North West Telecom has summed up the preliminary RAS results of its 2004 activity, which point to an improvement in the company’s key performance indicators.

Consolidated revenues stood at Rub 17.8 bln, which is up 18% compared to 2003. EBITDA reached Rub 3.9 bln, up 22%.  EBITDA margin rose to 21.9% compared to 21.2% in 2003. Net profit increased 13%, topping Rub 1.3 bln.

In 2004 NWT’s investments reached Rub 4.7 bln (vs. Rub 3.6 bln in 2003).  A total of 412,000 lines were entered into service, of which 196,000 were new lines and 216,000 were replacement lines.  The company’s digitalization rate reached 48% by year-end 2004.

Thanks to NWT’s improved performance, Rub 338 mln is to be paid out in dividends on 2004 results, i.e. 25% of net profit.  Last year, Rub 225 mln or 21% of net profit was paid out on the results of 2003 activity.

* All data are consolidated and include branches Lensvyaz and Svyaz Republic of Komi, which merged with NWA on October 1, 2004.