Key Highlights of 3Q2018:
Key Highlights of YTD 2018:
Announces Revised Dividend Policy |
Telekom Malaysia Berhad (TM) today announced its financial results for the quarter ended 30 September 2018. The Group saw steady operational performance, amidst heightened challenges in its operating environment, namely industry and market challenges impacting its revenue.
The Group held revenue steady, at RM2.95 billion in 3Q2018, 0.3% higher from RM2.94 billion in the previous quarter, on the back of higher data as well as other telecommunication related services revenue.
Group Reported Earnings Before Interest, Tax, Depreciation and Amortisation (EBITDA) for 3Q2018 grew 11.3% to RM941.4 million as compared to RM845.9 million in 2Q2018 mainly due to lower operating costs. Group Normalised EBITDA, which excludes non-operational items, increased 13.1%, at RM930.9 million.
However, due to impairment loss on wireless and fixed network assets, the Group recorded Loss Before Interest and Tax (LBIT) at RM631.8 million for 3Q2018. Without the reported impairment and other non-operational items, the Group’s Normalised Earnings Before Interest and Tax (EBIT) is at RM315.6 million for 3Q2018, a 39.4% increase against Normalised EBIT of RM226.4 million in 2Q2018.
Consequently, the Group reported Loss After Tax and Non-controlling Interests (LATAMI) of RM175.6 million compared with RM102.0 million Profit After Tax and Non-controlling Interests (PATAMI) in the prior quarter. TM’s core net profit, or Normalised PATAMI excluding non-operational items, stood at RM266.4 million, a 71.0% improvement sequentially.
The total capital expenditure (CAPEX) investment for the first nine months of 2018 at RM1.32 billion, or 15.1% of revenue. This is within TM’s full year capex guidance of 19-20% of revenue. By asset type, access comprised 62% of total spending, followed by core network at 15% and the remaining 23% was for support systems.
Imri Mokhtar, Acting Group Chief Executive Officer, TM said: “We continue to face various headwinds from competitive market dynamics. Nonetheless, we held revenue steady over the quarter, and saw our cost reduction initiatives bearing fruit, by recording improved operational performance for QoQ and YoY.
However, in light of the continued pressure from industry and market challenges and its impact on our revenue thus far, we have taken a prudent view, by undertaking the impairment of our network assets – this resulted in close to a RM1.0 billion impairment loss this quarter.”
“The operational improvement in 3Q2018 is testament to the Group’s commitment to the four (4) pillars of our Performance Improvement Programme (PIP 2018) - Revenue Uplift / Preservation, Sustained Profitability, Improved Cash Flow and Increased Productivity that will navigate us through these headwinds. We are rationalising our business, reducing operating costs and focusing our resources on the opportunities that will have the most impact,” Imri elaborated.
“We currently have 2.29 million broadband customers and our unifi customer base continues to grow at 1.26 million as at end of 3Q2018 as compared to 1.06 million as at the end of the corresponding quarter last year. In terms of convergence, we saw more customers moving up the value chain with having triple-play services and above, evidenced by our convergence penetration now at 48% of TM’s household penetration compared with 39% this time last year,” he added.
“We will continue to strengthen our products and services portfolio and we are stepping up how we aggressively compete in the market, with greater sales and Go-To-Market activities on the ground. We are also working hard to reach more customers with various fit-for-purpose technologies to ensure that everyone can have the benefit of higher broadband speeds and enhanced experience. On top of that, we also have continuous engagements with the Ministry and the regulator to work toward mutually beneficial outcomes - for an improved broadband experience and help build a more balanced and inclusive digital nation, whilst at the same time balancing the business sustainability of the Group and the interests of our other stakeholders.”
TM also announced a revised dividend policy which states that the Company intends to distribute yearly dividends of 40 to 60% from its PATAMI. Dividends will be paid depending on overall business and earnings performance, capital commitments, financial conditions, distributable reserves and other relevant factors. The dividend policy will take effect from the next dividend declaration.
“This is a matter of great importance to us. In light of the current operating landscape and after careful consideration of the potential impact on our earnings alongside our efforts to transform the Company to adapt thereto, the Board has determined the review of our dividend policy to support TM’s long-term strategic objectives.”
