Centertel hopeful about Q1 and annual 2003 results

Centertel, TPSA's mobile phone unit on Monday repeated its pledge to make a net profit in 2003, but said it was threatened by factors including currency fluctuations, the weak economy and price war. In a presentation to jou rnalists, Centertel forecast a profit for this year after making a net loss of zł. 69 million last year. It said its EBITDA margin would grow to about 28% this year, up from 21% in 2002. CEO Sławomir Skrodzki said figures for the first quarter were not yet complete, but the initial numbers looked good. He warned that the stagnant economy meant that the public were making fewer calls, which was reflected in slower revenue growth for both fix ed-line and mobile operators. Centertel says its revenues should grow by 25% this year from zł. 3.46 billion in 2002 as it hopes to raise its client base by 1 million to 5.5 million. (Reuters) K.Ż.