Category: Financials

Q3-2016: Videocon d2h YoY revenue up 22% on subscriber additions, higher ARPU

BENGALURU: Videocon d2h Limited reported 14.8 per cent YoY increase in net subscriber additions and 8.2 per cent YoY growth in ARPU for the quarter ended 31 December, 2015 (Q3-2016, current quarter). The company’s revenue from operations (TIO) increased 21.6 per cent YoY to Rs 731.49 crore in Q3-2016 as compared to Rs 601.53 crore. Subscriber addition brings in higher activation revenue.

The company achieved strong subscription and activation YoY revenue growth of 26 per cent at Rs 665 crore as compared to Rs 527.9 crore in the corresponding year ago quarter.

Videocon d2h added 6.7 lakh gross subscribers and 4.3 lakh net subscribers during the quarter. Gross subscribers totalled 149.5 lakh and net subscribers totalled 112.7 lakh as of 31 December, 2015. The company says that monthly churn came in at 0.73 per cent for the quarter and 0.80 per cent for the nine months ending 31 December, 2015, which was marginally ahead of the company guidance.

Note: 100,00,000 = 100 lakh = 10 million = 1 crore.

Average revenue per user (ARPU) in Q3-2016 increased 8.2 per cent to Rs 211 as compared to Rs 195 in Q3-2015 and increased 2.9 per cent as compared to Rs 205 in Q2-2016.

Videocon d2h reported 42.2 per cent YoY growth in adjusted EBITDA at Rs 201 crore for Q3- 2016 compared to Rs 141 crore in the corresponding year ago quarter. Net loss for the quarter declined to Rs 22.05 crore as compared to the net loss of Rs 79.8 crore in Q3-2015.

Videocon d2h executive chairman Saurabh Dhoot said, “I am delighted the company reported EBITDA growth of over 42 per cent in the quarter compared to last year. This is a result of strong subscriber and ARPU growth and our continued focus on margin improvement, in line with our expectations. We believe we are amongst the fastest growing media companies in the world delivering exceptional performance quarter after quarter. During the quarter, we continued to strengthen our content offering and added new channels on our platform. We recently added two transponders ahead of schedule. This further strengthens our content offering, which is one of our key competitive advantages. With this additional bandwidth we will continue to add more regional and HD channels to our platform in times to come.”

Speaking on the Phase III digitisation implementation, Videocon d2h CEO Anil Khera said, “Phase III digitisation has begun. The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting maintained their deadline and instructed broadcasters to switch off analogue signals in Phase III digitisation areas. In the first few days of January 2016, we saw strong pick up in subscriber additions in cities that come under Phase III digitisation. Recently, a few state high courts issued a stay order on implementation of Phase III digitisation for one – three months. This was in line with our expectations of the digitisation being a staggered process.”

“We estimate around 50 million television homes come under Phase III digitisation, of which 24-25 million television homes are already on the digital platform. Thus, the target market under Phase III digitisation is the remaining 25-26 million television homes that are currently on analog cable,” he added.

January 28, 2016
Q3-2016: Videocon d2h YoY revenue up 22% on subscriber additions, higher ARPU

BENGALURU: Videocon d2h Limited reported 14.8 per cent YoY increase in net subscriber additions and 8.2 per cent YoY growth in ARPU for the quarter ended 31 December, 2015 (Q3-2016, current quarter). The company’s revenue from operations (TIO) increased 21.6 per cent YoY to Rs 731.49 crore in Q3-2016 as compared to Rs 601.53 crore. Subscriber addition brings in higher activation revenue.

The company achieved strong subscription and activation YoY revenue growth of 26 per cent at Rs 665 crore as compared to Rs 527.9 crore in the corresponding year ago quarter.

Videocon d2h added 6.7 lakh gross subscribers and 4.3 lakh net subscribers during the quarter. Gross subscribers totalled 149.5 lakh and net subscribers totalled 112.7 lakh as of 31 December, 2015. The company says that monthly churn came in at 0.73 per cent for the quarter and 0.80 per cent for the nine months ending 31 December, 2015, which was marginally ahead of the company guidance.

Note: 100,00,000 = 100 lakh = 10 million = 1 crore.

Average revenue per user (ARPU) in Q3-2016 increased 8.2 per cent to Rs 211 as compared to Rs 195 in Q3-2015 and increased 2.9 per cent as compared to Rs 205 in Q2-2016.

Videocon d2h reported 42.2 per cent YoY growth in adjusted EBITDA at Rs 201 crore for Q3- 2016 compared to Rs 141 crore in the corresponding year ago quarter. Net loss for the quarter declined to Rs 22.05 crore as compared to the net loss of Rs 79.8 crore in Q3-2015.

Videocon d2h executive chairman Saurabh Dhoot said, “I am delighted the company reported EBITDA growth of over 42 per cent in the quarter compared to last year. This is a result of strong subscriber and ARPU growth and our continued focus on margin improvement, in line with our expectations. We believe we are amongst the fastest growing media companies in the world delivering exceptional performance quarter after quarter. During the quarter, we continued to strengthen our content offering and added new channels on our platform. We recently added two transponders ahead of schedule. This further strengthens our content offering, which is one of our key competitive advantages. With this additional bandwidth we will continue to add more regional and HD channels to our platform in times to come.”

Speaking on the Phase III digitisation implementation, Videocon d2h CEO Anil Khera said, “Phase III digitisation has begun. The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting maintained their deadline and instructed broadcasters to switch off analogue signals in Phase III digitisation areas. In the first few days of January 2016, we saw strong pick up in subscriber additions in cities that come under Phase III digitisation. Recently, a few state high courts issued a stay order on implementation of Phase III digitisation for one – three months. This was in line with our expectations of the digitisation being a staggered process.”

