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12 August 2003

Netia S.A. reports 2003 first half results


WARSAW, Poland � August 12, 2003 � Netia S.A. ("Netia", formerly Netia Holdings S.A.) (WSE: NET), Poland's largest alternative provider of fixed-line telecommunications services, today announced unaudited consolidated financial results for the second quarter and six months ended June 30, 2003.

 

Financial Highlights:
  • Revenues for Q2 2003 were PLN 177.8m (US$45.6m), a year-on-year increase of 16%. Revenues for H1 2003 were PLN 339.1m (US$87.0), a year-on-year increase of 13%.
  • EBITDA for Q2 2003 was PLN 50.6m (US$13.0m), representing an EBITDA margin of 28% and a year-on-year increase of 20%. EBITDA for H1 2003 was PLN 94.2m (US$24.2m), representing an EBITDA margin of 28% and a year-on-year increase of 30%.
  • Net loss for Q2 2003 decreased to PLN 15.4m (US$3.9), a year-on-year decrease of 94%. Net loss for H1 2003 was PLN 95.6m (US$24.5m), a year-on-year decrease of 81% achieved due to improved operating results and lower financial expense following the financial restructuring. The main item affecting negatively the net loss for H1 2003 was a PLN 41.2m (US$10.6m) non-cash one-time write-off of 2002 Notes issuance costs, following the early redemption recorded in Q1 2003.
  • Following the early redemption of Netia's 2002 Notes on March 24, 2003, Netia has only PLN 5.4m or US$1.4m (at present value of future payments) of long-term outstanding liabilities, payable between 2007 and 2012 pursuant to the Restructuring Agreement.
  • Cash at June 30, 2003 was PLN 192.6m (US$49.4m).
  • Outline of Netia's five-year business strategy was published on May 22, 2003, following its approval by Netia's supervisory board.

Operational Highlights:

  • Sales of telecommunications products other than traditional direct voice (including indirect voice, data transmission, interconnection, wholesale and other telecom services) increased their share of total revenues from telecom services to 29% or PLN 51.3m (US$13.2m) in Q2 2003 from 15% in Q2 2002 and to 26% or PLN 87.6m (US$22.5m) in H1 2003 from 13% in H1 2002.
  • Revenues from business customers accounted for 59% and 58% of telecom revenues in Q2 2003 and H1 2003, respectively.
  • Subscriber lines (net of churn and disconnections) increased to 351,295 at June 30, 2003 from 342,145 at June 30, 2002, a year-on-year increase of 3%. Business customer lines increased to 111,162, representing a year-on-year increase of 9% and 32% of total subscriber lines.
  • Average monthly revenue per line (with regard to direct voice services) decreased by 4% to PLN 119 (US$31) in Q2 2003, compared to PLN 124 in Q2 2002, as a result of decreasing tariffs. A decrease in ARPUs was to some extent offset by the favorable product-mix shift within telecom revenues mentioned above. Average monthly revenue per line in Q2 2003 remained the same as in Q1 2003 (PLN 119).
  • New, more competitive tariff plans for domestic long-distance calls and fixed-to-mobile calls were introduced on April 1, 2003 and July 1, 2003, respectively.
  • Netia acquired �wiat Internet S.A. ("�wiat Internet", formerly TDC Internet Polska S.A.), a Polish Internet service provider, from TDC Internet A/S in April 2003 for a Polish zloty equivalent of EUR 1,000. Its service offering includes fixed-line access to Internet, hosting and IP VPN services. At the acquisition, �wiat Internet had cash of PLN 17.5m (US$4.5m) and no debt liabilities. The acquired business contributed revenue of PLN 8.4m (US$2.2m) in Q2 2003. With this acquisition, Netia expects to complement its current product portfolio and expand the business customer base.
  • Netia acquired from TeliaSonera AB the remaining 11% of shares in Netia 1 Sp. z o.o., its vehicle for providing indirect services, in May 2003 for the approximate amount of PLN 0.6m (US$0.2m) and currently holds 100% in share capital of Netia 1 Sp. z o.o.
  • Headcount of Netia group without Świat Internet decreased to 1,275 at June 30, 2003 from 1,283 at March 31, 2003 and from 1,323 at June 30, 2002. Including this acquisition, total headcount was 1,430 at June 30, 2003.
Wojciech Madalski, Netia's President and Chief Executive Officer, commented: "Netia achieved several major milestones in the quarter: � the completion of our financial restructuring and the re-admission of our shares to the WIG20 Index; the approval of the company's medium-term strategy by the supervisory board; and the successful completion of our first acquisition, which represents an important step within one of the fundamental directions of this strategy.
"Consistent with our strategic assumptions, acquisitions such as the newly acquired �wiat Internet are enhancing our strategic position with business customers, while increasing demand for products other than traditional direct voice services is having a clearly positive effect on Netia's operating performance. Revenues from these products amounted to nearly one-third of half-year revenues, double their share a year ago.
"Finally, Netia's accelerating sales trend highlights our opportunities in the Polish telecom market, and the continuing EBITDA margin improvement reflects our constant focus on Netia's operating efficiency."

