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Tag: Essel Group

  • Techlusive Summit & Awards Season 4: Paving the way for technological excellence!

    Techlusive Summit & Awards Season 4: Paving the way for technological excellence!

    Mumbai: Tech enthusiasts and industry leaders alike are gearing up for Techlusive Summit & Awards Season 4, an event presented by IndiaDotCom Digital Private Limited, scheduled to take place on December 15th, 2023, in New Delhi. This season promises to be a focal point for groundbreaking discussions, delving into the transformative wonders of AI and Web 3.0

    The distinguished chief guest for the event will be Dr Jitendra Singh; Union Minister of State (Ind. Charge) Science & Technology; MoS PMO, PP/ DOPT, Atomic Energy, Space; Diabetologist, Author, Alumnus: Stanley Medical, Chennai. He is set to provide valuable insights into the future of technology in India. DataLEADS founder & CEO Syed Nazakat will be the Keynote Speaker for the event, Renowned industry leaders from Decode AI, InMobi, SUTR Studios and other influential organizations will also participate in insightful panel discussions.

    This on-ground summit will host two compelling panel discussions: ‘AI: Opportunities and Threats’ and ‘Is Web 3.0 worth the hype: The Road Ahead.’ Serving as a crucial platform for industry leaders, experts, and stakeholders, the event aims to engage in comprehensive discussions about the future of technology, navigating the opportunities and challenges posed by Generative AI, and the evolving landscape of data protection regulations in India. The overarching theme, ‘AI & Web 3.0: Threats and Opportunities,’ underscores the event’s commitment to advancing technology responsibly while ensuring the safeguarding of consumer privacy.

    Following these discussions, a grand awards ceremony will honour technological excellence across various categories. Smartphones, tablets, wearables, audio devices, Smart TVs, and laptops will compete for prestigious titles such as ‘Budget Smartphone of the Year,’ ‘Tablet of the Year,’ ‘Smartwatch of the Year,’ ‘TWS of the Year,’ ‘Smart TV of the Year,’ ‘Most Promising Smart TV Brand of the Year,’ ‘Budget Laptop of the Year,’ ‘Premium Laptop of the Year,’ ‘Gaming Laptop of the Year,’ and ‘Most Popular Laptop Brand of the Year.’

    The selection process is a meticulous blend of public sentiment and expert scrutiny. Tech enthusiasts worldwide are invited to actively participate in the voting process through the official website. This combination of online polling, allowing individuals to cast their votes for their favourite products and innovative technology, is complemented by the discerning evaluation of the esteemed jury members- Abhishek Bhatnagar (Senior Tech Blogger), Ankit Malhotra (Senior Research Analyst at Counterpoint), Faisal Kawoosa (Technology Analyst and Consultant), Yogesh Brar (Social Media Influencer). This dual approach guarantees a fair and comprehensive determination of winners who truly embody the best in their respective categories.

    Emphasizing the grand celebration of tech and innovation, Essel Group CTIO Dr Idris Loya said “Techlusive Summit & Awards Season 4 signifies a pivotal moment in our technological journey. We are committed to exploring the frontier of Generative AI while keeping consumer privacy at the forefront. This event stands as a testament to our dedication to responsible and innovative technology.”

    Zee Media Corporation Ltd marketing head Anindya Khare further added, “As we delve into the fourth season of Techlusive Summit & Awards, it’s not just about products; it’s about the stories we tell, the experiences we create. Marketing is the driving force behind these narratives, and Season 4 is our stage to recognize and salute the marketing strategies that captivate and inspire.”

    As Techlusive Summit & Awards approaches, the excitement builds for a celebration of innovation, responsible tech practices, and the continued evolution of technology in India. Stay tuned for an electrifying celebration of excellence!

     

  • Axis Finance moves to NCLAT – more noise, no impact

    Axis Finance moves to NCLAT – more noise, no impact

    Mumbai: Axis Finance has approached the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT), Delhi against the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) order approving the merger of Zee and Sony. The NCLAT has served notice to Zee in response to Axis Finance’s plea.

