HT Media Ltd, the prominent publisher behind Mint and Hindustan Times newspapers, has reported a significant improvement in its financial performance for the quarter ending September 30. The media conglomerate successfully reduced its losses while achieving notable revenue growth across key business segments.
Financial Performance Highlights
The company's latest regulatory filing reveals consolidated net loss narrowed to ₹4.34 crore during the September quarter, marking substantial improvement from the ₹6 crore loss recorded in the same period last year. This positive development comes alongside healthy revenue growth from operations, which climbed to ₹451.50 crore from ₹423.75 crore year-on-year.
However, total expenses also saw an increase, reaching ₹495.92 crore compared to ₹488.67 crore in the corresponding quarter last fiscal year. The company's strategic focus on cost management appears to be yielding results despite the overall expense growth.
Segment-Wise Business Performance
The print media division demonstrated robust performance with revenue from newspaper and periodicals printing and publishing rising to ₹358.38 crore from ₹334.20 crore a year earlier. This segment continues to be the primary revenue driver for the media house.
Meanwhile, the digital business posted impressive numbers, with revenue increasing to ₹60.89 crore from ₹55.51 crore in the same quarter last year. The digital segment's consistent growth trajectory underscores the company's successful digital transformation efforts.
The radio broadcast and entertainment segment faced challenges, with revenue declining to ₹32.20 crore from ₹35.06 crore year-on-year. This reflects the ongoing industry-wide pressures affecting traditional radio broadcasting.
Management Perspective and Future Outlook
Shobhana Bhartia, Chairperson and Editorial Director of HT Media Ltd and Hindustan Media Ventures Ltd, expressed satisfaction with the quarterly results. In her shareholder communication, she emphasized that the company has delivered another quarter of solid performance, building on the momentum from the first quarter of fiscal year 2025-26.
"Overall revenue for the print business grew, both annually and sequentially. This growth, combined with our focus on costs, translated into a further expansion of operating margins," Bhartia stated. She acknowledged the radio business showed sequential improvement in revenue and segment profitability despite industry challenges.
Regarding the digital segment's performance, Bhartia noted: "The digital business has also posted another set of strong revenue numbers, demonstrating consistent growth on both an annual and sequential basis. As we continue to scale this business, margins remain suppressed in the near term, which is aligned with our growth-oriented strategy."
The company's leadership remains focused on strategic adaptation across all business verticals as they navigate the evolving media landscape. HT Media's subsidiary network includes Hindustan Media Ventures Ltd, HT Music and Entertainment Co. Ltd, Next Mediaworks Ltd, and other affiliated companies, all contributing to the group's diversified media presence.
