27 May 2021
TM turns in solid 1Q2021 performance; strong start to transformation programme
The Group posted revenue of RM2.81 billion, 9.9% higher from RM2.56 billion in 1Q2020.
A Solid 1Q2021 Performance
Telekom Malaysia Berhad (TM) today reported its financial results for the first quarter ended 31 March 2021. The Group's revenue increased by 9.9% to RM2.81 billion compared to RM2.56 billion in the same quarter last year with an increase in revenue across all business lines – unifi, TM ONE and TM WHOLESALE.
Ongoing cost improvement initiatives continued to show results with total operating cost ratios (% cost to revenue) improving from 88.1% last year to 79.7%, supporting both revenue growth whilst optimising cost efficiency across direct costs, manpower, other operating costs and depreciation and amortisation.
Group EBIT for 1Q2021 rose by 80.8% YoY from RM326.1 million in 1Q2020 to RM589.7 million, on the back of higher revenue and better operating costs efficiency. This subsequently led to a strong 113.4% YoY growth in Group PATAMI from RM152.5 million last year to RM325.5 million.
In 1Q2021, the Company invested 8.8% of revenue in capex amounting to RM247.0 million as it continued to modernise its network and technology platforms towards delivering current and future solutions for customers. Of the amount invested, 69% was for network access including JENDELA (fibre broadband expansion), 12% for core network, and the balance 19% for support systems.
TM expects to meet the 2021 market guidance announced in February with revenue growth to be flat or single digit growth, EBIT to be more than RM1.6 billion and CAPEX guidance to be between 14% to 18% of revenue.
1Q2021 Business Highlights: A Strong Start to the New TM Transformation Programme
The 'New TM' Transformation Programme (2021-2023), anchored on 40+ Value Programmes focusing on customer experience, revenue, cost efficiency and a future proof organisation, has seen a strong start with quarterly growth across all lines of business and improved operations.
unifi maintains its strong momentum and convergence leadership with 11.9% YoY growth in fixed broadband customers to 2.44 million, with the highest ever quarterly fixed broadband customers net additions of 110k, driven by growth of unifi customer base. Whilst the MCO since 2020 has increased demand for fixed broadband, unifi has successfully converted this demand with its compelling unifi convergence proposition under the #unifiyourworld campaign, providing the best customer value for broadband, mobile and content via unifi Plus Box.
This growth was also supported by the higher number of ports deployed and wider fiber network roll-out under the JENDELA programme, which TM surpassed its 1Q targets achieving 141% of its commitment. TM is also expanding the pool of network contractors to increase the capacity of its fiber expansion programme in the coming quarters.
unifi also focused on continuously improving customer experience and accelerated its Streamyx migration programme in Q1 2021 to enable more customers enjoy higher speed broadband. WiFi optimisation is also an important part of getting the best internet experience, hence unifi also continues to promote the take up of Mesh WiFi to its new and existing customers. Meanwhile, its IT systems are also undergoing enhancements to provide better customer experience and cost optimisation via simplification and consolidation of platforms. Notably, unifi rolled out a new order management system that reduces order processing time by more than 60%, to improve customer experience across its sales touchpoints.
TM ONE continues to enable the digital transformation journey of enterprise and public sector customers with a comprehensive suite of connectivity, data centre, Cloud, cybersecurity and smart solutions. After cautious spending in 2020, customers are now accelerating their digitalisation, and this has translated into new sales and contract renewals to provide comprehensive digital solutions, especially in key verticals such as oil and gas, the banking and financial services industry (BFSI) as well as from higher broadcast, ICT and customer projects.
There is also greater traction seen for Cloud services from the Enterprise segment; whilst discussions are ongoing to support public sector data migration, as the Government's sole local Cloud Service Provider (CSP) under the MyDIGITAL blueprint.
TM WHOLESALE is the preferred network infrastructure provider supporting the technology industry and is positioning Malaysia as a digital hub with strong demand from domestic and international telco and technology operators; including hyperscalers.
On the home front, TM as the leading infrastructure partner for High Speed Broadband wholesale services, leveraged its superior network nationwide to support the industry's broadband growth. It is also the primary mobile backhaul infrastructure provider for the industry, which saw growth in coverage and capacity through dynamic offerings of these services. TM also recorded growth in terms of its Wholesale Data Services.
Towards establishing Malaysia as an ASEAN digital hub, TM strengthened its partnership ecosystem with international carriers and hyperscalers registering higher revenue for International Data Services as compared to last year. TM expanded its portfolio of data centre customers with more major Asian and US hyperscalers co-locating at the nation's only Tier III twin core data centres at Iskandar Puteri (IPDC) and Klang Valley (KVDC). Its wholesale Content Delivery Network (CDN) services also expanded its digital media delivery network ecosystem with more new customers in 1Q2021.
TM remains committed to sustainable growth, with continued emphasis on Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG), maintaining its strong track record as one of the 75 Bursa companies on the FTSE4Good Bursa Malaysia Index, with the full rating of 4/4.
