ITV

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  • TV Today’s FY 25 financials: The quarter’s triumph and the year’s windfall!

    TV Today’s FY 25 financials: The quarter’s triumph and the year’s windfall!

    MUMBAI:  The bean counters at TV Today Network have been busy, and their meticulous work has unearthed some rather telling figures for both the quarter and the full financial year ending March 31, 2025. It seems the broadcast bigwigs are truly raking it in, with revenues and profits looking healthier than a freshly minted pundit on prime time.

    For the quarter ended March 31, 2025, the network saw its revenue from operations climb to Rs 249.17 crores, up from Rs 247.37 crores in the same quarter last year. Total income for the quarter stood at Rs 261.26 crores, a neat bump from Rs 256.47 crores in the prior year’s comparable period. Despite a slight uptick in total expenses to Rs 253.28 crores from Rs 233.31 crores, the company still managed a respectable profit before tax from continuing operations of Rs 7.98 crores, though it was a dip from Rs 23.16 crores reported in the same quarter of the previous year. The net profit for the quarter, however, took a bit of a tumble, landing at Rs 6.23 crores compared to Rs 11.20 crores last year. Basic and diluted earnings per share from continuing operations for the quarter were Rs 1.04, down from Rs 2.84 previously.

    Looking at the full financial year ended March 31, 2025, TV Today has certainly been on a roll. Revenue from operations soared to Rs 993.02 crores, a significant jump from Rs 935.91 crores in the previous financial year. The total income followed suit, hitting Rs 1,038.73 crores compared to Rs 973.56 crores in the year prior. While total expenses nudged up to Rs 927.61 crores from Rs 876.97 crores, the company still reported a strapping profit before tax from continuing operations of Rs 111.12 crores, a noticeable improvement from Rs 96.59 crores. The net profit for the year was Rs 74.83 crores, quite the spectacle when pitted against Rs 56.39 crores in the last financial year. This translates to basic and diluted earnings per share from continuing operations of Rs 13.86, a rise from Rs 11.90.

    It’s worth noting the discontinued radio broadcasting operations, which saw a pre-tax loss of Rs 0.03 crores for the quarter and a yearly loss of Rs 10.54 crores, though this is an improvement from the Rs 19.53 crores loss last year. The after-tax loss from these operations was Rs 0.02 crores for the quarter and Rs 7.89 crores for the year, a marked improvement from the previous year’s loss of Rs 14.61 crores. This means the radio business, which is being sold for Rs 20 crores, is no longer broadcasting negative vibes on the balance sheet.

    The chaps at the company are certainly dialling up the good vibes, as their board of directors — led by the ever-present chairman and whole time director Aroon Purie — has just given the nod to a rather fetching final dividend for the financial year ended March 31, 2025. Shareholders are set to pocket a handsome Rs 3 per equity share, a 60 per cent return on the Rs 5 face value. Talk about a cracking payout!

  • Havas gets listed independently on Euronext Amsterdam

    Havas gets listed independently on Euronext Amsterdam

    MUMBAI: It’s got its independence at last. Advertising and marketing services giant Havas today announced the successful listing of its ordinary shares on the regulated market of Euronext in Amsterdam under the ticker HAVAS. This follows the completion of its spin-off from Vivendi and the distribution of Havas’s ordinary shares to Vivendi shareholders on a one-for-one basis, approved by them  at the combined general shareholders’ meeting  on 9 December 2024. 

    Havas chairman & CEO Yannick Bolloré said: “The successful completion of Havas’s spin-off and listing on Euronext Amsterdam marks a pivotal step towards the realisation of our long-term vision. It gives us additional flexibility to accelerate our growth across our key business lines and strengthens our unique position within the dynamic marketing and communications industry. Our converged strategy, enhanced by exceptional talent, data-driven insights, cutting-edge technology, and targeted acquisitions, places us in the best possible position to be even more creative and strategic, and deliver robust financial performance, creating long-term value for our shareholders. I would like to thank our talented teams for all their hard work and commitment throughout this process, and all our clients for their trust.” 

    Through its converged strategy, has drawn up a three pronged way forward to drive growth, creativity and innovation by focusing on three key priorities: 

    1. Strategic acquisitions: Continue its disciplined approach to acquisitions, targeting high-growth markets and expanding its expertise in data analytics, digital transformation, and AI. 
    2. Investment in innovation: Prioritise the development of capabilities in data, technology, and AI to deliver cutting-edge solutions, ensuring it remains at the forefront of the industry. 
    3. Increased Collaboration: Implement a group-wide operating system to fuse all Havas’ global expertise, tools and capabilities and further integrate its networks and agencies worldwide. 

