Astro records RM196 million of profit after tax for Q1FY18

Astro Malaysia Holdings Bhd has recorded RM196 million of profit after tax and Minority Interests (PATAMI) for its first quarter ending 31 January 2018.

The group also notched revenue totaling RM1.33 billion in the same period.

Astro also recorded an Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization (EBITDA) of RM460 million and a Free Cash Flow (FCF) of RM399 million.

Astro in a statement today said it has also achieved a household penetration rate of 71% in the quarter.

Astro Group Chief Executive Officer Datuk Rohana Rozhan said the company is also inching closer towards realizing its digital aspirations.

“We are on track to digitalise 75% of our end-to-end processes and infrastructure, as well as nurture a culture of innovation to enable cost optimisation, operational efficiencies, higher competitive edge and faster speed to market,” she said.

Astro said it also continues to receive encouraging feedback on its signature vernacular intellectual properties (IPs).

This includes Maharaja Lawak Mega 2017 which garnered a record 4.9 million viewership, while also doubling its digital views and social media reach to 28 million and 58 million respectively.

Meanwhile Astro Chairman Tun Zaki Azmi said amidst a challenging market, Astro remains focused on long term growth.

“In a challenging market, Astro is focused on delivering sustainable revenue and profit growth over the long term,” he said.

Following the results, Astro announced a first interim dividend of 3 cents per share.