Tag: RIL

  • Network18 tops the charts as India’s number one news network

    Network18 tops the charts as India’s number one news network

    MUMBAI: When it comes to dominating the Indian news scene, Network18 doesn’t just report the news—it is the news. Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Industries has done it again, making headlines for owning the headlines!

    With the latest BARC ratings in its corner, the network is flexing its muscles as India’s number one, clocking a jaw-dropping AMA of 2,02,636—nearly double its closest rival’s 1,10,826. Looks like the competition is still buffering while Network18 streams ahead!

    Network18’s meteoric performance was propelled by its power-packed programming for Maha Kumbh 2025, which captivated audiences nationwide. The comprehensive coverage, combined with visually stunning storytelling, resonated deeply with viewers, garnering over 200 million views across the network’s digital platforms. This milestone further reinforced Network18 as the go-to destination for impactful and engaging event coverage.

    With 20 national and regional TV channels, Network18 connects with diverse audiences across India. Its impressive portfolio includes CNN-News18, which has reigned as the number one English news channel for over two years, and News18 India, dominating primetime as the top Hindi news channel.

    In the business news category, CNBC-TV18 continues to lead as the unquestioned authority, delivering reliable and influential coverage. Network18’s regional channels have also consistently claimed top spots, demonstrating the network’s strong local connect and commitment to reaching every corner of the country.

    The BARC ratings (Source: BARC | Metric: AMA 000s | TG: 15+ | Period: Wk 02’25 | Market: All India) showcase Network18’s significant dominance over its competitors. These figures cement the network’s reputation as India’s largest and most trusted news source.

    With its innovative programming, on-ground coverage of pivotal events, and strong digital presence, Network18 has redefined news consumption in India. Whether it’s covering global stories or deeply local issues, the network’s ability to inform, engage, and connect remains unmatched.

    Network18 has not just captured numbers; it has captured trust.

  • Reliance Industries: a subsidiary change

    Reliance Industries: a subsidiary change

    MUMBAI: Network18 Media & Investments informed the Bombay stock exchange on the evening of 31 December that Viacom18 India had ceased to be its subsidiary on 30 December and become a direct offshoot of Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL).

    This, it said,  happened when RIL converted 24,61,33,682 compulsorily convertible preference shares (CCPS) held by it in Viacom18 into 24,61,33,682 equity shares. Post this conversion, RIL’s equity holding in Viacom18 went up to 83.88 per cent and 70.49 per cent on a fully diluted basis. Network18 ended up with 16.12 per cent of Viacom18’s  total equity share capital and 13.54 per cent on a fully diluted basis. On 14 November, RIL had informed  the exchange that its stake in Viacom18 was at 70.49 pr cent on a fully diluted basis following its acquisition of Paramount’s 13.01 per cent stake (on a fully diluted basis) in it for Rs 4,286 crore. 

    AS per the BSE regulatory filing, Viacom18 was a material subsidiary of Network18 with nil turnover and a net worth of Rs 26,928.17 crore (representing 90.39 per cent, of the annual consolidated net worth of  Network18) for the financial year 2023-24.

    Network18    received     intimation     from     Viacom18     on 30 December at 7:46 p.m. regarding the allotment of equity shares to RIL pursuant to conversion of CCPS.

    The shareholders of Network18 had earlier approved this change of ownership.

    With this transition, Viacom18 will now operate under RIL control.

  • Reliance-Disney Star India merger to see closure within a couple of months

    Reliance-Disney Star India merger to see closure within a couple of months

    Mumbai: Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) is on track to finalise its merger with Disney’s India operations by the third quarter of FY25  – a move anticipated to significantly bolster its media presence. (Q3 FY 2025 ends on 31 December 2024, which means the merger has got just about two months, if not earlier, to achieve closure). This announcement follows RIL’s  Q2 FY 2025  financial results, showcasing a resilient performance across its diversified business segments.

    On 28 September, the ministry of information & broadcasting (MIB) granted approval to RIL for the transfer of channels from Viacom18 to Disney Star India, paving the way for the $8.5 billion merger with Disney. The merger of Viacom18 and Star India has already been given the green signal from the Competition Commission of India (CCI- subject to certain voluntary conditions), and the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) has also given it the thumbs up. “The companies are now securing additional required approvals, with the transaction expected to close in Q3 FY25,”  Reliance Industries announced in its quarterly earnings report on 14 October 2024.