    As disclosed at the capital markets day held on 19 November  2024: 
    * Havas is aiming to achieve an Adjusted EBIT margin ranging between 14 per cent  and 15 per cent by no later than the financial year ending 31 December 2028. Havas is also aiming to generate contributions to net revenue from new acquisitions averaging between €40 million and €50 million per year over the medium term, driven by the execution of the group’s acquisition strategy. 

    * Havas believes it can achieve the following as of and for the year ending 31 December 2024: 
    o A change in net revenue on an organic basis ranging between a decrease of one per cent  and no change, compared to the year ended 31 December 2023; 
    o Adjusted EBIT in excess of €330 million, reflecting management of operating expenses (such as personnel and travel expenses); 
    o Net cash and cash equivalents (excluding lease liabilities and earn-out and buy-out obligations) of around €150 million.

    * For the year ending 31 December, 2025, Havas believes it can achieve the following: 
    o Net revenue on an organic basis growth in excess of two per cent, compared to the year ending 31 December 2024; 
    o Adjusted EBIT margin ranging between 12.5 per cent and 13.5 per cent 

    Regarding its dividend policy, Havas says it intends to provide a regular return on capital to its shareholders through an annual dividend payment. This payment is expected to represent around 40 per cent of the net income (group share) for the relevant financial year, starting in 2025 for the financial year ending 31 December 2024. 

  • HCL Technologies reports strong Q2FY25 with 8 per cent revenue growth

    HCL Technologies reports strong Q2FY25 with 8 per cent revenue growth

    Mumbai: HCL Technologies showcased a robust financial performance for the second quarter of FY25, ending 30 September 2024, with an 8 per cent year-over-year growth in revenue, driven by solid gains across its key business segments. The company’s board of directors, during a meeting on 14 October, approved the unaudited financial results and declared an interim dividend of Rs. 12 per share. This underscores HCL’s commitment to delivering consistent value to its shareholders amid the dynamic global tech landscape.

    The company recorded consolidated revenue from operations amounting to Rs. 28,862 crore, an increase from Rs. 26,672 crore during the same period last year. The growth was fueled by a rise in demand across IT & business services, which contributed Rs. 21,544 crore, and the engineering and R&D services segment, with revenues of Rs. 4,545 crore. HCL software also posted a healthy rise, achieving Rs. 2,773 crore in revenue.

    Profit before tax for the quarter stood at Rs. 5,687 crore, while the net profit reached Rs. 4,237 crore, showing an increase compared to Rs. 3,833 crore in Q2FY24. “Our strong financial performance in Q2FY25 is a testament to the resilience of our diversified business portfolio and our focus on delivering customer-centric innovations,” stated  HCL Technologies, CEO and MD, C. Vijayakumar.

    The approved interim dividend of Rs. 12 per share is set to be paid out on 30 October 2024, to shareholders on record as of 22 October 2024. The company’s ability to sustain dividend payouts reflects its solid financial health and cash flow management.

    HCL Technologies reported a total comprehensive income of Rs. 4,793 crore for Q2FY25. The company’s cash flow from operations reached Rs. 9,349 crore for the six months ending September 2024, underscoring its liquidity position. Total assets amounted to Rs. 99,763 crore, with an equity base of Rs. 68,887 crore.

    The balance sheet showed a slight increase in current liabilities to Rs. 21,626 crore, which aligns with seasonal trends in the technology sector. Non-current liabilities also rose marginally to Rs. 9,250 crore, reflecting increased lease obligations.

    Segment Performance:

    – IT and Business Services: This segment continued to be the primary revenue driver, witnessing a 8.2 per cent growth year-on-year, reaching Rs. 21,544 crore. The segment also recorded improved profitability due to efficiency enhancements.

    – Engineering and R&D Services: The segment saw an impressive 5.9 per cent rise in revenue to Rs. 4,545 crore, buoyed by increased investment in digital engineering initiatives.

    – HCL Software: Showing resilience, the software segment’s revenue increased to Rs. 2,773 crore, backed by strong licensing activity and cloud adoption trends.

    The quarter also marked the divestment of the company’s stake in a joint venture with State Street, generating a gain reflected in the Q1FY25 financials. This strategic move allows HCL to focus on core competencies while streamlining its portfolio.