“We estimate around 50 million television homes come under Phase III digitisation, of which 24-25 million television homes are already on the digital platform. Thus, the target market under Phase III digitisation is the remaining 25-26 million television homes that are currently on analog cable,” he added.

January 28, 2016
Q3-2016: Ortel Communications’ YoY revenue up 22%

BENGALURU: The Bibhu Prasad Rath led regional cable television and broadband internet player Ortel Communications Limited (Ortel) reported YoY revenue (Total Income from Operations or TIO) of 21.8 per cent at Rs 48.03 crore in the current quarter (quarter ended 31 December, 2015, Q3-15) as compared to Rs 39.44 crore and 4.9 per cent QoQ growth as compared to Rs 45.79 crore.

The company reported PAT in Q3-2016 at Rs 3.89 crore (8.1 per cent margin) as compared to a loss of Rs 0.1 crore in Q3-2015 and 37.5 per cent higher QoQ PAT as compared to Rs 2.83 crore (6.2 per cent margin).

Ortel provides services in the Indian states of Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and West Bengal.

Notes: 100,00,000 = 100 lakh = 10 million = 1 crore

The numbers mentioned in this report are standalone.

The company’s cable segment reported 17.3 per cent YoY growth in revenue at Rs 31.99 crore in the current quarter as compared to Rs 27.27 crore and 3.4 per cent QoQ growth as compared to Rs 30.93 crore. This segment reported 46.6 per cent YoY growth in operating profit of Rs 13.61 crore in Q3-2016 as compared to Rs 9.28 crore and 4.1 per cent QoQ growth as compared to Rs 13.08 crore.

Ortel’s broadband segment reported 16.3 per cent higher revenue at Rs 8.28 crore as compared to Rs 7.12 crore in the corresponding year ago quarter and 1.7 per cent more than the Rs 8.14 crore in Q2-2016. The broadband segment reported an operating profit of Rs 4.78 crore in the current quarter as compared to Rs 4.52 crore in Q3-2015 and 9.1 per cent higher than the Rs 438 crore in Q2-2016.

Ortel president and CEO Rath said, “I am delighted to share that our key strategy of LCO buyout is receiving huge response in our markets. Healthy addition to RGUs has led to strong growth of 38 per cent in bottom-line on a Q-o-Q basis. Given the strong pipeline of RGUs yet to be integrated, we are confident of improving upon this solid performance in the coming quarters.”

“Broadband business continues to do well and remains a key focus area for us. We are working towards delivering notable growth in subscriber base, which would further augment our performance and overall profitability,” he added.

“FY2016 will be one-of-the-best-years in the history of Ortel Communications backed by record RGU additions and solid visibility for LCO buyouts in the coming year. With more than 90 per cent subscribers on ‘last mile,’ we remain committed to this model and strongly believe it will create tremendous value for all stakeholders going forward,” Rath said.

Ortel’s YoY revenue generating units (RGU) grew 19 per cent to 626,475 as compared to 526,551 and increased 9.6 per cent QoQ as compared to 571,834 in Q2-2016.

Cable TV RGUs increased 19.3 per cent YoY in Q3-2016 to 558,766 as compared to 468,274 and increased 10 per cent as compared to 508,171 in Q2-2016.

Ortel’s YoY primary digital cable RGUs grew 33.9 per cent to 127,098 in Q3-2016 as compared to 94,926 and grew 8.3 per cent QoQ to 117,401. The company says that its Cable TV penetration stood at 23.7 per cent and penetration in the current quarter.

Broadband customers in the current quarter grew 16.2 per cent YoY to 67,709 as compared to 58,277 and grew 6.4 per cent QoQ as compared to 63,663.

Ortel reported a slight drop in digital and analogue cable ARPUs in the current quarter. Digital cable ARPU in Q3-2016 was Rs 181; in Q3-2015 it was Rs 186 and Q2-2016 it was Rs 183. Analogue cable ARPU in Q3-2016 was Rs 141, in Q3-2015 it was Rs 147 and in Q2-2016 it was Rs 143. Broadband ARPU in Q3-2016 was higher at Rs 396, while in Q3-2015 it was Rs 394 and in Q2-2016 it was Rs 395.

Cable Subscription, Connection and Channel carriage fees

The company’s cable subscription fees in Q3-2016 increased 6.5 per cent to Rs 21.2 crore as compared to Rs 19.9 crore and was 3.2 per cent more than the Rs 20.6 crore in Q2-2016. Connection fees increased 32.7 per cent to Rs 1 crore as compared to Rs 0.70 crore and increased 33.8 per cent as compared to Rs 0.7. Channel carriage fees in the current quarter increased 48.3 per cent to Rs 9.8 crore as compared to Rs 6.6 crore in Q3-2015 and increased 1.4 per cent as compared to Rs 9.7 crore in Q2-2016.

Let us look at the other numbers reported by Ortel:

Total Expenditure in Q3-2016 increased 16.2 per cent YoY Rs 39.78 crore (82.8 per cent of TIO) as compared to Rs 34.24 crore (86.8 per cent of TIO) and was 2.8 per cent more than Rs 38.72 crore (84.6 per cent of TIO) in Q2-2016.

The company’s programming cost in the current quarter increased 9.7 per cent to Rs 9.1 crore as compared to Rs 8.3 crore in Q3-2015, but declined 3.3 per cent as compared to Rs 9.44 crore in Q2-2016.

Bandwidth cost in Q3-2016 increased 25.4 per cent to Rs 2.1 crore as compared to Rs 1.7 crore and increased 9.1 per cent as compared to Rs 1.92 in Q2-2016.

Employee Benefits Expense in the current quarter increased 31.6 per cent to Rs 5.7 crore as compared to Rs 4.3 crore in Q3-2015 and increased 0.6 per cent as compared to Rs 5.64 crore e in Q2-2016.