Zbigniew Łapiński, Chief Financial Officer of Netia, added: "Netia continued to deliver solid results in the second quarter 2003. Revenues grew 16% year-on-year, EBITDA margin was 28%, net loss fell to only PLN 15 million and Netia (excluding �wiat Internet) was cash flow � positive in the second quarter 2003.

"Netia achieved a 28% EBITDA margin despite the negative impact of the consolidation of �wiat Internet into the Netia group. Excluding �wiat Internet, EBITDA margin from Netia's traditional business base was 35% for the quarter. We are pleased with the performance of �wiat Internet, which, using its own cash for restructuring, is expected to produce a positive EBITDA margin in the fourth quarter 2003. We envisage the operational integration of �wiat Internet into Netia to be completed by the year-end, with legal consolidation to follow during the first quarter of next year.
"A formal plan of Netia's internal consolidation was submitted to Polish court and we expect the process to be completed in the first quarter of 2004."

Restructuring and Other Highlights:

  • The Financial Restructuring was completed by the issuance of subscription warrants to acquire 64,848,442 series J shares at a strike price of PLN 2.53 to the holders of record of Netia's shares as of December 22, 2002. The warrants were issued on May 16, 2003 and began trading on the Warsaw Stock Exchange on May 27, 2003 under the symbols NETPPO2 and NETPPO3.
  • A EUR 14.0m deposit was turned over to Netia in May, 2003, in accordance with a decision by a U.S. Bankruptcy Court, dated March 7, 2003, giving full force and effect to Netia's arrangement and composition plans ratified earlier by Polish and Dutch courts, respectively.
  • Netia's issued and outstanding share capital equaled PLN 344,163,013 as of June 30, 2003. Netia's share capital increases upon any exercise of any subscription warrants, which were issued in connection with Netia's financial restructuring. As of August 12, 2003, there were 176,489 subscription warrants exercised out of a total of 64,848,442 issued. Following the exercise of these warrants, Netia's share capital equaled PLN 344,221,701 as of August 12, 2003 and was divided into 344,221,701 shares, PLN 1 par value per share, representing 344,221,701 votes at Netia's general meeting of shareholders.
  • A termination notice under Netia's American Depositary Receipts ("ADRs") facility was distributed at Netia's request to holders of Netia's ADRs by The Bank of New York (the "Depositary") on July 1, 2003. Holders of Netia's ADRs will be able to submit their ADRs to the Depositary in order to exchange their ADRs for deposited shares until Friday, March 26, 2004. Commencing Monday, March 29, 2004, the Depositary will be able to sell all remaining deposited shares on the Warsaw Stock Exchange and hold the net proceeds of such sales for the benefit of ADR holders. After completion of such sales, the Depositary will distribute the net proceeds of such sales to remaining ADR holders.
  • A General Shareholders' Meeting of Netia held on June 12, 2003 adopted resolutions concerning the: (i) approval of the management board's reports on Netia and the Netia group for 2002, the stand-alone financial statements of Netia and the consolidated financial statements of the Netia group for 2002; (ii) coverage of losses for 2002 and accumulated losses from previous periods from Netia's other reserve capital and share premium; (iii) acknowledgment and approval of the duties performed by members of the supervisory board in 2002; (iv) acknowledgment and approval of the duties performed by members of the management board in 2002; (v) amendments to the "Rules of Remunerating the Supervisory Board Members"; (vi) remuneration for members of the supervisory board (the Chairman of Netia's supervisory board gave up his right to receive remuneration prospectively); (vii) change of Netia's name to "Netia S.A.", and (viii) non-material amendment of par. 5 of Netia's statute.
  • Changes within Netia's management board. Effective June 12, 2003, Paul Kearney replaced Mariusz Piwowarczyk as Netia's Management Board member and Chief Technology Officer.
  • License fee payments related to Netia's domestic long-distance license, amounting to approximately PLN 9.2m (US$2.4m), were made on April 18, 2003.
  • A decision promising the cancellation of Netia's outstanding local license fees, amounting to EUR91.4m, based on investments incurred by Netia in 2001 and 2002 (upon the positive verification of these investments) and deferring such payments until September 30, 2004 was issued by the Polish Minister of Infrastructure on August 7, 2003.
  • Change of Netia's name to "Netia S.A." was registered by the Polish court in July, 2003, in accordance with the resolution of Netia's general meeting of shareholders adopted on June 12, 2003.

Consolidated Financial Information

Please note that due to the changes in presentation introduced as of January 1, 2003 and related reclassification of interconnection charges and revenues as well as part of voice termination charges and revenues (previously shown net), the revenues and operating cost figures for periods ended through December 31, 2002 were adjusted accordingly to reflect these changes and therefore vary from the figures reported previously. In addition, ARPUs presented in this release are given for a relevant three-month period as opposed to figures for a last month in a period reported previously. Please also see our condensed consolidated financial statements for the six-month period ended June 30, 2003.

 2003 Year-to-Date vs. 2002 Year-to-Date

Revenues increased by 13% to PLN 339.1 (US$87.0) for H1 2003 compared to PLN 301.3m for H1 2002.

