e425
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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549


PROSPECTUS FILED PURSUANT TO RULE 425 UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT
OF 1933 AND DEEMED FILED PURSUANT TO RULE 14D-2 UNDER THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934


July 26, 2002

 

TELIA AB

(Name of Filer)

 

SONERA CORPORATION

(Subject Company)

 

0-30340

(Exchange Act File No. of Subject Company)



 


Table of Contents

THE FOLLOWING IS THE SECOND QUARTER INTERIM REPORT FOR TELIA AB PUBLISHED ON JULY 25, 2002.

 


TABLE OF CONTENTS

Interim Report


Table of Contents


   
Interim Report  
 
January–June 2002
(TELIA LOGO)
Telia AB (publ), SE-123 86 Farsta, Corp. Reg. No. 556103-4249, Registered office: Stockholm

Q2 in Brief

  Group net sales increased 1% to MSEK 14,346 (14,203)
- Core business +6 percent
 
  Underlying EBITDA improved 19% to MSEK 3,587 (3,014)
- Core business +12 percent
 
  The margin increased to 25% (21%)
 
  Operating income totaled MSEK 119 (988) and was burdened with restructuring costs of MSEK 482
 
  Capital expenditure declined to MSEK 2,091 (3,666) and operating cash flow was MSEK 1,472
 
  The EU approved the merger with Sonera on July 10

Review of Earnings

                                 

      Apr-Jun   Apr-Jun   Jan-Jun   Jan-Jun   Jan-Dec
MSEK   2002   2001   2002   2001   2001











Net sales
    14,346     14,203     28,231     27,795     57,196
Change in net sales (%)
    1.0     7.8     1.6     6.8     5.8
Underlying EBITDA
    3,587     3,014     6,968     6,362     12,915
Underlying EBITDA margin (%)
    25.0     21.2     24.7     22.9     22.6
 
Depreciation, amortization and write-downs
    -3,004     -2,505     -5,711     -4,915     -13,975
 
Items not reflecting underlying business operations
    -827     271     -804     301     384
 
Income from associated companies
    363     208     375     51     6,136
Operating income
    119     988     828     1,799     5,460
Income after financial items
    -78     909     457     1,411     4,808
Net income
    30     250     157     541     1,869
Basic and diluted earnings per share (SEK)
    0.01     0.08     0.05     0.18     0.62
Operating cash flow
    1,472     3,158     607     132     14,048
Investments
    2,637     5,954     4,690     9,613     20,735
 
of which capex
    2,091     3,666     4,113     7,234     17,713
Number of employees
    16,561     22,468     16,561     22,468     17,149

Comments from Anders Igel, President and CEO

     
– Telia stands strong in today’s turbulent market situation. Telia’s focus on its core business and the ongoing efficiency-enhancing measures are starting to yield results. We will now sharpen our customer- and earnings-focus to make Telia better equipped to employ our strength in the home market.
 
– We are now seeing an increase in mobile usage in all the Nordic markets and we have strengthened our market position in broadband, particularly in the business segment.
  – The earnings trend within the international carrier business is not satisfactory. That is why we now have a comprehensive review underway in order to determine the actions required to attain a positive cash flow position as soon as possible.
 
– It is highly gratifying that the planned merger with Sonera was approved by the EU. This means that we can now proceed with the preparatory work in earnest.

 


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Telia Interim Report January-June 2002

Review of the Group

     
Positive underlying earnings trend.
Streamlining costs affected earnings

 
The Telia Group’s net sales rose by 1 percent to MSEK 14,346 during the second quarter compared to the same quarter of 2001. Both sales and earnings were affected by the divestiture of businesses carried out as part of the Group’s refine and focus efforts.
 
Sales in the core business climbed 6 percent. During the second quarter, Mobile’s sales increased 17 percent, Internet Services’ sales increased 25 percent and International Carrier’s sales increased 22 percent. Within Networks, sales fell 5 percent.
 
Underlying EBITDA climbed 19 percent to MSEK 3,587 and the margin improved from 21 to 25 percent. The improvement in core business was 12 percent. Mobile improved its underlying EBITDA 26 percent and strengthened its margin. Internet Services and International Carrier showed improved earnings by MSEK 24 and MSEK 15, respectively. EBITDA in Networks was on the same level as the second quarter of 2001 with a somewhat strengthened margin.

 
Net Sales and Margins by Quarter (MSEK)
 
(NET SALES BAR GRAPH

 
Depreciation, amortization and write-downs totaled MSEK 3,004 (2,505). Major investments made in 2001 in the build-out of broadband in Sweden, in capacity reinforcements in the fixed network and in the expansion of the international carrier network led to increased depreciation. Write-downs totaled MSEK 137 and were primarily attributable to the portal business.
 
Items not reflecting underlying business operations totaled MSEK -827 (271). Restructuring costs totaled MSEK 482,
  mainly comprised of provisions for redundant personnel, and MSEK 304 refers to certain pension-related costs.
 
Income from associated companies rose to MSEK 363 (208). Income were affected by capital gains of MSEK 335. Not including capital gains and the write-down of goodwill in Netia from the previous year, the improvement in income was MSEK 768, primarily attributable to the fact that companies that reported deficits were divested in 2001 and that the earnings in Netia no longer affect Group earnings since the book value of the Group’s holdings in Netia is zero.

 
Distribution of Net Sales in Q2
 
(DISTRIBUTION OF NET SALES IN Q2 PIE GRAPH

 
Operating income decreased to MSEK 119 (988).
 
During the second quarter, financial items totaled MSEK -197 compared with MSEK -79 during the comparative quarter, which was positively affected by non-recurring financial effects in conjunction with the divestiture of operations.
 
Income after financial items totaled MSEK -78 (909).
 
After minority stakes and positive tax effect arising from a previously unutilized loss carry-forward, the net income reported is MSEK 30 (250).

 
Six-month period
 
Net sales increased 2 percent to MSEK 28,231 during the first six months compared with the same period in the preceding year. The increase for core business was 7 percent.
 
Underlying EBITDA increased 10 percent to MSEK 6,968 (6,362). The increase for core business was 9 percent.
 
Depreciation, amortization and write-downs climbed to MSEK 5,711 (4,915), of which write-downs totaled MSEK 137.

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Telia Interim Report January-June 2002

 

                 
Items not reflecting underlying business operations totaled MSEK -804 (301). Restructuring costs and certain pension-related costs totaled MSEK 513 and MSEK 195, respectively. 
 
Income from associated companies rose to MSEK 375 (51), including capital gains of MSEK 310. Not including capital gains and the write-down of goodwill in Netia in 2001, the improvement in earnings was MSEK 1,595. 
 
Operating income decreased to MSEK 828 (1,799). 
 
Financial items totaled MSEK -371 (-388), resulting in income after financial items totaling MSEK 457 (1,411). 
 
After minority shares and tax, the reported net income is MSEK 157 (541). 
 
Improved operating cash flow, sustained low debt/equity ratio 
 
Strong improvement in cash flow from operating activities led to an improvement in operating cash flow to MSEK 1,472 during the second quarter compared with the first quarter when operating cash flow was MSEK -865. Operating cash flow in the second quarter of 2001 was MSEK 3,158 after a cash inflow of MSEK 5,089 from divestitures. 
 
  Reduced investments 
 
Investments declined 56 percent to MSEK 2,637 (5,954) during the second quarter. Most of Telia’s business areas reduced their levels of investment. Reduced capital expenditure primarily concerned the fixed network in Sweden and the international carrier network. Other investments consisted of limited capital infusions to associated companies. 
 
Investments during the first six months totaled MSEK 4,690, which represents a 51 percent decrease compared with the same period in the preceding year. 
 
Efficiency measures in core business  
 
The efforts to streamline the core business that started at the beginning of the year are continuing with full force. Substantial efficiency measures and restructuring efforts have been made within sales and distribution, among other areas. The streamlining affected over 1,000 employees, of which over 500 staff members within Mobile, approximately 400 within Networks, approximately 70 within Internet Services and some 50 within Holding. This redundancy is in line with Telia’s previously communicated plans. 
 
The streamlining efforts will continue in the autumn and may lead to further redundancies, mainly within the Swedish operations.

   
 
MSEK
  Jun 30,
2002

  Dec 31,
2001

  Dec 31,
2000

   
The redundancies in the wholly-owned Swedish operations



  are being handled by a Group-wide unit, Telia Resources
Interest coverage ratio (multiple)
Change in total assets (%)
Asset turnover ratio (multiple)
Equity/assets ratio (%)
Capital employed
Net interest-bearing liability
Debt/equity ratio (multiple)
  1.5
-7.0
0.46
49.9
85,249
10,336
0.17
  3.0
4.5
0.46
46.2
90,971
10,661
0.18
  7.3
60.2
0.54
44.4
92,374
20,235
0.37
  and Redeployment, which will support redundant employees in their efforts to find new employment either within or outside the Group for the statutory period of notice as well as a further six months, although for a period of no less than 10 months in all. Telia is working in close collaboration with the union organizations and external players, including TrygghetsRådet and Manpower.

   
 
During the first six months, operating cash flow improved to MSEK 607 (132). 
 
Total assets decreased during the first six months, chiefly attributable to the use of capital gains from the sale of businesses at the end of 2001 to amortize loans. The equity/assets ratio increased from 46.2 to 49.9 percent during the first six-month period. 
 
During the first quarter, interest-bearing loans of approximately GSEK 5 were paid off, while the loan volume during the second quarter remained largely unchanged. The Group’s interest-bearing loans at June 30, 2002 amounted to approximately GSEK 24 with duration of approximately 2 years. Net indebtedness decreased slightly compared with year-end. Telia still has a low debt/equity ratio and is one of the most creditworthy telecommunications companies in Europe.
  During the streamlining efforts, a freeze has been imposed on the employment of permanent staff and also on the employment of temporary staff and consultants. 
 
During the first six months, the average number of employees decreased 34 percent to 16,529. 
 
The EU approved the merger with Sonera  
 
Extensive preparatory work has been completed for the planned merger with Sonera. The EU approved the merger on July 10. The approval requires certain commitments from Telia and Sonera.