Lower interest costs

SREI Equipment Finance Limited, the largest lender of the company, extended a prompt payment rebate (PPR) of one per cent on the company’s borrowings with effect from 1 October, 2015. This is in addition to the earlier rebate of 0.75 per cent, which would bring down the effective interest rate to 14.25 per cent.

January 27, 2016
Q3-2016: Ortel Communications’ YoY revenue up 22%

BENGALURU: The Bibhu Prasad Rath led regional cable television and broadband internet player Ortel Communications Limited (Ortel) reported YoY revenue (Total Income from Operations or TIO) of 21.8 per cent at Rs 48.03 crore in the current quarter (quarter ended 31 December, 2015, Q3-15) as compared to Rs 39.44 crore and 4.9 per cent QoQ growth as compared to Rs 45.79 crore.

The company reported PAT in Q3-2016 at Rs 3.89 crore (8.1 per cent margin) as compared to a loss of Rs 0.1 crore in Q3-2015 and 37.5 per cent higher QoQ PAT as compared to Rs 2.83 crore (6.2 per cent margin).

Ortel provides services in the Indian states of Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and West Bengal.

Notes: 100,00,000 = 100 lakh = 10 million = 1 crore

The numbers mentioned in this report are standalone.

The company’s cable segment reported 17.3 per cent YoY growth in revenue at Rs 31.99 crore in the current quarter as compared to Rs 27.27 crore and 3.4 per cent QoQ growth as compared to Rs 30.93 crore. This segment reported 46.6 per cent YoY growth in operating profit of Rs 13.61 crore in Q3-2016 as compared to Rs 9.28 crore and 4.1 per cent QoQ growth as compared to Rs 13.08 crore.

Ortel’s broadband segment reported 16.3 per cent higher revenue at Rs 8.28 crore as compared to Rs 7.12 crore in the corresponding year ago quarter and 1.7 per cent more than the Rs 8.14 crore in Q2-2016. The broadband segment reported an operating profit of Rs 4.78 crore in the current quarter as compared to Rs 4.52 crore in Q3-2015 and 9.1 per cent higher than the Rs 438 crore in Q2-2016.

Ortel president and CEO Rath said, “I am delighted to share that our key strategy of LCO buyout is receiving huge response in our markets. Healthy addition to RGUs has led to strong growth of 38 per cent in bottom-line on a Q-o-Q basis. Given the strong pipeline of RGUs yet to be integrated, we are confident of improving upon this solid performance in the coming quarters.”

“Broadband business continues to do well and remains a key focus area for us. We are working towards delivering notable growth in subscriber base, which would further augment our performance and overall profitability,” he added.

“FY2016 will be one-of-the-best-years in the history of Ortel Communications backed by record RGU additions and solid visibility for LCO buyouts in the coming year. With more than 90 per cent subscribers on ‘last mile,’ we remain committed to this model and strongly believe it will create tremendous value for all stakeholders going forward,” Rath said.

Ortel’s YoY revenue generating units (RGU) grew 19 per cent to 626,475 as compared to 526,551 and increased 9.6 per cent QoQ as compared to 571,834 in Q2-2016.

Cable TV RGUs increased 19.3 per cent YoY in Q3-2016 to 558,766 as compared to 468,274 and increased 10 per cent as compared to 508,171 in Q2-2016.

Ortel’s YoY primary digital cable RGUs grew 33.9 per cent to 127,098 in Q3-2016 as compared to 94,926 and grew 8.3 per cent QoQ to 117,401. The company says that its Cable TV penetration stood at 23.7 per cent and penetration in the current quarter.

Broadband customers in the current quarter grew 16.2 per cent YoY to 67,709 as compared to 58,277 and grew 6.4 per cent QoQ as compared to 63,663.

Ortel reported a slight drop in digital and analogue cable ARPUs in the current quarter. Digital cable ARPU in Q3-2016 was Rs 181; in Q3-2015 it was Rs 186 and Q2-2016 it was Rs 183. Analogue cable ARPU in Q3-2016 was Rs 141, in Q3-2015 it was Rs 147 and in Q2-2016 it was Rs 143. Broadband ARPU in Q3-2016 was higher at Rs 396, while in Q3-2015 it was Rs 394 and in Q2-2016 it was Rs 395.

Cable Subscription, Connection and Channel carriage fees

The company’s cable subscription fees in Q3-2016 increased 6.5 per cent to Rs 21.2 crore as compared to Rs 19.9 crore and was 3.2 per cent more than the Rs 20.6 crore in Q2-2016. Connection fees increased 32.7 per cent to Rs 1 crore as compared to Rs 0.70 crore and increased 33.8 per cent as compared to Rs 0.7. Channel carriage fees in the current quarter increased 48.3 per cent to Rs 9.8 crore as compared to Rs 6.6 crore in Q3-2015 and increased 1.4 per cent as compared to Rs 9.7 crore in Q2-2016.

Let us look at the other numbers reported by Ortel:

Total Expenditure in Q3-2016 increased 16.2 per cent YoY Rs 39.78 crore (82.8 per cent of TIO) as compared to Rs 34.24 crore (86.8 per cent of TIO) and was 2.8 per cent more than Rs 38.72 crore (84.6 per cent of TIO) in Q2-2016.

The company’s programming cost in the current quarter increased 9.7 per cent to Rs 9.1 crore as compared to Rs 8.3 crore in Q3-2015, but declined 3.3 per cent as compared to Rs 9.44 crore in Q2-2016.

Bandwidth cost in Q3-2016 increased 25.4 per cent to Rs 2.1 crore as compared to Rs 1.7 crore and increased 9.1 per cent as compared to Rs 1.92 in Q2-2016.

Employee Benefits Expense in the current quarter increased 31.6 per cent to Rs 5.7 crore as compared to Rs 4.3 crore in Q3-2015 and increased 0.6 per cent as compared to Rs 5.64 crore e in Q2-2016.