    We believe the above issue of Axis Finance approaching the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) will not have any impact on the merger between Zee and Sony because the claims being pursued by Axis Finance, which amount to Rs 1,000 mn, are not directed at Zee but rather at its parent company, Essel Group. As mentioned in the NCLT merger order (Zee/Sony), Axis Finance has previously approached various legal bodies, including the Debt Recovery Tribunal (DRT) and high courts, for above claims; however, judgements on the same have not been in their favour (Axis Finance). Therefore, we believe these claims lack merit and will not impact the merger. Also, appeals with NCLAT may continue for months even after the merged company is formed, just like in the case of PVR-Inox merger (Consumer Unity & Trust Society appealed in NCLAT against the merger and the case got dismissed in August 2023 – six months after the merged company of PVRINOX was formed).

    As for the current status of the merger, the merged company is progressing with the Registrar of Companies (ROC) filing process, post receipt of the NCLT merger order. They are also engaged in discussions regarding Closing Precedents (CP) (the merged company may want to include July/August financials as well), which may result in a delay of two to three weeks in the merger timeline. We believe the record date is usually given one week prior to delisting. Considering the marginal delay in CP, the record date for the merger could be towards the last week of October 2023. Subsequently, relisting is expected to take place in the first or second week of December 2023 vs our earlier expectation of the second week of November 2023. Additionally, the company will need to submit details of the merged co. Board of Directors to the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (MIB), before the record date is finalised.

    Further, the SEBI/SAT issue (with promoters) too may not impact the merger timelines as the NCLT merger approval is without any condition.

    We have a BUY recommendation on Zee with a 24 Sept TP of Rs 340 – we maintain our positive stance on the company; PFA our latest company update post the NCLT merger approval.

    The credit of this article goes to Elara Capital SVP Karan Taurani.

     

  • The era of internet belongs to Mayaverse: Subhash Chandra

    The era of internet belongs to Mayaverse: Subhash Chandra

    Mumbai: Essel group chairman Subhash Chandra opened up about the latest corporate developments in an interview with Zee Business’s managing editor Anil Singhvi on Wednesday. He spoke about the Mayaverse, Zee Group’s digital ambitions, Zeel-Sony merger, Yes Bank Dish TV issue and other matters.

    When asked about new trends such as metaverse, crypto and NFTs, Chandra said, “I call it Mayaverse, as the era of internet belongs to Mayaverse.” During the conversation, Chandra hinted that the group will be coming up with something new very soon – this time on the technology front. 

    He said, “we never started any business for money, we always tried to do something new by means of business.”

    He also revealed Zee group’s plans to add one billion users in the next three years. Zee Media’s digital platforms have 300 million active users and the group will focus on monetising digital content going forward.

    Channel’s performance 

    Talking about Zee Media’s performance, Chandra noted that 58 per cent of the viewers watching Zee Media’s international channel WION is a foreign audience. 

    He also stated that WION has more followers on YouTube than the BBC and plans to add another 500 million viewers in the next five years.

    Speaking about the corporate developments at Essel Group, Chandra said that it has reduced 92 per cent of debt at the promoter level and the rest of the debt will be cleared within one to two months. He also admitted that venturing into the infra business was a ‘mistake’. 

    The conflict between Dish TV-Yes Bank

    On the boardroom conflict between Dish TV and Yes Bank, he commented that the previous management at Yes Bank ‘did fraud with us’ and that many people in the media lack the right information regarding the matter between Yes Bank and Dish TV. Coming to the ongoing merger between Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited and Sony Pictures Networks India, he said the merger is moving in the right direction and after regulatory approvals, the merger will be completed.

    The media mogul is hopeful for a bounce-back with more ‘strength’ and ‘power’ and observed that the environment is quite positive in the country under PM Modi’s leadership. “We are continuously working on many fronts,” he said.

  • Yogesh Sharma takes over as Siti Networks CEO

    Yogesh Sharma takes over as Siti Networks CEO

    Mumbai: Siti Networks Ltd, an Essel Group company has appointed Yogesh Sharma as chief executive officer from 1 January.

    Sharma joined Siti Networks as vice president in 2018 and became the chief operating officer in 2019. He has been instrumental in introducing innovative ideas, implementing new processes and competitive strategies to achieve market leadership, said the company in a statement. He has led tactical initiatives and best practices to streamline the operational framework by setting up a robust system at the company, it added.

    “It is an honor to lead Siti Networks. We will be working to enhance our ground connect and introduce new business models focused on leveraging our distribution strength and offering innovative products for our customers,” said Yogesh Sharma on his new role.    