    In a statement, Reliance chairman & managing director, Mukesh D. Ambani expressed optimism about the merger’s potential impact: “This merger will create a powerful platform for delivering exceptional content and experiences to our customers.” He highlighted the strategic alignment between Reliance’s digital services and Disney’s rich content library as a catalyst for growth.

    “Viacom18’s integration with Disney’s assets is expected to create a formidable entertainment platform, offering a diversified content library and reaching millions of viewers across the country,” a company spokesperson stated. “The strategic alignment of media assets will enhance our ability to deliver premium content and attract more subscribers.”

     

  • Reliance Industries reports lower net profit; flat revenues in Q2 FY 2025

    Reliance Industries reports lower net profit; flat revenues in Q2 FY 2025

    MUMBAI: Billionaire Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Industries Ltd reported nearly flat revenues and lower profits for Q2 of FY 2025 ended 30 September 2024 as compared to Q2 of FY 2024 ended 30 September 2023.

    Revenue from operations at the oil to telecom conglomerate was at Rs 235,481 crore (Rs 234,956 crore); other income (Rs 4,876 crore vs Rs 3,841 crore) took up total income to Rs 240,357 crore (Rs 238,797 crore). Higher expenses of Rs 215,320 crore (Rs 212,304 crore) took a toll on the bottom line with PBT falling to Rs 25,037 crore (Rs 26,493 crore). Lower taxes (both direct and differed) of Rs 5,396 crore (Rs 6,673 crore) helped rescue the fall in PAT marginally which dropped to Rs 19,101 crore (Rs 19,820 crore). Net profit attributable to the owners of the company fell 4.88 per cent to Rs 16,563 crore (Rs 17,394 crore).

    The oil to chemicals business reported higher revenues of Rs 155,580 crore (Rs 147,988 crore) with EBITDA dipping to Rs 12,143 crore (Rs 16,277 crore). A press release stated that the oil to chemicals revenue improved with higher volumes and increased domestic placement of products. EBITDA was lower by 23.7 per cent on account of sharp decline in product margins. Fuel cracks declined by nearly 50 per cent Y-o-Y. Downstream chemical also declined with muted global demand. In a well-supplied market, RIL benefited due to superior ethane cracking economics driven by sharp fall in ethane prices.

    The oil and gas business had a lower top line with revenues at Rs 6,222 crore (Rs 6,6620 crore). EBITDA for this segment however showed buoyancy rising to Rs 5,290 crore (Rs 4,766 crore). The press release stated that lower gas price realizations led to six per cent  lower revenue in the oil and gas segment. Oil and gas segment EBITDA increased by 11.0 per cent on account of sustained volume growth and one time provisioning towards decommissioning cost for Tapti field in Q2 FY 24.

    Reliance’s retail business received a slight knock with revenues dropping to Rs 76,325 crore (Rs 77,163 crore). The press release said EBITDA for this segment improved fractionally to Rs 5,861 crore (Rs 5,841 crore) with a continued focus on streamlining of operations and calibrated approach in B2B.

    Digital services which includes its Jio Platforms business was the shining star with revenues climbing to Rs 38,055 crore (Rs 32,657 crore) and EBITDA at Rs 16,139 crore (Rs 14,055 crore). The 17.8 per cent Y-o-Y EBITDA increase was due to better subscriber mix, digital services scale-up and revision in telecom tariffs, stated the RIL press release.  

    “I am happy to note that during this quarter Reliance once again demonstrated the resilience of its diversified business portfolio. Our performance reflects robust growth in digital services and upstream business,” said RIL chairman & managing director Mukesh Ambani. ”This helped partially offset weak contribution from O2C business which was impacted by unfavorable global demand-supply dynamics.  

    “Growth in digital services was led by increased ARPU and improving customer engagement metrics reflecting the strong value proposition of our services. The home broadband segment is witnessing accelerated momentum on the back of our unique industry-leading JioAirFiber offering. Jio’s broad spectrum of offerings enables it to digitally empower every village, town and city in India as well as the country’s small and medium scale enterprises. The digital services business continues to focus on innovative deep-tech solutions on a national scale and is on track to deliver the path-breaking benefits of Artificial Intelligence to all Indians. 