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Telia Interim Report January-June 2002

     
Telia has committed to sell its mobile operations, its dealership chain and its wireless LAN business in Finland as well as its ComHem cable business in Sweden.
 
The combined company has committed to ensure that its fixed and mobile network businesses in Sweden and Finland are held in separate legal entities, which are distinct from related retail activities. 
 
The combined company has committed to make available to other telecommunications operators in Sweden and
  Finland its regulated wholesale fixed and mobile network products and international GSM roaming in Sweden and Finland on a non-discriminatory basis compared to the terms on which they are offered internally within the combined company. 
 
Telia and Sonera are of the opinion that the EU requirement will have only a minor effect on the combined company’s result of operations, financial situation and cash flow. 


                     
Review of Business Areas 
 
Mobile — Higher traffic and revenue per customer in all Nordic markets 
 
Continued customer growth, increased SMS usage and increased traffic per customer in all Nordic markets contributed to a 17 percent surge in external net sales, to MSEK 5,110 in the second quarter compared to the corresponding quarter of 2001. The number of customers during the quarter increased by 117,000 to 5,128,000, while the number of customers via service providers fell by 11,000 to 179,000. 
 
  MSEK 20 for restructuring costs related to the establishment of MegaFon. 
 
Operating income totaled MSEK 154 (375). 
 
Investments in the second quarter totaled MSEK 934 (697). The majority of these investments targeted expanding the networks in Sweden and Norway and the construction of the GSM networks in Denmark and Finland. In addition, Svenska UMTS-nät AB received a capital infusion of MSEK 250. 

 
MSEK
  Apr-Jun
2002
  Apr-Jun
2001
  Jan-Jun
2002
  Jan-Jun
2001
  Increased ARPU in Sweden despite lower prices
External net sales in mobile telephony rose 8 percent to





  MSEK 2,650 for the Swedish operations. The average
Net sales
  of which external
Underlying EBITDA
EBITDA margin (%)
  Depreciation,
  amortization etc.
  Items not reflecting
  underlying
  business operations
  Income from
  associates
Operating income
Investments
  of which CAPEX
  5,412
5,110
1,357
25.1
 
-942
 
 
-332
 
71
154
934
683
  4,919
4,372
1,074
21.8
 
-778
 
 
2
 
77
375
697
685
  10,471
9,764
2,591
24.7
 
-1,839
 
 
-348
 
131
535
1,379
1,128
  9,445
8,357
2,241
23.7
 
-1,519
 
 
-14
 
119
827
1,207
1,192
  price level fell 4 percent due to reduced interconnect fees. On May 16, the County Administrative Court confirmed the decision of PTS that the interconnect fee in Telia’s GSM network is to be SEK 0.92 per minute, which is significantly lower than the interconnect fee of other operators with substantial market shares. The price took effect on March 1, 2002. 
 
The number of GSM customers during the quarter increased by 27,000 to 3,344,000, while the number of customers via service providers fell by 4,000 to 87,000.
 
The average traffic volume per customer and month rose to a record high of 139 minutes (130).

  During the quarter, nearly 114 million SMS messages were sent, up 24 percent from the same quarter of 2001.
Underlying EBITDA climbed 26 percent to MSEK 1,357 and the margin improved to 25 percent (22). 
 
Depreciation increased to MSEK 942 (778).
 
Items not reflecting underlying business operations totaled MSEK -332 (2). Ongoing revamping measures, including the implementation of a common organization for the Nordic market, have affected over 500 employees to date this year. Costs, including provisions for redundant personnel, are reported at MSEK 236 under Items not reflecting underlying business operations.
 
Income from associated companies in the Baltic states and Russia totaled MSEK 71 (77), including a provision of
   
Monthly average revenue per user (ARPU) increased to SEK 283 (280) despite lower interconnect fees. 
 
Churn remained at the same level as in the first quarter of 2002, i.e. 11 percent.

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Telia Interim Report January-June 2002

     
Underlying EBITDA climbed 5 percent to MSEK 1,271 and the margin decreased to 42.8 percent (43.0). 
 
New sales consisted mainly of prepaid cards and the trend towards a greater share of prepaid cards. A new mobile subscription, Mobitel Classic, was launched in Sweden during the quarter. This subscription allows the customer to select the services connected to the subscription and to choose either quarterly or monthly billing. 
 
Telia was the first operator in Europe to sign a roaming agreement for wireless broadband (HomeRun) with the Italian mobile operator Megabeam. 
 
Improved earnings in Norway 
 
In Norway external net sales in mobile telephony rose 28 percent to MSEK 1,337. The number of customers during the first quarter increased by 11,000 to 996,000, while the number of customers via service providers fell by 7,000 to 92,000. 
 
176 million SMS messages were sent during the quarter, up 54 percent from the same quarter of 2001. 
 
Simple and attractive customer offers contributed to an increase in the average traffic volume per customer per month to 162 (141) minutes and ARPU climbed to NOK 338 (317). 
 
Underlying EBITDA climbed 82 percent to MSEK 590 and the margin improved to 44.3 percent (30.7). This improvement is attributable to volume growth, greater cost-effectiveness and lower customer recruitment costs. 
 
Customer growth in Denmark 
 
In Denmark external sales in mobile telephony rose 27 percent to MSEK 213. The increase was mainly attributable to customer growth. Several successful campaigns were completed during the quarter, bringing the number of customers up by 91,000 to 413,000 in the second quarter. This strong customer growth is expected to yield a significant increase in revenue during the second half of the year, thereby laying the ground for more rapidly attaining positive underlying EBITDA. 
 
Underlying EBITDA declined to MSEK -232 (-75), primarily due to higher customer recruitment costs. 
 
The ongoing installation of a GSM network in Denmark is expected to be completed during the year. 
 
Sales growth in Finland 
 
In the Finnish market, external sales for mobile telephony jumped 69 percent to MSEK 244 compared with the same quarter of 2001. In June, a switch over from Radiolinja’s network to Telia’s own network took place and a roaming agreement was signed with Suomen 2G. This enhances
  Telia’s opportunities to make the Finnish business profitable as this lowers costs and provides nationwide coverage throughout Finland. The number of customers fell by 10,000 to 235,000 in conjunction with the Suomen 2G deal, which required customers to change their SIM cards. This decrease in the number of customers was less than anticipated. 
 
Underlying EBITDA totaled MSEK –99 (-99). 
 
Telia has committed to selling its mobile operations in Finland and the sales process is already underway. 
 
Growth in the Baltic states and Russia 
 
The mobile operator companies in Russia and the Baltic states continued to show positive development and the number of customers increased by 828,000 to 3,179,000. The increase includes 520,000 customers for MegaFon when the company was restructured. 
 
Income from associated companies in the Baltic states and Russia totaled MSEK 71 (77) during the quarter. 
 
Mobile exchange launch 
 
A new exchange solution, Mobile Switcher, was launched on the market. The exchange function is integrated in the network and the solution targets small and medium-size companies with employees on the move as part of their job, for example various types of service companies. 
 
External net sales for “Business Solutions, telephony” totaled MSEK 515 during the quarter and underlying EBITDA improved to MSEK -31 (-52). 
 
Reduced losses in other business 
 
Other operations, including mobile portals, paging, shops and radio contracting, reported decreased net sales by 21 percent to MSEK 151, while underlying EBITDA improved by MSEK 90 to MSEK -142. Improved earnings were mainly attributable to the portal operations.  
 
Telia transferred some 30 of its retail outlets in Finland to TeleMaaria Oy during the quarter as part of the streamlining efforts.  
 
Internet Services — Stronger market position in broadband
 
Continued customer growth in broadband and price increases contributed to a 25 percent year on year increase in external net sales to MSEK 1,018. The number of broadband customers increased by 39,000 to 392,000 and the average price level for the business area’s products climbed 6 percent.


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Telia Interim Report January-June 2002

                     
Underlying EBITDA improved MSEK 24 to MSEK –144. The improvement is attributable both to price increases and to reduced developmental costs. 
  Several major customer contracts were signed during the second quarter.





  A general agreement was signed with the Swedish Sports
 
MSEK 
  Apr-Jun
2002
  Apr-Jun
2001
  Jan-Jun
2002
  Jan-Jun
2001
  Confederation for the delivery of ADSL connections to the confederation’s over 20,000 clubs in Sweden.





   
Net sales
  of which external
Underlying EBITDA
EBITDA margin (%)
  Depreciation,
  amortization etc.
  Items not reflecting
  underlying
  business operations
  Income from
  associates
Operating income
Investments
  of which CAPEX
  1,029
1,018
-144
-14.0
 
-260
 
 
 
-96
 
-9
-509
121
106
  853
813
-168
-19.7
 
-97
 
 
 
-8
 
-12
-285
292
240
  2,011
1,993
-314
-15.6
 
-369
 
 
 
-97
 
-18
-798
236
206
  1,572
1,528
-518
-33.0
 
-173
 
 
 
-9
 
-27
-727
543
476
  An agreement was signed with Apoteket AB (National Corporation of Swedish Pharmacies) for the delivery of a virtual private network linking approximately 950 of Apoteket’s geographically widespread units via the Internet. This is the largest IP-VPN deal in the Nordic countries and represents a breakthrough in the market. 
 
Weak demand for content and payment services 
 
Weak demand for content services and payment services led to a decline in sales of Internet services to MSEK 34 (39). The services are being reviewed and some have already been removed from the product range or have been adapted to new market conditions.  
 
Internet Services began a collaboration with TV 4 during the quarter for digital distribution of TV 4’s programs and interactive

  advertising. The collaboration also includes portals.
 
The operations are currently being streamlined and restructured in order to increase profitability. The streamlining has affected approximately 70 employees to date this year. Under Items not reflecting underlying business operations, Internet Services reported MSEK 87 in restructuring costs, including provisions for redundant personnel. 
 
During the quarter, the book value of the portal business and payment and security services was written down by MSEK 137, which explains the greater part of the increase in the item Depreciation and write-downs. 
 
Income from associated companies (the e-commerce company Marakanda) totaled MSEK -9 (-12). 
 
