SINGAPORE -- Singapore Telecommunications Limited (SingTel) today announced its unaudited results for the second quarter and half year ended 30 September 2005.

Group

For the quarter ended 30 September 2005, Group revenue increased by 5.8 per cent to S$3.30 billion. Operational EBITDA declined 2.1 per cent to S$1.13 billion, reflecting the tougher market conditions in Australia.

The Group’s share of pre-tax profits from associates increased 16 per cent to S$371 million, driven by stronger contributions from Bharti and Telkomsel. Associates contributed 35 per cent or S$268 million of the Group’s underlying net profit.

Net profit after tax grew 5.7 per cent to S$809 million while underlying net profit after tax increased 2.7 per cent to S$755 million. Earnings per share grew 12 per cent to 4.85 cents while underlying EPS grew 8.9 per cent to 4.53 cents following the reduction in average shares on issue after the capital reduction exercise.

Free cash flow[1][2] for the quarter is S$755 million, with S$446 million from SingTel and the associates and S$309 million from Optus.

Mr Lee Hsien Yang, SingTel’s President and CEO, said: “SingTel is uniquely positioned in the region. With over 60 per cent of EBITDA coming from our international business, we have a well diversified earnings base.”

He added: “In Singapore, the top line trend is improving. Regional mobile is delivering strong and profitable growth driven by Bharti and Telkomsel. Optus is investing to outperform the market in the medium term. Together our group is delivering healthy EPS growth and strong cashflow.”

Singapore Telecommunications Ltd. (SingTel)