As Malaysia’s Convergence Champion, TM remains committed to fulfilling Malaysians’ digital and communication needs of all customer segments i.e., consumer, SME, corporate enterprises, public sectors, access seekers etc via our business clusters, unifi (consumer & SME), TM ONE (Enterprise and Public sectors) and TM Global (Global and Wholesale).
Prospects for the Current Financial Year Ending 31 December 2018
The recent industry challenges and market environment have had major impact to the overall revenue estimates and earnings of TM Group in the financial year. TM anticipates that the challenging environment will persist for both its retail and wholesale segments. In the midst of these challenges, TM will continue to focus towards strengthening performance of its core business and operations.
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Communities in Sri Aman can now enjoy TM’s unifi high speed broadband service
unifi, Telekom Malaysia Berhad (TM) Group’s premier Convergence Communications Services Provider is officially made available in Sri Aman, Sarawak with the recent launch of the high speed broadband service in the area - further strengthening TM’s presence as Malaysia’s Convergence Champion, bringing unlimited experiences, unmatched choices and unbeatable value to more Malaysians. The launch was officiated by Y.B. Dato’ Masir Kujat, Deputy Home Minister who is also the Member of Parliament of Sri Aman, together with Jafer Sadig Abdul Lathiff, Acting State General Manager, TM Sarawak. Speaking at the event, Jafer said, “The launch of unifi in Sri Aman signifies our milestone in the deployment of unifi to towns outside the major cities of Sarawak. This initiative directly supports the state’s Digital Economy Transformation agenda and as Malaysia’s Convergence Champion, TM is committed to empower our customers across all segments, delivering an enhanced digital lifestyle to more Malaysians. By making unifi available in Sri Aman, TM does not only reach out to our customers, but also to enable the local communities, particularly here in Sarawak to experience TM’s full suite of offerings. With the speed of 100Mbps, our unifi packages will definitely enable you to do so much more!” “We are committed to continue empowering a digital lifestyle for all Malaysians by offering comprehensive suite of converged services across all segments – fixed, mobile and nomadic. As technologies evolved, we offer steady reduction in price per Mbps over the years hence increasing our customers’ affordability. For local businesses, TM is excited to be an enabler and accelerator of your business opportunities so your business can grow and expand beyond boundaries. TM as the trusted partner in nation-building initiatives, has been investing in sub-urban and rural areas in addressing digital divide for national interest and we remain steadfast in our role as the country’s key enabler for national communications infrastructure,” Jafer elaborated. Meanwhile, YB Dato Masir Kujat said, “The unifi service offering in Sri Aman is timely considering the state of Sarawak is currently embarking on digital economy to further propel its economy growth. In order for digital economy to be implemented successfully, the telecommunication infrastructure to support high-speed internet connectivity needs to be made available with the latest fiber optic technology. The network has to be extensive throughout the state not only covering the urban areas but also the sub-urban and rural areas. This is to ensure that the rural communities are not left behind in experiencing the high-speed internet hence reducing the digital gap with their urban counterparts.” Besides the existing unifi LITE, ADVANCE and PRO plans with speeds of 100Mbps, TM is currently offering unifi edu and unifi ebiz packages specifically for students and e-entrepreneurs. The unifi edu package offers broadband access that comes with unifi wifi at an attractive price to support the development of youth and IPT students with access, which they can utilise to further improve their academic performance, wherever they are at their convenience. Meanwhile, in addressing the needs of key economic drivers such as technopreneurs, as well as to support the local SMEs and start-ups, unifi ebiz pack was introduced with the addition of ICT solution add-ons such as Instaweb, a helpful tool that enables self-built business websites and analytical capabilities to help boost their online businesses. For unifi customers who wish to remain connected even when outside their home, TM has recently launched ‘i-foundit!’ app where customers can access unifi wifi at over 7,300 unifi wifi hotspots (and growing!) nationwide. The 'i-foundit!' app can be downloaded via Google Play Store or Apple App Store for free. For more information on how TM can make your life and business easier, visit www.tm.com.my .