    “The retail segment continues to increase its consumer touchpoints and product offerings across physical and digital channels. The unique omni-channel retail model enables the business to service a wide range of requirements of a vast, heterogenous customer base. The retail business continues to partner with renowned domestic as well as global players, expanding its basket of quality product offerings. The focus on strengthening our retail operations will help us rapidly scale-up this business in the coming quarters and years and sustain our industry-leading growth momentum.  

    “The first of our new energy giga-factories is on-track to commence production of solar PV modules by the end of this year. With a comprehensive range of renewable solutions including solar, energy storage systems, green hydrogen, bio-energy and wind, the new energy business is poised to become a significant contributor to global clean energy transition.” 

  • Kiran Rao’s directorial ‘Laapataa Ladies’ is India’s official entry for Oscars 2025

    Kiran Rao’s directorial ‘Laapataa Ladies’ is India’s official entry for Oscars 2025

    Mumbai: Presented by Jio Studios, Laapataa Ladies, has generated immense excitement and received a positive reception from both audiences and critics alike. The film continues to earn recognition and has been picked as India’s official entry to the 97th Academy Awards, set to take place next year in March. The rural set drama beat 29 other movies from India to enter the Oscars 2025 race.

    The Film Federation of India (FFI) on Monday confirmed that Kiran Rao-directorial Laapataa Ladies is India’s official entry for Oscars 2025. The film, co-produced by Aamir Khan along with Rao, garnered positive reviews upon its release from audiences and critics due to its different story.

    Overjoyed Kiran Rao the director,  said, “I am deeply honoured and beyond delighted that our film ‘Laapataa Ladies’ has been chosen as India’s official entry to the Academy Awards. This recognition is a testament to the tireless work of my entire team, whose dedication and passion brought this story to life.

    Cinema has always been a powerful medium to connect hearts, transcend boundaries, and ignite meaningful conversations. I hope that this film will resonate with audiences across the world, just as it has in India. I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the selection committee and to everyone who believed in this film. It is indeed a great privilege to be selected from among such amazing Indian films this year – who are equally worthy contenders for this honour. My deepest thanks go to Aamir Khan Productions and Jio Studios for their unwavering support and faith in this vision. It has been a privilege to work alongside such a passionate and talented team of professionals who shared my commitment to telling this story. I also want to extend my heartfelt thanks to the entire cast and crew, whose immense talent, dedication, and hard work made this film possible. This journey has been one of incredible collaboration and growth. To the audience, your love and support mean the world to us, and it is your belief in this film that continues to inspire us as filmmakers to push creative boundaries. Thank you once again for this incredible honour. We look forward to taking this journey ahead with great enthusiasm.”

    RIL president of media and content business Jyoti Deshpande shared “Laapata Ladies being selected as India’s entry for Oscar is a true testimony of our vision and commitment to Make in India and Show the world…this film has got unlimited love from audiences all over the world already and is one of the most watched films globally on OTT after its unusually long and resilient theatrical run…Jio Studios will do everything in our power to make India proud on a global stage and I thank the Film Federation of India for this honour and privilege.”

    The film, a delightful comedy about the misadventures of two young brides who become separated on the same train, is a blend of mistaken identities and laugh-out-loud escapades. Featuring Nitanshi Goel, Pratibha Ranta, Sparsh Shrivastava, and Ravi Kishan, Laapataa Ladies is set to bring its unique charm and humour to a new territory.

    Presented by Jio Studios, Laapataa Ladies is directed by Kiran Rao and produced by Aamir Khan, Kiran Rao and Jyoti Deshpande. The film has been made under the banner of Aamir Khan Productions and Kindling Productions, with the script based on an award-winning story by Biplab Goswami. The screenplay & dialogues are written by Sneha Desai, with additional dialogues penned by Divya Nidhi Sharma.

