DB Corp , one of India's leading media conglomerates, has reported a robust performance for the second quarter of fiscal year 2026, with significant growth in advertising revenue and strategic expansion in its radio network.

Strong Advertising Growth

The company delivered advertising revenues of Rs. 4,478.00 million in Q2 FY26, marking a substantial 12% year-on-year growth compared to Rs. 4,014.00 million in the previous year. This growth was supported by positive macro trends, including normal monsoon, interest rate reduction, and GST rate cuts. Notably, all major advertising categories except government and FMCG showed double-digit growth.

Financial Highlights

The company's total revenues grew by 9% year-on-year to Rs. 6,347.00 million. EBITDA stood at Rs. 1,584.00 million, reflecting a 10% YoY growth after adjusting for a forex loss of Rs. 9.00 million. Profit After Tax (PAT) came in at Rs. 935.00 million, showing a 13% YoY growth after adjusting for a forex loss of Rs. 15.00 million.

Circulation and Newsprint

Circulation revenues for the quarter grew by 3% YoY to Rs. 1,208.00 million, maintaining steady traction across key markets. The newsprint prices remained soft, with average costs at around Rs. 47,000.00 per metric tonne in Q2 FY26, unchanged from Q1 FY26.

Radio Business Expansion

DB Corp announced a significant expansion of its radio network with the addition of 14 new radio stations. This strategic move will strengthen the company's position in the radio segment, particularly in untapped markets. Notably, DB Corp will be the only operative private FM station at 7 of these new locations.

Digital Business Traction

The company's digital business continues to show strong growth. As of August 2025, the number of monthly active users on DB Corp's app stood at 20 million, maintaining leadership in the Hindi and Gujarati digital news space. The company has also launched a new state digital app for Uttarakhand, following success in Uttar Pradesh.

H1 FY26 Performance

For the first half of FY26, DB Corp reported:

• Total revenues: Rs. 12,219.00 million (2% YoY growth)
• Advertising revenues: Rs. 8,455.00 million (2% YoY growth)
• Circulation revenue: Rs. 2,411.00 million (2% YoY growth)
• EBITDA: Rs. 2,968.00 million
• Net profit: Rs. 1,743.00 million (after adjusting for forex loss)

Outlook

Looking ahead, DB Corp remains positive about demand, supported by a strong festival season, stable input costs, and encouraging consumer sentiment. The company plans to continue building on its competitive advantages in print, digital, and radio segments, with a sustained focus on efficiency, innovation, and value creation for all stakeholders.

Mr. Girish Agarwal, Non-Executive Director of DB Corp, commented on the results, stating, "Our Q2 FY26 performance reflects a good and broad-based recovery across key segments. We are encouraged by the operational performance with double-digit PAT growth and sustained margin profile aided by soft newsprint pricing."

As DB Corp continues to navigate the evolving media landscape, its multi-pronged approach across traditional and digital platforms positions it well for future growth in India's dynamic media market.

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.