Operating income fell to MSEK -509 (-285). 
 
The majority of the investments concerned the digitization and upgrade of the cable television networks to broadband. Investments declined to MSEK 121 (292). 
 
Strong demand for broadband access 
 
Sales of Internet accesses surged 31 percent to MSEK 630. Behind this jump are the price increases introduced in the first quarter for ADSL and Internet Cable and sustained demand for broadband, particularly ADSL in the business segment. During the quarter, the number of ADSL customers increased by 31,000 to 264,000 and the number of Internet Cable customers increased by 8,000 to 125,000. This strengthened Telia’s position as the leading broadband provider in Sweden. 
 
The number of dial-up customers is falling as the number of broadband customers grows. The number of dial-up Internet access subscriptions fell by 17,000 to 816,000 during the quarter. 
 
ADSL was “soft launched” on the Danish market during the quarter. Telia has a strong ADSL offer with a transfer speed of 2 Mbps. 
   
Cable TV business more profitable 
 
The cable TV operations in Sweden and Denmark have stable growth and gradually improving profitability. Second-quarter sales jumped 18 percent to MSEK 333, primarily due to price increases. 
 
A large part of the Swedish cable TV network is digitized and broadband-ready. Of Telia’s 1.4 million connected households, 1.2 million have access to digital TV and 470,000 have access to broadband Internet. At the end of the second quarter the number of digital TV customers was 130,000. 
 
A collaboration with Telenor for a digital TV initiative in Denmark was launched during the quarter. 
 
Telia has made a commitment to the European Commission to divest its Swedish cable TV business as a result of the planned merger between Telia and Sonera. 
 
International Carrier — Order increase in turbulent market 
 
Telia commands a strong position in the international carrier market by virtue of its financial stability and established position as a telecom operator. Despite an increase in orders received in a turbulent market, the volume and earnings trends are unsatisfactory. To resolve this, a comprehensive review of International Carrier’s operations is

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Telia Interim Report January-June 2002

     
underway in order to clarify the actions required to attain a positive cash flow position as soon as possible. 
 
External net sales rose 22 percent to MSEK 1,074 during the second quarter compared with the same quarter of 2001, despite severe pressure on prices. 
 
The sales increase was 6 percent compared with the first quarter of 2002. The increase is primarily attributable to IP traffic and voice while network capacity fell 18 percent due to the fact that two carriers that were Telia customers canceled payments.
  having a positive impact on the cost picture. Ongoing renegotiations on network operation and maintenance agreements have also contributed to lower costs. 
 
Reduced investments 
Investments dropped during the second quarter to MSEK 265 (1,128), the majority of which concerned upgrading network sections that are already in service. 
 
The major investments made in 2001 led to greatly increased depreciation, which is why operating income fell to MSEK –502 compared with MSEK –404 in the same quarter of 2001.









   
 
MSEK
  Apr-Jun
2002
  Apr-Jun
2001
  Jan-Jun
2002
  Jan-Jun
2001
 









   
Net sales
  of which external
Underlying EBITDA
EBITDA margin (%)
  Depreciation, amortization etc.
  Items not reflecting
  underlying business
  operations
  Income from associates
Operating income
Investments
  of which CAPEX
  1,295
1,074
-287
-22.2
-214
 
 
-1
0
-502
265
265
  1,094
877
-302
-27.6
-101
 
 
-1
0
-404
1,128
1,126
  2,490
2,088
-618
-24.8
-411
 
 
-1
0
-1,030
438
438
  2,078
1,627
-567
-27.3
-170
 
 
-1
0
-738
2,260
2,237
  Networks – Recent market development creates opportunities in the retail market
 
Networks’ external net sales fell 5 percent to MSEK 6,879. The decline is attributable to the implementation of local carrier preselection, but also to a weakening trend in the wholesale market. Sales for comparable units fell 4 percent.

   
   








Several players are having significant financial difficulties. Telia is focusing on taking customers from players forced to exit the    
MSEK
  Apr-Jun
2002
  Apr-Jun
2001
  Jan-Jun
2002
  Jan-Jun
2001
market. This has led to an increase in orders received during the  








quarter, despite the continued turbulence and uncertainty on   Net sales   8,350   8,464   16,639   16,513
the market. Some 100 additional ip customers were connected     of which external   6,879   7,262   13,788   14,289
to the Viking Network and sales of IP traffic surged by almost   Underlying EBITDA   2,794   2,793   5,608   5,630
50 percent compared with the first quarter of 2002. 
 
Several contracts were signed, including with Nexion and Albacom as well as university networks such as NordUnet and Belnet. In addition, the agreements with Telenor and kpn were expanded. A large number of fibers in the English section of the Viking Network were sold to the cable tv company Telewest.
  EBITDA margin (%)
  Depreciation, amortization etc.
  Items not reflecting
  underlying business operations
  Income from associates
Operating income
Investments
  of which CAPEX
  33.5
-1,451
 
-229
122
1,236
884
884
  33.0
-1,285
 
83
-2,534
-943
1,859
1,449
  33.7
-2,821
 
-263
106
2,630
2,060
2,057
  34.1
-2,532
 
41
-2,906
233
3,286
2,862
 








The number of orders received doubled during the quarter compared with the first quarter of 2002. Most of the agreements will begin to have an impact on earnings in the third quarter. 
 
Improved underlying EBITDA 
Compared with the first quarter of 2002, underlying EBITDA improved from MSEK -331 to MSEK -287. International Carrier has thus improved its underlying earnings for the third consecutive quarter. The improvement is attributable to increased sales as well as streamlining the operations. 
 
Bringing Telia’s own infrastructure into service has reduced the need for leased long distance capacity, which is
  The Swedish and Danish telecom markets have become overcrowded in recent years, causing financial trouble for more and more players and forcing some to cancel payments. This opens up opportunities for Telia to strengthen its position in the retail market. 
 
Provisions of MSEK 184 were made during the quarter for bad debts. The greater part of these provisions are for second-quarter invoicing to wholesale customers with weak solvency. 
 
Sustained underlying EBITDA despite drop in sales 
The preselection reform caused Telia to lose revenues on the consumer side, but this was partially compensated by increased interconnect traffic. Since local carrier preselection was introduced on February 2, the net effect is esti-

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Telia Interim Report January-June 2002
 
 
mated at MSEK -170, which corresponds to an annual effect of approximately MSEK -400. 
 
Despite the provisions and reduced sales, underlying EBITDA was sustained at the same level and the margin was strengthened somewhat. 
 
Major efficiency measures were implemented during the quarter, including within distribution, which together with reduced costs for interconnect traffic had a positive impact he quarter, there were 351,000 customers on earnings. 
 
Depreciation, amortization and write-downs increased to MSEK -1,451 (-1,285) due to the high level of investment in 2001. 
 
The ongoing streamlining of the operations, mainly within distribution, has affected approximately 400 employees to date this year. Streamlining costs, including provisions for redundant personnel, totaled MSEK 146 and are reported under Items not reflecting underlying business operations. 
 
Income from associated companies improved to MSEK 122
(-2,534), including a capital gain of MSEK 153 from the divestiture of Comsource. In the comparative quarter, the remaining goodwill in Netia was written down and Eircom burdened earnings.
  creased 16 percent. The growth has flagged as a result of the turbulent market situation. 
 
Interconnect traffic sales in Sweden increased 16 percent to MSEK 548. Sales of ADSL/LAN increased to MSEK 47 (2). Second quarter deliveries of ADSL/LAN connections totaled 42,000, of which 11,000 were to service providers outside Telia. At the end of the quarter, there were 351,000 customers connected to Telia’s broadband network via ADSL or LAN. 
 
 
Sales for network capacity increased 17 percent to MSEK 334. 
 
 
The acquisition of Powercom in 2001 contributed to sales in the Danish wholesale business increasing to MSEK 139. 
 
 
Holding 
 
Telia Holding is responsible for the Group’s investments outside of Telia’s core businesses. Telia Holding comprises a number of consolidated businesses, including Finans/Credit, Sergel Kredittjänster, Division Satellit, Division Offentlig Telecom, Telia Promotor, Telia Overseas and Suntel, as well as several associated companies, including Slottsbacken, INGROUP, Drutt Corp, Telefos, AUCS, Infonet Services and COOP Bank.
                     
Operating income improved to MSEK 1,236 (-943), which  

is mainly attributable to the negative result from Netia in 2001.
   
MSEK
  Apr-Jun
2002
  Apr-Jun
2001
  Jan-Jun
2002
  Jan-Jun
2001
   








The large investments previously made in broadband and 
  Net sales
  458
  3,455
  920
  7,240
capacity reinforcements in the backbone network mean that the level of investment is now greatly reduced. Investments dropped off to MSEK 884 (1,859) during the second quarter, contributing to improved cash flow. 
 
 
Retail market 
retail market sales declined 8 percent to MSEK 5,745. This is primarily due to the introduction of local carrier preselection in Sweden in the beginning of February. Swedish traffic revenues dropped 17 percent to MSEK 2,102 during the quarter.
    of which external
Underlying EBITDA
EBITDA margin (%)
  Depreciation,amortization etc.
  Items not reflecting
  underlying business operations
  Income from associates
Operating income
Investments
  of which CAPEX
  201
131
28.6
-121
 
-30
186
166
353
71
  837
-67
-1.9
-221
 
70
2,697
2,479
1,996
184
  461
203
22.1
-240
 
-101
176
38
471
177
  1,901
130
1.8
-476
 
41
2,886
2,581
2,370
520
   








The number of telephone subscriptions in Sweden dropped by 37,000 to 5,605,000 during the quarter. The number of ISDN channels is also falling as more consumers switch from ISDN to ADSL/LAN. 
 
During the quarter, several new teleconferencing services were launched. The market for these services is growing. 
 
Wholesale market
Second-quarter sales jumped 14 percent to MSEK 1,134 in the wholesale business. Sales for comparable units in- 
   
Extensive divestitures in 2001 along with the closing down of Vimera (customer training) and Time (accounting services) Satellit led to a decline in external net sales, but in the second quarter and the current discontinuation of improved underlying EBITDA and strengthened the margin. 
 