Lower interest costs

SREI Equipment Finance Limited, the largest lender of the company, extended a prompt payment rebate (PPR) of one per cent on the company’s borrowings with effect from 1 October, 2015. This is in addition to the earlier rebate of 0.75 per cent, which would bring down the effective interest rate to 14.25 per cent.

January 27, 2016
Q3-2016; Advertising drives 9% YOY revenue growth at HT Media; radio revenue up 25%

BENGALURU: HT Media Limited (HT Media) reported seven per cent YoY growth in total income from operations (TIO) for the quarter ended 31 December, 2015 (Q3-2015, Q3-15, current quarter) at Rs 681.12 crore as compared to Rs 605.50 crore and a 13.2 per cent QoQ growth as compared to Rs 601.55 crore.

The TIO growth was driven primarily by a 9.2 per cent YoY and 14.4 per cent growth in advertising revenues.

HT Media’s radio segment (Fever 104 FM) reported a 25 per cent YoY increase in operating revenue to Rs 32.26 crore (4.7 per cent of TIO) as compared to Rs 28.81 crore (4.3 per cent of TIO) and grew 10 per cent QoQ as compared to Rs 29.34 crore (4.9 per cent of TIO).

Note: (1) 100,00,000 = 100 Lakhs = 10 million = 1 crore

(2) The figures mentioned in this report are consolidated figures unless stated otherwise.

The company’s profit after tax (PAT) in Q3-2016 increased 12.4 per cent YoY to Rs 80.88 crore (11.9 per cent margin) as compared to Rs 63.97 crore (10.6 per cent margin) and was more than double (2.22 times) QoQ as compared to Rs 36.42 crore (6.1 per cent margin).

Advertising and Circulation revenue

HT Media says that Advertising Revenue grew by 9.2 per cent YoY in Qe-2016 to Rs 542.5 crore (76.6 per cent of TIO) as compared to Rs 496.7 crore (76.4 per cent of TIO) and increased 14.4 per cent QoQ as compared to Rs 475.2 crore (78.8 per cent of TIO).

Circulation revenue in the current quarter increased 4.8 per cent to Rs 76.9 crore (10.9 per cent of TIO) as compared to Rs 75.4 crore (15.9 per cent of TIO) and grew 2.1 per cent QoQ as compared to Rs 75.4 crore (12.5 per cent of TIO).

Let us see how the segments performed

Three segments contribute to HT Media’s numbers – (1) Printing and publishing of newspapers and periodicals (Publishing) (2) Radio and (3) Digital.

HT Media’s publishing segment reported 9.8 per cent YoY growth in revenue at Rs 607.29 crore (89.2 per cent of TIO) as compared to Rs 553.20 crore (91.4 per cent of TIO) and grew 12.9 per cent QoQ as compared to Rs 538.08 crore (89.4 per cent of TIO).

The publishing segment reported 41.2 per cent higher YoY operating profit of Rs 110.82 crore as compared to Rs 78.49 crore and was 41 per cent more QoQ as compared to Rs 65.36 crore.

HT Media has four FM radio stations – Fever 104 in Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Kolkata.

Radio segment revenue numbers have been mentioned above. HT Media’s radio segment reported 21 per cent decline in operating profit at Rs 7.46 crore as compared to Rs 9.44 crore, but was 94.3 per cent more QoQ than of Rs 3.84 crore.

The company’s digital segment reported 43.4 per cent YoY growth in revenue to Rs 38.21 crore (5.6 per cent of TIO) as compared to Rs 26.65 crore (4.4 per cent of TIO) and was 12.7 per cent higher QoQ as compared to Rs 33.91 crore (5.6 per cent of TIO).

Digital segment reported lower YoY loss of Rs 11.07 crore as compared to Rs 1442 crore, and lower QoQ loss as compared to Rs 18.35 crore.

The company reported unallocated losses of Rs 13.31 crore in Q3-2016; of Rs 12.13 crore in Q3-2015 and of Rs 15.40 crore in Q2-2016.

Company Speak

HT Media chairperson and editorial director Shobana Bhartia said, “We are happy to report a strong quarter of growth across all our core businesses on the back of an increase in advertising spends during the festive season. Growth in revenue and our continuing focus on costs have resulted in higher profitability. Our Hindi business continues to grow profitably; HT Mumbai & HT Delhi businesses saw year-on-year revenue growth; we successfully re-launched the Chennai radio station; and our digital businesses have reduced losses even as they have grown revenues. With momentum on our side, we expect to close the financial year on a strong note. The company is well positioned to seize any opportunity that comes its way.”

January 27, 2016
Q3-2016; Advertising drives 9% YOY revenue growth at HT Media; radio revenue up 25%

BENGALURU: HT Media Limited (HT Media) reported seven per cent YoY growth in total income from operations (TIO) for the quarter ended 31 December, 2015 (Q3-2015, Q3-15, current quarter) at Rs 681.12 crore as compared to Rs 605.50 crore and a 13.2 per cent QoQ growth as compared to Rs 601.55 crore.

The TIO growth was driven primarily by a 9.2 per cent YoY and 14.4 per cent growth in advertising revenues.

HT Media’s radio segment (Fever 104 FM) reported a 25 per cent YoY increase in operating revenue to Rs 32.26 crore (4.7 per cent of TIO) as compared to Rs 28.81 crore (4.3 per cent of TIO) and grew 10 per cent QoQ as compared to Rs 29.34 crore (4.9 per cent of TIO).

Note: (1) 100,00,000 = 100 Lakhs = 10 million = 1 crore

(2) The figures mentioned in this report are consolidated figures unless stated otherwise.

The company’s profit after tax (PAT) in Q3-2016 increased 12.4 per cent YoY to Rs 80.88 crore (11.9 per cent margin) as compared to Rs 63.97 crore (10.6 per cent margin) and was more than double (2.22 times) QoQ as compared to Rs 36.42 crore (6.1 per cent margin).

