Telecom operator Telenor posted revenue of NOK 30,458 million (–3 percent), EBITDA of 37.6 percent (+1 percent), profit of NOK 4,168 million, Capex of NOK 4.5 billion and Capex to sales ratio of 14.9 percent in the first quarter of 2017.
Making investment in fibre network in Sweden and Norway was one of the focus areas of the Capex programs of Telenor.
The global telecom giant said it achieved 3 percent cut in reported Opex. It reduced 600 FTEs during Q1. Telenor said it achieved increase in marcom efficiency and lowered cost in regulation.
“Telenor delivered organic EBITDA growth, while revenues were stable in the first quarter. Highlights were the strong data consumption in emerging Asia and the solid fibre momentum in Norway as well as Sweden,” said Sigve Brekke, CEO of Telenor Group.
Recently, Telenor announced its decision to exit from the Indian telecom market. Telenor’s India operation was purchased by Bharti Airtel.
Telenor has also started selling its stake in VEON.
Telenor Group said it expects an organic revenue growth in the range of 1 percent to 2 percent and an EBITDA margin of around 37 percent. The Capex to sales ratio excluding licenses is expected to be 15 percent to 16 percent for 2017.
Telenor said data monetization is driving revenue growth and margins in emerging telecom markets in Asia. Telenor has presence in Bangladesh (Grameenphone), Pakistan and Myanmar.
