21
September
2021
ASTRO POSTS RM228MN PATAMI IN H1FY22
Aggregation Strategy Gains Momentum
Astro Malaysia Holdings Berhad | Result highlights for the first half of the financial year ending 31 January 2022 (H1FY22)
Revenue steady at RM2.12bn
PATAMI 10% y-o-y to RM228mn
Adex 22% y-o-y to RM209mn
Second interim dividend of 1.5 sen per share
Tun Zaki Azmi, Chairman of Astro, said: Astros H1FY22 results remained resilient amid prolonged lockdown. Astro continued to be cash generative, cost disciplined and proactive in its capital management. The Board has declared a second interim dividend of 1.5 sen per share.
Henry Tan, Group Chief Executive Officer of Astro said: Although Astro recorded a 10% growth in H1FY22 PATAMI, the continuing lockdown and elevated content cost arising from Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 and UEFA EURO 2020 impacted our Q2FY22 PATAMI. However, we are pushing ahead with our transformation plan and our ambition to be the #1 aggregator of the best streaming services.
Today we have one million connected boxes, of which over 400k are on the Ultra and Ulti Boxes, including the recently launched self-install Ultra Plug & Play Box that runs solely on broadband. These homes are enjoying the new experience of On Demand, Cloud Recording, Play from Start and will soon be able to enjoy content from streaming services on their box. Astro GO, enhanced with Interactive Mode for live sports viewing, has 1.6mn monthly active users with an average weekly viewing time of 230 minutes, while On Demand videos streamed grew 205% to 233mn. In H1FY22, our broadband base grew 89% y-o-y as more customers bundled broadband with their content packages for greater convenience and value. Soon we will be providing more options to further strengthen our broadband and digital offerings.
Key Highlights
Growing Streaming Services: TVBAnywhere app is the latest to join Astros growing family of streaming services. Astro Dynasty Pack customers can now enjoy free Premium Service access on TVBAnywhere app with over 40k hours of the biggest Cantonese entertainment. Coming next is Netflix, which will be integrated with the Ultra and Ulti Boxes. Our own streaming service for millennials, sooka emerged as the #1 Entertainment App on Google Play within 2 weeks of launch. It achieved over 428k app downloads and garnered more than 525k users.
Biggest Linear Channels Refresh: Astro recently introduced new movie channels (HBO Family, HBO Hits, and SHOWCASE MOVIES) and general entertainment channels (BBC Lifestyle, BBC Earth, Paramount Network, Lifetime and PRIMEtime). On 1 Oct 2021, new Sports channels (Astro Arena 2, Astro SuperSport 5 and SPOTV) that feature key sporting events like WWE, BWF, UFC, Formula 1, MotoGP, Wimbledon and US Open will be added, followed by BBC First and BBC Brit on demand in mid October. These new offerings are timely, given Disneys decision to discontinue its linear FOX channels in the region as part of its strategy to push streaming. Astro customers who have activated their Disney Hotstar app will be able to continue to enjoy most of the content from the FOX channels on the app.
Thanking customers with Astro 25 on Channel 100: This channel was specially curated with the best of Malaysian and Asian entertainment, premiering documentaries like Tanah Tumpahnya Darah Kita and blockbuster hits. On 25 September, customers can enjoy the exciting live virtual Astro 25 concert, featuring a star-studded line-up of over 50 international, Korean and local artistes.
Our Own Content Growing From Strength to Strength:
#1 drama, Rindu Awak Separuh Nyawa (2.5mn TV Viewership and 1.7mn OD views)
Love Elsa (1.2mn TV Viewership and 597k OD views)
Sepahtu Reunion Live 2021 (1.1mn TV Viewership and 79k OD views)
Astro First, the destination for local films saw its revenue jumped 31% y-o-y to RM20.7mn.
Sports Viewership Hits New Record: Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 saw an unprecedented reach of 10.7mn across sports channels; while UEFA EURO 2020 garnered a reach of 8.9mn.
