By Goh Thean EuPublished: 2010/06/08
DIGI.COM Bhd (6947), the country's third largest mobile operator, believes the key to growing its market share and revenue is by treating and understanding its customers better.
"Mobile services is becoming a commodity, so the only way we can differentiate ourselves is by giving better customer experience to our customers," said its new chief executive officer Henrik Clausen in a media briefing in Shah Alam yesterday.
DiGi's first quarter net profit grew 1 per cent to RM275 million, while sales grew by 6 per cent to RM1.22 billion. It also added about 200,000 new customers during the quarter.
In comparison, DiGi registered higher revenue growth against market leader Maxis Bhd, which saw sales growing by 1.1 per cent in the first quarter. However, it did not grow as much as Celcom Axiata Bhd's 15 per cent in the same period.
In terms of earnings, DiGi and Maxis posted similar net profit growth, as Maxis' net profit rose by 0.9 per cent, while Celcom grew earnings by 24 per cent.
The company aims to capture one-third of market share over the long term. To do that, it believes it needs to maintain its "challenger mindset".
"We want to win the war every day, we want to do better than our competitors every day," he said.
Clausen said another key for the company's success is to strike the right balance between its price offering for consumers and the cost of investments. The company aims to spend RM700 million on capital expenditure this year.
The company said it is on track to save RM100 million this year, from various aspects of its business, including procurement. For the first three months alone, it has managed to save some RM37 million through various cost-efficiency initiatives.
"In order to be successful in the industry, to be able to compete, we need to be smart in terms of the way we spend our money," he said.
Clausen joined DiGi almost a month ago on May 17. He began his telecommunications career in 2000 when he was appointed the CEO of Cybercity, the second fixed broadband and Internet service provider in Denmark.
In 2005, Telenor acquired Cybercity and Sonofon, and Clausen was appointed CEO to both companies, as well as head of Telenor Denmark Holding.
He believes Ebitda (earnings before interest tax, depreciation and amortisation) will face pressure this year, and expects the margin to decline to 43 per cent from 44.6 per cent currently.
Read more: Enhancing customer experience a key focus for DiGI http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/newceo07/Article/#ixzz0qEz2Y9Iq
Monday, June 7, 2010
US' ShoreTel sets foot in Malaysia via partnership
By Lynn Omar
Published: 2010/06/08
SHORETEL Inc, a US-based Internet protocol (IP) business communication company, is setting foot in Malaysia via a partnership with two local companies, ITApps Sdn Bhd and Comegatel Systems Sdn Bhd.
It is targeting Malaysian small- and medium-sized enterprises in all sectors and expects to generate a revenue of US$3 million (RM9.99 million) within the first year.
"There is a growing number of businesses in Malaysia turning to unified communications (UC) for its efficiency and productivity gains.
"Since people are always on the move and need to have access to their work system, by having this system in place, we can eliminate geographical and physical barriers," ShoreTel worldwide sales senior vice-president Don Girskis told a press conference in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.
The system aims to distribute intelligence to all locations and leverage on a company's network to provide a single point of administration.
The company declined to say how much it is investing in Malaysia, but that it is tripling its resources within Asia, specifically in Malaysia, Singapore and the Philippines.
"Around the world, an increasing number of organisations are walking away from complexity and inflexibility and turning to IP-based communication solutions which can fit easily into an existing infrastructure. This will save running costs in the long run," said ShoreTel managing director for Asia-Pacific, Vasili Triant.
The company plans to grow distribution channels, accelerate product leadership and increase consideration rates.
International companies that have incorporated ShoreTel's UC system include telecommunications conglomerates Telstra and AT&T Inc.
ShoreTel provides organisations with integrated, voice, video, data and mobile communications on an open, distributed IP architecture within a single UC structure.
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/lypcsho-2/Article/
Published: 2010/06/08
SHORETEL Inc, a US-based Internet protocol (IP) business communication company, is setting foot in Malaysia via a partnership with two local companies, ITApps Sdn Bhd and Comegatel Systems Sdn Bhd.
It is targeting Malaysian small- and medium-sized enterprises in all sectors and expects to generate a revenue of US$3 million (RM9.99 million) within the first year.
"There is a growing number of businesses in Malaysia turning to unified communications (UC) for its efficiency and productivity gains.