External net sales in remaining operations decreased to MSEK 201 (232) while underlying EBITDA improved to MSEK 131 (20). The drop in sales is primarily attributable to Promotor while underlying EBITDA mainly improved within Offentlig Telecom, Suntel, Sergel Kredittjänster and Overseas. 

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Telia Interim Report January-June 2002

     
Depreciation decreased to MSEK 121 (221) due to the divestitures/close-downs. 
 
 
Income from associated companies totaled MSEK 186 (2,697).Income was affected by capital gains and issue proceeds of MSEK 264. The sale of the minority stake in Bharti Mobile is a two-stage process. The shares were sold to Overseas in April, generating a capital gain of MSEK 176 During the second half of the year, Overseas expects to sell the shares and anticipates a capital gain of an additional MSEK 400 for the Group. The comparative quarter of 2001 includes capital gains of MSEK 2,794, of which the sale of Tess in Brazil represented MSEK 2,624. 
 
The closing down and streamlining underway in 2002 has led to a redundancy of 50 employees to date. Under Items not reflecting underlying business operations, Holding reported MSEK 44 in restructuring costs, including provisions for redundancy.
  
Operating income fell to MSEK 166 (2,479). 
 
Investments amounted to MSEK 353. A loan of MSEK 228 to AUCS, which manages remaining operations in the former company Unisource, was converted to shares, MSEK 72 refers to Finans/Credit’s leasing operations and MSEK 25 refers to COOP Bank.
 
  On July 1, Telia divested its remaining 9 percent interest in the Orbiant Group to Flextronics for MSEK 106. 
 
Outlook 2002 
 
Telia is continuing its efforts aimed at developing and streamlining its core businesses. We expect these measures to yield positive effects during the second half of the year. 
 
The current situation in the telecommunications market benefits strong and established players like Telia. The market situation, combined with increased customer- and earnings-focus, will enable Telia to strengthen its future positions in the home market. 
 
A continued lower level of investment than that of 2001 will have a positive effect on operating cash flow.
 
Stockholm, July 25, 2002 
 
 
 
Anders Igel 
President and CEO 
 
   
Auditors’ Review Report 
 
   
We have made a review of this interim report in accordance with recommendations issued by the Swedish Institute of Authorized Public Accountants. A review is substantially limited in scope in comparison to an audit Nothing has come to our attention that   indicates that this interim report fails to comply with the requirements of the Swedish Securities Exchange Act and International Accounting Standards (IAS)

Stockholm, July 25, 2002

         
Ernst & Young AB   Gunnar Widhagen   Filip Cassel
     Authorized Public Accountant   Authorized Public Accountant
Torsten Lyth        
Authorized Public Accountant        


             
Financial Information
 
Interim Report Jan-Sept
Year-end Report 2002
   
 
Nov 4
Feb 3, 2003
  Questions regarding content:
 
Telia AB, Investor Relations
SE-123 86 Farsta, Sweden
Tel. +46 (0)8 713 10 00
Fax +46 (0)8 713 69 47
www.telia.com, Investor Relations
  Reports may be ordered via:
 
Tel. +46(0)8 713 71 43
Fax +46 (0)8 604 54 72
www.telia.com, Investor Relations


9


Table of Contents


Telia Interim Report January-June 2002

                                                         
Consolidated Income Statements

 
      Apr-Jun       Apr-Jun       Jan-Jun       Jan-Jun       Jul 2001-       Jan-Dec       Jan-Dec  
MSEK     2002       2001       2002       2001       Jun 2002       2001       2000  





 
Net sales
    14,346       14,203       28,231       27,795       57,632       57,196       54,064  
Costs of production
    -9,513       -9,363       -18,344       -18,001       -40,778       -40,435       -33,028  





 
Gross income
    4,833       4,840       9,887       9,794       16,854       16,761       21,036  
Sales, administrative, and R&D expenses
    -4,686       -4,193       -9,004       -8,324       -18,623       -17,943       -16,326  
Other operating revenues and expenses, net
    -391       133       -430       278       -202       506       8,493  
Income from associated companies
    363       208       375       51       6,460       6,136       -1,197  





 
Operating income
    119       988       828       1,799       4,489       5,460       12,006  
Net financial revenues and expenses
    -197       -79       -371       -388       -635       -652       -289  





 
Income after financial items
    -78       909       457       1,411       3,854       4,808       11,717  
Income taxes
    89       -640       -308       -848       -2,377       -2,917       -1,447  
Minority interests
    19       -19       8       -22       8       -22       8  





 
Net income
    30       250       157       541       1,485       1,869       10,278  





 
Earnings per share, basic (SEK)
    0.01       0.08       0.05       0.18       0.49       0.62       3.50  
Earnings per share, diluted (SEK)
    0.01       0.08       0.05       0.18       0.49       0.62       3.50  

 
                                                                           
Quarterly Data

      2002   2001   2000
MSEK     Q 2     Q 1   Q 4   Q 3   Q 2   Q 1   Q 4   Q 3   Q 2



Net sales
    14,346       13,885       14,970       14,431       14,203       13,592       14,540       13,487       13,180  
Underlying EBITDA
    3,587       3,381       3,133       3,420       3,014       3,348       3,790       3,180       2,857  
 
Items not reflecting underlying business operations
    -827       23       322       -239       271       30       6,937       -116       201  
 
Income from associates
    363       12       3,746       2,339       208       -157       -370       -759       -710  
EBITDA
    3,123       3,416       7,201       5,520       3,493       3,221       10,357       2,305       2,348  
 
Depreciation and write-downs
    -3,004       -2,707       -6,285       -2,775       -2,505       -2,410       -2,427       -2,099       -1,860  
Operating income
    119       709       916       2,745       988       811       7,930       206       488  
Income after financial items
    -78       535       906       2,491       909       502       7,658       267       356  
Net income
    30       127       -572       1,900       250       291       7,408       172       308  
Earnings per share, basic (SEK)
    0.01       0.04       -0.19       0.63       0.08       0.10       2.47       0.06       0.10  
Earnings per share, diluted (SEK)
    0.01       0.04       -0.19       0.63       0.08       0.10       2.47       0.06       0.10  
Operating cash flow
    1,472       -865       9,171       4,745       3,158       -3,026       3,486       -25,923       -1,935  
Investments
    2,637       2,053       5,157       5,965       5,954       3,659       10,311       16,745       16,042  
 
of which capex
    2,091       2,022       4,849       5,630       3,666       3,568       7,185       3,369       3,841  
 
of which acquisitions
    546       31       308       335       2,288       91       3,126       13,376       12,201  

               

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Telia Interim Report January-June 2002

                                                         
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets                        

                       
      June 30,   June 30,   Dec 31,   Dec 31,  
MSEK     2002   2001   2001   2000                        



Assets
                                                       
Intangible fixed assets
    27,233       26,884       26,816       25,198                          
Tangible fixed assets
    45,700       47,361       47,314       43,807                          
Financial fixed assets
    19,695       20,563       20,784       22,335                          
Total fixed assets
    92,628       94,808       94,914       91,340                          
Inventories, etc.
    485       821       636       773                          
Receivables
    22,843       33,004       23,521       29,072                          
Short-term investments
    1,634       508       7,602       178                          
Cash and bank
    1,619       1,051       1,518       1,352                          
Total current assets
    26,581       35,384       33,277       31,375                          



Total assets
    119,209       130,192       128,191       122,715                          
Equity and liabilities
                                                       
Equity
    59,728       58,570       59,885       55,988                          
Minority shares
    245       1,497       204       320                          
Provisions for pensions
    1,794       3,028       2,358       3,525                          
Other provisions
    10,681       9,014       10,749       7,826                          
Total provisions
    12,475       12,042       13,107       11,351                          
Long-term loans
    20,933       26,092       25,193       20,876                          
Short-term loans
    2,850       10,685       3,931       13,166                          
Non-interest-bearing liabilities
    22,978       21,306       25,871       21,014                          
Total liabilities
    46,761       58,083       54,995       55,056                          



Total equity and liabilities
    119,209       130,192       128,191       122,715                          

                                                         
Condensed Consolidated Cash Flow Statements and Changes in Net
Interest-bearing Liability

    Apr-Jun   Apr-Jun     Jan-Jun     Jan-Jun     Jul 2001-       Jan-Dec       Jan-Dec  
MSEK     2002     2001       2002       2001       Jun 2002       2001       2000  





Cash flow before change in working capital
    2,587       1,988       5,269       4,649       10,892       10,272       9,589  
Change in working capital
    1,240       336       -568       -1,839       1,415       144       563  
Cash flow from operating activities
    3,827       2,324       4,701       2,810       12,307       10,416       10,152  
Cash flow from investing activities
    -2,355       834       -4,094       -2,678       2,216       3,632       -37,121  
Operating cash flow
    1,472       3,158       607       132       14,523       14,048       -26,969  
Cash flow from financing activities
    -1,258       -3,267       -6,535       -405       -12,738       -6,608       26,818  





Cash flow for the period
    214       -109       -5,928       -273       1,785       7,440       -151  





Cash and cash equivalents, opening balance
    2,761       1,296       8,923       1,437       1,207       1,437       1,575  
Cash flow for the period
    214       -109       -5,928       -273       1,785       7,440       -151  
Exchange rate differences in cash and cash equivalents
    52       20       32       43       35       46       13  
Cash and cash equivalents, closing balance
    3,027       1,207       3,027       1,207       3,027       8,923       1,437  





         





Net interest-bearing liability, opening balance
    11,908       24,425       10,661       20,235       19,069       20,235       7,527  
Change in net borrowing
    -1,147       -4,775       239       -669       -7,499       -8,407       12,429  
Change in pension provisions
    -425       -581       -564       -497       -1,234       -1,167       279  
Net interest-bearing liability, closing balance
    10,336       19,069       10,336       19,069       10,336       10,661       20,235  


11


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Telia Interim Report January-June 2002

                                                         
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity                        

                       
      June 30,   June 30,   Dec 31,   Dec 31,                        
MSEK     2002   2001   2001   2000                        



