Opera press releases
Opera Seeking Public Listing In March: Reports Year-End and Fourth Quarter Financial Results
Oslo, Norway – 9 February 2004
Opera Software ASA today reported revenues of 28.8 MNOK, for the quarter ended December 31, 2003 compared to 13.8 MNOK, for the same period in 2002, a growth of 108.7%. Earnings before interest and tax ("EBIT") in fourth quarter was MNOK 6.5 compared to MNOK -6.7 in 2002. Accumulated revenues for the year 2003 were MNOK 78.5 compared to MNOK 51.1 in 2002, a growth of 53.8%. EBIT for 2003 ended at MNOK 1.3 compared to MNOK -21.4 for 2002.
"After developing and refining the technology and commercial side for nine years, Opera Software is now ready for public listing," says Jon S. von Tetzchner, CEO, Opera Software ASA. "Opera has come far, and a public listing will give us more flexibility to expand our position as a leading player in the Internet arena."
The company's Board of Directors has decided to apply for public listing on the Oslo Stock Exchange (OSE) in March 2004. Opera Software's joint lead managers for its initial public offering (IPO) are Enskilda Securities and ABG Sundal Collier.
| Fourth Quarter | Accumulated | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| (Figures in TNOK) | 2002 | 2003 | 2002 | 2003 |
| Total Operating Revenues | 13800 | 28802 | 51060 | 78531 |
| Payroll and Related Expenses | 13488 | 14902 | 47016 | 51315 |
| Depreciation and Amortization | 1940 | 682 | 3118 | 2724 |
| Other Operating Expenses | 5147 | 6756 | 22307 | 23227 |
| Total Operating Expenses | 20575 | 22340 | 72441 | 77266 |
| Earnings Before Interest and Tax ("EBIT") | -6775 | 6462 | -21380 | 1265 |
About Opera Software ASA
Opera Software ASA has redefined Web browsing for PCs, mobile phones and other networked devices. Opera's cross-platform Web browser technology is renowned for its performance, standards compliance and small size, while giving users a faster, safer and more dynamic online experience. Opera Software is headquartered in Oslo, Norway, with offices around the world. The company is listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol OPERA. Learn more about Opera at http://www.opera.com.
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