwegian Krone. Changes in market
volatilities will change the fair value of option instruments.
Volatility risk is quantified by change in fair value due to a
10% change in implied volatilities.
The model underlying the sensitivity analysis includes
derivatives as well as bank deposits and borrowings, current
interest bearing investments, commercial paper and bonds. The
fair values of our equity investments or cash flows from these
assets are not taken into account. As such the analysis does not
show our total net exposure to financial market risk.
The assumptions used in the model for partial movements in risk
factors are not based upon empirical observations. Correlations
between different exchange rates, short and long-term interest
rates as well as the interest rates of the different currencies
in the portfolio are not taken into account. As a result, the
total effects of deficiencies in the assumptions implicit in the
model might be substantial and the hypothetical gains and losses
calculated do not express managements expectations of
future changes in fair value.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fair value | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
as of | |
|
Interest rates | |
|
Exchange rates | |
|
Volatility | |
|
|
December 31, | |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
2005 |
|
2005 | |
|
-10% | |
|
10% | |
|
-10% | |
|
10% | |
|
-10% | |
|
-10% | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(NOK in millions) | |
Foreign exchange derivatives(2)
|
|
|
530 |
|
|
|
24 |
|
|
|
(24 |
) |
|
|
(1,506 |
) |
|
|
1,506 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest rate derivatives(2)
|
|
|
(170 |
) |
|
|
57 |
|
|
|
(71 |
) |
|
|
(29 |
) |
|
|
29 |
|
|
|
(8 |
) |
|
|
8 |
|
Net interest-bearing liabilities(1)
|
|
|
(32,155 |
) |
|
|
(275 |
) |
|
|
271 |
|
|
|
3,406 |
|
|
|
(3,406 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
(31,795 |
) |
|
|
(194 |
) |
|
|
176 |
|
|
|
1,871 |
|
|
|
(1,871 |
) |
|
|
(8 |
) |
|
|
8 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fair value | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
as of | |
|
Interest rates | |
|
Exchange rates | |
|
Volatility | |
|
|
December 31, | |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
2004 |
|
2004 | |
|
-10% | |
|
10% | |
|
-10% | |
|
10% | |
|
-10% | |
|
-10% | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(NOK in millions) | |
Foreign exchange derivatives
|
|
|
967 |
|
|
|
39 |
|
|
|
(38 |
) |
|
|
(111 |
) |
|
|
111 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest rate derivatives
|
|
|
26 |
|
|
|
28 |
|
|
|
(24 |
) |
|
|
(28 |
) |
|
|
28 |
|
|
|
(10 |
) |
|
|
11 |
|
Net interest-bearing liabilities
|
|
|
(21,180 |
) |
|
|
(265 |
) |
|
|
260 |
|
|
|
2,277 |
|
|
|
(2,277 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
(20,187 |
) |
|
|
(198 |
) |
|
|
198 |
|
|
|
2,138 |
|
|
|
(2,138 |
) |
|
|
(10 |
) |
|
|
11 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
Includes interest-bearing liabilities at fair value. Cash and
short-term money market investments. |
|
(2) |
All derivatives are included. |
The increase in market value of net interest-bearing liabilities
as of December 31, 2005 compared to December 31, 2004
was mainly due to the increase in interest-bearing debt during
the period.
As of December 31, 2005, the exchange rate risk quantified
in this analysis decreased compared to December 31, 2004.
The portfolio of foreign currency denominated financial
instruments was decreased in this period.
The risk arising from changes in option volatilities is
insignificant due to the small volume of options in the
portfolio.
160
|
|
ITEM 12: |
DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES OTHER THAN EQUITY SECURITIES |
Not applicable.
PART II
|
|
ITEM 13: |
DEFAULTS, DIVIDEND ARREARAGES AND DELINQUENCIES |
Not applicable.
|
|
ITEM 14: |
MATERIAL MODIFICATIONS TO THE RIGHTS OF SECURITY HOLDERS AND
USE OF PROCEEDS |
None.
|
|
ITEM 15: |
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES |
We maintain disclosure controls and procedures as
such term is defined in Exchange Act
Rule 13a-15(e).
This includes the establishment of a disclosure committee. The
disclosure committee currently consists of Trond Westlie, chief
financial officer, Knut Giske, group controller, Pal Wien Espen,
group general counsel, Anne-Sissel Skanvik, head of
communication, and Erling Thune, head of investor relations. The
committee is generally responsible for considering the
materiality of information and determining our disclosure
obligations on a timely basis. The committee also allocates
reviewing responsibilities to the appropriate officers within
Telenor. The committee, together with our chief executive
officer and chief financial officer, has the responsibility for
the evaluation of the effectiveness of our disclosure and
control procedures and may generally take all actions deemed
necessary or desirable to ensure compliance with such procedures.
In designing and evaluating our disclosure controls and
procedures, our management, including the chief executive
officer and the chief financial officer, recognized that any
controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and
operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the
desired control objectives, and our management necessarily was
required to apply its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit
relationship of possible controls and procedures. Because of the
inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of
controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues
and instances of fraud, if any, within the company have been
detected. Our disclosure controls and procedures have been
designed to meet, and management believes that they meet,
reasonable assurance standards.
Our management, with participation of the chief executive
officer and the chief financial officer, has evaluated the
effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure
controls and procedures (pursuant to Exchange Act
Rule 13a-15(b)) as
of the end of the period covered by this annual report. Based on
that evaluation our management, including the chief executive
officer and the chief financial officer, concluded that subject
to the limitations noted above our disclosure controls and
procedures were effective as of December 31, 2005.
There have been no significant changes in our internal controls
over financial reporting identified in connection with the
above-mentioned evaluation that occurred in the period covered
by this annual report that have materially affected or are
reasonably likely to materially affect our internal control over
financial reporting.
|
|
ITEM 16A: |
AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT |
On December 19, 2003, our board of directors determined
that John Giverholt qualifies as an audit committee financial
expert within the meaning of Item 16A of
Form 20-F and
determined that he is considered independent within the meaning
of SEC and NASDAQ Marketplace Rules. For more information on our
audit committee you should read Item 6: Directors,
Senior Management and Employees Directors and Senior
Management Board Practices.
161
On October 26, 2005 our board of directors adopted
amendments to our existing Codes of Conduct, which are
applicable to directors, officers and employees. These
amendments revise the Codes of Conduct to include the standards
required for a Code of Ethics within the meaning of
Item 16B of
Form 20-F and
NASDAQ Marketplace Rule 4350(n). The Codes of Conduct are
available on our website at
http://www.telenor.com/csr/telenors/coc/.
|
|
ITEM 16C: |
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES |
The following table provides an overview of the fees billed by
Ernst & Young AS, our independent auditors with respect
to 2004 and 2005, for professional services performed in 2004
and 2005
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended | |
|
|
December 31, | |
|
|
| |
|
|
2004 | |
|
2005 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(NOK in millions) | |
Audit Fees
|
|
|
29.0 |
|
|
|
41.7 |
|
Audit-Related Fees
|
|
|
10.0 |
|
|
|
9.3 |
|
Tax Fees
|
|
|
5.2 |
|
|
|
5.6 |
|
All Other Fees
|
|
|
0.7 |
|
|
|
1.0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
44.9 |
|
|
|
57.6 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Audit services. The following services were billed under
the category audit services: audit of financial
statements, reviews of quarterly reports, including the
formulation of audit opinions and reports, domestic and
international statutory audits, tax services necessary for
compliance with generally accepted auditing principles, and
support in the preparation and auditing of the documents to be
filed. Audit services also included the auditing of information
systems and processes and tests which serve to promote
understanding and reliability of systems and internal corporate
controls, as well as advice on issues of accounting and
reporting.
Audit-related services. Audit-related services mainly
consisted of services which are normally performed by the
independent accountant in connection with the auditing of the
annual financial statements. Audit-related services also
included due diligence in connection with acquisitions and
disposals, advice on issues of accounting and reporting which
were not classified as audit services, support with the
interpretation and implementation of new accounting and
reporting standards, information systems audits, regulatory
reporting audits and auditing of employee benefit plans.
Tax services. Tax services primarily consisted of
services relating to the review of tax compliance and tax
advice, mainly outside Norway.
Other services. Other services consisted of services
unrelated to the audits of our financial statements, such as
consultation regarding regulatory reporting and training
sessions.
The audit committee of our board of directors is responsible,
among other matters, for the oversight of our independent
auditors. On May 6, 2003, our board of directors adopted
the Audit and Non-Audit Services Pre-Approval Policies and
Procedures (the Procedures) governing the approval
by our audit committee of audit and non-audit services to be
performed by our independent auditors in order to ensure that
the provision of such services does not impair the
auditors independence. Prior to the establishment of the
audit committee in September 2003, our board of directors was
responsible for the approval of the provision of such services
under the Procedures.
Under the Procedures, proposed services (i) are either
reviewed and generally pre-approved by the audit committee on an
annual basis (general pre-approval); or
(ii) require specific pre-approval by the audit committee
(full pre-approval). An appendix to the Procedures
sets forth audit, audit-related and tax services that have
received general pre-approval, which is generally valid for the
fiscal year, unless provided
162
otherwise. The audit committee can amend this list based on
subsequent determinations. Proposed services by the independent
auditors that are not set forth in the appendix require full
pre-approval by the audit committee. There is also an appendix
setting forth prohibited non-audit services.
All services to be performed by the independent accountants were
subject to the Procedures and approved in advance either
specifically or generally. No services which are classified as
prohibited services by the U.S. Securities and Exchange
Commission were commissioned after May 6, 2003.
The designated financial expert of the audit committee shall
report to the audit committee on a regular basis for
informational purposes. Our internal auditor, who has been
designated by our board of directors to generally monitor
compliance with the Procedures, will assist the designated
financial expert in determining whether a proposed service falls
with in the category of services enjoying general pre-approval.
Requests for full pre-approval must be accompanied by a joint
statement from our internal auditor and the independent auditors
setting forth whether in their view the request for approval is
consistent with the SECs rules on auditor independence.
The internal auditors and management will immediately report
violations of the Procedures to the audit committee.
The independent auditors will submit to our audit committee on
an annual basis a formal written statement delineating the
relationships between us and them and there will be a discussion
of the independent auditors methods and procedures for
ensuring independence. In connection with each engagement, the
independent auditors will be required to represent and confirm
that the proposed services will not affect their independence.
|
|
ITEM 16D: |
EXEMPTIONS FROM THE LISTING STANDARDS FOR AUDIT COMMITTEES |
On July 29, 2005 Telenor ASA caused to be furnished the
newly required NASDAQ corporate governance certification for
foreign private issuers pertaining to the Audit Committee and
other matters. No exemptions were noted.
|
|
ITEM 16E: |
PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY ISSUER AND AFFILIATED
PURCHASERS |
On May 8, 2003, the general meeting of shareholders
authorized the board of directors on behalf of Telenor to
acquire up to 5% of its own shares in the open market. Between
May 8, 2003 and May 6, 2004, Telenor purchased
12,810,000 own shares pursuant to the 2003 share buyback
authorization.
On May 6, 2004, the general meeting of shareholders
authorized the board of directors on behalf of Telenor to
acquire 174,920,098 own shares, which equals approximately 10%
of Telenors share capital. This authorization superseded
the authorization of May 8, 2003 and is valid until
July 1, 2005. Telenor purchased 14,939,900 own shares
pursuant to the 2004 share buyback authorization in 2004,
and has purchased an additional 5,625,000 shares pursuant
to the 2004 share buyback authorization in 2005.
On May 20, 2005, the general meeting of shareholders
authorized the board of directors on behalf of Telenor to
acquire 170,500,000 own shares, which equates to approximately
10% of the companys share capital after the completion of
the capital reduction approved on May 20, 2005. This
authorization superseded the authorization of May 6, 2004
and is valid until July 1, 2006. Telenor purchased
5,620,000 shares pursuant to the 2004 share buyback
authorization in 2005. Following the May 2005 share buyback
authorization, Telenor has purchased 13,844,000 shares in
2005.
The table below sets forth sets forth the total number of
purchases by Telenor of own shares in 2005, comprising
5,620,000 shares purchased pursuant to the 2004 share
buyback authorization and 13,844,000 shares purchased
pursuant to the 2005 share buyback authorization.
163
ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(c) Total Number of | |
|
(d) Maximum | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares Purchased as | |
|
Number of Shares | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Part of | |
|
that May | |
|
|
|
|
(b) Average Price | |
|
Publicly Announced | |
|
Yet Be Purchased | |
|
|
(a) Total Number of | |
|
Paid per Share in | |
|
Plans or | |
|
Under the Plans or | |
Period 2005 |
|
Shares Purchased | |
|
NOK | |
|
Programs(1) | |
|
Programs(2) | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
January
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
159,980,198 |
|
February
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
159,980,198 |
|
March
|
|
|
5,620,000 |
|
|
|
58.38 |
|
|
|
5,620,000 |
|
|
|
154,360,198 |
|
April
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
154,360,198 |
|
May
|
|
|
789,000 |
|
|
|
51.82 |
|
|
|
789,000 |
|
|
|
169,711,000 |
|
June
|
|
|
5,625,000 |
|
|
|
51.31 |
|
|
|
5,625,000 |
|
|
|
164,086,000 |
|
July
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
164,086,000 |
|
August
|
|
|
4,850,000 |
|
|
|
56.69 |
|
|
|
4,850,000 |
|
|
|
159,236,000 |
|
September
|
|
|
2,580,000 |
|
|
|
58.22 |
|
|
|
2,580,000 |
|
|
|
156,656,000 |
|
October
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
156,656,000 |
|
November
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
156,656,000 |
|
December
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
156,656,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sum
|
|
|
19,464,000 |
(3) |
|
|
55.38 |
|
|
|
19,464,000 |
(3) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
Shares purchased prior to May 2005 were purchased pursuant to
the 2004 share buyback authorization. Shares purchased from
May 2005 were purchased pursuant to the 2005 share buyback
authorization. |
|
(2) |
Up until May 20, 2005, Telenor was authorized to purchase
up to 10% of its own shares (approximately
174,980,098 shares). Since May 20, 2005, Telenor has
been authorized to purchase 170,500,000 of its own shares
(approximately 10% of its share capital). |
|
(3) |
All shares were purchased in the open market and pursuant to the
authorizations described above. |
PART III
|
|
ITEM 17: |
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
Not applicable.
|
|
ITEM 18: |
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
Our consolidated financial statements of Telenor ASA beginning
on page F-1 and
the related notes, the report thereon of Ernst &
Young AS and the report of Rahman Rahman Hug on the
financial statements of GrameenPhone as of and for the year
ended December 31, 2005 are filed as part of this annual
report on
Form 20-F.
164
The following exhibits are filed as part of this annual report:
|
|
|
Exhibit 1
|
|
Articles of Association for Telenor ASA, as amended on
May 20, 2005 (English translation) |
Exhibit 2(b)(i)
|
|
Instruments defining the Rights of Holders of Long-Term Debt: |
|
|
Terms and conditions of Telenors US$6 billion Euro
Medium-Term Notes program.(*) Excluding such program, the total
amount of long-term debt securities of Telenor authorized under
any instrument, does not exceed 10% of the total assets of
Telenor on a consolidated basis. Telenor agrees to furnish
copies of any or all such other instruments to the Securities
and Exchange commission upon request. |
Exhibit 4(c)
|
|
Form of Director/Group Management Employment Contract |
Exhibit 8
|
|
Subsidiaries |
Exhibit 12
|
|
Certifications pursuant to Section 302 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 |
Exhibit 13
|
|
Certifications pursuant to Section 906 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 |
(*) Incorporated by reference to
our annual report on
Form 20-F for the
year ended December 31, 2002.
165
SIGNATURE
The registrant hereby certifies that it meets all of the
requirements for filing on
Form 20-F and that
it has duly caused and authorized the undersigned to sign this
annual report on its behalf.
|
|
|
|
|
Trond Ø. Westlie |
|
Chief Financial Officer |
Date: April 6, 2006
166
TELENOR ASA
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
|
|
|
|
|
|
TELENOR ASA
|
|
|
|
|
Annual consolidated financial statements:
|
|
|
|
|
Reports of Independent Accountants
|
|
|
|
|
|
Report of Ernst & Young AS as of and for the years
ended December 31, 2004 and 2005, dated
April 6, 2006
|
|
|
F-2 |
|
|
Report of Rahman Rahman Huq for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 2005, dated April 3, 2006
|
|
|
F-3 |
|
Consolidated Statements of Profit and Loss
|
|
|
F-4 |
|
Consolidated Balance Sheet
|
|
|
F-5 |
|
Consolidated Cash Flow Statement
|
|
|
F-6 |
|
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity
|
|
|
F-7 |
|
Summary of Significant Accounting Principles
|
|
|
F-9 |
|
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
|
|
|
F-22 |
|
F-1
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
The Board of Directors and Shareholders of the Telenor Group
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of
the Telenor Group as of December 31, 2005 and 2004, and the
related consolidated income statements, consolidated statements
of changes in equity, and consolidated cash flow statements for
each of the two years in the period ended December 31,
2005. These financial statements are the responsibility of the
Companys management. Our responsibility is to express an
opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We
did not audit the financial statements of GrameenPhone Ltd., a
62%-owned subsidiary, as of and for the years ended
December 31, 2005 and 2004, which statements reflect total
assets constituting 4 percent in 2005 and 3 percent in
2004, and total revenues constituting 4 percent in 2005 and
4 percent in 2004 of the related consolidated totals. Those
statements were audited by other auditors whose report has been
furnished to us, and our opinion, insofar as it relates to the
amounts included for GrameenPhone Ltd., is based solely on the
report of the other auditors.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the
Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those
standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are
free of material misstatement. We were not engaged to perform an
audit of the Companys internal control over financial
reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control
over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit
procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not
for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of
the Companys internal control over financial reporting.
Accordingly we express no such opinion. An audit also includes
examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and
disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the
accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, and evaluating the overall financial statement
presentation. We believe that our audits and the reports of
other auditors provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, based on our audits and the report of other
auditors, the financial statements referred to above present
fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial
position of the Telenor Group at December 31, 2005 and
2004, and the consolidated results of its operations and its
cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended
December 31, 2005, in conformity with International
Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the European Union
which differ in certain respects from United States generally
accepted accounting principles (see note 38 of the notes to
the consolidated financial statements).
/s/ Ernst & Young AS
Oslo, Norway
April 6, 2006
F-2
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
The Board of Directors of GrameenPhone Ltd.
We have audited the accompanying balance sheet of GrameenPhone
Ltd. as of 31 December 2005 and 2004, and the related
profit and loss account, statement of changes in equity and cash
flow statement for each of the two years in the period ended
December 31, 2005. These financial statements are the
responsibility of the Companys management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial
statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the
Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those
standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are
free of material misstatement. We were not engaged to perform an
audit of the Companys internal control over financial
reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control
over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit
procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not
for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of
the Companys internal control over financial reporting.
Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes
examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and
disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the
accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, and evaluating the overall financial statement
presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable
basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above
present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position
of GrameenPhone Ltd. at December 31, 2005 and 2004 and the
results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the two
years in the period ended December 31, 2005, in conformity
with Bangladesh Accounting Standards which differ in certain
respects from International Financial Reporting Standards as
adopted by the European Union and United States generally
accepted accounting principles (see note 3.2.1 of the notes
to the financial statements).
/s/ Rahman Rahman Huq
Dhaka, Bangladesh
April 3, 2006
F-3
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF PROFIT AND LOSS
Telenor Group January 1 December 31
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Note | |
|
2004 | |
|
2005 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
NOK in millions, | |
|
|
|
|
except per share | |
|
|
|
|
amounts | |
Revenues
|
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
60,591 |
|
|
|
68,927 |
|
Operating expenses
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Costs of materials and traffic charges
|
|
|
4 |
|
|
|
15,924 |
|
|
|
17,711 |
|
Own work capitalized
|
|
|
5 |
|
|
|
(557 |
) |
|
|
(704 |
) |
Salaries and personnel costs
|
|
|
6,7 |
|
|
|
9,970 |
|
|
|
10,236 |
|
Other operating expenses
|
|
|
8 |
|
|
|
13,871 |
|
|
|
17,606 |
|
Other (income) and expenses
|
|
|
9 |
|
|
|
(152 |
) |
|
|
242 |
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
15 |
|
|
|
10,637 |
|
|
|
11,544 |
|
Write-downs
|
|
|
15, 17 |
|
|
|
3,531 |
|
|
|
587 |
|
Operating profit
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7,367 |
|
|
|
11,705 |
|
Associated companies
|
|
|
18 |
|
|
|
986 |
|
|
|
1,233 |
|
Financial income and expenses
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Financial income
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
496 |
|
|
|
447 |
|
Financial expenses
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,561 |
) |
|
|
(1,639 |
) |
Net currency gains (losses)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(87 |
) |
|
|
84 |
|
Change in fair value of financial instruments
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
243 |
|
Net gains (losses and write-downs) of financial items
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,673 |
|
|
|
518 |
|
Net financial items
|
|
|
13 |
|
|
|
1,521 |
|
|
|
(347 |
) |
Profit before taxes
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9,874 |
|
|
|
12,591 |
|
Taxes
|
|
|
14 |
|
|
|
(2,461 |
) |
|
|
(3,453 |
) |
Profit from continuing operations
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7,413 |
|
|
|
9,138 |
|
Profit (loss) from discontinued operations
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(4 |
) |
Profit from total operations
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7,413 |
|
|
|
9,134 |
|
Attributable to:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-controlling interests (Minority interests)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,320 |
|
|
|
1,488 |
|
Equity holders of Telenor ASA (Net income)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,093 |
|
|
|
7,646 |
|
|
Earnings per share in NOK
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
From continuing operations
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic
|
|
|
25 |
|
|
|
3.49 |
|
|
|
4.47 |
|
Diluted
|
|
|
25 |
|
|
|
3.48 |
|
|
|
4.47 |
|
From total operations
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic
|
|
|
25 |
|
|
|
3.49 |
|
|
|
4.47 |
|
Diluted
|
|
|
25 |
|
|
|
3.48 |
|
|
|
4.47 |
|
F-4
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
Telenor Group at December 31
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Note | |
|
2004 | |
|
2005 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
NOK in millions | |
Assets
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred tax assets
|
|
|
14 |
|
|
|
3,357 |
|
|
|
3,052 |
|
Goodwill
|
|
|
16 |
|
|
|
13,354 |
|
|
|
20,700 |
|
Other intangible assets
|
|
|
16 |
|
|
|
11,076 |
|
|
|
21,245 |
|
Property, plant and equipment
|
|
|
16 |
|
|
|
37,543 |
|
|
|
43,958 |
|
Associated companies
|
|
|
18 |
|
|
|
6,602 |
|
|
|
7,424 |
|
Financial non-current assets
|
|
|
20 |
|
|
|
1,249 |
|
|
|
2,267 |
|
Total non current assets
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
73,181 |
|
|
|
98,646 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current tax assets
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
207 |
|
|
|
110 |
|
Inventories
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
596 |
|
|
|
695 |
|
Trade and other receivables
|
|
|
19 |
|
|
|
11,487 |
|
|
|
13,852 |
|
Other financial current assets
|
|
|
20 |
|
|
|
844 |
|
|
|
3,619 |
|
Assets held for sale
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
667 |
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
|
|
29 |
|
|
|
5,081 |
|
|
|
6,806 |
|
Total current assets
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
18,215 |
|
|
|
25,749 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total assets
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
91,396 |
|
|
|
124,395 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity and liabilities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity attributable to equity holders of Telenor ASA
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
40,122 |
|
|
|
46,399 |
|
Non-controlling interests (Minority interests)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,946 |
|
|
|
7,134 |
|
Total equity
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
44,068 |
|
|
|
53,533 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Liabilities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-current interest-bearing financial liabilities
|
|
|
22 |
|
|
|
20,602 |
|
|
|
27,139 |
|
Non-current non-interest-bearing financial liabilities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
573 |
|
|
|
580 |
|
Deferred tax liabilities
|
|
|
14 |
|
|
|
2,292 |
|
|
|
2,669 |
|
Provisions etc.
|
|
|
21 |
|
|
|
3,188 |
|
|
|
3,368 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total non-current liabilities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
26,655 |
|
|
|
33,756 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current interest-bearing financial liabilities
|
|
|
22 |
|
|
|
3,991 |
|
|
|
11,908 |
|
Trade and other payables
|
|
|
24 |
|
|
|
15,175 |
|
|
|
20,827 |
|
Current tax liabilities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
321 |
|
|
|
853 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current non-interest bearing financial liabilities
|
|
|
24 |
|
|
|
431 |
|
|
|
2,314 |
|
Liabilities held for sale
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
287 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Provisions etc.
|
|
|
21 |
|
|
|
755 |
|
|
|
917 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total current liabilities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
20,673 |
|
|
|
37,106 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total equity and liabilities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
91,396 |
|
|
|
124,395 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-5
CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENT
Telenor Group January 1 December 31
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Note | |
|
2004 | |
|
2005 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
NOK in millions | |
Proceeds from sale of goods and services
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
61,107 |
|
|
|
69,853 |
|
Payments to suppliers of goods and services and of other
operating expenses
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(30,639 |
) |
|
|
(35,461 |
) |
Payments to employees, pensions, social security tax and tax
deductions
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(9,280 |
) |
|
|
(9,635 |
) |
Proceeds from interest income
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
323 |
|
|
|
347 |
|
Proceeds from other financial income
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
590 |
|
|
|
162 |
|
Payments of interest expenses
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,361 |
) |
|
|
(1,563 |
) |
Payments of other financial expenses
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(67 |
) |
|
|
(49 |
) |
Other proceeds and payments related to operating activities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(22 |
) |
|
|
4 |
|
Payment of income taxes and public duties
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,660 |
) |
|
|
(1,318 |
) |
Net cash flow from operating activities(1)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
18,991 |
|
|
|
22,340 |
|
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment and
intangible assets
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
263 |
|
|
|
539 |
|
Purchase of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(11,613 |
) |
|
|
(14,213 |
) |
Cash receipts from sale of subsidiaries and associated
companies, net of cash sold
|
|
|
29 |
|
|
|
849 |
|
|
|
740 |
|
Cash payments on purchase of subsidiaries and associated
companies, net of cash purchased
|
|
|
29 |
|
|
|
(6,281 |
) |
|
|
(8,128 |
) |
Proceeds from sale of other investments
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,960 |
|
|
|
1,539 |
|
Payments for other investments
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(209 |
) |
|
|
(475 |
) |
Net cash flow from investment activities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(13,031 |
) |
|
|
(19,998 |
) |
Proceeds from non-current liabilities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,486 |
|
|
|
5,718 |
|
Proceeds from current liabilities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
55 |
|
|
|
6,057 |
|
Payments on non-current liabilities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(6,044 |
) |
|
|
(4,724 |
) |
Payments on current liabilities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(808 |
) |
|
|
(2,876 |
) |
Proceeds from issuance of shares, inclusive from minority
interests
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
47 |
|
|
|
74 |
|
Shares buy back
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2,020 |
) |
|
|
(2,267 |
) |
Payment of equity and dividends to minorities in subsidiaries
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(207 |
) |
|
|
(219 |
) |
Payment of dividends
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,764 |
) |
|
|
(2,595 |
) |
Net cash flow from financing activities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(8,255 |
) |
|
|
(832 |
) |
Effect on cash and cash equivalents of changes in foreign
exchange rates
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(268 |
) |
|
|
215 |
|
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2,563 |
) |
|
|
1,725 |
|
Cash and cash equivalents at January 1
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7,644 |
|
|
|
5,081 |
|
Cash and cash equivalents at December 31
|
|
|
29 |
|
|
|
5,081 |
|
|
|
6,806 |
|
(1) Reconciliation
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Profit after taxes
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7,413 |
|
|
|
9,134 |
|
Profit after taxes from discontinued operations
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4 |
|
Taxes
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,461 |
|
|
|
3,453 |
|
Profit before taxes
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9,874 |
|
|
|
12,591 |
|
Income taxes paid
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,516 |
) |
|
|
(1,369 |
) |
Net (gain) loss including write-downs and change in fair
value of financial items
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(3,161 |
) |
|
|
(929 |
) |
Depreciation, amortization and write-downs
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
14,168 |
|
|
|
12,131 |
|
Associated companies
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(986 |
) |
|
|
(1,233 |
) |
Changes in inventories
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(79 |
) |
|
|
(37 |
) |
Changes in accounts receivable and prepayments from customers
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
95 |
|
|
|
1,659 |
|
Changes in accounts payable and prepaid expenses
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
237 |
|
|
|
407 |
|
Difference between expensed and paid pensions
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
267 |
|
|
|
211 |
|
Currency (gains) losses not relating to operating activities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
57 |
|
|
|
(18 |
) |
Change in other accruals
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
35 |
|
|
|
(1,073 |
) |
Net cash flow from operating activities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
18,991 |
|
|
|
22,340 |
|
Value added tax is regarded as collection of tax on behalf of
the authorities and reported net. Received dividends are
included in line item Proceeds from other financial
income.
F-6
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2004 AND 2005
Telenor Group
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Attributable to equity holders of Telenor ASA | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) Total | |
|
|
|
(1) Cumulative | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
paid | |
|
(1) Other | |
|
Retained | |
|
translation | |
|
|
|
Minority | |
|
Total | |
|
|
capital | |
|
reserves | |
|
earnings | |
|
differences | |
|
Total | |
|
interest | |
|
equity | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(NOK in millions) | |
Balance as of January 1, 2004 Restated
according to IFRS(2)
|
|
|
29,311 |
|
|
|
(732 |
) |
|
|
9,084 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
37,663 |
|
|
|
3,420 |
|
|
|
41,083 |
|
Translation differences
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(321 |
) |
|
|
(321 |
) |
|
|
(419 |
) |
|
|
(740 |
) |
Business combinations and increased ownership interests in
subsidiaries
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
871 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
871 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
871 |
|
Equity adjustments in associated companies
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
62 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
62 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
62 |
|
Tax on items taken directly to or transferred from equity
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(253 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(284 |
) |
|
|
(537 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(537 |
) |
Net income (loss) recognized directly in equity
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
680 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(605 |
) |
|
|
75 |
|
|
|
(419 |
) |
|
|
(344 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Profit for the year 2004
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,093 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,093 |
|
|
|
1,320 |
|
|
|
7,413 |
|
Total recognized income and expense for the period
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
680 |
|
|
|
6,093 |
|
|
|
(605 |
) |
|
|
6,168 |
|
|
|
901 |
|
|
|
7,069 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dividends
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,764 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,764 |
) |
|
|
(373 |
) |
|
|
(2,137 |
) |
Share buy back
|
|
|
(2,020 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2,020 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2,020 |
) |
Sale of shares, share issue, and share options to employees
|
|
|
59 |
|
|
|
16 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
75 |
|
|
|
3 |
|
|
|
78 |
|
Transactions with minorities in subsidiaries
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(5 |
) |
|
|
(5 |
) |
Balance as of December 31, 2004
|
|
|
27,350 |
|
|
|
(36 |
) |
|
|
13,413 |
|
|
|
(605 |
) |
|
|
40,122 |
|
|
|
3,946 |
|
|
|
44,068 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total changes in accounting policy (IAS 32 and 39)(2)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
661 |
|
|
|
(208 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
453 |
|
|
|
8 |
|
|
|
461 |
|
Adjusted equity as of January 1, 2005
|
|
|
27,350 |
|
|
|
625 |
|
|
|
13,205 |
|
|
|
(605 |
) |
|
|
40,575 |
|
|
|
3,954 |
|
|
|
44,529 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Translation differences
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
525 |
|
|
|
525 |
|
|
|
441 |
|
|
|
966 |
|
Business combinations and increased ownership interests in
subsidiaries
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,829 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,829 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,829 |
|
Available-for-sale investments:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Valuation gains (losses) taken to equity
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,440 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,440 |
|
|
|
20 |
|
|
|
1,460 |
|
|
Transferred to profit or loss on sale
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(388 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(388 |
) |
|
|
(24 |
) |
|
|
(412 |
) |
Cash flow hedges:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Valuation gains (losses) taken to equity
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(172 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(172 |
) |
|
|
3 |
|
|
|
(169 |
) |
|
Transferred to profit or loss for the period
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(13 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(13 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(13 |
) |
|
Transferred to initial carrying amount of hedged items
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
209 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
209 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
209 |
|
Equity adjustments in associated companies
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
Tax on items taken directly to or transferred from equity
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(459 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(12 |
) |
|
|
(471 |
) |
|
|
(1 |
) |
|
|
(472 |
) |
Net income (loss) recognized directly in equity
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,447 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
513 |
|
|
|
2,960 |
|
|
|
439 |
|
|
|
3,399 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Profit for the period
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7,646 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7,646 |
|
|
|
1,488 |
|
|
|
9,134 |
|
Total recognized income and expenses for the period
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,447 |
|
|
|
7,646 |
|
|
|
513 |
|
|
|
10,606 |
|
|
|
1,927 |
|
|
|
12,533 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dividends
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2,595 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2,595 |
) |
|
|
(171 |
) |
|
|
(2,766 |
) |
Share buy back
|
|
|
(2,267 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2,267 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2,267 |
) |
Sale of shares, share issue, and share options to employees
|
|
|
74 |
|
|
|
6 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
80 |
|
|
|
5 |
|
|
|
85 |
|
Transactions with minorities in subsidiaries
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,419 |
|
|
|
1,419 |
|
Balance as of December 31, 2005
|
|
|
25,157 |
|
|
|
3,078 |
|
|
|
18,256 |
|
|
|
(92 |
) |
|
|
46,399 |
|
|
|
7,134 |
|
|
|
53,533 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
See note 36 |
|
(2) |
See note 37 |
F-7
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dividends |
|
2004 | |
|
2005 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
Dividend per share in NOK paid
|
|
|
1.00 |
|
|
|
1.50 |
|
Dividend per share in NOK proposed by the Board of
Directors
|
|
|
1.50 |
|
|
|
2.00 |
|
Total dividends of NOK 2,595 million and NOK
1,764 million was paid in June 2005 and May 2004,
respectively.
In respect of 2005, the directors propose that a dividend of NOK
2.00 per share will be paid to shareholders. This dividend
is subject to approval by shareholders at the Annual General
Meeting and has not been included as a liability in these
financial statements. The proposed dividend is payable to all
shareholders on the Register of Members on May 23, 2006,
which is the date of the Annual General Meeting. The total
estimated dividend to be paid is NOK 3.4 billion. Dividends
will not be paid on own shares as of the date of the Annual
General Meeting.
Equity available for distribution as dividends from Telenor ASA
was NOK 13,259 million as of December 31, 2005.
Non-controlling (Minority) interests
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Minority | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Minority | |
|
interests | |
|
Minority | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
interests in | |
|
in the | |
|
interests in | |
|
|
Minority | |
|
|
|
|
|
the balance | |
|
balance | |
|
the | |
|
|
share in % | |
|
Minority | |
|
Minority | |
|
sheet | |
|
sheet | |
|
balance sheet | |
|
|
December 31, | |
|
part of net | |
|
part of net | |
|
December 31, | |
|
January 1, | |
|
December 31, | |
|
|
2005 | |
|
income 2005 | |
|
income 2004 | |
|
2005 | |
|
2005 | |
|
2004 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(NOK in millions) | |
Kyivstar GSM JSC
|
|
|
43.5 |
|
|
|
827 |
|
|
|
588 |
|
|
|
2,348 |
|
|
|
1,255 |
|
|
|
1,255 |
|
DiGi.Com bhd
|
|
|
39.0 |
|
|
|
288 |
|
|
|
187 |
|
|
|
1,645 |
|
|
|
1,190 |
|
|
|
1,190 |
|
GrameenPhone Ltd.
|
|
|
38.0 |
|
|
|
219 |
|
|
|
410 |
|
|
|
648 |
|
|
|
528 |
|
|
|
528 |
|
DTAC/ UCOM
|
|
|
25.0/13.8 |
|
|
|
42 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,345 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
EDB Business Partner ASA
|
|
|
48.2 |
|
|
|
89 |
|
|
|
111 |
|
|
|
856 |
|
|
|
788 |
|
|
|
788 |
|
Telenor Venture IV AS
|
|
|
49.0 |
|
|
|
5 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
155 |
|
|
|
60 |
|
|
|
52 |
|
Other
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
18 |
|
|
|
24 |
|
|
|
137 |
|
|
|
133 |
|
|
|
133 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,488 |
|
|
|
1,320 |
|
|
|
7,134 |
|
|
|
3,954 |
|
|
|
3,946 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The change from December 31, 2004 to January 1, 2005
was the implementation of IAS 32 and 39.
In the third quarter of 2005, Telenor sold 29.0% of the shares
in the subsidiary Telenor Venture IV AS. During the fourth
quarter of 2005, Telenor increased its economic stake in the
previous associated companies DTAC/ UCOM. See note 1. In
the fourth quarter of 2004, Telenor increased its ownership
interest in GrameenPhone Ltd. In April 2004, Telenor increased
its ownership interest in Kyivstar GSM JSC. At the end of
December 2004, Telenor sold 20.0% of the shares in the
subsidiary Telenor Venture IV AS.
Telenor Group
General information
Telenor ASA (the Company) is a limited company incorporated in
Norway on July 21, 2000. The Company is subject to the
provisions of the Norwegian Act relating to Public Limited
Liability Companies. The Companys principal offices are
located at Snarøyveien 30, N-1331 Fornebu, Norway.
Telephone number: +47 810 77 000. The principal activities of
the Company and its subsidiaries (the Group) are described under
segments below.
From January 1, 2005, as required by the European
Unions IAS Regulation and the Accounting Act, the Company
has prepared its consolidated financial statements in accordance
with International Financial
F-8
Reporting Standards (IFRS) as adopted by the
European Union (EU). IFRS as adopted by the EU
differ in certain respects from IFRS as issued by the
International Accounting Standards Board (IASB).
However, the consolidated financial statements for the periods
presented would be no different had Company applied IFRS as
issued by the IASB. References to IFRS hereafter
should be construed as references to IFRS as adopted by the EU.
The financial statements have been prepared on the historical
cost basis, except for financial assets available for sale
(primarily shares owned less than 20%) and derivative financial
instruments, which are carried at fair value. The Group has not
elected to revalue Property, Plant and Equipment and intangible
assets. The principal accounting principles adopted are set out
below.
The Groups accounting principles differ, in certain
respects, from United States Generally Accepted Accounting
Principles (US GAAP). The differences are set forth in
note 38.
Adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards
Regulations of the European Union (EU) require that
publicly listed companies within the EU prepare their
consolidated financial statements in accordance with
International Financial Reporting Standards
(IFRS) for accounting periods commencing on or after
January 1, 2005. Due to the European Economic Area
(EEA) agreement, Norwegian listed companies are also
required to follow IFRS. Telenors first IFRS financial
statements are for the year ending December 31, 2005 and
include the comparative period for 2004.
The main changes in accounting principles when preparing
Telenors financial statements according to IFRS compared
to N GAAP are found in note 37.
Summary of significant accounting policies
At the date of authorisation of these financial statements, the
following Standards and Interpretations that could affect
Telenor were issued but not effective:
|
|
|
IAS 19 Employee Benefits amendments issued in
December 2004 (shall be applied from the year beginning on
January 1, 2006) |
|
|
IAS 1 Amendment (August 2005) Capital Disclosures
(shall be applied from the year beginning on January 1,
2007) |
|
|
IAS 39 Cash Flow Hedge Accounting of Forecast
Intragroup Transactions (shall be applied from the year
beginning on January 1, 2006) |
|
|
IFRS 7 Financial Instruments Disclosures (shall be
applied from the year beginning on January 1, 2007) |
The management anticipate to adopt these Standards and
Interpretations at the dates stated above and anticipate that
the adoption in future periods will have no material impact on
the financial statements of the Group.
Telenor has implemented IFRIC 4 (Determining whether an
Arrangement contains a Lease) (shall be applied from the year
beginning on January 1, 2006).
Basis of consolidation and non-controlling interests
The consolidated financial statements incorporate the financial
statements of Telenor ASA and entities controlled by Telenor ASA
(subsidiaries). Control is achieved where the Company has the
power to govern the financial and operating policies of an
entity so as to obtain benefits from its activities. Control
normally exists when Telenor has more than 50% voting power
through ownership or agreements.
The results of subsidiaries acquired or disposed of during the
year are included in the consolidated income statement from the
effective date of acquisition or up to the effective date of
disposal, as appropriate. Intercompany transactions, balances,
revenues and expenses are eliminated on consolidation.
F-9
Non-controlling (minority) interests in the net assets of
consolidated subsidiaries are identified separately from the
Groups equity therein. Non-controlling interests consist
of the amount of those interests at the date of the business
combination (see below) and the non-controlling interests
share of changes in equity since the date of the combination.
Business combinations
The acquisition of subsidiaries is accounted for using the
acquisition method. The cost of the acquisition is measured at
the aggregate of the fair values, at the date of exchange, of
assets given, liabilities incurred or assumed, in exchange for
control of the acquiree, plus any costs directly attributable to
the business combination. If parts or whole of the purchase
price has been hedged, and cash flow hedge accounting is
applicable according to IAS 39, the gain or loss on the hedge
instrument is included in the purchase price.
The acquirees identifiable assets, liabilities and
contingent liabilities that meet the conditions for recognition
under IFRS 3 are recognised at their fair values at the
acquisition date, except for non-current assets that are
classified as held for sale. Goodwill arising on acquisition is
recognised as an asset at the excess of the cost of the business
combination over the Groups interest in the net fair value
of the identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent
liabilities recognised. If, after reassessment, the Groups
interest in the net fair value of the acquirees
identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities
exceed the cost of the business combination, the excess is
recognised immediately in profit or loss.
The interest of non-controlling shareholders in the acquiree is
initially measured at the non-controlling shareholders
proportion of the net fair value of the assets (excluding
goodwill), liabilities and contingent liabilities recognised.
The increase in value of identifiable assets and liabilities
between the time of consolidation and subsequent share purchase
is recorded against the shareholders equity. The increase
of goodwill is capitalized for every acquisition.
Increases in non-controlling interests from a subsidiarys
equity transactions and sale of shares in a subsidiary are
recorded at fair value as non-controlling interests. The
difference between the non-controlling interests measured at
fair value and the recorded equity in the subsidiary is
amortized or written-down through allocating results to the
non-controlling interests.
Investments in associated companies
An associate is an entity over which the Group has significant
influence and that is not a subsidiary. Significant influence is
the power to participate in the financial and operating policy
decisions of the investee but is not control over those
policies. Significant influence normally exists when Telenor has
20% to 50% voting power through ownership or agreements.
The results and assets and liabilities of associated companies
are incorporated in these financial statements using the equity
method of accounting. Under the equity method, investments in
associated companies are carried in the consolidated balance
sheet at cost as adjusted for post-acquisition changes in the
Groups share of the net assets of the associated companies
(ie profit or loss and equity adjustments), less any impairment
in the value of individual investments. Losses of associated
companies in excess of the Groups interest in such
companies, including any non-current interests that, in
substance, form part of the Groups net investment in the
associated companies are not recognised unless the Group has
incurred legal or constructive obligations or made payments on
behalf of the associated companies.
Any goodwill is included within the carrying amount of the
investment and is assessed for impairment as part of the
investment. Where a Group entity transacts with an associate of
the Group, profits or losses are eliminated to the extent of the
Groups interest in the relevant associated company.
The net result of associated companies, including amortization
and write-downs and gains and losses on disposals, are included
as a separate line item in the income statement between
operating profit (loss) and financial items. For some associated
companies, especially those that are listed (see note 18),
financial
F-10
statements as of the Groups balance sheet date are not
available. In such instances, the most recent financial
statements (as of a date not more than three months prior to the
Groups balance sheet date) are used, and estimates for the
last period are made based on publicly available information.
Goodwill and cash generating units
IFRS 3 has been adopted for business combinations for which the
agreement date is on or after January 1, 2004.
Goodwill (see business combinations) is initially recognised as
an asset at cost and is subsequently measured at cost less any
accumulated impairment losses.
A cash-generating unit (CGU) is the smallest identifiable
group of assets that generates cash inflows that are largely
independent of the cash inflows from other assets or groups of
assets. In identifying whether cash inflows from an asset (or
group of assets) are largely independent of the cash inflows
from other assets (or groups of assets), the Group considers
various factors including how management monitors the
entitys operations (such as by product or service lines,
businesses, geographical areas). The Group has identified that a
CGU often will be the separate networks in the separate
geographical areas (countries), distinguishing between different
technologies (mobile, fixed and broadcast).
Goodwill does not generate cash flows independently of other
assets or groups of assets and is allocated to the CGUs expected
to benefit from the synergies of the combination that gave rise
to the goodwill. CGUs to which goodwill has been allocated are
tested for impairment annually, or more frequently when there is
an indication that the unit may be impaired. If the recoverable
amount (the higher of fair value less cost to sell and value in
use) of the CGU is less than the carrying amount of the unit,
the impairment loss does first reduce the carrying amount of any
goodwill and then reduce the carrying amount of the other assets
of the unit pro-rata on the basis of the carrying amount of each
asset in the unit. An impairment loss recognised for goodwill
cannot be reversed in a subsequent period if the fair value of
the CGU recovers. Any impairment is included in write-downs in
the income statement.
On disposal of businesses, the attributable amount of goodwill
is included in the determination of the profit or loss on
disposal.
Non-current assets held for sale and discontinued
operations
Non-current assets and disposal groups are classified as held
for sale according to IFRS 5 if their carrying amount will be
recovered through a sale transaction rather than through
continuing use. This condition is regarded as met only when the
sale is highly probable and the asset (or disposal group) is
available for immediate sale in its present condition.
Management must be committed to the sale, which should be
expected to qualify for recognition as a completed sale within
one year from the date of classification.
Non-current assets (and disposal groups) classified as held for
sale are measured at the lower of the assets previous
carrying amount and fair value less costs to sell.
A discontinued operation is a component of the Group that either
has been disposed of, or is classified as held for sale, and
represents a separate major line of business or geographical
area of operations or is a subsidiary acquired exclusively with
a view to resale.
Revenue recognition and measurement
Revenues are measured at the fair value of the consideration
received or receivable, net of discounts and sales related
taxes. Revenues are reported gross with a separate recording of
expenses to vendors of products or services. However, when
Telenor only acts as an agent or broker on behalf of suppliers
of products or services, revenues are reported on a net basis.
Revenues primarily comprise sale of
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Services: traffic fees, subscription and connection fees,
interconnection fees, fees for leased lines and leased networks,
fees for data network services, fees for TV distribution and
satellite services,
IT-operations, |
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customer equipment: Telephony handsets, PCs, terminals,
set-top boxes etc., and |
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software |
Revenues from subscription fees are recognized over the
subscription period while delivery of other services is normally
recognized based on actual usage. Revenues from operating
services are recognized on the basis of actual use for
volume-based contracts, and on a linear basis over the contract
period for term-based contracts.