Advertising and Circulation revenue

HT Media says that Advertising Revenue grew by 9.2 per cent YoY in Qe-2016 to Rs 542.5 crore (76.6 per cent of TIO) as compared to Rs 496.7 crore (76.4 per cent of TIO) and increased 14.4 per cent QoQ as compared to Rs 475.2 crore (78.8 per cent of TIO).

Circulation revenue in the current quarter increased 4.8 per cent to Rs 76.9 crore (10.9 per cent of TIO) as compared to Rs 75.4 crore (15.9 per cent of TIO) and grew 2.1 per cent QoQ as compared to Rs 75.4 crore (12.5 per cent of TIO).

Let us see how the segments performed

Three segments contribute to HT Media’s numbers – (1) Printing and publishing of newspapers and periodicals (Publishing) (2) Radio and (3) Digital.

HT Media’s publishing segment reported 9.8 per cent YoY growth in revenue at Rs 607.29 crore (89.2 per cent of TIO) as compared to Rs 553.20 crore (91.4 per cent of TIO) and grew 12.9 per cent QoQ as compared to Rs 538.08 crore (89.4 per cent of TIO).

The publishing segment reported 41.2 per cent higher YoY operating profit of Rs 110.82 crore as compared to Rs 78.49 crore and was 41 per cent more QoQ as compared to Rs 65.36 crore.

HT Media has four FM radio stations – Fever 104 in Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Kolkata.

Radio segment revenue numbers have been mentioned above. HT Media’s radio segment reported 21 per cent decline in operating profit at Rs 7.46 crore as compared to Rs 9.44 crore, but was 94.3 per cent more QoQ than of Rs 3.84 crore.

The company’s digital segment reported 43.4 per cent YoY growth in revenue to Rs 38.21 crore (5.6 per cent of TIO) as compared to Rs 26.65 crore (4.4 per cent of TIO) and was 12.7 per cent higher QoQ as compared to Rs 33.91 crore (5.6 per cent of TIO).

Digital segment reported lower YoY loss of Rs 11.07 crore as compared to Rs 1442 crore, and lower QoQ loss as compared to Rs 18.35 crore.

The company reported unallocated losses of Rs 13.31 crore in Q3-2016; of Rs 12.13 crore in Q3-2015 and of Rs 15.40 crore in Q2-2016.

Company Speak

HT Media chairperson and editorial director Shobana Bhartia said, “We are happy to report a strong quarter of growth across all our core businesses on the back of an increase in advertising spends during the festive season. Growth in revenue and our continuing focus on costs have resulted in higher profitability. Our Hindi business continues to grow profitably; HT Mumbai & HT Delhi businesses saw year-on-year revenue growth; we successfully re-launched the Chennai radio station; and our digital businesses have reduced losses even as they have grown revenues. With momentum on our side, we expect to close the financial year on a strong note. The company is well positioned to seize any opportunity that comes its way.”

January 27, 2016
Q3-2016: HUL YoY marketing spends up 16.4%

BENGALURU: Indian FMCG giant Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) Advertisement and Promotions expense (marketing spends, ASP) in Q3-2016 (quarter ended 31 December, 2015, current quarter, Q3-16) was 16.4 per cent more YoY at Rs 1,137.79 crore (14.3 Total Income from operations or TIO) as compared to Rs 977.12 crore (12.6 per cent of TIO), but declined 0.6 per cent QoQ from Rs 1,145.04 crore (14.4 per cent of TIO).

Note: (1) 100 lakh = 100,00,000 = 1 crore = 10 million.

(2) All figures in this report are standalone figures filed by the company. The trends are based on the numbers submitted by the company or picked up from the company’s website.

Company Speak

HUL chairman Harish Manwani said, “We have stepped up investment behind our brands and delivered another quarter of profitable volume led growth, consistent with our strategic intent. In an environment of moderating growth and benign input costs, we remain focused on innovation and market development to drive volumes competitively whilst improving operating margins. As channels and markets evolve, we continue to make strategic interventions to strengthen our portfolio and sharpen our executional capabilities to serve our consumers even better.”

Advertising and Sales Promotion (ASP) trends

Last quarter (Q2-16), HUL’s ASP was the highest both in terms of absolute rupees and percentage of TIO at Rs 1145.04 crore and 14.4 per cent during a 15 quarter period starting Q1-2013 until Q3-2016. The current quarter’s ASP (mentioned above) is the second highest during the same period. It must be noted than in the current fiscal (FY-2016) during all the three quarters to date, HUL’s ASP has been the highest in rupees and in terms of percentage during the period under consideration and has been above 14 per cent – in Q1-2016, it was 14.2 per cent.

The lowest ASP in absolute rupees was in Q2-2013 at Rs 768.98 crore (12.2 per cent), while it was lowest in terms of percentage of TIO in Q4-14 at 11.8 per cent (Rs 840.34 crore). The white broken trend line indicates that ASP in absolute rupees during the period under consideration shows an upward trend. ASP in terms percentage of TIO (broken pink line) also shows an upward trend, though not as sharp as in the case of absolute rupees during the period under consideration. As a matter of fact, since Q1-2013, the company’s ASP has been the highest in absolute rupees in the first quarter (Q1) and the lowest in the second quarter (Q2), the only exception being in the year 2014, where Q2-2014 ASP was the highest in the year and was more than Q1-2014 ASP, which was second highest in that year. In FY-2013 and FY-2014, ASP was lowest in Q4, while in Q4-2015, ASP was more than in Q3-2015.

HUL Revenue and PAT

Please refer to Fig B above. HUL reported 2.7 per cent YoY growth in TIO in Q3-2016 at Rs 7,980.99 crore as compared to Rs 7,774.32 crore and was 0.3 per cent higher QoQ as compared to Rs 7,955.39 crore. The company’s TIO shows a linear increasing trend as indicated by the broken blue trend line in Fig B. TIO in Q1-2016 is the highest reported by the company during the 15 quarter period under consideration in this report.

