Investor Releases

Matáv firstnine months 2004 results

Stable market positions despite regulatory and competitive pressure during the first nine months of 2004

BUDAPEST - November 11, 2004 - Matáv (NYSE: MTA.N and BSE: MTAV.BU), the leading Hungarian telecommunications service provider, today reported its consolidated financial results for the first nine months of 2004, according to International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).

Highlights:

  • Revenues fell slightly, by 0.5% to HUF 449.7 bn (EUR 1   773.5 m) in the first nine months of the year over the same period in 2003 as the higher mobile and data transmission revenues and higher equipment sales were offset by a decline in revenues from domestic and international traffic, and lower other usage.
  • Reported EBITDA declined by 6.2% to HUF 182.9 bn, with a reported EBITDA margin of 40.7%. Excluding restructuring charges, EBITDA was HUF 186.2 bn with the EBITDA margin reaching 41.4%.
  • Gross additions to tangible and intangible assets amounted to HUF 52.2 bn . Of this, the portion relating to the fixed line segment reached HUF 22.5 bn, with mobile at HUF 24.4 bn and MakTel reporting HUF 5.3 bn.
  • Fixed line segment: revenues declined by 7.0%; EBITDA margin was 35.7%.
  • Mobile segment: revenues grew by 4.0%, EBITDA margin was 39.7% in the first nine months of 2004. T-Mobile Hungary preserved its leading position with a market share of 47.6% and almost 4 million subscribers at the end of September 2004.
  • International segment: revenues fell by 0.6% with a reported EBITDA margin of 46.9%. MakTel's third quarter results include a HUF 3.4 bn severance provision; excluding this restructuring charge, EBITDA margin reached a strong 53.5% in the first nine months of 2004.
  • Group operating profit reduced to HUF 82.2 bn mainly driven by an 11.9% increase in employee related expenses driven by the restructuring (predominantly at MakTel) and a 7.9% increase in depreciation and amortization. Net income declined to HUF 41.1 bn (EUR 162.1 m).
  • Net cash from operating activities decreased to HUF 144.1 bn due to the combined impact of the decline in EBITDA and higher interest paid. Net cash utilized in investing activities increased to HUF 64.4 bn. This was due to higher gross additions to tangible and intangible assets (primarily at the fixed line segment) together with higher investments in subsidiaries and associates (T-Systems Hungary) and partly offset by increased proceeds from real estate sales. Net cash used in financing activities was HUF 66.8 bn, mainly explained by the higher dividend paid at the parent company and increased borrowing as a result of this.
  • Net debt has been reduced by HUF 13.1 bn since the end of September 2003 and the net debt ratio (net debt to net debt plus equity plus minority interest) was 33.1% compared to 32.8% at the end of September 2003.

Elek Straub, Chairman and CEO commented: "Fixed segment performance weakened during the reporting period driven by strengthening competition and regulatory pressure. In the mobile segment, in spite of more intense competition in the third quarter on tariffs and services as well as on entry barriers, T-Mobile Hungary was able again to maintain its leading market position. At MakTel, despite somewhat lower revenues, the company maintained its healthy profitability, achieving an EBITDA margin of above 53% for the first nine months of this year excluding the third quarter severance provision. In terms of the overall outlook for the full year 2004, we believe that our existing public targets and guidance are realistic. I would also like to reassure our shareholders that we are on track in executing our recently announced mid-term value creation program. In order to maintain efficiency, we plan to reduce the parent company headcount by some 2600 by end-2006 including the outsourcing of around 800 people, and in connection with this, we have signed an agreement with the Trade Union. At the end of September, the lines per employee ratio at the parent company reached 354, but we plan to significantly increase this ratio to above 500 by the end of 2006. At MakTel, the headcount will be tangibly reduced as early as this year with the financial impact already visible in the third quarter performance of the company."

Fixed line: Successful broadband program, strong competitive pressure

Fixed line revenues fell by 7.0% to HUF 228.3 bn with the EBITDA margin at 35.7%. Domestic and international traffic revenues combined declined by 13.9% mainly due to lower volumes and price discounts. However, due to strong growth in installed ADSL numbers and increased Internet subscribers, leased line and data revenues continued to grow, rising by 21.7%. The total number of lines was down only by 0.6% compared to a year ago. By the end of September 2004, 18.6% of Matáv's total fixed lines were ISDN channels. Customised tariff packages represented around 56% of the total number of lines with 1.6 million lines at the end of the third quarter 2004. The ADSL program resulted in 162   106 ADSL lines being installed by the end of Q3   2004. Matáv's Internet subsidiary, Axelero, maintained its leading position among ISPs in the dial-up market with a market share of approximately 43% and a total of 244   570 Internet subscribers at the end of September 2004 (up by 32.3% year-on-year).

Mobile: Stable market position and revenue growth despite intense competition

Mobile revenues grew by 4.0% as a result of higher traffic, enhanced service revenues and equipment sales. EBITDA increased to HUF 77.4 bn and the EBITDA margin was 39.7%. Operating profit declined by 7.3% as the vast majority of the write-off relating to the Westel rebranding was accounted for in the first quarter of 2004. T-Mobile Hungary maintained its leading position in a highly competitive market with 47.6% market share, while GSM penetration was 83.0% at end-September 2004. T-Mobile Hungary's customer base exceeded 3.9 million at the end of Q3   2004. In the same period, the proportion of postpaid customers increased to 27.9% of the total customer base, compared with 25.6% at end of Q3   2003. Average acquisition cost per customer fell by 14.5% to HUF 10   881 in Q1-Q3   2004 from HUF 12   727 a year earlier. When calculating subscriber acquisition cost, we include the connection margin (connection fee less the SIM card cost) and the sales related equipment subsidy and agent fee. MOU (monthly average minutes of use per subscriber) grew to 114 in Q1-Q3   2004 from 112 a year earlier. Blended ARPU (monthly average revenue per user) declined to HUF 4   937; within this postpaid ARPU reduced to HUF 11   929 and prepaid ARPU was HUF 2   386. As a result of the introduction of new packages, the usage grew slightly but the discounts offered combined with the regulatory impacts resulted in downward pressure on ARPU. The enhanced services revenue (mainly SMS) grew to HUF 598 (12.1% of total ARPU), from HUF 571 (10.8% of total ARPU) in the same period last year. The churn rate of postpaid customers was successfully maintained at the relatively low level of 11.9% in the first three quarters of 2004. However, the churn rate in the prepaid segment over the same period grew to 14.8%. Within this, third quarter churn in 2004 increased to 23.7%, chiefly due to the expiration of the extension of the refill vouchers' availability period.