Revenues from telecommunications services increased by 15% to PLN 334.1 (US$85.7m) from PLN 291.0m in H1 2002. The increase was primarily attributable to expansion of other than traditional direct voice products, such as indirect voice, data transmission, interconnection, wholesale and other telecom services (the share of revenues from these products increased to 26% of total revenues from telecommunications services in H1 2003 as compared to 13% in H1 2002) as well as an increase in the number of business lines and an increase in business mix of lines.

EBITDA increased by 30% to PLN 94.2m (US$24.2m) for H1 2003 from PLN 72.3m for H1 2002. EBITDA margin increased to 27.8% from 24.0%. This increase was achieved due to increases in revenues combined with our continuous effort to optimize the level of operating costs.

Interconnection charges were PLN 63.0m (US$16.2m) for H1 2003, unchanged from H1 2002. Interconnection charges remained at a stable level in spite of an increase in traffic and related interconnection charges from provision of indirect voice services driven by an increased proportion of traffic carried through Netia's backbone network and lower interconnection rates on fixed-to-mobile and international long-distance calls.

Operating expenses (excluding interconnection charges) represented 55% of total revenues for H1 2003, which is the same level as for H1 2002, and consisted primarily of salaries and benefits as well as legal and financial services. Operating expenses (excluding interconnection charges) increased by 12% to PLN 186.5m (US$47.9m) for H1 2003 from PLN 166.1m for H1 2002. This was mainly due to a 26% increase in legal and financial services to PLN 41.9m (US$10.7m) from PLN 33.2m in H1 2002, associated to a large extent with the ongoing process of Netia's internal consolidation and the increased costs of insurance recorded in Q1 2003, as well as a 121% increase in sales and marketing expenses to PLN 13.0m (US$3.3m) from PLN 5.9m in H1 2002, following the successful financial restructuring of Netia. In addition, significant one-time severance payments, resulting from senior management changes, were recorded in H1 2003.

Depreciation of fixed assets remained stable, amounting to PLN 98.0m (US$25.2m) compared to PLN 97.3m for H1 2002, as the construction stage of the network expansion was completed.

Amortization of intangible assets increased by 16% to PLN 42.5m (US$10.9m) from PLN 36.6m for H1 2002 due to an increased level of amortization costs related to the implementation of our new information technology systems.

Amortization of negative goodwill arising from the purchases of shares in �wiat Internet and Netia 1 Sp. z o.o. amounting to PLN 19.4m (US$5.0m) was recorded in H1 2003.

Net financial expenses decreased to PLN 69.0m (US$17.7m) for H1 2003 from PLN 432.3m in H1 2002, due to the successful completion of the financial restructuring and the elimination of obligations under notes previously issued by Netia. In addition, the net financial expenses for Q1 2003 included a write-off in the amount of PLN 41.2m (US$10.6m) related to an unamortized part of the 2002 Notes issuance costs, following the early redemption.

Net loss decreased by 81% to PLN 95.6m (US$24.5m), compared to a net loss of PLN 495.4m for H1 2002. The decrease in net loss between these periods was mainly attributable to an improvement in operating results and decrease in the net financial expenses mentioned above.

Net cash used for the purchase of fixed assets and computer software decreased by 54% to PLN 76.5m (US$19.6m) in H1 2003 from PLN 164.8m in H1 2002, in accordance with the revised business plans aimed at preserving cash. At the same time, PLN 199.3m (US$51.1m) deposited in Q4 2002 in a restricted account as temporary security for obligations arising under the 2002 Notes was released, and a deposit of PLN 60.2m (US$15.5m) was turned over to Netia in Q2 2003 following the successful completion of its financial restructuring; also, net cash in the amount of PLN 16.7m (US$4.3m) was received in Q2 2003 upon the purchase of �wiat Internet. As a result, cash provided by investing activities amounted to PLN 189.5m (US$48.6m) in H1 2003, compared to cash usage of PLN 164.7m in H1 2002.

Cash and cash equivalents at June 30, 2003 in the amount of PLN 192.6m (US$49.4m) were available to fund Netia's operations.

Q2 2003 vs. Q1 2003

Revenues increased by 10% to PLN 177.8m (US$45.6m) for Q2 2003 from PLN 161.3m for Q1 2003. This increase was attributable mainly to a 41% increase in revenues from telecommunications products other than traditional direct voice to PLN 51.3m (US$13.2m) in Q2 2003 from PLN 36.3m in Q1 2003 and a 1% increase in direct voice revenues to PLN 124.0m (US$31.8m) for Q2 2003 from PLN 122.5m in Q1 2003.

Other operating income of PLN 4.5m (US$1.1m) was recorded in Q2 2003 due to the reimbursement of VAT paid in prior years by Netia's subsidiary, pursuant to a decision of Tax Office dated April 17, 2003.

