Landline monopoly Telecom Egypt Co. (ETEL:CA) reported on Monday a 1.7 percent rise in net profit for the first quarter of 2012, saying the Egyptian business environment was improving after a turbulent year in 2011. The company reported consolidated net income of EGP 912 million ($151 million) in the first three months of the year, compared to EGP 897 million a year earlier. "Following a turbulent year in 2011, the Egyptian business environment is showing signs of normalising. This is reflected in our revenue performance year on year and quarter on quarter," Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director Tariq Muhiuddin Abu Alam said in a statement. Egypt's economy has been battered by political turmoil since Hosni Mubarak was ousted from office in February 2011. Since then, a transition to democracy has been marred by violence and rows between political groups and the ruling army. Consolidated revenues rose 12 percent EGP 2.68 billion. Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) were EGP 1.39 billion, delivering a margin of 52 percent, the company said. Earnings per share for the period were EGP 0.53. Telecom Egypt owns a 45 percent stake in British operator Vodafone's local unit. It said Vodafone Egypt made a positive contribution to the share of profits of EGP 192 million. Telecom Egypt shares closed at EGP 13 on Sunday.