International: focus on boosting efficiency in a limited top line growth environment

International revenues fell slightly by 0.6% to HUF 51.1 bn in Q1-Q3   2004. Mobile telecommunications services revenues grew but subscription charges as well as international traffic revenues fell. Reported EBITDA was HUF 24.0 bn with an EBITDA margin of 46.9% but these results were hit by the severance provision in the amount of HUF 3.4 bn made in Q3 as part of the headcount rationalisation at the company. EBITDA margin without such restructuring charges reached a strong 53.5%. The closing number of employees fell by 5.0% to 3   524 at the end of the third quarter this year over the same period last year. Fixed line penetration in Macedonia stood at around 29%, and mobile penetration grew further to nearly 44% against 25% at end-Q3   2003. The number of fixed line channels grew to 623   333, up by 1.3% from the previous year's figure. Within this, analog subscribers fell slightly to 582   621. At the same time, ISDN channels grew by 35.4% to 40   712, and the mobile customer base grew by 50.8% to 693   097. MakTel's mobile market share stood at 77% at end-September 2004. MakTel remains the leading Internet service provider; its dial-up subscriber base at the end of the third quarter of 2004 increased to 59   603 (up by 31.5% year-on-year).

About Matáv

Matáv is the principal provider of telecom services in Hungary. Matáv provides a broad range of services including telephony, data transmission, value-added services, and through its subsidiary T-Mobile Hungary is Hungary's largest mobile telecom provider. Matáv also holds a majority stake in Stonebridge Communications AD, which controls MakTel, the sole fixed line and the leading mobile operator in Macedonia. Key shareholders of Matáv as of September 30, 2004 include MagyarCom Holding GmbH, owned by Deutsche Telekom AG (59.21%). The remainder, 40.79% is publicly traded.

This investor news contains forward-looking statements. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about our beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current plans, estimates and projections, and therefore should not have undue reliance placed upon them. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and we undertake no obligation to update publicly any of them in light of new information or future events.

Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. We caution you that a number of important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. Such factors are described in, among other things, our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2003 filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