EBITDA increased by 16% to PLN 50.6 (US$13.0m) for Q2 2003 from PLN 43.6m in Q1 2003. EBITDA margin increased to 28.4% for Q2 2003 from 27.0% for Q1 2003, as Netia recorded an increase in revenues of 10% or PLN 16.5m (US$4.2m) and an increase in operating costs of 12% or PLN 14.0m (US$3.6m). Operating cost increases were mainly driven by the increase in costs of rented lines and network maintenance (which are main cost categories incurred in �wiat Internet) as well as some increases in other operating costs due to the process of merging �wiat Internet into the Netia group. Without �wiat Internet's impact, the EBITDA margin on Netia's traditional business base increased to 35% in Q2 2003 from 27% in Q1 2003.

Net loss amounted to PLN 15.4m (US$3.9m) in Q2 2003, compared to a net loss of PLN 80.3m in Q1 2003. The change was mainly due to a decrease in net financial expenses to PLN 14.5m (US$3.7m) in Q2 2003 from PLN 54.5m in Q1 2003. The net financial expenses for Q1 2003 included a write-off in the amount of PLN 41.2m (US$10.6m) related to the unamortized part of the 2002 Notes issuance costs, following their redemption. At the same time, the net loss for Q2 2003 was positively influenced by amortization of the negative goodwill in the amount of PLN 19.4m (US$5.0m) recorded in Q2 2003 as a result of the purchase of shares in �wiat Internet and Netia 1 Sp. z o.o.

Operational Review

Connected lines at June 30, 2003 amounted to 503,672. This number is net of (i) a decrease in equivalent of lines by approximately 4,000 connected lines arising from the reconfiguration of the radio-access system recorded in Q4 2002, (ii) provision for impairment of 27,350 connected lines recorded in Q3 2002 and (iii) the write-off of 70,200 connected lines in Q3 2001.

Subscriber lines in service increased by 3% to 351,295 at June 30, 2003 from 342,145 at June 30, 2002 and by 2% from 345,447 at March 31, 2003. The number of subscriber lines is net of customer voluntary churn and disconnections by Netia of defaulting payers, which amounted to 6,610 and 1,536, respectively, for Q2 2003 and 14,806 and 3,219, respectively, for H1 2003. The total churn of 8,146 subscriber lines recorded in Q2 2003 was down from 10,107 subscriber lines in Q2 2002 and from 9,879 subscriber lines in Q1 2003.

Business customer lines in service increased by 9% to 111,162 at June 30, 2003 from 101,997 at June 30, 2002 and by 2% from 108,603 at March 31, 2003.

Business lines as a percentage of total subscriber lines reached 31.6%, up from 29.8% at June 30, 2002 and 31.4% at March 31, 2003, reflecting the intensified focus on the corporate and SME market segments. Business customer lines accounted for 44% of net additions in the quarter. Revenues from business customer lines accounted for 57% of revenues from providing direct voice services for H1 2003 and Q2 2003.

Average monthly revenue per business line amounted to PLN 213 (US$55) for Q2 2003, representing a 10% decrease from PLN 236 for Q2 2002 and a 1% decrease from PLN 215 for Q1 2003.

Average monthly revenue per residential line amounted to PLN 74 (US$19) for Q2 2003, representing a 1% decrease from PLN 75 for Q2 2002 and a 1% increase from PLN 73 for Q1 2003.

Average monthly revenue per line amounted to PLN 119 (US$31) for Q2 2003, representing a 4% decrease from PLN 124 in Q2 2002 and remained stable compared to Q1 2003. Decreasing ARPUs for both residential and business lines reflect continued overall telecom tariff reduction trends.

Free-phone access numbers (0-800) for dial-up Internet connections offered on a call-back principle were introduced by Netia on June 5, 2003, thus eliminating the cost of the initial connection to Netia's server for users of the "Netia Callback" service.

Premium rate services (0-708) were introduced by Netia on April 1, 2003, adding to the portfolio of intelligent network services (free-phone and split-charge) offered since February 2002.

Headcount at June 30, 2003 was 1,430, compared to 1,323 at June 30, 2002 and 1,283 at March 31, 2003. The increase in headcount was due to the acquisition of �wiat Internet in April 2003 (which at the time of the acquisition employed 234 people) and transfer of its staff to Netia.

The number of active lines in service per employee increased by 6% to an average of 280 in Q2 2003, from 265 in Q2 2002. The number of active lines in service per employee in H1 2003 increased by 9% to an average of 278 from 256 in H1 2002.

Monthly average telecommunications revenue per employee increased by 19% to PLN 45,326 (US$11,632) in Q2 2003 from PLN 38,262 in Q2 2002. Monthly average telecommunications revenue per employee in H1 2003 increased by 21% to PLN 43,910 (US$11,269) from PLN 36,246 in H1 2002.

Outstanding license fee obligations related to Netia's local licenses amounted to approximately PLN 422.7m (US$108.5m) (in nominal terms) at June 30, 2003. In December 2002, changes were introduced into the Polish telecommunications law that provided for cancellation of local license fee obligations in exchange for investments in the telecommunications infrastructure or their conversion into shares or debt of companies with outstanding license fees. Netia has filed for cancellation of all outstanding local license fees based on capital expenditures it has already incurred. On August 7, 2003, the Polish Minister of Infrastructure issued decisions promising to cancel the outstanding local license fee obligations amounting to EUR91.4m (PLN 399.4m at the exchange rate prevailing at August 7, 2003) along with the prolongation fees totaling PLN 15.8m owed in connection with prior deferrals granted to Netia's subsidiaries, upon verification by the Minister of Infrastructure of investments incurred as reported in accordance with requirements of the law enacted in December 2002. The Minister of Infrastructure also deferred those license fee obligations and prolongation fees until September 30, 2004.

