What will Singtel's new CEO mean for its share price?

Joan Ng

Published Thu, Oct 1, 2020 · 09:50 PM

INVESTORS craving a change in management direction at what was once Singapore's largest public-listed company have finally got what they want - sort of - with the appointment of Yuen Kuan Moon as the new chief executive of Singtel.

The argument for change is strong, given that Singtel's earnings are now lower than they were 10 years ago. Its balance sheet is more heavily geared, and its capacity to service its debt load has deteriorated. Meanwhile, many of its digital investments - pay-TV, music streaming and online advertising - have not paid off.

Singtel's dividend for FY2020 was S$0.1225 per share, versus S$0.175 per share for FY2019. Last month, its shares slumped to a 12-year low.

There were nine contenders for the top job at Singtel, said its chairman Lee Theng Kiat. He did not reveal how many - or, indeed, whether any - were ou…