Matáv Consolidated Balance Sheets - IFRS (HUF million) Sep 30, 2003 (Unaudited) Sep 30, 2004 (Unaudited) Sep 30, 2003 - Sep 30, 2004 % change
ASSETS
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents 19   977   33   356   67,00%  
Financialinstruments held for trading 408   2   417   492,40%  
Trade and other receivables 93   113   98   643   5,90%  
Inventories 11   174   10   171   (9,00%)  
Assets held for disposal 3   563   3   200   (10,20%)  
Total current assets 128   235   147   787   15,20%  
Non current assets
Property, plant and equipment 618   172   582   311   (5,80%)  
Intangible assets 287   177   277   316   (3,40%)  
Associates 4   328   7   307   68,80%  
Deferred taxes 5   290   4   542   (14,10%)  
Other non current assets 11   381   6   473   (43,10%)  
Total non current assets 926   348   877   949   (5,20%)  
Total assets 1   054   583   1   025   736   (2,70%)  
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities
Loans and otherborrowings - third party 59   887   35   538   (40,70%)  
Loans from related parties 126   644   60   000   (52,60%)  
Trade and other payables 96   747   99   632   3,00%  
Deferred revenue 2   164   1   683   (22,20%)  
Provisionfor liabilities and charges 6   688   8   070   20,70%  
Short term derivatives 0   37   n.a.  
Total current liabilities 292   130   204   960   (29,80%)  
Non current liabilities
Loans and otherborrowings - third party 63   417   52   724   (16,90%)  
Loans from related parties 73   675   177   675   141,20%  
Deferred revenue 2   964   1   509   (49,10%)  
Deferred taxes 1   924   2   993   55,60%  
Other non current liabilities 0   47   n.a.  
Long term derivatives 415   0   (100,00%)  
Total non current liabilities 142   395   234   948   65,00%  
Minority interests 67   295   62   649   (6,90%)  
Shareholders' equity
Common stock 104   281   104   281   0,00%  
Additional paid in capital 27   382   27   382   0,00%  
Treasury stock -3   842   -3   842   0,00%  
Cumulative translation adjustment -832   -2   868   244,70%  
Retained earnings 425   774   398   226   (6,50%)  
Total shareholders' equity 552   763   523   179   (5,40%)  
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity 1   054   583   1   025   736   (2,70%)  
Matáv Consolidated Income Statements - IFRS (HUF million) Sept 30, 2003 (Unaudited) Sept 30, 2004 (Unaudited) % change
Revenues
Subscriptions,connections and other charges 73   405   71   975   (1,90%)  
Domestic traffic revenue 85   622   74   468   (13,00%)  
Other usage 9   152   4   227   (53,80%)  
Domesticfixed line telecommunications services 168   179   150   670   (10,40%)  
International traffic revenues 17   177   14   101   (17,90%)  
Mobile telecommunications services 147   945   160   135   8,20%  
Revenue from international activities 51   190   50   869   (0,60%)  
Leasedlines and data transmission 28   565   35   749   25,10%  
Equipment sale 16   415   18   445   12,40%  
Other revenues 22   617   19   756   (12,60%)  
Total revenues 452   088   449   725   (0,50%)  
Employee-related expenses -63   260   -70   757   11,90%  
Depreciation and amortization -93   301   -100   680   7,90%  
Paymentsto other network operators -63   287   -66   058   4,40%  
Costof telecommunications equipment sales -28   236   -29   652   5,00%  
Other operating expenses -102   391   -100   374   (2,00%)  
Total operating expenses -350   475   -367   521   4,90%  
Operating profit 101   613   82   204   (19,10%)  
Netinterest and other charges -28   548   -27   070   (5,20%)  
Share of associates'results before income tax 354   2   064   483,10%  
Profit before income tax 73   419   57   198   (22,10%)  
Income tax expense -11   579   -9   903   (14,50%)  
Profit after income tax 61   840   47   295   (23,50%)  
Minority interest -10   055   -6   200   (38,30%)  
Net income 51   785   41   095   (20,60%)  
Matáv Consolidated Cash Flow Statement - IFRS (HUF million) Sep 30, 2003 (Unaudited) Sep 30, 2004 (Unaudited) % change
Cashflows from operating activities
Operating profit 101   613   82   204   (19,10%)  
Depreciation andamortization of fixed assets 93   301   100   680   7,90%  
Change in working capital -1   007   -1   262   25,30%  
Amortization of deferred income -2   050   -1   254   (38,80%)  
Interest paid -23   381   -27   401   17,20%  
Commissions and bank charges -2   052   -2   502   21,90%  
Income tax paid -7   608   -8   205   7,80%  
Other non-cash items -5   765   1   829   n.m.  
Netcashflows from operating activities 153   051   144   089   (5,90%)  
Cashflows from investing activities
Purchase oftangible and intangible assets -57   697   -59   936   3,90%  
Purchase ofsubsidiaries and business units -5   861   -8   029   37,00%  
Cashacquired through business combinations 61   16   (73,80%)  
Interest received 598   1   162   94,30%  
Dividends received 575   1   000   73,90%  
Sale oftrading investments - net 98   -2   019   n.m.  
Proceeds from disposal oftangible and intangible assets 714   3   456   384,00%  
Netcashflows from investing activities -61   512   -64   350   4,60%  
Cashflows from financing activities
Dividends paid toshareholders and minority interest -23   506   -78   284   233,00%  
Net repayment ofloans and other borrowings -57   988   11   528   n.m.  
Netcashflows from financing activities -81   494   -66   756   (18,10%)  
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes oncash and cash equivalents 1   081   -1   759   n.m.  
Change incash and cash equivalents 11   126   11   224   0,90%  
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period 8   851   22   132   150,10%  
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period 19   977   33   356   67,00%  
Change incash and cash equivalents 11   126   11   224   0,90%  
  3Q 2003 3Q 2004 % change
EBITDA margin 43,1%   40,7%   n.a.  
Operating margin 22,5%   18,3%   n.a.  
Net income margin 11,5%   9,1%   n.a.  
ROA 6,5%   5,3%   n.a.  
Netdebt to total capital 32,8%   33,1%   n.a.  
Number of closing lines
Residential 2   015   251   2   013   203   (0,1%)  
Business 261   401   254   932   (2,5%)  
Payphone 31   666   27   431   (13,4%)  
ISDN channels 527   894   524   074   (0,7%)  
Total lines 2   836   212   2   819   640   (0,6%)  
Digitalizationof exchanges with ISDN 87,8%   91,5%   n.a.  
Penetration * 37,6%   37,4%   n.a.  
Fixed line employees (closing full equivalent, Matáv Rt.) 8   281   7   956   (3,9%)  
Total no. ofemployees (closing full equivalent) 15   175   14   695   (3,2%)  
Linesper fixed line employees 342,5   354,4   3,5%  
Lines per fixed line employees at Matáv Rt. + Emitel 339,3   351,8   3,7%  
Traffic in minutes (thousands) at Matáv Rt.
Domestic 5   953   664   5   799   619   (2,6%)  
International outgoing 104   390   101   004   (3,2%)  
Managed leased lines (Flex-Com connections) 11   578   10   664   (7,9%)  
ADSL lines 72   351   162   106   124,1%  
Internet subscribers 184   855   244   570   32,3%  
Cable television customers 351   512   371   429   5,7%  
Emitel fixed line numbers incl. ISDN channels 78   308   77   935   (0,5%)  
Emiteldomestic traffic (thousand minutes) 115   225   106   480   (7,6%)  
Emitel internationaloutgoing traffic (thousand minutes) 1   708   1   714   0,4%  
MakTel fixed lines 615   390   623   333   1,3%  
Traffic in minutes (thousands) at MakTel
Domestic n.a.   1   736   421   n.a.  
International outgoing n.a.   28   468   n.a.  
MakTel mobileRPCs (Revenue Producing Customers) 459   586   693   097   50,8%  
MakTel mobile ARPU (Average Traffic Rev./RPC/Month) 5   417   3   982   (26,5%)  
MakTel mobile MOU (Monthly av.minutes of Use/subsc.) 86   67   (22,1%)  
MakTel Internet subscribers (inc. prepaid from Jan 1, 2004) 45   324   59   603   31,5%  
T-Mobile Hungary RPCs 3   590   164   3   989   489   11,1%  
T-Mobile Hungary's MOU 112   114   1,8%  
T-Mobile Hungary's ARPU 5   278   4   937   (6,5%)  
T-Mobile Hungary's postpaid ARPU 12   864   11   929   (7,3%)  
T-Mobile Hungary's prepaid ARPU 2   710   2   386   (12,0%)  
T-Mobile Hungary's overall churn 22,7%   14,0%   n.a.  

Analysis of the Financial Statements for 3Q04 (nine months ended Sep 30, 2004) EXCHANGE RATE INFORMATION

The Euro weakened by 3.0% against the Hungarian Forint year on year (from 254.61 HUF/EUR on September 30, 2003 to 247.02 HUF/EUR on September 30, 2004). From the year-end 2003, the Euro weakened by 5.8% against the Hungarian Forint (from 262.23 HUF/EUR on December 31, 2003 to 247.02 HUF/EUR on September 30, 2004). The average HUF/EUR rate increased from 251.47 in 3Q2003 to 253.59 in 3Q2004.

The U.S. Dollar depreciated by 8.1% against the Hungarian Forint year on year (from 218.23 HUF/USD on September 30, 2003 to 200.52 HUF/USD on September 30, 2004). From the year-end 2003 to September 30, 2004, the U.S. Dollar weakened by 3.6% against the Hungarian Forint (from 207.92 HUF/USD to 200.52 HUF/USD).

ANALYSIS OF GROUP INCOME STATEMENTS

Revenues

Revenues from subscriptions, connections and other charges decreased by 1.9% in the first three quarters of 2004 compared to the same period in 2003. Revenues from connection fees declined, which resulted from the promotions given to new customers and the 50% decrease in business analog connection fee from June 1, 2004. The 35% decrease in ISDN 2 connection fee effective from January 1, 2004 and lower ISDN gross additions also contributed to the decrease. As a result of successful campaigns gross additions of analog lines increased significantly by 71.0% in 3Q2004 compared to 3Q2003. In accordance with the Act C of 2003 on Electronic Communications effective from January 1, 2004 Matáv Rt. cannot charge for itemized billing, which resulted in lower revenue from digifon services. Lower value-added services and PBX revenues at Matávcom also had negative influence on other charges.

