HT Media Narrows Q3 Loss to Rs 3.2 Crore, Print Ads Up 9%

HT Media clocked a profit of Rs 6.6 crore in its Q3 results announced on Tuesday with revenue from operations standing at Rs 285.7 crore. On a quarter-on-quarter basis, revenue was up 16% since the company recovered from a loss of Rs 9.5 crore posted a quarter ago.

The growth momentum was aided by a robust increase in advertisement revenues from the print business. Advertisement revenues of HT Media increased by 9% from Rs 283 crore to Rs 309 crore in Q3FY25. In addition, advertisement revenues increased by 22% quarter-on-quarter.

The company attributed the print segment's ad revenue growth across both English and Hindi publications to key commercial categories excluding FMCG, BFSI, retail, and industrial sectors.

On a consolidated basis, HT Media has reported total revenue of Rs 530 crore for the quarter, increasing over Rs 486 crore in the same period last year and representing an advancement of 9% YoY. Revenue improved sequentially by 11%.

With OTTplay and Shine driving revenues for the quarter at Rs 51 crore, we see here a year-over-year growth of 32% in digital revenue, but a quarter-on-quarter decline of 7%. The company reported a consolidated loss of Rs 3.2 crore, unlike the previous quarter, where it was reported that losses had been brought down.

Shobhana Bhartia, chairperson and editorial director, HT Media, stated, “On a consolidated basis, we reported growth in revenue and an improvement in operational profitability compared to last year as well as sequentially. Print advertising revenues have on the back of price/mix seen improved revenue growth."

Further, "This, coupled with sustained control of operational expenses, has led to margin improvement on y-o-y as well as a q-o-q basis. The quarter also saw our Radio business post strong revenue growth as a result of non-FCT business, although margins continue to remain under duress. In the Digital business, the Company continues to post revenue growth and operational improvement," she added.