PETALING JAYA: Star Media Group Bhd
(SMG) posted RM49.4mil in revenue in the fourth quarter of 2025 (4Q25), down 18% from the corresponding quarter a year ago.
In a filing with Bursa Malaysia, the Group said this was largely due to a market-wide softening in advertising expenditure and the absence of progress billings following the completion of the Star Business Hub development project in 2Q25.
The Group recorded a profit before tax was RM4.1mil for the quarter, mainly due to a one-off gain from the disposal of an investment property, offset by a provision for legal claims amounting to RM1.8mil.
Revenue from its print, digital and events segment contracted by 8% to RM43.2mil in 4Q25, due to headwinds faced by the advertising industry. The segment’s profit before tax remained stable at RM4.5mil (Q424: RM4.8 mil), attributable to stringent cost control.
Revenue from the radio broadcasting segment declined by 23% to RM6.8mil, resulting in lower profit before tax of RM0.2mil.
Meanwhile, revenue from the property development and investment segment declined by 69% to RM2mil. This decrease was mainly due to the absence of progress payment recorded in Q424, following the completion of the Star Business Hub development project in early 2025. Despite the lower revenue, the higher profit before tax in Q425 was contributed by a one-off gain of RM4.1mil from the disposal of investment property.
For the full year ended Dec 31, 2025 (FY25), SMG recorded revenue of RM208.3mil and a profit before tax of RM1.5mil. Adjusted for non-recurring items, the Group recorded a loss before tax of RM0.8 mil in FY25, as compared to FY24’s profit before tax of RM13.2mil. The decline was mainly due to higher progress billings from the Star Business Hub project in 2024 and a challenging advertising landscape in 2025.
Touching on prospects, SMG said while the country's economic resilience is strengthening, the persistent geopolitical tensions continue to influence strategic spending within the advertising industry.
“To navigate this landscape, the Group remains committed to agility and innovation, leveraging our diverse media portfolio while maintaining a disciplined approach to cost management. Backed by the Group’s solid financial foundation, we continue to actively pursue revenue diversification and profitability growth opportunities, reinforcing resilience and ensuring sustainable growth,” SMG added.