These decreases were partly offset by business analog subscription fee increases from January 1, 2004.

Domestic traffic revenue in 3Q2004 amounted to HUF 74.5 bn compared to HUF 85.6 bn in 3Q2003. While domestic traffic decreased by 2.7% in the fixed line segment, the higher decrease in revenue is due to lower average per minutes fees. While Matáv increased its tariffs on January 1, 2004, it offered several discounts to customers choosing different tariff packages. At the end of September 2004, over 56% percent of Matáv Rt.'s customers chose customized tariff packages, the most popular of which is the Felező (Halving) package. The introduction of the XL supplementary package in December 2003 also contributed to the decrease in domestic traffic revenues.

Within domestic traffic revenues, fixed-to-mobile revenues decreased to the greatest extent, mainly due to the reduction of tariffs in this direction in September and October 2003.

Revenues from other usage for the first three quarters of 2004 decreased by 53.8% compared to the same period in 2003. The main reason for this significant decrease is the almost complete LTO-mobile by-pass due to interconnection agreements between LTOs and mobile operators. The decrease was also attributable to lower rates and, to a lesser extent, to a change in mix of calls in LTO relation (the loss of traffic was the greatest in the LTO to mobile call relation, which has the highest per minute interconnection rate).

International traffic revenues decreased to HUF 14.1 bn for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 compared to HUF 17.2 bn for the same period in 2003. Both outgoing and incoming international traffic revenue declined. Outgoing international traffic revenue decreased by 8.6% mainly due to price discounts given to subscribers of optional tariff packages (Rhythm, Says a Lot, Chat, Halving) as well as decreased outgoing minutes. Incoming international traffic revenues declined by 24.6% mainly due to 17.5% lower incoming traffic. The decrease in incoming international traffic was more significant for mobile terminated traffic due to mobile by-pass, while calls terminated in Matáv areas declined to a lesser extent. Incoming international traffic revenues were also negatively affected by the lower settlement rates with international partners and the stronger HUF against the SDR.

Revenues from mobile telecommunications services amounted to HUF 160.1 bn for the first three quarters of 2004 compared to HUF 147.9 bn for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 (a 8.2% increase). The growth mainly resulted from the 11.5% higher T-Mobile Hungary average customer base. Prepaid customers accounted for approximately 72.3% of gross additions in the first three quarters of 2004 and represent 72.1% of total T-Mobile Hungary customers as of September 30, 2004.

T-Mobile Hungary's average usage per customer per month measured in MOU increased by 1.8% from 112 minutes in 3Q2003 to 114 minutes in 3Q2004. T-Mobile Hungary's average revenue per user ("ARPU") decreased by 6.5% from HUF 5   278 in 3Q2003 to HUF 4   937 in 3Q2004 as the proportion of calls within the T-Mobile Hungary network with lower per minute fees increased. In addition, the 10% decrease of the fixed to mobile termination fees from September 1, 2003 also contributed to the ARPU decrease.

Within mobile telecommunications services, enhanced services show the highest increase with 16.8% growth year over year, which represents 12.1% of the ARPU in the first three quarters of 2004. This revenue includes primarily short message service ("SMS") and multimedia messaging service ("MMS"). The revenue growth is due to the increasing proportion of content messages with higher rates.

Revenue from international activities shows consolidated revenues of MakTel, our subsidiary acquired in 2001. Revenues from international activities slightly decreased to HUF 50.9 bn in the first three quarters of 2004 from HUF 51.2 bn in the same period of 2003. Revenues from subscription fees decreased due to lower average number of analog line subscribers. Connection fee revenues also decreased due to lower connection fees and lower analog gross additions, partly compensated by higher number of ISDN gross additions. Domestic traffic revenues decreased as a result of lower usage, partly compensated by price increases. Outgoing international traffic revenues also decreased resulting from decreased usage as well as lower prices and incoming international revenues decreased due to strengthening of the MKD against the SDR, partly offset by higher incoming traffic. These decreases were partially offset by higher revenues from mobile telecommunications services due to the 47.3% higher average customer base year over year and increased enhanced services revenue, partly offset by lower MOU and lower tariffs. Revenues from data transmission and leased lines also increased due to a growth in Internet revenues resulting from increased number of customers as well as increased interconnection revenues from the second mobile telecommunications operator, Cosmofon. These increases were partly offset by decreased international leased line revenues due to lower USD exchange rate compared to 2003 as well as lower number of international leased line contracts in 2004. Equipment sale revenues also increased as a result of higher equipment sales at MobiMak due to increased gross additions and higher average sales price of phonesets.

Revenues from leased lines and data transmission grew to HUF 35.7 bn for 3Q2004 compared to HUF 28.6 bn for the same period in 2003. This growth was due to the strong increase in the number of ADSL and Internet subscribers. The number of ADSL subscribers grew to 162   106 (from 72   351 at the end of the first three quarters of 2003) and the number of Internet connections grew by 32.3% to 244   570 at period-end. The proportion of higher revenue generating leased line and broadband Internet customers significantly grew within the customer base, which also contributed to the revenue growth.

Revenue from equipment sale increased to HUF 18.4 bn for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 compared to HUF 16.4 bn for the same period in 2003. Equipment sale revenue increase is due to higher phoneset upgrades and higher average price of phonesets at T-Mobile Hungary as well as more equipment sold at Matáv Rt. during campaigns. These increases were partly offset by the 19.0% lower gross additions of T-Mobile Hungary customers.

Other revenues amounted to HUF 19.8 bn for the first nine months of 2004 compared to HUF 22.6 bn for the same period in 2003. Other revenues include construction, maintenance, cable television, audiotex and miscellaneous revenues. The decrease in this category is mainly due to lower subsidy from Universal Electronic Communications Support Fund. This decrease was partly offset by the growth in cable TV revenue resulting from the increase in average number of cable TV subscribers and price increases as well as higher Drop Charge revenue at Matáv Rt.