Revenues from sale of customer equipment are normally recognized
when products are delivered to customers.
Connection fees
Revenues from connection that do not represent a separate
earnings process are deferred and recognized over the periods
that the fees are earned which is the expected period of the
customer relationship. The expected period of the customer
relationship is based on past history of churn, and expected
development based on recent development or experience from other
Group companies.
When connection fees are charged in arrangements where discounts
is provided on other elements in the transaction (including
multiple element transactions) connection fee has been allocated
to sale of the rebated equipment or services, limited to the
amount of the discount, and therefore recognized as revenue at
the same time the equipment or services is recognized as revenue.
Multiple element arrangements
Revenue arrangements with multiple deliverables are divided into
separate units of accounting if the delivered item has value to
the customer on a standalone basis and there is objective and
reliable evidence of the fair value of undelivered items.
Arrangement consideration is allocated based on their relative
fair values, with the amount allocated to the delivered item
being limited to the amount that is not contingent on the
delivery of additional items or other specified performance
criteria, which most often is the amount received in cash at the
time of sale. In most instances the delivered element is
equipment, and the equipment is recorded with low revenue,
potentially including connection fee, due to discounts provided.
The subsequent services are recorded at the normal selling price
or at a discounted value, depending on the facts and
circumstances.
Sale of software
Revenue from sale of software licenses and software upgrades is
deferred and recognized as revenue over the remaining software
maintenance period when the customer does not have the right to
use the software without software maintenance from the Group. In
addition, in conjunction with these contracts, the Group may
develop additional applications that are not essential to the
use of the software. These development fees are also deferred
and recognized as revenue over the remaining software
maintenance period.
Discounts
Discounts are often provided in the form of cash discount, free
products or services delivered by the Group or by external
parties. Discounts are recorded on a systematic basis over the
period the discount is earned. Cash discounts or free products
are recorded as revenue reductions. Free products or services
delivered by external parties are recorded as expenses.
For discount schemes (loyalty programs etc), if the Group has
past history to be able to make a reliable estimate the accrued
discount is limited to the estimated discount that will actually
be earned. The exact
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amount and earnings period of the discount often must be based
on estimation techniques, with potentially changes recorded in
the period the estimate changes or the final outcome is known.
Interest and dividend income
Interest income is accrued on a time basis. Dividend income from
investments is recognised when the shareholders rights to
receive payment have been established.
Pensions
Defined benefit plans are valued at the present value of accrued
future pension benefits at the balance sheet date. Pension plan
assets are valued at their fair value. Changes in the pension
obligations due to changes in pension plans are recognized over
the estimated average remaining service period Accumulated
effects of changes in estimates, changes in assumptions and
deviations from actuarial assumptions (actuarial gains or
losses) that are less than 10% of the higher of pension benefit
obligations and pension plan assets at the beginning of the year
is not recorded. When the accumulated effect is above 10% the
excess amount is recognized in the income statement over the
estimated average remaining service period. The net pension cost
for the period is classified as salaries and personnel costs.
Payments to defined contribution plans are expensed as incurred.
When sufficient information is not available to use defined
benefit accounting for a multi-employer plan that is a defined
benefit plan, the plan is accounted for as if it were a defined
contribution plan.
The Group recognized all cumulative actuarial gains and losses
on pension obligations at the date of transition to IFRS
(January 1, 2004).
Gains or losses on the curtailment or settlement of a defined
benefit plan are recognized when the curtailment or settlement
occurs. A curtailment occurs when the Group either is
demonstrably committed to make a material reduction in the
number of employees covered by a plan or amends the terms of a
defined benefit plan such that a material element of future
service by current employees will no longer qualify for benefits
or will qualify only for reduced benefits.
Leasing
Leases are classified as finance leases whenever the terms of
the lease transfer substantially all the risks and rewards of
ownership to the lessee. All other leases are classified as
operating leases. The evaluation is based on the substance of
the transaction. However, situations that individually would
normally lead the Group to classify a lease as a finance lease
is if the lease term is more than 75 percent of the
estimated economic life or the present value of the minimum
lease payments exceeds 90 percent of the fair value of the
leased asset.
According to IFRIC 4 the Group may enter into an arrangement
that does not take the legal form of a lease but conveys a right
to use an asset in return for a payment or series of payments.
Determining whether an arrangement is, or contains, a lease
shall be based on the substance of the arrangement and requires
an assessment of whether: (a) fulfilment of the arrangement
is dependent on the use of a specific asset; and (b) the
arrangement conveys a right to use the asset.
The Group as lessor
Amounts due from lessees under finance leases are recorded as
receivables at the amount of the Groups net investment in
the leases. Rental income from operating leases is recognised on
a straight-line basis over the term of the relevant lease.
Initial direct costs incurred in negotiating and arranging an
operating lease is added to the carrying amount of the leased
asset and recognised on a straight-line basis over the lease
term.
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The Group as lessee
Assets held under finance leases are recognised as assets of the
Group at their fair value at the inception of the lease or, if
lower, at the present value of the minimum lease payments. The
corresponding liability to the lessor is included in the balance
sheet as a finance lease obligation.
Rentals payable under operating leases are charged to profit or
loss on a straight-line basis over the term of the relevant
lease. Benefits received and receivable as an incentive to enter
into an operating lease are also spread on a straight-line basis
over the lease term. Prepaid lease payments made on entering
into operating leases or acquiring leaseholds are amortized over
the lease term in accordance with the pattern of benefits
provided and included in the line item depreciation and
amortization in the income statement.
Foreign currency translation
The consolidated financial statements are presented in Norwegian
Krone, which is the Telenor ASAs functional and
presentation currency. The Group has foreign entities with
functional currency other than Norwegian Krone. Transactions in
foreign currencies are initially recorded in the functional
currency rate ruling at the date of the transaction. Monetary
assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are
retranslated at the functional currency rate of exchange ruling
at the balance sheet date. All differences are taken to profit
or loss with the exception of differences on foreign currency
borrowings that provide a hedge against a net investment in a
foreign entity, or monetary items that are regarded as a part of
the net investments. These are taken directly to a separate
component of equity until the disposal of the net investment, at
which time they are recognised in profit or loss. Tax charges
and credits attributable to exchange differences on those
borrowings are also dealt with in equity. Non-monetary items
that are measured in terms of historical cost in foreign
currency are translated using the exchange rates as at the dates
of the initial transactions.
As at the reporting date, the assets and liabilities of foreign
entities with functional currencies other than Norwegian Krone
are translated into Norwegian Krone at the rate of exchange
ruling at the balance sheet date and their income statements are
translated at the weighted average exchange rates for the year.
The translation differences arising on the translation are taken
directly to a separate component of equity until the disposal of
the net investment, at which time they are recognised in profit
or loss. Cumulative translation differences are deemed to be
zero at the date of transition to IFRS, and are kept permanently
in equity.
Derivative financial instruments and hedging
The group uses derivative financial instruments such as forward
currency contracts, interest rate swaps, cross currency interest
rate swaps and interest rate options to hedge its risks
associated with interest rate and foreign currency fluctuations.
Such derivative financial instruments are initially recognised
at fair value on the date on which a derivative contract is
entered into and are subsequently remeasured at fair value.
Derivatives are carried as assets when the fair value is
positive and as liabilities when the fair value is negative, as
long as Telenor has no intention or ability to settle the
contracts net. Any gains or losses arising from changes in fair
value on derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting
are taken to profit or loss.
Derivatives embedded in other financial instruments or other
non-financial host contracts are treated as separate derivatives
when their risk and characteristics are not closely related to
those of the host contract and the host contract is not carried
at fair value with unrealised gains or losses reported in profit
or loss. Currency derivatives embedded in committed purchase or
sales contracts are not separated and fair valued if the
currency in the contract is either the functional currency of
one of the parties to the contract or is a commonly used
currency for purchase or sales in the relevant country.
At the inception of a hedge relationship, the Group formally
designates and documents the hedge relationship to which the
Group wishes to apply hedge accounting and risk management
objective and strategy for undertaking the hedge. The
documentation includes identification of the hedging instrument,
the hedged item or transaction, the nature of the risk being
hedged and how the entity will assess the hedging
instruments effectiveness in offsetting the exposure to
change in the hedged items fair value or cash flows
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attributable to the hedged risk. Such hedges are expected to be
highly effective in achieving offsetting changes in fair value
or cash flows and are assessed on an ongoing basis to determine
that they actually have been highly effective throughout the
financial reporting periods for which they were designated.
Hedges that meet the strict criteria for hedge accounting are
accounted for as follows:
Fair value hedges
Fair value hedges are hedges of the Groups exposure to
changes in the fair value of a recognised asset or liability or
an unrecognised firm commitment, or an identified portion of
such, that is attributable to a particular risk and could affect
profit or loss. For fair value hedges, the carrying amount of
the hedge item is adjusted for gains and losses attributable to
the risk being hedged, the derivative is remeasured at fair
value and gains and losses from both are taken to profit or loss.
For fair value hedges relating to items carried at amortised
cost, the adjustment to carrying value is amortised through
profit or loss over the remaining term to maturity.
The Group discontinues fair value hedge accounting if the
hedging instrument expires or is sold, terminated or exercised,
the hedge no longer meets the criteria for hedge accounting or
the Group revokes the designation.
The Group use fair value hedge primarily to hedge interest rate
risk of fixed-rate interest-bearing liabilities and currency
risk for interest-bearing liabilities.
Cash flow hedges
A cash flow hedge is a hedge of the exposure to variability in
cash flows that is attributable to a particular risk associated
with a recognised asset or liability or a highly probable
forecast transaction that could affect profit or loss. The
effective portion of the gain or loss on the hedging instrument
is recognised directly in equity, while the ineffective portion
is recognised in profit or loss.
Amounts taken to equity are transferred to profit or loss when
the hedged transaction affects profit or loss, such as when
hedged financial income or financial expense is recognised or
when a forecast sale or purchase occurs. Where the hedged item
is the cost of a non-financial asset or liability, the amounts
taken to equity are transferred to the initial carrying amount
of the non-financial asset or liability.
If the forecast transaction is no longer expected to occur,
amounts previously recognised in equity are transferred to
profit or loss. If the hedging instrument expires or is sold,
terminated or exercised without replacement or rollover, or if
its designation as a hedge is revoked, amounts previously
recognised in equity remain in equity until the forecast
transaction occurs. If the related transaction is not expected
to occur, the amount is taken to profit or loss.
The Group uses cash flow hedges primarily to hedge interest rate
risk of variable-rate interest-bearing liabilities and highly
probable transactions such as purchase of a foreign entity and
significant investments in foreign currency.
Hedges of a net investment
Hedge of a net investment in a foreign entity is accounted for
in a way similar to cash flow hedges. Gains or losses on the
hedging instrument relating to the effective portion of the
hedge are recognised directly in equity while any gains or
losses relating to the ineffective portion are recognised in
profit or loss. On disposal of the foreign entity, the
cumulative value of any such gains or losses recognised directly
in equity is transferred to profit or loss.
Income taxes
Current tax assets and liabilities are measured at the amount
expected to be recovered or paid to the tax authorities.
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are calculated using the
liability method with full allocation for
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all temporary differences between the carrying amount of assets
and liabilities in the financial statements and for tax
purposes, including tax losses carried forward. Such assets and
liabilities are not recognised if the temporary difference
arises from the initial recognition of goodwill.
Telenor includes deductions for uncertain tax positions when it
is probable that the tax position will be sustained in a tax
review. Telenor make provisions to cover in full all changes in
Telenors tax assessments, pending the final outcome of
Telenors appeal against the disallowed deductions. Legal
disputes concerning tax positions that are not finally settled
in the Groups favour is also fully provided for. Deferred
tax assets are recorded in the balance sheet to the extent it is
more likely than not that the tax assets will be utilized. The
enacted tax rates at the balance sheet date and undiscounted
amounts are used.
Deferred tax assets that will be realized upon sale or
liquidation of subsidiaries or associated companies are not
recorded until a sales agreement has been entered into or
liquidation is decided. Deferred taxes are calculated on
undistributed earnings in foreign subsidiaries and associated
companies based on the estimated taxation on transfer of funds
to the parent company, based on the enacted tax rates and
regulation as of the date of the balance sheet.
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset when there is a
legally enforceable right to set off current tax assets against
current tax liabilities and the Group intends to settle its
current tax assets and liabilities on a net basis.
Current/non-current
An asset/liability is classified as current when it is expected
to be realised/settled or is intended for sale or consumption
in, the Groups normal operating cycle, or it is
expected/due to be realised or settled within twelve months
after the balance sheet date. Connection revenues and related
costs for connection limited to the deferred connection revenues
are deferred over the estimated customer relationship. Deferred
revenues and costs for connection are classified as current as
they relate to the Groups normal operating cycle. Other
assets/liabilities are classified as non-current.
Trade receivables
Trade receivables are measured on initial recognition at fair
value. Appropriate allowances for estimated irrecoverable
amounts taking account of the historic evidence of the level of
bad debt experienced for customer types are recognized in profit
or loss when there is a loss event and objective evidence that
the asset is impaired.
Investments
Investments are initially measured at fair value, plus directly
attributable transaction costs.
Investments, primarily shares owned less than 20%, are
classified as available-for-sale and are measured at subsequent
reporting dates at fair value. Gains and losses arising from
changes in fair value are recognised directly in equity, until
the security is disposed of or is determined to be impaired, at
which time the cumulative gain or loss previously recognised in
equity is included in the profit or loss for the period.
Impairment losses recognised in profit or loss for equity
investments classified as available-for-sale are not
subsequently reversed through profit or loss.
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include cash, bank deposits, fixed
rate bonds and commercial paper with original maturity of three
months or less.
Interest-bearing liabilities
Interest-bearing bonds and commercial paper, bank loans and
overdrafts are initially measured at fair value net of
transaction costs, and are subsequently measured at amortised
cost, using the effective interest-
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rate method. in addition, where fair value hedge accounting is
applied the hedged liability is also adjusted for gains and
losses attributable to the risk being hedged. On extinguishment
of debt in whole or in part the difference between the carrying
amount of the liability extinguished and the consideration paid
is recognized in profit or loss.
Costs related to connection fees
Initial direct costs incurred in earning connection fees are
deferred over the same period as the revenue, limited to the
amount of the deferred revenue. Costs incurred consist primarily
of the first payment of distributor commission, costs for credit
check, cost of the SIM card, the cost of the printed new
customer information package, costs of installation work and
expenses for order handling. In most instances costs associated
with connection fees exceed such revenues.
Inventories
Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market price.
Cost is determined using the FIFO or weighted average method.
Advertising costs, marketing and sales commissions
Advertising costs, marketing and sales commissions are expensed
as incurred, unless they form part of the costs that are
deferred in relation to deferral of connection fees.
Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost less
accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses.
Depreciation is calculated to reduce the cost of assets, other
than land, to their estimated residual value, if any, over their
estimated useful lives. Cost includes professional fees and, for
qualifying assets, borrowing costs capitalised. Depreciation
commences when the assets are ready for their intended use.
Assets held under finance leases and leasehold improvements are
depreciated over their expected useful lives on the same basis
as owned assets or, where shorter, the term of the relevant
lease.
The gain or loss arising on the disposal or retirement of an
item of property, plant and equipment is determined as the
difference between the sales proceeds and the carrying amount of
the asset and is recognised in the other (income) expense line
as part of operating profit or loss.
Estimated useful life, depreciation method and residual value
are evaluated at least annually. The straight-line depreciation
method is used for most assets as this best reflects the
consumption of the assets, which often is the passage of time.
Residual value is estimated to be zero for most assets, except
for commercial buildings and vehicles that the Group do not
expected to use for the remaining economic life.
Repair and maintenance is expensed as incurred. If new parts are
capitalized, replaced parts are derecognized and any remaining
net book value is charged to operating profit (loss) as loss on
disposal.
Research and development costs
Development costs associated with internal-use software are
capitalized and amortized over their expected useful life to the
extent that they satisfy the criteria for recognition as assets.
Costs incurred during the preliminary project stage, as well as
maintenance and training costs are expensed as incurred.
Other research and development costs are expensed as incurred.
Impairment of property, plant and equipment and intangible
assets excluding goodwill
If there are identified indications that property, plant and
equipment or intangible assets have suffered an impairment loss,
the recoverable amount of the assets is estimated in order to
determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any). Intangible
assets not yet brought into use (assets under construction) are
assessed
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annually. Where it is not possible to estimate the recoverable
amount of an individual asset, the Group determines the
recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit to which the
asset belongs.
Recoverable amount is the higher of fair value less costs to
sell and value in use. In assessing value in use, the estimated
future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a
pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market assessments
of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset.
If the recoverable amount of an asset (or cash-generating unit)
is estimated to be less than its carrying amount, the carrying
amount of the asset (or cash-generating unit) is reduced to its
recoverable amount. Where an impairment loss is subsequently
reversed, the carrying amount of the asset (cash-generating
unit) is increased to the revised estimate of its recoverable
amount so that the increased carrying amount does not exceed the
carrying amount that would have been determined had no
impairment loss been recognised for the asset (or
cash-generating unit) in prior years.
Assets retirement obligations
An asset retirement obligation exists where Telenor has a legal
or constructive obligation to settle an asset retirement
obligation. Where Telenor is required to settle an asset
retirement obligation, Telenor has estimated and capitalized the
net present value of the obligations and increased the carrying
value of the related long-lived asset, with an amount equal to
the depreciated value of the asset retirement obligation.
Subsequent to the initial recognition, an accretion expense is
recorded relating to the asset retirement obligation, and the
capitalized cost is expensed as ordinary depreciation in
accordance with the related asset. The effect on net present
value of any subsequent changes to gross removal costs or
discount rates adjust the carrying value of assets and
liabilities, and are expensed over the remaining estimated
useful life of the related assets.
Share options and employee stock ownership program
The Group issues equity-settled share-based payments to certain
employees. Equity-settled share-based payments are measured at
fair value (excluding the effect of non market-based vesting
conditions) at the date of grant. The fair value determined at
the grant date of the equity-settled share-based payments is
expensed over the vesting period, based on the Groups
estimate of the shares that will eventually vest and adjusted
for the effect of non market-based vesting conditions.
Fair value is measured using the Black-Scholes pricing model.
The expected life used in the model has been adjusted based on
managements best estimate, for the effects of
non-transferability, exercise restrictions and behavioural
considerations.
The Group also has provided employees with the ability to
purchase the Groups ordinary shares at a discount to the
current market value. The Board of Directors decides such
employee stock ownership grants from time to time. Discounts in
the employee stock ownership program are recorded as salaries
and personnel costs when the discount is given to the extent
that the discount is vested. Non-vested discounts, including
bonus shares, are recorded as an expense based on the estimate
of the discount related to shares expected to vest, on a
straight-line basis over the vesting period.
Social security tax on options and other share-based payments is
recorded as a liability and is recognized over the estimated
option period.
Payments from employees for shares, which are issued by Telenor
ASA under the option plan or the employee stock ownership
program, are recorded as an increase in shareholders equity.
Payments from employees for shares, which are issued under the
non-wholly owned subsidiaries option plans (EDB Business
Partner ASA), are recorded as an increase in non-controlling
interests.
Provisions
Provisions are recognised when the Group has a present
obligation as a result of a past event, and it is probable that
the Group will be required to settle that obligation. Provisions
are measured at the
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managements best estimate of the expenditure required to
settle the obligation at the balance sheet date, and are
discounted to present value where the effect is material.
Cash Flow Statement
The Group presents Cash Flow Statement using the direct method.
Cash inflows and outflows are shown separately. Interest
received and paid and dividends received are reported as a part
of operating activities. Dividends distributed (both by Telenor
ASA and by subsidiaries with minority interests) are included as
a part of financial activities. Value Added Tax is regarded as
collection of tax on behalf of authorities, and is reported net.
Non-monetary transactions
For transactions subsequent to January 1, 2005, the cost of
items of property, plant and equipment acquired in exchange for
a non-monetary asset is measured at fair value unless
(a) the exchange transaction lacks commercial substance or
(b) the fair value of neither the asset received nor the
asset given up is reliably measurable. If the acquired item is
not measured at fair value, its cost is measured at the carrying
amount of the asset given up.
Acquisition of licenses is regarded as intangible assets that
should be capitalized and recorded in the balance sheet. The
payment plan is a financing arrangement and the fair value of
the asset acquired is the discounted value of the cash
consideration. The net present value of the installments to be
paid subsequent years is recorded in the balance sheet as a
liability.
Critical accounting judgments and key sources of estimation
uncertainty
Critical judgments in applying the entitys accounting
policies
In the process of applying the entitys accounting
policies, which are described above, judgments made by the
management that have the most significant effect on the amounts
recognized in the financial statements are discussed in the
relevant notes below.
Key sources of estimation uncertainty critical
accounting estimates
The preparation of financial statements in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles requires management to
make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts
of assets and liabilities, as well as the disclosure of
contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial
statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses
during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from
those estimates.
Certain amounts included in or affecting our financial
statements and related disclosure must be estimated, requiring
us to make assumptions with respect to values or conditions
which cannot be known with certainty at the time the financial
statements are prepared. A critical accounting
estimate is one which is both important to the portrayal
of the companys financial condition and results and
requires managements most difficult, subjective or complex
judgments, often as a result of the need to make estimates about
the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain. We evaluate
such estimates on an ongoing basis, based upon historical
results and experience, consultation with experts, trends and
other methods we consider reasonable in the particular
circumstances, as well as our forecasts as to how these might
change in the future.
Revenue recognition. The main part of our revenues is
based on usage, such as traffic or periodic subscriptions. We
have many subscribers and offer a number of different services
with different price plans. We provide discounts of various
types, often in connection with different campaigns. We also
sell wholesale products to other operators and vendors within
the different countries and across borders. We have to make a
number of estimates related to recognizing revenues. To some
extent, we have to rely on information from other operators on
amounts of services delivered. For some services, the other
parties may dispute the prices we charge. We then make estimates
of the final outcome. Some revenue is recorded in the balance
sheet as
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deferred revenue, eg some connection fee. We have to estimate
the average customer relationship as the deferral period.
Impairment. We have made significant investments in
property, plant and equipment, intangible assets and goodwill,
associated companies and other investments. These assets and
investments are tested for impairment when circumstances
indicate there may be a potential impairment. Factors we
consider important which could trigger an impairment review
include the following: significant fall in market values;
significant underperformance relative to historical or projected
future operating results; significant changes in the use of our
assets or the strategy for our overall business, including
assets that are decided to be phased out or replaced and assets
that are damaged or taken out of use, significant negative
industry or economic trends; and significant cost overruns in
the development of assets.
Estimating recoverable amounts of assets and companies must in
part be based on management evaluations, including estimates of
future performance, revenue generating capacity of the assets,
assumptions of the future market conditions and the success in
marketing of new products and services. Changes in circumstances
and in managements evaluations and assumptions may give
rise to impairment losses in the relevant periods.
Depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and
amortization is based on management estimates of the future
useful life of property, plant and equipment and intangible
assets. Estimates may change due to technological developments,
competition, changes in market conditions and other factors and
may result in changes in the estimated useful life and in the
amortization or depreciation charges. Technological developments
are difficult to predict and our views on the trends and pace of
development may change over time. Some of our assets and
technologies, in which we invested several years ago, are still
in use and provide the basis for our new technologies. For
example, our copper cables and infrastructure in our fixed
networks are used as the basis for the rollout of our ADSL
technology and lines. In our mobile business, the development
and launch of UMTS technology and services have been slower than
the telecommunications industry anticipated a few years ago. We
review the future useful life of property, plant and equipment
and intangible assets periodically taking into consideration the
factors mentioned above and all other important factors.
Estimated useful life for similar type of assets may vary
between different entities in the Group due to local factors as
growth rate, maturity of the market, history and expectations
for replacements or transfer of assets, climate and quality of
components used. In case of significant changes in our estimated
useful lives, depreciation and amortization charges are adjusted
prospectively. As of January 1, 2005 we made some changes
in our estimated useful lives for some of our assets especially
for some components in our networks, as discussed in
note 15.
Business combinations. We are required to allocate the
purchase price of acquired companies to the assets acquired and
liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair values. For
our larger acquisitions, we have engaged independent third-party
appraisal firms to assist us in determining the fair values of
the assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Such valuations
require management to make significant estimates and
assumptions. The significant purchased intangible assets
recorded by Telenor include customer contracts, brands,
licenses, service concession rights, roaming agreements and
software. Critical estimates in the evaluations of useful lives
for such intangible include, but are not limited to, estimated
average customer relationship based on churn, remaining license
or concession period, expected developments in technology and
markets. The significant tangible assets include primarily
networks. Critical estimates in valuing certain assets include,
but are not limited to, future expected cash flows for customer
contracts, licenses and roaming agreements replacement cost for
brands and property, plant and equipment. Managements
estimates of fair value and useful lives are based upon
assumptions believed to be reasonable, but which are inherently
uncertain and unpredictable and, as a result, actual results may
differ from estimates.
Income taxes. We write down deferred tax assets to an
amount that is more likely than not to be realized. Our
write-downs related primarily to losses carried forward in some
of our foreign operations. While we have considered future
taxable income and feasible tax planning strategies in
determining the write-downs, any difference in the amount that
we ultimately may realize would be included as income in the
period in which such a determination is made.
F-20
In previous years we have realized significant tax losses on
shareholdings, both through liquidation and sale of shares to
third parties and between companies in our group. Even though we
believe that these tax losses are tax deductible, the tax
authorities have challenged our evaluations in connection with
some of our transactions. Generally, when new rules are
introduced there may be disagreements on the interpretation of
the new rules and the transitional rules. You should read
note 13 for additional information on the Groups uncertain
tax positions.
Pension costs, pension obligations and pension plan
assets. Calculation of pension costs and net pension
obligations (the difference between pension obligations and
pension plan assets) are made based on a number of estimates and
assumptions. Changes in, and deviations from, estimates and
assumptions (actuarial gains and losses) affect fair value of
net pension liabilities, but are not recorded in our financial
statements unless the accumulated effect of such changes and
deviations exceed 10% of the higher of our pension benefit
obligations and our pension plan assets at the beginning of the
year. When implementing IFRS as at January 1, 2004 we
recognized all actuarial gains and losses. In note 7 we
have included a sensitivity analysis for changes in certain
actuarial assumptions.
Legal proceedings, claims and regulatory discussions. We
are subject to various legal proceedings, claims and regulatory
discussions, the outcomes of which are subject to significant
uncertainty. We evaluate, among other factors, the degree of
probability of an unfavourable outcome and the ability to make a
reasonable estimate of the amount of loss. Unanticipated events
or changes in these factors may require us to increase or
decrease the amount we have accrued for any matter or accrue for
a matter that has not been previously accrued because it was not
considered probable or a reasonable estimate could not be made.
F-21
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENT
Telenor Group
|
|
1. |
BUSINESS COMBINATIONS AND DISPOSALS |
The following significant acquisitions and disposals have taken
place in 2005 and 2004. Each business combination is recorded
using the acquisition method of accounting. The summary does not
include capital increases or other types of financing by Telenor.
Significant acquisitions in 2005
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Change in | |
|
|
|
Purchase | |
Company |
|
Country | |
|
interest% | |
|
Business | |
|
price | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(NOK in millions) | |
DTAC/ UCOM
|
|
|
Thailand |
|
|
|
3.5%/61.3 |
% |
|
|
Mobil telecommunications |
|
|
|
2.664 |
|
Bredbandsbolaget
|
|
|
Sweden |
|
|
|
100 |
% |
|
|
Broadband operation |
|
|
|
4.452 |
|
Cybercity
|
|
|
Denmark |
|
|
|
100 |
% |
|
|
Broadband operation |
|
|
|
1.313 |
|
Business Combinations
Three significant business combinations have been effected in
2005, while one significant business combination was effected in
the beginning of 2006.
Total Access Communication Ltd (DTAC) and United
Communication Industry Pcl (UCOM).
Prior to October 26, 2005, Telenor owned 29.9% of the
issued shares in DTAC. UCOM owned 41.6% of the issued shares in
DTAC. On October 26, 2005 Telenors subsidiary Thai
Telco Holding Ltd purchased shares in UCOM and increased
Telenors economic stake in UCOM by 39.9 to 64.7% for a
cash consideration of NOK 1.5 billion.
As of December 31, 2005, after the tender offers for DTAC
and UCOM shares expired, Telenors direct and indirect
voting interests in UCOM increased by 21.5% to 86.2% and the
direct and indirect voting interests in DTAC by 18.2% to 75%,
for a total cash consideration of NOK 1.2 billion. The only
operations in UCOM to be continued are the ownership in DTAC and
the holding of interest bearing liabilities. The minority
interests in DTAC as of December 31, 2005 were 25% directly
and 5.7% indirectly through UCOM.
As of December 31, 2005 net interest-bearing debt in
the companies was NOK 7.3 billion. The companies were
consolidated from the date of acquisition, and the operations in
UCOM, excluding the ownership in DTAC and the holding of
interest bearing liabilities, were reported as a discontinued
operations in the financial statements as of December 31,
2005.
DTAC is one of the leading mobile operators in Thailand and
offers GSM mobile services. The value was set based on a fair
value after negotiations between relevant parties and stock
exchange regulations in Thailand and Singapore.
F-22
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENT (Continued)
Telenor Group
The initial purchase price allocation, which is performed by
independent financial experts, has been determined to be
provisional pending the completion of the final valuation of the
fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed. The
preliminary net assets acquired in the transactions, and the
goodwill arising, are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Estimated fair |
|
|
values |
|
|
|
|
|
(NOK in millions) |
Deferred tax assets
|
|
|
799 |
|
Customer Base
|
|
|
1,278 |
|
Consession Rights
|
|
|
6,118 |
|
Trademarks
|
|
|
1,030 |
|
Software
|
|
|
247 |
|
Roaming agreements
|
|
|
753 |
|
Property, plant & equipment
|
|
|
738 |
|
Non-current financial assets
|
|
|
147 |
|
Currents assets excluding cash and cash equivalents
|
|
|
1,639 |
|
Assets held for sale
|
|
|
531 |
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
|
|
200 |
|
Deferred tax liability
|
|
|
43 |
|
Non-current liabilities
|
|
|
5,752 |
|
Current liabilities
|
|
|
3,473 |
|
Liabilities held for sale
|
|
|
285 |
|
Net assets
|
|
|
3,927 |
|
Goodwill
|
|
|
2,243 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
6,170 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total consideration, satisfied by cash
|
|
|
2,664 |
|
Book value as associated companies at the date of consolidation
|
|
|
940 |
|
Increased values in business combination recorded against equity
|
|
|
1,274 |
|
Minorities at fair values
|
|
|
1,292 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
6,170 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Useful life of intangible assets at the date of consolidation
were estimated on average to: customer base of 3 years,
concession rights of 13 years, trademarks of 13 years,
administrative software systems of 3 years and
roaming-agreements of 13 years. The goodwill arising on the
acquisition of DTAC is attributable to the anticipated
profitability of its operations. DTAC is involved in several
disputes, most of which commenced several years ago. Only
insignificant values were attributed to these contingent
liabilities in the purchase price allocation.
DTAC/ UCOM contributed NOK 1,191 million in revenues and
NOK 29 million to the Telenor Groups profit from
total operations for the period between the date of
consolidation and December 31, 2005. This does not include
Telenors interest expenses related to the financing of the
acquisition.
In the period January 1, 2005 to the acquisition date, when
DTAC/ UCOM were accounted for as associated companies, they
contributed to a profit from total operations of NOK
94 million.
F-23
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENT (Continued)
Telenor Group
Bredbandsbolaget, Sweden
On July 8, 2005, Telenor acquired 100% of the issued share
capital of Bredbandsbolaget (Bredbandsbolaget Holding AB and its
subsidiaries) for a cash consideration of NOK 4.5 billion.
The value was set based on fair value after negotiations between
the parties. The transaction has been accounted for by the
acquisition method of accounting.
Bredbandsbolaget offers high-speed broadband for Internet
access, telephony,
digital-TV and add-on
broadband services.
The initial purchase price allocation, which is performed by
independent financial experts, has been determined to be
provisional pending the completion of the final valuation of the
fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed. The
preliminary net assets acquired in the transaction, and the
goodwill arising, are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Estimated fair values |
|
|
|
|
|
(NOK in millions) |
Customer Base
|
|
|
313 |
|
Trademarks
|
|
|
140 |
|
Software/ Other intangible assets
|
|
|
321 |
|
Property, plant & equipment
|
|
|
205 |
|
Currents assets excluding cash and cash equivalents
|
|
|
345 |
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
|
|
239 |
|
Deferred tax liability
|
|
|
11 |
|
Non-current liabilities
|
|
|
1,050 |
|
Current liabilities
|
|
|
459 |
|
Net assets
|
|
|
43 |
|
Goodwill
|
|
|
4,409 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total consideration, satisfied by cash
|
|
|
4,452 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Useful lives of intangible assets at the date of consolidation
were estimated on average to: customer base of 5 years,
trademark of 15 years and administrative software systems
of 3 years.
The goodwill included deferred tax assets that did not meet
recognition criteria to be capitalized in the balance sheet. In
addition, the goodwill arising on the acquisition of
Bredbandsbolaget is attributable to the anticipated
profitability of its operations and to the anticipated synergies.
Bredbandsbolaget contributed NOK 665 million in revenues
and NOK 19 million to the Telenor Groups profit from
total operations for the period between the date of acquisition
and December 31, 2005. This does not include Telenors
interest expenses related to the financing of the acquisition.
Cybercity, Denmark
On July 5, Telenor acquired 100% of the issued share
capital of Esplanaden Holding A/ S for a cash consideration of
NOK 1.3 billion. The value was set based on fair value
after negotiations between the parties. Esplanaden Holding A/ S
owns 100% of the shares in Cybercity A/ S. The transaction has
been accounted for by the acquisition method of accounting.
Cybercity develops, manages and sells broadband solutions and
network-based products such as security and VPN products for
residential and business customers in Denmark.
F-24
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENT (Continued)
Telenor Group
The initial purchase price allocation, which is performed by
independent financial experts, has been determined to be
provisional pending the completion of the final valuation of the
fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed. The
preliminary net assets acquired in the transaction, and the
goodwill arising, are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Estimated fair values |
|
|
|
|
|
(NOK in millions) |
Customer Base
|
|
|
235 |
|
Trademarks
|
|
|
90 |
|
Software
|
|
|
91 |
|
Property, plant & equipment
|
|
|
45 |
|
Currents Assets excluding cash and cash equivalents
|
|
|
186 |
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
|
|
42 |
|
Deferred tax liability
|
|
|
78 |
|
Non-current liabilities
|
|
|
155 |
|
Current liabilities
|
|
|
200 |
|
Net assets
|
|
|
256 |
|
Goodwill
|
|
|
1,057 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total consideration, satisfied by cash
|
|
|
1,313 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Useful lives of intangible assets at the date of consolidation
were estimated on average to: customer base of 5 years,
trademark of 15 years and administrative software systems
of 3 years.
The goodwill included deferred tax assets that did not meet
recognition criteria to be capitalized in the balance sheet. In
addition the goodwill arising on the acquisition of Cybercity is
attributable to the anticipated profitability of its operations
and to the anticipated synergies.
Cybercity contributed NOK 306 million in revenues and NOK
26 million to the Telenor Groups profit from total
operations for the period between the date of acquisition and
December 31, 2005. This does not include Telenors
interest expenses related to the financing of the acquisition.
Vodafone, Sweden
On January 5, 2006, Telenor acquired 100% of the issued
share capital of Vodafone AB, Sweden for a cash consideration of
approximately NOK 7.5 billion. The value was set based
on fair value after negotiations between the parties. The
transaction is not included in the financial statement of 2005.
The transaction will be accounted for by the acquisition method
of accounting.
Vodafone offers mobile services to residential and business
customers in Sweden.
F-25
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENT (Continued)
Telenor Group
The initial purchase price allocation, which is performed by
independent financial experts, has been determined to be
provisional pending the completion of the final valuation of the
fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed. The
preliminary net assets acquired in the transaction, and the
goodwill arising, are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Estimated fair values |
|
|
|
|
|
(NOK in millions) |
Deferred tax assets
|
|
|
41 |
|
Roaming agreements
|
|
|
584 |
|
Terminal supply contracts
|
|
|
337 |
|
Software
|
|
|
965 |
|
Property, plant & equipment
|
|
|
5,251 |
|
Non-current financial assets
|
|
|
148 |
|
Currents assets excluding cash and cash equivalents
|
|
|
1,808 |
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
|
|
176 |
|
Deferred tax liabilities
|
|
|
1,075 |
|
Non-current liabilities
|
|
|
1,168 |
|
Current liabilities
|
|
|
1,142 |
|
Net assets
|
|
|
5,925 |
|
Goodwill
|
|
|
1,612 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total consideration, satisfied by cash
|
|
|
7,537 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
The goodwill arising on the acquisition of Vodafone is
attributable to the anticipated profitability of its operations.
Disposals in 2005
At the end of 2005, the Group entered into agreements to sell
100% of the shares in Fixed Czech and Slovakia for a
consideration of Euro 18.1 million in cash. The
transactions were effected on January 30, 2006. Losses on
disposal of NOK 63 million were recorded in 2005 due to
reduction of the disposal group to fair value less costs to
sell. The assets and liabilities are reported as current assets
and liabilities held for sale as of December 31, 2005. The
major classes of assets and liabilities comprising the disposal
group classified as held for sale are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(NOK in millions) |
Intangible assets
|
|
|
34 |
|
Property, plant & equipment
|
|
|
71 |
|
Current assets excluding cash and cash equivalents
|
|
|
37 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
|
|
23 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total assets
|
|
|
165 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-current liabilities
|
|
|
29 |
|
Current liabilities
|
|
|
3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total liabilities
|
|
|
32 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-26
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENT (Continued)
Telenor Group
As of September 18, 2005 the Group sold the remaining part
of EDB Business Partner ASAs Telecom business for a
consideration of NOK 133 million. Gains on disposal of NOK
37 million before taxes were recorded in 2005.
None of these disposals are regarded as discontinued operations
according to IFRS 5 as they do not, separately or in aggregate,
represent a major line of business or geographical area of
operations.
Discontinued Operations
At the same time as the Group increased its shareholding in
UCOM, UCOM received irrevocable purchase offers for the
companys core assets from parties external to the Group.
These assets and liabilities are primarily organized in separate
subsidiaries of the company, and are regarded as disposal groups
that meet the criteria to be classified as held for sale and
discontinued operations on acquisition according to IFRS 5. The
disposals were approved by the General Meeting of UCOM in
January and effected in February 2006.
Pro forma Information (unaudited)
The following unaudited pro forma financial information presents
results as if the acquisition of DTAC, Bredbandsbolaget and
Cybercity had occurred at the beginning of the respective periods
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2004 | |
|
2005 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(NOK in millions, | |
|
|
except per share | |
|
|
amounts) | |
Pro forma revenues
|
|
|
68,435 |
|
|
|
75,532 |
|
Pro forma profit before taxes and minority interest
|
|
|
9,460 |
|
|
|
12,563 |
|
Pro forma net income
|
|
|
5,900 |
|
|
|
7,473 |
|
Pro forma net income per share in NOK
|
|
|
3.37 |
|
|
|
4.37 |
|
The pro forma results are adjusted for Telenors interest
expenses and the results in the period prior to acquisition.
These pro forma figures have been prepared for comparative
purposes only and are not necessarily indicative of the result
of operations which actually would have resulted had the
acquisitions been in effect in the respective periods or of
future results.
Significant acquisitions in 2004
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Change in | |
|
|
|
Purchase | |
Company |
|
Country | |
|
interest % | |
|
Business | |
|
price | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(NOK in | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
millions) | |
Sonofon Holding A/ S
|
|
|
Denmark |
|
|
|
46.5 |
|
|
|
Mobile Communication |
|
|
|
3,639 |
|
European Telecom Luxemburg SA. (ProMonte)
|
|
|
Montenegro |
|
|
|
55.9 |
|
|
|
Mobile Communication |
|
|
|
541 |
|
GrameenPhone Ltd.
|
|
|
Bangladesh |
|
|
|
11.0 |
|
|
|
Mobile Communication |
|
|
|
298 |
|
CBB A/ S
|
|
|
Denmark |
|
|
|
100.0 |
|
|
|
Mobile Communication |
|
|
|
147 |
|
GMPCS Personal Communication Inc
|
|
|
USA |
|
|
|
100.0 |
|
|
Satellite Mobile Communications |
|
|
85 |
|
Utfors AB(1)
|
|
|
Sweden |
|
|
|
8.3 |
|
|
|
Telecommunication |
|
|
|
70 |
|
IT operation(2)
|
|
|
Norway/Sweden |
|
|
|
100.0 |
|
|
Operation and application services |
|
|
738 |
|
F-27
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENT (Continued)
Telenor Group
|
|
(1) |
Telenor owned 100% of the shares in the company as of
December 31, 2004. |
|
(2) |
Asset purchased by EDB Business Partner ASA. |
Acquisition of Sonofon Holding A/ S in 2004
On February 12, 2004, Telenor acquired the remaining 46.5%
of the outstanding common shares in Sonofon Holding A/ S that we
did not already own. Prior to the acquisition Sonofon was
regarded as a joint venture with BellSouth and was accounted for
using the equity method. After completion of the acquisition,
Telenor owns 100% of the outstanding common shares and the
result of operations has been included in the consolidated
financial statements from that date. Sonofon Holding A/ S is one
of the leading mobile operators in Denmark and offers GSM voice
and data communication services on 900 and 1800 MHz
frequency in addition to fixed line telephony and Internet
access primarily to the business market based on Fixed
Wireless Access (FWA) Technology. This acquisition
was part of Telenors strategy to gain control of
operations to take advantage of synergies stemming from
coordinated activities in a number of markets. The aggregate
cost of the business combination was approximately
NOK 4.4 billion of which NOK 3.6 billion was
paid in cash and liabilities of NOK 0.8 billion
assumed from the former owner of the remaining 46.5% shares. The
value was set based on a fair value after negotiations between
the parties. The allocation of the purchase price has been based
on independent financial experts estimates of the fair
values of assets and liabilities acquired.
The following table summarizes the estimated fair values of the
assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of
consolidation(1):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Estimated fair values |
|
|
|
|
|
(NOK in millions) |
Property, plant & equipment
|
|
|
2,717 |
|
Customer base
|
|
|
1,158 |
|
Licences
|
|
|
48 |
|
Trademarks
|
|
|
801 |
|
Software
|
|
|
1,130 |
|
Roaming agreements
|
|
|
534 |
|
Currents assets excluding cash and cash equivalents
|
|
|
1,137 |
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
|
|
52 |
|
Deferred tax liability
|
|
|
990 |
|
Non-current liabilities
|
|
|
3,041 |
|
Current liabilities
|
|
|
1,825 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net assets
|
|
|
1,721 |
|
Goodwill
|
|
|
6,512 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
8,233 |
|
Total consideration, satisfied by cash(2)
|
|
|
3,639 |
|
Book value as an associated company at the date of consolidation
|
|
|
3,985 |
|
Increased values in business combination recorded against equity
|
|
|
609 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
8,233 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-28
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENT (Continued)
Telenor Group
|
|
(1) |
These figures include consideration for the last acquisition and
the carrying value for the prior investment, when the company
was accounted for using the equity method. They reflect the
final purchase price allocation that differs in some respects
from the preliminary allocation. |
|
(2) |
Does not include assumed liabilities of NOK 0.8 billion
from the former owner of the shares. |
Useful life of intangible assets at the date of consolidation
were estimated on average to: customer base of 4 years,
roaming-agreements of 8 years, trademarks of 15 years,
licenses of 8 years and administrative software systems of
5 years.
The goodwill arising on the acquisition of Sonofon is
attributable to the anticipated profitability of its operations
and to the anticipated synergies. See note 17 for
information regarding the write-down of goodwill in Sonofon in
2004.
Pro forma information (unaudited)
The following unaudited pro forma financial information presents
results as if the acquisition of Sonofon Holding A/ S, European
Telecom Luxemburg SA (ProMonte GSM D.O.O.), CBB A/ S, GMPCS
Communication Inc and IT operations had occurred at the
beginning of 2004:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2004 | |
|
|
| |
|
|
(NOK in millions, | |
|
|
except per share | |
|
|
amounts) | |
Pro forma revenues
|
|
|
62,407 |
|
Pro forma profit before taxes and minority interests
|
|
|
9,674 |
|
Pro forma net income
|
|
|
5.964 |
|
Pro forma net income per share in NOK
|
|
|
3.41 |
|
The pro forma results are adjusted for Telenors interest
expenses and the results in the period prior to the
acquisitions. These pro forma figures have been prepared for
comparative purposes only and are not necessarily indicative of
the results of operations which actually would have resulted had
the acquisitions been in effect in the respective periods or of
future results.
Disposals in 2004
Telenor sold 100% of its shares in Securinet AS, which was owned
by Telenor Venture III AS, and at the end of 2004, Telenor
sold 100% of its shares in Telenor Venture III AS. Total
consideration was NOK 394 million. A gain of NOK
135 million before taxes was recorded. Telenor sold 100% of
its shares in Transacty Slovakia j.s.c for a consideration of
NOK 133 million and recorded a gain before taxes of NOK
71 million. Telenors subsidiary EDB Business Partner
ASA sold part of its telecom business during 2004 for NOK
400 million and recorded a gain of NOK 295 million.
None of these disposals are regarded as discontinued operations
as they do not, separately or in aggregate, represent a major
line of business or geographical area of operations.
F-29
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENT (Continued)
Telenor Group
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2004 | |
|
2005 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(NOK in millions) | |
Analog (PSTN)/digital (ISDN, ADSL and BBT)
|
|
|
14,284 |
|
|
|
14,125 |
|
Mobile telephony
|
|
|
28,775 |
|
|
|
36,972 |
|
Leased lines
|
|
|
1,015 |
|
|
|
959 |
|
Satellite and TV-distribution
|
|
|
7,344 |
|
|
|
7,514 |
|
Other network based activities
|
|
|
2,234 |
|
|
|
2,096 |
|
Customer equipment
|
|
|
1,607 |
|
|
|
1,580 |
|
IT operations and sale of software
|
|
|
4,045 |
|
|
|
4,501 |
|
Other
|
|
|
1,287 |
|
|
|
1,180 |
|
Revenues
|
|
|
60,591 |
|
|
|
68,927 |
|
Analog (PSTN)/digital (ISDN, ADSL and Broadband telephony
(BBT)) includes revenues from traffic, subscription and
connection for analog (PSTN), digital (ISDN, ADSL and BBT) and
Internet subscriptions. Further, it includes revenues from
incoming traffic from other telephone operators.
Mobile telephony includes revenues from traffic,
subscription and connection for mobile telephones, paging,
incoming traffic from other mobile operators, text messages and
content.
Leased lines include revenues from subscription and
connection for digital and analog circuits.