"Since people are always on the move and need to have access to their work system, by having this system in place, we can eliminate geographical and physical barriers," ShoreTel worldwide sales senior vice-president Don Girskis told a press conference in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.
The system aims to distribute intelligence to all locations and leverage on a company's network to provide a single point of administration.
The company declined to say how much it is investing in Malaysia, but that it is tripling its resources within Asia, specifically in Malaysia, Singapore and the Philippines.
"Around the world, an increasing number of organisations are walking away from complexity and inflexibility and turning to IP-based communication solutions which can fit easily into an existing infrastructure. This will save running costs in the long run," said ShoreTel managing director for Asia-Pacific, Vasili Triant.
The company plans to grow distribution channels, accelerate product leadership and increase consideration rates.
International companies that have incorporated ShoreTel's UC system include telecommunications conglomerates Telstra and AT&T Inc.
ShoreTel provides organisations with integrated, voice, video, data and mobile communications on an open, distributed IP architecture within a single UC structure.
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/lypcsho-2/Article/
CEO: DiGi on track to achieving RM100m savings
Tuesday June 8, 2010
By LEONG HUNG YEE
hungyee@thestar.com.my
SHAH ALAM: DiGi.Com Bhd, which has embarked on a cost-saving initiative to ensure the group is able to withstand challenges in the competitive industry, is on track to achieved RM100mil savings this year.
Newly-appointed chief executive officer Henrik Clausen said the group had managed to save RM37mil in the first quarter and was well on track to achieve its target.
He said the telco was looking at savings from every aspect of its processes, including procurement, maintenance and sourcing.
“We are in an industry where there is a lot of pressure from competition in the market, and to be able to compete, we need to be smart in the way we operate our business,” he said at a briefing yesterday.
Henrik Clausen ... ‘Sabah and Sarawak are part of our aggressive expansion.’
Clausen took over DiGi’s helm effective May 17 from Johan Dennelind.
Going forward, he said DiGi would be expanding further by capitalising on segments they are strong in, such as the youth segment.
He said its earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) margin for 2010 might be pressured due to higher level of handset subsidies.
To a question, Clausen said the guided EBITDA for the year was 43% but aimed to grow its revenue above the industry average.
On its 3G network coverage, he said the group was playing catch up. DiGi’s 3G network currently covers some 30% of populated areas. By year-end the coverage will be about 50%.
Asked what the Government could do to further improve the mobile telecom industry, he said equal access to resources for players was important.
“What the Government and regulators can do is to make access to resources and frequencies on equal and transparent terms.
“It will drive competition and can lower price levels besides driving expansion of network throughout Malaysia,” Clausen said.
On DiGi’s presence in Sabah and Sarawak, he said the telco was doing “pretty well” and intended to expand its network there.
“Sabah and Sarawak are part of our aggressive expansion going forward, comprising voice and data network,” he added.
Recently, DiGi announced that its wholly-owned subsidiary DiGi Tel and Baraka Telecom Sdn Bhd have terminated their mobile virtual network operator agreement.
Clausen said there were “something lined up” but did not provide details. “We’ll announce that when we get closer to that.”
Asked if DiGi would venture into the fixed broadband market, he said: “Never say never. Our focus for the time being is the mobile broadband.”
http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/6/8/business/6421429&sec=business
By LEONG HUNG YEE
hungyee@thestar.com.my
SHAH ALAM: DiGi.Com Bhd, which has embarked on a cost-saving initiative to ensure the group is able to withstand challenges in the competitive industry, is on track to achieved RM100mil savings this year.
Newly-appointed chief executive officer Henrik Clausen said the group had managed to save RM37mil in the first quarter and was well on track to achieve its target.
He said the telco was looking at savings from every aspect of its processes, including procurement, maintenance and sourcing.
“We are in an industry where there is a lot of pressure from competition in the market, and to be able to compete, we need to be smart in the way we operate our business,” he said at a briefing yesterday.
Henrik Clausen ... ‘Sabah and Sarawak are part of our aggressive expansion.’
Clausen took over DiGi’s helm effective May 17 from Johan Dennelind.
Going forward, he said DiGi would be expanding further by capitalising on segments they are strong in, such as the youth segment.
