Mumbai: HT Media Limited reported revenue from operations of Rs 42,375 lakhs for Q2 of fiscal year 2025, a 7.5 per cent increase over Q1 (Rs 37,851 lakhs) and a 7.6 per cent increase year-over-year from Rs 39,399 lakhs. This upward trend reflects the firm’s aggressive digital strategy and market resilience. However, operating costs outpaced revenue growth, with total expenses rising to Rs 48,867 lakhs from Rs 46,544 lakhs in the previous quarter, driven primarily by material costs, employee expenses, and finance charges. The escalating costs reflect broader inflationary pressures impacting raw materials and payroll, challenging HT Media's path to profitability.
For the six months ending September 2024, HT Media reported consolidated revenue of Rs 90,638 lakhs, marking a 3.9 per cent rise from Rs 87,215 lakhs in the same period last year. Yet, with rising operational expenses—particularly in staffing and other essential areas—the company recorded a net loss of Rs 5,695 lakhs. The quarter's EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortisation) stood at Rs 3,273 lakhs, although the profit before tax was reported as a loss at Rs 939 lakhs.
The financial report underscores challenges in key segments. HT Media’s print and publishing revenue contributed the lion's share at Rs 33,420 lakhs, but radio broadcasting and entertainment and digital segments also demonstrated resilience. However, employee benefits climbed to Rs 10,923 lakhs in Q2, a 7.5 per cent increase over Q1, impacting bottom-line growth.
In line with its strategic restructuring, HT Media has sought to cut liabilities, including the partial disposal of investment property and reclassification of assets held for sale. The company’s long-term liabilities fell from Rs 25,303 lakhs in March 2024 to Rs 20,849 lakhs in September 2024, aided by asset sales and targeted debt management.
HT Media reiterated its commitment to recalibrate its portfolio, focusing on emerging revenue streams in digital content and radio. These areas saw significant audience engagement, with digital revenue climbing to Rs 5,551 lakhs, an increase of 18.7 per cent over the previous quarter.
Looking ahead, HT Media remains focused on capturing digital market share, leveraging its audience reach across diverse platforms. Key challenges remain in managing operational costs amid inflationary pressures and aligning revenue generation with sustainable profit margins. With a current liability ratio of 0.85 times, the company plans to optimise cash flow by driving operational efficiencies.