    Sharma, with over 28 years of rich experience, has a proven record of driving operational excellence across organisations. He has dynamic leadership capabilities in business expansion through strategic initiatives, transformational leadership, strengthening operational capabilities, project controls, and implementing best practices. He has extensive experience with national MSOs like DEN Networks, Hathway Cable, and IMCL-Indusind Media and Communication.

    Sharma is a mechanical engineer from Pune University and has attended the prestigious INSEAD leadership programme for senior executives (ILPSE) from INSEAD, Fontainebleau, France.

  • Siti Networks posts Rs 509 million operating EBITDA in Q2 FY22

    Siti Networks posts Rs 509 million operating EBITDA in Q2 FY22

    Mumbai: Multi-system operator (MSO) Siti Networks has released its consolidated audited financial results for Q2 FY22 ended on 30 September. The company has maintained operating EBITDA at Rs 509 million and its operating EBITDA margin expanded to 13.9 per cent.

    The company announced the launch of Siti Mitra mobile app for its 25000+ local cable operator partners. The app has a fully functional ‘Own Your Customer’ subscriber management system, allowing partners to have control of their business on their palms. The app is available on the Google Play store.

    Total revenue (excluding activation) increased to Rs 3672 million from Rs 3615 million in the previous quarter. The company’s subscription revenue remained essentially flat at Rs 2350 million. Siti Broadband, too, observed a base jump of 20 per cent year on year and seven per cent quarter on quarter to 2.19 lakh. Siti Broadband’s revenue increased 4.1 per cent over the previous quarter and 11 per cent YoY to Rs 288 million.

    “Siti’s continued focus on operational efficiencies and strict control over expenses has ensured that our operating EBITDA is Rs.509 million with 13.9 per cent operating EBITDA margins. Our total revenue also increased to Rs.3,672 million. Our push for SITI Broadband has ensured that our customer base and revenues are up 20 per cent and 11 per cent y-o-y, respectively,” said Siti Networks chief executive officer Anil Malhotra.

    He added, “We have always had our ears to the ground, and the launch of the Siti Mitra mobile app for our 25,000+ partners is a testament to that. The app has our fully functional ‘Own Your Customers’ subscriber management system, and now our partners will be able to manage their business from their mobile phones. The app is available on the Google Play Store.”

  • The whys and wherefores of the Zeel-SPNI merger proposal

    The whys and wherefores of the Zeel-SPNI merger proposal

    Mumbai: After days of conjectures fueled by boardroom battles, Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd (Zeel) pulled off a tour de force early on Wednesday announcing the company’s plans for a mega-merger with arch-rival Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI). With their combined linear networks, digital assets, production operations, and programme libraries, the two companies are set to create one of India’s largest media and entertainment entities in terms of market share. It will not only rival market leader Disney Star India, but it could well pip the former at the post in revenues when it does go through.

    The news was not completely unexpected; talks of a merger between the two networks had been in the news intermittently for almost two years now. They had flirted with each other and other suitors intermittently. According to various media reports, both SPNI and Zeel had been on the lookout for a partner that could bring in mutual synergies, while minimising clashes, to fend off competition amid growing consolidation in the media and entertainment industry.  Each one of them had also explored a merger with the Mukesh Ambani-owned Viacom18 to challenge the Disney-Star collaboration that has been dominating the content market, however, without success. RIL owns a majority stake in Viacom18, which is a joint venture between TV18 Broadcast Ltd and US-based ViacomCBS Inc. With the current merger, the companies have seemed to found what each of them was looking for to turbocharge their future growth.

    If Zeel is backed by its core strength in content creation in both mainline Hindi and regional languages, SPNI brings along its well-consolidated entertainment and sports genre creating a potent combination. SPNI also leads in the English/premium factual entertainment genre, but in return, it will get an opportunity to leverage Zeel’s pervasive reach built over decades.

    Despite recent challenges, the network has come a long way since its launch three decades ago. Zeel continues to maintain its hold in the HSM with its FTA channel Zee Anmol being the steady top grosser in the UP/Uttarakhand market, and down south with regional GECs Zee Kannada or Telugu. The merger could also help SPNI to adopt a well-positioned strategy that has so far oscillated between targeting mass and metro audiences.  It could also bolster their growing digital businesses, bringing together the two streaming platforms-  Zee5 and SonyLIV. 

    The reality is that both Zeel and SPNI are no strangers when it comes to striking a deal. One can hark back to a time half a decade ago when the Subhash Chandra-run company had hawked off its Ten Sports channel and related sports business to SPNI – a deal which has served the latter well.

