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Tag: international expansion

  • Paytm Q3 shows revenue at Rs 18,278 million, but net loss looms

    Paytm Q3 shows revenue at Rs 18,278 million, but net loss looms

    MUMBAI: Digital payments powerhouse, Paytm, has rolled out its Q3 FY25 financial report, revealing both triumphs and trials. But before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s rewind a bit.

    Founded by Vijay Shekhar Sharma, a man whose billion-dollar smile once symbolised the fintech boom, Paytm’s journey has been nothing short of a Nolan blockbuster—full of twists, drama, and cliffhangers.

    Valued at a staggering $16 billion during its 2021 IPO, Paytm was riding high on the wave of digital transformation. Fast forward to today, and that valuation has taken a reality check. Then there’s the infamous Paytm Payments Bank fiasco—a debacle where the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) froze new customer onboarding in 2022, leaving users stranded like passengers at a cancelled train station. Trust took a nosedive, and so did Paytm’s goodwill.

    Add to this the rising competition in a thriving fintech ecosystem, and you’ve got yourself a classic ‘hero vs. villains’ plot. But here’s the big question: can Paytm channel its inner phoenix and rise from these ashes, or are these missteps just the beginning of a longer slide? Let’s dive into the numbers—and the drama—to decode where Paytm truly stands today.

    Consolidated Results

    Paytm’s consolidated revenue from operations for Q3 FY25 stood at Rs 18,278 million, which, while a 10 per cent rise from the previous quarter, still missed the dazzling Rs 21,379 million achieved in the same period last year. Add Rs 1,887 million in other income, and the total income stood at Rs 20,165 million—a decent climb, but far from scaling Everest.

    Payment processing charges surged to Rs 9,910 million over nine months—a stark reminder that in the fintech world, expansion doesn’t come cheap. Meanwhile, employee benefit expenses slimmed down to Rs 21,186 million from last year’s Rs 30,640 million, showing that cost-cutting is very much in fashion at Paytm HQ. Despite this, profitability remains more elusive than your favourite radio station’s caller contest jackpot.

    Now, let’s talk about profits… or their absence. Paytm posted a net loss of Rs 2,035 million for Q3, contributing to a cumulative nine-month consolidated loss of Rs 14,486 million. While the EBITDA margin did show some improvement, suggesting baby steps towards sustainability, one can’t help but ask: Is Paytm attempting to juggle too many flaming fintech ambitions at once? Will it ever strike the perfect balance, or is this the fintech equivalent of chasing unicorns?

    Standalone Results

    In standalone terms, Paytm reported Rs 14,916 million in revenue from operations for Q3, marking a steep drop from Rs 21,379 million a year ago. Total income for the quarter stood at Rs 16,603 million, supported by Rs 1,687 million in other income—a much-needed silver lining in an otherwise cloudy quarter.

    On the cost front, payment processing charges reached a hefty Rs 9,910 million over nine months. Meanwhile, marketing and promotional expenses in Q3 hit Rs 1,383 million. These figures tell us one thing loud and clear: Paytm is playing hard to stay visible in a crowded market. But here’s the catch: at what cost? The standalone net loss for Q3 stood at Rs 2,053 million, bringing the nine-month tally to Rs 2,085 million. Ouch!

    The EBITDA, meant to showcase operational efficiency, seemed to be waving a white flag, coming in at Rs (14,666 million) for the nine months. However, the loss per share for the same period narrowed to Rs 3.28 from a jaw-dropping Rs 14.35 last year. Could this be a sign of recovery, or just a smaller storm brewing? Either way, Paytm’s ambitious growth strategy will need more than just cost-cutting to turn this ship around.

    Despite financial headwinds, Paytm’s focus on strengthening its core offerings is clear.

    Key operational highlights include:

    .  International expansion: Subsidiary Paytm Cloud Technologies plans to establish entities in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Singapore. Is Paytm gearing up to become the global leader in digital payments?

    .  GIFT City initiatives: A move to incorporate subsidiaries in Gujarat signals a deeper commitment to domestic fintech innovation.

    .  Default Loss Guarantee: The DLG limit for merchant lending has been raised from Rs 225 crore to Rs 350 crore, enhancing support for SME growth.

    Yet, regulatory uncertainties loom. The Reserve Bank of India’s restrictions on Paytm Payments Bank remain unresolved, and the company’s investments in its associate have been impaired by Rs 2,096 million.