Satellite includes revenues from satellite broadcasting,
distribution of TV channels to the Nordic market,
satellite-based network, and revenues from maritime satellite
communication. TV-distribution includes revenues from
subscription, connection and distribution of TV channels through
cable and satellite, and sale of program cards.
Other network-based activities include revenues from
leased networks, data network services, etc.
Customer equipment includes sale of customer equipment
(telephone sets, mobile phones, computers, PABXs, etc.).
IT operations and sale of software includes revenues from
sales and operation of IT-systems, together with consultancy
services and sale of software.
Other includes revenues from contracting, lease of
properties etc.
Telenor has only limited operating lease revenues. These are
primarily lease of some copper accesses and lease of dark fiber
to other operators, co-location, lease of equipment, primarily
in the satellite business and lease of properties. Telenor has
to a very limited extent finance lease revenues
(sales-type-lease). These revenues are included in the different
revenue categories in the table above and not shown separately
due to their immateriality and because they in substance do not
differ from the relevant revenue categories. Most agreements
have a short minimum lease term, and future minimum lease
revenues are immaterial.
The segment information for 2004 and 2005 are reported in
accordance with Telenors accounting principles except for
the MVNO agreement discussed below and was consistent with the
reporting to the chief operating decision-makers in these
periods, and was used by the chief operating decision-makers for
assessing performance and allocating resources.
F-30
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENT (Continued)
Telenor Group
The Groups primary format for reporting segment
information is business segments. The primary products and
services are mobile communication, fixed line communication
(Fixed) and TV-based activities
(Broadcast). In addition the Group reports Other
operations as a separate segment.
The Groups mobile communication business includes voice,
data, Internet, content services, customer equipment and
electronic commerce. Due to the size of the different
operations, the Groups mobile operations in Norway,
Denmark, Ukraine, Hungary, Malaysia and Bangladesh are shown as
separate segments. At the end of 2005 the Group increased its
economic stake in the mobile operation in Thailand. In January
2006, the Group increased its mobile operations in Sweden by the
purchase of an existing mobile operation. The Group also has
mobile operations in Pakistan and Montenegro. In addition the
Group has ownership interests in mobile operations in associated
companies, especially Vimpelcom in Russia.
Fixed comprises the Groups fixed network operations in
Norway, Sweden and Denmark, which deliver services including
analog PSTN, digital ISDN, Broadbandtelephony, xDSL, Internet
and leased lines, as well as communication solutions. During
2005, the Group increased its operations in Sweden and Denmark
through purchase of existing businesses, primarily within
Broadband operations. At the beginning of 2006, the Group
expanded its operations in Sweden through purchase of Glocalnet
AB. At the end of 2005 the Group entered into an agreement to
dispose the fixed operations in Czech and Slovakia.
Broadcast comprises the Groups TV-based activities within
the Nordic region. This includes satellite dish, cable
TV-networks and satellite master antenna TV-networks systems.
Broadcast operate the national terrestrial broadcast network in
Norway and provide satellite broadcasting services in the Nordic
region, utilizing three geo-stationary satellites.
Other operations consist of several companies and activities
that separately are not significant enough to be reported as
separate segments. The main companies are EDB Business Partner
ASA (51.8%-owned), Satellite Services, Venture and Corporate
functions and Group activities. EDB Business Partner ASA is an
Oslo Stock Exchange listed IT group, which delivers solutions
and operating services. Satellite Services offers
satellite-based communications networks and services. The main
activity in Venture is Teleservice AS/ Opplysningen AS, which is
responsible for the Groups Directory Enquiries products in
Norway. Corporate functions and Group activities comprise
activities such as real estate, research and development,
strategic Group projects, Group treasury, international
services, the internal insurance company and central staff and
support functions.
Deliveries of network-based regulated services within the Group
are based on cost oriented prices based on negotiations between
the units. For contract-based services, product development
etc., prices are negotiated between the parties based on market
prices. All other deliveries between the segments are to be
based on market prices.
Gains and losses from internal transfer of businesses, group
contribution and dividends are not included in the profit and
loss statements for the segments. Segment revenue and expense
includes transactions eliminated on consolidation, including
fixed payments under the Mobile Virtual Network Operator
(MVNO) agreements with the same counterparty but entered
into by different segments, Telenor Mobile Norway and Telenor
Mobile Sweden (included in Other mobile operations). For segment
reporting, the fixed prepayments were recognized in the balance
sheet and amortized to revenue and expense, respectively, based
upon the actual to expected usage. During 2004 and 2005,
impairment losses were recorded on the prepayments (onerous
contracts) in Sweden due to revised expectations of the usage of
capacity of the MVNO agreement. For the consolidation, the fixed
prepayments were eliminated and related amortization and loss
provisions were reversed. Telenor Mobil Norway segment revenues
of NOK 210 million in 2005 and NOK 110 million in 2004
were eliminated to reach consolidated revenues. Other mobile
operations segment expenses (including onerous contracts) of NOK
293 million and NOK 688 million in 2005 and 2004,
respectively, were also eliminated on consolidation. The large
amounts for assets and liabilities in Corporate
F-31
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENT (Continued)
Telenor Group
functions and Group activities were due to Group internal
receivables and payables. Balance sheet eliminations are
primarily Group internal receivables and payables.
Profit and loss 2005
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation, | |
|
|
|
|
|
Net | |
|
Profit (loss) | |
|
|
|
|
External | |
|
|
|
amortization and | |
|
Operating | |
|
Associated | |
|
financial | |
|
before | |
|
|
Revenues | |
|
revenues | |
|
EBITDA(1) | |
|
write-downs | |
|
profit (loss)(2) | |
|
companies | |
|
items | |
|
taxes | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(NOK in millions) | |
Telenor Mobil Norway
|
|
|
12,243 |
|
|
|
11,072 |
|
|
|
4,471 |
|
|
|
905 |
|
|
|
3,566 |
|
|
|
32 |
|
|
|
65 |
|
|
|
3,663 |
|
Sonofon Denmark
|
|
|
5,191 |
|
|
|
5,059 |
|
|
|
1,176 |
|
|
|
1,285 |
|
|
|
(109 |
) |
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
(175 |
) |
|
|
(283 |
) |
Kyivstar Ukraine
|
|
|
7,272 |
|
|
|
7,266 |
|
|
|
4,050 |
|
|
|
1,224 |
|
|
|
2,826 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(144 |
) |
|
|
2,682 |
|
Pannon GSM Hungary
|
|
|
6,061 |
|
|
|
6,051 |
|
|
|
2,185 |
|
|
|
1,178 |
|
|
|
1,007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
107 |
|
|
|
1,114 |
|
DiGi.Com Malaysia
|
|
|
4,932 |
|
|
|
4,928 |
|
|
|
2,142 |
|
|
|
1,043 |
|
|
|
1,099 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(24 |
) |
|
|
1,075 |
|
GrameenPhone Bangladesh
|
|
|
2,970 |
|
|
|
2,969 |
|
|
|
1,559 |
|
|
|
439 |
|
|
|
1,120 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(109 |
) |
|
|
1,011 |
|
Other mobile operations
|
|
|
2,219 |
|
|
|
2,076 |
|
|
|
(343 |
) |
|
|
611 |
|
|
|
(954 |
) |
|
|
1,355 |
|
|
|
(68 |
) |
|
|
333 |
|
Fixed
|
|
|
19,313 |
|
|
|
17,140 |
|
|
|
5,885 |
|
|
|
3,823 |
|
|
|
2,062 |
|
|
|
(142 |
) |
|
|
(517 |
) |
|
|
1,403 |
|
Broadcast
|
|
|
5,649 |
|
|
|
5,518 |
|
|
|
1,516 |
|
|
|
501 |
|
|
|
1,015 |
|
|
|
73 |
|
|
|
190 |
|
|
|
1,278 |
|
Other operations
|
|
|
9,967 |
|
|
|
7,060 |
|
|
|
1,091 |
|
|
|
1,043 |
|
|
|
48 |
|
|
|
(87 |
) |
|
|
123 |
|
|
|
84 |
|
Eliminations
|
|
|
(6,890 |
) |
|
|
(212 |
) |
|
|
104 |
|
|
|
79 |
|
|
|
25 |
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
205 |
|
|
|
231 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
68,927 |
|
|
|
68,927 |
|
|
|
23,836 |
|
|
|
12,131 |
|
|
|
11,705 |
|
|
|
1,233 |
|
|
|
(347 |
) |
|
|
12,591 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
See table below for definition and reconciliation of EBITDA. |
|
(2) |
The segment result is the operating profit (loss). |
Definition and reconciliation of EBITDA
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2004 | |
|
2005 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(NOK in millions) | |
Profit after taxes
|
|
|
7,413 |
|
|
|
9,134 |
|
Profit after taxes from discontinued operations
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(4 |
) |
Profit after taxes from continuing operations
|
|
|
7,413 |
|
|
|
9,138 |
|
Taxes
|
|
|
(2,461 |
) |
|
|
(3,453 |
) |
Profit before taxes
|
|
|
9,874 |
|
|
|
12,591 |
|
Net financial items
|
|
|
1,521 |
|
|
|
(347 |
) |
Associated companies
|
|
|
986 |
|
|
|
1,233 |
|
Operating profit
|
|
|
7,367 |
|
|
|
11,705 |
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
10,637 |
|
|
|
11,544 |
|
Write-downs
|
|
|
3,531 |
|
|
|
587 |
|
EBITDA
|
|
|
21,535 |
|
|
|
23,836 |
|
F-32
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENT (Continued)
Telenor Group
Balance sheet items and investments as of December 31,
2005
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-current |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other non- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
current |
|
Associated |
|
Current |
|
Total |
|
incl. |
|
Current |
|
|
|
|
assets |
|
companies |
|
assets |
|
assets |
|
provisions |
|
liabilities |
|
Investments |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(NOK in millions) |
Telenor Mobil Norway
|
|
|
3,611 |
|
|
|
38 |
|
|
|
4,618 |
|
|
|
8,267 |
|
|
|
1,036 |
|
|
|
3,436 |
|
|
|
1,218 |
|
Sonofon Denmark
|
|
|
7,688 |
|
|
|
5 |
|
|
|
1,090 |
|
|
|
8,783 |
|
|
|
5,585 |
|
|
|
856 |
|
|
|
1,063 |
|
Kyivstar Ukraine
|
|
|
8,459 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,313 |
|
|
|
10,772 |
|
|
|
3,578 |
|
|
|
1,728 |
|
|
|
3,654 |
|
Pannon GSM Hungary
|
|
|
8,672 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,951 |
|
|
|
11,623 |
|
|
|
164 |
|
|
|
1,184 |
|
|
|
763 |
|
DiGi.Com Malaysia
|
|
|
5,758 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,519 |
|
|
|
8,277 |
|
|
|
1,253 |
|
|
|
2,334 |
|
|
|
1,170 |
|
GrameenPhone Bangladesh
|
|
|
4,277 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
698 |
|
|
|
4,975 |
|
|
|
1,520 |
|
|
|
1,828 |
|
|
|
2,596 |
|
Other mobile operations
|
|
|
17,821 |
|
|
|
5,250 |
|
|
|
3,361 |
|
|
|
26,432 |
|
|
|
5,341 |
|
|
|
8,885 |
|
|
|
14,334 |
|
Fixed
|
|
|
16,961 |
|
|
|
1,374 |
|
|
|
9,100 |
|
|
|
27,435 |
|
|
|
15,770 |
|
|
|
5,777 |
|
|
|
9,525 |
|
Broadcast
|
|
|
7,061 |
|
|
|
625 |
|
|
|
5,247 |
|
|
|
12,933 |
|
|
|
8,849 |
|
|
|
2,184 |
|
|
|
453 |
|
Other operations
|
|
|
40,723 |
|
|
|
(1 |
) |
|
|
3,664 |
|
|
|
44,386 |
|
|
|
18,017 |
|
|
|
20,920 |
|
|
|
1,014 |
|
Eliminations
|
|
|
(29,809 |
) |
|
|
133 |
|
|
|
(9,812 |
) |
|
|
(39,488 |
) |
|
|
(27,357 |
) |
|
|
(12,026 |
) |
|
|
(67 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
91,222 |
|
|
|
7,424 |
|
|
|
25,749 |
|
|
|
124,395 |
|
|
|
33,756 |
|
|
|
37,106 |
|
|
|
35,723 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Profit and loss 2004
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Associated |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation, |
|
|
|
companies |
|
Net |
|
Profit (loss) |
|
|
|
|
External |
|
|
|
amortization and |
|
Operating |
|
and joint |
|
financial |
|
before |
|
|
Revenues |
|
revenues |
|
EBITDA(1) |
|
write-downs |
|
profit (loss)(2) |
|
ventures |
|
items |
|
taxes |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(NOK in millions) |
Telenor Mobil Norway
|
|
|
11,730 |
|
|
|
10,504 |
|
|
|
4,305 |
|
|
|
1,077 |
|
|
|
3,228 |
|
|
|
10 |
|
|
|
64 |
|
|
|
3,302 |
|
Sonofon Denmark
|
|
|
4,404 |
|
|
|
4,351 |
|
|
|
681 |
|
|
|
4,480 |
|
|
|
(3,799 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(164 |
) |
|
|
(3,963 |
) |
Kyivstar Ukraine
|
|
|
4,219 |
|
|
|
4,217 |
|
|
|
2,581 |
|
|
|
555 |
|
|
|
2,026 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(159 |
) |
|
|
1,867 |
|
Pannon GSM Hungary
|
|
|
5,907 |
|
|
|
5,901 |
|
|
|
2,093 |
|
|
|
1,316 |
|
|
|
777 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
50 |
|
|
|
827 |
|
DiGi.Com Malaysia
|
|
|
3946 |
|
|
|
3,943 |
|
|
|
1,732 |
|
|
|
901 |
|
|
|
831 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(110 |
) |
|
|
721 |
|
GrameenPhone Bangladesh
|
|
|
2,186 |
|
|
|
2,186 |
|
|
|
1,313 |
|
|
|
218 |
|
|
|
1,095 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
1,096 |
|
Other mobile operations
|
|
|
423 |
|
|
|
335 |
|
|
|
(712 |
) |
|
|
191 |
|
|
|
(903 |
) |
|
|
789 |
|
|
|
(61 |
) |
|
|
(175 |
) |
Fixed
|
|
|
19,256 |
|
|
|
17,433 |
|
|
|
6,338 |
|
|
|
3,613 |
|
|
|
2,725 |
|
|
|
69 |
|
|
|
(442 |
) |
|
|
2,352 |
|
Broadcast
|
|
|
5,346 |
|
|
|
5,211 |
|
|
|
1,498 |
|
|
|
748 |
|
|
|
750 |
|
|
|
46 |
|
|
|
(475 |
) |
|
|
321 |
|
Other operations
|
|
|
9,540 |
|
|
|
6,611 |
|
|
|
1,114 |
|
|
|
1,018 |
|
|
|
96 |
|
|
|
70 |
|
|
|
4,084 |
|
|
|
4,250 |
|
Eliminations
|
|
|
(6,366 |
) |
|
|
(101 |
) |
|
|
592 |
|
|
|
51 |
|
|
|
541 |
|
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
(1,267 |
) |
|
|
(724 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
60,591 |
|
|
|
60,591 |
|
|
|
21,535 |
|
|
|
14,168 |
|
|
|
7,367 |
|
|
|
986 |
|
|
|
1,521 |
|
|
|
9,874 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
See the table on the previous page for definition and
reconciliation of EBITDA. |
|
(2) |
The segment result is the operating profit (loss). |
F-33
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENT (Continued)
Telenor Group
Balance sheet items and investments as of December 31,
2004
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-current | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other non- | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
liabilities | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
current | |
|
Associated | |
|
Current | |
|
Total | |
|
incl. | |
|
Current | |
|
|
|
|
assets | |
|
companies | |
|
assets | |
|
assets | |
|
provisions | |
|
liabilities | |
|
Investments | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(NOK in millions) | |
Telenor Mobil Norway
|
|
|
3,748 |
|
|
|
6 |
|
|
|
3,997 |
|
|
|
7,751 |
|
|
|
439 |
|
|
|
6,165 |
|
|
|
1,029 |
|
Sonofon Denmark
|
|
|
8,184 |
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
1,099 |
|
|
|
9,284 |
|
|
|
4,529 |
|
|
|
783 |
|
|
|
13,237 |
|
Kyivstar Ukraine
|
|
|
4,936 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,109 |
|
|
|
6,045 |
|
|
|
1,636 |
|
|
|
1,465 |
|
|
|
2,612 |
|
Pannon GSM Hungary
|
|
|
9,669 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,041 |
|
|
|
11,710 |
|
|
|
338 |
|
|
|
1,364 |
|
|
|
1,166 |
|
DiGi.Com Malaysia
|
|
|
4,998 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,337 |
|
|
|
6,335 |
|
|
|
1,079 |
|
|
|
1,809 |
|
|
|
920 |
|
GrameenPhone Bangladesh
|
|
|
2,074 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
620 |
|
|
|
2,694 |
|
|
|
511 |
|
|
|
853 |
|
|
|
1,318 |
|
Other mobile operations
|
|
|
2,546 |
|
|
|
4,469 |
|
|
|
301 |
|
|
|
7,316 |
|
|
|
1,335 |
|
|
|
687 |
|
|
|
2,853 |
|
Fixed
|
|
|
12,284 |
|
|
|
1,411 |
|
|
|
9,639 |
|
|
|
23,334 |
|
|
|
10,412 |
|
|
|
8,684 |
|
|
|
1,832 |
|
Broadcast
|
|
|
6,289 |
|
|
|
534 |
|
|
|
4,386 |
|
|
|
11,209 |
|
|
|
8,428 |
|
|
|
2,895 |
|
|
|
862 |
|
Other operations
|
|
|
33,441 |
|
|
|
70 |
|
|
|
9,967 |
|
|
|
43,478 |
|
|
|
17,974 |
|
|
|
13,676 |
|
|
|
1,829 |
|
Eliminations
|
|
|
(21,590 |
) |
|
|
111 |
|
|
|
(16,281 |
) |
|
|
(37,760 |
) |
|
|
(20,026 |
) |
|
|
(17,708 |
) |
|
|
(168 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
66,579 |
|
|
|
6,602 |
|
|
|
18,215 |
|
|
|
91,396 |
|
|
|
26,655 |
|
|
|
20,673 |
|
|
|
27,490 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Geographic distribution of revenues based on customer
location
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2004 | |
|
2005 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(NOK in millions) | |
Norway
|
|
|
31,157 |
|
|
|
31,574 |
|
Other Nordic
|
|
|
9,469 |
|
|
|
10,906 |
|
Western Europe
|
|
|
1,194 |
|
|
|
1,268 |
|
Central Europe
|
|
|
6,714 |
|
|
|
7,170 |
|
The Ukraine
|
|
|
4,236 |
|
|
|
6,975 |
|
Other Eastern Europe
|
|
|
189 |
|
|
|
307 |
|
Asia
|
|
|
6,343 |
|
|
|
9,531 |
|
Other countries
|
|
|
1,289 |
|
|
|
1,196 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total revenues
|
|
|
60,591 |
|
|
|
68,927 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Geographic distribution of revenues based on company
location
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2004 | |
|
2005 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(NOK in millions) | |
Norway
|
|
|
33,397 |
|
|
|
33,556 |
|
Other Nordic
|
|
|
8,954 |
|
|
|
10,482 |
|
Western Europe
|
|
|
638 |
|
|
|
640 |
|
Central Europe
|
|
|
6,397 |
|
|
|
6,823 |
|
The Ukraine
|
|
|
4,217 |
|
|
|
7,266 |
|
Asia
|
|
|
6,131 |
|
|
|
9,339 |
|
Other countries
|
|
|
857 |
|
|
|
821 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total revenues
|
|
|
60,591 |
|
|
|
68,927 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-34
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENT (Continued)
Telenor Group
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Property, plant and | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
equipment | |
|
Total assets | |
|
Investments | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
2004 | |
|
2005 | |
|
2004 | |
|
2005 | |
|
2004 | |
|
2005 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(NOK in millions) | |
Norway
|
|
|
21,178 |
|
|
|
19,171 |
|
|
|
22,965 |
|
|
|
14,263 |
|
|
|
4,949 |
|
|
|
4,241 |
|
Other Nordic
|
|
|
3,303 |
|
|
|
3,612 |
|
|
|
13,780 |
|
|
|
20,809 |
|
|
|
13,480 |
|
|
|
8,827 |
|
Western Europe
|
|
|
45 |
|
|
|
56 |
|
|
|
13,957 |
|
|
|
13,938 |
|
|
|
17 |
|
|
|
52 |
|
Central Europe
|
|
|
2,911 |
|
|
|
2,604 |
|
|
|
13,733 |
|
|
|
13,469 |
|
|
|
2,174 |
|
|
|
837 |
|
The Ukraine
|
|
|
3,597 |
|
|
|
6,580 |
|
|
|
6,045 |
|
|
|
10,772 |
|
|
|
2,612 |
|
|
|
3,654 |
|
Other Eastern Europe
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,312 |
|
|
|
4,214 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Asia
|
|
|
6,238 |
|
|
|
11,662 |
|
|
|
15,735 |
|
|
|
46,135 |
|
|
|
4,136 |
|
|
|
18,058 |
|
Other countries
|
|
|
271 |
|
|
|
273 |
|
|
|
869 |
|
|
|
795 |
|
|
|
122 |
|
|
|
54 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total assets
|
|
|
37,543 |
|
|
|
43,958 |
|
|
|
91,396 |
|
|
|
1,24,395 |
|
|
|
27,490 |
|
|
|
35,723 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4. COSTS
OF MATERIALS AND TRAFFIC CHARGES
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2004 | |
|
2005 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(NOK in millions) | |
Traffic charges network capacity
|
|
|
8,875 |
|
|
|
10,634 |
|
Traffic charges satellite capacity
|
|
|
1,191 |
|
|
|
1,066 |
|
Costs of materials etc.
|
|
|
5,858 |
|
|
|
6,011 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total costs of materials and traffic charges
|
|
|
15,924 |
|
|
|
17,711 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Traffic charges includes some operating lease costs, primarily
the lease of some dedicated network and satellite capacity.
These costs are included in the different cost categories in the
table above and not shown separately because they in substance
do not differ from the relevant cost categories.
5. OWN
WORK CAPITALIZED
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2004 | |
|
2005 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(NOK in millions) | |
Costs of materials etc.
|
|
|
161 |
|
|
|
216 |
|
Salaries and personnel costs
|
|
|
311 |
|
|
|
349 |
|
Other operating expenses
|
|
|
85 |
|
|
|
139 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total own work capitalized
|
|
|
557 |
|
|
|
704 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6. SALARIES
AND PERSONNEL COSTS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2004 | |
|
2005 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(NOK in millions) | |
Salaries and holiday pay
|
|
|
7,554 |
|
|
|
7,794 |
|
Social security tax
|
|
|
1,142 |
|
|
|
1,138 |
|
Pension costs including social security tax
|
|
|
837 |
|
|
|
771 |
|
Share-based payments, excluding social security tax(1)
|
|
|
28 |
|
|
|
20 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other personnel costs
|
|
|
409 |
|
|
|
513 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total salaries and personnel costs
|
|
|
9,970 |
|
|
|
10,236 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-35
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENT (Continued)
Telenor Group
|
|
(1) |
Include share options and employee share ownership program,
excluding social security tax on these. |
The average number of employees measured in man-years was 23,200
in 2005 and 20,350 in 2004.
7. PENSION
OBLIGATIONS
The Group provides defined benefit pension plans for
substantially all employees in Norway. In addition, the
Norwegian government provides social security payments to all
retired Norwegian citizens. Such payments are calculated by
reference to a base amount annually approved by the Norwegian
parliament
(G-regulation).
Benefits are determined based on the employees length of
service and compensation. The cost of pension benefit plans is
expensed over the period that the employee renders services and
becomes eligible to receive benefits.
11,332 of the Groups employees were covered through
Telenor Pension Fund as of December 31, 2005. In addition
the Telenor Pension Fund paid out pensions to 1,681 persons. The
Group has a few group pension schemes with independent insurance
companies and a separate pension plan for executive employees.
Plan assets consisting primarily of bonds, shares and properties
fund these pension plans. For employees outside of Norway,
contribution plans are dominant.
In Norway, the Group has agreement-based early retirement plans
(AFP) which are defined benefit multi-employer plan. In
2004, Telenor ASA and most Norwegian subsidiaries changed their
employers organization membership from NAVO to NHO.
Consequently, the agreement-based early retirement plan
(AFP) was transferred to NHO. For this plan, the
administrator is not able to calculate the Groups share of
assets and liabilities and this plan is consequently accounted
for as a defined contribution plan and in 2004 NOK
14 million (excluding social security tax) was expensed as
previously unrecognized prior service costs. For 2005 and 2004,
pension contributions of NOK 49 million and NOK
18 million respectively, were expensed in this plan.
Actuarial gains in 2005 were primarily due to higher turnover
and higher actual return on plan assets than estimated. The
changes in assumptions in 2005 had a minor net effect on the
pension obligations.
In 2005, the Group decided that a part of the defined benefit
plan (spouse pension) in Norway should be terminated with effect
from January 1, 2006. The Group revised its risk tables for
death and disability, when it measured the effect of the
termination of the part of the plan that was terminated as the
risk tables used were interrelated to a large extent. The
increased pension obligations due to the revision of the risk
tables for death and disability were more than offset by reduced
pension obligations due to the termination of parts of the plan.
The net effect of the settlement and curtailment was recorded in
2005 with a gain of NOK 63 million (excluding social
security tax) to the income statement. It was also decided that
the employees in 2006 may chose to change their pension plan to
a defined contribution plan. The effect, if any, will be
recorded in 2006.
The risk tables for death and disability are based on commonly
used tables in Norway, observations for Telenor and for the
population in Norway. The average expected lifetime in the risk
tables as of December 31, 2005 are 80 years for men
and 84 years for women. Below is shown a selection from the
risk
F-36
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENT (Continued)
Telenor Group
tables as of December 31, 2005. The table below shows the
probability of an employee in a certain age group becoming
disabled or dying, within one year, as well as expected lifetime.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Disability% | |
|
Death% | |
|
Expected lifetime | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Age |
|
Men | |
|
Women | |
|
Men | |
|
Women | |
|
Men | |
|
Women | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
20
|
|
|
0.13 |
|
|
|
0.16 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
79.69 |
|
|
|
83.81 |
|
40
|
|
|
0.21 |
|
|
|
0.35 |
|
|
|
0.09 |
|
|
|
0.11 |
|
|
|
80.18 |
|
|
|
84.05 |
|
60
|
|
|
1.48 |
|
|
|
1.94 |
|
|
|
0.57 |
|
|
|
0.47 |
|
|
|
81.57 |
|
|
|
85.18 |
|
80
|
|
|
N/A |
|
|
|
N/A |
|
|
|
6.20 |
|
|
|
4.54 |
|
|
|
87.33 |
|
|
|
88.85 |
|
The plan assets were measured at December 31, 2005 and
2004. The projected benefit obligations (PBO; net present value
of pension benefits earned at the balance sheet date based on
expected pension qualifying income at the time of retirement)
were measured at September 31, 2005 and 2004 and adjusted
for the best estimate of the financial assumptions at
December 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively. The actuarial
calculations for the Telenor Pension Fund obligations were
carried out by independent actuaries. The present value of the
projected defined benefit obligation, and the related current
service cost and past service cost, were measured using the
projected unit credit method. The discount rate for the defined
benefit plan in Norway was estimated based on the interest-rate
on Norwegian government bonds. Average time before the payments
of earned benefits was calculated at 28 years, and the
discount rate was projected to a
28-year rate based on
reference to European non-current interest rates, as the longest
duration in Norway is 10 years. The assumption for salary
increase, increase in pension payments and G-regulation are
tested against historical observations and the relationship
between different assumptions.
Employees that leave the company before the age of retirement
receive a paid-up
policy. Telenor Pension Fund administers some of these policies.
This is at the discretion of the Telenor Pension Fund and does
not affect Telenor. At the time of issuance of
paid-up policies
Telenor is relieved of any further obligations towards the
related employees. The Funds and obligations are valued at the
time of issuance of
paid-up policies, and
are derecognized from pension obligations and plan assets.
At the time when Telenor AS (now Telenor ASA) was incorporated
in 1995, the employees received
paid-up policies in the
Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund. Employees which have been
members of the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund will have
an accrued pension right covered by this fund as a part of total
payments. The payments from this pension fund will be adjusted
by the increase of the base amount annually approved by the
Norwegian parliament. The Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund
has a project for updating the correct values of these
paid-up policies, and
the values have not been adjusted in the period up to 2004.
Telenor expects that the outcome of the updating and adjustments
may reduce Telenors share of
F-37
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENT (Continued)
Telenor Group
pension benefits for the affected employees, which may reduce
Telenors liabilities at the time of the adjustments.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2004 | |
|
2005 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(NOK in millions) | |
Change in projected benefit obligation
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Projected benefit obligation at the beginning of the year
|
|
|
5,323 |
|
|
|
5,835 |
|
Service cost
|
|
|
538 |
|
|
|
581 |
|
Interest cost
|
|
|
263 |
|
|
|
257 |
|
Actuarial (gains) and losses
|
|
|
(80 |
) |
|
|
(218 |
) |
Curtailments and settlements
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(438 |
) |
Acquisitions and sale
|
|
|
(43 |
) |
|
|
(78 |
) |
Benefits paid/paid-up policies
|
|
|
(166 |
) |
|
|
(150 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Benefit obligations at the end of the year
|
|
|
5,835 |
|
|
|
5,789 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Change in plan assets
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fair value of plan assets at the beginning of the year
|
|
|
3,288 |
|
|
|
3,811 |
|
Actual return on plan assets
|
|
|
239 |
|
|
|
312 |
|
Curtailments and settlements
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(375 |
) |
Acquisitions and sale
|
|
|
20 |
|
|
|
(56 |
) |
Pension contribution
|
|
|
426 |
|
|
|
350 |
|
Benefits paid/paid-up policies
|
|
|
(162 |
) |
|
|
(146 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fair value of plan assets at the end of the year
|
|
|
3,811 |
|
|
|
3,896 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Funded status
|
|
|
2,024 |
|
|
|
1,893 |
|
Unrecognized net actuarial gains (losses)(1)
|
|
|
(6 |
) |
|
|
285 |
|
Accrued social security tax(1)
|
|
|
278 |
|
|
|
263 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total provision for pensions including social security tax
|
|
|
2,296 |
|
|
|
2,441 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total provision for pensions as of 01.01
|
|
|
2,147 |
|
|
|
2,296 |
|
Acquisitions and sale
|
|
|
(59 |
) |
|
|
(43 |
) |
Net periodic benefit costs
|
|
|
696 |
|
|
|
591 |
|
Pension contribution
|
|
|
(426 |
) |
|
|
(350 |
) |
Benefits paid paid-up policies
|
|
|
(4 |
) |
|
|
(4 |
) |
Social security tax on pension contribution
|
|
|
(58 |
) |
|
|
(49 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total provision for pensions as of 12.31. including social
security tax (Note 21)
|
|
|
2,296 |
|
|
|
2,441 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
Social security tax is the funded status multiplied with the
average social security tax rate. Unrecognized net actuarial
gains (losses) include social security tax. |
F-38
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENT (Continued)
Telenor Group
The accumulated benefit obligation, which is the net present
value of pension obligations earned at the balance sheet date
based on the current salary (pension qualifying income) for all
defined benefit pension plans was NOK 4,839 million and NOK
4,615 million as of December 31, 2005 and 2004,
respectively.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2004 | |
|
2005 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(NOK in millions) | |
Information for pension plans with an accumulated benefit
obligation in excess of plan assets
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Projected benefit obligation
|
|
|
5,706 |
|
|
|
5,722 |
|
Accumulated benefit obligation
|
|
|
4,546 |
|
|
|
4,839 |
|
Fair value of plan assets
|
|
|
3,714 |
|
|
|
3,879 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2004 | |
|
2005 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
Assumptions used to determine benefit obligations as of
December 31
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Discount rate in %
|
|
|
4.5 |
|
|
|
3.9 |
|
Future salary increase in %
|
|
|
3.0 |
|
|
|
3.0 |
|
Future increase in the social security base amount in %
|
|
|
3.0 |
|
|
|
3.0 |
|
Future turnover in %
|
|
|
6.0 |
|
|
|
10.0 |
|
Expected average remaining service period in years
|
|
|
12.0 |
|
|
|
9.0 |
|
Future pension increases in %
|
|
|
3.0 |
|
|
|
2.5 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2004 | |
|
2005 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
Assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit costs for
years ended December 31
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Discount rate in %
|
|
|
5.1 |
|
|
|
4.5 |
|
Expected return on plan assets in %
|
|
|
6.1 |
|
|
|
5.4 |
|
Future salary increase in %
|
|
|
3.4 |
|
|
|
3.0 |
|
Future increase in the social security base amount in %
|
|
|
3.4 |
|
|
|
3.0 |
|
Future turnover in %
|
|
|
6.0 |
|
|
|
6.0 |
|
Expected average remaining service period in years
|
|
|
12.0 |
|
|
|
12.0 |
|
Future pension increases in %
|
|
|
3.4 |
|
|
|
3.0 |
|
F-39
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENT (Continued)
Telenor Group
Future turnover has been increased as of December 31, 2005
based on observations over the later years that turnover has
been higher than previously expected. This change also affected
estimated remaining service period.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2004 | |
|
2005 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(NOK in | |
|
|
millions) | |
Components of net periodic benefit cost
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Service cost
|
|
|
538 |
|
|
|
581 |
|
Interest cost
|
|
|
263 |
|
|
|
257 |
|
Expected return on plan assets
|
|
|
(189 |
) |
|
|
(197 |
) |
Losses/gains on curtailments and settlements
|
|
|
(4 |
) |
|
|
(63 |
) |
Amortization of actuarial gains and losses
|
|
|
(10 |
) |
|
|
(73 |
) |
Social security tax
|
|
|
98 |
|
|
|
86 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net periodic benefit costs
|
|
|
696 |
|
|
|
591 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Contribution plan costs
|
|
|
141 |
|
|
|
180 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total pension costs charged to profit (loss) for the year
|
|
|
837 |
|
|
|
771 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Telenor Pension Funds weighted average asset allocations
as of December 31, 2005 and 2004, by asset category were as
follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2004 | |
|
2005 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
Asset category
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bonds %
|
|
|
70 |
|
|
|
53 |
|
Equity securities %
|
|
|
26 |
|
|
|
32 |
|
Properties %
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
12 |
|
Other %
|
|
|
4 |
|
|
|
3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
100 |
|
|
|
100 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The plan assets are invested in bonds issued by the Norwegian
government, Norwegian municipals, financial institutions and
corporations. Bonds held in foreign currencies are to a large
extent currency hedged. Investments in equity securities are
restricted to a maximum of 35% of the plan assets. The plan
assets are invested both in Norwegian and foreign equity
securities. The currency hedging policy for foreign equity
securities is evaluated per investment.
In 2005, land and buildings were sold from the Group to Telenor
Pension Fund. The value was set based on evaluations made by an
independent Project and Construction Management Company. Parts
of the buildings are leased back from the Pension Fund.
The expected non-current return on plan assets as of
December 31, 2005 was 4.7%. Expected returns on plan assets
are calculated based on the estimated Norwegian government bond
yield at the balance sheet date, adjusted for the different
investment categories of the plan assets. The expected long-term
yield above government bonds is based on historical non-current
yields.
F-40
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENT (Continued)
Telenor Group
Telenor expects to contribute approximately NOK 455 million
to the Telenor Pension Fund in 2006.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2011 to | |
|
|
2006 | |
|
2007 | |
|
2008 | |
|
2009 | |
|
2010 | |
|
2015 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(NOK in millions) | |
Expected pension benefit payments from the Telenor Pension Fund
|
|
|
88 |
|
|
|
102 |
|
|
|
119 |
|
|
|
138 |
|
|
|
153 |
|
|
|
1,176 |
|
Telenor AB (including Utfors AB) and EDB Business Partner AB,
have multi-employer plans. The plan is currently accounted for
as a defined contribution plan and the cost was NOK
63 million in 2005 and NOK 58 million in 2004.
As of December 31, 2005, the estimated pension expenses for
2006 for the Norwegian defined benefit plans was approximately
NOK 562 million, before any effect of change in pension
plan to a defined contribution plan, if any, as discussed above.
The table below shows an estimate of the potential effects of
changes in the key assumptions for the defined benefit plans in
Norway, and below is also discussed effects of changes in some
risk tables.
The following estimates and the estimated pension expense for
2006 are based on facts and circumstances as of
December 31, 2005. Actual results may materially deviate
from these estimates.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Social | |
|
Annual | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Future salary | |
|
Security base | |
|
adjustments | |
|
|
|
|
Discount rate | |
|
increase | |
|
amount | |
|
to pensions | |
|
Turnover | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
+1% | |
|
-1% | |
|
+1% | |
|
-1% | |
|
+1% | |
|
-1% | |
|
+1% | |
|
-1% | |
|
+4% | |
|
-4% | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(NOK in millions) | |
Changes in pension:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Obligations
|
|
|
(751 |
) |
|
|
1,094 |
|
|
|
758 |
|
|
|
(639 |
) |
|
|
(275 |
) |
|
|
261 |
|
|
|
635 |
|
|
|
(521 |
) |
|
|
(234 |
) |
|
|
307 |
|
|
Unrecognized actuarial losses
|
|
|
(856 |
) |
|
|
1,249 |
|
|
|
865 |
|
|
|
(729 |
) |
|
|
(314 |
) |
|
|
297 |
|
|
|
724 |
|
|
|
(594 |
) |
|
|
(267 |
) |
|
|
350 |
|
|
Expenses due to amortization of actuarial losses
|
|
|
(91 |
) |
|
|
15 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(76 |
) |
|
|
(25 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(59 |
) |
|
|
(20 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
Net periodic benefit cost including effect due to amortization
of actuarial losses (as shown above)
|
|
|
(193 |
) |
|
|
163 |
|
|
|
103 |
|
|
|
(162 |
) |
|
|
(63 |
) |
|
|
35 |
|
|
|
86 |
|
|
|
(130 |
) |
|
|
(52 |
) |
|
|
42 |
|
Changes in other assumptions may also materially affect the
liabilities and expenses. These include tables for death and
disability. Based on the tables for death and disability as of
December 31, 2005, if death probability increases on
average by 10%, the pension obligation will decrease by 2.7%. A
corresponding increase in disability probability will only have
a minor effect the pension obligation. However, an increase by
50% will increase the pension obligation by 4.2%.
F-41
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENT (Continued)
Telenor Group
8. OTHER
OPERATING EXPENSES
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2004 |
|
2005 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(NOK in millions) |
Operating leases of building, land and equipment
|
|
|
1,070 |
|
|
|
1,248 |
|
Other cost of premises, vehicles, office equipment etc
|
|
|
793 |
|
|
|
860 |
|
Operation and maintenance
|
|
|
3,628 |
|
|
|
4,315 |
|
Travel and travel allowances
|
|
|
482 |
|
|
|
489 |
|
Postage freight, distribution and telecommunication
|
|
|
296 |
|
|
|
389 |
|
Concession fees
|
|
|
582 |
|
|
|
862 |
|
Marketing and sales commission
|
|
|
3,735 |
|
|
|
4,873 |
|
Advertising
|
|
|
1,416 |
|
|
|
2,019 |
|
Bad debts(1)
|
|
|
248 |
|
|
|
311 |
|
Consultancy fees and external personnel
|
|
|
1,350 |
|
|
|
1,757 |
|
Other
|
|
|
271 |
|
|
|
483 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total other operating expenses
|
|
|
13,871 |
|
|
|
17,606 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
See note 10 for more information. |
9. OTHER
INCOME AND EXPENSES
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2004 |
|
2005 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(NOK in |
|
|
millions) |
Gains on disposals of fixed assets and operations
|
|
|
562 |
|
|
|
320 |
|
Losses on disposals of fixed assets and operations
|
|
|
74 |
|
|
|
152 |
|
Expenses for workforce reduction and onerous (loss) contracts(1)
|
|
|
336 |
|
|
|
410 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total other (income) and expenses
|
|
|
(152 |
) |
|
|
242 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
See note 12 for more information. |
Gains on disposals in 2005 were primarily sale of properties, as
well as some businesses.
Gains on disposals in 2004 were primarily the sale of parts of
the Telecom business of EDB Business Partner ASA and the sale of
the subsidiaries Venture III AS, Securinet AS and Transacty
AS.
Losses on disposal in 2005 were primarily related to disposal of
properties and equipment and Fixed Czech and Slovakia.
Expenses for workforce reduction and onerous (loss) contracts in
2005 were primarily related to the MVNO contract in Sweden and
expenses for workforce reductions in Fixed. Expenses in 2004
were primarily workforce reductions related to the
IT-operations, Fixed and the Nordic mobile operations. See
note 12 for more information.
F-42
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENT (Continued)
Telenor Group
10. BAD
DEBTS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2004 | |
|
2005 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(NOK in | |
|
|
millions) | |
Provisions as of January 1
|
|
|
592 |
|
|
|
720 |
|
Provisions as of December 31
|
|
|
720 |
|
|
|
950 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Change in provisions for bad debts
|
|
|
128 |
|
|
|
230 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other changes in provisions for bad debts(1)
|
|
|
(110 |
) |
|
|
(143 |
) |
Realized losses for the year
|
|
|
297 |
|
|
|
308 |
|
Recovered amounts previously written off
|
|
|
(67 |
) |
|
|
(84 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total bad debt
|
|
|
248 |
|
|
|
311 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
Includes effects of disposal and acquisition of businesses and
translation adjustments. The increase in 2005 was primarily
related to the consolidation of DTAC. |
|
|
11. |
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT COSTS |
Research and development costs amounted to NOK 401 million
in 2005 and NOK 372 million in 2004. Research and
development activities relate to new technologies, new products,
security in the network and new usages of the existing network.
|
|
12. |
WORKFORCE REDUCTIONS, ONEROUS CONTRACTS AND LEGAL DISPUTES |
The following tables display roll forward of the provisions from
January 1, 2004:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2004 | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Provisions in | |
|
|
|
additions | |
|
|
|
Provisions | |
|
Provisions in | |
|
|
the balance | |
|
2004 | |
|
recorded | |
|
|
|
reversed | |
|
the balance | |
|
|
sheet at | |
|
additions in | |
|
directly in | |
|
2004 | |
|
in 2004 | |
|
sheet at | |
|
|
January 1, | |
|
income | |
|
balance(2) & | |
|
amounts | |
|
income | |
|
December 31, | |
|
|
2004 | |
|
statement | |
|
Interest | |
|
utilized | |
|
statement | |
|
2004 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(NOK in millions) | |
Workforce reductions
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mobile operations(3)
|
|
|
10 |
|
|
|
66 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(35 |
) |
|
|
(5 |
) |
|
|
36 |
|
Fixed
|
|
|
110 |
|
|
|
61 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(76 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
95 |
|
Broadcast
|
|
|
19 |
|
|
|
5 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(20 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
4 |
|
Other operations and eliminations
|
|
|
145 |
|
|
|
176 |
|
|
|
12 |
|
|
|
(162 |
) |
|
|
(6 |
) |
|
|
165 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total workforce reductions
|
|
|
284 |
|
|
|
308 |
|
|
|
12 |
|
|
|
(293 |
) |
|
|
(11 |
) |
|
|
300 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Onerous (loss) contracts
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mobile operations(3)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
569 |
|
|
|
(3 |
) |
|
|
(275 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
291 |
|
Fixed
|
|
|
19 |
|
|
|
25 |
|
|
|
(10 |
) |
|
|
(21 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
13 |
|
Broadcast
|
|
|
13 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(4 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
9 |
|
Other operations and eliminations
|
|
|
322 |
|
|
|
(540 |
) |
|
|
25 |
|
|
|
153 |
|
|
|
(15 |
) |
|
|
(55 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total onerous (loss) contracts
|
|
|
354 |
|
|
|
54 |
|
|
|
12 |
|
|
|
(147 |
) |
|
|
(15 |
) |
|
|
258 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total workforce reductions and onerous (loss) contracts
|
|
|
638 |
|
|
|
362 |
|
|
|
24 |
|
|
|
(440 |
) |
|
|
(26 |
) |
|
|
558 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Legal disputes(1)
|
|
|
30 |
|
|
|
126 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(6 |
) |
|
|
(2 |
) |
|
|
148 |
|
F-43
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENT (Continued)
Telenor Group
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2005 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
additions |
|
|
|
Provisions |
|
|
|
|
Provisions in |
|
2005 |
|
recorded |
|
|
|
reversed |
|
Provisions in |
|
|
the balance |
|
additions in |
|
directly in |
|
2005 |
|
in 2005 |
|
the balance |
|
|
sheet 12.31. |
|
income |
|
balance(2) & |
|
amounts |
|
income |
|
sheet 12.31 |
|
|
2004 |
|
statement |
|
interest |
|
utilized |
|
statement |
|
2005 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(NOK in millions) |
Workforce reductions:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mobile operations(3)
|
|
|
36 |
|
|
|
20 |
|
|
|
(1 |
) |
|
|
(36 |
) |
|
|
(3 |
) |
|
|
16 |
|
Fixed
|
|
|
95 |
|
|
|
151 |
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
(73 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
174 |
|
Broadcast
|
|
|
4 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
2 |
|
Other operations and eliminations
|
|
|
165 |
|
|
|
48 |
|
|
|
(1 |
) |
|
|
(121 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
91 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total workforce reductions
|
|
|
300 |
|
|
|
219 |
|
|
|
(1 |
) |
|
|
(232 |
) |
|
|
(3 |
) |
|
|
283 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Onerous (loss) contracts:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mobile operations(3)
|
|
|
291 |
|
|
|
417 |
|
|
|
(24 |
) |
|
|
(509 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
175 |
|
Fixed
|
|
|
13 |
|
|
|
8 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(3 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
18 |
|
Broadcast
|
|
|
9 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(3 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
6 |
|
Other operations and eliminations
|
|
|
(55 |
) |
|
|
(208 |
) |
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
442 |
|
|
|
(23 |
) |
|
|
157 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total onerous (loss) contracts
|
|
|
258 |
|
|
|
217 |
|
|
|
(23 |
) |
|
|
(73 |
) |
|
|
(23 |
) |
|
|
356 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total workforce reductions and onerous (loss) contracts
|
|
|
558 |
|
|
|
436 |
|
|
|
(24 |
) |
|
|
(305 |
) |
|
|
(26 |
) |
|
|
639 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Legal disputes(1)
|
|
|
148 |
|
|
|
23 |
|
|
|
11 |
|
|
|
(21 |
) |
|
|
(34 |
) |
|
|
127 |
|
|
|
(1) |
Does not include disputes relating to tax issues. See
note 14. |
|
(2) |
Additions recorded directly to the balance principally relate to
acquisitions and currency translation effects. |
|
(3) |
Mobile operations consist of Telenor Mobil, Sonofon Kyivstar,
Pannon GSM, DiGi.Com, GrameenPhone and other mobile operations. |
Provisions as of December 31:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2004 |
|
2005 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(NOK in millions) |
Expected to be paid within 1 year
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Workforce reductions
|
|
|
219 |
|
|
|
268 |
|
Onerous contracts
|
|
|
111 |
|
|
|
222 |
|
Legal disputes
|
|
|
146 |
|
|
|
127 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total short term (note 21)
|
|
|
476 |
|
|
|
617 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Expected to be paid after 1 year
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Workforce reductions
|
|
|
81 |
|
|
|
15 |
|
Onerous contracts
|
|
|
147 |
|
|
|
134 |
|
Legal disputes
|
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total long term (note 21)
|
|
|
230 |
|
|
|
149 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
706 |
|
|
|
766 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-44
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENT (Continued)
Telenor Group
Onerous contracts relate mainly to estimated losses on the MVNO
contract in Sweden and estimated losses on property leases. It
also includes liabilities related to transfer of activity in the
Telemuseum to a foundation in 2001 and estimated losses on
delivery contracts. Estimated losses on property leases are
based on assumptions of future subleases based on facts and
circumstances as of the balance sheet dates. The actual outcome
may differ from the estimates.