Operating Expenses

Employee-related expenses for the first three quarters of 2004 amounted to HUF 70.8 bn compared to HUF 63.3 bn for the same period in 2003 (an increase of 11.9%). The main driver is the significant increase of welfare expenses at MakTel, as HUF 3.4 bn severance provision was recorded in the third quarter of 2004 in connection with dismissal of over 700 MakTel employees. In addition, employee related expenses increased also at Matáv Rt. due to the 6.0% average wage rate increase from April 1, 2004.

This increase was partly offset by a decrease in the group headcount figure, which fell from 15   175 on September 30, 2003 to 14   695 on September 30, 2004. The number of lines per fixed line employee increased to 351.8 at the end of September 2004 compared to 339.3 a year earlier.

Depreciation and amortization increased by 7.9% reaching HUF 100.7 bn in 3Q2004 compared to HUF 93.3 bn for the same period in 2003. This increase is mainly due to the impairment of Westel brand name as a result of rebranding as T-Mobile Hungary from May 1, 2004, which resulted in a HUF 4.5 bn additional amortization charge. The increase is also due to higher software gross book value and the resulting higher software amortization expense at T-Mobile Hungary. Higher depreciation expense at MakTel is the result of the acceleration of depreciation of certain fixed assets following the revision of useful lives in May 2003.

Payments to other network operators for 3Q2004 reached HUF 66.1 bn compared to HUF 63.3 bn for the same period in 2003. The increase was mainly due to the 4.5% increase in domestic network access charges, mainly driven by T-Mobile Hungary's outpayments to other GSM service providers due to higher mobile penetration, partly offset by lower outpayments to LTOs for call terminations due to both lower traffic and lower interconnection rates. International network access charges show a 4.2% increase driven by higher roaming outpayments at T-Mobile Hungary as well as increased international outpayments at MakTel. This increase was partly compensated by lower outgoing traffic at Matáv Rt., lower average settlement rates with foreign service providers as well as the strengthening of HUF against the SDR.

The cost of telecommunications equipment sales for the first three quarters of 2004 was HUF 29.7 bn compared to HUF 28.2 bn for the same period in 2003. This increase is mainly due to higher average cost of phonesets and higher level of upgrade costs, partly offset by lower gross additions to subscribers at T-Mobile Hungary. Cost of equipment sales at Matáv Rt. and MakTel also increased as a result of more equipment sold in promotions.

Other operating expenses decreased by 2.0% year over year. Other operating expenses include materials, maintenance, marketing, service fees, outsourcing expenses, energy and consultancy. Contribution to the Universal Electronic Communications Support Fund decreased significantly in 3Q2004 compared to 3Q2003. The lower amount of bad debt write-offs at Matáv Rt. also contributed to the decrease. These decreases were partly offset by higher marketing expenses mainly at Matáv Rt. due to intensive advertising of new products and tariff packages. Agency fees also increased as a result of increased outpayments related to Drop Charge at Matáv Rt.

Operating Profit

Operating margin for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 was 18.3%, while operating margin for the same period in 2003 was 22.5%. The decrease is mainly due to the significant increases in employee-related expenses and higher depreciation charges.

Net Interest and Other Charges

Net interest and other charges were HUF 27.1 bn for 3Q2004 compared to HUF 28.5 bn for 3Q2003. Net interest and other charges decreased due to the HUF 6.5 bn decrease in net foreign exchange loss. This change in net foreign exchange loss resulted mainly from the significant decrease of the average foreign exchange loan balance and the strengthening of the HUF. The decrease was partly offset by the HUF 4.9 bn higher interest expenses owing to higher portion of HUF denominated loans with higher average interest rates. Net interest and other charges include HUF 0.5 bn net FX gain, HUF 26.1 bn interest expense, HUF 2.5 bn commissions and other charges and HUF 1.0 bn interest and financial income.

Share of associates' results before income tax

Share of associates' results amounted to HUF 2   064 million for the first three quarters of 2004 compared to HUF 354 million for the same period in 2003, reflecting the significant gain on Hunsat's sale of its investment in Eutelsat.

Income tax

Income tax expense decreased from HUF 11.6 bn for 3Q2003 to HUF 9.9 bn for 3Q2004 resulting from the lower profit before tax of all segments. The change in the income tax rate from 18% to 16% in 2004 also decreased the income tax expense.

Minority Interest

Minority interest for the first nine months of 2004 was HUF 6.2 bn compared to HUF 10.1 bn for the same period in 2003. This 38.3% decrease mainly results from the weaker performance of MakTel. While operating revenues slightly decreased in the international segment, operating expenses increased significantly, resulting in a decreased operating profit.

Analysis of group balance sheets

Total assets and total shareholders' equity and liabilities as of September 30, 2003 were HUF 1   055 bn. Total assets and total shareholders' equity and liabilities amounted to HUF 1   026 bn as of September 30, 2004.

Loans and other borrowings

The current portion of loans and other borrowings decreased by 48.8% from September 30, 2003 to HUF 95.5 bn at September 30, 2004. This decrease in current loans and other borrowings reflects the strong cash generation of Matáv, which allowed to prepay the loans drawn under the EIB Telecommunications Project II with value date December 15, 2003, to repay the maturing HUF 12.5 bn EIB Telecommunications Project II/B loan with value date June 25, 2004 and to repay HUF 23 billion under the HUF 126.6 billion Deutsche Telekom intercompany loan.

Non-current loans and other borrowings increased by 68.1% from September 30, 2003 to HUF 230.4 bn at September 30, 2004. This increase is mainly due to the loans taken from DT International Finance BV to finance the dividend payment of Matáv Rt. and the fact that the HUF 76.6 billion part of the HUF 126.6 billion intercompany loan matured on August 23, 2004 was mainly refinanced from medium- and long term inter-company loans.

At September 30, 2004, almost 100% of the loan portfolio was HUF denominated. At the end of the first three quarters of 2004, 45.1% of the loans bore floating interest rates. The gearing ratio defined as net debt divided by net debt plus equity plus minority interest was 33.1% at September 30, 2004 compared to 32.8% a year earlier.

Analysis of group cashflow

Net cashflows from operating activities decreased by 5.9% compared to the first nine months of 2003 and amounted to HUF 144   089 million in the first three quarters of 2004. The decrease was mainly due to lower EBITDA and increased amount of interest paid reflecting higher average HUF denominated loan balance with higher average interest rates in the first three quarters of 2004 compared to the same period in 2003.

