DB Corp’s consolidated Advertising Revenues grew by 8.2% to Rs.3861 million in Q4 FY18

Mumbai: DB Corp Limited (DBCL), today announced its audited financial results for the quarter & year ended March 31, 2018. The highlights of the Company’s operational and financial performance are as follows:

Dainik Bhaskar’s well-implemented Circulation expansion strategy has delivered strong results: Commendable performance achieved on the back of higher circulation base and increased cover price.

• A focussed and well-executed Circulation expansion strategy has delivered excellent growth: of almost 18% in 9 months from around 51 lakh copies in June end 2017 to around 59.6 lakh copies as on March end 2018, an increase of around 9 lakh copies, majorly in markets of Bihar, Rajasthan and Gujarat.
• Over the past five years [from FY 2011-12 to FY 2016-17] Dainik Bhaskar has delivered reporting 15% CAGR growth driven by yield in core legacy markets – much above the industry reported nos.
• Circulation strategy was complimented by strong editorial and product enrichment efforts along with unique and impactful reader engagement initiatives.

Performance highlights for Q4 FY 2017-18-Consolidated:

• Consolidated Total Revenues grew by 10% YOY to Rs. 5745 million, as against Rs. 5222 million reported during Q4 FY17.
• Consolidated Advertising Revenues grew by 8.2% YOY to Rs. 3861 million as against Rs. 3567 million reported during Q4 FY17.
• Circulation revenue increased by 8.5% YOY to Rs. 1320 million from Rs. 1217 million during Q4 FY17, largely an outcome of Circulation expansion strategy.
• EBITDA during Q4 FY 2018 stands at Rs. 1051 million (margins 18%) vis-a-visRs. 1173 million (margin 22%); after considering forex loss of Rs. 9.9 million. Further, excluding, impact of circulation expansion related one off expenditure, EBIDTA growth would have been in mid single digit.
• Consolidated PAT stands at Rs. 571 million, as against Rs.642 million reported during Q4 FY17, after considering forex loss of Rs. 16.4 million. Further, excluding Circulation expansion strategy related one off expenditure, PAT would have seen double digit growth.
• Radio business revenue grew by 9.5% YOY to Rs. 362 million from Rs. 330 million reported during corresponding period last year.
• Radio business EBIDTA grew by 45% YOY to Rs. 116 million (margin 32%) from Rs. 80 million (margin 24%).
• Radio business PAT grew by 70% YOY to Rs. 55 million (margin 15%) from Rs. 32 million (margin 10%)
• Digital business revenue stands at Rs. 131 million versus Rs. 142 million reported during corresponding period last year.
• Board has considered and recommended final dividend of 10% on Rs. 10/- face value per share. Further, Board continues to evaluate different efficient avenues for distribution of Income.

Dainik Bhaskar Group has maintained its leadership as the Largest Newspaper Group of Urban India. It continues to hold # 1 position as largest read newspaper of NCCS A- B [which was earlier Socio-Economic Class i.e. SEC A- B]. It also continues to hold #1 position as largest read newspaper of NCCS A [which was earlier Socio-Economic Class i.e. SEC A], as per Indian Readership Survey numbers that were announced on 18th January 2018.

The group also Successfully completed entire Bihar expansion drive: Aggressively expanded copies in circulation reflecting over 2X growth across 38 districts covering key Tier 2 and 3 cities and towns in Bihar with around 7 lakh copies.

Commenting on the performance for Q4 & FY 2017-18, Mr. Sudhir Agarwal, Managing Director, DB Corp Ltd said, “Our performance in the fourth quarter has reflected a culmination of all efforts, we have been under taking over the last one year, in implementing editorial and circulation expansion strategies. As evident, both have played out their complimentary roles and we have reported significant circulation- led growth. Our focus markets remains the same in Gujarat, Bihar, and Rajasthan and we are working hard to further increase our circulation nos. in markets, we already enjoy a strong dominance, including MP , CG, Haryana and Chandigarh. A key aspect of our circulation strategies have been the strong reader engagement initiatives that helped in expanding our markets and attracting new readers. Through these efforts, we have been successful in also attracting the right profile of audiences in NCCS A and B categories also benefiting our advertisers. Our stringent business processes are ensuring that all our resources are prudently utilised, and through capabilities in technology, we have ensured that every team’s efficiency and productivity is at their best. The non-print businesses are also well synergised and strongly complement the overall package to advertisers and brands.

At a broader level, all fundamental business growth drivers are in place which positions us well to capitalise on emerging industry opportunities. The positive outlook on India reflected by global institutions is providing a strong impetus to the positive sentiment on-ground that signals a better new fiscal ahead.”