    Looking forward, HCL Technologies remains optimistic about sustaining growth through digital transformation initiatives, with a particular focus on artificial intelligence and cloud services. While challenges such as global economic uncertainties and fluctuating exchange rates persist, the company’s diversified service offerings and strategic investments are expected to support stable growth.

    Pix courtesy HCL Tech annual report

  • Sun TV Q2 net profit up marginally to Rs 400.71 cr; revenue from operations declines

    Sun TV Q2 net profit up marginally to Rs 400.71 cr; revenue from operations declines

    Mumbai: Sun TV has reported that its second quarter net profit was Rs 400.71 crore, up marginally by 1.88 per cent from Rs 393.32 crore in the same period of the previous fiscal.

    Ebitda (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation) was Rs 610.89 crore in September 2022. This was a 4.15 per cent increase over the previous fiscal period of Rs 586.57 crore.

    Profit after tax rose significantly by three per cent to Rs 407.31 crore, compared with a profit of Rs 395.46 crore in the same quarter of the previous fiscal.

    However, revenue from operations fell by 2.7 per cent to Rs. 825.65 crore compared to Rs. 848.67 crore in the same quarter of the previous fiscal.

    A dividend of Rs 3.75 per share has been declared by the company.

  • GTPL Hathway reports higher subscription revenue, improved numbers for Q1-2021

    GTPL Hathway reports higher subscription revenue, improved numbers for Q1-2021

    BENGALURU: GTPL Hathway Ltd (GTPL) reported 19.3 percent growth in revenue for the quarter ended 30 June 2020 (Q1-2021, quarter or period under review) and 8.9 percent growth in the operating profit for its cable TV business (CATV business) as compared to the corresponding year ago quarter Q1 2020. The company’s consolidated revenue from operations for the quarter under review grew 10.8 percent year on year (y-o-y) while consolidated total income expanded 10.1 percent in Q1 2021 as compared to Q1 2020. Consolidated profit after tax grew 39.8 percent to Rs 46.47 crore in Q1 2021 as compared to Rs 33.23 crore in Q1 2020. All the three major segments of the company had operating profits.

    GTPL reported consolidated revenue from operations at Rs 495.46 crore in Q1 2021 as compared to Rs 447.22 crore in Q1 2020. Consolidated total income for the period was Rs 502 crore as compared to Rs 456.05 crore in the corresponding year ago quarter. CATV business revenue was Rs 412.53 crore in Q1 2021 as compared to Rs 345.91 crore in Q1 2020. CATV business reported operating result of Rs 50.17 crore for the period under review as compared to Rs 46.06 crore for Q1 2020. ARPU or Q1 2021 was up by Rs 7 to Rs 422 from Rs 415 in the previous year’s corresponding quarter.

    The company’s internet services business (Ex-EPC Project numbers) revenue grew 34 percent to Rs 52.65 crore in Q1 2021 from Rs 39.29 crore in Q1 2020. The segment reported an operating profit of Rs 5.34 crore in Q1 2021 as compared to an operating loss of Rs 0.18 crore in the corresponding year ago quarter. The company had been awarded Package B of the prestigious Bharat Net Phase-II project from the Gujarat Fibre Grid Network Ltd under Digital India Initiative (EPC Project) last year. GTPL reported revenue of Rs 30.28 crore an operating profit of Rs 2.01 crore from the EPC Project.

    GTPL reported revenue (Ex EPC Project) of Rs 471.7 crore, which was 20 percent more y-o-y. The company says in an earnings release that its CATV subscription revenue increased seven percent y-o-y to Rs 265.3 crore. EBITDA Ex EPC Project increased 14 percent y-o-y to Rs 126.1 crore.

    On the operational front, GTPL says that it has seeded 100,000 STBs but at the same time, it has lost 300,000 digital paying subscribers in Q1 2021. The company says that it had 72 lakh (7.2 million, 0.72 crore) digital paying subscribers as on 30 June 2020.

    Company Speak

    GTPL managing director Anirudhsinh Jadeja said, “GTPL Hathway delivered another strong quarter. The highlight of the quarter was strong profitability anddebt reduction. Our Q1 FY21 consolidated revenue, EBITDA and PAT grew by 10 percent, 11 percent and 39 percent respectively. During the quarter, we have reduced our gross debt by Rs 368 million (Rs 36.8 crore). During the current financial year, we plan to launch a Hybrid box, which will enable us to provide multiservice product that will have Broadband, OTT and Cable service at an attractive price point. Our CATV Business expansion in Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Telengana is on track and it will gain momentum in the coming quarters.”

