Axiata has revealed the business performance of Celcom, XL, Smart, Dialog, Robi and Ncell during the second quarter of 2020.
Axiata Group revenue declined quarter-on-quarter by 5.9 percent to RM5.792.4 billion due to adverse impacts from the recent COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown.

Axiata Group’s EBITDA fell quarter-on-quarter by 3.2 percent to RM2.583.8 billion due to impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic.

All operating companies registered a decline in revenue, except mobile operations company in Indonesia and infrastructure segment.

Group’s PAT and PATAMI decreased by 48.5 percent and 63.7 percent to RM156.5 million and RM80 million respectively mainly due to lower top lines.

Tan Sri Jamaludin Ibrahim, president & Group CEO of Axiata said: “We are encouraged that our cash position remains strong, and we continue to be ahead of our RM5 billion cost optimisation target by one year, as evidenced from the EBITDA margin improvement.”

Dato’ Izzaddin Idris, deputy Group CEO of Axiata said: “As at end of the second quarter, armed with cash totaling RM5.9 billion and gross EBITDA to debt ratio standing at 2.64 times, our balance sheet is optimised, provides comfortable headroom and places us in a position of strength to respond quickly to opportunities when they arise.”

Celcom

Celcom Malaysia’s revenue dropped by 12.7 percent to RM1,452.7 million as impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, outlet closure and mandated data offer of 1GB per day. EBITDA dropped by 19.5 percent to RM571.3 million due to lower revenue partly offset by lower operating costs.

XL

XL Indonesia’s revenue registered grew 4.7 percent to RM1,909.8 million underpinned by strong data growth. EBITDA improved by 2.8 percent to RM967.7 million.

Robi

Robi Bangladesh’s revenue fell by 1.7 percent to RM898.5 million. Despite lower revenue, EBITDA grew by 6.9 percent to RM443.4 million benefitting from lower operating costs.

Dialog

Dialog Sri Lanka’s revenue decreased by 5.9 percent to RM645.7 million due to the COVID-19 pandemic, lockdown and foregone revenue from free credit given. EBITDA dropped by 6.2 percent to RM245.3 million.

Ncell

Ncell Nepal’s revenue dropped by 39.2 percent to RM316.8 million mainly due to existing business challenges and COVID-19 pandemic, extended lockdown and requirement to provide free bonus recharge and free resources for data / voice packages. EBITDA dropped by 47.8 percent to RM153.8 million.

Smart

Smart Cambodia’s revenue remained flat at RM325.8 million. EBITDA grew by 8.0 percent to RM184.6 million uplifted by lower operating costs.

Infrastructure

Infrastructure revenue increased by 7.6 percent to RM469.4 million. EBITDA growth was 22.4 percent to RM302.6 million as a result of lower operating costs.