KUALA LUMPUR: Astro Malaysia Holdings Bhd
’s net profit slipped to RM16.39 million in the second quarter ended July 31, 2025 (2Q 2026), from RM54.71 million in the same quarter a year earlier.
Revenue also declined to RM683.21 million from RM787.30 million previously, mainly due to lower subscription revenue, sales of programming rights and advertising income.
Group chief executive officer Euan Smith said that while the outlook remains challenging, Astro continues to push ahead.
"We will keep on growing customers, strengthening the adjacent businesses, and reducing legacy costs, all while staying true to our mission of being Malaysia’s number one entertainment and streaming destination,” he said in a filing with Bursa Malaysia today.
For the six months, the company posted a lower net profit of RM29.87 million compared with RM71.72 million in the same period last year, dragged down by lower earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA).
This was partly offset by lower tax expenses and lower net financing costs, supported by favourable unrealised foreign exchange gains from unhedged lease liabilities.
Meanwhile, revenue for the first half eased to RM1.39 billion, down 11.1 per cent or RM173.5 million from RM1.56 billion previously, mainly due to decreases in subscription, advertising and programming rights revenue.
"Amid headwinds from a challenging economy and cautious consumer spending, Astro delivered quarterly revenues of RM683 million, with EBITDA of RM169 million and profit after tax, zakat, and minority interest of RM16 million.
"The company continued to demonstrate resilience, remaining cash-generative with free cash flows of RM138 million for the quarter,” Astro said.
On prospects, the content and entertainment group reiterated its commitment to becoming Malaysia’s number one entertainment and streaming destination.
It said investments would remain focused on long-term and sustainable growth through elevating local content, expanding the volume and diversity of content in lower tiers, and reducing entry prices for Astro and sooka products.
Astro will also drive the uptake of adjacent businesses such as sooka, Astro Fibre, enterprise solutions, digital and social advertising, and studios, while targeting both existing and new market segments with greater value and flexibility, alongside transforming legacy cost structures to support growth. - Bernama