    Let us look at the other numbers reported by GTPL

    Consolidated total expenditure increased 9.5 percent during the quarter under review to Rs 444.48 crore from Rs 405.74 crore in Q1 2020. Pay channel cost in Q1 2021 increased 24.8 percent to Rs 226.98 crore from Rs 181.92 crore in the previous year. Other operational costs increased 48.9 percent to Rs 31.85 crore from Rs 21.39 crore.

    Employee benefits expense in Q1 2021 decreased 11.4 percent to Rs 31.28 crore from Rs 35.29 crore in the correspond period of the previous fiscal. Finance costs reduced 33.9 percent during the quarter under review to Rs 8.23 crore from Rs 12.45 crore. Other expenses in the period increased 26.2 percent to Rs 55.46 percent from Rs 43.93 crore in the corresponding quarter of the previous year.

  • GTPL Hathway reports cable and internet subscribers, profit growth for FY 2019-20

    GTPL Hathway reports cable and internet subscribers, profit growth for FY 2019-20

    BENGALURU: Indian cable and internet services major GTPL Hathway Ltd (GTPL) reported profit after tax (PAT) for the year ended 31 March 2020 (FY 2020, year under review) at Rs 87.72 crore which was more than triple the PAT of Rs 25.08 crore for the previous fiscal (FY 2019). However, the company reported a loss of Rs 19.59 crore for the quarter ended 31 March 2020 (Q4 2020, quarter under review) as compared to a loss of Rs 23.50 crore for the corresponding year ago quarter (Q4 2019). The board of directors of the company have proposed a dividend of Rs 3 per share (30 percent) of face value of Rs 10 each for the year.

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    GTPL has reported adding 700,000 cable TV subscribers and 80,000 internet subscribers during the year under review. It closed FY 2020 and Q4 2020 with eight million (0.8 crore or 80 lakh) CATV active subscribers or 7.5 million (0.75 crore, 75 lakh) paying CATV subscribers and 405,000 internet subscribers.

    The company reported 88 per cent increase in consolidated total income at Rs 2,424.74 crore in FY 2020 as compared to Rs 1,289.15 crore for FY 2019. Consolidated operating income for the year under review increased 91.4 per cent to Rs 2,384.08 crore from Rs 1,245.82 crore in FY 2019. Consolidated total income for Q4 2020 at Rs 666.55 crore was almost double (up 91.1 per cent) as compared to Rs 348.75 crore in Q4 2019. Operating income in Q4 2020 was more than double (up 103.3 per cent) at Rs 655.65 crore as compared to Rs 322.43 crore for the corresponding year ago quarter.

    Segment Revenue

    GTPL Hathway has three segments: CATV, Internet and EPC;  through EPC it is executing a contract for BharatNet, for which it has reported annual revenue for the first time in FY 2020.

    CATV segment reported 42.2 per cent growth in operating revenue for FY 2020 at Rs 1,565.50 crore from Rs 1,101.26 crore in the previous year. The segment had an operating profit growth of 141 per cent at Rs 108.20 crore during the year under review as compared to Rs 44.90 crore in FY 2019. Operating revenue for CATV segment in Q4 2020 grew 49.2 per cent to Rs 427.44 crore from Rs 286.40 crore in Q4 2019. Operating loss for CATV segment increased to Rs 34.62 crore in Q4 2019 as compared to an operating loss of Rs 25.82 crore in Q4 2019.

    Internet services segment revenue in FY 2020 grew 15.9 per cent to Rs 167.60 crore from Rs 144.56 crore in FY 2019. The segment had an operating profit of Rs 4.96 crore in FY 2020 as compared to an operating loss of Rs 2.06 crore in FY 2019. ARPU for the segment in FY 2020 at Rs 422 was higher than the Rs 413 for FY 2019. For Q4 2020, Internet Services revenue grew 28.5 per cent to Rs 46.31 crore from Rs 36.03 crore. The segment had an operating profit of Rs 3.64 crore during the quarter under review as compared to an operating loss of Rs 5.31 crore in Q4 2019. ARPU for Internet Service segment for Q4 2020 at Rs 422 was higher than RS 415 in the immediate trailing quarter, Q3 2020, and the Rs 413 in Q4 2019.

    GTPL reported operating revenue of Rs 650.98 crore in FY 2020 for its EPC Project. The segment had an operating profit of Rs 44.69 crore. For Q4 2019, EPC Project operating revenue was Rs 181.91 crore as compared to Rs 237.66 crore in the immediate trailing quarter Q3 2020.

