Telstra, Australia's largest telecommunications company, reported that its net profit for the six months to December 31 rose 13% to A$1.93 billion ($1.77 billion) from a year earlier, as it snared more market share from competitors, an Associated Press report said.
The Associated Press report said the better-than-expected result was also boosted by a A$100 million ($92 million) dividend from its 50% owned pay television unit Foxtel.
Melbourne-based Telstra said net profit for the six months ended December 31 rose to A$1.93 billion ($1.77 billion) from A$1.70 billion a year earlier, the report said.
Revenue rose 6.2% on-year to A$12.37 billion ($11.4 billion) from A$11.65 billion, the report said.
Telstra said it was raising its guidance, and now expects full year earnings before interest and tax growth of 6% to 8%, up from a previous forecast of 5% to 7% growth. The group expects total revenue for the year to rise 3% to 4% on-year.
The result was above market expectations.