Singtel share price (SGX: Z74) in perfect storm
Lifetime Membership Special Offer! In my last article on Singtel share price, I wrote that this counter has bottomed out. Yet, following that article, Singtel share price plunged 8.5%, falling from $2.58 to a low of $2.36 on 30 November. Apparently, Omicron variant has emerged out of nowhere to cause the train-wreck of Singtel share price.
Singtel’s sprawling telco businesses are prone to the impact of the pandemic as a significant portion of the Group’s revenue is derived from roaming revenue from tourists. Hence, a protracted pandemic crisis could possibly shake confidence in Singtel share price. Nevertheless, as we entered December, Singtel share price stabilized to $2.40 level as the market digested emerging data on Omicron variant, which is deemed to be highly contagious but less likely to cause severe illnesses among patients.
For the past two years, I reckon many Singtel investors did not have a good sleep as COVID-19 has caused plenty of uncertainties for Singtel share price. But that’s not all. On 17 December, another bombshell awaited investors. The Group announced that its subsidiary, Singapore Telecom Australia Investments Pty Ltd (“STAI”), has received an unfavorable judgment from the Federal Court of Australia over the acquisition financing of Singtel Optus Pty Limited in 2001.
The net tax exposure and related interest and penalties amount to A$304 million. Although the case relates to an incident that happened 20 years ago, it was actually reflected in the recent annual financial statements. In fact, I have always stressed that one of the key risks for Singtel share price is the contingent liabilities arising from the telco’s overseas acquisitions.
Given that Optus has evolved to become Singtel’s crown jewel over the decades, I am sure the telco will settle the tax penalty swiftly to avoid further negative publicity. Furthermore, the amount …
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