Axiata incurs net loss of RM52.40 mln in 3Q on forex losses

Axiata Group Bhd has posted a net loss of RM52.40 million for the third quarter ended Sept 30, 2022 (3Q22) compared with a net profit of RM349.56 million in the same period last year, mainly impacted by significant foreign exchange (forex) losses of RM346.7 million.

In a filing with Bursa Malaysia, it said the losses were also due to higher depreciation and amortisation, one-off additional fees and penalties charged during the current quarter for the use of microwave equipment in prior years totalling RM151.6 million recorded by mobile operations in Cambodia, higher finance costs and taxes, but partially cushioned by higher toplines.

Revenue in 3Q increased 11 per cent to RM7.26 billion from RM6.54 billion previously, while earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) grew by 12 per cent to RM3.20 billion.

Revenue for Malaysia increased by 5.4 per cent to RM1.68 billion, mainly driven by improved prepaid performance, higher sale of devices, and contribution from new subsidiaries, Infront Malaysia and Bridgenet Solutions.

Meanwhile, revenue for Indonesia, Bangladesh, and Cambodia operations rose to RM2.25 billion, RM1.03 billion, and RM455.9 million respectively, while revenue for Sri Lanka and Nepal fell to RM575.4 million and RM343.1 million respectively.

In a separate statement, Axiata said it achieved total savings of RM1.20 billion through RM755 million in capital expenditure and RM490 million in operational expenditure in delivering cost excellence.

“The group’s balance sheet reflected its growth strategy, with a temporary uplift in gross debt or EBITDA due to financing for Link Net and Philippine tower acquisitions.

“This will be normalised as proceeds from completed mergers and acquisitions (M&A) are used to pare down debt and full EBITDA impact of acquisitions is consolidated. Cash balance was at RM7.7 billion,” it said.

On the back of its strong operational performance, Axiata has declared a single-tier tax exempt dividend of five sen for 3Q22.

Axiata chairman Tan Sri Shahril Ridza Ridzuan said the group’s sustained momentum in the quarter was encouraged by solid operational performance and group-wide improvements to stay resilient in the face of prevailing macroeconomic headwinds.

“Additionally, the rate of completions for M&As including the Celcom-Digi merger and the expansion of edotco’s tower portfolio all point to the group’s agility in navigating the current macroeconomic climate and delivering balanced results,” he said. — Bernama