KUALA LUMPUR: Astro Malaysia Holdings Bhd continues to operate in a challenging environment as consumers face cost pressures and increasingly selective spending decisions, said its group chief financial officer, Dr Grace Lee.

Reviewing the media group’s results for its first financial quarter, Lee said Astro maintained a resilient quarterly performance, reflecting the enduring appeal of quality local content, the strength of its integrated entertainment ecosystem and the disciplined execution of its long-term strategy.

“The group remains focused on strengthening customer value propositions, expanding adjacent businesses, and investing in content and streaming capabilities that resonate with more Malaysians and drive sustainable revenue growth,” she added in a statement.

Separately in a stock exchange filing, the group said it continues to enhance customer value by expanding the volume and diversity of content in lower tiers, while lowering entry pricing across Astro and Sooka to grow its subscriber base

The group is also accelerating its adjacent businesses – Sooka, Enterprise, Digital and Social Advertising, and Studios – to target wider market segments with greater flexibility, while transforming legacy cost structures to support the growth strategy.

It added that it is conducting a strategic review of Astro Fibre.

Astro said it maintains a cautious outlook moving forward, with disciplined cost management as a key imperative, as consumers and businesses adjust to evolving conditions.

In the first quarter ended April 30, 2026, Astro posted a net profit of RM1.56mil, down from RM13.48mil in the year-ago quarter. Earnings per share contracted to 0.03 sen from 0.26 sen previously.

According to the group, it registered a decrease in earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (Ebitda) margin, mainly due to higher cost of set-top boxes and staff related costs including redundancy costs.

There were also higher net financing costs, which were impacted by unrealised forex losses arising from unhedged lease liabilities, offset by lower tax expense, depreciation of property, plant and equipment and amortisation of intangible assets. 

Quarterly revenue dropped to RM659.62mil from RM703.09mil in the previous corresponding quarter, due mainly to a drop in subscription revenue.