Net cashflows from investing activities amounted to minus HUF 64   350 million in the first nine months of 2004, while it was minus HUF 61   512 million in the same period of 2003. This HUF 2   838 million increase in cash outflow is due to the increase in gross additions to tangible and intangible assets predominantly at Matáv Rt. due to ADSL investments and capital expenditures relating to regulatory compliance and higher amount of purchase of subsidiaries and business units. In the first nine months of 2004, Matáv acquired an additional 3.05% stake in Stonebridge in July 2004 and acquired stake in T-Systems Hungary in the third quarter of 2004.

Net cashflows from financing activities amounted to minus HUF 81   494 million in the first three quarters of 2003 compared to minus HUF 66   756 million in the same period of 2004. While in the first nine months of 2004, Matáv took a net HUF 11   528 million loan, in the same period of 2003 it repaid a net HUF 57   988 million. In the first three quarters of 2004 Matáv paid dividends to its shareholders in an amount of HUF 78   284 million compared to HUF 23   506 million in the same period of 2003. This significant growth is due to the increase in dividend per share from HUF 18 in 2002 to HUF 70 in 2003.

Analysis of segment results

The sum of the financial results of the three segments presented below does not equal to the group financial results because of intersegment eliminations.

Fixed line segment

Fixed line segment includes Matáv Rt. and its consolidated subsidiaries, other than MakTel, MobiMak, Stonebridge, Telemacedónia, T-Mobile Hungary and Westel 0660.

HUF millions 3Q2003 3Q2004 Change (%) )
Revenues 245   449   228   288   (7,0)  
EBITDA before restructuring charges 93   172   81   535   (12,5)  
EBITDA 93   172   81   535   (12,5)  
Operating profit 39   896   31   044   (22,2)  
Property, plant and equipment 420   938   392   553   (6,7)  
Intangible assets 31   501   31   988   1,5  
Gross additions to tangibleand intangible fixed assets 18   960   22   491   18,6  
Headcount (closing full equivalent) 9   681   9   391   (3,0)

* EBITDA = Earnings before net interest and other charges, taxes, depreciation and amortization

Revenues from the fixed line segment showed a 7.0% decrease year over year. Matáv's domestic fixed voice business experienced an 11.2% decline due to price and usage decreases. International revenues declined by 18.1% due to lower prices as well as lower outgoing and incoming traffic and the stronger HUF against the SDR. Leased lines and data transmission services increased by 21.7% in the first three quarters of 2004 compared to the first nine months of 2003. Leased lines and data transmission revenue growth was driven by strong volume increases in the number of ADSL and Internet customers.

Operating profit of the fixed line segment decreased by 22.2%. Within operating expenses payments to other network operators and depreciation and amortization expenses decreased. These decreases were partly offset by increases in employee- related expenses as well as increase in other operating expenses and cost of telecommunications equipment sales.

Mobile segment

Mobile segment includes T-Mobile Hungary and Westel 0660 and the goodwill amortization arising from their consolidation.

HUF millions 3Q2003 3Q2004 Change (%)
Revenues 187   711   195   137   4,0  
EBITDA before restructuring charges 72   874   77   375   6,2  
EBITDA 72   874   77   375   6,2  
Operating profit 43   484   40   293   (7,3)  
Property, plant and equipment 114   365   115   276   0,8  
Intangible assets 200   511   187   666   (6,4)  
Gross additions to tangibleand intangible fixed assets 23   600   24   401   3,4  
Headcount (closing full equivalent) 1   782   1   779   (0,2)  

* EBITDA = Earnings before net interest and other charges, taxes, depreciation and amortization

Mobile penetration reached 83.0% in Hungary and T-Mobile Hungary accounts for 47.6% market share in the very competitive mobile market.

Revenues in the mobile segment increased by 4.0% in the first three quarters of 2004 compared to the same period in 2003 due to strong increases in the number of mobile customers. T-Mobile Hungary's customer base surged 11.1% to 3   989   489 subscribers, including 2   877   149 prepaid customers by September 30, 2004. Average monthly usage per T-Mobile Hungary subscriber increased by 1.8% from 112 minutes in 3Q2003 to 114 minutes in 3Q2004. T-Mobile Hungary's ARPU decreased by 6.5% from HUF 5   278 in 3Q2003 to HUF 4   937 in 3Q2004. Interconnection revenues remained stable in the mobile segment. While interconnection fees from Matáv Rt. decreased due to the lower per minute termination fees from September 2003, interconnection fees received from other mobile service providers increased due to higher mobile penetration and traffic.

Operating profit shows a 7.3% decrease. While revenues grew only by HUF 7.4 bn, operating expenses increased by HUF 10.6 bn year over year. The decrease is due to the significant increases in depreciation charges (resulting from the impairment on brand name) and payments to other network operators, partly offset by lower other expenses.

International segment

International segment includes the operations of MakTel, MobiMak, Stonebridge, Telemacedónia, and the goodwill amortization arising from the consolidation of MakTel.

HUF millions 3Q2003 3Q2004 Change (%)
Revenues 51   412   51   124   (0,6)  
EBITDA before restructuring charges 28   868   27   334   (5,3)  
EBITDA 28   868   23   974   (17,0)  
Operating profit 18   233   10   867   (40,4)  
Property, plant and equipment 82   869   74   482   (10,1)  
Intangible assets 55   165   57   662   4,5  
Gross additions to tangibleand intangible fixed assets 7   427   5   303   (28,6)  
Headcount (closing full equivalent) 3   712   3   525   (5,0)

* EBITDA = Earnings before net interest and other charges, taxes, depreciation and amortization

MakTel's fixed line subscribers increased by 1.3%, reaching 623   333 at September 30, 2004. Mobile subscribers increased significantly by 50.8% to 693   097, and its Internet subscribers reached 59   603 by September 30, 2004 from 45   324 a year earlier.