Opening balance
    59,885       55,988       55,988       32,893                          
Change of accounting principles (IAS 39)
          -342       -342                                
Adjusted opening balance
    59,885       55,646       55,646       32,893                          
Dividend
    -600       -1,501       -1,501       -1,470                          
New share issue
                      12,750                          
Underwriting expenses after tax posted directly to equity
                -16       -231                          
Transactions with outside parties
    -11       -178       -155       -82                          
Share of earnings in companies previously outside the Group
                      29                          
Differences arising from translation of foreign operations
    141       4,388       4,268       2,127                          
Fair value measurement of securities available for sale
    107       3       143                                
Gains/losses on instruments used to hedge cash flow
    41       131       114                                
Differences after tax on forward contracts used for equity hedge
    8       -460       -483       -306                          
Net income for the period
    157       541       1,869       10,278                          
Closing balance
    59,728       58,570       59,885       55,988                          

Business Area Breakdown

                                                           
April-June 2002 or June 30, 2002

              Internet     International             Group-     of which          
MSEK   Mobile     Services     Carrier     Networks     wide     Holding       Group  



Net sales
    5,412       1,029       1,295       8,350       -1,740       458       14,346  
External net sales
    5,110       1,018       1,074       6,879       265       201       14,346  
Underlying EBITDA
    1,357       -144       -287       2,794       -133       131       3,587  
Depreciation, amortization & write-downs
    -942       -260       -214       -1,451       -137       -121       -3,004  
Items not reflecting underlying business operations
    -332       -96       -1       -229       -169       -30       -827  
Income from associated companies
    71       -9       0       122       179       186       363  
Operating income
    154       -509       -502       1,236       -260       166       119  
Operating capital
    36,323       1,093       8,937       29,219       -5,564       1,522       70,008  
Equity participations in associates
    2,960       33       0       2,586       2,839       2,839       8,418  
Investments
    934       121       265       884       433       353       2,637  
 
of which CAPEX
    683       106       265       884       153       71       2,091  
Number of employees
    4,484       1,447       796       7,492       2,342       1,523       16,561  
Average number of full-time employees
    4,538       1,450       794       7,414       2,333       1,522       16,529  


12


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Telia Interim Report January-June 2002

                                                           
April-June 2001 or June 30, 2001 (restated)

              Internet   International           Group-   of which        
MSEK   Mobile   Services   Carrier   Networks   wide   Holding     Group  



Net sales
    4,919       853       1,094       8,464       -1,127       3,455       14,203  
External net sales
    4,372       813       877       7,262       879       837       14,203  
Underlying EBITDA
    1,074       -168       -302       2,793       -383       -67       3,014  
Depreciation, amortization & write-downs
    -778       -97       -101       -1,285       -244       -221       -2,505  
Items not reflecting underlying business operations
    2       -8       -1       83       195       70       271  
Income from associated companies
    77       -12       0       -2,534       2,677       2,697       208  
Operating income
    375       -285       -404       -943       2,245       2,479       988  
Operating capital
    35,088       1,827       10,203       29,393       1,850       4,996       78,361  
Equity participations in associates
    2,209       39       0       3,261       4,561       4,561       10,070  
Investments
    697       292       1,128       1,859       1,978       1,996       5,954  
 
of which CAPEX
    685       240       1,126       1,449       166       184       3,666  
Number of employees
    4,897       1,218       686       7,919       7,748       6,965       22,468  
Average number of full-time employees
    4,699       1,164       631       7,717       13,426       12,637       27,637  

                                                           
January-June 2002 or June 30, 2002

              Internet   International           Group-   of which        
MSEK   Mobile   Services   Carrier   Networks   wide   Holding     Group  



Net sales
    10,471       2,011       2,490       16,639       -3,380       920       28,231  
External net sales
    9,764       1,993       2,088       13,788       598       461       28,231  
Underlying EBITDA
    2,591       -314       -618       5,608       -299       203       6,968  
Depreciation, amortization & write-downs
    -1,839       -369       -411       -2,821       -271       -240       -5,711  
Items not reflecting underlying business operations
    -348       -97       -1       -263       -95       -101       -804  
Income from associated companies
    131       -18       0       106       156       176       375  
Operating income
    535       -798       -1,030       2,630       -509       38       828  
Operating capital
    36,323       1,093       8,937       29,219       -5,564       1,522       70,008  
Equity participations in associates
    2,960       33       0       2,586       2,839       2,839       8,418  
Investments
    1,379       236       438       2,060       577       471       4,690  
 
of which CAPEX
    1,128       206       438       2,057       284       177       4,113  
Number of employees
    4,484       1,447       796       7,492       2,342       1,523       16,561  
Average number of full-time employees
    4,538       1,450       794       7,414       2,333       1,522       16,529  

                                                           
January-June 2001 or June 30, 2001 (restated)

              Internet   International           Group-   of which        
MSEK   Mobile   Services   Carrier   Networks   wide   Holding     Group  



Net sales
    9,445       1,572       2,078       16,513       -1,813       7,240       27,795  
External net sales
    8,357       1,528       1,627       14,289       1,994       1,901       27,795  
Underlying EBITDA
    2,241       -518       -567       5,630       -424       130       6,362  
Depreciation, amortization & write-downs
    -1,519       -173       -170       -2,532       -521       -476       -4,915  
Items not reflecting underlying business operations
    -14       -9       -1       41       284       41       301  
Income from associated companies
    119       -27       0       -2,906       2,865       2,886       51  
Operating income
    827       -727       -738       233       2,204       2,581       1,799  
Operating capital
    35,088       1,827       10,203       29,393       1,850       4,996       78,361  
Equity participations in associates
    2,209       39       0       3,261       4,561       4,561       10,070  
Investments
    1,207       543       2,260       3,286       2,317       2,370       9,613  
 
of which CAPEX
    1,192       476       2,237       2,862       467       520       7,234  
Number of employees
    4,897       1,218       686       7,919       7,748       6,965       22,468  
Average number of full-time employees
    4,699       1,164       631       7,717       13,426       12,637       27,637  


13


Table of Contents


Telia Interim Report January-June 2002

                                                           
January-December 2001 or December 31, 2001 (restated)

                Internet       International               Group-       of which          
MSEK     Mobile       Services       Carrier       Networks       wide       Holding       Group  



















Net sales
    19,830       3,305       4,632       34,065       -4,636       10,680       57,196  
External net sales
    17,857       3,288       3,652       29,159       3,240       3,072       57,196  
Underlying EBITDA
    4,705       -970       -1,569       11,710       -961       265       12,915  
Depreciation, amortization & write-downs
    -3,385       -606       -3,589       -5,422       -973       -886       -13,975  
Items not reflecting underlying business operations
    -49       -28       -1       -71       533       -209       384  
Income from associated companies
    361       -45       0       -2,363       8,183       8,233       6,136  
Operating income
    1,632       -1,649       -5,159       3,854       6,782       7,403       5,460  
Operating capital
    36,499       1,401       8,652       30,795       -7,197       287       70,150  
Equity participations in associates
    3,061       22       0       3,488       3,356       3,356       9,927  
Investments
    4,979       903       5,037       7,129       2,687       2,744       20,735  
 
of which CAPEX
    4,341       836       5,037       6,767       732       788       17,713  
Number of employees
    4,813       1,369       777       7,910       2,280       1,576       17,149  
Average number of full-time employees
    4,857       1,257       671       7,693       10,501       9,729       24,979  

Geographic Segment Breakdown

                                                   
January-June 2002 or June 30, 2002

                Other Nordic       Baltic       Rest of       Rest of          
MSEK     Sweden       countries       Region       Europe       world       Group  


























External net sales
    22,285       4,469       110       931       436       28,231  
Depreciation, amortization & write-downs
    -3,725       -1,640       -14       -218       -114       -5,711  
Income from associated companies
    -145       1       86       194       239       375  
Operating income
    2,181       -1,185       88       -328       72       828  
Operating capital
    20,631       35,806       5,126       5,498       2,947       70,008  
Equity participations in associates
    779       -2       5,046       430       2,165       8,418  
Investments
    2,959       1,162       37       498       34       4,690  
 
of which CAPEX
    2,628       1,158       37       257       33       4,113  
Number of employees
    12,916       2,614       190       355       486       16,561  
Average number of full-time employees
    12,843       2,644       195       354       493       16,529  

                                                   
January-June 2001 or June 30, 2001

                Other Nordic       Baltic       Rest of       Rest of          
MSEK     Sweden       countries       Region       Europe       world       Group  


 
External net sales
    22,792       3,709       58       755       481       27,795  
Depreciation, amortization & write-downs
    -3,422       -1,253       -9       -99       -132       -4,915  
Income from associated companies
    125       -3       -1,629       -1,075       2,633       51  
Operating income
    3,788       -978       -1,643       -1,673       2,305       1,799  
Operating capital
    28,178       34,085       5,921       6,367       3,810       78,361  
Equity participations in associates
    1,778       23       5,792       78       2,399       10,070  
Investments
    5,211       1,835       833       1,445       289       9,613  
 
of which CAPEX
    4,121       1,382       20       1,430       281       7,234  
Number of employees
    18,687       2,606       202       407       566       22,468  
Average number of full-time employees
    23,231       3,143       197       446       620       27,637  


14


Table of Contents


Telia Interim Report January-June 2002

                                                   
January-December 2001 or December 31, 2001

                Other Nordic       Baltic       Rest of       Rest of              
MSEK     Sweden       countries       Region       Europe       world       Group  



External net sales
    46,348       8,113       133       1,667       935       57,196  
Depreciation, amortization & write-downs
    -7,975       -2,788       -23       -2,920       -269       -13,975  
Income from associated companies
    5,497       -22       -1,923       -246       2,830       6,136  
Operating income
    12,403       -2,483       -1,967       -4,474       1,981       5,460  
Operating capital
    24,218       34,289       5,623       5,647       373       70,150  
Equity participations in associates
    557       -3       5,508       1,568       2,297       9,927  
Investments
    10,122       5,136       1,271       3,661       545       20,735  
 
of which CAPEX
    8,668       4,752       83       3,611       599       17,713  
Number of employees
    13,365       2,739       196       352       497       17,149  
Average number of full-time employees
    20,922       2,880       201       411       565       24,979  

