Singtel raises annual earnings forecast after 10 per cent profit growth
The group increased its interim dividend to 9.0 Singapore cents per share as contributions from regional associates reached S$993 million.
Singapore Telecommunications (Singtel) raised its annual operating earnings outlook after reporting underlying net profit of S$1.49 billion for the half-year ending September 30. That represented growth of 10 per cent from S$1.35 billion a year earlier, which the group attributed to stronger performances by its units and regional associates.
For fiscal 2027, Singtel forecasts mid- to high-single-digit growth in operating-company earnings before interest and tax, excluding regional associates. The previous projection was for growth in the low- to mid-single-digit range.
Regional associates delivered S$993 million in post-tax contributions, up 9.0 per cent, Singtel said. Those businesses include India's Bharti Airtel, Thailand's Advanced Info Service (AIS) and Indonesia's Telkomsel.
Optus recorded a 2.0 per cent decline in operating revenue, although better mobile performance and cost management helped improve profitability. Singtel has owned the Australian telecommunications provider since 2001.
Shareholders will receive an interim dividend of 9.0 Singapore cents for each share, compared with the previous year's payout of 8.2 Singapore cents.
