AIS posts Q1 net profit of B7.61bn, stays on top

AIS posts Q1 net profit of B7.61bn, stays on top

Advanced Info Service Plc (AIS) reported a net profit of 7.61 billion baht in the first quarter of 2019 and maintained its lead in the telecom service sector, with revenue accounting for 48% of overall market share.

Somchai Lertsutiwong, chief executive of AIS, said the telecom industry continues to be a significant infrastructure in the development of Thailand, creating opportunities for economic growth in every sector.

"AIS is determined to continually upgrade the entire network, including mobile, fixed broadband and digital solutions," he said. "The company is committed to digital transformation to stay competitive in a rapidly changing world."

He said AIS in 2019 expects core service revenue to grow by a mid-single-digit rate compared with last year. Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation are targeted to be stable from last year at around 43%.

An investment budget of 20-25 billion baht has been allocated to enhance network quality and efficiency to meet increased usage perspectives.

"We are confident AIS will remain No.1 and continue to grow, and certainly strengthen the national digital economy," Mr Somchai said.

AIS reported first-quarter consolidated revenue of 43.8 billion baht, up 7.1% year-on-year. AIS's 4G customers grew, constituting 63% of 41.5 million total subscribers. Average data usage rose to 11.4 gigabytes, and the gain in postpaid subscribers was 353,900, the highest in the last 11 quarters.

At the end of March, AIS Fibre had 795,000 subscribers, a net increase of 64,500 additions, the highest gain in the past seven quarters.

Streaming video from AIS Play and AIS Playbox contributed to an increase in average data usage from 7.6GB a year earlier to 11.4GB.

AIS also launched insurance services in the first quarter this year, while Rabbit Line Pay, AIS's mobile money joint venture with Line and VGI, reported rapid growth in user registration.

The company also offered digital services to consumers with the introduction of AIS DigitALL Shop, the first unmanned store in Thailand.

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