TM and Ministry of Education establish synergy to drive digital transformation in education
TM Becomes the Strategic Partner for Digital Education Transformation Initiative and Launches Special unifi Mobile Plan, Exclusively for Teachers Telekom Malaysia Berhad (TM) and Ministry of Education Malaysia (MOE) today embarked on a journey to establish working synergies on Digital Education Transformation initiative, in line with the Government’s Transformasi Nasional 2050 (TN50) plan which is set to empower Malaysia’s education system through innovation and digitalisation. This collaboration marks a steadfast effort via strategic partnership between TM and MOE to ensure effective delivery of the Digital Education Transformation programme. The collaboration will focus on four (4) main pillars namely 21st Century Teaching & Learning, Enterprise Architecture, Education Analytics and other Value Added services suitable for education. The ceremony was graced by YB Dato’ Seri Mahdzir Khalid, Minister of Education Malaysia together with Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Dr. Sulaiman Mahbob, Chairman, TM, together with Datuk Dr. Amin Senin, Education Director General of MOE and Datuk Bazlan Osman, Deputy Group Chief Executive Officer, TM. To commemorate this collaboration, TM also introduced a special unifi Mobile plan exclusively for teachers, called “JASA Pack”. The plan which is offered at only RM59 a month for unlimited data, calls and SMS. Commenting on the collaboration, Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Dr. Sulaiman Mahbob said, “As the key enabler for the national communications infrastructure, and the one and only capable of providing fully integrated telecommunications, ICT and digital services, TM is proud to play its role as the strategic partner in establishing the ecosystem for MOE digital transformation programme. We really look forward to work with MOE to accelerate the delivery of innovative digital services and solutions for the education sector towards building a knowledge-based workforce for the country.” “Meanwhile, as the one and only brand in Malaysia that offers truly seamless Internet connectivity to Malaysians nationwide, we are excited to introduce unifi Mobile “JASA Pack” plan for teachers, offering our teachers a converged digital lifestyle. The exclusive plan for teachers will be available nationwide for all teachers to enjoy unlimited data, calls and SMS via unifi Mobile at an affordable price for their daily communication needs, true to our promise, “Life Made Easier”,” he added. The collaboration will enable MOE to boost and accelerate its digital transformation journey as outlined in the national education blueprint 2013-2025 (Wave Two). This means students, teachers as well as MOE administrators can look forward to a seamless transformation of digital experience. These digital experience include high speed broadband connectivity, interactive smartboard, smart devices, as well as the methodology of teaching and learning the 21st century way. The transformation will also digitise the students tracking and attendance system for the safety of the students, whereby all parents and teachers will have real-time visibility on the students’ attendance. The transformation will also enable parents to choose cashless payment options at school. Ultimately, all data and information from all these solutions will be integrated and combined into one single platform to provide Big Data analytics.

