S&P Global Ratings has upgraded its issuer credit rating on Singapore Telecommunications (SGX:Z74) to A+ from A, based on the telecommunications provider's improved balance sheet, according to a Wednesday statement.
This is the first rating upgrade made by S&P since Singtel was first rated, with the company remaining focused on maintaining a strong balance sheet in its pursuit of sustainable long-term growth, SingTel said.
Additionally, the rating on Singtel's senior unsecured bonds was upgraded to A+ from A and the rating on its guaranteed subordinated perpetual bonds was revised to BBB+ from BBB with a stable outlook.
S&P is forecasting Singtel to realize the remaining SG$2.2 billion of its SG$9 billion asset recycling program by fiscal 2028 after it received SG$1 billion following the divestment of a 2.8% stake in Gulf Development in June.