HUL’s PAT in Q3-2016 was 22.4 per cent lower YoY at Rs 971.40 crore (12.2 per cent margin) as compared to Rs 1,252.17 crore (16.1 per cent margin) and was one per cent more QoQ as compared to Rs 962.24 crore (12.1 per cent margin). During the period under consideration, HUL’s highest PAT was highest in Q1-2013 at Rs 1,331.19 crore (20.9 per cent of TIO), both in terms of absolute rupees and in percentage of TIO. While PAT in absolute rupees shows a linear increasing trend as indicated by the broken pink trend line in Fig B, while in terms of percentage of TIO, the linear trend is declining as indicated by the broken yellow line.

HUL’s take on categories and its brands

Soaps and Detergents

Robust volume growth offset by price deflation was seen. The segment witnessed continued price deflation in the quarter given the benign input costs. Skin Cleansing was driven by strong volume growth on Dove, Pears and Lifebuoy. The liquids portfolio registered another quarter of double digit growth. In Laundry, growth momentum was sustained with both Surf and Rin growing volumes in double digit while Comfort Fabric Conditioners led market development of the category and delivered another quarter of high growth. Household Care performance was driven by Vim.

Personal Products

The reported growth of this segment was impacted by the delayed winter and the one-time realignment of channel spends undertaken with a view to driving its effectiveness in the marketplace Skin Care delivered volume led growth driven by Fair and Lovely, Pond’s and Lakme. Fair and Lovely continued to do well and saw an encouraging response to the BB cream. The performance of Pond’s was led by premium skin lightening while Lakme growth was buoyed by premium innovations and facewash. Hair Care maintained its strong volume led growth momentum, with Dove and TRESemmé leading the category performance. In Oral Care, the overall performance was subdued. Close Up growth was driven by impactful activation while Pepsodent Clove and Salt continued to do well. Lakme Colour Cosmetics sustained its strong innovation led growth across the core, Absolute and 9 to 5 ranges.

Beverages

In Tea, Red Label, Taj Mahal and 3 Roses grew well, driven by focused in-market initiatives. Lipton Green Tea registered another quarter of high growth on sustained market development. In Coffee, Bru delivered double digit growth and achieved market leadership.

Packaged Foods

The segment saw its ninth successive quarter of double digit growth. Sustained market development and recent innovations resulted in another quarter of double digit growth across all key brands. Kissan maintained its strong growth momentum across both Ketchups and Jams. Knorr growth was led by new variants of Instant Soups and a new range of Knorr Chef’s Masalas was introduced at the quarter end. Ice Creams delivered another strong quarter, led by Magnum and sharper in-market execution on Kwality Walls.

January 27, 2016
Q3-2016: HUL YoY marketing spends up 16.4%

BENGALURU: Indian FMCG giant Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) Advertisement and Promotions expense (marketing spends, ASP) in Q3-2016 (quarter ended 31 December, 2015, current quarter, Q3-16) was 16.4 per cent more YoY at Rs 1,137.79 crore (14.3 Total Income from operations or TIO) as compared to Rs 977.12 crore (12.6 per cent of TIO), but declined 0.6 per cent QoQ from Rs 1,145.04 crore (14.4 per cent of TIO).

Note: (1) 100 lakh = 100,00,000 = 1 crore = 10 million.

(2) All figures in this report are standalone figures filed by the company. The trends are based on the numbers submitted by the company or picked up from the company’s website.

Company Speak

HUL chairman Harish Manwani said, “We have stepped up investment behind our brands and delivered another quarter of profitable volume led growth, consistent with our strategic intent. In an environment of moderating growth and benign input costs, we remain focused on innovation and market development to drive volumes competitively whilst improving operating margins. As channels and markets evolve, we continue to make strategic interventions to strengthen our portfolio and sharpen our executional capabilities to serve our consumers even better.”

Advertising and Sales Promotion (ASP) trends

Last quarter (Q2-16), HUL’s ASP was the highest both in terms of absolute rupees and percentage of TIO at Rs 1145.04 crore and 14.4 per cent during a 15 quarter period starting Q1-2013 until Q3-2016. The current quarter’s ASP (mentioned above) is the second highest during the same period. It must be noted than in the current fiscal (FY-2016) during all the three quarters to date, HUL’s ASP has been the highest in rupees and in terms of percentage during the period under consideration and has been above 14 per cent – in Q1-2016, it was 14.2 per cent.

The lowest ASP in absolute rupees was in Q2-2013 at Rs 768.98 crore (12.2 per cent), while it was lowest in terms of percentage of TIO in Q4-14 at 11.8 per cent (Rs 840.34 crore). The white broken trend line indicates that ASP in absolute rupees during the period under consideration shows an upward trend. ASP in terms percentage of TIO (broken pink line) also shows an upward trend, though not as sharp as in the case of absolute rupees during the period under consideration. As a matter of fact, since Q1-2013, the company’s ASP has been the highest in absolute rupees in the first quarter (Q1) and the lowest in the second quarter (Q2), the only exception being in the year 2014, where Q2-2014 ASP was the highest in the year and was more than Q1-2014 ASP, which was second highest in that year. In FY-2013 and FY-2014, ASP was lowest in Q4, while in Q4-2015, ASP was more than in Q3-2015.

HUL Revenue and PAT

Please refer to Fig B above. HUL reported 2.7 per cent YoY growth in TIO in Q3-2016 at Rs 7,980.99 crore as compared to Rs 7,774.32 crore and was 0.3 per cent higher QoQ as compared to Rs 7,955.39 crore. The company’s TIO shows a linear increasing trend as indicated by the broken blue trend line in Fig B. TIO in Q1-2016 is the highest reported by the company during the 15 quarter period under consideration in this report.