Telenor Mobil Norway and Telenor Mobile Sweden have entered into
two Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) agreements, see
note 3. In 2004 Mobile Sweden estimated a loss of NOK
562 million on the fixed prepayments of the MVNO contract
in Sweden due to reduced expectations of the future earnings
potential. The loss was estimated as the difference between
expected future economic benefits and unavoidable costs in the
contract. In 2005 the estimated loss for Mobile Sweden was
increased by NOK 239 million. These losses were eliminated
in the Group accounts and included in other operations and
eliminations in the tables above. In addition, it was
decided that Mobile Sweden should enter into a service provider
agreement with Vodafone Sweden due to the acquisition of this
company. As a consequence, Telenor do not expected to utilize
the MVNO agreement in Sweden. However, as Telenor is required to
make minimum variable payments under the contract, Telenor
recorded an additional loss of NOK 175 million as of
December 31, 2005 which impacts the Group accounts. This
loss is the net present value of payments up to and including
the first quarter of 2008.
Provisions for workforce reductions as of December 31, 2005
included approximately 850 employees and more than 800 employees
as of January 1 2004 and December 31, 2004.
Provisions for legal disputes represent the managements
best estimates of the actual outcome. The actual outcome of
amount and timing may differ significantly from the estimates.
Amounts taken to income in 2005 were primarily due to favorable
development for property leases and legal disputes.
|
|
13. |
FINANCIAL INCOME AND EXPENSES |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2004 | |
|
2005 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(NOK in millions) | |
Interest income on liquid assets
|
|
|
383 |
|
|
|
287 |
|
Other financial income
|
|
|
113 |
|
|
|
160 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total financial income
|
|
|
496 |
|
|
|
447 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest expenses on interest-bearing liabilities
|
|
|
(1,582 |
) |
|
|
(1,665 |
) |
Other financial expenses
|
|
|
(96 |
) |
|
|
(120 |
) |
Capitalized interest
|
|
|
117 |
|
|
|
146 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total financial expenses
|
|
|
(1,561 |
) |
|
|
(1,639 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net foreign currency (loss)
|
|
|
(87 |
) |
|
|
84 |
|
Total change in fair value of financial instruments
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
243 |
|
Gains on disposal of financial assets
|
|
|
2,652 |
|
|
|
521 |
|
Losses on disposal of financial assets
|
|
|
(17 |
) |
|
|
(2 |
) |
Write-downs and reversal of write-downs of financial assets(1)
|
|
|
38 |
|
|
|
(1 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net gains (losses and write-downs) of financial assets
|
|
|
2,673 |
|
|
|
518 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net financial items
|
|
|
1,521 |
|
|
|
(347 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-45
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENT (Continued)
Telenor Group
|
|
(1) |
As from January 1, 2005, impairment losses recognised in
profit or loss for an investment in an equity instrument
classified as available for sale shall not be reversed through
profit or loss. |
As of January 1, 2005 Telenor implemented IAS 39, see
note 37.
Borrowing costs included in the cost of qualifying assets
(capitalized interest) during the year arose in Norway on the
general borrowing pool and outside Norway based on the relevant
subsidiaries borrowing costs. Wholly owned subsidiaries
are financed by Telenor. See note 22 for more information
about interest rates on external borrowings.
Gains on disposal in 2005 were primarily gain on sale of
Telenors shares in Intelsat. Gains on disposal in 2004
were primarily the gain on sale of Telenors remaining
shareholding in Cosmote SA.
14. TAXES
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2004 | |
|
2005 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(NOK in millions) | |
Profit before taxes and minority interests
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Norway
|
|
|
9,404 |
|
|
|
6,704 |
|
Outside Norway(1)
|
|
|
470 |
|
|
|
5,887 |
|
Total profit before taxes and minority interests
|
|
|
9,874 |
|
|
|
12,591 |
|
Current taxes(2)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Norway
|
|
|
4 |
|
|
|
445 |
|
Outside Norway
|
|
|
1,128 |
|
|
|
1,587 |
|
Total current taxes
|
|
|
1,132 |
|
|
|
2,032 |
|
Deferred taxes
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Norway
|
|
|
1,421 |
|
|
|
977 |
|
Outside Norway
|
|
|
(92 |
) |
|
|
444 |
|
Total deferred taxes
|
|
|
1,329 |
|
|
|
1,421 |
|
Total income tax expense
|
|
|
2,461 |
|
|
|
3,453 |
|
|
|
(1) |
Includes associated companies and subsidiaries outside Norway.
Gains and losses from disposal of companies are related to the
countries in which the disposed companies were located. The
gains and losses were, however, to a large extent liable to tax
in Norway. In 2004 new tax regulations were introduced in Norway
related to gains and losses on realization of shareholdings, as
explained below. |
|
(2) |
Up to, and including 2005 current taxes were primarily related
to mobile companies outside Norway, due to tax losses carried
forward in Norway. Current taxes did not include significant
adjustments recognized in the periods for current tax of prior
periods. However, in 2005, current taxes in Norway included the
payment of NOK 334 million following the non-recognition of
a tax loss derived from the liquidation of a wholly owned
subsidiary. |
F-46
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENT (Continued)
Telenor Group
Effective tax rate
The table below reconciles the reported income tax expense to
the expected income tax expense according to the corporate
income tax rate of 28% in Norway. It also shows major components
of tax expense (income).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2004 | |
|
2005 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(NOK in millions) | |
Expected income taxes according to corporate income tax rate in
Norway (28%)
|
|
|
2,765 |
|
|
|
3,525 |
|
Tax rates outside Norway different from 28%
|
|
|
(34 |
) |
|
|
(81 |
) |
Associated companies
|
|
|
(267 |
) |
|
|
(350 |
) |
Net loss in subsidiaries outside Norway for which deferred tax
assets have not been established
|
|
|
181 |
|
|
|
618 |
|
Previously not recognized deferred tax assets in business
combinations
|
|
|
(30 |
) |
|
|
(162 |
) |
Non-taxable income
|
|
|
(102 |
) |
|
|
(128 |
) |
Non-deductible expenses
|
|
|
195 |
|
|
|
265 |
|
Write-downs of goodwill that are not tax deductible
|
|
|
842 |
|
|
|
12 |
|
Other deferred tax assets not recognized previously
|
|
|
(461 |
) |
|
|
(18 |
) |
Non-taxable gain on sale of shares
|
|
|
(152 |
) |
|
|
(30 |
) |
Changes in tax law previously recognized tax assets
not realized
|
|
|
257 |
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred taxes on retained earnings in subsidiaries and
associated companies
|
|
|
(375 |
) |
|
|
292 |
|
Other tax assets not recognized current year
|
|
|
39 |
|
|
|
16 |
|
Previously recognized tax assets not realized or
written-down (valuation allowance) current year
|
|
|
27 |
|
|
|
6 |
|
Conversion of inter-company debt
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(249 |
) |
Liquidation of Dansk Mobil Holding AS
|
|
|
(438 |
) |
|
|
438 |
|
Sale of Telenor Business Solutions AS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(701 |
) |
Other
|
|
|
14 |
|
|
|
|
|
Income tax expense (income)
|
|
|
2,461 |
|
|
|
3,453 |
|
Effective tax rate in %
|
|
|
24.9 |
|
|
|
27.4 |
|
In December 2004, the Norwegian Parliament enacted new tax
rules. The major change for corporations was the introduction of
the Exemption Method. According to this new
legislation, capital gains deriving from the sale of shares and
dividends received from subsidiaries will be tax exempt.
However, any loss deriving from the sale or other disposal of
shares will no longer be tax deductible. The new rules in
respect of dividends received became effective as of
January 1, 2004, while the capital gains rules regarding
non deducibility of capital losses came into effect as of
March 26, 2004.
Comments on selected line items in the preceding table
Tax rates outside Norway different from 28%
The net effects of different tax rates for subsidiaries outside
Norway were small for 2005 and 2004. However, this was
influenced by tax rates that are both higher and lower than the
Norwegian 28% tax rate. The most significant effects were that
Pannon GSM Rt. (Hungary) and Kyivstar GSM JSC (Ukraine) had tax
rates lower than 28% and GrameenPhone Ltd. (Bangladesh) and
Telenor Pakistan had higher tax rates. For 2005, it also
included an effect of changes in tax rates in Denmark and for
ProMonte.
F-47
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENT (Continued)
Telenor Group
Associated companies
Results from associated companies are reflected after tax and
therefore do not impact the Group level taxes. Tax on
undistributed earnings, if any, is included in a separate line
item (deferred taxes on retained earnings in subsidiaries and
associated companies). Gains or losses on sale or liquidation of
Telenors ownership shares have been taxable in previous
years. As a consequence of the new tax rules in Norway in 2004,
gains or losses on sale or liquidation of shares will no longer
have a tax effect in Norway, but may be subject to tax or give
rise to tax loss abroad.
Net loss in subsidiaries outside Norway for which deferred
tax assets have not been established
Deferred tax asset are not recognized for deductible temporary
differences, primarily carry forward of unused tax losses in
subsidiaries outside Norway. This because we cannot demonstrate
probable taxable profits that will be available against such
deductible temporary differences. In 2004 and 2005 this issue
was primarily related to activities in Sweden and Pakistan,
except for Mobile Sweden, a branch operation that is taxable
both to Norway and Sweden.
Previously not recognized tax assets in business
combinations
In 2004 and 2005 Telenor realized taxable income and recorded
deferred tax assets previously not recognized in business
combinations for Canal Digital Group and Utfors AB (only 2004).
The tax assets did not previously satisfy the criteria for
separate recognition, but parts were recognized in 2004 and
2005. The corresponding tax income was recognized in the income
statement. As a result, the carrying amount of goodwill was
reduced to the amount that would have been recognized if the
deferred tax asset had been recorded at the acquisition date. In
2005, previously not recognized tax assets on Canal Digital
Sweden and Denmark were recorded in excess of the related
write-downs of goodwill.
Non-taxable income and non-deductible expenses
The large amounts related primarily to mobile companies outside
Norway, especially GrameenPhone in Bangladesh and Kyivstar in
the Ukraine.
Write-downs of goodwill that are not tax deductible
Write-downs of goodwill deriving from purchase of shares are
generally not tax deductible. In 2004 this primarily related to
write-down of goodwill on Sonofon. For 2005 and 2004, goodwill
of NOK 75 million and NOK 50 million, respectively,
was expensed due to recognition of tax assets previously not
recognized in business combinations, see above.
Other deferred tax assets not recognized previously
This line primarily relates to losses on subsidiaries and
associated companies on which deferred tax assets had not been
previously recognized, as well as adjustments to the taxable
basis of shares. These deferred tax assets were recognized when
the sale or liquidation of shares or loans allowed for the
realization of tax losses on these shareholdings or loans, or
when Telenor can demonstrate probable taxable profits that will
be available against such deductible temporary differences.
In 2004, Telenor realized a taxable capital gain on the sale of
shares in Cosmote SA. According to the transition rules to the
Exemption Method, this gain was offset by tax
losses deriving from sale or liquidation of shares in the period
March 26 2004 to December 31, 2004. This also included
a tax loss following from to the liquidation of Dansk Mobil
Holding AS, which is shown on a separate line in the table and
discussed below.
F-48
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENT (Continued)
Telenor Group
Non-taxable gain on sale of shares
In 2004, the Norwegian Parliament enacted the
Exemption Method, see above.
Changes in tax laws in Norway previously
recognized tax assets not realized
Following the introduction of the Exemption Method, Telenor
reversed some previously recognized deferred tax assets in 2004.
These were primarily related to the future liquidation of
dormant subsidiaries of EDB Business Partner ASA, which had not
been formally decided by the appropriate corporate body prior to
March 26, 2004.
Deferred taxes on retained earnings in subsidiaries and
associated companies.
Telenor has recognized deferred tax liability (primarily
withholding tax) for undistributed earnings in subsidiaries and
associated companies because it is expected that dividends will
be distributed in the foreseeable future or, for associated
companies, Telenor is not able to control the timing of the
distribution of dividends.
Deferred taxes are calculated to the extent dividends will be
subject to taxation, either in Norway or as withholding taxes at
source. Due to introduction of the Exemption Method and the
abolishment of withholding taxes in Hungary for dividends that
will be distributed to companies resident within the EEA area
subsequent to January 1, 2006, Telenor reversed NOK
639 million of deferred taxes on undistributed earnings.
The major changes were related to future distributions from
Pannon GSM.
Conversion of inter-company debt
In 2005, following a conversion of inter-company debt, Telenor
ASA recognized a tax loss and correspondingly reduced income tax
expense.
Liquidation of Dansk Mobil Holding AS
During the regular tax assessment of Dansk Mobil Holding II
AS in the fourth quarter of 2005, the tax authorities challenged
the companys tax return for the fiscal year 2004 by
disallowing a tax loss derived from the liquidation of its
wholly owned subsidiary, Dansk Mobil Holding AS. The tax
authorities disagreed with Telenors position, that the
loss is tax deductible under the transition rules to the
Exemption Method that were enacted in 2004. Telenor has
appealed the decision. However, the related tax was expensed in
2005, of which NOK 334 million was current taxes.
Sale of Telenor Business Solutions AS
In 2003, Telenor Eiendom Holding AS realized a tax loss of
approximately NOK 2.8 billion in connection with the sale
of shares in Telenor Business Solutions AS to Telenor Business
Solutions Holding AS. This sale was carried out as part of
the overall restructuring of the Telenor Group. Due to the
challenge of Telenors tax return regarding the tax loss in
connection with the sale of shares in Sonofon in 2001, as
discussed below, Telenor did not reflect the tax benefit derived
from loss on the sale in the financial statements for 2003. In
March 2006 the tax authorities accepted a tax deduction of
approximately NOK 2.5 billion. Consequently, Telenor
recorded a tax benefit and deferred tax asset in 2005.
Other uncertain tax positions not recognized
In 2002, the tax assessment authorities in Norway disallowed the
tax loss from the disposal of the shares in Sonofon Holding A/ S
claimed by Telenor Communication AS (now Telenor Eiendom Holding
AS) for the fiscal year 2001. As a result of this change, the
current tax expense for 2001 was increased by NOK
F-49
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENT (Continued)
Telenor Group
2.4 billion, which was recorded in 2002. Telenor originally
recognized this tax loss due to the disposal of shares in
Sonofon Holding A/ S to Dansk Mobil Holding AS, a sister company
of Telenor Eiendom Holding AS. The disposal was carried out as
an integral part of the overall restructuring of the Group. In
January 2003, Telenor initiated proceedings against the
Norwegian Tax Authorities, before Oslo District Court
(Oslo Tingrett). See note 26. In June 2004,
Oslo District Court ruled in favour of Telenor. The Tax
Authorities appealed this decision. On December 21, 2005 a
Norwegian Court of Appeal (Borgarting Lagmannsrett) ruled in
favour of Telenor in respect of this proceeding. The tax
appealed the decision, to the Norwegian Supreme Court, and
Telenor has consequently not taken the tax reduction to income.
In connection with Telenor B-Invest ASs calculation of the
gain on sale of shares in Cosmote SA in 2003 and 2004, a RISK
adjustment of the tax base values of the shares with NOK
184 million and NOK 386 million respectively was
claimed by Telenor based on the EEA Agreement. Such RISK
adjustments would reduce the taxable gain on sale of shares in
Cosmote SA. On November 23, 2004 the EEA-court ruled in
favor of a Finnish tax payer (the Manninin case) in
a case that Telenor believes is similar to its RISK adjustment
case. However, the Norwegian Ministry of Finance has stated that
they are of the opinion that the EEA-court ruling should only
have effect from the time of the ruling. This statement has been
challenged by a number of tax payers, including Telenor. It is
unclear what the final outcome will be. The Norwegian tax
authorities did not accept such RISK adjustment for 2003.
Telenor appealed the decision to the Appeal assessment
board (Overligningsnemnda). At the end of 2005, the Appeal
assessment board accepted the RISK adjustment for 2003. The
Norwegian tax authorities may until the end of April 2006 bring
this decision before the County Assessment Board, that may reach
a different conclusion. Telenor has therefore not recorded the
potential tax benefit. If Telenor should win the case regarding
the liquidation of Dansk Mobil Holding AS, RISK adjustment on
the Cosmote SA shares for 2004 will not have any effect under
the transition rules to the Exemption Method, as discussed
above.
For Canal Digital Denmark, the tax authorities in Denmark has
challenged the tax assessment for 2004 and did not recognize a
transaction where the previous tax losses were realized and a
corresponding increased depreciable tax base in assets were
established. The tax authorities disagreed with the valuation of
the assets in this transaction. Consequently, the tax
authorities have disallowed the step up in depreciable tax basis
and also claim that the previous tax losses have expired and
cannot be brought forward.
Tax losses carried forward
Tax losses carried forward in selected countries expire as
follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Norway | |
|
Sweden | |
|
Nordic | |
|
Pakistan | |
|
Other | |
|
Total | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(NOK in millions) | |
2006
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
208 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
102 |
|
|
|
310 |
|
2007
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
16 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
45 |
|
|
|
61 |
|
2008
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
26 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
17 |
|
|
|
43 |
|
2009
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
28 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
21 |
|
|
|
49 |
|
2010
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
47 |
|
|
|
30 |
|
|
|
7 |
|
|
|
84 |
|
2011 and later
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
94 |
|
|
|
577 |
|
|
|
135 |
|
|
|
806 |
|
Not time-limited
|
|
|
3,393 |
|
|
|
3,326 |
|
|
|
227 |
|
|
|
1,337 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8,283 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total tax losses carried forward
|
|
|
3,393 |
|
|
|
3,326 |
|
|
|
646 |
|
|
|
1,944 |
|
|
|
327 |
|
|
|
9,636 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Of which not recognized as deferred tax assets (Valuation
allowance)
|
|
|
231 |
|
|
|
3,104 |
|
|
|
636 |
|
|
|
926 |
|
|
|
324 |
|
|
|
5,221 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tax losses on which deferred tax asset has been recognized
|
|
|
3,162 |
|
|
|
222 |
|
|
|
10 |
|
|
|
1,018 |
|
|
|
3 |
|
|
|
4,415 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-50
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENT (Continued)
Telenor Group
The tax effect of tax losses in the Telenor tax Group in Norway
(Telenor ASA and subsidiaries owned 90% or more) are recognized
as tax assets because it is probable that these tax losses will
be utilized in the future. Significant tax losses have been
realized in Norway due to a step up in the tax base of shares in
2000 and subsequent sales or liquidation of companies. Due to
the introduction of the Exemption Method, this will not
impact future realization of shares. At the same time the
Telenor tax Group in Norway have produced significant taxable
profits from its other operations. This evidences that it is
probable that sufficient taxable profits will be available to
utilize all the tax losses carried forward. Other tax losses
recognized as deferred tax assets are where the relevant company
has other taxable temporary differences that give rise to
deferred tax liabilities.
Deferred tax asset are not recognized for carry forward of
unused tax losses when Telenor cannot demonstrate that it is
probable that taxable profit will be available against which the
deductible temporary difference can be utilized.
Deferred taxes as of December 31
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Of which | |
|
|
|
|
|
Of which | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
assets not | |
|
|
|
|
|
assets not | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
recognized | |
|
|
|
|
|
recognized | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(valuation | |
|
|
|
|
|
(valuation | |
|
|
Assets | |
|
Liabilities | |
|
allowance) | |
|
Assets | |
|
Liabilities | |
|
allowance) | |
|
|
2004 | |
|
2004 | |
|
2004 | |
|
2005 | |
|
2005 | |
|
2005 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(NOK in millions) | |
Tangible and intangible assets
|
|
|
2,464 |
|
|
|
(2,866 |
) |
|
|
(216 |
) |
|
|
4,405 |
|
|
|
(4,718 |
) |
|
|
(698 |
) |
Associated companies
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Undistributed earnings in foreign subsidiaries and associated
companies
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(373 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(606 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Other non-current items
|
|
|
898 |
|
|
|
(695 |
) |
|
|
(49 |
) |
|
|
1,637 |
|
|
|
(1,245 |
) |
|
|
(1 |
) |
Total non-current assets and liabilities
|
|
|
3,362 |
|
|
|
(3,934 |
) |
|
|
(265 |
) |
|
|
6,042 |
|
|
|
(6,569 |
) |
|
|
(699 |
) |
Total current assets and liabilities
|
|
|
330 |
|
|
|
(55 |
) |
|
|
(12 |
) |
|
|
1,406 |
|
|
|
(1,078 |
) |
|
|
(47 |
) |
Tax losses carried forward
|
|
|
3,047 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,408 |
) |
|
|
2,871 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,543 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred taxes
|
|
|
6,739 |
|
|
|
(3,989 |
) |
|
|
(1,685 |
) |
|
|
10,319 |
|
|
|
(7,647 |
) |
|
|
(2,289 |
) |
Net deferred tax assets
|
|
|
1,065 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
383 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Of which deferred tax assets
|
|
|
3,357 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,052 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Of which deferred tax liabilities (note 19)
|
|
|
(2,292 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2,669 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Some deferred tax assets on the foreign subsidiaries of Canal
Digital AS were not recognized as of December 31, 2005 and
2004 (valuation allowance). In 2005 and 2004, these companies
showed net income and realized parts of the tax losses. However,
as of December 31, 2004 no deferred tax assets were
recognized related to these companies (a full valuation
allowance), due to accumulated losses for previous years,
including 2004. As of December 31, 2005, Telenor recorded
parts of the deferred tax assets for Canal Digital Sweden due to
the development in the company evidencing that it is probable
that sufficient taxable profits will be available to utilize
parts of the tax losses carried forward. For Canal Digital
Denmark, the tax authorities in Denmark has challenged the tax
assessment for 2004, as discussed above. Telenor is of the
opinion that the values used in the transaction reflected the
fair values at the time of the transaction. However, as a
consequence of the disallowance, Telenor has not recognized
deferred tax assets related to Canal Digital Denmark for 2005,
and for 2004 deferred tax assets and tax assets not recognized
are shown in the preceeding table. As of December 31, 2005,
approximately NOK 0.7 billion of not recognized deferred
tax assets (valuation allowances) came from business
combinations where any subsequently recognized tax
F-51
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENT (Continued)
Telenor Group
benefits will be reallocated to reduce goodwill. These were
primarily related to the business combinations in Fixed Sweden
and Denmark in 2005.
Change in net deferred tax assets
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2004 | |
|
2005 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(NOK in millions) | |
As of January 1
|
|
|
3,626 |
|
|
|
1,065 |
|
Recorded to equity(1)
|
|
|
(284 |
) |
|
|
57 |
|
Recorded to profit or loss
|
|
|
(1,329 |
) |
|
|
(1,421 |
) |
Exchange differences
|
|
|
63 |
|
|
|
(92 |
) |
Acquisition of subsidiaries
|
|
|
(999 |
) |
|
|
707 |
|
Disposal of subsidiaries
|
|
|
(12 |
) |
|
|
67 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of December 31
|
|
|
1,065 |
|
|
|
383 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
The effect of the implementation of IAS 32 and 39 at
January 1, 2005 was NOK (16) million. |
At the balance sheet date, Telenor has recognized deferred tax
liabilities on undistributed earnings of subsidiaries and
associated companies for which a tax charge will occur at the
time dividends are distributed. The calculation is based on
enacted tax rates and tax rules at the balance sheet dates.
Changes in deferred tax assets not recognized (valuation
allowances)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2004 | |
|
2005 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(NOK in millions) | |
Balance at the beginning of the year
|
|
|
6,900 |
|
|
|
1,685 |
|
Changes in opening balance
|
|
|
(752 |
) |
|
|
(160 |
) |
Net losses from associated companies and subsidiaries outside
Norway
|
|
|
151 |
|
|
|
618 |
|
Associated companies changes in tax rules in Norway
|
|
|
(4,605 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Other not recognized tax assets this year
|
|
|
71 |
|
|
|
16 |
|
Acquisitions and disposals
|
|
|
(55 |
) |
|
|
177 |
|
Currency adjustments
|
|
|
(25 |
) |
|
|
(47 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at the end of the year
|
|
|
1,685 |
|
|
|
2,289 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The significant change in deferred tax assets not recognized
(valuation allowances) during 2004 was related to associated
companies, due to the Exemption Method being introduced in
Norway, as explained above. This change implied that the
deferred tax assets are no longer present because losses on
realization of shares are no longer tax deductible in Norway.
Preliminary 2005 RISK adjustment (adjustment of shares tax
base) for Telenor ASA is calculated to be negative with NOK
1.95 per share, including proposed dividends to be paid in
2006 based on the 2005 financial statements. However,
implementation of new tax rules for the shareholders taxation,
together with the use of the IFRS accounting principles, has
made it somewhat uncertain whether the RISK adjustment should
take into consideration the proposed dividends.
F-52
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENT (Continued)
Telenor Group
|
|
15. |
AMORTIZATION, DEPRECIATION AND WRITE-DOWNS |
Details of amortization, depreciation and write-downs:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Property, plant |
|
|
|
Other intangible |
|
Prepaid |
|
|
and equipment |
|
Goodwill |
|
assets |
|
leases |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2004 |
|
2005 |
|
2004 |
|
2005 |
|
2004 |
|
2005 |
|
2004 |
|
2005 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(NOK in millions) |
Amortization and depreciation
|
|
|
7,737 |
|
|
|
8,083 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,900 |
|
|
|
3,407 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
54 |
|
Write-downs
|
|
|
282 |
|
|
|
488 |
|
|
|
3,129 |
|
|
|
46 |
|
|
|
120 |
|
|
|
53 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
8,019 |
|
|
|
8,571 |
|
|
|
3,129 |
|
|
|
46 |
|
|
|
3,020 |
|
|
|
3,460 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
54 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Prepaid leases are payments made on entering into leases or
acquiring leaseholds that are accounted for as operating leases.
These prepaid lease payments are amortized over the lease term
in accordance with the pattern of benefits provided. They relate
primarily to access charges for lease of the copper cables of
other operators (local loop unbundling etc), primarily in the
Fixed operations in Sweden and Denmark that were acquired during
2005. The amortization period for access charges are the
estimated customer relationship, based on past history.
Estimated useful lives of property, plant and equipment and
other intangible assets are reviewed annually to insure
consistency with the expected economic recovery period for these
assets based on current facts and circumstances. As of
January 1, 2005 some changes were made in estimated useful
lives, especially for some components in the different networks.
Various components of the networks were affected, including
switches, radio and transmission equipment in the mobile
operations, masts, towers and network buildings in the mobile,
fixed and broadcast operations, fibre cables in the fixed
transportation network and digital transmission equipment for
ADSL in Norway. As of January 1, 2005 the estimated useful
lives for some of these assets were increased and others were
decreased. The reasons for increasing useful lives were
primarily based on recent experience that some assets are now
being utilized over a longer economic life than previously
expected because they are not as affected by changes in
technological developments as previously expected and for some
assets because Telenor now expected a slower pace of changes in
the network than in previous years. On the other hand Telenor
decreased its expected useful lives for some assets, primarily
due to a higher pace of replacements than previously expected,
due to company or asset specific reasons.
The change in useful lives as of January 1, 2005 is
estimated to have increased depreciation and amortization by
approximately NOK 270 million, of which the highest impact
was for Kyivstar.
F-53
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENT (Continued)
Telenor Group
Details of write-downs:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2004 |
|
2005 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other |
|
|
|
Other |
|
|
Property, plant and |
|
|
|
intangible |
|
Property, plant and |
|
|
|
intangible |
|
|
equipment |
|
Goodwill(1) |
|
assets |
|
equipment |
|
Goodwill(1) |
|
assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(NOK in millions) |
Telnor Mobil Norway
|
|
|
6 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9 |
|
|
|
14 |
|
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
|
|
Sonofon Denmark
|
|
|
208 |
|
|
|
3,074 |
|
|
|
8 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Kyivstar Ukraine
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
15 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pannon GSM Hungary
|
|
|
21 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
DiGi.Com Malaysia
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
GrameenPhone Bangladesh
|
|
|
3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other mobile operations
|
|
|
14 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
61 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fixed
|
|
|
13 |
|
|
|
27 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
571 |
|
|
|
(36 |
) |
|
|
52 |
|
Broadcast
|
|
|
12 |
|
|
|
25 |
|
|
|
7 |
|
|
|
(128 |
) |
|
|
75 |
|
|
|
|
|
Other operations
|
|
|
5 |
|
|
|
3 |
|
|
|
35 |
|
|
|
5 |
|
|
|
5 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
282 |
|
|
|
3,129 |
|
|
|
120 |
|
|
|
488 |
|
|
|
46 |
|
|
|
53 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The write-downs of property, plant and equipment and intangible
assets in 2005 were primarily related to Fixed Sweden to its
estimated recoverable amount based on fair value less cost to
sell. The write-down was due to increased competition and a
general shift in product demand to lower priced products. The
assessment of the fair value was based on various valuation
methods, with assistance of an external valuation expert. In
2005 Broadcast reversed a previous write-down of satellites by
NOK 133 million. The write-downs of goodwill was primarily
due to previously not recognized deferred tax assets at
acquisition of companies, partially offset by the excess of fair
value of net assets over the cost of a business combination that
was recognized immediately to income.
The write-downs of property, plant and equipment in 2004 were
primarily on the transmission network in Sonofon Holding A/ S
due to the market situation. The recoverable amount was
determined on the basis of the value in use. Write-downs of
goodwill primarily related to Sonofon. See note 17 for more
information. Write-downs were also made due to previously not
recognized deferred tax assets at acquisition of companies.
F-54
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENT (Continued)
Telenor Group
|
|
16. |
PROPERTY, PLANT, EQUIPMENT AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mobile |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Local, |
|
telephone |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
regional & |
|
network |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
trunk |
|
and |
|
Subscriber |
|
Switches & |
|
Radio |
|
Cable TV |
|
|
|
|
|
Support |
|
|
|
Work in |
|
|
|
|
networks |
|
switches |
|
equipment |
|
equipment |
|
installations |
|
equipment |
|
Buildings |
|
Land |
|
systems |
|
Satellites |
|
progress(1) |
|
Total |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(NOK in millions) |
As of January 1, 2004
|
|
|
33,354 |
|
|
|
10,759 |
|
|
|
1,370 |
|
|
|
16,286 |
|
|
|
4,606 |
|
|
|
1,575 |
|
|
|
10,692 |
|
|
|
697 |
|
|
|
7,446 |
|
|
|
1,790 |
|
|
|
1,573 |
|
|
|
90,148 |
|
Additions
|
|
|
1,184 |
|
|
|
4,169 |
|
|
|
73 |
|
|
|
596 |
|
|
|
256 |
|
|
|
50 |
|
|
|
141 |
|
|
|
60 |
|
|
|
912 |
|
|
|
630 |
|
|
|
681 |
|
|
|
8,752 |
|
Acquisition of subsidiaries
|
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
1,742 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
674 |
|
|
|
10 |
|
|
|
183 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
226 |
|
|
|
2,842 |
|
Exchange differences
|
|
|
(148 |
) |
|
|
(1,012 |
) |
|
|
4 |
|
|
|
(3 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1 |
) |
|
|
(3 |
) |
|
|
(7 |
) |
|
|
(104 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(76 |
) |
|
|
(1,350 |
) |
Disposal
|
|
|
(185 |
) |
|
|
(64 |
) |
|
|
(220 |
) |
|
|
(185 |
) |
|
|
(269 |
) |
|
|
(95 |
) |
|
|
(197 |
) |
|
|
(10 |
) |
|
|
(1,018 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2,243 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of January 1, 2005
|
|
|
34,207 |
|
|
|
15,594 |
|
|
|
1,227 |
|
|
|
16,694 |
|
|
|
4,598 |
|
|
|
1,529 |
|
|
|
11,307 |
|
|
|
750 |
|
|
|
7,419 |
|
|
|
2,420 |
|
|
|
2,404 |
|
|
|
98,149 |
|
Additions
|
|
|
1,642 |
|
|
|
7,838 |
|
|
|
111 |
|
|
|
660 |
|
|
|
431 |
|
|
|
104 |
|
|
|
419 |
|
|
|
61 |
|
|
|
1,298 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,174 |
|
|
|
13,738 |
|
Acquisition of subsidiaries
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
266 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
220 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
34 |
|
|
|
118 |
|
|
|
183 |
|
|
|
193 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4 |
|
|
|
1,018 |
|
Exchange differences
|
|
|
72 |
|
|
|
1,260 |
|
|
|
(2 |
) |
|
|
(4 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(5 |
) |
|
|
(19 |
) |
|
|
8 |
|
|
|
9 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
53 |
|
|
|
1,372 |
|
Disposal
|
|
|
(102 |
) |
|
|
(189 |
) |
|
|
(196 |
) |
|
|
(238 |
) |
|
|
(604 |
) |
|
|
(15 |
) |
|
|
(989 |
) |
|
|
(116 |
) |
|
|
(1,366 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2 |
) |
|
|
(3,817 |
) |
Reclassified as held for sale
|
|
|
(213 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(13 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(99 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(14 |
) |
|
|
(341 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of December 31, 2005
|
|
|
35,606 |
|
|
|
24,769 |
|
|
|
1,127 |
|
|
|
17,332 |
|
|
|
4,425 |
|
|
|
1,647 |
|
|
|
10,834 |
|
|
|
886 |
|
|
|
7,454 |
|
|
|
2,420 |
|
|
|
3,619 |
|
|
|
110,119 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accumulated depreciation and write-downs
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of January 1, 2004
|
|
|
23,112 |
|
|
|
2,555 |
|
|
|
996 |
|
|
|
13,280 |
|
|
|
2,819 |
|
|
|
704 |
|
|
|
4,188 |
|
|
|
4 |
|
|
|
6,015 |
|
|
|
1,173 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
54,846 |
|
Depreciation
|
|
|
2,122 |
|
|
|
2,029 |
|
|
|
195 |
|
|
|
1,270 |
|
|
|
246 |
|
|
|
133 |
|
|
|
404 |
|
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
1,208 |
|
|
|
128 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7,737 |
|
Write-downs
|
|
|
12 |
|
|
|
243 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
11 |
|
|
|
6 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
282 |
|
Exchange differences
|
|
|
(41 |
) |
|
|
(247 |
) |
|
|
3 |
|
|
|
(2 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(49 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(335 |
) |
Eliminated on disposal
|
|
|
(160 |
) |
|
|
(25 |
) |
|
|
(109 |
) |
|
|
(170 |
) |
|
|
(270 |
) |
|
|
(93 |
) |
|
|
(99 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(998 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,924 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of January 1, 2005
|
|
|
25,045 |
|
|
|
4,555 |
|
|
|
1,085 |
|
|
|
14,378 |
|
|
|
2,797 |
|
|
|
755 |
|
|
|
4,500 |
|
|
|
6 |
|
|
|
6,184 |
|
|
|
1,301 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
60,606 |
|
Depreciation
|
|
|
2,026 |
|
|
|
2,981 |
|
|
|
99 |
|
|
|
958 |
|
|
|
275 |
|
|
|
139 |
|
|
|
360 |
|
|
|
4 |
|
|
|
1,088 |
|
|
|
153 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8,083 |
|
Write-downs for the year
|
|
|
540 |
|
|
|
20 |
|
|
|
3 |
|
|
|
13 |
|
|
|
4 |
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
40 |
|
|
|
(133 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
488 |
|
Exchange differences
|
|
|
24 |
|
|
|
231 |
|
|
|
(1 |
) |
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1 |
) |
|
|
(5 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(48 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
202 |
|
Disposal
|
|
|
(65 |
) |
|
|
(160 |
) |
|
|
(196 |
) |
|
|
(229 |
) |
|
|
(600 |
) |
|
|
(14 |
) |
|
|
(406 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,319 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2,989 |
) |
Reclassified as held for sale
|
|
|
(126 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(11 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(91 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(229 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of December 31, 2005
|
|
|
27,444 |
|
|
|
7,627 |
|
|
|
979 |
|
|
|
15,122 |
|
|
|
2,476 |
|
|
|
880 |
|
|
|
4,448 |
|
|
|
10 |
|
|
|
5,854 |
|
|
|
1,321 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
66,161 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Carrying amount
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of December 31, 2005
|
|
|
8,162 |
|
|
|
17,142 |
|
|
|
148 |
|
|
|
2,210 |
|
|
|
1,949 |
|
|
|
767 |
|
|
|
6,386 |
|
|
|
876 |
|
|
|
1,600 |
|
|
|
1,099 |
|
|
|
3,619 |
|
|
|
43,958 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of December 31, 2004
|
|
|
9,162 |
|
|
|
11,039 |
|
|
|
142 |
|
|
|
2,316 |
|
|
|
1,801 |
|
|
|
774 |
|
|
|
6,807 |
|
|
|
744 |
|
|
|
1,235 |
|
|
|
1,119 |
|
|
|
2,404 |
|
|
|
37,543 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Group has entered into Cross Border QTE arrangements for
telephony switches, GSM Mobile network and fixed-line network
with a book value as of December 31, 2005 of NOK
609 million (NOK 991 million as of
December 31, 2004). The transactions have the legal form of
leases. However, Telenor has according to SIC 27 the
transactions is that these are not leases as defined in IAS 17.
The arrangements were entered into in 1998, 1999 and 2003
respectively. Their terms are for approximately 15 years
with early termination options for Telenor. Telenor has defeased
all amounts due by us under these agreements with highly rated
financial institutions and US Government related securities. The
financial institutions then release the payments over agreement
periods in accordance with their contractual terms. During the
agreement periods, Telenor maintains the legal rights and
economic benefits in Norway of ownership of the equipment.
During the agreement periods, Telenor cannot dispose of the
equipment but may make replacements. Telenor has received
benefits of NOK 530 million since the parties can
depreciate the equipment for tax purposes. The amounts are
deferred over the periods for which the benefits are expected to
be earned, and NOK 43 million was recorded as other
financial income in 2005 and 2004. See note 38 for further
information.
F-55
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENT (Continued)
Telenor Group
Telenor had finance leases with book values of NOK
1,207 million as of December 31, 2005, primarily fibre
optic Network in GrameenPhone in Bangladesh (NOK
475 million), properties in Sonofon Denmark (NOK
187 million) and satellites in Broadcast (NOK
518 million),
As of December 31, 2005, future minimum annual rental
commitments under finance leases were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Within | |
|
2-5 | |
|
More than | |
|
|
1 Year | |
|
Years | |
|
5 Years | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(NOK in millions) | |
Future minimum lease payments
|
|
|
402 |
|
|
|
1,330 |
|
|
|
815 |
|
Less amount representing interest
|
|
|
105 |
|
|
|
310 |
|
|
|
284 |
|
Present value Finance lease obligations
|
|
|
297 |
|
|
|
1,020 |
|
|
|
531 |
|
The lease of fibre optic Network in Bangladesh has a term to
2017 and was classified as finance lease as of January 1,
2005. According to the agreement, future lease payments may
increase based on negotiations, inflation and business growth
(contingent rent).
The Group has buildings that have been acquired for the use by
the Group. However, some space is vacant or rented to external
parties. In evaluating if these parts of buildings are
investment properties, the Group has evaluated if the floor in
the building which is no longer used by the Group is separate or
discrete from the rest of the building, and if the building is
held for its investment potential and if this is not a
short-term strategy. The Group has not identified any investment
properties.
F-56
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENT (Continued)
Telenor Group
Intangible assets (excl. goodwill)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Internal |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Customer |
|
|
|
Trade- |
|
Software |
|
generated |
|
|
|
Work in |
|
|
|
|
base |
|
Licenses |
|
marks |
|
acquired |
|
software |
|
Other |
|
progress(1) |
|
Total |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(NOK in millions) |
As of January 1, 2004
|
|
|
2,721 |
|
|
|
2,040 |
|
|
|
580 |
|
|
|
3,500 |
|
|
|
1,968 |
|
|
|
558 |
|
|
|
341 |
|
|
|
11,708 |
|
Additions
|
|
|
23 |
|
|
|
2,637 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
908 |
|
|
|
88 |
|
|
|
124 |
|
|
|
75 |
|
|
|
3,855 |
|
Internal generated
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
58 |
|
|
|
13 |
|
|
|
22 |
|
|
|
93 |
|
Acquisition of subsidiary
|
|
|
1,634 |
|
|
|
97 |
|
|
|
889 |
|
|
|
1,454 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
662 |
|
|
|
7 |
|
|
|
4,743 |
|
Exchange differences
|
|
|
(84 |
) |
|
|
(341 |
) |
|
|
(39 |
) |
|
|
(148 |
) |
|
|
(2 |
) |
|
|
(20 |
) |
|
|
(3 |
) |
|
|
(637 |
) |
Disposal
|
|
|
(3 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(114 |
) |
|
|
(4 |
) |
|
|
(26 |
) |
|
|
(20 |
) |
|
|
(167 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of January 1, 2005
|
|
|
4,291 |
|
|
|
4,433 |
|
|
|
1,430 |
|
|
|
5,600 |
|
|
|
2,108 |
|
|
|
311 |
|
|
|
422 |
|
|
|
19,595 |
|
Additions
|
|
|
15 |
|
|
|
787 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,117 |
|
|
|
202 |
|
|
|
57 |
|
|
|
266 |
|
|
|
2,444 |
|
Internal generated
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
25 |
|
|
|
81 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
20 |
|
|
|
126 |
|
Acquisition of subsidiaries
|
|
|
1,849 |
|
|
|
6,133 |
|
|
|
1,256 |
|
|
|
469 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
958 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10,665 |
|
Exchange differences
|
|
|
(20 |
) |
|
|
385 |
|
|
|
8 |
|
|
|
133 |
|
|
|
(4 |
) |
|
|
(29 |
) |
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
475 |
|
Disposal
|
|
|
(2 |
) |
|
|
(23 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(31 |
) |
|
|
(2 |
) |
|
|
(103 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(161 |
) |
Reclassified as held for sale
|
|
|
(1 |
) |
|
|
(59 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(11 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(13 |
) |
|
|
(3 |
) |
|
|
(87 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of December 31, 2005
|
|
|
6,132 |
|
|
|
11,656 |
|
|
|
2,694 |
|
|
|
7,302 |
|
|
|
2,385 |
|
|
|
2,181 |
|
|
|
707 |
|
|
|
33,057 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accumulated amortization and write-downs
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of January 1, 2004
|
|
|
989 |
|
|
|
1,068 |
|
|
|
101 |
|
|
|
1,812 |
|
|
|
1,208 |
|
|
|
473 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,651 |
|
Amortization
|
|
|
834 |
|
|
|
189 |
|
|
|
103 |
|
|
|
1,163 |
|
|
|
342 |
|
|
|
269 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,900 |
|
Write-downs
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
42 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
67 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
120 |
|
Exchange differences
|
|
|
(15 |
) |
|
|
(6 |
) |
|
|
(4 |
) |
|
|
(10 |
) |
|
|
(1 |
) |
|
|
4 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(32 |
) |
Disposal
|
|
|
(4 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(89 |
) |
|
|
(1 |
) |
|
|
(26 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(120 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of January 1, 2005
|
|
|
1,804 |
|
|
|
1,293 |
|
|
|
200 |
|
|
|
2,887 |
|
|
|
1,548 |
|
|
|
787 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8,519 |
|
Amortization
|
|
|
1,073 |
|
|
|
336 |
|
|
|
132 |
|
|
|
1,430 |
|
|
|
258 |
|
|
|
178 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,407 |
|
Write-downs
|
|
|
16 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
36 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
53 |
|
Exchange differences
|
|
|
(12 |
) |
|
|
15 |
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
38 |
|
|
|
(1 |
) |
|
|
(31 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
10 |
|
Disposal
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(23 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(13 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(103 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(139 |
) |
Reclassified as held for sale
|
|
|
(1 |
) |
|
|
(18 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(6 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(13 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(38 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of December 31, 2005
|
|
|
2,880 |
|
|
|
1,603 |
|
|
|
333 |
|
|
|
4,337 |
|
|
|
1,841 |
|
|
|
818 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11,812 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Carrying amount
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of December 31, 2005
|
|
|
3,252 |
|
|
|
10,053 |
|
|
|
2,361 |
|
|
|
2,965 |
|
|
|
544 |
|
|
|
1,363 |
|
|
|
707 |
|
|
|
21,245 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of December 31, 2004
|
|
|
2,487 |
|
|
|
3,140 |
|
|
|
1,230 |
|
|
|
2,713 |
|
|
|
560 |
|
|
|
524 |
|
|
|
422 |
|
|
|
11,076 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Additions of intangible assets in 2005 from acquisition of
subsidiaries were primarily related to DTAC, Bredbandsbolaget
and Cybercity. For 2004, the additions were primarily due to the
acquisition of Sonofon Holding A/ S and Promonte. See
note 1 for further information.
The additions of licenses were primarily mobile licenses in
Mobile Norway and Sonofon Denmark in 2005 and Pakistan and
Pannon GSM in Hungary in 2004.
F-57
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENT (Continued)
Telenor Group
The intangible assets included above have finite useful lives,
over which the assets are amortized. Customer base, trademarks
and roaming agreements (the major part of other)
were acquired as part of business combinations. Licenses consist
primarily of mobile licenses that were acquired separately or as
part of business combinations. The amortization period for
customer base is the expected customer relationships based on
historic experience of churn for the individual businesses, and
varies primarily between 3 to 5 years. Licenses and roaming
agreements are amortized over the license periods. Trademarks
are amortized over their estimated useful lives, which is on
average 15 years. Software is amortized over their
estimated useful lives. Given the history of rapid changes in
technology, computer software are susceptible to technological
obsolescence. Therefore, their estimated useful life is normally
3 to 5 years.