He said its earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) margin for 2010 might be pressured due to higher level of handset subsidies.
To a question, Clausen said the guided EBITDA for the year was 43% but aimed to grow its revenue above the industry average.
On its 3G network coverage, he said the group was playing catch up. DiGi’s 3G network currently covers some 30% of populated areas. By year-end the coverage will be about 50%.
Asked what the Government could do to further improve the mobile telecom industry, he said equal access to resources for players was important.
“What the Government and regulators can do is to make access to resources and frequencies on equal and transparent terms.
“It will drive competition and can lower price levels besides driving expansion of network throughout Malaysia,” Clausen said.
On DiGi’s presence in Sabah and Sarawak, he said the telco was doing “pretty well” and intended to expand its network there.
“Sabah and Sarawak are part of our aggressive expansion going forward, comprising voice and data network,” he added.
Recently, DiGi announced that its wholly-owned subsidiary DiGi Tel and Baraka Telecom Sdn Bhd have terminated their mobile virtual network operator agreement.
Clausen said there were “something lined up” but did not provide details. “We’ll announce that when we get closer to that.”
Asked if DiGi would venture into the fixed broadband market, he said: “Never say never. Our focus for the time being is the mobile broadband.”
http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/6/8/business/6421429&sec=business
Google denies use of private data for mapping
Published: Tuesday June 8, 2010 MYT 7:19:00 AM
HARTFORD, Connecticut: Google representatives say they're working with authorities to address privacy concerns over its mapping service.
Last month, Google acknowledged it had mistakenly collected data over public Wi-Fi networks in more than 30 countries. Authorities fear the collection may violate privacy laws.
Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal held a news conference Monday urging the search engine company to reveal whether it illegally collected data from state personal and business wireless computer networks for the Street View feature.
In an email to The Associated Press, a Google spokeswoman said its Wi-Fi collection and Street View feature, which provides pictures of neighborhoods, are unrelated.
Police in Germany and Australia already have launched their own investigations into the matter. - AP
http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/6/8/business/20100608072430&sec=business
HARTFORD, Connecticut: Google representatives say they're working with authorities to address privacy concerns over its mapping service.
Last month, Google acknowledged it had mistakenly collected data over public Wi-Fi networks in more than 30 countries. Authorities fear the collection may violate privacy laws.
Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal held a news conference Monday urging the search engine company to reveal whether it illegally collected data from state personal and business wireless computer networks for the Street View feature.
In an email to The Associated Press, a Google spokeswoman said its Wi-Fi collection and Street View feature, which provides pictures of neighborhoods, are unrelated.
Police in Germany and Australia already have launched their own investigations into the matter. - AP
http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/6/8/business/20100608072430&sec=business
New, better, slimmer, iPhone unveiled
Published: Tuesday June 8, 2010 MYT 7:25:00 AM
Updated: Tuesday June 8, 2010 MYT 9:02:37 AM
SAN FRANCISCO: The next iPhone comes out June 24 and will have a higher-resolution screen, longer battery life and thinner design.
CEO Steve Jobs opened Apple Inc.'s annual conference for software developers Monday by demonstrating the iPhone 4, which will cost US$199 or $299 in the U.S. with a two-year AT&T contract, depending on the capacity.
The iPhone 3GS, which debuted last year, will still be available, for $99.
Some of the mystery surrounding Apple's latest creation had been punctured in April, when the tech blog Gizmodo bought a lost iPhone prototype for $5,000 and posted pictures of the unit.
Apple CEO Steve Jobs smiles with new iPhone at the Apple Worldwide Developers Conference, Monday, in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma)
Apple demanded it back, and authorities have been investigating whether a Gizmodo editor broke any laws.
"Stop me if you've already seen this," Jobs said Monday as he started his demo.
The iPhone 4 is sleeker and more advanced than the original iPhone that came out in 2007. Like the iPhone 3GS, it comes in black or white, though it has a more angular look.
Its front and back are covered with glass, and it is rimmed with stainless steel that acts as part of the phone's antenna.
It is about three-eighths of an inch thick; the iPhone 3GS is nearly half an inch.
It can shoot high-definition video, catching up to some other smart phones.
