Telenor Q3 gets surprise boost from one-off gain in Pakistan

Telenor logo is seen displayed in this illustration taken, on May 3, 2022. (REUTERS)
Short Url
Updated 26 October 2022
Follow

Telenor Q3 gets surprise boost from one-off gain in Pakistan

  • Norwegian telecoms operator last month issued a profit warning for 2022 citing spiralling energy costs
  • Company last month also announced restructuring of its Nordic business and a potential listing of its Asian unit

OSLO: Norwegian telecoms operator Telenor on Wednesday reported third-quarter core earnings above forecasts thanks to a one-off gain in Pakistan and reiterated that its full-year profit was expected to be in line with last year.

Adjusted earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) for July-September rose 1.6 percent year-on-year to 13.06 billion Norwegian crowns ($1.26 billion), while analysts on average had expected 12.51 billion crowns.

The operator, which has around 175 million customers in eight countries across the Nordic region and Asia, last month

issued a profit warning for 2022 citing spiralling energy costs.

“For the Group, high energy prices, especially in Norway, Denmark and Pakistan, continue to be a headwind,” Chief Executive Sigve Brekke said in a statement on Wednesday.

“However, the negative effects are, this quarter, countered by a reversal of sim tax provision in Pakistan.”

The company last month also announced a restructuring of its Nordic business and a potential listing of its Asian unit.