- Environment: TM complies with the Environmental Quality Act 1974, and has reduced its annual carbon emissions by 13%; integrating sustainable practices in all areas of operations.
- Social: TM ensures the safety and health of customers and Warga TM with special working arrangements implemented and enhanced Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) towards business and customer service continuity. TM also supports the nation and communities in need through connectivity initiatives such as Jaringan Prihatin, CERDIK, MYBAIKHATI and other humanitarian aid.
- Governance: Committed to uncompromising integrity, TM continuously assesses the Group's corruption risk and ensures its corruption mitigation practices are independently certified.
Imri Mokhtar, Managing Director & Group Chief Executive Officer commented:
"We began 2021 with a positive momentum and a strong start to our 'New TM' 2021-2023 Transformation Programme. We are pleased to report a solid year-on-year performance despite these unprecedented times. We delivered good growth with our revenue up 9.9% YoY to RM2.81 billion, contributed by strong demand from our unifi, TM ONE and TM WHOLESALE customers. Coupled with our continuous cost efficiency initiatives, EBIT significantly improved 80.8% YoY to RM589.7 million and PATAMI doubled to RM325.5 million as compared to the first quarter of 2020.
Under the 40+ Value Programmes, TM is reshaping our workforce into a stronger execution engine, embracing a more agile work culture with future-ready skills; focused on growing with our customers towards a more digital society, businesses, public sector services and technology industry.
TM reiterates our leading role in accelerating Digital Malaysia through digital connectivity, digital infrastructure and a digital workforce. As an essential enabler, we are ready to play a leading role in the execution of both, the JENDELA implementation plan and the realisation of the Malaysia Digital Economy Blueprint (MyDIGITAL); leveraging on our comprehensive connectivity, digital infrastructure and innovative solutions.
We are also committed towards sustainable growth, with increased emphasis on ESG by our Board and management. We remain focused on our ESG sustainability journey. I am pleased to update that we maintained our track record as one of the 75 Bursa companies on the FTSE4Good Bursa Malaysia Index, with a full rating of 4/4.
With this encouraging set of overall results, we are on track to meet our 2021 market guidance and look forward to delivering greater customer experience and shareholder value with our New TM Transformation Programme."
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TM posts solid 3Q performance with growth across all segments, continuous growth In revenue and EBIT
3Q2022 Key Highlights (vs 3Q2021) Operating Revenue grew 12.7% to RM3.16 billion, from continuous growth across all customer segments EBIT grew 38.2% to RM604.8 million, from strong revenue growth and improved business cost efficiency PATAMI decreased 2.2% at RM 265.2 million, following higher tax charges including Cukai Makmur, and foreign exchange translation loss on borrowings CAPEX investment at 19.1% of revenue or RM603.7 million, focused primarily on fibre service growth and network expansion, includes enabling 5G network rollout On the back of a solid first nine months, TM is revising upwards its market guidance on revenue and profit growth Delivering another solid quarter in 2022, Telekom Malaysia Berhad (“TM” or “the Group”) continues to chart a steady growth trajectory with its third quarter ended 30 September 2022 as compared to the same period last year (YoY). The Group’s operating revenue increased by 12.7% to RM3.16 billion, from RM2.80 billion in 3Q2021, the highest revenue recorded in the last ten quarters. TM’s focus on strengthening its core business and operational efficiency proved solid and resilient, capturing continued growth against the backdrop of intensifying competition. Better business cost efficiency from prudent operational spending plus optimisation programmes contributed to a better Group’s Earnings Before Interest and Taxes (EBIT) reported at RM604.8 million, a 38.2% growth from RM437.5 million in 3Q last year. Profit After Tax and Non-controlling Interest (PATAMI) stood at RM265.2 million, decreased 2.2% from RM 271.3 million recorded last year, as a result of higher taxation pay out and foreign exchange translation loss on borrowings. Continuous investment for growth and improving the experience of customers has been a rallying point for TM. The Group invested CAPEX at 19.1% of revenue this quarter, amounting to RM603.7 million to meet customers’ demands through fibre expansion, network modernisation and technology upgrades. Unifi sustains growth momentum Unifi demonstrated a continuous growth trajectory and continues its leadership in fixed-mobile converged (FMC) solutions of fixed broadband, mobile services, digital content and solutions for both consumers and MSMEs, recording a revenue increase of 7.0% from RM1.31 billion to RM1.40 billion. Driven by aggressive sales, promotions and loyalty programmes for customers, Unifi grew its fixed broadband subscriber base close to 3 million. With 5G now made available, Unifi will leverage this equal playing field to strengthen its position as the preferred provider for FMC, providing the widest and fastest all-in-one solution to meet today’s digital lifestyle. Unifi has also expanded its digital content portfolio with more on-demand streaming apps, with Unifi TV on track to become the largest streaming platform in Malaysia by end of 2022, with more than 15 streaming apps onboard. Its most recent launches include MangoTV, one of China’s leading online video platforms and SIAR, a local channel featuring classic Malay movies. With approximately 400,000 MSME customers, Unifi Business’ digital solutions and programmes aim to accelerate their digital transformation and business growth. On top of