    With the latest merger announcement, Zeel has also pulled off a coup of sorts in favour of its MD and CEO Punit Goenka who will now lead the combined media entity. The announcement is crucial, as it boosts his position at a time when two of Zeel’s top investors – had called for his ouster, making corporate governance allegations against him and some Zeel board members.

    Over the last year, Goenka has focused on transforming the company into a new ‘Zee 4.0 vision’ – led by a revamped programming line-up of its linear channel portfolio in the key markets, and the launch of new channels. In its recent annual general meeting (AGM), Goenka had elaborated how Zeel’s future roadmap for the next three years will be led by digital. “We are still in investment mode for our digital business and our film business. We enjoyed leadership in several of the markets that we operate in,” he told shareholders last week.

    Zeel’s linear business has managed to retain its profitability, but its flagship channel Zee TV has been looking to regain its standing in the non-fiction content where it used to be a strong player until a few years back, with popular properties like Sa Re Ga Ma and DID.

    Goenka also told shareholders about Zeel’s plans to become the leading studio in films across six languages and increases its market share in the music category. SPNI, on its part, has recently stepped up its content creation capability in-house through its TV and OTT show and film production units. Zeel and SPNI’s union on this front will prove beneficial in many ways.

    The most important benefit that the merger brings to the table is even higher economies of scale. Zeel has over the years built its reputation as an excellent cost-efficient media company, even as SPNI is one of the more profitably run broadcasters. Their coming together is likely to bring in even more cost-efficiencies because of the scale that their marriage will usher in, enabling tougher negotiating power with suppliers and with clients. Additionally, internal cost savings will also be generated as the merged entity right sizes itself in terms of manpower, talent, and functions.

    The merger announced on Wednesday is subject to regulatory approvals, but once it goes through, it will result in SPNI holding a majority of 52.93 per cent with Zeel and its shareholders having 47.01 per cent of the new entity. But, the promoter family will remain free to increase its holding from four per cent to 20 per cent over time. SPNI will hold the majority share in the new media entity and its shareholders will pump in growth capital of $1.575 billion to strengthen the company’s digital platforms across technology and content, ability to bid for broadcasting rights in the fast-growing sports landscape and pursue other growth opportunities.

    The combined company’s board of directors would include directors nominated by the Sony Group and result in it having the right to nominate the majority of the members. 

  • Essel Group chairman Subhash Chandra settles 91% debt to 43 lenders

    Essel Group chairman Subhash Chandra settles 91% debt to 43 lenders

    Mumbai: Essel Group chairman Subhash Chandra has issued a second Open Letter sharing details of the debt resolution process and the steps taken to pay off the lenders. The Zee founder revealed that over 91 per cent of the debt has been settled to 43 lenders, and the remaining dues are in the process of being paid.

    In his first Open Letter issued on 25 January 2019, Chandra had apologised for the hardships faced by the lenders due to the liquidity crisis triggered by the IL&FS case and committed to repay the monies to the best of his abilities. The asset divestment process took a setback during the pandemic, which slowed down the overall debt resolution process, he wrote on Tuesday.

    “I am happy to report that we have come out of the financial stress situation by settling 91.2 per cent of our total debt to 43 lenders in 110 accounts. 88.3 per cent amount has been paid, while the remaining 2.9 per cent is in the process of being paid. We are making all the required efforts to settle the remaining 8.8 per cent of our total debt,” wrote Chandra. “I have no regrets for parting with a substantial ownership in the business and specially in the ‘jewels of the crown’. This was done to keep the family’s honor.”

    The Essel Group chairman further added that he intends to settle the remaining outstanding dues before the end of this fiscal year or before.

    He also shared that he does not regret the decision taken to part with a substantial portion of his ownership in his key businesses, attributing this decision taken to preserve the honour of his family, while reiterating the exit from the Infrastructure, Financial services & Print Media businesses.

    Elaborating on his next steps in terms of setting up a venture in the video space in the digital ecosystem, Chandra said, “I have earned a fair experience in the video business; hence I am exploring new ways / business opportunities in the “video in digital space” as well as AI/ML (Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning) in the video space, without getting into any conflicts with ZEEL, in any manner. I will provide the specifics very soon and you all will witness the initial phase of launch, of yet another pioneering venture.”

