Axiata Group Bhd recorded a 2.5% year-on-year increase in profit after tax (PAT) to RM525.3 million for the first half of 2026 (1H26) and declared a first interim dividend of 5.5 sen per share, up from five sen a year earlier.
For continuing operations, PAT more than doubled to RM525.3 million, supported by higher EBITDA, the absence of a goodwill impairment recognised a year earlier, as well as lower finance costs and taxes.
Revenue from continuing operations slipped 3.2% to RM5.67 billion, mainly due to adverse foreign currency translation as operating company currencies weakened against the ringgit. At constant currency, however, revenue grew 7.3%.
EBITDA increased 1.7% to RM2.7 billion, while at constant currency it rose 14.1%, reflecting stronger revenue contributions across most operating companies.
For the second quarter, continuing operations PAT more than doubled to RM137.5 million, despite revenue declining 3.2% to RM2.87 billion on currency translation effects. At constant currency, quarterly revenue grew 6%.
Chairman Tan Sri Shahril Ridza Ridzuan said the stronger performance across Axiata’s businesses reinforced the group’s confidence in its Axiata28: Advancing Asia strategy and its focus on sustainable shareholder returns.
Group Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director Nik Rizal Kamil, meanwhile, said stronger market structures, merger synergies, operational improvements and disciplined capital allocation were increasingly translating into stronger earnings and broader portfolio contributions.
The 5.5 sen tax-exempt single-tier dividend is in respect of FY26, with the entitlement and payment dates to be announced later.
