Astro swings to RM25.80 million quarterly loss
Unrealised forex losses on unhedged lease liabilities reached RM58.4 million, while weaker subscription income reduced revenue.
Astro Malaysia Holdings Bhd’s bourse filing showed a RM25.80 million net loss for 2QFY2027, against the previous year’s RM16.39 million net profit. The quarter ended July 31, 2026 marked its first quarterly loss since late 2023.
Quarterly revenue fell to RM633.75 million from RM683.21 million, a 7.24% decline that reflected weaker subscription income. No dividend accompanied the results.
Astro said increased net financing costs contributed to the loss. These included RM58.4 million of unrealised forex losses arising from unhedged lease liabilities as the ringgit weakened against the US dollar. Set-top boxes and staff-related expenses also cost more.
For 1HFY2027, which ended July 31, 2026, the net loss came to RM24.24 million, compared with RM29.87 million in net profit for 1HFY2026. First-half revenue decreased to RM1.29 billion from RM1.39 billion, down 6.7%.
The group said weaker market conditions were affecting profitability despite cost reductions, while free cash flow amounted to RM113 million. Henry Tan, interim group chief executive officer, said Astro was pursuing audience growth, deeper engagement and revenue opportunities in streaming, advertising and adjacent businesses.
Total assets at July 31 were RM4.78 billion, a 3.9% reduction from RM4.97 billion at end-January. Liabilities decreased 5.5% to RM3.45 billion, reflecting lower borrowings, payables and derivative financial instruments.
Ahead of the results announcement, Astro’s shares finished at 5.5 sen, losing half a sen or 8.3%. The closing price valued the group at RM288.3 million, with the shares down 45% year-to-date.
