Singtel's Q4 profit grows 4.5% at S$939m

SINGAPORE Telecommunications' (Singtel) net profit for the fourth quarter ended March 31, 2015, held steady at S$939 million, rising 4.5 per cent from the S$898 million recorded in the corresponding period last year, due to growth in customers and data services at its regional mobile associates.

Revenue for the quarter was up 5.1 per cent at S$4.34 billion, versus S$4.13 billion in the year-ago period.

For the year ended March, Singtel's net profit was up 3.5 per cent at S$3.78 billion, while revenue was up 2.2 per cent at S$17.22 billion.

Singtel Group CEO Chua Sock Koong said in note on Thursday: "This quarter's performance underscores the strong execution of our core business ... we aspire to be a significant global player in cyber security and our acquisition of Trustwave augments our organic initiatives.

"In the digital space, we are sharpening our focus in three key areas - digital marketing, regional premium video and advanced analytics. Our unique telco assets put us in the right place to seize opportunities in today's digital age as these services become integral in our day-to-day lives."

Earnings per share for the quarter ended March were 5.89 cents.

A final ordinary dividend of 10.7 cents was declared, bringing the total dividend per share up to 17.5 cents.

On Wednesday, Singtel had closed trading up 0.93 per cent at S$4.36.