Revenues from the international segment slightly decreased to HUF 51.1 bn at September 30, 2004. Domestic traffic revenues decreased mainly due to usage decrease, partly offset by general price increases as tariff rebalancing occurred in May 2003 and in July 2004. Lower international outgoing traffic revenues resulted from decreased usage as well as from lower prices. International incoming traffic revenues decreased as well, mainly due to stronger MKD against the SDR. Mobile revenues showed an increase due to the 47.3% higher average mobile customer base as well as higher enhanced services revenue. The revenue effect of the increase in the number of mobile subscribers was partly offset by lower MOU and lower tariffs. Equipment sales revenues increased significantly due to the higher number of mobile gross additions and higher average price of phonesets at MobiMak.

Total operating expenses increased significantly by 21.3%, mainly because of increases in employee-related expenses (severance provision), depreciation and amortization, payments to other network operators as well as increased cost of equipment sales.

In 2003, MakTel reviewed the useful life of its property, plant and equipment. The review resulted in generally shorter useful lives for mainly telecommunications equipment than applied earlier and, as a consequence, higher monthly depreciation charges.

Company name: Matáv Rt. Tel.: +36 (1)-458-04-24
Company address: H-1013 Budapest Krisztina krt. 55. Telefax: +36 (1)-458-04-43
Sector: Telecommunications E-mail: investor.relations@ln.matav.hu
Reporting period: January 1, 2004 - September 30, 2004 Investor Relations manager: Szabolcs Czenthe

PK1. General information about financial data

  Yes No  
Audited   X  
Consolidated X    
  Hungarian IFRS Other
Accounting principles   X  

PK2. Consolidated Companies with direct ownership of Matáv Rt.

Name Equity / Registered Capital (mHUF) Interest held (direct and indirect) Voting right Classification
Stonebridge 349 mEUR   92,55%   92,55%   L
T-Mobile Magyarország Távközlési Rt. 8   031   100,00%   100,00%   L
Matávcom 6   158   100,00%   100,00%   L
Axelero 1   906   100,00%   100,00%   L
InvesTel 4   862   100,00%   100,00%   L
Emitel 3   110   100,00%   100,00%   L
Vidanet 2   000   90,00%   49,99%   L
Egertel 1   425   100,00%   100,00%   L
MatávkábelTV 920   100,00%   100,00%   L
Rába Szolgáltatóház 615   100,00%   100,00%   L
EPT 777   97,20%   97,20%   L
Kis-Astrasat 300   90,00%   49,90%   L
Cardnet 58   72,00%   72,00%   L
Tele-Data 39   50,99%   50,99%   L
ProMoKom 21   100,00%   100,00%   L
Mindentudás Egyeteme Kht. 5   60,00%   60,00%   L
BCN 3   100,00%   100,00%   L
Viabridge Telecommunications Holding Ltd. 0   251 mEUR   100,00%   100,00%   L
Telemacedónia 0,01 mEUR   88,00%   88,00%   L

PK6. Significant off-balance sheet items

Description Value (HUF million)
Future finance lease obligations 1   275  
Future obligations from rentaland operating lease contracts 36   252  
Futureobligation from capex contracts 14   877  
Other future obligations 197

TSZ2/1. Changes in the headcount (number of persons) employed

  End of reference period Current period opening Current period closing
Company 8   281   8   071   7   956  
Group 15   175   14   710   14   695

TSZ2/2. Changes in the headcount (number of persons) employed in full time by the company/group

  Start of the business year End of the I. quarter End of the II. quarter End of the III. quarter End of the business year
Company 8   071   8   043   8   013   7   956    
Group 14   710   14   838   14   789   14   695

RS1. Ownership Structure, Ratio of Holdings and Votes

Description of owners Total equity
Year Opening(January 1st , 2004) Closing(Sep 30th, 2004)
Owner-
ship
ratio%
Voting right% No. of shares Owner-
ship
ratio%
Voting right% No. of
shares
Domestic institution/company 14,01   14,07   146   060   542   4,59   4,61   47   855   094  
Foreign institution/company 84,04   84,44   876   416   274   84,51   84,91   881   315   965  
Domestic individual 0,02   0,02   204   057   0,00   0,00   0  
Foreign individual 0,00   0,00   200   0,00   0,00   0  
Employees, senior officers n.a.   n.a.   n.a.   n.a.   n.a.   n.a.  
Treasury Shares 0,47   0,00   4   900   000   0,47   0,00   4   900   000  
Government Institutions 0,15   0,15   1   570   585   0,09   0,09   898   666  
International Development Institutions 1,29   1,30   13   495   276   1,29   1,30   13   495   276  
Not registered 0,02   0,02   164   666   6,80   6,83   70   940   100  
Depositaries 0,00   0,00   0   2,24   2,25   23   332   591  
Other 0,00   0,00   0   0,01   0,01   73   908  
"B" Share 0,00   0,00   1   0,00   0,00   1  
TO T A L 100,00   100,00   1   042   811   601   100,00   100,00   1   042   811   601

*Category "Not registered" includes shares deposited on accounts where account holder is not specified. The owners of these shares are mainly foreign, partly domestic institutions.

**Category "Depositaries" includes shares recorded on depositaries' accounts on behalf of shareholders. The owners of these shares are mainly domestic private investors.

RS2. Volume (qty) of treasury shares held in the year under review

  1, January 31, March 30, June 30, September 31, December
Company 4   900   000   4   900   000   4   900   000   4   900   000      
Subsidiaries 0   0   0   0      
TOTAL 4   900   000   4   900   000   4   900   000   4   900   000  

RS3. List and description of shareholders with more than 5% (at the end of period)

Name Nationality Activity Quantity Interest (%) Voting right (%) Remarks
MagyarCom Holding GmbH Foreign Institutional 617   478   081 59,21   59,49   Strategic owner
JP Morgan Chase Bank Foreign Depository 128   222   910 12,30   12,35   ADR Depository

