Singapore Telecommunications (Z74.SG) likely to report $969 million 2Q net profit vs $956 million year ago on higher contribution from Australian unit Optus, according to median forecast of Dow Jones poll of 6 analysts. 

“SingTel offers a diversified, high quality exposure to both developed and emerging markets...The group has led the way in driving smartphone adoption in both Singapore and Australia and remains in a prime position to benefit from rising data usage in India and Indonesia through its stakes in premium wireless operators in both markets,” says Morgan Stanley in note. SingTel to release 2Q results before market opens Thursday.