Singtel posts net profit of S$1.17 billion for H1 FY23

Singtel’s first half net profit rose 23% to S$1.17 billion, boosted by a net exceptional gain from the Group’s partial divestment of its stake in Airtel compared to a net exceptional loss the previous year. Operating revenue was down 5% to S$7.26 billion due to adverse currency effects and the absence of revenue from NBN migration and Amobee. On an underlying and constant currency basis[1], EBITDA and EBIT would have increased 3% and 8% respectively. The core telco business saw margin improvements, driven by mobile services with the continued roaming recovery from the rebound in travel. Underlying net profit was up 2% to S$1.01 billion, and would have risen 5% on a constant currency basis.

“Our strong results underscore the progress we’ve made executing to our reset as economies reopen. There was a major rebound in our core
business as the resumption in travel lifted roaming revenues across both
our consumer and enterprise businesses.” Yuen Kuan Moon, Group CEO

Yuen Kuan Moon, Singtel Group CEO, said, “Our strong results underscore the progress we’ve made executing to our reset as economies reopen. There was a major rebound in our core business as the resumption in travel lifted roaming revenues across both our consumer and enterprise businesses. NCS capitalised on the digitalisation trend to add new bookings of S$1.3 billion to deliver an order book of S$3.5 billion. With the S$2.5 billion we’ve raised from partially divesting our direct stake in Airtel, we’ve recycled some S$6 billion in the past 18 months since setting out to proactively monetise our assets to achieve better capital efficiency. We’ve also reduced our net debt by nearly a third from a year ago to buttress our balance sheet in these uncertain times. As testament to our proven asset recycling model, we are sharing the benefits by returning excess cash to our shareholders after setting aside capital for our growth initiatives.”

The regional associates’ pre-tax profit contributions rose 15% to S$1.16 billion. This was due to Airtel’s standout performance in India as it grew ARPU through higher usage and tariff hikes. Airtel also saw strong demand for its enterprise and home broadband solutions. Other associates posted higher revenues from robust data demand and a reopening of their economies despite intense competitive pressures. However, their profit contributions, with the exception of AIS, were impacted by higher depreciation from investments in 5G and fibre. In addition, AIS and Globe were affected by a sharp depreciation in the Thai baht and Philippine peso. The associates’ pre-tax contributions would have grown by 18% had the regional currencies remained stable from the same period last year.

In Australia, rapid and successive interest rate hikes, a weaker Australian dollar and softer consumer and business sentiment due to a slowing economy have resulted in a non-cash impairment charge of S$1 billion on Optus’ goodwill. This impairment does not affect the Group’s cashflow or its ability to pay dividends, nor does it impact Optus’ operational performance. The overall effect on net profit remains positive with the Airtel stake sale.

Yuen said, “We’ve made good progress towards our goals and remain confident in Optus’ strong fundamentals and long-term growth prospects but we’re also facing stronger macroeconomic headwinds which we expect to persist into 2023. In addition to exercising prudence across our businesses through cost discipline and operational efficiencies, our strong balance sheet will allow us to better navigate this challenging environment. We remain committed to investing in our people and capabilities to create sustainable value over the longer term.”

Optus
Optus’ operating revenue was up 1% as growth across its mobile and fixed businesses offset the absence of NBN migration revenue. Excluding NBN migration revenue, operating revenue grew 2.3%. Mobile service revenue rose 2%, driven by a price uplift, mobile customer growth and stronger roaming from the continued rebound in international travel. Equipment sales grew from higher sales of high-end devices. Excluding NBN migration revenue, EBITDA increased 8% on better margins and strong cost management.

Following the cyber attack on Optus in September 2022, a provision of A$140 million has been made and recorded as an exceptional expense for a programme of customer actions, including an external independent review, third-party credit monitoring services and the replacement of identification documents where needed.

“We know there is much work to be done to regain the trust and confidence of our customers in Australia in the wake of the cyber attack. We view this matter very seriously as cyber security and the protection of our customers’ information is of critical importance to the Singtel Group. While the cyber attack has regrettably interrupted Optus’ momentum at the end of the first half, we expect Optus to come back stronger,” Yuen added.

Singpore Consumer
Singapore Consumer’s operating revenue was up 1% as higher revenues from mobile service and broadband were partially offset by lower equipment sales and pay-TV revenues. Mobile service revenue growth was a robust 10%, lifted by roaming recovery and increased 5G adoption. TV revenues were affected by the cessation of Premier League. However, margins improved on the back of content cost savings and muted churn. EBITDA improved by 10% due to revenue growth as well as tight cost control.

Group Enterpise
Group Enterprise’s operating revenue rose 2%, driven by continued momentum in roaming from more business travel, and demand for ICT and cyber security services which mitigated the decline in carriage services. Despite rising inflationary pressures, EBITDA was stable as operating costs were well managed.

The Group is growing its data centre capacity which is expected to double to 120 MW with the completion of its new facility in Tuas, Singapore. It will also be building its first data centre with a capacity of 20 MW in Thailand with partners Gulf Energy and AIS. Both data centres will begin operations in 2025.

NCS
During the reporting period, NCS adjusted its operating models as it grows into a regional IT services provider. With digitalisation by governments and enterprises continuing to drive broad-based growth across all its business segments, it delivered a 20%[2] increase in operating revenue in the first half. Its global business crossed the S$200 million mark to account for 16% of revenue, supported by contributions from recently acquired Australian IT and digital services companies. However, EBITDA was down 26% as a result of post-acquisition costs relating to its new Australian subsidiaries as well as higher staff costs from investments in digital capabilities to support business growth.

Dividend
The Board has approved an interim ordinary dividend of 4.6 cents per share for the half year ended 30 September 2022, totalling S$760 million. This represents 76% of the Group’s underlying net profit for the first half of the year.

A special dividend of 5.0 cents per share, totalling S$826 million, was also approved to share the benefits of the Group’s asset recycling initiatives with shareholders. It will be paid in two tranches of 2.5 cents each, together with the ordinary dividends[3].