    Paytm’s financials reflect a company in transition, balancing the costs of aggressive growth with the harsh realities of an unforgiving market. It’s the classic tale of ambition meeting its archnemesis: practicality. As the digital payments sector surges ahead, Paytm is busy laying tracks to new horizons—geographies, services, and market opportunities. But is this the innovation express, or a high-speed derailment waiting to happen?

    Let’s not forget the backdrop: a thriving fintech economy, where competitors are sprinting ahead while Paytm retools its strategy. Investments in new geographies, like its UAE and Singapore expansions, could be the ticket to redemption. Or will these plans go the way of the once-famous “Paytm ka ATM” campaign—promising, but ultimately short-lived?

    Here’s the kicker: Will these grand strategic pivots deliver the profitability Paytm desperately needs, or will the costs of expansion continue to weigh like a proverbial albatross? For now, stakeholders can do little but watch this financial drama unfold.

    Key Financial Highlights

    . Consolidated Revenue: Rs 18,278 million for Q3; Rs 49,889 million for nine months.

    .  Standalone Revenue: Rs 14,916 million for Q3; Rs 39,055 million for nine months.

    .  Net Loss: Rs 2,035 million for Q3 consolidated; Rs 14,486 million for nine months consolidated.

    .  EBITDA Margin: Improved due to cost controls.

    .  DLG Expansion: Raised to Rs 350 crore for merchant lending.

     

  • Revex Media to expand into Canada and UAE in 2022-23

    Revex Media to expand into Canada and UAE in 2022-23

    Mumbai: Gurgaon-based agency Revex Media has announced its aim to double its client base by the end of the financial year 2022-23. The agency’s fiscal year objective is to expand into new markets in Canada and the UAE.  It has already roped in five new brands in the first quarter of this month and grew its workforce by 20 per cent.

    Revex Media offers business growth services for scaling brands’ top-line revenue via a digital-first marketing strategy. With its strategic and result-oriented approach, the agency aspires to enable at least 300 per cent growth within the next two quarters for 20+ brands working with them currently.

    Revex Media currently has a client base of 30 brands, and with the 100 per cent expansion plan in focus, the client base will grow to 60 by the end of the fiscal year. The marketing firm intends to focus primarily on the D2C space (selling consumer goods) where it hopes to increase its D2C-specific clientele by 50 per cent. Revex Media’s goal in the education space is to increase its clientele by 30 per cent and 20 per cent in different sectors – real estate, SAAS, and travel.

    Revex Media CEO & founder Utkarsh Arora affirmed, “At Revex Media, We are working hard to establish a strong foundational model for our clients to make them grow faster in the digital-first ecosystem. One of our primary focuses this year is to increase our firm’s talent density to improve our strategic and operational effectiveness to meet the audacious goals we have set for our clients. We have been recording an overwhelming response and our strategy for the ongoing fiscal is carved based on the same. Our maximum traction comes from the D2C space which over the period has become one of the expertise and we aim at expanding it further. Our team has been working diligently to establish a strong client base. It will not only help us grow as a brand, but it will also improve our operational effectiveness. As we expand, it becomes even imperative on our part to provide our clients with the opportunity to magnify their marketing and increase their revenue. Also, we will keenly work to strengthen our existing and new clients’ relationships.”

  • Dasvi and Matsyakand actor Shrikant Verma roped in for Netflix show CA Topper Tribhuvan Mishra

    Dasvi and Matsyakand actor Shrikant Verma roped in for Netflix show CA Topper Tribhuvan Mishra

    Mumbai: Gurgaon-based agency Revex Media has announced its aim to double its client base by the end of the financial year 2022-23. The agency’s fiscal year objective is to expand into new markets in Canada and the UAE.  It has already roped in five new brands in the first quarter of this month and grew its workforce by 20 per cent.

    Revex Media offers business growth services for scaling brands’ top-line revenue via a digital-first marketing strategy. With its strategic and result-oriented approach, the agency aspires to enable at least 300 per cent growth within the next two quarters for 20+ brands working with them currently.

    Revex Media currently has a client base of 30 brands, and with the 100 per cent expansion plan in focus, the client base will grow to 60 by the end of the fiscal year. The marketing firm intends to focus primarily on the D2C space (selling consumer goods) where it hopes to increase its D2C-specific clientele by 50 per cent. Revex Media’s goal in the education space is to increase its clientele by 30 per cent and 20 per cent in different sectors – real estate, SAAS, and travel.