    Company Speak

    GTPL managing director Anirudhsinh Jadeja said, “Amidst a year of industry reforms, GTPL Hathway has emerged as a stronger company. Our operating ability to expand our services have improved and so has our ability to generate free cashflow. The highlight of FY20 was strong profitability, debt reduction and geographical expansion. Our FY20 consolidated revenue and EBITDA grew by 88 per cent and 39 per cent, respectively. During the year, we have reduced our gross debt by Rs 1,293 million (Rs 129.30 crore). During the year, we have strengthened our CATV presence in Mumbai (Maharashtra) and have entered Chennai (Tamil Nadu). We have also expanded our subscribers base in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana in FY20.”

    “FY20 was the first full year of implementation of the New Framework across the industry. Implementation of new regime prima facie resulted in change in LCOs’ earning profile adversely and restricted their cash flow cycle, consequently, lowering their ability to pay their dues to the company. Pursuant to the above change and assessment carried out by the management, we have recognised Rs 679.64 million (Rs 67.964 crore) towards impairment of trade receivables and have disclosed the same as ‘Exceptional Item’", added Jadeja.

    Let us look at the other numbers reported by GTPL for FY 2020

    Consolidated total expenditure increased 86.2 per cent during the year under review to Rs 2,198.93 crore from Rs 1,180.92 crore in FY 2019. Pay channel cost in FY 2020 reduced 38.5 per cent to Rs 513.77 crore from Rs 835.92 crore in the previous year. Other operational costs declined 5.8 per cent to Rs 88.34 crore from Rs 93.90 crore in the previous year.

    Employee benefits expense in FY2020 increased 16.2 per cent to Rs 126.1 crore from Rs 108.44 crore in the previous fiscal. Finance costs increased 14.2 per cent during the year under review to Rs 51.35 crore from Rs 44.95 crore. Other expenses in the period declined 26.2 per cent to Rs 178.42 crore from Rs 243.86 crore in FY 2019.

  • GTPL cable TV business pushes revenue, profits up in Q1 2020

    GTPL cable TV business pushes revenue, profits up in Q1 2020

    BENGALURU: GTPL Hathway Ltd (GTPL) reported 31.9 percent growth in revenue for the quarter ended 30 June 2019 (Q1-2020, quarter or period under review) and almost three times the operating profit for its cable TV business (CATV business) as compared to the corresponding year ago quarter Q1 2019. The company’s consolidated  revenue from operations for the quarter under review grew 50 percent year on year (y-o-y) while consolidated total income expanded 30.3 percent in Q1 2020 as compared to Q1 2019. Consolidated profit after tax more than doubled (grew 164.3 percent) to Rs 33.23 crore in Q1 2020 as compared to Rs 12.57 crore in Q1 2019.

    GTPL reported consolidated revenue from operations at Rs 445.47 crore in Q1 2020 as compared to Rs  296.91 crore in Q1 2019. Consolidated total income for the period was Rs 454.30 crore as compared to Rs 296.91 crore in the corresponding year ago quarter. CATV business revenue was Rs 344.16 crore in Q1 2020 as compared to Rs 260.93 crore in Q1 2-19. CATV business reported operating result of Rs 30.49 crore for the period under review as compared to Rs 10.17 crore for Q1 2019.

    The company’s internet services business (Ex-EPC Project numbers) revenue grew 9.2 percent to Rs 39.29 crore in Q1 2020 from Rs 35.98 crore in Q1 2019. The segment incurred a small loss of Rs 0.14 crore in Q2 2020 as compared to an operating profit of Rs 2.40 crore in the corresponding year ago quarter. The company had been awarded Package B of the prestigious Bharat Net Phase-II project from the Gujarat Fibre Grid Network Ltd under Digital India Initiative (EPC Project) last year. GTPL reported revenue of Rs 62.02 crore an operating profit of Rs 2.89 crore from the EPC Project.

    GTPL reported revenue (Ex EPC Project) of Rs 391.1 crore, which was 29 percent more y-o-y. The company says in an earnings release that its CATV subscription revenue increased 47 percent y-o-y to Rs 247.2 crore. EBITDA Ex EPC Project increased 32 percent y-o-y to Rs 110.3 crore. Ex EPC Project PAT doubled to Rs 26.6 crore.

    On the operational front, GTPL says that it has seeded 200,000 STBs and added 300,000 digital paying subscribers in Q1 2020. The company says that it had 97 lakh (9.7 million, 0.97 crore) digital paying subscribers as on 30 June 2019. Phase-wise seeding as on June 30, 2019 for Phase 1, Phase 2, Phase 3 and Phase 4 were at 8.6 lakh (0.86 million, 0.086 crore); 22.6 lakh  (2.26 million, 0.226 crore); 30 lakh (3.00 million, 0.3 crore) and 35.8 lakh (3.58 million, 0.358 crore) respectively.

