The Positives
+ Recovery in broadband revenue. Broadband revenue was stronger than expected. A 15% YoY rise in ARPU only resulted in minor churns. A vital need for broadband in homes for work and entertainment was likely responsible for the acceptance of higher prices.
+ Healthy cash flows. FCF in 1Q21 was a healthy S$97.4mn. StarHub earlier guided for DPS of at least 5 cents in FY21e.
The Negatives
– Collapse in cyber-security revenue. A 32% YoY collapse in cyber-security revenue reflected lumpy projects in prior quarters. Orderbook was healthy, said StarHub. Admittedly, there is little visibility on future revenue for this division apart from the industry’s healthy outlook and demand. We forecast 30% revenue growth for FY21e.
– Pay-TV subscribers at 310k, lowest since IPO in 2004. Churns accelerated to 8,000 in 1Q21, the highest since StarHub’s transition from cable to fibre in late 4Q19. It is unclear how much the introduction of Disney+ in February can stem the attritions.
Paul has 20 years of experience as a fund manager and sell-side analyst. During his time as fund manager, he has managed multiple funds and mandates including capital guaranteed, dividend income, renewable energy, single country and regionally focused funds.
He graduated from Monash University and had completed both his Chartered Financial Analyst and Australian CPA programme.