DB Corp , India's largest print media company, has announced its financial results for the second quarter of fiscal year 2026, showcasing strong growth across key metrics. The company, which publishes flagship newspapers including Dainik Bhaskar, Divya Bhaskar, and Divya Marathi, has demonstrated resilience and adaptability in a rapidly evolving media landscape.

Financial Highlights

DB Corp reported impressive financial results for Q2 FY26:

The company's performance was driven by a combination of factors, including favorable macro conditions, an early onset of the festive season, and strategic initiatives across its print and digital platforms.

Advertising Revenue Growth

Advertising revenue, a key performance indicator for media companies, grew by 12% year-over-year to ₹4,478.00 million. This growth was attributed to several factors:

1. Early onset of the festive season
2. GST rate reductions across key consumption categories
3. Improved consumer sentiment
4. Strong brand equity and advertiser confidence

Digital Business Expansion

DB Corp's digital strategy continues to yield positive results:

• Monthly Active Users (MAUs) on news apps reached approximately 20 million as of August 2025
• Dainik Bhaskar Group maintained its position as the #1 News Publisher App in India
• The company focused on delivering high-quality, premium journalism across multiple formats, including text, visual graphics, and short videos

Print Business Performance

The print segment showed resilience and growth:

• Print Business Advertising Revenue grew by 12% YoY
• Print EBITDA increased by 10% YoY, with a strong EBITDA margin of 28%
• Dainik Bhaskar reinforced its position as India's largest circulated newspaper group, as validated by the latest ABC Report (Jan–July 2025)

Radio Business

MY FM, the company's radio segment, reported:

• Advertising Revenue growth of 3.70% YoY to ₹430.00 million
• EBITDA of ₹130.00 million, slightly down from ₹132.00 million in the previous year

Strategic Initiatives

DB Corp implemented several strategic initiatives during the quarter:

1. Editorial Excellence: Focused on impactful journalism, covering topics such as the Gen-Z protests in Nepal and GST slab reforms
2. Digital Innovation: Launched interactive content experiments for major news events
3. Radio Programming: Introduced new shows like 'Comedy Punchayat' and 'Nayab Nazariya'
4. CSR Activities: Continued environmental and social initiatives, including mass tree plantation and bicycle donations

Outlook

Sudhir Agarwal, Managing Director of DB Corp Ltd, expressed optimism about the company's future prospects, stating, "We remain encouraged by the government's pro-consumption measures, which are expected to stimulate demand in Tier II and III markets—the core of our readership base. With our deep editorial strength, trusted brand equity, and growing digital reach, we are well-positioned to capture opportunities across print and digital media, and to continue delivering sustained growth and long-term value for all stakeholders."

DB Corp's strong performance in Q2 FY26 demonstrates its ability to adapt to changing market dynamics while maintaining its leadership position in the Indian media industry. The company's focus on digital expansion, coupled with its strong print presence, positions it well for continued growth in the evolving media landscape.

In a significant legal development, the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT), Ahmedabad Bench, has dismissed a petition seeking to initiate corporate insolvency resolution process against DB Corp , a prominent media company. The petition, filed by Go Paper GmbH & Co. KG under Section 9 of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016, was rejected on September 15, 2025.

Petition Details

The petition, registered as C.P.(IB)/131(AHM)2025, was dismissed on the grounds of a pre-existing dispute between the parties. DB Corp received the order via email on September 16, 2025, at 5:28 p.m. IST, as disclosed in their regulatory filing.

Timeline of Events

• February 5, 2025: DB Corp initially informed stock exchanges about the petition filed by Go Paper GmbH & Co. KG.
• September 15, 2025: NCLT Ahmedabad Bench pronounced the order dismissing the petition.
• September 16, 2025: The order was uploaded on the NCLT website, and DB Corp received it via email.

Company's Response

Om Prakash Pandey, Company Secretary & Compliance Officer of DB Corp, issued a statement to the stock exchanges in compliance with Regulation 30 of the SEBI Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements Regulations, 2015. The company promptly disclosed the NCLT order, demonstrating its commitment to transparent communication with shareholders and regulatory bodies.

Implications

The dismissal of this insolvency petition is a positive development for DB Corp, as it removes the immediate threat of insolvency proceedings. This outcome may help stabilize investor confidence in the company's financial stability and operational continuity.

About DB Corp

DB Corp, with its registered office in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, is a significant player in the Indian media landscape. The company operates across multiple locations, including its head office in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, and a corporate office in Mumbai, Maharashtra.

This legal victory for DB Corp underscores the importance of addressing and resolving disputes with creditors to maintain financial health and avoid potential insolvency proceedings. As the media industry continues to evolve, the company's ability to navigate legal challenges will be crucial for its long-term success and stability in the market.