    Further, GTPL says that two thirds or 10,000 of the 15,000 new broadband internet subscribers were FTTX subscribers. Consumption per customer at 120 GB/month as on June 2019 was up from 38 GB/month in March 2017, or data consumption increased 3x over two years’ period.

    Company speak

    Commenting on performance, GTPL managing director Anirudhasinhji Jadeja said, “Q1FY20 was the first full quarter with New Tariff Order (NTO), which has led to significant growth in subscription revenue. Subscription revenue grew by 47percent on a y-o-y basis. Overall, our first quarter performance was in line with our expectation and we see our next three quarters equally exciting. With NTO being stabilised, our focus on taking FTTH to more and more homes, re-launching industry’s first dual service product ‘GTPL GIGAHD’ to convert current customers along with adding new customers and concurrently launching hybrid set top box will help us to converge linear TV viewing with OTT usage. We will further increase the pace of growth momentum towards CATV and broadband business in FY 2019 – 20.”

    Let us look at the other numbers reported by GTPL

    Consolidated total expenditure increased 42.7 percent during the quarter under review to Rs 403.99 crore from Rs 283.11 crore in Q1 2019. Pay channel cost in Q1 2020 increased 42.5 percent to Rs 180.17 crore from Rs 126.44 crore in the previous year. Other operational costs increased 2.7 percent to Rs 21.39 crore from Rs 20.83 crore.

    Employee benefits expense in Q1 2020 was almost flat (decreased 0.1 percent) to Rs 35.29 crore from Rs 35.32 crore in the correspond period of the previous fiscal. Finance costs reduced 20.7 percent during the querter under review to Rs 12.45 crore from Rs 15.70 crore. Other expenses in the period increased 29.8 percent to Rs 48.37 percent to Rs 37.26 crore in the corresponding quarter of the previous year.

  • GTPL cable TV business revenue up; broadband business keeps afloat

    GTPL cable TV business revenue up; broadband business keeps afloat

    BENGALURU: Indian multi-system operator and internet service provider GTPL Hathway Ltd (GTPL) reported 12.6 percent increase in total income for the quarter ended 31 December 2018 (Q3 2019, quarter or period under review) as compared to the corresponding year ago quarter (y-o-y) Q3 2018. GTPL’s Total Income in Q3 2019 was Rs 319.91 crore, for the corresponding year ago quarter it was Rs 284.09 crore.

    GTPL has two segments – cable TV business and internet service. Every Indian broadband internet services provider has been hit by Jio. Reliance Jio Infocomm has made available low cost broadband internet services at a never before scale in India, unprecedented anywhere in the world. Most operators have been bleeding subscribers, and how! ARPUs have plummeted.

    GTPL’s internet service business has been reporting a steep decline in operating profits over the past few quarters. In Q3-2019, GTPL’s internet business was still profitable. And the company has reported that its internet subscriber base increased by 11,000 for the period under review, however at lower ARPU. For Q3 2019, internet business ARPU was Rs 430 as compared to Rs 487 in Q3 2018.

    GTPPL’s consolidated profit after tax (PAT) increased 3.1 percent y-o-y in Q3 2019 to Rs 19.72 crore from Rs 19.13 crore in Q3 2018. Consolidated total comprehensive income for the period increased 2.4 percent y-o-y to Rs 19.72 crore from Rs 19.26 crore. Consolidated operating profit (EBITDA) excluding other income was almost flat – it declined 0.8 percent y-o-y in Q3 2019 to Rs 77.89 crore (24.8 percent of operating or op revenue) from Rs 78.53 crore (27.8 percent of op revenue) in the corresponding quarter of the previous fiscal.

    Segment Performance

    Cable TV business operating result increased 20.1 percent y-o-y to Rs 19.35 crore in Q3 2019 from Rs 816.11 crore in the corresponding quarter of the previous year. Operating revenue of GTPL’s cable TV business increased 14.7 percent y-o-y to Rs 278.06 crore from Rs 242.4 crore.

