D B Corp Limited ( db corp ) submitted its Business Responsibility and Sustainability Report (BRSR) for the financial year 2025-26 to the Bombay Stock Exchange and the National Stock Exchange on August 6, 2026. The filing, mandated under Regulation 34(2)(f) of the SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015, provides stakeholders with a comprehensive overview of the company’s environmental, social, and governance performance. This disclosure is critical for investors evaluating the company’s long-term sustainability risks and its alignment with responsible business conduct principles.

The report covers the period from April 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026, and presents data on a standalone basis. Om Prakash Pandey, Company Secretary & Compliance Officer, certified the submission. The company reported a paid-up capital of ₹1,782.46 million. For the purpose of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) compliance under Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013, the entity disclosed a turnover of ₹23,550.21 million and a net worth of ₹24,307.26 million, confirming that CSR provisions are applicable.

Operational and Environmental Metrics

The company operates 51 plants nationally across 14 states, serving customers through both Business-to-Business and Business-to-Consumer models. Its primary business activities include the printing and publishing of newspapers and magazines, which accounted for 93.31% of turnover. Revenue streams are dominated by advertisement revenue at 71.84%, followed by newspaper publishing at 20.17%. Exports contributed 2.55% to total turnover.

In terms of environmental impact, D B Corp Limited highlighted its transition toward renewable energy. The company generated 37,25,811 kWh of electricity through solar power plants during FY26, up from 30,69,686 kWh in FY25. Total energy consumption stood at 1,04,613 GJ, with renewable sources contributing 13,413 GJ. Greenhouse gas emissions were reported at 885 metric tonnes of CO2 equivalent for Scope 1 and 18,543 metric tonnes for Scope 2. Water withdrawal was primarily from groundwater, totaling 35,244 kilolitres.

Social Governance and Stakeholder Engagement

The workforce comprised 2,866 employees and 1,910 workers at the end of FY26. Female representation among employees was 8.36%, while 4 out of 6 Board Directors were women. The company maintained a total employee turnover rate of 13.22% in FY26, compared to 11.95% in FY25. Training programs covered 100% of employees and workers on health, safety, and ethical conduct.

Grievance redressal mechanisms recorded 98 complaints from value chain partners in FY26, all of which were resolved or under resolution, compared to 38 in the previous year. No complaints were filed by investors or other shareholders. The company emphasized its commitment to human rights, with 100% of employees and workers receiving training on these issues. Additionally, the company reported no instances of bribery, corruption, or conflict of interest complaints during the fiscal year.

What the Numbers Show

The data reveals a strategic shift toward operational sustainability, evidenced by a 21.4% increase in solar energy generation year-over-year. While total energy consumption rose by approximately 12.8%, the proportion derived from renewable sources increased significantly, indicating progress in decarbonization efforts. However, Scope 1 emissions saw a sharp rise from 265 MT to 885 MT CO2 equivalent, suggesting that non-renewable energy usage or direct operational emissions may have offset some gains from renewable adoption. Investors should monitor whether this trend aligns with the company’s stated goal of reducing its carbon footprint through continued solar expansion and energy-efficient practices.

DB Corp has released its Annual Report for the financial year 2025-26, ahead of its 30th Annual General Meeting (AGM) scheduled for Wednesday, September 2, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. (IST) via Video Conferencing (VC) or Other Audio Visual Means (OAVM). The Annual Report, filed with stock exchanges on August 6, 2026, encompasses audited standalone and consolidated financial statements, the Board's Report, Management Discussion and Analysis, Corporate Governance Report, and the AGM Notice. The meeting agenda includes the re-appointment of Sudhir Agarwal as Managing Director for five years, ratification of cost auditor remuneration, adoption of audited financial statements for FY26, and the re-appointment of Pawan Agarwal as a director retiring by rotation.