HUL’s PAT in Q3-2016 was 22.4 per cent lower YoY at Rs 971.40 crore (12.2 per cent margin) as compared to Rs 1,252.17 crore (16.1 per cent margin) and was one per cent more QoQ as compared to Rs 962.24 crore (12.1 per cent margin). During the period under consideration, HUL’s highest PAT was highest in Q1-2013 at Rs 1,331.19 crore (20.9 per cent of TIO), both in terms of absolute rupees and in percentage of TIO. While PAT in absolute rupees shows a linear increasing trend as indicated by the broken pink trend line in Fig B, while in terms of percentage of TIO, the linear trend is declining as indicated by the broken yellow line.

HUL’s take on categories and its brands

Soaps and Detergents

Robust volume growth offset by price deflation was seen. The segment witnessed continued price deflation in the quarter given the benign input costs. Skin Cleansing was driven by strong volume growth on Dove, Pears and Lifebuoy. The liquids portfolio registered another quarter of double digit growth. In Laundry, growth momentum was sustained with both Surf and Rin growing volumes in double digit while Comfort Fabric Conditioners led market development of the category and delivered another quarter of high growth. Household Care performance was driven by Vim.

Personal Products

The reported growth of this segment was impacted by the delayed winter and the one-time realignment of channel spends undertaken with a view to driving its effectiveness in the marketplace Skin Care delivered volume led growth driven by Fair and Lovely, Pond’s and Lakme. Fair and Lovely continued to do well and saw an encouraging response to the BB cream. The performance of Pond’s was led by premium skin lightening while Lakme growth was buoyed by premium innovations and facewash. Hair Care maintained its strong volume led growth momentum, with Dove and TRESemmé leading the category performance. In Oral Care, the overall performance was subdued. Close Up growth was driven by impactful activation while Pepsodent Clove and Salt continued to do well. Lakme Colour Cosmetics sustained its strong innovation led growth across the core, Absolute and 9 to 5 ranges.

Beverages

In Tea, Red Label, Taj Mahal and 3 Roses grew well, driven by focused in-market initiatives. Lipton Green Tea registered another quarter of high growth on sustained market development. In Coffee, Bru delivered double digit growth and achieved market leadership.

Packaged Foods

The segment saw its ninth successive quarter of double digit growth. Sustained market development and recent innovations resulted in another quarter of double digit growth across all key brands. Kissan maintained its strong growth momentum across both Ketchups and Jams. Knorr growth was led by new variants of Instant Soups and a new range of Knorr Chef’s Masalas was introduced at the quarter end. Ice Creams delivered another strong quarter, led by Magnum and sharper in-market execution on Kwality Walls.

January 27, 2016
Q3-2016: Reliance organised retail continues on growth path, Jio launched

BENGALURU: The Mukesh D Ambani led Reliance Industries Limited’s (RIL) organised retail segment – Reliance Retail, continued its growth momentum and profitability in the quarter ended 31 December, 2105 (Q3-2016, current quarter, Q3-16).

RIL chairman and managing director Ambani said, “Our portfolio of world-class refining and petrochemical assets are paying-off handsomely. Refining business delivered yet another record performance on the back of seven-year high refining margins and highest ever crude throughput. In the current nine-month period, our refining business EBIT has surpassed the record earnings it achieved in FY-2015. The petrochemical business also delivered amongst its best quarterly performance, driven by robust polymer margins. The benefits of low crude oil and energy prices for our downstream businesses clearly outweigh the impact of these factors on our upstream segment, reflecting in the record earnings for the quarter.”

“In the last quarter we also achieved significant milestones in our consumer facing businesses. In the biggest ever launch, Jio services have been offered to over 100,000 group employees and their families enabling them to experience the world-class digital services and applications, and help co-creating the best experience for all our customers. Our retail business crossed Rs 6,000 crore quarterly revenue milestone with a footprint now encompassing over 3,000 stores in 371 cities,” added Ambani.

Revenues from RIL’s retail segment for Q3-2016 grew by 28.9 per cent YoY to Rs 6,042 crore (8.9 per cent of consolidated net turnover) as compared to Rs 4,686 crore (five per cent of consolidated net turnover) and grew 18.7 per cent QoQ as compared to Rs 5,091 crore (7.2 per cent of consolidated net turnover). RIL says that consolidated its leadership position in the grocery category. It further optimised its network operations to enhance profitability across the grocery retailing chain. Several private label products were launched under various grocery and general merchandise categories during the quarter. These continue to attract consumers due to compelling value proposition and great quality.

The business delivered operating profit growth of 10.5 per cent YoY at Rs 147 crore (2.4 per cent margin)in Q3-2016 as against Rs 133 crore, and grew 25.6 per cent QoQ as compared to Rs 117 crore in Q2-2016.

RIL numbers

For Q3-2016, RIL achieved a consolidated net turnover of Rs 68,261 crore, a decrease of 27 per cent YoY, as compared to Rs 93,528 crore in Q3-2015 and 3.7 per cent lower than the Rs 70,901 crore in the immediate trailing quarter.

However, RIL’s net profit after tax (PAT) increased 39.3 per cent YoY in Q3-2016 to Rs 7,431 crore as compared to the Rs 5,271 crore in Q3-2015 and increased 9.4 per cent as compared to the Rs 6,709 crore in the previous quarter.

Reliance Jio Infocomm Limited

Reliance Jio Infocomm Limited (RJIL), a subsidiary of RIL, is rolling out a state-of-the-art pan India digital services business. In addition to fixed and wireless broadband connectivity offering superior voice and data services on an all-IP network, RJIL says that it will also offer end-to-end solutions that address the entire value chain across various digital services in key domains such as education, healthcare, security, communication, financial services, government-citizen interfaces and entertainment. RJIL aims to provide anytime, anywhere access to innovative and empowering digital content, applications and services, thereby propelling India into global leadership in digital economy. RJIL aims to bring connected intelligence to the country through its extensive true 4G connectivity.