ADEX and Enterprise Recovery Dampened By Lockdown: While Adex grew 22% y-o-y to RM209mn in H1FY22 and outperformed the advertising industry growth of 11%, Q2FY22 Adex declined by 9% q-o-q. Radex, TV Adex and Digital Adex share stood at 77%, 36% and 3% respectively. Astro Radio brands continued to rank No.1 across all languages, reaching 16.8mn weekly radio listeners (FM and digital), while Astro digital brands registered over 14.3mn monthly unique visitors.
Go Shop Serves More Online Shoppers: Registered customers rose 19% y-o-y to 3.0mn. However, revenue moderated to RM221mn on the back of soft consumer sentiment and supply disruption in the second quarter of 2021 due to lockdowns.
Positive ESG Impact: Astro remains steadfast in its commitment and dedication to be the nations agent for positivity and voice for good through numerous environmental, social and governance initiatives:
1. #KitaTeguhBersama Campaign
Supported the National Blood Banks blood donation drive and the COVID-19 Immunisation drive with Public Service Announcements
Volunteered at Vaccination Centres
Offered TVs and Astro services at quarantine centres nationwide
Contributed medical equipment to hospitals and laptops to students from B40 groups
Worked with Food Aid Foundation and MakanKongsi2.0 to provide food packs to B40 families
Produced content to promote unity and patriotism such as Tanah Tumpahnya Darah Kita and We Are No Different
Supported SMEs with business related content and advertising incentives via #KamiCares campaign
2. Championed education through increased educational content on Tutor TV, TVIQ and TV Pendidikan to facilitate and supplement childrens learning nationwide
3. Offered complimentary viewing of selected channels during the various lockdown
4. Amplified positivity across TV, ra
Asia, Australia & Oceanic Stories
04/06/2026
Is Your Job Making You Work this June?
4 June, 2026
Media releases
SBS Launches the World Cup Watchers' Rights Association to Stand Up For Australians&...
04/06/2026
Statement regarding unauthorised use of SBS logos on third party social content
4 June, 2026
Media releases
SBS has become aware of social media posts in c...
03/06/2026
Clarification: SBS's position on definitions of antisemitism
3 June, 2026
Media releases
Statement by Mandi Wicks, SBS Director of News and Current Aff...
03/06/2026
Do not read this media release! Andy Lee's smash-hit show returns to ABC thi...
01/06/2026
SBS confirms its broadcast sponsors for FIFA World Cup 2026
1 June, 2026
Media releases
SBS has secured Hyundai, Hisense, Macca's, Rexona, bet365, Com...
28/05/2026
Get fit for the FIFA World Cup 2026 with new SBS On Demand features for the ult...
28/05/2026
Six films, one unmissable collection. First Facts documentaries debut on 10 Stre...
28/05/2026
Emma Watkins brings all-new Emma's Dance Club to ABC Kids 28 May 2026
Emmas Dance Club. Image credit: Sarah Wilson.
The ABC, Screen Australia and Screen N...
26/05/2026
Three new kids' digital series set to hatch from ACTF and Screen Australia i...
25/05/2026
SBS announces exclusive TV broadcast schedule for FIFA World Cup 2026
21 May, 2026
Media releases
Luke Wilkshire, Tommy Oar, Andrew Redmayne, Sarah Walsh ...
22/05/2026
Statement regarding 2026 National NAIDOC Lifetime Achievement Award for the late...
21/05/2026
2026 delegation for Partner with Australia (UK) initiative announced 21 May 2026
Screen Australia and Ausfilm have today announced the delegation for the 2026 ...
20/05/2026
From Gulkula to the nation: Yothu Yindi Foundation and NITV deepen national acce...
20/05/2026
SBS appoints David Fernandez as National Manager, Digital & TV Sales
20 May, 2026
Media releases
SBS has appointed David Fernandez as National Manager, Dig...
20/05/2026
First Nations Factual Co-production Development Fund launched to elevate Indigen...
18/05/2026
Delta Goodrem shines for SBS as more than 3.27 million Australians tune in for E...
17/05/2026
Delta Goodrem's Eurovision Eclipse marks end of a stellar run
17 May, 2026
Media releases
Bulgaria wins Eurovision 2026
Relive every spellbinding mome...
15/05/2026
Joint Statement: News Bargaining Incentive
28 April, 2026
Media releases
The vibrancy of Australian democracy relies on the robust and open exchange of new...