DTACs concession right
DTAC has a concession right to operate and deliver mobile
services. The Communication Authority of Thailand
(CAT) granted the concession to DTAC. CAT allows DTAC to
arrange, expand, operate and provide the cellular system radio
communication services in various areas in Thailand. The
concession originally covered a 15 year period but the
agreement was amended on July 23, 1993 and
November 22, 1996, with the concession period being
extended to 22 and 27 years, respectively.
The service rates and fees charged to customers are subject to
approval by CAT. DTAC is obliged to pay fees in accordance with
the concession. Fees are based on the greater of a minimum
annual payment and a percentage of revenues from services:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Percentage of |
|
|
|
|
revenues |
Year |
|
Minimum annual payment |
|
per annum |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(NOK in millions(1)) |
|
% |
1 to 4
|
|
|
4 to 25 |
|
|
|
12 |
|
5
|
|
|
58 |
|
|
|
25 |
|
6 to 15
|
|
|
63 to 99 |
|
|
|
20 |
|
16 to 20
|
|
|
123 to 127 |
|
|
|
25 |
|
21 to 27
|
|
|
124 to 198 |
|
|
|
30 |
|
|
|
(1) |
Converted from Baht to NOK based on exchange rates as of
December 31, 2005. |
DTAC commenced commercial operations on September 16, 1991.
DTAC shall provide, at its own expense, all devices and
equipment which must be sufficient for provision of the services
at all times. All such devices and equipment becomes the
property of CAT when they are put into use. At the end of the
concession period, or if the contract is terminated earlier DTAC
must deliver all devices and equipment to CAT in a good working
condition.
The service concession of DTAC accounted for under the
Intangible Asset Model according to IFRIC Draft interpretation
D14. The intangible asset is amortized on a straight line basis
over the concession period. Enhancements and extensions are
capitalized as incurred. Repair, maintenance and replacements
are expensed as incurred. The concession in DTAC was valued
based on an income approach under the assumption that DTAC would
sell its concession to a hypothetical operator.
F-58
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENT (Continued)
Telenor Group
Estimated future amortization expenses
The estimated aggregated amortization expenses for other
intangible assets (excluding goodwill) for the next five years
are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2006 | |
|
2007 | |
|
2008 | |
|
2009 | |
|
2010 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(NOK in millions) | |
Customer Base
|
|
|
1,367 |
|
|
|
999 |
|
|
|
593 |
|
|
|
159 |
|
|
|
81 |
|
Licences
|
|
|
753 |
|
|
|
766 |
|
|
|
757 |
|
|
|
755 |
|
|
|
754 |
|
Trademarks
|
|
|
204 |
|
|
|
204 |
|
|
|
204 |
|
|
|
204 |
|
|
|
204 |
|
Software acquired
|
|
|
1,308 |
|
|
|
929 |
|
|
|
591 |
|
|
|
131 |
|
|
|
59 |
|
Software internally generated
|
|
|
196 |
|
|
|
157 |
|
|
|
137 |
|
|
|
50 |
|
|
|
5 |
|
Other
|
|
|
242 |
|
|
|
175 |
|
|
|
158 |
|
|
|
146 |
|
|
|
110 |
|
Construction in progress
|
|
|
51 |
|
|
|
82 |
|
|
|
82 |
|
|
|
66 |
|
|
|
52 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
4,121 |
|
|
|
3,312 |
|
|
|
2,522 |
|
|
|
1,511 |
|
|
|
1,265 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Goodwill
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total | |
|
|
Sonofon | |
|
Pannon | |
|
Digi.com | |
|
Kyivstar | |
|
mobile | |
|
|
|
|
|
Other/ | |
|
Telenor | |
|
|
Denmark | |
|
Hungary | |
|
Malaysia | |
|
Ukraine | |
|
operations | |
|
Fixed | |
|
Broadcast | |
|
Eliminations | |
|
Group | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(NOK in millions) | |
As of January 1, 2004 NGAAP
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,623 |
|
|
|
2,897 |
|
|
|
337 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
157 |
|
|
|
2,470 |
|
|
|
4,031 |
|
|
|
15,515 |
|
IFRS adjustments
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(598 |
) |
|
|
(2,329 |
) |
|
|
(49 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(157 |
) |
|
|
(404 |
) |
|
|
(2,394 |
) |
|
|
(5,931 |
) |
As of January 1, 2004 IFRS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,025 |
|
|
|
568 |
|
|
|
288 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,066 |
|
|
|
1,637 |
|
|
|
9,584 |
|
Exchange differences
|
|
|
(403 |
) |
|
|
203 |
|
|
|
(54 |
) |
|
|
(28 |
) |
|
|
(2 |
) |
|
|
5 |
|
|
|
16 |
|
|
|
68 |
|
|
|
(195 |
) |
Arising on acquisition of subsidiaries
|
|
|
6,636 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4 |
|
|
|
104 |
|
|
|
25 |
|
|
|
(23 |
) |
|
|
459 |
|
|
|
7,205 |
|
Eliminated on disposal of subsidiaries
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(111 |
) |
|
|
(111 |
) |
As of December 31, 2004
|
|
|
6,233 |
|
|
|
5,228 |
|
|
|
514 |
|
|
|
264 |
|
|
|
102 |
|
|
|
30 |
|
|
|
2,059 |
|
|
|
2,053 |
|
|
|
16,483 |
|
Exchange differences
|
|
|
(209 |
) |
|
|
(300 |
) |
|
|
66 |
|
|
|
47 |
|
|
|
42 |
|
|
|
68 |
|
|
|
(9 |
) |
|
|
(6 |
) |
|
|
(301 |
) |
Arising on acquisition of subsidiaries
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,244 |
|
|
|
5,431 |
|
|
|
4 |
|
|
|
52 |
|
|
|
7,732 |
|
Eliminated on disposal of subsidiaries
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(43 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(99 |
) |
|
|
(142 |
) |
As of December 31, 2005
|
|
|
6,025 |
|
|
|
4,928 |
|
|
|
580 |
|
|
|
311 |
|
|
|
2,388 |
|
|
|
5,486 |
|
|
|
2,054 |
|
|
|
2,000 |
|
|
|
23,772 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amortisation and impairment
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of January 1, 2004 NGAAP
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
598 |
|
|
|
2,329 |
|
|
|
49 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
501 |
|
|
|
404 |
|
|
|
2,394 |
|
|
|
6,275 |
|
Negative goodwill taken to income
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(344 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(344 |
) |
Elimination of amortisation & impairment loss
accumulated prior to the adoption of IFRS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(598 |
) |
|
|
(2,329 |
) |
|
|
(49 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(157 |
) |
|
|
(404 |
) |
|
|
(2,394 |
) |
|
|
(5,931 |
) |
As of January 1, 2004 IFRS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Impairment 2004
|
|
|
3,074 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
27 |
|
|
|
24 |
|
|
|
4 |
|
|
|
3,129 |
|
Impairment as of December 31, 2004
|
|
|
3,074 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
27 |
|
|
|
24 |
|
|
|
4 |
|
|
|
3,129 |
|
Exchange differences
|
|
|
(103 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(103 |
) |
Impairment 2005
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(36 |
) |
|
|
75 |
|
|
|
7 |
|
|
|
46 |
|
Impairment as of December 31, 2005
|
|
|
2,971 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(9 |
) |
|
|
99 |
|
|
|
11 |
|
|
|
3,072 |
|
Carrying amount of goodwill 2005
|
|
|
3,054 |
|
|
|
4,928 |
|
|
|
580 |
|
|
|
311 |
|
|
|
2,388 |
|
|
|
5,495 |
|
|
|
1,955 |
|
|
|
1,989 |
|
|
|
20,700 |
|
Carrying amount of goodwill 2004
|
|
|
3,159 |
|
|
|
5,228 |
|
|
|
514 |
|
|
|
264 |
|
|
|
102 |
|
|
|
3 |
|
|
|
2,035 |
|
|
|
2,049 |
|
|
|
13,354 |
|
F-59
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENT (Continued)
Telenor Group
|
|
17. |
IMPAIRMENT TESTING OF GOODWILL |
The Group tests goodwill annually for impairment or more
frequently if there are indications that goodwill might be
impaired. The test is performed at year end. Telenor has not
identified any other intangible assets with an indefinite life.
Telenor has identified its mobile and fixed operations in
different countries as its cash generating units, in addition to
its IT operating company EDB Business Partner, Broadcast DTH
operations as well as other units. Goodwill acquired through
business combination has been allocated to individual
cash-generating units for impairment testing as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Carrying amount | |
|
|
of goodwill | |
|
|
| |
|
|
2004 | |
|
2005 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
NOK in millions | |
Pannon, Hungary
|
|
|
5,228 |
|
|
|
4,928 |
|
Sonofon, Denmark
|
|
|
3,159 |
|
|
|
3,054 |
|
DTAC, Thailand
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,288 |
|
Bredbandsbolaget, Sweden
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,433 |
|
Cybercity, Denmark
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,066 |
|
Broadcast, DTH operation, Nordic
|
|
|
1,707 |
|
|
|
1,632 |
|
EDB Business Partner, Norway
|
|
|
1,981 |
|
|
|
1,897 |
|
Other(1)
|
|
|
1,279 |
|
|
|
1,402 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total carrying amount of goodwill
|
|
|
13,354 |
|
|
|
20,700 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
Other includes primarily DiGi.Com Malaysia and
Kyivstar Ukraine |
Telenor has used a combination of value in use and fair value
less cost to sell to determine the recoverable amounts of the
cash generating units.
Fair value less cost to sell has been derived from quoted market
prices where available. DTAC is listed on the Stock Exchange in
Singapore, UCOM, which owns shares in DTAC, is listed on the
Stock Exchange in Thailand and EDB Business Partner on the Oslo
Stock Exchange and the fair value have been derived from the
quoted market prices as of December 31, 2005. Currently, we
have not included any control premium to determine the fair
value less cost to sell, as there is significant headroom
between the recoverable and carrying amount.
For the other entities we have used a discounted cash flow
analysis based to determine the value in use. Value in use is
based on cash flow projections reflecting the financial business
plans approved by senior management covering a three-year
period. In addition, the calculation includes estimated cash
flows for the years 4 to 9 because some of the operations are in
a growth phase and will not reach a stable cash flow within
three years. Key assumptions are growth rates, markets shares,
EBITDA-margins, capital expenditure and discount rates. Cash
flows beyond the nine-year period are extrapolated with a
long-term growth rate.
F-60
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENT (Continued)
Telenor Group
The recoverable amounts have been determined for the cash
generating units based on the following key assumptions for the
years ending December 31, 2004 and 2005:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Discount | |
|
Long-term | |
|
|
(nominal) rate | |
|
growth rate | |
|
|
after tax | |
|
(includes | |
|
|
(WACC) | |
|
inflation) | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
2004 | |
|
2005 | |
|
2004 | |
|
2005 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Pannon Hungary
|
|
|
12.5 |
% |
|
|
10.8 |
% |
|
|
2 |
% |
|
|
2% |
|
Sonofon Denmark(1)
|
|
|
8.2 |
% |
|
|
7.3 |
% |
|
|
2 |
% |
|
|
2% |
|
Bredbandsbolaget Sweden
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7.9 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
2% |
|
Cybercity Denmark
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7.9 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
2% |
|
Broadcast DTH operation
|
|
|
8.8 |
% |
|
|
8.4 |
% |
|
|
2 |
% |
|
|
2% |
|
|
|
(1) |
The valuation in 2004 of Sonofon was performed with assistance
from external financial experts based on various valuation
methods. |
In the calculation we have used estimated cash flows after tax
and discount rate after tax.
The 2005 pretax discount rates were: Pannon; 11.4%, Sonofon
8.1%, Bredbandsbolaget 8.6%, Cybercity 8.6% and Broadcast DTH
9.3%. The recoverable amounts would not changed if we had used a
pre tax rate.
The long term growth rates relates to the periods beyond nine
years.
Discount rates Discount rates are based on
Weighted Average Cost of Capital (WACC).The cost of a
companys debt and equity capital, weighted accordingly to
reflect its capital structure, gives its weighted average cost
of capital. The WACC rates used to discount the future cash
flows are based on 7 to 15 years risk free interest
rates in the relevant markets and take into account the debt
premium, market risk premium, gearing, corporate tax rate and
asset beta.
Growth rates Average growth rates in revenues
in the period 4 to 9 years, are based on
Telenors expectation to the market development, but are
not higher than expected growth in the relevant line of business
based on public available sources. Telenor uses steady growth
rates to extrapolate the cash flows beyond nine years. The
long-term growth rate beyond nine years is not higher than the
expected long-term growth in the economy in which the business
operates. For the different business units the expected growth
rates converges from its current level experienced over the last
few years to the long-term growth level.
Average EBITDA margin The EBITDA margin
represents the operating margin before depreciation and
amortization and is estimated based on the margin achieved in
the period immediately before the budget period and on estimated
future development in the market Committed operational
efficiency programs are taken into consideration. Changes in the
outcome of these initiatives may affect future estimated EBITDA
margin.
Capital expenditure (Capex) A normalised
capex to sales ratio (capital expenditure as a percentage of
revenues) is assumed in the long run. In the years 1 to 9 it is
taken into consideration capital expenditure necessary to meet
the expected growth in revenues. Changes in traffic volumes and
the number of subscriptions in the growth phase will also result
in a change in future capex to sales ratio. The Broadcast DTH
operation leases satellite capacity and capex to sales ratio is
not a key assumption for the valuation. To the best of
management judgement estimated capital expenditures does not
include capital expenditures that enhances the current
performance of assets and related cash flows have been treated
consistently.
Market shares during the nine-year period are estimated
based on average market shares achieved in the periods prior to
the start of the period and estimated future development. A
change in number of market
F-61
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENT (Continued)
Telenor Group
players may affect future estimated market shares, average price
levels and level of usage/number of subscriptions. This may in
turn affect future revenue growth.
These values have been compared with external valuation reports
and multiples for peers in the telecom business for
reasonableness.
Cash generating units where a reasonable possible change in a
key assumption could result in an impairment charge:
Bredbandsbolaget
We have estimated the recoverable amount to be in the interval 0
to 30% above the carrying amount of the cash generating unit as
of December 31, 2005. The EBITDA margin is assumed to be
the most critical key assumption in the estimation of the
recoverable amount. A decrease in the EBITDA margin of 5.4%
percentage points, other things being equal, will reduce the
recoverable amount to be the same as the carrying amount.
Cybercity
We have estimated the recoverable amount to be in the interval 0
to 30% above the carrying amount of the cash generating unit as
of December 31, 2005. The EBITDA margin is assumed to be
the most critical key assumption in the estimation of
recoverable amount. A decrease in the EBITDA margin of 3.3%
percentage points, other things being equal, will reduce the
recoverable amount to be the same as the carrying amount.
Impairment
As of December 31, 2004, Telenor wrote down goodwill in
Sonofon Holding A/ S by NOK 3,074 million. In 2004 the
Danish market was characterized by intense competition and price
reductions. Telenors assessment of the write-down of
goodwill in Sonofon was due to Sonofons slower than
expected growth and a review of the expectations of the
companys growth potential as of December 31, 2004.
The assessment of the fair value was based on various valuation
methods, with assistance of external valuations experts. The
valuation was based on discounted cash flow analysis,
calculation of value based on multiples for peers in the mobile
industry and comparison with external valuation reports.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2004 |
|
2005 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(NOK in millions) |
Balance as of January 1
|
|
|
9,870 |
|
|
|
6,500 |
|
Additions
|
|
|
166 |
|
|
|
93 |
|
Transferred to/from other investments
|
|
|
(3,938 |
) |
|
|
(1,092 |
) |
Disposals
|
|
|
(41 |
) |
|
|
(29 |
) |
Net income
|
|
|
954 |
|
|
|
1,406 |
|
Gains (losses) on disposal
|
|
|
32 |
|
|
|
(1 |
) |
Write-down of Golden Telecom Inc.(1)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(172 |
) |
Equity adjustments
|
|
|
(7 |
) |
|
|
(46 |
) |
Translation adjustments
|
|
|
(536 |
) |
|
|
624 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance as of December 31
|
|
|
6,500 |
|
|
|
7,283 |
|
Of which investments carried with a negative value (classified
as provisions) (note 21)(2)
|
|
|
102 |
|
|
|
141 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total associated companies
|
|
|
6,602 |
|
|
|
7,424 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-62
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENT (Continued)
Telenor Group
|
|
(1) |
In 2005, the value of Golden Telecom was written down to the
fair value, which was based on the quoted market price as of
December 31, 2005. |
|
(2) |
Associated companies are carried at negative values where
Telenor has a corresponding liability above and beyond the
capital invested. |
Undistributed earnings of associated companies are approximately
NOK 2.3 billion, which represents the amount of associated
companies earnings less amortization and write-downs of
fair value adjustments and goodwill (only those with positive
results) that has been recognized by Telenor less dividends
received and deferred tax on undistributed earnings.
Specifications of investments in associated companies
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Invest- | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Book value | |
|
ments/ | |
|
Share | |
|
Equity and | |
|
Book value | |
|
|
Share | |
|
December 31, | |
|
disposals | |
|
of net | |
|
translation | |
|
December 31, | |
Company |
|
owned in % | |
|
2004 | |
|
during 2005 | |
|
income(1)(2) | |
|
adjustments | |
|
2005 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(NOK in millions) | |
VimpelCom(3)(7)
|
|
|
29.9 |
|
|
|
3,015 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,305 |
|
|
|
452 |
|
|
|
4,772 |
|
DTAC(4)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
586 |
|
|
|
(710 |
) |
|
|
85 |
|
|
|
39 |
|
|
|
|
|
UCOM(4)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
235 |
|
|
|
(259 |
) |
|
|
9 |
|
|
|
15 |
|
|
|
|
|
ONE GmbH(5)
|
|
|
17.5 |
|
|
|
606 |
|
|
|
(110 |
) |
|
|
(51 |
) |
|
|
(26 |
) |
|
|
419 |
|
Wireless Matrix Corporation(7)
|
|
|
25.2 |
|
|
|
27 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4 |
|
|
|
5 |
|
|
|
36 |
|
Kjedehuset AS
|
|
|
49.0 |
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
30 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
31 |
|
Glocalnet AB(6),(7)
|
|
|
37.2 |
|
|
|
96 |
|
|
|
26 |
|
|
|
(56 |
) |
|
|
(4 |
) |
|
|
62 |
|
Golden Telecom Inc(7)
|
|
|
20.3 |
|
|
|
1,272 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(80 |
) |
|
|
111 |
|
|
|
1,303 |
|
APR Media Holding AS
|
|
|
44.8 |
|
|
|
426 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
66 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
492 |
|
Otrum Electronics ASA(7)
|
|
|
33.1 |
|
|
|
96 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
105 |
|
World Wide Mobile Communications AS
|
|
|
45.0 |
|
|
|
56 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6 |
|
|
|
(1 |
) |
|
|
61 |
|
Bravida ASA
|
|
|
46.9 |
|
|
|
(93 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(45 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(138 |
) |
The Mobile Media Company AS
|
|
|
40.6 |
|
|
|
23 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(17 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
6 |
|
Maritime Communications Partner AS
|
|
|
38.7 |
|
|
|
21 |
|
|
|
17 |
|
|
|
(7 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
31 |
|
Others
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
133 |
|
|
|
8 |
|
|
|
(25 |
) |
|
|
(13 |
) |
|
|
103 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,500 |
|
|
|
(1,028 |
) |
|
|
1,233 |
|
|
|
578 |
|
|
|
7,283 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
Includes Telenors share of net income after taxes and
pretax gains and losses on disposal. |
|
(2) |
For some associated companies, financial statements as of the
Groups balance sheet date are not available. In such
instances, the most recent financial statements (as of a date
not more than three months prior to the Groups balance
sheet date) are used, and estimates for the last period are made
based on publicly available information. Actual figures may
differ from the preliminary figures. |
|
(3) |
The other main shareholder of VimpelCom has a put option over
its shares in VimpelCom that could require Telenor to acquire
its shares if Telenor takes control in VimpelCom. In addition,
if one shareholder acquires more than 45% of the shares in
VimpelCom, according to the statutes this shareholder will have
to make a mandatory offer on the remaining shares. |
F-63
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENT (Continued)
Telenor Group
|
|
|
|
|
VimpelCom reports their contingent liabilities in their public
filings and may provide additional information in their 2005
financial statements. VimpelCom states that on January 10,
2005, KaR-Tel received an order to pay issued by the
Savings Deposit Insurance Fund (the Fund), a Turkish
state agency, in the amount of approximately
USD5.5 billion. VimpelCom stated that in the event of an
adverse resolution of this matter, and any others that may arise
in connection therewith, could have a material adverse effect on
VimpelComs business, financial condition and results of
operations, including an event of default under some or all of
VimpelComs outstanding indebtedness |
|
|
(4) |
As of October 26, 2005 UCOM and DTAC became subsidiaries.
See note 1 for more information. |
|
(5) |
ONE GmbH is accounted for as an associated company because of
Telenors significant influence due to a shareholders
agreement. |
|
(6) |
Glocalnet AB became a subsidiary in 2006. |
|
(7) |
Market values of listed associated companies as of
December 31, 2005: VimpelCom: NOK 18,363 million,
Wireless Matrix Corporation: NOK 54 million, Glocalnet
AB: NOK 305 million, Golden Telecom Inc.:
NOK 1,300 million, Otrum Electronics ASA:
NOK 196 million. |
The following table sets forth summarized unaudited financial
information of Telenors share of associated companies on a
combined basis.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2004 | |
|
2005 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(NOK in millions) | |
Income Statement Data
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenues
|
|
|
17,703 |
|
|
|
18,360 |
|
Net income
|
|
|
986 |
|
|
|
1,233 |
|
Balance Sheet Data
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total assets
|
|
|
18,992 |
|
|
|
16,932 |
|
Total liabilities
|
|
|
12,492 |
|
|
|
9,649 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net assets
|
|
|
6,500 |
|
|
|
7,283 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-64
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENT (Continued)
Telenor Group
|
|
19. |
TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2004 | |
|
2005 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(NOK in millions) | |
Accounts receivables
|
|
|
6,819 |
|
|
|
8,716 |
|
Provision for bad debt
|
|
|
(715 |
) |
|
|
(938 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total accounts receivables
|
|
|
6,104 |
|
|
|
7,778 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other current receivables
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest-bearing
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Receivables on associated companies
|
|
|
232 |
|
|
|
124 |
|
Other receivables
|
|
|
20 |
|
|
|
35 |
|
Non-interest-bearing
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Receivables on associated companies
|
|
|
132 |
|
|
|
68 |
|
Receivables on employees
|
|
|
32 |
|
|
|
62 |
|
Other current receivables
|
|
|
639 |
|
|
|
803 |
|
Provision for bad debt
|
|
|
(2 |
) |
|
|
(2 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total other current receivables
|
|
|
1,053 |
|
|
|
1,090 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Prepaid expenses and accrued revenues
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred costs for connection (1)
|
|
|
1,612 |
|
|
|
1,639 |
|
Prepaid leases that are amortized(2)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
340 |
|
Prepaid expenses
|
|
|
662 |
|
|
|
819 |
|
Accrued revenues
|
|
|
2,056 |
|
|
|
2,186 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total prepaid expenses and accrued revenues
|
|
|
4,330 |
|
|
|
4,984 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total trade and other receivables
|
|
|
11,487 |
|
|
|
13,852 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
Costs for connection limited to the deferred connection
revenues, are deferred over the estimated customer relationship.
Deferred costs for connection are classified as current as they
relate to the Groups normal operating cycle. |
|
(2) |
For prepaid leases that are amortized. See note 15 for more
information. |
Due to the large volume and diversity of the Groups
customer base, there are no concentrations of credit risk with
respect to trade accounts receivables.
Receivables on associated companies in 2005 and 2004 were
primarily related to One and Glocalnet.
F-65
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENT (Continued)
Telenor Group
|
|
20. |
OTHER FINANCIAL ASSETS |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2004 | |
|
2005 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
NOK in millions | |
Available-for-sale investments non-current(1)
|
|
|
739 |
|
|
|
490 |
|
Other financial non-current assets(3)
|
|
|
510 |
|
|
|
1,777 |
|
Financial non-current assets
|
|
|
1,249 |
|
|
|
2,267 |
|
Available-for-sale investments current(1)(2)
|
|
|
527 |
|
|
|
1,852 |
|
Bonds and commercial paper
|
|
|
317 |
|
|
|
385 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Financial derivatives non-interest-bearing current
assets (note 23)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,382 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other financial current assets
|
|
|
844 |
|
|
|
3,619 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
The estimated fair values of these investments are based on
quoted market prices where available, or valuation techniques. |
|
(2) |
Inmarsat plc. is included in available-for sale
current with an estimated fair value of
NOK 1,731 million as of December 31, 2005.
Inmarsat Plc. became listed on the London Stock exchange during
2005, and as of December 31, 2005, the value was based on
the quoted stock price. At the time of implementation of IAS 32
and 39 as of January 1, 2005, the value was set based on
multiple analyses of comparable companies. Telenor recorded an
increased value to equity both at January 2005 and at the time
Inmarsat plc. became listed. |
|
(3) |
Other financial non-current assets: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2004 | |
|
2005 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
NOK in millions | |
Interest-bearing
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Receivables on associated companies(4)
|
|
|
326 |
|
|
|
279 |
|
Loans to employees
|
|
|
10 |
|
|
|
5 |
|
Fair value hedge instruments interest-bearing
non-current assets (note 23)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
998 |
|
Other non-current receivables(5)
|
|
|
16 |
|
|
|
103 |
|
Provision for bad debt
|
|
|
(3 |
) |
|
|
(4 |
) |
Non-interest-bearing
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Financial derivatives non-interest-bearing
non-currents assets (note 23)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
123 |
|
Receivables on associated companies
|
|
|
5 |
|
|
|
5 |
|
Loans to employees
|
|
|
6 |
|
|
|
7 |
|
Other non-current receivables
|
|
|
150 |
|
|
|
267 |
|
Provision for bad debt
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(6 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other financial non-current assets
|
|
|
510 |
|
|
|
1,777 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(4) |
In 2005 and 2004, interest-bearing receivables on associated
companies were primarily Bravida ASA. |
|
(5) |
Other non-current interest bearing receivables as of
December 31, 2005 consisted primarily of the net amount
recognized on a receivable that DTAC had on Digital Phone
Company Limited (DPC). DTAC has filed claims against DPC in the
Thai Arbitration Court in June and August 2003 for the DPC
breach of contract of more than NOK 241 million pursuant to
the terms of an agreement to unwind the service provider
agreement dated January 7, 1997. The receivable recognized
is classified as interest-bearing, but no net interest income
has been recognized as of December 31, 2005. |
F-66
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENT (Continued)
Telenor Group
Non-current
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2004 |
|
2005 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(NOK in millions) |
Provisions for pensions (Note 7)
|
|
|
2,296 |
|
|
|
2,441 |
|
Provisions for workforce reduction and onerous (loss) contracts
(Note 12)
|
|
|
230 |
|
|
|
149 |
|
Negative values associated companies (Note 18)
|
|
|
102 |
|
|
|
141 |
|
Asset retirement obligations
|
|
|
454 |
|
|
|
545 |
|
Other provisions
|
|
|
106 |
|
|
|
92 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total long term provisions
|
|
|
3,188 |
|
|
|
3,368 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2004 |
|
2005 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(NOK in millions) |
Provisions for workforce reduction and onerous (loss) contracts
(Note 12)
|
|
|
476 |
|
|
|
617 |
|
Asset retirement obligations
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4 |
|
Other provisions
|
|
|
279 |
|
|
|
296 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total short term provisions
|
|
|
755 |
|
|
|
917 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Asset retirement obligations
Telenor have asset retirement obligations relating primarily to
equipment and other leasehold improvements installed on leased
network sites and in administrative and network buildings. Those
leases generally contain provisions that require Telenor to
restore the sites to their original condition at the end of the
lease term. The following table describes all changes in
Telenors assets retirement obligation liability:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2004 |
|
2005 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NOK in millions |
Asset retirement obligation at January 1
|
|
|
366 |
|
|
|
454 |
|
Liabilities incurred
|
|
|
28 |
|
|
|
67 |
|
Liabilities settled
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(12 |
) |
Accretion expense
|
|
|
27 |
|
|
|
28 |
|
New subsidiaries
|
|
|
33 |
|
|
|
12 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Asset retirement obligation at December 31
|
|
|
454 |
|
|
|
549 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
In most situations, the timing of the assets removals will be a
long time into the future and result in significant uncertainty
as to whether the obligation actually will be paid. The actual
gross removal costs that the Group incurs may be significantly
different from the estimated costs, for example due to
negotiation of prices for a large amount of removals or
agreements that reduce or relief the Group from its liabilities.
The actual timing of the removals may also differ significantly
from the estimated timing.
F-67
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENT (Continued)
Telenor Group
|
|
22. |
INTEREST-BEARING LIABILITIES |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Limit | |
|
2004 | |
|
2005 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(In millions) | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(NOK in millions) | |
Euro Commercial paper program (ECP)
|
|
|
USD 500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
U.S. Commercial paper program (USCP)
|
|
|
USD 1,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revolving credit facility EUR
|
|
|
EUR 1,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revolving credit facility EUR
|
|
|
EUR 1,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
EMTN program
|
|
|
USD 6,000 |
|
|
|
14,109 |
|
|
|
13,689 |
|
Norwegian Bonds
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,064 |
|
|
|
2,045 |
|
Derivatives related to long term interest-bearing liabilities
Telenor ASA(1)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(645 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Other long term interest bearing liabilities Telenor ASA
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
77 |
|
Total non-current interest-bearing liabilities Telenor ASA
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
15,528 |
|
|
|
15,811 |
|
Non-current interest-bearing liabilities in subsidiaries(2)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,074 |
|
|
|
11,178 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Derivatives related to long term interest-bearing liabilities in
subsidiaries(1)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
150 |
|
Total non-current interest-bearing liabilities Telenor
Group
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
20,602 |
|
|
|
27,139 |
|
Current interest-bearing liabilities Telenor ASA
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,592 |
|
|
|
7,726 |
|
Derivatives related to short term interest-bearing liabilities
Telenor ASA(1)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(14 |
) |
|
|
133 |
|
Current interest-bearing liabilities subsidiaries(2)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,413 |
|
|
|
4,049 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total current interest-bearing liabilities Telenor Group
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,991 |
|
|
|
11,908 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total interest-bearing liabilities Telenor Group
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
24,593 |
|
|
|
39,047 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
Foreign currency derivatives used to convert the cash flows of a
debt instrument into another currency that fulfill requirements
for fair value hedging. As from January 1, 2005 these
derivatives are classified gross as interest-bearing financial
assets (see note 20), or interest-bearing liabilities
according to IAS 39. |
|
(2) |
Specified below. |
Non-current interest-bearing liabilities Telenor ASA
The revolving credit facilities of EUR 1.5 billion and
EUR 1.0 billion matures in 2012 and 2007 respectively.
According to Telenors Finance Policy, this committed
credit facility (ECP and USCP) should at any time serve as
refinancing source for all outstanding commercial paper.
All borrowings in Telenor ASA are unsecured. The financing
agreement except commercial paper, contain provisions
restricting the pledge of assets to secure future borrowings
without granting a similar secured status to the existing
lenders (negative pledge) and also contain covenants limiting
disposals of significant subsidiaries and assets.
F-68
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENT (Continued)
Telenor Group
The table below shows the debt instruments issued by Telenor
ASA. Hedging instruments related to these borrowings are not
included in the table.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amount in | |
|
Average | |
|
Amount in | |
|
Amount in | |
|
|
NOK | |
|
interest rate | |
|
currency | |
|
NOK | |
|
|
December 31, | |
|
December 31, | |
|
December 31, | |
|
December 31, | |
|
|
2004 | |
|
2005 | |
|
2005 | |
|
2005 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
EMTN program
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
AUD
|
|
|
174 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CHF
|
|
|
801 |
|
|
|
4,38% |
|
|
|
160 |
|
|
|
824 |
|
EUR
|
|
|
9,873 |
|
|
|
5,11% |
|
|
|
1,525 |
|
|
|
12,175 |
|
JPY
|
|
|
1,148 |
|
|
|
1,58% |
|
|
|
12,000 |
|
|
|
690 |
|
USD
|
|
|
2,113 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Norwegian Bonds
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NOK
|
|
|
2,064 |
|
|
|
5,14% |
|
|
|
2,045 |
|
|
|
2,045 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Telenor ASA
|
|
|
16,173 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
15,734 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The table below includes debt instruments, cross currency swaps
and interest rate swaps. When the currency or interest rate
exposure of the underlying borrowings has been altered through
the use of derivatives, this is reflected in the figures in the
table.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amount in | |
|
Average | |
|
Amount in | |
|
Amount in | |
|
|
NOK | |
|
interest rate | |
|
currency | |
|
NOK | |
|
|
December 31, | |
|
December 31, | |
|
December 31, | |
|
December 31, | |
|
|
2004 | |
|
2005 | |
|
2005 | |
|
2005 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Basis swaps
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
EUR/ NOK
|
|
|
(93 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(115 |
) |
EMTN program
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CZK
|
|
|
125 |
|
|
|
3,32% |
|
|
|
491 |
|
|
|
135 |
|
EUR
|
|
|
4,822 |
|
|
|
3,56% |
|
|
|
631 |
|
|
|
5,037 |
|
GBP
|
|
|
151 |
|
|
|
5,09% |
|
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
27 |
|
NOK
|
|
|
5,980 |
|
|
|
6,62% |
|
|
|
4,784 |
|
|
|
4,784 |
|
SEK
|
|
|
460 |
|
|
|
4,44% |
|
|
|
557 |
|
|
|
473 |
|
JPY
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0,96% |
|
|
|
|
|
USD
|
|
|
2,013 |
|
|
|
5,37% |
|
|
|
355 |
|
|
|
2,403 |
|
Norwegian Bonds
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NOK
|
|
|
2,070 |
|
|
|
4,85% |
|
|
|
2,034 |
|
|
|
2,034 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Telenor ASA
|
|
|
15,528 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
14,753 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-69
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENT (Continued)
Telenor Group
Non-current interest-bearing liabilities in subsidiaries
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Average |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
interest rate |
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
|
December 31, |
|
December 31, |
Company |
|
Debt instrument |
|
2004 |
|
Currency |
|
2005 |
|
2005 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(NOK in millions) |
DiGi.Com
|
|
Borrowings from financial institutions |
|
|
711 |
|
|
|
MYR |
|
|
|
4,90 |
% |
|
|
537 |
|
GrameenPhone
|
|
Borrowings from financial institutions |
|
|
111 |
|
|
|
USD |
|
|
|
7,12 |
% |
|
|
287 |
|
GrameenPhone
|
|
Borrowings from financial institutions |
|
|
18 |
|
|
|
NOK |
|
|
|
2,51 |
% |
|
|
16 |
|
GrameenPhone
|
|
Borrowings from NORAD |
|
|
39 |
|
|
|
NOK |
|
|
|
3,40 |
% |
|
|
32 |
|
GrameenPhone
|
|
Finance lease |
|
|
|
|
|
|
BDT |
|
|
|
15,00 |
% |
|
|
466 |
|
Kyivstar
|
|
Borrowings from financial institutions |
|
|
|
|
|
|
USD |
|
|
|
6,91 |
% |
|
|
508 |
|
Kyivstar
|
|
Bonds |
|
|
1,510 |
|
|
|
USD |
|
|
|
9,32 |
% |
|
|
2,884 |
|
Sonofon
|
|
Finance lease |
|
|
196 |
|
|
|
DKK |
|
|
|
6,31 |
% |
|
|
187 |
|
Sonofonf
|
|
UMTS Licenses(3) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
DKK |
|
|
|
3,67 |
% |
|
|
323 |
|
Cybercity A/S
|
|
Finance lease |
|
|
|
|
|
|
DKK |
|
|
|
2,44 |
% |
|
|
16 |
|
Utfors konsernf
|
|
Finance lease |
|
|
|
|
|
|
SEK |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11 |
|
Telenor Pakistan
|
|
GSM License(3) |
|
|
622 |
|
|
|
USD |
|
|
|
4,56 |
% |
|
|
700 |
|
Pannon
|
|
UMTS License(3) |
|
|
154 |
|
|
|
HUF |
|
|
|
8,52 |
% |
|
|
50 |
|
DTAC
|
|
Borrowings from financial institutions |
|
|
|
|
|
|
USD |
|
|
|
7,85 |
% |
|
|
596 |
|
DTAC
|
|
Borrowings from financial institutions |
|
|
|
|
|
|
THB |
|
|
|
5,82 |
% |
|
|
330 |
|
DTAC
|
|
Bonds |
|
|
|
|
|
|
THB |
|
|
|
7,14 |
% |
|
|
2,202 |
|
UCOM
|
|
Borrowings from financial institutions |
|
|
|
|
|
|
THB |
|
|
|
6,75 |
% |
|
|
682 |
|
EDB Business Partner
|
|
Borrowings from financial institutions |
|
|
440 |
|
|
|
NOK |
|
|
|
2,96 |
% |
|
|
250 |
|
EDB Business Partner
|
|
Borrowings from financial institutions |
|
|
160 |
|
|
|
SEK |
|
|
|
2,15 |
% |
|
|
252 |
|
EDB Business Partner
|
|
Finance lease |
|
|
55 |
|
|
|
NOK |
|
|
|
4,60 |
% |
|
|
40 |
|
Satellite Services AS
|
|
Finance lease(1) |
|
|
763 |
|
|
|
NOK |
|
|
|
1,70 |
% |
|
|
815 |
|
Canal Digital
|
|
Finance lease(2) |
|
|
104 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
16 |
|
Miscellaneous
|
|
|
|
|
191 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
128 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total non-current interest-bearing liabilities in
subsidiaries |
|
|
5,074 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11,328 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
Satellite leases (Thor II and III). Telenor ASA
guarantees this financing. |
|
(2) |
Telenor ASA guarantees this financing. Denominated in DKK, EUR,
NOK and SEK. |
|
(3) |
Net present value of future payments for mobile licenses. |
The interest-bearing liabilities in subsidiaries are generally
not guaranteed by Telenor ASA and are subject to standard
financial covenants, some of which limit the ability to transfer
funds to Telenor ASA in the form of dividends or loans. We have
covenants on the lease of satellites that grant the other party
the right, if Telenor ASA is downgraded, to require Telenor to
either pledge assets or terminate the leases. As of
December 31, 2005 we had a waiver that the change made by
one of the rating agencies at the end of 2005 to A- with
negative outlook was not regarded to be a breach.
Telenor entered into Cross Border QTE Leases for telephony
switches, GSM Mobile network and fixed-line network in 1998,
1999 and 2003. Telenor has provided a defeasance of all amounts
due by us under these agreements with highly rated financial
institutions and US Government related securities. The leasing
F-70
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENT (Continued)
Telenor Group
obligations and the defeased amounts are shown net on the
balance sheet, and are not reflected in the tables. See
notes 16, 23, 34 and 38.
Approximately 20 percent of Telenors debt is with
floating interest rate. The interest rate curves used as a basis
for the floating rate fixings are LIBOR, NIBOR, EURIBOR, BIBOR,
SIBOR, PRIBOR, CIBOR and STIBOR.
Current interest bearing liabilities in Telenor
Group
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Average |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
interest rate |
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, |
|
December 31, |
|
December 31, |
|
|
|
|
2004 |
|
2005 |
|
2005 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(NOK in millions) |
Pannon
|
|
UMTS Licenses |
|
|
251 |
|
|
|
8.52 |
% |
|
|
95 |
|
DiGi.Com
|
|
Vendor financing and term loans |
|
|
346 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Telenor Pakistan
|
|
GSM License |
|
|
88 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Kyivstar
|
|
Bonds and borrowing from financial institutions |
|
|
271 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
GrameenPhone
|
|
Borrowings from financial institutions |
|
|
37 |
|
|
|
7.12 |
% |
|
|
84 |
|
GrameenPhone
|
|
Borrowings from financial institutions |
|
|
4 |
|
|
|
2.51 |
% |
|
|
4 |
|
GrameenPhone
|
|
Borrowings from NORAD |
|
|
8 |
|
|
|
3.40 |
% |
|
|
8 |
|
GrameenPhone
|
|
Finance lease |
|
|
|
|
|
|
15.00 |
% |
|
|
19 |
|
Sonofon
|
|
Finance lease |
|
|
|
|
|
|
6.29 |
% |
|
|
3 |
|
Sonofon
|
|
UMTS License |
|
|
|
|
|
|
3.67 |
% |
|
|
30 |
|
Cybercity A/ S
|
|
Finance lease |
|
|
|
|
|
|
2.44 |
% |
|
|
26 |
|
DTAC
|
|
Bonds |
|
|
|
|
|
|
8.63 |
% |
|
|
2,391 |
|
DTAC
|
|
Borrowings from financial institutions |
|
|
|
|
|
|
4.82 |
% |
|
|
931 |
|
UCOM
|
|
Borrowings from financial institutions |
|
|
|
|
|
|
6.75 |
% |
|
|
119 |
|
Business Solution
|
|
Finance lease |
|
|
14 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Satellite Services AS
|
|
Finance lease(1) |
|
|
125 |
|
|
|
1.70 |
% |
|
|
137 |
|
EDB Business Partner
|
|
Finance lease |
|
|
28 |
|
|
|
4.61 |
% |
|
|
16 |
|
Canal Digital
|
|
Finance lease(2) |
|
|
164 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
96 |
|
Telenor ASA Bonds
|
|
Borrowings from financial institutions |
|
|
2,592 |
|
|
|
5.27 |
% |
|
|
2,995 |
|
Telenor ASA CP
|
|
Borrowings from financial institutions |
|
|
|
|
|
|
2.56 |
% |
|
|
4,731 |
|
Telenor ASA other
|
|
Borrowings from financial institutions |
|
|
(14 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
133 |
|
Miscellaneous
|
|
|
|
|
77 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
90 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total current interest-bearing liabilities
|
|
|
|
|
3,991 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11,908 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
Satellite leases (Thor II and III). Telenor ASA
guarantees this financing |
|
(2) |
Telenor ASA guarantees this financing. Denominated in DKK, EUR,
NOK and SEK. |
F-71
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENT (Continued)
Telenor Group
Maturity profile of interest-bearing liabilities as of
December 31, 2005(1)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total as of |
|
2006- |
|
2007- |
|
2008- |
|
2009- |
|
2010- |
|
2011- |
|
2012- |
|
2013- |
|
After |
|
|
31.12.05 |
|
2007 |
|
2008 |
|
2009 |
|
2010 |
|
2011 |
|
2012 |
|
2013 |
|
2014 |
|
2014 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(NOK in millions) |
EMTN program
|
|
|
16,807 |
|
|
|
3,119 |
|
|
|
3,177 |
|
|
|
3,507 |
|
|
|
2,448 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
402 |
|
|
|
4,154 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Domestic bonds
|
|
|
2,046 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,848 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
198 |
|
|
|
|
|
ECP
|
|
|
431 |
|
|
|
431 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Domestic commercial papers
|
|
|
4,300 |
|
|
|
4,300 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other short-term debt
|
|
|
86 |
|
|
|
10 |
|
|
|
6 |
|
|
|
6 |
|
|
|
6 |
|
|
|
6 |
|
|
|
7 |
|
|
|
7 |
|
|
|
7 |
|
|
|
32 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Telenor ASA, total
|
|
|
23,671 |
|
|
|
7,859 |
|
|
|
5,030 |
|
|
|
3,513 |
|
|
|
2,454 |
|
|
|
6 |
|
|
|
409 |
|
|
|
4,161 |
|
|
|
205 |
|
|
|
32 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Subsidiaries, short-term
|
|
|
4,049 |
|
|
|
4,049 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Subsidiaries, long-term
|
|
|
11,328 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
950 |
|
|
|
1,952 |
|
|
|
3,778 |
|
|
|
1,526 |
|
|
|
608 |
|
|
|
1,403 |
|
|
|
221 |
|
|
|
891 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Subsidiaries, total
|
|
|
15,377 |
|
|
|
4,049 |
|
|
|
950 |
|
|
|
1,952 |
|
|
|
3,778 |
|
|
|
1,526 |
|
|
|
608 |
|
|
|
1,403 |
|
|
|
221 |
|
|
|
891 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Telenor Group
|
|
|
39,047 |
|
|
|
11,908 |
|
|
|
5,980 |
|
|
|
5,465 |
|
|
|
6,232 |
|
|
|
1,532 |
|
|
|
1,017 |
|
|
|
5,564 |
|
|
|
426 |
|
|
|
923 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments in fair value
hedges are classified as interest-bearing in the balance sheet.
All other derivatives are classified as non-interest-bearing and
are therefore not included in this table. |
|
|
23. |
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND RISK MANAGEMENT |
Financial risk factors
Telenor uses derivative financial instruments to partly hedge
its exposure to foreign exchange and interest rate risk arising
from operational, financing and investment activities.
Telenor ASAs treasury function is responsible for funding,
foreign exchange risk, interest rate risk and credit risk
management for the parent company and for companies owned more
than 90%. Subsidiaries owned less than 90% normally have
standalone financing.
Telenor has limited activity related to interest rate and
currency trading. As of December 31, 2005, Telenor did not
have any outstanding open trading positions.
Our management emphasizes financial flexibility. An important
part of this emphasis is to minimize liquidity risk through
ensuring access to a diversified set of funding sources. Telenor
ASA issues debt in the domestic and international capital
markets mainly in the form of commercial paper and bonds. We use
our Euro commercial paper program, U.S. commercial paper
program, Euro medium term note program and three Norwegian
open bond programs with different maturities. To
secure satisfactory financial flexibility, Telenor ASA have
established committed syndicated revolving credit facilities of
EUR 1.5 billion with maturity in 2012 and a
EUR 1 billion with maturity in 2007.
Interest rate risk
Telenor is exposed to interest rate risk through funding and
cash management activities. Changes in market interest rates
affect the fair value of assets and liabilities. Interest income
and interest expense in the profit and loss statement, as well
as interest payments, are influenced by interest rate changes.
F-72
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENT (Continued)
Telenor Group
The objective for interest rate risk management is to minimize
interest cost and at the same time manage the volatility of
future interest payments within acceptable limits. To achieve
this, Telenor use a simulation model that takes into account
market variables and the portfolio composition. The average
duration band of the liability portfolio is 0.5 to
2.5 years. As at December 31, 2005, the average
duration was 1.4 (1.9 as of December 31, 2004) years.
Telenor applies interest rate derivatives to manage the interest
rate risk of the debt portfolio. This typically involves
interest rate swaps, whereas forward rate agreements and
interest rate options are used to a lesser extent.
Below is a sensitivity analysis that shows the change in fair
value due to a one-percentage point increase in interest rates.
The matrix is divided into time intervals. The interest rate
risk is allocated to the next rate fixing date for floating rate
instruments, and to the maturity date for fixed rate
instruments. Consequently, the matrix shows the interest rate
risk distribution of the portfolio.