RJIL is the first telecom operator to hold pan India Unified License. It holds 751.10 MHz of liberalised spectrum across the 800 MHz, 1800 MHz and 2300 MHz bands. RJIL plans to provide seamless 4G services using LTE in 800 MHz, 1800 MHz and 2300 MHz bands through an integrated ecosystem. The combined spectrum footprint across frequency bands provides significant network capacity and deep in-building coverage. In addition, RJIL has entered into agreements with RCOM for change in spectrum allotment in the 800 MHz band from RCOM to RJIL across nine circles and sharing of spectrum in the 800 MHz band across 17 circles.

Media business

Consolidated revenue and EBITDA of Network18 Media & Investments Limited was Rs 906 crore and Rs 95 crore, respectively during the quarter. Network18’s news channels (CNBC-TV18, CNBC Awaaz and CNN-IBN) and entertainment channels (Colors, Vh1, MTV, Nick) continued to be leaders in their respective genres says the company. Network18’s digital properties Moneycontrol and Bookmyshow continued to be market leaders. Moneycontrol launched new Android and iOS versions of Moneycontrol App during the quarter.

January 27, 2016
Q3-2016: Reliance organised retail continues on growth path, Jio launched

BENGALURU: The Mukesh D Ambani led Reliance Industries Limited’s (RIL) organised retail segment – Reliance Retail, continued its growth momentum and profitability in the quarter ended 31 December, 2105 (Q3-2016, current quarter, Q3-16).

RIL chairman and managing director Ambani said, “Our portfolio of world-class refining and petrochemical assets are paying-off handsomely. Refining business delivered yet another record performance on the back of seven-year high refining margins and highest ever crude throughput. In the current nine-month period, our refining business EBIT has surpassed the record earnings it achieved in FY-2015. The petrochemical business also delivered amongst its best quarterly performance, driven by robust polymer margins. The benefits of low crude oil and energy prices for our downstream businesses clearly outweigh the impact of these factors on our upstream segment, reflecting in the record earnings for the quarter.”

“In the last quarter we also achieved significant milestones in our consumer facing businesses. In the biggest ever launch, Jio services have been offered to over 100,000 group employees and their families enabling them to experience the world-class digital services and applications, and help co-creating the best experience for all our customers. Our retail business crossed Rs 6,000 crore quarterly revenue milestone with a footprint now encompassing over 3,000 stores in 371 cities,” added Ambani.

Revenues from RIL’s retail segment for Q3-2016 grew by 28.9 per cent YoY to Rs 6,042 crore (8.9 per cent of consolidated net turnover) as compared to Rs 4,686 crore (five per cent of consolidated net turnover) and grew 18.7 per cent QoQ as compared to Rs 5,091 crore (7.2 per cent of consolidated net turnover). RIL says that consolidated its leadership position in the grocery category. It further optimised its network operations to enhance profitability across the grocery retailing chain. Several private label products were launched under various grocery and general merchandise categories during the quarter. These continue to attract consumers due to compelling value proposition and great quality.

The business delivered operating profit growth of 10.5 per cent YoY at Rs 147 crore (2.4 per cent margin)in Q3-2016 as against Rs 133 crore, and grew 25.6 per cent QoQ as compared to Rs 117 crore in Q2-2016.

RIL numbers

For Q3-2016, RIL achieved a consolidated net turnover of Rs 68,261 crore, a decrease of 27 per cent YoY, as compared to Rs 93,528 crore in Q3-2015 and 3.7 per cent lower than the Rs 70,901 crore in the immediate trailing quarter.

However, RIL’s net profit after tax (PAT) increased 39.3 per cent YoY in Q3-2016 to Rs 7,431 crore as compared to the Rs 5,271 crore in Q3-2015 and increased 9.4 per cent as compared to the Rs 6,709 crore in the previous quarter.

Reliance Jio Infocomm Limited

Reliance Jio Infocomm Limited (RJIL), a subsidiary of RIL, is rolling out a state-of-the-art pan India digital services business. In addition to fixed and wireless broadband connectivity offering superior voice and data services on an all-IP network, RJIL says that it will also offer end-to-end solutions that address the entire value chain across various digital services in key domains such as education, healthcare, security, communication, financial services, government-citizen interfaces and entertainment. RJIL aims to provide anytime, anywhere access to innovative and empowering digital content, applications and services, thereby propelling India into global leadership in digital economy. RJIL aims to bring connected intelligence to the country through its extensive true 4G connectivity.

RJIL is the first telecom operator to hold pan India Unified License. It holds 751.10 MHz of liberalised spectrum across the 800 MHz, 1800 MHz and 2300 MHz bands. RJIL plans to provide seamless 4G services using LTE in 800 MHz, 1800 MHz and 2300 MHz bands through an integrated ecosystem. The combined spectrum footprint across frequency bands provides significant network capacity and deep in-building coverage. In addition, RJIL has entered into agreements with RCOM for change in spectrum allotment in the 800 MHz band from RCOM to RJIL across nine circles and sharing of spectrum in the 800 MHz band across 17 circles.

Media business

Consolidated revenue and EBITDA of Network18 Media & Investments Limited was Rs 906 crore and Rs 95 crore, respectively during the quarter. Network18’s news channels (CNBC-TV18, CNBC Awaaz and CNN-IBN) and entertainment channels (Colors, Vh1, MTV, Nick) continued to be leaders in their respective genres says the company. Network18’s digital properties Moneycontrol and Bookmyshow continued to be market leaders. Moneycontrol launched new Android and iOS versions of Moneycontrol App during the quarter.

January 27, 2016