Based on these decisions all outstanding local license fee obligations of the Netia group companies will be cancelled based on investments incurred in 2001 and 2002 provided such investments are verified by the Ministry of Infrastructure in accordance with the applicable law.



Key Figures
PLN'000
YTD03
YTD02
2Q03
1Q03
4Q02
3Q02
2Q02
Revenues **
339,125
301,341
177,821
161,304
156,822
154,829
153,081
y-o-y % change
12.5%
15.8%
16.2%
8.8%
6.9%
11.8%
12.7%
EBITDA / Adjusted EBITDA **
94,177
72,339
50,575
43,602
34,197
48,689
42,249
Margin %
27.8%
24.0%
28.4%
27.0%
21.8%
31.4%
27.6%
y-o-y change %
30.2%
132.4%
19.7%
44.9%
16.9%
173.9%
164.5%
EBIT
(26,910)
(61,541)
(1,373)
(25,537)
(68,131)
(133,136)
(24,567)
Margin %
(7.9%)
(20.4%)
(0.8%)
(15.8%)
(43.4%)
(86.0%)
(16.0%)
Net profit / (loss)
(95,625)
(495,417)
(15,367)
(80,258)
148,576
(328,131)
(250,010)
       
Total debt
-
(3,622,000)
-
-
(161,756)
(3,702,559)
(3,622,000)
Cash and cash equivalents
192,642
364,937
192,642
110,855
132,465
374,100
364,937
Capex
(76,526)
(164,772)
(39,215)
(37,311)
(49,477)
(56,299)
(72,710)


US$'000 *
YTD03
YTD02
2Q03
1Q03
4Q02
3Q02
2Q02
Revenues **
87,031
77,334
45,636
41,396
40,246
39,734
39,286
y-o-y % change
12.5%
15.8%
16.2%
8.8%
6.9%
11.8%
12.7%
EBITDA / Adjusted EBITDA **
24,169
18,565
12,979
11,190
8,776
12,495
10,843
Margin %
27.8%
24.0%
28.4%
27.0%
21.8%
31.4%
27.6%
y-o-y change %
30.2%
132.4%
19.7%
44.9%
16.9%
173.9%
164.5%
EBIT
(6,906)
(15,794)
(352)
(6,554)
(17,485)
(34,167)
(6,305)
Margin %
(7.9%)
(20.4%)
(0.8%)
(15.8)
(43.4%)
(86.0%)
(16.0%)
Net profit / (loss)
(24,541)
(127,141)
(3,943)
(20,597)
38,130
(84,210)
(64,161)
        
Total debt
-
(929,528)
-
-
(41,512)
(950,202)
(929,528)
Cash and cash equivalents
49,438
93,655
49,438
28,449
33,995
96,007
93,655
Capex
(19,639)
(42,286)
(10,064)
(9,575)
(12,697)
(14,448)
(18,660)

* The US$ amounts shown in this table and in the entire document have been translated using an exchange rate of PLN 3.8966 = US$1.00, the average rate announced by the National Bank of Poland at June 30, 2003. These figures are included for the convenience of the reader only.
** Please note that due to the changes of presentation format introduced as of January 1, 2003 and related reclassification of interconnection charges and revenues as well as part of voice termination charges and revenues (previously shown net), the revenues and operating costs figures for periods ended through December 31, 2002 were adjusted accordingly to reflect these changes and therefore vary from the figures reported previously.


Key operational indicators
2Q03
1Q03
4Q02**
3Q02*
2Q02
1Q02
Network data
      
Backbone (km)
3,840
3,840
3,840
3,580
3,320
3,300
Number of connected lines (cumulative)
503,672
501,512
500,552
503,358
529,658
527,562
       
Subscriber data (with regard to direct voice services)
      
Subscriber lines (cumulative)
351,295
345,447
341,160
340,232
342,145
342,288
Incl. ISDN equivalent of lines
59,916
56,510
53,288
50,886
49,262
47,644
Total net additions
5,848
4,287
928
(1,913)
(143)
(1,514)
Business net additions
2,559
2,965
2,429
1,212
1,434
2,569
Business subscriber lines (cumulative)
111,162
108,603
105,638
103,209
101,997
100,563
Business mix of total subscriber lines (cumulative)
31.6%
31.4%
31.0%
30.3%
29.8%
29.4%
       
ARPU (PLN) ^
119
119
121
121
124
124
ARPU per business line (PLN) ^
213
215
222
232
236
243
ARPU per residential line (PLN) ^
74
73
75
73
75
75
       
Churn
8,146
9,879
12,985
13,598
10,107
14,444
Disconnections of defaulting payers originated by Netia
1,536
1,683
5,279
5,341
5,910
7,299
Voluntary churn
6,610
8,196
7,706
8,257
4,197
7,145
       
Others
      
Headcount
1,430
1,283
1,289
1,283
1,323
1,362
^ ARPUs presented in this report are given for a relevant three-month period as opposed to figures for a last month in a period reported previously.
* The number of connected lines reported for Q3 2002 has been recalculated in order to reflect the impairment of 27,350 lines due to the future limited utilization of certain existing parts of Netia's local access network.
** The number of connected lines reported for Q4 2002 has been recalculated in order to reflect the reconfiguration of the radio-access system by approximately 4,000 connected lines.