     GTPL’s TV business added 2,00,000 CATV digital subscribers in Q3 2019, 1,70,000 of which it says were paying subscribers. The company says that it had seeded 3,00,000 set-top boxes during the quarter under review. In all GTPL says that it seeded 0.95 crore STBs, of which 0.8 crore were active and 0.745 crore were digital paying subscribers as of 31 December 2018. GTPL’s largest subscriber base is in phase IV areas. Digital paying subscriber bases for phases I, II, III and IV were 0.066 crore, 0.169 crore, 0.226 crore and 0.283 crore respectively. ARPUs remained flat y-o-y across all the four DAS phases. ARPUs net of taxes for phases I, II, III and IV were Rs 103, Rs 102, Rs 67 and Rs 60 respectively.

    GTPL’s internet business operating revenue in Q3 2019 was almost flat – it increased 1.1 percent y-o-y to Rs 36.44 crore from Rs 36.03 crore. Internet service segment’s operating results for Q3 2019 declined by 87.9 percent y-o-y to just Rs 0.37 crore from Rs 3.03 crore in the corresponding quarter of the previous year.

    GTPL says in a press release that during the quarter, it was appointed as Project Implementation Agency (PIA) of Package B for implementation of BharatNet Phase – II Project in the state of Gujarat by Gujarat Fibre Grid Network Limited (GFGNL). The company says that the project is worth Rs 1,245.77 crore. The project is on EPC bases and includes survey, design, plan, execution with active/passive (OSP + Electronics) components with commissioning of complete network.

    Let us look at the other numbers reported by GTPL Hathway

    Consolidated total expenditure increased 16.3 percent y-o-y during the quarter under review to Rs 289.05 crore from Rs 248.59 crore in Q3 2018. Pay channel cost in Q3 2019 increased 26.5 percent y-o-y to Rs 137.72 crore from Rs 108.90 crore in the corresponding quarter of the previous year. Other operational costs reduced 16.5 percent y-o-y in Q3 2019 to Rs 23.99 crore from Rs 20.64 crore in Q3 2018.

    Employee benefits expense in Q3 2019 increased 18.9 percent y-o-y to Rs 37.63 crore from Rs 31.64 crore in the corresponding quarter of the previous fiscal. Finance costs reduced 20 percent y-o-y during the quarter under review to Rs 5.86 crore from Rs 7.32 crore. Other expenses in the period reduced 3.7 percent y-o-y to Rs 37.28 crore in Q3 2019 from Rs 38.72 crore in the corresponding quarter of the previous year.

    Company Speak

    GTPL Hathway managing director Anirudhasinhji Jadeja said in a press release, “In an environment of uncertainty, GTPL Hathway has continued to post steady performance. Our first 9 month revenue and PAT are up by 14 percent and 10 percent respectively; reflecting inherent strength of the company’s offerings and quality customer service. The new tariff order has put customers at the centre of the business; providing them freedom to make their own choices. As India’s one of the leading MSOs, we expect higher monetisation across the phases and better transparency as a direct fall out of the new order.”

  • GTPL Hathway revenue up for Q1

    GTPL Hathway revenue up for Q1

    BENGALURU: Indian multi-system operator and internet service provider GTPL Hathway Limited (GTPL) reported 15.7 per cent increase in total income for the quarter ended 30 June 2018 (Q1 2019, quarter or period under review) as compared to the corresponding year-ago quarter  (y-o-y) Q1 2018. GTPL’s total income in Q1 2019 was Rs 303.55 crore, for the corresponding year ago quarter it was Rs 262.41 crore.

    GTPL’s consolidated profit after tax (PAT) was almost flat (declined 0.9 per cent) y-o-y in Q1 2019 to Rs 12.57 crore from Rs 12.69 crore in Q1 2018. Consolidated total comprehensive income for the period reduced 1.3 per cent y-o-y to Rs 12.50 crore from Rs 12.66 crore. Consolidated operating profit (EBITDA) excluding other income increased 18.6 per cent in Q1 2019 to Rs 77.49 crore (26.1 per cent of operating or op revenue) from Rs 65.35 crore (25.4 per cent of op revenue) in the previous fiscal.

    GTPL has two segments – cable TV business and internet service. Cable TV business operating result increased 9.9 per cent y-o-y to Rs 10.17 crore in Q1 2019 from Rs 9.26 crore in the corresponding quarter of the previous year. Operating revenue of GTPL’s cable TV business increased 17.4 per cent y-o-y to Rs 260.93 crore from Rs 222.18 crore.

    GTPL’s internet service operating revenue in Q1 2019 increased 2.6 per cent y-o-y to Rs 35.98 crore from Rs 35.07 crore. Internet service segment’s operating results for Q1 2019 declined 30.2 per cent y-o-y to Rs 2.40 crore from Rs 3.44 crore in the corresponding quarter of the previous year.

