KUALA LUMPUR: Astro Malaysia Holdings Bhd reported a net profit of RM46.9 million for the third quarter of the 2025 financial year (3QFY25), a significant improvement from a net loss of RM47.1 million in the same quarter last year.
The company attributed the increase to lower net financing costs, driven by favorable unrealised foreign exchange gains from unhedged lease liabilities and reduced amortisation of intangible assets.
However, this was offset by lower earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation (Ebitda) and a higher tax expense.
Revenue for the quarter fell 9.5 per cent, from RM828.5 million to RM749.7 million, due to declines in both subscription and advertising revenue.
Astro's Ebitda margin dropped 1.2 per cent from the same period last year, mainly due to higher broadband, content and marketing costs, partially offset by lower staff-related expenses as a percentage of revenue.
The company said it remains cautious, closely monitoring business conditions and maintaining strict cost discipline.
It also highlighted content piracy as its biggest ongoing challenge.
"We released our inaugural first half of the financial year 2025 Anti-Piracy Report Card detailing our initiatives, actions and wins through a combination of fines, settlements and prosecution.
"We are hopeful that a recent landmark decision, with the court awarding Astro statutory damages without prior settlement for the first time ever, sends a strong message to businesses to stop engaging in piracy and breaching copyright," Astro said.
Aware of the cost-of-living pressures, the company has introduced three simplified Astro One TV packs designed to enhance its overall value, convenience and online safety.