It has a gyroscope in addition to other sensors, to enable more advanced motion-sensing applications, such as games and mapping services.
The display on the iPhone remains 3.5 inches (8.9 centimeters) diagonally, but Jobs noted that it can show four times as many pixels - the individual colored dots that make up an image - as the previous screen.
Apple CEO Steve Jobs, left, talks to a friend using the new FaceTime program on the iPhone 4 during the Apple Worldwide Developers Conference, Monday, in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma)
That makes for a sharper appearance.
One of the most noticeable changes is the iPhone's new camera on the front that can be used for videoconferencing, in addition to a five-megapixel camera and a flash on the back.
For now, the videoconferencing function, FaceTime, works only if both parties to the call have an iPhone 4 and are connected over Wi-Fi rather than a cell phone network.
Jobs indicated that FaceTime will eventually work over cellular networks, saying Apple needs to "work a little bit" with wireless providers to make it "ready for the future."
The battery on the new iPhone will allow up to seven hours of talk time - an improvement over five hours on the last model.
It can handle up to six hours of Web browsing over cellular networks or 10 hours over Wi-Fi.
The new phone will run the latest version of Apple's mobile software, now called iOS4, which Apple unveiled in April to offer such features as the ability to operate more than one program at a time.
Older iPhones and iPod Touch devices will be able to get iOS4 as a free download June 21, though not all features will work on them.
New applications for the device will include a version of the popular game Farmville and one from Netflix that lets people watch streaming video where they left off on their TV.
Apple is trying to tighten the links between the iPhone and its iPad tablet, which came out April 3.
It is releasing a version of its iBooks e-reading application for the iPhone, which means people could buy an e-book from Apple on either device and read it on either one as well.
Michael Gartenberg, a partner at analyst firm Altimeter Group, said the iPhone upgrade puts pressure on smart-phone makers that use Google's Android operating software.
Android, which was first released on a phone in 2008, has been gaining popularity as major phone makers such have Motorola Inc. have relied on the software for iPhone rivals such as the Droid.
"I think Apple knows how to teach people about things they don't yet know they want," he said.
Meanwhile Apple Inc. CEO Steve Jobs was thwarted Monday in his attempt to show off how clearly the newest iPhone displays Web pages, apparently because too many people were clogging the airwaves at the conference where he was on stage.
Jobs tried three times during his keynote to do a side-by-side comparison of the iPhone 4's screen resolution versus its predecessor's.
He was trying to call up The New York Times' Web page, but it wouldn't load because too many devices in the room were operating over Wi-Fi, swamping the frequency.
Jobs switched to backup phones for the demonstration, but he was still stymied.
"Well jeez, I don't like this," Jobs groused.
He abandoned the demo while staffers investigated.
Technological glitches at technology conferences are common, but less so at Apple's carefully choreographed events.
Last month at a demonstration of Google Inc.'s Internet television technology, Google representatives had trouble showing how easy it was supposed to be to switch back and forth between browsing Web content and TV programming.
Google pleaded with attendees to shut off their wireless connections, as did Jobs on Monday. He asked bloggers and other people in the room to turn off their wireless connections and put their computers on the floor.
"I think bloggers have a right to blog, but if we want to see the demos we're going to have to do it," he said.
The demos immediately after that went smoothly.
But a later demo of a video-calling feature that requires a wireless Internet connection was sluggish at times. - AP
http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/6/8/business/20100608072800&sec=business
Updated: Tuesday June 8, 2010 MYT 9:02:37 AM
SAN FRANCISCO: The next iPhone comes out June 24 and will have a higher-resolution screen, longer battery life and thinner design.
CEO Steve Jobs opened Apple Inc.'s annual conference for software developers Monday by demonstrating the iPhone 4, which will cost US$199 or $299 in the U.S. with a two-year AT&T contract, depending on the capacity.
The iPhone 3GS, which debuted last year, will still be available, for $99.
Some of the mystery surrounding Apple's latest creation had been punctured in April, when the tech blog Gizmodo bought a lost iPhone prototype for $5,000 and posted pictures of the unit.
Apple CEO Steve Jobs smiles with new iPhone at the Apple Worldwide Developers Conference, Monday, in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma)
Apple demanded it back, and authorities have been investigating whether a Gizmodo editor broke any laws.
