PETALING JAYA: Star Media Group Bhd
(SMG) returned to strong profitability in the second quarter ended June 30, 2026 (2Q26), driven by a significant contribution from its property development business and investment segment following the sale of a completed unit in the Star Business Hub development project.
In a filing with Bursa Malaysia, SMG said profit before tax (PBT) jumped to RM23.4mil in 2Q26 from RM318,000 in the corresponding quarter last year.
Revenue rose 119% to RM112.7mil in 2Q26 from RM51.5mil in the same quarter a year earlier.
For the six months ended June 30, 2026 (1H26), PBT rose to RM13.1mil from RM1.0mil in 1H25, while revenue grew 37% to RM152.1mil.
The stronger performance was primarily supported by the property development and investment segment, which recorded revenue of RM69.9mil in 2Q26, up substantially from RM4.4mil in the corresponding quarter a year earlier.
PBT for the segment rose to RM30.9mil from RM3.4mil, underpinned by the sale of a completed unit from the Star Business Hub development project.
As for 1H26, revenue from the property development and investment segment grew by RM51.0mil, while PBT improved by RM20.8mil compared with the same period a year earlier.
However, SMG’s traditional media businesses continued to face headwinds from structural shifts in media consumption and cautious advertiser spending amid global supply chain and economic uncertainties.
Revenue for its print, digital and events segment moderated by 8% to RM38.9mil in 2Q26, resulting in PBT of RM27,000 as compared to RM1.4mil in 2Q25.
As for radio broadcasting, revenue declined by 14% to RM5.6mil in 2Q26, leading to a loss before tax of RM1.1mil.
In 1H26, revenue for the print, digital and events segment declined 10% to RM69.9mil, resulting in a loss before tax of RM5.5mil.
Meanwhile, revenue from the radio broadcasting segment fell 12% to RM13.5mil in 1H26 with a loss before tax of RM0.1mil.
Looking ahead, SMG expects the operating environment to remain challenging in 2H26.
To navigate these headwinds, the group is focused on three strategic priorities, including expanding its digital ecosystem and integrated media solutions to better meet the evolving needs of advertisers and audiences.
It will also continue to maintain prudent cost management and operational efficiency to protect margins while leveraging its strong financial position to pursue new revenue streams for sustainable growth.