  • Disney announces merger of Viacom18 business with Star India

    Disney announces merger of Viacom18 business with Star India

    Mumbai: As per the report released by Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL), Viacom18 in collaboration with The Walt Disney Company, has unveiled a landmark strategic partnership that will combine its business with Star India, aiming to lead the digital transformation of India’s media industry.

    This joint venture (JV) will significantly reshape the media and entertainment landscape, offering a broad spectrum of high-quality content and an enhanced digital experience for consumers in India and the Indian diaspora globally. Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) will hold a 16.34 per cent stake, Viacom18 will own 46.82 per cent, and Disney will hold 36.84 per cent in the JV. RIL will invest Rs 11,500 crore at closing to drive the JV’s growth strategy, valuing it at Rs 70,352 crore (approximately US$8.5 billion) on a post-money basis, excluding synergies.

    Viacom18 reported robust financial results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year 2024, demonstrating strong growth across all segments. For Q4 FY24, the company’s operating revenue surged 63.0 per cent year-on-year (Y-o-Y) to Rs 2,419 crore, fueled by impressive performances in Sports, Movies, and News. Revenue from the Media business saw a remarkable increase, driven largely by the sports segment, with the Indian Premier League (IPL) and other significant sporting events contributing to this growth. Additionally, the release of ‘Fighter,’ a major film of 2024, bolstered revenue in the Movies segment. However, continued investments in Sports and Digital platforms impacted consolidated EBITDA for the quarter.

    For FY24, Viacom18 achieved an annual operating revenue of Rs 9,297 crore, up 49.4 per cent Y-o-Y, marking one of its strongest performances. The News business saw a 19 per cent increase in revenue Y-o-Y, while Viacom18’s revenue grew by 62 per cent Y-o-Y, with Sports being the primary driver of this growth. Investments in new verticals, particularly Sports and Digital, supported the substantial revenue increase. The group’s digital platforms, including JioCinema, Moneycontrol, and News18, saw strong growth, although these investments also impacted EBITDA.

    As per the RIL report, Viacom18’s TV network share increased by 70 basis points quarter-on-quarter to 11.4 per cent, supported by strong performances in Hindi General Entertainment Channels (GEC), Movies, and Sports. Notably, Colors achieved its highest Gross Rating Points (GRPs) in eight years and climbed to the #1 position in the market during the quarter. JioCinema witnessed a significant 50 per cent increase in reach on the opening day of IPL 2024, with 11.3 crore viewers, and introduced new features such as commentary in regional languages and enhanced camera angle options.

    The network also saw record reach and engagement for its TV network shows, with notable increases in viewership and watch-time for Bigg Boss Hindi and Bigg Boss Kannada. JioCinema’s coverage of various sporting events, including the Women’s Premier League (WPL), saw substantial growth in watch-time and reach.

    Network18’s TV News bouquet maintained its position as the highest-reach news network in India, with an all-India viewership share of 10.9 per cent. It retained leadership in English news (CNN News18), Business news (CNBC TV18), and Hindi news (News18 India). The network’s digital portfolio also demonstrated significant growth, with Moneycontrol becoming India’s #1 subscription-based news platform and Firstpost achieving rapid growth on YouTube.

    In addition to the JV with Disney, Network18 announced the merger of TV18 and E18 with Network18, consolidating TV and digital news assets, and the Moneycontrol business into one listed company through a Scheme of Arrangement, which is currently in the process of obtaining requisite approvals.

    This strategic alignment and financial performance underscore Viacom18’s strong market position and its commitment to driving innovation and growth in the media and entertainment sector.

  • Jio Platforms Ltd reports robust financial performance and strategic advancements

    Jio Platforms Ltd reports robust financial performance and strategic advancements

    Mumbai: Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) has reported a remarkable financial performance for the year ended 31 March 2024 highlighting Jio Platforms Ltd’s (JPL) financial results. As per reports company reported quarterly revenue of Rs 33,835 crore, marking a significant increase of 13.3 per cent year-over-year (YoY). The quarterly EBITDA reached Rs 14,360 crore, reflecting a 12.5 per cent YoY growth.

    JPL demonstrated exceptional subscriber growth, adding 42.4 million net new subscribers during FY24. This growth, coupled with the expansion of 5G and home services, drove data traffic to approximately 148 exabytes for the year, a substantial 31 per cent increase YoY.