"Stop me if you've already seen this," Jobs said Monday as he started his demo.
The iPhone 4 is sleeker and more advanced than the original iPhone that came out in 2007. Like the iPhone 3GS, it comes in black or white, though it has a more angular look.
Its front and back are covered with glass, and it is rimmed with stainless steel that acts as part of the phone's antenna.
It is about three-eighths of an inch thick; the iPhone 3GS is nearly half an inch.
It can shoot high-definition video, catching up to some other smart phones.
It has a gyroscope in addition to other sensors, to enable more advanced motion-sensing applications, such as games and mapping services.
The display on the iPhone remains 3.5 inches (8.9 centimeters) diagonally, but Jobs noted that it can show four times as many pixels - the individual colored dots that make up an image - as the previous screen.
Apple CEO Steve Jobs, left, talks to a friend using the new FaceTime program on the iPhone 4 during the Apple Worldwide Developers Conference, Monday, in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma)
That makes for a sharper appearance.
One of the most noticeable changes is the iPhone's new camera on the front that can be used for videoconferencing, in addition to a five-megapixel camera and a flash on the back.
For now, the videoconferencing function, FaceTime, works only if both parties to the call have an iPhone 4 and are connected over Wi-Fi rather than a cell phone network.
Jobs indicated that FaceTime will eventually work over cellular networks, saying Apple needs to "work a little bit" with wireless providers to make it "ready for the future."
The battery on the new iPhone will allow up to seven hours of talk time - an improvement over five hours on the last model.
It can handle up to six hours of Web browsing over cellular networks or 10 hours over Wi-Fi.
The new phone will run the latest version of Apple's mobile software, now called iOS4, which Apple unveiled in April to offer such features as the ability to operate more than one program at a time.
Older iPhones and iPod Touch devices will be able to get iOS4 as a free download June 21, though not all features will work on them.
New applications for the device will include a version of the popular game Farmville and one from Netflix that lets people watch streaming video where they left off on their TV.
Apple is trying to tighten the links between the iPhone and its iPad tablet, which came out April 3.
It is releasing a version of its iBooks e-reading application for the iPhone, which means people could buy an e-book from Apple on either device and read it on either one as well.
Michael Gartenberg, a partner at analyst firm Altimeter Group, said the iPhone upgrade puts pressure on smart-phone makers that use Google's Android operating software.
Android, which was first released on a phone in 2008, has been gaining popularity as major phone makers such have Motorola Inc. have relied on the software for iPhone rivals such as the Droid.
"I think Apple knows how to teach people about things they don't yet know they want," he said.
Meanwhile Apple Inc. CEO Steve Jobs was thwarted Monday in his attempt to show off how clearly the newest iPhone displays Web pages, apparently because too many people were clogging the airwaves at the conference where he was on stage.
Jobs tried three times during his keynote to do a side-by-side comparison of the iPhone 4's screen resolution versus its predecessor's.
He was trying to call up The New York Times' Web page, but it wouldn't load because too many devices in the room were operating over Wi-Fi, swamping the frequency.
Jobs switched to backup phones for the demonstration, but he was still stymied.
"Well jeez, I don't like this," Jobs groused.
He abandoned the demo while staffers investigated.
Technological glitches at technology conferences are common, but less so at Apple's carefully choreographed events.
Last month at a demonstration of Google Inc.'s Internet television technology, Google representatives had trouble showing how easy it was supposed to be to switch back and forth between browsing Web content and TV programming.
Google pleaded with attendees to shut off their wireless connections, as did Jobs on Monday. He asked bloggers and other people in the room to turn off their wireless connections and put their computers on the floor.
"I think bloggers have a right to blog, but if we want to see the demos we're going to have to do it," he said.
The demos immediately after that went smoothly.
But a later demo of a video-calling feature that requires a wireless Internet connection was sluggish at times. - AP
http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/6/8/business/20100608072800&sec=business
DiGi on track to save RM100m for 2010
Published: 2010/06/07
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DiGi Telecommunications Sdn Bhd has to-date achieved RM37 million savings across-the-board and is well on track to clinch RM100 million savings for the year.
Its new chief executive officer Henrik Clausen said Digi, the third largest local telco player, was looking at savings from every aspect including maintenance, sourcing, procurement and every other process in the firm.