    Let us look at the other numbers reported by GTPL Hathway

    Consolidated total expenditure increased 17.2 per cent y-o-y during the quarter under review to Rs 283.11 crore from Rs 241.49 crore in Q1 2018. Pay channel cost in Q1 2019 increased 17.8 per cent y-o-yto Rs 126.44 crore from Rs 107.37 crore in the corresponding quarter of the previous year. Other operational costs reduced 15.4 per cent y-o-y in Q1 2019 to Rs 21.48 crore from Rs 25.40 crore in Q1 2018.

    Employee benefits expense in Q1 2019 increased 18.6 per cent y-o-y to Rs 35.32 crore from Rs 29.78 crore in the corresponding quarter of the previous fiscal. Finance costs increased 57.2 per cent y-o-y during the quarter under review to Rs 16.12 crore from Rs 10.26 crore. Other expenses in the period increased 23.3 per cent y-o-y to Rs 36.19 per cent in Q1 2019 from Rs 29.36 crore in the corresponding quarter of the previous year.

  • UFO Moviez board recommends 125% dividend for fiscal 2018

    UFO Moviez board recommends 125% dividend for fiscal 2018

    BENGALURU: The board of directors of Indian digital cinema distribution network and in-cinema advertising platform UFO Moviez Ltd (UFO) has mooted a dividend of Rs 12.50 (125 per cent) per equity share of face value of Rs 10 each subject to shareholder approval for the year ended 31 March 2018 (FY 2018, year or fiscal under review). UFO says that this dividend including dividend distribution tax translates to 68 per cent of its FY 2018 consolidated PAT.

    UFO reported almost flat (up 0.8 per cent) consolidated PAT for FY 2018 at Rs 60.64 crore as compared to Rs 60.13 crore in the previous fiscal. Total comprehensive income or TCI for the fiscal under review increased 3.2 per cent to Rs 60.35 crore from Rs 58.50 crore in FY 2017. Simple EBITDA including other income for FY 2018 declined 7.5 per cent to Rs 172.93 crore (29 per cent of total revenue) from Rs 186.89 crore (31.1 per cent of total revenue) in the previous year.

    UFO’s operating revenue in the fiscal under review was almost flat (reduced 0.8 per cent) at Rs 594.03 crore as compared to Rs 598.95 crore in FY 2017. Total revenue declined 0.6 per cent in FY 2018 to Rs 596.96 crore from Rs 600.65 crore in FY 2017. In its earnings press release, UFO says that advertisement revenue grew by 19.3 per cent to Rs 213.6 crore (In FY 2017 it was Rs 179 crore) million. Average advertisement minutes sold per show per screen grew to 5.19 per cent (FY 2017 – 4.34) minutes during FY 2018.

    Total expenditure in FY 2018 increased 2.5 per cent to Rs 424.03 crore from Rs 413.76 crore in the previous year. Purchase of digitalcinema and lamps in the year under review was flat at Rs 67.56 crore as compared to R 67.57 crore in FY 2017. Ad revenue share expense in FY 2018 increased 26 per cent to Rs 65 crore from Rs 51.58 crore in the previous fiscal. Virtual print fees sharing expense in FY 2018 reduced 28 per cent to Rs 52.36 crore from Rs 72.72 crore in FY 2017. Other operating direct costs in FY 2018 increased 2.4 per cent to Rs 55.22 crore from Rs 53.40 crore in FY 2017. Employee benefit expense in FY 2018 increased 3.2 per cent to Rs 83.70 crore from Rs 81.12 crore in FY 2017. Other expenses in the year under review increased 11.3 per cent to Rs 94.81 crore from Rs 85.15 crore in FY 2017.

    Company speak:

    “UFO ended fiscal 2018 on a strong note by delivering robust advertisement revenues,” said UFO founder and managing director Sanjay Gaikwad. “Growing advertisement contribution to overall profitability minimised the impact of planned reduction in D-Cinema VPF revenue. Additionally, the Scheme of Arrangement and Amalgamation between UFO and Qube is progressing as per schedule and is currently awaiting requisite approvals from regulatory bodies. We are extremely excited about the future of the merged entity and the opportunities across in-cinema advertising. Also, the board recommended an enhanced dividend of Rs 12.5 per equity share in fiscal 2018. This marks the third consecutive dividend in line with UFO’s shareholder value creation philosophy. Going forward, we will continue to achieve our goals and are confident of delivering long term sustainable growth and shareholder value creation.”