DB Corp announces results for Q1FY26

In performance highlights for Q1FY26 (consolidated; all comparisons with Q1 FY25), total revenue stands at Rs 5,872-million as against Rs 6,163-million last year. Advertising revenue stands at Rs 3,978-million as against Rs 4,277-million. Circulation revenue stands at Rs 1,203-million as against Rs 1,192-million. EBIDTA stands at Rs 1,384-million as against Rs 1,909-million. Net Profit stands at Rs 808-million as against Rs 1,179-million.

In key developments, DB Corp has delivered advertisement revenue CAGR growth of 13% in the last three years period from Rs 11,827-million in FY22 to Rs 16,899-million in FY25. Similarly, PAT has delivered an impressive 38% CAGR growth in the last three years from Rs 1,426-million in FY22 to Rs 3,710-million in FY25.

Growth momentum was maintained in Q1FY26 on a comparable basis, excluding the election-driven rise in advertising revenue recorded in Q1FY25. Although the reported advertising revenue for Q1FY26 experienced a year on year decline of 7% to Rs 3978 million, the like for like ad revenue increased at a single digit rate. This performance highlights the robustness of the franchise, ongoing advertiser trust, and stable consumer demand. Print Business EBITDA margins expanded by 800 basis points QoQ to 31%, with EBITDA rising to Rs 1,647-million, reflecting a growth of 45% QoQ driven by continued soft newsprint prices and disciplined cost management.

Newsprint prices continued to remain soft in Q1FY26, with the company’s average cost declining to Rs 47,100 per metric tonne, compared to Rs 47,400 per metric tonne in Q4 FY25, a QoQ reduction of 1%. As anticipated, global newsprint prices remained stable/lowered in dollar terms and are expected to stay benign over the next few quarters, subject to exchange rate fluctuations.

In today’s fast-evolving media landscape, print continues to be a cornerstone of reader’s trust and engagement, offering a reliable, tangible news experience. Our sustained circulation underscores the enduring relevance of the morning newspaper in our readers’ daily lives. Anchored by a high-impact, hyper-local editorial philosophy, our content focuses on the issues that matter most to our communities reinforcing DB Corp’s reputation as a trusted voice in regional journalism.

Sudhir Agarwal, managing director, DB Corp, said, “Despite a high base effect from last year’s general elections, which had driven a temporary surge in advertising revenues, our core performance remained steady — supported by stable advertising trends, soft newsprint prices, and disciplined cost structures. Our digital business continues to scale rapidly, with monthly active users reaching the 22 million mark this quarter — reinforcing our position as India’s leading Indian language news app platform.”

He added, “We believe the government’s continued focus on enhancing disposable incomes through income tax rationalisation, softening of interest rates, and the anticipated implementation of the 8th Pay Commission later this fiscal, will further stimulate economic activity, particularly across tier-II and beyond markets. This is expected to provide a strong tailwind to Bharat’s consumption story. Backed by our deep editorial strength, hyperlocal relevance, and continuous product innovation, we remain confident in our ability to drive sustainable growth across both print and digital platforms, while delivering long-term value to all stakeholders.”