          

          

Selected Explanatory Notes to the Financial Statements

                                                         
Items Not Reflecting Underlying Business Operations

      Apr-Jun       Apr-Jun       Jan-Jun       Jan-Jun       Jul 2001-       Jan-Dec       Jan-Dec  
MSEK     2002       2001       2002       2001       Jun 2002       2001       2000  





























Phase-out of operations (excluding depreciation, amortization and write-downs)
    -157             -188             -666       -478        
Personnel redundancy costs
    -325             -325             -325              
Certain pension related items
    -304       141       -195       158       -265       88       854  
Initial public offering/integration expenses
                                        -144  
Capital gains/losses (excluding associates)
    -41       130       -96       143       535       774       7,628  





























Total
    -827       271       -804       301       -721       384       8,338  

                                                           
Income from Associated Companies





        Apr-Jun       Apr-Jun       Jan-Jun       Jan-Jun       Jul 2001-       Jan-Dec       Jan-Dec  
MSEK     2002       2001       2002       2001       Jun 2002       2001       2000  





Core business
    176       -2,534       199       -2,937       1,033       -2,103       301  
 
Baltic states (Mobile/Networks)
    42       57       77       80       192       195       189  
 
Netia (Networks)
    0       -1,779       0       -1,922       -542       -2,464       -411  
 
Comsource/Eircom (Networks)
    151       -762       151       -966       1,243       126       -933  
 
Other
    -17       -50       -29       -129       140       40       1,456  
Holding
    187       2,742       176       2,988       5,427       8,239       -1,498  
 
Unisource/AUCS
    40       -61       40       -110       -222       -372       1,445  
 
Telia Overseas
    239       2,603       256       2,601       449       2,794       -1,719  
 
Eniro
    -1       88       -1       380       5,671       6,052       185  
 
Other
    -91       112       -119       117       -471       -235       -1,409  





Total
    363       208       375       51       6,460       6,136       -1,197  


15


Table of Contents


Telia Interim Report January-June 2002

                                                                         
Long-lived Assets

    Intangible assets   Tangible
    Goodwill   Other intangibles   assets
      Jun 30,       Dec 31,       Dec 31,       Jun 30,       Dec 31,       Dec 31,       Jun 30,       Dec 31,       Dec 31,  
MSEK     2002       2001       2000       2002       2001       2000       2002       2001       2000    







Opening balance
    24,686       23,935       1,143       2,130       1,263       1,003       47,314       43,807       33,318  
Purchases
    4       448       22,893       202       1,316       509       3,919       16,409       16,084  
Operations acquired
                19                   40             1,291       2,431  
Sales/discards
    -4             -31       -12       -1       -23       -86       -875       -579  
Operations divested
          -396       -251             -86       -4       -2       -1,258       -387  
Reclassifications
    -2       -2       -10       161       -68       -76       -384       -620       54  
Amortization, depreciation
    -725       -1,375       -655       -209       -338       -212       -4,649       -8,825       -7,352  
Write-downs, reversals of write-downs
    -0       -28       -1       -57       -2             -80       -3,428       -36  
CAPEX contribution from CATV customers
                                        -1       6       21  
Advances
                                        -3       3        
Exchange rate differences
    1,084       2,104       828       -25       46       26       -328       804       253  
Closing balance
    25,043       24,686       23,935       2,190       2,130       1,263       45,700       47,314       43,807  

          

                                                         
Cash Flow from Investing Activities

      Apr-Jun       Apr-Jun       Jan-Jun       Jan-Jun       Jul 2001-       Jan-Dec       Jan-Dec  
MSEK     2002       2001       2002       2001       Jun 2002       2001       2000  







Shares, participations & operations acquired
    -316       -1,416       -345       -1,514       -1,072       -2,241       -30,841  
Shares, participations & operations divested
    1,053       5,089       1,038       5,660       11,009       15,631       9,325  
Intangible & tangible fixed assets acquired
    -2,105       -3,628       -4,086       -7,196       -13,812       -16,922       -15,997  
Other investing activities, net
    -987       789       -701       372       6,091       7,164       392  







Total
    -2,355       834       -4,094       -2,678       2,216       3,632       -37,121  

          

                                   
Net Indebtedness

        June 30,       June 30,       Dec 31,       Dec 31,  
MSEK     2002       2001       2001       2000  

















Long-term and short-term loans
    23,783       36,777       29,124       34,042  
Less: Interest-bearing financial assets     -7,869       -5,998       -7,510       -4,968  
 
Interest-bearing receivables
    -4,119     - 13,179       -4,191     - 10,834  
 
Short-term investments, cash and bank
    -3,253       -1,559       -9,120       -1,530  

















Total net borrowings
    8,542       16,041       8,303       16,710  
Provision for pensions
    1,794       3,028       2,358       3,525  

















Total net interest-bearing liability
    10,336       19,069       10,661       20,235  


16


Table of Contents


Telia Interim Report January-June 2002

                                                   
Gross Investments by Class of Asset

        Apr-Jun       Apr-Jun       Jan-Jun       Jan-Jun       Jan-Dec       Jan-Dec  
MSEK     2002       2001       2002       2001       2001       2000  





Goodwill
    0       424       4       453       448       22,893  
Other intangible assets
    143       62       202       114       1,316       509  
Real estate
    -31       40       17       97       269       552  
Machinery and equipment
    1,979       3,564       3,894       7,023       16,128       15,519  
 
Fixed networks
    1,272       1,213       1,626       1,635       7,022       4,115  
 
Mobile networks
    395       342       797       691       2,124       1,411  
 
Other machinery and equipment
    312       2,009       1,471       4,697       6,982       9,993  
Shares and participations
    546       1,864       573       1,926       2,574       8,269  





Total
    2,637       5,954       4,690       9,613       20,735       47,742  
 
of which capex
    2,091       3,666       4,113       7,234       17,713       16,580  
 
of which acquisitions
    546       2,288       577       2,379       3,022       31,162  

          

                                                   
Financial Instruments

        June 30, 2002       June 30, 2001       December 31, 2001  
MSEK     Book value       Fair value       Book value       Fair value       Book value       Fair value  






Equity participations in associates
    8,418       7,726       10,070       22,911       9,927       9,682  
Other holdings of securities
    464       464       404       404       426       426  
Other long- and short-term receivables
    10,686       10,598       17,911       17,839       10,061       9,973  
Short-term investments
    226       226       352       352       197       197  
Interest swaps received
    683       683                   673       673  
Interest swaps paid
    -645       -645                   -646       -646  
FX interest rate swaps received
    12,346       12,346       8,173       8,173       12,629       12,629  
FX interest rate swaps paid
    -11,546       -11,546       -7,311       -7,311       -11,442       -11,442  
Other currency derivatives
    130       130       553       553       355       355  






Total assets
    20,762       19,982       30,152       42,921       22,180       21,847  
 
                                               
Provisions for pensions
    1,794       1,794       3,028       3,028       2,358       2,358  
Long-term loans
    21,354       21,619       26,931       27,144       25,543       25,890  
Short-term loans
    2,885       2,895       10,922       10,933       4,030       4,044  
Interest swaps received
    -1,869       -1,869       -2,096       -2,096       -1,970       -1,970  
Interest swaps paid
    1,999       1,999       2,131       2,131       2,062       2,062  
FX interest rate swaps received
    -1,781       -1,781       -7,947       -7,947       -1,840       -1,840  
FX interest rate swaps paid
    1,844       1,844       7,680       7,680       1,901       1,901  
Other currency derivatives
    77       77       352       352       430       430  






Total liabilities
    26,303       26,578       41,001       41,225       32,514       32,875  
 
Less book value of:
                                               
 
- Pensions
    -1,794               -3,028               -2,358          
 
- Accrued interest
    -649               -844               -602          
 
- Other currency derivatives
    -77               -352               -430          
 
Book value of interest-bearing liabilities
    23,783               36,777               29,124          
 
                                               
FX swaps/forward contracts (portfolio)
                                               
Purchases of foreign currency
    14,215       14,215       17,022       17,022       19,972       19,972  
Sales of foreign currency
    8,395       8,395       16,613       16,613       14,030       14,030  


17


Table of Contents


Telia Interim Report January-June 2002

                                         
Changes in Share Capital               Average Number of Shares

   
 
    Number of
shares
    Par value,
SEK/share
    Share capi-
tal, KSEK
     
Period
    Number  

   
 
Share capital, Dec 31, 1999     8,800,000       1,000.00           8,800,000     April-June 2002     3,001,200,000  
   Bonus issue, May 20, 2000           1,036.80           323,840        After dilution     3,001,200,000  
   Split 324:1, May 20, 2000     2,842,400,000       3.20               April-June 2001     3,001,200,000  
   New share issue, June 16, 2000     150,000,000       3.20           480,000        After dilution     3,001,739,760  
Share capital, Dec 31, 2000     3,001,200,000       3.20           9,603,840     January-June 2002     3,001,200,000  
Share capital, Dec 31, 2001     3,001,200,000       3.20           9,603,840        After dilution     3,001,200,000  
Share capital, June 30, 2002     3,001,200,000       3.20           9,603,840     January-June 2001     3,001,200,000  

       After dilution     3,001,333,038  
                          July 2001-June 2002     3,001,200,000  
                             After dilution     3,001,200,000  
                          January-Dec 2001     3,001,200,000  
                             After dilution     3,001,200,000  
                          January-Dec 2000     2,932,757,377  
 
 
                                         
Contingent Assets and Contingent Liabilities                   Contractual Obligations                

 
 
    Jun 30,     Dec 31,             Jun 30,     Dec 31,  
MSEK   2002     2001     MSEK   2002     2001  



   


 
Contingent assets
              Tangible fixed assets     883       499  
Collateral pledged
                  Indefeasible Rights of Use (IRU)     68       179  
Shares in subsidiaries
    71       82     Associated & non-consolidated companies     169       274  
 
             


 
Shares in associated companies
    62           Total     1,120       952  
 
                 


 
Blocked funds in bank accounts
    97       9                          



                         
Total
    230       91     Deferred tax                
 
                 
 
Contingent liabilities
                  MSEK   Jun 30,
2002
    Dec 31,
2001
 
 
                 


 
Credit & performance guarantees, etc.
    423       622     Deferred tax liability     7,270       6,940  
FPG/PRI
    163       163     Deferred tax benefit (incl. valuation reserve)   - 1,814     - 1,490  



   


 
Total
    586       785     Net deferred tax liability     5,456       5,450  

 
 

Basis for Presentation

     
General. For the six-month period ended June 30, 2002 and as in the year ended December 31, 2001, Telia’s consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Accounting Standards (IAS). This report has been prepared in accordance with IAS 34 “Interim Financial Reporting.” 
 