The table below includes interest-bearing liabilities, interest
rate derivatives and currency derivatives.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Decrease in fair value due to a 1%-point increase in interest rates |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0 - 1 |
|
1 - 2 |
|
2 - 3 |
|
3 - 4 |
|
4 - 5 |
|
5 - 6 |
|
6 - 7 |
|
7 - 8 |
|
Beyond 8 |
Currency |
|
Face value |
|
Year |
|
Years |
|
Years |
|
Years |
|
Years |
|
Years |
|
Years |
|
Years |
|
Years |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(NOK in millions equivalent as of December 31, 2005) |
CZK
|
|
|
170 |
|
|
|
0.44 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
DKK
|
|
|
(145 |
) |
|
|
0.24 |
|
|
|
4.53 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
28.83 |
|
BDT
|
|
|
516 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(5.72 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
EUR
|
|
|
10,535 |
|
|
|
14.26 |
|
|
|
13.70 |
|
|
|
0.80 |
|
|
|
1.81 |
|
|
|
2.67 |
|
|
|
3.25 |
|
|
|
3.59 |
|
|
|
101.67 |
|
|
|
|
|
GBP
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.02 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
HUF
|
|
|
(1,489 |
) |
|
|
(1.03 |
) |
|
|
1.43 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
MYR
|
|
|
573 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
30.12 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NOK
|
|
|
11,955 |
|
|
|
19.46 |
|
|
|
40.99 |
|
|
|
4.86 |
|
|
|
15.29 |
|
|
|
2.66 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
88.46 |
|
|
|
15.26 |
|
|
|
|
|
SEK
|
|
|
502 |
|
|
|
1.01 |
|
|
|
0.50 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5.23 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
THB
|
|
|
6,575 |
|
|
|
6.86 |
|
|
|
16.90 |
|
|
|
(28.80 |
) |
|
|
27.12 |
|
|
|
(22.51 |
) |
|
|
26.97 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
USD
|
|
|
10,010 |
|
|
|
(9.70 |
) |
|
|
72.51 |
|
|
|
5.87 |
|
|
|
3.11 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
71.54 |
|
|
|
23.92 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest-bearing liabilities(1)
|
|
|
39,202 |
|
|
|
31.12 |
|
|
|
144.84 |
|
|
|
(17.27 |
) |
|
|
52.56 |
|
|
|
(17.18 |
) |
|
|
60.34 |
|
|
|
163.59 |
|
|
|
140.85 |
|
|
|
28.83 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
The figure differs from note 22 due to the inclusion of
derivatives not classified as interest-bearing liabilities (i.e.
derivatives that are not accounted for as hedge of
interest-bearing liabilities). |
Exchange rate risk
Telenor is exposed to changes in the value of the Norwegian
Krone relative to other currencies. Telenor has invested in
companies that have other functional currencies than Norwegian
Krone. In addition, companies that mainly operate in Norwegian
Krone will have transactions denominated in currencies other
than Norwegian Krone.
The book value of Telenors net investments in foreign
entities varies with changes in the value of Norwegian Krone
compared to other currencies. The net income of the Telenor
Group is also affected by changes in exchange rates, as the
profit and loss contributions of foreign entities are translated
to Norwegian Krone using the average exchange rate for the
period. If these companies pay dividends, it will typically be
done in their local currency. Managements strategy to
handle exchange rate exposures related to net investments is to
partly issue financial instruments in the currencies involved.
Combinations of money market
F-73
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENT (Continued)
Telenor Group
instruments (commercial paper and bonds) and derivatives
(foreign currency forward contracts and currency swaps) are
typically used for this purpose.
Norwegian entities will also be exposed to exchange rate risk
rising from revenues or operating expenses in foreign
currencies. This exchange rate risk is normally not hedged by
Telenor.
Exchange rate risk also arises when Norwegian entities enter
into other transactions denominated in foreign currency, or when
agreements are made to acquire or dispose of investments outside
Norway. Committed cash flows in foreign currency equivalent to
NOK 50 million or higher are hedged economically using
forward contracts. Exchange rate risk related to debt
instruments in foreign entities is also a part of the risk
exposure of the Telenor Group.
Hedging as described above is only carried out in currencies
that have well-functioning capital markets.
The table below shows the currency distribution of the Telenor
Groups interest-bearing assets, liabilities and
derivatives in other currencies than Norwegian Krone as of
December 31, 2005:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
AUD |
|
BDT |
|
CHF |
|
CZK |
|
DKK |
|
EUR |
|
GBP |
|
HUF |
|
JPY |
|
MYR |
|
SEK |
|
THB |
|
USD |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest-bearing assets
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,885 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,246 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,165 |
|
|
|
256 |
|
Interest-bearing liabilities
|
|
|
(37 |
) |
|
|
(4,830 |
) |
|
|
(150 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(573 |
) |
|
|
(1,554 |
) |
|
|
(12 |
) |
|
|
(3,030 |
) |
|
|
(19,500 |
) |
|
|
(316 |
) |
|
|
(422 |
) |
|
|
(28,734 |
) |
|
|
(1,567 |
) |
Currency swaps
|
|
|
37 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
150 |
|
|
|
(460 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
613 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
19,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(503 |
) |
|
|
(107 |
) |
|
|
17 |
|
Forward contracts
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(307 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(338 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
51,750 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(230 |
) |
|
|
3 |
|
|
|
(232 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(4,830 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(767 |
) |
|
|
(573 |
) |
|
|
(1,279 |
) |
|
|
(12 |
) |
|
|
52,605 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
930 |
|
|
|
(1,155 |
) |
|
|
(27,673 |
) |
|
|
(1,526 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Credit risk
Credit risk is the loss that the Group would suffer if a
counterpart failed to perform its financial obligations.
There is limited credit risk related to account receivables due
to the high number of customers
Telenor has entered into Cross Border QTE Leases for
telephony switches, GSM Mobile network and fixed-line
network. Telenor has defeased all amounts due by us under these
agreements in highly rated financial institutions and US
Government related securities. The leasing obligations and the
defeased amounts are shown net on the balance sheet, see
notes 16, 22, 34 and 38. The defeased amounts were
NOK 6.1 billion as of December 31, 2005
(NOK 6.0 billion as of December 31, 2004).
Telenor invests surplus liquidity in current interest-bearing
assets. Credit risk is inherent in such instruments. Financial
derivatives with positive replacement value for Telenor, taking
into account legal netting agreements, also represent a credit
risk.
Credit risk arising from financial transactions is reduced
through diversification, through accepting counterparts with
high credit ratings only and through setting strict limits on
aggregated credit exposure towards each counterpart. Telenor ASA
has legal netting agreements (ISDA agreements), which allows
gains to be offset against losses in a bankruptcy situation with
the 16 banks that are counterparts in derivative transactions.
As of December 31, 2005, Telenor ASA had collateral
agreements with three banks in derivative transactions. Both
ISDA agreements and collateral agreements are means to reduce
overall credit risk. Counterparty risk in subsidiaries in
emerging markets is higher due to lack of counterparties with
high credit ratings. This counterparty risk is monitored on a
current basis.
F-74
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENT (Continued)
Telenor Group
Fair value of derivatives with positive replacement value for
Telenor was equivalent to NOK 1,800 million as of
December 31, 2005, taking into account legal netting
agreements (NOK 1,578 million as of December 31,
2004). Credit exposure for Telenor is monitored on a daily basis.
Consequently, Telenor does not consider itself exposed to a
significant concentration of credit risk.
Fair values of financial instruments
The estimated fair values of the companys financial
instruments are based on market prices and the valuation
methodologies described below. However, prudence is recommended
in interpreting market data to arrive at an estimated fair
value. Accordingly, the estimates presented herein may only be
indicative of the amounts the company could realize at this date.
Fair values of debt instruments issued by Telenor ASA have been
calculated using an interest rate curve, which incorporates
estimates of the Telenor ASA credit spreads as of
December 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively. The credit curve
has been extrapolated from trades observed in the secondary
market of Telenor ASA debt instruments with different maturities.
Fair value of debt instruments issued by subsidiaries has been
determined by market quotes where such are available. For all
other interest-bearing liabilities fair values have been
estimated using the specific subsidiarys relevant credit
curve.
Fair values of currency swaps, foreign currency forward
contracts and interest rate swaps are estimated by the present
value of future cash flows, calculated by using quoted swap
curves and exchange rates as of December 31, 2005 and 2004,
respectively. Options are revalued using appropriate option
pricing models.
Fair values for listed shares are based on quoted prices at the
end of the relevant years. From January 1, 2005, shares are
recorded at estimated fair value in the financial statements.
Listed companies consolidated in the Telenor Group or accounted
for by using the equity method, are not included in the table
below.
F-75
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENT (Continued)
Telenor Group
The table below shows book value and fair value of all
derivatives, interest bearing liabilities, cash and shares owned
less than 20 percent in the Telenor Group as of
December 31, 2005 and 2004.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Book value |
|
Book value |
|
Fair value |
|
Fair value |
|
|
2004 |
|
2005 |
|
2004 |
|
2005 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Financial Assets
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Listed shares owned less than 20 percent
|
|
|
82 |
|
|
|
1,866 |
|
|
|
97 |
|
|
|
1,866 |
|
Cash and short term money market investments
|
|
|
5,398 |
|
|
|
7,191 |
|
|
|
5,398 |
|
|
|
7,191 |
|
Financial Liabilities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non current interest bearing liabilities
|
|
|
(21,247 |
) |
|
|
(26,989 |
) |
|
|
(22,528 |
) |
|
|
(27,771 |
) |
Current interest liabilities
|
|
|
(4,005 |
) |
|
|
(11,775 |
) |
|
|
(4,050 |
) |
|
|
(11,775 |
) |
Derivatives used for interest and exchange rate risk
management
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gain interest rate swaps
|
|
|
7 |
|
|
|
553 |
|
|
|
437 |
|
|
|
553 |
|
Loss interest rate swaps
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(725 |
) |
|
|
(432 |
) |
|
|
(725 |
) |
Gain cross currency interest rate swaps
|
|
|
54 |
|
|
|
1,672 |
|
|
|
28 |
|
|
|
1,672 |
|
Loss cross currency interest rate swaps
|
|
|
(7 |
) |
|
|
(860 |
) |
|
|
(7 |
) |
|
|
(860 |
) |
Gain foreign currency forward contracts
|
|
|
1,731 |
|
|
|
165 |
|
|
|
2,023 |
|
|
|
165 |
|
Loss foreign currency forward contracts
|
|
|
(1,072 |
) |
|
|
(447 |
) |
|
|
(1,124 |
) |
|
|
(447 |
) |
Interest rate options assets
|
|
|
122 |
|
|
|
18 |
|
|
|
122 |
|
|
|
18 |
|
Interest rate options liability
|
|
|
(54 |
) |
|
|
(16 |
) |
|
|
(54 |
) |
|
|
(16 |
) |
Total net derivatives
|
|
|
781 |
|
|
|
360 |
|
|
|
993 |
|
|
|
360 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Book value | |
|
|
2005 | |
|
|
| |
Classification of derivatives in the balance sheet(1)(2)
|
|
|
|
|
Financial derivatives non-interest-bearing
non-current assets(3)
|
|
|
123 |
|
Fair value hedge instruments interest-bearing
non-current assets(3)
|
|
|
998 |
|
Financial derivatives non-interest-bearing currents
assets(4)
|
|
|
1,382 |
|
Fair value hedge instruments non-current
interest-bearing liabilities(5)
|
|
|
(150 |
) |
Financial derivatives non-current
non-interest-bearing liabilities(6)
|
|
|
(138 |
) |
Fair value hedge instruments current
interest-bearing liabilities(7)
|
|
|
(133 |
) |
Financial derivatives current non-interest-bearing
liabilities(8)
|
|
|
(1,722 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Total net derivatives
|
|
|
360 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments in fair value
hedges are classified as interest-bearing in the balance sheet.
All other derivatives are classified as non-interest-bearing. |
|
(2) |
Comparable numbers as of December 31, 2004 are not
applicable since IAS 39 was implemented as of January 1, 2005. |
|
(3) |
Included in Financial non-current assets in the balance sheet
(note 20) |
|
(4) |
Included in Other financial current assets in the balance sheet
(note 20) |
|
(5) |
Included in Non-current interest-bearing financial liabilities
in the balance sheet (note 22) |
|
(6) |
Included in Non-current non-interest-bearing financial
liabilities in the balance sheet |
|
(7) |
Included in Current interest-bearing financial liabilities in
the balance sheet (note 20) |
F-76
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENT (Continued)
Telenor Group
|
|
(8) |
Included in Current non-interest bearing financial liabilities
in the balance sheet (note 24) |
Hedging activities
From January 1, 2005 IAS 32 and 39 was implemented in
Telenor. Below is Telenors hedging strategies and
quantitative information related to these strategies described.
Derivative instruments designated as fair value hedging
instruments
A significant portion of the debt issued by Telenor is fixed
rate bonds (80% of outstanding bonds as of December 31,
2005 and 87% at December 31, 2004). Fixed rate bonds with
long maturities impose a greater interest rate risk than
management wishes to maintain. Accordingly the interest rate
exposure on these bonds is often altered by entering into a
derivative instrument that allows Telenor to receive an amount
based upon fixed interest rate and pay an amount determined by a
specified floating interest rate. Telenor designates these
derivative instruments as fair value hedges.
Telenor employs two strategies that qualify for hedge
accounting. The first is to issue a fixed rate bond in the
currency in which funding is to be raised and consequently enter
into a receive fixed/pay floating interest rate swap.
The second is to hedge a fixed rate bond issued in currency
other than Norwegian Krone with a receive fixed non
base/pay floating base cross currency interest rate swap.
In these cases the hedged risks would be benchmark interest
rates and exchange rates.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NOK in millions | |
|
|
| |
Fair value hedging relationships
|
|
|
|
|
Net loss recognized in 2005 income statement on hedged items:
|
|
|
(676 |
) |
Net gain recognized in 2005 income statement on hedging
instruments
|
|
|
686 |
|
Amount of hedge ineffectiveness
|
|
|
10 |
|
No components of the derivative instruments gain or loss
have been excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness.
Derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedging
instruments
Future expected transactions in foreign currencies impose a
foreign exchange rate risk that management often wishes to
eliminate. In these situations Telenor can mitigate the foreign
exchange rate risk and fix the functional currency equivalent
cash flows from the hedged item by entering into a derivative
instrument.
As of December 31, 2005 five forecasted capital expenditure
outflows denominated in foreign currency have been hedged for
foreign currency risk using forward contracts. Interest risk for
one floating rate bond has been hedged using an interest rate
swap, and some future purchase of electricity has been hedged
using energy futures.
Committed investment in a satellite, primarily to be paid during
2006, amounted to the substantial part of these cash flow
hedges. The net result of the hedge items will be included in
the purchase price of the satellite, and will be reversed
through the profit or loss during the lifetime of the satellite.
In January 2005 Telenor terminated hedge accounting for two cash
flow hedges of future capital expenditure outflows denominated
in foreign currency because the estimated delivery dates were
postponed substantially.
F-77
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENT (Continued)
Telenor Group
Derivative (and nonderivative) instruments designated as
hedging instruments of a net investment in a foreign
operation
Telenor partly hedge net investments in foreign currency by
issuing debt in the various currencies or through entering into
derivative transactions. Material hedging positions have been
designated as net investment hedges. In 2005, the instruments
involved have been bonds and forward contracts.
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
Telenor has a duration-based target for interest rate risk
management. Interest rate swaps are used to periodically
rebalance the portfolio in order to be in line with the duration
target. These derivatives do not qualify as hedging instruments
according to IAS 39.
Foreign currency swaps are frequently used for liquidity
management purposes. No hedging relationships are designated in
relation to these derivatives.
|
|
24. |
TRADE AND OTHER PAYABLES AND CURRENT NON-INTEREST BEARING
FINANCIAL LIABILITIES |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2004 |
|
2005 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(NOK in millions) |
Trade and other payables
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts payable
|
|
|
3,806 |
|
|
|
6,215 |
|
Government taxes, tax deductions etc.
|
|
|
2,071 |
|
|
|
2,286 |
|
Accrued expenses
|
|
|
4,342 |
|
|
|
6,181 |
|
Deferred connection revenues(1)
|
|
|
1,692 |
|
|
|
1,741 |
|
Prepaid revenues
|
|
|
3,264 |
|
|
|
4,404 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total trade and other current liabilities
|
|
|
15,175 |
|
|
|
20,827 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
Connection revenues are deferred over the estimated customer
relationship. Deferred connection revenues are classified as
current as they relate to the Groups normal operating
cycle. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2004 |
|
2005 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(NOK in millions) |
Current non-interest bearing financial liabilities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Financial derivatives (see note 23)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,722 |
|
Other current non-interest bearing financial liabilities
|
|
|
431 |
|
|
|
592 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total current non-interest bearing financial liabilities
|
|
|
431 |
|
|
|
2,314 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-78
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENT (Continued)
Telenor Group
From total operations
The calculation of the basic and diluted earnings per share
attributable to the ordinary equity holders of Telenor ASA is
based on the following data:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2004 |
|
2005 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(NOK in millions) |
Earnings
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income for the purposes of basic earnings per share (profit
for the year attributable to the equity holders of Telenor ASA)
|
|
|
6,093 |
|
|
|
7,646 |
|
Effect of dilutive potential ordinary shares
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Earnings for the purposes of diluted earnings per share
|
|
|
6,093 |
|
|
|
7,646 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2004 |
|
2005 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(In thousands) |
Number of shares
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted average number of ordinary shares for the purposes of
basic earnings per share
|
|
|
1,747,865 |
|
|
|
1,710,502 |
|
Effect of dilutive potential ordinary shares:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Share options
|
|
|
1,462 |
|
|
|
1,340 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted average number of ordinary shares for the purposes of
diluted earnings per share
|
|
|
1,749,327 |
|
|
|
1,711,842 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The denominators for the purposes of calculating both basic and
diluted earnings per share have been adjusted for the buyback of
shares held by the Kingdom of Norway from the time of approval
at the Annual General Meeting.
From continuing operations
The calculation of the basic and diluted earnings per share from
continuing operations attributable to the ordinary equity
holders of Telenor ASA is based on the following data.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2004 |
|
2005 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(NOK in millions) |
Earnings
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Profit for the year attributable to the equity holders of
Telenor ASA
|
|
|
6,093 |
|
|
|
7,646 |
|
Less:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Profit for the year from discontinued operations
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(4 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income for the purposes of basic earnings per share from
continuing operations
|
|
|
6,093 |
|
|
|
7,650 |
|
Effect of dilutive potential ordinary shares
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income for the purposes of diluted earnings per share from
continuing operations
|
|
|
6,093 |
|
|
|
7,650 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The denominators used are the same as those detailed above for
both basic and diluted earnings per share.
F-79
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENT (Continued)
Telenor Group
|
|
26. |
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES |
Telenor is involved in a number of legal proceedings within
various forums. Some of these proceedings involve administrative
agencies, arbitrations, court cases within the governing
jurisdiction and matters before governmental bodies which
include minor and material issues that arise out of activities
related to Telenors business. While acknowledging the
uncertainties of litigation, Telenor is of the opinion that
based on the information available to date, these matters will
be resolved without any material negative significant effects
individually or in the aggregate on Telenors financial
position. Provisions have been made to cover unfavorable
rulings, judgments, decisions or foreseeable deviations in tax
assessments, pending the outcome of appeals by Telenor against
these decisions. Furthermore, provisions have been made to cover
the expected outcome of the other proceedings to the extent that
negative outcomes are likely and that reliable estimates can be
made.
Sonofon Holding A/S
Telenor Eiendom Holding AS (previously Telenor Communication AS)
claim against the Norwegian tax authorities was upheld in the
Appeals Court on December 21, 2005 relating to the
non-recognition of a tax loss for the fiscal year 2001 deriving
from the sale of shares in Sonofon Holding A/ S from Telenor
Eiendom Holding AS to Dansk Mobil Holding AS. The disputed
amount is approximately NOK 8.6 billion, corresponding to a
tax charge of approximately NOK 2.4 billion that was
expensed in 2002. On or about January 30, 2006, the
Norwegian tax authorities appealed the ruling of the Appeals
Court to the Supreme Court of Norway. See note 14.
Telenor Mobil Norway
Sense Communication ASA initiated legal proceedings against
Telenor Mobil AS before the Oslo District Court claiming that
prices set forth in a service provision agreement for the period
2000-2003 had been excessive and not in accordance with the
requirements for cost-oriented pricing. Sense gave notice to the
effect that the claim might be recalculated in order to include
other relevant years. The Asker and Bærum District Court
gave judgment in favor of Telenor Mobil on November 2, 2004
and Sense appealed to the Court of Appeal. Sense (Reitan Gruppen
AS, the Sense assignee) presented the claim to the Appeals Court
during the
8th through
the
16th of
February 2006 estimating its claim for NOK 261 million plus
interest and legal costs. Telenor expects the Appeals Court to
render judgment in the month of April 2006. Additionally, Tele2
has asserted a request for reimbursement of more than NOK
113 million alleging prices charged by Telenor Mobil for
resale of mobile telephone services under the service provider
agreement with Tele2 has not been in accordance with the
requirements for cost-oriented pricing. The parties have agreed
to suspend the case until clarification of some of the issues
determined in the Sense Communication case.
GrameenPhone
The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission has
requested that GrameenPhone pay royalty and license fees
(GRLF) pursuant to the license requirements. The legitimacy
and amounts payable have not yet been clarified. Many
uncertainties exist for mobile operators in Bangladesh that
pertain to the actual basis used for establishing the GRLF.
Telenor is of the opinion that necessary provisions have been
made.
Kyivstar
Over the past year, Storm has in a number of instances failed to
have at least one representative from Storm attend
Kyivstars shareholder and board meetings. For a valid
quorum to be present at Kyivstars shareholder meetings,
Ukrainian law requires the attendance of shareholders holding
more than 60% of a
F-80
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENT (Continued)
Telenor Group
companys share capital and, for a valid quorum to be
present at board meetings, Kyivstars charter and
shareholder agreement require the attendance of at least one
director from Storm. Storm and certain of their affiliates have
also filed a number of related lawsuits in the Ukrainian courts
contesting, among other things, the validity of parts of
Kyivstars shareholder agreement and charter. These
lawsuits contest the ability of Kyivstars chief executive
officer to carry out his delegated duties, and the validity of
previous decisions made by members of Kyivstars board of
directors. Telenor believes that these lawsuits are without
merit and is vigorously contesting all of the claims that are
currently pending in Ukrainian courts. In accordance with
Kyivstars shareholder agreement, Telenor also commenced in
February 2006 an arbitration proceeding in New York against
Storm for violating Kyivstar shareholders agreement. Telenor has
also proposed technical changes to Kyivstars charter to
ensure that the Kyivstar board continues to function in
accordance with the shareholder agreement, but the actions of
Storm described above, including the failure of Storm or its
nominees to attend meetings, could still adversely affect the
ability of Kyivstar to operate and compete effectively.
Disputes mentioned in note 24 to the Telenors
financial statements for 2004, in which a final decision or
verdict has been reached.
The liquidators of Enitel AS initiated legal proceedings against
Telenor Telecom Solutions AS and Telenor Mobil AS before the
Asker and Bærum District Court. The claim asserted was for
more than NOK 121 million based on alleged overcharging for
leased lines and traffic terminated in our fixed and mobile
networks for the period of 1997 to 2001. The Asker and
Bærum District Court on March 14, 2005 dismissed the
plaintiffs action against Telenor Telecom Solutions AS and
Telenor Mobil AS and the parties settled out of court on
April 14, 2005.
|
|
27. |
CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS |
The Group has entered into agreements with fixed payments in the
following areas as of 31 December 2005:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
After |
|
|
2006 |
|
2007 |
|
2008 |
|
2009 |
|
2010 |
|
2010 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(NOK in millions) |
Minimum lease payments under non-cancelable operating
leases
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Lease of premises
|
|
|
858 |
|
|
|
729 |
|
|
|
627 |
|
|
|
557 |
|
|
|
482 |
|
|
|
2,409 |
|
Lease of cars, office equipment, etc.
|
|
|
70 |
|
|
|
42 |
|
|
|
22 |
|
|
|
7 |
|
|
|
3 |
|
|
|
1 |
|
Lease of satellite- and net-capacity
|
|
|
435 |
|
|
|
263 |
|
|
|
195 |
|
|
|
113 |
|
|
|
65 |
|
|
|
114 |
|
Contractual purchase obligations
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Purchase of satellite- and net-capacity
|
|
|
803 |
|
|
|
47 |
|
|
|
28 |
|
|
|
10 |
|
|
|
8 |
|
|
|
8 |
|
IT-related agreements
|
|
|
407 |
|
|
|
165 |
|
|
|
140 |
|
|
|
131 |
|
|
|
31 |
|
|
|
13 |
|
Other contractual obligations
|
|
|
599 |
|
|
|
370 |
|
|
|
211 |
|
|
|
101 |
|
|
|
45 |
|
|
|
30 |
|
Committed investments
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Property plant and equipment
|
|
|
1,447 |
|
|
|
9 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other contractual investments
|
|
|
722 |
|
|
|
148 |
|
|
|
18 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total contractual obligations
|
|
|
5,340 |
|
|
|
1,773 |
|
|
|
1,241 |
|
|
|
919 |
|
|
|
634 |
|
|
|
2,574 |
|
The table does not include agreements under which Telenor has no
committed minimum purchase obligations. Future non-committed
investments due to the UMTS licenses in Norway, Denmark and
Hungary are not included.
F-81
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENT (Continued)
Telenor Group
Canal Digital has exclusive Nordic distribution rights on DTH to
CMores premium film and sport channels until June 13,
2006, in addition to exclusive content rights on other channels.
Furthermore, in June 2005, Telenor Broadcast, together with
Norwegian broadcaster TV2, acquired the rights for distribution
of Norwegian football on TV, broadband Internet and 3G mobile
for NOK 1 billion. The rights cover the period from 2006
through 2008 for the Norwegian premier league and the Norwegian
first division, and 2006 through 2009 for Norways
international matches (home matches only) for men, women and
youth, the national cups for men and women and womens
national premier league. The NOK 1 billion commitment for
the rights will be paid over four years, with NOK
300 million per year for the period 2006 through 2008 and
NOK 100 million for 2009. The financial commitment is a
joint liability owed to the Norwegian Football Association by
TV2 and Telenor Broadcast. Telenor Broadcast and TV2 have agreed
that the material part of the free to air TV rights will be
managed by TV2, while the Pay-TV rights and certain free TV
rights have been assigned to, and will be governed by, the
television channel TV2 Zebra, in which Telenor Broadcast and TV2
will have an ownership interest of 45% and 55%, respectively.
The broadband Internet football broadcast rights will be managed
by Telenor Fixed and TV2 Interaktiv, while the 3G mobile rights
will be managed by Telenor Mobile.
Committed investments in property plant and equipment in 2006
are primarily mobile networks in Pakistan, Malaysia (DiGi.Com)
and Bangladesh (GrameenPhone).
Payments related to investment in a new satellite are included
in Other contractual investments.
As of March 31, 2006 Telenor ASA was 54.4% owned by the
Norwegian state, through the Ministry of Trade and Industry
(including own shares).
The Norwegian telecommunications market is governed by the
Electronic Communications Act of June 25, 2003 and other
regulations issued pursuant to this Act. Until it expired
September 1, 2004, Telenor had to provide and maintain
Universal Service Obligations (USO) according to the
concession on fixed network. Thereafter it was carried on
through an agreement between Telenor and the Norwegian Ministry
of Transport and Communications. The USO obligation entails
among other things the provision of PSTN telephony to all
households and companies, public pay phones, services for the
disabled, emergency services. In addition, Telenor was in 2005
subject to Special Service Obligations (SSO) the
defense of Norway, coastal radio, services concerning Svalbard,
wire services for ships, provisions of emergency lines for the
police, fire department and ambulances. Telenor receives no
compensation from the state for the provision of USO services,
whereas compensation is given to Telenor for the provision of
SSO. In 2005 and 2004 Telenor received NOK 73 million and
NOK 72 million, respectively, under this agreement.
One of Telenors GSM 900 licences in Norway was renewed by
the Ministry of Transport and Communications in November 2005
until December 31, 2017. The net present value of the
payments for this license was NOK 186 million, of which NOK
100 million was paid in 2005 and the remaining to be paid
annually as a frequency fee. In 2004 Telenor was awarded some of
the Wimax licenses for NOK 13.5 million. In 2005, Telenor
purchased a frequency in the radio frequency band 11 GHz
for NOK 10 million.
Telenor pays an annual fee to the Norwegian Post and
Telecommunications Authority (PT) for delivering
telephony and mobile services. The fee was NOK 97 million
and NOK 108 million in 2005 and 2004, respectively.
Telenor provides mobile and fixed telephony services, leased
lines, customer equipment, Internet connections, TV
distributions, IT operations/services and sale of software to
the state and companies controlled by the state in the normal
course of business and at arms-length prices. Telenor also
purchases
F-82
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENT (Continued)
Telenor Group
services, such as postal services, in the normal course of
business and at arms-length prices. Details of such
transactions are not included in this note.
Transactions with associated companies (NOK in millions):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2004 |
|
2005 |
|
|
|
Sales to |
|
Purchases from |
|
Sales to |
|
Purchases from |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
703 |
|
|
|
1,323 |
|
|
|
544 |
|
|
|
177 |
|
Purchases from and sales to the associated company Bravida were
considerably reduced in 2005 due to Bravidas sale of its
Telecom and IKT businesses at the end of 2004. Purchases from
associated companies were also reduced due to Telenors
disposal of its associated company Telenor Renhold &
Kantine as of June 28, 2005. Of the sales in 2005 and 2004,
NOK 442 million and NOK 494 million, respectively was
to the associated company Glocalnet AB.
Telenor had provided guarantees related to Bravida ASA with a
frame of approximately NOK 851 million as of
December 31, 2005 (approximately NOK 917 million as of
December 31, 2004). This was primarily related to a
fulfilment guarantee regarding Bravidas deliveries to the
project Södra Länken, which is an engineering contract
in Sweden. The guarantee was provided by Telenor in 2000 when
Bravida was a subsidiary. The guarantee was terminated in
January 2006.
For information of receivables on associated
companies see note 19 and 20. Telenor had no
payables or debt to associated companies as of December 31,
2005 and 2004.
GrameenPhone Ltd. borrowed NOK 50 million from Norwegian
Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD). As of
December 31, 2005, the remaining loan amounted to NOK
40 million. NORAD is part of the Ministry of Foreign
Affairs. The fixed rate loan has an interest of 3.4% and was an
interest-only loan until June 30, 2004, and is thereafter
paid down until December 31, 2010.
As of April 1, 2005, Telenor sold 9 properties to Telenor
Pension Fund. The properties are buildings for general
administrative purposes and buildings for technical purposes.
The administrative buildings constitute in value the larger
part, and are used by Telenor and other external parties.
Telenor Pension Fund has entered into agreements with Telenor
where Telenor lease back parts of these properties for
10 years. The sales prices and lease payments were based on
valuations by independent external parties. Total sales price
was NOK 559 million. Telenor recorded a net gain on the
sales of NOK 51 million. Total annual lease payments are
NOK 42 million, adjusted annually with the consumer price
index.
For compensation of key management personnel, see note 30.
F-83
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENT (Continued)
Telenor Group
|
|
29. |
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT CASH FLOW |
Purchase and sale of subsidiaries and associated companies
The table below shows how the main items in the consolidated
balance sheet are effected of purchase and sale of subsidiaries
and associated companies and is reconciled against the items in
the consolidated cash flow statement which show the cash
payments on purchase and cash receipts from sale of subsidiaries
and associated companies net of cash received and transferred.
Please see note 1 for further information on significant
purchases and sales.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2004 | |
|
2005 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(NOK in millions) | |
Purchase of subsidiaries and associated companies
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Associated companies
|
|
|
112 |
|
|
|
235 |
|
Total other fixed assets
|
|
|
13,773 |
|
|
|
20,399 |
|
Total current assets
|
|
|
1,353 |
|
|
|
3,175 |
|
Total liabilities
|
|
|
(5,883 |
) |
|
|
(11,533 |
) |
Minority interests
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,292 |
) |
Book value of associated companies at the time of acquisition
|
|
|
(4,215 |
) |
|
|
(941 |
) |
Recorded directly to equity
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,274 |
) |
Purchase price
|
|
|
5,140 |
|
|
|
8,769 |
|
Of which cash paid(1)
|
|
|
(6,421 |
) |
|
|
(8,594 |
) |
Cash in subsidiaries purchased
|
|
|
140 |
|
|
|
466 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash payment on purchase of subsidiaries and associated
companies, net of cash purchased
|
|
|
(6,281 |
) |
|
|
(8,128 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sale of subsidiaries and associated companies
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Associated companies
|
|
|
98 |
|
|
|
29 |
|
Total other fixed assets
|
|
|
124 |
|
|
|
599 |
|
Total current assets
|
|
|
553 |
|
|
|
95 |
|
Total liabilities
|
|
|
(217 |
) |
|
|
(97 |
) |
Minority interests
|
|
|
(28 |
) |
|
|
76 |
|
Gain (loss) and translation adjustments of sales
|
|
|
502 |
|
|
|
39 |
|
Sales price
|
|
|
1,032 |
|
|
|
741 |
|
Of which cash received
|
|
|
953 |
|
|
|
821 |
|
Cash in subsidiaries sold
|
|
|
(104 |
) |
|
|
(81 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash received on sale of subsidiaries and associated companies,
net of cash sold
|
|
|
849 |
|
|
|
740 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-84
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENT (Continued)
Telenor Group
|
|
(1) |
In 2004, cash payments include a shareholders loan that
Telenor took over at the time of purchase of the remaining
shares in Sonofon Holding A/ S. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2004 |
|
2005 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(NOK in |
|
|
millions) |
Restricted bank accounts
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For employees tax deduction
|
|
|
6 |
|
|
|
7 |
|
Other
|
|
|
17 |
|
|
|
19 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
23 |
|
|
|
26 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
With the exception of certain companies, the Group has purchased
bank guarantees for payment of the employees tax
deductions.
Cash and cash equivalents
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2004 |
|
2005 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(NOK in millions) |
Cash and cash equivalents in the Groups cash pool systems
|
|
|
3,028 |
|
|
|
1,705 |
|
Cash and cash equivalents not in the Groups cash pool
systems(1)
|
|
|
2,053 |
|
|
|
5,101 |
|
Total cash and cash equivalents
|
|
|
5,081 |
|
|
|
6,806 |
|
The Group has established cash pool systems with two banks.
Under these agreements, Telenor ASA is the Group account holder,
whereas the other companies in the Group are sub-account holders
or participants. The banks can set off balances in their favor
against deposits, so that the net position represents the net
balance between the bank and the Group account holder.
|
|
(1) |
Subsidiaries in which Telenor owns less than 90 percent of
the shares are normally not participating in the Groups
cash pool systems, held by Telenor ASA. As of December 31,
2005, these cash and cash equivalents primarily related to
Kyivstar and DiGi.Com. |
Significant non-monetary transactions
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2004 |
|
2005 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(NOK in millions) |
Investments in licenses part not paid in the year of
grant
|
|
|
1,091 |
|
|
|
461 |
|
Finance leases part not paid in the year of initial
recognition
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
484 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
1,091 |
|
|
|
945 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investments in licenses in 2005 were related to the renewal of
the GSM 900 license in Norway and the acquisition of UMTS
license in Denmark. Investments in licenses in 2004 were related
to the acquisition of a UMTS license in Hungary and a mobile
license in Pakistan. A finance lease in 2005 was related to the
fibre optical network in GrameenPhone, see note 16.
|
|
30. |
MANAGEMENT COMPENSATION ETC. |
The Group Executive Management (GEM) consists of Jon Fredrik
Baksaas, Arve Johansen, Trond Westlie, Jan Edvard Thygesen, Stig
Eide Sivertsen, Morten Karlsen Sørby, Ragnar Korsæth
and Bjørn Magnus Kopperud. The last two joined the group in
January 2006. As of September 15, 2005, Senior Executive
Vice President and CFO, Torstein Moland retired and Trond
Ø. Westlie became Executive Vice
F-85
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENT (Continued)
Telenor Group
President and CFO. Aggregate remuneration, taxable income, for 7
persons of the Group Management for 2005 was NOK 21,283,636.
Torstein Moland is included until September 15 and Trond
Westlie is included from September 15 2005. In addition
Telenor also had NOK 6,831,000 in pension cost for the Group
Executive Management. The aggregate remuneration for the Board
of Directors and the Corporate Assembly for 2005 was NOK
2,216,027 and NOK 461,641 respectively. In addition,
remuneration for the audit, compensation and nomination
committees was in total NOK 267,000. The members of the Board of
Directors have no agreements which entitles them to
extraordinary remuneration in the event of termination or change
of office or agreement for bonus, profit sharing, options or
similar. In 2005 there has not been any option program or other
non-current incentive plans.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Share | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
options | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
reported as | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pension | |
|
|
|
|
taxable | |
|
Bonuses | |
|
|
|
Total | |
|
benefit | |
|
|
|
|
income in | |
|
paid in the | |
|
Other | |
|
taxable | |
|
earned/cost to | |
|
|
Base salary | |
|
the year(1) | |
|
Year | |
|
benefits(2) | |
|
income | |
|
company(3) | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Group Executive Management(4)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Jon Fredrik Baksaas
|
|
|
4,000,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,039,333 |
|
|
|
130,171 |
|
|
|
5,169,504 |
|
|
|
1,309,000 |
|
Arve Johansen
|
|
|
2,800,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
911,408 |
|
|
|
386,595 |
|
|
|
4,098,003 |
|
|
|
1,724,000 |
|
Morten Karlsen Sørby
|
|
|
2,600,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
583,738 |
|
|
|
172,871 |
|
|
|
3,356,609 |
|
|
|
460,000 |
|
Jan Edvard Thygesen
|
|
|
2,000,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
449,653 |
|
|
|
255,359 |
|
|
|
2,705,012 |
|
|
|
1,240,000 |
|
Stig Eide Sivertsen
|
|
|
2,000,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
601,846 |
|
|
|
247,282 |
|
|
|
2,849,128 |
|
|
|
990,000 |
|
Trond Ø. Westlie(5)
|
|
|
670,833 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
40,426 |
|
|
|
711,260 |
|
|
|
116,000 |
|
Torstein Moland(5)
|
|
|
1,558,333 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
542,570 |
|
|
|
293,217 |
|
|
|
2,394,120 |
|
|
|
992,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Compensation | |
|
|
|
|
for board | |
|
|
|
|
elected | |
|
|
Board compensation | |
|
committees | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
Board of Directors(6)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Thorleif Enger
|
|
|
400,000 |
|
|
|
5,000 |
|
Bjørg Ven
|
|
|
270,000 |
|
|
|
20,000 |
|
Harald Stavn
|
|
|
200,000 |
|
|
|
10,000 |
|
Per Gunnar Salomonsen
|
|
|
200,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
Irma Tystad
|
|
|
200,000 |
|
|
|
10,000 |
|
John Giverholt
|
|
|
200,000 |
|
|
|
80,000 |
|
Hanne de Mora
|
|
|
200,000 |
|
|
|
80,000 |
|
Liselott Kilaas
|
|
|
200,000 |
|
|
|
5,000 |
|
Paul Bergqvist
|
|
|
146,027 |
|
|
|
5,000 |
|
Jørgen Lindegaard
|
|
|
200,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
All amounts exclude social security tax.
None of the persons in the table received compensation from any
other Group companies, except for the employee representatives
that received salary as employees of Telenor.
(1) For number of options granted and outstanding and their
terms, see below and note 31.
(2) Include items as company car, telephone, ADSL and other
minor benefits.
(3) The calculations of pension benefits earned are based
on the same actuarial and other assumptions as used in the
pension benefits calculation in note 7, excluding social
security tax. The amounts are higher than
F-86
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENT (Continued)
Telenor Group
the amounts that the persons earned as
paid-up policy if the
employment was terminated as of December 31, 2005.
(4) Ragnar H. Korsæth and Bjørn Magnus Kopperud
joined the Group Management mid-January 2006 hence they are not
included here.
(5) Torstein Moland retired from his position as Senior
Executive Vice President and CFO as of September 15, 2005
and was replaced by Trond Ø. Westlie. The compensation is
based on their respective period as members of the Group
Management.
(6) Torstein Moland exercised options in November 2005,
after he retired as CFO. Hence taxable income from this is not
included in the note.
(7) Includes Board Compensation and compensation for Board
elected committees.
Telenors compensation committee consists of the chairman
of the Board of Directors and two members from the other
shareholder-elected board members. Our president and CEO, Jon
Fredrik Baksaas is invited to attend the meetings of the
committee. The primary responsibility of the committee is to
discuss and make proposals to the board of directors in respect
of compensation practice and policy for the CEO and the Group
Management, as well as the general compensation policy for other
employees. The committee meets at least twice a year, and when
needed.
The bonus frame for the members of the Group Executive
Management was 6 months of base salary in 2005. If the
target level is reached (under any given bonus criterion), 50%
of the bonus is paid. 100% of the bonus may only be paid as a
result of exceptional financial performance.
Jon Fredrik Baksaas had a bonus agreement for 2005 with a
maximum payment of 6 months of fixed salary. In 2003, he
was granted 250,000 share options with a maturity of
7 years. In 2002, when he was appointed President and CEO
he was granted 150,000 share options and another 100,000 in
the share option program in 2002. Telenors pension plan
gives Mr. Baksaas the right to retire at the age of 60 with
a supplementary pension, resulting in a total pension equal to
66% of pension-qualifying income. Pension-qualifying income is
limited to NOK 3,000,000, adjusted annually with the Consumer
Price Index. The first adjustment occurred on January 1,
2003. Mr. Baksaas has the right to receive salary for a
period of 24 months if Telenor terminates the employment,
provided that he does not undertake any other employment during
such period, in which case the payment would be reduced by 75%
of the salary for the new employment. There will be no holiday
payment on this amount. The agreed period of termination notice
is six months.
F-87
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENT (Continued)
Telenor Group
The table below shows information for each member of the current
Group Management, except for Jon Fredrik Baksaas, which is
mentioned above.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Agreed period | |
|
Severance | |
|
|
Name/title |
|
of notice | |
|
pay | |
|
Pension benefits |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
Senior Executive Vice President Arve Johansen(2) |
|
|
6 months |
|
|
|
6 months |
|
|
66% of Pension-qualifying income at the date of retirement with
the right to retire at the age of 60. The Pension-qualifying
income will be equal to the salary of December 31, 2004,
with an annual regulation according to the consumer price index. |
Executive Vice President and CFO, Trond Ø. Westlie |
|
|
6 months |
|
|
|
6 months |
|
|
Defined contribution plan with 30% of salary above 12G with
right to retire at the age of 65. |
Executive Vice President Stig Eide Sivertsen |
|
|
6 months |
|
|
|
No |
|
|
66% of Pension-qualifying income at the date of retirement with
the right to retire at the age of 62. The Pension-qualifying
income will be equal to the salary of December 31, 2004,
with an annual regulation according to the consumer price index. |
Executive Vice President Jan Edvard Thygesen |
|
|
6 months |
|
|
|
6 months |
|
|
66% of Pension-qualifying income at the date of retirement with
the right to retire at the age of 62. The Pension-qualifying
income will be equal to the salary of December 31, 2003,
with an annual regulation according to the consumer price index. |
Executive Vice President Morten Karlsen Sørby |
|
|
6 months |
|
|
|
6 months |
|
|
66% of Pension-qualifying income at the date of retirement with
the right to retire at the age of 62. The Pension-qualifying
income will be equal to the salary of December 31, 2002,
with an annual regulation according to the consumer price index. |
Executive Vice President Ragnar H Korsæth |
|
|
6 months |
|
|
|
6 months |
|
|
66% of Pension-qualifying income at the date of retirement with
the right to retire at the age of 65. The Pension-qualifying
income will be equal to the salary of December 31, 2002,
with an annual regulation according to the consumer price index. |
Executive Vice President Bjørn Magnus Kopperud |
|
|
6 months |
|
|
|
6 months |
|
|
66% of Pension-qualifying income at the date of retirement with
the right to retire at the age of 62. The Pension-qualifying
income will be equal to the salary of December 31, 2002,
with an annual regulation according to the consumer price index. |
|
|
(1) |
The share option programs for 2002, 2003 and 2004 are described
in note 31. No share options were granted in 2005. |
|
(2) |
Arve Johansen has an agreement which entitle him to a possible
transfer to other tasks within the organization with the right
to compensation of half his salary. These agreements relate to a
specified time period up to the age of retirement. The future
pension benefits are based on the salary at the time of transfer
to other work. |
Total loans to employees were NOK 36 million as of
December 31, 2005. NOK 18 million of this is related
to the employee share program, in which 3,590 employees in the
Nordic countries participated in 2005. The loans for purchase of
shares were limited to NOK 5,962 per employee after
discount. Loans for purchase of shares are non-interest-bearing
and are repaid over 12 months. The rest of the loans were
mainly related to the financing of cars purchased by the
employees as an alternative to company cars and to loans for
house purchase in two of the foreign subsidiaries.
F-88
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENT (Continued)
Telenor Group
None of the members of the Board of Directors or the Group
Management have loans in the company.
