PETALING JAYA: Astro Malaysia Holdings Bhd swung to a net loss of RM25.8 million for the second quarter ended July 31, 2026 (Q2’27), from a net profit of RM16.4 million a year earlier, amid lower revenue and higher financing costs.
Revenue fell 7.2% to RM633.8 million from RM683.2 million, mainly due to lower subscription revenue, while earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) declined 23% to RM129.8 million from RM168.6 million, according to a filing with Bursa Malaysia today.
The group said the lower profitability was due to lower EBITDA and higher net financing costs, which were impacted by unrealised foreign exchange losses arising from unhedged lease liabilities, partly offset by lower depreciation, amortisation and tax expenses.
For the six months ended July 31, 2026 (H1’27), Astro recorded a net loss of RM24.2 million, compared with a net profit of RM29.9 million in the previous corresponding period, while revenue declined 6.7% to RM1.29 billion from RM1.39 billion.
The television segment remained the main drag, with revenue falling 7.5% to RM606 million, while EBITDA declined 23.5% to RM128.4 million. Subscription revenue fell 8% to RM523.4 million, while advertising revenue dropped 21% to RM25.8 million.
Radio revenue declined marginally by 1.4% to RM27.7 million, while EBITDA increased 177.8% to RM2.5 million, mainly due to lower operating costs.
Astro said it remained focused on broadening its customer base and expanding its streaming proposition, including the launch of Astro X3, a more accessible boxless streaming service.
Its Sooka VIP paying customer base grew 52% year-on-year, while monthly active users surpassed one million.
The group said it would continue to focus on growing its customer base across Pay-TV, Sooka and NJOI, expanding monetisation opportunities across its ecosystem and structurally lowering its cost base.