15/05/2026
Call it Deltavision, Australia's through to the Grand Final of this year'...
14/05/2026
SBS Board appoints Jane Palfreyman Managing Director
13 May, 2026
Media releases
The Special Broadcasting Service (SBS) Board of Directors is pleased to an...
14/05/2026
Transforming bold ideas into market-ready productions: Digital Originals returns
14 May, 2026
Media releases
SBS, NITV and Screen Australia have announced ...
14/05/2026
Australia Uncovered Returns to SBS with Bold New Season Featuring John Safran on...
14/05/2026
Transforming bold ideas into market-ready productions: Digital Originals returns 14 May 2026
Top (L-R): Bronte Gosper (Musket), Mema Munro (Rogue One), Nathan ...
12/05/2026
One month to go! SBS reveals expansive FIFA World Cup 2026 lineup beyond the pi...
11/05/2026
You're not meant to look at an Eclipse, but you won't be able to take yo...
04/05/2026
It's Andrew! stomps onto screens this June 4 May 2026
The ABC and Screen Australia are delighted to announce that brand new preschool series, It's Andr...
30/04/2026
SBS & NITV LEAD NATIONAL RECONCILIATION WEEK 2026 WITH LANDMARK GULPILIL DOCUMEN...
29/04/2026
Surgeon Dr Jasmina Kevric wins 2026 Les Murray Award
29 April, 2026
Media releases
Australia for UNHCR and SBS are proud to announce that Dr Jasmina Kevric...
23/04/2026
Apply now to join the 2026 Producer Delegation to TIFF: The Market 23 April 2026
Screen Australia, in partnership with Ontario Creates, has opened application...
22/04/2026
SBS names shortlisted brands for 2026 SBS Media Sustainability Challenge
22 April, 2026
Media releases
National broadcaster also releases its second annual...
21/04/2026
Applications open for 2026 AISF and Screen Australia Writer/Director Virtual Ses...
20/04/2026
Register now - Market & Audience Department Ask Me Anything (AMA) Session 11 February 2026
Screen Australia Head of Market & Audience Rakel Tansley
Talking to...
20/04/2026
Screen Australia announces funding for 44 documentary projects that reflect a s...
20/04/2026
Screen Australia appoints Tanya Phegan as Narrative Content Head of Development 17 March 2026
Tanya Phegan
Screen Australia has today announced the appointmen...
20/04/2026
Applications Open for Skip Ahead 11 19 March 2026
Past Skip Ahead recipients (L-R): Macfarlane Bros, Rainbow Bop, Lyanna Kea.
Screen Australia and YouTube Aus...
20/04/2026
Screen Australia empowers the next games generation, including new creatives fro...
20/04/2026
Official Co-production Ask Me Anything (AMA) Session 26 March 2026
Image (L-R): Mix Tape, Michele McDonald, Flower & Flour.
Interested in international Co-pro...
20/04/2026
Screen Australia announces Narrative Content funding for 91 projects, including ...
20/04/2026
Production Infrastructure and Capacity Analysis (PICA) pinpoints four key workfo...
20/04/2026
Australians in Film and Screen Australia Announce the 2026 Participants in the T...
20/04/2026
Screen Australia relaunches website with new tools and improved user experience 16 April 2026
Screen Australia relaunches website
Screen Australia has relaun...
16/04/2026
SBS reveals all-star alumni team to celebrate 70 years of the Eurovision Song Co...
02/04/2026
SBS Welcomes Back Cup Fever! For The Biggest FIFA World Cup Ever
2 April, 2026
Media releases
Santo Cilauro, Ed Kavalee and a host of special guests retur...
02/04/2026
Truth. Power. Perspective: NITV's Flagship Current Affairs Programs Return t...
27/03/2026
NITV to broadcast farewell to Rhoda Roberts AO with special coverage and week-lo...
21/03/2026
New campaign from NAATI and SBS CulturalConnect highlights how we all deserve t...
21/03/2026
Statement regarding Rhoda Roberts AO
21 March, 2026
Media releases
SBS is deeply saddened by the passing of Widjabul Wieybal woman from the Bundjalung Na...
20/03/2026
Feast for cycling fans as SBS extends road cycling broadcasts to include all Gra...
21