The number of shares and share options owned by the members of
the Board of Directors, Deputy Board Members, the Corporate
Assembly and the Group Management as of December 31, 2005
is shown below. Shares owned by the Board of Directors, Deputy
Board Members and the Group Management include closely related
parties.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of |
|
Number of |
|
|
shares as of |
|
options as of |
|
|
December 31, |
|
December 31, |
The Board of Directors |
|
2005 |
|
2005 |
|
|
|
|
|
Thorleif Enger
|
|
|
12,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
Bjørg Ven
|
|
|
10,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
Harald Stavn
|
|
|
3,844 |
|
|
|
|
|
Per Gunnar Salomonsen
|
|
|
1,896 |
|
|
|
|
|
Irma Tystad
|
|
|
813 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of |
|
|
shares as of |
|
|
December 31, |
Deputy Board Members |
|
2005 |
|
|
|
Helge Enger
|
|
|
1,737 |
|
Roger Rønning
|
|
|
1,137 |
|
Ragnhild Hundere
|
|
|
275 |
|
Hjørdis Henriksen
|
|
|
275 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of |
|
|
shares as of |
|
|
December 31, |
The Corporate Assembly |
|
2005 |
|
|
|
Arne Jenssen
|
|
|
407 |
|
Berit Kopren
|
|
|
275 |
|
Stein Erik Olsen
|
|
|
1,151 |
|
Inger-Grethe Solstad
|
|
|
682 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of | |
|
Number of | |
|
|
Options from | |
|
Options from | |
|
Options from | |
|
shares as of | |
|
options as of | |
|
|
Feb 2002 | |
|
June 2002 | |
|
Feb 2003 | |
|
December 31, | |
|
December 31, | |
The Group Executive Management |
|
program | |
|
program | |
|
program | |
|
2005 | |
|
2005 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Jon Fredrik Baksaas
|
|
|
100,000 |
|
|
|
150,000 |
|
|
|
250,000 |
|
|
|
34,852 |
|
|
|
500,000 |
|
Trond Ø. Westlie
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Arve Johansen
|
|
|
100,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
100,000 |
|
|
|
51,462 |
|
|
|
200,000 |
|
Morten Karlsen Sørby
|
|
|
70,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
75,000 |
|
|
|
7,794 |
|
|
|
145,000 |
|
Jan Edvard Thygesen
|
|
|
75,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
75,000 |
|
|
|
56,278 |
|
|
|
150,000 |
|
Stig Eide Sivertsen
|
|
|
75,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
75,000 |
|
|
|
28,765 |
|
|
|
150,000 |
|
Ragnar H. Korsæth
|
|
|
20,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
30,000 |
|
|
|
5,670 |
|
|
|
50,000 |
|
Bjørn Magnus Kopperud
|
|
|
50,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
50,000 |
|
|
|
2,777 |
|
|
|
100,000 |
|
F-89
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENT (Continued)
Telenor Group
Fees to the auditors
The table below summarizes suggested audit fees for 2005 and
2004 and fees for audit related services, tax services and other
services invoiced to Telenor during 2005 and 2004. Fees include
both Norwegian and foreign subsidiaries.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Audit |
|
Fees for |
|
|
|
|
Audit fees |
|
related fees |
|
tax services |
|
Other fees |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2004 |
|
2005 |
|
2004 |
|
2005 |
|
2004 |
|
2005 |
|
2004 |
|
2005 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Telenor ASA
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Group Auditor
|
|
|
2.6 |
|
|
|
3.1 |
|
|
|
2.9 |
|
|
|
5.0 |
|
|
|
1.2 |
|
|
|
0.5 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other Auditors
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
|
|
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|
|
Other Group companies
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Group Auditor
|
|
|
26.4 |
|
|
|
38.6 |
|
|
|
7.1 |
|
|
|
4.3 |
|
|
|
4.0 |
|
|
|
5.1 |
|
|
|
0.7 |
|
|
|
1.0 |
|
Other Auditors
|
|
|
0.2 |
|
|
|
0.1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.1 |
|
|
|
0.1 |
|
|
|
0.1 |
|
|
|
0.1 |
|
|
|
0.1 |
|
Fees for audit services include fees associated with the
required statutory audits and the reviews of the Companys
quarterly reports. Audit-related fees principally include due
diligence in connection with acquisitions and dispositions,
information system audits and regulatory reporting audits. Tax
fees include review of tax compliance and tax advice, mainly
outside Norway.
31. SHARE OPTION PLANS
In the Telenor Group there are two share options programs: One
for shares in Telenor ASA and one for the listed subsidiary
company EDB Business Partner ASA.
The share option plans are considered equity-settled plans.
Telenor ASAs option plan includes the option for Telenor to
settle in cash.
Option program for shares in Telenor ASA
85 managers and key personnel were granted options in 2002 and
110 managers and key personnel were granted options in 2003. 12
new managers and key personnel were granted options in 2004. In
2005 there were no options granted. One third of the options
vest each of the three years subsequent to the date of grant.
The latest possible exercise date is seven years subsequent to
the grant date. The options may only be exercised four times a
year, during a ten-day period after the publication of the
companys quarterly results.
For options granted in 2002: The exercise price corresponds to
the average closing price at Oslo Stock Exchange five trading
days prior to the grant date, increasing with an interest per
commenced month corresponding to 1/12 of 12 months NIBOR
(Norwegian Interbank interest rate). For options granted in 2003
and 2004: The options are exercisable if the stock price at the
time of exercise is higher than the average closing price on the
Oslo Stock Exchange five trading days prior to the date of
grant, adjusted with 5.38% per year. The exercise price
corresponds to the average closing price at Oslo Stock Exchange
five
F-90
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENT (Continued)
Telenor Group
trading days prior to the grant date, which was NOK 26.44 for
options granted in 2003 and NOK 48.36 for options granted in
2004.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Estimated fair |
|
Average exercise price |
|
|
|
|
value at grant date |
|
at the end |
Share Options Telenor ASA |
|
Share options |
|
(per share option) |
|
of option life(1) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance as of December 31, 2003
|
|
|
5,103,333 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
38.06 |
|
Options granted in 2004
|
|
|
380,000 |
|
|
|
11.89 |
|
|
|
48.36 |
|
Options forfeited in 2004
|
|
|
45,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
26.98 |
|
Options exercised in 2004
|
|
|
1,027,994 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
33.44 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance as of December 31, 2004
|
|
|
4,410,339 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
33.97 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Options granted in 2005
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Options forfeited in 2005
|
|
|
145,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
44.98 |
|
Options exercised in 2005
|
|
|
1,237,675 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
33.11 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance as of December 31, 2005
|
|
|
3,027,664 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
34.11 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The weighted average share price at the date of exercise for
share options exercised during NOK 2005 was 58.95 (NOK 49.64 in
2004 and NOK 38.50 in 2003).
The table below details Telenors options outstanding by
related option exercise price as of December 31, 2005 and
is based on the latest exercise price. All options may be
exercised prior to the termination of the plan.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Options |
|
average |
|
Options |
|
|
|
|
exercisable |
|
remaining life |
|
exercisable |
|
|
|
|
as of |
|
as of |
|
as of |
Weighted average |
|
Options |
|
December 31, |
|
December 31, |
|
December 31, |
exercise price |
|
outstanding |
|
2004(1) |
|
2005 |
|
2005(1) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(in NOK) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
41,67(1 |
)(2) |
|
|
937,667 |
|
|
|
913,667 |
|
|
|
3.1 years |
|
|
|
937,667 |
|
|
33,32(1 |
)(3) |
|
|
150,000 |
|
|
|
100,000 |
|
|
|
3.1 years |
|
|
|
150,000 |
|
|
26.44(4 |
) |
|
|
1,706,664 |
|
|
|
583,328 |
|
|
|
4.1 years |
|
|
|
906,674 |
|
|
48.36(5 |
) |
|
|
233,333 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4.8 years |
|
|
|
53,333 |
|
|
|
(1) |
Exercise price for the share option programs of 2002 are
calculated at the latest possible date of exercise, and based on
12 month NIBOR, implied forward rates calculated of the
spot curve (February 20, 2006, and June 20, 2005). For
the share option programs of 2003 and 2004, the exercise prices
are fixed throughout the options terms. |
|
(2) |
First possible exercise was February 2003 for 1/3 of the options. |
|
(3) |
First possible exercise was July 2003 for 1/3 of the options. |
|
(4) |
First possible exercise was February 2004 for 1/3 of the options. |
|
(5) |
First possible exercise was February 2005 for 1/3 of the options. |
At the exercise of the options, Telenor maintains the right to
redeem options by paying an amount in cash corresponding to the
difference between the exercise price and closing price on the
day the notification reached the company. The options may be
exercised earlier than the end of the options term, as long as
they are exercisable.
F-91
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENT (Continued)
Telenor Group
The fair value of share-based compensation at the grant date is
expensed over the vesting period. Telenor uses a
Black & Scholes valuation model to calculate the fair
value. According to the transitional rules in IFRS 1 only
options granted subsequent to November 7, 2002 that had not
vested as of January 1, 2005 are included. This amounted to
1,516,668 options with an average estimated fair value at grant
date per share option of NOK 8.92.
Option program for shares in EDB Business Partner ASA
600,000 options at an exercise price of NOK 15.94 per share
were granted to the CEO for EDB Business Partner ASA at the time
of appointment in 2003. One third of the options vest each of
the three years subsequent to the grant date and are exercisable
if the stock price at time of exercise is higher than the
exercise price adjusted with 5.38% per year. The options
may only be exercised four times a year, during a ten-day period
after the publication of the companys quarterly results.
The latest possible exercise date is seven years after the grant.
In connection with the 2004 Annual General Meeting an option
plan, consisting of a maximum of 1,300,000 options, was granted
to the rest of the management and key employees. Of these
options 989,994 were granted in April 2004 at an exercise price
of NOK 45.55 and 25,000 options were granted in November 2004 at
an exercise price of NOK 44.83. Another 345,000 options were
granted in 2005: 220,000 in January 2005 at an exercise price of
NOK 48.27, 100,000 on October 1, 2005 at an exercise price
of NOK 49.04 and 25,000 on October 10, 2005 at an exercise
price of NOK 49.06. Options are granted at an exercise price
corresponding to the average stock price five days before the
options are granted. Half of the options vest each of the two
years subsequent to the grant date and are exercisable the
following year if the stock price at the time of exercise is
higher than the exercise price adjusted with 5.38% per
year. Options which have vested may only be exercised subsequent
to an approval from the Annual General Meeting. In addition, the
options may only be exercised four times a year, during a 3 to
10 day period after the publication of the companys
quarterly results.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Estimated fair |
|
Average exercise |
|
|
|
|
value at grant date |
|
price at the end of |
|
|
Share options |
|
(per share option) |
|
option life |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance as of December 31, 2003
|
|
|
9,884,997 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
117.7 |
|
|
Options granted in 2004
|
|
|
1,014,994 |
|
|
|
9.43 |
|
|
|
45.5 |
|
|
Options exercised in 2004
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Options forfeited in 2004
|
|
|
9,284,997 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
118.7 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance as of December 31, 2004
|
|
|
1,624,994 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
34.5 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Options granted in 2005
|
|
|
345,000 |
|
|
|
8.42 |
|
|
|
48.5 |
|
|
Options exercised in 2005
|
|
|
34,117 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
45.5 |
|
|
Options cancelled in 2005
|
|
|
98,484 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
45.4 |
|
|
Options forfeited in 2005
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance as of December 31, 2005
|
|
|
1,837,393 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
36.3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The weighted average share price at the date of exercise for
share options exercised during 2005 was 45.55.
F-92
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENT (Continued)
Telenor Group
The table below details EDB Business Partners options
outstanding by related option exercise price and is based on the
latest exercise dates. Some options may be exercised prior to
the termination of the plan.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted | |
|
Options | |
|
Options | |
|
|
|
|
average | |
|
exercisable as of | |
|
exercisable as of | |
|
|
Options | |
|
remaining life | |
|
December 31, | |
|
December 31, | |
Weighted average exercise price |
|
outstanding | |
|
(in years) | |
|
2004 | |
|
2005 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
(in NOK) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
15.94
|
|
|
600,000 |
|
|
|
4.3 |
|
|
|
200,000 |
|
|
|
400,000 |
|
45.55
|
|
|
892,393 |
|
|
|
0.7 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
429,138 |
|
48.27
|
|
|
220,000 |
|
|
|
1.5 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
49.05
|
|
|
125,000 |
|
|
|
2.8 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The fair value of share-based compensation at the grant date is
expensed over the vesting period. According to the transitional
rules in IFRS 1 only options granted subsequent to
November 7, 2002 that had not vested as of January 1,
2005 are included. This amounted to 1,637,393 options with an
average estimated fair value at grant date per share option of
NOK 10.30.
Option program for shares in Telenor ASA and EDB Business
Partner ASA
The programs 2002-2005
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted average | |
|
|
Risk free rate | |
|
Dividend yield | |
|
Volatility factor | |
|
life | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Telenor ASA 2002 programs
|
|
|
6.40 |
% |
|
|
2.0 |
% |
|
|
31.3 |
% |
|
|
4.5 years |
|
Telenor ASA 2003 program
|
|
|
4.80 |
% |
|
|
2.0 |
% |
|
|
32.3 |
% |
|
|
4.5 years |
|
Telenor ASA 2004 program
|
|
|
3.13 |
% |
|
|
2.0 |
% |
|
|
36.5 |
% |
|
|
4.5 years |
|
EDB Business Partner
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ASA 2003 program
|
|
|
5.05 |
% |
|
|
0.0 |
% |
|
|
66.9 |
% |
|
|
4.5 years |
|
EDB Business Partner ASA
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2004 programs
|
|
|
2.50 |
% |
|
|
0.0 |
% |
|
|
54.4 |
% |
|
|
1.5 years |
|
EDB Business Partner ASA
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2005 programs
|
|
|
3.66 |
% |
|
|
0.0 |
% |
|
|
53.3 |
% |
|
|
1.5 years |
|
For fair value calculations the share price at grant date are
used. The Black-Scholes option valuation model was developed for
use in estimating the fair value of traded options that have no
vesting restrictions and are fully transferable. In addition,
option valuation models require the input of highly subjective
assumptions, including the expected stock price volatility.
Because the employee stock options have characteristics
significantly different from those of traded options, and
because changes in the subjective input assumptions can
materially affect the fair value estimate, in managements
opinion, the existing models do not necessarily provide a
reliable single measure of the fair value of its employee stock
options. However, the number of share options granted is limited
compared to the size of the Group, and the effects of applying a
more flexible model is not expected to have a material impact on
the Groups financial statements.
32. NUMBER OF SHARES, OWNERSHIP
ETC.
As of December 31, 2005, Telenor ASA had a share capital of
NOK 10,239,421,758 divided into 1,706,570,293 ordinary shares
with a nominal value of NOK 6 each. All shares have equal voting
rights and the right to receive dividends. As of
December 31, 2005, the company had 12,846,514 own shares.
In accordance with the authority given by the Annual General
Meeting on May 20, 2005 Telenor reduced its share capital
with NOK 263,186,550 in July 2005. This was done through
the cancellation of
F-93
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENT (Continued)
Telenor Group
20,191,700 own shares and through redemption of
23,672,725 shares from the Ministry of Trade and Industry.
At the Annual General Meeting on May 20, 2005, approval was
given for the Board of Directors to acquire 170,500,000 own
shares with a nominal value totaling NOK 1,023,000,000. The
amount paid per share shall be a minimum of NOK 6 and a maximum
of NOK 200. The Board is free to decide how the acquisition and
transfer of shares takes place. Own shares could be used as
means of payment in connection with acquisitions of businesses
or in order to fulfill obligations relating to option programs
for key employees or to share program for employees. This
authorization is valid until July 1, 2006.
In 2005 Telenor acquired 13,844,000 own shares in accordance
with this authorization. In August and in November 2005, 164,335
and 335,669 respectively of these shares were used to fulfill
obligations related to the stock option programs for key
employees. In November 2005, an additional 81,042 of these
shares were used for bonus shares related to the share ownership
program for employees of 2004. In December 2005, an additional
416,440 of these shares were used related to a share ownership
program for employees of 2005.
In May 2005, Telenor entered into an agreement with its largest
shareholder, the Kingdom of Norway, represented through the
Ministry of Trade and Industry. According to the agreement the
Board of Directors will propose to the Annual General Meeting in
2006 that the shares that were bought back are cancelled. The
Board will also propose a redemption and cancellation of shares
from the Ministry of Trade and Industry. As a consequence the
Kingdom of Norways ownership percentage in Telenor remains
unchanged. The Ministry of Trade and Industry has obliged itself
to vote for the reduction of the share capital at the Annual
General Meeting in 2006.
The following shareholders had 1% or more of the total number of
1,706,570,293 outstanding shares (including 12,846,514 own
shares) as of December 31, 2005.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number | |
|
|
Name of shareholders |
|
of shares | |
|
% | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
Ministry of Trade and Industry
|
|
|
920,954,183 |
|
|
|
53.97 |
|
State Street Bank (nominee)
|
|
|
70,678,407 |
|
|
|
4.14 |
|
National Insurance Scheme Fund
|
|
|
58,457,361 |
|
|
|
3.43 |
|
JPMorgan Chase Bank (nominee)
|
|
|
36,835,870 |
|
|
|
2.16 |
|
Mellon Bank (nominee)
|
|
|
23,704,040 |
|
|
|
1.39 |
|
JPMorgan Chase Bank (nominee)
|
|
|
21,078,068 |
|
|
|
1.24 |
|
F-94
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENT (Continued)
Telenor Group
33. LICENSES
The table below summarizes the main operating licenses held by
Telenor ASA and its subsidiaries:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
License | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
valid | |
|
License | |
Company |
|
Licenses | |
|
Network type | |
|
from | |
|
expiration | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Telenor ASA/ Telenor Mobil AS
|
|
|
GSM 900 |
|
|
|
GSM/GPRS/EDGE |
|
|
|
1992 |
|
|
|
2017(1) |
|
|
|
|
GSM 900 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2001 |
|
|
|
2013 |
|
|
|
|
GSM 1800 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1998 |
|
|
|
2010 |
|
|
|
|
UMTS |
|
|
|
W-CDMA |
|
|
|
2000 |
|
|
|
2012 |
|
Sonofon Holding A/ S(2)
|
|
|
GSM 900 |
|
|
|
GSM/GPRS |
|
|
|
1997 |
|
|
|
2012 |
|
|
|
|
GSM 1800 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1997 |
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
|
GSM 1800 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2001 |
|
|
|
2011 |
|
|
|
|
UMTS |
|
|
|
W-CDMA |
|
|
|
2005 |
|
|
|
2021 |
|
Kyivstar GSM JSC(3)
|
|
|
GSM 900 |
|
|
|
GSM/GPRS |
|
|
|
1997 |
|
|
|
2012 |
|
|
|
|
GSM 1800 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2001 |
|
|
|
2016 |
|
Pannon GSM Rt.
|
|
|
GSM 900 |
|
|
|
GSM/GPRS/EDGE |
|
|
|
1993 |
|
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
|
GSM 1800 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1999 |
|
|
|
2014 |
|
|
|
|
UMTS |
|
|
|
W-CDMA |
|
|
|
2004 |
|
|
|
2019 |
|
Total Access Communications PCL(4)
|
|
|
AMPS 800 |
|
|
|
GSM |
|
|
|
1990 |
|
|
|
2018 |
|
|
|
|
GSM 1800 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1990 |
|
|
|
2018 |
|
DiGi.Com bhd(5)
|
|
|
GSM 1800 |
|
|
|
GSM/GPRS/EDGE |
|
|
|
1995 |
|
|
|
2015 |
|
|
|
|
EGSM |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
GrameenPhone Ltd.
|
|
|
GSM 900 |
|
|
|
GSM |
|
|
|
1996 |
|
|
|
2011 |
|
|
|
|
GSM 1800 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Telenor Pakistan (Private) Ltd.
|
|
|
GSM 900 |
|
|
|
GSM/GPRS/EDGE |
|
|
|
2004 |
|
|
|
2019 |
|
|
|
|
GSM 1800 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2004 |
|
|
|
2019 |
|
|
|
|
Long Distance |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2004 |
|
|
|
2024 |
|
|
|
|
International |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ProMonte GSM D.O.O.
|
|
|
GSM 900 |
|
|
|
GSM/GPRS |
|
|
|
2002 |
|
|
|
2017 |
|
|
|
|
GSM 1800 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2002 |
|
|
|
2017 |
|
Telenor Telecom Solutions AS
|
|
|
Radio frequency |
|
|
|
Fixed networks |
|
|
|
2005 |
|
|
|
2022 |
|
|
|
|
band, 11 GHz |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2004 |
|
|
|
2022 |
|
|
|
|
Wimax |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1988 |
|
|
|
Not time limited |
|
|
|
|
Radio links(6) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
The license was extended in 2005. |
|
(2) |
In addition to the mobile operating licenses, Sonofon holds
licenses for fixed radio links as well as a national FWA/ Wimax
network license in the 3,5 GHz band, which expires in 2011. |
|
(3) |
In addition to the operating licenses, Kyivstar holds a number
of regional frequency licenses. |
|
(4) |
Rather than a license, DTAC has the right to operate a mobile
network pursuant to a concession. |
|
(5) |
Rather than a license, DiGi.Com holds the right to operate a
mobile network (Spectrum allocation). This was
extended in 2001. |
F-95
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENT (Continued)
Telenor Group
|
|
(6) |
Telenor is dependent on a number of radio links in the fixed
network business, both in and outside Norway, that to a large
extent require licenses. |
The satellite business is subject to regulations, both in and
outside Norway. The most important are rights to orbit
positions, where Telenor is at
1-degree west, and
frequencies that are administered by ITU (International
Telecommunication Union). Furthermore, Telenor holds uplink
licenses in Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Bulgaria and
United Kingdom (UK). Uplink licenses provide rights for
transmission of signals from earth stations to satellites.
Telenor also holds licenses for terrestrial broadcasting in
Norway.
In addition associated companies hold a number of licenses,
which are important for their operations.
34. PLEDGES AND GUARANTEES
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2004 | |
|
2005 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(NOK in millions) | |
Interest-bearing liabilities secured by assets pledged
|
|
|
2,184 |
|
|
|
1,384 |
|
Book value of assets pledged
|
|
|
8,752 |
|
|
|
5,013 |
|
Pledged assets and the liabilities secured by pledged assets as
of December 31, 2005 related primarily to GrameenPhone and
the satellite leases (Thor II and Thor III).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2004 | |
|
2005 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(NOK in millions) | |
Guarantees
|
|
|
2,169 |
|
|
|
2,498 |
|
Guarantees provided where the related liability is included in
the balance sheet are not shown in the table. Furthermore,
purchased bank guarantees are not included.
Guarantees provided in connection with entering into the Cross
Border QTE Leases are not included in the preceding table. See
notes 16, 22, 23 and 38. These guarantees are provided
for the payment of all lease obligations. As of
December 31, 2005 and 2004 these guarantees amounted to
NOK 7,240 million (USD 1,070 million) and
NOK 6,459 million (USD 1,070 million),
respectively.
The table above includes a guarantee liability of approximately
NOK 851 million related to Bravida ASA
(NOK 917 million as of December 31, 2004), in
connection with Bravida ASAs deliveries to a project in
Sweden, see note 26. This guarantee was terminated in
January 2006.
In 2004, Telenor provided guarantees for the purchase of mobile
network equipment in Pakistan, amounting to
NOK 981 million as of December 31, 2005
(NOK 876 millions as of December 31, 2004). In
addition, Telenor provided a performance guarantee of
NOK 161 millions as of December 31, 2005
(NOK 151 as of December 31, 2004) for the fulfillment
of the license requirements in 2008.
Telenor has provided a guarantee for a termination fee of the
satellite leases (Thor II and Thor III) of
NOK 116 million per 2005 (NOK 151 million as
of December 31, 2004). The leasing periods end in 2009 and
2010, respectively.
In addition, Telenor has provided performance and payment
guarantees to external parties of an aggregate amount of
approximately NOK 389 million as of December 31,
2005 (NOK 74 million as of December 31, 2004).
F-96
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENT (Continued)
Telenor Group
35. EVENTS AFTER THE BALANCE
SHEET DATE
On January 5, 2006, the acquisition of Vodafones
mobile business in Sweden was effectuated. See note 1 for
more information.
During the first quarter of 2006, Telenor sold its remaining
ownership interest in Inmarsat PLC. 4.8% of the share capital in
Inmarsat was sold on January 12, and the remaining 4.6% of
the share capital was sold on March 14. The total sales
proceeds received were approximately GBP 155 million (NOK
1,802 million), and the total financial gain before taxes
was approximately NOK 1,786 million.
36. EQUITY NOTES
Total paid capital
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of |
|
Share |
|
Other paid |
|
|
|
Total paid |
|
|
shares |
|
capital |
|
capital |
|
Own shares |
|
capital |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(NOK mill.) |
|
(NOK mill.) |
|
(NOK mill.) |
|
(NOK mill.) |
Balance as of January 1, 2004
|
|
|
1,804,021,281 |
|
|
|
10,824 |
|
|
|
18,656 |
|
|
|
(169 |
) |
|
|
29,311 |
|
Share buy back
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2,020 |
) |
|
|
(2,020 |
) |
Cancellation of shares
|
|
|
(55,444,964 |
) |
|
|
(332 |
) |
|
|
(1,152 |
) |
|
|
1,484 |
|
|
|
|
|
Share option granted
|
|
|
1,027,994 |
|
|
|
6 |
|
|
|
28 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
34 |
|
Employee share program
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
18 |
|
|
|
20 |
|
Bonus shares
|
|
|
92,736 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance as of December 31, 2004
|
|
|
1,749,697,047 |
|
|
|
10,498 |
|
|
|
17,539 |
|
|
|
(687 |
) |
|
|
27,350 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Share buy back
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2,267 |
) |
|
|
(2,267 |
) |
Cancellation of shares
|
|
|
(43,864,425 |
) |
|
|
(263 |
) |
|
|
(1,937 |
) |
|
|
2,200 |
|
|
|
|
|
Share option granted
|
|
|
737,671 |
|
|
|
4 |
|
|
|
21 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
25 |
|
Employee share program
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(6 |
) |
|
|
50 |
|
|
|
44 |
|
Bonus shares
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
4 |
|
|
|
5 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance as of December 31, 2005
|
|
|
1,706,570,293 |
|
|
|
10,239 |
|
|
|
15,618 |
|
|
|
(700 |
) |
|
|
25,157 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nominal value per share is NOK 6.
F-97
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENT (Continued)
Telenor Group
Other reserves
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Business |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
combinations |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
and increased |
|
Equity |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investment |
|
|
|
ownership |
|
adjustments |
|
Share |
|
|
|
|
|
|
revaluation |
|
Hedging |
|
interests in |
|
in associated |
|
options |
|
|
|
Total other |
|
|
reserve |
|
reserve |
|
subsidiaries |
|
companies |
|
reserve |
|
Tax |
|
reserves |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(NOK in millions) |
Balance as of January 1, 2004 Restated
according to IFRS(*)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(732 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(732 |
) |
Changes during 2004
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
871 |
|
|
|
62 |
|
|
|
16 |
|
|
|
(253 |
) |
|
|
696 |
|
Balance as of December 31, 2004
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
139 |
|
|
|
62 |
|
|
|
16 |
|
|
|
(253 |
) |
|
|
(36 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Implementation of IAS 32 and 39
|
|
|
746 |
|
|
|
13 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(98 |
) |
|
|
661 |
|
Adjusted as of January 1, 2005
|
|
|
746 |
|
|
|
13 |
|
|
|
139 |
|
|
|
62 |
|
|
|
16 |
|
|
|
(351 |
) |
|
|
625 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Changes during 2005
|
|
|
1,052 |
|
|
|
24 |
|
|
|
1,829 |
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
6 |
|
|
|
(459 |
) |
|
|
2,453 |
|
Balance as of December 31, 2005
|
|
|
1,798 |
|
|
|
37 |
|
|
|
1,968 |
|
|
|
63 |
|
|
|
22 |
|
|
|
(810 |
) |
|
|
3,078 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
In 2005, Telenor increased the ownership in the previous
associated companies UCOM and DTAC. Fair value adjustments were
calculated for 100% of the shares, and the fair value
adjustments on the shares Telenor already owned were recorded
directly against the shareholders equity.
In 2004, Telenor increased its ownership interests in the
subsidiary GrameenPhone Ltd. Net excess values were allocated to
other intangible assets and recorded directly against the
shareholders equity. In 2004, the acquisition of the
remaining shares of the previous associated companies Sonofon
Holding A/ S and European Telecom Luxembourg S.A. (the owner of
ProMonte GSM), was completed. Fair value adjustments were
calculated for 100% of the shares, and the fair value
adjustments on the shares Telenor already owned were recorded
directly against the shareholders equity.
Cumulative translation differences
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Foreign currency |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
translation of net |
|
Net investment |
|
|
|
Total Translation |
|
|
investment |
|
hedge |
|
Tax |
|
differences |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(NOK in millions) |
Balance as of January 1, 2004 Restated
according to IFRS(*)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Changes during 2004
|
|
|
(1,136 |
) |
|
|
815 |
|
|
|
(284 |
) |
|
|
(605 |
) |
Balance as of December 31, 2004
|
|
|
(1,136 |
) |
|
|
815 |
|
|
|
(284 |
) |
|
|
(605 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Changes during 2005
|
|
|
827 |
|
|
|
(302 |
) |
|
|
(12 |
) |
|
|
513 |
|
Balance as of December 31, 2005
|
|
|
(309 |
) |
|
|
513 |
|
|
|
(296 |
) |
|
|
(92 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
37. |
ADOPTION OF INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL REPORTING STANDARDS |
Regulations of the European Union (EU) require that
publicly listed companies within the EU prepare their
consolidated financial statements in accordance with
International Financial Reporting Standards
(IFRS) by 2005. Due to the European Economic Area
(EEA) agreement, Norwegian listed companies are also
F-98
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENT (Continued)
Telenor Group
required to follow IFRS. Telenors first IFRS financial
statements is for the year ending December 31, 2005 and
include the comparative period for 2004.
Up to, and including December 31, 2004, Telenor prepared
its financial statements according to Norwegian Generally
Accepted Accounting Principles (N GAAP). The main changes in
accounting principles when preparing Telenors financial
statements according to IFRS are found below.
In general, IFRS 1 First-Time Adoption of International
Financial Reporting Standards provides that accounting
policies applied in the comparative period of 2004 must be
consistent with IFRS standards effective at the reporting date
for its first IFRS financial statements, which is
December 31, 2005 for Telenor. However, there are certain
voluntary and mandatory exemptions in IFRS 1 of which the most
important to Telenor are:
a) Business combinations: IFRS 3 has been adopted
for business combinations for which the agreement date is on or
after January 1, 2004. The option of limited retrospective
application of the Standard has not been used, thus avoiding the
need to restate business combinations prior to January 1,
2004.
The first transaction to which IFRS 3 has been applied was the
acquisition of Sonofon Holding A/ S. On February 12, 2004,
the remaining 46.5% shares of the associated company, Sonofon,
were acquired increasing Telenors ownership interest to
100%. The purchase was restated and the assets and liabilities
assumed were recognized at fair value as of February 12,
2004 (the date of consolidation) according to IFRS. For N GAAP,
only 46.5% of the fair values were recognized at the date of
consolidation and the carrying values for the original
investment in Sonofon were carried forward. The purchase price
allocation according to IFRS increased net excess values and
therefore increased the groups equity at the time of
consolidation compared with N GAAP. Due to a different
depreciation and amortization profile of the identified assets
under IFRS, the depreciation and amortization expense for 2004
was reduced. At year-end 2004, an impairment review was
necessary for Sonofon and the resulting write-down of goodwill
according to IFRS was higher than that according to N GAAP due
to a higher equity value according to IFRS.
After initial recognition, IFRS 3 requires goodwill acquired in
a business combination to be carried at cost less any
accumulated impairment losses. Under IAS 36 Impairment of
Assets (as revised in 2004), impairment reviews are required
annually, or more frequently if there are indications that
goodwill might be impaired. IFRS 3 prohibits the amortisation of
goodwill. Previously, under N GAAP, the Group carried goodwill
in its balance sheet at cost less accumulated amortisation and
accumulated impairment losses. Amortisation was charged over the
estimated useful life of the goodwill. In accordance with
IFRS 1, the Group has applied the revised accounting policy
for goodwill prospectively from January 1, 2004, to
goodwill acquired in business combinations for which the
agreement date was before January 1, 2004. Therefore, from
January 1, 2004, the Group has discontinued amortising such
goodwill and has tested the goodwill for impairment in
accordance with IAS 36. At January 1, 2004, the carrying
amount of amortisation and impairment charges accumulated before
that date has been eliminated, with a corresponding decrease in
the cost of goodwill.
b) Employee benefits: Telenor has elected to recognize
all cumulative actuarial gains and losses on pension obligations
at the date of transition to IFRS. This decreased Telenors
equity as of January 1, 2004, and decreased pensions
expenses for 2004 compared to N GAAP. Telenor has used the
corridor approach for actuarial gains and losses subsequent to
January 1, 2004 under IFRS. The cumulative actuarial losses
as of January 1, 2004 for IFRS were higher than those
according to N GAAP. This was primarily due to the use of a
lower discount rate for IFRS which increased the pension
obligations and due to the calculation of social security tax on
the actuarial gains and losses according to IFRS.
c) Share-based payments: The fair value of share-based
compensation at the grant date is expensed over the vesting
period according to IFRS. Telenor uses a Black &
Scholes valuation model to calculate the
F-99
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENT (Continued)
Telenor Group
fair value. According to the transitional rules only options
granted subsequent to November 7, 2002 that had not vested
as of January 1, 2005 are included. In accordance with N
GAAP, no expense was recognized for stock options, except for
the social security tax payable on exercise of the options.
d) Cumulative translation differences that existed at the
date of transition to IFRS for all foreign operations and the
corresponding translation differences on financial instruments
used to hedge such investments are deemed to be zero at the date
of transition to IFRS, and are kept permanently in equity. As a
consequence, the gain or loss on a subsequent disposal of an
entity reported in currency other than Norwegian Krone shall
exclude translation differences that arose before the date of
transition to IFRS. This had no effect on the total equity as of
January 1, 2004, but has a positive effect on the gains on
sale in 2004 according to IFRS compared to N GAAP.
Telenors cumulative translation differences as of
January 1, 2004 were NOK 2 billion in accordance with
N GAAP.
e) IAS 32 Financial Instruments: Disclosure and
Presentation and IAS 39 Financial Instruments:
Recognition and Measurement was implemented
January 1, 2005. Up to and including December 31,
2004, Telenor accounted for Financial Instruments according to N
GAAP.
For financial instruments, the comparative figures for the
income statements for 2004 are not restated to the principles in
IAS 32 and 39. Equity as of December 31, 2004 is reconciled
to equity as of January 1, 2005. This is shown below, with
comments to the changes.
F-100
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENT (Continued)
Telenor Group
Reconciliation of net income and shareholders equity
for the Telenor Group from N GAAP to IFRS
The tables below show the estimated effects on net income and
equity of implementing IFRS as from January 1, 2004.
Comments to the various effects on net income and equity are
provided below the tables.
Consolidated Income Statement As of December 31, 2004
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N GAAP |
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IFRS |
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Note |
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Reported |
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Reclassifications |
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Adjustments |
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Adjusted |
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(NOK in millions except per share amounts) |
Revenues
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(1a), (1b), (14) |
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60,752 |
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(161 |
) |
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60,591 |
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Gains on disposal of fixed assets and operations
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(2) |
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550 |
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(550 |
) |
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Total revenues
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61,302 |
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(550 |
) |
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(161 |
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60,591 |
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Operating expenses
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Costs of materials and traffic charges
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(1b) |
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16,070 |
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(146 |
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15,924 |
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Own work capitalized
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(557 |
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(557 |
) |
Salaries and personnel costs
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(1b), (3), (4) |
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10,021 |
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(51 |
) |
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9,970 |
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Other operating expenses
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(1b), (2), (5) |
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14,873 |
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(898 |
) |
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(104 |
) |
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13,871 |
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Losses on disposal of fixed assets and operations
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(2) |
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74 |
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(74 |
) |
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Other income and expenses
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(2), (10), (11) |
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422 |
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(574 |
) |
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(152 |
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Amortization of goodwill
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(7) |
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939 |
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(939 |
) |
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Depreciation and amortization other
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(5), (6) |
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10,684 |
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(47 |
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10,637 |
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Write-downs
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(8) |
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2,596 |
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935 |
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3,531 |
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Total operating expenses
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54,700 |
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(550 |
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(926 |
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53,224 |
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Operating profit
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6,602 |
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765 |
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7,367 |
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Associated companies
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(9) |
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718 |
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268 |
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986 |
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Financial income and expenses
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Financial income
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496 |
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496 |
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Financial expenses
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(5) |
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(1,534 |
) |
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(27 |
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(1,561 |
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Net currency loss
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(87 |
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(87 |
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Net gain (loss) and write-downs of financial items
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(10) |
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2,651 |
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22 |
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2,673 |
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Net financial items
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1,526 |
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(5 |
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1,521 |
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Profit before taxes and minority interests
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8,846 |
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1,028 |
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9,874 |
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Taxes
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(11) |
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(2,244 |
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(217 |
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(2,461 |
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Profit before minority interests
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6,602 |
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811 |
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7,413 |
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Minority interests
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(13) |
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(1,244 |
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(76 |
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(1,320 |
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Net income
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5,358 |
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735 |
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6,093 |
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Net income per share in NOK (basic)
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3.07 |
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0.42 |
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3.49 |
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Net income per share in NOK (diluted)
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3.06 |
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0.42 |
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3.48 |
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F-101
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENT (Continued)
Telenor Group
Profit and loss 2004
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Note |
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2004 |
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(NOK in millions) |
Net income NGAAP
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5,358 |
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Amortization of goodwill, negative goodwill
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(7 |
) |
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939 |
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Depreciation and amortization other
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(6 |
) |
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63 |
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Write-down of goodwill
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(8 |
) |
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(935 |
) |
Pensions
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(3 |
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95 |
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Asset Retirement Obligations
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(5 |
) |
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(46 |
) |
Share-based compensation
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(4 |
) |
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(19 |
) |
Sale of software
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(1a |
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51 |
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Associated companies
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(9 |
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268 |
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Adjusted gains
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(10 |
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34 |
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MVNO
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(11 |
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578 |
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Tax on IFRS adjustments
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(12 |
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(217 |
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Minority interests
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(14 |
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(76 |
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Total adjustments
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735 |
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Net income IFRS
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6,093 |
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Equity
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January 1, |
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December 31, |
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Note |
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2004 |
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2004 |
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(NOK in millions) |
Shareholders equity NGAAP
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37,237 |
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37,594 |
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Amortization of goodwill, negative goodwill
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(7 |
) |
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343 |
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1,282 |
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Depreciation and amortization other
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(6 |
) |
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63 |
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Write-down of goodwill
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(8 |
) |
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(935 |
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Business Combinations
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(8 |
) |
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875 |
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Pensions
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(3 |
) |
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(1,809 |
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(1,714 |
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Asset Retirement Obligations
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(5 |
) |
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(296 |
) |
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(342 |
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Share-based compensation
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(4 |
) |
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Sale of software
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(1a |
) |
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(267 |
) |
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(216 |
) |
Associated companies
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(9 |
) |
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(139 |
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129 |
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Adjusted gains and translation differences
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10 |
) |
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(66 |
) |
MVNO
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(11 |
) |
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578 |
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Tax on IFRS adjustments
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(12 |
) |
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592 |
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122 |
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Dividends
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(13 |
) |
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1,776 |
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2,602 |
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Minority interests
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(14 |
) |
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226 |
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|
150 |
|
Total adjustments
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426 |
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|
528 |
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Shareholders equity IFRS
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37,663 |
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40,122 |
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F-102
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENT (Continued)
Telenor Group
NOTES
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(1a) |
Telenor is a provider of full service application and IT
operating systems services. Under N GAAP, revenue from sale of
software licenses and software upgrades was recognized upon
their delivery. For revenue recognition related to software,
according to the hierarchy in IAS 8 Telenor uses US GAAP
principles to apply the general principles of IFRS to its
specific circumstances. Revenue from sale of software licenses
and software upgrades is deferred and recognized as revenue over
the remaining software maintenance period as the customer does
not have the right to use the software unless Telenor provides
software maintenance. In addition, in conjunction with these
contracts, Telenor may develop additional applications that are
not essential to the use of the software. Under N GAAP, the fees
for the development of the additional software were recognized
based on the percentage of completion method of accounting.
Under IFRS, these development fees are also deferred and
recognized as revenue over the remaining software maintenance
period. |
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This reduced equity as of January 1, 2004, while revenues
and profit before taxes and minority interest for 2004 increased. |
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(1b) |
Under N GAAP, revenue from telecommunications installation fees
and connection fees were recognized in revenue at the time of
the sale and all initial related costs were expensed as
incurred. Under IFRS, such connection and installation fees that
do not represent a separate earnings process are deferred and
recognized over the periods that the fees are earned which is
the expected period of the customer relationship. Initial
related costs to the extent of the deferred revenue are also
deferred over the same period. |
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For allocation of the consideration for revenue recognition for
arrangements that involve the delivery or performance of
multiple products or services, according to the hierarchy in IAS
8 Telenor uses US GAAP principles to apply the general
principles of IFRS to its specific circumstances.. Revenue
arrangements with multiple deliverables are divided into
separate units of accounting if the deliverables in the
arrangement meet the following criteria: (1) the delivered
item has value to the customer on a standalone basis;
(2) there is objective and reliable evidence of the fair
value of undelivered items; and (3) delivery of any
undelivered item is probable. Arrangement consideration is
allocated among the separate units of accounting based on their
relative fair values, with the amount allocated to the delivered
item being limited to the amount that is not contingent on the
delivery of additional items or other specified performance
criteria. Part of the connection fee has been allocated to sale
of equipment and therefore recognized as revenue at the same
time the equipment is recognized as revenue. |
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Telenor has reduced revenues for the year 2004 for deferred
connection fees by NOK 102 million. Deferred connection
fees and related costs recorded in the balance sheet amounted to
NOK 1.5 billion as of January 1, 2004. This has no
effect on equity or net income because the related costs are
also deferred, limited to the amount of deferred revenues. Costs
deferred for the year 2004 include a reduction of materials and
traffic costs of NOK 20 million; an increase in salaries
and personnel expenses of NOK 24 million; and a reduction
of other operating expenses of NOK 106 million. |
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(2) |
Gains and losses on disposals of fixed assets and operations,
expenses for workforce reductions and loss contracts are
reclassified to a separate line item included in operating
expenses according to IFRS. |
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(3) |
Under IFRS, cumulative unrecognized actuarial losses on pension
obligations are recorded to equity as of January 1, 2004.
As a result, the N GAAP amortization of actuarial losses
recorded to salaries and personnel expenses is reversed for IFRS. |
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(4) |
Share-based compensation increases salary and personnel expenses
according to IFRS. This had no effect on equity. |
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(5) |
According to IFRS, an asset retirement obligation exists where
Telenor has a legal or constructive obligation to settle an
asset retirement obligation. Where Telenor is required to settle
an asset retirement obligation, Telenor has estimated and
capitalized the net present value of the obligations and
increased |
F-103
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENT (Continued)
Telenor Group
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the carrying value of the related long-lived asset, with an
amount equal to the depreciated value of the asset retirement
obligation. Subsequent to the initial recognition, an accretion
expense is recorded relating to the asset retirement obligation,
and the capitalized cost is expensed as ordinary depreciation in
accordance with the related asset. Under N GAAP, asset
retirement obligations were limited to expenses to material
known and planned removals within a reasonable timeframe. |
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The accumulated effects of asset retirement obligations were
recorded to equity as of January 1, 2004. Net income is
affected by the subsequent depreciation of fixed assets and
interest expenses. |
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(6) |
Adjustment of the fair value for the acquisition of Sonofon
results in lower amortization and depreciation expense related
to other intangible assets and tangible fixed assets in 2004
according to IFRS compared with N GAAP, see
(a) business combinations above. |
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(7) |
Goodwill is no longer amortized under IFRS, beginning from
January 1, 2004 but is tested for impairment on an annual
basis and whenever indicators of impairment arise. |
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|
In accordance with the transitional rules in IFRS 1,
negative goodwill on Utfors AB was recorded to equity as of
January 1, 2004. |
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(8) |
Compared with N GAAP, write-downs for the year 2004 increased
under IFRS primarily due to a larger write-down of goodwill for
Sonofon as of December 31, 2004. The book value of Sonofon
was higher than N GAAP because goodwill was not amortized for
IFRS in 2004 and due to the restatement of the acquisition as
discussed in (a) business combinations above. |
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In addition, in the fourth quarter of 2004, NOK 50 million
related to write-downs of goodwill on Utfors AB and Canal
Digital Group due to previously not recognized deferred tax
assets at acquisition of these companies. The tax assets did not
satisfy the criteria for separate recognition when the business
combinations were initially accounted for, but parts were
realized in 2004. Both in N GAAP and IFRS the realized tax
income was recognized in the profit or loss statement. According
to IFRS, in addition, the acquirer shall reduce the carrying
amount of goodwill and recognize the reduction as an expense.
According to N GAAP, the carrying amount of goodwill was reduced
and the carrying amount of deferred tax asset was increased, and
the subsequent reduction in the carrying amount of deferred tax
asset was recorded as a tax expense. However, according to both
sets of accounting principles this procedure shall not result in
negative goodwill, nor shall it increase negative goodwill
previously recognized. |
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|
In principle, the adjustment for IFRS compared to N GAAP in the
profit and loss statement should be a reclassification between
write-down of goodwill and tax expense. However, due to
different carrying amount of goodwill according to N GAAP
compared to IFRS, the IFRS adjustment resulted in a write-down
of goodwill of NOK 50 million for the fourth quarter of
2004, and a tax income of only NOK 25 million. |
|
|
(9) |
Telenors share of equity of associated companies decreased
by NOK 139 million as of January 1, 2004, of which the
adjustment for the cumulative unrecognized actuarial losses on
pension obligations accounted for NOK 104 million. |
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|
According to N GAAP, investments in entities in which Telenor
has an ownership that was considered to be temporary in nature
were recorded at cost or written down to fair value. Under IFRS,
temporary investments in which Telenor have significant
influence, normally an ownership of 20% to 50% are accounted for
under the equity method. As of January 1, 2004, this
decreased equity by NOK 27 million. |
|
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|
The accumulated effect of NOK 8 million for asset
retirement obligations in associated companies was recorded to
equity according to IFRS as of January 1, 2004. |
F-104
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENT (Continued)
Telenor Group
|
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|
For the year 2004, the results from associated companies
increased by NOK 268 million according to IFRS compared to
N GAAP mainly due to the reversal of N GAAP amortization of
goodwill of NOK 254 million. |
|
|
(10) |
According to IFRS, gains on disposals of operations and
financial assets increase compared to N GAAP for 2004, due to
the effects of changes in pension obligations and translation
differences. Translation differences also affected the IFRS
adjustments for 2004. |
|
(11) |
Telenor entered into Mobile Virtual Network Operator
(MVNO) agreements, which includes sale of traffic in
Telenors GSM and UMTS network in Norway. At the same time
similar agreements for purchase of traffic in GSM and UMTS
network in Sweden was made with the same counterpart. The
agreements contain a fixed nonrefundable prepayment and a
variable element based on the actual use of the services. In
accordance with N GAAP the fixed and the variable element was
recognized as revenues and cost of traffic based on the actual
usage, and the prepayments between the parties were recognized
in the balance sheet. During 2004 and 2005 Telenor recorded
impairment losses on the prepayments in Sweden on this contract
due to revised expectations of the usage of capacity of the MVNO
agreement. |
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|
Under IFRS the fixed prepayments between the parties have been
nullified since these fixed payments are on equal terms and are
non refundable. Consequently, the prepayments and the revenue
and traffic costs and the loss provisions in 2004 and 2005 have
been eliminated on the Group level. |
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|
Compared to N GAAP, Telenor has reduced revenues for 2004 by NOK
110 million, reduced cost of goods sold and traffic charges
by NOK 126 million, reduced other expenses (onerous
contracts) by NOK 562 million and increased income tax
expense by NOK 162 million, resulting in an increase in net
income of NOK 416 million. |
|
|
(12) |
Tax on IFRS adjustments relate primarily to pensions, business
combinations, asset retirement obligations, the MVNO agreement
and the sale of software. In addition a tax income of NOK
25 million was recorded for IFRS compared to N GAAP, see
8) above. |
|
(13) |
Under N GAAP, dividends payable reduced shareholders
equity for the year in which it related. Under IFRS, dividends
payable is recorded as a reduction of shareholders equity
in the year it is approved. |
|
(14) |
Minority interests for IFRS adjustments relate primarily to EDB
Business Partner ASA. |
IAS 32 Financial Instruments: Disclosure and
Presentation and IAS 39 Financial Instruments:
Recognition and Measurement were implemented as of
January 1, 2005. Up to and including December 31,
2004, Telenor accounted for Financial Instruments according to N
GAAP.