Income statement (according to IAS), unaudited
(PLN in thousands unless otherwise stated)
    
Time periods:
YTD 03
YTD 02
2Q03
1Q03
Telecommunications revenue
    
Direct Voice
246,486
254,515
123,986
122,500
  • installation fees
  • 495
    684
    226
    269
  • monthly charges
  • 61,657
    63,447
    31,039
    30,618
  • calling charges
  • 184,334
    190,384
    92,721
    91,613
  • local calls
  • 62,378
    65,605
    31,070
    31,308
  • domestic long-distance calls
  • 36,912
    36,498
    18,349
    18,563
  • international long-distance calls
  • 14,497
    17,007
    7,391
    7,106
  • fixed-to-mobile calls
  • 59,439
    59,139
    30,907
    28,532
  • other
  • 11,108
    12,135
    5,004
    6,104
    Indirect Voice
    29,280
    12,623
    15,918
    13,362
    Data
    21,108
    8,993
    13,618
    7,490
    Interconnection revenues
    2,871
    3,365
    1,420
    1,451
    Wholesale services
    24,290
    9,497
    13,112
    11,178
    Other telecommunications revenues
    10,031
    2,003
    7,230
    2,801
    Total telecommunications revenue
    334,066
    290,996
    175,284
    158,782
    Other revenue
    5,059
    10,345
    2,537
    2,522
    Total revenues
    339,125
    301,341
    177,821
    161,304
         
    Other operating income
    4,478
    -
    4,478
    -
         
    Interconnection charges
    (62,965)
    (62,915)
    (31,944)
    (31,021)
    Salaries & benefits
    (61,610)
    (61,684)
    (32,359)
    (29,251)
    Legal & financial services
    (41,855)
    (33,241)
    (22,793)
    (19,062)
    Cost of rented lines & network maintenance
    (24,020)
    (27,006)
    (15,714)
    (8,306)
    Sales & marketing
    (13,025)
    (5,886)
    (5,192)
    (7,833)
    Other operating expenses
    (45,951)
    (38,270)
    (23,722)
    (22,229)
    EBITDA
    94,177
    72,339
    50,575
    43,602
    Margin (%)
    27.8%
    24.0%
    28.4%
    27.0%
         
    Depreciation of fixed assets
    (98,007)
    (97,286)
    (49,108)
    (48,899)
    Amortization of goodwill
    19,381
    -
    19,381
    -
    Amortization of intangible assets
    (42,461)
    (36,594)
    (22,221)
    (20,240)
    EBIT
    (26,910)
    (61,541)
    (1,373)
    (25,537)
    Margin (%)
    (7.9%)
    (20.4%)
    (0.8%)
    (15.8%)
         
    Net financial (expenses) / income
    (68,977)
    (432,284)
    (14,484)
    (54,493)
    (Loss) / Profit before tax
    (95,887)
    (493,825)
    (15,857)
    (80,030)
         
    Tax (charges) / benefits
    461
    (1,325)
    609
    (148)
    Minority share in profit of subsidiaries
    (199)
    (267)
    (119)
    (80)
    Net loss / profit
    (95,625)
    (495,417)
    (15,367)
    (80,258)
    Margin (%)
    (28.2%)
    (164.4%)
    (8.6%)
    (49.8%)
         
    (Loss) / Profit per share (not in thousands)
    (0.28)
    (16.08)
    (0.04)
    (0.23)
    Weighted average number of shares outstanding (not in thousands)
    343,591,529
    30,817,291
    343,606,330
    343,576,564


    Note to financial expenses
        
    (PLN in thousands unless otherwise stated)
        
    Time periods:
    YTD 03
    YTD 02
    2Q03
    1Q03
    Net interest expense
    (5,603)
    (209,023)
    (3,722)
    (1,881)
    Net foreign exchange losses
    (20,619)
    (223,261)
    (10,569)
    (10,050)
    Write-off of notes issuance costs due to redemption of notes
    (41,161)
    -
    -
    (41,161)
    Amortization of discount on installment obligations
    (276)
    -
    (140)
    (136)
    Amortization of notes issuance costs
    (1,265)
    -
    -
    (1,265)


    EBITDA / Adjusted EBITDA Reconciliation to Loss from Operations
    (PLN in thousands unless otherwise stated)
        
    Time periods:
    YTD 03
    YTD 02
    2Q03
    1Q03
         
    Loss from operations
    (26,910)
    (61,541)
    (1,373)
    (25,537)
    Add back:
        