"We are in an industry where there are lots of pressure from competition inthe market, and to be able to compete, we need to be smart in the way we operateour business," he told a media briefing.
Clausen, who succeeds former CEO Johan Dennilend, was appointed on May 17. Going forward, he said DiGi will be expanding further by capitalising on segments they are strong in, such as the youth segment. -- Bernama
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/20100607200036/Article/index_html
Read more: DiGi on track to save RM100m for 2010 http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/20100607200036/Article/index_html#ixzz0qAncD4pX
Share
DiGi Telecommunications Sdn Bhd has to-date achieved RM37 million savings across-the-board and is well on track to clinch RM100 million savings for the year.
Its new chief executive officer Henrik Clausen said Digi, the third largest local telco player, was looking at savings from every aspect including maintenance, sourcing, procurement and every other process in the firm.
"We are in an industry where there are lots of pressure from competition inthe market, and to be able to compete, we need to be smart in the way we operateour business," he told a media briefing.
Clausen, who succeeds former CEO Johan Dennilend, was appointed on May 17. Going forward, he said DiGi will be expanding further by capitalising on segments they are strong in, such as the youth segment. -- Bernama
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/20100607200036/Article/index_html
Read more: DiGi on track to save RM100m for 2010 http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/20100607200036/Article/index_html#ixzz0qAncD4pX
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Maxis: Buy, target price RM5.90
Published: 2010/06/04
Share
ECM Libra Investment Research upgraded its recommendation on Maxis Bhd (6012) following the recent weakness in its share price.
However, it maintained its target price of RM5.90 as it did not upgrade its earnings estimates.
"Maxis' first quarter results were within expectations, as revenue and net profit achieved 24 per cent of our FY10 estimates. Likewise, against consensus estimates, first quarter revenue and net profit met 24 per cent and 22 per cent of FY10 figures respectively," it said.
Maxis added a total of 400,000 new subscribers in the first quarter to 12.69 million subscribers. Most of the net adds came from prepaid (in particular the youth segment) whereby Maxis added 351,000 prepaid subscribers to 9.67 million while postpaid subs base stayed flat at 2.71 million for a second consecutive quarter.
"Management reiterated its focus on quality postpaid subs, and this has been reflected by the noticeable drop in bad debts exposure within their opex (1.4 per cent of revenue in 1QFY10 versus 2.1 per cent in 3QFY09)," it said.
Maxis declared a first interim single-tier tax exempt dividend of 8 sen/share, which represents 108 per cent of first quarter 2010 EPS.
"We have revised our dividend payout assumption to 113 per cent (previously 85 per cent), following management hinting of similar dividends for the remaining three quarters. This implies FY10 DPS of 35 sen or an attractive yield of 6.7 per cent," it said.
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/3maxis/Article/index_html
Share
ECM Libra Investment Research upgraded its recommendation on Maxis Bhd (6012) following the recent weakness in its share price.
However, it maintained its target price of RM5.90 as it did not upgrade its earnings estimates.
"Maxis' first quarter results were within expectations, as revenue and net profit achieved 24 per cent of our FY10 estimates. Likewise, against consensus estimates, first quarter revenue and net profit met 24 per cent and 22 per cent of FY10 figures respectively," it said.
Maxis added a total of 400,000 new subscribers in the first quarter to 12.69 million subscribers. Most of the net adds came from prepaid (in particular the youth segment) whereby Maxis added 351,000 prepaid subscribers to 9.67 million while postpaid subs base stayed flat at 2.71 million for a second consecutive quarter.
"Management reiterated its focus on quality postpaid subs, and this has been reflected by the noticeable drop in bad debts exposure within their opex (1.4 per cent of revenue in 1QFY10 versus 2.1 per cent in 3QFY09)," it said.
Maxis declared a first interim single-tier tax exempt dividend of 8 sen/share, which represents 108 per cent of first quarter 2010 EPS.
"We have revised our dividend payout assumption to 113 per cent (previously 85 per cent), following management hinting of similar dividends for the remaining three quarters. This implies FY10 DPS of 35 sen or an attractive yield of 6.7 per cent," it said.
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/3maxis/Article/index_html
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