KUALA LUMPUR (March 25): Astro Malaysia Holdings Bhd (KL:ASTRO) closed its financial year ended Jan 31, 2025 (FY2025) with a threefold increase in net profit despite a drop in the last quarter.

Releasing its results on Tuesday, the pay-TV entertainment group reported a full-year net profit of RM129.15 million, up from RM36.88 million in FY2024, helped by lower finance costs and reduced amortisation of intangible assets.

Net profit for the three months ended Jan 31, 2025 (4QFY2025) was RM10.49 million, against RM44.38 million a year earlier, with earnings per share dropping to 0.20 sen from 0.85 sen, according to its Bursa Malaysa filing.

Astro, in which Khazanah Nasional Bhd holds a 20.65% stake, did not declare any dividend.

Moving into FY2026, Astro said it will remain focused on growing new customers, strengthening adjacent businesses and reducing costs. It said strong progress has been made with its over-the-top (OTT) platform with active monthly users now numbering around 1.2 million.

Astro group chief executive officer Eaun Daryl Smith said in a separate press release that Astro remains cash accretive with a free cashflow of  RM77 million for the quarter and RM509 million for FY2025.

“Of course, global and local challenges remain acute for our industry, but we’re moving forward regardless,”

Shares of Astro closed at 17 sen on Tuesday, valuing the group at RM867.07 million. The counter has dropped 26% year-to-date amidst a challenging landscape for all media companies.