PETALING JAYA: Star Media Group Berhad recorded a revenue of RM47.9mil for the third quarter ended Sept 30, 2025 (3Q25), down 20% year-on-year (y-o-y).
The decline was mainly due to the completion of the Star Business Hub development project in 2Q25, which resulted in lower contributions from the property development and investment segment in the latest quarter, SMG said in a filing to Bursa Malaysia.
Its print, digital and events segment also recorded lower revenue of RM41.4mil, as compared to RM44.6mil in 3Q24, primarily due to lower advertising income as the segment continued to be impacted by softness in advertising spend.
As a result, the group registered a loss before tax of RM3.6mil in 3Q25 as compared to a profit before tax of RM3.1mil in the same period a year ago.
The radio broadcasting segment’s revenue fell 17% to RM6.4mil in 3Q25 due to softer advertising spend. The group said that during the quarter, operating costs were higher mainly due to an additional one-off event cost incurred.
Revenue for the property development & investment segment dropped 77% y-o-y to RM2mil in 3Q25, mainly due to higher progress billings from Star Business Hub units sold in 3Q24.
For the nine-month period (9M25), SMG’s revenue declined 15% y-o-y to RM158.8mil. The group posted a loss before tax of RM2.7mil in 9M25, compared with a profit before tax of RM10.5mil in 9M24, mainly due to softer market sentiment that led to lower contributions from the print, digital and events segments during the period.
In addition, profit before tax from the property development & investment segment declined to RM9.2mil, from RM14.6mil in the same period a year ago, further weighing on the group’s overall performance for the 9M25 period.
On prospects, SMG said that despite Malaysia’s positive economic outlook, the shifts in U.S. foreign policy and geopolitical tensions continue to weigh on the recovery of certain business sectors, leading to a slowdown in the advertising industry. These challenges are expected to moderate the pace of recovery and intensify cost-of-living pressures, thereby affecting overall sentiment.
“Nevertheless, the group remains resilient and adaptable, continuing to deliver innovative media offerings while exercising prudent financial management. Leveraging on its strong financial foundation, the group continues to actively pursue opportunities for revenue diversification and sustainable growth,” it added.