    As per the report Jio has maintained its leadership in India’s 5G transition, boasting over 108 million 5G subscribers, which represents around 28 per cent of Jio’s wireless data traffic. This achievement positions Jio as having the largest 5G subscriber base for any operator outside China. Additionally, JioAirFiber has seen robust demand across approximately 5,900 towns, leading to the highest-ever quarterly home connects.

    In terms of digital services, Jio Platforms has achieved a remarkable 64 per cent increase in standalone quarterly revenue YoY. The annual performance highlights include double-digit revenue growth driven by significant subscriber additions in mobility and an expanded wireline services portfolio. The company’s strong EBITDA growth is attributed to higher revenues and consistent margin improvements. Increased depreciation resulted from higher network utilization and additions to the gross block, while finance costs remained broadly flat due to stable leverage.

    For the quarterly performance comparison between 4Q FY24 and 4Q FY23, operating revenue growth continued to be fueled by robust subscriber increases in mobility and home services, along with an improved ARPU mix. EBITDA growth was driven by healthy revenue increases and operating leverage. Depreciation saw an increase due to heightened network utilisation and gross block additions, with finance costs remaining stable.

    Operationally, Jio’s average revenue per user (ARPU) stood at Rs 181.7, with a better subscriber mix partially offset by a growing share of promotional 5G traffic. Data and voice traffic experienced increases of 35.2 per cent and 9.7 per cent YoY, respectively.

    Jio has successfully rolled out its True5G network across India, with over 108 million subscribers now migrated to the 5G network. The True5G network now carries approximately 28 per cent of Jio’s wireless data traffic, facilitated by Jio’s own 5G+4G combo core. The JioAirFiber services, available in around 5,900 cities and towns, continue to attract strong customer demand due to its unique entertainment-first proposition combined with high-quality broadband connectivity. AirFiber subscribers have an average daily data usage of approximately 13 GB, which is 30 per cent higher than JioFiber users. The network slicing on the Standalone 5G network and Jio’s point-to-multipoint deployment are transforming fixed broadband infrastructure in India.

    As per the report, Jio introduced several new offers, including the IPL Dhan Dhana Dhan offer for new JioBharat device users, which provides an additional two months of free service with a recharge of the new two-month plan. Additionally, Jio launched the Dhan Dhana Dhan 50-day free service offer for all mobility users who subscribe to new JioAirFiber or JioFiber connections. New JioAirFiber Plus subscribers also enjoy three times the speed for two months.

    The company has also introduced affordable international roaming and in-flight packs, offering bundled voice and data services for seamless travel across top destinations including the USA, UAE, and other top-50 countries. These in-flight packs are available in partnership with 22 airlines.

    Reliance Jio Infocomm chairman  Akash M Ambani said, “Jio continues to maintain its network leadership and offer innovative digital solutions to multiple customer cohorts. This is driving consistent outperformance in terms of subscriber additions and engagement levels. Continued acceleration in the growth of JioAirFiber subscriber base and ramp-up of digital services will sustain industry-leading growth for Jio.”

    As per the report, Reliance BP Mobility Ltd (RBML), operating under the Jio-bp brand, runs 1,729 retail fuel outlets across the country. The brand recently launched a country-wide campaign titled “You Deserve More,” which showcases pioneering customer value propositions (CVPs). This campaign highlights high-performance HSD and MS, powered by bespoke active technology, available at prevailing market prices across the network.

    RBML has expanded its partnerships with international airlines and is benefiting from the rapidly growing Indian aviation sector. In line with its decarbonization efforts, RBML has emphasized the expansion of its EV and CBG/CNG networks. Under the Jio-bp Pulse initiative, RBML has grown its network to over 4,520 live charging points, including 26 of India’s largest charging hubs with over 100 charging points each, located at 330+ unique sites with industry-leading charger uptime.

  • Reliance Industries Ltd announces annual and quarterly financial results

    Reliance Industries Ltd announces annual and quarterly financial results

    Mumbai: Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) has reported a remarkable financial performance for the year ended 31 March 2024 highlighted by Jio Platforms (JPL) crossing the Rs 20,000 crore mark in annual net profit. The company has also announced a dividend of Rs 10 per share.