Accounting principles. The applied accounting principles, including the adoption of IAS 39 “Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement” as of January 1, 2001, are described in Telia’s Annual Report for 2001. 
 
Discrepancies between Swedish GAAP and the accounting principles applied by Telia are discussed in a separate note.
  Amounts and dates. Unless otherwise specified, all amounts are in millions of Swedish kronor (MSEK) and are based on the six-month period ended June 30, 2002 for income statement items and as of June 30, 2002 for balance sheet items, respectively. 
 
Restated accounts. Some adjustments of the Group’s business organization have been implemented during the first half of 2002. Hence, the business area figures in this report have been restated. 
 
Recently published accounting standards. During 2001 the interpretations SIC-30 “Reporting Currency – Translation from Measurement Currency to Presentation Currency” and SIC-33 “Consolidation and Equity Method – Potential Voting Rights and Allocation of Ownership Interests”

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Tella Interim Report January-June 2002

     
terests” were published, which are to be applied to accounting periods beginning January 1, 2002 or later. The interpretation SIC-32 “Intangible Assets — Web Site Costs” was issued on March 13 and became effective on March 25, 2002. Application of these interpretations has not entailed any changes to the comparative figures. 
 
During 2000 IAS 41 “Agriculture,” was published, which goes into effect on January 1, 2003. ias 41 does not affect Telia’s operations. 
 
Swedish GAAP 
Differences in principles. Telia’s consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with International Accounting Standards (IAS). IAS deviates in certain respects from Swedish GAAP, primarily with respect to the reporting of financial instruments and the computation of pension liability and pension expense. The deviations are described in Telia’s Annual Report for 2001.
 
Translation into Swedish GAAP. Application of Swedish GAAP affects consolidated net income and equity as follows.
  On March 26, 2002, Telia announced its intention to make a tender offer for all shares in the Finnish telecom operator Sonera Oyj. Telia AB is offering to exchange Telia shares for Sonera shares. Holders of Sonera shares will receive 1.51440 Telia shares for every Sonera share that they hold and holders of Sonera American Depositary Shares will receive 0.30288 Telia adss for every Sonera ADS that they hold. Telia’s obligation to exchange Telia shares for Sonera shares is subject to a number of conditions, including, among others, the condition that prior to the expiration of the exchange offer, Sonera shares representing more than 90 percent of the shares and votes in Sonera on a fully diluted basis shall have been validly tendered and not withdrawn and that Telia receives the requisite material regulatory approvals. 
 
On April 18, 2002, Telia sold its 40 percent stake in Comsource UnLtd to the other shareholder, the Dutch telecom operator KPN. 
 
Post-balance sheet events. On July 1, 2002, Telia’s remaining 9 percent shareholding in the Orbiant Group was sold to the other shareholder Flextronics.
                         

 
MSEK
  Apr-Jun
2002
  Apr-Jun
2001
  Jan-Jun
2002
  Jan-Jun
2001
  Jan-Dec
2001
  Related Party Transactions
The Swedish State. The Telia Group’s services and products are offered to the Swedish state, its agencies, and state-owned companies in competition with other operators and on conventional commercial terms. Certain state-owned companies run businesses that compete with Telia. Likewise, Telia buys services from state-owned companies at market prices and on otherwise conventional commercial terms. Neither the Swedish state, its agencies, or state-owned companies represent a significant share of Telia’s net sales or income.











 
Net income under IAS
Financial instrumens
Pensions
Deferred tax
Net income under
Swedish GAAP
  30
7
-1,364
380
 
-947
  250
128
-513
108
 
-27
  157
14
-1,655
459
 
-1,025
  541
-12
-530
152
 
151
  1,869
-43
-1,088
317
 
1,055
 











 
 
MSEK
          Jun 30,
2002
  Jun 30,
2001
  Dec 31,
2001
 











 
Shareholders’
equity under IAS
Financial instrument
Pensions
Deferred tax
Shareholders’
equity under
Swedish GAAP
           
59,728
-71
-1,510
443
 
 
58,590
   
58,570
277
703
-274
 
 
59,276
   
59,885
126
145
-76
 
 
60,080
  Like other operators whose business requires a permit from the state, Telia pays an annual fee to the National Post and Telecom Agency for the agency’s activities. As from January 1, 2002, the fee is equal to 1.57 thousandths of net sales in the operator’s business for which a permit is required. There are additional fees for the agency’s licensing activities under the Radio Communications Act and the Radio and Telecommunications Terminal Equipment Act.

 
 
Changes in Group Composition
 
Events in the first half of 2002. In the beginning of March, 2002, a group of lenders and the largest shareholders, including Telia, came to an agreement for a financial reconstruction of the Polish company Netia Holdings s.a. that primarily entails a conversion of the lenders’ claims to equity in the company. Telia currently owns 48 percent of the share capital in Netia. When all transactions have been completed, Telia’s shareholding will be approximately 3 percent. 
 
On March 19, 2002, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed with the Indian company Bharti Tele-Ventures for the sale of Telia’s holding of 26 percent of the shares in the mobile operator Bharti Mobile Ltd.
   
 
Infonet. Telia owns a participating interest in the American company Infonet Services Corp. In the three-month period ended June 30, 2002, Telia sold services and products to Infonet worth MSEK 5 and purchased services and products worth MSEK 74. In the six-month period ended June 30, 2002, Telia sold services and products to Infonet worth MSEK 12 and purchased services and products worth MSEK 161. 
 
Telefos. Telia owns 49 percent of the shares in Telefos AB. As of June 30, 2002, Telia had interest-bearing claims on the Telefos Group of MSEK 1,428 and had signed a limited

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supplementary guarantee of MSEK 150 for the credit-insured pension commitments of Telefos companies. During the three months ended June 30, 2002, Telia sold services and products worth MSEK 63 to the Telefos Group and bought services and products worth MSEK 850. During the six months ended June 30, 2002, Telia sold services and products worth MSEK 214 and bought services and products worth MSEK 1,988. Some of the services purchased by Telia referred to construction of capital assets. 
 
IN. Telia holds an indirect participating interest in INGROUP Sweden AB (IN). In the six-month period ended June 30, 2002, Telia sold services and products worth MSEK 29 and bought services and products worth MSEK 166. 
 
Other. In addition to those specified, Telia buys and sells services and products to a limited extent from these and other associated companies, in all cases on market terms. 
 
Non-cash Transactions 
 
Vehicles. Telia leases vehicles through financial leasing, primarily from GE Capital. New acquisitions during the three-month period and the six-month period ended June 30, 2002 entailed a non-cash investment of MSEK 12 and MSEK 24, respectively. 
 
Infrastructure/capacity swaps. Within the international carrier operations, swap contracts for infrastructure and capacity are signed with other carriers. Until both parties have fulfilled all deliveries as agreed, the value provided might differ from the value received. As of June 30, 2002, Telia had, through non-cash swapping, net provided infrastructure and network capacity with a book value of MSEK 1.
  basis if the Swedish krona weakened one percent against the transaction currencies. 
 
Telia’s conversion exposure has increased due to the relatively fast growth of Telia’s operations outside of Sweden. Telia does not typically hedge its conversion exposure, unless the exposure would be short-term and relate to a large amount of a freely-convertible foreign currency of a country with smoothly-functioning financial markets. As of June 30, 2002, the Group had no hedged conversion exposure. 
 
Interest rate risk. Telia’s financial policy provides guidelines for fixing interest rates on loan debt relative to the average life of the loan. The Group’s policy is that the duration of loan debt should be from six months to four years. The general principle is to optimize interest rate risk from an overall Group perspective. 
 
As of June 30, 2002, the Group had interest-bearing loans of approximately GSEK 24 with duration of approximately two years, including derivatives. The volume of loans exposed to changes in interest rates over the next 12-month period was at the same date approximately GSEK 8, assuming that existing loans maturing during that period are refinanced and after accounting for interest rate swaps. The exact effect of a change in interest rates on the financial net depends on the timing of maturity of the debt as well as reset dates for floating rate debt, and that the volume of loans may vary over time, thereby affecting the estimate. Fair value of the loan portfolio would, however, change by approximately MSEK 400, should the level in market interest rates make a parallel shift of one percentage point, and assuming the same volume of loans and a similar duration on those loans as per June 30, 2002. 
     
AUCS. Claims of MSEK 228 on the associated company AUCS Communications Services were converted to shares in the company during the second quarter. 
 
Dividend 
 
The year 2001 dividend of SEK 0.20 per share, or a total of MSEK 600, was paid out on May 2, 2002. 

 
Financial Risk Management 
 
Foreign exchange risk. The Telia Group has a relatively limited operational need to net purchase foreign currency, primarily due to the settlement deficit in telephony traffic and import of materials. 
 
Telia’s general policy is normally to hedge the majority of known operational transaction exposure up to 12 months into the future. Given an operational net transaction exposure equal to that of 2001, and provided that no hedging measures were taken, there would be a negative impact on Group earnings of approximately MSEK 30 on an annual
  Approximately GSEK 5 was used during the first quarter of 2002 to repay loans, while the volume of interest-bearing loans did not change significantly during the second quarter. During the second quarter of 2002 the credit deterioration in the telecommunications industry continued, which led to further increases in relative interest rate spreads for most borrowers in the industry. 
 