TSZ3. Senior officers, strategic employees

Type* Name Position Beginning of assignment End / termination of assignment No. of shares held
SE BM Elek Straub Chairman-CEO Board Member July 17, 1995 May 24, 1995 - 76   338  
SE BM Dr. Klaus Hartmann Chief Financial Officer Board Member December 5, 2000 April 27, 2000 - 8   000  
BM Achim Berg Board Member April 28, 2004 - 0  
BM Dr. István Földesi Board Member April 25, 2003 - 0  
BM Michael Günther Board Member April 26, 2002 - 0  
BM Horst Hermann Board MemberRemuneration Committee Member April 25, 2003 - 400  
BM Dr. Mihály Patai Board MemberRemuneration Committee Member April 28, 1998 - 58   190  
BM Dr. Ralph Rentschler Board MemberRemuneration Committee Member April 25, 2003 - 0  
BM Dr. György Surányi Board Member April 28, 2004 - 0  
SBM Dr. László Pap Supervisory Board - ChairmanAudit Committee - Chairman May 26, 1997 - 0  
SBM Böhm Géza Supervisory Board Member April 26, 2002 - 0  
SBM Attila Csizmadia Supervisory Board Member April 25, 2003 - 6   272  
SBM Arne Freund Supervisory Board Member April 25, 2003 - 0  
SBM Wolfgang Hauptmann Supervisory Board MemberAudit Committee Member April 25, 2003 - 0  
SBM Gellért Kadlót Supervisory Board Member April 26, 2002 - 700  
SBM Joachim Kregel Supervisory Board MemberAudit Committee Member April 27, 2001 September 30, 2004 - 0  
SBM Dr. Klaus Nitschke Supervisory Board Member April 26, 2002 - 0  
SBM Péter Vermes Supervisory Board Member June 27, 1995 - 8   800  
SE László Bodnár ChiefServices and Logistics Officer March 16, 1999 - 881  
SE Peter Janeck Chief Technical Officer and Chief Officer, Network Systems July 12, 2004 - 0  
SE Christopher Mattheisen ResidentialServices LOB Chief Officer September 1, 2002 - 0  
SE Dr. Tamás Pásztory Chief HumanResources and Legal Officer February 1, 1996 - 0  
SE Zoltán Tankó BusinessServices LOB Chief Officer January 1, 2002 - 1   100  
Own share property TOTAL: 160   681  

* Strategic Employee (SE), Board Member (BM), Supervisory Board Member (SBM)

Members of the Board of Directors and Supervisory Board serve until May 31, 2007, unless otherwise stated.

ST1. Extraordinary reports published in the period under review

Date Subject matter, brief summary
January 13, 2004 Matáv announced that the Communications Authority published its approval of the new reference unbundling, interconnection andleased line interconnection offers.
February 23, 2004 Matáv announced that its subsidiary, Makedonski Telekomunikacii (MakTel) held its Annual General Meeting and among other items it has made a decision on dividend payment in a total amount of MKD 2.5 billion.
March 22, 2004 Matáv announced that the Board of Directors will propose to shareholders a dividend payment of HUF 70 per share (par value HUF 100) forthe financial year 2003.
March 22, 2004 Matáv announced that final decision has been made on the rebranding of Westel as T-Mobile Hungary. The one-step rebranding will commence on May 1, 2004.
March 31, 2004 Matáv announced that Manfred Ohl, Chief Technical Officer of Matáv leaves his position on April 30, 2004.
April 22, 2004 Matáv announced that the Board of the Hungarian National Communications Authority (NCA) has published its draft resolution concerning the new reference interconnection andleased line interconnection offer.
April 28, 2004 Matáv held its Annual General Meeting and among other items it has made a decision on dividend payment of HUF 70 per share (par value HUF 100) forthe financial year 2003.
May 10, 2004 Matáv announced that SEEF Holdings Ltd., a subsidiary of Soros Investment Capital has decided to exercise its put option with respect toits shareholding in Stonebridge.
May 19, 2004 The Matáv Board of Directors extended the CEO post of Mr. Elek Straub to June 30, 2008.
May 19, 2004 Matáv announced the signature of a loan agreement with Deutsche Telekom on a short-term Hungarian forint-denominated loan.
May 21, 2004 Matáv announced the rules of dividend payment after thefiscal year of 2003.
May 21, 2004 Matáv announced the rules of dematerialisation of the company's ordinary printed shares.
May 21, 2004 Matáv announced the completion and rules of conversion of ordinary shares with a nominal value of HUF 10   000 to ordinary shares with a nominalvalue of HUF 100.
June 1, 2004 Matáv announced the signature of a loan agreement with Deutsche Telekom Group for a Hungarian forint-denominated loan. The loan will be used to partially finance Matáv's dividend payment.
June 15, 2004 Matáv announced that the Board of the Hungarian National Communications Authority has published its draft resolution concerning thenew reference unbundling offer.
June 16, 2004 Matáv made an agreement with IKO Media Group to form a joint holding. The aim of this venture is to facilitate a common offering of interactive solutions and value added content services and to unite the stakes that both companies currently own inHungarian RTL Television Company.
June 30, 2004 Matáv's Board of Directors appointed Peter Janeck as the new Chief Technical Officer and head of the Network Systems Line of Business, effective July 12, 2004.
July 15, 2004 Matáv signed an agreement with T-Systems International on the establishment of a joint venture and international carrier cooperation. T-Systems Hungary, the Hungarian subsidiary of T-Systems International, and Matáv also reached anagreement on strategic partnership.
August 12, 2004 Matáv announcedstrategic targets for 2006.
August 23, 2004 Matáv announced the refinancing of its expiring loan through a financing agreement with Deutsche Telekom in the amountof HUF 64 billion.
August 31, 2004 Matáv announced that the National Communications Authority published the tender notice for Hungarian UMTS frequency licenses..
September 20, 2004 Matáv announced that the extent and timing of the 2005-2006 headcount reduction by the parentcompany have been determined.
September 27, 2004 Matáv announced that paper shares of the companyhave been successfully dematerialized
September 28, 2004 Matáv announced that conversion of ordinary shares with a nominal value of HUF 10   000 to ordinary shares with a nominal value of HUF100 have been completed.
October 1, 2004 Matáv announced that Mr. Joachim Kregel has resigned from the SupervisoryBoard and Audit Committee.
October 6, 2004 Matáv's Board of Directors authorised the company's management to sign a strategic co-operation agreement with Deutsche Telekom AG and with T-Mobile International.
October 22, 2004 Matáv entered into an agreement with CosmoTelco regardingits stake in Stonebridge.
October 25, 2004 Matáv's Supervisory Board elected Mr. Arne Freund to be a member of Matáv's Audit Committee. He will also serve as the financial expertin the Audit Committee.

Matáv Rt. publishes its announcements in Magyar Tőkepiac.

Change in the organizational structure

There was no significant change in the organizational structure during the period.