F-105
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENT (Continued)
Telenor Group
|
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|
Reconciliation of shareholders equity for the Telenor
Group from December 31, 2004 to January 1, 2005 due to
the implementation of IAS 32 and 39 |
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Shareholders |
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Note |
|
Equity |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(NOK in millions) |
Shareholders equity December 31, 2004
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
40,122 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Derivative instruments at fair value
|
|
|
(15 |
) |
|
|
|
|
cash flow hedges
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
13 |
|
derivatives not qualifying as hedges
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(289 |
) |
Shares held-for-sale at estimated fair value
|
|
|
(16 |
) |
|
|
753 |
|
Tax on the changes
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(16 |
) |
Minoritys share
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(8 |
) |
Total adjustments
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
453 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shareholders equity January 1, 2005
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
40,575 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(15) |
As of January 1, 2005, Telenor records all derivative
instruments, as well as interest-bearing liabilities that
qualify for hedge accounting, at fair value. As of
January 1, 2005, interest rate derivatives used to manage
the overall risk of Telenors debt portfolio do not qualify
for hedge accounting according to IFRS. These derivatives are
now being treated as stand-alone financial instruments at fair
value and constituted the main part of the implementation
effect. Gains or losses from fair value adjustments subsequent
to January 1, 2005 are recorded to the income statement. |
|
|
|
|
|
Up to and including December 31, 2004, Telenor did not
recognize changes in fair value of interest-bearing liabilities
due to changes in interest rates. Correspondingly, for interest
rate derivatives that qualified for hedge accounting, Telenor
did not recognize unrealized changes in fair value due to
changes in interest rates. From January 1, 2005,
interest-bearing liabilities and derivatives designated as hedge
objects and hedge instruments, respectively, for fair value
hedges are presented gross in the balance sheet. Changes in fair
value of both the hedged object (interest-bearing liabilities)
and the hedge instrument (interest rate derivatives) are
recorded to the income statement. |
|
|
|
Up to and including December 31, 2004, gains and losses on
foreign exchange contracts that were designated as hedges of
firm commitments (cash flow hedges) were deferred and recognized
in income at the same time as the related transactions, provided
that the hedged transaction is eligible for hedge accounting.
From January 1, 2005, such contracts are recorded in the
balance sheet at fair value with changes in fair value through
equity until the hedge transactions are made. |
|
|
(16) |
Up to and including December 31, 2004, shares
available-for-sale were valued at the lower of cost and
estimated fair value. From January 1, 2005, Telenor record
shares available-for-sale at estimated fair value. Changes in
the fair values of investments in shares are recorded in a
separate component of equity until impaired or sold. |
|
|
|
|
|
For financial instruments, the comparative figures for the
profit and loss statements for 2004 are not restated to the
principles in IAS 32 and 39. Equity as of December 31, 2004
is reconciled to equity as of January 1, 2005. The nature
of the main adjustments would have been the same for equity at
other points of time in 2004. However, as of January 1,
2004 the fair value adjustments for shares available-for-sale
would have been significantly higher, as it would have included
the listed companies Cosmote, New Skies and Q Free ASA. Cosmote
and New Skies were sold in 2004. The fair value adjustments of
listed shares as of January 1, 2004 would have been NOK
1,676 million after taxes, of which Cosmote was NOK
1,598 million. The nature of the main adjustments on the
profit and loss statement and on the balance sheet items would
have been as described above. |
F-106
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENT (Continued)
Telenor Group
Cash flow statement
Telenor presents the cash flow statement using both the direct
and indirect method. Telenor has not identified differences
between the principles for the cash flow statement according to
N GAAP and IFRS. However, since the net income for 2004 is
different for IFRS compared to N GAAP, the starting point and
items reconciling between net income and net cash flow from
operating activities change. Net cash flow from operating
activities is the same according to both sets of accounting
principles.
Balance sheet
The changes described above impact the balance sheet and its
classification and total assets and liabilities increase in
accordance with IFRS.
Total assets increased in the IFRS balance sheet for 2004,
compared to N GAAP. As of December 31, 2004, the increase
was NOK 3.5 billion. The changed allocation of excess
values on Sonofon had the most significant effect. Beside this,
the increase was primarily due to the implementation effects of:
deferred expenses related to deferred connection fees;
capitalization of the remaining book value of asset retirement
obligations; and deferred tax assets on the implementation
effects, primarily on pension liabilities. This was partially
offset by the recording of negative goodwill directly to equity
as of January 1, 2004. Non-amortization of goodwill
according to IFRS increased the book value of goodwill compared
to N GAAP, offset by the write-downs that were made in the
fourth quarter of 2004.
Equity increased, as shown in the table above.
Provision including deferred tax liabilities, increased as of
December 31, 2004, primarily due to recognition of
actuarial losses on pensions, asset retirement obligations and
increased deferred tax liabilities.
Short term liabilities decreased by NOK 1.5 billion as of
December 31, 2004 compared to N GAAP, due to the reversal
of the accrual for dividends payable compared to N GAAP and the
MVNO agreement, which was partially offset by the deferred
connection fees and the deferred revenues from the sale of
software.
The balance sheet as of January 1, 2005 was affected by the
implementation of IAS 32 and 39. In addition to the increased
equity as shown above, fair value of derivatives and bonds
increased financial assets by NOK 2.0 billion and increased
liabilities by NOK 2.3 billion. Net interest-bearing
liabilities were not affected. Fair value of shares
available-for-sale increased the value of shareholdings by NOK
0.8 billion.
38. UNITED STATES GENERALLY
ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES (US GAAP)
The Groups consolidated financial statements have been
prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting
Standard (IFRS), which differs in certain respects from US GAAP.
F-107
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENT (Continued)
Telenor Group
The principal differences between the Groups accounting
principles under IFRS and US GAAP are set out below:
Reconciliation of net income from IFRS to US GAAP
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Note |
|
2004 |
|
2005 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(NOK in millions, except |
|
|
|
|
per share amounts) |
Net income in accordance with IFRS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,093 |
|
|
|
7,646 |
|
Adjustments for US GAAP:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pensions
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
(140 |
) |
|
|
(312 |
) |
Stock based compensation
|
|
|
4 |
|
|
|
(35 |
) |
|
|
(37 |
) |
Sale and lease back of properties
|
|
|
5 |
|
|
|
10 |
|
|
|
(39 |
) |
Derivative financial instruments (net of tax)
|
|
|
6 |
|
|
|
(58 |
) |
|
|
(129 |
) |
Goodwill
|
|
|
7 |
|
|
|
(22 |
) |
|
|
(112 |
) |
Negative goodwill and impairment
|
|
|
8 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
288 |
|
Reversal of IFRS impairment and impact on disposal
|
|
|
9 |
|
|
|
58 |
|
|
|
(106 |
) |
Subsequent acquisitions: amortization of fair values
|
|
|
10 |
|
|
|
(100 |
) |
|
|
122 |
|
Translation difference sold business
|
|
|
16 |
|
|
|
(14 |
) |
|
|
29 |
|
Sale of business with extension of service contract
|
|
|
14 |
|
|
|
(256 |
) |
|
|
40 |
|
Lease arrangements
|
|
|
17 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(152 |
) |
Provisions
|
|
|
18 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
175 |
|
Other differences
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(117 |
) |
|
|
(26 |
) |
Tax effect of US GAAP adjustments
|
|
|
11 |
|
|
|
114 |
|
|
|
62 |
|
Minority interests
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
106 |
|
|
|
(22 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income in accordance with US GAAP
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,639 |
|
|
|
7,427 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Earnings per share in NOK in accordance with US GAAP
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic earnings per share in accordance with US GAAP
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3.22 |
|
|
|
4.34 |
|
|
Diluted earnings per share in accordance with US GAAP
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3.22 |
|
|
|
4.34 |
|
Revenues in accordance with US GAAP
|
|
|
19 |
|
|
|
67,801 |
|
|
|
70,352 |
|
Operating profit in accordance with US GAAP
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,422 |
|
|
|
11,805 |
|
Profit before taxes and minority interests
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9,303 |
|
|
|
12,466 |
|
Loss from discontinued operations
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(4 |
) |
Taxes in accordance with US GAAP
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2,658 |
) |
|
|
(3,492 |
) |
Minority interest in accordance with US GAAP
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,006 |
) |
|
|
(1,543 |
) |
F-108
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENT (Continued)
Telenor Group
Reconciliation of shareholders equity from IFRS to
US GAAP
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Note |
|
2004 |
|
2005 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(NOK in millions) |
Shareholders equity in accordance with IFRS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
40,122 |
|
|
|
46,399 |
|
Adjustments for US GAAP:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pensions
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
1,760 |
|
|
|
1,448 |
|
Subsidiarys equity transactions
|
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
700 |
|
|
|
700 |
|
Equity securities net of tax
|
|
|
3 |
|
|
|
15 |
|
|
|
(20 |
) |
Stock based compensation
|
|
|
4 |
|
|
|
(268 |
) |
|
|
(305 |
) |
Sale and lease back of properties
|
|
|
5 |
|
|
|
(61 |
) |
|
|
(100 |
) |
Derivative financial instruments
|
|
|
6 |
|
|
|
(298 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Goodwill
|
|
|
6,7 |
|
|
|
2,882 |
|
|
|
2,619 |
|
Negative goodwill
|
|
|
8 |
|
|
|
(309 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Reversal of impairment
|
|
|
9 |
|
|
|
(102 |
) |
|
|
(208 |
) |
Subsequent acquisitions: amortization of fair value
|
|
|
10 |
|
|
|
(820 |
) |
|
|
(1,877 |
) |
Sale of business with extension of service contract
|
|
|
14 |
|
|
|
(256 |
) |
|
|
(216 |
) |
Translation differences
|
|
|
16 |
|
|
|
86 |
|
|
|
5 |
|
Lease arrangements
|
|
|
17 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(152 |
) |
Provisions
|
|
|
18 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
175 |
|
Other differences
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
123 |
|
|
|
92 |
|
Tax effect of US GAAP adjustments
|
|
|
11 |
|
|
|
(459 |
) |
|
|
(397 |
) |
Minority interests
|
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
(685 |
) |
|
|
(706 |
) |
Shareholders equity in accordance with US GAAP
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
42,430 |
|
|
|
47,457 |
|
Total non-current assets in accordance with US GAAP
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
84,180 |
|
|
|
106,042 |
|
Current assets in accordance with US GAAP
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
16,991 |
|
|
|
25,342 |
|
Total assets in accordance with US GAAP
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
101,171 |
|
|
|
131,384 |
|
Non-current liabilities and provision in accordance with
US GAAP
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
34,882 |
|
|
|
38,643 |
|
Current liabilities in accordance with US GAAP
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
19,438 |
|
|
|
37,315 |
|
Minority interest in accordance with US GAAP
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,759 |
|
|
|
7,969 |
|
F-109
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENT (Continued)
Telenor Group
The following table reconcile the difference between
long-term liabilities and provisions under IFRS compared to
US GAAP
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Note | |
|
2004 | |
|
2005 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
(NOK in millions) | |
Non-current liabilities and provision under IFRS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
26,655 |
|
|
|
33,756 |
|
Pensions
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
(1,713 |
) |
|
|
(1,371 |
) |
Cross Boarder QTE Lease
|
|
|
12 |
|
|
|
5,469 |
|
|
|
6,266 |
|
Derivative financial instruments
|
|
|
6 |
|
|
|
2,787 |
|
|
|
|
|
Connection fee
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,434 |
|
|
|
|
|
Sale of business with extension of service contract
|
|
|
14 |
|
|
|
256 |
|
|
|
216 |
|
Deferred tax on minority share of excess value recorded net
under US GAAP
|
|
|
9 |
|
|
|
(84 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Sale and leaseback of properties
|
|
|
5 |
|
|
|
61 |
|
|
|
100 |
|
Other differences
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
12 |
|
|
|
(328 |
) |
Consolidation of variable interest entities
|
|
|
13 |
|
|
|
5 |
|
|
|
4 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-current liabilities and provisions under US GAAP
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
34,882 |
|
|
|
38,643 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The following table reflects the components of comprehensive
income (loss) under US GAAP
Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (SFAS) 130
Reporting Comprehensive Income established standards
for the reporting and display of comprehensive income (loss) and
its components. Comprehensive income includes net income and all
changes in equity during a period that arise from non-owner
sources, such as foreign currency items and unrealized gains and
losses on securities classified as available for sale.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2004 | |
|
2005 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
Pretax | |
|
Tax | |
|
Net | |
|
Pretax | |
|
Tax | |
|
Net | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(NOK in millions) | |
Unrealized gain (loss) on securities
|
|
|
(2,311 |
) |
|
|
647 |
|
|
|
(1,664 |
) |
|
|
1,762 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,762 |
|
Net investment hedge
|
|
|
(751 |
) |
|
|
151 |
|
|
|
(600 |
) |
|
|
(4 |
) |
|
|
85 |
|
|
|
81 |
|
Minimum pension liability
|
|
|
113 |
|
|
|
(32 |
) |
|
|
81 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Foreign currency translation
|
|
|
92 |
|
|
|
9 |
|
|
|
101 |
|
|
|
737 |
|
|
|
(97 |
) |
|
|
640 |
|
Cash flow hedge
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(252 |
) |
|
|
70 |
|
|
|
(182 |
) |
Other comprehensive income
|
|
|
(2,857 |
) |
|
|
775 |
|
|
|
(2,082 |
) |
|
|
2,243 |
|
|
|
58 |
|
|
|
2,301 |
|
In 2005, NOK 15 million after tax was reclassified out
of other comprehensive income to earnings. In 2004,
NOK 1,668 million after tax was reclassified out of
other comprehensive income to earnings.
Reconciliation
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2004 | |
|
2005 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(NOK in millions) | |
Net income in accordance with US GAAP
|
|
|
5,639 |
|
|
|
7,427 |
|
Other comprehensive income (loss)
|
|
|
(2,082 |
) |
|
|
2,301 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total comprehensive income
|
|
|
3,557 |
|
|
|
9,728 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-110
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENT (Continued)
Telenor Group
Components of equity in accordance with US GAAP:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, |
|
December 31, |
|
|
2004 |
|
2005 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(NOK in millions) |
Share capital
|
|
|
10,498 |
|
|
|
10,239 |
|
Other paid capital
|
|
|
17,539 |
|
|
|
15,618 |
|
Other equity
|
|
|
17,580 |
|
|
|
22,499 |
|
Treasury shares
|
|
|
(687 |
) |
|
|
(700 |
) |
Accumulated other comprehensive income
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
unrealized gain on securities
|
|
|
15 |
|
|
|
1,777 |
|
|
net investment hedge
|
|
|
2,655 |
|
|
|
2,651 |
|
|
foreign currency adjustments
|
|
|
(4,466 |
) |
|
|
(3,729 |
) |
|
cash flow hedge
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(252 |
) |
|
deferred taxes
|
|
|
(704 |
) |
|
|
(646 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
42,430 |
|
|
|
47,457 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Under IFRS all cumulative unrecognized actuarial gains and
losses for pension obligations at the date of transition to IFRS
have been recognized directly against the Shareholders Equity as
of January 1, 2004. Under US GAAP unrecognized
actuarial gains and losses before January 1, 2004 remained
unrecognized on the balance sheet. Unrecognized actuarial gains
and losses amortized to the pension obligation as part of net
periodic pension cost to the extent they exceed the corridor or
are recognized to the income statement when we sell a business.
Under US GAAP, the transition effect of adopting
SFAS 87 is also amortized over the remaining average
service period.
At the end of 2005, we used the same discount rate for both IFRS
and US GAAP (see Note 7 for a discussion of the
discount rate). At the end of 2004, we used a lower discount
rate under IFRS than for US GAAP. For US GAAP the
discount rate included an assumed risk premium for corporate
rate bonds over the Norwegian government bond rate. At the end
of 2005, we concluded that the more conservative government bond
rate could also be used as the discount rate for US GAAP.
Application of a more conservative approach to determining the
US GAAP discount rate is regarded as a change in estimate.
The change increased the pension obligation as of
December 31, 2005.
In 2005, the Group terminated part of the defined benefit plan
(spouse pension) which was treated as a curtailment and
settlement for IFRS. For US GAAP the gain was deferred as
part of prior service costs and a part of the actuarial losses
were expenses in 2005.
In accordance with US GAAP, an adjustment for an additional
minimum pension liability is made when the accumulated benefit
obligation (ABO) exceeds the fair value of pension plan
assets and this difference also exceeds the book value of net
pension obligations. Pension obligations and intangible assets
are increased
F-111
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENT (Continued)
Telenor Group
by this difference, to the extent of unrecognized net actuarial
losses. Any remaining difference is recorded, net of tax, to the
other comprehensive income component of shareholders
equity.
There are no similar additional minimum liability requirements
in accordance with IFRS.
The table below set out the assumptions under IFRS and
US GAAP.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2004 |
|
2005 |
|
|
|
|
|
Assumptions used to determine benefit obligations at December 31 |
|
IFRS |
|
US GAAP |
|
IFRS |
|
US GAAP |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Discount rate in %
|
|
|
4.5 |
|
|
|
5.0 |
|
|
|
3.9 |
|
|
|
3.9 |
|
Rate of compensation increase in %
|
|
|
3.0 |
|
|
|
3.0 |
|
|
|
3.0 |
|
|
|
3.0 |
|
Expected increase in the social security base amount in %
|
|
|
3.0 |
|
|
|
3.0 |
|
|
|
3.0 |
|
|
|
3.0 |
|
Expected turnover in %
|
|
|
6 |
|
|
|
6 |
|
|
|
10 |
|
|
|
10 |
|
Expected average remaining service period in years
|
|
|
12 |
|
|
|
12 |
|
|
|
9 |
|
|
|
9 |
|
Annual adjustments to pensions in %
|
|
|
3.0 |
|
|
|
3.0 |
|
|
|
2.5 |
|
|
|
2.5 |
|
Due to the differences explained above we have a difference in
total provisions for pensions and pension costs under
US GAAP compared to IFRS. Below is an overview of benefit
obligation plan assets, the total provision for pension,
excluding social security and the pension costs under
US GAAP:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, |
|
December 31, |
|
|
2004 |
|
2005 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(NOK in millions) |
Benefit obligations at the end of the year
|
|
|
5,333 |
|
|
|
5,795 |
|
Fair value of plan assets at the end of the year
|
|
|
3,811 |
|
|
|
3,896 |
|
Funded status
|
|
|
1,522 |
|
|
|
1,899 |
|
Unrecognized prior service costs
|
|
|
(10 |
) |
|
|
52 |
|
Unrecognized net obligation at transition
|
|
|
(67 |
) |
|
|
(45 |
) |
Unrecognized net actuarial gains (losses)(1)
|
|
|
(983 |
) |
|
|
(999 |
) |
Total provision for pensions
|
|
|
462 |
|
|
|
907 |
|
|
Presented as:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Benefit obligation
|
|
|
531 |
|
|
|
984 |
|
Plan assets
|
|
|
(22 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Intangible assets
|
|
|
(47 |
) |
|
|
(77 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, |
|
December 31, |
|
|
2004 |
|
2005 |
Total pension costs under US GAAP |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(NOK in millions) |
Service cost
|
|
|
482 |
|
|
|
535 |
|
Interest cost
|
|
|
263 |
|
|
|
263 |
|
Expected return on plan assets
|
|
|
(189 |
) |
|
|
(187 |
) |
Losses/gains on curtailments and settlements
|
|
|
16 |
|
|
|
(1 |
) |
Amortization of actuarial gains and losses
|
|
|
124 |
|
|
|
128 |
|
Amortization of unrecognized net obligation
|
|
|
25 |
|
|
|
22 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net periodic benefit plans
|
|
|
721 |
|
|
|
760 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Contribution plan costs
|
|
|
141 |
|
|
|
180 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total pension costs
|
|
|
862 |
|
|
|
940 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-112
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENT (Continued)
Telenor Group
|
|
(2) |
Subsidiaries equity transactions |
Under IFRS, no gains from subsidiaries equity transactions
and sales of ownership interests in a subsidiary that increases
minority interests are recognised. The resulting minority
interest is measured at fair value of the consideration paid
from the minority. The difference between the recorded equity in
the subsidiary and value of the consideration paid by the
minority will be amortized or written down through allocating
results to minority.
Under US GAAP the Group records gains from subsidiary equity
transactions (SAB 51 Transactions) and sales of ownership
interest in a subsidiary that increases the minority interest
through income.
Under IFRS up to and including December 31, 2004, equity
securities classified as available-for-sale were valued at the
lower of cost and estimated fair value. From January 1,
2005, the Group implemented IAS 39 and subsequently recorded
equity securities available-for-sale at estimated fair value and
unrealized gains and losses are recorded directly to equity as
separate component as well as any related deferred tax, until
impaired or sold.
Under US GAAP, only marketable equity securities classified as
available for sale are valued at their fair value. For
marketable equity securities classified as available-for-sale,
unrealized gains and losses after tax are recorded directly to
shareholders equity.
As of December 31, 2004 and 2005, available for sale
securities at cost amounted to NOK 82 million and NOK
51 million, respectively, with unrealized gains before tax
of NOK 15 million as of December 31, 2004 and NOK
1,726 million for December 31, 2005, respectively. For
the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2005, proceeds from
the sale of available-for-sale securities were NOK
3,304 million and NOK 76 million, respectively. The
gross realized gains from such sales were NOK 2,586 million
and NOK 26 million in 2004 and 2005, respectively.
|
|
(4) |
Equity-settled share-based payments |
According to IFRS, the fair value of share-based compensation at
the grant date is expensed over the vesting period. According to
the transitional rules in IFRS 1 only options granted subsequent
to November 7, 2002 that had not vested as of
January 1, 2005 are included.
Under US GAAP Telenor has elected to follow Accounting
Principles Board Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock
Issued to Employees (APB 25) and related
interpretations in accounting for its employee stock options. In
accordance with APB 25, the measurement date for
determining compensation costs for stock options is the first
date at which the number of shares the employee is entitled to
receive and the exercise price of the options are known. Due to
the features of the plans for Telenor ASA and EDB Business
Partner ASA, variable plan accounting for these options
would apply under US GAAP and the intrinsic value of the
options at the end of each reporting period, based on the
presumed exercise price and the quoted market price of
respective stocks, would be calculated and recorded as
compensation expense over the vesting period.
A summary of Telenor ASAs and EDB Business
Partner ASAs stock option programs and related
information is given in note 31.
Under IFRS social security tax related to the exercise of the
shared options is expensed over the vesting period for share
options granted. Under US GAAP such social security tax is
expensed at the date of the exercise of the share options.
F-113
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENT (Continued)
Telenor Group
Disclosure of pro forma information regarding net income and
earnings per share for US GAAP is required by
SFAS 148, Accounting for Stock-Based
Compensation, and has been determined as if Telenor and
EDB Business Partner ASA had accounted for its
employee stock options under the fair value method of that
Statement. Had compensation cost for these plans been determined
based upon fair value, the Groups net income according to
US GAAP would have been the following:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2004 | |
|
2005 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(NOK in | |
|
|
millions except | |
|
|
per share | |
|
|
amounts) | |
Net income as reported in accordance with US GAAP
|
|
|
5,639 |
|
|
|
7,427 |
|
Deduct stock based employee compensation expense included in
reported net income
|
|
|
75 |
|
|
|
33 |
|
Add stock based employee compensation expense determined under
fair value based method for all awards
|
|
|
(15 |
) |
|
|
(14 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pro forma net income in accordance with US GAAP
|
|
|
5,699 |
|
|
|
7,446 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Earnings per share in accordance with US GAAP
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic earnings per share as reported in accordance with
US GAAP
|
|
|
3.22 |
|
|
|
4.34 |
|
Basic pro forma earnings per share in accordance with
US GAAP
|
|
|
3.26 |
|
|
|
4.35 |
|
Diluted earnings per share as reported in accordance with
US GAAP
|
|
|
3.22 |
|
|
|
4.34 |
|
Diluted pro forma earnings per share in accordance with
US GAAP
|
|
|
3.26 |
|
|
|
4.35 |
|
The stock options may have a dilutive effect. See Note 25
for number of shares used in the calculation of the basic and
diluted earnings per share.
|
|
(5) |
Sale and lease back of properties |
Under IFRS, the Group recognizes gains from the sale and lease
back of properties when the lease back agreements qualify as
operating lease.
Under US GAAP, only gains from sale and lease back of
properties that exceed the net present value of the future lease
payments can be recognized as gains. The remaining gains must be
deferred over the lease periods.
|
|
(6) |
Derivative financial instruments |
Due to the implementation of IAS32 and 39 as of January 1,
2005, the only remaining difference between IFRS and US GAAP as
of December 31, 2005, related to cash flow hedges as
described below.
Cash flow hedges
IFRS allows hedge accounting of foreign exchange risk related to
a firm commitment to acquire a business in a business
combination. The currency risk related to the firm commitment to
acquire Bredbandsbolaget AB in July 2005 was therefore
treated as a cash flow hedge under IFRS on Group level and the
loss was recorded as part of the purchase price and goodwill.
Under US GAAP, the foreign exchange risk in a firm
commitment to acquire a business does not qualify as a hedged
item. As a result, the purchase price for Bredbandsbolaget was
lower for US GAAP than for IFRS which resulted in a lower
goodwill and the loss on the hedge was included in net income
under US GAAP.
F-114
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENT (Continued)
Telenor Group
|
|
(7) |
Intangibles and goodwill including amortization and
impairment |
Effective 1 January 2004 goodwill is no longer amortized
under IFRS. Goodwill is tested at least annually for impairment
under IFRS and whenever impairment indicators arise. The
recoverable amount of a cash generating unit (CGU) is the
higher of (a) fair value less costs to sell and
(b) value in use. If the recoverable amount is less than
the carrying amount of the CGU, the book value of goodwill will
be written down to the recoverable amount.
The carrying value of goodwill for IFRS differs compared to
US GAAP because of
|
|
|
|
|
the different timing for discontinuing amortization of
goodwill, and |
|
|
|
the differences in historical impairments arising from the
two-step methodology for impairment testing in US GAAP compared
to IFRS as described below. |
Under SFAS No. 142, goodwill was no longer amortized
effective from January 1, 2002, but is tested for
impairment on an annual basis and whenever indicators of
impairment arise. SFAS No. 142 prescribes a two-step
process for impairment testing of goodwill. In the first phase
Telenor identifies reporting units where goodwill must be tested
for impairment by comparing net assets of each reporting unit to
the respective fair value. In the second step (if necessary),
the fair value of each of the units assets and liabilities
are determined. The excess of the fair value of the reporting
unit over the combined fair value of its other assets and
liabilities is the implied fair value of goodwill.
Telenor completed its first step impairment analysis at the end
of 2004 and 2005. In 2004, Telenor found one reporting unit with
a carrying value in excess of the fair value, based on valuation
methods determined with the assistance of external valuations
experts. Accordingly, the second testing step was necessary and
was performed with assistance of the same valuation experts.
This resulted in an impairment loss on goodwill of
NOK 2,902 million under US GAAP compared to an
impairment loss of NOK 3,074 million under IFRS.
Below is a summary of goodwill and intangible assets under US
GAAP.
Intangible assets
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accumulated Cost |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accumulated |
|
|
|
Accumulated |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exchange |
|
|
|
amortiza- |
|
|
|
amortiza- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
differences |
|
|
|
tions and |
|
Amortiza- |
|
tions and |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
and |
|
|
|
write-downs |
|
tions and |
|
write-downs |
|
Carrying |
|
Carrying |
|
|
Cost as of |
|
|
|
reclassifi- |
|
|
|
Cost as of |
|
as of |
|
write- |
|
as of |
|
amount as of |
|
amount as of |
|
|
January 1, |
|
Additions |
|
cations |
|
Disposals |
|
December 31, |
|
January 1, |
|
downs |
|
December 31, |
|
December 31, |
|
December 31, |
|
|
2005 |
|
2005 |
|
2005 |
|
2005 |
|
2005 |
|
2005 |
|
2005 |
|
2005 |
|
2005 |
|
2005 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(NOK in millions) |
Goodwill
|
|
|
21,381 |
|
|
|
8,157 |
|
|
|
(281 |
) |
|
|
(153 |
) |
|
|
29,104 |
|
|
|
(5,257 |
) |
|
|
29 |
|
|
|
(5,228 |
) |
|
|
23,874 |
|
|
|
16,124 |
|
Intangible assets
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Customer base
|
|
|
4,511 |
|
|
|
971 |
|
|
|
(164 |
) |
|
|
(9 |
) |
|
|
5,309 |
|
|
|
(1,891 |
) |
|
|
(1,125 |
) |
|
|
(3,016 |
) |
|
|
2,293 |
|
|
|
2,620 |
|
Licenses
|
|
|
4,506 |
|
|
|
595 |
|
|
|
199 |
|
|
|
(23 |
) |
|
|
5,277 |
|
|
|
(1,293 |
) |
|
|
(238 |
) |
|
|
(1,531 |
) |
|
|
3,746 |
|
|
|
3,213 |
|
Trade marks
|
|
|
1,014 |
|
|
|
536 |
|
|
|
(17 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,533 |
|
|
|
(200 |
) |
|
|
(96 |
) |
|
|
(296 |
) |
|
|
1,237 |
|
|
|
814 |
|
Other
|
|
|
7,985 |
|
|
|
2,462 |
|
|
|
81 |
|
|
|
(136 |
) |
|
|
10,392 |
|
|
|
(5,220 |
) |
|
|
(1,608 |
) |
|
|
(6,828 |
) |
|
|
3,564 |
|
|
|
2,765 |
|
Work in progress
|
|
|
422 |
|
|
|
286 |
|
|
|
(1 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
707 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
707 |
|
|
|
422 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Intangible assets (excluding goodwill)
|
|
|
18,438 |
|
|
|
4,850 |
|
|
|
98 |
|
|
|
(168 |
) |
|
|
23,218 |
|
|
|
(8,604 |
) |
|
|
(3,067 |
) |
|
|
(11,671 |
) |
|
|
11,547 |
|
|
|
9,834 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total intangible assets
|
|
|
39,819 |
|
|
|
13,007 |
|
|
|
(185 |
) |
|
|
(321 |
) |
|
|
52,320 |
|
|
|
(13,861 |
) |
|
|
(3,038 |
) |
|
|
(16,899 |
) |
|
|
35,421 |
|
|
|
25,958 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-115
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENT (Continued)
Telenor Group
Changes in the carrying value of goodwill for the years ended
December 31, 2004 and 2005:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
Sonofon |
|
Pannon |
|
DiGi.Com |
|
Kyivstar |
|
Other |
|
|
|
|
|
Other/ |
|
Telenor |
|
|
Denmark |
|
Hungary |
|
Malaysia |
|
Ukraine |
|
Mobile |
|
Fixed |
|
Broadcast |
|
Eliminations |
|
Group |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(NOK in millions) |
As of January 1, 2004
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,623 |
|
|
|
744 |
|
|
|
347 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,029 |
|
|
|
2,287 |
|
|
|
12,030 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exchange differences
|
|
|
(421 |
) |
|
|
227 |
|
|
|
(71 |
) |
|
|
(36 |
) |
|
|
(2 |
) |
|
|
13 |
|
|
|
19 |
|
|
|
68 |
|
|
|
(203 |
) |
Arising on acquisition of subsidiaries
|
|
|
6,792 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4 |
|
|
|
104 |
|
|
|
25 |
|
|
|
(23 |
) |
|
|
459 |
|
|
|
7,361 |
|
Eliminated on disposal of subsidiaries
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(111 |
) |
|
|
(111 |
) |
Amortisation and impairment
|
|
|
(2,902 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(4 |
) |
|
|
(2,906 |
) |
Previously not recognized deferred tax assets in business
combinations
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(23 |
) |
|
|
(24 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(47 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of December 31, 2004
|
|
|
3,469 |
|
|
|
5,850 |
|
|
|
673 |
|
|
|
315 |
|
|
|
102 |
|
|
|
15 |
|
|
|
3,001 |
|
|
|
2,699 |
|
|
|
16,124 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exchange differences
|
|
|
(116 |
) |
|
|
(335 |
) |
|
|
86 |
|
|
|
56 |
|
|
|
52 |
|
|
|
68 |
|
|
|
(14 |
) |
|
|
(5 |
) |
|
|
(208 |
) |
Arising on acquisition of subsidiaries
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,544 |
|
|
|
5,556 |
|
|
|
4 |
|
|
|
52 |
|
|
|
8,157 |
|
Eliminated on disposal of subsidiaries
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(43 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(110 |
) |
|
|
(153 |
) |
Amortization and impairment
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
36 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(7 |
) |
|
|
29 |
|
Previously not recognized deferred tax assets in business
combinations
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(75 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(75 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of December 31, 2005
|
|
|
3,354 |
|
|
|
5,515 |
|
|
|
759 |
|
|
|
371 |
|
|
|
2,698 |
|
|
|
5,632 |
|
|
|
2,916 |
|
|
|
2,629 |
|
|
|
23,874 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(8) |
Negative goodwill and impairment |
Under IFRS negative goodwill (the difference when fair value
assigned to assets acquired and liabilities assumed exceeds the
purchase price of the acquired entity) was recorded directly
against equity at the time of implementation of IFRS. Under
US GAAP, negative goodwill was allocated as a pro rata
reduction to assets.
The entity that had a negative goodwill difference was tested
for impairment at year end 2005 both under IFRS and US GAAP
The impairment test resulted in a write down of property, plant
and equipment to fair values both under IFRS and US GAAP.
Since the US GAAP book value of the property, plant and
equipment was lower than under IFRS due to the allocation of
negative goodwill the impairment was NOK 288 million
lower for US GAAP than for IFRS.
|
|
(9) |
Reversal of impairment and impact on disposals |
Under IFRS, impairments of property, plant and equipment and
intangible assets (excluding goodwill) must be reversed if the
factors that triggered the impairment are no longer valid and
the underlying asset have recovered its value. The same applied
to impairment losses on financial instruments available-for-sale
before implementing IAS 39.
Under US GAAP, the reversal of impairments is not permitted.
When such assets are sold, the resulting gain or loss will be
different for IFRS and US GAAP due to the variance in the
carrying value of the assets.
|
|
(10) |
Subsequent acquisitions of ownership interest in subsidiaries
and amortization of fair values |
Under IFRS, when a less than 100% owned subsidiary is initially
acquired, the fair value of identifiable assets and liabilities
are estimated and recorded at 100% basis at the date Telenor
obtains control. A portion of the fair value of identifiable
assets and liabilities are allocated to the minority interests.
If ownership is
F-116
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENT (Continued)
Telenor Group
subsequently increased in a consolidated subsidiary the carrying
value of the identifiable assets and liabilities in the group
accounts will not change. Only goodwill will be adjusted.
Goodwill is calculated and recorded for each transaction based
on the difference between the purchase price and the estimated
fair value of identifiable assets and liabilities at the time of
purchase. However, any difference between the consolidated
carrying value and estimated fair value of the other
identifiable assets and liabilities is not recorded to
individual assets or liabilities but is adjusted directly
against shareholders equity.
Under US GAAP each transaction is treated separately for
the purposes of determining the pro rata allocation of fair
value of identifiable assets and liabilities based upon the
ownership interest acquired and any resulting goodwill. The
minority interest is valued at the historical carrying value of
the assets and liabilities in the subsidiary.
As a result of the different values assigned to identifiable
assets, amortization and depreciation under IFRS and
US GAAP will not be the same.
Income taxes for US GAAP differ from income taxes for IFRS
because the income tax effects of the US GAAP adjustments are
recorded as deferred taxes.
|
|
(12) |
Cross border QTE leases |
The Group has entered into Cross Border QTE Leases for
telephony switches, the GSM Mobile network and the
fixed-line network. Telenor has defeased all amounts due by us
under these agreements. The leasing obligations and the defeased
amounts are shown net on the balance sheet
Under both IFRS and US GAAP Telenor has deferred the gain
from the transactions since there is more than a remote
possibility of loss of the gain due to indemnification or the
outcome of other contingencies.
Under US GAAP, assets and liabilities may not be offset except
when there exists the legal right to offset the asset and
liability. The right to offset the defeased amounts against the
future lease obligations does not legally exist. Therefore,
under US GAAP, the defeased amounts and the Groups future
obligations under the QTE Leases are recorded gross on the
consolidated balance sheet as financial assets and non-current
interest-bearing liabilities. This increased financial assets
and non-current interest-bearing liabilities by approximately
NOK 6,266 million for the year ended 31 December 2005 and
NOK 5,469 million for the year ended December 31,
2004. This did not affect the income statement or
shareholders equity.
F-117
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENT (Continued)
Telenor Group
At December 31, 2005, future minimum lease payments under
finance leases were as follows under US GAAP:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of | |
|
|
December 31, | |
|
|
2005 | |
|
|
| |
|
|
(NOK in millions) | |
2006
|
|
|
953 |
|
2007
|
|
|
897 |
|
2008
|
|
|
1,039 |
|
2009
|
|
|
930 |
|
Later years through 2016
|
|
|
6,194 |
|
Total future minimum lease payments
|
|
|
10,011 |
|
Less amount representing interest
|
|
|
1,599 |
|
Finance lease obligation under US GAAP
|
|
|
8,412 |
|
Finance lease obligation under IFRS
|
|
|
1,838 |
|
Deferred gain (both IFRS and US GAAP)
|
|
|
308 |
|
Book value of finance lease included in property, plant and
equipment:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2004 | |
|
2005 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(NOK in millions) | |
Telephony switches
|
|
|
52 |
|
|
|
12 |
|
GSM mobile network
|
|
|
135 |
|
|
|
55 |
|
Fixed-line network
|
|
|
804 |
|
|
|
542 |
|
Fiber optic Networks
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
475 |
|
Satellites
|
|
|
501 |
|
|
|
518 |
|
Set top boxes
|
|
|
110 |
|
|
|
|
|
Buildings
|
|
|
189 |
|
|
|
187 |
|
Other
|
|
|
36 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
1,827 |
|
|
|
1,789 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(13) |
Consolidation of variable interest entities |
On March 31, 2004, Telenor implemented FASB Financial
Interpretation (FIN) No. 46R, an interpretation which
requires Telenor to consolidate an entity which is subject to
the guidance in FIN 46R (a VIE) and in which it holds
a variable interest. A variable interest is a contractual
arrangement which entitles the holder to absorb a portion of the
entitys future losses and/or receive a portion of the
entitys residual returns and can take a variety of forms.
The more common of which are holdings in equity or debt
securities a guarantee issued by Telenor and even service
control. The party which is exposed to the majority of future
losses or entitled to a majority of the residual returns through
a single variable interest (a combination of interests) is
referred to as the primary beneficiary and must consolidate.
As a result of its adoption of FIN 46R Telenor concluded
that Bravida ASA was a VIE and that it was the primary
beneficiary. Hence, Telenor had to consolidate the company.
Bravida was previously accounted for using the equity method of
accounting and its operations consisted primarily of Telecom,
Information Technology, Electricity, Plumbing and Ventilation
and Geomatics. The consolidation of Bravida did not require an
adjustment to reflect the cumulative effect of our change in
accounting principle.
F-118
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENT (Continued)
Telenor Group
FIN 46R contains provisions that require consolidated or
unconsolidated entities to be re-evaluated when certain events
occur that could alter an entitys VIE status or which
could result in a change to the entitys primary
beneficiary. In October 2004 certain of Telenors holdings
in Bravida were sold through sale of its shareholders
loans. In addition, on December 30, 2004 Telenor further
reduced its holdings in Bravida through its sale of a
significant part of its shareholders loan in Bravida. Following
these transactions Telenor concluded that it no longer absorbs a
majority of Bravidas expected losses, or receive a
majority of Bravidas expected residual returns. Telenor
ceased consolidating Bravida on December 30, 2004. Bravida
had net assets of NOK 4.9 billion at year end 2004. Telenor
included revenues of NOK 7,129 million and operating profit
of NOK 95 million in the period Bravida was consolidated.
Telenors maximum exposure to any potential losses, should
they occur associated with Bravida is limited to the equity
investments and shareholders loans of total NOK 134 million
in addition to receivables in the normal course of business and
guarantees given to Bravida. See note 34 to the
consolidated financial statements.
In connection with its FIN 46R analysis in 2004, Telenor
also identified variable interests it holds in two entities,
DTAC and UCOM which Telenor qualitatively concluded were at high
risk of being deemed a VIE, but in which Telenor determined
would not be considered the primary beneficiary, and
consequently did not consolidate the VIEs.
In 2005 Telenor acquired an additional economic stake in DTAC
and UCOM and had controlling interests of the companies as of
year end 2005. As a result. Telenor consolidated DTAC and UCOM
from the date of acquisition for both IFRS and US GAAP. See
Note 1 for more information.
At the end of 2004, Telenor sold a 51% stake in Kjedehuset
(previously wholly owned) to independent third parties and at
the same time entered into certain franchise and service
agreements with these parties. Kjedehuset is a trade association
for independent mobile phone dealers in Norway and acts as a
conduit for marketing support and receives a bonus from Telenor.
Telenor concluded that Kjedehuset is a VIE and that it was the
primary beneficiary. Hence Telenor consolidated the company in
2004 and 2005.
Under IFRS, consolidation is based on the concept of control and
the concept of FIN 46R does not apply. Therefore entities
consolidated based on variable interest under FIN 46R will
generally not be consolidated under IFRS.
|
|
(14) |
Sale of business with extension of service contract |
In 2004 EDB Business Partner ASA entered into an agreement to
sell parts of the Telecom area. At the same time Telenor entered
into a service agreement with the buyer for the same services
Telenor previously purchased from EDB Business Partner ASA.
Under the agreement, Telenor is committed to a minimum purchase
of application management and maintenance. The agreement is on
marketable terms and under IFRS a gain of NOK 283 million
was recorded in 2004 on the sale of the parts of the Telecom
area.
In accordance with US GAAP, the gain on the transaction is
deferred and recognized over the term of the purchase agreement.
F-119
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENT (Continued)
Telenor Group
|
|
(15) |
Non-consolidated investees 100 percent
basis |
The following table sets forth summarized unaudited financial
information of Telenors non-consolidated investees on a
100 percent combined basis. Telenors share of these
investments is accounted for using the equity method.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2004 |
|
2005 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(NOK in millions) |
Income Statement Data
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenues
|
|
|
41,643 |
|
|
|
42,336 |
|
Operating Profit
|
|
|
6,800 |
|
|
|
7,383 |
|
Income before taxes and minority interest
|
|
|
5,094 |
|
|
|
6,737 |
|
Net income
|
|
|
6,341 |
|
|
|
4,513 |
|
Balance Sheet Data
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total non-current assets
|
|
|
49,007 |
|
|
|
47,651 |
|
Total current assets
|
|
|
13,494 |
|
|
|
11,791 |
|
Total assets
|
|
|
62,501 |
|
|
|
59,443 |
|
Shareholders equity
|
|
|
24,516 |
|
|
|
25,215 |
|
Minority interests
|
|
|
428 |
|
|
|
1,478 |
|
Total non-current liabilities
|
|
|
21,095 |
|
|
|
23,373 |
|
Total current liabilities
|
|
|
16,462 |
|
|
|
9,377 |
|
Total equity and liabilities
|
|
|
62,501 |
|
|
|
59,443 |
|
|
|
(16) |
Cumulative translation differences |
At the date of transition to IFRS all cumulative translation
differences of foreign operations and financial instruments used
to hedge such investments were nullified and are kept
permanently in equity. As a consequence, the gain or loss on a
subsequent disposal of an entity reported in currency other than
Norwegian Krone shall exclude translation differences that arose
before the date of transition to IFRS. This had no effect on the
total equity as of January 1, 2004.
For US GAAP, the historical cumulative translation differences
as of January 1, 2004 were NOK 2 billion. These
differences are reversed from equity and included in the
computation of the gain or loss on sales when entities are sold
that reported in a currency other than Norwegian Krone.
Under IFRS, prepaid leases payments made on entering into leases
or acquiring leaseholds that are accounted for as operating
leases are amortized over the lease term in accordance with the
pattern of benefits provided as part of depreciation and
amortization expense. They relate primarily to access charges
for lease of the copper cables of other operators (local loop
unbundling etc). The amortization period for access charges is
the estimated life of the customer relationship based upon past
history.
Under US GAAP prepaid leases are amortized over the shorter of
the useful life or the lease term and included in operating
expenses. Since most of these agreements do not have a minimum
lease term, the prepaid leases are expensed as incurred.
F-120
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENT (Continued)
Telenor Group
Under IFRS, provisions are recognised when Telenor has a minimum
payment obligation from an agreement (onerous contract) but has
decided not to use the services under the agreement in future
periods.
Under US GAAP, a liability cannot be recognized before the
contract is terminated or Telenor stop using the benefits from
the contract.
Telenor complies with the requirements for revenue recognition,
as provided by the SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB) 104,
follows guidance of EITF 00-21 regarding contracts with
multiple deliverables and utilizes Statement of Position
(SOP) 97-2 for software related sales. For the periods
presented, no differences have been identified between
Telenors IFRS accounting policies adopted for revenue
recognition and US GAAP.
However, as a result of consolidating certain entities under
FIN 46 and lease arrangements (see above) revenues for US
GAAP are higher than for IFRS.
New US Accounting Standards
SFAS 123 (Revised 2004)
On December 16 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards
Board (FASB) issued FASB Statement No. 123 (revised
2004), Share-Based Payment which is a revision of FASB
Statement No. 123 Accounting for Stock-Based
Compensation. Statement 123(R) supersedes APB Opinion
No. 25 Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees and
amends FASB Statement No. 95 Statement of Cash Flows.
Generally the approach to accounting for share-based payments in
Statement 123(R) is similar to the approach described in
Statement 123. However Statement 123(R) requires
all share-based payments to employees including grants of
employee stock options to be recognized in the financial
statements based on their fair values (i.e., pro forma
disclosure is no longer an alternative to financial statement
recognition). Statement 123(R) is effective for annual
period beginning after June 15, 2005. Implementation of
SFAS 123(R) will not have a material effect on revenues,
total assets or net income.
F-121