    Revex Media CEO & founder Utkarsh Arora affirmed, “At Revex Media, We are working hard to establish a strong foundational model for our clients to make them grow faster in the digital-first ecosystem. One of our primary focuses this year is to increase our firm’s talent density to improve our strategic and operational effectiveness to meet the audacious goals we have set for our clients. We have been recording an overwhelming response and our strategy for the ongoing fiscal is carved based on the same. Our maximum traction comes from the D2C space which over the period has become one of the expertise and we aim at expanding it further. Our team has been working diligently to establish a strong client base. It will not only help us grow as a brand, but it will also improve our operational effectiveness. As we expand, it becomes even imperative on our part to provide our clients with the opportunity to magnify their marketing and increase their revenue. Also, we will keenly work to strengthen our existing and new clients’ relationships.”

  • Cuemath bolsters leadership team with key appointments

    Cuemath bolsters leadership team with key appointments

    Mumbai: Cuemath, the global math tutoring platform, has announced several new senior appointments as it continues the reorganisation of its leadership team. The company onboarded Samir Kulshresth as CFO, Nisha Popli as CHRO, Janardan Singh as chief of sales, and Anushray Gupta as chief product and technology officer ahead of its next growth phase.

    Samir and Nisha have joined Cuemath already, with Janardan and Anushray’s appointments effective from January 2022. All the new hires will report to Vivek Sunder, who was newly appointed as CEO in October.

    “As we prepare for our next wave of growth, these leadership changes will strengthen governance in Cuemath 3.0 and support our goal of a presence in 50 countries and becoming a global math leader,” stated Cuemath founder and chairman Manan Khurma. “With Vivek at the helm, supported by this senior leadership talent, we are poised to scale greater heights.”

    Samir, a chartered accountant, has over 19 years of financial management experience across the e-commerce, healthcare, telecom & IT/ITES industries. He has held previous roles at Practo, Fortis Healthcare, Genpact, and Indus Towers.

    Janardan has over 20 years of business leadership experience with expertise in scaling up in the ed-tech industry. His last assignment was with ClassKlap as its founder and COO.

    Nisha has over 19 years of experience in directing human resources programs for leading businesses, including the Big Four accountancy firms and leading global professional services firms globally. Prior to Cuemath, she was heading HR for Moglix India, a B2B e-commerce start-up. She has also worked as the head of people office for the small format business of Future Group India, global HR head with The Smart Cube, and other HR roles with KPMG, Grant Thornton, and Ernst & Young.

    Anushray is rejoining Cuemath having originally built the company’s engineering and product team as CTO. He then moved to Udaan as product lead for their grocery vertical where he was key in increasing market share.

    “The new array of dedicated leaders makes me more confident and committed to entering this new chapter of Cuemath’s growth and integrating our diverse knowledge and expertise in realising the company’s vision,” said Vivek Sunder, welcoming new appointees on board.   

  • Times Network partners with Yupp TV, expands global presence of Hindi channels

    Times Network partners with Yupp TV, expands global presence of Hindi channels

    Mumbai: Times Network on Tuesday announced its partnership with Yupp TV. 

    As a part of the association, the broadcast network is set to launch its Hindi channels Times Now Navbharat and ET Now Swadesh in the US, Canada and key international markets.

    “We are thrilled to expand our content portfolio by introducing our recently launched Hindi news channels to our global viewers on Yupp TV,” said Times Network chief operating officer and executive president Jagdish Mulchandani. “Our best-in-class entertainment and English news channels are strongly positioned in over 100+ countries and we are now excited to present compelling news content in Hindi language for viewers across international markets.”

    Yupp TV is one of the world’s largest internet-based TV and on-demand service provider. With 25,000 hours of entertainment content catalogued in its library, it brings a diverse range of South Asian content with more than 250 TV channels, over 5000 films and 100+ TV shows in 14 languages.

    “We have seen a huge scope for Indian television with Hindi language in these markets and Times Network channels will be a great value add for our brand,” said Yupp TV founder and chief executive officer Uday Reddy. “Yupp TV users can now watch their favourite Hindi content globally, giving them more entertainment options to choose from.”

  • Discovery Q3 results buoyed by international revenues

    Discovery Q3 results buoyed by international revenues

    MUMBAI: Discovery Communications President/CEO David Zaslaw has been quite clear about what’s going to drive revenues at the company: international expansion. He has stated that more than once and he did so at the industry’s leading get together MipTV in Cannes in 2013. If one goes by the financials for the broadcaster for the third quarter ended 30 September 2013, he seems to be living up to that statement.