TM reports operational improvement for 3Q2018 despite challenging environment
Key Highlights of 3Q2018: Group Revenue of RM2.95 billion Group Reported Earnings Before Interest, Tax, Depreciation and Amortisation (EBITDA) at RM941.4 million Group Reported Loss After Tax and Non-controlling Interests (LATAMI) of RM175.6 million from impairment of network assets Key Highlights of YTD 2018: Group Revenue of RM8.73 billion Group EBITDA at RM2.55 billion Group Reported Profit After Tax and Non-controlling Interests (PATAMI) at RM83.5 million Announces Revised Dividend Policy Telekom Malaysia Berhad (TM) today announced its financial results for the quarter ended 30 September 2018. The Group saw steady operational performance, amidst heightened challenges in its operating environment, namely industry and market challenges impacting its revenue. The Group held revenue steady, at RM2.95 billion in 3Q2018, 0.3% higher from RM2.94 billion in the previous quarter, on the back of higher data as well as other telecommunication related services revenue. Group Reported Earnings Before Interest, Tax, Depreciation and Amortisation (EBITDA) for 3Q2018 grew 11.3% to RM941.4 million as compared to RM845.9 million in 2Q2018 mainly due to lower operating costs. Group Normalised EBITDA, which excludes non-operational items, increased 13.1%, at RM930.9 million. However, due to impairment loss on wireless and fixed network assets, the Group recorded Loss Before Interest and Tax (LBIT) at RM631.8 million for 3Q2018. Without the reported impairment and other non-operational items, the Group’s Normalised Earnings Before Interest and Tax (EBIT) is at RM315.6 million for 3Q2018, a 39.4% increase against Normalised EBIT of RM226.4 million in 2Q2018. Consequently, the Group reported Loss After Tax and Non-controlling Interests (LATAMI) of RM175.6 million compared with RM102.0 million Profit After Tax and Non-controlling Interests (PATAMI) in the prior quarter. TM’s core net profit, or Normalised PATAMI excluding non-operational items, stood at RM266.4 million, a 71.0% improvement sequentially. The total capital expenditure (CAPEX) investment for the first nine months of 2018 at RM1.32 billion, or 15.1% of revenue. This is within TM’s full year capex guidance of 19-20% of revenue. By asset type, access comprised 62% of total spending, followed by core network at 15% and the remaining 23% was for support systems. Imri Mokhtar, Acting Group Chief Executive Officer, TM said: “We continue to face various headwinds from competitive market dynamics. Nonetheless, we held revenue steady over the quarter, and saw our cost reduction initiatives bearing fruit, by recording improved operational performance for QoQ and YoY. However, in light of the continued pressure from industry and market challenges and its impact on our revenue thus far, we have taken a prudent view, by undertaking the impairment of our network assets – this resulted in close to a RM1.0 billion impairment loss this quarter.” “The operational improvement in 3Q2018 is testament to the Group’s commitment to the four (4) pillars of our Performance Improvement Programme (PIP 2018) - Revenue Uplift / Preservation, Sustained Profitability, Improved Cash Flow and Increased Productivity that will navigate us through these headwinds. We are rationalising our business, reducing operating costs and focusing our resources on the opportunities that will have the most impact,” Imri elaborated. “We currently have 2.29 million broadband customers and our unifi customer base continues to grow at 1.26 million as at end of 3Q2018 as compared to 1.06 million as at the end of the corresponding quarter last year. In terms of convergence, we saw more customers moving up the value chain with having triple-play services and above, evidenced by our convergence penetration now at 48% of TM’s household penetration compared with 39% this time last year,” he added. “We will continue to strengthen our products and services portfolio and we are stepping up how we aggressively compete in the market, with greater sales and Go-To-Market activities on the ground. We are also working hard to reach more customers with various fit-for-purpose technologies to ensure that everyone can have the benefit of higher broadband speeds and enhanced experience. On top of that, we also have continuous engagements with the Ministry and the regulator to work toward mutually beneficial outcomes - for an improved broadband experience and help build a more balanced and inclusive digital nation, whilst at the same time balancing the business sustainability of the Group and the interests of our other stakeholders.” TM also announced a revised dividend policy which states that the Company intends to distribute yearly dividends of 40 to 60% from its PATAMI. Dividends will be paid depending on overall business and earnings performance, capital commitments, financial conditions, distributable reserves and other relevant factors. The dividend policy will take effect from the next dividend declaration. “This is a matter of great importance to us. In light of the current operating landscape and after careful consideration of the potential impact on our earnings alongside our efforts to transform the Company to adapt thereto, the Board has determined the review of our dividend policy to support TM’s long-term strategic objectives.” As Malaysia’s Convergence Champion, TM remains committed to fulfilling Malaysians’ digital and communication needs of all customer segments i.e., consumer, SME, corporate enterprises, public sectors, access seekers etc via our business clusters, unifi (consumer & SME), TM ONE (Enterprise and Public sectors) and TM Global (Global and Wholesale). Prospects for the Current Financial Year Ending 31 December 2018 The recent industry challenges and market environment have had major impact to the overall revenue estimates and earnings of TM Group in the financial year. TM anticipates that the challenging environment will persist for both its retail and wholesale segments. In the midst of these challenges, TM will continue to focus towards strengthening performance of its core business and operations.