SingTel - Maybank Research 2023-05-25: Currency Headwinds; FY23 Missed Estimates

• SingTel (SGX:Z74)'s FY23 PATMI of S$2.23b (+14% y-o-y) missed our/consensus expectations due to FX depreciation in the region, achieving 95%/94% of the respective FY23 forecasts. On a constant currency basis, PATMI would be in line with estimates.
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Strong roaming recovery and 5G demand

• SingTel's FY23 operating revenue and EBITDA fell 4.7% and 2.2% y-o-y, respectively, due to absence of contribution from Amobee and a 6% depreciation in the Australian dollar.
  • - Read this at SGinvestors.io -
  • Optus saw strong improvement in EBIT (+35.1% y-o-y) on solid net connections, increasing prices and growth in prepaid business.
  • NCS’ operating revenue (+18% y-o-y) was propelled by growth in its Enterprise and Telco business. EBITDA, however, declined by 6.3% y-o-y, impacted by higher operating expenses attributable to post-acquisition charges, as well as higher staff costs due to investments in digital capabilities to support business growth.
  • Notably, contributions from SingTel's regional associates rose 4.2% y-o-y, particularly Airtel’s continued momentum in India (+60% y-o-y) as it increased ARPU through higher usage and tariff hikes.

Improving ROIC target

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Kelvin Tan Maybank Research | https://www.maybank-ke.com.sg/ 2023-05-25 SGinvestors.io

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