Financial Performance

DB Corp delivered a steady performance in FY26 across its diversified media portfolio. The following table summarises the standalone and consolidated financial results:

On a consolidated basis, Advertising Revenue stood at ₹ 16,918 million for FY26 compared with ₹ 16,899 million for FY25, while Circulation Revenue stood at ₹ 4,751 million versus ₹ 4,734 million in FY25. Radio Revenue was ₹ 1,592 million compared with ₹ 1,672 million in FY25. EBITDA declined 9% to ₹ 5,736 million from ₹ 6,270 million, and consolidated PAT stood at ₹ 3,320 million versus ₹ 3,710 million in FY25. The company declared an aggregate equity dividend of 70%, i.e., ₹ 7 per share, representing a payout of approximately 37.60% of consolidated PAT.

Segmental and Operational Highlights

DB Corp operates across three business segments — Print, Digital, and Radio — with a presence spanning 14 states, 61 editions, and 3 languages. The following table captures key operational metrics:

The Print business maintained strong momentum led by improved advertiser sentiment across sectors including real estate, education, healthcare, automobiles, jewellery, and government. The cost of newsprint consumption increased by 1% year-on-year to ₹ 6,507 million for FY26. Employee cost increased 4% year-on-year to ₹ 4,597 million, while other operating expenses increased 7% year-on-year to ₹ 7,568 million. Depreciation and amortisation expenses decreased 4% to ₹ 998 million during FY26. Finance costs increased 5% year-on-year to ₹ 260 million.

Digital and Radio Business

The Digital business continued to be a key growth driver. The combined Dainik Bhaskar App and Divya Bhaskar App monthly users grew from 2 million in January 2020 to approximately 20 million in March 2026, maintaining the company's position as the dominant digital leader with the #1 Hindi and Gujarati News Apps. MY FM expanded its footprint to 37 stations across India following the launch of 7 new stations in Daman, Gandhidham, Bhuj, Ratlam, Pali, Sri Ganganagar, and Alwar — making MY FM the first and only private radio broadcaster in each of these markets. The Radio segment revenues declined by 5% in FY26, compared with an industry-wide decline of 7% in 2025. MY FM won 12 awards across various prestigious platforms during the year, including two Gold trophies at the ACEF Global Customer Engagement Awards.

Key Financial Ratios

The following table presents key financial ratios for FY26 and FY25:

The company's balance sheet remained debt-free in terms of long-term borrowings, with a strong cash and bank balance position. The decrease in Return on Net Worth is primarily attributed to the decline in net profit compared with the previous financial year. The increase in Debt Service Coverage Ratio is primarily due to a decrease in short-term borrowings, leading to lower debt servicing requirements.

AGM Agenda and Governance

The 30th AGM will be held on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. (IST) via VC/OAVM. Remote e-voting opens on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. (IST) and closes on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. (IST). The cut-off date for voting rights is Wednesday, August 26, 2026. The key agenda items are summarised below:

The Board of Directors has recommended the re-appointment of Sudhir Agarwal (DIN: 00051407) for a term from January 1, 2027, to December 31, 2031. His proposed remuneration includes an annual salary of ₹ 3,67,50,000 with an annual increment of up to 10%, plus perquisites such as company-maintained cars and club fees. Shareholders must update their email addresses with their Depository Participant by August 21, 2026, to receive e-voting credentials. The facility for appointment of proxies is not available for this VC/OAVM meeting.

Awards and CSR

During FY26, DB Corp received the prestigious Golden Peacock Award as Winner in the CSR category, two Ramnath Goenka Awards for Excellence in Journalism 2026, Silver at the Indian Marketing Awards for the 'Jeeto 14 Crore' campaign, and Silver for Corporate Social Crusader of the Year at IAA Olive Crown Awards 2026. On the CSR front, the company spent ₹ 89.10 million against an obligation of ₹ 84.60 million, resulting in an excess spend of ₹ 4.50 million. The 'Ek Ped Ek Zindagi' campaign planted 10,845 saplings at 116 locations and reached over 5 million households, while the Vastradaan campaign mobilised communities through 1,217 collection points and reached 29.5+ million people digitally.

Source: https://lodr-files.dhan.co/lodr-inputs/Company/INE950I01011/e261cc52-4bc9-4f10-ac2c-d564b294894a.pdf