    Depreciation of fixed assets
    98,007
    97,286
    49,108
    48,899
    Amortization of intangible assets
    42,461
    36,594
    22,221
    20,240
    Amortization of negative goodwill
    (19,381)
    -
    (19,381)
    -
         
    EBITDA
    94,177
    72,339
    50,575
    43,602


    Balance sheet (according to IAS, unaudited)
      
    (PLN in thousands unless otherwise stated)
      
    Time Periods
    June 30, 2003
    December 31, 2002
       
    Cash and cash equivalents
    192,642
    132,465
    Restricted investments, cash and cash equivalents
    -
    254,211
    Accounts receivable
      
    Trade, net
    100,838
    87,067
    Government value added tax
    9,306
    2,374
    Other
    2,495
    8,147
    Inventories
    2,537
    854
    Prepaid expenses
    16,346
    8,260
    Total current assets
    324,164
    493,378
       
    Investments
    219
    1,663
    Fixed assets, net
    2,213,389
    2,245,917
    Licenses, net
    611,356
    639,176
    Computer software, net
    113,044
    112,685
    Negative goodwill
    (35,305)
    -
    Other long-term assets
    1,106
    -
    Total non-current assets
    2,903,809
    2,999,441
       
    TOTAL ASSETS
    3,227,973
    3,492,819
       
    Short-term liabilities for licenses
    228,793
    211,247
    Accounts payable and accruals
      
    Trade
    53,270
    89,864
    Accruals and other
    96,040
    85,805
    Deferred income
    8,862
    6,956
    Total current liabilities
    386,965
    393,872
       
    Long-term debt
    -
    161,756
    Long-term liabilities for licenses
    124,328
    112,260
    Long-term installment obligations
    5,416
    5,141
    Other long-term obligations
    508
    -
    Total non-current liabilities
    130,252
    279,157
       
    Minority interest
    3,972
    17,499
       
    Share capital
    344,163
    203,285
    Share premium
    1,572,903
    1,713,865
    Treasury shares
    (2,812)
    (2,812)
    Other reserves
    3,816,325
    3,819,712
    Accumulated deficit
    (3,023,795)
    (2,931,759)
    Total shareholders' equity
    2,706,784
    2,802,291
       
    TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
    3,227,973
    3,492,819


    Cash flow statement (according to IAS), unaudited
    (PLN in thousands unless otherwise stated)
        
    Time periods:
    YTD03
    YTD02
    2Q03
    1Q03
         
    Net (loss) / profit
    (95,625)
    (495,417)
    (15,367)
    (80,258)
         
    Depreciation of fixed assets and amortization of licenses and other intangible assets
    140,468
    133,880
    71,329
    69,139
    Amortization of negative goodwill
    (19,381)
    -
    (19,381)
    -
    Amortization of notes issuance costs
    1,265
    -
    -
    1,265
    Amortization of discount on installment obligations
    276
    -
    140
    136
    Write-off of notes issuance costs
    41,161
    -
    -
    41,161
    Interest expense accrued on license liabilities
    4,347
    10,503
    2,222
    2,125
    Interest expense accrued on long-term debt
    3,030
    205,431
    1,903
    1,127
    Minority share in profits of subsidiaries
    199
    267
    119
    80
    Increase in long-term assets
    (1,106)
    -
    (1,011)
    (95)
    Other provisions
    2,234
    -
    1,348
    886
    Foreign exchange losses
    20,218
    228,985
    11,163
    9,055
    Changes in working capital
    (18,124)
    (4,418)
    2,325
    (20,449)
    Net cash provided by operating activities
    78,962
    79,231
    54,790
    24,172
         
    Purchase of fixed assets and computer software
    (76,526)
    (164,772)
    (39,215)
    (37,311)
    Decrease / (increase) in restricted cash and cash equivalents
    259,514
    -
    60,221
    199,293
    Purchase of minority shareholdings in a subsidiary
    (577)
    -
    (577)
     
    Net cash received on purchase of subsidiary
    16,702
    -
    16,702
    -
    Increase of investments
    (415)
    -
    (415)
    -
    Payments for licenses
    (9,160)
    -
    (9,160)
     
    Net cash provided by / (used in) investing activities
    189,538
    (164,772)
    27,556
    161,982
         
    Proceeds from share issue, net
    118
    -
    118
    -
    Redemption of notes
    (204,193)
    -
    -
    (204,193)
    Payments related to restructuring
    (5,952)
    (32,891)
    (1,477)
    (4,475)
    Issuance of notes for warrants
    508
    -
    508
    -
    Payments for cancellation of swap transactions
    -
    (29,279)
    -
    -
    Net cash used in financing activities
    (209,519)
    (62,170)
    (851)
    (208,668)
         
    Effect of exchange rate change on cash and cash equivalents
    1,196
    25,702
    292
    904
         
    Net change in cash and cash equivalents
    60,177
    (122,009)
    81,787
    (21,610)
         
    Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period
    132,465
    486,946
    110,855
    132,465
         
    Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period
    192,642
    364,937
    192,642
    110,855


