Turning the Press to Profit: DB Corp’s Q2 Record Reflects India’s Print Renaissance

DB Corp Delivers Strong September-Quarter Earnings as Advertising Momentum Continues

DB Corp Ltd (BSE: 533151), one of India’s largest print media companies and publisher of Dainik Bhaskar, Divya Bhaskar, and Divya Marathi, delivered a strong performance in the July–September quarter of FY25. The company’s earnings showcased sustained growth in advertising revenue and disciplined cost management despite a challenging macroeconomic environment.

Financial Performance Snapshot

The company reported a consolidated net profit of ₹934.6 million, driven by higher advertising yields and improved operating efficiencies. Revenue from operations stood at ₹6.14 billion, marking a solid year-on-year increase on the back of a steady recovery in print and digital segments.

Management attributed the growth momentum to sustained advertiser confidence in regional markets and rising circulation figures in core Hindi and Gujarati editions. The digital portfolio also contributed incremental revenue through enhanced reader engagement and programmatic advertising initiatives.

Major Takeaways

Ad Revenue Recovery: Continued recovery in print advertising, led by the FMCG, auto, and real estate sectors, bolstered topline growth.

Cost Optimization: Efficient newsprint procurement and operational streamlining improved EBITDA margins.

Digital Expansion: The group’s digital properties witnessed higher traffic and subscription conversions, aiding incremental monetization.

Circulation Gains: Strategic distribution efforts in Tier-II and Tier-III markets led to improving readership and circulation metrics.

Profitability Strength: Net profit margin remained healthy, reflecting pricing discipline and reduced input costs.

Notable Updates

DB Corp’s management reaffirmed its commitment to a digital-first transformation strategy while preserving the dominance of its flagship print brands. The company expects festive season advertising, local events, and government spending to sustain growth momentum in the second half of FY25.

Industry observers noted that DB Corp’s continued focus on cost rationalization and digital integration positions it well to harness emerging opportunities in India’s rapidly evolving media landscape.

Sources: Company filing to BSE; Bloomberg Terminal; Reuters.