Financing and liquidity risk. Telia is considered one of the most creditworthy telecommunications companies in Europe, which gives the Group good opportunities to finance operations using the financial markets. 
 
In April 2002, the credit rating agency Standard & Poor’s downgraded its credit rating for Telia AB to A+ for long-term borrowing and to A-1 for short-term borrowing. Standard & Poor’s also put Telia’s rating on its watch list for possible downgrading in light of the bid on Sonera Oyj. Telia’s rating from the credit rating agency Moody’s is the highest possible, P-1, for short-term borrowing, while Telias’s rating from Moody’s for long-term borrow-


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ing is A1. Moody’s has also posted Telia’s rating on its watch list for possible downgrading. 
 
Telia AB has a Revolving Credit Facility, i.e., confirmed loan commitments from a consortium of leading international banks, which constitutes a liquidity tool for the Group. At present, the loan commitment amounts to MUSD 1,000 or the equivalent value in certain other currencies. It was not utilized as of June 30. 
 
Employee Stock Option Program (ESOP) 
 
In May 2001, the Annual General Meeting voted in favor of establishing an employee stock option program involving issue of debt instruments with option rights to subscribe to shares in Telia AB. The employee stock options were allotted free of charge and all employees affected will be given 1,000 options. 
 
The program covers a total of no more than 21,000,000 options that entitle the holder to acquire an equal number of shares in Telia AB. Option holders may exercise their options no earlier than May 31, 2003 and no later than May 31, 2005. Furthermore, a maximum of 6,500,000 options may be transferred to the market in order to counteract the effect of payroll overhead incurred by the options program. 
 
If fully exercised, the ESOP will entail an increase in share capital of no more than MSEK 88, equal to a 0.9 percent increase in the number of shares. The exercise price has been set at SEK 69. The terms of the ESOP may be recalculated as a consequence of share issues, etc. 
 
Telia does not record an expense with respect to the ESOP. As of June 30, 2002 and December 31, 2001, the ESOP had no dilution effect upon computation of earnings per share. 
 
Parent Company 
 
The parent company Telia AB, which is domiciled in Stockholm, comprises the Group’s Swedish operations in development and operation of fixed networks and basic production of network services. The parent company also includes Group executive management functions, certain support units and the Group’s internal banking operations. 
 
Net sales for the period were MSEK 11,640 (11,258), of which MSEK 9,609 (9,488) was invoiced to subsidiaries. Earnings before appropriations and taxes improved to MSEK -233 (-1,165). In the second quarter of 2001, the parent company’s shares in Netia were written down.
  Earnings after appropriations and taxes were MSEK 679 (-927). Equity was MSEK 32,965 (33,296 at year-end), and retained earnings MSEK 9,482 (9,814). 
 
The balance sheet total decreased to MSEK 79,557 (82,796 at year-end). Cash flow from operating activities was MSEK 2,661 (1,090), while operating cash flow was MSEK 2,218 (1,351). Net borrowings declined, to MSEK 1,259 (3,858 at year-end). Cash and cash equivalents totaled MSEK 2,140 (8,068 at year-end). 
 
The equity/assets ratio (including the equity component of untaxed reserves) improved to 54.8 percent (54.0 percent at year-end). 
 
Total investments for the first half amounted to MSEK 2,582 (5,955), including MSEK 1,728 (2,234) in tangible fixed assets, primarily fixed telephony installations. Other investments totaling MSEK 854 (3,721) were primarily attributable to capital infusions in subsidiaries and associated companies. Of the capital infusions to subsidiaries, MSEK 526 was provided through debt conversion. 
 
The number of employees as of June 30 was 3,339 (3,150 at year-end). 
 


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Telia Semiannual Report January-June 2002

                                                                           
Geographical Markets, Business Areas 1)

      Apr-Jun   Apr-Jun   Jan-Jun   Jan-Jun           Apr-Jun   Apr-Jun   Jan-Jun   Jan-Jun
MSEK   2002   2001   2002   2001   MSEK   2002   2001   2002   2001










Mobile
                                                                       
 
                                                                       
Mobile telephony, Sweden
                                  Mobile telephony, Finland                                
 
                                                                       
Net sales
    2,967       2,811       5,701       5,480     Net sales     246       153       462       295  
 
of which external
    2,650       2,456       5,096       4,703         of which external     244       144       459       281  
Underlying EBITDA
    1,271       1,210       2,477       2,404     Underlying EBITDA     -99       -99       -203       -170  
EBITDA margin (%)
    42.8       43.0       43.4       43.9     EBITDA margin (%)     -40.2       -64.7       -43.9       -57.6  
Investments
    493       267       590       504     Investments     98       85       147       123  
 
                                                                       
Mobile telephony, Norway
                                  Business solutions, telephony                                
 
                                                                       
Net sales
    1,332       1,054       2,532       1,959     Net sales     464       493       999       957  
 
of which external
    1,337       1,046       2,513       1,945         of which external     515       368       994       739  
Underlying EBITDA
    590       324       1,012       610     Underlying EBITDA     -31       -52       -52       -19  
EBITDA margin (%)
    44.3       30.7       40.0       31.1     EBITDA margin (%)     -6.7       -10.5       -5.2       -2.0  
Investments
    216       163       428       287     Investments     11       4       11       5  
 
                                                                       
Mobile telephony, Denmark
                                                                       
 
                                                                       
Net sales
    252       184       446       367                                          
 
of which external
    213       168       376       327                                          
Underlying EBITDA
    -232       -75       -360       -219                                          
EBITDA margin (%)
    -92.1       -40.8       -80.7       -59.7                                          
Investments
    112       111       148       160                                          










      Apr-Jun   Apr-Jun   Jan-Jun   Jan-Jun           Apr-Jun   Apr-Jun   Jan-Jun   Jan-Jun
MSEK   2002   2001   2002   2001   MSEK   2002   2001   2002   2001










Internet Services
                                  Networks                                
 
                                                                       
Sweden
                                  Sweden                                
 
                                                                       
Net sales
    865       733       1,691       1,352     Net sales     7,983       7,944       15,840       15,556  
 
of which external
    854       694       1,673       1,309         of which external     6,580       6,882       13,182       13,562  
Underlying EBITDA
    -146       -166       -308       -489     Underlying EBTDA     2,754       2,765       5,521       5,616  
EBITDA margin (%)
    -16.9       -22.6       -18.2       -36.2     EBITDA margin (%)     34.5       34.8       34.9       36.1  
Investments
    97       250       185       478     Investments     774       1,333       1,721       2,494  

1)   For further information: www.telia.com, Investor Relations, Financial Information, External Net Sales per Business Area and Product Segment (specification).
                                                                         
Subscription Trends1)

            Jun 30,   Mar 31,   Dec 31,   Dec 31,   Dec 31,   Dec 31,   Dec 31,   Dec 31,
'000   2002   2002   2001   2000   1999   1998   1997   1996



Mobile telephony, Sweden
    3,484       3,459       3,439       3,257       2,638       2,206       1,935       1,745  
   
                      Norway
    996       985       970       850                          
   
                      Other Nordic countries
    648       567       527       412       203       120              
 
                                                               
Internet,2) Sweden
    1,044       1,028       992       738       604       440       231       106  
       
of which broadband
    322       288       245       51       6       1              
     
   Denmark
    164       158       147       108       78       63       11        
       
of which broadband
    70       65       58       30       11       3              
 
                                                               
Cable TV, Sweden
    1,384       1,389       1,378       1,358       1,348       1,330       1,308       1,291  
 
             Denmark
    186       186       179       175       170       164       145       137  
 
                                                               
Fixed telephony, PSTN, Sweden
    5,605       5,642       5,663       5,783       5,889       5,965       6,010       6,032  
     
                       Denmark
    256       244       264       232       209       160       86       12  
 
                                                               
ISDN channels, Sweden
    905       921       922       838       630       424       244       129  

1)   For further information: www.telia.com, Investor Relations, Financial Information, Operational Data
 
2)   Internet access via the fixed network and the cable television network

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Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements regarding the timing of certain regulatory approvals relating to the planned merger between Telia and Sonera and the timing of Telia’s exchange offer to Sonera’s shareholders and warrantholders. Statements that are not strictly historical statements, including statements about Telia’s and Sonera’s beliefs and expectations, constitute forward-looking statements. By their nature, forward-looking statements are subject to risk and uncertainty because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that will occur in the future. Telia and Sonera are under no obligation to, and expressly disclaim such obligation to, update or alter their forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Additional Information

The combination of Telia and Sonera will be implemented through an exchange offer made by Telia to the shareholders of Sonera. This presentation is neither an offer to purchase nor a solicitation of an offer to sell shares of Sonera. Any offer in the United States will only be made through a prospectus which is part of a registration statement on Form F-4 that will be filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). Sonera shareholders who are U.S. persons or are located in the United States are urged to carefully review the registration statement on Form F-4 and the prospectus included therein, the Schedule TO and other documents relating to the offer that will be filed by Telia with the SEC because these documents will contain important information relating to the offer. You are also urged to read the related solicitation/recommendation statement on Schedule 14D-2 that will be filed with the SEC by Sonera relating to the offer. You may obtain a free copy of these documents after they are filed with the SEC and other documents filed by Telia and Sonera with the SEC at the SEC’s web site at www.sec.gov. Once such documents are filed with the SEC, you will also be able to inspect and copy the registration statement on Form F-4, as well as any documents incorporated by reference therein, the Schedule TO and the Schedule 14D-2 at the public reference room maintained by the SEC at 450 Fifth Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information about the public reference room. These documents may also be obtained free of charge by contacting Telia AB, Investor Relations, SE-12386 Farsta, Sweden Attention: External Communications and Investor Relations (tel: 46 8 7137143), or Sonera Corporation, Investor Relations, Teollisuuskatu 15, P.O. Box 106, FIN-00051 SONERA, Finland, Attention: Investor Relations (tel: 358 20401). YOU SHOULD READ THE PROSPECTUS AND THE SCHEDULE 14D-2 CAREFULLY BEFORE MAKING A DECISION CONCERNING THE OFFER.