Stocks to watch: SingTel, First Resources, Pacific Radiance, KrisEnergy

SEVERAL companies released their results for the three months ended Sept 30 before the start on trading on Thursday morning.

Telco giant Singapore Telecommunications (SingTel) saw a 19 per cent rise in net profit to S$1.04 billion for the second quarter ended Sept 30, boosted by higher contributions from its regional associates. Its net profit was the highest in 10 quarters, while underlying net profit increased 11 per cent to S$979 million, excluding a net exceptional gain of S$59 million which arose mainly from the dilution of the group's equity stake in Singapore Post. Meanwhile, revenue rose 4 per cent to S$4.31 billion. The board approved an interim dividend of 6.8 Singapore cents per share.

First Resources reported a 16.1 per cent slide in net profit to US$43.14 million for the third quarter ended Sept 30. Revenue edged downwards by 2.8 per cent year on year to US$148.76 million on the back of lower average selling prices of crude palm oil and its refined products, which were partially offset by higher sales volumes from the refinery and processing segment.

Offshore marine services firm Pacific Radiance's bottom line received a 24 per cent boost, as the firm posted a US$13.07 million net profit for the third quarter ended Sept 30 due to increased gains from sale of vessels. This was despite a 9 per cent fall in revenue to US$44.36 million on the back of lower contributions from its subsea business. The bottom line was bolstered by a 414 per cent surge in other operating income to US$13.22 million mainly due to an increase in gain on sale of vessels, while loss from associates narrowed by 85 per cent to US$343,000.

Upstream oil and gas firm KrisEnergy reported a total comprehensive loss attributable to shareholders of US$10.03 million for the third quarter ended Sept 30, widening from a loss of US$3.55 million. This was despite revenue totalling US$18.19 million, surging 33.4 per cent year on year on the back of higher oil and gas production. Meanwhile, earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortisation and exploration expenses (Ebitdax) worked out to US$5.49 million, down 20.2 per cent.