Dainik Bhaskar delivers 12% growth in circulation in key markets

Over past five years, the company’s circulation revenue has delivered 13% CAGR growth driven by yield in core legacy markets – much above the industry reported numbers. This persistent focus on strong reader engagement efforts and product enrichment initiatives continue to complement the company’s circulation expansion strategy.

In Q1 FY 2018-19, the company’s consolidated total revenue reported growth of 7% at Rs 6,392 million in current period from Rs 5,997 million in Q1 last fiscal. Circulation revenue has increased YoY 10.3% to Rs 1,345 million from Rs 1,220 million, primarily due to volume driven growth. Advertising revenues reported growth of 5% YoY to Rs 4,549 million in current period from Rs 4,334 million in Q1 of last fiscal.

In the balance sheet, EBIDTA stands at Rs 1,749 million, EBIDTA margin of 27% for the quarter, against EBIDTA of Rs 1,933 million, in Q1 FY 2018; after considering forex loss of Rs 24.9 million and circulation expansion strategy related non-recurring expenditure of Rs 58.6 million. PAT stands at Rs 976 million (PAT margin 15.3%), against Rs 1,101 million (PAT margin 18.4%), in Q1 of last year; after considering forex loss of Rs 31 million and circulation expansion strategy related non-recurring expenditure of Rs. 58.6 million.

Sudhir Agarwal, managing director, DB Corp said, “This quarter our focus continued to be on ensuring successful implementation of our circulation expansion strategy, in markets across India that are responding well with the team’s complete focus on market expansion, editorial and impactful readership engagement efforts. As India’s largest news networks, we are in the process of assembling an exciting curation of editorial activities keeping in mind important developments with wide public appeal. A detailed road map has been structured in association with industry stalwarts, which will help us deliver stimulating content for our readers.”

He added that the company’s non-print businesses continue to progress well, building great value for readers, advertisers and the organisational triad. “The next 5 years are set to be the golden years for tier-2, -3 cities and DB Corp with its strong presence across these markets is in the best position to capitalise on these opportunities. With our legacy of execution excellence, we are excited, aggressive and totally committed to think and act much beyond our capabilities so that we can deliver the desired levels of growth,” he added.