DNBNOR - PROFITS UP 37 PER CENT IN THIRD QUARTER

DnB NOR: Profits up 37 per cent in third quarter Third quarter 2005 · Profits after taxes rose 37 per cent to NOK 2 665 million (NOK 1 943 million in the third quarter of 2004) · Earnings per share were NOK 1.99 (1.47) · Return on equity came to 19.5 per cent (16.7) Attachment on www.newsweb.no Third quarter 2005 · Profits after taxes rose 37 per cent to NOK 2 665 million (NOK 1 943 million in the third quarter of 2004) · Earnings per share were NOK 1.99 (1.47) · Return on equity came to 19.5 per cent (16.7) · The cost/income ratio was reduced to 48.9 per cent (56.5) · The core capital ratio at end-September rose to 7.4 per cent (7.3) First three quarters 2005 · Profits after taxes rose 23 per cent to NOK 7 079 million (NOK 5 766 million in the first three quarters of 2004) · Earnings per share were NOK 5.30 (4.37) · Return on equity came to 17.8 per cent (16.8) · The cost/income ratio was reduced to 51.7 per cent (57.3) Comments by group chief executive Svein Aaser: `DnB NOR is a financial services group in expansion. Our balance sheet assets have now surpassed NOK 1 000 billion, and assets under management exceed NOK 500 billion for the first time. The increase stems primarily from organic growth. Our growth platform in the Nordic region has also been expanded. In addition to Sweden and the Baltic region, we will acquire a banking operation in Northwest Russia. The purchase of Monchebank will give us a foothold in an area where trade between Norway and Russia is increasing within three of DnB NOR`s core areas of activity: energy, fishing and shipping. Monchebank is licensed to engage in all forms of banking operations throughout Russia.` `I sense an innovative spirit throughout the organisation. New products and solutions are being developed and are well received by customers, and sales activity has seldom been stronger. I note with satisfaction that costs in the third quarter were cut to under half of group income. All in all, a tremendous effort on the part of our staff at home and abroad,` says group chief executive Svein Aaser. Results are reported in accordance with international accounting principles (IFRS). The transition to IFRS has no impact on the formal core capital ratio. The quarterly report including tables can be downloaded from www.dnbnor.com Press release, third quarter report, presentation and Supplementary Information for Investors and Analysts can be found on www.newsweb.no http://www.newsweb.no/index.asp?melding_ID=115580