    Noted Investment Banker, Venture Capitalist and Stock-Market expert, Vallabh Bhansali said, “In nearly forty years of our friendship, he has always made me feel proud. His achievements as a visionary businessman pales before his act of honour to sacrifice all he built for the sake of it. So also his humility to admit his errors openly. In fifty years of my business career, I can’t think of a parallel.”

  • Subhash Chandra denies rumors related to Dish TV India

    Subhash Chandra denies rumors related to Dish TV India

    KOLKATA: Dish TV India promoter and managing director Jawahar Goel has offered a substantial portion of his equity in the DYH operator as security for the credit facilities availed by Essel Group (Subhash Chandra Group). The group will return the security cover soon, Subhash Chandra Group official spokesperson Ronak Jatwala said in a statement.

    He went on to add that the Group is also extremely thankful to Goel. “Goel has extended support, in the form of a substantial portion of his equity in the mentioned listed entity (Dish TV), as security for the credit facilities availed by Subhash Chandra Group,” he noted.

    “The Group is confident and fully committed to return the mentioned security cover back to Jawahar Goel and his family. The group also wishes to iterate that Jawahar Goel, as the rightful owner of the equity stake in Dish TV India Ltd, had only stepped forward to offer support, and has no financial stress whatsoever in his personal capacity,” the statement added.

    Essel Group has also denied all the speculations and rumours pertaining to the shares being released from the lenders at a lower price and sold to third party investors at higher price points. These speculations are absolutely baseless and incorrect, and the company has no such intentions whatsoever, it claimed.

    “The Group has been consistently focused on its commitment towards its lenders and truly values the priceless support received during the turbulent phase, recognising their trust and belief. With their undeterred faith and support, the Group has successfully resolved majority of the issues and is on a steady path to iron out the limited pending issues,” Jatwala added.

  • Siti Networks reports improved numbers for FY 2020

    Siti Networks reports improved numbers for FY 2020

    BENGALURU: The Essel group’s MSO major Siti Networks Limited reported 5.3 percent higher consolidated simple EBIDTA for the year ended 31 March 2020 (FY 2020, year or period under review) as compared to the previous year FY 2019. The company reported a 12.2 percent increase in operating revenue for the period under review as compared to the previous year. All numbers mentioned in this report are consolidated unless stated otherwise.

    The company has managed to reduce its major expenses, but for Pay Channel, Carriage Sharing & Related Costs (pay channel costs) in FY 2020 which increased 29 percent as compared to the previous year. Overall expenses increased 7.7 percent on account of these pay channel costs. In a note to the financial statements, Siti has explained that its operating revenue includes broadcaster share of subscription revenue, hence it has shown the broadcasters share in its pay channel costs as an expense.

    In its earnings release, Siti says that Subscription Revenue for Q4 2020 grew 25.3 percent y-o-y to Rs. 2,842 million. For FY 2020, Subscription Revenue surged 21.3 percent to Rs.11,567 million.

    The consolidated operating revenue figures reported by Siti are Rs 1,618.59 crore and Rs 1,442.13 crore for FY 2020 and FY 2019 respectively, hence a growth of 12.2 percent as mentioned above. Simple EBIDTA as calculated by the author for FY 2020 was Rs 340.64 crore (21 percent of operating revenue) and for FY 2019 it was Rs 323.61 crore (22.4 percent of operating revenue). Loss for the year under review reduced to Rs 188 crore from Rs 264 crore in the previous year.

    For Q4 2020, Siti’s consolidated operating revenue was Rs 27.8 percent higher y-o-y at Rs 408.29 crore as compared to Rs 415.06 crore in Q4 2019. Simple EBIDTA for Q4 2020 as calculated by the author increased 22.1 percent to Rs 81.58 crore (20 percent of operating revenue) from Rs 66.78 crore (20.9 percent of operating revenue). Loss for the quarter was lower at Rs 70.30 crore as compared to a loss of Rs 123.93 for Q4 2019.

    CEO of Siti CEO Anil Malhotra mentioned: “SITI Networks continued its consistent growth focus while maintaining a strict control on operational efficiencies during FY 2020. Our subscription revenue for Q4 2020 grew by 25.3 percent y-o-y, while our total revenue grew by approximately 23 percent y-o-y. Even for FY 2020, our total revenue jumped by 15.3 percent to Rs. 16,354 million. Our constant mantra of improving operational efficiencies while improving monetization helped us to deliver strong operating EBITDA at INR 3,538 million, in FY 2020, a surge of 1.2 times. Our response to COVID-19 pandemic has been widely appreciated. Our teams and partners have left no stone unturned to ensure that our customers get the best services."