connectivity, Unifi Business also unveiled new business solutions to support MSMEs digitisation through cloud adoption, eCommerce Hub, cybersecurity and digital marketing, and were created to be affordable for this segment. TM One turnaround continues TM One, the Group’s enterprise and government sector arm, recorded a 11.9% growth in revenue from RM796.9 million to RM891.9 million in 3Q2022, clocking in a solid performance in the quarter. Growth was from both enterprise and government sector segments driven by connectivity services and customer projects. TM One inked more collaborations with several organisations to enable their customers’ digitalisation and transformative plans. TM One’s 5G Sphere comprising a technology ecosystem of more than 35 partners was recently launched to deliver 5G-enabled solutions for industry leaders to accelerate growth and create a more sustainable business operation. Its Private 5G solutions leveraging on dedicated and reliable Private 5G network will also propel enterprise adoption of IoT and IR 4.0 technologies, machine learning and analytics that will spur the nation’s economic growth. TM Wholesale (TMW) supports the telco/technology growth in Malaysia & region TM Wholesale (TMW) recorded a stellar performance in 3Q2022, with revenue increasing by 26.0% from RM610.9 million to RM769.9 million, making it the biggest revenue growth contributor for the Group in the current quarter. This is mainly attributable to higher domestic data and international digital demands from hyperscalers and global carriers within the region. More than 5,400 cumulative 4G and 5G fibre backhaul sites were deployed to expand network coverage and accelerate digital implementation nationwide. TMW continues to support the industry’s demand for High-speed Broadband Access (HSBA), delivering a total of more than 670,000 ports for 5 local broadband providers. At the international front, TMW secured a North Asia digital provider and a US-based hyperscaler as its latest wholesale Data Centre customers in Iskandar Puteri Data Centre. TMW also became the preferred service provider for a US-based hyperscaler in providing a long-term International Data services, thus strengthening its position as Malaysia’s preferred network infrastructure provider and at the same time positioning our country as a digital hub within ASEAN. Commentary and Outlook from Imri Mokhtar, TM Group Chief Executive Officer “TM’s growth momentum is expected to continue for the rest of 2022 from our core business segments - Unifi, TM One and TM Wholesale. We shall continue to invest in our technology capabilities, new growth areas of FMC and digital solutions, and in building capacity and digital talents within TM; while staying focused on growing with our customers, as well as continuing our operations cost discipline.” “Competition in FMC and the digital space is intensifying. We are strengthening our mobile business with the right strategy and capabilities to take TM into an era of true convergence. Unifi introduced exciting bundled packages for consumers and MSMEs, while TM One brings together leading technology and smart solution partners to accelerate innovative use cases. TMW continues to deliver on its aspiration to position Malaysia as the digital hub for ASEAN via submarine cables and date centre offerings.” “2022 is indeed the year to build our commercial resiliency to face the anticipated headwinds in 2023 – easing of economic growth, high supply chain cost and more measured customer spending.” “As we evolve from a converged Telco into a human-centred TechCo, we continue to focus on executing our transformation programmes which has produced tangible results for our customers and stakeholders.”
TM Announces Upcoming Change In Chairmanship
Telekom Malaysia Berhad (TM), is pleased to announce the appointment of Dato’ Zainal Abidin Putih as its new chairman effective 1 August 2023. He will succeed Tan Sri Azlan Hashim, who completes his 2-year term on 31 July 2023. Dato' Zainal Abidin brings a wealth of experience and distinguished track record in the corporate sector. He is currently Chairman of Financial Reporting Foundation (FRF), Land and General Berhad, Touch 'n Go Sdn Bhd and Tokio Marine lnsurans (Malaysia) Bhd, as well as Board Member of Khazanah Nasional Berhad and several private limited companies. He has also previously served as Chairman of Pengurusan Danaharta Nasional Berhad, CIMB Bank Berhad, Malaysian Accounting Standards Board (MASB) and President of Malaysian Institute of Certified Public Accountants (MICPA). As Chairman, Dato' Zainal Abidin will be responsible for overseeing the overall governance and strategic direction of TM. He will work closely with the Board of Directors and management team to drive TM's next wave of growth and strengthen its market position. Tan Sri Azlan, who shall complete his term as Chairman on 31 July 2023, expressed his confidence in the appointment of Dato' Zainal Abidin and stated, "I am delighted to hand over the reins to Dato' Zainal Abidin. His extensive experience and deep understanding of the corporate sector make him the ideal candidate to lead TM into its next phase of growth. I have full confidence in his ability to guide the company towards greater achievements and new horizons." Dato' Zainal Abidin expressed his gratitude for the opportunity and said, "I am honored to assume the role of Chairman of TM. I am excited to build upon the strong foundation laid by Tan Sri Azlan and work together with the Board and management team to create new opportunities and achieve even greater heights. It is an exciting time to be joining TM, especially as we build on the company's recent successes." TM extends its appreciation to Tan Sri Azlan Hashim for his invaluable contributions, dedication, and leadership during his tenure as Chairman. His vision and strategic guidance have played a pivotal role in the company's recent growth and success.
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