NST Business
KUALA LUMPUR: Satellite television operator Astro Malaysia Holdings Bhd saw its profits rose in the first half ended 31 July 2017 by 34.9 per cent to RM442.2 million from RM327.6 million in the previous corresponding period.
The group’s revenue however was slightly lower at RM2.7 billion from RM2.8 billion.
The group’s total advertising expenditure (adex) rose four per cent year-on-year to RM351 million; with both its share of TV adex and radio adex growing at 43 per cent and 74 per cent respectively.
“Our businesses continued to be cash generative and the board is pleased to declare a second interim dividend of three sen per share,” said its chairman Tun Zaki Azmi, adding that in a challenging market, Astro is focused on delivering sustainable growth over the long term.
Astro group chief executive officer Datuk Rohana Rozhan meanwhile commented on the group's diversified revenue streams across the television, radio and digital platforms, adex and e-commerce continued to show resilience.
“Margins and profits in Q2FY18 benefited from lower cost to serve and one-off savings arising from content secured on more favourable terms,” she said in a statement.
“We continue to expand our reach by serving 5.3 million or 72 per cent of Malaysian households and increase our customer engagement with the 21 million individuals in these homes.”
Astro's home proposition achieved net growth of 288,000 driven primarily by NJOI net adds within the first half and is on track for 90 per cent reach within five years, reinforcing a strong base to serve.
“Our singular focus now is to expand our household reach onto individual devices and developing meaningful personal relationships,” said Rohana.
Astro GO grew its registered users to 1.3mil with an average of 235 minutes viewing time per week among active users.