    Definitions
    2002 Notes
    � 10% Senior Secured Notes due 2008, redeemed fully by Netia on March 24, 2003;
    ARPU
    � average monthly revenue per direct voice line (business or residential) during the period; ARPU is obtained by dividing the amount of monthly revenues from direct voice services (excluding installation fees) by the average number of subscriber lines, in each case for the referenced three-month period;
    Backbone
    � a telecommunications network designed to carry the telecommunications traffic between the main junctions of the network;
    Capex
    � cash spending related to capital expenditures during the period;
    Cash
    � cash and cash equivalents at the end of period;
    Churn
    � termination of direct voice services contracted by a subscriber, which was originated either by a subscriber (voluntary churn) or by Netia (disconnection of a defaulting payer);
    Connected line
    � a telecommunications line which was constructed, tested and connected to Netia's network/switching node and is ready for activation after signing an agreement for providing telecommunications services;
    Cost of rented lines & network maintenance
    - cost of rentals of lines and telecommunications equipment, as well as maintenance, services and related expenses necessary to operate our network;
    Data revenues
    � revenues from provisioning Frame Relay, lease of lines and Internet fixed-access services;
    Direct voice revenues
    � telecommunications revenues from voice services offered by Netia to its subscribers. Direct voice services include the following traffic fractions: local calls, domestic long-distance (DLD) calls, international long distance (ILD) calls, fixed-to-mobile calls and other services (incl. Internet dial-in, emergency calls, komertel and intelligent network services (0-80x and 0-70x));
    EBITDA /Adjusted EBITDA
    � to supplement the reporting of our consolidated financial information under IAS, we will continue to present certain financial measures, including EBITDA. We define EBITDA as net income/(loss) as measured by IAS, adjusted for depreciation and amortization, net financial expense, income taxes, minority interest, share of losses of equity investments and other losses and gains on dilution. EBITDA for 2001 and 2002 has been further adjusted for impairment of goodwill, provisions for fixed assets, effects of default on long-term debt and cancellation of swap transactions and is therefore defined as Adjusted EBITDA. We believe EBITDA and related measures of cash flow from operating activities serve as useful supplementary financial indicators in measuring the operating performance of telecommunication companies. EBITDA is not an IAS measure and should not be considered as an alternative to IAS measures of net income/(loss) or as an indicator of operating performance or as a measure of cash flows from operations under IAS or as an indicator of liquidity. The presentation of EBITDA, however, enables investors to focus on period-over-period operating performance, without the impact of non-operational or non-recurring items. It is also among the primary indicators we use in planning and operating the business. You should note that EBITDA is not a uniform or standardized measure and the calculation of EBITDA, accordingly, may vary significantly from company to company, and by itself provides no grounds for comparison with other companies;
    Headcount
    � full time employment equivalents;
    Indirect voice revenues
    � telecommunications revenues from the services offered through Netia's prefix (1055) to customers being subscribers of other operators. Indirect access services include the following traffic fractions: domestic long-distance (DLD) calls, international long distance (ILD) calls and fixed-to-mobile calls;
    Interconnection charges
    � payments made by Netia to other operators for origination, termination or transfer of traffic using other operators' networks;
    Interconnection revenues
    payments made by other operators to Netia for origination, termination or transfer of traffic using Netia's network;
    Legal and financial services
    � costs of taxes and fees, insurance as well as other financial services provided to Netia by third parties;
    Other operating expenses
    � include primarily costs of office and car maintenance, information technology services, costs of materials and energy, mailing services, bad debt expense and other provisions and external services;
    Other telecommunications revenues
    � revenues from provisioning Internet dial-in services for Netia's indirect customers (based on a call-back principle (provided currently) and an access number (0-20) (to be provided in the future)), intelligent network services (0-80x and 0-70x), as well as other non-core revenues;
    Other revenue
    � revenues from radio-trunking services provided by Netia's subsidiary, Uni-Net Sp. z o.o.;
    Restructuring Agreement
    � an agreement relating to Netia's debt restructuring, entered into by Netia, TeliaSonera AB, certain companies controlled by Warburg Pincus & Co., certain financial creditors and the ad hoc committee of noteholders on March 5, 2002;
    Subscriber line
    � a connected line which became activated and generated revenue at the end of the period;
    Total debt
    � short-term and long-term interest bearing liabilities;
    Wholesale services
    � revenues from providing commercial network services such as voice termination, incoming Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), telehousing and collocation as well as backbone-based services.
    Netia management will hold a conference call to review the results tomorrow, Wednesday, August 13, at 3:00 PM (UK) / 4:00 PM (Continent) / 10:00 AM (Eastern). To register for the call and obtain dial in numbers please contact Mark Walter at Taylor Rafferty London on +44 (0) 20 7936 0400 or Abbas Qasim at Taylor Rafferty New York on 212 889 4350.


    Some of the information contained in this news release contains forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties, and that actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors. For a more detailed description of these risks and factors, please see Netia's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the Commission on June 27, 2003, its Current Report on Form 6-K filed with the Commission on June 30, 2003 and its Current Report on Form 6-K filed with the Commission on August 8, 2003. Netia undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements.