KUALA LUMPUR: CelcomDigi Bhd
posted a lower net profit of RM341.23 million during the third quarter (3Q) ended Sept 30, 2025, compared to RM436.98 million in the same period last year.
The mobile network operator attributed the drop to an elevated cost base, noting that total costs grew by 10.4 per cent or RM168 million mainly due to higher traffic-related costs and a higher provision for expected credit loss.
Revenue was little changed at RM3.12 billion -- down by RM1.64 million from a year earlier -- supported by continued growth in postpaid and home and fibre service revenue, it said in a filing with Bursa Malaysia today.
For the first nine months of 2025, the company registered a decline in net profit to RM1.16 billion from RM1.22 billion in last year’s corresponding period, while revenue increased to RM9.51 billion from RM9.40 billion previously.
In a press statement, CelcomDigi said service revenue increased 1.5 per cent year-on-year (y-o-y) to RM2.73 billion, driven by good performance across its core segments of postpaid, prepaid, home and fibre, and enterprise solutions.
"(This reflected) the company’s effective market execution and continued focus on delivering value to customers,” it said.
CelcomDigi said its disciplined cost management helped mitigate the impact of higher provision for doubtful debts, cost of goods sold, depreciation and amortisation as well as a higher effective tax rate during the quarter under review.
"Earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) moderated 16.0 per cent y-o-y to RM648 million, while profit after tax (PAT) eased 20.5 per cent y-o-y to RM350 million, reflecting the company’s continued focus on long-term financial resilience amid ongoing investments,” it said.
CelcomDigi closed the quarter with a total of 20.5 million subscribers.
The company disclosed that its network integration and modernisation has reached over 90 per cent completion as of end-September 2025, providing customers with enhanced service quality on the newly upgraded CelcomDigi intelligent network.
Average monthly data usage has increased to 40 gigabytes (GB) per user, reflecting "strong demand for high-speed, reliable connectivity supported by Malaysia’s widest, fastest and secure 4G/5G connectivity,” it added.
CelcomDigi acting chief executive officer Albern Murty said the 3Q performance demonstrates the strength of the company's execution and the impact of disciplined cost management initiatives.
He explained that near-term profits moderated due to its strategic investments, designed to strengthen future earnings capacity and support long-term growth.
"Our information technology integration and transformation initiatives are progressing well, enhancing customer experience and ensuring seamless services across all touchpoints.
"With a solid foundation in place, we are confident that we will begin FY2026 on a strong footing, delivering further growth, innovation, and value for our customers and the nation,” he said.
Meanwhile, CelcomDigi declared a third interim dividend of 3.6 sen per share (same as in 3Q 2024), which will be paid on Dec 23, 2025.
At lunch break today, CelcomDigi shares rose two sen to RM3.64 each, with a total of 1.18 million shares changing hands in the morning session. - Bernama