    Let us look at the other numbers reported by Siti

    Total expense in FY 2020 increased 7.7 percent to Rs 1,781,33 crore from Rs 1,654,21 crore in the previous year. Amongst the major expense heads, Pay Channel, Carriage Share & Related Costs increased 29 percent in FY 2020 to Rs 843.96 crore from Rs 654.14 crore in FY 2019. Finance costs in FY 2020 declined 7.6 percent to Rs 157.68 crore from Rs 170.72 crore in FY 2019. Employee benefits expense in FY 2020 declined 8 percent to Rs 74.78 crore from Rs 81.32 crore in the previous year. Other expenses in FY 2020 declined 5.6 percent to Rs 357.70 crore from Rs 378.79 crore in FY 2019.

    Total expense in Q4 2020 increased 16.7 percent to Rs 451.03 crore from Rs 386.39 crore in Q4 2019. Amongst the major expense heads, Pay Channel, Carriage Share & Related Costs increased 47.9 percent in Q4 2020 to Rs 212.82 crore from Rs 143.94 crore. Finance costs in Q4 2020 declined 20.5 percent to Rs 35.52 crore from Rs 44,66 crore in the corresponding year ago quarter. Employee benefits expense in Q4 2020 declined 9.4 percent to Rs 16.95 crore from Rs 18.71 crore in the corresponding quarter of the previous year. Other expenses in Q4 2020 increased 9.1 percent to Rs 96.53 crore from Rs 88.44 crore in Q4 2019.

  • Despite revenue drop ZMCL EBITDA up in FY 2020

    Despite revenue drop ZMCL EBITDA up in FY 2020

    BENGALURU: The Essel Group’s News media arm Zee Media Corporation Ltd (ZMCL) reported an eight percent decline in revenue from operations to Rs 631.75 crore for the year ended 31 March 2020 (FY 2020, year or period under review) as compared to Rs 686.92 crore reported for the previous year FY 2019. ZMCL reported a loss of Rs 1.6 crore for FY 2020 as compared to a loss of Rs 0.03 crore for the previous year.

    Due to provision for impairment loss to the extent of Rs 332.92 crore for its entire investment of non-convertible and non-cumulative redeemable preference shares in respect of its investments in Diligent Media Corporation, the company reported a negative total comprehensive income (TCI) of Rs 272.72 crore for the year under review as compared to a negative TCI of Rs 6.35 crore for the previous year.

    ZMCL’s EBITDA for FY 2020 increased 5.1 percent to Rs 182.5 crore (28.5 percent of operating revenue) as compared to Rs 173.64 crore (24.9 percent of operating revenue) for FY 2019.

    Operating revenue break up

    More than 90 percent of ZMCL revenue was advertisement or ad revenue during the year under review. Ad revenue for FY 2020 declined 5.3 percent to Rs 583.5 crore (92.4 percent of operating revenue) from Rs 616.13 crore (89.7 percent of operating revenue) in the previous year. Subscription revenue for the period under review declined 19.5 percent to Rs 38.16 crore (6 percent of operating revenue) from Rs 47.37 crore (6.9 percent of operating revenue) in the previous year. Other sales and services revenue decreased 56.9 percent in FY 2020 to Rs 10.09 crore (1.6 percent of operating revenue) from Rs 23.4 crore (3.4 percent of operating revenue) in FY 2019.

    Let us look at the other numbers reported by ZMCL

    ZMCL’s total expense in FY 2020 declined 4.3 percent to Rs 561.23 crore from Rs 586.68 crore in the previous year. Operating costs in FY 2020 declined 3.7 percent to Rs 109.52 crore from Rs 113.77 crore in FY 2019. Employee benefits expense for FY 2020 increased 4.7 percent to Rs 159.41 crore from Rs 1522.19 crore in FY 2019. Finance costs in the period under review increased 33.3 percent to Rs 24.01 crore from Rs 18.01 crore. Marketing, distribution and business promotion expenses in FY 2020 declined 35.8 percent to Rs 52.41 crore from Rs 81.61 crore in the previous year. Other expenses during the year under review declined 22.8 percent to Rs 127.91 crore from Rs 165.71 crore.