BENGALURU: Print media company DB Corp Limited (DCL) radio segment MY FM revenue for the year ended 31 March 2018 (FY 2018, year under review) increased 6.7 percent as compared to the previous year as reported by the company. The company, in its financial release for the period under review, says that the radio segment’s profit after tax (PAT) stood at Rs 15.3 crore (11 percent margin), while EBIDTA was Rs 36.2 crore (27 percent margin) for fiscal 2018.

DCL’s Radio business (MY FM) revenue for FY 2018 was Rs 135.70 crore (5.8 percent of operating revenue) as compared to Rs 127.20 crore (5.6 percent of operating revenue) in FY 2017.

Four segments’ contribute to DCL’s numbers: They are: Printing & Publishing of Periodicals (Printin); Radio; Event; and Internet. The major contributor to DCL’s business is its print segment followed by its Radio business. These two businesses have reported operating profits and continue to do so in FY 2018. The company’s Event business also reported an operating profit for FY 2018 at Rs 5.64 crore as compared to an operating loss of Rs 0.78 crore in FY 2017.

DCL’s overall revenue from operations (operating revenue) for FY 2018 increased 2.9 percent to Rs 2,324.49 crore from Rs 2,258.01 core in FY 2017. Total revenue including other income increased 3.2 percent in FY 2018 to Rs 2,348.24 crore from Rs 2,274.98 crore in the previous fiscal. DCL PAT for the year under review reduced 37.8 percent to Rs 232.97 crore from Rs 374.76 crore in fiscal 2017. EBIDTA without other income reduced 13.2 percent to Rs 557.10 crore (24 percent margin of operating revenue) from Rs 641.51 crore (28.4 percent margin of operating revenue).  The company says that excluding circulation expansion related one-off expenditures and previous year’s non-recurring gains on account of private treaty business deals and music royalty reversal of DCL’s Radio business, its EBIDTA has registered growth.

DCL’s Print business revenue increased 3 percent in FY 2018 to Rs 2,124.04 crore from Rs 2,062.61 crore in the previous year. The segment’s operating profit declined 14.7 percent in FY 2018 to Rs 480.26 crore from Rs 562.74 crore in FY 2017.

Company Speak

Commenting on the performance DCL managing director Sudhir Agarwal 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 remain the same in Gujarat, Bihar, and Rajasthan and we are working hard to further increase our circulation numbers. 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. 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.”