    As per the report for the fiscal year, RIL’s gross revenue reached Rs 1,000,122 crore (approximately $119.9 billion), marking a 2.6 per cent increase year-on-year. This growth was underpinned by robust performance across consumer businesses and upstream operations. Jio Platforms experienced a notable revenue increase of 11.7 per cent year-on-year, driven by significant subscriber growth of 42.4 million in both mobility and home segments, alongside improvements in average revenue per user (ARPU).

    The company’s EBITDA for the year saw a 16.1 per cent increase year-on-year, reaching Rs 178,677 crore (approximately $21.4 billion), reflecting positive contributions from all key operational segments. Jio Platforms’ EBITDA rose by 12.8 per cent year-on-year, benefiting from higher revenue and margin improvements.

    Depreciation expenses increased by 26.1 per cent year-on-year to Rs 50,832 crore (approximately $6.1 billion), primarily due to an expanded asset base across all businesses, heightened network utilization in the Digital Services sector, and ramped-up upstream production. Finance costs rose by 18.1 per cent year-on-year to Rs 23,118 crore (about $2.8 billion), attributed to higher liability balances and increased market interest rates. Tax expenses also grew by 26.2 per cent year-on-year to Rs 25,707 crore (around $3.1 billion), due to the utilisation of tax credits from the previous financial year. Consequently, profit after tax increased by 7.3 per cent year-on-year to Rs 79,020 crore (about $9.5 billion). The capital expenditure for the year amounted to Rs 131,769 crore (approximately $15.8 billion), focusing on pan-India 5G rollouts, retail infrastructure expansion, and new energy ventures, excluding spectrum-related costs.

    For the fourth quarter, RIL reported gross revenue of Rs 264,834 crore (approximately $31.8 billion), up 10.8 per cent year-on-year, driven by double-digit growth in the O2C and consumer businesses.

    Reliance Industries Ltd chairman and managing director Mukesh D. Ambani said, “Initiatives across RIL’s businesses have made a remarkable contribution towards fostering growth of various sectors of the Indian economy. It is heartening to note that alongside strengthening the national economy, all segments have posted robust financial and operating performance. This has helped the Company achieve multiple milestones. I am happy to share that this year, Reliance became the first Indian company to cross the Rs 100,000-crore threshold in pre-tax profits.

    Performance of the digital services segment has been boosted by the accelerated expansion of the subscriber base, supported by both mobility and fixed wireless services. With over 108 million True 5G customers,  Jio truly leads the 5G transformation in India. From upgrading the hitherto 2G users to smartphones to leading the effort of producing AI-driven solutions, Jio has proved its capability to strengthen the nation’s digital infrastructure.

    Reliance Retail continued to provide customers endless choices through its robust omnichannel presence. We continue to offer product differentiation and superior offline experience through stores re-modelling and revamping of layouts. Our digital commerce platforms also provide newer solutions to users with a broad brand catalogue. Reliance Retail also works towards strengthening millions of merchants through its unique initiatives in the new commerce space.

    Strong demand for fuels globally, and limited flexibility in refining systems worldwide, supported the margins and profitability of the O2C segment. The downstream chemical industry experienced increasingly challenging market conditions through the year. Despite headwinds, maintaining leading product positions and feedstock flexibility through our operating model that prioritises cost management, we delivered a resilient performance. The KG-D6 block has achieved 30 MMSCMD of production and now accounts for 30 per cent of  India’s domestic gas production.

    We remain committed to our projects and initiatives, including those in the New Energy segment, which  will bolster the company, and help it deliver sustainable growth for the future.”

  • Reliance to acquire franchise in South Africa’s T20 cricket league

    Reliance to acquire franchise in South Africa’s T20 cricket league

    Mumbai: In the evolving sports ecosystem, Reliance Industries is playing a crucial role by providing ownership of cricket franchises, football leagues in India, sports sponsorship, consultancy, and athlete talent management, and bringing in industry best practices. To provide a better platform, it has announced the acquisition of a franchise in Cricket South Africa’s upcoming T20 league. Based in Cape Town the new franchise will take forward the Mumbai Indians brand and comes close on the heels of acquiring the UAE-based International League T-20 team.

    Further, Reliance Foundation Sports – the CSR wing of RIL has been leading India’s olympic movement by providing opportunities to athletes across the country to become champions in multiple sports and also leading India’s charge in hosting global sporting events.

    Reliance Industries director Nita Ambani led a successful bid to host the prestigious International Olympic Committee Session in Mumbai in 2023 after a gap of 40 years.

    On this acquisition, Ambani said, “I’m delighted to welcome our new T20 team to the Reliance family! We are excited to take the Mumbai Indians’ brand of fearless and entertaining cricket to South Africa, a nation that loves cricket as much as we do in India! South Africa has a strong sporting ecosystem, and we look forward to exploring the power and potential of this collaboration. As we grow MI’s global cricketing footprint, we remain committed to spreading joy and cheer through sport!”

    Adding to it, Reliance Jio chairman Akash Ambani said, “With our South African franchise, we now have three T20 teams across three countries. We look forward to leveraging our expertise and depth of knowledge in the cricket ecosystem & brand Mumbai Indians to help build the team and provide fans with some of the best cricketing experiences.”

  • Reliance net profit jumps 41 % YoY to reach Rs 18,549 crores in Q3

    Reliance net profit jumps 41 % YoY to reach Rs 18,549 crores in Q3

    Mumbai: Mukesh Ambani-led conglomerate Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) continued its golden run, and posted a net profit of Rs 18,549 crores for the third quarter ended 31 December 2021. This is an increase of 41 per cent from ₹13,101 crore reported a year ago during the same period.

    The company had posted a profit of Rs 13,680 crore in the September 2021 quarter.

    “I am happy to announce that Reliance has posted best-ever quarterly performance in 3Q FY22 with a strong contribution from all our businesses. Both our consumer businesses, Retail, and Digital services have recorded the highest ever revenues and EBITDA,” said RIL chairman and MD Mukesh Ambani on Friday.

    Ambani said the company continued to focus on strategic investments and partnerships across its businesses to drive future growth in the last quarter. “Retail business activity has normalised with strong growth in key consumption baskets on the back of festive season and as lockdowns eased across the country. Our digital services business has delivered broad-based, sustainable, and profitable growth through improved customer engagement and subscriber mix,” he added.

    The consolidated revenue for the company by market-capitalisation grew to Rs 1,91,271 crore, up by 62 percent for the quarter from Rs 1,17,860 crore in the year-ago period. Revenues in the previous quarter stood at Rs 1,67,611 crore.

    Reliance Jio’s revenue rise five per cent at Rs 19,347 crore

    The net profit of Reliance Jio, the telecom arm of the company rose 10 per cent YoY to Rs 3,615 crore for Q3. It was Rs 3,291 crore in the last year period. The revenue rose five per cent at ₹19,347 crore as against ₹18,492 crore in the last year period. “Jio now has over five million connected wireline customers and has been consistently enhancing its FTTH product with new apps on STB, Society Centrex, 4K content on JioTV+, Home Secure, Home Automation, LiveTV and Gaming solutions,” the conglomerate said.

    Jio also undertook ~20 per cent hike across prepaid plans effective 1 December 2021 in line with other industry operators. According to the company, while the ARPU is set to improve to Rs 151.6 led by a better subscriber mix and recent tariff hike, the full impact of tariff hike will be reflected in ARPU and financials over the next few quarters. During 3Q FY22, average data and voice consumption per user per month increased to 18.4 GB and 901 minutes, respectively.

    Meanwhile, Jio continues to maintain its top position in the 4G speed chart with a 22.0 Mbps average download speed in December 2021, according to the latest Telecom Authority of India (Trai) report.

    Ambani also highlighted that the recovery in global oil and energy markets supported strong fuel margins and helped its O2C business deliver robust earnings. “Our Oil & Gas segment delivered strong growth in EBITDA with volume growth and improved realisation. We are making steady progress towards achieving our vision of Net Carbon Zero by 2035. Our recent partnerships and investments in technology leaders in the solar and green energy space is illustrative of our commitment to partner India and the World in the transition to clean and green energy. We continue to pursue growth initiatives and collaborate with global leaders who share our vision of a sustainable future for our planet,” he added.