Kuala Lumpur, May 17 – Axiata Group Bhd announced that it expects to pay a dividend of 20 sen per share by 2024. Based on its current capital base of nine billion shares, the total payout would amount to RM1.8 billion. The target was disclosed in the company’s Integrated Annual Report 2020, which was released on the same date.
Group chief executive officer Datuk Izzaddin Idris said the telecommunications firm has shifted its focus toward becoming a high‑profit organisation. He outlined short‑, medium‑ and long‑term plans designed to drive growth while creating lasting value for shareholders.
“Our robust financial and underlying fundamentals will support our defenses against current and future uncertainties as we continue to capture emerging growth opportunities, accelerate digital transformation, invest in new network infrastructure, and deliver on the high‑profit expectations of our shareholders,” Izzaddin said in the report.
Dividend Increase and Financial Context
The new dividend target represents a significant rise from previous payouts. Axiata distributed 10 sen per share for the 2020 financial year, so the 20‑sen goal for 2024 would double that amount.
To achieve the RM1.8 billion payout, the company would need to lift its net profit by more than 60 percent from the RM1.1 billion recorded in 2020, while revenue stood at RM22.5 billion for that year.
Short‑Term Priorities for 2021
For the near term, Izzaddin noted that Axiata will maintain a balanced approach to business in 2021. He observed that ongoing global vaccination efforts could help stabilise the crisis, but cautioned that operating markets would require time to regain economic growth momentum. Industry challenges such as network capacity demand, evolving consumer service expectations, and continuing regulatory uncertainties are expected to persist.
The telco has earmarked RM6.5 billion in capital expenditure to support growth and future readiness. “Axiata’s investment strategy remains aligned to the principle of investing where there is a market demand or growth opportunity subject to favorable regulatory and enabling environment,” Izzaddin said.
He added that the company intends to continue its investment push in Indonesia, concentrating on regions outside Java. In Bangladesh, the focus will be on areas beyond Comilla, Chittagong, and Dhaka.
Medium‑Term Digital Expansion
Over the medium term, Axiata plans to grow its digital business by collaborating with regional and global partners to advance innovation and business creation. The company will also look for market consolidation opportunities across its operating regions and aims to establish a framework for 5G leadership in each market. Izzaddin reiterated, “We hope to proceed with our investment push in Indonesia with an emphasis on locales outside Java, and also in
