EASYCALL Communications Philippines, Inc. sustained its growth trajectory in the first quarter of 2018, as the company explores opportunities in the telecommunications space.
In a disclosure to the stock exchange on Friday, EasyCall said it generated a consolidated net income of P2.73 million, up 18% compared to the net income of P2.32 million in the same period a year ago.
The higher earnings was mainly the result of the increase in service income and higher equity in net earnings of ePerformax International, Inc. where it has a 3.8% interest.
EasyCall was able to keep its growth momentum, building on its positive performance in 2017 when earnings climbed 33%.
Consolidated service income in the January to March period stood at P15.13 million, 23% higher than the P12.25 million booked in the prior year.
EasyCall was the undisputed leader of the local paging industry until the onset of short message service. In 2001, the Delgado-owned Transnational Diversified Group acquired the company and ventured into the IT-BPO industry and technology services, and eventually data connectivity through Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT).
“As it is today, there are still so many unserved and underserved parts of the Philippines that could substantially benefit from data connectivity, and we want to be able to bridge the digital gap in the country,” Zaki Antoni H. Delgado, who was named EasyCall’s president in July 2017, was quoted in the statement as saying.
EasyCall is ready to dive into new opportunities and expand its business in line with the initiatives of the government after being awarded a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) by the National Telecommunications Commission in 2016.
“At the same time, we are seeking more opportunities aligned with AmBisyon Natin 2040, especially on the connectivity infrastructure side,” Mr. Delgado said.
Shares in EasyCall added 40 centavos or 2.05% to close at P19.90 each. — Krista Angela M. Montealegre