     

    Discovery Communications’ international betworks’ revenues climbed 59 per cent to $ 620 million, as advertising revenues were up 127 per cent to $282 million and distribution revenues were up 29 per cent to $322 million. Overall, international revenues almost equaled US domestic revenues which grew a snail like 10 per cent to touch $733 million. Ad revenues grew 12 per cent to account for $383 million of that, while distribution fees went up 10 per cent to touch $329 million.

     

    Overall, Discovery saw a 28 per cent increase in revenues to $ 1,375 million; adjusted OIBDA rose 20 per cent to $ 597 million and net income climbed up by 24 per cent to $ 255 million. And while these numbers were lower than the Q2 2013 of 1,4
    On the international front, distribution revenues, excluding newly acquired businesses, in local currency terms grew 14 per cent mainly from increased subscribers, most notably in Latin America, and from higher rates, particularly in Latin America and Asia Pacific, as well as from additional contributions due to the consolidation of Discovery Japan.

    Zaslav had this to say on the occasion of the results: “As we continue to build new avenues of growth across the more mature US business, the bigger opportunity remains the potential of our international portfolio, where we are diligently applying our targeted investment approach to exploit our unparalleled market position and capitalise on those areas with significant upside from the evolution of pay television and the developing global advertising landscape.”

     

    International advertising revenues, excluding newly acquired businesses, were up 29 per cent in local currency terms, primarily due to increased viewership in Western Europe and higher pricing in Western Europe and Latin America.

     

    “Discovery’s thoughtful investment over the last two decades in securing distribution and establishing relationships with key affiliates, suppliers and advertisers in each market has given us a huge head start internationally. But it’s the additional steps we have taken over the last several years to take advantage of our market position that is driving such strong results today and will allow us to continue to grow even as pay-TV penetration growth begins to slow eventually,” Zaslav added.

     

    Adjusted OIBDA increased 34 per cent to $232 million on a reported basis and was up 17 per cent excluding newly acquired businesses and foreign currency fluctuations, reflecting the 18 per cent revenue growth partially offset by a 19 per cent increase in operating expenses. The higher operating expenses were primarily due to increased content amortisation, personnel costs and marketing expense as well as costs related to consolidating Discovery Japan.

     

    As markets have developed, Discovery Communications has aggressively opened new offices in key countries, like Turkey, the Ukraine and India, to closely connect with an evolving middle class. At the same time, it has established in-house sales functions in markets where the revenue opportunity dictated a more hands-on approach, such as Russia, Colombia and Argentina.

     

    On the content side, the network has increased its programming spend internationally by over 80 per cent since 2010 to capitalise on market opportunities, including broadening the reach of its female flagship, TLC, into over 165 countries, making TLC the most distributed women’s brand in the world from a standing start 24 months ago.
    It has also been expanding the footprint of its successful investigative and forensic channel Invesitgation Discovery (ID) into 150 countries, and expecting to approach 180 countries in the year ahead; or launching the kids network recently across Asia. All in, over the last three years, the network has launched over 60 new feeds and five new languages to satisfy the growing demand for its content, and the strong revenue growth Discovery Communications is delivering currently is certainly due in a large part to the targeted investment.

     

    “While it is certainly difficult to predict how the various international markets will perform going forward, we remain optimistic about our long-term growth prospects, given the platform we have built; the investments we have made and the growth we are delivering today, despite a relatively slow economic climate in many of the countries we operate in. As we continue to invest in our organic growth initiatives, we’re also making significant strides integrating our recent SBS Nordic acquisition. The joint ad sales team we’ve assembled is closing deals in the spot market, while preparing upfront presentations to message during the first quarter that lay out the compelling content offering and value proposition we can deliver to ad clients,” expounded Zaslav.

    Zaslav had in July 2013 downgraded its revenue expectations for the full year from 5.58-5.70 billion to $5.55-5.63 billion, following Discovery said it expected 2013 revenue of $5.55 billion to $5.63 billion, below its previous forecast for $5.58 billion to $5.70 billion. The company blamed unfavorable currency fluctuations and costs from its $1.7 billion acquisition of Scandinavian media company SBS in December 2012, apart from the 20 per cent investment in European sports network Eurosport.

     

    But it is quite likely that it is these very investments which will start adding oodles of revenue and cash to its bottomline going forward. We can only wait to discover if that will happen.